Metacaspase 2 of Trypanosoma brucei is a calcium-dependent cysteine peptidase active without processing

Moss, C.X., Westrop, G.D., Juliano, L., Coombs, G.H. and Mottram, J.C. (2007) Metacaspase 2 of Trypanosoma brucei is a calcium-dependent cysteine peptidase active without processing. FEBS Letters, 581(29), pp. 5635-5639. (doi: 10.1016/j.febslet.2007.11.009)

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Abstract

Metacaspases are cysteine peptidases that are distantly related to the caspases, for which proteolytic processing is central to their activation. Here, we show that recombinant metacaspase 2 (MCA2) from Trypanosoma brucei has arginine/lysine-specific, Ca<sup>2+</sup>-dependent proteolytic activity. Autocatalytic processing of MCA2 occurred after Lys55 and Lys268; however, this was shown not to be required for the enzyme to be proteolytically active. The necessity of Ca<sup>2+</sup>, but not processing, for MCA2 enzymatic activity clearly distinguishes MCA2 from the caspases and would be consistent with different physiological roles.

Item Type:Articles
Status:Published
Refereed:Yes
Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID:Moss, Dr Catherine and Mottram, Professor Jeremy
Authors: Moss, C.X., Westrop, G.D., Juliano, L., Coombs, G.H., and Mottram, J.C.
College/School:College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Infection & Immunity
Journal Name:FEBS Letters
ISSN:0014-5793
ISSN (Online):1873-3468
Published Online:13 November 2007

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