Purification and characterization of cysteine proteinase inhibitors from crucian carp Carassius auratus eggs

Two cystatins (cst-I and cst-II) were purified from crucian carp eggs by acidification and subsequent ion exchange and molecular sieve chromatography. The molecular masses of cst-I and cst-II analyzed by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis were 11.9 and 14.4 kDa, respectively, under reducing conditions and 13.5 and 12.7 kDa, respectively, under non-reducing conditions. The cst-I and cst-II molecules were stable after 30 min of incubation at 60 and 50degC, respectively. There was no significant loss in the inhibitory activity of either cst in the pH range 4-11. These two cystatins were able to affect the proteolysis of papain, cathepsin L, and bromelain, but they were unable to inhibit cathepsin B and trypsin. The partial N-terminal amino acid sequences of both cst inhibitors were homologous and that of cst-I was recognized as NH2-AGIPGGLVDADINDADVQ. This latter fragment shared 88.9% identity to common carp cystatin and 44.4-55.6% to cystatins of other aquatic animals. Based on these results, we conclude that the two cst inhibitors are members of family II cystatin.