Isolation and expression of cDNA clones for a rat liver asialoglycoprotein receptor.

cDNA clones for the major rat liver asialoglycoprotein (ASGP) receptor were isolated from a phage lambda gt11 library using synthetic oligonucleotide probes corresponding to two regions of the protein sequence. The longest clone obtained encoded all but the first 11 codons of the receptor. The cDNA was completed with synthetic oligonucleotides and was used to direct the synthesis of mRNA for the receptor in vitro. Subsequent translation in a wheat germ lysate produced authentic ASGP receptor which assembled correctly into microsomal membranes.