Mollusk-derived growth factor: cloning and developmental expression in thecentral nervous system and reproductive tract of Aplysia

We have isolated and characterized an atrial gland cDNA that corrects the p reviously reported sequence for Aplysia atrial gland granule-specific antig en (AGSA), a glycoprotein of unknown function. We designated the protein mo llusk-derived growth factor (MDGF) to distinguish the revised sequence from AGSA and to emphasize its similarity to an insect-derived growth factor (I DGF). We describe MDGF mRNA expression that suggests a possible role during embryonic development and CNS injury repair. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science B.V . All rights reserved.