Translation of messenger RNA from rat epididymis and identification of poly(A)RNA coding for acidic epididymal glycoprotein.
Different proteins are secreted by the various regions of rat epididymis. We have examined the messenger RNA dependence of this varied gene expression by cell-free translation of poly(A)RNA extracts from initial segment, caput plus corpus, and cauda. Labeled translation products were analyzed by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis under denaturing conditions. Poly(A)RNA from initial segment coded for several unique bands of labeled protein, including a 23,000 MW protein that may correspond to an initial segment protein reported previously to be regulated by testicular fluid factors. Messenger RNA encoding 20,000 MW protein believed to be alpha-lactalbumin, was most abundant in caput but also present in initial segment. Acidic epididymal glycoprotein (AEG) was identified previously by immunoperoxidase staining in epithelial cells of caput, corpus, and cauda. AEG was not readily identified on electrophoresis of total translated proteins, but when concentrated by immunoprecipitation with purified AEG antibody prior to electrophoresis, AEG appeared in both caput plus corpus, and in cauda poly(A)RNA translations.
D000818:Animals; D002474:Cell-Free System; D004822:Epididymis / Q000378:metabolism*; D005786:Gene Expression Regulation; D066298:In Vitro Techniques; D008297:Male; D008970:Molecular Weight; D011061:Poly A / Q000235:genetics*; D029584:Prostatic Secretory Proteins; D014176:Protein Biosynthesis; D011506:Proteins / Q000235:genetics*; D012333:RNA, Messenger / Q000235:genetics*; D051381:Rats; D011919:Rats, Inbred Strains; D029589:Seminal Plasma Proteins; D014018:Tissue Distribution
D029584:Prostatic Secretory Proteins; D011506:Proteins; D012333:RNA, Messenger; D029589:Seminal Plasma Proteins; C043076:beta-microseminoprotein; D011061:Poly A