Purification and partial characterisation of a cathepsin L-like proteinase from sea cucumber (Stichopus japonicus) and its tissue distribution in body wall

•A 30.9kDa proteinase was isolated from sea cucumber gut.•Enzyme properties suggested the proteinase was cathepsin L-like proteinase.•The distribution of the proteinase showed correlation with autolysis rate. A cathepsin L-like proteinase (CLP) with molecular weight of 30.9kDa from the gut of sea cucumber (Stichopus japonicas, S. japonicus) was isolated and purified to homogeneity by several chromatographic procedures. The enzyme exhibited optimum activity at pH 5.0–5.5 and 50°C, and showed thermostability up to 40°C. The enzyme activity was completely inhibited by Zn2+, strongly inhibited by Fe2+ and Cu2+, drastically reduced by cysteine proteinase inhibitors, but slightly enhanced by thiol-activating agents. The enzyme efficiently hydrolysed the specific substrate of cathepsin L, but hardly hydrolysed the specific substrates for cathepsin B, cathepsin H and cathepsin K. Immunohistochemical studies indicated that the CLP was more abundant in the epidermis rather than in the dermis of S. japonicus body wall. The distribution of CLP showed positive correlation with autolysis rate. Therefore, the relationship between CLP and autolysis deserved further study.