Residue 182 influences the second step of protein-tyrosine phosphatase-mediated catalysis

Previous enzyme kinetic and structural studies have revealed a critical role for Asp(181) (PTP1B numbering) in PTP (protein-tyrosine phosphatase)-mediated catalysis. In the E-P (phosphoenzyme) formation step, Asp(181) functions as a general acid, while in the E-P hydrolysis step it acts as a general base. Most of our understanding of the role of Asp(181). is derived from studies with the Yersinia PTP and the mammalian PTP1B, and to some extent also TC (T-cell)-PTP and, the related PTPalpha and PTPepsilon. The neighbouring residue 182 is a phenylalanine in these four mammalian enzymes and a glutamine in Yersinia PTP. Surprisingly, little attention has been paid to the fact that this residue is a histidine in most other mammalian PTPs. Using a reciprocal single-point mutational approach with introduction of His(182) in PTP1B and Phe(182) in PTPH1, we demonstrate here that His(182)-PTPs, in comparison with Phe(182)-PTPs, have significantly decreased k(cat) values, and to a lesser degree, decreased k(cat)/K-m values. Combined enzyme kinetic, X-ray crystallographic and molecular dynamics studies indicate that the effect of His(182) is due to interactions with Asp(181) and with Gln(262). We conclude that residue 182 can modulate the functionality of both Asp(181) and Gln(262). and therefore affect the E-P hydrolysis step of PTP-mediated catalysis.