Production and use of isolated type 5 17.beta.-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase

Abstract

A novel type 5 17.beta.-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase is provided. Methods of producing the enzyme and using the enzyme to identify potential compounds which inhibit or alter the activity of the enzyme are described. In addition, methods of using the gene sequence or portions thereof for probes or to produce expression-disrupting sense or antisense DNA fragments thereof, or antisense RNA, are provided.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to the isolation and characterization of a novel enzyme which is implicated in the production of sex steroids, and more particularly, to the characterization of the gene and cDNA of a novel 20.varies., 17.beta.-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (hereinafter type 5 17.beta.-HSD) which has been implicated in the conversion of progesterone and 4-androstenedione (.DELTA..sup.4 -dione) to 20.varies.-hydroxyprogesterone (20.varies.-OH-P) and testosterone (T), respectively. The use of this enzyme as an assay for inhibitors of the enzyme is also described, as are several other uses of the DNA, fragments thereof and antisense fragments thereof.

2. Description of the Related Art

The enzymes identified as 17.beta.-HSDs are important in the production of human sex steroids, including androst-5-ene-3.beta.,17.beta.-diol (.DELTA..sup.5 -diol), testosterone and estradiol. It was once thought that a single gene encoded a single type of 17.beta.-HSD which was responsible for catalyzing all of the reactions. However, in humans, several types of 17.beta.-HSD have now been identified and characterized. Each type of 17.beta.-HSD has been found to catalyze specific reactions and to be located in specific tissues. Further information about Types 1, 2 and 3 17.beta.-HSD can be had by reference as follows: Type 1 17.beta.-HSD is described by Luu-The, V. et al., Mol. Endocrinol., 3:1301-1309 (1989) and by Peltoketo, H. et al., FEBSLett, 239:73-77 (1988); Type 2 17.beta.-HSD is described in Wu, L. et al., J. Biol Chem, 268:12964-12969 (1993); Type 3 17.beta.-HSD is described in Geissler, WM, Nature Genetics, 7:34-39 (1994). A fourth type which is homologous to porcine ovarian 17.beta.-HSD has recently been identified by researchers Adamski and de Launoit, however, applicant is not presently aware of published information on this type.

The present invention relates to a fifth type of 17.beta.-HSD which is described in detail below.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of the present invention to provide a novel 17.beta.-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (17.beta.-HSD) which is identified as type 5 17.beta.-HSD.

It is also an object of the present invention to provide a 17.beta.-HSD which has been shown to be involved in the conversion of .DELTA..sup.4 -dione to testosterone and in the conversion of progesterone to 20.varies.-hydroxyprogesterone (20.varies.-OH-P).

It is a further object of this invention to provide the nucleotide sequences and a gene map for type 5 17.beta.-HSD.

It is also an object of this invention to provide methods of using type 5 17.beta.-HSD in an assay to identify compounds which inhibit the activity of this enzyme, and thus may reduce production of testosterone or 20.varies.-hydroxyprogesterone, and can be used to treat medical conditions which respond unfavorably to these steroids.

It is an additional object of this invention to provide methods of preventing the synthesis of type 5 17.beta.-HSD by administering an antisense RNA of the gene sequence of type 5 17.beta.-HSD to interfere with the translation of the gene's mRNA.

These and other objects are discussed herein.

In particular, a novel enzyme, type 5 17.beta.-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase, has been identified and characterized. The gene sequence for this type 5 17.beta.-HSD was found to encode a protein of 323 amino acids, having an apparent calculated molecular weight of 36,844 daltons. The protein is encoded by nucleotides +11 through 982, including the stop codon (amino acids +1 through 323), numbered in the 5' to 3' direction, in the following sequence (SEQ ID Nos. 1 and 2):

GTGACAGGGA ATG GAT TCC AAA CAG CAG TGT GTA AAG CTA AAT GAT 49 Met Asp Ser Lys Gln Gln Cys Val Lys Leu Asn Asp Gly 1 5 10CAC TTC ATG CCT GTA TTG GGA TTT GGC ACC TAT GCA CCT CCA GAG 97His Phe Met Pro Val Leu Gly Phe Gly Thr Tyr Ala Pro Pro Glu Val 15 20 25CCG AGA AGT AAA GCT TTG GAG GTC ACC AAA TTA GCA ATA GAA GCT 145Pro Arg Ser Lys Ala Leu Glu Val Thr Lys Leu Ala Ile Glu Ala Gly 30 35 40 45TTC CGC CAT ATA GAT TCT GCT CAT TTA TAC AAT AAT GAG GAG CAG 193Phe Arg His Ile Asp Ser Ala His Leu Tyr Asn Asn Glu Glu Gln Val 50 55 60GGA CTG GCC ATC CGA AGC AAG ATT GCA GAT GGC AGT GTG AAG AGA 241Gly Leu Ala Ile Arg Ser Lys Ile Ala Asp Gly Ser Val Lys Arg Glu 65 70 75GAC ATA TTC TAC ACT TCA AAG CTT TGG TCC ACT TTT CAT CGA CCA 289Asp Ile Phe Tyr Thr Ser Lys Leu Trp Ser Thr Phe His Arg Pro Glu 80 85 90TTG GTC CGA CCA GCC TTG GAA AAC TCA CTG AAA AAA GCT CAA TTG 337Leu Val Arg Pro Ala Leu Glu Asn Ser Leu Lys Lys Ala Gln Leu Asp 95 100 105TAT GTT GAC CTC TAT CTT ATT CAT TCT CCA ATG TCT CTA AAG CCA 385Tyr Val Asp Leu Tyr Leu Ile His Ser Pro Met Ser Leu Lys Pro Gly110 115 120 125GAG GAA CTT TCA CCA ACA GAT GAA AAT GGA AAA GTA ATA TTT GAC 433Glu Glu Leu Ser Pro Thr Asp Glu Asn Gly Lys Val Ile Phe Asp Ile 130 135 140GTG GAT CTC TGT ACC ACC TGG GAG GCC ATG GAG AAG TGT AAG GAT 481Val Asp Leu Cys Thr Thr Trp Glu Ala Met Glu Lys Cyc Lys Asp Ala 145 150 155GGA TTG GCC AAG TCC ATT GGG GTG TCA AAC TTC AAC CGC AGG CAG 529Gly Leu Ala Lys Ser Ile Gly Val Ser Asn Phe Asn Arg Arg Gln Leu 160 165 170GAG ATG ATC CTC AAC AAG CCA GGA CTC AAG TAC AAG CCT GTC TGC 577Glu Met Ile Leu Asn Lys Pro Gly Leu Lys Tyr Lys Pro Val Cys Asn 175 180 185CAG GTA GAA TGT CAT CCG TAT TTC AAC CGG AGT AAA TTG CTA GAT 625Gln Val Glu Cys His Pro Tyr Phe Asn Arg Ser Lys Leu Leu Asp Phe190 195 200 205TGC AAG TCG AAA GAT ATT GTT CTG GTT GCC TAT AGT GCT CTG GGA 673Cys Lys Ser Lys Asp Ile Val Leu Val Ala Tyr Ser Ala Leu Gly Ser 210 215 220CAA CGA GAC AAA CGA TGG GTG GAC CCG AAC TCC CCG GTG CTC TTG 721Gln Arg Asp Lys Arg Trp Val Asp Pro Asn Ser Pro Val Leu Leu Glu 225 230 235GAC CCA GTC CTT TGT GCC TTG GCA AAA AAG CAC AAG CGA ACC CCA 769Asp Pro Val Leu Cys Ala Leu Ala Lys Lys His Lys Arg Thr Pro Ala 240 245 250CTG ATT GCC CTG CGC TAC CAG CTG CAG CGT GGG GTT GTG GTC CTG 817Leu Ile Ala Leu Arg Tyr Gln Leu Gln Arg Gly Val Val Val Leu Ala 255 260 265AAG AGC TAC AAT GAG CAG CGC ATC AGA CAG AAC GTG CAG GTT TTT 865Lys Ser Tyr Asn Glu Gln Arg Ile Arg Gln Asn Val Gln Val Phe Glu270 275 280 285TTC CAG TTG ACT GCA GAG GAC ATG AAA GCC ATA GAT GGC CTA GAC 913Phe Gln Leu Thr Ala Glu Asp Met Lys Ala Ile Asp Gly Leu Asp Arg 290 295 300AAT CTC CAC TAT TTT AAC AGT GAT AGT TTT GCT AGC CAC CCT AAT 961Asn Leu His Tyr Phe Asn Ser Asp Ser Phe Ala Ser His Pro Asn Tyr 305 310 315CCA TAT TCA GAT GAA TAT TAA CATGGAGACT TTGCCTGATGG ATGTCTACCA 1012Pro Tyr Ser Asp Glu Tyr * 320GAAGGCCCTG TGTGTGGATG GTGACGCAGA GGACGTCTCT ATGCCGGTGA CTGGACATAT 1072CACCTCTACT TAAATCCGTC CTGTTTAGCG ACTTCAGTCA ACTACAGCTC ACTCCATAGG 1132CCAGAAATAC AATAAATCCT GTTTAGCGAC TTCAGTCAAC TACAGCTCAC TCCATAGGCC 1192AGAAATACAA TAAA 1206 In addition, a complete gene map (FIG. 4) and nucleotide sequences (SEQ. ID Nos. 3 through 29 and FIGS. 5A-1, 5A-2, 5A-3, 5B-1, 5B-2 and 5B-3) of the chromosomal DNA of type 5 17.beta.-HSD are provided. A more detailed description of the sequences will be provided infra.

The present invention includes methods for the synthetic production of type 5 17.beta.-HSD, as well as peptides that are biologically functionally equivalent, and to methods of using these compounds to screen test compounds for their ability to inhibit or alter the enzymatic function. In addition, methods of producing antisense constructs to the type 5 17.beta.-HSD gene's DNA or mRNA or portions thereof, and the use of those antisense constructs to interfere with the transcription or translation of the enzyme are also provided.

The nucleotide sequence which encodes type 5 17.beta.-HSD and recombinant expression vectors which include the sequence may be modified so long as they continue to encode a functionally equivalent enzyme. Moreover, it is contemplated, within the invention, that codons within the coding region may be altered, inter alia, in a manner which, given the degeneracy of the genetic code, continues to encode the same protein or one providing a functionally equivalent protein. It is believed that nucleotide sequences analogous to SEQ ID No. 1, or those that hybridize under stringent conditions to the coding region of SEQ ID No. 1, are likely to encode a type 5 17.beta.-HSD functionally equivalent to that encoded by the coding region of SEQ ID No. 1, especially if such analogous nucleotide sequence is at least 700, preferably at least 850 and most preferably at least 969 nucleotides in length. As used herein, except where otherwise specified, "stringent conditions" means 0.1.times.SSC (0.3 M sodium chloride and 0.03M sodium citrate) and 0.1% sodium dodecyl sulphate (SDS) and 60.degree. C.

It is also likely that tissues or cells from human or non-human sources and which tissues or cells have the enzymatic machinery to convert .DELTA..sup.4 -dione to testosterone, or to convert progesterone to 20.varies.-hydroxyprogesterone, include a type 5 17.beta.-HSD sufficiently analogous to human type 5 17.beta.-HSD to be used in accordance with the present invention. In particular, cDNA libraries prepared from cells performing the foregoing conversions may be screening with probes in accordance with well known techniques prepared by reference to the nucleotides disclosed herein, and under varying degrees of stringency, in order to identify analogous cDNAs in other species. These analogous cDNAs are preferably at least 70% homologous to SEQ ID No. 1, more preferably at least 80% homologous, and most preferably at least 90% homologous. They preferably include stretches of perfect identity at least 10 nucleotides long, more preferably stretches of 15, 20 or even 30 nucleotides of perfect identity. Appropriate probes may be prepared from SEQ ID No. 1 or fragments thereof of suitable length, preferably at least 15 nucleotides in length. Confirmation with at least two distinct probes is preferred. Alternative isolation strategies, such as polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification, may also be used.

Homologous type 5 17.beta.-HSDs so obtained, as well as the genes encoding them, are used in accordance with the invention in all of the ways for using SEQ ID No. 2 and SEQ ID No. 1, respectively.

Recombinant expression vectors can include the entire coding region for human type 5 17.beta.-HSD as shown in SEQ ID No. 1, the coding region for human type 5 17.beta.-HSD which has been modified, portions of the coding region for human type 5 17.beta.-HSD, the chromosomal DNA of type 5 17.beta.-HSD, an antisense construct to type 5 17.beta.-HSD, or portions of antisense constructs to type 5 17.beta.-HSD.

In the context of the invention, "isolated" means having a higher purity than exists in nature, but does not require purification from a natural source. Isolated nucleotides encoding type 5 17.beta.-HSD may be produced synthetically, or by isolating cDNA thereof from a cDNA library or by any of numerous other methods well understood in the art.

In one embodiment, the invention provides an isolated nucleotide sequence encoding type 5 17.beta.-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase, said sequence being sufficiently homologous to SEQ ID No. 1 or a complement thereof, to hybridize under stringent conditions to the coding region of SEQ ID No. 1 or a complement thereof and said sequence encoding an enzyme which catalyzes the conversion of progesterone to 20.alpha.-hydroxyprogesterone and the conversion of 4-androstenedione to testosterone.

In a further embodiment, the invention provides an isolated nucleotide sequence comprising at least ten consecutive nucleotides identical to 10 consecutive nucleotides in the coding region of SEQ ID No. 1, or the complement thereof.

In an additional embodiment, the invention provides an oligonucleotide sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID Nos. 30 through 59.

In another embodiment, the invention provides a recombinant expression vector comprising a promoter sequence and an oligonucleotide sequence selected from the group of SEQ ID Nos. 30 to 59.

In a further embodiment, the invention provides a method of blocking synthesis of type 5 17.beta.-HSD, comprising the step of introducing an oligonucleotide selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID Nos. 30 to 59 into cells.

In an additional embodiment, the invention provides an isolated chromosomal DNA fragment which upon transcription and translation encodes type 5 17.beta.-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase and wherein said fragment contains nine exons and wherein said fragment includes introns which are 16 kilobase pairs in length.

In another embodiment, the invention provides an isolated DNA sequence encoding type 5 17.beta.-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase, said sequence being sufficiently homologous to SEQ ID No. 3 or a complement thereof, to hybridize under stringent conditions to SEQ ID No. 3, or its complement.

In a further embodiment, the invention provides a method for producing type 5 17.beta.-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase, comprising the steps of preparing a recombinant host transformed or transfected with the vector of the invention and culturing said host under conditions which are conducive to the production of type 5 17.beta.-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase by said host.

In an additional embodiment, the invention provides a method for determining the inhibitory effect of a test compound on the enzymatic activity of type 5 17.beta.-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase, comprising the steps of providing type 5 17.beta.-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase; contacting said type 5 17.beta.-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase with said test compound; and thereafter determining the enzymatic activity of said type 5 17.beta.-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase in the presence of said test compound.

In an additional embodiment, the invention provides a method of interfering with the expression of type 5 17.beta.-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase, comprising the step of administering nucleic acids substantially identical to at least 15 consecutive nucleotides of SEQ ID No. 1 or a complement thereof.

In a further embodiment, there is provided a method of interfering with the synthesis of type 5 17.beta.-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase, comprising the step of administering antisense RNA complementary to mRNA encoded by at least 15 consecutive nucleotides of SEQ ID No. 1 or a complement thereof.

In an additional embodiment, the invention provides a method of interfering with the expression of type 5 17.beta.-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase, comprising the step of administering nucleic acids substantially identical to at least 15 consecutive nucleotides of SEQ ID No. 3 or a complement thereof.

In another embodiment, the invention provides a method of interfering with the synthesis of type 5 17.beta.-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase, comprising the step of administering antisense RNA complementary to mRNA encoded by at least 15 consecutive nucleotides of SEQ ID No. 3 or a complement thereof.

In a further embodiment, there is provided a method for determining the inhibitory effect of antisense nucleic acids on the enzymatic activity of type 5 17.beta.-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase, comprising the steps of providing a host system capable of expressing type 5 17.beta.-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase; introducing said antisense nucleic acids into said host system; and thereafter determining the enzymatic activity of said type 5 17.beta.-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase.

Other features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description of the invention which refers to the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIGS. 1A and 1B are graphs showing the enzymatic activities of Type 5 17.beta.-HSD on various substrates. The enzyme was expressed in embryonal kidney (293) cells (ATCC CRL 1573) which were transfected with a vector, prepared in accordance with the invention, and containing the gene encoding human type 5 17.beta.-HSD FIG. 1A shows the substrate specificity of type 5 17.beta.-HSD. The concentration of each substrate was 0.1 .mu.M. FIG. 1B shows the time course amount of 20.varies.-HSD and 17.beta.-HSD activities of cells transfected with vectors containing human type 5 17.beta.-HSD. The substrates, progesterone (P) and .DELTA..sup.4 -dione, were added at a concentration of 0.1 .mu.M;

FIG. 2 is a map of a pCMV vector which is exemplary of one that can be used to transfect host cells in accordance with the invention;

FIGS. 3A, 3B and 3C is the cDNA sequence (SEQ ID No. 1) and the deduced amino acid sequence (SEQ ID No. 2) of human type 5 17.beta.-HSD. The nucleotide sequence is numbered in the 5' to 3' direction with the adenosine of the initiation codon (ATG) designated as +11. The translation stop codon is indicated by asterisks. The potential post modification sites are underlined, wherein TSK=tyrosine sulfokinase; CK2=casein kinase II; PKC=protein kinase C; NG=N-glycosylation; and NM=N-myrystoylation;

FIG. 4 is a map of the chromosomal DNA of a gene which encodes type 5 17.beta.-HSD; and

FIGS. 5A-1, 5A-2, 5A-3, 5B-1, 5B-2, and 5B-3 are the nucleotide sequence of the chromosomal DNA of a gene which encodes type 5 17.beta.-HSD. It includes SEQ ID Nos. 3 to 29.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

A gene encoding the enzyme, type 5 17.beta.-HSD, has been isolated and encodes a protein having 323 amino acids with a calculated molecular weight of 36,844 daltons. As shown in FIGS. 3A, 3B and 3C, the coding portion of this gene includes nucleotides +11 through 982, including the stop codon (and encodes amino acids +1 through 323), numbered in the 5' to 3' direction.

The chromosomal DNA fragment of the gene for type 5 17.beta.-HSD has also been characterized. A map of the gene is provided in FIG. 4. In particular, it was found, using primer extension analysis, that the gene includes 16 kilobase pairs (kb) and contained nine short exons. A portion of the 5' flanking region, as set forth in SEQ ID No. 3, of the genomic DNA includes 730 base pairs (bp). Exon I (SEQ ID No. 4) contains 37 nucleotides in the 5' noncoding region and the nucleotides for the first 28 amino acids. The second intron region includes the nucleotides set forth in SEQ ID Nos. 5 and 6, which are 252 and 410 bp, respectively. These are joined by a 1.2 kb region which is not important and therefore, its sequence has been omitted. Exon 2 (SEQ ID No. 7) contains nucleotides for the following 56 amino acids of human type 5 17.beta.-HSD. The following intron region includes SEQ ID Nos. 8 and 9, 700 and 73 bp, respectively, which are joined by a 0.1 kb region for which the sequence has not been provided. Exon 3 (SEQ ID No. 10) includes the next 117 nucleotides which specify the following 39 amino acids. The fourth intron region is represented by SEQ ID Nos. 11 and 12, 152 and 208 nucleotides in length, respectively, with a 0.9 kb region in between which has not been provided. Exon 4 (SEQ ID No. 13) includes the next 78 bp which specify the following 26 amino acids of the enzyme. Intron region five contains SEQ ID Nos. 14 and 15, with 98 and 249 nucleotides, respectively, with a 0.1 kb region in the middle which has not been provided. The fifth exon (SEQ ID No. 16) contains nucleotides for the following 41 amino acids of human type 5 17.beta.-HSD. The sixth intron region, set forth in SEQ ID Nos. 17 and 18 with 138 and 189 bp, respectively, also includes a 2.8 kb region which has not been provided. Exon 6 (SEQ ID No. 19) contains nucleotides for the following 36 amino acids of type 5 17.beta.-HSD, as well as two nucleotides of the codon 227 (Trp). The next intron region includes a 136 bp portion (SEQ ID No. 20) and a 66 bp portion (SEQ ID No. 21) which are joined by a 0.1 kb region which is not set forth. Exon 7 (SEQ ID No. 22) contains nucleotides for the third nucleotide of codon 227 (Trp) and nucleotides for the following 55 codons. The following intron region includes a 136 nucleotide region (SEQ ID No. 23), a 2.5 kb region which is not provided and a 286 bp region (SEQ ID No. 24). Exon 8 (SEQ ID No. 25) includes 83 nucleotides which code for the following 27 amino acids and 2 nucleotides of codon 310. The ninth intron region contains 713 nucleotides (SEQ ID No. 26) followed by a 1 kb region which has not been provided followed by a 415 nucleotide region (SEQ ID No. 27). Exon 9 (SEQ ID No. 28) contains the third nucleotide of codon 310, 42 nucleotides for the last 13 amino acids and a stop codon and approximately 200 nucleotides in the 3'-untranslated region. A polymorphic (GT).sub.n repeat region that can be used to perform genetic linkage mapping of the type 5 17.beta.-HSD can be found 255 nucleotides downstream from the TAA stop codon. SEQ ID No. 29 sets forth 109 bp of additional genomic sequence. The nucleotide sequence of the gene fragment, as described above, is provided in FIGS. 5A-1, 5A-2, 5A-3, 5B-1, 5B-2 and 5B-3.

The type 5 17.beta.-HSD enzyme can be produced by incorporating the nucleotide sequence for the coding portion of the gene into a vector which is then transformed or transfected into a host system which is capable of expressing the enzyme. The DNA can be maintained transiently in the host or can be stably integrated into the genome of the host cell. In addition, the chromosomal DNA can be incorporated into a vector and transfected into a host system for cloning.

In particular, for the cloning and expression of type 5 17.beta.-HSD, any common expression vectors, such as plasmids, can be used. These vectors can be prokaryotic expression vectors including those derived from bacteriophage .lambda. such as .lambda.gt11 and .lambda.EMBL3, E. coli strains such as pBR322 and Bluescript (Stratagene); or eukaryotic vectors, such as those in the pCMV family. Vectors incorporating an isolated human cDNA shown in Sequence ID No. 1 (ATCC Deposit No. 97280) and the chromosomal DNA as shown in Sequence ID Nos. 3 through 29 (ATCC Deposit No. 97281) for type 5 17.beta.-HSD have been placed on deposit at the American Type Culture Collection (ATCC, Rockville, Md.), in accordance with the terms of the Budapest Treaty, and will be made available to the public upon issuance of a patent based on the present patent application or as otherwise provided by the Budapest Treaty or applicable patent law.

These vectors generally include appropriate replication and control sequences which are compatible with the host system into which the vectors are transfected. A promoter sequence is generally included. For prokaryotes, some representative promoters include .beta.-lactamase, lactose, and tryptophan. In mammalian cells, commonly used promoters include, but are not limited to, adenovirus, cytomegalovirus (CMV) and simian virus 40 (SV 40). The vector can also optionally include, as appropriate, an origin of replication, ribosome binding sites, RNA splice sites, polyadenylation sites, transcriptional termination sequences and/or a selectable marker. It is well understood that there are a variety of vector systems with various characteristics which can be used in the practice of the invention. A map of the pCMV vector, which is an example of a vector which can be used in the practice of the invention, is provided in FIG. 2.

Commonly known host systems which are known for expressing an enzyme, and which may be transfected with an appropriate vector which includes a gene for Type 5 17.beta.-HSD can be used in the practice of the invention. These host systems include prokaryotic hosts, such as E. coli, bacilli, such as Bacillus subtilus, and other enterobacteria, such as Salmonella, Serratia, and Pseudomonas species. Eukaryotic microbes, including yeast cultures, can also be used. The most common of these is Saccharomyces cerevisiae, although other species are commercially available and can be used. Furthermore, cell cultures can be grown which are derived from mammalian cells. Some examples of suitable host cell lines include embryonal kidney (293), SW-13, chinese hamster ovary (CHO), HeLa, myeloma, Jurkat, COS-1, BHK, W138 and madin-darby canine kidney (MDCK). In the practice of the invention, the 293 cells are preferred.

Type 5 17.beta.-HSD, whether recombinantly produced as described herein, purified from nature, or otherwise produced, can be used in assays to identify compounds which inhibit or alter the activity of the enzyme. In particular, since type 5 17.beta.-HSD is shown to catalyze the conversion of progesterone to 20.varies.-OH-P and the conversion of .DELTA..sup.4 -dione to testosterone, this enzyme can be used to identify compounds which interfere with the production of these sex steroids. It is preferred that the enzyme be obtained directly from the recombinant host, wherein following expression, a crude homogenate is prepared which includes the enzyme. A substrate of the enzyme, such as progesterone or .DELTA..sup.4 -dione and a compound to be tested are then mixed with the homogenate. The activity of the enzyme with and without the test compound is compared. Numerous methods are known which can be used to indicate the effects of the test compound on the activity of the substrate for easy detection of the relative amounts of substrate and product over time. For example, it is possible to label the substrate so that the label also stays on any product that is formed. Radioactive labels, such as C.sup.14 or H.sup.3, which can be quantitatively analyzed are particularly useful.

It is preferred that the mixture of the enzyme, test compound and substrate be allowed to incubate for a predetermined amount of time. In addition, it is preferred that the product is separated from the substrate for easier analysis. A number of separation techniques are known, for example, thin layer chromatography (TLC), high pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC), spectrophotometry, gas chromatography, mass spectrophotometry and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR). However, any known method which can differentiate between a substrate and a product can be used.

It is also contemplated that the gene for type 5 17.beta.-HSD or a portion thereof can be used to produce antisense nucleic acid sequences for inhibiting expression of Type 5 17.beta.-HSD in vivo. Thus activity of the enzyme and levels of its products (e.g. testosterone) may be reduced where desirable. In general, antisense nucleic acid sequences can interfere with transcription, splicing or translation processes. Antisense sequences can prevent transcription by forming a triple helix or hybridizing to an opened loop which is created by RNA polymerase or hybridizing to nascent RNA. On the other hand, splicing can advantageously be interfered with if the antisense sequences bind at the intersection of an exon and an intron. Finally, translation can be affected by blocking the binding of initiation factors or by preventing the assembly of ribosomal subunits at the start codon or by blocking the ribosome from the coding portion of the mRNA, preferably by using RNA that is antisense to the message. For further general information, see Helene et al., Biochimica et Biophysica Acta, 1049:99-125 (1990), which is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety.

An antisense nucleic acid sequence is an RNA or single stranded DNA sequence which is complementary to the target portion of the target gene. These antisense sequences are introduced into cells where the complementary strand base pairs with the target portion of the target gene, thereby blocking the transcription, splicing or translation of the gene and eliminating or reducing the production of type 5 17.beta.-HSD. The length of the antisense nucleic acid sequence need be no more than is sufficient to interfere with the transcription, splicing or translation of functional type 5 17.beta.-HSD. Antisense strands can range in size from 10 nucleotides to the complete gene, however, about 10 to 50 nucleotides are preferred, and 15 to 25 nucleotides are most preferred.

Although it is contemplated that any portion of the gene could be used to produce antisense sequences, it is preferred that the antisense is directed to the coding portion of the gene or to the sequence around the translation initiation site of the mRNA or to a portion of the promoter. Some examples of specific antisense oligonucleotide sequences in the coding region which can be used to block type 5 17.beta.-HSD synthesis include: TTTAGCTTTACACACTGCTGTT (SEQ ID No. 30); TCCAAAGCTTTACTTCTCGG (SEQ ID No. 31); GATGAAAAGTGGACCA (SEQ ID No. 32); ATCTGTTGGTGAAAGTTC (SEQ ID No. 33); TCCAGCTGCCTGCGGT (SEQ ID No. 34); CTTGTACTTGAGTCCTG (SEQ ID No. 35); CTCCGGTTGAAATACGGA (SEQ ID No. 36); CATCGTTTGTCTCGTTGAGA (SEQ ID No. 37); TCACTGTTAAAATAGTGGAGAT (SEQ ID No. 38); ATCTGAATATGGATAAT (SEQ ID No. 39). Examples of antisense oligonucleotide sequences which can block the splicing of the type 5 17.beta.-HSD premessage are as follows: TTCTCGGAACCTGGAGGAGC (SEQ ID No. 40); GACACAGTACCTTTGAAGTG (SEQ ID No. 41); TGGACCAAAGCTGCAGAGGT (SEQ ID No. 42); CCTCACCTGGCTGAAATAGA (SEQ ID No. 43); AAGCACTCACCTCCCAGGTG (SEQ ID No. 44); GACATTCTACCTGCAGTTGA (SEQ ID No. 45); CTCAAAAACCTATCAGAAA (SEQ ID No. 46); GGAAACTTACCTATCACTGT (SEQ ID No. 47); GCTAGCAAAACTGAAAAGAG (SEQ ID No. 48). Examples of antisense oligonucleotide sequences which inhibit the promoter activity of type 5 17.beta.-HSd include: GAGAAATATTCATTCTG (SEQ ID No. 49); CGAGTCCTGATAAAGCTG (SEQ ID No. 50); GATGAGGGTGCAAATAA (SEQ ID No. 51); GGAGTGTTAATTAATAACAGTTT (SEQ ID No. 52); CAGAGATTACAAAAACAAT (SEQ ID No. 53); TGCCTTTTTACATTTTCAATCA (SEQ ID No. 54); ACACATAATTTAAAGGA (SEQ ID No. 55); TTAAATTATTCAAAAGG (SEQ ID No. 56); AAGAGAAATATTCATTTCTG (SEQ ID No. 57); CCCCTCCCCCCACCCCTGCA (SEQ ID No. 58); CTGCCGTGATAATGCCCC (SEQ ID No. 59).

As is well understood in the art, the oligonucleotide sequences can be modified in various manners in order to increase the effectiveness of the treatment with oligonucleotides. In particular, the sequences can be modified to include additional RNA to the 3' end of the RNA which can form a hairpin-loop structure and thereby prevent degradation by nucleases. In addition, the chemical linkages in the backbone of the oligonucleotides can be modified to also prevent cleavage by nucleases.

There are numerous methods which are known in the art for introducing the antisense strands into cells. One strategy is to incorporate the gene which encodes type 5 17.beta.-HSD in the opposite orientation in a vector so that the RNA which is transcribed from the plasmid is complementary to the mRNA transcribed from the cellular gene. A strong promoter, such as pCMV, is generally included in the vector, upstream of the gene sequence, so that a large amount of the antisense RNA is produced and is available for binding sense mRNA. The vectors are then transfected into cells which are then administered. It is also possible to produce single stranded DNA oligonucleotides or antisense RNA and incorporate these into cells or liposomes which are then administered. The use of liposomes, such as those described in WO95/03788, which is herein incorporated by reference, is preferred. However, other methods which are well understood in the art can also be used to introduce the antisense strands into cells and to administer to these patients in need of such treatment.

The following is an example of the expression of human type 5 17.beta.-HSD. This example is intended to be illustrative of the invention and it is well understood by those of skill in the art that modifications, alterations and different techniques can be used within the scope of the invention.

Expression of 20.varies., 17.beta.-HSD (Type 5 17.beta.-HSD)

Construction of the expression vector and nucleotide sequence determination

The phage DNA were digested with EcoRI restriction enzyme and the resulting cDNA fragments were inserted in the EcoRI site downstream to the cytomegalovirus (CMV) promoter of the pCMV vector as shown in FIG. 2. The recombinant pCMV plasmids were amplified in Escherichia coli DH5.alpha. competent cells, and were isolated using the alkaline lysis procedure as described by Maniatis in Molecular Cloning: A Laboratory Manual (Cold Spring Harbor Press 1982). The sequencing of double-stranded plasmid DNA was performed according to the dideoxy chain termination method described by Sanger F. et al., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci., 74:5463-5467 (1977) using a T7 DNA polymerase sequencing kit (Pharmacia LKB Biotechnology). In order to avoid errors, all sequences were determined by sequencing both strands of the DNA. The oligonucleotide primers were synthesized using a 394 DNA/RNA synthesizer (Applied Biosystem).

As shown in FIG. 2, the pCMV vector contains 582 nucleotides of the pCMV promoter, followed by 74 nucleotides of unknown origin which includes the EcoRI and HindIlI sites, followed by 432 basepairs (bp) of a small t intron (fragment 4713-4570) and a polyadenylation signal (fragment 2825-2536) of SV40, followed by 156 nucleotides of unknown origin, followed by 1989 bp of the PvuII (628) to AatII (2617) fragment from the pUC 19 vector (New England Biolabs) which contains an E. coli origin of replication and an ampicillin resistance gene for propagation in E. coli.

Transient expression in transformed embryonal kidney (293) cells

The vectors were transfected using the calcium phosphate procedure described by Kingston, R. E., In: Current Protocols in Molecular Biology, Ausubel et al. eds., pp. 9.1.1-9.1.9, John Wiley & Sons, N.Y. (1987) and used 1 to 10 .mu.g of recombinant plasmid DNA per 10.sup.6 cells. The total amount of DNA is kept at 10 .mu.g of plasmid DNA per 10.sup.6 cells by completing with pCMV plasmid without insert. The cells were initially plated at 10.sup.4 cells/cm.sup.2 in Falcon.RTM. culture flasks and grown in Dulbecco's modified Eagle's medium containing 10% (vol/vol) fetal bovine serum (hyclone, Logan, Utah) under a humidified atmosphere of air/CO.sup.2 (95%/5%) at 37.degree. C. and supplemented with 2 mM L-glutamine, 1 mM sodium pyruvate, 100 IU penicillin/ml, and 100 .mu.bg streptomycin sulfate/ml.

Assay of enzymatic activity

The determination of enzymatic activity was performed as described by Luu-The et al., Biochemistry, 13:8861-8865 (1991) which is herein incorporated by reference. See also Lachance et al., J. Biol. Chem., 265:20469-20475 (1990). Briefly, 0.1 .mu.M of the indicated .sup.14 C-labeled substrate (Dupont Inc. (Canada)), namely, dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), 4-androstene-3,17-dione (.DELTA..sup.4 -dione), testosterone (T), estrone (E1), estradiol (E2), dihydrotestosterone (DHT), and progesterone (PROG), was added to freshly changed culture medium in a 6-well culture plate. After incubation for 1 hour, the steroids were extracted twice with 2 ml of ether. The organic phase was pooled and evaporated to dryness. The steroids were solubilized in 50 .mu.l of dichloromethane, applied to a Silica gel 60 thin layer chromatography (TLC) plate (Merck, Darmstad, Germany) and then separated by migration in the toluene-acetone (4:1) solvent system (Luu-The, V. et al., J. Invest. Dennatol., 102:221-226 (1994) which is herein incorporated by reference). The substrates and metabolites were identified by comparison with reference steroids, revealed by autoradiography and quantitated using the Phosphoimager System (Molecular Dynamics, Sunnyvale, Calif.).

Cloning of the type 5 17.beta.-HSD genomic DNA clone

The hybridization and sequencing methods were as described above and as previously described (Luu-The et al., Mol. Endocrinol., 4:268-275 (1990); Luu-The et al., DNA and Cell Biol., 14:511-518 (1995); Lachance et al., J. Biol. Chem., 265:20469-20475 (1990); Lachance et al., DNA and Cell Biol. 10:701-711 (1991); Bernier et al., J. Biol. Chem, 269, 28200-28205, (1994) which are herein incorporated by reference).

About 20 recombinant clones which gave the strongest hybridization signal were selected for second and third screening in order to isolate a single phage plaque. The two longest clones that hybridized with specific oligonucleotides probes located at the 5' and 3' regions of type 5 17.beta.-HSD, respectively, were selected for mapping, subcloning and sequencing. As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5A-1, 5A-2, 5A-3, 5B-1, 5B-2 and 5B-3, the gene is included in approximately 16 kilobase pairs of introns and contains 9 short exons. A primer extension analysis using oligoprimer CAT-CAT-TTA-GCT-TTA-CAT-ACT-GCT-G, (complement of nucleotides 47 to 23 of SEQ. ID. NO: 1) located at positions 13 to 27, indicates that the start site is situated 37 nucleotides upstream from the ATG initiating codon.

The sites and signatures in the primary protein sequence were detected using PC/Gene software (Intelli Genetics Inc., Mountain View, Calif.). This analysis revealed a potential N-glycosylation site at Asn-198; five protein kinase C sites at Ser-73, Thr-82, Ser-102, Ser-121, and Ser-221; five casein kinase II phosphorylation sites at Ser-129, Thr-146, Ser-221, Ser-271, and Thr-289; two N-myristoylation sites at Gly-158 and Gly-298; a tyrosine sulfatation site at Tyr-55; an aldo/keto reductase family signature 1 (25) at amino acids 158 to 168 and an aldo/keto reductase family putative active site signature at amino acids 262 to 280.

As described above, the enzymatic activity of the type 5 17.beta.-HSD was evaluated by transfecting 293 cells with vectors which included the gene encoding human type 5 17.beta.-HSD. The ability of the enzyme to catalyze the transformation of progesterone (P) to 20.varies.-hydroxyprogesterone (20.varies.-OH-P), 4-androstenedione (.DELTA..sup.4 -dione) to testosterone (T), 5.varies.-androstane-3,17-dione (A-dione) to dihydrotestosterone (DHT), dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) to 5-androstene-3.beta.,17.beta.-diol, and estrone (E1) to estradiol (E2) was analyzed. As shown in FIG. 1A, the enzyme possesses high reductive 20.varies.-HSD activity, wherein progesterone (P) is transformed to the inactive 20.varies.-OH-P, and 17.beta.-HSD activity, wherein .DELTA..sup.4 dione is converted to testosterone (T). However, 3.varies.-HSD activity which is responsible for the transformation of DHT to 5.alpha.-androstane-3.alpha.,17.beta.-diol is negligible. The ability of this enzyme to transform E1 and E2 was also negligible (FIG. 1A). FIG. 1B shows that the 20.varies.-HSD and 17.beta.-HSD activities increased over time.

The isolated amino acid sequence of human type 5 17.beta.-HSD was also compared with rabbit 20.varies.-HSD (rb), rat 20.varies.-HSD (r), human 3.varies.-HSD (h), rat 3.varies.-HSD (r), bovine prostaglandin f synthase (b pgfs), frog .rho.-crystallin (f .rho.-crys) and human type 1 and type 217.beta.-HSDs (h). These sequences show 76.2%, 70.7%, 84.0%, 68.7%, 78.3%, 59.7%, 15.2% and 15.0% identity with type 5 17.beta.-HSD, respectively.

Although the present invention has been described in relation to particular embodiments thereof, many other variations and modifications and other uses will be apparent to those skilled in the art.

__________________________________________________________________________# SEQUENCE LISTING- (1) GENERAL INFORMATION:- (iii) NUMBER OF SEQUENCES: 59- (2) INFORMATION FOR SEQ ID NO:1:- (i) SEQUENCE CHARACTERISTICS:#pairs (A) LENGTH: 1206 base (B) TYPE: nucleic acid (C) STRANDEDNESS: single (D) TOPOLOGY: linear- (ix) FEATURE: (A) NAME/KEY: CDS (B) LOCATION: 11..982- (xi) SEQUENCE DESCRIPTION: SEQ ID NO:1:- GTGACAGGGA ATG GAT TCC AAA CAG CAG TGT GTA AA - #G CTA AAT GAT GGC 49#Gln Gln Cys Val Lys Leu Asn Asp Gly# 10- CAC TTC ATG CCT GTA TTG GGA TTT GGC ACC TA - #T GCA CCT CCA GAG GTT 97His Phe Met Pro Val Leu Gly Phe Gly Thr Ty - #r Ala Pro Pro Glu Val# 25- CCG AGA AGT AAA GCT TTG GAG GTC ACC AAA TT - #A GCA ATA GAA GCT GGG 145Pro Arg Ser Lys Ala Leu Glu Val Thr Lys Le - #u Ala Ile Glu Ala Gly# 45- TTC CGC CAT ATA GAT TCT GCT CAT TTA TAC AA - #T AAT GAG GAG CAG GTT 193Phe Arg His Ile Asp Ser Ala His Leu Tyr As - #n Asn Glu Glu Gln Val# 60- GGA CTG GCC ATC CGA AGC AAG ATT GCA GAT GG - #C AGT GTG AAG AGA GAA 241Gly Leu Ala Ile Arg Ser Lys Ile Ala Asp Gl - #y Ser Val Lys Arg Glu# 75- GAC ATA TTC TAC ACT TCA AAG CTT TGG TCC AC - #T TTT CAT CGA CCA GAG 289Asp Ile Phe Tyr Thr Ser Lys Leu Trp Ser Th - #r Phe His Arg Pro Glu# 90- TTG GTC CGA CCA GCC TTG GAA AAC TCA CTG AA - #A AAA GCT CAA TTG GAC 337Leu Val Arg Pro Ala Leu Glu Asn Ser Leu Ly - #s Lys Ala Gln Leu Asp# 105- TAT GTT GAC CTC TAT CTT ATT CAT TCT CCA AT - #G TCT CTA AAG CCA GGT 385Tyr Val Asp Leu Tyr Leu Ile His Ser Pro Me - #t Ser Leu Lys Pro Gly110 1 - #15 1 - #20 1 -#25- GAG GAA CTT TCA CCA ACA GAT GAA AAT GGA AA - #A GTA ATA TTT GAC ATA 433Glu Glu Leu Ser Pro Thr Asp Glu Asn Gly Ly - #s Val Ile Phe Asp Ile# 140- GTG GAT CTC TGT ACC ACC TGG GAG GCC ATG GA - #G AAG TGT AAG GAT GCA 481Val Asp Leu Cys Thr Thr Trp Glu Ala Met Gl - #u Lys Cys Lys Asp Ala# 155- GGA TTG GCC AAG TCC ATT GGG GTG TCA AAC TT - #C AAC CGC AGG CAG CTG 529Gly Leu Ala Lys Ser Ile Gly Val Ser Asn Ph - #e Asn Arg Arg Gln Leu# 170- GAG ATG ATC CTC AAC AAG CCA GGA CTC AAG TA - #C AAG CCT GTC TGC AAC 577Glu Met Ile Leu Asn Lys Pro Gly Leu Lys Ty - #r Lys Pro Val Cys Asn# 185- CAG GTA GAA TGT CAT CCG TAT TTC AAC CGG AG - #T AAA TTG CTA GAT TTC 625Gln Val Glu Cys His Pro Tyr Phe Asn Arg Se - #r Lys Leu Leu Asp Phe190 1 - #95 2 - #00 2 -#05- TGC AAG TCG AAA GAT ATT GTT CTG GTT GCC TA - #T AGT GCT CTG GGA TCT 673Cys Lys Ser Lys Asp Ile Val Leu Val Ala Ty - #r Ser Ala Leu Gly Ser# 220- CAA CGA GAC AAA CGA TGG GTG GAC CCG AAC TC - #C CCG GTG CTC TTG GAG 721Gln Arg Asp Lys Arg Trp Val Asp Pro Asn Se - #r Pro Val Leu Leu Glu# 235- GAC CCA GTC CTT TGT GCC TTG GCA AAA AAG CA - #C AAG CGA ACC CCA GCC 769Asp Pro Val Leu Cys Ala Leu Ala Lys Lys Hi - #s Lys Arg Thr Pro Ala# 250- CTG ATT GCC CTG CGC TAC CAG CTG CAG CGT GG - #G GTT GTG GTC CTG GCC 817Leu Ile Ala Leu Arg Tyr Gln Leu Gln Arg Gl - #y Val Val Val Leu Ala# 265- AAG AGC TAC AAT GAG CAG CGC ATC AGA CAG AA - #C GTG CAG GTT TTT GAG 865Lys Ser Tyr Asn Glu Gln Arg Ile Arg Gln As - #n Val Gln Val Phe Glu270 2 - #75 2 - #80 2 -#85- TTC CAG TTG ACT GCA GAG GAC ATG AAA GCC AT - #A GAT GGC CTA GAC AGA 913Phe Gln Leu Thr Ala Glu Asp Met Lys Ala Il - #e Asp Gly Leu Asp Arg# 300- AAT CTC CAC TAT TTT AAC AGT GAT AGT TTT GC - #T AGC CAC CCT AAT TAT 961Asn Leu His Tyr Phe Asn Ser Asp Ser Phe Al - #a Ser His Pro Asn Tyr# 315- CCA TAT TCA GAT GAA TAT TAA CATGGAGACT TTGCCTGAT - #G ATGTCTACCA1012Pro Tyr Ser Asp Glu Tyr * 320- GAAGGCCCTG TGTGTGGATG GTGACGCAGA GGACGTCTCT ATGCCGGTGA CT - #GGACATAT1072- CACCTCTACT TAAATCCGTC CTGTTTAGCG ACTTCAGTCA ACTACAGCTC AC - #TCCATAGG1132- CCAGAAATAC AATAAATCCT GTTTAGCGAC TTCAGTCAAC TACAGCTCAC TC - #CATAGGCC1192# 1206- (2) INFORMATION FOR SEQ ID NO:2:- (i) SEQUENCE CHARACTERISTICS: (A) LENGTH: 323 ami - #no acids (B) TYPE: amino acid (D) TOPOLOGY: linear- (ii) MOLECULE TYPE: protein- (xi) SEQUENCE DESCRIPTION: SEQ ID NO:2:- Met Asp Ser Lys Gln Gln Cys Val Lys Leu As - #n Asp Gly His Phe Met# 15- Pro Val Leu Gly Phe Gly Thr Tyr Ala Pro Pr - #o Glu Val Pro Arg Ser# 30- Lys Ala Leu Glu Val Thr Lys Leu Ala Ile Gl - #u Ala Gly Phe Arg His# 45- Ile Asp Ser Ala His Leu Tyr Asn Asn Glu Gl - #u Gln Val Gly Leu Ala# 60- Ile Arg Ser Lys Ile Ala Asp Gly Ser Val Ly - #s Arg Glu Asp Ile Phe# 80- Tyr Thr Ser Lys Leu Trp Ser Thr Phe His Ar - #g Pro Glu Leu Val Arg# 95- Pro Ala Leu Glu Asn Ser Leu Lys Lys Ala Gl - #n Leu Asp Tyr Val Asp# 110- Leu Tyr Leu Ile His Ser Pro Met Ser Leu Ly - #s Pro Gly Glu Glu Leu# 125- Ser Pro Thr Asp Glu Asn Gly Lys Val Ile Ph - #e Asp Ile Val Asp Leu# 140- Cys Thr Thr Trp Glu Ala Met Glu Lys Cys Ly - #s Asp Ala Gly Leu Ala145 1 - #50 1 - #55 1 -#60- Lys Ser Ile Gly Val Ser Asn Phe Asn Arg Ar - #g Gln Leu Glu Met Ile# 175- Leu Asn Lys Pro Gly Leu Lys Tyr Lys Pro Va - #l Cys Asn Gln Val Glu# 190- Cys His Pro Tyr Phe Asn Arg Ser Lys Leu Le - #u Asp Phe Cys Lys Ser# 205- Lys Asp Ile Val Leu Val Ala Tyr Ser Ala Le - #u Gly Ser Gln Arg Asp# 220- Lys Arg Trp Val Asp Pro Asn Ser Pro Val Le - #u Leu Glu Asp Pro Val225 2 - #30 2 - #35 2 -#40- Leu Cys Ala Leu Ala Lys Lys His Lys Arg Th - #r Pro Ala Leu Ile Ala# 255- Leu Arg Tyr Gln Leu Gln Arg Gly Val Val Va - #l Leu Ala Lys Ser Tyr# 270- Asn Glu Gln Arg Ile Arg Gln Asn Val Gln Va - #l Phe Glu Phe Gln Leu# 285- Thr Ala Glu Asp Met Lys Ala Ile Asp Gly Le - #u Asp Arg Asn Leu His# 300- Tyr Phe Asn Ser Asp Ser Phe Ala Ser His Pr - #o Asn Tyr Pro Tyr Ser305 3 - #10 3 - #15 3 -#20- Asp Glu Tyr- (2) INFORMATION FOR SEQ ID NO:3:- (i) SEQUENCE CHARACTERISTICS:#pairs (A) LENGTH: 730 base (B) TYPE: nucleic acid (C) STRANDEDNESS: single (D) TOPOLOGY: linear- (ii) MOLECULE TYPE: DNA (genomic)- (iii) HYPOTHETICAL: NO- (iv) ANTI-SENSE: NO- (xi) SEQUENCE DESCRIPTION: SEQ ID NO:3:- AAGAACAAAT ACTATTAAGG CACTGCTTGC ATATATTAAA TGATGTCCAA AC - #TCCAAAAA 60- CTGTTAATAA TTAACACTCC AATAAAAACT ACACCAGAAT TTCTTTTTAT TT - #GCACCCTC 120- ATCAGGATTA CAGCTTTATC AGGACTGCAT CTTCTTCAGA AATGAATATT TC - #TCTTACAA 180- CGCAAAGAAA GAAAAATCAA AATAAATTTT CTGATTGAAA ATGTAAAAAG GC - #AAATATTT 240- TTACAGTTTT AACTTTAATT TTTTATTGAG GACCAACTGT TTGAAAAATT CT - #CATTAGTC 300- ATTCCTTTAA ATTATGTGTA TGTGAGAGAA AGACGTAAGA TGGTTAATTA TT - #TCAAATGA 360- TGCAGTATAA AGAAGGGGCA TTATCACGGC AGAAACGAAA AAAGATATTT GT - #AGCTGGAG 420- GTTTTTATAG TCTAACATAT GGTTGCTATT TGTTCTACAA ATCCTTTTGA AT - #AATTTAAT 480- ATAGAGATTT CGAATAGAAA ATAATACTTT AGATAGAAAT TAATGAGTTT AT - #TATAACCA 540- TATATTATAA TAATTTACTT AGGAATTCTC TTTGATAAGA AACAAATGAA CT - #GAATGCAA 600- TTTTCTCCAC AGACCATATA AGACTGCCTA TGTACCTCCT CCTACATGCC AT - #TGGTTAAC 660- CATCAGTCAG TTTGCAGGGG TGGGGGGAGG GGTTTCCTGC CCATTGTTTT TG - #TAATCTCT 720# 730- (2) INFORMATION FOR SEQ ID NO:4:- (i) SEQUENCE CHARACTERISTICS:#pairs (A) LENGTH: 121 base (B) TYPE: nucleic acid (C) STRANDEDNESS: single (D) TOPOLOGY: linear- (ii) MOLECULE TYPE: DNA (genomic)- (iii) HYPOTHETICAL: NO- (iv) ANTI-SENSE: NO- (ix) FEATURE: (A) NAME/KEY: exon (B) LOCATION: 38..121- (xi) SEQUENCE DESCRIPTION: SEQ ID NO:4:- AGCAGCAAAC ATTTGCTAGT CAGACAAGTG ACAGGGAATG GATTCCAAAC AG - #CAGTGTGT 60- AAAGCTAAAT GATGGCCACT TCATGCCTGT ATTGGGATTT GGCACCTATG CA - #CCTCCAGA 120# 121- (2) INFORMATION FOR SEQ ID NO:5:- (i) SEQUENCE CHARACTERISTICS:#pairs (A) LENGTH: 252 base (B) TYPE: nucleic acid (C) STRANDEDNESS: single (D) TOPOLOGY: linear- (ii) MOLECULE TYPE: DNA (genomic)- (iii) HYPOTHETICAL: NO- (iv) ANTI-SENSE: NO- (xi) SEQUENCE DESCRIPTION: SEQ ID NO:5:- GTAAGAATAA TTCCTTTTAG TTTTCGGATT TCAAAAGAAT AAACCTAGTA GA - #AGTGAAAC 60- CCGTATTGGG TTGTAAGGTT CGTGTTCCTA CCTTACTCTG GATGACTCAC TG - #GTCTAGGT 120- TTCCTAGGCT AGGAGAAAAA AGTAGGCAAT CCTTGTTCTG CATTGAGGTC CA - #TTCCTATG 180- GTCACGTACT GCTTATTTTT CGTTTGTGCA CTGTTTCTTT CTTCTGTTCA TG - #TCTAGTTC 240# 252- (2) INFORMATION FOR SEQ ID NO:6:- (i) SEQUENCE CHARACTERISTICS:#pairs (A) LENGTH: 410 base (B) TYPE: nucleic acid (C) STRANDEDNESS: single (D) TOPOLOGY: linear- (ii) MOLECULE TYPE: DNA (genomic)- (iii) HYPOTHETICAL: NO- (iv) ANTI-SENSE: NO- (xi) SEQUENCE DESCRIPTION: SEQ ID NO:6:- GGAAGTCTGA GTGAGCATTC TGTGTAATAT CACTGGGAGA GAACTCATAT GA - #GCTTGCAC 60- CGTTTCCCTT CTATACTCCA TGTGATTTTT ACCATGTATA ATATCACTAT AT - #TAAAAATA 120- ATTAGGACTA TTTCAGTCAT GTTAACTTTT CCAACAAATC ACTGAATCTG AG - #GGTGTTAT 180- GTGGTACCTC CATAACAGTG ATCAACCAGA GATTGCCTGA GACTGAAGGT GT - #TTCTGGGA 240- TGCTCAACCT TTATTACTAA CCAGGAAAGA CTCAGGCAAA CTGAGATGGA CT - #TTTCACCC 300- CACATACAGA CAGGAGGAAA AGCTGATTCT TGTATAAAAG TCAATGCTTG TG - #CCTGAACT 360# 410GTGATC ACCAGATACT ACCTTTGGTT GCTCCTCCAG- (2) INFORMATION FOR SEQ ID NO:7:- (i) SEQUENCE CHARACTERISTICS:#pairs (A) LENGTH: 168 base (B) TYPE: nucleic acid (C) STRANDEDNESS: single (D) TOPOLOGY: linear- (ii) MOLECULE TYPE: DNA (genomic)- (iii) HYPOTHETICAL: NO- (iv) ANTI-SENSE: NO- (ix) FEATURE: (A) NAME/KEY: exon (B) LOCATION: 1..168- (xi) SEQUENCE DESCRIPTION: SEQ ID NO:7:- GTTCCGAGAA GTAAAGCTTT GGAGGTCACA AAATTAGCAA TAGAAGCTGG GT - #TCCGCCAT 60- ATAGATTCTG CTCATTTATA CAATAATGAG GAGCAGGTTG GACTGGCCAT CC - #GAAGCAAG 120# 168TGAA GAGAGAAGAC ATATTCTACA CTTCAAAG- (2) INFORMATION FOR SEQ ID NO:8:- (i) SEQUENCE CHARACTERISTICS:#pairs (A) LENGTH: 700 base (B) TYPE: nucleic acid (C) STRANDEDNESS: single (D) TOPOLOGY: linear- (ii) MOLECULE TYPE: DNA (genomic)- (iii) HYPOTHETICAL: NO- (iv) ANTI-SENSE: NO- (xi) SEQUENCE DESCRIPTION: SEQ ID NO:8:- GTACTGTGTC TATGATGAGC TTGTGTGCAC ATGTATTTAT TGTGATTGTG TG - #GAGATGAC 60- AATTCTATGA CTGGATGAGT AGTTGTGGGT GAATTTTGCT TCTGGGTTCA AA - #TTTATTCA 120- CACATACTCA CATACTAAAA CTGAAATCAA AATCAAGGAA TGATGATCAC TT - #TTCATTTT 180- GGCTGTGTTC CAATTTATGA CCTGAAAGTC CCTTTACTTT TTTGAGCTTC AG - #CCGAGATC 240- AGTGTGATTT GACATGTGCT ATAGAATCAC AGAGAACAAT AATCATGTTA TG - #GTTTTTCT 300- TATCGCCTGG GTGATTTTCT AAGATTTCTT ATTATTCTCT CAATTGCTAT CT - #TTATCAGT 360- GAGATAGAAA GCAATATAAG AAAGCTCTGG GAGTATTAAA TAATAGACAC TT - #AAATTGTC 420- CTAAATTGTG TCCAGCATAG TGAGCATGTT CAAAACTTGT TTTACCCCCC TT - #TTATGTTG 480- CTTTAGTTTC TAAGCAACAT AAATAGCTAT TCTTAAGCAT TGGGTTGAAT GG - #ATAGAAGA 540- ATTAGACTGT TAAAATGAGT TGTAAACTCT ACTGAAGATA ATTCAGGTAA CA - #TCATAGTT 600- ATTACTTAAT ACTAATCTTT ACATTTTAAG AATTTACTCC TATCATTCAG TA - #GATGTACA 660# 700 TATA ATAAAGTTTA TAAGGATAGG- (2) INFORMATION FOR SEQ ID NO:9:- (i) SEQUENCE CHARACTERISTICS:#pairs (A) LENGTH: 73 base (B) TYPE: nucleic acid (C) STRANDEDNESS: single (D) TOPOLOGY: linear- (ii) MOLECULE TYPE: DNA (genomic)- (iii) HYPOTHETICAL: NO- (iv) ANTI-SENSE: NO- (xi) SEQUENCE DESCRIPTION: SEQ ID NO:9:- ACTAGATGGC ACAAAGTAAT AAGATTTGCT CAAGCATTCA TTCAAAATCA CC - #TCCATTCT 60# 73- (2) INFORMATION FOR SEQ ID NO:10:- (i) SEQUENCE CHARACTERISTICS:#pairs (A) LENGTH: 117 base (B) TYPE: nucleic acid (C) STRANDEDNESS: single (D) TOPOLOGY: linear- (ii) MOLECULE TYPE: DNA (genomic)- (iii) HYPOTHETICAL: NO- (iv) ANTI-SENSE: NO- (ix) FEATURE: (A) NAME/KEY: exon (B) LOCATION: 1..117- (xi) SEQUENCE DESCRIPTION: SEQ ID NO:10:- CTTTGGTCCA CTTTTCATCG ACCAGAGTTG GTCCGACCAG CCTTGGAAAA CT - #CACTGAAA 60- AAAGCTCAAT TGGACTATGT TGACCTCTAT CTTATTCATT CTCCAATGTC TC - #TAAAG 117- (2) INFORMATION FOR SEQ ID NO:11:- (i) SEQUENCE CHARACTERISTICS:#pairs (A) LENGTH: 152 base (B) TYPE: nucleic acid (C) STRANDEDNESS: single (D) TOPOLOGY: linear- (ii) MOLECULE TYPE: DNA (genomic)- (iii) HYPOTHETICAL: NO- (iv) ANTI-SENSE: NO- (xi) SEQUENCE DESCRIPTION: SEQ ID NO:11:- GTATGCAGTT TGTATGAGCA TAAAATTGCG CTTCTGCTGT CATTATAAAC AT - #TGTTTATC 60- TGGATAGTTG AACAGAGCTT TTTATTAGGA GGATGTAGGG ATTATCACAC AG - #AAGAAGAA 120# 152 TAAT TTCCTTTCTT TC- (2) INFORMATION FOR SEQ ID NO:12:- (i) SEQUENCE CHARACTERISTICS:#pairs (A) LENGTH: 208 base (B) TYPE: nucleic acid (C) STRANDEDNESS: single (D) TOPOLOGY: linear- (ii) MOLECULE TYPE: DNA (genomic)- (iii) HYPOTHETICAL: NO- (iv) ANTI-SENSE: NO- (xi) SEQUENCE DESCRIPTION: SEQ ID NO:12:- ATATAATATT TGTAAGAGAT TAGAGGAAGC CTGTCTCCTG AATACATTCC TT - #ATACCTTC 60- ATATGTAAAA CACTTAGCAC ATATCACTTT CTGGAGCATT GTACCACCTG TC - #TCATGGAG 120- GATTAGTGTC CTTAAAGGTA CCTGGGGTTA CAGCTATGAG TGGAGAAATT AA - #TTTGTGAC 180# 208 CTTC TATTTCAG- (2) INFORMATION FOR SEQ ID NO:13:- (i) SEQUENCE CHARACTERISTICS:#pairs (A) LENGTH: 78 base (B) TYPE: nucleic acid (C) STRANDEDNESS: single (D) TOPOLOGY: linear- (ii) MOLECULE TYPE: DNA (genomic)- (iii) HYPOTHETICAL: NO- (iv) ANTI-SENSE: NO- (ix) FEATURE: (A) NAME/KEY: exon (B) LOCATION: 1..78- (xi) SEQUENCE DESCRIPTION: SEQ ID NO:13:- CCAGGTGAGG AACTTTCACC AACAGATGAA AATGGAAAAG TAATATTTGA CA - #TAGTGGAT 60# 78 AG- (2) INFORMATION FOR SEQ ID NO:14:- (i) SEQUENCE CHARACTERISTICS:#pairs (A) LENGTH: 98 base (B) TYPE: nucleic acid (C) STRANDEDNESS: single (D) TOPOLOGY: linear- (ii) MOLECULE TYPE: DNA (genomic)- (iii) HYPOTHETICAL: NO- (iv) ANTI-SENSE: NO- (xi) SEQUENCE DESCRIPTION: SEQ ID NO:14:- GTGAGTGCTT GGCGGAGAGG ACACAGAGAA GGATGACAAA AAGAGAAAAT CT - #GTTTCCCA 60# 98 ATGG AATATGCACC ATTAGATC- (2) INFORMATION FOR SEQ ID NO:15:- (i) SEQUENCE CHARACTERISTICS:#pairs (A) LENGTH: 249 base (B) TYPE: nucleic acid (C) STRANDEDNESS: single (D) TOPOLOGY: linear- (ii) MOLECULE TYPE: DNA (genomic)- (iii) HYPOTHETICAL: NO- (iv) ANTI-SENSE: NO- (xi) SEQUENCE DESCRIPTION: SEQ ID NO:15:- GACAGGAATC TCTTTCCTTG CTTGTGCATT AATCTATGCA GTTTCCTAAG GA - #AGAGATAG 60- AAATTCTTAC TCTTGCTGCC TCTATCTTCT TCCCCTATTT GCTGTTTGAA TT - #TTTCTTTT 120- TTTGACAATC ACTGCTAGCT ATTTTCATTG TCATACTTTG AAAGTTGTTG CT - #CTCACAGT 180- TCTGTCTTGC ATTTACCGTG ATTTGCAGCC AACTGCACAA ATAATTCCTC AC - #AACCCCTT 240# 249- (2) INFORMATION FOR SEQ ID NO:16:- (i) SEQUENCE CHARACTERISTICS:#pairs (A) LENGTH: 123 base (B) TYPE: nucleic acid (C) STRANDEDNESS: single (D) TOPOLOGY: linear- (ii) MOLECULE TYPE: DNA (genomic)- (iii) HYPOTHETICAL: NO- (iv) ANTI-SENSE: NO- (ix) FEATURE: (A) NAME/KEY: exon (B) LOCATION: 1..123- (xi) SEQUENCE DESCRIPTION: SEQ ID NO:16:- GCCATGGAGA AGTGTAAGGA TGCAGGATTG GCCAAGTCCA TTGGGGTGTC AA - #ACTTCAAC 60- CGCAGGCAGC TGGAGATGAT CCTCAACAAG CCAGGACTCA AGTACAAGCC TG - #TCTGCAAC 120# 123- (2) INFORMATION FOR SEQ ID NO:17:- (i) SEQUENCE CHARACTERISTICS:#pairs (A) LENGTH: 138 base (B) TYPE: nucleic acid (C) STRANDEDNESS: single (D) TOPOLOGY: linear- (ii) MOLECULE TYPE: DNA (genomic)- (iii) HYPOTHETICAL: NO- (iv) ANTI-SENSE: NO- (xi) SEQUENCE DESCRIPTION: SEQ ID NO:17:- GTGAGCTCCC TTGGCCTTCT CTCCTTTCGG TTCTTCATGC CCCCTCTTCC TG - #TCCTATTG 60- CCAAATATCT GTTTGTTTTG TCCCAGTTAT CTTTGTGAAG TAGAAGATTA TC - #TAGAGAGC 120# 138 AA- (2) INFORMATION FOR SEQ ID NO:18:- (i) SEQUENCE CHARACTERISTICS:#pairs (A) LENGTH: 189 base (B) TYPE: nucleic acid (C) STRANDEDNESS: single (D) TOPOLOGY: linear- (ii) MOLECULE TYPE: DNA (genomic)- (iii) HYPOTHETICAL: NO- (iv) ANTI-SENSE: NO- (xi) SEQUENCE DESCRIPTION: SEQ ID NO:18:- ATTTCCATTT ATACTTTTAG AAGATATATA AAATTTATTT CTATGAAAAA GG - #TTATTACT 60- TGACAATAAT ATCCTCAGCT CAAATATAAT GCTATACTGA TTATTATTCA GC - #TTCCTTAC 120- TTTCATCTTT TCAATATTAA CATAACTATT TCATATAAAT TGATGCTTCT CT - #CTTTTGGT 180# 189- (2) INFORMATION FOR SEQ ID NO:19:- (i) SEQUENCE CHARACTERISTICS:#pairs (A) LENGTH: 110 base (B) TYPE: nucleic acid (C) STRANDEDNESS: single (D) TOPOLOGY: linear- (ii) MOLECULE TYPE: DNA (genomic)- (iii) HYPOTHETICAL: NO- (iv) ANTI-SENSE: NO- (ix) FEATURE: (A) NAME/KEY: exon (B) LOCATION: 1..110- (xi) SEQUENCE DESCRIPTION: SEQ ID NO:19:- GTAGAATGTC ATCCGTATTT CAACCGGAGT AAATTGCTAG ATTTCTGCAA GT - #CGAAAGAT 60# 110CTATAG TGCTCTGGGA TCTCAACGAG ACAAACGATG- (2) INFORMATION FOR SEQ ID NO:20:- (i) SEQUENCE CHARACTERISTICS:#pairs (A) LENGTH: 136 base (B) TYPE: nucleic acid (C) STRANDEDNESS: single (D) TOPOLOGY: linear- (ii) MOLECULE TYPE: DNA (genomic)- (iii) HYPOTHETICAL: NO- (iv) ANTI-SENSE: NO- (xi) SEQUENCE DESCRIPTION: SEQ ID NO:20:- GTAATAAAAA CAATGGGACC TTTACATAAA CCTTCATTTT GCAGAAAATT TT - #TTAGTCAG 60- AGCATCCTCA GTTTCCTGTA GTTAAGTTTC AAGTGGCTCA TGGAGAGGAA AG - #AGAATTGC 120# 136- (2) INFORMATION FOR SEQ ID NO:21:- (i) SEQUENCE CHARACTERISTICS:#pairs (A) LENGTH: 66 base (B) TYPE: nucleic acid (C) STRANDEDNESS: single (D) TOPOLOGY: linear- (ii) MOLECULE TYPE: DNA (genomic)- (iii) HYPOTHETICAL: NO- (iv) ANTI-SENSE: NO- (xi) SEQUENCE DESCRIPTION: SEQ ID NO:21:- TTTAGGGAGC TGCCTAACAA ACTATCGGCA GCCTCAGGGC CTCAGCCTTT CT - #GCCTTTCC 60# 66- (2) INFORMATION FOR SEQ ID NO:22:- (i) SEQUENCE CHARACTERISTICS:#pairs (A) LENGTH: 166 base (B) TYPE: nucleic acid (C) STRANDEDNESS: single (D) TOPOLOGY: linear- (ii) MOLECULE TYPE: DNA (genomic)- (iii) HYPOTHETICAL: NO- (iv) ANTI-SENSE: NO- (ix) FEATURE: (A) NAME/KEY: exon (B) LOCATION: 1..166- (xi) SEQUENCE DESCRIPTION: SEQ ID NO:22:- GGTGGACCCG AACTCCCCGG TGCTCTTGGA GGACCCAGTC CTTTGTGCCT TG - #GCAAAAAA 60- GCACAAGCGA ACCCCAGCCC TGATTGCCCT GCGCTACCAG CTGCAGCGTG GG - #GTTGTGGT 120# 166ATG AGCAGCGCAT CAGACAGAAC GTGCAG- (2) INFORMATION FOR SEQ ID NO:23:- (i) SEQUENCE CHARACTERISTICS:#pairs (A) LENGTH: 136 base (B) TYPE: nucleic acid (C) STRANDEDNESS: single (D) TOPOLOGY: linear- (ii) MOLECULE TYPE: DNA (genomic)- (iii) HYPOTHETICAL: NO- (iv) ANTI-SENSE: NO- (xi) SEQUENCE DESCRIPTION: SEQ ID NO:23:- GTGAGGAGCG GGGCTGTGGG CCTCAGGTCT CCTGCACAGT GTCCTTCACA CG - #TGTGCTTC 60- TTGTAAGGCT CTCAGGACAG CCTTGGGCCA GCTCCATTTC CCTGTATTTC CC - #ATATGAAT 120# 136- (2) INFORMATION FOR SEQ ID NO:24:- (i) SEQUENCE CHARACTERISTICS:#pairs (A) LENGTH: 286 base (B) TYPE: nucleic acid (C) STRANDEDNESS: single (D) TOPOLOGY: linear- (ii) MOLECULE TYPE: DNA (genomic)- (iii) HYPOTHETICAL: NO- (iv) ANTI-SENSE: NO- (xi) SEQUENCE DESCRIPTION: SEQ ID NO:24:- CCCTATCATG TGGGCACAAT GTCAGCGCTG TTTCTTCTCC ATTTTCTGTT GA - #AATTTTCT 60- CTTTGTCTGC AGAGTTGCAC AGTTTCAATA CATAATATCT AGGAATGGAT TT - #CTGCTTAT 120- TTTTCGTGAG CTATTCATTG ACCCACCTGA GTGTTTAGAG CTGACTTCTA TA - #ACTGTTTA 180- AAACTTACCA ATATTTTAAG TATTGTCTCT GCACCCTACT GTCTAATATA CT - #TGGGGATT 240# 286AAA TAATAAAAGT TTTTTATTTC TGATAG- (2) INFORMATION FOR SEQ ID NO:25:- (i) SEQUENCE CHARACTERISTICS:#pairs (A) LENGTH: 83 base (B) TYPE: nucleic acid (C) STRANDEDNESS: single (D) TOPOLOGY: linear- (ii) MOLECULE TYPE: DNA (genomic)- (iii) HYPOTHETICAL: NO- (iv) ANTI-SENSE: NO- (ix) FEATURE: (A) NAME/KEY: exon (B) LOCATION: 1..83- (xi) SEQUENCE DESCRIPTION: SEQ ID NO:25:- GTTTTTGAGT TCCAGTTGAC TGCAGAGGAC ATGAAAGCCA TAGATGGCCT AG - #ACAGAAAT 60# 83GTGA TAG- (2) INFORMATION FOR SEQ ID NO:26:- (i) SEQUENCE CHARACTERISTICS:#pairs (A) LENGTH: 713 base (B) TYPE: nucleic acid (C) STRANDEDNESS: single (D) TOPOLOGY: linear- (ii) MOLECULE TYPE: DNA (genomic)- (iii) HYPOTHETICAL: NO- (iv) ANTI-SENSE: NO- (xi) SEQUENCE DESCRIPTION: SEQ ID NO:26:- GTAAGTTTCC TTTGTAAATG GGTGATCTAA TTTATTTCTG GAGAAGGAAT GT - #AGGATGGG 60- TGTTGAGAGT GACCTCCATA CCAGAGGGAC AGAGGCCAAT GTGAGTCAGA GG - #TGAGACTG 120- GAACTCTCCT GCTGGATTCA CTCCAGAGCT CTGTTCTCTG GCAGGGTGAG TG - #GGCAGGGA 180- TCAGCATGGG TCAACCTGTG CCTCTGCTCT CCTGACTCCA TGGAACTTTC CA - #GAGCAGCC 240- AACATCATTG CCAAGTCTGC ACGTTCCATA TAGGCCTGGT GTTTCTACCA CT - #GGACATGC 300- TGTGGATACT GCCCATGTGA CTTCATTAGA TGTTTCCAAA TCTGTGCTTA TA - #TCACATTG 360- TCCCAAACCT GCTCAGCTCC TTATCAAATC AAAAACATTT CCATCAACTT TG - #TGGTCCAG 420- GTGCCAATTC CCACCTCCTT CATATGGAAT TGCTTGCTAG ATCCTGTCAA TT - #CAGCATCT 480- TTTATTATTT CAAATGTTTT TCCTCCTTCT CCTTGCACGT TTGTTCATGC CC - #CAAACTCT 540- GCTTTTGCCT CCAGAAAGCC TTCCTTAGTG GAGTGAATAG GAGTGCTTGT CC - #TTGATTTC 600- CTGCAATATG GAGCTCTCAA GGCAGAGAAT TTAAAAAAAT TTAAAATCAA GG - #AGTGTGAG 660- TGTGGAGGCA GAAGCTCCAT TGTTGTATAT AATTTGTAGC TGATAAAAGA TC - #T 713- (2) INFORMATION FOR SEQ ID NO:27:- (i) SEQUENCE CHARACTERISTICS:#pairs (A) LENGTH: 415 base (B) TYPE: nucleic acid (C) STRANDEDNESS: single (D) TOPOLOGY: linear- (ii) MOLECULE TYPE: DNA (genomic)- (iii) HYPOTHETICAL: NO- (iv) ANTI-SENSE: NO- (xi) SEQUENCE DESCRIPTION: SEQ ID NO:27:- TTTAATGCAC TGTAGCTCCT TGGATATTAG ACCCTATATC ATATATAACA AT - #TTACATTT 60- CTGAATCTTA CAAAATATAT TGCATACAGT AGGCAGTAGC AGGTAATAAG TA - #AAGTAACA 120- AAAGAAAGTA TAATCAGAGT ATCTCTGCTC TGCTGACAGA TGTACAGGAA TA - #TACTTGAA 180- TATTTGACTT TGTGTGTTTT ACGTGTTAAC TTCCAGATAA GGGAATATGA TT - #GAATAATT 240- TATTATTTTG AAAATACTGT ATTATGAAGC CATGTTCATA AAGGTAAGAA AG - #GCAGATTC 300- TACAACTAGT CAGACAACTT AACATTCATA CTAATGACAG CTTCATTGAA AT - #CACTTTAC 360- TACTCCCCTA GTAATGGAGT CATTGCATTT ATATTATACA TTATTCTCTT TT - #CAG 415- (2) INFORMATION FOR SEQ ID NO:28:- (i) SEQUENCE CHARACTERISTICS:#pairs (A) LENGTH: 230 base (B) TYPE: nucleic acid (C) STRANDEDNESS: single (D) TOPOLOGY: linear- (ii) MOLECULE TYPE: DNA (genomic)- (iii) HYPOTHETICAL: NO- (iv) ANTI-SENSE: NO- (ix) FEATURE: (A) NAME/KEY: exon (B) LOCATION: 1..230- (xi) SEQUENCE DESCRIPTION: SEQ ID NO:28:- TTTTGCTAGC CACCCTAATT ATCCATATTC AGATGAATAT TAACATGGAG GG - #CTTTGCCT 60- GATGATGTCT ACCAGAAGGC CCTGTGTGTG GATGGTGACG CAGAGGACGT CT - #CTATGCCG 120- GTGACTGGAC ATATCACCTC TACTTAAATC CGTCCTGTTT AGCGACTTCA GT - #CAACTACA 180# 230CCAGAA AGACAATAAA TTTTTATCAT TTTGAAATAA- (2) INFORMATION FOR SEQ ID NO:29:- (i) SEQUENCE CHARACTERISTICS:#pairs (A) LENGTH: 109 base (B) TYPE: nucleic acid (C) STRANDEDNESS: single (D) TOPOLOGY: linear- (ii) MOLECULE TYPE: DNA (genomic)- (iii) HYPOTHETICAL: NO- (iv) ANTI-SENSE: NO- (xi) SEQUENCE DESCRIPTION: SEQ ID NO:29:- TTGAATGTTT TCTCAAAGAT TCTTTACCTA CTCTGTTCTG TAGTGTGTGT TT - #TCTTCTGG 60# 109GTGTG TGTGTGTGCT TTCTTCTGGC TCAACAGGG- (2) INFORMATION FOR SEQ ID NO:30:- (i) SEQUENCE CHARACTERISTICS:#pairs (A) LENGTH: 22 base (B) TYPE: nucleic acid (C) STRANDEDNESS: single (D) TOPOLOGY: linear- (ii) MOLECULE TYPE: DNA (genomic)- (iii) HYPOTHETICAL: NO- (iv) ANTI-SENSE: YES- (xi) SEQUENCE DESCRIPTION: SEQ ID NO:30:# 22CTG TT- (2) INFORMATION FOR SEQ ID NO:31:- (i) SEQUENCE CHARACTERISTICS:#pairs (A) LENGTH: 20 base (B) TYPE: nucleic acid (C) STRANDEDNESS: single (D) TOPOLOGY: linear- (ii) MOLECULE TYPE: DNA (genomic)- (iii) HYPOTHETICAL: NO- (iv) ANTI-SENSE: YES- (xi) SEQUENCE DESCRIPTION: SEQ ID NO:31:# 20 TCGG- (2) INFORMATION FOR SEQ ID NO:32:- (i) SEQUENCE CHARACTERISTICS:#pairs (A) LENGTH: 16 base (B) TYPE: nucleic acid (C) STRANDEDNESS: single (D) TOPOLOGY: linear- (ii) MOLECULE TYPE: DNA (genomic)- (iii) HYPOTHETICAL: NO- (iv) ANTI-SENSE: YES- (xi) SEQUENCE DESCRIPTION: SEQ ID NO:32:# 16- (2) INFORMATION FOR SEQ ID NO:33:- (i) SEQUENCE CHARACTERISTICS:#pairs (A) LENGTH: 18 base (B) TYPE: nucleic acid (C) STRANDEDNESS: single (D) TOPOLOGY: linear- (ii) MOLECULE TYPE: DNA (genomic)- (iii) HYPOTHETICAL: NO- (iv) ANTI-SENSE: YES- (xi) SEQUENCE DESCRIPTION: SEQ ID NO:33:# 18 TC- (2) INFORMATION FOR SEQ ID NO:34:- (i) SEQUENCE CHARACTERISTICS:#pairs (A) LENGTH: 16 base (B) TYPE: nucleic acid (C) STRANDEDNESS: single (D) TOPOLOGY: linear- (ii) MOLECULE TYPE: DNA (genomic)- (iii) HYPOTHETICAL: NO- (iv) ANTI-SENSE: YES- (xi) SEQUENCE DESCRIPTION: SEQ ID NO:34:# 16- (2) INFORMATION FOR SEQ ID NO:35:- (i) SEQUENCE CHARACTERISTICS:#pairs (A) LENGTH: 17 base (B) TYPE: nucleic acid (C) STRANDEDNESS: single (D) TOPOLOGY: linear- (ii) MOLECULE TYPE: DNA (genomic)- (iii) HYPOTHETICAL: NO- (iv) ANTI-SENSE: YES- (xi) SEQUENCE DESCRIPTION: SEQ ID NO:35:# 17 G- (2) INFORMATION FOR SEQ ID NO:36:- (i) SEQUENCE CHARACTERISTICS:#pairs (A) LENGTH: 18 base (B) TYPE: nucleic acid (C) STRANDEDNESS: single (D) TOPOLOGY: linear- (ii) MOLECULE TYPE: DNA (genomic)- (iii) HYPOTHETICAL: NO- (iv) ANTI-SENSE: YES- (xi) SEQUENCE DESCRIPTION: SEQ ID NO:36:# 18 GA- (2) INFORMATION FOR SEQ ID NO:37:- (i) SEQUENCE CHARACTERISTICS:#pairs (A) LENGTH: 20 base (B) TYPE: nucleic acid (C) STRANDEDNESS: single (D) TOPOLOGY: linear- (ii) MOLECULE TYPE: DNA (genomic)- (iii) HYPOTHETICAL: NO- (iv) ANTI-SENSE: YES- (xi) SEQUENCE DESCRIPTION: SEQ ID NO:37:# 20 GAGA- (2) INFORMATION FOR SEQ ID NO:38:- (i) SEQUENCE CHARACTERISTICS:#pairs (A) LENGTH: 22 base (B) TYPE: nucleic acid (C) STRANDEDNESS: single (D) TOPOLOGY: linear- (ii) MOLECULE TYPE: DNA (genomic)- (iii) HYPOTHETICAL: NO- (iv) ANTI-SENSE: YES- (xi) SEQUENCE DESCRIPTION: SEQ ID NO:38:# 22GAG AT- (2) INFORMATION FOR SEQ ID NO:39:- (i) SEQUENCE CHARACTERISTICS:#pairs (A) LENGTH: 17 base (B) TYPE: nucleic acid (C) STRANDEDNESS: single (D) TOPOLOGY: linear- (ii) MOLECULE TYPE: DNA (genomic)- (iii) HYPOTHETICAL: NO- (iv) ANTI-SENSE: YES- (xi) SEQUENCE DESCRIPTION: SEQ ID NO:39:# 17 T- (2) INFORMATION FOR SEQ ID NO:40:- (i) SEQUENCE CHARACTERISTICS:#pairs (A) LENGTH: 20 base (B) TYPE: nucleic acid (C) STRANDEDNESS: single (D) TOPOLOGY: linear- (ii) MOLECULE TYPE: DNA (genomic)- (iii) HYPOTHETICAL: NO- (iv) ANTI-SENSE: YES- (xi) SEQUENCE DESCRIPTION: SEQ ID NO:40:# 20 GAGC- (2) INFORMATION FOR SEQ ID NO:41:- (i) SEQUENCE CHARACTERISTICS:#pairs (A) LENGTH: 20 base (B) TYPE: nucleic acid (C) STRANDEDNESS: single (D) TOPOLOGY: linear- (ii) MOLECULE TYPE: DNA (genomic)- (iii) HYPOTHETICAL: NO- (iv) ANTI-SENSE: YES- (xi) SEQUENCE DESCRIPTION: SEQ ID NO:41:# 20 AGTG- (2) INFORMATION FOR SEQ ID NO:42:- (i) SEQUENCE CHARACTERISTICS:#pairs (A) LENGTH: 20 base (B) TYPE: nucleic acid (C) STRANDEDNESS: single (D) TOPOLOGY: linear- (ii) MOLECULE TYPE: DNA (genomic)- (iii) HYPOTHETICAL: NO- (iv) ANTI-SENSE: YES- (xi) SEQUENCE DESCRIPTION: SEQ ID NO:42:# 20 AGGT- (2) INFORMATION FOR SEQ ID NO:43:- (i) SEQUENCE CHARACTERISTICS:#pairs (A) LENGTH: 20 base (B) TYPE: nucleic acid (C) STRANDEDNESS: single (D) TOPOLOGY: linear- (ii) MOLECULE TYPE: DNA (genomic)- (iii) HYPOTHETICAL: NO- (iv) ANTI-SENSE: YES- (xi) SEQUENCE DESCRIPTION: SEQ ID NO:43:# 20 TAGA- (2) INFORMATION FOR SEQ ID NO:44:- (i) SEQUENCE CHARACTERISTICS:#pairs (A) LENGTH: 20 base (B) TYPE: nucleic acid (C) STRANDEDNESS: single (D) TOPOLOGY: linear- (ii) MOLECULE TYPE: DNA (genomic)- (iii) HYPOTHETICAL: NO- (iv) ANTI-SENSE: YES- (xi) SEQUENCE DESCRIPTION: SEQ ID NO:44:# 20 GGTG- (2) INFORMATION FOR SEQ ID NO:45:- (i) SEQUENCE CHARACTERISTICS:#pairs (A) LENGTH: 20 base (B) TYPE: nucleic acid (C) STRANDEDNESS: single (D) TOPOLOGY: linear- (ii) MOLECULE TYPE: DNA (genomic)- (iii) HYPOTHETICAL: NO- (iv) ANTI-SENSE: YES- (xi) SEQUENCE DESCRIPTION: SEQ ID NO:45:# 20 TTGA- (2) INFORMATION FOR SEQ ID NO:46:- (i) SEQUENCE CHARACTERISTICS:#pairs (A) LENGTH: 19 base (B) TYPE: nucleic acid (C) STRANDEDNESS: single (D) TOPOLOGY: linear- (ii) MOLECULE TYPE: DNA (genomic)- (iii) HYPOTHETICAL: NO- (iv) ANTI-SENSE: YES- (xi) SEQUENCE DESCRIPTION: SEQ ID NO:46:# 19 AAA- (2) INFORMATION FOR SEQ ID NO:47:- (i) SEQUENCE CHARACTERISTICS:#pairs (A) LENGTH: 20 base (B) TYPE: nucleic acid (C) STRANDEDNESS: single (D) TOPOLOGY: linear- (ii) MOLECULE TYPE: DNA (genomic)- (iii) HYPOTHETICAL: NO- (iv) ANTI-SENSE: YES- (xi) SEQUENCE DESCRIPTION: SEQ ID NO:47:# 20 CTGT- (2) INFORMATION FOR SEQ ID NO:48:- (i) SEQUENCE CHARACTERISTICS:#pairs (A) LENGTH: 20 base (B) TYPE: nucleic acid (C) STRANDEDNESS: single (D) TOPOLOGY: linear- (ii) MOLECULE TYPE: DNA (genomic)- (iii) HYPOTHETICAL: NO- (iv) ANTI-SENSE: YES- (xi) SEQUENCE DESCRIPTION: SEQ ID NO:48:# 20 AGAG- (2) INFORMATION FOR SEQ ID NO:49:- (i) SEQUENCE CHARACTERISTICS:#pairs (A) LENGTH: 17 base (B) TYPE: nucleic acid (C) STRANDEDNESS: single (D) TOPOLOGY: linear- (ii) MOLECULE TYPE: DNA (genomic)- (iii) HYPOTHETICAL: NO- (iv) ANTI-SENSE: YES- (xi) SEQUENCE DESCRIPTION: SEQ ID NO:49:# 17 G- (2) INFORMATION FOR SEQ ID NO:50:- (i) SEQUENCE CHARACTERISTICS:#pairs (A) LENGTH: 18 base (B) TYPE: nucleic acid (C) STRANDEDNESS: single (D) TOPOLOGY: linear- (ii) MOLECULE TYPE: DNA (genomic)- (iii) HYPOTHETICAL: NO- (iv) ANTI-SENSE: YES- (xi) SEQUENCE DESCRIPTION: SEQ ID NO:50:# 18 TG- (2) INFORMATION FOR SEQ ID NO:51:- (i) SEQUENCE CHARACTERISTICS:#pairs (A) LENGTH: 17 base (B) TYPE: nucleic acid (C) STRANDEDNESS: single (D) TOPOLOGY: linear- (ii) MOLECULE TYPE: DNA (genomic)- (iii) HYPOTHETICAL: NO- (iv) ANTI-SENSE: YES- (xi) SEQUENCE DESCRIPTION: SEQ ID NO:51:# 17 A- (2) INFORMATION FOR SEQ ID NO:52:- (i) SEQUENCE CHARACTERISTICS:#pairs (A) LENGTH: 23 base (B) TYPE: nucleic acid (C) STRANDEDNESS: single (D) TOPOLOGY: linear- (ii) MOLECULE TYPE: DNA (genomic)- (iii) HYPOTHETICAL: NO- (iv) ANTI-SENSE: YES- (xi) SEQUENCE DESCRIPTION: SEQ ID NO:52:# 23ACAG TTT- (2) INFORMATION FOR SEQ ID NO:53:- (i) SEQUENCE CHARACTERISTICS:#pairs (A) LENGTH: 19 base (B) TYPE: nucleic acid (C) STRANDEDNESS: single (D) TOPOLOGY: linear- (ii) MOLECULE TYPE: DNA (genomic)- (iii) HYPOTHETICAL: NO- (iv) ANTI-SENSE: YES- (xi) SEQUENCE DESCRIPTION: SEQ ID NO:53:# 19 AAT- (2) INFORMATION FOR SEQ ID NO:54:- (i) SEQUENCE CHARACTERISTICS:#pairs (A) LENGTH: 22 base (B) TYPE: nucleic acid (C) STRANDEDNESS: single (D) TOPOLOGY: linear- (ii) MOLECULE TYPE: DNA (genomic)- (iii) HYPOTHETICAL: NO- (iv) ANTI-SENSE: YES- (xi) SEQUENCE DESCRIPTION: SEQ ID NO:54:# 22AAT CA- (2) INFORMATION FOR SEQ ID NO:55:- (i) SEQUENCE CHARACTERISTICS:#pairs (A) LENGTH: 17 base (B) TYPE: nucleic acid (C) STRANDEDNESS: single (D) TOPOLOGY: linear- (ii) MOLECULE TYPE: DNA (genomic)- (iii) HYPOTHETICAL: NO- (iv) ANTI-SENSE: YES- (xi) SEQUENCE DESCRIPTION: SEQ ID NO:55:# 17 A- (2) INFORMATION FOR SEQ ID NO:56:- (i) SEQUENCE CHARACTERISTICS:#pairs (A) LENGTH: 17 base (B) TYPE: nucleic acid (C) STRANDEDNESS: single (D) TOPOLOGY: linear- (ii) MOLECULE TYPE: DNA (genomic)- (iii) HYPOTHETICAL: NO- (iv) ANTI-SENSE: YES- (xi) SEQUENCE DESCRIPTION: SEQ ID NO:56:# 17 G- (2) INFORMATION FOR SEQ ID NO:57:- (i) SEQUENCE CHARACTERISTICS:#pairs (A) LENGTH: 20 base (B) TYPE: nucleic acid (C) STRANDEDNESS: single (D) TOPOLOGY: linear- (ii) MOLECULE TYPE: DNA (genomic)- (iii) HYPOTHETICAL: NO- (iv) ANTI-SENSE: YES- (xi) SEQUENCE DESCRIPTION: SEQ ID NO:57:# 20 TCTG- (2) INFORMATION FOR SEQ ID NO:58:- (i) SEQUENCE CHARACTERISTICS:#pairs (A) LENGTH: 20 base (B) TYPE: nucleic acid (C) STRANDEDNESS: single (D) TOPOLOGY: linear- (ii) MOLECULE TYPE: DNA (genomic)- (iii) HYPOTHETICAL: NO- (iv) ANTI-SENSE: YES- (xi) SEQUENCE DESCRIPTION: SEQ ID NO:58:# 20 TGCA- (2) INFORMATION FOR SEQ ID NO:59:- (i) SEQUENCE CHARACTERISTICS:#pairs (A) LENGTH: 18 base (B) TYPE: nucleic acid (C) STRANDEDNESS: single (D) TOPOLOGY: linear- (ii) MOLECULE TYPE: DNA (genomic)- (iii) HYPOTHETICAL: NO- (iv) ANTI-SENSE: YES- (xi) SEQUENCE DESCRIPTION: SEQ ID NO:59:# 18 CC__________________________________________________________________________

Claims

1. An isolated nucleotide sequence encoding type 5 17.beta.-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase, said sequence including the exact sequence of SEQ ID No. 1, or nucleotides 11-981 thereof, or a complement of either of the foregoing, said sequence encoding an enzyme which catalyzes the conversion of progesterone to 20.alpha.-hydroxyprogesterone and the conversion of 4-androstenedione to testosterone.

2. The nucleotide sequence, as recited in claim 1, wherein said sequence includes the region from nucleotides 11-981 of SEQ ID No. 1.

3. A recombinant expression vector comprising a promoter sequence operably linked to a nucleotide sequence in accordance with claim 1.

4. A recombinant expression vector comprising a promoter sequence operably linked to a nucleotide sequence in accordance with claim 2.

5. A recombinant host cell, transformed or transfected with the vector of claim 4.

6. The recombinant host cell of claim 5, wherein said host cell is a eukaryotic cell.

7. A recombinant host cell, transformed or transfected with the vector of claim 3.

8. The recombinant host cell of claim 7, wherein said host cell is a eukaryotic cell.

9. A recombinant host cell including the exact nucleotide sequence of SEQ ID No. 1 or its complement integrated into the genome of said host cell.

10. The recombinant host cell of claim 9, wherein said nucleotide sequence is located on a recombinant vector.

11. The recombinant host cell, as recited in claim 8, wherein said host cell expresses a biologically active type 5 17.beta.-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase.

12. A method for producing type 5 17.beta.-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase, comprising the steps of:

preparing a recombinant host transformed or transfected with the vector of claim 3; and

culturing said host under conditions which are conducive to the production of type 5 17.beta.-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase by said host.