The enzyme tryptophanase () catalyzes the chemical reaction
L-tryptophan + H2O indole + pyruvate + NH3
This enzyme belongs to the family of lyases, specifically in the "catch-all" class of carbon-carbon lyases. The systematic name of this enzyme class is L-tryptophan indole-lyase (deaminating; pyruvate-forming). Other names in common use include L-tryptophanase, and L-tryptophan indole-lyase (deaminating). This enzyme participates in tryptophan metabolism and nitrogen metabolism. It has 2 cofactors: pyridoxal phosphate, and potassium.
Structural studies
As of late 2007, 3 structures have been solved for this class of enzymes, with PDB accession codes 1AX4, Retrieved from Protein Data Bank (PDB) 2C44, Retrieved from Protein Data Bank (PDB) and 2OQX. Retrieved from Protein Data Bank (PDB)
References
External links