Purification and comparison of native and recombinant tRNA-guanine transglycosylases from Methanosarcina acetivorans

► Split-type ArcTGT was isolated from Methanosarcina acetivorans as a heterotetrameric complex. ► Recombinant ArcTGT was co-overexpressed by the two split peptides in Escherichia coli cells. ► One peptide alone did not result in expression products in soluble fractions. ► The kinetic parameters of the recombinant and native ArcTGTs were closely similar. ► Recombinant ArcTGT has potential to produce a possible intermediate, preQ0-tRNA.