Mouse pituitary tumor mRNA directed cell-free synthesis of polypeptides that are cross-reactive with adrenocorticotropic hormone antiserum.

A wheat germ extract was used to translate mRNA isolated from the mouse pituitary tumor AtT-20. This RNA directed the synthesis of a product which was precipitated with antiserum specific for the synthetic adrenocorticotropic hormone polypeptide β(1–24)(Synacthen). Analysis of the products by the radioimmunoassay technique also indicated the presence of an immunoreactive adrenocorticotropic hormone-like material. The molecular weight of this product was 31,000 as determined by electrophoresis in sodium dodecylsulphate-polyacrylamide gels. These findings suggest that the 31,000 species may be the primary gene product in adrenocorticotropic hormone biosynthesis.