SYNTHETIC CDNA-ENCODING THE RAT AT(1A) RECEPTOR - A USEFUL TOOL FOR STRUCTURE-FUNCTION RELATIONSHIP ANALYSIS

To carry out systematic structure-function studies of the rat angiotensin II receptors by site directed mutagenesis, or production of chimeric receptors, we have produced a synthetic cDNA coding for the AT1a receptor. The synthetic cDNA is 1101 base pairs long, and contains 49 unique restriction sites that are on the average 23 base pairs apart, allowing replacement of specific restriction fragments by synthetic counterparts containing the desired modified sequence. The total cDNA was assembled in the expression vector pECE. After stable expression in Chinese Hamster Ovary cells, the protein encoded by this synthetic cDNA presents a pharmacological profile and a signal transduction mechanism indistinguishable from the wild type rat AT1a receptor. (C) 1994 Academic Press, Inc.