A structural and biochemical model of processive chitin synthesis

Helge Christian Dorfmueller (Lead / Corresponding author), Andrew T. Ferenbach, Vladimir S. Borodkin, Daan M. F. van Aalten (Lead / Corresponding author)

    Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

    48 Citations (Scopus)
    261 Downloads (Pure)

    Abstract

    Chitin synthases (CHS) produce chitin, an essential component of the fungal cell wall. The molecular mechanism of processive chitin synthesis is not understood, limiting the discovery of new inhibitors of this enzyme class. We have identified the bacterial glycosyltransferase NodC as an appropriate model system to study the general structure and reaction mechanism of CHS. A highthroughput screening compatible novel assay demonstrates that inhibitors of fungal CHS also inhibit NodC. A structural model of NodC, based on the recently published BcsA cellulose synthase structure, enabled probing of the catalytic mechanism by mutagenesis, demonstrating the essential roles of the DD and QxxRW catalytic motifs. NodC membrane topology is mapped, validating the structural model. Together, these approaches give insight into the CHS structure and mechanism and provide a platform for discovery of inhibitors for this antifungal target. _________________________________________
    Original languageEnglish
    Pages (from-to)23020-23028
    Number of pages9
    JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry
    Volume289
    Early online date18 Jun 2014
    DOIs
    Publication statusPublished - 15 Aug 2014

    Fingerprint

    Dive into the research topics of 'A structural and biochemical model of processive chitin synthesis'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

    Cite this