cDNA cloning of mouse VLA-3 alpha subunit.

cDNA clones for mouse VLA (very late antigen)-3 α subunit (α3 integrin) were isolated and sequenced. The encoded mouse α3 integrin subunit was composed of 1,053 amino acid residues. The results of sequence analysis revealed similar structural characteristics to other VLA α subunits. For example, the presence of a large extracellular domain including three putative metal binding sequences, a transmembrane domain, and a short cytoplasmic domain. A higher level of its message was detected in thymus than in kidney, stomach, spleen, liver, brain, or lung by Northern blotting analysis.