The separation and characterization of marmoset kidney beta-D-galactosidase and beta-D-glucosidase

beta-D-Galactosidase and beta-D-glucosidase activities were determined in homogenates of marmoset kidney by using the appropriate 4-methylumbelliferyl glycoside, beta-D-Galactosidase activity was separated into two main components by ion-exchange chromatography on DEAE-cellulose, starch-gel electrophoresis, isoelectric focusing and gel filtration on Sephadex G-200. One form designated A had a pI of 5.1, was loosely bound to DEAE-cellulose at pH7.0, remained near the origin on starch-gel electrophoresis at pH 7.0 and had an apparent molecular weight of 160000. The second beta-D-galactosidase component, designated B, was associated with the total beta-D-glucosidase activity, had a pI of 4.3, was firmly bound to DEAE-cellulose, migrated rapidly towards the anode on starch-gel electrophoresis and had an apparent molecular weight of 50000. The optimum pH values of beta-D-galactosidase A and B were 4.5 and 6.0 respectively. beta-D-Galactosidase A was activated by 0.1 M-NaC1 but the activity of the B form was inhibited by 1 M-NaC1 at pH 4.5. beta-D-galactosidase had a bimodal distribution, the A form being recovered in the lysosomal fraction whereas the B form was present in the soluble fraction, as was the major portion of the beta-D-glucosidase activity. The lysosomal and soluble forms were further characterized by DEAE-cellulose chromatography.