title: Ornithine decarboxylase production in vitro by using mouse cDNA.
abstract: Microgram quantities of ornithine decarboxylase (ODC, EC 4.1.1.17)-specific mRNA were synthesized by transcription techniques in vitro, by using a plasmid containing mouse cDNA coding for this enzyme. The homogeneous RNA preparation was then used for cell-free synthesis of ODC protein, in rabbit reticulocyte lysates. Analysis of products translated in vitro by polyacrylamide-gel electrophoresis revealed predominantly one protein produced, with Mr approx. 54,000, which was immunoprecipitable by anti-ODC serum. Two-dimensional gel-electrophoretic analysis showed that the protein ODC synthesized in vitro had a pI of approx. 5.4, similar to the native enzyme isolated from mouse tissues. In addition, quantification of activity and protein amount showed that the enzyme synthesized in vitro had a specific activity of approx. 63,000 units (nmol/min)/mg, consistent with the purified mouse kidney enzyme's specific activity of approx. 47,000 units/mg. An average of nearly 200 pg of ODC protein was produced in vitro from various RNA preparations. These data demonstrate that ODC-specific mRNA and active ODC protein can be produced by 'in vitro' technology, which should prove useful in studying functional and structural characteristics of these molecules.
authors: Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Arizona Health Sciences Center, Tucson 85724.
authors: J R
authors: JR
authors: Glass
authors: M
authors: M
authors: MacKrell
authors: J J
authors: JJ
authors: Duffy
authors: E W
authors: EW
authors: Gerner
mesh_terms: D002474:Cell-Free System; D004247:DNA / Q000235:genetics*; D004587:Electrophoresis, Agar Gel; D009955:Ornithine Decarboxylase / Q000096:biosynthesis* / Q000235:genetics; D014176:Protein Biosynthesis; D012333:RNA, Messenger / Q000235:genetics; D014158:Transcription, Genetic
chemical_list: D012333:RNA, Messenger; D004247:DNA; D009955:Ornithine Decarboxylase