Pseudomonas aeruginosa 4-Amino-4-Deoxychorismate Lyase: Spatial Conservation of an Active Site Tyrosine and Classification of Two Types of Enzyme
2011

Study of Pseudomonas aeruginosa Enzyme PabC

publication Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): O'Rourke Patrick E. F., Eadsforth Thomas C., Fyfe Paul K., Shepherd Sharon M., Hunter William N.

Primary Institution: University of Dundee, Dundee, United Kingdom

Hypothesis

PabC can be classified into two groups based on the source of an active site tyrosine.

Conclusion

The study suggests that the conserved tyrosine in PabC plays a significant role in enzyme catalysis.

Supporting Evidence

  • The enzyme PabC is essential for the growth of Gram-negative bacteria.
  • High-resolution crystal structure of PabC was determined at 1.75 Å.
  • Conserved residues around the pyridoxal 5'-phosphate cofactor support a generic mechanism for similar enzymes.
  • Structural comparisons suggest a re-evaluation of the published mechanism of PabC.

Takeaway

Scientists studied an enzyme from a bacteria that helps it grow, and they found that a specific part of the enzyme is really important for how it works.

Methodology

The study involved cloning, protein purification, crystallization, and X-ray crystallography to determine the structure of the enzyme.

Limitations

The study was unable to elucidate an experimentally determined structure of PabC in complex with ligands.

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1371/journal.pone.0024158

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