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Dissection of nucleophilic and acid-base catalysis in glycosidases

TitleDissection of nucleophilic and acid-base catalysis in glycosidases
Publication TypeJournal Article
Year of Publication2001
AuthorsZechel, DL, Withers, SG
JournalCURRENT OPINION IN CHEMICAL BIOLOGY
Volume5
Pagination643-649
Date PublishedDEC
ISSN1367-5931
Abstract

A startling array of added anions have been observed to function as replacement catalytic nucleophiles in mutant glycosidases, including formate, azide, fluoride and other halides. Likewise, the mechanism of acid-base catalysis is somewhat plastic. The carboxylic acids can be substituted by a sulfenic acid or by ascorbate, and the effective acid strength enhanced by the introduction of strong hydrogen bonds, These studies provide an interesting bridge between enzymes and models thereof.

DOI10.1016/S1367-5931(01)00260-5