Computer simulations of enzymatic reactions: examination of linear free-energy relationships and quantum-mechanical corrections in the initial proton-transfer step of carbonic anhydrase.

Computer simulation approaches can provide a powerful tool for correlating the structure of enzymes with their catalytic activity. One of the most effective ways of simulating enzymatic reactions is provided by the empirical valence bond method. The general applicability of this method has been demonstrated in several enzymatic reactions and it is reexamined here in a study of the initial proton-transfer step in the catalytic reaction of carbonic anhydrase. The simulations produce a rate constant which is in agreement with the observed kinetic data and emphasizes the importance of the electrostatic effect associated with the catalytic zinc ion. The calculations are also used to examine the validity of linear free-energy relationships (LFERs) in enzyme catalysis and to evaluate quantum-mechanical corrections of the calculated rate constant. It is found that LFERs are valid in the present case and it is argued that this reflects the fact that the protein responds linearly to the development of electrostatic forces during the reaction. It is concluded that the present approach can be used to augment experimental studies in establishing the general validity of LFERs. It is noted, however, that such relationships are much more valid for transitions between different resonance structures than for transitions between reactants and product states.