Expression and characterization of the nitrile reductase queF from E. coli

The expression and characterization of a nitrile reductase from Escherichia coli K-12 (EcoNR), a newly discovered enzyme class, is described. This enzyme has a potential application for an alternative nitrile reduction pathway. The enzyme activity towards its natural substrate, preQ0, was demonstrated and optimal working conditions were found to be at 37 °C and at pH 7 with Tris buffer.