Studies on the Biosynthesis of Microsomal Membrane Proteins. Site of Synthesis and Mode of Insertion of Cytochrome b5, Cytochrome b5 Reductase, Cytochrome P-450 Reductase and Epoxide Hydrolase

The site of synthesis and mechanism of insertion into membranes of several microsomal polypeptides was studied using translation system programmed in vitro with polysomes or with mRNA extracted from free and membrane-bound rat liver polysomes. Primary translation products of cytochrome b5, NADH: cytochrome b5 oxidoreductase, NADPH: cytochrome P-450 oxidoreductase and epoxide hydrolase were isolated by specific immunoprecipitation and compared with the mature proteins. The following observations were made: 1 While cytochrome b5 and NADH: cytochrome b5 oxidoreductase are synthesized in free polysomes, NADPH: cytochrome P-450 oxidoreductase and epoxide hydrolase are made in membrane-bound poly…