The intramitochondrial location of the glutaminase isoenzymes of pig kidney

Abstract

1. The glutaminase activity of pig kidney is located almost entirely in the cortex. 2. Pig renal cortex contains two glutaminases, one phosphate-dependent and one phosphate-independent. Both isoenzymes are localized exclusively in the mitochondria. 3. After sonication of the mitochondria, the phosphate-dependent isoenzyme is entirely soluble, whereas approximately half the phosphate-independent isoenzyme is associated with the membranes. 4. In intact mitochondria, the activities of both isoenzymes respond to changes in the pH of the intramitochondrial compartment. 5. It is concluded that both glutaminase isoenzymes are situated in the intramitochondrial compartment, and that the phosphate-independent glutaminase may be bound to the inside of the inner mitochondrial membrane.