Combined participation of hydroxylase active site residues and effector protein binding in a para to ortho modulation of toluene 4-monooxygenase regiospecificity

Research examines the catalysis of NADH- and oxygen-dependent hydroxylation of toluene to para-cresol by the toluene 4-monooxygenase. The enzyme shows high regiospecificity for para hydroxylation involving toluene and other substituted aromatic compounds. The reactions are mediated by the enzyme catalytic complex consisting of an hydroxylase and an effector protein.