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Purine-containing nucleotide second messengers regulate diverse cellular activities. Cyclic di-pyrimidines mediate anti-phage functions in bacteria; however, the synthesis mechanism remains elusive. Here, we determine the high-resolution structures of cyclic di-pyrimidine-synthesizing cGAS/DncV-like nucleotidyltransferases (CD-NTases) in clade E (CdnE) in its apo, substrate-, and intermediate-bound states. A conserved (R/Q)xW motif controlling the pyrimidine specificity of donor nucleotide is identified. Mutation of Trp or Arg from the (R/Q)xW motif to Ala rewires its specificity to purine nucleotides, producing mixed purine-pyrimidine cyclic dinucleotides (CDNs). Preferential binding of uracil over cytosine bases explains the product specificity of cyclic di-pyrimidine-synthesizing CdnE to cyclic di-UMP (cUU). Based on the intermediate-bound structures, a synthetic pathway for cUU containing a unique 2'3'-phosphodiester linkage through intermediate pppU[3'−5']pU is deduced. Our results provide a framework for pyrimidine selection and establish the importance of conserved residues at the C-terminal loop for the specificity determination of CD-NTases. Here, the authors present structural and functional characterization of bacterial CD-NTases that synthesize cyclic dipyrimidines for phage resistance, revealing a (R/Q)xW motif dictating pyrimidine selection which suggests a sequential pathway for synthesizing 2'3'-cyclic di-UMP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mammalian innate immune sensor STING (STimulator of INterferon Gene) was recently found to originate from bacteria. During phage infection, bacterial STING sense c-di-GMP generated by the CD-NTase (cGAS/DncV-like nucleotidyltransferase) encoded in the same operon and signal suicide commitment as a defense strategy that restricts phage propagation. However, the precise binding mode of c-di-GMP to bacterial STING and the specific recognition mechanism are still elusive. Here, we determine two complex crystal structures of bacterial STING/c-di-GMP, which provide a clear picture of how c-di-GMP is distinguished from other cyclic dinucleotides. The protein-protein interactions further reveal the driving force behind filament formation of bacterial STING. Finally, we group the bacterial STING into two classes based on the conserved motif in β-strand lid, which dictate their ligand specificity and oligomerization mechanism, and propose an evolution-based model that describes the transition from c-di-GMP-dependent signaling in bacteria to 2'3'-cGAMP-dependent signaling in eukaryotes. The bacterial Cyclic-oligonucleotide-Based Anti-phage Signaling System (CBASS) contains a CD-NTase that synthesizes cyclic di- and tri-nucleotides, and bacterial STING proteins recognize c-di-GMP generated by CD-NTase during phage infection and signal the infected bacteria to commit suicide. Here, the authors provide insights into the molecular basis for c-di-GMP recognition of bacterial STING proteins by determining two STING protein crystal structures with bound c-di-GMP from Prevotella corporis and Myroides sp. ZB35. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cytochrome P450 monooxygenases are versatile heme-thiolate enzymes that catalyze a wide range of reactions. Self-sufficient cytochrome P450 enzymes contain the redox partners in a single polypeptide chain. Here, we present the crystal structure of full-length CYP116B46, a self-sufficient P450. The continuous polypeptide chain comprises three functional domains, which align well with the direction of electrons traveling from FMN to the heme through the [2Fe-2S] cluster. FMN and the [2Fe-2S] cluster are positioned closely, which facilitates efficient electron shuttling. The edge-to-edge straight-line distance between the [2Fe-2S] cluster and heme is approx. 25.3 Å. The role of several residues located between the [2Fe-2S] cluster and heme in the catalytic reaction is probed in mutagenesis experiments. These findings not only provide insights into the intramolecular electron transfer of self-sufficient P450s, but are also of interest for biotechnological applications of self-sufficient P450s. Self-sufficient cytochrome P450 monooxygenases, which contain all redox partners in a single polypeptide chain, are of interest for biotechnological applications. Here, the authors present the crystal structure of full-length Thermobispora bispora CYP116B46 and discuss the potential electron transfer pathway. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The epimerase MoeE5 from Streptomyces viridosporus converts UDP-glucuronic acid (UDP-GlcA) to UDP-galacturonic acid (UDP-GalA) to provide the first sugar in synthesizing moenomycin, a potent inhibitor against bacterial peptidoglycan glycosyltransferases. The enzyme belongs to the UDP-hexose 4-epimerase family, and uses NAD+ as its cofactor. Here we present the complex crystal structures of MoeE5/NAD+/UDP-GlcA and MoeE5/NAD+/UDP-glucose, determined at 1.48 Å and 1.66 Å resolution. The cofactor NAD+ is bound to the N-terminal Rossmann-fold domain and the substrate is bound to the smaller C-terminal domain. In both crystals the C4 atom of the sugar moiety of the substrate is in close proximity to the C4 atom of the nicotinamide of NAD+, and the O4 atom of the sugar is also hydrogen bonded to the side chain of Tyr154, suggesting a productive binding mode. As the first complex structure of this protein family with a bound UDP-GlcA in the active site, it shows an extensive hydrogen-bond network between the enzyme and the substrate. We further built a model with the product UDP-GalA, and found that the unique Arg192 of MoeE5 might play an important role in the catalytic pathway. Consequently, MoeE5 is likely a specific epimerase for UDP-GlcA to UDP-GalA conversion, rather than a promiscuous enzyme as some other family members. Image 1 • The crystal structures of MoeE5 in complex with NAD+ and sugars were determined. • Substrate disposition in the active site suggests a productive binding mode. • Extensive hydrogen-bond network to UDP-GlcA suggests highly specificity of MoeE5. • The catalytic pathway is elucidated by constructing a product model of UDP-GalA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The polyprenoid glycan carriers are produced by cis -prenyltransferases (cis -PTs), which function as heterodimers in metazoa and fungi or homodimers in bacteria, but both are found in plants, protista and archaea. Heterodimeric cis -PTs comprise catalytic and non-catalytic subunits while homodimeric enzymes contain two catalytic subunits. The non-catalytic subunits of cis -PT shows low sequence similarity to known cis -PTs and their structure information is of great interests. Here we report the crystal structure of Nus1, the non-catalytic subunit of cis -PT from Saccharomyces cerevisiae. We also investigate the heterodimer formation and active site conformation by constructing a homology model of Nus1 and its catalytic subunit. Nus1 does not contain an active site, but its C-terminus may participate in catalysis by interacting with the substrates bound to the catalytic subunit. These results provide important basis for further investigation of heterodimeric cis -PTs. • The structure of N-terminally truncated Nus1 was determined at 2.0 Å resolution. • Significant differences from other cis -prenyltransferase structures were observed. • A model of Nus1/Rer2 complex suggests conserved subunit interface and active site. • The C-terminus of Nus1 interacts with Rer2 but does not contain an RXG motif. • A majority of disease-causing mutation sites in human NgBR can now be located. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chromoproteins are a good source of engineered biological tools. We previously reported the development of a blue fluorescent protein, termed shBFP, which was derived from a purple chromoprotein shCP found in the sea anemone Stichodacyla haddoni. shBFP contains a Leu63-Leu64-Gly65 tri-peptide chromophore, and shows maximum excitation and emission wavelengths at 401 nm and 458 nm, along with a high quantum yield. How this chromophore endows shBFP with the unique fluorescence property in the absence of a hydroxyphenyl ring remained unclear. Here, we present the crystal structures of shCP and shBFP at 1.9- and 2.05-Å resolution, respectively. Both proteins crystallized as similar tetramers, but they are more likely to function as dimers in solution. The chromophore in shCP shows a trans -conformation and its non-planarity is similar to most other homologues. The shBFP chromophore also contains an imidazolidone moiety in its structure, but there are a smaller number of conjugated double bonds compared to shCP. Consequently, the chromophore may prefer absorbing shorter wavelength lights in the UV region, followed by the emission of blue fluorescence. These observations provide new insights into the molecular basis that correlates chromophore conformation with light absorption and fluorescence emission for the development of improved biomarkers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract The antibiotic moenomycin A is a phosphoglycerate derivative with a C 25 -moenocinyl chain and a branched oligosaccharide. Formation of the C 25 -chain is catalyzed by the enzyme MoeN5 with geranyl pyrophosphate (GPP) and the sugar-linked 2- Z,E -farnesyl-3-phosphoglycerate (FPG) as its substrates. Previous complex crystal structures with GPP and long-chain alkyl glycosides suggested that GPP binds to the S1 site in a similar way as in most other α-helical prenyltransferases (PTs), and FPG is likely to assume a bent conformation in the S2 site. However, two FPG derivatives synthesized in the current study were found in the S1 site rather than S2 in their complex crystal structures with MoeN5. Apparently S1 is the preferred site for prenyl-containing ligand, and S2 binding may proceed only after S1 is occupied. Thus, like most trans -type PTs, MoeN5 may employ a sequential ionization-condensation-elimination mechanism that involves a carbocation intermediate. Highlights • The complex crystal structures of MoeN5/FQ1 and MoeN5/FQ2 were determined. • FQ1 and FQ2 were found in the other binding site for geranyl pyrophosphate (GPP). • The ordered binding suggests a sequential mechanism starting with GPP ionization. • Docking of the Sso7d tag on MoeN5 helped with crystallization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Undecaprenyl pyrophosphate (UPP) is an important carrier of the oligosaccharide component in peptidoglycan synthesis. Inhibition of UPP synthase (UPPS) may be an effective strategy in combating the pathogen Acinetobacter baumannii, which has evolved to be multidrug‐resistant. Here, A. baumannii UPPS (AbUPPS) was cloned, expressed, purified and crystallized, and its structure was determined by X‐ray diffraction. Each chain of the dimeric protein folds into a central β‐sheet with several surrounding α‐helices, including one at the C‐terminus. In the active site, two molecules of citrate interact with the side chains of the catalytic aspartate and serine. These observations may provide a structural basis for inhibitor design against AbUPPS. The inhibition of undecaprenyl pyrophosphate synthase (UPPS) may be an effective strategy in combating the multidrug‐resistant pathogen Acinetobacter baumannii. The structure of UPPS from A. baumannii reported here may provide a structural basis for inhibitor design. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Found recently in stignomatales, the Stig cyclases catalyze the Cope rearrangement and intramolecular cyclization to produce complex indole alkaloids. Five crystal structures were solved of subfamily 1 and 2 Stig cyclases, which adopt a β‐sandwich fold like the non‐catalytic carbohydrate‐binding motif. Several complex structures were also determined of indole‐based compounds, which are bound to the hydrophobic terminal cavity, where a conserved Asp residue makes an H‐bond to the indole N and triggers the acid‐catalyzed Cope rearrangement. Through analyzing the enzyme–ligand interactions and mutagenesis experiments, several aromatic residues were found important in catalysis. Apart from a common substrate binding mode and catalytic mechanism, potential subfamily variations that may attribute to the different product specificity are implicated. These results shall expand our scope of enzymology, in particular for further investigation of the biosynthetic Cope rearrangement. Complex structure elucidations of Stig cyclases reveal a common substrate‐binding mode and mechanism of action of these enzymes. Located near the bottom of a terminal cavity in the β‐sandwich, a strictly conserved aspartate plays a vital role in catalysis, while the surrounding active‐site residues including those in the overhanging loop may determine the type of cyclization and the final product. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) is a class of plastic material widely used in modern society, but large amounts of PET waste cause severe environmental problems. Obtained from a PET‐consuming bacterium Ideonella sakaiensis, the enzyme PETase exhibits superb hydrolytic activity and substrate preference toward PET. Here, we summarize some recent advances in the crystallographic analysis of PETase. These reports uncover structural features of PETase that are involved in its catalytic activity. In comparison to homologous enzymes, PETase contains an additional disulfide bond as well as an extended β8‐α6 loop. More importantly, the crystal structures of PETase in complex with substrate and product analogs provide critical information for understanding the mechanism of action of PETase. In particular, the wobbling conformation of W156 is closely related to the binding of substrate and product. These new findings are of great importance for further in‐depth research and engineering development of PETase, and should advance the implementation of plastic biodegradation strategy. Poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) plastic material waste causes severe environmental burden worldwide. PET biological decomposition, mediated by a specific enzyme called PETase from a bacterium which can utilize PET as a carbon source, has recently attracted much attention. In this review, the crystal structure of the novel PETase reported from several recent advanced studies is summarized. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: We report the first X‐ray crystallographic structure of the “head‐to‐middle” prenyltransferase, isosesquilavandulyl diphosphate synthase, involved in biosynthesis of the merochlorin class of antibiotics. The protein adopts the ζ or cis‐prenyl transferase fold but remarkably, unlike tuberculosinol adenosine synthase and other cis‐prenyl transferases (e.g. cis‐farnesyl, decaprenyl, undecaprenyl diphosphate synthases), the large, hydrophobic side chain does not occupy a central hydrophobic tunnel. Instead, it occupies a surface pocket oriented at 90° to the hydrophobic tunnel. Product chain‐length control is achieved by squeezing out the ligand from the conventional allylic S1 binding site, with proton abstraction being achieved using a diphosphate‐Asn‐Ser relay. The structures revise and unify our thinking as to the mechanism of action of many other prenyl transferases and may also be of use in engineering new merochlorin‐class antibiotics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

DNA mimicry is a direct and effective strategy by which the mimic competes with DNA for the DNA binding sites on other proteins. Until now, only about a dozen proteins have been shown to function via this strategy, including the DNA mimic protein DMP19 from Neisseria meningitides. We have shown previously that DMP19 dimer prevents the operator DNA from binding to the transcription factor NHTF. Here, we provide new evidence that DMP19 monomer can also interact with the Neisseria nucleoid-associated protein HU. Using BS3 crosslinking, gel filtration and isothermal titration calorimetry assays, we found that DMP19 uses its monomeric form to interact with the Neisseria HU dimer. Crosslinking conjugated mass spectrometry was used to investigate the binding mode of DMP19 monomer and HU dimer. Finally, an electrophoretic mobility shift assay (EMSA) confirmed that the DNA binding affinity of HU is affected by DMP19. These results showed that DMP19 is bifunctional in the gene regulation of Neisseria through its variable oligomeric forms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Sso7c4 from Sulfolobus solfataricus forms a dimer, which is believed to function as a chromosomal protein involved in genomic DNA compaction and gene regulation. Here, we present the crystal structure of wild-type Sso7c4 at a high resolution of 1.63 Å, showing that the two basic C-termini are disordered. Based on the fluorescence polarization (FP) binding assay, two arginine pairs, R11/R22′ and R11′/R22, on the top surface participate in binding DNA. As shown in electron microscopy (EM) images, wild-type Sso7c4 compacts DNA through bridging and bending interactions, whereas the binding of C-terminally truncated proteins rigidifies and opens DNA molecules, and no compaction of the DNA occurs. Moreover, the FP, EM and fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) data indicated that the two basic and flexible C-terminal arms of the Sso7c4 dimer play a crucial role in binding and bending DNA. Sso7c4 has been classified as a repressor-like protein because of its similarity to Escherichia coli Ecrep 6.8 and Ecrep 7.3 as well as Agrobacterium tumefaciens ACCR in amino acid sequence. Based on these data, we proposed a model of the Sso7c4-DNA complex using a curved DNA molecule in the catabolite activator protein-DNA complex. The DNA end-to-end distance measured with FRET upon wild-type Sso7c4 binding is almost equal to the distance measured in the model, which supports the fidelity of the proposed model. The FRET data also confirm the EM observation showing that the binding of wild-type Sso7c4 reduces the DNA length while the C-terminal truncation does not. A functional role for Sso7c4 in the organization of chromosomal DNA and/or the regulation of gene expression through bridging and bending interactions is suggested. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The negatively charged bacterial polysaccharides--wall teichoic acids (WTAs) are synthesized intracellularly and exported by a two-component transporter, TagGH, comprising a transmembrane subunit TagG and an ATPase subunit TagH. We determined the crystal structure of the C-terminal domain of TagH (TagH-C) to investigate its function. The structure shows an N-terminal SH3-like subdomain wrapped by a C-terminal subdomain with an anti-parallel β-sheet and an outer shell of β-helices. A stretch of positively charged surface across the subdomain interface is flanked by two negatively charged regions, suggesting a potential binding site for negatively charged polymers, such as WTAs or acidic peptide chains. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Molecular mechanisms underlying the repair of nitrosylated [Fe-S] clusters by the microbial protein YtfE remain poorly understood. The X-ray crystal structure of YtfE, in combination with EPR, magnetic circular dichroism (MCD), UV, and 17O-labeling electron spin echo envelope modulation measurements, show that each iron of the oxo-bridged FeII-FeIII diiron core is coordinatively unsaturated with each iron bound to two bridging carboxylates and two terminal histidines in addition to an oxo-bridge. Structural analysis reveals that there are two solvent-accessible tunnels, both of which converge to the diiron center and are critical for capturing substrates. The reactivity of the reduced-form FeII-FeII YtfE toward nitric oxide demonstrates that the prerequisite for N2O production requires the two iron sites to be nitrosylated simultaneously. Specifically, the nitrosylation of the two iron sites prior to their reductive coupling to produce N2O is cooperative. This result suggests that, in addition to any repair of iron centers (RIC) activity, YtfE acts as an NO-trapping scavenger to promote the NO to N2O transformation under low NO flux, which precedes nitrosative stress. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two-component system SaeRS of Staphylococcus regulates virulence factor expression through phosphorylation of the DNA-binding regulator SaeR by the sensor histidine kinase SaeS. Here crystal structures of the DNA-binding domain (DBD) of SaeR from two Staphylococcal species Staphylococcus epidermidis and Staphylococcus aureus were determined and showed similar folds. Analyzing the DNA binding activity of three mutants of Se SaeR, we observed that Thr217 is important in binding to the phosphate group of DNA and Trp219 may interact with the base pairs. Additionally, the tandem arrangement of DBD may represent a possible way for SaeR oligomerization on DNA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT Octaprenyl pyrophosphate synthase (OPPs) catalyzes consecutive condensation reactions of one allylic substrate farnesyl pyrophosphate (FPP) and five homoallylic substrate isopentenyl pyrophosphate (IPP) molecules to form a C40 long-chain product OPP, which serves as a side chain of ubiquinone and menaquinone. OPPs belongs to the trans-prenyltransferase class of proteins. The structures of OPPs from Escherichia coli were solved in the apo-form as well as in complexes with IPP and a FPP thio-analog, FsPP, at resolutions of 2.2-2.6 Å, and revealed the detailed interactions between the ligands and enzyme. At the bottom of the active-site tunnel, M123 and M135 act in concert to form a wall which determines the final chain length. These results represent the first ligand-bound crystal structures of a long-chain trans-prenyltransferase and provide new information on the mechanisms of catalysis and product chain elongation. Proteins 2015; 83:37-45. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Oxidized polyvinyl alcohol hydrolase (OPH) catalyzes the cleavage of C–C bond in β-diketone. It belongs to the α/β-hydrolase family and contains a unique lid region that covers the active site. The lid is the most variable region when pOPH from Pseudomonas sp. VM15C and sOPH from Sphingopyxis sp. 113P3 are compared. The wild-type enzymes and the pOPH mutants W255A, W255Y and W255F were analyzed for lipase activity by using p-nitrophenyl (pNP) esters as the substrates. The wild-type enzymes showed increased K m and decreased k cat / K m with the acyl chain length, and the mutants showed reduced k cat / K m for pNP acetate, indicating the importance of Trp255 in sequestering the active site from solvent. The significantly lower activity for pNP butyrate can be a result of product inhibition, as suggested by the complex crystal structures, in which butyric acid, DMSO or PEG occupied the same substrate-binding cleft. The mutant activity was retained with pNP caprylate and pNP laurate as the substrates, reflecting the amphipathic nature of the cleft. Moreover, the disulfide bond formation of Cys257/267 is important for the activity of pOPH, but it is not essential for sOPH, which has a shorter lid structure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT Pullulanase is a debranching enzyme that specifically hydrolyzes the α-1,6 glycosidic linkage of α-glucans, and has wide industrial applications. Here, we report structural and functional studies of a new thermostable pullulanase from Anoxybacillus sp. LM18-11 (PulA). Based on the hydrolysis products, PulA was classified as a type I pullulanase. It showed maximum activity at 60°C and pH 6.0. Kinetic study showed that the specific activity and Km for pullulan of PulA are 750 U mg−1 and 16.4 μmol L−1, respectively. PulA has a half-life of 48 h at 60°C. The remarkable thermostability makes PulA valuable for industrial usage. To further investigate the mechanism of the enzyme, we solved the crystal structures of PulA and its complexes with maltotriose and maltotetraose at 1.75-2.22 Å resolution. The PulA structure comprises four domains (N1, N2, A, and C). A is the catalytic domain, in which three conserved catalytic residues were identified (D413, E442, and D526). Two molecules of oligosaccharides were seen in the catalytic A domain in a parallel binding mode. Interestingly, another two oligosaccharides molecules were found between the N1 domain and the loop between the third β-strand and the third α-helix in the A domain. Based on sequence alignment and the ligand binding pattern, the N1 domain is identified as a new type of carbohydrate-binding motif and classified to the CBM68 family. The structure solved here is the first structure of pullulanase which has carbohydrate bound to the N1 domain. Proteins 2014; 82:1685-1693. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A variant Hb ζ2β2 s that is formed from sickle hemoglobin (Hb S; α2β2 s) by exchanging adult α-globin with embryonic ζ-globin subunits shows promise as a therapeutic agent for sickle-cell disease (SCD). Hb ζ2β2 s inhibits the polymerization of deoxygenated Hb S in vitro and reverses characteristic features of SCD in vivo in mouse models of the disorder. When compared with either Hb S or with normal human adult Hb A (α2β2), Hb ζ2β2 s exhibits atypical properties that include a high oxygen affinity, reduced cooperativity, a weak Bohr effect and blunted 2,3-diphosphoglycerate allostery. Here, the 1.95 Å resolution crystal structure of human Hb ζ2β2 s that was expressed in complex transgenic knockout mice and purified from their erythrocytes is presented. When fully liganded with carbon monoxide, Hb ζ2β2 s displays a central water cavity, a ζ1-βs2 (or ζ2-βs1) interface, intersubunit salt-bridge/hydrogen-bond interactions, C-terminal βHis146 salt-bridge interactions, and a β-cleft, that are highly unusual for a relaxed hemoglobin structure and are more typical of a tense conformation. These quaternary tense-like features contrast with the tertiary relaxed-like conformations of the ζ1βs1 dimer and the CD and FG corners, as well as the overall structures of the heme cavities. This crystallographic study provides insights into the altered oxygen-transport properties of Hb ζ2β2 s and, moreover, decouples tertiary- and quaternary-structural events that are critical to Hb ligand binding and allosteric function. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Vaccinia virus envelope protein A27 has multiple functions and is conserved in the Orthopoxvirus genus of the poxvirus family. A27 protein binds to cell surface heparan sulfate, provides an anchor for A26 protein packaging into mature virions, and is essential for egress of mature virus (MV) from infected cells. Here, we crystallized and determined the structure of a truncated form of A27 containing amino acids 21–84, C71/72A (tA27) at 2.2 Å resolution. tA27 protein uses the N-terminal region interface (NTR) to form an unexpected trimeric assembly as the basic unit, which contains two parallel α-helices and one unusual antiparallel α-helix; in a serpentine way, two trimers stack with each other to form a hexamer using the C-terminal region interface (CTR). Recombinant tA27 protein forms oligomers in a concentration-dependent manner in vitro in gel filtration. Analytical ultracentrifugation and multi-angle light scattering revealed that tA27 dimerized in solution and that Leu47, Leu51, and Leu54 at the NTR and Ile68, Asn75, and Leu82 at the CTR are responsible for tA27 self-assembly in vitro. Finally, we constructed recombinant vaccinia viruses expressing full length mutant A27 protein defective in either NTR, CTR, or both interactions; the results demonstrated that wild type A27 dimer/trimer formation was impaired in NTR and CTR mutant viruses, resulting in small plaques that are defective in MV egress. Furthermore, the ability of A27 protein to form disulfide-linked protein complexes with A26 protein was partially or completely interrupted by NTR and CTR mutations, resulting in mature virion progeny with increased plasma membrane fusion activity upon cell entry. Together, these results demonstrate that A27 protein trimer structure is critical for MV egress and membrane fusion modulation. Because A27 is a neutralizing target, structural information will aid the development of inhibitors to block A27 self-assembly or complex formation against vaccinia virus infection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The bi-functional nuclease AtBFN2 from Arabidopsis thaliana (EC 3.1.30.1) depends on zinc ion for cleaving single stranded DNA and RNA to yield 5′-nucleotides. It is a glycoprotein that participates in plant development and differentiation. The crystal structure of AtBFN2 shows a bound sulfate ion in the active site, at the center of the tri-nuclear cluster of zinc ions. The protein folds into a mostly α-helical structure with five short β-strands and contains four disulfide bonds. The zinc ions are coordinated to the side chains of three Asp and five His residues, two backbone atoms of Trp1, the sulfate ion, and a water molecule. An adenine base is bound adjacent to the active site and stacks with Tyr59. The core sugar residues attached to the three N-glycosylation sites of Asn91, Asn110 and Asn184 are also observed. By comparison with the nuclease P1 structure (PDB ID: 1AK0), the AtBFN2-sulfate-adenine complex model suggests a similar catalytic mechanism, in which the reaction starts with in-line attack at the phosphate by a zinc-activated water molecule. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

ABSTRACT Xylanases are capable of decomposing xylans, the major components in plant cell wall, and releasing the constituent sugars for further applications. Because xylanase is widely used in various manufacturing processes, high specific activity, and thermostability are desirable. Here, the wild-type and mutant (E146A and E251A) catalytic domain of xylanase from Thermoanaerobacterium saccharolyticum JW/SL-YS485 (TsXylA) were expressed in Escherichia coli and purified subsequently. The recombinant protein showed optimal temperature and pH of 75°C and 6.5, respectively, and it remained fully active even after heat treatment at 75°C for 1 h. Furthermore, the crystal structures of apo-form wild-type TsXylA and the xylobiose-, xylotriose-, and xylotetraose-bound E146A and E251A mutants were solved by X-ray diffraction to high resolution (1.32-1.66 Å). The protein forms a classic (β/α)8 folding of typical GH10 xylanases. The ligands in substrate-binding groove as well as the interactions between sugars and active-site residues were clearly elucidated by analyzing the complex structures. According to the structural analyses, TsXylA utilizes a double displacement catalytic machinery to carry out the enzymatic reactions. In conclusion, TsXylA is effective under industrially favored conditions, and our findings provide fundamental knowledge which may contribute to further enhancement of the enzyme performance through molecular engineering. Proteins 2013; 81:1256-1265. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Staphylococci cause a wide range of diseases in humans and animals, and the proteins of the multiple antibiotic-resistance repressor (MarR) family in staphylococci function as regulators of protein expression and confer resistance to multiple antibiotics. Diverse mechanisms such as biofilm formation, drug transport, drug modification etc. are associated with this resistance. In this study, crystal structures of the Staphylococcus aureus MarR homologue SAR2349 and its complex with salicylate and the aminoglycoside antibiotic kanamycin have been determined. The structure of SAR2349 shows for the first time that a MarR protein can interact directly with different classes of ligands simultaneously and highlights the importance and versatility of regulatory systems in bacterial antibiotic resistance. The three-dimensional structures of TcaR from S. epidermidis in complexes with chloramphenicol and with the aminoglycoside antibiotic streptomycin were also investigated. The crystal structures of the TcaR and SAR2349 complexes illustrate a general antibiotic-regulated resistance mechanism that may extend to other MarR proteins. To reveal the regulatory mechanism of the MarR proteins, the protein structures of this family were further compared and three possible mechanisms of regulation are proposed. These results are of general interest because they reveal a remarkably broad spectrum of ligand-binding modes of the multifunctional MarR proteins. This finding provides further understanding of antimicrobial resistance mechanisms in pathogens and strategies to develop new therapies against pathogens. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Xylan-1,4-ß-xylosidase (ß-xylosidase) hydrolyses xylooligomers at their non-reducing ends into individual xylose units. Recently, XylC, a ß-xylosidase from Thermoanaerobacterium saccharolyticum JW/SL-YS485, was found to be structurally different from corresponding glycosyl hydrolases in the CAZy database (http://www.cazy.org/), and was subsequently classified as the first member of a novel family of glycoside hydrolases (GH120). In the present paper, we report three crystal structures of XylC in complex with Tris, xylobiose and xylose at 1.48-2.05 Å (1 Å=0.1 nm) resolution. XylC assembles into a tetramer, and each monomer comprises two distinct domains. The core domain is a right-handed parallel ß-helix (residues 1-75 and 201-638) and the flanking region (residues 76-200) folds into a ß-sandwich domain. The enzyme contains an open carbohydrate-binding cleft, allowing accommodation of longer xylo-oligosaccharides. On the basis of the crystal structures and in agreement with previous kinetic data, we propose that XylC cleaves the glycosidic bond by the retaining mechanism using two acidic residues Asp382 (nucleophile) and Glu405 (general acid/base). In addition to the active site, nine other xylose-binding sites were consistently observed in each of the four monomers, providing a possible reason for the high tolerance of product inhibition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The endoglucanase EglA from Piromyces rhizinflata found in cattle stomach belongs to the GH5 family of glycoside hydrolases. The crystal structure of the catalytic domain of EglA shows the (β/α)8-barrel fold typical of GH5 enzymes. Adjacent to the active site of EglA, a loop containing a disulfide bond not found in other similar structures may participate in substrate binding. Because the active site was blocked by the N-terminal His tag of a neighbouring protein molecule in the crystal, enzyme-substrate complexes could not be obtained by soaking but were prepared by cocrystallization. The E154A mutant structure with a cellotriose bound to the −3, −2 and −1 subsites shows an extensive hydrogen-bonding network between the enzyme and the substrate, along with a stacking interaction between Trp44 and the −3 sugar. A possible dimer was observed in the crystal structure, but retention of activity in the E242A mutant suggested that the enzyme probably does not function as a dimer in solution. On the other hand, the first 100 amino acids encoded by the original cDNA fragment are very similar to those in the last third of the (β/α)8-barrel fold, indicating that EglA comprises at least two catalytic domains acting in tandem. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Alkaline phytases from Bacillus species, which hydrolyze phytate to less phosphorylated myo-inositols and inorganic phosphate, have great potential as additives to animal feed. The thermostability and neutral optimum pH of Bacillus phytase are attributed largely to the presence of calcium ions. Nonetheless, no report has demonstrated directly how the metal ions coordinate phytase and its substrate to facilitate the catalytic reaction. In this study, the interactions between a phytate analog (myo-inositol hexasulfate) and divalent metal ions in Bacillus subtilis phytase were revealed by the crystal structure at 1.25 Å resolution. We found all, except the first, sulfates on the substrate analog have direct or indirect interactions with amino acid residues in the enzyme active site. The structures also unraveled two active site-associated metal ions that were not explored in earlier studies. Significantly, one metal ion could be crucial to substrate binding. In addition, binding of the fourth sulfate of the substrate analog to the active site appears to be stronger than that of the others. These results indicate that alkaline phytase starts by cleaving the fourth phosphate, instead of the third or the sixth that were proposed earlier. Our high-resolution, structural representation of Bacillus phytase in complex with a substrate analog and divalent metal ions provides new insight into the catalytic mechanism of alkaline phytases in general. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Terpyridine–platinum(II) (TP–Pt(II)) complexes are known to possess DNA-intercalating activity and have been regarded as potential antitumor agents. However, their cytotoxic mechanism remains unclear. To investigate the possible mechanism, a series of TP–Pt(II) compounds were prepared and their biological activities assessed. The DNA binding activities of the aromatic thiolato[TP–Pt(II)] complexes were stronger than the aliphatic 2-hydroxylethanethiolato(2,2′:6′,2′′-terpyridine)platinum(II) [TP(HET)]. TP–Pt(II) complexes inhibited topoisomerase IIα or topoisomerase I activity at IC50 values of about 5μM and 10–20μM, respectively, whereas the human thioredoxin reductase 1 (hTrxR1) activity was inhibited with IC50 values in the range of 58–78nM. At the cellular level, they possessed cytotoxicity with IC50 values between 7 and 19μM against HeLa cells. Additionally, using X-ray crystallography and matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization (MALDI) mass spectrometry, we elucidated that the TP–Pt(II) complexes inhibited hTrxR1 activity by blocking its C-terminal active-site selenocysteine. Therefore, TP–Pt(II) complexes possess inhibitory activities against multiple biological targets, and they may be further studied as anticancer agents. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Undecaprenyl pyrophosphate synthase (UPPs) catalyzes eight consecutive condensation reactions of farnesyl pyrophosphate (FPP) with isopentenyl pyrophosphate (IPP) to form a 55-carbon long-chain product. We previously reported the crystal structure of the apo-enzyme from Escherichia coli and the structure of UPPs in complex with sulfate ions (resembling pyrophosphate of substrate), Mg2+, and two Triton molecules (product-like). In the present study, FPP substrate was soaked into the UPPs crystals, and the complex structure was solved. Based on the crystal structure, the pyrophosphate head group of FPP is bound to the backbone NHs of Gly29 and Arg30 as well as the side chains of Asn28, Arg30, and Arg39 through hydrogen bonds. His43 is close to the C2 carbon of FPP and may stabilize the farnesyl cation intermediate during catalysis. The hydrocarbon moiety of FPP is bound with hydrophobic amino acids including Leu85, Leu88, and Phe89, located on the α3 helix. The binding mode of FPP in cis-type UPPs is apparently different from that of trans-type and many other prenyltransferases which utilize Asprich motifs for substrate binding via Mg2+. The new structure provides a plausible mechanism for the catalysis of UPPs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Cope rearrangement generally occurs under thermal conditions in the absence of catalyst (examples in red half). In their Communication on page 15060 ff., Y. Zhang, W. Liu, R.‐T. Guo, et al. present the crystal structures of two groups of stigonematalean cyclases that catalyze Cope rearrangement under physiological conditions (structure example in blue half). Complex structures and mutagenesis results provide insights into substrate binding, catalytic residues, and mechanisms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bacterial wall teichoic acids (WTAs) are synthesized intracellularly and exported by a two-component transporter, TagGH, comprising the transmembrane and ATPase subunits TagG and TagH. Here the dimeric structure of the N-terminal domain of TagH (TagH-N) was solved by single-wavelength anomalous diffraction using a selenomethionine-containing crystal, which shows an ATP-binding cassette (ABC) architecture with RecA-like and helical subdomains. Besides significant structural differences from other ABC transporters, a prominent patch of positively charged surface is seen in the center of the TagH-N dimer, suggesting a potential binding site for the glycerol phosphate chain of WTA. The ATPase activity of TagH-N was inhibited by clodronate, a bisphosphonate, in a non-competitive manner, consistent with the proposed WTA-binding site for drug targeting. • The dimeric structure of the N-terminal RecA-like domain of TagH was solved. • Positively charged surface in the center suggests a potential binding site for WTA. • The ATPase activity was inhibited by clodronate in a non-competitive manner. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dehydroascorbate reductase (DHAR) is a key enzyme for glutathione (GSH)-dependent reduction of dehydroascorbate (DHA) to recycled ascorbate (AsA) in plants, and plays a major role against the toxicity of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Previously, we proposed that the increase of AsA regeneration via enhanced DHAR activity modulates the ascorbate-glutathione cycle activity against photooxidative stress in Chlamydomonas reinhardtii . In the present work, we use site-directed mutagenesis and crystal structure analysis to elucidate the molecular basis of how C. reinhardtii DHAR (CrDHAR1) is involved in the detoxification mechanisms. Mutagenesis data show that the D21A, D21N and C22A mutations result in severe loss of the enzyme's function, suggesting crucial roles of Asp-21 and Cys-22 in substrate binding and catalysis. The mutant K11A also exhibits reduced redox activity (∼50%). The crystal structure of apo CrDHAR1 further provides insights into the proposed mechanism centering on the strictly conserved Cys-22, which is suggested to initiate the redox reactions of DHA and GSH. Furthermore, in vitro oxidation of the recombinant CrDHAR1 in the presence of 1 mM H 2 O 2 has minor effects on the K m for the substrates but significantly reduces the k cat . The enzyme's activity and its mRNA abundance in the C. reinhardtii cells are increased by treatment with 0.2–1 mM H 2 O 2 but decreased when H 2 O 2 is ≥ 1.5 mM. The latter decrease is accompanied by oxidative damage and lower AsA concentrations. These biochemical and physiological data provide new insights into the catalytic mechanism of CrDHAR1, which protects the C. reinhardtii cells from oxidative stress-induced toxicity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Vespid phospholipase A 1 (vPLA 1 ) from the black-bellied hornet ( Vespa basalis ) catalyzes the hydrolysis of emulsified phospholipids and shows potent hemolytic activity that is responsible for its lethal effect. To investigate the mechanism of vPLA 1 towards its function such as hemolysis and emulsification, we isolated vPLA 1 from V. basalis venom and determined its crystal structure at 2.5 Å resolution. vPLA 1 belongs to the α/β hydrolase fold family. It contains a tightly packed β-sheet surrounded by ten α-helices and a Gly-X-Ser-X-Gly motif, characteristic of a serine hydrolyase active site. A bound phospholipid was modeled into the active site adjacent to the catalytic Ser-His-Asp triad indicating that Gln95 is located at hydrogen-bonding distance from the substrate's phosphate group. Moreover, a hydrophobic surface comprised by the side chains of Phe53, Phe62, Met91, Tyr99, Leu197, Ala167 and Pro169 may serve as the acyl chain-binding site. vPLA 1 shows global similarity to the N-terminal domain of human pancreatic lipase (HPL), but with some local differences. The lid domain and the β9 loop responsible for substrate selectivity in vPLA 1 are shorter than in HPL. Thus, solvent-exposed hydrophilic residues can easily accommodate the polar head groups of phospholipids, thereby accounting for the high activity level of vPLA 1 . Our result provides a potential explanation for the ability of vPLA 1 to hydrolyze phospholipids of cell membrane. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

S-adenosylhomocysteine (SAH) hydrolase catalyzes the reversible hydrolysis of SAH into adenosine and homocysteine by using NAD + as a cofactor. The enzyme from Thermotoga maritima (tmSAHH) has great potentials in industrial applications because of its hyperthermophilic properties. Here, two crystal structures of tmSAHH in complex with NAD + show both open and closed conformations despite the absence of bound substrate. Each subunit of the tetrameric enzyme is composed of three domains, namely the catalytic domain, the NAD + -binding domain and the C-terminal domain. The NAD + binding mode is clearly observed and a substrate analogue can also be modeled into the active site, where two cysteine residues in mesophilic enzymes are replaced by serine and threonine in tmSAHH. Notably, the C-terminal domain of tmSAHH lacks the second loop region of mesophilic SAHH, which is important in NAD + binding, and thus exposes the bound cofactor to the solvent. The difference explains the higher NAD + requirement of tmSAHH because of the reduced affinity. Furthermore, the feature of missing loop is consistently observed in thermophilic bacterial and archaeal SAHHs, and may be related to their thermostability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The hyperthermophilic endoglucanase Cel5A from Thermotoga maritima can find applications in lignocellulosic biofuel production, because it catalyzes the hydrolysis of glucan- and mannan-based polysaccharides. Here, we report the crystal structures in apo-form and in complex with three ligands, cellotetraose, cellobiose and mannotriose, at 1.29Å to 2.40Å resolution. The open carbohydrate-binding cavity which can accommodate oligosaccharide substrates with extensively branched chains explained the dual specificity of the enzyme. Combining our structural information and the previous kinetic data, it is suggested that this enzyme prefers β-glucosyl and β-mannosyl moieties at the reducing end and uses two conserved catalytic residues, E253 (nucleophile) and E136 (general acid/base), to hydrolyze the glycosidic bonds. Moreover, our results also suggest that the wide spectrum of Tm_Cel5A substrates might be due to the lack of steric hindrance around the C2-hydroxyl group of the glucose or mannose unit from active-site residues. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Thebaine synthase 2 (THS2) that can transform (7 S)-salutaridinol 7- O -acetate to thebaine catalyzes the final step of thebaine biosynthesis in Papaver somniferum. Here, the crystal structures of THS2 and its complex with thebaine are reported, revealing the interaction network in the substrate-binding pocket. Subsequent docking and QM/MM studies was performed to further explore the catalytic mechanism of THS2. Our results suggest that T105 may abstract the proton of C4–OH from the substrate under the assistance of H89. The resulting C4–O- phenolate anion then attacks the nearby C5, and triggers intramolecular S N 2′ syn displacement with the elimination of O -acetyl group. Moreover, the latter S N 2′ reaction is the rate-determining step of the whole enzymatic reaction with an overall energy barrier of 18.8 kcal/mol. These findings are of pivotal importance to understand the mechanism of action of thebaine biosynthesis, and would guide enzyme engineering to enhance the production of opiate alkaloids via metabolic engineering. Image 1 • The crystal structure of thebaine synthase 2 (THS2) from opium poppy was solved. • The crystal structure of complex of THS2 and thebaine was reported. • A catalytic mechanism THS2 was proposed on the basis of QM/MM calculation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Alanine and proline-rich protein (Apa) is a secreted antigen of Mycobacterium spp. which involves in stimulating immune responses and adhering to host cells by binding to fibronectin (Fn). Here, we report the crystal structure of Apa from Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) and its Fn-binding characteristics. The crystal structure of Mtb Apa was determined at resolutions of 1.54 Å. The dissociation constants (K D) of Apa and individual modules of Fn were determined by surface plasmon resonance and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Site-directed mutagenesis was performed to investigate the putative Fn-binding motif of Apa. Mtb Apa folds into a large seven-stranded anti-parallel β-sheet which is flanked by three α-helices. The binding affinity of Mtb Apa to individual Fn modules was assessed and the results indicated that the Mtb Apa binds to FnIII-4 and FnIII-5 of Fn CBD segment. Notably, structure analysis suggested that the previously proposed Fn-binding motif 258RWFV261 is buried within the protein and may not be accessible to the binding counterpart. The structural and Fn-binding characteristics we reported here provide molecular insights into the multifunctional protein Mtb Apa. FnIII-4 and FnIII-5 of CBD are the only two modules contributing to Apa-Fn interaction. This is the first study to report the structure and Fn-binding characteristics of mycobacterial Apa. Since Apa plays a central role in stimulating immune responses and host cells adhesion, these results are of great importance in understanding the pathogenesis of mycobacterium. This information shall provide a guidance for the development of anti-mycobacteria regimen. Unlabelled Image • Apa folds into a seven-stranded anti-parallel β-sheet flanked by three α-helices. • Apa binds to fibronectin with a dissociation constant (K D) of 0.58 ± 0.06 μM. • FnIII-4 and FnIII-5 of cell-binding domain contribute to Apa-Fn interaction. • RWFV motif of Apa did not involve in Apa-Fn binding. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • A high-quality cryo-EM structure of malate synthase G (MSG) at 2.89 Å. • A complete structural comparison of a 723-residue MSG determined by cryo-EM and X-ray crystallography. • Cryo-EM revealed the structural dynamics of MSG. • The structural dynamics unraveled by cryo-EM, crystallography and NMR are highly correlated. Determination of sub-100 kDa (kDa) structures by cryo-electron microscopy (EM) is a longstanding but not straightforward goal. Here, we present a 2.9-Å cryo-EM structure of a 723-amino acid apo-form malate synthase G (MSG) from Escherichia coli. The cryo-EM structure of the 82-kDa MSG exhibits the same global folding as structures resolved by crystallography and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy, and the crystal and cryo-EM structures are indistinguishable. Analyses of MSG dynamics reveal consistent conformational flexibilities among the three experimental approaches, most notably that the α/β domain exhibits structural heterogeneity. We observed that sidechains of F453, L454, M629, and E630 residues involved in hosting the cofactor acetyl-CoA and substrate rotate differently between the cryo-EM apo-form and complex crystal structures. Our work demonstrates that the cryo-EM technique can be used to determine structures and conformational heterogeneity of sub-100 kDa biomolecules to a quality as high as that obtained from X-ray crystallography and NMR spectroscopy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

1,4-β-Endoglucanase is one of the most important biocatalysts in modern industries. Here, a glycoside hydrolase (GH) family 45 endoglucanase from thermophilic fungus Theilavia terrestris (TtCel45A) was expressed in Pichia pastoris . The recombinant protein shows optimal activity at 60 °C, pH 4–5. The enzyme exhibits extraordinary thermostability that more than 80% activity was detected after heating at 80 °C for 2.5 h. The high resolution crystal structures of apo-form enzyme and that in complex with cellobiose and cellotetraose were solved to 1.36–1.58 Å. The protein folds into two overall regions: one is a six-stranded β-barrel, and the other one consists of several extended loops. Between the two regions lies the substrate-binding channel, which is an open cleft spanning across the protein surface. A continuous substrate-binding cleft from subsite −4 to +3 were clearly identified in the complex structures. Notably, the flexible V–VI loop ( 113 Gly- 114 Gly- 115 Asp- 116 Leu- 117 Gly- 118 Ser) is found to open in the presence of −1 sugar, with D115 and L116 swung away to yield a space to accommodate the catalytic acid D122 and the 2,5 B boat conformation of −1 sugar during transition state. Collectively, we characterized the enzyme properties of P. pastoris -expressed TtCel45A and solved high-resolution crystal structures of the enzyme. These results are of great interests in industrial applications and provide new insights into the fundamental understanding of enzyme catalytic mechanism of GH45 endoglucanases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ganoderma lucidum is a saprotrophic white-rot fungus which contains a rich set of cellulolytic enzymes. Here, we screened an array of potential 1,4-β-endoglucanases from G. lucidum based on the gene annotation library and found that one candidate gene, GlCel5A, exhibits CMC-hydrolyzing activity. The recombinant GlCel5A protein expressed in Pichia pastoris is able to hydrolyze CMC and β-glucan but not xylan and mannan. The enzyme exhibits optimal activity at 60 °C and pH 3–4, and retained 50% activity at 80 and 90 °C for at least 15 and 10 min. The crystal structure of GlCel5A and its complex with cellobiose, solved at 2.7 and 2.86 Å resolution, shows a classical (β/α) 8 TIM-barrel fold as seen in other members of glycoside hydrolase family 5. The complex structure contains a cellobiose molecule in the +1 and +2 subsites, and reveals the interactions with the positive sites of the enzyme. Collectively, the present work provides the first comprehensive characterization of an endoglucanase from G. lucidum that possesses properties for industrial applications, and strongly encourages further studying in the cellulolytic enzyme system of G. lucidum . [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The cold-adapted xylanases can catalyze at low temperature and hold great potential in food industry applications. Here we describe the first crystal structure of a cold-adapted glycoside hydrolase (GH) family 10 xylanase XynGR40 and its complex with xylobiose at 2.15 and 2.50 Å resolution. The enzyme folds into a typical GH10 (β/α) 8 TIM-barrel, with E132 and E243 serving as the catalytic residues. The xylobiose was observed to occupy the −1 and −2 subsites. Structural comparison with a thermophilic GH10 xylanase highlighting various parameters that may explain the cold adaptation features were analyzed. Synergistic effects of the increased exposure of hydrophobic residues, the higher flexibility of substrate-binding residues, more flexible loops, and the ratios of special amino acid residues, may result in the cold adaptation of XynGR40. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A thermophilic glycoside hydrolase family 16 (GH16) β-1,3-1,4-glucanase from Clostridium thermocellum (CtLic16A) holds great potentials in industrial applications due to its high specific activity and outstanding thermostability. In order to understand its molecular machinery, the crystal structure of CtLic16A was determined to 1.95 Å resolution. The enzyme folds into a classic GH16 β-jellyroll architecture which consists of two β-sheets atop each other, with the substrate-binding cleft lying on the concave side of the inner β-sheet. Two Bis–Tris propane molecules were found in the positive and negative substrate binding sites. Structural analysis suggests that the major differences between the CtLic16A and other GH16 β-1,3-1,4-glucanase structures occur at the protein exterior. Furthermore, the high catalytic efficacy and thermal profile of the CtLic16A are preserved in the enzyme produced in Pichia pastoris , encouraging its further commercial applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The glycoside hydrolase 10 (GH10) xylanase from Streptomyces sp. 9 (XynAS9) can operate in a broad range of pH and temperature, and thus is a potential candidate for commercial applications. Recently, we engineered XynAS9 via mutating several residues in accordance with the consensus sequences of GH10 thermophilic xylanases in an attempt to improve the enzyme thermostability and thermotolerance. The most promising effects were observed in the double mutant V81P/G82E. In order to investigate the molecular mechanism of the improved thermal profile of XynAS9, complex crystal structures of the wild type (WT) and mutant (MT) enzyme were solved at 1.88–2.05 Å resolution. The structures reveal a classical GH10 (β/α) 8 TIM-barrel fold. In MT XynAS9, E82 forms several interactions to its neighboring residues, which might aid in stabilizing the local structure. Furthermore, the MT structure showed lower B factors for individual residues compared to the WT structure, reflecting the increased MT protein rigidity. Analyses of the XynAS9 structures also delineate the detailed enzyme–substrate interaction network. More importantly, possible explanations for the enhanced thermal profiles of MT XynAS9 are proposed, which may be a useful strategy for enzyme engineering in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]