The major kidney band 3 gene transcript predicts an amino-terminal truncated band 3 polypeptide

We have characterized multiple transcripts from the band 3 gene expressed in rat and mouse kidney. In each species, the major transcript lacks sequence from the first three exons of the band 3 gene. The murine transcript predicts a kidney band 3 polypeptide with a truncated amino terminus, lacking the first 79 amino acids of erythroid band 3. When expressed in Xenopus oocytes this truncated band 3 functions in anion transport.