Integumental phosphatase isoenzymes from white puparia of Ceratitis capitata: isolation and characterization

Abstract

Two specific alkaline phosphatase forms were identified in the integument of wild-type Ceratitis capitata during transition of larvae to pupae. The separation was achieved by DEAE-cellulose chromatography; alkaline phosphatase 1 and alkaline phosphatase 2 were eluted in 0.1 and 0.4 M KC1, respectively. Both isoenzymes have a molecular weight of approximately 180 000. The pH curve reveals two peaks for both alkaline phosphatases: one at 9.4 and the other at 11.0. The two isoenzymes at both pH optima catalyze the hydrolysis of phosphotyrosine and β-glycerophosphate, but not phosphoserine, phosphothreonine, ATP, or AMP. However, at pH 9.4, alkaline phosphatase 1 is more effective than ALPase 2 and exhibits a preference for phosphotyrosine. The divalent cations Mn2+, Mg2+, and Ba2+ activate the enzymes, while Cu2+ and Zn2+ are inhibitors for both isoenzymes. Both isoenzymes are inactivated by EDTA. The effect of amino acids on enzyme activity was also tested. Alkaline phosphatase 1 is inhibited by L-tyrosine, while alkaline phosphatase 2 is unaffected. L-Phenylalanine has no effect on either isoenzyme. Both isoenzymes are inhibited by urea and 2-mercaptoethanol. Simultaneous addition of urea and 2-mercaptoethanol reveals that ALPase 1 is more sensitive to these inhibitors than ALPase 2.Key words: enzyme, Diptera, integument, phosphatase, isoenzymes, phosphotyrosine.