title: Homology between the primary structure of alpha-fetoprotein, deduced from a complete cDNA sequence, and serum albumin.
abstract: The entire DNA complementary to murine alpha-fetoprotein mRNA has been cloned in the plasmid vector pBR322 and its complete nucleotide sequence determined. The deduced amino acid sequence identifies a hydrophobic prepeptide of 19 amino acids and the complete primary structure of alpha-fetoprotein. Its structure reveals extensive homology to serum albumin and suggests that there are 15 disulphide bridges in the alpha-fetoprotein molecule, all at the same positions as those found in albumin. The AFP molecule can be organized into a three-domain structure almost identical to that of serum albumin, suggesting a common ancestral origin of the two proteins.
mesh_terms: D000595:Amino Acid Sequence; D000818:Animals; D001483:Base Sequence; D004274:DNA, Recombinant; D004926:Escherichia coli / Q000235:genetics; D051379:Mice; D010957:Plasmids; D014176:Protein Biosynthesis; D012333:RNA, Messenger / Q000235:genetics; D012709:Serum Albumin; D014158:Transcription, Genetic; D000509:alpha-Fetoproteins / Q000235:genetics
chemical_list: D004274:DNA, Recombinant; D012333:RNA, Messenger; D012709:Serum Albumin; D000509:alpha-Fetoproteins