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Identification, characterization and purification of a 160 kD bumetanide-binding glycoprotein from the rabbit parotid

S J Reshkin1, S I Lee, J N George

  • 1Clinical Investigations and Patient Care Branch, National Institute of Dental Research, Bethesda, Maryland 20892.

Insights

Researchers identified a 160 kD protein in rabbit parotid membranes that binds bumetanide, a diuretic. This protein, crucial for bumetanide binding, was purified and characterized after deglycosylation.

Area of Science:

  • Membrane protein biochemistry
  • Ion transport mechanisms
  • Renal physiology

Background:

  • The Na(+)-K(+)-Cl-cotransporter is a key protein in ion transport.
  • Bumetanide is a diuretic that specifically inhibits this cotransporter.
  • Previous studies suggested a sulfhydryl group is essential for bumetanide binding.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To identify and characterize the protein responsible for bumetanide binding in rabbit parotid basolateral membranes.
  • To investigate the role of N-linked oligosaccharides in the protein's structure and function.

Main Methods:

  • Labeling of membrane proteins with [14C]-N-ethylmaleimide in a bumetanide-protectable manner.
  • Enzymatic deglycosylation using endoglycosidase F/N-glycosidase F.
  • Purification via two-step preparative electrophoresis.
  • Analysis of molecular weight and isoelectric point (pI).

Main Results:

  • A 160 kD protein was identified, labeled by [14C]-N-ethylmaleimide, and protected by bumetanide.
  • Deglycosylation reduced the protein's apparent molecular weight to 135 kD, with a pI of approximately 6.4.
  • Purification yielded a 135 kD fraction with approximately 48-fold enrichment of the bumetanide-binding protein.

Conclusions:

  • The 160 kD protein, which becomes 135 kD after deglycosylation, represents the parotid bumetanide-binding site.
  • This protein is likely a component or the entirety of the bumetanide-binding site on the Na(+)-K(+)-Cl-cotransporter.
  • The study successfully purified and characterized a key protein involved in diuretic action.

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