Blood group B degrading activity of Ruminococcus gnavus alpha-galactosidase.
Ruminococcus gnavus is a Gram positive, nonspore-forming obligate anaerobe normally found in the human alimentary tract. In culture, this organism constitutively produces a 1-3 alpha-galactosidase. We fractionated and characterized this enzyme demonstrating hydrolysis of the B epitope on erythrocyte membranes and seroconversion to H epitope (blood type O). Since the enzyme yield was low, cell suspension studies could not be performed. Instead, hydrolysis of the B membrane epitope was studied with an ELISA. A highly purified enzyme product was analyzed for characteristics such as pH, ionic strength, and temperature optimum. Activity in red cell preservative solutions and in the presence of type B plasma was also demonstrated. Ruminococcus gnavus a 1-3 alpha-galactosidase has potential application in the enzymatic conversion of type B to O packed red blood cell units.
Division of Clinical Microbiology, Mayo Foundation, Rochester, Minnesota, USA.
D Jane
DJ
Hata
Daniel S
DS
Smith
D000017:ABO Blood-Group System / Q000737:chemistry / Q000378:metabolism*; D000225:Adenine / Q000494:pharmacology; D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal; D001793:Blood Preservation; D002951:Citrates / Q000494:pharmacology; D004797:Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay; D004910:Erythrocyte Membrane / Q000378:metabolism; D004912:Erythrocytes / Q000378:metabolism; D005947:Glucose / Q000494:pharmacology; D006801:Humans; D006863:Hydrogen-Ion Concentration; D008353:Mannitol / Q000494:pharmacology; D010710:Phosphates / Q000494:pharmacology; D045857:Ruminococcus / Q000201:enzymology*; D012965:Sodium Chloride / Q000494:pharmacology; D000519:alpha-Galactosidase / Q000302:isolation & purification / Q000378:metabolism*
D000017:ABO Blood-Group System; C037839:ADSOL; D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal; C034876:CPDA solutions; D002951:Citrates; D010710:Phosphates; D008353:Mannitol; D012965:Sodium Chloride; D000519:alpha-Galactosidase; D005947:Glucose; D000225:Adenine