Subcellular localization and levels of aminopeptidases and dipeptidase in Saccharomyces cerevisiae

Abstract

Three aminopeptidases (L-aminoacyl L-peptide hydrolases, EC 3.4.11) and a single dipeptidase (L-aminoacyl L-amino acid hydrolase, EC 3.4.13) are present in homogenates of Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Bassed on differences in substrate specificity and the sensitivity to Zn2+ activation, methods were developed that allow the selective assay of these enzymes in crude cell extracts. Experiments with isolated vacuoles showed that aminopeptidase I is the only yeast peptidase located in the vacuolar compartment. Aminopeptidase II (the other major aminopeptidase of yeast) seems to be an external enzyme, located mainly outside the plasmalemma. The synthesis of aminopeptidase I is repressed in media containing more than 1% glucose. In the presence of ammonia as the sole nitrogen source its activity is enhanced 3--10-fold when compared to that in cells grown on peptone. In contrast, the levels of aminopeptidase II and dipeptidase are less markedly dependent on growth medium composition. It is concluded that aminopeptidase II facilitates amino acid uptake by degrading peptides extracellularly, whereas aminopeptidase I is involved in intracellular protein degradation.