[Cloning, expression and subcellular localization of a novel human gene-RNF122].

Objective: To clone a functionally unknown gene RNF122 and analyze its expression pattern and subcellular localization.

Methods: PCR was used to clone the novel gene-RNF122 from the mixed human tissue cDNA library. Bioinformatics analysis was used to identify structure characteristics of the gene. Northern blot was used to analyze its expression in normal tissues; RT-PCR was employed for its expression in cell lines and tumor tissues. By co-focal microscope, we identified its subcellular localization with organelle markers.

Results: A novel human gene-RNF122 was cloned, which was proved to have been expressed in several normal and tumor tissues and many cell lines, and localized in ER and Golgi apparatus.

Conclusion: RNF122 is a novel gene which encodes a protein that has a classic RING domain. It is widely expressed in several tissues and cell lines. The encoded protein is localized in ER and Golgi apparatus, which indicates that it may play a role in the process of protein degradation.