Identification and characterization of hydrolytic enzymes from the midgut of the cotton bollworm, Helicoverpa armigera Hübner (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae)

Abstract

Midgut hydrolytic enzymes of Helicoverpa armigera Hübner (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) were identified and partially characterized. Km, Vmax, optimum, and specific activity were determined for proteolytic enzymes and α- amylases. All hydrolytic enzyme activity had an optimum value in the alkaline range. We observed major serine protease activity, together with minor cysteine-like activity, the former being significantly inhibited by soybean trypsin inhibitor (SBTI) and aprotinin. Moreover, different degrees of inhibition were observed with synthetic protease inhibitors. Electrophoretic methods revealed 3 isozymes of α-amylases, of which 2 had higher molecular weight and were more active than the other. Inhibition of amylolytic activity was observed with wheat α-amylase inhibitor (WAAI), whereas partially purified maize, chickpea, and bean seed crude extracts did not exhibit inhibitory activity toward α-amylases. To the best of our knowledge this is the first report on the properties of α-amylases from Helicoverpa armigera and the effects of several plant-originated a-amylase inhibitors on them. © TÜBİTAK.