The insulin and glucagon degrading proteinase of rat liver: a metal-dependent enzyme.

Insulin and glucagon degrading proteinase (EC 3.4.23.5) purified from rat liver cytosol was characterized using radioiodinated insulin and glucagon as substrates. Maximum activity for breakdown of both hormones was found at pH 8.1. Thiol blocking reagents as well as indole derivatives inhibit the proteinase, whereas pepstatin, leupeptin, bestatin, elastatinal, antipain, chymostatin and phosphoramidon do not have any effect. Although the Km values and maximal velocities of insulin and glucagon breakdown deviate strongly from each other, the specificity constants (kcat/Km) for both substrates are nearly identical. The insulin and glucagon degrading proteinase, known as a thiol-dependent enzyme, was found to be also a metallo enzyme. Chelating agents, such as EDTA, EGTA, bipyridine and o-phenanthroline show a concentration dependent inhibition. The strongest inhibitor found was o-phenanthroline. Zn++, Co++, Mn++, and to a smaller extent Cd++ and Fe++, are capable of preventing the o-phenanthroline mediated inhibition. Removal of the protein-bound metal(s) results in a nearly total and irreversible loss of enzymatic activity.