Stabilization of the enzyme--substrate complex of the mutant Asp-67Asn inorganic pyrophosphatase from Escherichia coli by fluoride ions

Magnesium-supported PPi hydrolysis by the mutant Asp-67Asn E. coli pyrophosphatase at saturating PPi and metal-activator concentrations in the presence of NaF is followed by a gradual decrease in the initial rate of PPi hydrolysis. The reaction occurs in two steps: first a complex containing enzyme, pyrophosphate, magnesium, and fluoride ions is immediately formed, then its conformation changes slowly. This enzyme--substrate complex stabilized by fluoride is partially active and can be isolated by the removal of excess fluoride by gel-filtration.