Characterization of an unusual cAMP receptor and its related polypeptides in Dictyostelium discoideum

Several lines of evidence indicate that cAMP modulates developmental gene activity via cell-surface receptors. We describe here a novel cAMP receptor, CABP1, whose properties are consistent with the idea that this protein is involved in gene regulation. Firstly, immunological techniques using anti-CABP1 antibodies as probes showed that this cAMP receptor can be detected on the surface of developing cells. Secondly, there is a steady migration of CABP1 to the nucleus during development. Thirdly, some genetic variants exhibiting an altered pattern of development are found to possess modified CABP1. We also showed that CABP1 co-purifies with at least seven other polypeptides which share common epitopes with CABP1. Interestingly, four of the CABP1-related polypeptides can be detected on the cell surface as well as in the nucleus.