Small temperature dependence of the kinetic isotope effect for the hydride transfer reaction catalyzed by Escherichia coli dihydrofolate reductase

The H/D primary kinetic isotope effect (KIE) for the hydride transfer reaction catalyzed by Escherichia coli dihydrofolate reductase (ecDHFR) is calculated as a function of temperature employing ensemble-averaged variational transition-state theory with multidimensional tunneling. The calculated KIEs display only a small temperature dependence over the temperature range of 5 to 45 degrees C. We identify two key features that contribute to canceling most of the temperature dependence of the KIE that would be expected on the basis of simpler models. Related issues such as the isotope effects on Arrhenius preexponential factors, large differences between free energies of activation and Arrhenius activation energy, and fluctuations of effective barriers are also discussed.