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Use of expression mutants and monoclonal antibodies to map the erythrocyte Ca2+ pump

H P Adamo1, A J Caride, J T Penniston

  • 1Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Mayo Clinic/Foundation, Rochester, Minnesota 55905.

Insights

Researchers mapped the human erythrocyte Ca2+ pump (hPMCA4b) structure using antibody binding on mutants. This revealed cytoplasmic accessibility of key domains, suggesting an even number of membrane crossings.

Area of Science:

  • Biochemistry
  • Molecular Biology
  • Cell Biology

Background:

  • The human erythrocyte Ca2+ pump (hPMCA4b) is crucial for calcium homeostasis.
  • Understanding its membrane topology is essential for elucidating its function.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the topology of the hPMCA4b by mapping antibody epitopes on deletion and truncation mutants.
  • To identify cytoplasmic and extracellular regions of the pump.

Main Methods:

  • Expression of hPMCA4b deletion and truncation mutants in COS-1 cells.
  • Analysis of reactivity patterns with seven specific monoclonal antibodies.
  • Mapping of antibody epitopes to specific regions of the hPMCA4b protein.

Main Results:

  • Six of seven antibodies reacted with mutants from the cytoplasmic side, recognizing the NH2 terminus, COOH terminus, and a large hydrophilic region.
  • Two antibodies (1G4, 4A4) recognized discontinuous epitopes involving the hydrophilic domain and the M2-M3 transmembrane region.
  • One antibody (1B10) reacted from the extracellular side, recognizing the COOH-terminal half.

Conclusions:

  • The NH2 terminus, COOH terminus, M2-M3 region, and large hydrophilic region are located on the cytoplasmic side.
  • This topology implies an even number of membrane crossings in both the NH2-terminal and COOH-terminal halves of hPMCA4b.
  • At least two membrane crossings occur between residues 75-300 and in the COOH-terminal half.

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