The gene encoding protein kinase SEK1 maps to mouse chromosome 11 and human chromosome 17

We report the mapping of the human and mouse genes encoding SEK1 (SAPK/ERK kinase-1), a newly identified protein kinase that is a potent physiological activator of the stress-activated protein kinases. The human SERK1 gene was assigned to human chromosome 17 using genomic DNAs from human- rodent somatic cell hybrid lines. A specific human PCR product was observed solely in the somatic cell line containing human chromosome 17. The mouse Serk1 gene was mapped to chromosome 11, closely linked to D11Mit4, using genomic DNAs from a (C57BL/6J x Mus spretus) F1 x M. spretus backcross.