Abstract

The H126N and H151N variants of Escherichia coli agmatinase (EC 3.5.3.11) were produced by site-directed mutagenesis, and their kinetic and structural properties were examined. About 51% and 30% of wild-type activity were expressed by fully manganese activated species of the H126N and H151N variants, respectively. Mutations were not accompanied by changes in the Km value for arginine (1.2±0.3 mM), Ki value for putrescine inhibition (3.2±0.4 mM), molecular weight (Mr 67,000±2000), tryptophan fluorescence properties (?max= 342 nm) or CD spectra of the enzyme. However, the interaction with the required manganese ions was significantly altered, as indicated by the effects of dialysis of the enzymes against metal-free buffer. We conclude that replacement of His151 with asparagine results in the loss of a catalytically essential Mn2+ upon dialysis and concomitant reversible inactivation of the H151N mutant, and that the affinity of a more weakly bound Mn2+ is decreased in the H126N variant. © 2004 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.