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Rapid repression of quiescence-specific gene expression by epidermal growth factor, insulin, and pp60v-src
P A Bedard1, Y Yannoni, D L Simmons
1Department of Cellular and Developmental Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02138.
Abstract:
We isolated a cDNA for p20K, a secreted protein preferentially synthesized in nonproliferating cells. p20K mRNA and protein levels declined rapidly following treatment with various mitogens. DNA sequence analysis of the p20K cDNA predicted a novel protein distantly related to alpha 2 mu-globulin and plasma retinol-binding protein.
Insights
Researchers identified p20K, a novel secreted protein. Its production decreases with cell proliferation, suggesting a role in nonproliferating cells and potential regulation by mitogens.
Area of Science:
- Molecular Biology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Nonproliferating cells synthesize a specific secreted protein, p20K.
- Mitogen stimulation leads to a rapid decrease in p20K levels.
Purpose of the Study:
- To isolate and characterize the cDNA for the secreted protein p20K.
- To investigate the regulation of p20K synthesis in response to mitogenic stimuli.
Main Methods:
- cDNA isolation and sequencing.
- Analysis of mRNA and protein expression levels.
- Bioinformatic analysis for protein homology.
Main Results:
- A cDNA for p20K was successfully isolated.
- p20K mRNA and protein levels were found to decrease rapidly after mitogen treatment.
- Sequence analysis predicted a novel protein with distant homology to alpha 2 mu-globulin and plasma retinol-binding protein.
Conclusions:
- p20K is a novel secreted protein preferentially synthesized in nonproliferating cells.
- p20K expression is downregulated by mitogenic signals.
- The predicted protein structure suggests a potential functional relationship with other binding proteins.