cDNA cloning and expression of a novel serine protease in the mouse brain

A cDNA for a novel serine protease, termed brain type granzyme K (B-GRK) wa s cloned from the mouse brain. The cDNA codes a protein similar to granzyme K (GRK) but completely different at the N-terminus. Genomic Southern and P CR analysis of the gene suggests B-GRK is the alternative transcription for m of GRK. B-GRK and GRK have a different organ-specific expression pattern: B-GRK is expressed in the brain, while GRK is expressed in the spleen. The recombinant fusion protein was detected in the neuro2a cells transfected w ith a plasmid containing B-GRK sequence. The mRNA for B-GRK/GRK was detecte d in cerebral cortex, hippocampus and diencephalon of the mouse brain. In s itu hybridization for B-GRK/GRK revealed that several regions in the forebr ain and hypothalamus express the mRNA. Developmental analysis showed that i n the prenatal stage, the mRNA was expressed also in pituitary and pineal b ody in addition to the brain. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights res erved.