• Biomedical Science Letters
• /
• v.11 no.1
• /
• pp.57-61
• /
• 2005

The number of sites at which a protein can be readily cleaved by a proteolytic enzyme is greatly influenced by its three-dimensional structure. For native, properly-folded proteins both the rate of cleavage and number of sites at which cleavage takes place are usually much less than for the denatured protein. In order to compare the tertiary structure of recombinant HepG2 type glucose transporter with that of its native counterpart in the erythrocyte, the pattern of tryptic cleavage of the protein expressed in insect cell membranes was therefore examined. After 30 minutes digestion, a fragment of approximate Mr 19,000-21,000 was generated. In addition to this, there were two less intensely stained fragments of apparent Mr 28,000 and 17,000. The pattern of labelling was similar up to 2 hours of digestion. However, the fragments of Mr 19,000-21,000 and Mr 17,000 were no longer detectable after 4 hours digestion. The observation of a very similar pattern of fragments yielded by tryptic digestion of the HepG2 type transporter expressed in insect cells suggests that the recombinant protein exhibits a tertiary structure similar if not identical to that of its human counterpart. Also, the endogenous sugar transporter(s) present in Sf21 cells did not bind cytochalasin B, the potent transporter inhibitor. Therefore, the baculovirus/Spodoptera frugiperda (Sf) cell expression system could be very useful for production of large amounts of human glucose transporters, heterologously.

• BMB Reports
• /
• v.49 no.8
• /
• pp.443-448
• /
• 2016

The arginylation branch of the N-end rule pathway is a ubiquitin-mediated proteolytic system in which post-translational conjugation of Arg by ATE1-encoded Arg-tRNA-protein transferase to N-terminal Asp, Glu, or oxidized Cys residues generates essential degradation signals. Here, we characterized the ATE1^−/− mice and identified the essential role of N-terminal arginylation in neural tube development. ATE1-null mice showed severe intracerebral hemorrhages and cystic space near the neural tubes. Expression of ATE1 was prominent in the developing brain and spinal cord, and this pattern overlapped with the migration path of neural stem cells. The ATE1^−/− brain showed defective G-protein signaling. Finally, we observed reduced mitosis in ATE1^−/− neuroepithelium and a significantly higher nitric oxide concentration in the ATE1^−/− brain. Our results strongly suggest that the crucial role of ATE1 in neural tube development is directly related to proper turn-over of the RGS4 protein, which participate in the oxygen-sensing mechanism in the cells.

• Molecules and Cells
• /
• v.39 no.8
• /
• pp.581-586
• /
• 2016

Post-translational modifications (PTMs) of proteins are essential to increase the functional diversity of the proteome. By adding chemical groups to proteins, or degrading entire proteins by phosphorylation, glycosylation, ubiquitination, neddylation, acetylation, lipidation, and proteolysis, the complexity of the proteome increases, and this then influences most biological processes. Although small RNAs are crucial regulatory elements for gene expression in most eukaryotes, PTMs of small RNA microprocessor and RNA silencing components have not been extensively investigated in plants. To date, several studies have shown that the proteolytic regulation of AGOs is important for host-pathogen interactions. DRB4 is regulated by the ubiquitin-proteasome system, and the degradation of HYL1 is modulated by a de-etiolation repressor, COP1, and an unknown cytoplasmic protease. Here, we discuss current findings on the PTMs of microprocessor and RNA silencing components in plants.

• Food Science of Animal Resources
• /
• v.40 no.3
• /
• pp.415-425
• /
• 2020

It is believed that two main proteolytic systems are involved in the tenderization of meat: the cathepsins and the calpains. Many researchers consider the calpain system to be the major contributor to meat tenderness during post-mortem storage. However, the role and activity of cathepsins during post-mortem storage or low temperature meat processing is unclear, particularly for the tough meat cuts like brisket. Thus, the study was designed to investigate the effects of cold (refrigerated and frozen) storage and sous vide processing on the activities of cathepsin B, H, and L in beef brisket. There were no significant changes in pH and cathepsin H activity throughout the 18 d of storage at both temperatures. However, an increase in cathepsin B activity was observed during the first 4 d at both storage temperatures, but subsequently the activity remained unchanged. Cathepsins B and L were found to be more heat stable at sous vide temperatures (50℃ for 24 h, 55℃ for 5 h and at 60℃ and 70℃ for 1 h) compared to cathepsin H. Cathepsin B+L activity was found to increase after sous vide cooking at 50℃ for 1 h but decreased to about 47% relative to the uncooked control after 24 h of cooking. These results suggest that cathepsins B and L may contribute to the improved meat tenderness usually seen in sous vide cooked brisket meat.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
• /
• v.26 no.3
• /
• pp.443-454
• /
• 2013

Tenderness is the most important meat quality trait, which is determined by intracellular environment and extracellular matrix. Particularly, specific protein degradation and protein modification can disrupt the architecture and integrity of muscle cells so that improves the meat tenderness. Endogenous proteolytic systems are responsible for modifying proteinases as well as the meat tenderization. Abundant evidence has testified that calpains (CAPNs) including calpain I (CAPN1) and calpastatin (CAST) have the closest relationship with tenderness in livestock. They are involved in a wide range of physiological processes including muscle growth and differentiation, pathological conditions and post-mortem meat aging. Whereas, Calpain3 (CAPN3) has been established as an important activating enzyme specifically expressed in livestock's skeletal muscle, but its role in domestic animals meat tenderization remains controversial. In this review, we summarize the role of CAPN1, calpain II (CAPN2) and CAST in post-mortem meat tenderization, and analyse the relationship between CAPN3 and tenderness in domestic animals. Besides, the possible mechanism affecting post-mortem meat aging and improving meat tenderization, and current possible causes responsible for divergence (whether CAPN3 contributes to animal meat tenderization or not) are inferred. Only the possible mechanism of CAPN3 in meat tenderization has been confirmed, while its exact role still needs to be studied further.

• Journal of Applied Biological Chemistry
• /
• v.60 no.4
• /
• pp.373-381
• /
• 2017

Hippocampus abdominalis, the big belly sea horse, is widely known for its medicinal value in Chinese folk medicine. In this study, extract obtained by proteolytic degradation of this species was investigated for its effects on skeletal muscle development, both in vitro and in vivo. Muscle cell lines ($C_2C_{12}$ and $L_6$) treated with the bioactive peptide did not have any detrimental effects on the cell viability, which was above 80%. Optical microscopy analysis on the morphology of the sea horse extract (SHE)-treated cells showed enhanced differentiating ability with myotube formation. Moreover, cells incubated with the hydrolysate displayed decreased proliferation rate, as recorded by the electric cell substrate impedance sensing system, thereby supporting enhanced differentiation. For a period of 12 weeks, mice models were fed with SHE and simultaneously subjected to treadmill exercise, which increased the expression of Myogenin, a key myogenic regulatory factor. In addition, there was an increase in the expression of AMPK- and Cytochrome C, both of which are important in mitochondrial biogenesis. Thus, the SHE from Hippocampus abdominalis can be a promising candidate as protein supplement aiding muscle development.

• The Korean Journal of Food And Nutrition
• /
• v.7 no.2
• /
• pp.151-158
• /
• 1994

This study was carried out to clear up the cause of low-acid producing phenomenon occurred In non-fat dry milk during liquid-yoghurt fermentation by Lactobacillus case, and to present its improving methods. All samples of non-fat dry milks which were low in TCA-soluble peptides showed low-acid production, but those high in TCA-soluble peptides showed high-acid production. The addition of trypsin-hydrolysate of Na-caseinate to non-fat dry milk showed some improving effect on acid production but that of papain-hydrolysate did not show any improving effect and that of bacterical neutral protease-hydrolysate showed some inhibitory effect. The improving effects on growth and acid production of lactic acid bacteria were more prominent when the trypsin-hydrolysate of Na-caseinate was added. to such fermenting system in which the levels of TCA-soluble peptides and the proteolytic ability of starter bacteria were abnormally low. The liquid-yoghurt made with non-hydrolysed Na-caseinate and defective non-fat dry milk showed precipitate occurrence but that with trypsin-hydrolysate of Na-caseinate and defective non-fat dry milk did not make any precipitate during storage as with normal non-fat dry milk.

• Journal of Dairy Science and Biotechnology
• /
• v.39 no.1
• /
• pp.36-50
• /
• 2021

This study aimed to evaluate the biological potential of functional food, i.e., specific peptides obtained from the hydrolysis of milk protein, by assessing their antioxidant and antibacterial properties. For the preparation of casein hydrolysates, commercial enzymes were added to 10% casein solution in a 1:200 (w/v) ratio, and samples were collected each hour. Based on the assessment of the degree of hydrolysis (DH) of casein hydrolysates, it was observed that the concentration of all enzymatic hydrolysates increased rapidly from 30 to 40 minutes. However, no change was observed in their concentrations after 150 minutes. Protamex® and Neutrase® exhibited the highest DH when compared to other enzymes. Furthermore, SDS-PAGE was performed for analyzing the proteolytic pattern of each enzyme, except for Flavourzyme®, and peptides in the size range of 20-25 kDa were identified. Subsequently, peptides produced by two enzymes were isolated using a preparative liquid chromatography system. Overall, NF3, NF4, PF5, and PF6 showed higher antioxidant potential than other peptide fractions. Moreover, NF7 and PF3 exhibited the highest antibacterial activity. In this study, we evaluated the biological potential of novel casein-derived peptides that may find application in the food and healthcare industry.

• Microbiology and Biotechnology Letters
• /
• v.51 no.1
• /
• pp.26-31
• /
• 2023

A map gene encoding methionyl-specific aminopeptidase (MAP; EC 3.4.11.18) was cloned from Tetragenococcus halophilus CY54. Translated amino acid sequence of CY54 MAP showed high similarities with those from Enterococcus faecalis (83.8%) and Streptococcus salivarius (62.2%) but low similarities with MAPs from Lactobacillus and Lactococcus genera. The map gene was overexpressed in E. coli BL21(DE3) using pET26b(+),pET26b(+), and the recombinant MAP was purified by using an Ni-NTA column. The size of recombinant MAP was 29 kDa as determined by SDS-PAGE. The optimum pH and temperature of CY54 MAP were pH 5.0 and 60℃, respectively. The activity of CY54 MAP was most significantly increased by Co²⁺ ion (159%), and showed the highest activity at 12% NaCl. K_m and V_max were 0.64 ± 0.006 mM and 10.12 ± 0.014 U/mg protein, respectively when met-pNA was used as the substrate. This is the first report on a MAP from Tetragenococcus species.

• Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology
• /
• v.33 no.3
• /
• pp.371-377
• /
• 2023

In this study, a pepA gene encoding glutamyl (aspartyl)-specific aminopeptidase (PepA; E.C. 3.4.11.7) was cloned from Tetragenococcus halophilus CY54. The translated PepA from T. halophilus CY54 showed very low similarities with PepAs from Lactobacillus and Lactococcus genera. The pepA from T. halophilus CY54 was overexpressed in E. coli BL21(DE3) using pET26b(+). The recombinant PepA was purified by using an Ni- NTA column. The size of the recombinant PepA was 39.13 kDa as determined by SDS-PAGE, while its optimum pH and temperature were pH 5.0 and 60℃, respectively. In addition, the PepA was completely inactivated by 1 mM EDTA, indicating its metallopeptidase nature. The Km and Vmax of the PepA were 0.98 ± 0.006 mM and 0.1 ± 0.002 mM/min, respectively, when Glu-pNA was used as the substrate. This is the first report on PepA from Tetragenococcus species.