Metal-dependent
formate dehydrogenases (FDHs) catalyze the reversible
conversion of formate into CO
2
, a proton, and two electrons.
Kinetic studies of FDHs provide key insights into their mechanism
of catalysis, relevant as a guide for the development of efficient
electrocatalysts for formate oxidation as well as for CO
2
capture and utilization. Here, we identify and explain the kinetic
isotope effect (KIE) observed for the oxidation of formate and deuterioformate
by the Mo-containing FDH from
Escherichia coli
using
three different techniques: steady-state solution kinetic assays,
protein film electrochemistry (PFE), and pre-steady-state stopped-flow
methods. For each technique, the Mo center of FDH is reoxidized at
a different rate following formate oxidation, significantly affecting
the observed kinetic behavior and providing three different viewpoints
on the KIE. Steady-state turnover in solution, using an artificial
electron acceptor, is kinetically limited by diffusional intermolecular
electron transfer, masking the KIE. In contrast, interfacial electron
transfer in PFE is fast, lifting the electron-transfer rate limitation
and manifesting a KIE of 2.44. Pre-steady-state analyses using stopped-flow
spectroscopy revealed a KIE of 3 that can be assigned to the C–H
bond cleavage step during formate oxidation. We formalize our understanding
of FDH catalysis by fitting all the data to a single kinetic model,
recreating the condition-dependent shift in rate-limitation of FDH
catalysis between active-site chemical catalysis and regenerative
electron transfer. Furthermore, our model predicts the steady-state
and time-dependent concentrations of catalytic intermediates, providing
a valuable framework for the design of future mechanistic experiments.