Stabilization of the ADP/Metaphosphate intermediate during ATP hydrolysis in pre-power stroke myosin: Quantitative anatomy of an enzyme

Abstract

Background: It is unknown how enzymes actually achieve the catalytic pathways proposed for ATP hydrolysis. Results: A quantum mechanical analysis of myosin ATPase quantifies the relevant interactions that stabilize a metaphosphate intermediate. Conclusion: The protein is designed to stabilize this metaphosphate, key to the enzymatic mechanism. Significance: This yields a chemically consistent model for the catalytic strategy of nucleotide-hydrolyzing enzymes in general. © 2013 by The American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Inc.