The pro-region of human intestinal lactase-phlorizin hydrolase is enzymatically inactive towards lactose.

The pro-region of intestinal lactase-phlorizin hydrolase (LPH alpha) has been proposed to be important for the correct folding of pro-LPH and mature LPH (LPH beta). In this communication, analysis of the catalytic function of the LPH alpha pro-region is presented. Expression of a cDNA encoding LPH alpha in COS-1 cells reveals a polypeptide that does not hydrolyse lactose. Likewise, no lactase activity is detected in LPH alpha purified from trypsin-treated pro-LPH. Mixing of LPH alpha and LPH beta does not lead to the activation of the latter. We conclude that LPH alpha does not contribute to the lactase activity despite the strong homologies with mature LPH beta. LPH alpha may play an important role as an intra-molecular chaperone.