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Identification and characterization of four proteases produced by Streptococcus suis
Marie-Claude Jobin1, Daniel Grenier
1Groupe de Recherche en Ecologie Buccale, Faculté de Médecine Dentaire, Université Laval, Quebec, QC, Canada G1K 7P4.
FEMS Microbiology Letters
|March 20, 2003
Summary
Streptococcus suis serotype 2 produces four proteases, including Arg-aminopeptidase and dipeptidyl peptidase IV (DPP IV). These enzymes, active between pH 6-8 and 25-42°C, may contribute to swine pathogen virulence.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Biochemistry
- Veterinary Science
Background:
- Streptococcus suis is a significant global swine pathogen.
- Understanding S. suis virulence factors is crucial for disease control.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate and characterize protease production by Streptococcus suis serotype 2.
- To identify specific proteases and their enzymatic activities.
Main Methods:
- Utilized chromogenic and fluorogenic assays for protease identification.
- Employed zymography to analyze protease activity.
- Determined molecular mass, optimal pH, and temperature for detected proteases.
Main Results:
- Identified four proteases: Arg-aminopeptidase (55 kDa), chymotrypsin-like, caseinase, and dipeptidyl peptidase IV (DPP IV, 70 kDa).
- Arg-aminopeptidase, caseinase, and DPP IV were found in all tested S. suis serotype 2 strains.
- Chymotrypsin-like activity was specific to European virulent strains.
- Optimal activity for all proteases occurred between pH 6-8 and 25-42°C.
Conclusions:
- This study is the first to report protease production by S. suis.
- The characterized proteases are potential virulence factors requiring further investigation.
- Enzyme activity profiles may distinguish virulent S. suis serotype 2 strains.