Purification and characterization of a puromycin-hydrolyzing enzyme from blasticidin S-producing Streptomyces

M Nishimura1, H Matsuo, A Nakamura

  • 1Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Ube National College of Technology, Tokiwadai, Yamaguchi. nisimura@ube-k.ac.jp

Insights

This study purified a puromycin (PM)-inactivating enzyme from Streptomyces morookaensis. The enzyme exhibits aminopeptidase activity and its N-terminal sequence shows no homology to known hydrolases.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Enzymology
  • Biochemistry

Background:

  • Streptomyces morookaensis JCM4673 produces an enzyme that inactivates puromycin (PM).
  • This inactivation occurs via hydrolysis of an amide linkage within puromycin.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To purify the puromycin-inactivating enzyme from S. morookaensis.
  • To characterize the biochemical properties and N-terminal sequence of the enzyme.

Main Methods:

  • Enzyme purification from cell-free extracts.
  • Molecular weight determination using SDS-PAGE and gel filtration.
  • Enzyme activity assays under varying conditions and substrate specificities.
  • N-terminal amino acid sequencing.

Main Results:

  • The enzyme was purified to homogeneity.
  • Estimated molecular weight suggests a monomeric protein (66-68 kDa).
  • Optimal activity at pH 8.0 and 45°C; inhibited by heavy metals and N-bromosuccinimide; stimulated by DTT.
  • Demonstrated aminopeptidase activity with L-aminoacyl-beta-naphthylamides.
  • N-terminal sequence showed no homology to known hydrolases.

Conclusions:

  • The purified enzyme inactivates puromycin through hydrolysis.
  • The enzyme possesses aminopeptidase activity.
  • Its unique N-terminal sequence suggests it may be a novel hydrolase.

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