Abstract:
Dengue viruses consist of a group of four serologically related viruses referred to as
dengue virus serotypes 1-4, characterized by large genetic and immunological distances.
Virus-encoded two-component protease NS2B-NS3 specifically mediates processing of the
viral polyprotein, liberating individual proteins from the precursor. Amino acid sequence
analysis of the NS2B cofactor region and NS3 protease domain from four serotypes reveals
the relatively low sequence identity. This genetic divergence may lead to changes in
functional properties. This thesis study is therefore aimed to elucidate biochemical and kinetic
properties of the protease complexes from four dengue virus serotypes.
An active form of protease complexes of four serotypes encompassing the NS2B
hydrophilic domain linked to the NS3 protease domain, NS2B(H)-NS3(pro), were constructed
by RT-PCR and SOE-PCR. Recombinant proteins were expressed in Escherichia coli and
purified by metal chelate affinity chromatography followed by size-exclusion chromatography
under denaturing conditions. Renaturation of precursors, mediated by artificial chaperoneassisted
refolding yielded the active proteases evidenced by their autoprocessing at the
NS2B/NS3 site. Proteolytic activity of DEN-2, 3 and 4 proteases was assessed using a
fluorogenic substrate, Boc-G-R-R-AMC. Enzymes were active-site titrated, and measured
velocities were corrected for the inner filter effect. Kinetic studies revealed a comparable Km
value whilst the kcat was significantly different. The rank order for catalytic efficiency
(kcat/Km) was DEN-4 (4,554.6 ± 169.2 M-1s-1) > DEN-2 (2,904.7 ± 30.7 M-1s-1) > DEN-3
(1,490.9 ± 65.9 M-1s-1). Stability assays also demonstrated drastic differences in half-life (t1/2)
at 50°C with the highest stability in DEN-2 (247.0 ± 0.8 min) followed by DEN-3 (70.3 ± 5.0
min) and DEN-4 (21.4 ± 1.8 min). However, all proteases shared close proximity in pH and
ionic strength dependence as well as their overall tertiary structure as determined by
fluorescence spectroscopy. These novel findings make an inference that genetic diversity of
protease complexes among the multiple serotypes of dengue viruses has led to marked
differences in thermostability and proteolytic efficiency while retaining a structural
conservation, suggesting an adaptation of these serotypes to distinct selection pressures,
thereby increasing viral fitness