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A radiometric kynurenine monooxygenase assay

Journal Article · · Analytical Biochemistry; (USA)
;  [1]
  1. Merrell Dow Research Institute, Cincinnati, OH (USA)

Kynurenine 3-monooxygenase is a flavin-dependent monooxygenase that catalyzes the oxidation of L-kynurenine to 3-hydroxy-L-kynurenine in the kynurenine pathway of tryptophan metabolism. The enzyme requires NADH or NADPH as a cofactor. A discontinuous assay that utilizes L-(3H)kynurenine as substrate is described. The assay offers high precision and a wide range of accessible substrate and cofactor concentrations. The assay was used to measure kinetic isotope effects and the stereospecificity of oxidation of the cofactor. Hydride is transferred from the A-side (pro-R) of NADH and NADPH since primary deuterium isotope effects were observed for both cofactors when they were deuterated on the A-side but not on the B-side. The large isotope effect on Vmax/Km for NADH is sensitive to the concentration of kynurenine, which indicates that NADH can bind before kynurenine.

OSTI ID:
6897154
Journal Information:
Analytical Biochemistry; (USA), Journal Name: Analytical Biochemistry; (USA) Vol. 184:1; ISSN ANBCA; ISSN 0003-2697
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English