Sequence and expression pattern of an evolutionarily conserved transcript identified by gene trapping.

We have isolated and analysed embryonic stem (ES) cell clones after electroporation with a gene trap vector. Clones were screened for changes in their lacZ reporter gene activity upon in vitro differentiation. The cDNA of one of the trapped transcripts, T10-2A2, was isolated and analysed in detail. Although not expressed constitutively in differentiating ES cells, the transcript was present in most organs of adult mice and widely expressed in midgestation mouse embryos. Zoo blot analysis indicated a conservation of this novel gene in yeast, rat and human.