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Structural Heterogeneity of a Human Melanoma-associated Antigen

Divisions of Cellular Biochemistry [R. A. G., H. P.], Electron Microscopy [J. C., H. J.], and Immunology [C. J. G. M. V.], The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands

The biosynthesis, structure, and topology of a melanoma-associated antigen, previously defined with the monoclonal antibody NKI/C-3 was studied. A polyclonal rabbit antiserum was raised against the antigen with a broader reactivity than the previously used monoclonal antibody NKI/C-3. The antigen was shown to consist of a single protein backbone to which two or three N-linked glycans were added cotranslationally. Extensive further heterogeneity was generated in the Golgi compartment and was shown to be dependent on the presence of complex type sugars. Although the antigen is associated with melanomas, it was not codistributed with the tyrosinase activity associated with melanogenesis. The antigen did show codistribution with cathepsin D, which is a marker for lysosomal functions.

¹ To whom requests for reprints should be addressed, at Department of Cellular Biochemistry, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Plesmanlaan 121, 1066 CX Amsterdam, The Netherlands.

Received 7/26/88. Revised 9/30/88. Accepted 10/12/88.