Mouse N-ras genes: organization of the functional locus and of a truncated cDNA-like pseudogene.

The N-ras gene was first identified in both humans and mice as a mutationally activated oncogene found in tumors. The nucleotide sequence and intron/exon structure of the coding region of the mouse gene have been determined previously. We have now determined the sequence and intron/exon structure of the 5' and 3' untranslated regions of mouse N-ras. Like its human homolog, the 3' untranslated region of the gene is encoded by two exons, and the 5' region is encoded by one. In addition, we have isolated and sequenced a second mouse gene homologous to N-ras. This locus, which we have named N-ras-2ps, resides at a chromosomal site distinct from N-ras and appears to be a truncated cDNA-like pseudogene.