Synthesis of the vasoconstrictor peptide endothelin in kidney cells

Abstract
The expression plasmid containing human prepro-endothelin cDNA was constructed and introduced into COS-7 cells. Mature endothelin, consisting of 21 amino acid residues, was secreted into the culture medium of the transfected cells and was also synthesized by non-transfected COS-7 cells. Normal kidney cells derived from other species also synthesized and secreted endothelins. Partial characterization of endothelins produced by kidney cells suggested the existence of new types of endothelin. This is the first report of the vasoconstrictor peptide endothelin being synthesized in kidney cells