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Characterization of rhesus monkey prostate specific antigen cDNA
E R Gauthier1, P Chapdelaine, R R Tremblay
1Hormonal Bioregulation Laboratory, CHUL Research Center, Ste-Foy, Quebec, Canada.
Biochimica Et Biophysica Acta
|August 19, 1993
Summary
Researchers identified the rhesus monkey prostate specific antigen (rmPSA) gene. This finding suggests rhesus monkeys are a valuable model for studying human prostate function and disease.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Molecular Biology
- Primate Research
Background:
- Prostate specific antigen (PSA) is a key biomarker in human prostate health and disease.
- Understanding homologous proteins in non-human primates can provide insights into human physiology.
Purpose of the Study:
- To sequence and characterize the rhesus monkey prostate specific antigen (rmPSA).
- To assess the potential of rmPSA as a model for studying human prostate conditions.
Main Methods:
- Reverse Transcription Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR) was employed to obtain cDNA clones.
- Sequence analysis was performed to determine the open reading frame and identify protein features.
Main Results:
- Two overlapping cDNA clones yielded the full 1.5 kb rmPSA sequence.
- An open reading frame of 261 amino acids was identified, with a potential N-glycosylation site at Asn-78.
- The unglycosylated mature rmPSA has a calculated molecular mass of 26,147 Da.
- rmPSA exhibited 89% amino acid homology with human PSA.
Conclusions:
- Rhesus monkeys and humans share a significant biochemical component in their prostate.
- Rhesus monkeys may serve as a relevant animal model for investigating human prostatic function and pathology.