ADP-ribosylation of membrane proteins of Streptomyces griseus strain 52-1.

Membranes purified from cells of Streptomyces griseus strain 52-1 possess an ADP-ribosyltransferase activity. The enzyme transfers the ADP-ribose moiety of NAD to one major membrane protein of Mr 32,000 and 2-3 minor proteins of larger molecular weights. The effects of inhibitors on the ADP-ribosyltransferase activity proves that the reaction is enzymatic and suggests that the enzyme ADP-ribosylates the guanidine group of arginine. The kinetics of liberation of ADP-ribose during alkaline hydrolysis of the modified proteins is consistent with the arginine-ADP-ribose bond. This is the first report of ADP-ribosylation of proteins in a Gram-positive bacterium.