Molecular organization of the sex steroid-binding protein (SBP) of human plasma

J Steroid Biochem. 1986 Jan;24(1):45-9. doi: 10.1016/0022-4731(86)90030-0.

Abstract

Several years ago this laboratory presented evidence that SBP is a dimer composed of two subunits having similar molecular weights. The question of whether or not these subunits are identical and therefore products of a single gene remained unanswered. We now report that the two polypeptide chains are identical and that SBP is a homodimer. The experimental approach was to reduce and [14C]alkylate cystine residues in human SBP, digest the product with trypsin or cyanogen bromide and determine the number of unique amino acid sequences around each [14C]carboxymethylcysteine residue. Only four unique sequences were found when all the radioactive peptides were analyzed. Since there are eight half-cystine residues per dimer, the results support a homodimeric structure.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Amino Acid Sequence
  • Amino Acids / analysis
  • Cyanogen Bromide / pharmacology
  • Humans
  • Peptide Fragments / analysis
  • Protein Conformation
  • Sex Hormone-Binding Globulin / analysis*
  • Trypsin / pharmacology

Substances

  • Amino Acids
  • Peptide Fragments
  • Sex Hormone-Binding Globulin
  • Trypsin
  • Cyanogen Bromide