Rat DARPP-32: cloning, sequencing, and characterization of the cDNA.

DARPP-32, a substrate for cyclic AMP-dependent protein kinase, is highly enriched in the caudate nucleus. In the present study, the cDNA for rat DARPP-32 was isolated and characterized. When compared to the coding region of bovine DARPP-32 cDNA, there was 86% identity at the nucleotide level, and 84% identity at the amino acid level. The homology in the region previously noted to be similar to phosphatase inhibitor-1 remained intact. There were also 3'-untranslated regions that were highly conserved. The DARPP-32 mRNA, which appeared as a doublet, was widely distributed in the central nervous system and was highly enriched in the striatum. Southern blot analysis revealed a simple hybridization pattern, consistent with the presence of a single gene coding for rat DARPP-32. Unilateral destruction of the nigrostriatal dopaminergic pathway by injection of 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA) into the substantia nigra did not alter the striatal steady state levels of DARPP-32 mRNA.