The carboxyl terminal of the predicted amino acid sequence of the Batten disease CLN3
gene protein is CQLS. This motif is expected to be a site for farnesylation at the
cysteine residue. In order to determine whether this is indeed farnesylated we have
carried out the in-vitro prenylation of tetrapeptides CVLS, CAIL and CQLS using a
farnesyl transferase preparation from bovine brain. The data shows that the CQLS is
a good acceptor of a farnesyl group similar to CVLS while it is a poor acceptor of
a geranylgeranyl group unlike CAIL, which is a good acceptor of a geranylgeranyl group.
This suggests that the CLN3 gene product may be a farnesylated protein.
Batten disease
- Neuronal ceroid-lipofuscinosis - Farnesylation
