Uncovering the essential roles of glutamate carboxypeptidase 2 orthologs in Caenorhabditis elegans

Human glutamate carboxypeptidase 2 (GCP2) from the M28B metalloprotease group is an important target for therapy in neurological disorders and an established tumor marker. However, its physiological functions remain unclear. To better understand general roles, we used the model organism Caenorhabditis elegans to genetically manipulate its three existing orthologous genes and evaluate the impact on worm physiology. The results of gene knockout studies showed that C. elegans GCP2 orthologs affect the pharyngeal physiology, reproduction, and structural integrity of the organism. Promoter-driven GFP expression revealed distinct localization for each of the three gene paralogs, with gcp-2.1 being most abundant in muscles, intestine, and pharyngeal interneurons, gcp-2.2 restricted to the phasmid neurons, and gcp-2.3 located in the excretory cell. The present study provides new insight into the unique phenotypic effects of GCP2 gene knockouts in C. elegans, and the specific tissue localizations. We believe that elucidation of particular roles in a non-mammalian organism can help to explain important questions linked to physiology of this protease group and in extension to human GCP2 involvement in pathophysiological processes.

A Preliminary Characterization of a Novel Recombinant Clostridial Collagenase Blend

Clostridial collagenases are essential biotechnological tissue dissociation agents owing to their ability to cleave different types of collagen. Standardization of collagenase-based protocols has been hampered by impurities in products manufactured from Clostridium histolyticum. To enhance the purification process, we produced recombinant collagenase classes G and H, taking advantage of the Escherichia coli expression system. The respective gene sequences were derived from C. histolyticum and modified by addition of a C-terminal polyhistidine tag. Harvested bacteria were lysed and the collagenase protein was affinity purified using a His-tag column. The purity, identity, integrity of the eluted collagenases G and H were determined by SDS electrophoresis and Western blot. The proteolytic activity of the collagenase G and H blend (rColGH) was determined by the standard FALGPA assay. The tissue dissociation activity was verified using a standardized method for isolation of rat pancreatic islets. Biocompatibility of the blend was validated by a standardized viability assay on the isolated islets. Two batches of rColGH were produced and compared to a commercially available collagenase. Based on our results, we conclude that rColGH is a functional and non-toxic novel recombinant collagenase worth further characterization and blend optimization in order to make it a competitive commercial product.