Arginine aminopeptidase activity of phytopathogenic spiroplasmas

The arginine aminopeptidase activity of arginine-utilizing phytopathogenic spiroplasmas was investigated with arginine beta-naphthylamide substrate using the fluorometric method. Hydrolysis of this substrate was demonstrated with broth cultures, washed concentrated whole cells, and cell-free extracts of corn stunt spiroplasma (CSS) and Spiroplasma citri. Growing CSS and S. citri in the presence of 47 mM arginine resulted in a reduction in aminopeptidase activity, indicating that synthesis of the enzyme might be subject to control by catabolic repression. Results of these experiments suggest a possible biochemical basis for pathogenicity of phytopathogenic spiroplasmas in vivo.