Molecule dynamics and combined QM/MM study on one-carbon unit transfer reaction catalyzed by GAR transformylase

Both a molecule dynamic study and a combined quantum mechanics and molecule mechanics (QM/MM) study on Glycinamide ribonucleotide transformylase (GAR Tfase) catalytic mechanism are presented. The results indicate a direct one-carbon unit transfer process but not a stepwise mechanism in this reaction. The residues near the active center can fix the cofactor (N10-formyltetrahydrofolate) and GAR in proper relative positions by a H-bond network. The transition state and the minimum energy pathway are located on the potential energy surface. After all the residues (including H2O molecules) are removed from the system the activation energy has increased from 145.1 kJ/mol to 243.3 kJ/mol, and the formly transfer reaction is very hard to achieve. The interactions between coenzyme, GAR and residues near the reactive center are discussed as well.