Transfer RNA-Peroxidase Interaction

Transfer RNA from wheat germ, yeast, and Escherichia coli inhibited the indoleacetic acid (IAA)-induced spectral change in horseradish peroxidase (EC 1.11.1.7) and the decarboxylation of IAA. The inhibition was limited to a delay after which the increase in A(427) and the decarboxylation of IAA resumed at the same rate as in the control; the duration of the inhibition was dependent on, but not proportional to, the concentration of tRNA. Alkaline hydrolysis destroyed the inhibitory activity of tRNA. The inhibition was completely abolished when the tRNA was added 30 seconds after IAA. Thus, the tRNA appears not to react with the enzyme intermediates formed during the reaction with IAA. The inhibition by tRNA was rapidly reversed by H(2)O(2) or additional IAA, but not by 2,4-dichlorophenol. Results suggest that the tRNA interferes with the initial reaction between IAA and the heme moiety of free peroxidase, thus preventing the formation of highly active enzyme intermediates essential for IAA degradation.