Esterase (EST), isolated from Pseudomonas putida, catalyses the hydrolysis of methyl esters. Of particular interest is the stereoselective hydrolysis of DL-beta-acetylthioisobutyrate acid (DL-MATI) to D-beta-acetylthioisobutyric acid (DAT). This is because DAT is an important intermediate in the synthesis of the medicinally important angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors. The mechanism of action of EST is similar to the serine protease mechanism.
Defined by 6 residues: TRP:A-31SER:A-97THR:A-98ALA:A-122ASP:A-227HIS:A-256