Exchange reactions catalyzed by methioninase from Pseudomonas putida

Highly purified methioninase from Pseudomonas putida, which catalyzes alpha, gamma-elimination reactions of homocysteine and its S-substituted derivatives as well as alpha, beta-elimination reactions of cysteine and its derivatives, was found to catalyze exchange reactions between the substituent at the gamma-carbon of homocysteine substrates and exogenously added alkanethiols, forming the corresponding S-alkylhomocysteines. It also catalyzed similar beta-exchange reactions between cysteine and alkanethiols. Thus, all the substrates for the methioninase-catalyzed elimination reactions also appear to be available for the exchange reactions.