Binding of the recombinant proteinase inhibitor eglin c, of the soybean Bowman-Birk proteinase inhibitor and of its chymotrypsin and trypsin inhibiting fragments to Leu-proteinase, the leucine specific serine proteinase from spinach (Spinacia oleracea L.) leaves: thermodynamic study.

The effect of pH and temperature on the apparent association equilibrium constant (Ka) for the binding of the recombinant proteinase inhibitor eglin c (eglin c), of the soybean Bowman-Birk proteinase inhibitor (BBI) and of its chymotrypsin and trypsin inhibiting fragments (F-C and F-T, respectively) to Leu-proteinase, the leucine specific serine proteinase from spinach (Spinacia oleracea L.) leaves, has been investigated. On lowering the pH from 9.5 to 4.5, values of Ka (at 21 degrees C) for complex formation decrease thus reflecting the acidic pK-shift of the hystidyl catalytic residue from approximately 6.9, in the free Leu-proteinase, to approximately 5.1, in the enzyme: inhibitor adducts. At pH 8.0, values of the apparent thermodynamic parameters for the proteinase:inhibitor complex formation are: Leu-proteinase:eglin c-Ka = 2.2 x 10(11) M-1, delta G degree = -64 kJ/mol, delta H degree = +5.9 kJ/mol, and delta S degree = +240 kJ/molK; Leu-proteinase:BBI-Ka = 3.2 x 10(10) M-1, delta G degree = -59 kJ/mol, delta H degree = +8.8 kJ/mol, and delta S degree = +230 J/molK; and Leu-proteinase:F-C-Ka = 1.1 x 10(6) M-1, delta G degree = -34 kJ/mol, delta H degree = +18 J/mol, and delta S degree = +180 J/molK (values of Ka, delta G degree and delta S degree were obtained at 21.0 degrees C; values of delta H degree were temperature-independent over the range explored, i.e. between 10.0 degrees C and 40.0 degrees C).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Binding of the recombinant proteinase inhibitor eglin c from leech Hirudo medicinalis to human leukocyte elastase, bovine alpha-chymotrypsin and subtilisin Carlsberg: thermodynamic study

The effect of pH and temperature on the apparent association equilibrium constant (Ka) for the binding of the recombinant proteinase inhibitor eglin c from leech Hirudo medicinalis to human leukocyte elastase (EC 3.4.21.37), bovine alpha-chymotrypsin (EC 3.4.21.1) and subtilisin Carlsberg (EC 3.4.21.14) has been investigated. On lowering the pH from 9.5 to 4.5, values of Ka for eglin c binding to the serine proteinases considered decrease thus reflecting the acid-pK shift of the invariant histidyl catalytic residue (His57 in human leukocyte elastase and bovine alpha-chymotrypsin, and His64 in subtilisin Carlsberg) from congruent to 6.9, in the free enzymes, to congruent to 5.1, in the enzyme:inhibitor adducts. At pH 8.0, values of the apparent thermodynamic parameters for eglin c binding are: human leukocyte elastase - Ka = 1.0 x 10(10) M-1, delta G phi = -13.4 kcal/mol, delta H phi = +1.8 kcal/mol, and delta S phi = +52 entropy units; bovine alpha-chymotrypsin -Ka = 5.0 x 10(9) M-1, delta G phi = -13.0 kcal/mol, delta H phi = +2.0 kcal/mol, and delta S phi = +51 entropy units; and subtilisin Carlsberg - Ka = 6.6 x 10(9) M-1, delta G phi = -13.1 kcal/mol, delta H phi = +2.0 kcal/mol, and delta S phi = +51 entropy units (values of Ka, delta G phi and delta S phi were obtained at 21 degrees C; values of delta H phi were temperature independent over the range explored, i.e. between 10 degrees C and 40 degrees C; 1 kcal = 4184J).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Binding of the bovine and porcine pancreatic secretory trypsin inhibitor (Kazal) to human leukocyte elastase: a thermodynamic study.

The effect of pH and temperature on the apparent association equilibrium constant (Ka) for the binding of the bovine and porcine pancreatic secretory trypsin inhibitor (Kazal-type inhibitor, PSTI) to human leukocyte elastase has been investigated. At pH 8.0, values of the apparent thermodynamic parameters for human leukocyte elastase: Kazal-type inhibitor complex formation are: bovine PSTI--Ka = 6.3 x 10(4) M-1, delta G degree = -26.9 kJ/mol, delta H degree = +11.7 kJ/mol, and delta S degree = +1.3 x 10(2) entropy units; porcine PSTI--Ka = 7.0 x 10(3) M-1, delta G degree = -21.5 kJ/mol, delta H degree = +13.0 kJ/mol, and delta S degree = +1.2 x 10(2) entropy units (values of Ka, delta G degree and delta S degree were obtained at 21.0 degrees C; values of delta H degree were temperature independent over the range (between 5.0 degrees C and 45.0 degrees C) explored). On increasing the pH from 4.5 to 9.5, values of Ka for bovine and porcine PSTI binding to human leukocyte elastase increase thus reflecting the acidic pK-shift of the His57 catalytic residue from congruent to 7.0, in the free enzyme, to congruent to 5.1, in the serine proteinase: inhibitor complexes. Thermodynamics of bovine and porcine PSTI binding to human leukocyte elastase has been analyzed in parallel with that of related serine (pro)enzyme/Kazal-type inhibitor systems. Considering the known molecular models, the observed binding behaviour of bovine and porcine PSTI to human leukocyte elastase was related to the inferred stereochemistry of the serine proteinase/inhibitor contact region(s).     

Contribution of peptide bonds to inhibitor-protease binding: crystal structures of the turkey ovomucoid third domain backbone variants OMTKY3-Pro18I and OMTKY3-psi[COO]-Leu18I in complex with Streptomyces griseus proteinase B (SGPB) and the structure of the free inhibitor, OMTKY-3-psi[CH2NH2+]-Asp19I

X-ray crystallography has been used to determine the 3D structures of two complexes between Streptomyces griseus proteinase B (SGPB), a bacterial serine proteinase, and backbone variants of turkey ovomucoid third domain (OMTKY3). The natural P1 residue (Leu18I) has been substituted by a proline residue (OMTKY3-Pro18I) and in the second variant, the peptide bond between Thr17I and Leu18I was replaced by an ester bond (OMTKY3-psi[COO]-Leu18I). Both variants lack the P1 NH group that donates a bifurcated hydrogen bond to the carbonyl O of Ser214 and O(gamma) of the catalytic Ser195, one of the common interactions between serine proteinases and their canonical inhibitors. The SGPB:OMTKY3-Pro18I complex has many structural differences in the vicinity of the S1 pocket when compared with the previously determined structure of SGPB:OMTKY3-Leu18I. The result is a huge difference in the DeltaG degrees of binding (8.3 kcal/mol), only part of which can be attributed to the missing hydrogen bond. In contrast, very little structural difference exists between the complexes of SGPB:OMTKY3-psi[COO]-Leu18I and SGPB:OMTKY3-Leu18I, aside from an ester O replacing the P1 NH group. Therefore, the difference in DeltaG degrees, 1.5 kcal/mol as calculated from the measured equilibrium association constants, can be attributed to the contribution of the P1 NH hydrogen bond toward binding. A crystal structure of OMTKY3 having a reduced peptide bond between P1 Leu18I and P'1 Asp19I, (OMTKY3-psi[CH2NH2+]-Asp19I) has also been determined by X-ray crystallography. This variant has very weak association equilibrium constants with SGPB and with chymotrypsin. The structure of the free inhibitor suggests that the reduced peptide bond has not introduced any major structural changes in the inhibitor. Therefore, its poor ability to inhibit serine proteinases is likely due to the disruptions of the canonical interactions at the oxyanion hole.     

Binding of the Kunitz-type trypsin inhibitor DE-3 from Erythrina caffra seeds to serine proteinases: a comparative study.

The effect of pH and temperature on kinetic and thermodynamic parameters (i.e., k(on),k(off),Ka,delta G0, delta H0 and delta S0 values) for the binding of the Kunitz-type trypsin inhibitor DE-3 from Erythrina caffra seeds (ETI) to bovine beta-trypsin, bovine alpha-chymotrypsin, the human tissue plasminogen activator, human alpha-, beta- and gamma-thrombin, as well as the M(r) 33,000 and M(r) 54,000 species of the human urinary plasminogen activator (also named urokinase) has been investigated. At pH 8.0 and 21.0 degrees C: (i) values of the second-order rate constant (K(on)) for the proteinase:ETI complex formation vary between 8.7 x 10(5) and 1.4 x 10(7)/M/s; (ii) values of the dissociation rate constant (k(off)) for the proteinase: ETI complex destabilization range from 3.7 x 10(-5) to 1.4 x 10(-1)/s; and (iii) values of the association equilibrium constant (Ka) for the proteinase:ETI complexation change from < 1.0 x 10(4) to 3.8 x 10(11)/M. Thus, differences in k(off) values account mostly for the large changes in Ka values for ETI binding. The affinity of ETI for the serine proteinases considered can be arranged as follows: bovine beta-trypsin > human tissue plasminogen activator > bovine alpha-chymotrypsin > human alpha-, beta- and gamma-thrombin approximately M(r) 33,000 and M(r) 54,000 species of the human urinary plasminogen activator. Moreover, the serine proteinase:ETI complex formation is an endothermic, entropy-driven, process.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Binding of the recombinant proteinase inhibitor eglin c from leech Hirudo medicinalis to serine (pro)enzymes: a comparative thermodynamic study.

The binding of the recombinant proteinase inhibitor eglin c from the leech Hirudo medicinalis to serine (pro)enzymes belonging to the chymotrypsin and subtilisin families has been investigated from the thermodynamic viewpoint, between pH 4.5 and 9.5 and from 10 degrees C to 40 degrees C. The affinity of eglin c for the serine (pro)enzymes considered shows the following trend: Leu-proteinase [the leucine specific serine proteinase from spinach (Spinacia oleracea L.) leaves] greater than human leucocyte elastase congruent to human cathepsin G congruent to subtilisin Carlsberg congruent to bovine alpha-chymotrypsin greater than bovine alpha-chymotrypsinogen A congruent to porcine pancreatic elastase congruent to bovine beta-trypsin. The serine (pro)enzyme-inhibitor complex formation is an entropy-driven process. On increasing the pH from 4.5 to 9.5, the affinity of eglin c for the serine (pro)enzymes considered increases thus reflecting the acid pK shift of the invariant hystidyl catalytic residue from approximately to 6.9 in the free serine proteinases and bovine alpha-chymotrypsinogen A to congruent to 5.1 in the serine (pro)enzyme-inhibitor complexes. Considering the known molecular models, the observed binding behaviour of eglin c was related to the inferred stereochemistry of the serine (pro)enzyme-inhibitor contact regions.     

Deleterious effects of beta-branched residues in the S1 specificity pocket of Streptomyces griseus proteinase B (SGPB): crystal structures of the turkey ovomucoid third domain variants Ile18I, Val18I, Thr18I, and Ser18I in complex with SGPB

Turkey ovomucoid third domain (OMTKY3) is a canonical inhibitor of serine proteinases. Upon complex formation, the inhibitors fully exposed P1 residue becomes fully buried in the preformed cavity of the enzyme. All 20 P1 variants of OMTKY3 have been obtained by recombinant DNA technology and their equilibrium association constants have been measured with six serine proteinases. To rationalize the trends observed in this data set, high resolution crystal structures have been determined for OMTKY3 P1 variants in complex with the bacterial serine proteinase, Streptomyces griseus proteinase B (SGPB). Four high resolution complex structures are being reported in this paper; the three beta-branched variants, Ile18I, Val18I, and Thr18I, determined to 2.1, 1.6, and 1.7 A resolution, respectively, and the structure of the Ser18I variant complex, determined to 1.9 A resolution. Models of the Cys18I, Hse18I, and Ape18I variant complexes are also discussed. The beta-branched side chains are not complementary to the shape of the S1 binding pocket in SGPB, in contrast to that of the wild-type gamma-branched P1 residue for OMTKY3, Leu18I. Chi1 angles of approximately 40 degrees are imposed on the side chains of Ile18I, Val18I, and Thr18I within the S1 pocket. Dihedral angles of +60 degrees, -60 degrees, or 180 degrees are more commonly observed but 40 degrees is not unfavorable for the beta-branched side chains. Thr18I Ogamma1 also forms a hydrogen bond with Ser195 Ogamma in this orientation. The Ser18I side chain adopts two alternate conformations within the S1 pocket of SGPB, suggesting that the side chain is not stable in either conformation.     

Elafin is a potent inhibitor of proteinase 3

Elafin, a human skin derived inhibitor of human leukocyte elastase, was tested for inhibitory activity against proteinase 3, an elastin degrading proteinase of neutrophils. The inhibitory activity of elafin was compared with antileukoprotease and eglin C. Elafin proved to be a potent inhibitor of elastin-FITC degradation showing an IC 50 of 9.5 x 10(-9) M. Potency was found to be more than 100-fold higher as compared with antileukoprotease and eglin C.     

Crystal and molecular structure of the bovine alpha-chymotrypsin-eglin c complex at 2.0 A resolution.

The crystal structure of the complex between bovine alpha-chymotrypsin and the leech (Hirudo medicinalis) protein proteinase inhibitor eglin c has been refined at 2.0 A resolution to a crystallographic R-factor of 0.167. The structure of the complex includes 2290 protein and 143 solvent atoms. Eglin c is bound to the cognate enzyme through interactions involving 11 residues of the inhibitor (sites P5-P4' in the reactive site loop, P10' and P23') and 17 residues from chymotrypsin. Binding of eglin c to the enzyme causes a contained hinge-bending movement around residues P4 and P4' of the inhibitor. The tertiary structure of chymotrypsin is little affected, with the exception of the 10-13 region, where an ordered structure for the polypeptide chain is observed. The overall binding mode is consistent with those found in other serine proteinase-protein-inhibitor complexes, including those from different inhibition families. Contained, but significant differences are observed in the establishment of intramolecular hydrogen bonds and polar interactions stabilizing the structure of the intact inhibitor, if the structure of eglin c in its complex with chymotrypsin is compared with that of other eglin c-serine proteinase complexes.     

Structural insights into the non-additivity effects in the sequence-to-reactivity algorithm for serine peptidases and their inhibitors

Sequence-to-reactivity algorithms (SRAs) for proteins have the potential of being broadly applied in molecular design. Recently, Laskowski et al. have reported an additivity-based SRA that accurately predicts most of the standard free energy changes of association for variants of turkey ovomucoid third domain (OMTKY3) with six serine peptidases, one of which is streptogrisin B (commonly known as Streptomyces griseus peptidase B, SGPB). Non-additivity effects for residues 18I and 32I, and for residues 20I and 32I of OMTKY3 occurred when the associations with SGPB were predicted using the SRA. To elucidate precisely the mechanics of these non-additivity effects in structural terms, we have determined the crystal structures of the unbound OMTKY3 (with Gly32I as in the wild-type amino acid sequence) at a resolution of 1.16 A, the unbound Ala32I variant of OMTKY3 at a resolution of 1.23 A, and the SGPB:OMTKY3-Ala32I complex (equilibrium association constant K(a)=7.1x10(9) M(-1) at 21(+/-2) C degrees, pH 8.3) at a resolution of 1.70 A. Extensive comparisons with the crystal structure of the unbound OMTKY3 confirm our understanding of some previously addressed non-additivity effects. Unexpectedly, SGPB and OMTKY3-Ala32I form a 1:2 complex in the crystal. Comparison with the SGPB:OMTKY3 complex shows a conformational change in the SGPB:OMTKY3-Ala32I complex, resulting from a hinged rigid-body rotation of the inhibitor caused by the steric hindrance between the methyl group of Ala32IA of the inhibitor and Pro192BE of the peptidase. This perturbs the interactions among residues 18I, 20I, 32I and 36I of the inhibitor, probably resulting in the above non-additivity effects. This conformational change also introduces residue 10I as an additional hyper-variable contact residue to the SRA.     

NMR chemical shift mapping of the binding site of a protein proteinase inhibitor: changes in the (1)H, (13)C and (15)N NMR chemical shifts of turkey ovomucoid third domain upon binding to bovine chymotrypsin A(alpha)

The substrate-like inhibition of serine proteinases by avian ovomucoid domains has provided an excellent model for protein inhibitor-proteinase interactions of the standard type. 1H,15N and 13C NMR studies have been undertaken on complexes formed between turkey ovomucoid third domain (OMTKY3)2 and chymotrypsin A(alpha) (Ctr) in order to characterize structural changes occurring in the Ctr binding site of OMTKY3. 15N and 13C were incorporated uniformly into OMTKY3, allowing backbone resonances to be assigned for OMTKY3 in both its free and complex states. Chemical shift perturbation mapping indicates that the two regions, K13-P22 and N33-A40, are the primary sites in OMTKY3 involved in Ctr binding, in full agreement with the 12 consensus proteinase-contact residues of OMTKY3 defined previously on the basis of X-ray crystallographic and mutational analysis. Smaller chemical shift perturbations in selected other regions may result from minor structural changes on binding. Through-bond 15N-13C correlations between P1-13C' and P1'-15N in two-dimensional H(N)CO and HN(CO) NMR spectra of selectively labeled OMTKY3 complexed with Ctr indicate that the scissile peptide bond between L18 and E19 of the inhibitor is intact in the complex. The chemical shifts of the reactive site peptide bond indicate that it is predominantly trigonal, although the data are not inconsistent with a slight perturbation of the hybridization of the peptide bond toward the first tetrahedral state along the reaction coordinate.     

X-ray crystal structure of the complex of human leukocyte elastase (PMN elastase) and the third domain of the turkey ovomucoid inhibitor.

Orthorhombic crystals diffracting beyond 1.7 A resolution, have been grown from the stoichiometric complex formed between human leukocyte elastase (HLE) and the third domain of turkey ovomucoid inhibitor (OMTKY3). The crystal and molecular structure has been determined with the multiple isomorphous replacement technique. The complex has been modeled using the known structure of OMTKY3 and partial sequence information for HLE, and has been refined. The current crystallographic R-value is 0.21 for reflections from 25 to 1.8 A resolution. HLE shows the characteristic polypeptide fold of trypsin-like serine proteinases and consists of 218 amino acid residues. However, several loop segments, mainly arranged around the substrate binding site, have unique conformations. The largest deviations from the other vertebrate proteinases of known spatial structure are around Cys168. The specificity pocket is constricted by Val190, Val216 and Asp226 to preferentially accommodate medium sized hydrophobic amino acids at P1. Seven residues of the OMTKY3-binding segment are in specific contact with HLE. This interaction and geometry around the reactive site are similar as observed in other complexes. It is the first serine proteinase glycoprotein analysed, having two sugar chains attached to Asn159 and to residue 109.     

Binding of the bovine basic pancreatic trypsin inhibitor (Kunitz inhibitor) to human and bovine factor Xa. A thermodynamic study

The effect of pH and temperature on the apparent association equilibrium constant (Ka) for the binding of the bovine basic pancreatic trypsin inhibitor (BPTI, Kunitz inhibitor) to human and bovine factor Xa (Stuart-Prower factor; EC 3.4.21.6) has been investigated. Under all the experimental conditions, values of Ka for BPTI binding to human and bovine factor Xa are identical. On lowering the pH from 9.5 to 4.5, values of Ka (at 21.0 degrees C) for BPTI binding to human and bovine factor Xa decrease, thus reflecting the acidic pK shift of the His57 catalytic residue from 7.1, in the free enzyme, to 5.2, in the proteinase-inhibitor complex. At pH 8.0, values of the apparent thermodynamic parameters for BPTI binding to human and bovine factor Xa are: Ka = 2.1 x 10(5)M-1 (at 21.0 degrees C), delta G degree = -29.7 kJ/mol (at 21.0 degrees C), delta S degree = +161 entropy units (at 21.0 degrees C), and delta H degree = +17.6 kJ/mol (temperature-independent over the explored range, from 5.0 degrees C to 45.0 degrees C). Thermodynamics of BPTI binding to human and bovine factor Xa have been analysed in parallel with those of related serine (pro)enzyme/Kazal- and /Kunitz-type inhibitor systems. Considering the known molecular models, the observed binding behaviour of BPTI to human and bovine factor Xa was related to the inferred stereochemistry of the proteinase/inhibitor contact region.     

Binding of the bovine basic pancreatic trypsin inhibitor (Kunitz) to the 33,000 Mr and 54,000 Mr species of human urokinase: thermodynamic study

The effect of pH and temperature on the apparent association equilibrium constant (Ka) for the binding of the bovine basic pancreatic trypsin inhibitor (BPTI, Kunitz inhibitor) to the 33,000 Mr and 54,000 Mr species of human urokinase (EC 3.4.21.31) has been investigated. Under all the experimental conditions, values of Ka for BPTI binding to the 33,000 Mr and 54,000 Mr species of human urokinase are identical. On lowering the pH from 9.5 to 4.5, values of Ka (at 21.0 degrees C) for BPTI binding to human urokinase (33,000 Mr and 54,000 Mr species) decrease thus reflecting the acidic pK-shift of the His-57 catalytic residue from 6.9, in the free enzyme, to 5.1, in the proteinase:inhibitor complex. At pH 8.0, values of the apparent thermodynamic parameters for BPTI binding to human urokinase (33,000 Mr and 54,000 Mr species) are: Ka = 4.9 x 10(4) M-1, delta G degree = -6.3 kcal/mol, and delta S degree = -37 entropy units (all at 21.0 degrees C); and delta H degree = +4.6 kcal/mol (temperature independent over the explored range, from 5.0 degrees C to 45.0 degrees C). Thermodynamics of BPTI binding to human urokinase (33,000 Mr and 54,000 Mr species) have been analyzed in parallel with those of related serine (pro)enzyme Kazal- and /Kunitz-type inhibitor systems. Considering the known molecular models, the observed binding behaviour of BPTI to human urokinase (33,000 Mr and 54,000 Mr species) was related to the inferred stereochemistry of the proteinase/inhibitor contact region.     

Mapping the putative binding site for uPA protein in Esophageal Cancer-Related Gene 2 by heteronuclear NMR method

Esophageal Cancer-Related Gene 2 (ECRG2) is a novel member of the KAZAL-type serine proteinase inhibitor family and plays an important role in the inhibition of human esophageal cancer cell proliferation. The previous studies have shown that ECRG2 can bind the urokinase-type plasminogen activator (uPA)/plasmin system and inhibit its activity. In this study, the strategy of cloning, overexpression, and purification of ECRG2 for obtaining a properly folded ECRG2 with accurately formed disulfide bonds was established. The heteronuclear NMR experiments were performed with isotope labeled ECRG2 to investigate the binding interface of the protein with uPA. The sequence regions of ECRG2 for uPA binding were determined. Analysis indicates that the uPA-binding loops of ECRG2 are in correspondence with the reactive site loops for binding of serine proteinase in turkey ovomucoid third domain (OMTKY3). The structural similarity of ECRG2 to OMTKY3 was identified and a model for ECRG2 was proposed.     

Engineered eglin c variants inhibit yeast and human proprotein processing proteases, Kex2 and furin

We engineered eglin c, a potent subtilisin inhibitor, to create inhibitors for enzymes of the Kex2/furin family of proprotein processing proteases. A structural gene was synthesized that encoded "R(1)-eglin", having Arg at P(1) in the reactive site loop in place of Leu(45). Ten additional variants were created by cassette mutagenesis of R(1)-eglin. These polypeptides were expressed in Escherichia coli, purified to homogeneity, and their interactions with secreted, soluble Kex2 and furin were examined. R(1)-eglin itself was a modest inhibitor of Kex2, with a K(a) of approximately 10(7) M(-)(1). Substituting Arg (in R(4)R(1)-eglin) or Met (in M(4)R(1)-eglin) for Pro(42) at P(4) created potent Kex2 inhibitors exhibiting K(a) values of approximately 10(9) M(-)(1). R(4)R(1)-eglin inhibited furin with a K(a) of 4.0 x 10(8) M(-)(1). Introduction of Lys at P(1), in place of Arg in R(4)R(1)-eglin reduced affinity only approximately 3-fold for Kex2 but 15-fold for furin. The stabilities of enzyme-inhibitor complexes were characterized by association and dissociation rate constants and visualized by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. R(4)R(1)-eglin formed stable 1:1 complexes with both Kex2 and furin. However, substitution of Lys at P(2) in place of Thr(44) resulted in eglin variants that inhibited both Kex2 and furin but which were eventually cleaved (temporary inhibition). Surprisingly, R(6)R(4)R(1)-eglin, in which Arg was substituted for Gly(40) in R(4)R(1)-eglin, exhibited stable, high-affinity complex formation with Kex2 (K(a) of 3.5 x 10(9) M(-)(1)) but temporary inhibition of furin. This suggests that enzyme-specific interactions can alter the conformation of the reactive site loop, converting a permanent inhibitor into a substrate. Eglin variants offer possible avenues for affinity purification, crystallization, and regulation of proprotein processing proteases.     

Hydrolytic enzymes of Psoroptes cuniculi (Delafond)

Phosphatases, C4 and C8 esterases, leucine and valine aminopeptidases, N-acetyl-beta-glucosaminidase, beta-glucosidase, beta-galactosidase and beta-glucuronidase were detected in extracts of the parasitic mite Psoroptes cuniculi. Lipase, trypsin-like and chymotrypsin-like activities were not present. Haemoglobin was hydrolysed by a detergent-soluble fraction of the mite extracts with a maximum hydrolysis between pH 3 and 5. Acid proteinase activity was greater against haemoglobin than bovine serum albumin. Inhibitors of cysteine, serine and metallo-proteinases failed to inhibit the hydrolysis of H-Pro-Thr-Glu-Phe-Phe(NO2)-Arg-Leu-OH while pepstatin A inhibited its hydrolysis in a dose-dependent manner (IC50 8.02 x 10(-11) M (+/- 0.30 x 10(-11). Thermal inactivation of the proteolytic activity followed an exponential decay pattern. Typical K(m) and Vmax values were 7.2 x 10(-5) (+/- 0.7 x 10(-5) M-1 and 1.13 x 10(-3) (+/- 0.05 x 10(-3) OD unit-1 min-1 respectively. Acid proteinase activity eluted from a size exclusion column in a single, major peak representing a molecular weight range of 21-24.5 kDa. The major endoproteinase of P. cuniculi therefore appears to be a cathepsin D-like aspartic proteinase.     

Characterization of proteinase-3 (PR-3), a neutrophil serine proteinase. Structural and functional properties

Proteinase 3 (PR-3) is a human polymorphonuclear leukocyte (PMNL) serine proteinase that degrades elastin in vitro and causes emphysema when administered by tracheal insufflation to hamsters (Kao, R. C., Wehner, N. G., Skubitz, K. M., Gray, B. H., and Hoidal, J. R. (1988) J. Clin. Invest. 82, 1963-1973). We have determined the primary structure of several PR-3 peptides and have analyzed catalytic properties of the enzyme. The enzyme has considerable amino acid sequence homology with two other well characterized PMNL neutral serine proteinases, elastase and cathepsin G. Furthermore, the NH2-terminal amino acid sequence of PR-3 is identical to that of the target antigen of the anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic autoantibodies associated with Wegener's granulomatosis. PR-3 degrades a variety of matrix proteins including fibronectin, laminin, vitronectin, and collagen type IV. It shows no or minimal activity against interstitial collagens types I and III, respectively. The analysis of peptides generated by PR-3 digestion of insulin chains and the activity profile against a panel of chromogenic synthetic peptide substrates show that PR-3 prefers small aliphatic amino acids (alanine, serine, and valine) at the P1 site. The elastase-like specificity of PR-3 is consistent with its striking sequence homology to elastase at substrate binding sites. PR-3 is inhibited by alpha 1-proteinase inhibitor (ka = 8.1 x 10(6) M-1 S-1; delay time = 25 ms) and alpha 2-macroglobulin (ka = 1.1 x 10(7) M-1 S-1; delay time = 114 ms) but not by alpha 1-anti-chymotrypsin. In contrast to elastase and cathepsin G, PR-3 is not inhibited by secretory leukoprotease inhibitor and is weakly inhibited by eglin c. Thus, PR-3 is distinct from the other PMNL proteinases.     

X-ray crystal structure of the bovine alpha-chymotrypsin/eglin c complex at 2.6 A resolution

The crystal structure of the molecular complex formed by bovine alpha-chymotrypsin and the recombinant serine proteinase inhibitor eglin c from Hirudo medicinalis has been solved using monoclinic crystals of the complex, reported previously. Four circle diffractometer data at 3.0 A resolution were employed to determine the structure by molecular replacement techniques. Bovine alpha-chymotrypsin alone was used as the search model; it allowed us to correctly orient and translate the enzyme in the unit cell and to obtain sufficient electron density for positioning the eglin c molecule. After independent rigid body refinement of the two complex components, the molecular model yielded a crystallographic R factor of 0.39. Five iterative cycles of restrained crystallographic refinement and model building were conducted, gradually increasing resolution. The current R factor at 2.6 A resolution (diffractometer data) is 0.18. The model includes 56 solvent molecules. Eglin c binds to bovine alpha-chymotrypsin in a manner consistent with other known serine proteinase/inhibitor complex structures. The reactive site loop shows the expected conformation for productive binding and is in tight contact with bovine alpha-chymotrypsin between subsites P3 and P'2; Leu 451 acts as the P1 residue, located in the primary specificity S1 site of the enzyme. Hydrogen bonds equivalent to those observed in complexes of trypsin(ogen) with the pancreatic basic- and secretory-inhibitors are found around the scissile peptide bond.     

Characterization of five new low-molecular-mass trypsin inhibitors from white mustard (Sinapis alba L.) seed.

Five new low-molecular-mass trypsin inhibitors belonging to the RTI/MTI-2 family were identified from white mustard (Sinapis alba L. ; MTI-2) seed. Purified MTI-2 consisted of a peptide mixture, displaying Ile or Arg at position 43, Trp or kynurenine (Kyn) at position 44, and C-terminal ragged ends. The occurrence of Ile or Arg at position 43 suggested that MTI-2 inhibitors originated from different genes. The presence of 5-oxo-proline (pyroglutamic acid; 5-oxoPro1) and Kyn44 reflected post-translational processing of the serine proteinase inhibitor. MTI-2 showed approximately 70% amino-acid identity with low-molecular-mass trypsin inhibitors isolated from oil rape (Brassica napus var. oleifera; RTI-III) seed and with serine proteinase inhibitors mapped in Arabidopsis thaliana chromosome II (ATTI). Furthermore, MTI-2 was homologous to brazzein, the sweet-tasting protein from Pentadiplandra brazzeana Baillon fruit ( approximately 30% amino-acid identity). Although snake-venom toxins showed a low amino-acid identity (< 20%) with MTI-2, RTI-III, and ATTI, some structurally relevant residues were conserved. The disulfide bridge pattern of MTI-2 (Cys5-Cys27, Cys18-Cys31, Cys42-Cys52, and Cys54-Cys57) corresponded to that of RTI-III and of snake-venom toxins, being different from that of brazzein. Therefore, protein similarity might be attributable to the three-dimensional arrangement rather than to the amino-acid sequence. Values of Ka for MTI-2 binding to bovine beta-trypsin (trypsin) and bovine alpha-chymotrypsin were 6.3 x 109 M-1 and 2.0 x 106 M-1, respectively, at pH 8.0 and 21.0 degrees C. Moreover, values of kon for MTI-2 binding to trypsin and of koff for the dissociation of the serine proteinase:inhibitor complex were 5.6 x 105 M-1.s-1 and 8.9 x 10-5 M-1.s-1, respectively, at pH 8.0 and 21.0 degrees C. Despite the heterogeneity of the purified inhibitor peptide mixture, the inhibition properties of the different MTI-2 inhibitors were indistinguishable.