title: Molecular cloning of two cDNAs for related secretory proteins in lizard epididymis: gene expression during androgen-induced cell growth and secretion.
abstract: Lizard epididymis is an androgen-dependent tissue which produces notably ten related secretory proteins (L-proteins, Mr 19,000) during the reproductive period. These proteins were synthesized in vitro as preproteins (Mr 25,000, 24,000, 23,500). A cDNA library in the plasmid pBr322 was constructed and two cDNA clones were isolated by differential hybridization according to the differential expression of the mRNAs in stages 1 and 6 of the annual reproductive cycle. Translations of mRNAs hybrid-selected by two clones (LV123, LV132) yielded proteins which were immunoprecipitated by the L-antiserum. These preproteins were processed in vitro into six peptides; four were encoded by mRNAs selected with the LV123 clone, the others by the LV132 clone. Only three bands were detected using Northern blot analysis suggesting that the L-family could be derived from various mRNAs and from post-translational maturations. Southern analysis of genomic DNA suggests that the L-mRNAs were encoded by at least two distinct genes which could exist in numerous copies. The L-gene expression was studied under various physiological conditions and was found to be androgen-dependent. Furthermore, the results suggest the presence of a translational regulation in the newly differentiated epithelial cells.
authors.affiliation: Biologie cellulaire, Université Blaise Pascal et U.A. 360 CNRS, Aubière, France.
authors.forename: Y
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Courty
authors.forename: F
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Morel
authors.forename: V
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Ravet
authors.forename: J P
authors.initials: JP
authors.lastname: Dufaure
mesh_terms: D000728:Androgens / Q000494:pharmacology*; D000818:Animals; D002455:Cell Division / Q000187:drug effects; D002478:Cells, Cultured; D003001:Cloning, Molecular; D004247:DNA / Q000032:analysis*; D015180:Electrophoresis, Gel, Two-Dimensional; D004822:Epididymis / Q000032:analysis / Q000166:cytology* / Q000378:metabolism; D005786:Gene Expression Regulation; D008116:Lizards; D008297:Male; D008715:Methionine / Q000032:analysis / Q000378:metabolism; D009919:Orchiectomy; D014176:Protein Biosynthesis; D011498:Protein Precursors / Q000032:analysis; D011506:Proteins / Q000032:analysis / Q000235:genetics* / Q000378:metabolism; D012333:RNA, Messenger / Q000032:analysis; D030162:Reptilian Proteins; D013739:Testosterone / Q000494:pharmacology
chemical_list: D000728:Androgens; C052269:L protein, lizard; D011498:Protein Precursors; D011506:Proteins; D012333:RNA, Messenger; D030162:Reptilian Proteins; D013739:Testosterone; D004247:DNA; D008715:Methionine