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hGK‐1: A KALLIKREIN GENE EXPRESSED IN HUMAN PROSTATE
Author(s) -
Morris Brian J.
Publication year - 1989
Publication title -
clinical and experimental pharmacology and physiology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.752
H-Index - 103
eISSN - 1440-1681
pISSN - 0305-1870
DOI - 10.1111/j.1440-1681.1989.tb01570.x
Subject(s) - gene , kallikrein , chemistry , kininogen , gene expression , microbiology and biotechnology , biochemistry , biology , enzyme
SUMMARY 1. Humans have three kallikrein genes: hGK‐1, hRKALL (kinin‐generating) and a gene encoding prostate specific antigen (PSA). 2. Using a gene‐specific oligonucleotide, expression of hGK‐1 was demonstrated in human prostate, but not in 10 other tissues examined. 3. The similarity in tissue specificity of expression of hGK‐1 with that of the PSA gene led to an examination of putative regulatory DNA. Marked identity of >90% was seen (compared with 80% for hRKALL), thus supporting a role for the operation of similar tissue‐specific mechanisms for the control of hGK‐1 and the PSA gene. 4. Unique structural features were observed in the protein encoded by hGK‐1 suggestive of a capacity for interaction with substrate residues larger than those in kininogen. In particular it is predicted that a glycine at 186 would twist the polypeptide backbone in this crucial, highly conserved active site region and so profoundly influence interaction with substrate.