The Popdc gene family in the rat: molecular cloning, characterization and expression analysis in the heart and cultured cardiomyocytes.

Three Popeye domain-containing (Popdc 1-3) family-members are known in vertebrates. Their exact function is as yet unknown although involvement in cell adhesion has been suggested. We report herein sequencing of the rat Popdc 1-3 cDNAs that show high homology to other vertebrate orthologs and are expressed primarily in the heart and skeletal muscles.