Pyruvate carboxylase of Aspergillus niger: kinetic study of a biotin-containg carboxylase

Abstract

Pyruvate carboxylase was partially purified from Aspergillus niger and the properties were studied. The enzyme was found to be cold-labile and protected by 25% glycerol. The pH optimum was determined to be 7.9–8.0. The enzyme was shown to be a biotin-containing enzyme by its inactivation by avidin and protection against such inactivation by biotin. The enzyme activity was stimulated by K+ ions and inhibited by Na+ ions. Acetyl-CoA had no effect on enzyme activity, but L-aspartate was inhibitory. Apparent Michaelis constants were determined for the substrates and metal cofactor involved, i.e. pyruvate, ATP, bicarbonate, and Mg2+.Initial-velocity studies were carried out at varied concentrations of substrates in order to determine the true Michaelis constants and to elucidate the kinetic mechanism of reaction. Product-inhibition studies were carried out with each product (ADP, Pi, and oxalacetate) in combination with every substrate (ATP, bicarbonate, and pyruvate). From these kinetic studies and the existing knowledge on biotin-containing carboxylases, a mechanism was proposed for the action of pyruvate carboxylase which involves three independently active sites on the enzyme, one for each substrate. The interactions between the sites were visualized as being mediated by carboxybiotin formed on the enzyme. A steady-state rate equation was derived that satisfied kinetic results obtained.