Characterization of rhesus monkey prostate specific antigen cDNA.

Using a RT-PCR approach, we obtained two overlapping cDNA clones containing the entire 1.5 kb sequence of rhesus monkey prostate specific antigen (rmPSA). The sequence obtained revealed an open reading frame of 261 amino acids. One potential N-glycosylation site was identified at Asn-78. The calculated molecular mass for the unglycosylated mature protein was 26,147 Da. Extensive amino acid homology (89%) was observed between rmPSA and its human counterpart. These results demonstrate that rhesus monkey and man prostate share a major biochemical component, and suggest that this animal species might be useful to answer specific questions related to human prostatic function and pathology.