Ca2+-independent F-actin Capping Proteins

Polyclonal and monoclonal antibodies against purified 32/34-kDa F-actin-capping protein from Dictyostelium discoideum were generated and used to isolate clones coding for both subunits from a lambda gt11 expression library. In addition genomic clones were isolated for the 34-kDa subunit. The sequences of the corresponding inserts were determined and the amino acid sequences of the proteins deduced. The amino acid sequences have been confirmed by sequencing tryptic peptides of both subunits. As judged from immunological data and sequence comparison, the subunits are completely different. Each of them is encoded by a single copy gene. The mRNAs are present throughout all stages of development. Severing proteins, which exert also capping activity, show no sequence similarity with the cap 32/34-kDa protein. However, a pronounced homology between the 32-kDa subunit and a hypothetical yeast protein was found indicating the presence of a protein homologous to the 32-kDa subunit of the D. discoideum capping protein in yeast.