Secreted proteases from pathogenic fungi.

Based on previous screening for keratinolytic nonpathogenic fungi, Paecilomyces marquandii and Doratomyces microsporus were selected for production of potent keratinases. The enzymes were purified and their main biochemical characteristics were determined (molecular masses, optimal temperature and pH for keratinolytic activity, N-terminal amino acid sequences). Studies of substrate specificity revealed that skin constituents, such as the stratum corneum, and appendages such as nail but not hair, feather, and wool were efficiently hydrolyzed by the P. marquandii keratinase and about 40% less by the D. microsporus keratinase. Hydrolysis of keratin could be increased by the presence of reducing agents. The catalytic properties of the keratinases were studied and compared to those of some known commercial proteases. The profile of the oxidized insulin B-chain digestion revealed that both keratinases, like proteinase K but not subtilisin, trypsin, or elastase, possess broad cleavage specificity with a preference for aromatic and nonpolar amino acid residues at the P-1 position. Kinetic studies were performed on a synthetic substrate, succinyl-Ala-Ala-Pro-Phe-p-nitroanilide. The keratinase of P. marquandii exhibited the lowest Km among microbial keratinases reported in the literature, and its catalytic efficiency was high in comparison to that of D. microsporus keratinase and proteinase K. All three keratinolytic enzymes, the keratinases of P. marquandii and D. microsporus as well as proteinase K, were significantly more active on keratin than subtilisin, trypsin, elastase, chymotrypsin, or collagenase.

https://aem.asm.org/content/aem/71/7/3420.full.pdf

Similarities and Specificities of Fungal Keratinolytic Proteases: Comparison of Keratinases of Paecilomyces marquandii and Doratomyces microsporus to Some Known Proteases

Despite the superficial localization of most dermatophytosis, host-fungus relationship in these infections is complex and still poorly elucidated. Though many efforts have been accomplished to characterize secreted dermatophytic proteases at the molecular level, only punctual insights have been afforded into other aspects of the pathogenesis of dermatophytosis, such as fungal adhesion, regulation of gene expression during the infection process, and immunomodulation by fungal factors. However, new genetic tools were recently developed, allowing a more rapid and high-throughput functional investigation of dermatophyte genes and the identification of new putative virulence factors. In addition, sophisticated in vitro infection models are now used and will open the way to a more comprehensive view of the interactions between these fungi and host epidermal cells, especially keratinocytes.

Pathogenesis of Dermatophytosis

Keratin degradation: a cooperative action of two enzymes from Stenotrophomonas sp.

Purification, characterization and immobilization of a keratinase from Aspergillus oryzae

A keratinolytic protease, secreted as the major component by a feline clinical isolate of Microsporum canis cultivated in a minimal medium containing cat keratin, was purified by affinity chromatography on bacitracin-agarose and gel filtration. The apparent molecular mass of the enzyme was 31·5 kDa and the pI was 11·8. The enzyme was not glycosylated and its first 15 N-terminal amino acids showed numerous similarities with other fungal subtilisins. The optimum pH was around 9 whileinactivation of the enzyme was reversible at pH4, but not at pH 11. The enzyme was stable at 37 °C with an apparent optimum temperature around 55 °C. PMSF, soybean trypsin inhibitor (SBTI) and chymostatin strongly inhibited the proteinase. The highest affinity (Km of 0·37 mm) and physiological efficiency (kcat/Km) were obtained for the synthetic substrate N-Suc-Ala-Ala-Pro-Phe-p-nitroanilide. These results indicate that the keratinase belongs to the subtilisin-like serine protease family. Purified rabbit immunoglobulins G prepar...

Purification and Characterization of a 315 Kda Keratinolytic Subtilisin-Like Serine Protease from Microsporum Canis and Evidence of Its Secretion in Naturally Infected Cats

Purification and characterization of a 315 kDa keratinolytic subtilisin-like serine protease from and evidence of its secretion in naturally infected cats: Microsporum canis keratinolytic subtilisin

M. Swinnen

Papers

Purification and Characterization of a 315 Kda Keratinolytic Subtilisin-Like Serine Protease from Microsporum Canis and Evidence of Its Secretion in Naturally Infected Cats

Purification and characterization of a 315 kDa keratinolytic subtilisin-like serine protease from and evidence of its secretion in naturally infected cats: Microsporum canis keratinolytic subtilisin