Figure 1.

Genomic organization of the MICA gene and its localization within the HLA region. The MICA gene was localized 46,445 bp centromeric of the HLA-B gene and its orientation was opposite to that of the HLA-B gene, facing to each other in a head-to-head fashion. The MICA gene consisting of 6 exons separated by each intron was spanning 11,720 bp between the HLA-B and BAT1 genes. There were two Alu and one LINE (long interspersed element) sequences in intron 1. Open box on top line indicates the exon and a long open box under the top line indicates the LINE sequence. Black box corresponds to the Alu sequence. Arrow shows the orientation of genes or repetitive sequences.