Characterization of the Gene for Human EMMPRIN, a Tumor Cell Surface Inducer of Matrix Metalloproteinases

EMMPRIN (extracellular matrix metalloproteinase inducer) also known as CD147 and basigin, is a member of the immunoglobulin family that is present on the surface of tumor cells and stimulates nearby fibroblasts to synthesize matrix metalloproteinases. Using our EMMPRIN cDNA, we have isolated a cosmid clone that contains the human EMMPRIN gene. S1 analysis with a fragment of the gene clone and primer extension of the mRNA was performed to determine the transcription start site. PCR and sequence analysis have defined the exon/intron organization of the gene and show that it is highly conserved with the mouse EMMPRIN/basigin gene. About 950 bases of the 5'-flanking region were examined for transcription factor consensus binding sites, locating three SP1 sites and two AP2 sites. The transcription start site was found to be located in a CpG island. Elements in the proximal promoter region were conserved in the human and mouse genes.