Download MendeleyThe structure of the exo-beta-(1,3)-glucanase from Candida albicans in native and bound forms: relationship between a pocket and groove in family 5 glycosyl hydrolases.
Cutfield, S.M., Davies, G.J., Murshudov, G., Anderson, B.F., Moody, P.C., Sullivan, P.A., Cutfield, J.F.(1999) J Mol Biol 294: 771-783
- PubMed: 10610795
- DOI: https://doi.org/10.1006/jmbi.1999.3287
- Primary Citation of Related Structures:
1CZ1, 1EQC - PubMed Abstract:
A group of fungal exo-beta-(1,3)-glucanases, including that from the human pathogen Candida albicans (Exg), belong to glycosyl hydrolase family 5 that also includes many bacterial cellulases (endo-beta-1, 4-glucanases). Family members, despite wide sequence variations, share a common mechanism and are characterised by possessing eight invariant residues making up the active site. These include two glutamate residues acting as nucleophile and acid/base, respectively. Exg is an abundant secreted enzyme possessing both hydrolase and transferase activity consistent with a role in cell wall glucan metabolism and possibly morphogenesis. The structures of Exg in both free and inhibited forms have been determined to 1.9 A resolution. A distorted (beta/alpha)8 barrel structure accommodates an active site which is located within a deep pocket, formed when extended loop regions close off a cellulase-like groove. Structural analysis of a covalently bound mechanism-based inhibitor (2-fluoroglucosylpyranoside) and of a transition-state analogue (castanospermine) has identified the binding interactions at the -1 glucose binding site. In particular the carboxylate of Glu27 serves a dominant hydrogen-bonding role. Access by a 1,3-glucan chain to the pocket in Exg can be understood in terms of a change in conformation of the terminal glucose residue from chair to twisted boat. The geometry of the pocket is not, however, well suited for cleavage of 1,4-glycosidic linkages. A second glucose site was identified at the entrance to the pocket, sandwiched between two antiparallel phenylalanine side-chains. This aromatic entrance-way must not only direct substrate into the pocket but also may act as a clamp for an acceptor molecule participating in the transfer reaction.
Organizational Affiliation:
Biochemistry Department School of Medical Sciences, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand.
