Structure-Based Demystification of Radical Catalysis by a Coenzyme B12 Dependent Enzyme—Crystallographic Study of Glutamate Mutase with Cofactor Homologues

Abstract

Catalysis by radical enzymes dependent on coenzyme B12 (AdoCbl) relies on the reactive primary 5′-deoxy-5′adenosyl radical, which originates from reversible Co−C bond homolysis of AdoCbl. This bond homolysis is accelerated roughly 1012-fold upon binding the enzyme substrate. The structural basis for this activation is still strikingly enigmatic. As revealed here, a displaced firm adenosine binding cavity in substrate-loaded glutamate mutase (GM) causes a structural misfit for intact AdoCbl that is relieved by the homolytic Co−C bond cleavage. Strategically interacting adjacent adenosine- and substrate-binding protein cavities provide a tight caged radical reaction space, controlling the entire radical path. The GM active site is perfectly structured for promoting radical catalysis, including “negative catalysis”, a paradigm for AdoCbl-dependent mutases.