Influence of associated lipid on the properties of purified bovine erythrocyte acetylcholinesterase

Acetylcholinesterase has been isolated from bovine erythrocyte membranes by affinity chromatography using a m-trimethylammonium ligand. The purified enzyme had hydrophobic properties by the criterion of phase partitioning into Triton X-114. The activity of the hydrophobic enzyme was seen as a slow-moving band in nondenaturing polyacrylamide gels. After treatment with phosphatidylinositol-specific phospholipase C, another form of active enzyme was produced that migrated more rapidly toward the anode in these gels. This form of the enzyme partitioned into the aqueous phase in Triton X-114 phase separation experiments and was therefore hydrophilic. The hydrophobic form bound to concanavalin A in the absence of Triton X-100. As this binding was partially prevented by detergent, but not by alpha-methyl mannoside, D-glucose, or myo-inositol, it is in part hydrophobic. Erythrocyte cell membranes showed acetylcholinesterase activity present as a major form, which was hydrophobic by Triton X-114 phase separation and in nondenaturing gel electrophoresis moved at the same rate as the purified enzyme. In the membrane the enzyme was more thermostable than when purified in detergent. The hydrophobic enzyme isolated, therefore, represents a native form of the acetylcholinesterase present in the bovine erythrocyte cell membrane, but in isolation its stability becomes dependent on amphiphile concentration. Its hydrophobic properties and lectin binding are attributable to the association with the protein of a lipid with the characteristics of a phosphatidylinositol.     

Molecular form of human lymphocyte membrane-bound acetylcholinesterase

The membrane-bound acetylcholinesterase (AchE) from human peripheral blood lymphocyte gives only one symmetrical peak on sucrose density gradient centrifugation in the presence of Triton X-100 detergent, with the calculated sedimentation coefficient of 6.5 S. However, this dimeric form of AchE was converted to a monomeric 3.8 S form when treated with 2-mercaptoethanol and iodoacetic acid. The results are consistent with studies which have shown by sodium dodecyl sulfate gel electrophoresis that the enzyme is built up of two identical monomers inter-linked by disulfide bond(s). Under reducing conditions, revealed a single species of 70,000 molecular weight, whereas under non-reducing conditions, another species of 140,000 molecular weight of the AchE was found. Polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis indicated a single band with AchE activity in the presence of Triton X-100. In contrast, in the absence of the same detergent multiple band pattern could be observed. These results suggest that membrane-bound AchE enzyme is present in homogenous dimeric form on human lymphocyte membrane.     

Effect of Triton X-100 on properties of acetylcholinesterase from human erythrocytes

The effect of Triton X-100 on catalytic properties of acetylcholinesterase from human erythrocytes under acetylcholine hydrolysis, on sensitivity of acetylcholinesterase to specific phosphoorganic inhibitors and eserine, and on the mobility and isoenyme spectrum under analytical electrophoresis in polyacrylamide gel is investigated. Triton X-100, independently on its concentration within 0.05-1.0%, slightly changes V and [S]opt values and increases Km value in 2-3 times. The inhibitory effect of Triton X-100 is mainly competitive, 0.5% Triton X-100 decreases bimolecular constant (kII) of the interaction of acetylcholinesterase with phosphoorganic inhibitor and eserine in 2.5-4 times. In the presence of phosphoorganic inhibitor, kII sharply decreased when 0.02% Triton X-100 was added, and then it did not change under the increase of Triton X-100 concentration up to 1.0%. On the basis of these data, an analytical method of estimating Triton X-100 content in protein solution is proposed. The introduction of 0.1% Triton X-100 into polyacrylamide gel results in considerable quantitative redistribution of acetylcholinesterase isoenzyme fractions and in the change of the mobility of one fraction under electrophoresis.     

Purification of the acetylcholinesterase from human erythrocytes by affinity chromatography (author's transl)]

The acetylcholinesterase from human erythrocytes was released from the plasma membrane with 0.2% Triton X-100 at low ionic strength and purified by two affinity chromatography steps on Sepharose-bound m-[6-(6-amino-caproylamino)caproylamino]phenyltrimethyl-ammonium. The synthesis of the inhibitor is described. The purified, detergent-free acetylcholinesterase was obtained with a specific activity of 4270 U/mg (158000-fold purification) and a 28% yield. The enzyme is a glycoprotein and aggregates in the absence of Triton X-100 into higher molecular complexes. The molecular weight was estimated by sodium dodecylsulfate electrophoresis to be 80000 +/- 3000 in the presence of 2-mercapto-ethanol and 154000 +/- 6000 in its absence.     

Solubilization, purification, and characterization of succinate dehydrogenase from membranes of Mycobacterium phlei.

Succinate dehydrogenase (SDH) was solubilized from membranes of Mycobacterium phlei by Triton X-100 with a recovery of about 90%. The solubilized SDH was purified about 90-fold by Sephacryl S-300, DEAE-cellulose, hydroxylapatite, and isoelectric focusing in the presence of Triton X-100 with a 20% recovery. SDH was homogeneous, as determined by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis in nondenaturing gels containing Triton X-100. Sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis of the enzyme revealed two subunits with molecular weights of 62,000 and 26,000. SDH is a flavoprotein containing 1 mol of flavin adenine dinucleotide, 7 to 8 mol of nonheme iron, and 7 to 8 mol of acid-labile sulfide per mol of protein. Using phenazine methosulfate and 2,6-dichloroindophenol as electron acceptors, the enzyme had an apparent Km of 0.12 mM succinate. SDH exhibited a sigmoidal relationship of rate to succinate concentration, indicating cooperativity. The enzyme was competitively inhibited by fumarate with a Ki of 0.15 mM. In the absence of Triton X-100, the enzyme aggregated, retained 50% of the activity, and could be resolubilized with Triton X-100 with full restoration of activity. Cardiolipin had no effect on the enzyme activity in the absence of Triton X-100, but it stimulated the activity by about 30% in the presence of 0.1% Triton X-100 in the assay mixture. Menaquinone-9(2H), isolated from M. phlei, had no effect on the enzyme activity either in the presence or absence of Triton X-100.     

Amphiphile dependency of the monomeric and dimeric forms of acetylcholinesterase from human erythrocyte membrane

Human erythrocyte membrane-bound acetylcholinesterase was converted to a monomeric species by treatment of ghosts with 2-mercaptoethanol and iodoacetic acid. After solubilization with Triton X-100, the reduced and alkylated enzyme was partially purified by affinity chromatography and separated from residual dimeric enzyme by sucrose density gradient centrifugation in a zonal rotor. Monomeric and dimeric acetylcholinesterase showed full enzymatic activity in presence of Triton X-100 whereas in the absence of detergent, activity was decreased to approx. 20% and 15%, respectively. Preformed egg phosphatidylcholine vesicles fully sustained activity of the monomeric species whereas the dimer was only 80% active. The results suggest that a dimeric structure is not required for manifestation of amphiphile dependency of membrane-bound acetylcholinesterase from human erythrocytes. Furthermore, monomeric enzyme appears to be more easily inserted into phospholipid bilayers than the dimeric species.     

Multiple forms of acetylcholinesterase from rat erythrocytes. Effect of fat-free diet.

Electrophoretic patterns of acetylcholinesterase (acetylcholine hydrolase, EC 3.1.1.7) from rat erythrocyte were studied. The enzyme was solubilized by the following treatments: a) Triton X-100, b) sodium deoxycholate, or c) ultrasonic irradiation. When the erythrocyte membrane was solubilized by Triton X-100 at concentrations higher than 0.3%, by 10 mM sodium deoxycholate, or by ultrasonic irradiation for more than 5 min, a single band of acetylcholinesterase activity appeared in the gel. Two bands of activity were stained in the gel when the membrane was solubilized by Triton X-100 at concentrations between 0.1--0.2%, or by ultrasound for 5 min. Electrophoretic patterns of acetylcholinesterase from rats fed a fat-sufficient diet were similar to those for the enzyme from animals fed a fat-free diet. The recombination of lipids with the enzyme eluted from the gels confirmed the "phenotypic allosteric desensitization phenomenon".     

Multiple forms of acetylcholinesterase from rat erythrocytes: Effect of fat-free diet

Electrophoretic patterns of acetylcholinesterase (acetylcholine hydrolase, EC 3.1.1.7) from rat erythrocyte were studied. The enzyme was solubilized by the following treatments: a) Triton X-100, b) sodium deoxycholate, or c) ultrasonic irradiation. When the erythrocyte membrane was solubilized by Triton X-100 at concentrations higher than 0.3%, by 10 mM sodium deoxycholate, or by ultrasonic irradiation for more than 5 min, a single band of acetylcholinesterase activity appeared in the gel. Two bands of activity were stained in the gel when the membrane was solubilized by Triton X-100 at concentrations between 0.1–0.2%, or by ultrasound for 5 min.Electrophoretic patterns of acetylcholinesterase from rats fed a fat-sufficient diet were similar to those for the enzyme from animals fed a fat-free diet. The recombination of lipids with the enzyme eluted from the gels confirmed the “phenotypic allosteric desensitization phenomenon”.     

Molecular forms of acetylcholinesterase present in the white and grey matter of pig brain

Extraction of the white matter of pig brain with EDTA, lysolecithin or Triton X-100 gave poor yields of soluble acetylcholinesterase although these agents had proved effective at solubilizing the enzyme in the grey matter. This finding, together with the observation that the strong detergent sodium deoxycholate, was needed to solubilize the enzyme, shows that it is more difficult to remove acetylcholinesterase from the white matter of brain than from the grey. This could mean that the enzyme in the white matter is more firmly bound to the membrane than the enzyme in the grey matter.The difference in binding of the enzyme from the two regions of the brain is also reflected in the affinity chromatography experiments which showed a lower recovery for the acetylcholinesterase of white matter compared with the enzyme from grey matter.Starch-block electrophoresis of acetylcholinesterase showed a single negatively charged peak of activity for both the naturally soluble and the deoxycholate solubilized preparations. The presence of only one form on electrophoresis suggests that the molecular species of acetylcholinesterase do not arise from differences in charge.Sucrose density gradient centrifugation of the two preparations from white matter gave a single peak of activity with a sedimentation constant of about 10 S. This corresponds closely to the major species of molecular weight 260,000 detected by gradient gel electrophoresis. Other forms detected in both enzyme preparations by gradient gel electrophoresis were species with molecular weights of 660,000, 180,000, 130,000 and 115,000. The significance of these species in terms of the formation of oligomers is discussed.A comparison was made with the corresponding preparations of acetylcholinesterase from the grey matter and the results showed that acetylcholinesterase from the white and grey matter of pig brain were very similar. The exception to this was the species with a molecular weight of 68,000 which was present in the grey but not the white matter of pig brain.     

Multiple molecular forms of purified human erythrocyte acetylcholinesterase.

1. Human erythrocyte acetylcholinesterase was solubilized by Triton X-100 and purified by affinity chromatography to a specific activity of 3800 IU/mg of protein. The yield of the purified enzyme was 25--45%. 2. Gel filtration on Sepharose 4-B in the presence of Triton X-100 revealed one peak of enzyme activity with a Stokes' radius of 8.7 nm. Density gradient centrifugation in 0.1% Triton X-100 showed one peak of enzyme activity with an S4 value of 6.3S. 3. Isoelectric focusing in Triton X-100 resolved the enzyme into five molecular forms with isoelectric points of 4.55, 4.68, 4.81, 4.98 and 5.18. Upon incubation with neuraminidase the enzyme activity in the first four forms was decreased with a concommitant increase in activity in the form with the higher isoelectric point. 4. After removal of excess Triton X-100 on Bio-Gel HTP, polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis showed seven bands of protein and corresponding bands of enzyme activity. Density gradient centrifugation of the detergent-depleted enzyme at high ionic strength revealed five multiple molecular forms with S4 values of 6.3 S, 10.2 S, 12.2 S, 14.2 S and 16.3 S. At low ionic strength, higher aggregates were observed in addition to the other forms. Dodecylsulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis gave one subunit only with an apparent molecular weight of 80 000. 5. These results suggest that human erythrocyte acetylcholinesterase, solubilized by Triton X-100, exists in various forms differing in net charge but of apparently similar molecular dimensions. After removal of the detergent, forms with different molecular sizes are observed.     

Purification and properties of the membrane-bound acetylcholinesterase from adult rat brain

The membrane-bound acetylcholinesterase (acetylcholine acetylhydrolase, EC 3.1.1.7) from adult rat brain has been purified to homogeneity using sequential affinity chromatography on Con A-Sepharose and on dimethyl-aminoethylbenzoic acid-Sepharose 4B followed by DEAE-cellulose chromatography. The yield of the purified enzyme (specific activity: 3068 U/mg protein) is higher than 50%. Polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis in the presence of Triton X-100 gives only one band with acetylcholinesterase activity. With the exception of electrofocusing and pore gradient electrophoresis, where a multiple band pattern was detected (which seems to be artefactual), the enzyme appears to be homogenous. Gel filtration and sucrose density gradient centrifugation in the presence of Triton X-100 give only one symmetrical peak, with a calculated molecular weight of 328 000. Since polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis in the presence of sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) and mercaptoethanol gives only one band with a molecular weight of 74 500, a tetrametric structure can be postulated for the membrane-bound acetylcholinesterase from rat brain.     

Multiple forms of acetylcholinesterase from pig brain

1. A number of methods of solubilization of pig brain acetylcholinesterase (EC 3.1.1.7) were studied. The multiple enzymic forms of the resultant preparations were examined by polyacrylamide-gel electrophoresis. 2. Butanol extraction, Nagarase treatment and ultrasonication proved unsuitable as preparatory methods, but detergent treatment (Triton X-100, Triton X-100-KCl and lysolecithin) gave good yields. 3. Separation of soluble enzyme in three systems of polyacrylamide-gel electrophoresis were compared and the relative advantages are discussed. 4. By using a 6% (w/v) gel and continuous buffer system two forms of acetylcholinesterase were detected in Triton X-100-solubilized enzyme, but the incorporation of a sample and spacer gel and a discontinuous buffer system resolved this into four components. The forms of the soluble enzyme extracted by different methods differed in mobility. 5. With gradient polyacrylamide-gel electrophoresis between two and six forms were detected, depending on the method used for extraction. The average molecular weights of the five forms most frequently found were 60000, 130000, 198000, 266000 and 350000. 6. Treatment of the Triton X-100-extracted enzyme with 2.5m-urea altered the pattern and evidence of dissociation was observed. 7. The results are discussed in the light of present theories on the molecular structure of acetylcholinesterase.     

Membrane-bound D-gluconate dehydrogenase from Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Purification and structure of cytochrome-binding form.

A membrane-bound D-gluconate dehydrogenase [EC 1.1.99.3] was solubilized from membranes of Pseudomonas aeruginosa and purified to a homogeneous state with the aid of detergents. The solubilized enzyme was a monomer in the presence of at least 0.1% Triton X-100, having a molecular weight of 138,000 on polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis or 124,000--131,000 on sucrose density gradient centrifugation. In the absence of Triton X-100, the enzyme became dimeric, having a molecular weight of 240,000--260,000 on sucrose density gradient centrifugation. Removal of Triton X-100 caused a decrease in enzyme activity. Enzyme activity was stimulated by addition of phospholipid, particularly cardiolipin, in the presence of Triton X-100. The enzyme had a cytochrome c1, c-554(551), which might be a diheme cytochrome, and it also contained a covalently bound flavin but not ubiquinone. In the presence of sodium dodecyl sulfate, the enzyme was dissociated into three components with molecular weights of 66,000, 50,000, and 22,000. The components of 66,000 and 50,000 daltons corresponded to a flavoprotein and cytochrome c1, respectively, but that of 22,000 dalton remained unclear as to its function.     

Purification and properties of phosphatidic acid phosphatase from porcine thymus membranes.

We purified phosphatidic acid phosphatase (EC 3.1.3.4) 2300-fold from porcine thymus membranes. The enzyme was solubilized with beta-octyl glucoside and Triton X-100 and fractionated with ammonium sulfate. The purification was then achieved by chromatography in the presence of Triton X-100 with Sephacryl S-300, hydroxylapatite, heparin-Sepharose, and Affi-Gel Blue. The final enzyme preparation gave a single band of M(r) = 83,000 on sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis under reducing and nonreducing conditions. The native enzyme, on the other hand, was eluted at M(r) = 218,000 in gel filtration chromatography with Superose 12 in the presence of Triton X-100. The enzyme was judged to be specific to phosphatidic acid, since excess amounts of dicetylphosphate or lysophosphatidic acid did not inhibit the enzyme activity. In this respect, the enzyme was inhibited by 1,2-diacylglycerol but not by 1- or 2-monoacylglycerol and triacylglycerol. The enzyme required Triton X-100 or deoxycholate for its activity. Although the enzyme appeared to be an integral membrane protein, we could not detect its phospholipid dependencies. The activity was independent of Mg2+, and other cations were strongly inhibitory. The specific enzyme activity was 15 mumol/min/mg of protein when assayed using phosphatidic acid as Triton X-100 mixed micelles. The Km for the surface concentration of phosphatidic acid was 0.30 mol%. The enzyme was inhibited by sphingosine and chloropromazine, and less potently, by propranolol and NaF. The enzyme was insensitive to thio-reactive reagents like N-ethylmaleimide.     

Solubilization, purification and characterization of D-alanine dehydrogenase from Pseudomonas aeruginosa and effects of solubilization on its properties

D-alanine dehydrogenase, an inducible, membrane associated enzyme of Pseudomonas aeruginosa was solubilized from envelope preparations by treatment with Triton X-100 and purified 31-fold in the presence of 0.05% Triton X-100 to 60% homogeneity. Gel electrophoresis indicated the presence of a single subunit of approximately 49,000 molecular weight. The enzyme contained FAD, and absorption spectra were typical of an iron-sulfur flavoprotein. Solubilization produced significant changes in some properties of the enzyme: solubilized enzyme showed increased affinity for D-alanine; a broader substrate specificity; and increased temperature sensitivity, compared with the membrane associated form.     

Purification and characterization of the two molecular forms of membrane acid protease from Aspergillus oryzae.

Two forms (M1 and M2) of the membrane-bound acid protease of Aspergillus oryzae have been purified by extraction with Triton X-100, washing with cold acetone, and repeated gel filtration on Bio-Gel A-15 m in the presence and absence of Triton X-100. The purified membrane enzymes, M1 and M2, moved as a single band in acrylamide gel electrophoresis and had apparent molecular weights of 150 000 and 60 000, respectively, as estimated by sodium dodecyl sulfate/acrylamide gel electrophoresis. These two membrane enzymes activated bovine pancreatic trypsinogen and had the same pH optima in the acid pH range. They immunologically cross-reacted with each other and with an extracellular acid protease from A. oryzae, and contained carbohydrate, ranging from 52.5 to 80.5% and comprising three hexoses, glucose, galactose, and mannose. While these catalytic, chemical and immunological properties are similar to those of the extracellular acid protease from A. oryzae, both membrane enzyme differed in their hydrophobic properties from external enzymes. Thus they are activated by the detergent Triton X-100 and some polar lipids.     

Purification of phosphatidylethanolamine N-methyltransferase from rat liver

Phosphatidylethanolamine (PE) N-methyltransferase catalyzes the synthesis of phosphatidylcholine by the stepwise transfer of methyl groups from S-adenosylmethionine to the amino head group of PE. PE N-methyltransferase was solubilized from a microsomal membrane fraction of rat liver using the nonionic detergent Triton X-100 and purified to apparent homogeneity. Specific activities of PE N-methyltransferase with PE, phosphatidyl-N-monomethylethanolamine (PMME), and phosphatidyl-N,N-dimethylethanolamine (PDME) as substrates were 0.63, 8.59, and 3.75 mumol/min/mg protein, respectively. The purified enzyme was composed of a single subunit with a molecular mass of 18.3 kDa as determined by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. Methylation activities dependent on the presence of PE, PMME, and PDME and the 18.3-kDa protein co-eluted when purified PE N-methyltransferase was subjected to gel filtration on Sephacryl S-300 in the presence of 0.1% Triton X-100. All three methylation activities eluted with a Stokes radius 2.1 A greater than that determined for pure Triton micelles (molecular mass difference of 27.4 kDa). Two-dimensional analysis of PE N-methyltransferase employing nonequilibrium pH gradient gel electrophoresis and sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis indicates that the enzyme is composed of a single isoform. Analysis of enzyme activity using PE, PMME, and PDME at various Triton X-100 concentrations indicated the enzyme follows the "surface dilution" model proposed for other enzymes that act at the surface of mixed micelle substrates. Initial velocity data for all three lipid substrates (at fixed concentrations of Triton X-100) were highly cooperative in nature. Hill numbers for PMME and PDME ranged from 3 at 0.5 mM Triton to 6 at 2.0 mM Triton. All three methylation activities had a pH optimum of 10. These results provide evidence that a single membrane-bound enzyme catalyzes all three methylation steps for the conversion of PE to phosphatidylcholine.     

Solubilization of Collagen-Tailed Acetylcholinesterase from Chick Retina: Effect of Different Extraction Procedures

We have extracted acetylcholinesterase from young chick retinas by homogenization in different solutions combining high salt concentration, ionic and nonionic detergents, and EDTA, looking for an optimum procedure for the solubilization of collagen-tailed, asymmetric structural forms of the enzyme. High salt and EDTA seem to be the only necessary requirements for the solubilization of acetylcholinesterase as the A12 form (20S), and the presence of detergent in the homogenization medium does not significantly improve the yield of tailed enzyme. Extraction in the absence of detergent has the potential advantage of a threefold enrichment of tailed enzyme, because only about one-third of the total retinal acetylcholinesterase activity is solubilized. Divalent cations, especially Ca2+, seem to be involved in the attachment of the tailed enzyme to the retinal membranes, at the tail level. High salt-EDTA-extracted 20S acetylcholinesterase (without detergent) aggregates in the presence of exogenous Ca2+ and becomes "insoluble." However, the aggregated 20S acetylcholinesterase can be completely recovered and brought back into solution by further addition of EDTA. Besides, the aggregation can be prevented by the inclusion of Triton X-100 in the homogenization buffer or by adding the detergent concurrently with Ca2+. It is postulated that the acetylcholinesterase collagenous tail is coated by acidic lipid molecules hydrophobically bound to the tail protein so that Ca2+ ionic bridges would actually link these lipid molecules (and consequently the tail) to the membrane matrix. Removal of the lipid coat (e.g., by Triton X-100) produces tailed acetylcholinesterase molecules that no longer aggregate in the presence of Ca2+ and are fully accessible to collagenase digestion.     

Biochemical characterization of human umbilical vein endothelial cell membrane bound acetylcholinesterase

Acetylcholinesterase is an enzyme whose best-known function is to hydrolyze the neurotransmitter acetylcholine. Acetylcholinesterase is expressed in several noncholinergic tissues. Accordingly, we report for the first time the identification of acetylcholinesterase in human umbilical cord vein endothelial cells. Here we further performed an electrophoretic and biochemical characterization of this enzyme, using protein extracts obtained by solubilization of human endothelial cell membranes with Triton X-100. These extracts were analyzed under polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis in the presence of Triton X-100 and under nondenaturing conditions, followed by specific staining for cholinesterase or acetylcholinesterase activity. The gels revealed one enzymatically active acetylcholinesterase band in the extracts that disappeared when staining was performed in the presence of eserine (an acetylcholinesterase inhibitor). Performing western blotting with the C-terminal anti-acetylcholinesterase IgG, we identified a single protein band of approximately 70 kDa, the molecular mass characteristic of the human monomeric form of acetylcholinesterase. The western blotting with the N-terminal anti-acetylcholinesterase IgG antibody revealed a double band around 66-70 kDa. Using the Ellman's method to measure the cholinesterase activity in human umbilical vein endothelial cells, regarding its substrate specificity, we confirmed the existence of an acetylcholinesterase enzyme. Our studies revealed a predominance of acetylcholinesterase over other cholinesterases in human endothelial cells. In conclusion, we have demonstrated the existence of a membrane-bound acetylcholinesterase in human endothelial cells. In future studies, we will investigate the role of this protein in the endothelial vascular system.     

Cholinesterase solubilizing factor from Cytophaga sp. is a phosphatidylinositol-specific phospholipase C

In the culture supernatant of Cytophaga sp. we detected an enzyme that converted glycosylphosphatidyl-inositol-anchored acetylcholinesterase to the hydrophilic form. This enzyme had a cleavage specificity of a phospholipase C. It hydrolyzed phosphatidylinositol but did not act on phosphatidylcholine. On gel filtration the enzyme migrated with an apparent molecular mass of about 17 kDa. It displayed maximal activity between pH 6-6.5 and did not require cofactors for the expression of catalytic activity. Mercurials and zinc ions inhibited the enzyme and its activity also decreased with increasing ionic strength in the assay. With acetylcholinesterase as substrate optimal activity was obtained in pure micelles of Triton X-100, whereas in mixed micelles containing Triton X-100 and phosphatidylcholine the activity was reduced. The enzyme from Cytophaga sp. showed little activity towards acetylcholinesterase embedded in intact membranes where more than 1000-times higher concentrations of phosphatidylinositol-specific phospholipase C was necessary to solubilize acetylcholinesterase as compared to acetylcholinesterase in detergent micelles.