JBC, Vol. 250, Issue 15, 5735-5741, Aug, 1975
Human intestinal sucrase-isomaltase. Identification of free sucrase and isomaltase and cleavage of the hybrid into active distinct subunits
K. A. Conklin, K. M. Yamashiro and G. M. Gray
Sucrase-isomaltase complex and its functional subunits have been identified
in homogenates of human small intestinal mucosa by use of Sephadex G-200
(superfine) chromatography aided by affinity of the isomaltase moiety for
the dextran gel. The isomaltase subunit binds strongly to the gel at 4
degrees, and is eluted only after 2 column volumes; earlier recovery as a
sharp peak can be achieved by raising column temperature to 37 degrees
after elution of other proteins. Bio-Gel P-300 chromatography, density
gradient, and equilibrium centrifugation demonstrated that the sucrase
subunit (Stokes radius = 45 A, frictional ratio = 1.32, s20,w = 6.9, MW =
130,000) and the isomaltase subunit (Stokes radius = 45 A, frictional ratio
= 1.30, s20,w = 6.6, MW = 120,000) are similar but unequal in size. The
sucrase-isomaltase complex (Stokes radius = 70 A, frictional ratio = 1.61,
s20,w = 9.8, MW = 280,000), appears to be an elongated hybrid molecule that
is less symmetrical than either of itt subunits. Apparent Km and pH
activity curves were indistinguishable for each enzyme whether present in
the hybrid or in the free state. The sucrase-isomaltase complex, accounting
for approximately 90 percent of native intestinal sucrase and isomaltase
activities, was isolated and cleaved by 0.01 M beta-mercaptoethanol/6 M
urea treatment into active sucrase and isomaltase subunits having
biochemical characteristics identical with those of the free native
moieties. Sodium dodecyl sulfate acrylamide gell electrophoresis of the
complex also produced subunits having molecular weights very close to those
for the active free sucrase and isomaltase moieties, indicating that each
alpha-glucosidase appears to consist of a single polypeptide chain.
Immunization of rabbits with pure sucrase-isomaltase complex yielded a
monospecific precipitating antibody that reacted with the hybrid and the
sucrase subunit, but had minimal affinity for the isomaltase subunit,
providing further evidence that the sucrase-isomaltase molecule is a hybrid
consisting of two distinct alpha-glucosidases.