Properties of a new alkaline proteinase from Aspergillus niger.

Abstract

Aspergillus niger LCF 9 synthesizes a new aspergillopeptidase of potential interest in therapeutics. The properties and operating range of the enzyme were determined. It is a semi-alkaline aspergillopeptidase (EC 3.4.23.4) with one endopeptidase activity. Its pI is 4.10, its molecular weight is 21000 Da and its A1cm1% at 280 nm is 9.75. It rapidly hydroxyzes casein and hemoglobin. Its optimal pH is 7.8 and optimal temperature is 45.degree.C. It is thermally labile about 40.degree.C but can be stabilized by adding calcium ions. It is inhibited by phenylmethylsulfonyl fluoride (PMSF), by ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) and by certain metals ions, e.g. copper, managanese and cobalt ions. It has no dipeptidase or tripeptidase activity and its esterase activity is weak. It has a high collagenase activity and is to our knowledge the only aspergillopeptidase that is active towards benzoyl-arginine p-nitroanilide (BAPNA).