Molecular cloning and nucleotide sequence of a cDNA encoding recoverin from human retina

Abstract

In the process of photoreceptor signal transduction, light initiates an enzymatic cascade that leads to hydrolysis of cyclic GMP (cGMP) and closure of cGMP-gated sodium-calcium channels resulting in photoreceptor hyperpolarization. Recoverin is a calcium-binding protein that is thought to reverse the effects of light on cGMP levels by activating guanylate cyclase. Guanylate cyclase produces cGMP to overcome the cGMP-hydrolysing effect of phosphodiesterase, and reopens the sodium-calcium channels in photoreceptor outer segments. We have cloned and sequenced a cDNA encoding recoverin in human retina. The human nucleotide sequence is 88% identical to the bovine sequence, and contains a 600-base pair (bp) open reading frame encoding 200 amino acids. In situ hybridization of cultured Y79 human retinoblastoma cells with a radioactive recoverin cDNA probe showed intense, specific labeling of the cytoplasm, indicating the presence of mRNA encoding recoverin. Direct sequencing of a Y79 retinoblastoma cDNA polymerase chain reaction (PCR) product confirmed the presence of recoverin in this human cell line.