[Structure of the mts271 gene, coding a new calcium-binding protein].

A genomic copy of the mts271 gene which is specifically expressed in metastatic cells has been cloned and characterized. The gene consists of two exons and one intron and has an open-reading frame for the protein of 101 amino acids. The protein contains two helix-loop-helix calcium-binding domains, which is a common feature for the members of the large family of intracellular calcium-binding proteins (Ca B Ps). The primary structures of the mts271 gene products and other Ca B Ps were compared. High level of homology was found for S100 and calcium-binding protein of intestinal epithelium of rats. On the whole, the mts271 protein is a new calcium-binding protein which is specifically expressed in metastatic cells.