Mechanism
Two proposed mechanism exist for ADA-catalyzed deamination: 1) stereospecific addition-elimination via tetrahedral intermediate or 2) an SN2 reaction. By either mechanism, Zn2+ as a strong electrophile activates a water molecule, which is deprotonated by the basic Asp295 to form the attacking hydroxide. His238 orients the water molecule and stabilizes the charge of the attacking hydroxide. Glu217 is protonated to donate a proton to N1 of the substrate.
The reaction is stereospecific due to the location of the zinc, Asp295, and His238 residues, which all face the B-side of the purine ring of the substrate.
Competitive inhibition has been observed for ADA, where the product inosine acts at the competitive inhibitor to enzymatic activity.
Read more about this topic: Adenosine Deaminase
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