Enzyme activity after resealing within ghost erythrocyte cells, and protection by α-crystallin against fructose-induced inactivation

Abstract

The role of α-crystallin as a molecular chaperone has been shown in many in vitro studies. In the present paper, we report on the chaperone function of α-crystallin within resealed erythrocyte ghosts. Eight enzymes were individually resealed within erythrocyte ghosts and assayed at zero time and at 24h. The ghost cell suspension was separated into soluble and membrane fractions. Five of the enzymes had significantly greater enzyme activity after 24h than the control within the soluble fractions. Fructation caused a decrease in enzyme activity (relative to the control). Resealing of α-crystallin within the ghost cell alongside the enzymes protected against inactivation by fructose within the soluble fraction.