Nonallosteric activation of posttranslational modification enzymes by active site-directed inhibitors

Activation-by-inhibition is a biochemical paradox seldom observed in exosite enzymes, wherein active site-bound inhibitors unexpectedly lead to enzyme activation. This intriguing phenomenon occurs at low, undersaturating substrate concentrations, posing a significant challenge in drug discovery, especially when targeting enzymes such as protein kinases, proteases, and other posttranslational modification enzymes. These enzymes often rely on accessory recognition sites known as exosites, which contribute to complex substrate binding mechanisms and unique kinetic behaviors. This study aims to provide a theoretical kinetic explanation for nonallosteric mechanism-based activation-by-inhibition, shedding light on the complexities of inhibiting exosite enzymes solely through active site targeting. Notably, the dual activator-inhibitor behavior of active site-bound inhibitors manifests in a nonmonotonic biphasic dose-response, emphasizing the importance of understanding the role of the inhibitor concentration at low substrate levels. Our findings underscore the potential widespread occurrence of activation by inhibition, a phenomenon that may have been overlooked in the past, and thus advocate for novel strategies in drug design that consider the impact of exosites on enzyme behavior to effectively target exosite enzymes.