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Investigations into the Enzymology and Biotechnology of the Hyperthermophilic Carboxypeptidase (PfuCP) from the Archaeon Pyrococcus furiosus

Citation

Cheng, Timothy Casey (2003) Investigations into the Enzymology and Biotechnology of the Hyperthermophilic Carboxypeptidase (PfuCP) from the Archaeon Pyrococcus furiosus. Dissertation (Ph.D.), California Institute of Technology. doi:10.7907/R8WE-R336. https://resolver.caltech.edu/CaltechETD:etd-05272003-203637

Abstract

A novel metallocarboxypeptidase (PfuCP) from the hyperthermophilic archaeon Pyrococcus furiosus was purified and characterized to investigate its dependence on metal ion cofactors and to evaluate its suitability as a biotechnological tool for protein sequencing at elevated temperatures.

The crystal structure reveals a dimer of primarily a-helical subunits that bears no resemblance to the α/β-hydrolase morphology of typical carboxypeptidases and which defines a new family of HEXXH metalloproteases (M32) based on primary sequence alignments. A deep active site groove appears to function not only in size-selection of substrates but also in modulating the activity and substrate affinity through complicated allosteric effects involving ambient ligands which may play a role in regulatory metabolism.

Two forms of the enzyme were observed; one which retains stabilizing metal(s) that confer structural thermostability and a remarkable retention of activity to the dimer, and another demetallated form which has lost stability with regards to both dimeric integrity and activity. Difficulties in expressing a properly folded recombinant necessitated refolding of the expressed clone from inclusion bodies and further suggest that in vivo the stabilizing metal(s) may participate in folding a metastable enzyme.

The apparent paradox of activation by only Co²⁺ and not Zn²⁺ is resolved into two issues, uncompetitive inhibition by the latter as seen in steady-state kinetic experiments, and intrinsic, electronic aspects of a catalytic Co²⁺. Several explanations are proposed for the intrinsic rate enhancement of Co²⁺ over Zn²⁺ including the ability of Co²⁺ to modulate the potential energy surface for both reactants and transition states by virtue of its greater mobility within the protein framework.

The broad amino acid specificity and rapid digestion by PfuCP in peptide sequencing trials show promise, and high-temperature protein sequencing has now been demonstrated for the first time.

Item Type:Thesis (Dissertation (Ph.D.))
Subject Keywords:carboxypeptidase; hyperthermophilic; protein sequencing
Degree Grantor:California Institute of Technology
Division:Chemistry and Chemical Engineering
Major Option:Chemistry
Thesis Availability:Public (worldwide access)
Research Advisor(s):
  • Chan, Sunney I.
Thesis Committee:
  • Okumura, Mitchio (chair)
  • Rees, Douglas C.
  • Campbell, Judith L.
  • Chan, Sunney I.
Defense Date:27 September 2002
Record Number:CaltechETD:etd-05272003-203637
Persistent URL:https://resolver.caltech.edu/CaltechETD:etd-05272003-203637
DOI:10.7907/R8WE-R336
Default Usage Policy:No commercial reproduction, distribution, display or performance rights in this work are provided.
ID Code:2126
Collection:CaltechTHESIS
Deposited By: Imported from ETD-db
Deposited On:28 May 2003
Last Modified:13 Feb 2021 00:27

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