Efforts toward the direct experimental characterization of enzyme microenvironments: tyrosine100 in dihydrofolate reductase

Angew Chem Int Ed Engl. 2009;48(19):3478-81. doi: 10.1002/anie.200806239.

Abstract

State secrets: Site-specific deuteration and FTIR studies reveal that Tyr100 in dihydrofolate reductase plays an important role in catalysis, with a strong electrostatic coupling occurring between Tyr100 and the charge that develops in the hydride-transfer transition state (see picture, NADP(+) purple, Tyr100 green). However, relaying correlated motions that facilitate catalysis from distal sites of the protein to the hydride donor may also be involved.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Catalysis
  • Mutagenesis, Site-Directed
  • Protein Conformation
  • Spectroscopy, Fourier Transform Infrared
  • Static Electricity
  • Tetrahydrofolate Dehydrogenase / chemistry*
  • Tetrahydrofolate Dehydrogenase / genetics
  • Tyrosine / chemistry*
  • Tyrosine / genetics

Substances

  • Tyrosine
  • Tetrahydrofolate Dehydrogenase