Comparison in effect of different metal ions, pH and reducing agent on the protease activity in human hyper mature and mature cataract.
This study was undertaken to isolate and characterize the protease activity of human eye lens sample of mature and hyper mature cataract. Samples were collected just after surgery of the cataract lens and were stored at -20 degrees C. The total protein extract was isolated from 5 samples in each case (mature and hyper mature cataract) and clear supernatant obtained after centrifugation was used as an enzyme source. The optimum pH for the proteases of mature cataract was 7.5 while the proteases of hyper mature cataract were recorded for maximum activity at pH 5.5 and 7.5. The optimum temperature for both enzyme sources was 50 degrees C. Effect of different metal ions such as potassium, lead, silver, zinc and borate was studied. In each case protease activity was increased. Reducing agent e.g. beta mercaptoethanol also caused an increase in activity indicating the involvement of sulfhydryl groups. Protease activity was also located on agar plates.
Institute of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, University of the Punjab, Lahore 54594, Pakistan. amtulljamil@yahoo.com
Amtul Jamil
AJ
Sami
Amtul Naseer
AN
Sami
Noreen
N
Kanwal
D000368:Aged; D000596:Amino Acids / Q000378:metabolism; D002386:Cataract / Q000201:enzymology* / Q000473:pathology*; D010450:Endopeptidases / Q000378:metabolism*; D004789:Enzyme Activation / Q000187:drug effects; D006801:Humans; D006863:Hydrogen-Ion Concentration; D007477:Ions / Q000737:chemistry; D008670:Metals / Q000737:chemistry / Q000494:pharmacology*; D008875:Middle Aged; D013379:Substrate Specificity
D000596:Amino Acids; D007477:Ions; D008670:Metals; D010450:Endopeptidases