Mast cell tryptases comprise a family of trypsin-like serine proteinases that have been implicated in the pathogenesis of chronic inflammatory disorders, most notably asthma. To allow the characterization of individual family members the tryptases alpha 1, beta 1a, beta 1b, beta 2 and beta 3 were cloned, expressed in Pichia pastoris, and purified. Although these tryptases are >90% identical in amino acid sequence, they differ in glycosylation, enzymatic activity, stability and affinity towards dibasic inhibitors. Crystallographic analysis of the isoenzymes and their complexes with inhibitors revealed that all tryptases form virtually identical tetramers but that the active site of the alpha 1 isoenzyme is distorted, explaining its low activity. These structures now provide a basis for the rational optimisation of highly active and selective tryptase inhibitors.
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Mast cell tryptases comprise a family of trypsin-like serine proteinases that have been implicated in the pathogenesis of chronic inflammatory disorders, most notably asthma. To allow the characterization of individual family members the tryptases alpha 1, beta 1a, beta 1b, beta 2 and beta 3 were cloned, expressed in Pichia pastoris, and purified. Although these tryptases are >90% identical in amino acid sequence, they differ in glycosylation, enzymatic activity, stability and affinity towards d...
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