The Heme Monooxygenase Cytochrome P450cam Can Be Engineered to Oxidize Ethane to Ethanol

A NADH turnover rate of 741 min−1 in the oxidition of ethane to ethanol is observed with an engineered form of the heme monooxygenase cytochrome P450cam—the first example of such activity for a P450 enzyme (GC analysis shown). Ethanol is formed at 78 min−1 (10.5 % coupling). The mutant is ≈45 % high-spin in the absence of substrate, making it a useful platform for P450 structure–function studies.