Research & Teaching Faculty

alpha-Galacturonidase(s): A new class of Family 4 glycoside hydrolases with strict specificity and a unique CHEV active site motif

Titlealpha-Galacturonidase(s): A new class of Family 4 glycoside hydrolases with strict specificity and a unique CHEV active site motif
Publication TypeJournal Article
Year of Publication2013
AuthorsThompson, J, Pikis, A, Rich, J, Hall, BG, Withers, SG
JournalFEBS LETTERS
Volume587
Pagination799-803
Date PublishedMAR 18
ISSN0014-5793
Abstract

The catalytic activity of the Family 4 glycosidase LplD protein, whose active site motif is CHEV, is unknown despite its crystal structure having been determined in 2008. Here we identify that activity as being an alpha-galacturonidase whose natural substrate is probably alpha-1,4-di-galacturonate (GalUA(2)). Phylogenetic analysis shows that LplD belongs to a monophyletic clade of CHEV Family 4 enzymes, of which four other members are also shown to be galacturonidases. Family GH 4 enzymes catalyze the cleavage of the glycosidic bond, via a non-canonical redox-assisted mechanism that contrasts with Koshland's double-displacement mechanism. Published by Elsevier B. V. on behalf of the Federation of European Biochemical Societies.

DOI10.1016/j.febslet.2013.02.004