PRSS3 exhibits trypsin-like enzymatic activity, cleaving peptide bonds after lysine or arginine residues. Unique characteristics include:
Inhibitor Resistance: Unlike other trypsins, PRSS3 is unaffected by inhibitors like SPINK1 .
Tissue Expression: Primarily expressed in the pancreas and brain .
Catalytic Mechanism: Utilizes a serine residue in its catalytic triad for proteolytic activity .
Short-term storage at 4°C (2–4 weeks) or long-term at -20°C with carrier proteins (e.g., 0.1% HSA/BSA) .
Digestive Function: PRSS3 contributes to dietary protein digestion in the pancreas .
Disease Associations:
Genetic Variants: Screening of 313 chronic pancreatitis (CP) patients revealed no disease-associated PRSS3 variants (e.g., p.T167A showed normal secretion/activity) .
Enzymatic Activity: PRSS3 degrades trypsin inhibitors like SPINK1, potentially exacerbating CP if prematurely activated .
PRSS3 is produced using the Spodoptera frugiperda (Sf9) insect cell line. This method involves the expression of the recombinant protein in insect cells, which allows for proper folding and post-translational modifications, resulting in a functional enzyme. The recombinant PRSS3 produced in Sf9 cells is a single, glycosylated polypeptide chain containing 233 amino acids, with a molecular mass of approximately 25.3 kDa .
The enzyme is characterized by its ability to cleave peptide bonds involving the carboxyl group of lysine or arginine. This specificity is crucial for its role in various physiological processes. PRSS3 is known to be active on peptide linkages and is involved in the digestion of proteins in the digestive system. It is also implicated in various cellular processes, including cell signaling and apoptosis .
Recombinant PRSS3 is typically supplied as a sterile, filtered, colorless solution. For short-term storage, it can be kept at 4°C if used within 2-4 weeks. For long-term storage, it is recommended to store the enzyme at -20°C, with the addition of a carrier protein such as human serum albumin (HSA) or bovine serum albumin (BSA) to prevent degradation. It is important to avoid multiple freeze-thaw cycles to maintain the enzyme’s activity and stability .
Due to its unique properties, recombinant PRSS3 is widely used in research settings. It is utilized in studies related to protein digestion, enzyme kinetics, and inhibitor screening. Additionally, its resistance to common trypsin inhibitors makes it a valuable tool for studying protease activity in various biological contexts .