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beta-N-acetylhexosaminidase isoenzymes during chick embryo development
T Beccari1, F Pezzetti, R Belardinelli
1Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale e Scienze Biochimiche, Università di Perugia, Italia.
The International Journal of Biochemistry
|January 1, 1989
Summary
Researchers identified distinct forms of beta-hexosaminidase in developing chick skin and lung tissues. Skin tissue showed developmental changes in the neutral form of this enzyme, unlike lung tissue.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Developmental Biology
- Enzymology
Background:
- Beta-hexosaminidase is a key enzyme involved in cellular processes.
- Understanding its different forms and their distribution is crucial for developmental studies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To separate and characterize different forms of beta-hexosaminidase in chick embryonic and neonatal skin and lung.
- To investigate developmental changes in enzyme activity and distribution.
Main Methods:
- DEAE-cellulose chromatography was used to separate beta-hexosaminidase forms.
- Characterization involved analysis of pH optima, thermal stability, molecular weight, isoelectric point, and Concanavalin A-Sepharose binding.
Main Results:
- Two acidic forms (I and II) and a neutral form of beta-hexosaminidase were identified.
- Forms I and II resemble hexosaminidase A and B, while the neutral form shares characteristics with hexosaminidase C.
- Skin tissue exhibited significant developmental variations in the neutral form's percentage and specific activity, unlike lung tissue.
Conclusions:
- Chick skin and lung contain distinct beta-hexosaminidase isoenzymes with differing properties.
- The neutral beta-hexosaminidase form shows developmental regulation in skin but not in lung, suggesting tissue-specific roles.