Using NMR Spectroscopy to Measure Natural Abundance ^13 C Kinetic Isotope Effects on the Acid Catalyzed and Enzymatic Hydrolysis of Methyl Glucosides

Abstract

Kinetic isotope effect (KIE) study of enzymatic mechanisms has the potential for aiding the design of tight binding inhibitors, but is hampered by the need for isotopically labeled substrates. Recently, however, methods for measuring ¹³C and ²H KIEs at natural abundance by NMR spectroscopy have been developed, allowing KIEs to be measured at every NMR resolvable nucleus without isotopic substitution. Until this study, this technique had yet to be applied to an enzymatic system. KIEs provide information about transition states (TS) and since enzymes tightly bind structures resembling the TS, TS analogs can be used as powerful inhibitors and potential drugs. Glycosidases are enzymes that hydrolyze the acetals of carbohydrates. Inhibition of glycosidases has a large potential for therapeutic value. Methyl glucoside hydrolysis was used as a model substrate in the measurement of natural abundance KIEs. ¹³C KIEs were successfully measured on the acid and glucosidase catalyzed hydrolysis of methyl glucosides. The values of the primary ¹³C KIEs show that hydrolysis of β-methyl glucoside by β-glucosidase a more concerted ANON reaction. KIEs on the corresponding α-anomer suggest the opposite result, a ON*AN reaction. The experimental KIEs also matched well with calculated equilibrium isotope effects, lending support for the accuracy of the measurements.