Abstract

We are interested in understanding the possible function(s) of the oxysterol-binding proteins in mediating oxysterol cytotoxicity in the retina. In this study we describe the cloning, localization, and biological activity of a novel oxysterol-binding protein (OSBP2), and complete the molecular characterization of the previously known OSBP1. Both OSBP genes contain 14 exons and have similar exon sizes and splice sites suggesting they may have arisen from a gene duplication event. OSBP1 is located in chromosome 11q12.1, and OSBP2 is located in 22q12. At the protein level they share 63% overall similarity and although they have unique N termini, both have similar pleckstrin homology domains within the N terminus region. Northern blot analyses indicate that OSBP1 is broadly expressed in human and monkey tissues. OSBP2 is detected mainly in retina, testis, and fetal liver. Western blot analysis using peptide antibodies specific to OSBP1 and OSBP2 detected the proteins in different subcellular fractions in the retinal monkey tissue. OSBP1 is detected mainly in the soluble or cytosolic fraction and nuclei whereas OSBP2 is detected exclusively in the detergent soluble fraction suggesting association with membranes. Immunohistochemical localization of OSBP1 and OSBP2 in the monkey retina placed these two proteins in similar but distinct areas of the inner retina. OSBP2 was found to bind 7-ketocholesterol but to have very little affinity for cholesterol or 25-hydroxycholesterol.