Kinetic and Sequence-structure-function analysis of known Lina variants with different hexachlorocyclohexane isomers

Abstract

Background: Here we report specific activities of all seven naturally occurring LinA variants towards three different isomers, α, γ and δ, of a priority persistent pollutant, hexachlorocyclohexane (HCH). Sequence-structure-function differences contributing to the differences in their stereospecificity for α-, γ-, and δ-HCH and enantiospecificity for (+)- and (-)-α -HCH are also discussed. Methodology/Principal Findings: Enzyme kinetic studies were performed with purified LinA variants. Models of LinA2 B90A A110T, A111C, A110T/A111C and LinA1 B90A were constructed using the FoldX computer algorithm. Turnover rates (min -1) showed that the LinAs exhibited differential substrate affinity amongst the four HCH isomers tested. α-HCH was found to be the most preferred substrate by all LinA's, followed by the γ and then δ isomer. Conclusions/Significance: The kinetic observations suggest that LinA-γ1-7 is the best variant for developing an enzyme-based bioremediation technology for HCH. The majority of the sequence variation in the various linA genes that have been isolated is not neutral, but alters the enantio- and stereoselectivity of the encoded proteins. © 2011 Sharma et al.