Induction and secretion of elastinolytic and proteolytic activity in cultures of Paracoccidioides brasiliensis
Rev. ciênc. farm. básica apl
;
29(1): 97-106, 2008. ilus, tab
Article
in English
| LILACS
| ID: lil-528566
ABSTRACT
P. brasiliensis parasitizes various human tissues and proteinases exported by this fungus may allow it to metabolize and invade host tissues. The influence of the culture medium on the production of proteinases by P. brasiliensis isolates was studied and the export of these enzymes was followed as a function of culture time. The fungus was grown in neopeptone, BSA, elastin orcollagen medium. The culture medium was assayed for azocollytic, elastinolytic and caseinolytic activity. Proteolytic activity was also analysed by electrophoresis of the culture medium on gelatin and casein substrate gels. P. brasiliensis expressed relatively high levels of azocoll, elastin and casein degrading activity in all types of medium, except in neopeptone medium. Generally, expression of azocollytic activity peaked during the third week of culture and caseinolytic activity during the fourth week of culture. Azocollytic activity was highest at pH 4.0 and caseinolytic activity at pH 8.0. Elastinolytic activity was also highest at pH 8.0. This activity, as well as the others, may provide the fungus with a source of carbon and nitrogen and may alsobe responsible for the invasion of host tissues, such as pulmonary elastic fiber, by P. brasiliensis.
Full text:
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Index:
LILACS (Americas)
Main subject:
Paracoccidioides
/
Paracoccidioidomycosis
/
Peptide Hydrolases
Limits:
Humans
Country/Region as subject:
South America
/
Brazil
Language:
English
Journal:
Rev. ciênc. farm. básica apl
Journal subject:
Pharmacology
Year:
2008
Type:
Article
Affiliation country:
Brazil
Institution/Affiliation country:
Universidade Estadual Paulista/BR
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