title: Function of saposin C in the reconstitution of glucosylceramidase by phosphatidylserine liposomes.
abstract: The function of saposin C (Sap C), a glucosylceramidase activator protein, in the enzyme stimulation by phosphatidylserine (PS) liposomes has been investigated. Using gel filtration experiments evidence was obtained for Sap C binding to PS large unilamellar vesicles (LUV) but not to glucosylceramidase. PS LUV, which by themselves are unable to tightly bind and stimulate the enzyme, acquire the capacity to also bind the enzyme after interaction with Sap C, making it express its full activity. Our results indicate that the primary step in the Sap C mode of action resides in its association with PS membranes; in turn, this association promotes the interaction between the membranes and glucosylceramidase.
authors.affiliation: Department of Metabolism and Pathological Biochemistry, Istituto Superiore Sanita, Roma, Italy.
authors.forename: A M
authors.initials: AM
authors.lastname: Vaccaro
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Tatti
authors.forename: F
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Ciaffoni
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Salvioli
authors.forename: B
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Maras
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Barca
mesh_terms: D004789:Enzyme Activation; D005962:Glucosylceramidase / Q000378:metabolism*; D006023:Glycoproteins / Q000502:physiology*; D006801:Humans; D008081:Liposomes; D010718:Phosphatidylserines / Q000378:metabolism*; D049231:Saposins
chemical_list: D006023:Glycoproteins; D008081:Liposomes; D010718:Phosphatidylserines; D049231:Saposins; D005962:Glucosylceramidase