Proteolysis in quaking mouse brain and spinal cord.

Six proteolytic enzymes were assayed for activity in quaking CNS in examining the hypothesis that increased proteolytic activity contributes to the hypomyelination characteristics of this mutant. Cathepsin B-like enzyme, cathepsin D, neutral proteinase, calcium-activated neutral proteinase, prolyl endopeptidase, and diaminopeptidase II were assayed in whole homogenate of brain or spinal cord and each was found to have activity similar to that in normal mice. These results do not support a relationship between proteolysis and the genetic defect and suggest that other factors should be investigated to delineate the pathogenesis of this mutant.