Comparison of fungal laccases and redox mediators in oxidation of a nonphenolic lignin model compound.

Several fungal laccases have been compared for the oxidation of a nonphenolic lignin dimer, 1-(3, 4-dimethoxyphenyl)-2-(2-methoxyphenoxy)propan-1,3-diol (I), and a phenolic lignin model compound, phenol red, in the presence of the redox mediators 1-hydroxybenzotriazole (1-HBT) or violuric acid. The oxidation rates of dimer I by the laccases were in the following order: Trametes villosa laccase (TvL) > Pycnoporus cinnabarinus laccase (PcL) > Botrytis cinerea laccase (BcL) > Myceliophthora thermophila laccase (MtL) in the presence of either 1-HBT or violuric acid. The order is the same if the laccases are used at the same molar concentration or added to the same activity (with ABTS [2, 2'-azinobis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid)] as a substrate). During the oxidation of dimer I, both 1-HBT and violuric acid were to some extent consumed. Their consumption rates also follow the above order of laccases, i.e., TvL > PcL > BcL > MtL. Violuric acid allowed TvL and PcL to oxidize dimer I much faster than 1-HBT, while BcL and violuric acid oxidized dimer I more slowly than BcL and 1-HBT. The oxidation rate of dimer I is dependent upon both kcat and the stability of the laccase. Both 1-HBT and violuric acid inactivated the laccases, violuric acid to a greater extent than 1-HBT. The presence of dimer I or phenol red in the reaction mixture slowed down this inactivation. The inactivation is mainly due to the reaction of the redox mediator free radical with the laccases. We did not find any relationship between the carbohydrate content of the laccases and their inactivation. When the redox potential of the laccases is in the range of 750 to 800 mV, i.e., above that of the redox mediator, it does not affect kcat and the oxidation rate of dimer I.     

Comparison of Fungal Laccases and Redox Mediators in Oxidation of a Nonphenolic Lignin Model Compound

Several fungal laccases have been compared for the oxidation of a nonphenolic lignin dimer, 1-(3,4-dimethoxyphenyl)-2-(2-methoxyphenoxy)propan-1,3-diol (I), and a phenolic lignin model compound, phenol red, in the presence of the redox mediators 1-hydroxybenzotriazole (1-HBT) or violuric acid. The oxidation rates of dimer I by the laccases were in the following order: Trametes villosa laccase (TvL) > Pycnoporus cinnabarinus laccase (PcL) > Botrytis cinerea laccase (BcL) > Myceliophthora thermophila laccase (MtL) in the presence of either 1-HBT or violuric acid. The order is the same if the laccases are used at the same molar concentration or added to the same activity (with ABTS [2,2′-azinobis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid)] as a substrate). During the oxidation of dimer I, both 1-HBT and violuric acid were to some extent consumed. Their consumption rates also follow the above order of laccases, i.e., TvL > PcL > BcL > MtL. Violuric acid allowed TvL and PcL to oxidize dimer I much faster than 1-HBT, while BcL and violuric acid oxidized dimer I more slowly than BcL and 1-HBT. The oxidation rate of dimer I is dependent upon both k_cat and the stability of the laccase. Both 1-HBT and violuric acid inactivated the laccases, violuric acid to a greater extent than 1-HBT. The presence of dimer I or phenol red in the reaction mixture slowed down this inactivation. The inactivation is mainly due to the reaction of the redox mediator free radical with the laccases. We did not find any relationship between the carbohydrate content of the laccases and their inactivation. When the redox potential of the laccases is in the range of 750 to 800 mV, i.e., above that of the redox mediator, it does not affect k_cat and the oxidation rate of dimer I.     

Laccase isoenzymes of Pleurotus eryngii: characterization, catalytic properties, and participation in activation of molecular oxygen and Mn2+ oxidation.

Two laccase isoenzymes produced by Pleurotus eryngii were purified to electrophoretic homogeneity (42- and 43-fold) with an overall yield of 56.3%. Laccases I and II from this fungus are monomeric glycoproteins with 7 and 1% carbohydrate content, molecular masses (by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis) of 65 and 61 kDa, and pIs of 4.1 and 4.2, respectively. The highest rate of 2,2'-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonate) oxidation for laccase I was reached at 65 degrees C and pH 4, and that for laccase II was reached at 55 degrees C and pH 3.5. Both isoenzymes are stable at high pH, retaining 60 to 70% activity after 24 h from pH 8 to 12. Their amino acid compositions and N-terminal sequences were determined, the latter strongly differing from those of laccases of other basidiomycetes. Antibodies against laccase I reacted with laccase II, as well as with laccases from Pleurotus ostreatus, Pleurotus pulmonarius, and Pleurotus floridanus. Different hydroxy- and methoxy-substituted phenols and aromatic amines were oxidized by the two laccase isoenzymes from P. eryngii, and the influence of the nature, number, and disposition of aromatic-ring substituents on kinetic constants is discussed. Although both isoenzymes presented similar substrate affinities, the maximum rates of reactions catalyzed by laccase I were higher than those of laccase II. In reactions with hydroquinones, semiquinones produced by laccase isoenzymes were in part converted into quinones via autoxidation. The superoxide anion radical produced in the latter reaction dismutated, producing hydrogen peroxide. In the presence of manganous ion, the superoxide union was reduced to hydrogen peroxide with the concomitant production of manganic ion. These results confirmed that laccase in the presence of hydroquinones can participate in the production of both reduced oxygen species and manganic ions.     

Laccase isoforms with unusual properties from the basidiomycete Steccherinum ochraceum strain 1833

Aims: To isolate and characterize the laccase isoforms from S. ochraceum 1833 – a new active producer of high extracellular laccase activity. Methods and Results: Three laccase isoforms (laccases I, II and III) with 57·5, 59·5 and 63 kDa molecular masses respectively were purified from S. ochraceum 1833 and in contrast to the known laccases had strongly pronounced absorption at 611 nm with molar extinction coefficients ranging from 7170 to 7830 mol^?1 l cm^?1. All isoforms showed maximal activity with ABTS at low pH (≤2) and temperatures in the range 70–80°C, were stable for long time of incubation at high temperature (60–80°C) and at pH values ranging from 2 to 6. Laccase II showed a higher activity and wider substrate specificity. N‐terminal amino acid sequence analysis of the purified laccase II (VQIGPVTDLH) showed 80% identity with the N‐terminal amino acid sequence of laccase from Lentinula edodes [Appl Microbiol Biotechnol 60 (2002) 327]. Conclusions: Elevated temperature optima, high thermo‐ and pH‐stabilities, the broad substrate specificity of the isoforms make the laccases from S. ochraceum 1833 a suitable model for biotechnological processes proceeding at high temperatures. Significance and Impact of the Study: For the first time, new basidiomycete strain S. ochraceum was reported as a producer of novel thermostable, pH stable, acidophilic laccases with unusual spectral properties.     

Comparison between the monomeric and binary-complex forms of procarboxypeptidase A from whole pig pancreas.

Two different forms of procarboxypeptidase A (I and II) were obtained from pig pancreas extracts. The Mr values, the pattern found on polyacrylamide-gel electrophoresis in the presence of sodium dodecyl sulphate, and the sedimentation coefficients indicate that form I is a binary complex formed by two different subunits, whereas form II is a monomer. The carboxypeptidase A-precursor subunit of form I and the form II monomer are very similar with respect to Mr value, amino acid composition and fragmentation by CNBr and iodosobenzoic acid. The activation process of both forms is unspecific with respect to the activating enzyme, the peptide released during activation is unusually long (Mr approx.sor subunit of form I and the form II monomer are very similar with respect to Mr value, amino acid composition and fragmentation by CNBr and iodosobenzoic acid. The activation process of both forms is unspecific with respect to the activating enzyme, the peptide released during activation is unusually long (Mr approx.sor subunit of form I and the form II monomer are very similar with respect to Mr value, amino acid composition and fragmentation by CNBr and iodosobenzoic acid. The activation process of both forms is unspecific with respect to the activating enzyme, the peptide released during activation is unusually long (Mr approx. 12500) and, in the case of the binary complex, the activation with trypsin follows a rather complex pattern, suggesting that the accompanying subunit of form I might play a modulating role in the activation process. Although the appearance of enzymic activity is rather slow, a protein with an Mr equivalent to that of active carboxypeptidase A is found very early in the activation process. Both zymogens are glycoproteins (so far no carbohydrate has been reported in any procarboxypeptidase A) and both contain two strongly bound Zn2+ ions/molecule. Other chemical and physical properties were also determined.     

The phenoloxidases of the Ascomycete Podospora anserina

Summary In order to learn the internal conditions for the production of the various phenoloxidases produced by the Ascomycete Podospora anserina the wild strain has been grown under controlled conditions in a fermenter for a period of 34 days. Samples were withdrawn at regular intervals and assayed for mycelial yield and intra- and extracellular phenoloxidase production.Maximal yield was obtained at the following age of the culture: Mycelial production 9 d, tyrosinase 4 d, the high molecular weight laccase I between 9 and 19 d. The low molecular weight laccases II and III, initially present in medium concentrations, dropped to an early minimum after 4 days, followed by an increase with a maximum in the late autolytic phase.The changes in the phenoloxidase spectrum and the antiparallel production curve for the high molecular weight against the low molecular weight laccases are discussed in relation to the earlier observed genetical and physiological control of phenoloxidase synthesis and in relation to the possibility of laccase I being composed of active subunits of low molecular weight laccases.With support of the Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft, Bad Godesberg (Germany).     

The phenoloxidases of the ascomycete Podospora anserina. XI. The state of copper of laccases I, II and III.

1. Laccases I, II and III were (EC 1.14.18.1) prepared from the mycelium of the ascomycete Podospora anserina. The tetrameric laccase I(mol. wt 340 000, 16 copper atoms) and the monomeric laccases II and II (mol. wt 80 000, 4 copper atoms) have been studied by optical absorption-, circular dichroism-(CD)and electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy (EPR). 2. The visible and near ultraviolet difference absorption spectrum, which is apparently identical for all three laccases, shows two maxima at 330 and 610 nm and a shoulder at about 725 nm. The molar extinction coefficients of these bands are 4 times larger for the tetrameric laccase I compared to the monomeric laccases II and III which show values similar to other blue copper-containing oxidases. 3. CD spectra between 300 and 730 nm of the tree laccases are similar and contain at least 5-bands in the oxidized enzyme. If the enzyme is reduced, only a band at 307 nm remains. The molar ellipticity values of these bands are 4 times larger for laccase I than the corresponding bands of laccases II and III. It is inferred that the reducible bands are associated with the Type 1 Cu-2+. 4. In all three laccases the EPR-detectable copper accounts for only about 50% of the total copper content. The 9-GHz and 35-GHz spectra, which are identical for all three laccases, consist of two components of equal intensity. One component shows a rather small copper hyperfine coupling and a small deviation from axial symmetry. It is suggested that this copper is associated with the blue chromophore in analogy to Type 1 Cu-2+ in other blue copper proteins. The other component has a broader hyperfine coupling similar to Type 2 Cu-2+ as found in other copper proteins. The assumption that the experimental spectra result from a superposition of the spectra of equal amounts of Type 1 and Type 2 Cu-2+ has been verified by computer simulation. 5. It is suggested that the copper ions which are not detected by EPR are connected to the absorption band at 330 nm and that these ions are also essential for the function of these laccases.     

Laccase of Cyathus bulleri: structural, catalytic characterization and expression in Escherichia coli

Cyathus bulleri, a ligninolytic fungus, produces a single laccase the internal peptides (3) of which bear similarity to laccases of several white rot fungi. Comparison of the total amino acid composition of this laccase with several fungal laccases indicated dissimilarity in the proportion of some basic and hydrophobic amino acids. Analysis of the circular dichroism spectrum of the protein indicated 37% alpha-helical, 26% beta-sheet and 38% random coil content which differed significantly from that in the solved structures of other laccases, which contain higher beta-sheet structures. The critical role of the carboxylic group containing amino acids was demonstrated by determining the kinetic parameters at different pH and this was confirmed by the observation that a critical Asp is strongly conserved in both Ascomycete and Basidiomycete laccases. The enzyme was denatured in the presence of a number of denaturing agents and refolded back to functional state with copper. In the folding experiments under alkaline conditions, zinc could replace copper in restoring 100% of laccase activity indicating the non-essential role of copper in this laccase. The laccase was expressed in Escherichia coli by a modification of the ligation-anchored PCR approach making it the first fungal laccase to be expressed in a bacterial host. The laccase sequence was confirmed by way of analysis of a 435 bp sequence of the insert.     

Molecular and enzymatic characterisation of extra- and intracellular laccases from the acidophilic ascomycete Hortaea acidophila

The pigmented ascomycete Hortaea acidophila is able to grow at a pH as low as 0.6 and produces laccases that are involved in melanin synthesis. We now present data on an extracellular and an intracellular laccase which exhibit a high stability at low pH. Furthermore, the optimum for enzyme acitivity is extraordinarily low with pH 1.5 for the intracellular laccase with 2,6-dimethoxyphenol (DMOP) as substrate. Two complete laccase gene sequences of H. acidophila were amplified by inverse polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Whereas the deduced protein laccase I contains an predicted N-terminal signal sequence for protein export, laccase II does not and thus may represent the intracellular laccase. The acidophilic character of both laccases seems to be reflected in their primary structure.     

The nucleotide sequence of the ilvBN operon of Escherichia coli: sequence homologies of the acetohydroxy acid synthase isozymes.

Three acetohydroxy acid synthase isozymes, AHAS I (ilvBN), AHAS II (ilvGM) and AHAS III (ilvIH) catalyze the first step of the parallel isoleucine-valine biosynthetic pathway in Escherichia coli. Previous DNA sequence and protein purification data have shown that AHAS II and AHAS III are composed of large and small subunits encoded in the ilvGMEDA and ilvIH operons, respectively. Recent protein purification and characterization data have demonstrated that the AHAS I isozyme is also composed of large and small subunits (L. Eoyang, L. and P. M. Silverman [1984] J. Bacteriol. 157:184-189). Now the complete DNA sequence of the operon encoding the AHAS I isozyme has been determined. These data show that both AHAS I subunits (Mr 60,400 and Mr 11,100) are encoded in this operon. The coordinant regulation of both genes of the ilvBN operon has also been demonstrated. Comparisons of the DNA sequences of the genes encoding all three AHAS isozymes have been performed. Conserved homologies were observed between both the large and small subunits of all three isozymes. The closest homology was seen between the AHAS I and AHAS II isozymes. On the basis of these comparisons a rationale for the evolution of the AHAS isozymes in E. coli has been proposed.     

Purification and characterization of two laccase isoenzymes from a ligninolytic fungus Trametes gallica

Constant laccase activities were detected in culture supernatant of newly isolated basidiomycete Trametes gallica. Tryptone and glucose have great effects on the production of laccase. Two laccase isoenzymes (Lac I and Lac II) produced by T. gallica were purified to homogeneity (51- and 50-fold, respectively) by gel filtration chromatography, anion exchange chromatography, and improved native PAGE, with an overall yield of 24.8%. Lac I and Lac II from this fungus are glycoproteins with 3.6% and 4% carbohydrate content, the same molecular masses (by SDS-PAGE) of 60 kDa, and the pI of 3.1 and 3.0, respectively. Native gel electrophoresis indicates that the two laccases have different migration ratios. Lac I and Lac II have the same optimal pH of 3.0 on 2,6-dimethoxyphenol (DMP), pH 2.2 on 2,2'-azinobis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS), and of pH 4.0 on guaiacol. The highest rate of ABTS oxidation for both laccases was reached at 70 degrees C. Both laccases are stable from pH 6 to 9, retaining 88-90% activity after 24 hr incubation, and show good stability when incubated at temperatures lower than 40 degrees C. The Km values of Lac I for ABTS, DMP, and guaiacol are 0.118 x 10(-2), 0.420, and 0.405 mM, respectively; the Km values of Lac II for ABTS, DMP, and guaiacol are 0.086 x 10(-2), 0.41, and 0.40 mM, respectively. Their N-terminal sequences are determined and show strong similarity with those from other basidiomycetes. Graphite-furnace atomic absorption analysis revealed that both laccases have four copper atoms per protein molecule, but they have no type I copper signal at around 600 nm and a type III copper signal near 330 nm. Cyanide, azide, and halides completely inhibit the enzyme activity, whereas EDTA has less inhibition.     

Cytochrome c oxidase from bakers' yeast. III. Physical characterization of isolated subunits and chemical evidence for two different classes of polypeptides.

Earlier studies have shown that cytochrome c oxidase from bakers' yeast is an oligomeric enzyme which contains three polypeptides (I to III) synthesized on mitochondrial ribosomes and four polypeptides (IV to VII) synthesized on cytoplasmic ribosomes. These polypeptide subunits have now been isolated by a simple protocol which utilizes differences in polypeptide charge, solubility, and size. Their molecular weights determined by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis in the presence of sodium dodecyl sulfate, gel filtration in the presence of guanidine hydrochloride, and amino acid analysis were: I, 40,000; II, 33,000; III, 22,000; IV, 14,500; V, 12,700; VI, 12,700; and VII, 4,600. All seven polypeptide subunits exhibited acidic isoelectric points; cytoplasmically made subunits were more acidic than mitochondrially made ones. The amino acid composition of two mitochondrially made subunits and two cytoplasmically made subunits was determined. The two mitochondrial translation products, I and II, contained only 34.7% and 42.1% polar amino acids, respectively, whereas the two cytoplasmic translation products, IV and VI, contained 48.3% and 49.3%, respectively. This agreed with the observation that Subunits I and II are very insoluble, requiring detergents for solubility, whereas Subunits IV and VI are water-soluble in the absence of any added detergent. These results indicate that the cytochrome c oxidase subunits synthesized on mitochondrial and cytoplasmic ribosomes are fundamentally different in size, isoelectric properties, and hydrophobicity. They also suggest the possibility that at least some of the mitochondrially made subunits are buried in the lipid phase of the mitochondrial inner membrane.     

Large scale isolation and properties of subunits from bovine heart cytochrome oxidase

The subunits of the cytochrome oxidase from bovine heart were isolated in large quantities suitable for amino acid sequence studies. The preparation of subunits III, IV, V, VI, and VII for sequence determination can be achieved without employing sodium dodecyl sulfate. The method presented essentially involves pyridine extraction, pH fractionation, ammonium sulfate fractionation, and various types of column chromatography. However, subunits I and II can be prepared only in the presence of sodium dodecyl sulfate by molecular sieve chromatography; subunit III can also be isolated in this manner. The separation of subunits is found to be hindered by phospholipids associated with the enzyme and therefore the phospholipid-depleted preparation is used as the starting material. The molecular weights of subunits I, II, III, IV, V, VI, and VII are 40,000, 21,000, 14,800, 13,500, 11,600, 9,500, and 7,600, respectively. These values are based on the results of the conventional Weber and Osborn method of gel electrophoresis in the presence of sodium dodecyl sulfate. The amino termini of subunits I and II have been determined as N-formylmethionine, and those of subunits III, IV, V, VI, and VII are alanine, alanine, serine, alanine, and an N-acetyl-blocked residue, respectively. The carboxyl termini for subunits I to VII are lysine, leucine, lysine, histidine, valine, isoleucine, and valine, respectively. The complete amino acid sequence of some subunits has been published and that of other subunits will be reported elsewhere in collaboration with the Amino Acid Sequence Group of Cytochrome Oxidase at the University of Hawaii.     

Purification, characterization, molecular cloning, and expression of two laccase genes from the white rot basidiomycete Trametes villosa.

Two laccases have been purified to apparent electrophoretic homogeneity from the extracellular medium of a 2,5-xylidine-induced culture of the white rot basidiomycete Trametes villosa (Polyporus pinsitus or Coriolus pinsitus). These proteins are dimeric, consisting of two subunits of 63 kDa as determined by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, and have typical blue laccase spectral properties. Under nondenaturing conditions, the two purified laccases have different pIs; purified laccase forms 1 and 3 have pIs of 3.5 and 6 to 6.5, respectively. A third purified laccase form 2 has the same N terminus as that of laccase form 3, but its pI is in the range of 5 to 6. The laccases have optimal activity at pH 5 to 5.5 and pH < or = 2.7 with syringaldazine and ABTS [2,2'-azinobis-(3-ethylbenzthiazoline-6-sulfonic acid)] as substrates, respectively. The genes lcc1 and lcc2 coding for the two purified laccases (forms 1 and 3) have been cloned, and their nucleotide sequences have been determined. The genes for lcc1 and lcc2 have 8 and 10 introns, respectively. The predicted proteins are 79% identical at the amino acid level. From Northern (RNA) blots containing total RNA from both induced and uninduced cultures, expression of lcc1 is highly induced, while the expression of lcc2 appears to be constitutive. Lcc1 has been expressed in Aspergillus oryzae, and the purified recombinant protein has the same pI, spectral properties, stability, and pH profiles as the purified native protein.     

Lignin oxidation by laccase isozymes from Trametes versicolor and role of the mediator 2,2'-azinobis(3-ethylbenzthiazoline-6-sulfonate) in kraft lignin depolymerization.

Two laccase isozymes (I and II) produced by the white-rot fungus Trametes versicolor were purified, and their reactivities towards various substrates and lignins were studied. The N-terminal amino acid sequences of these enzymes were determined and compared to other known laccase sequences. Laccase II showed a very high sequence similarity to a laccase which was previously reported to depolymerize lignin. The reactivities of the two isozymes on most of the substrates tested were similar, but there were some differences in the oxidation rate of polymeric substrates. We found that the two laccases produced similar qualitative effects on kraft lignin and residual lignin in kraft pulp, with no evidence of a marked preference for depolymerization by either enzyme. However, the presence of the mediator 2,2'-azinobis(3-ethylbenzthiazoline-6-sulfonate) prevented and reversed the polymerization of kraft lignin by either laccase. The delignification of hardwood and softwood kraft pulps with the two isozymes and the mediator was compared; either laccase was able to reduce the kappa number of pulp, but only in the presence of 2,2'-azinobis(3-ethylbenzthiazoline-6-sulfonate).     

Purification and characterization of a phenoloxidase (laccase) from the lignin-degrading basidiomycete PM1 (CECT 2971).

A new lignin-degrading basidiomycete, strain PM1 (= CECT 2971), was isolated from the wastewater of a paper factory. The major ligninolytic activity detected in the basidiomycete PM1 culture supernatant was a phenoloxidase (laccase). This activity was produced constitutively in defined or complex media and appeared as two protein bands in native gel electrophoresis preparations. No enzyme induction was found after treatment with certain potential laccase inducers. Laccase I was purified to homogeneity by gel filtration chromatography, anion-exchange chromatography, and hydrophobicity chromatography. The enzyme is a monomeric glycoprotein containing 6.5% carbohydrate and having a molecular weight of 64,000. It has an isoelectric point of 3.6, it is stable in a pH range from 3 to 9, and its optimum pH is 4.5. The laccase optimal reaction temperature is 80 degrees C, the laccase is stable for 1 h at 60 degrees C, and its activity increases with temperature. Spectroscopic analysis revealed that the enzyme has four bound copper atoms, a type I copper, a type II copper, and a type III binuclear copper. The amino-terminal sequence of the protein is very similar to the amino-terminal sequences of laccases from Coriolus hirsutus and Phlebia radiata.     

Properties of a laccase produced by<Emphasis Type="Italic">Phanerochaete flavido-alba</Emphasis> induced by vanillin

Phanerochaete flavido-alba is able to remove simple and polymeric phenols from the recalcitrant wastes of the olive oil industry, in a process in which a laccase is involved. This report describes the characterization of a laccase produced by P. flavido-alba and induced by vanillin. Although the amino acid composition of the purified enzyme is typical for laccases, other molecular characteristics show that it is quite different from fungal laccases. The purified laccase oxidized preferably o- and p-biphenols.     

A study of highly purified mucolipidosis III urinary N-acetyl-beta-D-hexosaminidase B.

Highly purified N-acetyl-beta-D-hexosaminidase B from normal urine and urine of a patient with mucolipidosis III was used to determine whether it has undergone any of the alterations associated with this genetic defect. Examination by sodium dodecyl sulphate/polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis showed that both the enzyme preparations contained protein components with apparent Mr values of 55 000 and 28 000. No differences in the binding and apparent KI (50%) to concanavalin A of the normal and mucolipidosis III enzymes were detected. However, the patient's N-acetyl-beta-D-hexosaminidase B had a slightly greater affinity for the lectin from Ricinus communis than did the normal enzyme. Two-dimensional tryptic peptide maps of the corresponding normal and the patient's N-acetyl-beta-D-hexosaminidase B subunits showed considerable homology. These results indicate that N-acetyl-beta-D-hexosaminidase b does not undergo the significant carbohydrate alterations characteristic of other acid hydrolases in mucolipidosis III.     

Chloroplast glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (NADP): amino acid sequence of the subunits from isoenzyme I and structural relationship with isoenzyme II

The structural relationship between isoenzymes I and II of chloroplast glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (D-glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate: NADP+ oxidoreductase (phosphorylating) EC 1.2.1.13) has been established at the protein level. The complete primary structure of subunits A and B of glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase I from Spinacia oleracea has been determined by sequence analysis of the corresponding tryptic peptides, aligned by fragments derived from cyanogen bromide and Staphylococcus proteinase V8 digestions and by partially sequencing each intact subunit. Subunit A has an Mr of 36,225 and consists of 337 amino acid residues, whilst subunit B (Mr 39,355) consists of 368 residues. The amino acid sequence of subunit B, as determined through direct analysis of the protein, is identical to that recently deduced at cDNA level (Brinkmann et al. (1989) Plant Mol. Biol. 13, 81-94). The two subunits share a common portion of amino acid sequence which differs by 66 amino acid residues. Subunit B has an extra C-terminal sequence of 31 amino acid residues. Chloroplast glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase II was partially characterized by sequencing the N-terminal portion of the intact protein and some of its tryptic peptides. The sequences of all the examined fragments fit precisely that of the corresponding regions of subunit A from glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase I.