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The primary structure of rat ribosomal protein S16
1Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Chicago, IL 60637.
Abstract:
The amino acid sequence of rat ribosomal protein S16 was deduced from the sequence of nucleotides in a recombinant cDNA and confirmed from the NH2-terminal amino acid sequence of the protein. S16 contains 145 amino acids (the NH2-terminal methionine is removed after translation of the mRNA) and has a molecular mass of 16,304. Hybridization of the cDNA to digests of nuclear DNA suggests that there are 11-13 copies of the S16 gene. The mRNA for the protein is about 700 nucleotides in length. Rat S16 is homologous to mouse S16 (there are 2 amino acid changes and a residue is deleted) and related to Halobacterium morismortui ribosomal protein S3 and to Escherichia coli S9.
Insights
Researchers determined the rat ribosomal protein S16 sequence, finding it has 145 amino acids and homologous genes. This ribosomal protein sequence provides insights into gene structure and evolution.
Area of Science:
- Molecular Biology
- Genetics
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Ribosomal proteins are essential components of ribosomes, the cellular machinery responsible for protein synthesis.
- Understanding the structure and genetics of ribosomal proteins is crucial for deciphering gene expression and cellular function.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the complete amino acid sequence of rat ribosomal protein S16 (rS16).
- To investigate the gene copy number and mRNA characteristics of rS16.
- To compare the rS16 sequence with homologous proteins from other species.
Main Methods:
- Deduction of the amino acid sequence from complementary DNA (cDNA) nucleotide sequences.
- Confirmation of the NH2-terminal amino acid sequence.
- Hybridization of cDNA to digested nuclear DNA to estimate gene copy number.
- Analysis of mRNA length.
Main Results:
- The amino acid sequence of rS16 was deduced, revealing a protein of 145 amino acids with a molecular mass of 16,304 Da.
- The gene for rS16 is present in 11-13 copies in the rat genome.
- The mRNA encoding rS16 is approximately 700 nucleotides in length.
- Rat S16 shows high homology to mouse S16 and relatedness to ribosomal proteins from Halobacterium morismortui and Escherichia coli.
Conclusions:
- The study provides the complete amino acid sequence of rat ribosomal protein S16.
- The findings suggest a conserved structure and evolutionary relationship of S16 proteins across different species.
- The data contributes to the understanding of ribosomal protein gene organization and expression in mammals.