Hunt J G, Kasinsky H E, Elsey R M, Wright C L, Rice P, Bell J E, Sharp D J, Kiss A J, Hunt D F, Arnott D P, Russ M M, Shabanowitz J, Ausió J
Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, University of Victoria, Victoria, British Columbia V8W 3P6, Canada.
J Biol Chem. 1996 Sep 20;271(38):23547-57. doi: 10.1074/jbc.271.38.23547.
We have characterized for the first time the complete primary structure of the main protamine components of the sperm from four reptiles: Chrysemys picta (turtle), Elaphe obsoleta (snake), Anolis carolinensis (lizard), and Alligator mississipiensis (crocodilian). These species were chosen to represent one of each of the main phylogenetic branches of this taxonomic group. Comparison of these protamine sequences with those already available from other vertebrate groups allows us to define properly the chemical consensus composition of protamines and provides a unique insight into their molecular evolution and classification.
