A complete cDNA sequence for the major epidermal growth factor binding protein in the male mouse submandibular gland

Abstract

The complete cDNA sequence of the major epidermal growth factor binding protein (EGF-BP), isolated from the mouse submandibular gland, has been determined. Oligonucleotide probes complementary to unique, nonconserved, regions of homogeneous preparations of EGF-BP were used to identify the correct cDNA clone from a male mouse submandibular gland cDNA library. The nucleotide sequence codes for a glandular kallikrein that is the main arginine esterase complexed with epidermal growth factor. The mRNA coding for this EGF-BP is estimated at 0.24% of the total mRNA of the adult male mouse submandibular gland, thus representing an abundant member of the kallikrein family in this tissue. In addition, the cDNA sequence defines a putative transcription start site. The reported cDNA sequence is clearly different from, and not an allelic form of, a previously reported cDNA sequence for EGF-BP. The present work reconciles conflicting information in the literature regarding the identity of EGF-BP.