P-domains as shuffled cysteine-rich modules in integumentary mucin C.1 (FIM-C.1) from Xenopus laevis. Polydispersity and genetic polymorphism.

A new frog integumentary mucin (FIM-C.1) has been discovered by molecular cloning. This mucin contains at least six typical P-domains as cysteine-rich modules. Shuffled P-domains have previously been detected in FIM-A.1, and they also form the basis of various P-domain peptides, which presumably have growth-modulating activities. Furthermore, FIM-C.1 contains at least three threonine-rich clusters, which consist of semi-repetitive cassettes. Various polydisperse transcripts have been characterized. They originate from two genes only and differ by deletions/insertions that are congruent with the semi-repetitive cassettes. Thus, polydispersities are probably generated by alternative splicing. Southern analysis revealed genetic polymorphism between different individuals. Furthermore, a specific antiserum was generated against a synthetic peptide deduced from the COOH-terminal end of FIM-C.1 and used for Western analysis.