Enzymatic fragments as possible regulatory oligopeptides

Abstract

The enzyme, bromelain, is known to catalyze protein proteolysis and to activate many protective processes occurring with participation of the nervous, immune, and endocrine systems. In this connection, a computer analysis of all the possible 4–6-member fragments of bromelain was performed by means of a comparison of their primary structures with amino acid sequences of all the known natural oligopeptides. Information from the EROP-Moscow data base that contains data on the structures and functions of natural oligopeptides and specially written computer programs were used for this purpose. It was shown that tetra-, penta-, and hexapeptide fragments of the bromelain molecules are involved in amino acid sequences of many natural oligopeptides, including antimicrobial oligopeptides, toxins, neuropeptides, and hormones. These results confirmed deep relationship between the basic regulatory systems. In connection with the obtained data, the process of oligopeptide biogenesis, the possibility of natural formation of regulatory oligopeptides from the bromelain molecules, and correspondence of the obtained results with the conception of oligopeptide continuum are discussed. A possible practical importance of active fragments of protein enzymes in regulatory processes of a living organism is noted.