A lactate oxygenase from Mycobacterium phlei. 3. Evidence for the subunit structure

Microbial enzymes for oxidation of organic molecules

Enzymatic systems employed by microorganisms for oxidative transformation of various organic molecules include laccases, ligninases, tyrosinases, monooxygenases, and dioxygenases. Reactions performed by these enzymes play a significant role in maintaining the global carbon cycle through either transformation or complete mineralization of organic molecules. Additionally, oxidative enzymes are instrumental in modification or degradation of the ever-increasing man-made chemicals constantly released into our environment. Due to their inherent stereo- and regioselectivity and high efficiency, oxidative enzymes have attracted attention as potential biocatalysts for various biotechnological processes. Successful commercial application of these enzymes will be possible through employing new methodologies, such as use of organic solvents in the reaction mixtures, immobilization of either the intact microorganisms or isolated enzyme preparations on various supports, and genetic engineering technology.

Inactivation of L-lactate monooxygenase with 2,3-butanedione and phenylglyoxal

L-Lactate monooxygenase from Mycobacterium phlei is inactivated by reaction either with 2,3-butanedione in borate or in 2,6-lutidine buffer or with phenyglyoxal in 2,6-lutidine buffer. The activation with 2.3 butanedione in borate buffer is irreversible in the presence of excess borate, but essentially complete recovery of activity occurs on exchange of phosphate for borate buffer. In 50 mM borate, inactivation with 2,3-butanedione exhibits saturation kinetics with respect to increasing concentrations of 2,3-butanedione, whereas second-order kinetics for inactivation are seen in 200 mM borate. In 2.6-lutidine buffer, the inactivation is rapid, irreversible on change of buffer, and second order overall. Complete inactivation of the enzyme by phenylglyoxal in 2,6-lutidine buffer occurs on incorporation of 2 equiv of phenylglyoxal per subunit, but only one arginyl residue per subunit is modified. The inactivation is irreversible and second order in phenyglyoxal. There is substantial protection from inactivation in the presence of D-lactate, a competitive inhibitor of the enzyme. It is suggested that an arginyl residue in the active site in L-lactate monooxygenase is involved in the binding of the carboxyl group of substrates to the enzyme. An explanation for the unusual kinetics of inactivation with 2,3-butanedione in borate and with phenylglyoxal in 2,6-lutidine is offered.

The structure of L-lactate oxidase from Mycobacterium smegmatis

1. An improved purification was developed for L-lactate oxidase from Mycobacterium smegmatis. 2. The mol.wt. of the native enzyme by a sedimentation-equilibrium analysis was 345 000, and other ultracentrifuge methods gave values in the range 345 000-350 000. 3. An amino acid analysis, determinations of protein and flavin, a sedimentation-velocity analysis and an approach to equilibrium analysis gave values for the subunit mol.wt. in the range 43 500-47 000. 4. It was concluded that L-lactate oxidase contains eight subunits of mol.wt. 43 500. 5. Cross-linking of the subunits with dimethyl suberimidate and electron-microscopy studies were consistent with an octameric structure.