The complete cDNA and amino acid sequence of bovine fetuin. Its homology with alpha 2HS glycoprotein and relation to other members of the cystatin superfamily.

The cDNA sequence encoding the bovine fetal protein fetuin is reported. The deduced amino acid sequence is identical with that obtained from amino acid sequencing. The protein is a single chain preceded by a signal sequence. The three N-linked glycosylation sites have been determined. The sequence of fetuin shows over 70% similarity to human alpha 2HS glycoprotein. All of the cysteine residues are conserved in both proteins, suggesting that fetuin has the same arrangement of disulfide loops as alpha 2HS glycoprotein and may also be a member of the cystatin family. Southern blot analysis indicates that a single gene codes for fetuin. No evidence for a separate gene for a bovine alpha 2HS glycoprotein was obtained; thus, fetuin in cattle and alpha 2HS glycoprotein in the human are equivalent proteins.