NARG2 encodes a novel nuclear protein with (S/T)PXX motifs that is expressed during development.

We previously identified a partial expressed sequence tag clone corresponding to NARG2 in a screen for genes that are expressed in developing neurons and misexpressed in transgenic mice that lack functional N-methyl-d-aspartate receptors. Here we report the first characterization of the mouse and human NARG2 genes, cDNAs and the proteins that they encode. Mouse and human NARG2 consist of 988 and 982 amino acids, respectively, and share 74% identity.

An evolutionarily conserved N-terminal acetyltransferase complex associated with neuronal development.

We previously identified mNAT1 (murine N-terminal acetyltransferase 1) as an embryonic gene that is expressed in the developing brain and subsequently down-regulated, in part, by the onset of N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA) receptor function. By searching the data base we discovered a second closely related gene, mNAT2. mNAT1 and mNAT2 are highly homologous to yeast NAT1, a gene known to regulate entry into the G0 phase of the cell cycle.

Interaction of NF-Y with the 3'-flanking DNA sequence of the CCAAT box.

NF-Y, also referred to as CCAAT-binding factor, is a major CCAAT-binding transcription factor. The present study demonstrated that the 3'-flanking region of the CCAAT box is involved in the formation of a stable NF-Y.DNA complex.