Binding Proteins from Animals with Possible Transport Function

Several proteins from various animal tissues with possible transport function have been briefly described, with emphasis given to a vitamin D-induced calcium-binding protein (CaBP) implicated in calcium translocation across epithelial membranes. The latter protein was shown to be present in the small intestine, colon, kidney, and the uterus (shell gland) of the chicken. CaBP was also found in the small intestine of the rat, dog, bovine, and monkey. This protein has been isolated in high purity from chick intestinal mucosa and some of its properties determined. Its molecular weight is about 28,000, its formation constant, about 2.6 x 10(5) M(-1), and its binding capacity, 1 calcium atom per protein molecule. Correlative studies have shown that CaBP concentration in intestinal mucosa varies with the calcium absorptive capacity of the gut, thereby suggesting that CaBP is intimately involved in the process of calcium absorption. CaBP has been localized in the brush border region of the intestinal absorptive cell and within goblet cells. Among other proteins mentioned were the intrinsic factor required for vitamin B(12) absorption and the protein(s) associated with iron translocation.