Mukherjee_2008_Biochemistry_47_6233

The function of the mlr6787 gene from Mesorhizobium loti MAFF303099 has been identified. This gene encodes 2-(acetamidomethylene)succinate hydrolase, an enzyme involved in the catabolism of pyridoxal 5'-phosphate (vitamin B 6). This enzyme was overexpressed in Escherichia coli, purified to homogeneity, and characterized. 2-(Acetamidomethylene)succinate hydrolase catalyzes the hydrolysis of 2-(acetamidomethylene)succinate to yield succinic semialdehyde, acetic acid, carbon dioxide, and ammonia. The k cat and K M for this reaction were 0.6 s (-1) and 143 microM, respectively. The enzyme was shown to utilize the E isomer of 2-(acetamidomethylene)succinate.