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S-antigen is coded by [poly A+] mRNA from bovine retina
Biochemical and Biophysical Research Communications
|November 15, 1985
Summary
Bovine retinal S-antigen, a protein implicated in autoimmune retinal disease, is synthesized directly in the retina. Its messenger RNA (mRNA) is polyadenylated, similar to other nervous tissue proteins.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Neuroscience
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- The S-antigen is a photoreceptor-specific protein involved in autoimmune retinal diseases.
- Understanding the synthesis and origin of retinal proteins is crucial for studying retinal function and disease.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine if the retinal S-antigen is synthesized in the retina.
- To identify the type of messenger RNA (mRNA) responsible for S-antigen synthesis.
Main Methods:
- In vitro translation of bovine retinal RNA (total, polyadenylated [poly(A)+], and non-polyadenylated [poly(A)-] mRNA) using a rabbit reticulocyte lysate system.
- Immunoprecipitation of translation products using antibodies specific to the retinal S-antigen.
- Analysis of translation products by gel electrophoresis to determine molecular weight.
Main Results:
- A 50,000-dalton protein band was detected, comigrating with purified S-antigen.
- This indicates that the S-antigen is synthesized as a protein of this size.
- The S-antigen was found to be translated from polyadenylated mRNA.
Conclusions:
- The retinal S-antigen is synthesized in the retina and is not a product of protein maturation or degradation.
- Polyadenylated mRNA encodes the bovine retinal S-antigen, consistent with other nervous tissue proteins.