3.4.21.B55 SDS mature insert-deletion variants are characterized and show that insert IS29 and insert IS8 contribute to enzyme activity and stability, respectively. In the presence of NaCl, pyrolysin undergoes autocleavage at two sites. One within insert IS29 and the other in insert IS27. Disrupting the ion pairs in IS27 and IS8 induces autocleavage in the absence of salts. Autocleavage products combine noncovalently to form an active, nicked enzyme that is resistant to SDS and urea denaturation 752548 3.4.21.B55 urea mature insert-deletion variants are characterized and show that insert IS29 and insert IS8 contribute to enzyme activity and stability, respectively. In the presence of NaCl, pyrolysin undergoes autocleavage at two sites. One within insert IS29 and the other in insert IS27. Disrupting the ion pairs in IS27 and IS8 induces autocleavage in the absence of salts. Autocleavage products combine noncovalently to form an active, nicked enzyme that is resistant to SDS and urea denaturation 752548