Ligand-induced conformational states of rabbit liver fructose 1,6-bisphosphatase as revealed by digestion with subtilisin

Fructose 1,6-bisphosphatase undergoes specific conformational changes in the presence of the substrate fructose 1,6-bisphosphate and of the allosteric modifier, AMP and also on activation by cystamine. These changes can be monitored by observing the changes in sensitivity to digestion by subtilisin. In the presence of AMP the enzyme is protected against the action of subtilisin. Some protection is also observed with high concentrations of fructose bisphosphate while low concentrations of this substrate, which are ineffective alone, enhance the protective effect of low concentrations of AMP. The results suggest that AMP induces a resistant conformation, and that fructose bisphosphate promotes the binding of AMP. Divalent cations, although essential for activity, do not protect the enzyme against digestion by subtilisin. The native enzyme is activated by disulfide exchange with cystamine, and the activated enzyme is also more resistant to subtilisin. Thus, the enzyme in both inhibited (AMP) and activated conformations (cystamine) is rendered resistant to modification by proteolysis.