Isolation and sequence of a cDNA clone encoding the 31-kDa subunit of bovine kidney vacuolar H+-ATPase.

We have isolated a cDNA encoding the 31-kDa subunit of the bovine kidney vacuolar H+-ATPase. The composite sequence contains 1219 base pairs, which includes the entire 678-base-pair coding region. A lysine-rich sequence previously found in the Na+, K+-ATPase alpha subunit and the H+,K+-ATPase was identified in the 31-kDa subunit. An RNA blot and an immunoblot demonstrated variable 31-kDa subunit expression and immunoreactivity in different tissues; the highest levels were observed in kidney medulla and brain with both types of analysis. The isolation of a cDNA for the 31-kDa subunit is an important step in understanding this subunit's role in the function and regulation of the vacuolar H+-ATPase.