Cloning and sequence analysis of cDNA encoding p38, a major synaptic vesicle protein.

We have isolated from a lambda gt11 rat brain cDNA library cDNA clones encoding greater than 95% of the open reading frame and untranslated regions of the mRNA for p38, the most abundant of the integral membrane proteins of the synaptic vesicle. Phage containing cDNA that encoded vesicle proteins were identified by screening fusion proteins with a polyclonal serum to rat brain synaptic vesicles. To identify phage carrying p38 sequences, fusion proteins were used to affinity purify monospecific antibodies from the original heterogeneous serum; antibodies to a 38,000-D protein were then identified by Western blotting.