Sequence and expression of mouse gamma-renin.

Mouse gamma-renin is a member of the group of serine proteases known as glandular kallikreins. These highly homologous proteins process a diverse range of growth factors and hormones to their biologically active form, usually by cleavage at a basic residue. gamma-Renin, however, cleaves at a Leu-Leu bond in a similar fashion to renin. We have identified and sequenced the gene and a cDNA encoding gamma-renin. The complete predicted amino acid sequence was determined, and residues that may be important in the unusual cleavage pattern exhibited by gamma-renin are discussed. The nucleotide sequence enabled design of a gene-specific oligodeoxyribonucleotide which was used to determine in which mouse tissues gamma-renin is expressed.