TYchi, a novel chitinase with RNA N-glycosidase and anti-tumor activities

• DOI: 10.2741/2914
• Publication Date: 2007-11-01T18:36:14Z
• Authors: Li Xu
• Keywords: Ribosome-inactivating protein; Chitinase; Trichoderma viride; Pathogenesis-related protein

Chitinases which catalyze hydrolysis of chitin are believed to be antifungal proteins in plant. Nevertheless, a variety functions and some new enzymatic activities chitinases have been found recent years. We cloned novel protein from Trichosanthes kirilowii Maximowicz (Family Cucurbitaceae) named TYchi. Expression TYchi gene T. plants was induced by F. oxysporum, an important cucurbitaceous fungal pathogen, indicated that involved the pathogen-induced plant defense reaction. In addition its chitin-hydrolytic activity, recombinant also had RNA N-glycosidase property. cell-free rabbit reticulocyte lysate system, inhibited synthesis with IC50 approximate 5 nM. exhibited efficient cytotoxicities leukemia U937 choriocarcinoma JAR cells about 54 microg ml(-1) 73 ml(-1), respectively. Structure analyses putative domain is highly similar well known active trichosanthin (TCS). This bifuntional should useful diverse applications like RIP-based immunotoxin agent genetic engineering resistance.