Ras p21 as a Potential Mediator of Insulin Action in Xenopus Oocytes

• DOI: 10.1126/science.3554510
• Publication Date: 2006-10-05T16:28:58Z
• Authors: Laurence Jay Korn; Christian W. Siebel; Frank McCormick; Richard A. Roth
• Keywords: Immunoprecipitation; Insulin receptor substrate

The oncogene protein product (p21) of the ras gene has been implicated in mediating effects a variety growth factors and hormones. Microinjection monoclonal antibody 6B7, which is directed against synthetic peptide corresponding to highly conserved region p21 (amino acids 29 44) required for function, specifically inhibited Xenopus oocyte maturation induced by incubation with insulin. inhibition was dose-dependent specific since (i) same had no effect on progesterone-induced maturation, (ii) immunoprecipitation Western blotting indicated that recognized single molecular weight 21,000 extracts, (iii) not observed identical concentrations normal immunoglobulin. Thus, appears be involved insulin-induced oocytes. Furthermore, mechanism may involve phosphorylation p21, as found substrate insulin receptor kinase.