Cloning and Mapping of the Mouse Gpx2 gene Encoding Gastrointestinal Glutathione Peroxidase

Gastrointestinal glutathione peroxidase (GSHPx-GI) is an enzyme expressed in intestinal epithelial cells and may reduce hydroperoxides generated from the ingested diet. We isolated a genomic clone containing the mouse Gpx2 gene encoding 190 amino acids of GSHPx-GI. This gene is composed of two exons and an intron. The nucleotide sequence of the coding region was 89.9% identical with that of the human GPX2 gene. A TGA opal codon predicted to encode a selenocysteine was identified at codon 40. A genomic clone containing a pseudogene for the Gpx2 gene was also isolated. The nucleotide sequence of the pseudogene was 98.3% identical with that of the mouse Gpx2 gene and showed characteristics of a processed pseudogene. Linkage analysis using backcross mouse progeny indicated the mouse Gpx2 gene and its pseudogene to be located on mouse chromosomes 12 and 7, respectively.