Epoxide hydrolases catalyse the hydrolysis of epoxides to corresponding diols, which is important in detoxification, synthesis of signal molecules, or metabolism. Limonene-1,2- epoxide hydrolase (LEH) differs from many other epoxide hydrolases in its ...
Epoxide hydrolases catalyse the hydrolysis of epoxides to corresponding diols, which is important in detoxification, synthesis of signal molecules, or metabolism. Limonene-1,2- epoxide hydrolase (LEH) differs from many other epoxide hydrolases in its structure and its novel one-step catalytic mechanism. Its main fold consists of a six-stranded mixed beta-sheet, with three N-terminal alpha helices packed to one side to create a pocket that extends into the protein core. A fourth helix lies in such a way that it acts as a rim to this pocket. Although mainly lined by hydrophobic residues, this pocket features a cluster of polar groups that lie at its deepest point and constitute the enzyme's active site [1].