THE RAT-LIVER EPITHELIAL (RLE) CELL NUCLEAR-PROTEIN DATABASE

The master two-dimensional computer database of rat liver epithelial ( RLE) cellular proteins (Wirth et al., Electrophoresis 1991, 12, 931-95 4) has been expanded to include detailed information concerning 1100 n ucleoplasmic (cytosolic) and 850 particulate associated [S-35]methioni ne labeled as well as 215 nucleoplasmic and 269 particulate associated [P-32]orthophosphate labeled RLE nuclear polypeptides, respectively. The RLE nuclear protein database developed using the Elsie 5 gel analy sis system contains both qualitative and quantitative annotations incl uding polypeptide identification number, protein name (if known), mole cular weight and pI information, quantitation and polypeptide spot sha pe, subcellular location, as well as specific information regarding tr ansformation (chemical and spontaneous) and growth-related characteris tics. Microsequencing of polypeptides directly from two-dimensional (2 -D) blotted membranes has recently been established in our laboratory and provides a highly efficient and rapid means of polypeptide identif ication in the absence of specific antibodies. At present the RLE prot ein database is still in the developmental stage and is continually be ing updated as additional information is obtained. Nonetheless, it is anticipated that knowledge obtained concerning the identification and characterization of specific transformation and/or growth regulatory p roteins in the RLE in vitro cell system will not only have direct appl ication to other rodent and human 2-D protein databases currently unde r development but will also complement them.