PMM (PMM1), the human homologue of SEC53 or yeast phosphomannomutase, is localized on chromosome 22q13

We have cloned the human homologue of SEC53 or yeast phosphomannomutase (HGMW-approved symbol PMM1) from a liver cDNA library. This cDNA encodes a protein of 262 amino acids with a predicted molecular mass of 29 kDa and 54% identity with yeast phosphomannomutase. Expression of the human cDNA in Escherichia coli yielded an active phosphomannomutase, which was purified to homogeneity. Northern blot analysis of human tissues showed strong expression in liver, heart, brain, and pancreas and a lower expression in skeletal muscle. The gene was assigned to chromosome 22q13.1 by the use of hybrid cell lines and by fluorescence in situ hybridization. Most patients presenting with carbohydrate-deficient glycoprotein syndrome type 1 (CDG1 or Jaeken disease) have a greatly reduced phosphomannomutase activity; the gene encoding this enzyme is a likely candidate for CDG1. Since the CDG1 locus maps else where in the genome (16p13), mutations in the phosphomannomutase gene encoded by chromosome 22 are not a major cause of CDG1.