Remarkable enhancement of the hydrolyses of phosphoesters by dinuclear centers: Streptomyces aminopeptidase as a 'natural model system'

The transition-state analogues bis(p-nitrophenyl)phosphate and p-nitropheny l phenylphosphonate for peptide hydrolysis are shown to be very effectively hydrolyzed by Streptomyces dinuclear aminopeptidase and its Co2+, Ni2+, Mn 2+ and Cd2+ derivatives with high catalytic proficiencies and specific acti vities comparable to those of some phosphoesterases.