Theoretical study of the RNA hydrolysis mechanism of the dinuclear zinc enzyme RNase Z

•  RNase Z is a dinuclear zinc enzyme that catalyzes the removal of the tRNA 3'-end trailer. Density functional theory is used to investigate the phosphodiester hydrolysis mechanism of this enzyme with a model of the active site constructed on the basis of the crystal structure. The calculations imply that the reaction proceeds through two steps. The first step is a nucleophihc attack by a bridging hydroxide coupled with protonation of the leaving group by a Glu-His diad. Subsequently, a water molecule activated by the same Glu-His diad makes a reverse attack, regenerating the bridging hydroxide. The second step is calculated to be the rate-limiting step with a barrier of 18 kcal/mol, in good agreement with experimental kinetic studies. Both zinc ions participate in substrate binding and orientation, facilitating nucleophilic attack. In addition, they act as electrophilic catalysts to stabilize the pentacoordinate trigonal-bipyramidal transition states.

Subject headings

NATURVETENSKAP  -- Kemi (hsv//swe)

NATURAL SCIENCES  -- Chemical Sciences (hsv//eng)

MEDICIN OCH HÄLSOVETENSKAP  -- Medicinska och farmaceutiska grundvetenskaper -- Andra medicinska och farmaceutiska grundvetenskaper (hsv//swe)

MEDICAL AND HEALTH SCIENCES  -- Basic Medicine -- Other Basic Medicine (hsv//eng)

Keyword

Enzyme catalysis

Metalloenzymes

Dinuclear zinc enzymes

Density functional calculations

Hydrolysis

Reaction mechanisms

Zinc

Chemistry

Kemi

Chemistry

Publication and Content Type

ref (subject category)

art (subject category)