Functional analysis of the propeptides of subtilisin E and aqualysin I as intramolecular chaperones

FEBS Lett. 2001 Nov 16;508(2):210-4. doi: 10.1016/s0014-5793(01)03053-8.

Abstract

Several proteases require propeptides for the correct folding of their own protease domain. We have recently found that the propeptide from a thermostable subtilisin homolog aqualysin I can refold subtilisin BPN' when added in trans. Here, we constructed chimeric genes with subtilisin E and aqualysin I to attempt the in cis folding of subtilisin E by means of the propeptide of aqualysin I. Our results indicate that the propeptide of aqualysin I can to some extent chaperone the intramolecular folding of the denatured subtilisin E. These results suggest that propeptides in the subtilisin family, despite their sequence diversity, have similar functions. Further, some enzymatic properties of some chimeras in which the subtilisin mature domain is partly swapped with that of aqualysin I were shown to be more similar to those of aqualysin I.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Bacillus subtilis
  • Escherichia coli
  • Hydrogen-Ion Concentration
  • Kinetics
  • Molecular Chaperones / genetics
  • Molecular Chaperones / metabolism*
  • Molecular Weight
  • Protein Denaturation
  • Protein Precursors / genetics
  • Protein Precursors / metabolism*
  • Protein Renaturation
  • Recombinant Proteins / chemistry
  • Recombinant Proteins / isolation & purification
  • Recombinant Proteins / metabolism
  • Serine Endopeptidases / genetics*
  • Serine Endopeptidases / metabolism*
  • Subtilisins / genetics*
  • Subtilisins / metabolism*
  • Temperature

Substances

  • Molecular Chaperones
  • Protein Precursors
  • Recombinant Proteins
  • Serine Endopeptidases
  • Subtilisins
  • aqualysin I