Aryl sulfatase from Naja nigricolis venom: characterization and possible contribution in the pathology of snake poisoning

The venom of Naja nigricolis was found to contain a high level of the enzyme aryl sulfatase. The enzyme was isolated from the venom of N. nigriclois and purified to electrophoretic homogeneity by gel chromatography on Sephadex G-100, DEAE-cellulose, and phenyl-sepharose columns. The enzyme was optimally active at pH 5 and 40 degrees C. Arrhenius plot for the determination of the activation energy (E(a)) gave the value 25 kJ/mol with a half-life (t(1/2)) of 5 min at 50 degrees C. It was highly activated by Fe(2+) and Ca(2+) and inhibited by Co(2+) and Mn(2+). The enzyme catalyzed the hydrolysis of the fluorescent compound methylumbelliferyl-sulfate (MU-SO(4)). Double reciprocal plots of initial velocity data, using MU-SO(4) as substrate, gave a K(M) value of 110 microM and V(max) of 225 micromol min(-1) x mg(-1). N. nigricolis Aryl sulphatase also hydrolyzed chondroitin-4-sulphate. It was inhibited competitively by N-acetyl glucosamine sulfate (GlcNAc-SO(4)), glucose-6-sulfate (Glc-6-SO(4)), and glucose 1-sulfate (Glc-1-SO(4)). Extrapolated inhibition binding constants (K(i)) gave the values of 3, 25, and 315 microM for GlcNAc-SO(4), Glc-6-SO(4), and Glc-1-SO(4) respectively.     

Purification of a peptidylglycine alpha-amidating enzyme from transplantable rat medullary thyroid carcinomas

A peptidyl glycine alpha-amidating activity has been isolated from total tissue extracts of rat medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC). Purification of the activity by ammonium sulfate fractionation, Sephacryl S-300 chromatography, and strong anion-exchange chromatography at pH 6.0 has resolved at least four peaks of activity. The activity associated with peak III has been further purified to apparent homogeneity by strong anion-exchange chromatography at pH 8.0. The purified peak III enzyme has an apparent molecular mass of 75,000 Da as measured by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. The identity of the 75,000-Da band as the alpha-amidating enzyme has been confirmed by recovery of activity from a nondenaturing polyacrylamide gel. The enzyme is catalytically active as a monomer, exhibits a pH optimum between 5.0 and 5.5, and has a turnover number of 300 min-1 for N-dansyl-Tyr-Val-Gly amidation at pH 5.5. The larger size, more acidic pH optimum, and higher specific activity distinguish the purified peak III rat MTC enzyme from the enzymes isolated from bovine and porcine pituitary or from frog skin.     

A calcium-dependent protease associated with the neural cytoskeleton. Purification and partial characterisation

Calcium-dependent protease activity was found associated with a neurofilament-enriched cytoskeleton isolated from the bovine spinal cord. The protease was extracted from the cytoskeleton by 0.6 M KCl, and purified to apparent homogeneity (3300-fold) by chromatography on organomercurial-Sepharose 4B, casein-Sepharose 4B, and Sepharose CL-6B. A cytosolic calcium-dependent protease was similarly purified from the bovine spinal cord, after the cytosol was fractionated on DEAE-cellulose. Both cytoskeleton-bound and cytosolic enzymes had an apparent molecular mass of 100 kDa as judged by gel filtration, and consisted of two subunits (79 kDa and 20 kDa) upon sodium dodecyl sulfate/polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. Both enzymes exhibited caseinolytic activity with 0.5 mM Ca2+ and above, and the activity was strongly inhibited by various thiol protease inhibitors. In the presence of 0.1-0.2 mM Ca2+, the 68-kDa and 160-kDa components, and to a lesser extent the 200-kDa component, of the neurofilament triplet polypeptides were degraded by the cytosolic protease, whereas the cytoskeleton-bound protease needed two-fold higher concentration of Ca2+ to degrade the neurofilaments. Nevertheless, the cytoskeleton-bound protease in situ, i.e. before its extraction form the cytoskeleton by 0.6 M KCl, preferentially degraded the 160-kDa component in the presence of 0.1-0.2 mM Ca2+, suggesting that a proper locational relation of this enzyme to the neurofilament structure is a prerequisite to its preference for the 160-kDa component. It appears that a factor or factors involved in such an interaction between the protease and the neurofilament were eliminated during the course of enzyme purification. The glial fibrillary acidic protein was almost insensitive to the proteases purified in the present study.     

Purification, characterization, and subunit structure of rat core 1 Beta1,3-galactosyltransferase.

The O-linked oligosaccharides (O-glycans) in mammalian glycoproteins are classified according to their core structures. Among the most common is the core 1 disaccharide structure consisting of Galbeta1-->3GalNAcalpha1-->Ser/Thr, which is also the precursor for many extended O-glycan structures. The key enzyme for biosynthesis of core 1 O-glycan from the precursor GalNAc-alpha-Ser/Thr is UDP-Gal:GalNAc-alpha-Ser/Thr beta3-galactosyltransferase (core1 beta3-Gal-T). Core 1 beta3-Gal-T activity, which requires Mn2+, was solubilized from rat liver membranes and purified 71,034-fold to apparent homogeneity (>90% purity) in 5.7% yield by ion exchange chromatography on SP-Sepharose, affinity chromatography on immobilized asialo-bovine submaxillary mucin, and gel filtration chromatography on Superose 12. The purified enzyme is free of contaminating glycosyltransferases. Two peaks of core 1 beta3-Gal-T activity were identified in the final step on Superose 12. One peak of activity contained protein bands on non-reducing SDS-PAGE of approximately 84- and approximately 86-kDa disulfide-linked dimers, whereas the second peak of activity contained monomers of approximately 43 kDa. Reducing SDS-PAGE of these proteins gave approximately 42- and approximately 43-kDa monomers. Both the 84/86-kDa dimers and the 42/43-kDa monomers have the same novel N-terminal sequence. The purified enzyme, which is remarkably stable, has an apparent Km for UDP-Gal of 630 microm and an apparent Vmax of 206 micromol/mg/h protein using GalNAcalpha1-O-phenyl as the acceptor. The reaction product was generated using asialo-bovine submaxillary mucin as an acceptor; treatment with O-glycosidase generated the expected disaccharide Galbeta1-->3GalNAc. These studies demonstrate that activity of the core 1 beta1,3-Gal-T from rat liver is contained within a single, novel, disulfide-bonded, dimeric enzyme.     

Rapid purification and structural study of DNA topoisomerase I from human Burkitt lymphoma Raji cells

We have developed a rapid purification method for DNA topoisomerase I from Raji cells, a human Burkitt lymphoma cell line, using ammonium sulfate fractionation followed by chromatography on a Mono S column (FPLC, Pharmacia). By this method, the enzyme could be purified to near homogeneity within one day. Electrophoresis on sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel revealed that the final preparation is mainly composed of a 100-kDa protein. The major enzyme activity sedimented through a glycerol density gradient at 5.7S, accompanied with a minor peak at 8.7S. The former may correspond to the monomer of the 100-kDa polypeptide, and the latter, to its dimeric form. The gel filtration study of the crude extract revealed an active molecular species of 200 kDa, in addition to 100 kDa, and lower molecular weight forms. These results suggest that DNA topoisomerase I is largely in monomeric form, but also has a minor population of the dimeric form.     

Biochemical and immunological characterization of the STA2-encoded extracellular glucoamylase from saccharomyces diastaticus

In Saccharomyces diastaticus each one of three unlinked genes (STA1, STA2, STA3) encodes a glucoamylase (alpha-1,4 glucanglucohydrolase, EC 3.2.1.3) that allows yeast to grow on starch. The enzyme encoded by the STA2 gene (glucoamylase II) has been purified from culture medium to near homogeneity by ethanol precipitation, Trisacryl M DEAE chromatography, and HPLC gel filtration. Glucoamylase II consists of two identical subunits whose average size is 300 kDa. Under denaturing conditions, the native dimeric enzyme readily dissociates to a monomer. Enzymatic deglycosylation of denatured enzyme gives rise to intermediate, partially glycosylated forms and to a 56-kDa completely deglycosylated protein. Glucoamylase releases glucose units by cleaving alpha-1,4 bonds from the nonreducing end of different oligosaccharides, but has only a barely detectable alpha-1,6 hydrolyzing activity. The pH optimum for the purified enzyme was found to be 5.1. The enzyme has a greater affinity for maltohexaose (Km = 0.98 mM, V/Km = 2.39) than for maltotriose (Km = 2.38, V/Km = 0.68) or maltose (Km = 3.20, V/Km = 0.39). Both polyclonal and monoclonal antibodies have been raised against glucoamylase II. The polyclonal antibodies specifically inhibit yeast glucoamylase II activity in a dose-dependent manner, but are found to immunoblot other yeast glycoproteins as well. This oligosaccharide-specific reaction can be competed out by adding excess mannan without affecting glucoamylase reactivity. The cross-reactivity of the polyclonal antibodies with other amylolytic enzymes correlates well with evolutionary distance. Evidence is presented that monoclonal antibodies specific for either carbohydrate or protein epitopes have been obtained.     

Purification and partial characterization of alcohol dehydrogenase from wheat.

Further support for hypotheses proposed earlier for the genetic control and subunit composition of the alcohol dehydrogenase of Triticum has been obtained through the purification and partial characterization of the enzyme. The alcohol dehydrogenase of the wheat T. monococcum was purified 103-fold to a specific activity of 55,900 units/mg. Purification was achieved using streptomycin sulfate precipitation, gel filtration chromatography, DEAE-cellulose anion-exchange chromatography, and preparative isoelectric focusing. The native enzyme has a molecular weight of 116,000 and a dimeric subunit structure. The apparent Michaelis constants are 1.2 × 10^?2m for ethanol and 1 × 10^?4m for NAD. The substrate specificity of wheat alcohol dehydrogenase differs significantly from the substrate specificities of the enzymes of horse and yeast.     

Purification and characterization of aminopeptidase (pumAPE) from Ustilago maydis

The aminopeptidase pumAPE was purified from the haploid fungus Ustilago maydis FB1 strain. The purification procedure consisted of ammonium sulfate fractionation and three chromatographic steps, which included anion-exchange, hydrophobic interaction, and gel filtration chromatography, resulting in a 23% recovery. The molecular mass of the dimeric enzyme was estimated to be 110 kDa and 58 kDa by gel filtration chromatography and SDS-PAGE, respectively. Enzymatic activity was optimal at pH 7.0 and at 35 degrees C toward Lys-pNA and the pI was determined to be 5.1. The enzyme was inhibited by EDTA-Na2, 1,10- phenanthroline, bestantin, PMSF and several divalent cations (Cu2+, Hg2+ and Zn2+). The aminopeptidase showed a preference for lysine and arginine in the N-position. The K(m) value was 54.4 microM and the Vmax value was 408 micromolmin(-1)mg(-1) for Lys-pNA.     

Purification and properties of the catalytic domain of human 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-CoA reductase expressed in Escherichia coli

Three fragments of the cDNA encoding human 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-CoA reductase, all incorporating the majority of the catalytic domain of the protein, were subcloned into Escherichia coli expression vectors containing the pL promoter. The two larger expressed fragments (58 and 52 kDa) were soluble and had enzymatic activity, while the smallest (48 kDa) was insoluble. The two active fragments were purified by a combination of conventional techniques and affinity chromatography. A number of properties of the two enzymes were compared including specific activity, kinetic parameters, relative solubility, and cold lability. The 52-kDa enzyme was observed to change from a dimeric to monomeric form and to lose activity at 4 degrees C. In contrast, the 58-kDa enzyme was found to be much less cold labile, and was dimeric at both 20 and 4 degrees C. In order to resolve the number of subunits required to form an active site, the number of inhibitor binding sites for a known inhibitor was determined to be one per subunit in the 58-kDa enzyme.     

Purification and properties of a secreted and developmentally regulated alpha-L-fucosidase from Dictyostelium discoideum.

During its development the eukaryotic microorganisms Dictyostelium discoideum secretes an alpha-L-fucosidase (EC 3.2.1.51). In cells of the growth phase almost no alpha-L-fucosidase activity is detectable. The activity increases steadily up to the aggregation stage and accumulates also in the extracellular medium. The developmental regulation is mediated by pulsatile cAMP signals. The alpha-L-fucosidase was purified from extracellular medium. The isolation procedure started with concentration of the enzyme by batchwise anion-exchange chromatography and ammonium sulfate precipitation, followed by Sephacryl S-300 gel filtration and further purification by fast protein liquid chromatography on Mono Q, phenyl-Superose, and finally Superose 12. The purified preparation was found to be essentially free of activities of six other glycosidases also secreted by D. discoideum. On sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, the purified enzyme showed one major band with an apparent molecular mass of 62 kilodalton. Gel filtration of the enzyme on a Superose 12 column was consistent with an active monomer. A monoclonal antibody was produced, which recognizes a carbohydrate epitope shared by all lysosomal enzymes in D. discoideum. The pH optimum of the alpha-L-fucosidase is at 3.7. The apparent Michaelis constant for p-nitrophenyl alpha-L-fucoside as substrate is 1.2 mM. The enzyme catalyzes preferentially the hydrolysis of alpha 1----6GlcNAc but also of alpha 1----2Gal and alpha 1----3Glc fucosyl linkages.     

Purification and characterization of an endoamylase from tulip (Tulipa gesneriana) bulbs

Amylase activity extracted from tulip ( Tulipa gesneriana L. cv. Apeldoorn) bulbs that had been stored for 6 weeks at 4°C was resolved to 3 peaks by anion-exchange chromatography on diethylaminoethyl-Sephacel. These 3 amylases exhibited different relative mobilities during non-denaturing polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (PAGE). The most abundant amylase form (amylase I) was purified to apparent homogeneity using hydrophobic interaction chromatography, gel filtration and chromatofocusing. The apparent molecular mass of the purified amylase was estimated to be 51 kDa by sodium dodecyl sulfate-PAGE and 45 kDa by gel filtration chromatography. The purified amylase was determined to be an endoamylase (EC 3.2.1.1) based on substrate specificity and end-product analysis. The enzyme had a pH optimum of 6.0 and a temperature optimum of 55°C. The apparent K_m value with soluble starch (potato) was 1.28 mg ml⁻¹. The presence of Ca²⁺ increased the activity and thermal stability of the enzyme. The presence of dithiothreitol enhanced the activity, while β -mercaptoethanol and reduced glutathione had no significant effect. When pre-incubated in the absence of the substrate, N-ethylmaleimide and 5,5'-dithiobis-(2-nitrobenzoic acid) partially inhibited the enzyme. α -cyclodextrins or β -cyclodextrins had no effect on enzyme activity up to 10 m M . In addition to CaCl₂, CoCl₂ slightly enhanced activity, while MgCl₂ and MnCl₂ had no significant effect at a concentration of 2 m M . ZnCl₂, CuSO₄, AgNO₃ and EDTA partially inhibited enzyme activity, while AgNO₃ and HgCl₂ completely inhibited it at 2.0 m M .     

The production, purification and characterisation of two novel alpha-D-mannosidases from Aspergillus phoenicis

1,6-alpha-D-Mannosidase from Aspergillus phoenicis was purified by anion-exchange chromatography, chromatofocussing and size-exclusion chromatography. The apparent molecular weight was 74 kDa by SDS-PAGE and 81 kDa by native-PAGE. The isoelectric point was 4.6. 1,6-alpha-D-Mannosidase had a temperature optimum of 60 degrees C, a pH optimum of 4.0-4.5, a K(m) of 14 mM with alpha-D-Manp-(1-->6)-D-Manp as substrate. It was strongly inhibited by Mn(2+) and did not need Ca(2+) or any other metal cofactor of those tested. The enzyme cleaves specifically (1-->6)-linked mannobiose and has no activity towards any other linkages, p-nitrophenyl-alpha-D-mannopyranoside or baker's yeast mannan. 1,3(1,6)-alpha-D-Mannosidase from A. phoenicis was purified by anion-exchange chromatography, chromatofocussing and size-exclusion chromatography. The apparent molecular weight was 97 kDa by SDS-PAGE and 110 kDa by native-PAGE. The 1,3(1,6)-alpha-D-mannosidase enzyme existed as two charge isomers or isoforms. The isoelectric points of these were 4.3 and 4.8 by isoelectric focussing. It cleaves alpha-D-Manp-(1-->3)-D-Manp 10 times faster than alpha-D-Manp-(1-->6)-D-Manp, has very low activity towards p-nitrophenyl-alpha-D-mannopyranoside and baker's yeast mannan, and no activity towards alpha-D-Manp-(1-->2)-D-Manp. The activity towards (1-->3)-linked mannobiose is strongly activated by 1mM Ca(2+) and inhibited by 10mM EDTA, while (1-->6)-activity is unaffected, indicating that the two activities may be associated with different polypeptides. It is also possible that one polypeptide may have two active sites catalysing distinct activities.     

Purification and characterization of cytosolic protein-tyrosine kinase from bovine platelets

A cytosolic protein-tyrosine kinase has been highly purified from bovine platelets using [Val5]angiotensin II as a substrate. The purification procedure involves sequential column chromatography on phosphocellulose, Sephacryl S-200, poly(L-lysine)-agarose, casein-Sepharose 4B and 2',5'-ADP-Sepharose 4B. Analysis of the most highly purified preparations by SDS/polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis revealed a major silver-stained band of molecular mass 71 kDa. This molecular mass was consistent with results obtained from sucrose density gradient centrifugation, indicating that the enzyme exists as a monomer. The purified kinase, called CPTK 71, efficiently phosphorylated tubulin and p36 (calpactin 1 heavy chain). However, it did not phosphorylate H1 histone. Half-maximal enzyme activity was observed at 2.2 microM ATP, and Mn2+, Co2+ and Mg2+ were effective divalent metal ions for the expression of activity. Insulin, epidermal growth factor, and platelet-derived growth factor had little or no effect on the kinase activity of CPTK 71. CPTK 71 had no immunological cross-reactivity with pp60src. These results suggest that CPTK 71 is a novel type of protein-tyrosine kinases among the enzymes so far reported.     

A general method for rapid purification of soluble versions of glycosylphosphatidylinositol-anchored proteins expressed in insect cells: an application for human tissue-nonspecific alkaline phosphatase.

A soluble form of tissue-nonspecific alkaline phosphatase was purified to apparent homogeneity from the culture media of Sf9 cells which had been infected with recombinant baculoviruses encoding human tissue-nonspecific alkaline phosphatase (TNSALP). To facilitate purification, an oligonucleotide consisting of 6 tandem codons for histidine and a stop codon was engineered into the TNSALP cDNA. The molecular mass of the enzyme purified through a nickel-chelate column was estimated to be 54 kDa by sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS)-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. That of the native enzyme was 90 kDa as estimated by gel filtration, indicating that the purified soluble TNSALP is dimeric. The enzyme was used for production of antibodies specific for human TNSALP. Immunoblotting analysis showed a single 80-kDa band in the cell homogenate prepared from Saos-2 (human osteosarcoma) cells. However, upon digestion with peptide: N-glycosidase F, the 80-kDa TNSALP of human origin and the soluble enzyme of insect origin migrated to the same position on SDS-polyacrylamide gel, indicating that the size difference between the two enzymes is ascribed to N-linked oligosaccharides. The antibodies prepared against the purified TNSALP were found to be useful also for immunoprecipitation and immunofluorescence studies.     

Purification and characterization of a cytosolic phospholipase A2 from rat liver

A cytosolic phospholipase A2 (PLA2) was purified 640-fold from rat liver by sequential anion-exchange chromatography, Ca2+-precipitation/KCl-solubilization, gel filtration chromatography, and affinity chromatography. A single peak of PLA2 activity was eluted at an apparent molecular mass of 197 kDa from a Superdex 200HR gel filtration column. In the presence of Ca2+, the purified enzyme catalyzed the hydrolysis of 81.8 nmol of phosphatidylethanolamine per hour per mg of protein. The apparent Km was 1.83 nM. The enzyme was inhibited by arachidonyl trifluoromethyl ketone (AACOCF3), an inhibitor of cPLA2. However, it was not inhibited by bromoenol lactone (BEL), an inhibitor of iPLA2, and p-bromophenacyl bromide (p-BPB), an inhibitor of sPLA2. These data suggest that the purified enzyme is a novel Ca2+-dependent cytosolic PLA2.     

Characterization of phosphofructokinase 2 and of enzymes involved in the degradation of fructose 2,6-bisphosphate in yeast

Phosphofructokinase 2 from Saccharomyces cerevisiae was purified 8500-fold by chromatography on blue Trisacryl, gel filtration on Superose 6B and chromatography on ATP-agarose. Its apparent molecular mass was close to 600 kDa. The purified enzyme could be activated fivefold upon incubation in the presence of [gamma-32P]ATP-Mg and the catalytic subunit of cyclic-AMP-dependent protein kinase from beef heart; there was a parallel incorporation of 32P into a 105-kDa peptide and also, but only faintly, into a 162-kDa subunit. A low-Km (0.1 microM) fructose-2,6-bisphosphatase could be identified both by its ability to hydrolyze fructose 2,6-[2-32P]bisphosphate and to form in its presence an intermediary radioactive phosphoprotein. This enzyme was purified 300-fold, had an apparent molecular mass of 110 kDa and was made of two 56-kDa subunits. It was inhibited by fructose 6-phosphate (Ki = 5 microM) and stimulated 2-3-fold by 50 mM benzoate or 20 mM salicylate. Remarkably, and in deep contrast to what is known of mammalian and plant enzymes, phosphofructokinase 2 and the low-Km fructose-2,6-bisphosphatase clearly separated from each other in all purification procedures used. A high-Km (approximately equal to 100 microM), apparently specific, fructose 2,6-bisphosphatase was separated by anion-exchange chromatography. This enzyme could play a major role in the physiological degradation of fructose 2,6-bisphosphate, which it converts to fructose 6-phosphate and Pi, because it is not inhibited by fructose 6-phosphate, glucose 6-phosphate or Pi. Several other phosphatases able to hydrolyze fructose 2,6-bisphosphate into a mixture of fructose 2-phosphate, fructose 6-phosphate and eventually fructose were identified. They have a low affinity for fructose 2,6-bisphosphate (Km greater than 50 microM), are most active at pH 6 and are deeply inhibited by inorganic phosphate and various phosphate esters.     

Purification and characterization of a novel salt-tolerant protease from Aspergillus sp. FC-10, a soy sauce koji mold

A novel salt-tolerant protease produced by Aspergillus sp. FC-10 was purified to homogeneity through anion-exchange chromatography, preparative isoelectric-focusing electrophoresis, and gel filtration chromatography, with an overall recovery of 12.7%. This protease demonstrated an optimum pH range of 7.0-9.0 for activity, with a stable pH range of 5.0-9.0. The optimum process temperature at pH 7.0 was 65 degrees C. The enzyme has a molecular mass of 28 kDa and was deduced as a monomer with an isoelectric point of 3.75. Enzyme activity was strongly inhibited by 5 mM of HgCl(2) and FeCl(3), and significantly inhibited by 5 mM of CuSO(4), FeSO(4), and MnCl(2). The activity of this purified protease was inhibited by Na(2).EDTA; however, leupeptin, pepstatin A, PMSF, and E-64 did not affect the activity. Based on the N-terminal amino acid sequence and amino acid composition, this purified protease should be classified as a member of the deuterolysin family.     

Purification and characterization of acetylene hydratase of Pelobacter acetylenicus, a tungsten iron-sulfur protein.

Acetylene hydratase of the mesophilic fermenting bacterium Pelobacter acetylenicus catalyzes the hydration of acetylene to acetaldehyde. Growth of P. acetylenicus with acetylene and specific acetylene hydratase activity depended on tungstate or, to a lower degree, molybdate supply in the medium. The specific enzyme activity in cell extract was highest after growth in the presence of tungstate. Enzyme activity was stable even after prolonged storage of the cell extract or of the purified protein under air. However, enzyme activity could be measured only in the presence of a strong reducing agent such as titanium(III) citrate or dithionite. The enzyme was purified 240-fold by ammonium sulfate precipitation, anion-exchange chromatography, size exclusion chromatography, and a second anion-exchange chromatography step, with a yield of 36%. The protein was a monomer with an apparent molecular mass of 73 kDa, as determined by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. The isoelectric point was at pH 4.2. Per mol of enzyme, 4.8 mol of iron, 3.9 mol of acid-labile sulfur, and 0.4 mol of tungsten, but no molybdenum, were detected. The Km for acetylene as assayed in a coupled photometric test with yeast alcohol dehydrogenase and NADH was 14 microM, and the Vmax was 69 mumol.min-1.mg of protein-1. The optimum temperature for activity was 50 degrees C, and the apparent pH optimum was 6.0 to 6.5. The N-terminal amino acid sequence gave no indication of resemblance to any enzyme protein described so far.     

The brown-rot basidiomycete Fomitopsis palustris has the endo-glucanases capable of degrading microcrystalline cellulose

Two endoglucanases with processive cellulase activities, produced from Fomitopsis palustris grown on 2% microcrystalline cellulose (Avicel), were purified to homogeneity by anion-exchange and gel filtration column chromatography systems. SDS-PAGE analysis indicated that the molecular masses of the purified enzymes were 47 kDa and 35 kDa, respectively. The amino acid sequence analysis of the 47-kDa protein (EG47) showed a sequence similarity with fungal glycoside hydrolase family 5 endoglucanase from the white-rot fungus Phanerochaete chrysosporium. N-terminal and internal amino acid sequences of the 35-kDa protein (EG35), however, had no homology with any other glycosylhydrolases, although the enzyme had high specific activity against carboxymethyl cellulose, which is a typical substrate for endoglucanases. The initial rate of Avicel hydrolysis by EG35 was relatively fast for 48 h, and the amount of soluble reducing sugar released after 96 h was 100 microg/ml. Although EG47 also hydrolyzed Avicel, the hydrolysis rate was lower than that of EG35. Thin layer chromatography analysis of the hydrolysis products released from Avicel indicated that the main product was cellobiose, suggesting that the brown-rot fungus possesses processive EGs capable of degrading crystalline cellulose.     

Isolation and characterization of acetylcholinesterase from Drosophila

The purification and characterization of acetylcholinesterase from heads of the fruit fly Drosophila are described. Sequential extraction procedures indicated that approximately 40% of the activity was soluble and 60% membrane-bound and that virtually none (less than 4%) corresponded to collagen-tailed forms. The membrane-bound enzyme was extracted with Triton X-100 and purified over 4000-fold by affinity chromatography on acridinium resin. Hydrodynamic analysis by both sucrose gradient centrifugation and chromatography on Sepharose CL-4B revealed an Mr of 165,000 similar to that observed for dimeric (G2) forms of the enzyme in mammalian tissues. In contrast, the purified enzyme gave predominant bands of about 100 kDa prior to disulfied reduction and 55 kDa after reduction on polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis in sodium dodecyl sulfate, values that are significantly lower than those reported for purified G2 enzymes from other species. However, the presence of a faint band at 70 kDa which could be labeled by [3H]diisopropyl fluorophosphate prior to denaturation suggested that the 55-kDa band as well as a 16-kDa species arose from proteolysis. This was confirmed by reductive radiomethylation and amine analysis of the 70-, 55-, and 16-kDa bands. All three contained ethanolamine and glucosamine residues that are characteristic of a C-terminal glycolipid anchor in other G2 acetylcholinesterases. The catalytic properties of the enzyme were examined by titration with a fluorogenic reagent which revealed a turnover number for acetylthiocholine that was 6-fold lower than eel and 3-fold lower than human erythrocyte acetylcholinesterase. Furthermore, the Drosophila enzyme hydrolyzed butyrylthiocholine much more efficiently than these eel or human enzymes, an indication that the fly head enzyme has a substrate specificity intermediate between mammalian acetylcholinesterases and butyrylcholinesterases.