Requires heme. The enzyme from Chromobacterium violaceum is specific for tryptophan derivatives possessing its carboxyl group free or as an amide or ester, and an unsubstituted indole ring. Also catalyses the alpha,beta dehydrogenation of L-tryptophan side chains in peptides. The product of the reaction can hydrolyse spontaneously to form (indol-3-yl)pyruvate.
History
EC 1.3.3.10 created 2000 as EC 1.4.3.17, transferred 2003 to EC 1.3.3.10