Resolution of Proteases in the Keratinolytic Larvae of the Webbing Clothes Moth

Abstract

The proteases of the larvae of the webbing clothes moth, Tineola bisselliella, were investigated because of this organism's phylogenetic rank as a member of the lower invertebrates, its unique position as one of the relatively few organisms that can digest keratin and its importance as a serious fabric pest. Both the number and nature of different proteolytic enzymes present were investigated and the various activities partially fractionated by ammonium sulphate precipitation and chromatography on DEAE-cellulose and Sephadex 0200 columns. A complex mixture of peptidases and proteinases has been found in extracts of whole larvae and has been shown to be associated with the larval digestive tract.