Molecular cloning of human cathepsin G: structural similarity to mast cell and cytotoxic T lymphocyte proteinases

Human cathepsin G is a serine proteinase with chymotrypsin-like specificity found in both polymorphonuclear leukocytes (neutrophils) and the U937 leukemic cell line. Utilizing RNA from the latter, we have constructed a cDNA library in lambda gt11 and isolated a clone which apparently codes for the complete amino acid sequence of this enzyme. Analysis of the sequence reveals homology with rat mast cell proteinase II (47%) but a greater degree of identity (56%) with a product of activated mouse cytotoxic T lymphocytes. The close relationship between the three proteins indicates similarities in substrate specificity and in biosynthesis which we predict involves removal of a two amino acid activation peptide during or just before packaging into their respective storage granules.