Analysis of the steroid binding domain of rat androgen-binding protein.

The site-directed photoaffinity ligand [3H]17 beta-hydroxy-4,6-androstadien-3-one (delta 6-testosterone) was used to label the steroid binding domain of rat androgen-binding protein (rABP). After digestion with trypsin, the major radiolabeled peptide was isolated by reverse phase chromatography. The peptide was found to have the following amino acid sequence: Ile Ala Leu Gly Gly Leu Leu Leu Pro Thr Ser. Gaps in the sequence that one would anticipate if delta 6-testosterone formed an adduct with a single amino acid were not encountered. Several different amino acids appear to have been labeled as expected given the free radical nature of photoactivated delta 6-testosterone. The sequence obtained corresponded to a tryptic peptide (amino acids 171-181) of the rABP precursor. The only other protein having this amino acid sequence was human sex hormone binding globulin. The binding domain lies in a hydrophobic pocket that contains a predicted beta-sheet and turn secondary structure, as would be anticipated given the hydrophobic nature of the steroid molecule. A hydropathy and secondary structure analysis of rABP was performed as a basis for discussing the results of the current study in relation to previous studies on the steroid binding domain on human sex hormone binding globulin.