cDNA cloning and chromosomal localization of the human ciliary neurotrophic factor gene

Full-length cDNA for human ciliary neurotrophic factor (CNTF) was isolated from a human sciatic nerve cDNA library. Sequence analysis revealed that the longest cDNA was comprised of a 48-bp 5′-untranslated region, a 600-bp coding region and a 1207-bp 3′-untranslated region containing four ATTA pentamer motifs and a polyadenylation sequence. The transcription starting point was assigned at 81 bp upstream of the initiation methionine by 5′ RACE analysis. Using the cDNA and genomic DNA fragment including the entire intron region as mixed probes, the human CNTF gene was localized to the long arm of chromosome 11 at region q12 by fluorescence in situ hybridization.