Purification and characterization of ovotransferrin from Crocodylus siamensis

Protein J. 2013 Feb;32(2):89-96. doi: 10.1007/s10930-012-9461-2.

Abstract

Ovotransferrin (OTf) is the major glycoprotein in reptile egg whites. However, knowledge concerning its functional and biological properties remains limited. In this study, OTf from Crocodylus siamensis was purified and characterized. The proteins were precipitated with 80 % ammonium sulfate and then purified by anion exchange chromatography followed by hydrophobic interaction chromatography. The purified crocodile ovotransferrin (cOTf) had a molecular weight of 79 kDa. Analysis by two-dimensional polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (2D-PAGE) indicated multiple isoforms of cOTf, which had isoelectric points ranging from 6.0 to 6.8. cOTf was N-linked glycosylated protein identified by using PNGase F deglycosylation technique. Optimal autoproteolysis of cOTf occurred under acidic conditions and pH values more than 5, which differs from that of OTf.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Alligators and Crocodiles
  • Animals
  • Conalbumin / chemistry*
  • Conalbumin / isolation & purification*
  • Electrophoresis, Gel, Two-Dimensional
  • Isoelectric Point
  • Molecular Weight
  • Ovum / chemistry
  • Reptilian Proteins / chemistry*
  • Reptilian Proteins / isolation & purification

Substances

  • Reptilian Proteins
  • Conalbumin