<em>β</em>-hexosaminidases (Hex) are dimeric enzymes involved in the lysosomal degradation of glycolipids and glycans. They are formed by <em>α</em>- and/or <em>β</em>-subunits encoded by HEXA and HEXB genes, respectively. Mutations in these genes lead to Tay Sachs or Sandhoff diseases, which are neurodegenerative disorders caused by the accumulation of non-degraded glycolipids. Although tissue-derived Hex have been widely characterized, limited information is available for recombinant <em>β</em>-hexosaminidases. In this study, human lysosomal recombinant Hex (rhHex-A, rhHex-B, and rhHex-S) were produced in the methylotrophic yeast <em>Pichia pastoris</em> <em>GS115</em>. The highest specific enzyme activities were 13,124 for rhHexA; 12,779 for rhHex-B; and 14.606 U.mg-1 for rhHex-S. These results were 25- to 50-fold higher than those obtained from normal human leukocytes. Proteins were purified and characterized at different pH and temperature conditions. All proteins were stable at acidic pH, and at<br />4 °C and 37 °C. At 45 °C rhHex-S was completely inactivated, while rhHex-A and rhHex-B showed high stability. This study demonstrates <em>P. pastoris GS115</em> potential for polymeric lysosomal enzyme production, and describes the characterization of recombinant <em>β</em>-hexosaminidases produced within the same host.

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