Substrate binding induces structural changes in cytochrome P450cam
2009

Structural Changes in Cytochrome P450cam Induced by Substrate Binding

publication Evidence: high

Author Information

Author(s): Sakurai Keisuke, Shimada Hideo, Hayashi Takashi, Tsukihara Tomitake

Primary Institution: Institute for Protein Research, Osaka University

Hypothesis

How does the binding of (+)-camphor affect the structure and redox potential of cytochrome P450cam?

Conclusion

The binding of (+)-camphor induces structural changes in cytochrome P450cam that raise the redox potential of the haem iron.

Supporting Evidence

  • The binding of (+)-camphor expels a cluster of water molecules at the active site.
  • Thr101 forms a hydrogen bond with the haem 6-propionate upon substrate binding.
  • The redox potential of the haem iron is raised by approximately 100 mV due to substrate binding.

Takeaway

When a substance called (+)-camphor sticks to a protein called cytochrome P450cam, it changes the protein's shape and helps it work better.

Methodology

X-ray crystallography was used to determine the structures of substrate-free and substrate-bound forms of cytochrome P450cam.

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1107/S1744309108044114

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