hGK-1: a kallikrein gene expressed in human prostate.
1. Humans have three kallikrein genes: hGK-1, hRKALL (kinin-generating) and a gene encoding prostate specific antigen (PSA). 2. Using a gene-specific oligonucleotide, expression of hGK-1 was demonstrated in human prostate, but not in 10 other tissues examined. 3. The similarity in tissue specificity of expression of hGK-1 with that of the PSA gene led to an examination of putative regulatory DNA. Marked identity of greater than 90% was seen (compared with 80% for hRKALL), thus supporting a role for the operation of similar tissue-specific mechanisms for the control of hGK-1 and the PSA gene. 4. Unique structural features were observed in the protein encoded by hGK-1 suggestive of a capacity for interaction with substrate residues larger than those in kininogen. In particular it is predicted that a glycine at 186 would twist the polypeptide backbone in this crucial, highly conserved active site region and so profoundly influence interaction with substrate.
Morris
B J
BJ
Department of Physiology, University of Sydney, NSW, Australia.
D000951:Antigens, Neoplasm / Q000235:genetics*; D015152:Blotting, Northern; D004247:DNA / Q000235:genetics; D005786:Gene Expression Regulation; D006801:Humans; D007610:Kallikreins / Q000235:genetics*; D008297:Male; D011467:Prostate / Q000276:immunology*; D017430:Prostate-Specific Antigen; D012313:RNA / Q000235:genetics
D000951:Antigens, Neoplasm; D012313:RNA; D004247:DNA; D007610:Kallikreins; D017430:Prostate-Specific Antigen