Analysis of ras oncogene products by two-dimensional gel electrophoresis: Evidence for protein families with distinctive molecular forms

• Published in: Biochimica et biophysica acta, Protein structure and molecular enzymology Vol. 866; no. 4; pp. 204 - 215
• Main Authors: Fuhrer, J P, DeBiasi, F, Cooper, H L, Schlom, J
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: 01.01.1986
• Subjects: gel electrophoresis; gene products; immunoprecipitation; monoclonal antibodies
• ISSN: 0167-4838

Protein products of the ras family of oncogenes were immunoprecipitated by an anti-p21 monoclonal antibody, separated by two-dimensional gel electrophoresis and subsequently detected by western immunoblot analysis using the same anti-p21 monoclonal antibody as a probe. A 21 kDa oncogene protein (p21) was detected and characterized in cell lines containing Harvey (Ha), Kirsten (Ki), neuroblastoma (N), or cellular (photo) ras genes. The ras gene products from all cell types occurred with multiple forms differing in size, charge or both. Transforming ras oncogene proteins occurred in easily identifiable groups that differed in molecular weight and charge, were distinctive for each ras gene type and were different from cellular ras equivalents. Similar family groups occurred in different cell types containing the same oncogene. The reproducible occurrence of unpredicted p21 forms suggests that previously unreported post-translational processing steps may be associated with the synthesis of certain oncogene products.