Identification, genomic organization and mRNA expression of CRELD1, the founding member of a unique family of matricellular proteins.

We have isolated and characterized a unique gene that encodes a highly conserved membrane bound extracellular protein that defines a new epidermal growth factor-related gene family. The CRELD1 (Cysteine-Rich with EGF-Like Domains 1) gene (previously known as cirrin) was cloned from a human chromosome 3 BAC. Mapping of the gene confirmed its position at chromosome 3p25.