Characterization, expression analysis and chromosomal mapping of mouse matrix metalloproteinase-19 (MMP-19).

Using homology-based database screening, we have identified the mouse homologue for the recently described matrix metalloproteinase-19 (MMP-19). Sequencing of mouse MMP-19 resulted in a putative open reading frame (ORF) of 527 amino acids showing 84% identity to the human homologue. In mouse, MMP-19 appears to be most highly expressed in the liver; however, there is a detectable level of expression in all tissues analyzed. The major mouse MMP-19 transcript is almost twice as long as that of human. The COOH-terminal serine and threonine-rich domain is considerably longer in the mouse homologue. The mouse MMP-19 gene maps to very distal end of mouse chromosome 10.