The effect of ligand binding on the optical rotatory dispersion of lactoperoxidase.

Abstract

The optical rotatory dispersion of lactoperoxidase and its cyanide and fluoride complexes was studied over the spectral region 210–500 nm, and that of the azide complex from 350–450 nm. Results of the measurements of the reduced mean rotation at 233 nm lead to the conclusion that there are no significant changes in gross protein conformation upon the binding of these ligands to lactoperoxidase. Lactoperoxidase was estimated to have 17% α-helical character at pH 7.0. Results of studies in the Soret region indicate that lactoperoxidase, unlike horseradish peroxidase, hemoglobin, and myoglobin, exhibits a negative Cotton effect as do its cyanide, azide, and fluoride complexes. The binding of these ligands apparently causes an alteration of the geometry of the heme group with respect to the protein moiety.