6168. Mexicain

Nomenclature

CAS number: 52500-59-1

Description and references

A cysteine proteinase obtained from the fruit of Pileus mexicanus probably identical with Leucopremna mexicana (A.DC.) Standl., Caricaceae: Castaneda-Agullo et al., Science 96, 365 (1942); J. Biol. Chem. 159, 751 (1945). Immunological studies: Estrada-Parra et al., Rev. Latinoam. Microbiol. Parasitol. 1969, 145, C.A. 72, 1744u (1970). Mol wt about 31,100; lysine and alanine believed to be the N- and C-terminal amino acids resp: Soriano et al., Rev. Latinoam. Quim. 1975, 143, C.A. 84, 56489t (1976).

Properties

Similar to but not identical with papain. Mexicain presents some advantage over papain, since it is more stable in solns and does not require cysteine. Isoelectric pt 9.12.