The nucleotide sequence of the adult chicken alpha-globin genes.

The complete nucleotide sequence is reported of the two adult chicken alpha-globin genes, alpha A and alpha D. These two genes, expressed in a 3:1 ratio, respectively, in adult red cells, are widely divergent, suggesting that they have evolved separately for several hundred million years. Although the genes are closely linked in the chicken chromosome, the nucleotide sequences determined clearly rule out any recent gene conversion events. As expected, both genes contain two relatively short intervening sequences. The 3' intron of the alpha D gene begins with the dinucleotide GC rather than the typical GT. Extensive flanking sequences are reported for both genes. The chromosomal sequences of the two genes are compared to each other and to sequenced mammalian alpha-globin genes.