Purification and properties of recombinant rat catalase produced in Escherichia coli

Catalase is a characteristic enzyme of peroxisomes. To study the molecular mechanisms of the biogenesis of peroxisomes and catalase in a less complex system than rat liver cells, we expressed recombinant rat catalase in Escherichia coli, which has no peroxisomes. The concentration of recombinant catalase produced in E. coli transformed with the expression vector carrying the complete coding region of rat catalase cDNA was about 0.1% of the total soluble protein. The recombinant catalase was purified by DEAE-cellulose column chromatography followed by acidic ethanol precipitations. The properties of rat liver catalase and those of the recombinant were similar with respect to molecular mass, catalytic properties, profiles of absorption spectra, and iron contents. The NH2-terminal amino acid sequence of the purified recombinant catalase, as determined by Edman degradation, was in complete agreement with the amino acid sequence predicted from the nucleotide sequence of rat catalase cDNA, except that the first initiator methionine was not detected. The COOH-terminal amino acid sequence was determined by carboxypeptidase A digestion and the sequence, -Ala-Asn-Leu-OH, matched the predicted COOH-terminal amino acid sequence of rat catalase. Recombinant rat catalase gave almost the same multiple protein bands on native polyacrylamide gel isoelectric focusing as observed with authentic rat liver catalase.     

Catalase gene of the yeast Candida tropicalis. Sequence analysis and comparison with peroxisomal and cytosolic catalases from other sources

A clone harbouring the genomic DNA sequence for the peroxisomal catalase of an n-alkane-utilizable yeast, Candida tropicalis, has been isolated by the hybrid-selection method and confirmed with a probe of catalase partial cDNA. Nucleotide sequence analysis of the cloned DNA disclosed that the gene fragment coding for catalase had a length of 1455 base pairs (corresponding to 485 amino acids; m = 54937 Da), and that the size of this enzyme was the smallest among all catalases reported hitherto. No intervening sequence was found in this coding region and some portions coincided with the amino acid sequences obtained from the analysis of the purified catalase. The comparison with three peroxisomal catalases from rat liver, bovine liver and human kidney, and one cytosolic catalase from Saccharomyces cerevisiae has revealed that catalase from C. tropicalis was more homologous to the peroxisomal enzymes than to the cytosolic one. C. tropicalis used the codons of the high-expression type. Amino acid residues were all conserved at the active and heme-binding sites. In the N and C-terminal regions there was no characteristic signal sequence or consensus sequence. However, a noticeable region, which can be discriminated between peroxisomal and cytosolic catalases, was proposed.     

Characterization of a cDNA encoding cottonseed catalase

A 1.7 kb cDNA clone was isolated from our lambda gt11 library constructed from poly(A) RNA of 24-h-old cotyledons. The cDNA encodes a full-length catalase peptide (492 amino acid residues). The calculated molecular mass is 56,800, similar to that determined for purified enzyme (57,000 SDS-PAGE). Among higher plant catalases, this cotton catalase shows the highest amino acid sequence identity (85%) to the subunit of homotetrameric maize CAT 1, a developmental counterpart to the homotetrameric CAT A isoform of cotton seeds. Comparison of sequences from cotton, sweet potato, maize CAT 1, and yeast with bovine catalase revealed that the amino acid residues and regions that are involved in catalytic activity and/or required to maintain basic catalase structure, are highly conserved. The C-terminus region, which has the lowest nucleotide sequence identity between plant and mammalian catalases, does not terminate with a tripeptide, S-K/R/H-L, a putative targeting signal for peroxisomal proteins.     

Isolation and characterization of a cDNA clone encoding human aromatic L-amino acid decarboxylase

The nucleotide sequence of a cDNA clone that includes the entire coding region of human aromatic L-amino acid decarboxylase gene is presented. A human pheochromocytoma cDNA library was screened using an oligonucleotide probe which corresponded to a partial amino acid sequence of the enzyme purified from the human pheochromocytoma. The isolated cDNA clone encoded a protein of 480 amino acids with a calculated molecular mass of 53.9 kDa. The amino acid sequence Asn-Phe-Asn-Pro-His-Lys-Trp around a possible cofactor (pyridoxal phosphate) binding site is identical in human, Drosophila, and pig enzymes.     

Cloning of the alpha-amylase cDNA of Aspergillus shirousamii and its expression in Saccharomyces cerevisiae.

alpha-Amylase cDNA was cloned and sequenced from Aspergillus shirousamii RIB2504. The putative protein deduced from the cDNA open reading frame (ORF) consisted of 499 amino acids with a molecular weight of 55,000. The amino acid sequence was identical to that of the ORF of the Taka-amylase A gene of Aspergillus oryzae, while the nucleotide sequence was different at two and six positions in the cDNA ORF and 3' non-coding regions, respectively, so far determined. The alpha-amylase cDNA was expressed in Saccharomyces cerevisiae under the control of the yeast ADH1 promoter using a YEp-type plasmid, pYcDE1. The cDNA of glucoamylase, which was previously cloned from the same organism, was also expressed under the same conditions. Consequently, active alpha-amylase and glucoamylase were efficiently secreted into the culture medium. The amino acid sequence of the N-terminal regions of these enzymes purified from the yeast culture medium confirmed that the signal sequences of these enzymes were cleaved off at the same positions as those of the native enzymes of A. shirousamii.     

Polypeptide chain elongation factor 1 alpha (EF-1 alpha) from yeast: nucleotide sequence of one of the two genes for EF-1 alpha from Saccharomyces cerevisiae.

Messenger RNA for yeast cytosolic polypeptide chain elongation factor 1 alpha (EF-1 alpha) was partially purified from Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Double-stranded complementary DNA (cDNA) was synthesized and cloned in Escherichia coli with pBR327 as a vector. Recombinant plasmid carrying yEF-1 alpha cDNA was identified by cross-hybridization with the E. coli tufB gene and the yeast mitochondrial EF-Tu gene (tufM) under non-stringent conditions. A yeast gene library was then screened with the EF-1 alpha cDNA and several clones containing the chromosomal gene for EF-1 alpha were isolated. Restriction analysis of DNA fragments of these clones as well as the Southern hybridization of yeast genomic DNA with labelled EF-1 alpha cDNA indicated that there are two EF-1 alpha genes in S. cerevisiae. The nucleotide sequence of one of the two EF-1 alpha genes (designated as EF1 alpha A) was established together with its 5'- and 3'-flanking sequences. The sequence contained 1374 nucleotides coding for a protein of 458 amino acids with a calculated mol. wt. of 50 300. The derived amino acid sequence showed homologies of 31% and 32% with yeast mitochondrial EF-Tu and E. coli EF-Tu, respectively.     

Coding and 3' non-coding nucleotide sequence of chalcone synthase mRNA and assignment of amino acid sequence of the enzyme

The nucleotide sequence of an almost complete cDNA copy of chalcone synthase mRNA from cultured parsley cells (Petroselinum hortense) has been determined. The cDNA copy comprised the complete coding sequence for chalcone synthase, a short A-rich stretch of the 5' non-coding region and the complete 3' non-coding region including a poly(A) tail. The amino acid sequence deduced from the nucleotide sequence of the cDNA is consistent with a partial N-terminal sequence analysis, the total amino acid composition, the cyanogen bromide cleavage pattern, and the apparent mol. wt. of the subunit of the purified enzyme.     

Cloning and partial nucleotide sequence of Schistosoma japonicum paramyosin: a potential vaccine candidate against schistosomiasis.

, , , and 1992. Cloning and partial nucleotide sequence of Schistosoma japonicum paramyosin: a potential vaccine candidate against schistosomiasis. International Journal for Parasitology 22: 1187–1191. Paramyosin from the blood fluke, Schistosoma mansoni, has shown promise as a vaccine candidate for schistosomiasis mansoni. Here we report the cloning and partial nucleotide sequence of a cDNA encoding paramyosin from the related human parasite, Schistosoma japonicum. Affinity purified antibodies to this clone recognized a S. japonicum antigen of molecular weight 97 kDa, equivalent to the reported size of S. mansoni paramyosin. Alignment of the cDNA sequence with that of S. mansoni paramyosin revealed 90% identity. Comparison of the predicted amino acid sequences revealed 95% identity. Although these two parasites differ in many characteristics, the substantial homology demonstrated here between S. mansoni and S. japonicum paramyosin could have important implications for the development of a S. japonicum vaccine.     

Amino acid sequence of rat argininosuccinate lyase deduced from cDNA

Argininosuccinate lyase [EC 4.3.2.1] is an enzyme of the urea cycle in the liver of ureotelic animals. The enzymes of the urea cycle, including argininosuccinate lyase, are regulated developmentally and in response to dietary and hormonal changes, in a coordinated manner. The nucleotide sequence of rat argininosuccinate lyase cDNA, which was isolated previously (Amaya, Y., Kawamoto, S., Oda, T., Kuzumi, T., Saheki, T., Kimula, S., & Mori, M. (1986) Biochem. Int. 13, 433-438), was determined. The cDNA clone contained an open reading frame encoding a polypeptide of 461 amino acid residues (predicted Mr = 51,549), a 5'-untranslated sequence of 150 bp, and a 3'-untranslated sequence of 41 bp. The amino acid composition of rat liver argininosuccinate lyase predicted from the cDNA sequence is in close agreement with that determined on the purified enzyme. The predicted amino acid sequences of the human and yeast enzymes along the entire sequences (94 and 39%, respectively), except for a region of 66 residues of the human enzyme near the COOH terminus. However, the sequence of this region of the human enzyme predicted from another reading frame of the human enzyme cDNA is homologous with the corresponding sequences of the rat and yeast enzymes. Therefore, the human sequence should be re-examined. Lysine-51, the putative binding site for argininosuccinate, and the flanking sequences are highly conserved among the rat, steer, human, and yeast enzymes.     

Cloning of the α-Amylase cDNA of Aspergillus shirousamii and Its Expression in Saccharomyces cerevisiae

α-Amylase cDNA was cloned and sequenced from Aspergillus shirousamii RIB2504. The putative protein deduced from the cDNA open reading frame (ORF) consisted of 499 amino acids with a molecular weight of 55,000. The amino acid sequence was identical to that of the ORF of the Taka-amylase A gene of Aspergillus oryzae, while the nucleotide sequence was different at two and six positions in the cDNA ORF and 3? non-coding regions, respectively, so far determined. The α-amylase cDNA was expressed in Saccharomyces cerevisiae under the control of the yeast ADH1 promoter using a YEp-type plasmid, pYcDE1. The cDNA of glucoamylase, which was previously cloned from the same organism, was also expressed under the same conditions. Consequently, active α-amylase and glucoamylase were efficiently secreted into the culture medium. The amino acid sequence of the N-terminal regions of these enzymes purified from the yeast culture medium confirmed that the signal sequences of these enzymes were cleaved off at the same positions as those of the native enzymes of A. shirousamii.     

Molecular cloning of cDNA for rat liver catalase

For the studies on the induction of peroxisomal enzymes by hypolipidemic agents, we have tried to isolate a cDNA clone for rat liver catalase. A recombinant clone, pMJ501, was isolated, of which cDNA insert specifically hybridized to catalase mRNA in hybridization-selected translation. On RNA blot hybridization, it hybridized to 2.4-kilobases RNA which was increased about 1.5-fold by the administration of di-(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate to the rats. The nucleotide sequence of the cDNA contains a reading frame for 109 amino acid residues which match the reported amino acid sequence of bovine liver catalase at the carboxyl end with 82% homology. It is concluded that pMJ501 contains a cDNA sequence for rat liver catalase.     

L-galactono-gamma-lactone dehydrogenase from sweet potato: purification and cDNA sequence analysis

L-Galactono-gamma-lactone dehydrogenase (EC 1.3.2.3, GLDHase) was partially purified from mitochondria of sweet potato tuberous roots over 600-fold on a specific activity basis, followed by purification of the enzyme protein of 56 kDa by a preparative SDS-PAGE. The absorption spectrum of the hydroxylapatite column-purified GLDH-ase showed peaks at 448 and 373 nm, suggesting the presence of flavin as a prosthetic group. The activity of GLDH-ase was inhibited by lycorine, an alkaloid which inhibits ascorbic acid biosynthesis in vivo. N-terminal partial sequences of four internal polypeptides generated by partial digestion of GLDHase with V8 protease were determined. The deduced nucleotide sequences were used to amplify a cDNA fragment of the GLDHase gene. The clone encoded a polypeptide of 581 amino acid residues with a molecular mass of 66 kDa. The deduced amino acid sequence showed 77% identity with that of cauliflower GLDHase, and significant homology to those of L-gulono-gamma-lactone oxidase (22% identity) from rat and L-galactono-gamma-lactone oxidase from yeast (17% identity), which are enzymes involved in L-ascorbic acid biosynthesis in these organisms. The absorption spectrum and cDNA sequence suggested that the flavin group bound noncovalently. We conclude that GLDHase, L-gulono-gamma-lactone oxidase and L-galactono-gamma-lactone oxidase are homologous in spite of the difference in substrates and electron acceptors. Genomic Southern analysis suggested that GLDHase gene exists as a single copy in the genome of sweet potato.     

Purification and characterization of a tRNA nucleotidyltransferase from Lupinus albus and functional complementation of a yeast mutation by the corresponding cDNA

ATP (CTP):tRNA nucleotidyltransferase (EC 2.7.7.25) was purified to apparent homogeneity from a crude extract of Lupinus albus seeds. Purification was accomplised using a multistep protocol including ammonium sulfate fractionation and chromatography on anion-exchange, hydroxylapatite and affinity columns. The lupin enzyme exhibited a pH optimum and salt and ion requirements that were similar to those of tRNA nucleotidyltransferases from other sources. Oligonucleotides, based on partial amino acid sequence of the purified protein, were used to isolate the corresponding cDNA. The cDNA potentially encodes a protein of 560 amino acids with a predicted molecular mass of 64164 Da in good agreement with the apparent molecular mass of the pure protein determined by sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. The size and predicted amino acid sequence of the lupin enzyme are more similar to the enzyme from yeast than from Escherichia coli with some blocks of amino acid sequence conserved among all three enzymes. Functionality of the lupin cDNA was shown by complementation of a temperature-sensitive mutation in the yeast tRNA nucleotidyltransferase gene. While the lupin cDNA compensated for the nucleocytoplasmic defect in the yeast mutant it did not enable the mutant strain to grow at the non-permissive temperature on a non-fermentable carbon source.     

Structure and partial amino acid sequence of calf thymus DNA topoisomerase II: comparison with other type II enzymes.

The partial amino acid sequence of p140 calf thymus DNA topoisomerase II was determined by analysis of cyanogen bromide peptides. Five peptides were aligned and shared extensive homology with sequences derived from cDNA clones for the human topoisomerase II isoenzyme forms. Less homology was seen with the Drosophila, yeast and bacterial type II enzymes. Calf and human enzymes shared epitopes allowing isolation of a cDNA clone to human topoisomerase II isoenzyme alpha. Our results indicate that calf thymus p140 topoisomerase II is an active N-terminal proteolytic fragment of the native p180 enzyme and demonstrate that mammalian type II enzymes exhibit close sequence similarity.     

Structural features of the glycogen branching enzyme encoding genes from aspergilli

A maltose binding protein, p78, was purified to homogeneity from Aspergillus nidulans by a single column chromatography step on cross-linked amylose. The partial amino acid sequence was highly homologous to the glycogen branching enzymes (GBEs) of human and yeast, and p78 did show branching enzyme activity. The genomic gene and its cDNA encoding GBE (p78) were isolated from the A. nidulans genomic and cDNA libraries. Furthermore, a cDNA encoding A. oryzae GBE was entirely sequenced. A. nidulans GBE shared overall and significant amino acid sequence identity with GBEs from A. oryzae (83.9%), Saccharomyces cerevisiae (61.1%) and human (63.0%), and with starch branching enzymes from green plants (55–56%).     

Purification of Cytochrome P-450«/A from n-Alkane-grown Cells of Candida maltosa,and Cloning and Nucleotide Sequencing of the Encoding Gene

When the cells of an n-alkane-assimilating yeast, Candida maltosa I AM12247, were transferred from a glucose medium to an n-alkane medium, various enzymes are induced in the endoplasmic reticulum and peroxisome. Cytochrome P-450alk, one of these enzymes in the endoplasmic reticulum, was purified after mild solubilization of the membrane, followed by a few steps of chromatography. The enzyme was characterized spectrophotometrically and its N-terminal amino acid sequence (12 residues) was determined.

Using oligonucleotide probes prepared to match parts of the N-terminal amino acid sequence and of the partial cDNA sequence of cytochrome P-450alk of C. maltosa EH 15, we isolated from a gene library of C. maltosa I AM 12247 a clone which had a gene encoding cytochrome P-450a/Ar. By nucleotide sequencing of this gene, the amino acid sequence of this enzyme was deduced. It consisted of 523 amino acids (59,838 daltons), with a non-cleavable signal sequence in the N-terminal region. The structure of this enzyme was compared with some other members of the cytochrome P-450 superfamily.     

Isolation and characterization of a cDNA clone from Catharanthus roseus encoding NADPH:cytochrome P-450 reductase, an enzyme essential for reactions catalysed by cytochrome P-450 mono-oxygenases in plants

The membrane-bound flavoprotein NADPH:cytochrome P-450 (cytochrome c) reductase, that functions in electron transfer to cytochrome P-450 mono-oxygenases, was purified from a cell suspension culture of the higher plant Catheranthus roseus . Anti-serum raised against the purified protein was found to inhibit NADPH:cytochrome c reductase activity as well as the activities of the cytochrome P-450 enzymes geraniol 10-hydroxylase and trans -cinnamate 4-hydroxylase, which are involved in alkaloid biosynthesis and phenylpropanoid biosynthesis, respectively. Immunoscreening of a C. roseus cDNA expression library resulted in the isolation of a partial NADPH: cytochrome P-450 reductase cDNA clone, which was identified on the basis of sequence homology with NADPH:cytochrome P-450 reductases from yeast and animal species. The identity of the cDNA was confirmed by expression in Escherichia coli as a functional protein capable of NADPH-dependent reduction of cytochrome c and neotetrazolium, two in vitro substrates for the reductase. The N-terminal sequence of the reductase, which was not present in the cDNA clone, was determined from a genomic NADPH: cytochrome P-450 reductase clone. It was demonstrated that the reductase probably is encoded by a single copy gene. A sequence comparison of this plant NADPH:cytochrome P-450 reductase with the corresponding enzymes from yeast and animal species showed that functional domains involved in binding of the cofactors FMN, FAD and NADPH are highly conserved between all kingdoms. In C. roseus cell cultures a rapid increase of the reductase steady state mRNA level was observed after the addition of fungal elicitor preparations that are known to induce cytochrome P-450-dependent biosynthetic pathways.     

High-level expression and purification of recombinant human catalase in Pichia pastoris

Catalase is one of the antioxidant enzymes and is involved in many pathophysiologic processes and human diseases. This study focused on high-level expression and purification of recombinant catalase in Pichia pastoris. The cDNA encoding catalase was cloned by RT-PCR from Fetal liver of Homo sapiens. After PCR and construction of expression vector pPIC9K-CAT, human catalase was expressed highly in P. pastoris yeast SMD1168 and secreted into the culture medium. The secreted catalase was purified to a purity of 95% by ammonium sulfate fractionation, anionic exchange-chromatography, and Macro-prep Ceramic Hydroxyapatite with a overall yield of 60%. This study provides a new method for large-scale expression and purification of recombinant protein catalase.