Molecular cloning and expression of aminopeptidase A isoforms from rat hippocampus

The full-length cDNA encoding aminopeptidase A (APAL) was cloned from a rat hippocampus cDNA library. A short variant aminopeptidase A (APAS), produce d by deletion, was also cloned. In the case of APAL, the longest open readi ng frame encodes 945 amino acid residues with a calculated molecular mass o f 108 kDa. and the deduced amino acid sequence shows 76, 86 and 78% identit y with its human, murine and porcine counterparts, respectively. Rat aminop eptidase A mRNAs were detected in the kidney, liver, heart and brain by Nor thern blot analysis. When overexpressed in COS-1 cells, APAL shows apparent aminopeptidase A activity, whereas APAS does not. (C) 2000 Elsevier Scienc e B.V. All rights reserved.