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Occurrence of gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase activity in several mycobacteria including Mycobacterium leprae

K T Shetty, N H Antia, P R Krishnaswamy

    International Journal of Leprosy and Other Mycobacterial Diseases : Official Organ of the International Leprosy Association
    |March 1, 1981
    PubMed

    Insights

    gamma-Glutamyl transpeptidase (gamma-GT) enzyme activity was detected in mycobacteria, including M. leprae. This finding suggests a potential role for gamma-GT in mycobacterial metabolism, warranting further investigation.

    Area of Science:

    • Biochemistry
    • Microbiology
    • Enzymology

    Background:

    • gamma-Glutamyl transpeptidase (gamma-GT) is an enzyme involved in amino acid metabolism.
    • Mycobacteria are a genus of bacteria that includes important human pathogens like Mycobacterium tuberculosis and Mycobacterium leprae.
    • The presence and role of gamma-GT in mycobacteria have not been extensively studied.

    Purpose of the Study:

    • To investigate the presence and activity of gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase (gamma-GT) in various mycobacteria.
    • To identify potential substrates and acceptors for the gamma-GT enzyme in mycobacterial systems.
    • To explore the implications of gamma-GT activity for mycobacterial metabolism.

    Main Methods:

    • Enzyme assays were performed on cell suspensions and cell-free sonicates of mycobacteria.
    • Various dipeptides and amino acids were tested as potential acceptors for the gamma-glutamyl group.
    • Mycobacterial isolates from lepromatous patient biopsies were analyzed for gamma-GT activity.

    Main Results:

    • gamma-Glutamyl transpeptidase (gamma-GT) activity was confirmed in several mycobacteria, including M. leprae.
    • Glycyl D-amino acids, specifically glycyl-D-alanine, and alpha, epsilon-diaminopimelic acid demonstrated significant acceptor activity.
    • Similar enzyme activity was observed in two mycobacterial isolates from lepromatous leprosy patients.

    Conclusions:

    • The study confirms the presence of gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase (gamma-GT) activity in mycobacteria.
    • The identified substrates suggest a role for gamma-GT in amino acid metabolism within these bacteria.
    • Further research is essential to fully elucidate the metabolic significance of gamma-GT in mycobacteria.

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