A Kunitz proteinase inhibitor from Archidendron ellipticum seeds: purification, characterization, and kinetic properties

Leguminous plants in the tropical rainforests are a rich source of proteinase inhibitors and this work illustrates isolation of a serine proteinase inhibitor from the seeds of Archidendron ellipticum (AeTI), inhabiting Great Nicobar Island, India. AeTI was purified to homogeneity by acetone and ammonium sulfate fractionation, and ion exchange, size exclusion and reverse phase chromatography (HPLC). SDS-PAGE of AeTI revealed that it is constituted by two polypeptide chains (alpha-chain, M(r) 15,000 and beta-chain, M(r) 5000), the molecular weight being approximately 20 kDa. N-terminal sequence showed high homology with other serine proteinase inhibitors belonging to the Mimosoideae subfamily. Both Native-PAGE as well as isoelectric focussing showed four isoinhibitors (pI values of 4.1, 4.55, 5.27 and 5.65). Inhibitory activity of AeTI remained unchanged over a wide range of temperatures (0-60 degrees C) and pH (1-10). The protein inhibited trypsin in the stoichiometric ratio of 1:1, but lacked similar stoichiometry against chymotrypsin. Also, AeTI-trypsin complex was stable to SDS unlike the SDS unstable AeTI-chymotrypsin complex. AeTI, which possessed inhibition constants (K(i)) of 2.46 x 10(-10) and 0.5 x 10(-10)M against trypsin and chymotrypsin activity, respectively, retained over 70% of inhibitory activity after being stored at -20 degrees C for more than a year. Initial studies on the insecticidal properties of AeTI indicate it to be a very potent insect anti-feedant.     

Bioinsecticidal activity of Archidendron ellipticum trypsin inhibitor on growth and serine digestive enzymes during larval development of Spodoptera litura

The roles of serine proteases involved in the digestion mechanism of the cutworm Spodoptera litura (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) were examined (in vitro and in vivo) following feeding of plant protease inhibitors. A trypsin inhibitor from Archidendron ellipticum (AeTI) was purified by ammonium sulfate fractionation, ion-exchange chromatography and size-exclusion chromatography (HPLC) and its bioinsecticidal properties against S. litura were compared with Soybean Kunitz trypsin inhibitor (SBTI). AeTI inhibited the trypsin-like activities of the midgut proteases of fifth instar larvae of S. litura by over 70%. Dixon plot analysis revealed competitive inhibition of larval midgut trypsin and chymotrypsin by AeTI, with an inhibition constant (K(i)) of 3.5x10(-9) M and 1.5x10(-9) M, respectively. However, inhibitor kinetics using double reciprocal plots for both trypsin and chymotrypsin inhibitions demonstrated a mixed inhibition pattern. Feeding experiments conducted on different (neonate to ultimate) instars suggested a dose-dependent decrease for both the larval body weight as well as % survival of larva fed on diet containing 50, 100 and 150 microM AeTI. Influence of AeTI on the larval gut physiology indicated a 7-fold decrease of trypsin-like protease activity and a 5-fold increase of chymotrypsin-like protease activity, after being fed with a diet supplemented with 150 microM AeTI. This study suggests that although the early (1st to 3rd) larval instars of S. litura are susceptible to the trypsin inhibitory action of AeTI, the later instars may facilitate the development of new serine proteases, insensitive to the inhibitor.     

Purification and antiparasitic activity of a few legume serine proteinase inhibitors: Effect on erythrocyte invasion,schizont rupture and proteolytic processing of the Plasmodium falciparum AMA1 protein

Legume proteinase inhibitors (PI/s) abrogate proteolytic activity of proteins and cause adverse effects on growth. In this study, two legume PIs – Archidendron ellipticum Trypsin Inhibitor (AeTI) and Derris trifoliata Trypsin Chymotrypsin Inhibitor (DtTCI) were purified and used along with standard, Soybean Trypsin Inhibitor (STI), either singly or in combination, as antiplasmodial agents against two Plasmodium forms (Pf 3D7/Pf FCR3). Both AeTI/DtTCI were purified to homogeneity by HPLC and showed over 98% trypsin/chymotrypsin inhibition, respectively. DtTCI severely arrested growth of both the Plasmodium forms (IC50 of 9.59 μM and 16.86 μM, respectively). In addition, combination of DtTCI/AeTI had synergistic effect against both Pf 3D7 (FIC – 0.19) and Pf FCR3 (FIC − 0.23). Combinations of DtTCI/STI and AeTI/STI showed additive effects for the parasite forms. Time-course studies indicated DtTCI and combination of DtTCI/AeTI, to be potent inhibitor of schizont rupture. Antiproteolytic action of the PIs on Pf Apical Merozoite Antigen 1 (AMA1) protein revealed that none of the inhibitors (singly/combinations) affected the primary proteolysis of PfAMA1 protein. Notably however, the normal secondary proteolysis of PfAMA1 was abrogated by both DtTCI (singly/combinations) and AeTI. Incidentally, the proteolytic processing of PfAMA1 remained unaffected following STI treatment.     

Double-headed protease inhibitors from black-eyed peas. IV. Half-site reactivity in the formation of complexes with trypsin and chymotrypsin.

Complex formation between two new double-headed protease inhibitors from black-eyed peas, trypsin-chymotrypsin inhibitor (BEPCI) and a trypsin inhibitor (BEPTI), and trypsin and chymotrypsin was investigated in the concentration range from 10-8 to 10-4 M by titration experiments and gel filtration chromatography. Dissociation equilibrium constants measured for complexes detected in the titration experiments range from as large as 10-8 M for trypsin bound nonspecifically to the chymotrypsin site of BEPCI to as small as 10-18 M2 for the interaction of BEPCI with chymotrypsin. The identity and stoichiometry of complexes detected during titration experiments were confirmed by gel filtration of mixtures of native and fluorescently labeled proteases and inhibitors. Half-site reactivity is observed in the formation of complexes between BEPCI or BEPTI and trypsin and chymotrypsin at all experimentally practical concentrations. The double-headed complex contains 1 molecule each of trypsin, chymotrypsin, and BEPCI dimer. The bimolecular rate constants of complex formation between trypsin or chymotrypsin and isolated BEPCI oligomers range from 1.8 X 10(5) M-1 S-1 for chymotrypsin and BEPCI monomer to 4.4 X 10(7) M-1 S-1 for trypsin and the rapidly equilibrating BEPCI dimer. The estimated rate constants for the dissociation of half-site-liganded dimer complexes and liganded monomer complexes range from 7.5 X 10-3 S-1 for the trypsin-liganded BEPCI monomer complex to 1.6 X 10-6 S-1 for the chymotrypsin-liganded BEPCI dimer complex.     

Structural consequences of accommodation of four non-cognate amino acid residues in the S1 pocket of bovine trypsin and chymotrypsin

Crystal structures of P1 Gly, Val, Leu and Phe bovine pancreatic trypsin inhibitor (BPTI) variants in complex with two serine proteinases, bovine trypsin and chymotrypsin, have been determined. The association constants for the four mutants with the two enzymes show that the enlargement of the volume of the P1 residue is accompanied by an increase of the binding energy, which is more pronounced for bovine chymotrypsin. Since the conformation of the P1 side-chains in the two S1 pockets is very similar, we suggest that the difference in DeltaG values between the enzymes must arise from the more polar environment of the S1 site of trypsin. This results mainly from the substitutions of Met192 and Ser189 observed in chymotrypsin with Gln192 and Asp189 present in trypsin. The more polar interior of the S1 site of trypsin is reflected by a much higher order of the solvent network in the empty pocket of the enzyme, as is observed in the complexes of the two enzymes with the P1 Gly BPTI variant. The more optimal binding of the large hydrophobic P1 residues by chymotrypsin is also reflected by shrinkage of the S1 pocket upon the accommodation of the cognate residues of this enzyme. Conversely, the S1 pocket of trypsin expands upon binding of such side-chains, possibly to avoid interaction with the polar residues of the walls. Further differentiation between the two enzymes is achieved by small differences in the shape of the S1 sites, resulting in an unequal steric hindrance of some of the side-chains, as observed for the gamma-branched P1 Leu variant of BPTI, which is much more favored by bovine chymotrypsin than trypsin. Analysis of the discrimination of beta-branched residues by trypsin and chymotrypsin is based on the complexes with the P1 Val BPTI variant. Steric repulsion of the P1 Val residue by the walls of the S1 pocket of both enzymes prevents the P1 Val side-chain from adopting the most optimal chi1 value.     

Purification and biochemical characterization of a serine proteinase inhibitor from Derris trifoliata Lour. seeds: Insight into structural and antimalarial features

A potent serine proteinase inhibitor was isolated and characterized from the seeds of the tropical legume liana, Derris trifoliata (DtTCI) by ammonium sulfate precipitation, ion exchange chromatography and gel filtration chromatography. SDS-PAGE as well as MALDI-TOF analysis showed that DtTCI is a single polypeptide chain with a molecular mass of ∼20 kDa. DtTCI has three isoinhibitors (pI: 4.55, 5.34 and 5.72) and, inhibited both trypsin and chymotrypsin in a 1:1 molar ratio. Both Dixon plots and Lineweaver-Burk double reciprocal plots revealed a competitive inhibition of trypsin and chymotrypsin activity, with inhibition constants (K_i) of 1.7 × 10⁻¹⁰ and 1.25 × 10⁻¹⁰ M, respectively. N-terminal sequence of DtTCI showed over 50% similarity with numerous Kunitz-type inhibitors of the Papilionoideae subfamily. High pH amplitude and broad temperature optima were noted for DtTCI, and time course experiments indicated a gradual loss in inhibitory potency on treatment with dithiothreitol (DTT). Circular Dichroism (CD) spectrum of native DtTCI revealed an unordered structure whereas exposure to thermal-pH extremes, DTT and guanidine hydrochloride (Gdn HCl) suggested that an abundance of β-sheets along with intramolecular disulfide bonds provide conformational stability to the active site of DtTCI, and that severity of denaturants cause structural modifications promoting inhibitory inactivity. Antimalarial studies of DtTCI indicate it to be a potent antiparasitic agent.     

Double-headed protease inhibitors from black-eyed peas. VI. Singlet-singlet energy transfer and other optical studies on the structure of trypsin and chymotrypsin complexes.

The geometry of the binary and ternary complexes of two black-eyed pea inhibitors with trypsin and chymotrypsin has been established by distance measurements using the technique of singlet-singlet energy transfer. Triangulation of measured distances in the ternary double-headed complex of the trypsin-chymotrypsin inhibitor (BEPCI) with trypsin and chymotrypsin limits the possible structural models for this complex to those in which the center to center distance between trypsin and chymotrypsin is about 64 A, the distance from the center of trypsin to the single fluorescently labeled tyrosyl residue of the BEPCI dimer is about 33 A, and the distance between the chymotrypsin center and the labeled tyrosine of the inhibitor is about 43 A. Energy transfer results for the trypsin inhibitor (BEPTI) complexes show conclusively that the weak trypsin site is structurally analogous to the strong chymotrypsin binding site of BEPCI. The weak chymotrypsin binding site of BEPTI is structurally analogous to the strong trypsin sites of BEPCI and BEPTI. Corresponding distances in binary and ternary complexes are the same, indicating that little or no structural rearrangement occurs when the ternary complexes are formed. Complex formation was shown to involve tryptophan and tryosine residues of both trypsin and chymotrypsin as judged by absorption and circular dichroism difference spectroscopy. In addition, circular dichroism difference spectra revealed some disulfide contributions.     

Inhibition mechanism of a peanut trypsin-chymotrypsin inhibitor, B-III: determination of the reactive sites for trypsin and chymotrypsin

Peanut inhibitor B-III was found to form two types of complexes with trypsin, T2I and TI, by gel filtration HPLC. Two cleaved peptide bonds, Arg(10)-Arg(11) and Arg(38)-Ser(39), in the trypsin modified inhibitor (TM-B-III*R*S) (J. Biochem. 93, 479-485 (1983] were resynthesized by the complex formation with 2 mol of trypsin. These results suggest that the two peptide bonds may be the reactive sites for trypsin. TM-B-III*R*S inhibited bovine trypsin as well as native B-III but had little chymotrypsin inhibitory activity. The two peptide bonds, Arg(10)-Arg(11) and Arg(38)-Ser(39), in B-III were cleaved partly by prolonged incubation with a catalytic amount of chymotrypsin. But gel filtration HPLC of the chymotrypsin-inhibitor complex showed the formation of only CI complex. Incubation of TM-B-III*R*S with an equimolar amount of chymotrypsin resulted in the resynthesis of only the Arg(10)-Arg(11) bond. These findings suggest that Arg(10)-Arg(11) may be a true reactive site for chymotrypsin. An inhibition mechanism of B-III against trypsin and chymotrypsin was proposed from the results obtained by the present studies.     

Structural analysis of peptide fragments following the hydrolysis of bovine serum albumin by trypsin and chymotrypsin

Peptide bond hydrolysis of bovine serum albumin (BSA) by chymotrypsin and trypsin was investigated by employing time-resolved fluorescence spectroscopy. As a fluorescent cross-linking reagent, N-(1-pyrenyl) maleimide (PM) was attached to BSA, through all free amine groups of arginine, lysine, and/or single free thiol (Cys34). Time-resolved fluorescence spectroscopy was used to monitor fluorescence decays analyzed by exponential series method to obtain the changes in lifetime distributions. After the exposure of synthesized protein substrate PM-BSA to chymotrypsin and trypsin, it is observed that each protease produced a distinct change in the lifetime distribution profile, which was attributed to distinct chemical environments created by short peptide fragments in each hydrolysate. The persistence of excimer emission at longer lifetime regions for chymotrypsin, as opposed to trypsin, suggested the presence of small-scale hydrophobic clusters that might prevent some excimers from being completely quenched. It is most likely that the formation of these clusters is due to hydrophobic end groups of peptide fragments in chymotrypsin hydrolysate. A similar hydrophobic shield was not suggested for trypsin hydrolysis, as the end groups of peptide fragments would be either arginine or lysine. Overall, in case the target protein’s 3D structure is known, the structural analysis of possible excimer formation presented here can be used as a tool to explain the differences in activity between two proteases, i.e. the peak’s intensity and location in the profile. Furthermore, this structural evaluation might be helpful in obtaining the optimum experimental conditions in order to generate the highest amount of PM-BSA complexes.     

Effect of trypsin inhibitor from Crotalaria pallida seeds on Callosobruchus maculatus (cowpea weevil) and Ceratitis capitata (fruit fly)

A proteinaceous trypsin inhibitor was purified from Crotalaria pallida seeds by ammonium sulfate precipitation, affinity chromatography on immobilized trypsin-Sepharose and TCA precipitation. The trypsin inhibitor, named CpaTI, had M(r) of 32.5 kDa as determined by SDS-PAGE and was composed of two subunits with 27.7 and 5.6 kDa linked by disulfide bridges. CpaTI was stable at 50 degrees C and lost 40% of activity at 100 degrees C. CpaTI was also stable from pH 2 to 12 at 37 degrees C. CpaTI weakly inhibited chymotrypsin and elastase and its inhibition of papain, a cysteine proteinase, were indicative of its bi-functionality. CpaTI inhibited, in different degrees, digestive enzymes from Spodoptera frugiperda, Alabama argillacea, Plodiainterpunctella, Anthonomus grandis and Zabrotes subfasciatus guts. In vitro and in vivo susceptibility of Callosobruchus maculatus and Ceratitis capitata to CpaTI was evaluated. C. maculatus and C. capitata enzymes were strongly susceptible, 74.4+/-15.8% and 100.0+/-7.3%, respectively, to CpaTI. When CpaTI was added to artificial diets and offered to both insect larvae, the results showed that C. maculatus was more susceptible to CpaTI with an LD(50) of 3.0 and ED(50) of 2.17%. C. capitata larvae were more resistant to CpaTI, in disagreement with the in vitro effects. The larvae were more affected at lower concentrations, causing 27% mortality and 44.4% mass decrease. The action was constant at 2-4% (w/w) with 15% mortality and 38% mass decrease.     

Purification and characterization of a proteinase inhibitor from field bean, Dolichos lablab perpureus L

A proteinase inhibitor resembling Bowman-Birk family inhibitors has been purified from the seeds of cultivar HA-3 of Dolichos lablab perpureus L. The protein was apparently homogeneous as judged by SDS–PAGE, PAGE, IEF, and immunodiffusion. The inhibitor had 12 mole% 1/2-cystine and a few aromatic amino acids, and lacks tryptophan. Field bean proteinase inhibitor (FBPI) exhibited a pI of 4.3 and an M _r of 18,500 Da. CD spectral studies showed random coiled secondary structure. Conformational changes were detected in the FBPI–trypsin/chymotrypsin complexes by difference spectral studies. Apparent K _a values of complexes of inhibitor with trypsin and chymotrypsin were 2.1 × 10⁷ M^–1 and 3.1 × 10⁷ M^–1, respectively. The binary and ternary complexes of FBPI with trypsin and chymotrypsin have been isolated indicating 1:1 stoichiometry with independent sites for cognate enzymes. Amino acid modification studies showed lysine and tyrosine at the reactive sites of FBPI for trypsin and chymotrypsin, respectively.     

Biotinylation in the hyperthermophile Aquifex aeolicus.

Biotin protein ligase (BPL) catalyses the biotinylation of the biotin carboxyl carrier protein (BCCP) subunit of acetyl CoA carboxylase and this post-translational modification of a single lysine residue is exceptionally specific. The exact details of the protein-protein interactions involved are unclear as a BPL:BCCP complex has not yet been isolated. Moreover, detailed information is lacking on the composition, biosynthesis and role of fatty acids in hyperthermophilic organisms. We have cloned, overexpressed and purified recombinant BPL and the biotinyl domain of BCCP (BCCP Delta 67) from the extreme hyperthermophile Aquifex aeolicus. In vitro assays have demonstrated that BPL catalyses biotinylation of lysine 117 on BCCP Delta 67 at temperatures of up to 70 degrees C. Limited proteolysis of BPL with trypsin and chymotrypsin revealed a single protease-sensitive site located 44 residues from the N-terminus. This site is adjacent to the predicted substrate-binding site and proteolysis of BPL is significantly reduced in the presence of MgATP and biotin. Chemical crosslinking with 1-ethyl-3-(dimethylamino-propyl)-carbodiimide (EDC) allowed the isolation of a BPL:apo-BCCP Delta 67 complex. Furthermore, this complex was also formed between BPL and a BCCP Delta 67 mutant lacking the lysine residue (BCCP Delta 67 K117L) however, complex formation was considerably reduced using holo-BCCP Delta 67. These observations provide evidence that addition of the biotin prosthetic group reduces the ability of BCCP Delta 67 to heterodimerize with BPL, and emphasizes that a network of interactions between residues on both proteins mediates protein recognition.     

Glycation improves the thermostability of trypsin and chymotrypsin

A novel glycation procedure, in vacuo glycation, was used to attach glucose covalently to the lysine residues of trypsin and chymotrypsin. Glycated trypsin and glycated chymotrypsin have greatly increased thermostability compared to the native enzymes. For example, glycated bovine trypsin, incubated at 50 degrees C and pH 8.0 for 3 h, retained more than 50% of its original activity whereas the native enzyme was inactivated under the same conditions. Similarly, after incubation at 50 degrees C and pH 8.0, glycated bovine chymotrypsin retained 45% of its original activity and the native enzyme was inactivated. Glycated porcine trypsin is exceptionally thermostable and could be used to digest native ribonuclease at 70 degrees C without the need for prior denaturation. The apparent increase in the thermal stability of the glycated proteins observed in activity measurements is also reflected by an increase in the T(m) values determined with differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and circular dichroism (CD). The glycation does not alter the activity or specificity of these enzymes.     

Preparation of photoreactive derivatives of trypsin-chymotrypsin inhibitors from soybeans and chick peas by selective modification of lysine residues

Photoreactive derivatives of the Bowman-Birk trypsin-chymotrypsin inhibitor (BBI) from soybeans and of CI, the trypsin-chymotrypsin inhibitor from chick peas, were prepared by selective modification of the epsilon-amino groups of lysine residues with 2-nitro-4(5)-azidophenylsulfenyl chlorides (2,4(5)-NAPS-C1). The ultraviolet absorption spectra of the photolabeled inhibitors indicated that three out of the five lysines of BBI and one of the seven lysines of CI were modified. The inhibitory activity of the modified inhibitors towards trypsin and chymotrypsin was not reduced even after photolysis. The specific lysine residues that constitute the trypsin-inhibitory sites of BBI and CI did not react with the photoreactive reagents. Further modification of the photoreactive derivatives of BBI and CI with maleic anhydride, directed towards the trypsin-reactive sites, resulted in almost complete loss of the trypsin-inhibiting activity without reducing the ability to inhibit chymotrypsin. A pronounced potentiation effect (approximately 2x) of the chymotrypsin inhibiting activity was noted for 2,5-NAPS-CI and it was retained even after maleylation followed by photolysis, raising the possibility of exposure of an additional chymotrypsin inhibitory site in CI.     

Identification of a novel four-domain member of the proteinase inhibitor II family from the stigmas of Nicotiana alata

Proteinase inhibitors (PIs) of the potato type II family have been identified in a number of solanaceous species. Most family members have two PI domains which are specific for either chymotrypsin or trypsin. More recently family members have been described with three or six repeated PI domains. Here we describe a novel four-domain family member produced in the stigmas and leaves of the ornamental tobacco, Nicotiana alata, which has high sequence identity with a six-domain member from the same species. Both proteins are produced as precursors that enter the secretory pathway and are subsequently processed into a series of 6 kDa PIs. The four- and six-domain precursor proteins were isolated from immature stigmas and characterised by mass spectrometry which revealed that both proteins had been trimmed at the N-terminus, at a position corresponding to the predicted signal peptide cleavage site. Furthermore, no post-translational modifications were apparent.     

Probing the secondary structure of a recombinant neuronal adaptor protein and its phosphotyrosine binding domains

Rat brain Fe65 and its truncated forms corresponding to the combined PTB1 and PTB2 domains, as well as to the isolated PTB2 domain, were expressed in Escherichia coli and purified from inclusion bodies by affinity chromatography. The recombinant proteins were refolded and judged functionally active by their ability to interact with native APP. Limited proteolysis of recombinant Fe65 and PTB1-2 with trypsin, chymotrypsin and V8 proteases showed that the most sensitive proteoltytic sites were positioned at the level of the interdomain regions comprised between WW/PTB1 and PTB1/PTB2. Secondary structure of the recombinant proteins, evaluated by CD spectroscopy, showed a different degree of unordered structures, the PTB2 domain being the higher organised region. In addition, intrinsic fluorescence measurements of PTB2, indicated that a conformational transition of the protein can be induced by denaturating agents such as GuHCl. These data provide first evidences on the secondary structural levels of Fe65.     

Replacement of lysine by arginine, phenylalanine and tryptophan in the reactive site of the bovine trypsin-kallikrein inhibitor (Kunitz) and change of the inhibitory properties.

The reactive-site sequence of a proteinase inhibitor can be written as . . . -P3-P2-P1-P'1-P'2-P'3- . . . , where-P1-P'1-denotes the reactive site. Three semisynthetic homologues have been synthesized of the bovine trypsin-kallikrein inhibitor (Kunitz) with either arginine, phenylalanine or tryptophan in place of the reactive-site residue P1, lysine-15. These homologues correspond to gene products after mutation of the lysine 15 DNA codon to an arginine, phenylalanine or tryptophan DNA codon. Starting from native (virgin) inhibitor, reactive-site hydrolyzed, still active (modified) inhibitor was prepared by chemical and enzymic reactions. Modified inhibitor was then converted into inactive des-Lys15-inhibitor by reaction with carboxypeptidase B. Inactive des-Lys15-inhibitor was reactivated by enzymic replacement of the P1 residue according to Leary and Laskowski, Jr. The introduction of arginine was catalyzed by an inverse reaction with carboxypeptidase B, while phenylalanine or tryptophan were replaced by carboxypeptidase A. The reactivated semisynthetic inhibitors were trapped by complex formation with either trypsin or chymotrypsin. The enzyme - inhibitor complexes were subjected to kinetic-control dissociation, and the semisynthetic virgin inhibitors were isolated. The inhibitory properties of the semisynthetic inhibitors have been investigated against bovine trypsin and chymotrypsin and against porcine pancreatic kallikrein and plasmin. The homologues with either lysine or arginine in the P1 position are equally good inhibitors of trypsin, plasmin and kallikrein. The Arg-15-homologue is a slightly more effective kallikrein inhibitor than the Lys15-inhibitor. The semisynthetic phenylalanine and tryptophan homologues, however, are weak inhibitors of trypsin and still weaker inhibitors of kallikrein, but are excellent inhibitors of chymotrypsin. Their association constant with chymotrypsin is at least ten times higher than that of native Lys-15-inhibitor. A dramatic specificity change is observed with the phenylalanine and tryptophan homologues, which in contrast to the native inhibitor do not at all inhibit porcine plasmin. Thus, the nature of the P1 residue strongly influences the primary inhibitory specificity of the bovine inhibitor (Kunitz).     

Interaction of ovomucoid from duck egg white with serine proteinases

The interaction of highly purified duck egg white ovomucoid with trypsin and chymotrypsin was studied. It was found that the ovomucoid molecule contains two equally effective trypsin-binding sites which, in their turn, comprise lysine residues and one independent chymotrypsin-binding site. The values of inhibition constants were determined and the changes in free energy, enthalpy and entropy during the ovomucoid interaction with trypsin and chymotrypsin were established. It was shown that the inhibitor affinity for the enzymes does not change at low degrees of free amino groups modification.     

NADH binding to cytochrome b5 reductase blocks the acetylation of lysine 110

Lysine residues outside of the NADH-binding site in the soluble catalytic fragment of cytochrome b5 reductase were modified with ethyl acetimidate and acetic anhydride while the binding site was protected by formation of the stable oxidized nucleotide-reduced flavoprotein complex. This treatment had a minimal effect on enzyme activity; the turnover number with potassium ferricyanide was 45,300 in the native reductase and 39,200 in the derivative. Subsequent reaction with [3H]acetic anhydride after the removal of NADH resulted in the loss of 91% of the enzyme activity and the incorporation of 1.9 eq of acetyl groups into the protein. Treatment with 1 M hydroxylamine at pH 13 indicated that only lysine residues were acetylated, and fragmentation of the derivative with cyanogen bromide and subfragmentation with trypsin and chymotrypsin demonstrated that only Lys110 was labeled at high specific activity, with a stoichiometry of 0.83 acetyl groups/mol, in good agreement with the loss of enzyme activity observed. The remaining label was distributed at low levels among four or more additional lysine residues. These results demonstrate that only Lys110 is specifically protected by NADH and is therefore the residue which provides the epsilon-amino group implicated in NADH binding in cytochrome b5 reductase.     

Digestive peptidases in Tenebrio molitor and possibility of use to treat celiac disease

Digestion in Tenebrio molitor larvae occurs in the midgut, where there is a sharp pH gradient from 5.6 in the anterior midgut (AM) to 7.9 in the posterior midgut (PM). Accordingly, digestive enzymes are compartmentalized to the AM or PM. Enzymes in the AM are soluble and have acidic or neutral pH optima, while PM enzymes have alkaline pH optima. The main peptidases in the AM are cysteine endopeptidases presented by two to six subfractions of anionic proteins. The major activity belongs to cathepsin L, which has been purified and characterized. Serine post‐proline cleaving peptidase with pH optimum 5.3 was also found in the AM. Typical serine digestive endopeptidases, trypsin‐like and chymotrypsin‐like, are compartmentalized to the PM. Trypsin‐like activity is due to one cationic and three anionic proteinases. Chymotrypsin‐like activity consists of one cationic and four anionic proteinases, four with an extended binding site. The major cationic trypsin and chymotrypsin have been purified and thoroughly characterized. The predicted amino acid sequences are available for purified cathepsin L, trypsin and chymotrypsin. Additional sequences for putative digestive cathepsins L, trypsins and chymotrypsins are available, implying multigene families for these enzymes. Exopeptidases are found in the PM and are presented by a single membrane aminopeptidase N‐like peptidase and carboxypeptidase A, although multiple cDNAs for carboxypeptidase A were found in the AM, but not in the PM. The possibility of the use of two endopeptidases from the AM – cathepsin L and post‐proline cleaving peptidase – in the treatment of celiac disease is discussed.