title: Identification of a novel V1-type AVP receptor based on the molecular recognition theory.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The molecular recognition theory predicts that binding domains of peptide hormones and their corresponding receptor binding domains evolved from complementary strands of genomic DNA, and that a process of selective evolutionary mutational events within these primordial domains gave rise to the high affinity and high specificity of peptide hormone-receptor interactions observed today in different peptide hormone-receptor systems. Moreover, this theory has been broadened as a general hypothesis that could explain the evolution of intermolecular protein-protein and intramolecular peptide interactions.
  
  
  METHODS
  Applying a molecular cloning strategy based on the molecular recognition theory, we screened a rat kidney cDNA library with a vasopressin (AVP) antisense oligonucleotide probe, expecting to isolate potential AVP receptors.
  
  
  RESULTS
  We isolated a rat kidney cDNA encoding a functional V1-type vasopressin receptor. Structural analysis identified a 135 amino acid-long polypeptide with a single transmembrane domain, quite distinct from the rhodopsin-based G protein-coupled receptor superfamily. Functional analysis of the expressed V1-type receptor in Cos-1 cells revealed AVP-specific binding, AVP-specific coupling to Ca2+ mobilizing transduction system, and characteristic V1-type antagonist inhibition.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  This is the second AVP receptor cDNA isolated using AVP antipeptide-based oligonucleotide screening, thus providing compelling evidence in support of the molecular recognition theory as the basis of the evolution of this peptide hormone-receptor system, as well as adds molecular complexity and diversity to AVP receptor systems.
authors.affiliation: Section of Molecular Genetics, Whitaker Cardiovascular Institute, Boston University School of Medicine, Massachusetts 02118, USA.
authors.forename: V L
authors.initials: VL
authors.lastname: Herrera
authors.forename: N
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Ruiz-Opazo
mesh_terms: D000595:Amino Acid Sequence; D000818:Animals; D001483:Base Sequence; D019556:COS Cells; D003001:Cloning, Molecular; D018076:DNA, Complementary / Q000235:genetics / Q000302:isolation & purification; D019143:Evolution, Molecular; D015870:Gene Expression; D007700:Kinetics; D008957:Models, Genetic; D008969:Molecular Sequence Data; D051381:Rats; D017483:Receptors, Vasopressin / Q000737:chemistry / Q000235:genetics* / Q000378:metabolism; D011994:Recombinant Proteins / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism; D014018:Tissue Distribution; D014162:Transfection
chemical_list: D018076:DNA, Complementary; D017483:Receptors, Vasopressin; D011994:Recombinant Proteins