Enzymes in Low Water Systems

Water is fundamental for enzyme action and for formation of the three-dimensional structure of proteins. Hence, it may be assumed that studies on the interplay between water and enzymes can yield insight into enzyme function and formation. This has proven correct, because the numerous studies that have been made on the behavior of water-soluble and membrane enzymes in systems with a low water content (reverse micelles or enzymes suspended in nonpolar organic solvents) have revealed properties of enzymes that are not easily appreciated in aqueous solutions. In the low water systems, it has been possible to probe the relation between solvent and enzyme kinetics, as well as some of the factors that affect enzyme thermostability and catalysis. Furthermore, the studies show that low water environments can be used to stabilize conformers that exhibit unsuspected catalytic properties, as well as intermediates of enzyme function and formation that in aqueous media have relatively short life-times. The structure of enzymes in these unnatural conditions is actively being explored.