Enzymatic Conversion of RBCs by α-N-Acetylgalactosaminidase from Spirosoma linguale

Spirosoma linguale is a free-living nonpathogenic organism. Like many other bacteria, S. linguale produces a cell-associated α -N-acetylgalactosaminidase. This work was undertaken to elucidate the nature of this activity. The recombinant enzyme was produced, purified, and examined for biochemical attributes. The purified enzyme was ~50 kDa active as a homodimer in solution. It catalyzed hydrolysis of α -N-acetylgalactosamine at pH 7. Calculated K M was 1.1 mM with k cat of 173 s −1 . The described enzyme belongs to the GH109 family.