Neuraminidase

I.U.B.: 3.2.1.18

C.A.S.:9001-67-6

Acylneuraminyl hydrolase

Enzymatic Reactions: (images will open in a new window)

2,3-linked Neuraminic acid

2,6-linked Neuraminic acid

2,8-linked Neuraminic acid 

Neuraminidase (sialidase) splits off N-acetyl neuraminic acid (sialic acid) from a variety of glycoproteins.

Neuraminidases are important tools for the study of glycoproteins in protein chemistry and cell biology (Hatton et al. 1973).

Worthington neuraminidase is derived from Clostridium perfringens. Chromatographic purification has been developed in this laboratory based on work of Cassidy et al. (1965). Wooley and Gommi (1966) describe the use of this neuraminidase in a method for measuring serotonin receptors. It is also employed to determine bound N-acetylneuraminic acid in tissues.

Characteristics of Neuraminidase from Clostridium perfringens:

Optimum pH:

5.0-5.1 (Burton 1963). Little or no activity at pH 4.0 or above pH 8.0.

Isoelectric point:

5.1 (Groome and Belyaven 1958).

Activators:

None, in contrast to the neuraminidase from Vibrio which has a divalent metal requirement.

Inhibitors:

Considerable interest has been shown in using neuraminidase inhibitors as possible anti-viral and anti-bacterial agents. (Khorlin et al. 1970; Haskell et al. 1970; and Tute 1970).

Stabilizers:

Serum albumin, 0.3 mg/ml (Cassidy et al. 1965).

Stability:

The purified preparation is stable for at least two years when stored at 4°C (Cassidy et al. 1965).