Reaction: (R)-synephrine = (4-hydroxyphenyl)acetaldehyde + methylamine
Glossary: (R)-synephrine = D-(–)-synephrine = 4-[(1R)-1-hydroxy-2-(methylamino)ethyl]phenol
Other name(s): syringinase
Systematic name: (R)-synephrine hydro-lyase (methylamine-forming)
Comments: Removal of H2O from (R)-synephrine produces a 2,3-enamine, which hydrolyses to the products shown in the reaction above. The enzyme from Arthrobacter synephrinum is highly specific [1].
Links to other databases: BRENDA, EXPASY, KEGG, Metacyc, CAS registry number: 104118-54-9
References:
1. Veeraswamy, M., Devi, N.A., Krishnan Kutty, R. and Subba Rao, P.V. Conversion of (±) synephrine into p-hydroxyphenylacetaldehyde by Arthrobacter synephrinum. A novel enzymic reaction. Biochem. J. 159 (1976) 807-809. [PMID: 1008837]
2. Manne, V., Kutty, K.R. and Pillarisetti, S.R. Purification and properties of synephrinase from Arthrobacter synephrinum. Arch. Biochem. Biophys. 248 (1986) 324-334. [PMID: 3729420]