Structure and mechanistic implications of a uroporphyrinogen III synthase-product complex.

ABSTRACT: Uroporphyrinogen III synthase (U3S) catalyzes the asymmetrical cyclization of a linear tetrapyrrole to form the physiologically relevant uroporphyrinogen III (uro'gen III) isomer during heme biosynthesis. Here, we report four apoenzyme and one product complex crystal structures of the Thermus thermophilus (HB27) U3S protein. The overlay of eight crystallographically unique U3S molecules reveals a huge range of conformational flexibility, including a "closed" product complex. The product, uro'gen III, binds between the two domains and is held in place by a network of hydrogen bonds between the product's side chain carboxylates and the protein's main chain amides. Interactions of the product A and B ring carboxylate side chains with both structural domains of U3S appear to dictate the relati

SUBMITTER: Schubert HL 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2852885 | biostudies-literature | 2008 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature