Ca(2+)-inositol phosphate chelation mediates the substrate specificity of beta-propeller phytase.

Inositol phosphates are recognized as having diverse and critical roles in biological systems. In this report, kinetic studies and TLC analysis indicate that beta-propeller phytase is a special class of inositol phosphatase that preferentially recognizes a bidentate (P-Ca(2+)-P) formed between Ca(2+) and two adjacent phosphate groups of its natural substrate phytate (InsP(6)). The specific recognition of a bidentate chelation enables the enzyme to sequentially hydrolyze one of the phosphate groups in a bidentate of Ca(2+)-InsP(6) to yield a myo-inositol trisphosphate (InsP(3)) and three phosphates as the final products. A comparative analysis of (1)H- and (13)C NMR spectroscopy with the aid of 2D NMR confirms that the chemical structure of the final product is myo-Ins(2,4,6)P(3). The catalytic properties of the enzyme suggest a potential model for how the enzyme specifically recognizes its substrate Ca(2+)-InsP(6) and produces myo-Ins(2,4,6)P(3) from Ca(2+)-InsP(6). These findings potentially provide evidence for a selective Ca(2+)-InsPs chelation between Ca(2+) and two adjacent phosphate groups of inositol phosphates.