title: A unique Kex2-like endoprotease from Drosophila melanogaster is expressed in the central nervous system during early embryogenesis.
abstract: Complementary DNA sequences were cloned from a Drosophila library encoding a 1,101 amino acid polypeptide that we have named dKLIP-1. The deduced protein is structurally similar to the yeast KEX2 prohormone endoprotease including the conserved Asp, His, and Ser catalytic triad residues characteristic of the subtilisin family. When coexpressed in vivo with pro-beta-NGF, dKLIP-1 greatly enhanced the endoproteolytic conversion of the precursor to mature beta-NGF by cleavage at a -Lys-Arg- doublet. In adults, dKLIP-1 transcripts were detected in cortical regions of the CNS and fat body. Most striking, however, was the high level of maternal transcripts deposited into developing oocytes. The temporal and spatial expression of dKLIP-1 mRNAs during embryonic development indicates a potential role for this novel Kex2p-like endoprotease in early embryogenesis and neurogenesis.
authors.affiliation: Vollum Institute, Oregon Health Sciences University, Portland 97201-3098.
authors.forename: J S
authors.initials: JS
authors.lastname: Hayflick
authors.forename: W J
authors.initials: WJ
authors.lastname: Wolfgang
authors.forename: M A
authors.initials: MA
authors.lastname: Forte
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Thomas
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D001483:Base Sequence; D002490:Central Nervous System / Q000196:embryology*; D004247:DNA / Q000235:genetics; D029721:Drosophila Proteins; D004331:Drosophila melanogaster / Q000196:embryology*; D004625:Embryo, Nonmammalian / Q000378:metabolism / Q000502:physiology*; D045683:Furin; D008968:Molecular Conformation; D008969:Molecular Sequence Data; D043484:Proprotein Convertases; D012333:RNA, Messenger / Q000378:metabolism; D029701:Saccharomyces cerevisiae Proteins; D012697:Serine Endopeptidases / Q000737:chemistry / Q000235:genetics* / Q000378:metabolism; D013381:Subtilisins; D014178:Translocation, Genetic
chemical_list: D029721:Drosophila Proteins; D012333:RNA, Messenger; D029701:Saccharomyces cerevisiae Proteins; D004247:DNA; D043484:Proprotein Convertases; D012697:Serine Endopeptidases; D013381:Subtilisins; C058751:KEX2 protein, S cerevisiae; C079637:Fur1 protein, Drosophila; D045683:Furin