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Characterization of hepsin, a membrane bound protease
A Tsuji1, A Torres-Rosado, T Arai
1Department of Human Genetics, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor 48109.
Biomedica Biochimica Acta
|January 1, 1991
Summary
Hepsin, a membrane-bound protease, is located at the cell surface in mammalian cells. Its gene is highly expressed in baboon liver tissue, indicating potential physiological roles.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Cell Biology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Hepsin is a 51 kDa membrane-bound protease found in mammalian cells.
- It possesses a hydrophobic N-terminal sequence critical for its membrane association.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the cellular localization of hepsin's catalytic subunit.
- To investigate the expression pattern of the hepsin gene in baboon tissues.
Main Methods:
- Fluorescent immunostaining of cells to visualize hepsin.
- Western blot analysis of cell subfractions to identify protein location.
- Gene expression analysis in various baboon tissues.
Main Results:
- The catalytic subunit of hepsin was localized to the cell surface.
- Hepsin gene expression was detected in most tissues of young adult baboons.
- High levels of hepsin gene expression were observed specifically in the liver.
Conclusions:
- Hepsin's catalytic domain is accessible at the cell surface.
- The liver is a primary site of hepsin gene expression in baboons.
- These findings suggest important physiological functions for hepsin, particularly in the liver.