Investigations of the esterase, phosphatase, and sulfatase activities of the cytosolic mammalian carbonic anhydrase isoforms I, II, and XIII with 4-nitrophenyl esters as substrates

The esterase, phosphatase, and sulfatase activities of carbonic anhydrase (CA, EC 4.2.1.1) isozymes, CA I, II, and XIII with 4-nitrophenyl esters as substrates was investigated. These enzymes show esterase activity with 4-nitrophenyl acetate as substrate, with second order rate constants in the range of 753–7706 M−1 s−1, being less effective as phosphatases (kcat/KM in the range of 14.89–1374.40 M−1 s−1) and totally ineffective sulfatases. The esterase/phosphatase activities were inhibited by sulfonamide CA inhibitors, proving that the zinc-hydroxide mechanism responsible for the CO2 hydrase activities of CAs is also responsible for their esterase/phosphatase activity. CA XIII was the most effective esterase and phosphatase. CA XIII might catalyze other physiological reactions than CO2 hydration, based on its relevant phosphatase activity.