Cyclopropane Fatty Acid Synthase from <i>Escherichia coli</i>: Enzyme Purification and Inhibition by Vinylfluorine and Epoxide‐Containing Substrate Analogues

Abstract

Biosynthesis of cyclopropane fatty acid (CFA) found in the lipids of many eubacteria is catalyzed by CFA synthase as per the scheme. An efficient method has been developed that allows significant quantities of phospholipid-free CFA synthase to be purified with high purity and good activity. Two phospholipid derivatives were synthesized as mechanistic probes for CFA synthase. The fact that both compounds are inhibitors rather than substrates for this enzyme is consistent with a mechanism involving carbocation intermediate/transition state.