Cloning and characterization of NAD-dependent protein deacetylase (Rv1151c) from Mycobacterium tuberculosis

Sir2 family proteins are highly conserved and catalyze a well-characterized NAD-dependent protein deacetylation reaction that regulates multiple cellular processes including aging, gene silencing, cellular differentiation, and metabolic pathways. Little is known about Sir2 family proteins in bacteria. The Sir2 homolog Rv1151c of Mycobacterium tuberculosis was cloned and over-expressed in Escherichia coli, and the protein then purified by Ni(2+)-affinity chromatography to homogeneity. The purified recombinant protein showed a typical NAD-dependent protein deacetylase activity that could be inhibited by nicotinamide and other known Sir2 inhibitors. The optimal temperature and pH for activity of Rv1151c are 25 degrees C and pH 9 +/- 1, respectively. Rv1151c is capable of deacetylating the acetyl-CoA synthetase from M. tuberculosis. However, unlike Sir2 family proteins identified from other bacteria, Rv1151c shows a substrate-independent NAD glycohydrolase activity in accordance with its auto-ADP ribosylation activity.