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Involvement of the active metabolites in the inhibitory activity of K579 on rat plasma dipeptidyl peptidase IV.

K579 ((S)-1-[4-methyl-1-(2-pyrimidinyl)-4-piperidylamino]acetyl-2-pyrrolidinecarbonitrile), which is a long-acting and a slow binding dipeptidyl peptidase IV inhibitor, preserved the endogenously secreted active forms of glucagon-like peptide-1, augmented the insulin response and ameliorated the glucose excursion during oral glucose tolerance test in rats. In this study, we measured plasma concentrations of K579 after oral administration to rats. However, K579 was eliminated rapidly from plasma after oral administration to rats. Therefore, we postulated that there are active metabolites of K579 in rat plasma. We investigated the effect of K579 on plasma dipeptidyl peptidase IV activity using bile duct-cannulated rats. The duration of inhibitory action of plasma dipeptidyl peptidase IV after the administration of K579 in bile duct-cannulated rats was shorter than that in sham-operated rats. Moreover, we investigated the effect of bile obtained from K579-treated rat on plasma dipeptidyl peptidase IV activity in normal rats. The bile collected from K579-treated rats exhibited tardive and potent inhibitory activity of normal rat plasma. These results suggest that K579 sustained the duration of inhibitory action of plasma dipeptidyl peptidase IV by the character as a slow-binding inhibitor and, as well, by the presence of metabolites of K579, which exhibit the inhibitory activity of dipeptidyl peptidase IV.

Administration, Oral↗

Thioxo amino acid pyrrolidides and thiazolidides: new inhibitors of proline specific peptidases.

Aminopeptidase P (APP), dipeptidyl peptidase II (DP II), dipeptidyl peptidase IV (DP IV) and prolyl oligopeptidase (POP) are proline specific peptidases. Hence, they are able to cleave peptide bonds containing the imino acid proline. Amino acid pyrrolidides (Pyrr) and thiazolidides (Thia) are well-known product analogue inhibitors of DP IV and POP. For the first time we describe the influence of a thioxo amide bond, incorporated into these compounds, on the inhibition of the proline specific peptidases. Taking into account the substrate specificity of these peptidases, we have synthesized Xaa-psi[CS-N]-Pyrr and Xaa-psi[CS-N]-Thia of the amino acids Ala, Phe, Val and Ile. The inhibition constants were determined for the above mentioned proline specific peptidases isolated from different sources. As a result, the serine proteases DP II, DP IV and POP were inhibited competitively, whereas metal-dependent APP displayed a linear mixed-type inhibition with inhibition constants up to 10(-4) M. Thioxylation of Xaa-Pyrr and Xaa-Thia led to a slight decrease of inhibition of DP IV and POP compared to Xaa-Pyrr and Xaa-Thia, though the inhibition constants were still in the range up to 10(-7) M. As Xaa-Thia exist as two isomers, we investigated isomer specific inhibition with regard to DP IV. Thus, our studies have revealed that DP IV was only inhibited by the Z isomer of the Xaa-psi[CS-N]-Thia. For the first time, Xaa-Pyrr and Xaa-Thia were characterized as inhibitors of DP II with inhibition constants in the micromolar range. In contrast to DP IV inhibition, the Xaa-psi[CS-N]-Pyrr and Xaa-psi[CS-N]-Thia have proven to be more potent inhibitors of DP II than the corresponding Xaa-Pyrr and Xaa-Thia. Thus, these Xaa-psi[CS-N]-Thia are new potent inhibitors especially suitable for DP II with K(i) values ranging in the upper nanomolar concentration.

Amino Acids↗

Pyroglutamyl peptidase: an overview of the three known enzymatic forms.

Pyroglutamyl peptidase can be classified as an omega peptidase which hydrolytically removes the amino terminal pyroglutamate (pGlu) residue from specific pyroglutamyl substrates. To date, three distinct forms of this enzyme have been identified in mammalian tissues. Type I is typically a cytosolic, cysteine peptidase displaying a broad pyroglutamyl substrate specificity and low molecular mass. Type II has been shown to be a membrane anchored metalloenzyme of high molecular mass with a narrow substrate specificity restricted to the hypothalamic releasing factor, thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH, pGlu-His-Pro-NH2). A third pyroglutamyl peptidase activity has also been observed in mammalian serum which displays biochemical characteristics remarkably similar to those of tissue Type II, namely a high molecular mass, sensitivity to metal chelating agents, and a narrow substrate specificity also restricted to TRH. This serum activity has subsequently been designated 'thyroliberinase'. This review surveys the biochemical, enzymatic, and structural properties of this interesting and unique class of peptidases. It also addresses the putative physiological roles which have been ascribed to these enzymes. Pyroglutamyl peptidase activities isolated and characterized from bacterial sources are also reviewed and compared with their mammalian counterparts.

Aminopeptidases↗

Loss of dipeptidyl peptidase IV immunostaining discriminates malignant melanomas from deep penetrating nevi.

The deep penetrating nevus is a rare variant of benign melanocytic nevus with histologic features mimicking vertical growth phase, nodular malignant melanoma. In this study, we expand on the search for new complementary discriminating markers by analyzing a selection of both cell cycle-related factors, such as retinoblastoma protein and phospho-retinoblastoma protein Ser795 as indicators for retinoblastoma protein activation/inactivation status, and invasion-related factors, such as matrix metalloproteinase-1, matrix metalloproteinase-2, membrane-type matrix metalloproteinase-1 and integrin beta3. MIB-1/Ki-67 was analyzed as an example for a common proliferation marker. Dipeptidyl peptidase IV/CD26 was analyzed as a marker affecting both proliferation and invasion of malignant melanocytic tumors. Semiquantitative assessment of both immunolocalization and immunoreactivity of retinoblastoma protein and phospho-retinoblastoma protein Ser795, MIB-1/Ki-67, matrix metalloproteinase-1, matrix metalloproteinase-2, membrane-type matrix metalloproteinase-1 and integrin beta3 revealed no consistent differences between deep penetrating nevi (n=14) and matched cases of nodular malignant melanomas (n=10). Matrix metalloproteinase-1 and matrix metalloproteinase-2 immunostaining of some deep penetrating nevi even exceeded that of nodular malignant melanomas. Membrane-type matrix metalloproteinase-1 expression scores of nodular malignant melanomas were higher than those of deep penetrating nevi, which was, however, not significantly discriminative. In contrast, immunostaining of dipeptidyl peptidase IV was significantly discriminative due to a consistent lack of dipeptidyl peptidase IV-expression in nodular malignant melanomas. These results add evidence that among the selected markers supposed to be relevant for melanoma progression the presence of dipeptidyl peptidase IV can be used to support diagnosis of deep penetrating nevi in doubtful cases. As loss of dipeptidyl peptidase IV may also be causally linked to the transition of invasive to metastatic phenotypes, the molecular mechanisms downstream of dipeptidyl peptidase IV deserve to be studied in more detail in future investigations.

Adenosine Deaminase↗

Regulation of a thyrotropin-releasing hormone-degrading enzyme in GH3 cells: induction of pyroglutamyl peptidase I by 3,5,3'-triiodothyronine.

The effect of exposure of GH3 cells to T3 on the TRH-degrading enzymes pyroglutamyl peptidase I (EC 3.4.19.3) and prolyl endopeptidase (EC 3.4.21.26) was studied. T3 produced a dose-dependent increase in the specific activity of pyroglutamyl peptidase I after 3 days of exposure. The EC50 for T3 was 5 X 10(-10) M. The specific activity of prolyl endopeptidase was unaffected by exposure to T3. The increase in pyroglutamyl peptidase I activity was dependent upon the time of exposure of the cells to this hormone. A maximal effect occurred at 72 h. The stimulation of pyroglutamyl peptidase I by T3 was totally blocked by cycloheximide, indicating that this enzyme is induced in GH3 cells by T3. The effect of T3 on the two TRH-degrading enzymes was also studied in the ACTH-secreting cell line AtT20. T3 had no effect on these enzymes in the AtT20 cell, suggesting that the effect of T3 on pyroglutamyl peptidase I may be cell specific. These studies indicate that the induction of pyroglutamyl peptidase I by T3 may contribute to the negative feedback regulation of T3 levels.

Aminopeptidases↗

Immunoelectron microscopic demonstration of the membrane proteases aminopeptidase N/CD13 and dipeptidyl peptidase IV/CD26 in normal and neoplastic renal parenchymal tissues and cells.

Aminopeptidase N (APN, CD13) and dipeptidyl peptidase IV (DPP IV, CD26) are transmembrane ectoenzymes occurring in a wide variety of cells. They are involved in tumour cell invasion and the formation of metastases. A basis for further information about these enzymes is the exact ultrastructural localization in normal and malignant cells. In this paper, we demonstrate the precise subcellular localization of the membrane peptidases APN and DPP IV on the cell surfaces in renal tissues, renal cell carcinoma, cultured renal parenchymal cells and cultured renal carcinoma cells. Using cryo-ultramicrotomy of weakly fixed tissues and cells in combination with indirect immunogold labelling, both membrane peptidases were detectable on the external cell surfaces. They showed different ultrastructural expression patterns. Both membrane peptidases were abundantly labelled on the external cell surfaces of human kidney proximal tubular cells. The expression pattern of APN/CD13 and DPP IV/CD26 in single labelling was confirmed by a successive double labelling technique. The immunolabelling of CD13 on cultured renal parenchymal cells showed a stronger expression then in cells in vivo, but CD26 could not be found. In renal cell cancer (mixed clear cell/chromophilic, poorly differentiated and clear cell type, moderately differentiated) CD13 and CD26 were labelled as in benign renal tissue, but CD26 appeared overexpressed. On the renal carcinoma cells Caki-1 and Caki-2, only one of the two peptidases could be found. CD13 was present non-homogeneously in Caki-1, where the enzyme appeared to form clusters. When CD26 on the cultured renal carcinoma cells Caki-2, is compared with renal proximal tubular cells and renal carcinoma cells in tissue sections, a reduced expression is observed. CD13 was not detected in Caki-2, and CD26 was not found in Caki-1. These small changes on the cell surfaces can only be detected by electronmicroscopic methods. The differences in the distribution of APN/CD13 and DPP IV/CD26 in normal and malignant cells are discussed in connection with literature. Further investigations, especially labelling studies on other neoplastic tissues and cells, will be necessary in order to explain the precise role these membrane peptidases in malignancies.

CD13 Antigens↗

Regulation of the gene for human dipeptidyl peptidase IV by hepatocyte nuclear factor 1 alpha.

Hepatocyte nuclear factor 1 was identified as the transcription factor binding to a 20 bp (-150 to -131) region of the gene for human dipeptidyl peptidase IV, which has been shown to be important for the expression of dipeptidyl peptidase IV in the human intestinal and hepatic epithelial cell lines Caco-2 and HepG2. Functional analysis of the hepatocyte nuclear factor 1 site was performed with two minimal dipeptidyl peptidase IV promoter constructs (-250 to -41, and -150 to -41) with and without a 3 bp mutation in the hepatocyte nuclear factor 1 sequence, and used in transient transfection experiments with Caco-2 cells. The results show that the mutated constructs were able to drive transcription at only 5-10% of the activity of the non-mutated controls. Co-transfection of 3T3 cells with hepatocyte nuclear factor 1 (alpha or beta) and dipeptidyl peptidase IV promoter constructs (-250 to -41 or -150 to -41) resulted in a 2.5-6-fold increase in transcription over controls with hepatocyte nuclear factor 1 alpha but not with hepatocyte nuclear factor 1 beta. The results of this study show that hepatocyte nuclear factor 1 binds to the -150 to -131 region of the human dipeptidyl peptidase IV promoter and is necessary for transcriptional activation of the gene for dipeptidyl peptidase IV.

3T3 Cells↗

Purification and characterization of a tripeptidyl peptidase I from human osteoclastomas: evidence for its role in bone resorption.

Tripeptidyl peptidase I (EC 3.4.14.9), which cleaves tripeptides from the N-terminus of synthetic substrates, has been purified from human osteoclastomas (a bone tumor containing large numbers of normal osteoclasts). The enzyme has an M(r) of 48 kDa but forms aggregates with an M(r) of about 700 kDa. The tripeptidyl peptidase has an acidic pH optimum (approximately pH 5.0), suggesting that it has a lysosomal localization and prefers substrates with a hydrophobic amino acid in the P1 position. There is an absolute requirement for a nonsubstituted N-terminus. The enzyme is inhibited by reagents which modify serine and histidine residues. Lysosomal tripeptidyl peptidase is known to be capable of cleaving Gly-Pro-X triplets from synthetic collagen-like polypeptides. Ala-Ala-Phe-CH2Cl, a potent inhibitor of osteoclastoma tripeptidyl peptidase, inhibits osteoclastic bone resorption in an in vitro test system. This suggests that tripeptidyl peptidase I, secreted by osteoclasts, is involved at some stage in the degradation of bone collagen.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Characterization of endopeptidase activity of tripeptidyl peptidase-I/CLN2 protein which is deficient in classical late infantile neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis.

Endopeptidase activities of the CLN2 gene product (Cln2p)/tripeptidyl peptidase I (TPP-I), purified from rat spleen, were studied using the synthetic fluorogenic substrates. We designed and constructed decapeptides, based on the known sequence cleavage specificities of bacterial pepstatin-insensitive carboxyl proteases (BPICP). MOCAc-Gly-Lys-Pro-Ile-Pro-Phe-Phe-Arg-Leu-Lys(Dnp)r-NH(2) is readily hydrolyzed by Cln2p/TPP-I (K(cat)/K(m) = 7.8 s(-1) mM(-1)). The enzyme had a maximal activity at pH 3.0 for an endopeptidase substrate, but at pH 4.5 with respect to tripeptidyl peptidase activity. Both endopeptidase and tripeptidyl peptidase activities were strongly inhibited by Ala-Ala-Phe-CH(2)Cl, but not inhibited by tyrostatin, an inhibitor of bacterial pepstatin-insensitive carboxyl proteases, pepstatin, or inhibitors of serine proteases. Fibroblasts from classical late infantile neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis patients have less than 5% of the normal tripeptidyl peptidase activity and pepstatin-insensitive endopeptidase activity. Cln2p/TPP-I is a unique enzyme with both tripeptidyl peptidase and endopeptidase activities for certain substrate specificity.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Design of (omega-N-(O-acyl)hydroxy amid) aminodicarboxylic acid pyrrolidides as potent inhibitors of proline-specific peptidases.

A novel class of competitive, acylating inhibitors for the proline-specific peptidases: dipeptidyl peptidase IV, dipeptidyl peptidase II and prolyl endopeptidase, has been developed. The inhibitor molecules combine the efficacy of aminoacyl pyrrolidides and the potential transacylating capability of diacyl hydroxyl amines. The N-terminal deblocked inhibitors are potent reversible inhibitors of porcine kidney dipeptidyl peptidase IV, human placenta dipeptidyl peptidase II exhibiting Ki values in the microM range. Boc-protected (omega-N-hydroxy acyl amid) aminodiacarboxylic acid pyrrolidides inhibit substrate hydrolysis by prolyl endopeptidases from different sources competitively reaching Ki values of 30 nM to 60 microM. Additionally, alpha-N-BOC-(omega-N-hydroxy acetyl) glutaminyl pyrrolidide modifies human placenta prolyl endopeptidase in a time-dependent reaction.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Mechanism of proline-specific proteinases: (I) Substrate specificity of dipeptidyl peptidase IV from pig kidney and proline-specific endopeptidase from Flavobacterium meningosepticum.

The substrate specificity of dipeptidyl peptidase IV (dipeptidyl peptide hydrolase, EC 3.4.14.5) from pig kidney and proline-specific endopeptidase from Flavobacterium meningosepticum, was investigated with a series of N-terminal unprotected (dipeptidyl peptidases IV) and succinylated dipeptidyl-p-nitroanilides (proline-specific endopeptidase). Both enzymes are specific for the S configuration of the amino-acid residue in P1 and P2 position if the penultimate residue is proline. In the case of alanine substrates (Ala in P1, dipeptidyl peptidase IV hydrolyzes such compounds where the configuration of the P2 residue is R. The penultimate residue with dipeptidyl peptidase IV can be, beside proline and alanine, dehydroproline, hydroxyproline and pipecolic acid. Proline substrates (Pro in P1) with an R configuration in P2 are inhibitors of the hydrolysis of proline substrates with an S,S configuration in an uncompetitive (dipeptidyl peptide IV) or mixed inhibition type (proline-specific endopeptidase). Derivatives of Gly-Pro-pNA where the N-terminal amino group is methylated are hydrolyzed by dipeptidyl peptidase IV.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Involvement of plasma membrane dipeptidyl peptidase IV in fibronectin-mediated adhesion of cells on collagen.

Dipeptidyl peptidase IV is an exopeptidase found in the serum and in plasma membranes of most animal tissues. The role of this enzyme in cell-matrix interaction of BHK cells and hepatocytes grown on collagen-coated surfaces was investigated by three different approaches. 1) Glass surfaces were derivatized with bovine serum albumin which resulted in a cell-repulsing substratum. When it was further modified with Gly-Pro-Ala tripeptide, which is a substrate for dipeptidyl peptidase IV, BHK fibroblasts spread on it rapidly. The spreading could be inhibited by addition of free Gly-Pro-Ala or other substrates of the enzyme as well as by an inhibitor peptide Val-Pro-Leu. It was not influenced by tripeptides which were neither substrates nor inhibitors of dipeptidyl peptidase IV. 2) The addition of Gly-Pro-Ala to seeded cells slowed down the initial process of cell spreading on denatured collagen in the presence of fibronectin. The presence of both collagen and fibronectin was a necessary precondition for the spreading of cells in a manner sensitive to Gly-Pro-Ala. 3) Antiserum raised against mouse liver dipeptidyl peptidase IV added to the medium delayed the spreading of rat hepatocytes on denatured collagen in the presence of fibronectin in a manner similar to when Gly-Pro-Ala was added to the medium. These observations lead to the conclusion that plasma membrane dipeptidyl peptidase IV may be involved in the initial phase of fibronectin-mediated cell spreading on collagen.

Animals↗

Influence of pregnancy on dipeptidyl peptidase IV activity (CD 26 leukocyte differentiation antigen) of circulating lymphocytes.

Dipeptidyl peptidase IV (CD 26 leukocyte differentiation antigen) is an enzymic surface marker of a human T lymphocyte subpopulation which has been shown to be associated with their capacity to produce large amounts of interleukin 2 and proliferate strongly in response to mitogenic stimulation. The peptidase activity on the surface of purified human peripheral mononuclear cells was determined spectrophotometrically with the substrate glycyl-L-proline-4-nitroanilide. The peripheral mononuclear cells of pregnant women exhibited depressed mean dipeptidyl peptidase IV activity when compared with the activity of peripheral mononuclear cells from non-pregnant or male individuals. The gestational age (7 to 20 weeks) of the pregnant collective had no effects on peptidase levels. Women taking oral contraceptives had a slightly lower mean activity than the non-pregnant group not using contraceptives. Thus, reduced dipeptidyl peptidase IV activity of peripheral mononuclear cells might reflect impairement of cellular immunity during pregnancy.

Adolescent↗

Hormonal modulation of prolyl endopeptidase and dipeptidyl peptidase IV activities in the mouse uterus and ovary.

Prolyl endopeptidase and dipeptidyl peptidase IV are proline-specific peptidases, and are ubiquitously distributed in various tissues in mammals. The specific activities of these peptidases in both uterus and ovary were examined in the SHN strain of mice at estrus or diestrus. A marked change in prolyl endopeptidase activity was found in the uterus and ovary in intact mice during the estrous cycle, the activity being high at estrus and low at diestrus. In ovariectomized mice, prolyl endopeptidase activity was significantly higher in the uterus treated with progesterone or estradiol than in the uterus treated with vehicle oil only or a dopamine antagonist (perphenazine) which stimulates prolactin secretion. On the other hand, notable change in dipeptidyl peptidase IV activity during the estrous cycle was found only in the uterus of intact mice. The activity was low at estrus and high at diestrus. In ovariectomized mice, the uterus exposed to estradiol showed a lower dipeptidyl peptidase IV activity than the uteri treated with progesterone, the dopamine antagonist or vehicle oil. These findings reveal that there is a close correlation between the circulating level of ovarian steroids and the activities of these proline-specific enzymes.

Animals↗

Characterization of dipeptidyl peptidase IV from lymphocytes of chronic lymphocytic leukemia of T-type.

Dipeptidyl peptidase IV was enriched about 2000-fold from lymphocytes of chronic lymphocytic leukemia of T-type. The purification procedure involved immunoaffinity chromatography using antibodies raised with highly purified dipeptidyl peptidase IV from human placenta. The lymphocytic peptidase had a subunit Mr of 110,000. Its kinetic properties were similar to those of the placenta enzyme: Two N-terminal dipeptides were cleaved from substance P and from casomorphin, and naphthylamine was released from X-prolynaphthylamides with Km-values of about 0.02 mM. The lymphocytic peptidase was 10-fold less sensitive to zinc inhibition as compared to the placenta enzyme. Isoelectric focussing patterns of dipeptidyl peptidase IV in leukemic lymphocytes and in normal T-lymphocytes were very similar.

Dipeptidyl Peptidase 4↗

Effects of ethanol on cytoplasmic peptidases of the jejunal epithelial cell of the hamster.

Although ethanol has been reported to inhibit intestinal amino acid absorption and peptide hydrolysis by the brush border membrane (BBM) peptidases, its effect on other events of protein absorption (such as peptide hydrolysis by cytosol peptidases, absorption of peptides across the BBM, and translocation of amino acids across the basolaterial membrane) has not yet been reported. To obtain a better understanding of the overall effect of ethanol on intestinal protein absorption, in the present study we have investigated the influence of ethanol on the cytosol peptidases. In order to examine the activity of these enzymes, without the influence of brush border digestion and translocation of peptides, the present study was carried out in vitro using a preparation of cytosol peptidases. Results show that exposure of the enzymes to 1-5% (w/v) ethanol caused a dose-dependent inhibition of hydrolysis of L-leucylglycine (Leu-Gly), glycyl-L-tyrosine (Gly-Tyr), and L-phenylalanylglycine (Phe-Gly) by the cytosol peptidases. These inhibitions were completely reversible. Kinetic studies indicated that ethanol depressed the hydrolysis of Leu-Gly and Gly-Tyr by a mixed type of inhibition, in which the Vmax decreased and the Km increased. In the hydrolysis of Phe-Gly, two enzymes were involved, and ethanol depressed the Vmax of both, without affecting their Km. These findings suggest that ethanol alters only the catalytic center of both enzymes involved in the hydrolysis of Phe-Gly and alters both the catalytic center and the substrate binding site of the enzymes involved in the hydrolysis of Leu-Gly and Gly-Tyr. The results of this study together with those of our previous investigation on BBM peptidases indicate that ethanol interferes with the intestinal hydrolysis of peptides and, therefore, probably with the absorption of protein.

Animals↗

Extracellular peptidase in the fungal pathogen Pseudallescheria boydii.

Pseudallescheria boydii is a ubiquitous filamentous fungus capable of causing invasive disease in humans. In the present study, using sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gels containing bovine serum albumin as co-polymerized substrate, we identified a 28-kDa proteolytic activity released to the extracellular environment by mycelia of P. boydii. This peptidase was detected during the growth of P. boydii in Sabouraud-dextrose medium for 13 days and reached its maximal production on day 7. The 28-kDa peptidase was active in acidic pH (5.5) and had its activity completely blocked by 1,10-phenanthroline, a potent zinc-metallopeptidase inhibitor. Two other metallopeptidase inhibitors, EDTA and EGTA, were also tested and no alterations were observed in the activity of the 28-kDa extracellular peptidase. Likewise, E-64 (a cysteine peptidase inhibitor), phenylmethylsulphonyl fluoride (a serine peptidase inhibitor), and pepstatin A (an aspartyl peptidase inhibitor) did not significantly alter the enzymatic behavior. Collectively, we described for the first time the expression of an extracellular metallopeptidase in the human opportunistic fungal pathogen P. boydii.

Enzyme Activation↗

Peptide products of the cleavage of bovine preprolactin by signal peptidase.

Cleavage of preprolactin (pPL) by detergent-solubilized signal peptidase produced mature prolactin and two small peptides derived from the signal peptide region of the pPL molecule. The production of both peptides was dependent on functional signal peptidase; the peptides were not generated at detergent concentrations that abolished signal peptidase activity. The amount of both peptides was proportional to the concentration of signal peptidase in the assay. The appearance of both peptides was insensitive to protease inhibitors, as was signal peptidase activity. The size, labeling characteristics, and amino acid sequence of the larger peptide, peptide 1, corresponded to those of the intact signal peptide of pPL. The smaller peptide, peptide 2, lacked the carboxy terminus of the signal peptide, and was, therefore, a fragment of intact signal peptide. These results demonstrate the endoproteolytic nature of signal peptidase.

Amino Acid Sequence↗