American Society of Hirudotherapy

Destabilase-lysozyme of medicinal leech. Multifunctionality of recombinant protein

Basic science published in Biochem Mosc (2010)

Last Updated: June 18, 2026Reviewed by: ASH Editorial Board
Research article — evidence reviewArticle reference
Evidence: In vitro / laboratoryDrug DevelopmentAntimicrobial ResistanceGenomics & ProteomicsZavalova LL et al. · Biochemistry (Mosc), 2010

Abstract

Preparation and purification of a recombinant protein are described along with characteristics of its specific (for ε-(γ-Glu)-Lys and D-dimer substrates) and nonspecific (for L-γ-Glu-pNA) isopeptidase activities; the absence of peptidase function for α-(α-Glu)-Lys substrate is noted. It is shown that the protein exhibits muramidase (cell walls of Micrococcus lysodeikticus) and specific glycosidase activities. The latter was determined towards the fluorogenic substrate 4-methylumbelliferyl-tetra-N-acetyl-β-chitotetraoxide. Antimicrobial activity of recombinant destabilase-lysozyme protein (recDest-Lys) and its 11-membered amphipathic peptide was revealed towards cells of the strict anaerobic Archaean Methanosarcina barkeri, whose cell walls contain no murein. Possible mechanisms of the effect of recDest-Lys on these cells are discussed.

Abstract sourced from PubMed (NCBI) for the cited record. See the original publication for the authoritative version.

Publication typeJournal ArticleResearch Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
Indexed MeSH termsAnimalsAnti-Infective AgentsEndopeptidasesFluorescent DyesLeechesMicroscopy, Electron, TransmissionMuramidaseRecombinant ProteinsSubstrate Specificity

Summary

Recombinant destabilase-lysozyme exhibits muramidase, isopeptidase and antimicrobial activity against M. barkeri.

Why This Matters for Hirudotherapy

This study describes the preparation and functional characterization of a recombinant destabilase-lysozyme protein derived

Citation

Destabilase-lysozyme of medicinal leech. Multifunctionality of recombinant protein.

Zavalova LL et al. · Biochemistry (Mosc), 2010

Added to ASH library: May 27, 2026 · Site last updated: June 18, 2026

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