Clostripain NB from Clostridium histolyticum

Clostripain also known as Clostridiopeptidase B or Endoproteinase Arg-C is a proteinase that cleaves peptide bonds on the carboxyl side of arginine. This protein is a heterodimer composed of a heavy and a light chain that are held together via strong noncovalent forces. As a proteolytic enzyme it can be used for isolation of various cell types by tissue dissociation.

Clostripain exists in two different forms, an oxidized, native condition and a reduced activated form that differ in enzymatic activity. The native clostripain can be activated with reducing agents (e.g. DTT, Cysteine) resulting in a higher activity of the enzyme.