Isolation and localization of the 120 kDa protein in the liver of genetically obese Zucker rats.

The genetically obese Zucker rat is a well-characterized model of early-onset human obesity. The 120 kDa protein was recently found in the liver cytosol of obese Zucker rats at levels higher than that in lean Zucker rats. We isolated this protein using precipitation with ammonium sulfate, DEAE-Sephacel chromatography, and preparative polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis; the product showed a single band on SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. Immunoblotting analysis revealed that the 120 kDa protein was predominantly localized in the liver cytosol of obese Zucker rats. The amount of this protein in lean Zucker rats was less than one-fifth of that found in obese Zucker rats. Further, there were only trace amounts of this protein in the lung tissues, and no detectable amount in other tissues, such as kidney, epididymal adipose tissue, brain, spleen, skeletal muscle, or serum, in either strain of rat. These data suggest that the 120 kDa protein contributes to the abnormal lipid metabolism in obese Zucker rats.