Expression analysis and chromosome location of a novel gene (H11) associated with the growth of human melanoma cells.

We have previously described the isolation of a new human gene, H11, that codes for a 25 kDa phosphoprotein with autokinase activity the expression of which is required for cell growth. The data described in this report extend these findings. Using FISH and M-FISH we show that H11 which maps at chromosome site 12q24.1-12q24.31 is not involved in chromosomal translocations. The tissue distribution of H11 mRNA is restricted, with expression being most abundant in skeletal muscle, heart, prostate and placenta. The H11 protein is cytoplasmic and it is associated with the plasma membrane. Cell surface localization in particulate aggregate formations suggests that it may be complexed to proteins involved in the transfer of extracellular growth signals.