Genomic Characterization of a Testis-Specific TFIIS (TCEA2) Gene

There is a family of genes encoding TFIIS-related proteins in human cells. We have focused upon the genomic organization of one family member expressed primarily in the testis. This gene encodes a transcription elongation factor similar to but distinct from that encoded by a previously reported TFIIS gene. Also in contrast to the previously reported TFIIS gene, the testis gene contains introns. All exon–intron junction sequences match the consensus GT/AG rule. The gene consists of seven exons and six introns with a total size of approximately 7 kb. The nucleotide sequence of the 5′ flanking region of the testis TFIIS gene contains several potential regulatory factor-binding sites, not all of which are present in the TFIIS gene, whose expression is nearly ubiquitous. Elucidation of the full structure of the testis TFIIS gene should be useful for determining its chromosomal localization and its potential role in the regulation of gene expression in human tissues.