Conformational properties of streptokinase.

The conformational properties of streptokinase (SK) have been assessed by the techniques of differential scanning calorimetry, circular dichroism (CD), and through a combinational approach employing several algorithms which are predictive of secondary structural characteristics. In low ionic strength buffers, SK undergoes a reversible two-state thermal transition with a temperature of maximum heat capacity (Tm) of 46.1 +/- 0.9, a delta Hcal of 98 +/- 11 kcal/mol and a delta Hcal/delta HvH of approximately 1. In high ionic strength buffers, similar calorimetric properties were obtained with the exception that the delta Hcal/delta HvH values were considerably less than 1, indicating the existence of an additional irreversible thermally induced alteration in the molecule, most likely resulting in its aggregation. The effect of pH on the thermal unfolding properties of SK was determined. The results demonstrated that single two-state thermal transitions were obtained, with progressively decreasing Tm values, as the pH was reduced from 6.4 to 3.4, indicating a destabilization of the entire molecule at reduced pH. In the alkaline region, between pH 8.4 and 9.4, stabilization of a separate region of the molecule was obtained, as evidenced by an increase in the delta Hcal/delta HvH to values approximating 2. CD analysis was performed in order to estimate secondary structural characteristics of SK. The best fit of secondary structural parameters to the experimental CD spectrum provided estimates of 17% helices, 28% beta-sheet, 21% beta-turns, and 34% disordered structures. Both the intensity of the spectral band at 208 nm and the level of antiparallel beta-sheet strongly suggest that SK is an alpha + beta protein.