Function
Penicillin acylase (PAH) catalyzes the conversion of penicillin to 6-amino-penicillanate and phenylacetate (PA). PAH contains 2 non-identical subunits. The larger β subunit contains a phenylmethylsulfonyl residue which is required for enzymatic activity. PAH participates in penicillin and cephalosporin biosynthesis[1].
Relevance
PAH is used commercially for production of semi-synthetic penicillins[2].
Structural highlights
PAH contains a [3]. Water molecules are shown as red spheres. is also located between its 2 subunits.