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Protein tyrosine phosphatases (PTPs) possess a conserved mobile catalytic loop, the WPD-loop, which brings an aspartic acid into the active site where it acts as an acid/base catalyst. Prior experimental and computational studies, focused on the human enzyme PTP1B and the PTP from Yersinia pestis, YopH, suggested that loop conformational dynamics are important in regulating both catalysis and evolvability. We have generated a chimeric protein in which the WPD-loop of YopH is transposed into PTP1B, and eight chimeras that systematically restored the loop sequence back to native PTP1B. Of these, four chimeras were soluble and were subjected to detailed biochemical and structural characterization, and a computational analysis of their WPD-loop dynamics. The chimeras maintain backbone structural integrity, with somewhat slower rates than either wild-type parent, and show differences in the pH dependency of catalysis, and changes in the effect of Mg2+. The chimeric proteins’ WPD-loops differ significantly in their relative stability and rigidity. The time required for interconversion, coupled with electrostatic effects revealed by simulations, likely accounts for the activity differences between chimeras, and relative to the native enzymes. Our results further the understanding of connections between enzyme activity and the dynamics of catalytically important groups, particularly the effects of non-catalytic residues on key conformational equilibria.

This work reports the catalysis of bare silica materials (MCM-41, SBA-15, and silica gel) for the complete hydrolyses of bis(2,4-nitrophenyl)phosphate (BDNPP) and bis(4-nitrophenyl)phosphate (BNPP)...

The D37 and T100′ side chains of orotidine 5′-monophosphate decarboxylase (OMPDC) interact with the C-3′ and C-2′ ribosyl hydroxyl groups, respectively, of the bound substrate. We compare the intra-subunit interactions of D37 with the inter-subunit interactions of T100′ by determining the effects of the D37G, D37A, T100′G, and T100′A substitutions on the following: (a) kcat and kcat/Km values for the OMPDC-catalyzed decarboxylations of OMP and 5-fluoroorotidine 5′-monophosphate (FOMP) and (b) the stability of dimeric OMPDC relative to the monomer. The D37G and T100′A substitutions resulted in 2 kcal mol–1 increases in ΔG† for kcat/Km for the decarboxylation of OMP, while the D37A and T100′G substitutions resulted in larger 4 and 5 kcal mol–1 increases, respectively, in ΔG†. The D37G and T100′A substitutions both resulted in smaller 2 kcal mol–1 decreases in ΔG† for the decarboxylation of FOMP compared to that of OMP. These results show that the D37G and T100′A substitutions affect the barrier to the chemical decarboxylation step while the D37A and T100′G substitutions also affect the barrier to a slow, ligand-driven enzyme conformational change. Substrate binding induces the movement of an α-helix (G′98–S′106) toward the substrate C-2′ ribosyl hydroxy bound at the main subunit. The T100′G substitution destabilizes the enzyme dimer by 3.5 kcal mol–1 compared to the monomer, which is consistent with the known destabilization of α-helices by the internal Gly side chains [Serrano, L., et al. (1992) Nature, 356, 453–455]. We propose that the T100′G substitution weakens the α-helical contacts at the dimer interface, which results in a decrease in the dimer stability and an increase in the barrier to the ligand-driven conformational change.

The role of a global, substrate-driven, enzyme conformational change in enabling the extraordinarily large rate acceleration for orotidine 5’-monophosphate decarboxylase (OMPDC)-catalyzed decarboxylation of orotidine 5’-monophosphate (OMP) is examined in experiments that focus on the interactions between OMPDC and the ribosyl hydroxyl groups of OMP. The D37 and T100’ side chains of OMPDC interact, respectively, with the C-3’ and C-2’ hydroxyl groups of enzyme-bound OMP. D37G and T100’A substitutions result in 1.4 kcal/mol increases in the activation barrier ΔG(‡) for catalysis of decarboxylation of the phosphodianion truncated substrate 1-(β-D-erythrofuranosyl)orotic acid (EO), but in larger 2.1–2.9 kcal/mole increases in ΔG(‡) for decarboxylation of OMP, and for phosphite dianion-activated decarboxylation of EO. This shows that these substitutions reduce transition state stabilization by the Q215, Y217 and R235 side chain at the dianion binding site. The D37G and T100’A substitutions result in

Protein tyrosine phosphatases (PTPs) possess a mobile, conserved catalytic loop, the WPD-loop, which brings an aspartic acid into the active site where it acts as an acid/base catalyst. Prior experimental and computational studies, focused on the human enzyme PTP1B and the PTP from Yersinia pestis, YopH, suggested that loop conformational dynamics are important in regulating both catalysis and evolvability. Also, work on Chimeras of YopH bearing parts of the WPD-loop sequence from PTP1B demonstrated unusual structural perturbations and reduced activity. In the present study, we have generated a chimeric protein in which the WPD-loop of YopH is transposed into PTP1B, and eight chimeras that systematically restored the loop sequence back to native PTP1B. Of these, four chimeras were soluble and were subjected to detailed biochemical and structural characterization, and a computational analysis of their WPD-loop dynamics in catalysis. These chimeras maintain backbone structural integrity, with somewhat slower rates than either wild-type parent, despite unaltered chemical mechanisms and transition states. The chimeric proteins’ WPD-loops differ significantly in their relative stability and rigidity. In particular, the open WPD-loops sample multiple metastable and interconverting conformations. The time required for interconversion, coupled with electrostatic effects revealed by simulations, likely accounts for the activity differences between chimeras, and relative to the native enzymes. These differences in loop dynamics affect both the pH dependency of catalysis and turnover rate. Our results further the understanding of connections between enzyme activity and the dynamics of catalytically important groups, particularly the effects of non-catalytic residues on key conformational equilibria.

Herein, we present the light-induced synthesis and characterization of a La3+/spiropyran derivative complex (LaMC) and its application as a catalyst when incorporated into electrospun polycaprolactone (PCL) fibers. In addition to experimental methods, computational calculations were also essential to better understand the structure and electronic characteristics of LaMC. The LaMC complex was identified as a 10-coordinated structure with the La3+ ion coordinated by four oxygens from the phenolate and the carbonyl of the carboxyl acid group from both MC ligands and by six oxygens from three nitrate ligands. In addition, LaMC was capable of getting reversibly isomerized by UV or visible light cycling. All PCL fibers were successively obtained, and their morphologies, surface properties, and catalytic behavior were studied. Results showed that PCL/LaMC fibers were capable of catalyzing bis(2,4-dinitrophenyl)phosphate degradation efficiently. Complete hydrolysis was accomplished in only 1.5 days relative to the half-life time of 35 days for the uncatalyzed hydrolysis at pH 8.1 and 25 °C.

Phosphate esters and analogs thereof are well known in chemistry and biology by their formidable stability. We used a porous silica material (PSiM) functionalized with amino groups (8.4%) and lanthanum ions (1.5%) to catalyze the cleavage of bis(2,4-dinitrophenyl)phosphate (BDNPP). The functionalized PSiM attracted the substrate from solution and accelerated its hydrolysis by 38-fold in relation to the uncatalyzed reaction at pH 8.14. After an induction period associated to hydration of the catalyst during the first use, the catalytic activity increased in the first reuse to about 600-fold. Supramolecular effects were proposed to drive the catalytic process. Kinetic studies in different pH's showed that the lanthanum ion and amino groups acted mutually in the BDNPP hydrolysis and a reaction mechanism that took this into account was proposed.

The second enzyme of the naphthalene degradation pathway in Pseudomonas putida G7 is NahB, a dehydrogenase that converts cis-1,2-dihydroxy-1,2-dihydronaphthalene to 1,2-dihydroxynaphthalene. We report the cloning, optimization of expression, purification, kinetic studies and preliminary structural characterization of the recombinant NahB. The nahB gene was cloned into a T7 expression vector and the enzyme was overexpressed in Escherichia coli Rosetta (DE3) as an N-terminal hexa-histidine-tagged protein (6xHis-NahB). Using methods of enhancing protein stability in solution, we tested different expression, cell lysis, and purification protocols with and without ligand supplementation. The protein stability was evaluated by dynamic light scattering and circular dichroism spectroscopy assays. Best-derived protocols (expression at 18 °C, cell lysis with homogenizer, and three purification steps) were used to produce 20 mg of homogeneous 6xHis-NahB per liter of culture. The secondary and quaternary structures of 6xHis-NahB were assessed by circular dichroism and size-exclusion chromatography experiments, respectively. The enzyme was NAD+-dependent and active at pH 7.0 and 9.4 for the oxidation of the substrate. The Michaelis-Menten parameters determined at pH 7.0 and 25 °C for the substrate and cofactor, presented respective Km values of 6 and 350 μM, and a kcat value of 8.3 s−1. Furthermore, we identified conditions for the crystallization of 6xHis-NahB. X-ray diffraction data were collected from a single 6xHis-NahB crystal which diffracted to 2.21 A. The crystal belongs to space group I222, with unit-cell parameters a = 63.62, b = 69.50, and c = 117.47 A. The tertiary structure of 6xHis-NahB was determined using the molecular replacement method. Further structural refinement is currently underway.

Phosphoimidazole-containing compounds are versatile players in biological and chemical processes. We explore catalytic and mechanistic criteria for the efficient formation of cyclic aryl phosphoimidazoles in aqueous solution, viewed as a template reaction for the in situ synthesis of related compounds. To provide a detailed analysis for this reaction a series of o-(2′-imidazolyl)naphthyl (4-nitrophenyl) phosphate isomers were examined to provide a basis for analysis of both mechanism and the influence of structural factors affecting the nucleophilic attack of the imidazolyl group on the phosphorus center of the substrate. Formation of the cyclic aryl phosphoimidazoles was probed by NMR and ESI-MS techniques. Kinetic experiments show that cyclization is faster under alkaline conditions, with an effective molarity up to 2900 M for the imidazolyl group, ruling out competition from external nucleophiles. Heavy atom isotope effect and computational studies show that the reaction occurs through a SN2(P)-type me...

Salicylate hydroxylase (NahG) is a flavin-dependent monooxygenase that catalyzes the decarboxylative hydroxylation of salicylate into catechol in the naphthalene degradation pathway in Pseudomonas putida G7. We explored the mechanism of action of this enzyme in detail using a combination of structural and biophysical methods. NahG shares many structural and mechanistic features with other versatile flavin-dependent monooxygenases, with potential biocatalytic applications. The crystal structure at 2.0 A resolution for the apo form of NahG adds a new snapshot preceding the FAD binding in flavin-dependent monooxygenases. The kcat/Km for the salicylate reaction catalyzed by the holo form is >105 M−1 s−1 at pH 8.5 and 25 °C. Hammett plots for Km and kcat using substituted salicylates indicate change in rate-limiting step. Electron-donating groups favor the hydroxylation of salicylate by a peroxyflavin to yield a Wheland-like intermediate, whereas the decarboxylation of this intermediate is faster for electron-withdrawing groups. The mechanism is supported by structural data and kinetic studies at different pHs. The salicylate carboxyl group lies near a hydrophobic region that aids decarboxylation. A conserved histidine residue is proposed to assist the reaction by general base/general acid catalysis.

Steady-state and time-resolved spectroscopy and quantum chemical computational studies were employed to investigate ground and excited state proton transfer of a novel series of ortho-(1H-imidazol-2-yl)naphthol constitutional isomers: 1-(1H-imidazol-2-yl)naphthalen-2-ol (1NI2OH), 2-(1H-imidazol-2-yl)naphthalen-1-ol (2NI1OH) and 3-(1H-imidazol-2-yl)naphthalen-2-ol (3NI2OH). Proper Near Attack Conformations (NACs) involving a strong intramolecular hydrogen bond between the naphthol moiety and the ortho-imidazole group account for the highest ground state acidity of 2NI1OH compared with 1NI2OH and 3NI2OH. Moreover, ESIPT for 2NI1OH and 3NI2OH is further associated with planar chelate H-ring formation whereas 1NI2OH shows the highest ESIPT barrier and a noncoplanar imidazole group. In addition to energetic and structural requirements, the final state also depends on electronic configuration of the ESIPT product with the neutral 3NI2OH showing an ICT effect that correlates with the excited state pKa of the cationic species.

The salicylaldehyde dehydrogenase (NahF) catalyzes the oxidation of salicylaldehyde to salicylate using NAD(+) as a cofactor, the last reaction of the upper degradation pathway of naphthalene in Pseudomonas putida G7. The naphthalene is an abundant and toxic compound in oil and has been used as a model for bioremediation studies. The steady-state kinetic parameters for oxidation of aliphatic or aromatic aldehydes catalyzed by 6xHis-NahF are presented. The 6xHis-NahF catalyzes the oxidation of aromatic aldehydes with large kcat/Km values close to 10(6) M(-1) s(-1). The active site of NahF is highly hydrophobic, and the enzyme shows higher specificity for less polar substrates than for polar substrates, e.g., acetaldehyde. The enzyme shows α/β folding with three well-defined domains: the oligomerization domain, which is responsible for the interlacement between the two monomers; the Rossmann-like fold domain, essential for nucleotide binding; and the catalytic domain. A salicylaldehyde molecule was observed in a deep pocket in the crystal structure of NahF where the catalytic C284 and E250 are present. Moreover, the residues G150, R157, W96, F99, F274, F279, and Y446 were thought to be important for catalysis and specificity for aromatic aldehydes. Understanding the molecular features responsible for NahF activity allows for comparisons with other aldehyde dehydrogenases and, together with structural information, provides the information needed for future mutational studies aimed to enhance its stability and specificity and further its use in biotechnological processes.

Hybrid quantum mechanical/effective fragment potential (QM/EFP) calculations, in conjunction with the quantum theory of atoms in molecules (QTAIM) and energy decomposition analysis (EDA), were employed to investigate the reaction mechanism and stereo-electronic effects along the alkaline hydrolysis of the monoethyl phosphate dianion (MEP) and the diethylphosphate monoanion (DEP). Reactions proceed through a synchronous bimolecular ANDN mechanism for MEP and a stepwise (AN + DN) mechanism for DEP, with the formation of a phosphorane intermediate, having an overall reaction free energy and barrier of 11.5 and 43.0 kcal mol(-1), respectively. In addition, ab initio molecular dynamics simulations were performed to investigate the stability of the phosphorane pentacoordinate intermediate observed in the reaction of the phosphate diester. The phosphorane intermediate has a lifetime of ∼1 ps after which it decomposes into the corresponding alcohol and phosphate monoester dianion. Electrostatics governs the interaction between the nucleophile and the phosphate ester. However, some degree of covalence in the interaction starts to appear at distances shorter than 2.45 Å for MEP and 2.63 Å for DEP. For the monoester, the electrostatic repulsive terms are the dominant contributions for the formation of the transition state. On the other hand, for the phosphate diester, the formation of the P-OH bond is dominated by associative terms of electrostatic nature.

The movement of a conserved protein loop (the WPD-loop) is important in catalysis by protein tyrosine phosphatases (PTPs). Using kinetics, isotope effects, and X-ray crystallography, the different effects arising from mutation of the conserved tryptophan in the WPD-loop were compared in two PTPs, the human PTP1B, and the bacterial YopH from Yersinia. Mutation of the conserved tryptophan in the WPD-loop to phenylalanine has a negligible effect on k(cat) in PTP1B and full loop movement is maintained. In contrast, the corresponding mutation in YopH reduces k(cat) by two orders of magnitude and the WPD loop locks in an intermediate position, disabling general acid catalysis. During loop movement the indole moiety of the WPD-loop tryptophan moves in opposite directions in the two enzymes. Comparisons of mammalian and bacterial PTPs reveal differences in the residues forming the hydrophobic pocket surrounding the conserved tryptophan. Thus, although WPD-loop movement is a conserved feature in PTPs, differences exist in the molecular details, and in the tolerance to mutation, in PTP1B compared to YopH. Despite high structural similarity of the active sites in both WPD-loop open and closed conformations, differences are identified in the molecular details associated with loop movement in PTPs from different organisms.

Hydroxylamine reacts with aspirin in aqueous solution at 25 °C predominantly through oxygen, to give O-acetylhydroxylamine as the initial product (Scheme 3). The reaction is much faster than the intramolecular general base catalysed hydrolysis of the carboxylate anion, as it is also for the CO2H form of aspirin. Both reactions are faster than expected, consistent with moderate activation and/or proton transfer catalysis of hydroxylaminolysis by both CO2 – and CO2H groups. Calculations support oxygen attack as the preferred reaction, but do not permit a clear choice between mechanisms involving NH2OH and + NH3–O – as the effective nucleophile.

Three new homodinuclear complexes containing substituted phenolate-type ligands based on the N5O2 donor (2-(N,N-Bis(2-pyridylmethyl)aminomethyl)-6-(N′,N′-(2-hydroxybenzyl)(2-pyridylmethyl))aminomethyl)-4-methylphenol (H2L-H) were synthesized and characterized by X-ray crystallography. Potentiometric titration studies in 70% (v/v) aqueous ethanol show that all three complexes exhibit a common {CuII(µ-phenoxo)(µ-OH)CuII(OH)} core in solution. Kinetic studies on the oxidation reaction of 3,5-di-tert-butylcatechol revealed that the catalytic activity of the metal complexes increases toward the ligand containing an electron-donating group. In addition, these complexes also carried out DNA cleavage by hydrolytic and oxidative pathways. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Catalysis by protein-tyrosine phosphatase 1B (PTP1B) occurs through a two-step mechanism involving a phosphocysteine intermediate. We have solved crystal structures for the transition state analogs for both steps. Together with previously reported crystal structures of apo-PTP1B, the Michaelis complex of an inactive mutant, the phosphoenzyme intermediate, and the product complex, a full picture of all catalytic steps can now be depicted. The transition state analog for the first catalytic step comprises a ternary complex between the catalytic cysteine of PTP1B, vanadate, and the peptide DADEYL, a fragment of a physiological substrate. The equatorial vanadate oxygen atoms bind to the P-loop, and the apical positions are occupied by the peptide tyrosine oxygen and by the PTP1B cysteine sulfur atom. The vanadate assumes a trigonal bipyramidal geometry in both transition state analog structures, with very similar apical O–O distances, denoting similar transition states for both phosphoryl transfer steps. Detailed interactions between the flanking peptide and the enzyme are discussed.

Hydrolysis of p-methylphenyl trichloroacetate in water–acetonitrile mixtures was studied as a function of water concentration in the range 5.5–55.5 M. The proton inventory technique, in H2O–D2O mixtures, shows, for a value of D atom fraction in the solvent n = 0.5, deviations from the expected value (for a reaction with one proton being transferred) of 7.5 and 12.3%, for experiments in the presence of 16.6 and 33.3 M L2O (L = H or D), respectively. Theoretical treatment of the data obtained at [L2O] = 16.6 M using the Gross–Butler equation are consistent with a cyclic transition-state structure with three protons involved. Conversely, similar experiments in the presence of [L2O] = 33.3 M show that multiple water molecules are involved in the transition state of the reaction. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Potassium 4-nitrophenyl sulfate, C6H4KNO6S, crystallizes in the orthorhombic system, Pbca space group, with cell parameters: a=6.990(1), b=13.130(1), c=19.180(1) A, V=1760.3(3) A3. The asymmetric unit consists of a discrete ionic pair of the salt. The packing shows the K+ ion surrounded by eight oxygen atoms from six different p-nitrophenyl sulfate anions. In addition, the structure–structure and structure–reactivity correlations relevant to sulfate transfer process are discussed.

The hydrolysis of benzoic anhydride (Bz2O) in the presence of β-cyclodextrin (β-CD) was studied in aqueous solution as a function of pH, temperature and ionic strength, at 25°C. The experimental rate constant versus pH profiles show that, in the region of spontaneous water reaction (pH 3.0–6.5), β-CD inhibits the reaction and the isotope effect indicates that the rate determining step of the reaction corresponds to the water-catalyzed nucleophilic attack of water on the carbonyl group of Bz2O. Conversely, whereas inhibition is observed at pH 6.0, catalysis of the hydroxide ion reaction is observed at pH 8.0 and it is found that the activation entropy is responsible for the catalytic phenomena in the basic hydrolysis of benzoic anhydride. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Polygodial is a sesquiterpene drimane isolated from the genus Drimys, whichexhibits anti-asthmatic, anti-allergic, anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive effects.We have prepared a polygodial-β-cyclodextrin inclusion complex for furtherpharmacological studies. The inclusion complex was synthesized by co-precipitationand analyzed by Thermogravimetric Analysis, showing a decrease in the number ofwater molecules of hydration in relation to the native β-cyclodextrin. DifferentialThermogravimetric Analysis indicated a peak corresponding to the evaporation ofpolygodial. With Differential Scanning Calorimetry, the melting peak to polygodial was not observed, however, there was an increase in the energy of vaporization of the water molecules in relation to native β-cyclodextrin. Using a Scanning Electron Microscopy a clear difference in the morphology of crystals of the inclusion complex and native β-cyclodextrin could be seen. The association constant between polygodial and β-cyclodextrin, measured by UV spectroscopy was 1,006 M-1 at 37 °C, pH 7.0 and ionic strength 0.2 M, following stoichiometry 1:1.

The high rate of spontaneous hydrolysis of tris-2-pyridyl phosphate (TPP) is explained by the activating effects of the non-leaving ("spectator") groups on P-OAr cleavage, and not by intramolecular catalysis. Previous work on phosphate-transfer reactions has concentrated on the contributions to reactivity of the nucleophile and the leaving group, but our results make clear that the effects of the non-leaving groups on phosphorus can be equally significant. Rate measurements for three series of phosphate triesters showed that sensitivities to the non-leaving groups are substantial for spontaneous hydrolysis reactions, although significantly smaller for reactions with good nucleophiles. There are clear differences between triaryl and dialkyl aryl triesters in sensitivities to leaving and non-leaving groups with the more reactive triaryl systems showing lower values for both β(LG) and β(NLG). Intramolecular catalysis of the hydrolysis of TPP by the neighbouring pyridine nitrogens is insignificant, primarily because of their low basicity.

Two imidazole groups act together to catalyze the hydrolysis of the phosphodiester bis(2-(1-methyl-1H-imidazolyl)phenyl) phosphate (BMIPP). A full investigation involving searching computational and electrospray ionization (ESI-MS-/MS) and ultra mass spectrometry (LTQ-FT) experiments made possible a choice between two kinetically equivalent mechanisms. The preferred pathway, involving intramolecular nucleophilic catalysis by imidazole, assisted by intramolecular general acid catalysis by the imidazolium group, offers the first simple model for the mechanism used by the extensive phospholipase D superfamily.

Catalysis by protein-tyrosine phosphatase 1B (PTP1B) occurs through a two-step mechanism involving a phosphocysteine intermediate. We have solved crystal structures for the transition state analogs for both steps. Together with previously reported crystal structures of apo-PTP1B, the Michaelis complex of an inactive mutant, the phosphoenzyme intermediate, and the product complex, a full picture of all catalytic steps can now be depicted. The transition state analog for the first catalytic step comprises a ternary complex between the catalytic cysteine of PTP1B, vanadate, and the peptide DADEYL, a fragment of a physiological substrate. The equatorial vanadate oxygen atoms bind to the P-loop, and the apical positions are occupied by the peptide tyrosine oxygen and by the PTP1B cysteine sulfur atom. The vanadate assumes a trigonal bipyramidal geometry in both transition state analog structures, with very similar apical O–O distances, denoting similar transition states for both phosphoryl transfer steps. Detailed interactions between the flanking peptide and the enzyme are discussed.

Biochemical reactions of phosphate and sulfate esters are ubiquitous in the living world, and are found throughout many pathways involving metabolism, biosynthesis, control of transcription, energy storage, and replication. This chapter describes the mechanisms by which phosphate and sulfate monoesters undergo uncatalyzed and enzyme-catalyzed hydrolysis by phosphatases and sulfatases, respectively. Relative to the slow rates of the uncatalyzed reactions of their substrates, these enzymes produce rate accelerations that are among the greatest of any enzymes yet described. Interestingly, nature has evolved several quite different catalytic strategies to accomplish this. This review summarizes the current state of knowledge of several phosphatases and sulfatases. Phosphatases and sulfatases constitute a large group of enzymes, with structural and mechanistic diverseness. Within each group, one finds enzymes that utilize completely different catalytic machinery and mechanisms to accomplish the same reaction. We also summarize the mechanistic tools that have been used to study the chemistry and biochemistry of sulfate and phosphate esters, with references to comprehensive treatments of these methods for those who wish more thorough explanations of the tools of enzymology and physical organic chemistry.

We have identified the first highly efficient intramolecular general base catalysis (IGBC) of a hydrolysis reaction, in a system where two general bases are available to assist the attack of the same nucleophilic water molecule. The suggested mechanism, available uniquely to a phosphate triester model, is readily available in enzyme active sites, and the results suggest a possible solution to the long-unsolved question of how enzymes are able to activate a water molecule to be a highly effective nucleophile.

Catalysis by the Yersinia protein-tyrosine phosphatase YopH is significantly impaired by the mutation of the conserved Trp354 residue to Phe. Though not a catalytic residue, this Trp is a hinge residue in a conserved flexible loop (the WPD-loop) that must close during catalysis. To learn why this seemingly conservative mutation reduces catalysis by 2 orders of magnitude, we have solved high-resolution crystal structures for the W354F YopH in the absence and in the presence of tungstate and vanadate. Oxyanion binding to the P-loop in W354F is analogous to that observed in the native enzyme. However, the WPD-loop in the presence of oxyanions assumes a half-closed conformation, in contrast to the fully closed state observed in structures of the native enzyme. This observation provides an explanation for the impaired general acid catalysis observed in kinetic experiments with Trp mutants. A 1.4 A structure of the W354F mutant obtained in the presence of vanadate reveals an unusual divanadate species with a cyclic [VO](2) core, which has precedent in small molecules but has not been previously reported in a protein crystal structure.

8-Quinolyl phosphate (8QP) in the presence of the trivalent lanthanide ions (Ln = La, Sm, Eu, Tb, and Er) forms a [Ln x 8QP]+ complex where the lanthanide ion catalyzes hydrolysis of 8QP. In reactions with Tb3+ or Er3+, there is evidence of limited intervention by a second lanthanide ion. Rate constants are increased by more than 10(7)-fold, and kinetic data and B3LYP/ECP calculations indicate that the effects are largely driven by leaving group and metaphosphate ion stabilization. The lanthanides favor a single-step D(N)A(N) mechanism with a dissociative transition state, with limited nucleophilic assistance, consistent with the low hydroxide ion dependence and the small kinetic effect of Ln3+ radii.

Rate constants for the hydrolysis of 2-(2‘-imidazolium)phenyl hydrogen phosphate (IMPP) in water at pH < 6 indicate that activation by the imidazolium moiety disappears with the deprotonation of the phosphate group, and the reaction involves the hydrogen-bonding of the imidazolium NH with the aryl oxygen leaving group. The reaction should involve a near-planar conformation of the imidazolium and the phenyl groups in the activated complex, which favors proton-transfer. The crystal structure of IMPP was solved, and a bond length−reactivity correlation for reactions of phosphate monoester monoanions is described.

Mixtures of Zn(II) and 8-hydroxyquinoline (8QOH) in a 1:2 proportion, in aqueous solutions, result in fast complexation, followed by precipitation. Addition of 0.05 M sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS), N -dodecyl- N , N -dimethylammonio-1-propanesulfonate (SB3-12), N -hexadecyl- N , N -dimethylammonio-1-propanesulfonate (SB3-16) or Triton X-100 results in considerable retardation of precipitation. In the presence of SDS, SB3-12, SB3-16 and Triton X-100 the 8QOH chelates are only kinetically stable in solution and after 24 h, the precipitation is almost quantitative. Conversely, upon addition of the cationic surfactant hexadecyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTABr), the absorbance of the complex remains constant even after at least six months. The interaction of the ligand 8QOH (and of the (8QO) 2 Zn(II) complex) with the cationic surfactant was studied by ultraviolet and NMR spectroscopy and 8QOH has a p K a = 9.05 in the presence of the cationic surfactant and the ligand intercalates in the micelle, being preferentially located near the headgroup of the micelle. Although the solubilization site of the (8QO) 2 Zn(II) complex is similar to that of 8QOH, the interaction of the aromatic moiety with the CTA + headgroup is much stronger, due to the increased electron density in the aromatic ring of the ligand. As a consequence of this interaction, sphere to rod transition and an increase in microscopic and macroscopic viscosity are observed.

Ammonia oxide is revealed as a stable molecule in a crystal structure and as a likely reactive species in many reactions of hydroxylamine.

The title compound (with the systematic name 2-{[(1S)-1-(methoxycarbonyl)-3-methylbutyl]aminocarbonyl}benzoic acid), C15H19NO5, crystallizes in the monoclinic space group P2(1), with two independent molecules per asymmetric unit. The most notable difference between the two molecules is in the dihedral angles between the planes of the carboxyl group and the benzene ring, which are 3.5 (3) and 25.7 (1) degrees . This difference may account for the fact that two competing reactions are observed in aqueous solution, namely cyclization to form the imide N-phthaloylleucine and hydrolysis of N-(2-carboxybenzoyl)-L-leucine methyl ester to phthalic acid and leucine.

This work describes the effect of a variety of metal ions as quenchers of the fluorescence of naphthalene, in aqueous micellar solutions of sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS). The quenching by the metal ions can be adequately described by the Stern–Volmer equation and the best signal to noise ratios are obtained with low micellized detergent concentrations. Apparent Stern–Volmer constants decrease in the order: Fe3+ > Cu2+ > Pb2+ > Cr3+ > Ni2+ and directly reflect the relative sensitivity of the method for these ions. Detection limits (defined as three times the standard deviation of the blank for n = 10) for the fluorescence quenching of naphthalene by the metal ions in aqueous micellar SDS are in the range of 1.0 × 10−6 to 1.0 × 10−5 mol dm−3. The proposed fluorescence quenching method shows good repeatibility for a variety of added quencher metal ions, indicating that anionic micelle-enhanced fluorescence quenching by metal ions constitutes an analytical method of rather general application.

Nonionic hydrazine reacts with anionic bis(2,4-dinitrophenyl) phosphate (BDNPP), giving 2,4-dinitrophenyl hydrazine and dianionic 2,4-dinitrophenyl phosphate by an S(N)2(Ar) reaction, and at the phosphoryl center, giving 2,4-dinitrophenoxide ion and a transient phosphorylated hydrazine that rearranges intramolecularly to N-(2,4-dinitrophenyl)-N-phosphonohydrazine. Approximately 58% of the reaction at pD = 10 occurs by N-phosphorylation, as shown by (31)P NMR spectroscopy. Reaction of HO(2)(-) is wholly at phosphorus, and the intermediate peroxophosphate reacts intramolecularly, displacing a second 2,4-dinitrophenoxide ion, or with H(2)O(2), giving 2,4-dinitrophenyl phosphate and O(2). Rate constants of O- and N-phosphorylation in reactions at phosphorus of NH(2)NH(2), HO(2)(-), and NH(2)OH and its methyl derivatives follow Bronsted relationships with similar slopes, but plots differ for oxygen and nitrogen nucleophiles. The reaction with NH(2)NH(2) has been probed by using both NMR spectroscopy and electrospray ionization mass and tandem mass spectrometry, with the novel interception of key reaction intermediates in the course of reaction.

Mono- and dimethylation of hydroxylamine on nitrogen does not significantly affect rates of initial attack of NHMeOH and NMe(2)OH on bis(2,4-dinitrophenyl)phosphate (BDNPP), which is largely by oxygen phosphorylation. O-Methylation, however, blocks this reaction and NH(2)OMe then slowly reacts with BDNPP via N-attack at phosphorus and at the aryl group. With NHMeOH, the initial product of O-attack at phosphorus reacts further, either by reaction with a second NHMeOH or by a spontaneous shift of NHMe to the aryl group via a transient cyclic intermediate. There is a minor N-attack of NHMeOH on BDNPP in an S(N)2(Ar) reaction. Reactions occurring via N-attack are blocked by N-dimethylation, and reaction of NMe(2)OH with BDNPP occurs via O-attack, generating a long-lived product. Reaction mechanisms have been probed, and intermediates identified, by using both NMR and MS spectroscopy, with the novel interception of key reaction intermediates in the course of reaction by electrospray ionization mass and tandem mass spectrometry.

In this study, we investigated the susceptibility to enzymatic and alkaline hydrolysis of diloxanide furoate (DF) and its cyclodextrin inclusion complexes, in aqueous solution. The cyclodextrins (CDs) utilized were beta-cyclodextrin (beta-CD), (2,6-di-O-methyl)-beta-cyclodextrin (DM-beta-CD) and (2,3,6-tri-O-methyl)-beta-cyclodextrin (TM-beta-CD). All cyclodextrins studied provided a stabilizing effect to diloxanide furoate hydrolysis. In alkaline hydrolysis (pH 10.75), without the enzyme, beta-CD and TM-beta-CD provided similar effect on the stability of DF, with an inhibition factor in the order of 2.0. The DM-beta-CD, on the other hand, provided more pronounced stabilization effect than the other two CDs, with an inhibition factor around of 8. The maximum activity of the enzyme occured around pH 7.0. In the presence of enzyme, all cyclodextrins produced similar effect, with a DF hydrolysis inhibition factor in the order of 10. However, the plot of rate of hydrolysis versus [CD] fit with a equation based in a model that considers the association of the enzyme with the CDs. Therefore, it is concluded that the stabilization of DF is not only due to its cyclodextrin complex but also due to enzyme inhibition by cyclodextrin complexation.

The hydrolysis of the phosphate diester bis(2-(1-methyl-1H-imidazolyl)phenyl) phosphate BMIPP was evaluated as an intramolecular model for the ribonuclease A mechanism. Kinetic and thermodynamic data, isotope effects and ESI-MS and ESI-MS/MS analysis support the proposed intramolecular general acid−base catalysis by the imidazole groups.

Substantial rate enhancements are observed for the reactions of α-effect nucleophiles with 2,4dinitrophenyl ethyl phosphate diester 4. The effect is largest (ca. 4500-fold) for the hydroperoxide anion. However, the most reactive α-effect nucleophile, and thus the most reactive nucleophile towards phosphate phosphorus at pHs near to or above its pKa of 13.74, is the hydroxylamine anion NH2O – . The kinetic reactivities of the α-effect nucleophiles follow a Bronsted correlation, with a slope βnuc = 0.41±0.03 greater than that (0.30) observed for non-αeffect nucleophiles, consistent with a thermodynamic origin for the effect.