Synthesis of subunits of ligandin by isolated hepatocytes

The pulse-chase technique was employed to determine the synthesis of the subunits of ligandin (glutathione S-transferase 1-2) by isolated hepatocytes. Ligandin comprised 2.5-3% of the total proteins synthesized. A slightly higher incorporation of [35S]methionine into the 22 k than the 25 k subunit was observed. However, the ratio of [35S]methionine incorporation into the subunits remained constant throughout the chase period, suggesting that, in spite of the considerable sequence homology, the conversion of 25 k to 22 k subunit does not occur in vivo.