Reaction: L-tryptophan + O2 = α,β-didehydrotryptophan + H2O2
Other name(s): L-tryptophan 2',3'-oxidase; L-tryptophan α,β-dehydrogenase
Systematic name: L-tryptophan:oxygen α,β-oxidoreductase
Comments: Requires heme. The enzyme from Chromobacterium violaceum is specific for tryptophan derivatives possessing its carboxyl group free or as an amide or ester, and an unsubstituted indole ring. Also catalyses the α,β dehydrogenation of L-tryptophan side chains in peptides. The product of the reaction can hydrolyse spontaneously to form indolepyruvate.
Links to other databases: BRENDA, EXPASY, KEGG, Metacyc, CAS registry number: 156859-19-7
References:
1. Genet, R., Denoyelle, C. and Menez, A. Purification and partial characterization of an amino acid α,β-dehydrogenase, L-tryptophan 2',3'-oxidase from Chromobacterium violaceum. J. Biol. Chem. 269 (1994) 18177-18184. [PMID: 8027079]
2. Genet, R., Benetti, P.H., Hammadi, A. and Menez, A. L-Tryptophan 2',3'-oxidase from Chromobacterium violaceum. Substrate specificity and mechanistic implications. J. Biol. Chem. 270 (1995) 23540-23545. [PMID: 7559518]