Isolation and characterization of a new member of the human Ly6 gene family (LY6H).

The Ly6 family of genes encodes glycosylphosphatidylinositol-anchored cell surface glycoproteins expressed on various types of cells. Intriguing patterns of expression of Ly6 genes on specific subpopulations of lymphoid and myeloid cells suggest that Ly6 molecules may be involved in the development and homeostasis of hematopoietic cells. We have isolated a new member of the human Ly6 gene family, LY6H, from a human fetal brain cDNA library. Fluorescence in situ hybridization and radiation hybrid analyses assigned LY6H to chromosome 8, where other members of the Ly6 gene family are also located. Northern analysis revealed that LY6H is highly expressed in particular subdivisions of human brain and also in MOLT-3 and -4 acute lymphoblastic leukemia cells. These data suggest that LY6H may play a role(s) in both the central nervous system and the immune system.