Kinetic properties and affinities for sulfonamide inhibitors of an alpha-carbonic anhydrase (CruCA4) involved in coral biomineralization in the Mediterranean red coral Corallium rubrum

We report the kinetic properties and sulfonamide inhibition profile of an a-carbonic anhydrase (CA, EC 4.2.1.1), named CruCA4, identified in the red coral Corallium rubrum. This isoform is involved in the biomineralization process leading to the formation of a calcium carbonate skeleton. Experiments performed on the recombinant protein show that the enzyme has a "moderate activity" level. Our results are discussed compared to values obtained for other CA isoforms involved in biomineralization. This is the first study describing the biochemical characterization of an octocoral CA. (C) 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.