Characterization of the hemoglobins of the adult brushtailed possum, Trichosurus vulpecula (Kerr) reveals non-genetic heterogeneity.
The hemoglobins contained within the red blood cells of the adult brushtail possum exhibited cooperative (n=2.6) oxygen binding curves with an associated p50 of 38 mm Hg at pH 7.4 and a large Bohr effect (-0.60). Stripped hemolysate showed a Bohr effect of -0.27, and was sensitive to added DPG (K=56 micromol L(-1)), ATP (K=130 micromol L(-1)), and chloride ions. Four isoforms of hemoglobin were identified using isoelectric focusing. Mass spectrometry indicated that all four isoforms most likely represent the same gene products which have differentially undergone post-translational deamidation and glutathionylation. The oxygen binding characteristics of three isolated isohemoglobins have been determined.
Henty
Kristen
K
School of Biological Sciences, The University of Auckland, Private Bag 92019, Auckland, New Zealand.
Wells
Rufus M G
RM
Brittain
Thomas
T
D019794:2,3-Diphosphoglycerate / Q000378:metabolism; D000255:Adenosine Triphosphate / Q000378:metabolism; D000577:Amides / Q000378:metabolism; D000818:Animals; D002712:Chlorides / Q000378:metabolism; D004912:Erythrocytes / Q000737:chemistry / Q000378:metabolism*; D005978:Glutathione / Q000378:metabolism; D006454:Hemoglobins / Q000737:chemistry / Q000235:genetics / Q000302:isolation & purification / Q000378:metabolism*; D006863:Hydrogen-Ion Concentration; D007525:Isoelectric Focusing; D013058:Mass Spectrometry; D008970:Molecular Weight; D010100:Oxygen / Q000097:blood*; D010108:Oxyhemoglobins / Q000737:chemistry / Q000235:genetics / Q000302:isolation & purification / Q000378:metabolism*; D011485:Protein Binding; D020033:Protein Isoforms / Q000378:metabolism; D011499:Protein Processing, Post-Translational; D021122:Protein Subunits; D048330:Trichosurus / Q000097:blood*
D000577:Amides; D002712:Chlorides; D006454:Hemoglobins; D010108:Oxyhemoglobins; D020033:Protein Isoforms; D021122:Protein Subunits; D019794:2,3-Diphosphoglycerate; D000255:Adenosine Triphosphate; D005978:Glutathione; D010100:Oxygen