Isolation, Characterization and Biological Activity of the Proteins from Candida Tropicalis

Abstract

This is the first study of characterisation of proteins and peptides in the cell free broth of Candida tropicalis. We are reporting the presence of highly specific proteolytic enzyme cleaving at valine. This has been confirmed by digesting B-lactoglobulin and a number of synthetic peptides. The enzyme has a carbohydrate moiety and a molecular weight of 40000 + 7000 as determined on SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. Its optimum activity occurs at 37oC at a pH between 8-9. We have named it Valinease because of its selective cleavage. The peptides separated on Dowex 50 have been tested against a number of pathogenic and non-pathogenic bacteria. At least for of the peptides have been found to be active against most of the bacteria strains. The amino acid composition and N-terminal residue of these peptides have been determined.