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Crystal structure of Bacillus anthracis transpeptidase enzyme CapD.

ABSTRACT: Bacillus anthracis elaborates a poly-gamma-d-glutamic acid capsule that protects bacilli from phagocytic killing during infection. The enzyme CapD generates amide bonds with peptidoglycan cross-bridges to anchor capsular material within the cell wall envelope of B. anthracis. The capsular biosynthetic pathway is essential for virulence during anthrax infections and can be targeted for anti-infective inhibition with small molecules. Here, we present the crystal structures of the gamma-glutamyltranspeptidase CapD with and without alpha-l-Glu-l-Glu dipeptide, a non-hydrolyzable analog of poly-gamma-d-glutamic acid, in the active site. Purified CapD displays transpeptidation activity in vitro, and its structure reveals an active site broadly accessible for poly-gamma-glutamate binding and processing. Using structural and biochemical information, we derive a mechanistic model for CapD catalysis whereby Pro(427), Gly(428), and Gly(429) activate the catalytic residue of the enzyme, Thr(352), and stabilize an oxyanion hole via main chain amide hydrogen bonds.

SUBMITTER: Wu R

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2782033 | biostudies-literature | 2009 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature

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Crystal structure of Bacillus anthracis transpeptidase enzyme CapD.

Wu Ruiying R Richter Stefan S Zhang Rong-guang RG Anderson Valerie J VJ Missiakas Dominique D Joachimiak Andrzej A

The Journal of biological chemistry 20090616 36

Bacillus anthracis elaborates a poly-gamma-d-glutamic acid capsule that protects bacilli from phagocytic killing during infection. The enzyme CapD generates amide bonds with peptidoglycan cross-bridges to anchor capsular material within the cell wall envelope of B. anthracis. The capsular biosynthetic pathway is essential for virulence during anthrax infections and can be targeted for anti-infective inhibition with small molecules. Here, we present the crystal structures of the gamma-glutamyltra ...[more]

PMID: 19535342

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Project description:Anthrax, caused by the bacterium Bacillus anthracis, is a disease of historical and current importance that is found throughout the world. The basis of its historical transmission is anecdotal and its true global population structure has remained largely cryptic. Seven diverse B. anthracis strains were whole-genome sequenced to identify rare single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), followed by phylogenetic reconstruction of these characters onto an evolutionary model. This analysis identified SNPs that define the major clonal lineages within the species. These SNPs, in concert with 15 variable number tandem repeat (VNTR) markers, were used to subtype a collection of 1,033 B. anthracis isolates from 42 countries to create an extensive genotype data set. These analyses subdivided the isolates into three previously recognized major lineages (A, B, and C), with further subdivision into 12 clonal sub-lineages or sub-groups and, finally, 221 unique MLVA15 genotypes. This rare genomic variation was used to document the evolutionary progression of B. anthracis and to establish global patterns of diversity. Isolates in the A lineage are widely dispersed globally, whereas the B and C lineages occur on more restricted spatial scales. Molecular clock models based upon genome-wide synonymous substitutions indicate there was a massive radiation of the A lineage that occurred in the mid-Holocene (3,064-6,127 ybp). On more recent temporal scales, the global population structure of B. anthracis reflects colonial-era importation of specific genotypes from the Old World into the New World, as well as the repeated industrial importation of diverse genotypes into developed countries via spore-contaminated animal products. These findings indicate humans have played an important role in the evolution of anthrax by increasing the proliferation and dispersal of this now global disease. Finally, the value of global genotypic analysis for investigating bioterrorist-mediated outbreaks of anthrax is demonstrated.

Dataset Information

Crystal structure of Bacillus anthracis transpeptidase enzyme CapD.

Publications

Crystal structure of Bacillus anthracis transpeptidase enzyme CapD.

Similar Datasets

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