CoA Transferase and Malonyl-CoA Decarboxylase Activity of Malonate Decarboxylase from Acinetobacter calcoaceticus

Malonate decarboxylase from Acinetobacter calcoaceticus is shown to have malonyl-CoA: acetate CoA transferase. acetyl-CoA: malonate CoA transferase, and malonyl-CoA decarboxylase activity. These enzyme activities were elucidated by isotope exchange reactions. The enzyme modified by N-ethylmaleimide completely lost its malonate decarboxylase activity, whereas it still kept CoA transferases and malonyl-CoA decarboxylase activities. The existence of CoA transferases and malonyl-CoA decarboxylase activity is clear, but their physiological significance is obscure. The catalytic reactions for two eoA transfers and malonyl-CoA decarboxylation proceed via a cyclic mechanism, which is through two covalent intermediates, enzyme-Smalonyl and enzyme-S-acetyL proposed for malonate decarboxylation of the enzyme.