Molecular cloning of the cDNA encoding A + U-rich element RNA binding factor.

Using the differential display method, a new cDNA clone, termed laAUF1, encoding the human A + U-rich RNA-binding motif was isolated and sequenced. Analysis of the protein sequence of laAUF1 indicates 73% homology between the deduced polypeptide sequences of laAUF1 and AUF1 in the region encoding a consensus motif for two non-identical RNA recognition motifs (RRMs) and Gln-rich motif. We suggest that the similar affinities of laAUF1 and AUF1 for particular A + U-rich elements (ARE) sequences are related to their potencies as mRNA destabilizers.