Component Of Epithelial Basement Membranes Research Articles

Epithelial basement membranes: The isolation and identification of a soluble component

A glycoprotein which carries an antigenic marker similar or identical to that of epithelial basement membranes in murine tissues has been isolated in a soluble form. This glycoprotein is synthesized and secreted by parietal yolk sac carcinoma cells grown in tissue culture, and was isolated by precipitation with (NH 4) 2SO 4 followed by column chromatography on agarose (Bio-gel A-5m). The protein which eluted with the void volume was characterized. Amino acid analysis revealed no hydroxyproline or hydroxylysine. Sugar analysis indicated the presence of fucose, mannose, galactose, glucose and hexosamines. Sialic acid was not detected. The data obtained by immunodiffusion suggested the presence of a single protei species. The data indicate that one glycoprotein component of epithelial basement membrane can be obtained in a soluble form, thus simplifying subsequent characterization. Other components, including collagen, have not yet been isolated from this system.