Cell-Free Translation of Human Renin Mrna

The molecular weight of human renin precursor (preprorenin) was determined to be 43,000 by cell-free translation of its mRNA. Poly(A)+ -containing RNA from human infarcted kidney was translated in a cell-free reticulocyte lysate system containing [35S] methionine. Immunoprecipitation with anti-renin antibody gave one major band with an apparent Mr = 43,000, as determined by sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS)-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and fluorography. The specific band, which represents the prepro-form of human renal renin, was very similar to mouse submandibular gland preprorenin in its electrophoretic mobility.