FK-506 cytosolic binding protein, FKBP12.6
AssigneeMerck & Co., Inc.
InventorsGregory J. Wiederrecht, Tonya J. Sewell
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AssigneeMerck & Co., Inc.
InventorsGregory J. Wiederrecht, Tonya J. Sewell
Estimating the term…
A new homogeneous cytosolic binding protein (FKBP12.6), having a specific binding activity of about 4.8 mg FK-506 per mg protein and a molecular weight of about 10-12 kilodaltons, reversibly binds the immunosuppressant FK-506, but not cyclosporine A (CSA). The protein is unstable to heating at 56.degree. C. for 30 minutes losing its FK-506 binding affinity. The FKBP12.6 protein is isolated from the cytosol of mammalian tissues, preferably bovine or human brain tissue, and can be used in diagnostic and purification procedures involving FK-506-type macrolide immunosuppressants. The FKBP12.6 protein also has peptidyl-proline isomerase enzymatic activity, catalyzing the cis-trans isomerization of proline-containing peptide bonds. In addition, FKBP12.6 binds to and inhibits the phosphatase calcineurin in the presence of FK-506.
An isolated and purified homogeneous cytosolic binding protein, FKBP12.6, having a specific binding affinity for FK-506 and no specific binding affinity for cyclosporine A, and having a molecular weight in the range of 10-12 kilodaltons, comprising the N-terminal amino acid sequence (SEQ ID NO:1):
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