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Original

Blood Group B Degrading Activity of Ruminococcus gnavus α-Galactosidase

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Pages 263-274 | Published online: 11 Jul 2009
 

Abstract

Ruminococcus gnavus is a Gram positive, nonspore-forming obligate anaerobe normally found in the human alimentary tract. In culture, this organism constitutively produces a 1–3 α-galactosidase. We fractionated and characterized this enzyme demonstrating hydrolysis of the B epitope on erythrocyte membranes and seroconversion to H epitope (blood type O). Since the enzyme yield was low, cell suspension studies could not be performed. Instead, hydrolysis of the B membrane epitope was studied with an ELISA. A highly purified enzyme product was analyzed for characteristics such as pH, ionic strength, and temperature optimum. Activity in red cell preservative solutions and in the presence of type B plasma was also demonstrated. Ruminococcus gnavus a 1–3 α-galactosidase has potential application in the enzymatic conversion of type B to O packed red blood cell units.

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