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Cloning of a novel rat placental prolactin‐like protein C‐related cDNA
Author(s) -
Conliffe Phyllis R.,
Simmen Rosalia C. M.,
Buhi William C.,
Shiverick Kathleen T.
Publication year - 1995
Publication title -
molecular reproduction and development
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.745
H-Index - 105
eISSN - 1098-2795
pISSN - 1040-452X
DOI - 10.1002/mrd.1080410207
Subject(s) - biology , cloning (programming) , complementary dna , prolactin , microbiology and biotechnology , genetics , endocrinology , gene , hormone , computer science , programming language
Prolactin‐like protein C (PLP‐C) is a major rat placental protein which is expressed during the second half of pregnancy and belongs to the growth hormone‐prolactin family. Here we report on the isolation of overlapping rat placental cDNAs which specify a transcript of 915 base pairs and predict a 205‐amino acid translated product. The full‐length cDNA shares 93% homology with the nucleotide sequence reported for PLP‐C, and the putative protein, which we designate PCRP (prolactin‐like protein C‐related protein), exhibits 88% homology with the PLP‐C precursor protein. PCRP lacks the signal sequence and the first 2 N‐terminal cysteine residues present in PLP‐C. Northern blot analysis indicated the basal zone‐specific expression of PCRP mRNA, with no detectable expression in decidua and labyrinth. Southern blot analysis of rat genomic DNA using PCRP cDNA as a probe demonstrated multiple hybridization bands, suggestive of a family of genes encoding prolactin‐like proteins. Western immunoblot analysis of basal zone culture media using a PCRP antipeptide antiserum revealed at least 5 immunoreactive proteins. The existence of a PLP‐C family of proteins in rat placenta after midpregnancy suggests their functional significance in the maintenance of pregnancy and fetal development. © 1995 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.