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. 1990 Dec;87(24):9708–9711. doi: 10.1073/pnas.87.24.9708

Steroidogenic activity of a peptide specified by the reversed sequence of corticotropin mRNA.

B L Clarke 1, J E Blalock 1
PMCID: PMC55242  PMID: 2175911

Abstract

The molecular recognition theory predicts that a reversed (3'----5') reading of an mRNA should yield a peptide that is structurally and functionally similar to that specified in the 5'----3' direction. We tested this idea by synthesizing a corticotropin (ACTH) analogue using a reverse reading of bovine mRNA for ACTH-(1-24). This peptide, designated ACTH-3'----5', had a similar hydropathic profile to native ACTH-5'----3' but had only 30% sequence homology and eight different charge substitutions. ACTH-3'----5' specifically bound to the surface of mouse Y-1 adrenal cells and to polyclonal anti-ACTH antibody. Additionally, ACTH-3'----5' stimulated cAMP synthesis and steroidogenesis in adrenal cells. These findings show that ACTH-3'----5' mimics the corticotropic properties of native ACTH, thereby further validating the molecular recognition theory.

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Selected References

These references are in PubMed. This may not be the complete list of references from this article.

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