Functional and protective hole hopping in metalloenzymes

Electrons can tunnel through proteins in microseconds with a modest release of free energy over distances in the 15 to 20 Å range. To span greater distances, or to move faster, multiple charge transfers (hops) are required. When one of the reactants is a strong oxidant, it is convenient to consider the movement of a positively charged “hole” in a direction opposite to that of the electron. Hole hopping along chains of tryptophan (Trp) and tyrosine (Tyr) residues is a critical function in several metalloenzymes that generate high-potential intermediates by reactions with O(2) or H(2)O(2), or by activation with visible light. Examination of the protein structural database revealed that Tyr/Trp chains are common protein structural elements, particularly among enzymes that react with O(2) and H(2)O(2). In many cases these chains may serve a protective role in metalloenzymes by deactivating high-potential reactive intermediates formed in uncoupled catalytic turnover.