Function of saposin C in the reconstitution of glucosylceramidase by phosphatidylserine liposomes

Abstract

The function of saposin C (Sap C), a glucosylceramidase activator protein, in the enzyme stimulation by phosphatidylserine (PS) liposomes has been investigated. Using gel filtration experiments evidence was obtained for Sap C binding to PS large unilamellar vesicles (LUV) but not to glucosylceramidase. PS LUV, which by themselves are unable to tightly bind and stimulate the enzyme, acquire the capacity to also bind the enzyme after interaction with Sap C, making it express its full activity. Our results indicate that the primary step in the Sap C mode of action resides in its association with PS membranes; in turn, this association promotes the interaction between the membranes and glucosylceramidase.