A 68 000 dalton protein genetically associated with corticotropin-sensitive adenylate cyclase activity. Purification and preliminary characterization using a specific antiserum.

Previous work from this laboratory described an association, based on genetic evidence, between a 68 000 dalton protein (p68) and corticotropin (ACTH) sensitive adenylate cyclase activity among variants of the Y1 mouse adrenocortical tumor cell line. To study the nature of this association further, we have purified p68 and raised a polyclonal anti-p68 serum in rabbits. A variant subclone of the Y1 line, in which p68 comprised approximately 10% of total soluble protein, was used as starting material. Purification of p68 was achieved by passage of a 100 000 X g supernatant fraction over DEAE-cellulose, fractionation with ammonium sulfate, and chromatography on hydroxylapatite. The purified protein had an isoelectric point of 7.3, a polarity value of 46%, and a blocked amino terminal end group. A rabbit antiserum raised against the purified p68 had a titer of 1:16 000 and specifically precipitated p68 from extracts of Y1 cells labeled with L-[35S]methionine. Using this antiserum, p68 also was detected in other cell lines including mouse erythroleukemia and Sertoli cells; rat Leydig, ovary, and glioma cells; and Chinese hamster ovary cells. The presence of p68 in a variety of cell types suggests that the function of p68 is not restricted to adrenal cells or to specific actions of ACTH.