N-terminal domain of Bothrops asper myotoxin II enhances the activity of endothelin converting enzyme-1 and neprilysin
Parkington, HC; Kleifeld, O; Rajapakse, NW; Lomonte, B; Sikanyika, NL; Small, DH; Hodgson, WC; Whisstock, JC; Spicer, AJ; Kaye, DM; Kuruppu, S; Smith, AI; Conroy, PJ
Abstract
Neprilysin (NEP) and endothelin converting enzyme-1 (ECE-1) are two enzymes that degrade amyloid beta in the brain. Currently there are no molecules to stimulate the activity of these enzymes. Here we report, the discovery and characterisation of a peptide referred to as K49-P1-20, from the venom of Bothrops asper which directly enhances the activity of both ECE-1 and NEP. This is evidenced by a 2- and 5-fold increase in the Vmax of ECE-1 and NEP respectively. The K49-P1-20 concentration required to achieve 50% of maximal stimulation (AC50) of ECE-1 and NEP was 1.92 ± 0.07 and 1.33 ± 0.12 μM respectively. Using BLITZ biolayer interferometry we have shown that K49-P1-20 interacts directly with each enzyme. Intrinsic fluorescence of the enzymes change in the presence of K49-P1-20 suggesting a change in conformation. ECE-1 mediated reduction in the level of endogenous soluble amyloid beta 42 in cerebrospinal fluid is significantly higher in the presence of K49-P1-20 (31 ± 4% of initial) compared with enzyme alone (11 ± 5% of initial; N = 8, P = 0.005, unpaired t-test). K49-P1-20 could be an excellent research tool to study mechanism(s) of enzyme stimulation, and a potential novel drug lead in the fight against Alzheimer's disease.
| Journal | SCI REP |
| ISSN | 2045-2322 |
| Published | 02 Mar 2016 |
| Volume | 6 |
| Issue | |
| Pages | 22413 |
| DOI | 10.1038/srep22413 |
| Type | Journal Article |
| Sponsorship |
NHMRC
|