Human cathepsin F. Molecular cloning, functional expression, tissue localization, and enzymatic characterization

Cloning and functional expression of a Boophilus microplus cathepsin L-like enzyme

A cysteine proteinase gene homologous to cathepsins L genes was isolated from a B. microplus cDNA library. The precursor protein deduced from the nucleotide sequence contains 332 amino acid residues consisting of a signal sequence (pre-region), a pro-region and a mature proteinase. The DNA fragment coding for the proenzyme was cloned and expressed using the E. coli expression vector pMAL-p. The recombinant protein (MBP+PROCP) once activated is able to hydrolyze synthetic substrates as well as protein substrates like hemoglobin, vitellin and gelatin. Its optimal enzymatic activity on both fluorogenic and protein substrates was found to occur at an acidic pH. Expression of the proteinase gene was tested by RT-PCR with tick larvae RNA. Detection of amplified sequences indicates that the gene is expressed at this stage of the tick life cycle and the molecule is therefore potentially a target for chemotherapy or an immunogen in a vaccine.

Cathepsin L deficiency as molecular defect of furless: hyperproliferation of keratinocytes and pertubation of hair follicle cycling

Lysosomal cysteine proteinases of the papain family are involved in lysosomal bulk proteolysis, major histocompatibility complex class II mediated antigen presentation, prohormone processing, and extracellular matrix remodeling. Cathepsin L (CTSL) is a ubiquitously expressed major representative of the papain-like family of cysteine proteinases. To investigate CTSL in vivo functions, the gene was inactivated by gene targeting in embryonic stem cells. CTSL-deficient mice develop periodic hair loss and epidermal hyperplasia, acanthosis, and hyperkeratosis. The hair loss is due to alterations of hair follicle morphogenesis and cycling, dilatation of hair follicle canals, and disturbed club hair formation. Hyperproliferation of hair follicle epithelial cells and basal epidermal keratinocytes-both of ectodermal origin-are the primary characteristics underlying the mutant phenotype. Pathological inflammatory responses have been excluded as a putative cause of the skin and hair disorder. The phenotype of CTSL-deficient mice is reminiscent of the spontaneous mouse mutant furless (fs). Analyses of the ctsl gene of fs mice revealed a G149R mutation inactivating the proteinase activity. CTSL is the first lysosomal proteinase shown to be essential for epidermal homeostasis and regular hair follicle morphogenesis and cycling.

Molecular modeling and substrate specificity of discrete cruzipain-like and cathepsin L-like cysteine proteinases of the human blood fluke Schistosoma mansoni

Adult Schistosoma mansoni blood flukes express two discrete cysteine proteinases, SmCL1 and SmCL2, both of which are related to the cathepsin L-like enzymes of the C1 family of peptidases. Our previous phylogenetic analysis indicated that SmCL1 is more closely related to cruzipain from the parasitic protozoa Trypanosoma cruzi than to human cathepsin L, whereas the converse situation applies with SmCL2. To characterize their catalytic subsites and substrate specificities, we have now developed three-dimensional (3D) homology models of SmCL1 and SmCL2 using the structure of cruzipain and cathepsin L. Eisenberg analysis of the 3D models revealed self-compatibility scores of 90.1 and 96.1 out of a possible score of 97.6 for SmCL1 and SmCL2, respectively, verifying the accuracy and utility of the models. Substrate preferences of recombinant SmCL1 and SmCL2 at positions P3, P2, and P1 conformed to the substrate specificity predicted by the models. In particular, SmCL1 and SmCL2 both exhibited high affinity (k(cat)/K(m)) for substrates with hydrophobic residues at P2 including Z-Leu-Arg-NHMec (773.4 and 548.5 mM(-1) s(-1), respectively), Boc-Val-Leu-Lys-NHMec (116.8 and 306.5 mM(-1) s(-1)), and Z-Phe-Arg-NHMec (38.9 and 113.4 mM(-1) s(-1)). SmCL1 exhibited only a low affinity for the cathepsin B diagnostic substrate Z-Arg-Arg-NHMec while SmCL2 failed to cleave this substrate. The substrate specificities of SmCL1 and SmCL2 were clearly differentiated with H-Leu-Val-Tyr-NHMec and Suc-Leu-Tyr-NHMec since SmCL1 cleaved both efficiently (k(cat)/K(m) values of 51.9 and 41.1 mM(-1) s(-1), respectively), whereas SmCL2 cleaved neither. The 3D models revealed that this difference in specificity was due to restrictions imposed on the S3 subsite of SmCL2 as a result of insertion of two amino acids vicinal to residue 60.

Mouse cathepsin F: cDNA cloning, genomic organization and chromosomal assignment of the gene

A murine cysteine protease of the papain family was identified by dbEST-database search. A 1.87kb full-length cDNA encoding a predicted polypeptide of 462 amino acids was sequenced. Since the encoded polypeptide shows more than 80% sequence identity with human cathepsin F, it is most likely that this cDNA represents the murine homologue of cathepsin F, and it was therefore named accordingly. Murine cathepsin F exhibits a domain structure typical for papain-like cysteine proteases, a 20 amino acid N-terminal hydrophobic signal sequence followed by an extraordinarily long propeptide of 228 amino acids and the domain of the mature protease comprising 214 amino acids. The mature region contains all features characteristic of a papain-like cysteine protease, including the highly conserved cysteine, histidine and asparagine residues of the 'catalytic triad'. Genomic clones covering the murine cathepsin F gene were isolated. The mouse cathepsin F gene consists of 14 exons and 13 introns and spans 5.8kb. Murine cathepsin F was mapped to chromosome 19, a region with synteny homology to a region of human chromosome 11 to which human cathepsin F has been mapped previously. Northern blot analysis of RNA from multiple tissues revealed a ubiquitous expression of cathepsin F in mouse and man.

Murine and human cathepsin Z: cDNA-cloning, characterization of the genes and chromosomal localization

A novel murine cysteine protease from the family of papain-like cysteine proteinases was identified by dbEST-database search. A 1. 4-kb full-length cDNA encoding a predicted polypeptide of 306 amino acids was characterized. The new protease, tentatively named cathepsin Z, exhibits all features characteristics of a papain-like cysteine protease, including the highly conserved residues of the 'catalytic triad'. Cathepsin Z shares only 26-35% overall homology with previously described mammalian papain-like cysteine peptidases and has an unusually short propeptide, which may indicate that it is a member of a putative new subfamily within the family of papain-like cysteine peptidases. Genomic clones covering the murine and human cathepsin Z genes were isolated. They comprise six exons and five introns spanning a 12-kb region of genomic DNA, respectively. Murine cathepsin Z was mapped to chromosome 2, a region with synteny homology to a region of human chromosome 20 to which human cathepsin Z has been mapped previously. Northern blot analysis revealed ubiquitous expression of murine cathepsin Z. Multiple transcriptional start sites were identified for the murine cathepsin Z gene and together with the absence of a TATA box, a high G+C content, a CpG island and the presence of several Sp1-binding sites in the promoter region, murine cathepsin Z may be classified as a 'housekeeping' gene.

Role for cathepsin F in invariant chain processing and major histocompatibility complex class II peptide loading by macrophages

The major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class II-associated invariant chain (Ii) regulates intracellular trafficking and peptide loading of MHC class II molecules. Such loading occurs after endosomal degradation of the invariant chain to a approximately 3-kD peptide termed CLIP (class II-associated invariant chain peptide). Cathepsins L and S have both been implicated in degradation of Ii to CLIP in thymus and peripheral lymphoid organs, respectively. However, macrophages from mice deficient in both cathepsins S and L can process Ii and load peptides onto MHC class II dimers normally. Both processes are blocked by a cysteine protease inhibitor, indicating the involvement of an additional Ii-processing enzyme(s). Comparison of cysteine proteases expressed by macrophages with those found in splenocytes and dendritic cells revealed two enzymes expressed exclusively in macrophages, cathepsins Z and F. Recombinant cathepsin Z did not generate CLIP from Ii-MHC class II complexes, whereas cathepsin F was as efficient as cathepsin S in CLIP generation. Inhibition of cathepsin F activity and MHC class II peptide loading by macrophages exhibited similar specificity and activity profiles. These experiments show that cathepsin F, in a subset of antigen presenting cells (APCs), can efficiently degrade Ii. Different APCs can thus use distinct proteases to mediate MHC class II maturation and peptide loading.

Antisense RNA inhibition of cathepsin L expression reduces tumorigenicity of malignant cells

Several tumour-forming cell lines are known to overproduce the lysosomal cysteine peptidase cathepsin L. We have used an antisense approach to investigate whether inhibition of cathepsin L overexpression in two malignant cell lines (myeloma SP cells and L cells) reduces their tumorigenic potential. Two different cDNA fragments of murine cathepsin L were inserted in the antisense direction into the pcDNA3 vector, and SP and L cells were stably transfected with these plasmid constructs. Several of the selected clones expressing the antisense transcript showed specific reduction of the mRNA level and the intracellular activity of cathepsin L, and a greatly diminished amount of secreted procathepsin L. When tested in Balb/c nu/nu mice, the cell lines with low cathepsin L activity exhibited a significantly decreased potential for tumour growth when compared with control cells expressing wild-type levels of cathepsin L activity. This observation suggests that cathepsin L is a critical factor in tumour growth.

Lysosomal cysteine proteases: more than scavengers

Lysosomal cysteine proteases were believed to be mainly involved in intracellular protein degradation. Under special conditions they have been found outside lysosomes resulting in pathological conditions. With the discovery of a series of new cathepsins with restricted tissue distributions, it has become evident that these enzymes must be involved in a range of specific cellular tasks much broader than as simple housekeeping enzymes. It is therefore timely to review and discuss the various physiological roles of mammalian lysosomal papain-like cysteine proteases as well as their mechanisms of action and the regulation of their activity.

Phylogenetic relationships and theoretical model of human cathepsin W (lymphopain), a cysteine proteinase from cytotoxic T lymphocytes

The recently described cysteine proteinase cathepsin W, also known as lymphopain, which is expressed specifically by CD8+ T lymphocytes, is phylogenetically related to the cruzipain-like group of the C1 family of peptidases. We have constructed sequence alignments and a theoretical three dimensional homology model of cathepsin W. These have allowed the characterization of signature features of cathepsin W in particular and the cruzipain lineage in general. The signature features are (1) an extended loop structure, Gly 170-Trp 200, in the second or beta-sheet domain; (2) an additional disulfide bond, Cys 25/Cys 60; (3) an additional "orphan" cysteine, Cys 5; (4) an additional residue. Ala 11, inserted after the first beta-sheet sheet; and (5) an S2 pocket lined with Phe 68 and Phe 230 which explains the preference for substrates containing Leu at P2. Further, the model suggested that cathepsin W could exist as a dimer with the Cys 5 of each monomer forming a disulfide bond and the Arg 40 Phe 46 loop (RISFWDF) forming part of the dimeric interface. By comparing cathepsin W with other members of the cruzipain group and with other C1 peptidases, six conserved residues were identified which appear in general to be characteristic of the cruzipain group, and which differentiate cruzipain group members from other C1 peptidases including those of the related cathepsin L lineage. The signature residues of the cruzipain lineage are (cruzipain numbering) Asn 33, Trp 38, Ala 124, Leu 127, Leu 164, and Pro 174.

Cathepsins and compartmentalization in antigen presentation

Intracellular trafficking and cell surface expression of MHC class II molecules is a tightly regulated process and is to a large extent, determined by the fate of the class II chaperone, the invariant chain. Inhibition of endosomal proteases critical to invariant chain proteolysis reveals marked shunting of class II complexes to lysosomal compartments. Regulation of endosomal protease activity by expression of cystatin C directs class II cell surface expression during maturation of dendritic cells. These studies highlight the taut interactions between class-II-invariant-chain complexes and endosomal proteases during MHC class II maturation.

Schistosoma mansoni: differential expression of cathepsins L1 and L2 suggests discrete biological functions for each enzyme

Schistosoma mansoni cathepsins L1 (SmCL1) and L2 (SmCL2) were expressed as active recombinant proteinases in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. The recombinant enzymes exhibited substrate preferences characteristic of cathepsin-L-like cysteine proteinases. However, the enzymes differed in their substrate specificities; SmCL1 cleaved Boc-Val-Leu-Lys-NHMec with a higher efficiency than it cleaved Z-Phe-Arg-NHMec, whereas the opposite was true for SmCL2. The enzymes also differed in their pH profiles of activity; SmCL1 exhibited a broad pH profile with an optimum of pH 6. 5, while SmCL2 was active only in the acidic pH range with an optimum of 5.35. Immunoblot and RT-PCR analyses revealed that the native forms of both SmCL1 and SmCL2 are expressed in male and female worms, but at higher levels in adult female compared to male schistosomes. Additionally, both enzymes were observed in the excretory/secretory products of adult worms. The RT-PCR analysis indicated that neither enzyme is expressed in S. mansoni eggs or in miracidia, suggesting that the cathepsin-L-like activity that has been previously reported to be expressed in these stages may be the product of another gene(s). Cercariae do not express SmCL2, but appear to express SmCL1 in its inactive precursor form. Together with the findings of previous immunolocalization and phylogenetic analyses, the results reported here demonstrate that SmCL1 and SmCL2 are distinct cathepsin cysteine proteinases and strongly suggest that they play discrete biological roles.

Crystal structure of human procathepsin X: a cysteine protease with the proregion covalently linked to the active site cysteine

Human cathepsin X is one of many proteins discovered in recent years through the mining of sequence databases. Its sequence shows clear homology to cysteine proteases from the papain family, containing the characteristic residue patterns, including the active site. However, the proregion of cathepsin X is only 38 residues long, the shortest among papain-like enzymes, and the cathepsin X sequence has an atypical insertion in the regions proximal to the active site. This protein was recently expressed and partially characterized biochemically. Unlike most other cysteine proteases from the papain family, procathepsin X is incapable of autoprocessing in vitro but can be processed under reducing conditions by exogenous cathepsin L. Atypically, the mature enzyme is primarily a carboxypeptidase and has extremely poor endopeptidase activity. We have determined the three-dimensional structure of the procathepsin X at 1.7 A resolution. The overall structure of the mature enzyme is characteristic for enzymes of the papain superfamily, but contains several novel features. Most interestingly, the short proregion binds to the enzyme with the aid of a covalent bond between the cysteine residue in the proregion (Cys10p) and the active site cysteine residue (Cys31). This is the first example of a zymogen in which the inhibition of enzyme's proteolytic activity by the proregion is achieved through a reversible covalent modification of the active site nucleophile. Such mode of binding requires less contact area between the proregion and the enzyme than observed in other procathepsins, and no auxiliary binding site on the enzyme surface is used. A three-residue insertion in a highly conserved region, just prior to the active site cysteine residue, confers a significantly different shape on the S' subsites, compared to other proteases from papain family. The 3D structure provides an explanation for the rather unusual carboxypeptidase activity of this enzyme and confirms the predictions based on homology modeling. Another long insertion in the cathepsin X amino acid sequence forms a beta-hairpin pointing away from the active site. This insertion, thought to be an equivalent of cathepsin B occluding loop, is located on the side of the protein, distant from the substrate binding site.

Cathepsin J, a novel murine cysteine protease of the papain family with a placenta-restricted expression

A novel mouse cysteine protease of the papain family was identified by searching the dbEST database. A 1.28 kb full-length cDNA was obtained which contains an open reading frame of 999 nucleotides and encodes a predicted polypeptide of 333 amino acids. The deduced polypeptide exhibits features characteristic of cysteine proteases of the papain type including the highly conserved residues of the catalytic triad, and was hence named cathepsin J. Cathepsin J represents the murine homologue of a previously described rat cathepsin L-related protein. Mature cathepsin J shows 59.3% identity to mouse cathepsin L and contains the characteristic ER(F/W)NIN motif within the propeptide indicating that this protease belongs to the subgroup of cathepsin L-like cysteine proteases. Northern blot analysis of various tissues revealed a placenta-restricted expression. This expression pattern may suggest a role of cathepsin J in embryo implantation and/or placental function. Ctsj was mapped to mouse chromosome 13 in the vicinity of cathepsin L suggesting that cathepsin J may have arisen by gene duplication from cathepsin L or a common ancestral gene.

Human cathepsins F and W: A new subgroup of cathepsins

Human cathepsin F is a recently described papain-like cysteine protease of unknown function. To investigate the evolutionary relatedness to other human cathepsins, we determined the genomic organization and the chromosomal localization of cathepsin F and isolated its putative promoter region. The gene of human cathepsin F (CTSF) is composed of twelve exons and eleven introns and was found to be similar to that of cathepsin W but different from the cathepsins K, S, L, O, B, and C. The splice sites of nine out of the eleven introns were identical to those determined in the cathepsin W gene (CTSW), whereas introns one and ten were unique for CTSF. The 4. 7 kb gene was mapped to the long arm of chromosome 11 at position q13.1-3, a locus shared with CTSW. Phylogenetic analysis of human cathepsin protein sequences demonstrated that (i) cathepsins F and W are evolutionarily separated from other human cathepsins, and (ii) cysteine proteases closely related to human cathepsin W and F are also expressed in parasites and mammals. Based on these phylogenetic findings, on the presence of a particular protein motif ("ERFNAQ") in the propeptides of cathepsins F and W as well as the genomic organization and chromosomal localization of their genes, we concluded that F and W form a novel subgroup of cathepsin proteases. We suggest the naming "cathepsin F-like" proteases distinct from the previously described cathepsins "L- and B-like" subgroups.

Molecular cloning and structural and functional characterization of human cathepsin F, a new cysteine proteinase of the papain family with a long propeptide domain

A cDNA encoding a new cysteine proteinase belonging to the papain family and called cathepsin F has been cloned from a human prostate cDNA library. This cDNA encodes a polypeptide of 484 amino acids, with the same domain organization as other cysteine proteinases, including a hydrophobic signal sequence, a prodomain, and a catalytic region. However, this propeptide domain is unusually long and distinguishes cathepsin F from other proteinases of the papain family. Cathepsin F also shows all structural motifs characteristic of these proteinases, including the essential cysteine residue of the active site. Consistent with these structural features, cathepsin F produced in Escherichia coli as a fusion protein with glutathione S-transferase degrades the synthetic peptide benzyloxycarbonyl-Phe-Arg-7-amido-4-methylcoumarin, a substrate commonly used for functional characterization of cysteine proteinases. Furthermore, this proteolytic activity is blocked by trans-epoxysuccinyl-L-leucylamido-(4-guanidino)butane, an inhibitor of cysteine proteinases. The gene encoding cathepsin F maps to chromosome 11q13, close to that encoding cathepsin W. Cathepsin F is widely expressed in human tissues, suggesting a role in normal protein catabolism. Northern blot analysis also revealed a significant level of expression in some cancer cell lines opening the possibility that this enzyme could be involved in degradative processes occurring during tumor progression.

Full-length cDNA of human cathepsin F predicts the presence of a cystatin domain at the N-terminus of the cysteine protease zymogen

A novel human cDNA encoding a cysteine protease of the papain family named cathepsin F is reported. The mature part of the predicted protease precursor displays between 26% and 42% identity to other human cysteine proteases while the proregion is unique by means of length and sequence. The very long proregion of the cathepsin F precursor (251 amino acid residues) can be divided into three regions: a C-terminal domain similar to the pro-segment of cathepsin L-like enzymes, a 50 residue flexible linker peptide, and an N-terminal domain predicted to adopt a cystatin-like fold. Cathepsin F would therefore be the first cysteine protease zymogen containing a cystatin-like domain.