Characterization of Cysteine-containing Phosphoproteins from Human Submandibular-Sublingual Saliva

Members of a family of acidic proteins taken from human submandibular-sublingual saliva were designated cysteine-containing phosphoproteins, since they could be distinguished from other salivary phosphoproteins by the presence of half-cystine. These molecules consisted of a single peptide chain of ~ 14,000 daltons. Their isoelectric points ranged from 4.3 to 5.9. Two groups (C2 and C3) were 0-phosphorylated. Their charge heterogeneity was apparently due to variations in content of phosphate and acidic and basic amino acids.