title: Genetics and biochemistry of dehalogenating enzymes.
abstract: Microorganisms that can utilize halogenated compounds as a growth substrate generally produce-enzymes whose function is carbon-halogen bond cleavage. Based on substrate range, reaction type and gene sequences, the dehalogenating enzymes can be classified in different groups, including hydrolytic dehalogenases, glutathione transferases, monooxygenases and hydratases. X-ray crystallographic and biochemical studies have provided detailed mechanistic insight into the action of haloalkane dehalogenase. The essential features are nucleophilic substitution of the halogen by a carboxylate group and the presence of a distinct halogen binding site, formed by tryptophan residues. This review summaries current knowledge on a variety of other dehalogenating enzymes and indicates the existence of a widespread and diverse microbial potential for dechlorination of natural and xenobiotic halogenated compounds.
authors: Department of Biochemistry, University of Groningen, The Netherlands.
authors: D B
authors: DB
authors: Janssen
authors: F
authors: F
authors: Pries
authors: J R
authors: JR
authors: van der Ploeg
mesh_terms: D000595:Amino Acid Sequence; D001419:Bacteria / Q000201:enzymology* / Q000235:genetics; D005075:Biological Evolution; D005798:Genes, Bacterial; D005982:Glutathione Transferase / Q000378:metabolism; D006846:Hydrocarbons, Halogenated / Q000378:metabolism; D006867:Hydrolases / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism*; D008190:Lyases / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism; D008969:Molecular Sequence Data; D010105:Oxygenases / Q000378:metabolism
chemical_list: D006846:Hydrocarbons, Halogenated; D010105:Oxygenases; D005982:Glutathione Transferase; D006867:Hydrolases; D008190:Lyases