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A cytocidal tissue kallikrein isolated from mouse submandibular glands
K Murakami1, H Ikigai, N Nagumo
1Department of Bacteriology and Immunology, Showa University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan.
FEBS Letters
|November 6, 1989
Summary
Researchers identified a novel cytocidal factor, mouse glandular kallikrein-6 (mGK-6), from mouse salivary glands. This factor exhibits dose-dependent killing activity against thymocytes, suggesting a role in immune regulation.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Immunology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- The submandibular glands of female BALB/c mice produce various bioactive molecules.
- Understanding the function of glandular secretions is crucial for immune system research.
Purpose of the Study:
- To purify and identify a cytocidal factor from mouse submandibular glands.
- To characterize the biochemical properties and activity of the purified factor.
Main Methods:
- Purification using Sephadex G-50 gel filtration chromatography and reverse-phase HPLC.
- Identification via SDS-PAGE and amino acid sequence analysis.
- Enzyme activity assay at different pH levels and dose-dependent cytotoxicity assay against thymocytes.
Main Results:
- A cytocidal factor was successfully purified.
- The factor was identified as mouse glandular kallikrein-6 (mGK-6).
- mGK-6 demonstrated optimal activity at pH 10 and dose-dependent cytocidal effects on thymocytes.
Conclusions:
- Mouse glandular kallikrein-6 (mGK-6) is a salivary gland protein with cytocidal activity against thymocytes.
- mGK-6 may play a role in regulating thymocyte populations or immune responses.