The Department of Genetic Medicine at Weill Cornell leads a dynamic and innovative translational research program, advancing diverse fields such as Genetic Therapy and Personalized Medicine.
Our translational research program aims to leverage our expertise in genetic therapies and personalized medicine to develop clinical solutions that target the molecular causes of human diseases.
The Department of Genetic Medicine advances treatments and diagnostics through diverse clinical trials, including drug testing and research to better understand diseases.
The Department of Genetic Medicine at Weill Cornell leads a dynamic and innovative translational research program, advancing diverse fields such as Genetic Therapy and Personalized Medicine.
Our translational research program aims to leverage our expertise in genetic therapies and personalized medicine to develop clinical solutions that target the molecular causes of human diseases.
The Department of Genetic Medicine advances treatments and diagnostics through diverse clinical trials, including drug testing and research to better understand diseases.
Altered specificities of genetically engineered alpha 1 antitrypsin variants.
Publication Type
Academic Article
Authors
Jallat S, Carvallo D, Tessier L, Roecklin D, Roitsch C, Ogushi F, Crystal R, Courtney M
Journal
Protein Eng
Volume
1
Issue
1
Pagination
29-35
Date Published
01/01/1986
ISSN
0269-2139
Keywords
alpha 1-Antitrypsin
Abstract
Seven active site variants of human alpha 1-antitrypsin (alpha 1AT) were produced in Escherichia coli following site-specific mutagenesis of the alpha 1AT complementary DNA. alpha 1AT (Ala358), alpha 1AT (Ile358) and alpha 1AT (Val358) were efficient inhibitors of both neutrophil and pancreatic elastases, but not of cathepsin G. alpha 1AT (Ala356, Val358) and alpha 1AT (Phe358) specifically inhibited pancreatic elastase and cathepsin G respectively. The most potent inhibitor of neutrophil elastase was alpha 1AT (Leu358), which also proved to be effective against cathepsin G. The alpha 1AT (Arg358) variant inactivated thrombin with kinetics similar to antithrombin III in the presence of heparin. Electrophoretic analysis showed that SDS-stable high mol. wt complexes were formed between the mutant inhibitors and the cognate proteases in each case. These data indicate that effective inhibition occurs when the alpha 1AT P1 residue (position 358) corresponds to the primary specificity of the target protease. Moreover, alteration of the P3 residue (position 356) can further modify the reactivity of the inhibitor. Two of the variants have therapeutic potential: alpha 1AT (Leu358) may be more useful than plasma alpha 1AT in the treatment of destructive lung disorders and alpha 1AT (Arg358) could be effective in the control of thrombosis.