Angiotensin converting enzyme: substrate inhibition

Phosphate, borate, and Tris inhibit angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE), but HEPES buffer is inert. Measurements of substrate inhibition were made in HEPES buffer at pH 7.0 and 25 degrees C and 37 degrees C. Substrate inhibition was marked and goes to completion. A new equation for substrate inhibitions enables one, under favorable circumstances, to determine whether there is cooperativity in the binding of substrate to the inhibitory and active sites. Cooperativity does occur with ACE using Hipp-His-Leu as substrate. The kinetic parameters were measured (Km = 0.21 mM, K* = 0.65 mM at 37 degrees C). The enzyme concentration (1.94 X 10(-8) M) was determined by titration with lisinopril so that kcat (5 X 10(3) at 37 degrees C) could be determined. Using this value and the molecular weight the specific activity of ACE was calculated for different common buffers. The specific activity in HEPES calculated from Vmax was 33.7 units/mg at 37 degrees C.