Chromogranin C: a third component of the acidic proteins in chromaffin granules.

We characterized a group of acidic proteins of bovine chromaffin granules with an antiserum raised against a protein described by Rosa and Zanini [Eur. J. Cell Biol. 31, 94-98 (1983)] in pituitary gland. In adrenal medulla the proteins reacting with this antiserum are confined to chromaffin granules. Their largest component has a Mr of 86,000 and a pI of 5.0. In addition six proteins of lower molecular weight are recognized by this antiserum. In a cell-free system only one protein is synthesized that can be precipitated with this antiserum. The properties of these proteins are very similar to those of the previously described chromogranins A and B; however, there is no immunological cross-reaction between these protein groups. We suggest this third group of acidic proteins of chromaffin granules be named chromogranins C.