In enzymology, a mimosinase is an enzyme that catalyzes the chemical reaction Thus, the two substrates of this enzyme are (S)-2-amino-3-(3-hydroxy-4-oxo-4H-pyridin-1-yl)propanoate and H2O, whereas its two products are 3-hydroxy-4H-pyrid-4-one and L-serine. This enzyme belongs to the family of hydrolases, those acting on carbon-nitrogen bonds other than peptide bonds, specifically in linear amides. The systematic name of this enzyme class is mimosine amidohydrolase.

Occurrence

Known to occur in all Leucaena and Mimosa. Negi & Borthakur 2016 clone the synthase found in L. leucocephala.

Research methods

Heterologous expression in E. coli can be used. Negi & Borthakur 2016 provide a protocol.