Cloned DNA encoding a UDP-GalNAc: polypeptide N-acetylgalactosaminy-ltransferase

DETAILED DESCRIPTION The present invention is based upon the discoveries of the gene coding for the enzyme N-acetylgalactosaminyltransferase, the amino acid sequence of the enzyme N-acetylgalactosaminyltransferase, and the polypeptide sequence of the acceptor peptide for the enzyme N-acetylgalactosaminyltransferase.
These discoveries allow for the control of glycosylation of a protein.
The present invention involves controlling the glycosylation of a protein, either within a cell or in vitro, by introducing into the DNA sequence encoding the protein at least one gene which is capable of expressing the acceptor peptide for the enzyme N-acetylgalactosaminyltransferase, expressing a protein having an acceptor cite for that enzyme, and exposing the expressed protein to that enzyme.
The present invention also provides a process for altering the glycosylation of a protein produced by a cell where the process involves introducing into the cell at least one gene which is capable of expressing the enzyme N-acetylgalactosaminyltransferase followed by expressing a sufficient amount of the enzyme in the cell to thereby alter the glycosylation of the protein in the cell.
The above discussed and many other features and attendant advantages of the present invention will become better understood by reference to the following detailed description when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.