Biosynthesis and half-life of the interleukin-6 receptor and its signal transducer gp130

Interleukin-6 (IL-6) exerts its action via a receptor complex composed of a ligand-binding subunit (gp80) and a signal transducer (gp130) which both belong to the hematopoietic receptor super-family. Very little is known about the biosynthesis and the biological half-lives of proteins of this superfamily. Therefore, we studied the biosynthesis and maturation of the interleukin-6 receptor and its signaling subunit gp130 by pulse chase experiments in stably transfected Madin-Darby canine kidney cells. We found that both proteins are synthesized as precursors with apparent molecular masses of 67 kDa and 130 kDa, respectively. These receptor forms are processed within 45-60 min into mature proteins of 82 kDa and 150 kDa containing complex-type oligosaccharides. The signal transducer gp130 shows a similar maturation in human hepatoma cells HepG2. The IL-6 receptor appears at the cell surface 45 min after completion of its synthesis in the endoplasmic reticulum. In both cell types studied, gp80 and gp130 are rapidly turned over with half-lives of 2-3 h. These half-lives were unaffected by the presence of the ligand IL-6.