Molecular cloning of human protein 4.2: A major component of the erythrocyte membrane

Lanping Amy Sung, Shu Chien, Long Sheng Chang, Karel Lambert, Susan A. Bliss, Eric E. Bouhassira, Ronald L. Nagel, Robert S. Schwartz, Anne C. Rybicki

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

68 Scopus citations

Abstract

Protein 4.2 (P4.2) comprises ≈5% of the protein mass of human erythrocyte (RBC) membranes. Anemia occurs in patients with RBCs deficient in P4.2, suggesting a role for this protein in maintaining RBC stability and integrity. We now report the molecular cloning and characterization of human RBC P4.2 cDNAs. By immunoscreening a human reticulocyte cDNA library and by using the polymerase chain reaction, two cDNA sequences of 2.4 and 2.5 kilobases (kb) were obtained. These cDNAs differ only by a 90-base-pair insert in the longer isoform located three codons downstream from the putative initiation site. The 2.4- and 2.5-kb cDNAs predict proteins of ≈77 and ≈80 kDa, respectively, and the authenticity was confirmed by sequence identity with 46 amino acids of three cyanogen bromide-cleaved peptides of P4.2. Northern blot analysis detected a major 2.4-kb RNA species in reticulocytes. Isolation of two P4.2 cDNAs implies existence of specific regulation of P4.2 expression in human RBCs. Human RBC P4.2 has significant homology with human factor XIII subunit a and guinea pig liver transglutaminase. Sequence alignment of P4.2 with these two transglutaminases, however, revealed that P4.2 lacks the critical cysteine residue required for the enzymatic crosslinking of substrates.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)955-959
Number of pages5
JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America
Volume87
Issue number3
DOIs
StatePublished - 1990

Keywords

  • Band 4.2
  • CdNA
  • Factor xiii
  • Membrane skeleton
  • Transglutaminase

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Molecular cloning of human protein 4.2: A major component of the erythrocyte membrane'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this