The structure of DLP12 endolysin exhibiting alternate loop conformation and comparative analysis with other endolysins.

The lytic enzyme, endolysin, is encoded by bacteriophages (phages) to destroy the peptidoglycan layer of host bacterial cells. The release of phage progenies to start the new infection cycle is dependent on the cell lysis event. Endolysin encoded by DLP12 cryptic prophage is a SAR endolysin which is retained by the bacterium presumably due to the benefit it confers. The structure of DLP12 endolysin (Id: 4ZPU) determined at 2.4 Å resolution is presented here. The DLP12 endolysin structure shows a modular nature and is organized into distinct structural regions. One of the monomers has the loops at the active site in a different conformation. This has led to a suggestion of depicting possibly active and inactive state of DLP12 endolysin. Comparison of DLP12 endolysin structure and sequence with those of related endolysins shows the core three-dimensional fold is similar and the catalytic triad geometry is highly conserved despite the sequence differences. Features essential for T4 lysozyme structure and function such as the distance between catalytic groups, salt bridge and presence of nucleophilic water are conserved in DLP12 endolysin and other endolysins analyzed.
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