Molecular sequencing reveals extensive sequence homology between rat alpha-fetoprotein and mammalian albumin, indicating conserved tertiary structure and shared ancestry.
The DNA sequence corresponding to the 3'-terminal 540 bases of rat alpha-fetoprotein mRNA is reported. A protein synthesis termination codon lies 131 bases from the 3'-poly(A) segment. The 3'-noncoding region contains a purine-rich segment as well as the characteristic AAUAAA sequence. Analysis of the DNA-derived amino acid sequence shows extensive homology to mammalian albumins. Forty per cent of the residues are identical with no extensive additions or deletions and all of the cysteinyl residues that maintain the tertiary structure of albumin are conserved in the COOH-terminal domain of alpha-fetoprotein.
No takes yet. Share an insight, caveat, or question.
Innis et al. (1980) studied this question.
Synapse has enriched 5 closely related papers on similar clinical questions. Consider them for comparative context: