1CV2

The Haloalkane dehalogenase LinB, found in bacteria, catalyses the convertion of a broad range of natural and synthetic halogenated compounds (e.g., alkanes, alkenes, cycloalkanes, alcohols, epoxides, carboxylic acids, esters, ethers, amides, and nitriles) by replacing the halogen atom (chloro, bromo, or iodo) with a hydroxyl group. It is of special interest in its ability to degrade the toxic compound 1,2,3,4,5,6-hexachlorocyclohexane. Thus study of the enzyme is important in understanding how bacteria are able to degrade xenobiotics and how pollutants can be detoxified using microorganisms. The enzyme is part of the alpha-beta hydrolase family and shows sequence and structural homology with a wide variety of haloalkane dehalogenases with different specificities.