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Primary structure of sperm whale luteinizing hormone
International Journal of Peptide and Protein Research
|August 1, 1986
Summary
Researchers determined the full amino acid sequence of sperm whale luteinizing hormone (LH) alpha and beta subunits. This involved extracting, cleaving, and purifying hormone subunits and their fragments using advanced biochemical techniques.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Endocrinology
- Protein Chemistry
Background:
- Luteinizing hormone (LH) is a crucial glycoprotein hormone involved in reproduction.
- Understanding the primary structure of LH subunits is essential for comprehending its function and evolution.
Purpose of the Study:
- To elucidate the complete amino acid sequence of the alpha and beta subunits of sperm whale LH.
- To provide foundational data for further structural and functional studies of gonadotropins.
Main Methods:
- Extraction and separation of LH alpha- and beta-subunits from sperm whale pituitaries.
- Chemical cleavage (cyanogen bromide) and enzymatic digestion (trypsin, chymotrypsin) of subunits.
- Purification of peptide fragments using gel filtration, ion exchange, and reversed-phase chromatography, and chromatoelectrophoresis.
- Determination of peptide amino acid sequences using dansyl-Edman and modified Edman degradation methods.
Main Results:
- Successfully isolated and purified numerous peptide fragments from both LH subunits.
- Established the complete primary amino acid sequence for the sperm whale LH alpha-subunit.
- Established the complete primary amino acid sequence for the sperm whale LH beta-subunit.
Conclusions:
- The complete amino acid sequences of sperm whale LH alpha- and beta-subunits have been definitively determined.
- This detailed sequence information serves as a critical resource for comparative endocrinology and protein structure-function analyses.