Polarized expression of functional rat liver asialoglycoprotein receptor in transfected Madin-Darby canine kidney cells.

The rat liver asialoglycoprotein receptor or rat hepatic lectin (RHL) consists of two polypeptide species, a major one designated RHL-1 and a minor one designated RHL-2/3, which exists in two differentially glycosylated forms. We have studied the biosynthesis, targeting, and function of the different forms after transfection of their cDNAs into the polarized Madin-Darby canine kidney cell line. In cells expressing only RHL-1, newly synthesized protein undergoes rapid intracellular degradation and is not detected at the cell surface. In contrast, RHL-2/3 when transfected alone is much more stable and is expressed at the basolateral surface of fiber-grown cells. When both forms are expressed together, newly synthesized RHL-1 escapes rapid degradation and is detected at the basolateral surface. In double transfectants a functional receptor is formed that specifically endocytoses and degrades ligand at the basolateral side.