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 Provisional chapter
Chapter 11

Enzyme Inhibitors and Activators

Enzyme Inhibitors and Activators

Olga D. Lopina
Olga D. Lopina
Additional information is available at the end of the chapter
Additional information is available at the end of the chapter

http://dx.doi.org/10.5772/67248

Abstract

Enzymes are very effective biological catalysts that accelerate almost all metabolic reac-
tions in living organisms. Enzyme inhibitors and activators that modulate the velocity
of enzymatic reactions play an important role in the regulation of metabolism. Enzyme
inhibitors are also useful tool for study of enzymatic reaction as well as for design of
new medicine drugs. In this chapter, we focused on the properties of enzyme inhibitors
and activators. Here we present canonical inhibitor classification based on their kinetic
behavior and mechanism of action. We also considered enzyme inhibitors that were used
for design of various types of pharmacological drugs and natural inhibitors as a plausible
source for design of future drugs. Mechanisms of action of enzyme activators and some
features of allosteric modulators are considered.

Keywords: enzyme conformational mobility, classification of enzyme inhibitors,

enzyme activators and inhibitors, mechanism of action

1. Introduction

Enzymes (E) is a group of biologically active polymers (mainly proteins) that catalyze almost
all metabolic reactions in all living organisms. Enzymes are able to accelerate chemical reac-
tion dividing it into separate steps. Because each step of enzymatic reaction has a value of
activation energy significantly lower than the value of activation energy for the same chemical
reaction, enzymes can increase a rate of reaction1061018 folds. According to contemporary
hypothesis, high conformational mobility of the enzymes allows them to adopt their active
sites to substrate(s) and intermediates of the reaction in the best way [1, 2]. Multiple conform-
ers of enzymes with close values of free energy preexist in the solution simultaneously. Along
the reaction way, a conformer is picked out, the structure of which can stabilize definite inter-
mediate that makes a reaction more thermodynamically profitable [3].

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244 Enzyme Inhibitors and Activators

This hypothesis is supported by unsuccessful attempts to create catalytically effective

low molecular enzymes having needed active site (molecular mass should be higher than
10,000 Da) or enzyme with correct active site but with restricted conformational mobility
(antibodies with needed active site, so-called abzymes [4]). In the context of described hypoth-
esis, enzyme inhibitors being bound to the enzyme freeze it in definite conformation that
makes impossible selection of conformers participating in numerous steps of enzymatic reac-
tion. By this way, inhibitors stop enzymatic reaction.

On the other hand, the binding of enzyme activators may lead to the creation of more prof-
itable conformers that can be more effective in carrying out definite steps of the reaction.
Therefore, they will accelerate enzymatic reaction. Taking into account this information
about enzymes in this chapter, we consider contemporary knowledge about enzyme inhibi-
tors and activators.

2. Enzyme inhibitors

2.1. Definition, classification, and main properties

Enzymes are different chemical compounds that are combined into a group because of their
only featurethey can suppress enzyme activity. The suppression of the activity is the result
of the binding of inhibitor to the enzyme molecule that arrests catalytic reaction. Because
enzymes catalyze most part of chemical reactions in living organisms, the enzyme inhibitors
play an important role in the development of different sciences (biochemistry, physiology,
pharmacy, agriculture, ecology) as well as the technologies (production of pharmaceutical
drugs, insecticides, pesticides, chemical weapons, etc.).

Many pharmacological drugs are enzyme inhibitors. The group of well-known pharmaceu-
tical agents with name nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) includes inhibitors
of enzyme cyclooxygenase that catalyzes a first step of synthesis of biologically active com-
pounds prostaglandins that are responsible for the development of pain, inflammation, fever,
contraction of smooth muscle, formation of blood clots, and others [5].

All inhibitors may be combined in different groups in accordance with their chemical struc-
ture: ions of metals (Hg+, Fe2+, Cu+, Pb2+), organic compounds (e.g., N-ethylmaleimide, diisopro-
pyl phosphofluoridate, oligomycin), and large bioorganic molecules, (peptides, proteins, etc).
However, this classification does not reflect mechanism of their interaction with enzyme.

In accordance with the mode of action, enzyme inhibitors may be divided into two different
groups (reversible and irreversible inhibitors). Reversible inhibitors, in turn, may be combined
in four groups in accordance with kinetic behavior (competitive, uncompetitive, noncompeti-
tive, and mixed inhibitors) [6].

The mechanism of action of enzyme inhibitors includes a step of enzyme-inhibitor complex

formation (EI complex) that has no (or low) enzyme activity. An irreversible inhibitor dissociates
from this complex very slow because it is tightly bound to the enzyme. Mainly this mode of
inhibition is connected with the formation of covalent bond or hydrophobic interaction between
 Enzyme Inhibitors and Activators 245
http://dx.doi.org/10.5772/67248

enzyme and inhibitor. Irreversible inhibitors usually react with the enzyme and change it
chemically. These inhibitors often contain reactive functional groups that modify amino acid
residues of enzyme that are essential for its activity. They also can provide inhibition affect-
ing the enzyme conformation. An example of irreversible inhibitor is N-ethylmaleimide that
covalently interacts with SH-group of cysteine residues of enzyme molecules, like peptidase
(insulin-degrading enzyme) [7], 3-phosphoglyceraldehyde dehydrogenase [8], or hydro-
phobic compound from group of cardiotonic steroids that at the last bind to Na,K-ATPase
using hydrophobic interactions [9]. Another well-known irreversible inhibitor is diisopropyl
phosphofluoridate that modifies OH-group of serine residue in active site of such enzymes
as chymotrypsin and other serine proteases [10, 11] or acetylcholine esterase in cholinergic
synapsis of the nervous system being a potent neurotoxin [12]. Inhibition of this enzyme
causes an increase in the acetylcholine neurotransmitter concentration that results in muscu-
lar paralysis and death. Inhibitor of cyclooxygenase aspirin (acetyl salicylic acid) covalently
modifies OH-group of serine residue located in a close proximity to the active site of cyclo-
oxygenase [13].

Irreversible inhibition is different from irreversible enzyme inactivation. Irreversible inhib-

itors are generally specific for one class of enzymes and do not inactivate all proteins. In
contrast to denature agents such as urea, detergents do not destroy protein structure but
specifically alter the active site of the target enzyme.

Consequently because of tight binding, it is difficult to remove an irreversible inhibitor from

the EI complex after its formation [14]. So, we can refer some chemical compound to irrevers-
ible enzyme inhibitor, if after the formation of EI complex, the dilution of it with significant
amount of water (100200 excess) does not restore enzyme activity.
Irreversible inhibitors display time-dependent loss of enzyme activity. Interaction of irrevers-
ible inhibitor with enzyme is a bimolecular reaction:
k
E I EI,
+I (1)

where E is enzyme, I is inhibitor, EI is complex of enzyme-inhibitor, and ki is a constant of the

velocity of this reaction.

However, usually the action of irreversible inhibitors is characterized by the constant of

observed pseudo-first order reaction under conditions when concentration of inhibitor is
significantly higher than concentration of the enzyme. The value of pseudo-first order rate
of inhibition may be measured by plotting of the ln of enzyme activity (in % relatively
enzyme activity in the absence of inhibitor) vs. time. Tangent of slope angle of straight line
obtained by this way will be equal to value of constant of pseudo-first order inhibition.
The value of rate constant of bimolecular reaction for irreversible inhibition may be then
calculated by dividing the obtained value of constant of pseudo-first order reaction per
inhibitor concentration.

Reversible inhibitor binds to the enzyme reversibly [6, 14]. It means that there is equilibrium
between the formation and dissociation of EI complex:
k1
E+I EI
k
(2)
2
246 Enzyme Inhibitors and Activators

where k1 is a constant of the velocity of direct reaction and k2 is a constant of the velocity of
reverse reaction. The effect of reversible inhibitors is characterized by the constant of dissocia-
tion of EI complex that is equal to [E] [I]/[EI] or k1/k2.

Usually reversible inhibitor binds to the enzymes using non-covalent interactions such as
hydrogen or ionic bonds. Different types of reversible inhibition are produced depending on
whether these inhibitors bind to the enzyme, the enzyme-substrate complex, or both.

One type of reversible inhibition is called competitive inhibition. In this case, there are two
types of complexes: enzyme inhibitor (EI) and enzyme substrate (ES); complex EI has no
enzyme activity. The substrate and inhibitor cannot bind to the enzyme at the same time.
This inhibition may be reversed by the increase of substrate concentration. However, the
value of maximal velocity (Vmax) remains constant. The value of apparent Km will increase;
however, the value of maximal velocity (Vmax) remains constant (Figure1). It can be
competitive inhibition not only in relation to substrate but also to cofactors, as well as to
activators.

Figure1.Kinetic test for reversible inhibitor classification. Double reciprocal plot (1/Vo) vs. (1/s) for competitive (A),
uncompetitive (B), noncompetitive (C), and mixed (D) enzyme inhibition [14].

Another type of reversible inhibition is uncompetitive inhibition. In this case, the inhibitor
binds only to the substrate-enzyme complex; it does not interfere with the binding of sub-
strate with active site but prevents the dissociation of complex enzyme substrate: it resulted
in the dependence of the inhibition only upon inhibitor concentration and its Ki value. This
type of inhibition results in Vmax decrease and Km decrease (Figure1, B).
 Enzyme Inhibitors and Activators 247
http://dx.doi.org/10.5772/67248

The third type of inhibition is noncompetitive. This type of inhibition results in the inability of
complex enzyme (E) inhbitor (I) substrate (EIS) to dissociate giving a product of reaction. In
this case, inhibitor binds to E or to ES complex. The binding of the inhibitor to the enzyme
reduces its activity but does not affect the binding of substrate. As a result, the extent of
the inhibition depends only upon the concentration of the inhibitor. In this case, Vmax will
decrease, but Km will remain the same (Figure1, C).

In some cases, we can see mixed inhibition, when the inhibitor can bind to the enzyme at the
same time as to enzyme-substrate complex. However, the binding of the inhibitor effects on
the binding of the substrate and vice versa. This type of inhibition can be reduced, but not
overcome by the increase of substrate concentrations. Although it is possible for mixed-type
inhibitors to bind in the active site, this inhibition generally results from an allosteric effect
of inhibitor (see below). An inhibitor of this kind will decrease Vmax, but it will increase Km
(Figure1, C).
Special case of enzyme inhibition is inhibition by the excess of substrate or by the product.
This inhibition may follow the competitive, uncompetitive, or mixed patterns. Inhibition of
enzyme by its substrate occurs when a dead-end enzyme-substrate complex forms. Often in
the case of substrate inhibition, a molecule of substrate binds to active site in two points (e.g.,
by the head and by the tail of molecule). At high concentrations, two substrate molecules
bind in active site the following manner: one substrate molecule binds using the head and
another molecule using the tail. This binding is nonproductive and substrate cannot be
converted to the product (Figure2). An example of such inhibition is inhibition of acetyl cho-
linesterase by the excess of acetylcholine [15].

Figure2.Enzyme inhibition by substrate. Productive binding of one substrate molecule with two points of enzyme
active site (A) and unproductive binding of two substrate molecules with the same site (B).

Competitive inhibitors mainly interact with enzyme active site preventing binding of real
substrate. Classical example of competitive inhibition is inhibition of fumarate hydratase by
maleate that is a substrate analog (Figure3). Enzyme is highly stereospecific; it catalyzes the
248 Enzyme Inhibitors and Activators

hydration of the trans-double bound of fumarate but not maleate (cis-isomer of fumarate).
Maleate binds to active site with high affinity preventing the binding of fumarate. Despite the
binding maleate to active site, it cannot be converted into the product of reaction. However,
maleate occupies active site making it inaccessible for real substrate and providing by this
way the inhibition [16].

Figure3.Example of enzyme competitive inhibitors. A reaction catalyzing by fumarate hydratase (A) and comparison of
structure of fumarate (substrate of reaction) and maleate (enzyme competitive inhibitor) (B) [16].

Some reversible inhibitors bind so tightly to the enzyme that they are essentially irrevers-
ible. It is known that proteolytic enzymes of the gastrointestinal tract are secreted from the
pancreas in an inactive form. Their activation is achieved by restricted trypsin digestion
of proenzymes. To stop activation of proteolytic enzymes, the pancreas produces trypsin
inhibitor. It is a small protein molecule (it consists of 58 amino acid residues) [17]. This
inhibitor binds directly to trypsin active site with Kd value that is equal to 0.1 pM. The
binding is almost irreversible; complex EI does not dissociate even in solution of 6M urea.
The inhibitor is a very effective analog of trypsin substrates; amino acid residue Lys-15
of inhibitor molecule interacts with aspartic residue located in a pocket of enzyme sur-
face destined for substrate binding, thereby preventing its binding and conversion into the
product (Figure4).
 Enzyme Inhibitors and Activators 249
http://dx.doi.org/10.5772/67248

Figure4.Structure of complex pancreatic trypsin inhibitortrypsin and free trypsin inhibitor [17].

2.2. Irreversible inhibitors as a tool for study of enzymes: enzyme active sites labeling by
irreversible inhibitors

To obtain information concerning the mechanism of enzyme reaction, we should determine

functional groups that are required for enzyme activity and located in enzyme active site.
First approach is to reveal a 3D structure of enzyme with bound substrate using X-ray crystal-
lography. Alternative and/or additional approach is to use group-specific reagent that simul-
taneously is irreversible inhibitor of the enzyme. It can covalently bind to reactive groups of
enzyme active site that allow to elucidate functional amino acid residues of the site. Modified
amino acid residues may be found later after achievement of complete enzyme inhibition,
enzyme proteolysis, and identification of labeled peptide(s).

Irreversible inhibitors that can be used with this aim may be divided into two groups: (1)
group-specific reagents for reactive chemical groups and (2) substrate analogs with included
functional groups that are able to interact with reactive amino acid residues. These com-
pounds can covalently modify amino acids essential for activity of enzyme active site and in
such a manner can label them.

One from the most known group-specific reagent that was used to label functional amino
acid residue of enzyme active site of protease chymotrypsin was diisopropyl phosphofluori-
date [18]. It modified only 1 from 28 serine residues of the enzyme. It means that this serine
250 Enzyme Inhibitors and Activators

residue is very reactive. Location of Ser-195 in active site of chymotrypsin was confirmed in
investigation carried out later, and the origin of its high reactivity was revealed. Diisopropyl
phosphofluoridate was also successfully used for identification of a reactive serine residue in
the active site of acetylcholinesterase [12].

To reveal reactive SH-group in active site of various enzymes, different SH-reagents were
used, among them 14C-labeled N-ethylmaleimide, iodoacetate, and iodoacetamide. Using
these reagents, cysteines were revealed in the active sites of some dehydrogenase, cysteine
protease, and other enzymes.

The second approach is the application of reactive substrate analogs. These compounds
are structurally similar to the substrate but include chemically reactive groups, which can
covalently bind to some amino acid residues. Substrate analogs are more specific than
group-specific reagents. Tosyl-L-phenylalanine chloromethyl ketone, a substrate analog for
chymotrypsin that is able to bind covalently with histidine residue and irreversibly inhibit
enzyme, makes possible identification of Hys-57 in chymotrypsin active site [19].

2.3. Natural enzyme inhibitors

Many cellular enzyme inhibitors are proteins or peptides that specifically bind to and inhibit
target enzymes. Numerous metabolic pathways are controlled by these specific compounds
that are synthesized in organisms. Very interesting example of these inhibitors is protein ser-
pins. It is a large family of proteins with similar structures. Most of them are inhibitors of
chymotrypsin-like serine protease [20, 21].

Serine proteases (e.g., mentioned above chymotrypsin) possess a reactive serine residue in active
site and have similar mechanisms of catalysis. Cleavage of peptide bond by these proteases is a
two-step process. Reactive serine residue of the protease active site that looses H+ and becomes
nucleophilic one in the beginning of catalytic act attacks substrate peptide bond. This results in
the release of new N-terminal part of protein substrate (first product) and in the formation of a
covalent ester bond between the enzyme and the second part of substrate (see Ref. [16]). The sec-
ond step of catalysis of usual substrates leads to the hydrolysis of ester bond and to the release
of the second product (C-terminal part of protein substrate). If serpin is cleaved by a serine
protease, it undergoes conformational transition before the hydrolysis of ester bond between
enzyme and the second part of substrate (serpin). The change of serpin conformation leads to
the freezing of intermediate (complex of enzyme with covalently attached second part of ser-
pin is retained for several days) [21]. Therefore, serpins are irreversible inhibitors with unusual
mechanism of action. They have named suicide inhibitors, because each serpin molecule can
inactivate a single molecule of protease and kills itself during the process of protease inhibition.

Considering enzyme inhibitors we should keep in mind that many living organisms are in
the state of chemical war. Fungi are fighting with bacteria for food using antibiotics. Most
immobile organisms like plants and some sea invertebrates use different poisons to defense
themselves from being eaten; some vertebrates (like snakes) and invertebrates (e.g., bee and
wasps) use poisons not only for defense but also to get food. If we will analyze the composi-
tion of these poisons, we can find in their content a lot of various enzyme inhibitors. They
 Enzyme Inhibitors and Activators 251
http://dx.doi.org/10.5772/67248

were selected during the evolution to stop many metabolic processes in organisms of victims
that lead to their death.
Poisons of plants and invertebrates were used as medicine drugs during thousands of years.
But only in the twentieth century, it became clear that the poisons contain various enzyme
inhibitors as well as the blockers of some other biological molecules (channels, receptors,
etc.) For example, bee venom includes melittin, peptide containing 28 amino acids. This pep-
tide can interact with many enzymes suppressing their activities; in particular, it binds with
protein calmodulin [22] that are activator of many enzymes. Special studies have shown that
melittin structure imitates structure of some proteins (to be exact, some part of protein mol-
ecules) that can interact with target enzyme to provide their biological function [23].
Another example of natural inhibitors is cardiotonic steroids that were found initially in
plants (digoxin, digitonin, ouabain) and in the mucus of toads (marinobufagenin, bufotoxin,
etc.). These compounds are irreversible inhibitors of Na,K-ATPase that is enzyme transport-
ing Na+ and K+ through the plasma membrane of animals against the electrochemical gradi-
ents. In the end of the twentieth century, it was shown that cardiotonic steroids are presented
in low concentrations in the blood of mammals including human beings. The increase of con-
centration of these compounds in the blood may be involved in the development of several
cardiovascular and renal diseases including volume-expanded hypertension, chronic renal
failure, and congestive heart failure [24].
Natural poisons are a powerful instrument for investigation of enzyme function, and analysis
of their action is necessary for these studies. It might be also a model for design of new inhibi-
tors and activators that will imitate natural compounds with such properties.

2.4. Enzyme inhibitors as pharmaceutical agents

We have mentioned above nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs that are the inhibitors of
cyclooxygenase. This group of compounds (the most prescribed drugs in the world, the oldest
among them is aspirin) was successfully used for more than one century around the whole
world for treatment of patients with fever, cardiovascular diseases, joint pain, etc. [5]. Among
these drugs are both irreversible and reversible inhibitors that slow down production of pros-
taglandins that control many aspects of inflammation, smooth muscle contraction, and blood
clotting. But there are many other groups of drugs that are by nature of inhibitors of some
enzymes; the following groups of enzyme inhibitors are developed now by pharmaceutical
companies and have very important therapeutic significances [24].
Inhibitors of angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE). ACE catalyzes a conversion of inactive
decapeptide angiotensin I into angiotensin II by the removal of a dipeptide from the C-terminus
of angiotensin I. Angiotensin II is a powerful vasoconstrictor. Inhibition of ACE results in the
decrease of angiotensin I concentration and in the relaxation of smooth muscles of vessels.
Inhibitors of ACE are widely used as drugs for treatment of arterial hypertension [25].
Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs). Proton pump is an enzyme that is located in the plasma mem-
brane of the parietal cells of stomach mucosa. It is a P-type ATPase that provides proton secre-
tion from parietal cells in gastric cavity against the electrochemical gradient using energy of
252 Enzyme Inhibitors and Activators

adenosine triphosphate (ATP) cleavage. PPIs are groups of substituted benzopyridines that
in acid medium of stomach are converted into active sulfonamides interacting with cysteine
residues of pump [26]. Therefore, PPIs are acid-activated prodrugs that are converted into
drugs inside the organisms. PPIs are introduced in therapeutic practice in 80th years of the
twentieth century. Since this time, the drugs are successfully used for treatment of gastritis,
gastric and duodenal ulcer, and gastroesophageal reflux disease.

Statins represent a group of compounds that are analogs of mevalonic acid. They are inhibitors
of 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-CoA reductase, an enzyme participating in cholesterol synthe-
sis. Statins are used as drugs preventing or slowing the development of atherosclerosis [27].
Because of the existence of some adverse effects, statins may be recommended for patients that
cannot achieve a decrease of cholesterol level in the blood through diet and changes in lifestyle.

Antibiotic penicillin covalently modifies the enzyme transpeptidase, thereby preventing the
synthesis of bacterial cell walls and thus killing the bacteria [28].

Methotrexate is a structural analog of tetrahydrofolate, a coenzyme for the enzyme dihydro-

folate reductase, which catalyzes necessarily step in the biosynthesis of purines and pyrimi-
dines. Methotrexate binds to this enzyme approximately 1000-fold more tightly than the
substrate and inhibits nucleotide base synthesis. It is used for cancer therapy [29].

New promising direction of anticancer therapy that is connected with suppression of protein
kinases controlling the cellular response to DNA damage is now on the step of development.
Selective inhibitors of these enzymes are now being tested in clinical trials in cancer patients [30].

Breakthrough in treatment of patients with acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS)

that is provoked by human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) was achieved recently using two
different types of enzyme inhibitors. Nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors and protease
inhibitors are now recommended for treatment of patients with this decease. These inhibitors
affect also some other viral infections and demonstrated anticancer activity. Presented here list
of enzyme inhibitors that are used in therapy of numerous deceases that is far from being com-
plete. But even mentioned above, points demonstrate how useful and important are therapeu-
tic application of theoretical knowledge obtained as result of study of enzyme inhibitors [31].

Sciences around the world are involved in a search of new inhibitors of known enzymes
that have therapeutic significance. An example of this complex research is a work devoted
to design, synthesis, and study of new inhibitors of carbonic anhydrase, an enzyme that is
involved in the development of such symptoms and deceases as edema, glaucoma, obesity,
cancer, epilepsy, and osteoporosis (see Ref. [32]).

3. Enzyme activators

3.1. Definition and mechanisms of action

Enzyme activators are chemical compounds that increase a velocity of enzymatic reaction.
Their actions are opposite to the effect of enzyme inhibitors. Among activators we can find
ions, small organic molecules, as well as peptides, proteins, and lipids.
 Enzyme Inhibitors and Activators 253
http://dx.doi.org/10.5772/67248

There are many enzymes that are specifically and directly activated by small inorganic mol-
ecules, mainly by cations such as Ca2+ which is a the second messenger (among enzymes
activated by Ca2+, we can find different regulatory enzymes, in particular phospholipases II,
protein kinases C, adenylyl cyclases, etc.). These enzymes usually have special site for Ca2+
binding; the binding of Ca2+ with it results in the change of enzyme conformation that increase
enzyme activity [33].

Cations can bind not only with enzyme but also with the substrate increasing its affinity to the
enzyme that activate enzyme. For example, magnesium ions interact with ATP or with other
nucleotides that are negatively charged molecules, decreasing their charge that provides
effective binding of nucleotides in substrate binding site of various enzymes and increasing
their activity.
In some cases, activation of enzymes is due to the elimination of enzyme inhibitors. In total this
effect looks as enzyme activation. Some cations including heavy metal cations inhibit definite
enzymes. Small organic compounds like ethylene glycol-bis(-aminoethyl ether)-N,N,N,N-
tetraacetic acid (EGTA) and ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) that are known as chelat-
ing agents bind these inhibitory cations and by this way can eliminate their inhibitory effect.
Special group of activators can produce activation of target enzymes only after the formation
of complex with another molecule. This complex, in turn, binds to enzyme and increases the
velocity of enzymatic reaction. The most well-known example of such type of activators is
Ca-binding protein calmodulin (calcium-modulated protein) that is expressed in all eukary-
otic cells. Calmodulin is a small protein containing 148 amino acids (16.7kDa). Its molecule
consists of two symmetrical globular domains each with two Ca-binding motifs (EF-hand)
located on N- and C-domains that are jointed by flexible linker. Flexibility of calmodulin mol-
ecule and the presence of nonpolar grooves in the middle part of the protein allow it to bind
a large variety of proteins [33]. The binding of Ca2+ to calmodulin changes its conformation.
These, in turn, make complex calmodulin-Ca2+ suitable for interaction with target enzymes
(calmodulin-dependent protein kinases and phosphatases,Ca-ATPase of plasma membrane,
etc.), by this manner increasing their activity. Therefore calmodulin is considered as a partici-
pant of calcium signal transduction pathway that provides enforcing and prolongation of the
effect of Ca2+ as a second messenger [34].

3.2. Allosteric enzyme modulators

Inhibitors and activators (modulators) that bind to enzymes not in the active site but in special
center located far enough from it have name allosteric modulators. Their binding to allosteric
sites induces the change of enzyme conformation that affects both the structure of active site
and enzyme conformational mobility leading to the decrease or to the increase of enzyme
activity. Just as enzyme active site is specific in relation to substrate, the allosteric site is spe-
cific to its modulator [16].
Many metabolic pathways are regulated through the action of allosteric modulators. Enzymes
in metabolic pathways work sequentially, and in such pathways, a product of one reaction
becomes a substrate for the next one. The rate of whole pathway is limited by the rate of the
lowest reaction. Allosteric regulators often are a final product of whole metabolic pathway
254 Enzyme Inhibitors and Activators

that activates enzymes catalyzing a limiting step of the whole pathway. Enzymes in a meta-
bolic pathway can be inhibited or activated by downstream products. This regulation repre-
sents negative and positive feedbacks that slow metabolic pathway when the final product is
produced in large amounts or accelerate it when a final product is presented in low concentra-
tion. Therefore, allosteric modulators are important participants of such negative and positive
feedbacks in metabolic pathways or between them making metabolism self-controlled.

For example, ATP and citrate are inhibitors of phosphofructokinase that is a key enzyme of gly-
colytic pathway. One product of glycolysis is ATP. Another product is pyruvate that after the
conversion into acetyl-CoA is condensed with citrate opening cycle of citrate acids (Krebs cycle).
Reactions of this cycle produce reduced nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide reduced (NADH)
and flavinadeninidinucleotide reduced (FADH2), oxidation of which is coupled with massive
production of ATP in mitochondria. Availability of ATP or citrate inhibits glycolysis preventing
glucose oxidation (negative feedback). Inhibition of phosphofructokinase by ATP or by citrate
occurs by allosteric manner [35]. Described negative feedback control maintains a steady con-
centration of ATP in the cell. It should be noted also that metabolic pathways are regulated
not only through inhibition but also through activation of the key enzymes. Mentioned above
phosphofructokinase is activated by adenosine diphosphate (ADP), adenosine monophosphate
(AMP), and fructose-2,6-bisphospate that represents positive feedback control.

Enzymes that are regulated by allosteric modulators are usually presented by several inter-
acting subunits (they are called oligomers). A very interesting example of regulation of the
activity of oligomeric enzymes is c-AMP-dependent protein kinase that is an important regu-
latory enzyme participating in the phosphorylation of serine and threonine residues of tar-
get proteins changing by this way their activity. This enzyme consists of four subunits; two
of them are catalytic and two are regulatory. Cyclic AMP (c-AMP) is allosteric activator of
this enzyme. Catalytic subunit being bound to the regulatory one is inactive. Binding of two
c-AMP molecules to allosteric sites of each regulatory subunit induces their conformation
transition that results in dissociation of the tetrameric complex and in activation of catalytic
subunits [36]. Decrease of c-AMP concentration leads to its dissociation from the allosteric site
and to association of regulatory and catalytic subunits with subsequent inactivation of cata-
lytic subunits. By this way, c-AMP activity depends upon the c-AMP concentration in the cell.

4. Conclusions

Enzyme inhibitors and activators are a number of various chemical compounds that can
slow down (or even stop) and activate enzymes, natural protein catalysts. They include inor-
ganic compounds (often anions), different organic compounds (mainly containing reactive
groups that can modify amino acids of protein), natural proteins, lipids, and carbohydrates.
Mechanism of inhibitor and activator action on the enzyme activity includes a step of their
binding to the enzyme, after which a step of the change of enzyme conformation often follows.

Inhibitors are a good tool for study of enzyme reaction mechanisms. Many natural inhibitors
especially obtained from plants and invertebrates often imitate natural proteins or some of
 Enzyme Inhibitors and Activators 255
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their motifs that participate in the protein-protein interactions in the cell that are important
for metabolic regulation. Among enzyme activators and inhibitors, one can highlight a group
of allosteric modulators that participate in feedback regulation of metabolic pathways. And
finally, we should note a practical significance of enzyme inhibitors that are a base for the
design of different classes of pharmaceutical drugs, pesticides, and insecticides.

Author details

Olga D. Lopina

Address all correspondence to: od_lopina@mail.ru

Department of Biochemistry, School of Biology, M.V. Lomonosov Moscow State University,

Moscow, Russia

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