The stoichiometry of inhibition and binding of a protein proteinase inhibitor from Streptomyces (Streptomyces subtilisin inhibitor) against subtilisin BPN

The stoichiometry of inhibition and binding of Streptomyces subtilisin inhibitor, a protein proteinase inhibitor produced by Streptomyces albogriseolus S-3253 (Sato, S. and Murao, S. (1973) Agric. Biol. Chem. 37, 1067) against subtilisin BPN' [EC 3.4.21.14] was studied. The inhibition of the hydrolysis of p-nitrophenyl acetate by subtilisin BPN' was measured both at the pre-steady state with a stopped-flow apparatus and at the steady state. The stopped-flow study demonstrated the disappearance of the initial burst of the enzyme reaction. The ultra violet absorption difference spectra observed on mixing the inhibitor and the enzyme suggested changes in the environment of tryptophyl and tyrosyl residues in the proteins. Titration by means either of the degree of inhibition at the steady state or of the magnitude of the ultraviolet difference absorbance revealed that the inhibitor (dimer, MW: 23,000) bound and inhibited two molecules of subtilisin BPN'. The inhibitor constant, K1, against subtilisin BPN' was estimated to be less than 10−9 M at pH 8.50. The type of inhibition of this inhibitor is discussed.