Theoretical study of the C-N bond breakage catalyzed by the serine peptidases

The conditions of C---N bond breakage by the serine peptidases have been analysed. A two-way table has been generated where either formamide or protonated formamide serves as minimal model of the scissile C---N bond and where either methanol or the couple CH3O− H+ serves as minimal model of the attacking nucleophile. An addition-elimination reaction is proposed which links the enzyme acylation and deacylation steps.