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Identification of the protein product of the c-mos proto-oncogene in mouse testes
1Department of Molecular Pathology, University of Texas, MD and Anderson Cancer Center, Houston 77030.
Abstract:
The mouse c-mos proto-oncogene RNA is expressed primarily in mouse gonadal tissues and embryos. Until now, the c-mos protein has not been identified. Utilizing two different site-directed affinity purified anti-peptide antibodies, we have identified a 43 kDa c-mos protein in mouse testes and in germ cell preparations derived from testes. This 43 kDa testicular protein was found to be structurally related to a bacterially expressed c-mos protein by peptide mapping. Immunoblots of whole mouse sections were employed to establish that the c-mos protein is expressed primarily in the testes.
Insights
Researchers identified the c-mos protein in mouse testes using specific antibodies. This 43 kDa protein, structurally related to bacterial versions, is primarily expressed in gonadal tissues.
Area of Science:
- Molecular Biology
- Oncology
- Reproductive Biology
Background:
- The c-mos proto-oncogene RNA is known to be expressed in mouse gonadal tissues and embryos.
- The existence and location of the c-mos protein, however, remained unconfirmed until this study.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify and characterize the c-mos protein in mouse tissues.
- To determine the primary site of c-mos protein expression in mice.
Main Methods:
- Utilized two distinct site-directed affinity-purified anti-peptide antibodies for protein identification.
- Employed peptide mapping to compare the testicular c-mos protein with a bacterially expressed version.
- Conducted immunoblots on whole mouse sections to ascertain tissue-specific expression.
Main Results:
- Successfully identified a 43 kDa c-mos protein in mouse testes and isolated germ cells.
- Peptide mapping confirmed structural similarity between the testicular 43 kDa protein and bacterially produced c-mos.
- Immunoblotting demonstrated that the c-mos protein is predominantly expressed in the testes.
Conclusions:
- The 43 kDa c-mos protein is present in mouse testes and germ cells.
- The primary site of c-mos protein expression in mice is the testes.
- This finding provides the first direct evidence for the c-mos protein in mammalian reproductive tissues.