Chain Oxygen Atoms Research Articles

Isolation, identification, and chelation mechanism of ferrous-chelating peptide from peanut protein hydrolysate.

Peanut peptides can chelate iron but their chelation mechanism remains unclear. The purpose of this study is to separate peanut ferrous-chelating peptides and explore the chelation mechanism of peanut peptides with iron. Peanut peptide component F-122, which had a higher chelation rate, was separated using ultrafiltration, gel filtration chromatography, and ion exchange chromatography, achieving a ferrous chelation rate of 90.7%. Six peptide segments were screened and their amino acid sequences were identified by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). Spectral analysis confirmed that the chelation between peanut peptides and ferrous ions occurred and a new substance was formed. Molecular docking simulation indicated that the amino acids in peanut peptides involved in the chelating reaction were glutamic acid, arginine, glycine, threonine, phenylalanine, and lysine. The binding sites included the main chain oxygen atom, side chain oxygen atom, and carboxyl oxygen atom of amino acid. The isolated peanut peptide had a higher ferrous-chelation rate. The chelating mechanism of peanut peptide with ferrous ion was elucidated. This study provides a theoretical basis for the development of new peptide-ferrous preparations. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.

Application of a modern theoretical approach to the study of the interaction of KR-12 peptides derived from human cathelicidins with Cu(II) ions.

The human cationic antimicrobial protein (hCAP) corresponding to the overlapping sequences of 151-162 of hCAP named KR-12 peptide is the smallest portion of the only type of human Cathelicidin, which has been shown to be modifiable into a more effective antimicrobial. In this study, an in silico analysis, supported by potentiometric titration and isothermal titration calorimetry techniques, was performed to identify potential Cu(II) binding sites of KR-12. The analysis of the presented data at the given theoretical level (GFN2-xTB/ALPB) revealed which peptide chain fragments are involved in the most favourable KR-12-Cu(II) binding mode. Based on a quantum chemical approach, the most favourable coordination modes of Cu(II) to peptides are proposed together with the discussion of the chemical nature of the interactions. The presented results demonstrated that KR-12 interacts with metal ions mostly via the main chain's oxygen atoms; however, the two types of amino acids that are expected to be vital for the interaction of Cu(II) are D (aspartic acid) and R29 (arginine). It was demonstrated that in order to explain the complexity of the interaction process in peptide-metal ion systems, the use of theoretical methods is sometimes necessary to explain the details of the experimental results and provide an in-depth understanding of these dynamic systems.

Structural implications of SARS-CoV-2 Surface Glycoprotein N501Y mutation within receptor-binding domain [499-505] – computational analysis of the most frequent Asn501 polar uncharged amino acid mutations

The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of the most frequent Asn501 polar uncharged amino acid mutations upon important structural properties of SARS-CoV-2 (severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2) Surface Glycoprotein RBD – hACE2 (human angiotensin-converting enzyme 2) heterodimer. Mutations N501Y, N501T and N501S were considered and their impact upon complex solubility, secondary motifs formation and intermolecular hydrogen bonding interface was analyzed. Results and findings are reported based on 50 ns run in Gromacs molecular dynamics simulation software. Special attention is paid on the biomechanical shifts in the receptor-binding domain (RBD) [499-505]: ProThrAsn(Tyr)GlyValGlyTyr, having substituted Asparagine to Tyrosine at position 501. The main findings indicate that the N501S mutation increases SARS-CoV-2 S-protein RBD – hACE2 solubility over N501T, N501 (wild type): , . The N501Y mutation shifts -helix S-protein RBD [366-370]: SerValLeuTyrAsn into π-helix for t > 38.5 ns. An S-protein RBD [503-505]: ValGlyTyr shift from -helix into a turn is observed due to the N501Y mutation in t > 33 ns. An empirical proof for the presence of a Y501-binding pocket, based on RBD [499-505]: PTYGVGY ’s RMSF peak formation is presented. There is enhanced electrostatic interaction between Tyr505 (RBD) phenolic -OH group and Glu37 (hACE2) side chain oxygen atoms due to the N501Y mutation. The N501Y mutation shifts the hydrogen bond into permanent polar contact; ; .

Theoretical investigation on hydrogen bond interaction between adrenaline and hydrogen sulfide.

In this study, we elucidated the formation of hydrogen bond between adrenaline (AD) and hydrogen sulfide utilizing computational studies. Six potential complexes were studied including geometrical parameters, energy, vibrational frequency, topological analysis, natural bond orbital (NBO), quantum theory of atoms in molecules (QTAIM), and NMR analysis. Moreover, these calculations were examined through DFT/ωB97XD/6-311G++(d,p) level. It was found that there are no indication on formation on hydrogen bonding between the two catecholic OHs where the one formed between the amino group and the hydroxyl oxygen atom of adrenaline monomer was broken in AS1 to form two new interactions namely SH...N and O1H1...S, while it retained in other complexes. Furthermore, the bond became stronger due to cooperativity in AS3 and AS6, for the presence of withdrawing effect of the phenyl ring, the H-bonds formed with the side chain oxygen atom. The adrenaline and H2S interaction was experimentally examined via FT-IR spectrometry and thin layer chromatography for confirmation of our theoretical study. Graphical abstract.

Encapsulation of one-dimensional cation chains into pseudo-channels by varying monomers with opposite charge

Two compounds with cation chains and monomers, [Co1/2(bpbenz)1/2]+·[Co1/2(oba)]− (1) and [Ni(DPT)(H2O)4]2+ [tpdc]2− (2) have been synthesized under hydrothermal condition (bpbenz = 1,4-bis(4-pyridyl)benzene, H2oba = 4,4′-oxybis- (benzoate), DPT = 2,5-dipyridinethiophene, H2tpdc = biphenyldicarboxylic acid). In compound 1, the monomer [Co1/2(oba)]− anions stack in three orientations to generate a 1D pseudo channels encapsulation of cationic chains [Co1/2(bpbenz)1/2]+. When considering the H-bonding interaction between coordinated water O atoms of the [Co1/2(bpbenz) 1/2]+ cationic chain and uncoordinated carboxylate oxygen atoms of the [Co1/2(oba)]− anion, a binodal 3,6-coordinated 3D architecture is generated. Like 1, the one-dimensional cation chains [Ni(DPT)(H2O)4]2+ locate in pseudo-channels by [tpdc]2− monomers anions in compound 2. A 3D net is also generated considering the H-bonding interaction.

Electrostatic Repulsion Governs TDP-43 C-terminal Domain Aggregation.

Electrostatic Repulsion Governs TDP-43 C-terminal Domain Aggregation.

Structure basis for the unique specificity of medaka enteropeptidase light chain

Structure basis for the unique specificity of medaka enteropeptidase light chain

Structure Analysis and Comparative Characterization of the Cytochrome c′ and Flavocytochrome c from Thermophilic Purple Photosynthetic Bacterium Thermochromatium tepidum

The thermodynamic and spectroscopic properties of two soluble electron transport proteins, cytochrome (Cyt) c' and flavocytochrome c, isolated from thermophilic purple sulfur bacterium Thermochromatium (Tch.) tepidum were examined and compared with those of the corresponding proteins from a closely related mesophilic bacterium Allochromatium (Alc.) vinosum. These proteins share sequence identities of 82% for the cytochromes c' and 86% for the flavocytochromes c. Crystal structures of the two proteins have been determined at high resolutions. Differential scanning calorimetry and denaturing experiments show that both proteins from Tch. tepidum are thermally and structurally much more stable than their mesophilic counterparts. The denaturation temperature of Tch. tepidum Cyt c' was 22 °C higher than that of Alc. vinosum Cyt c', and the midpoints of denaturation using guanidine hydrochloride were 2.0 and 1.2 M for the Tch. tepidum and Alc. vinosum flavocytochromes c, respectively. The enhanced stabilities can be interpreted on the basis of the structural and sequence information obtained in this study: increased number of hydrogen bonds formed between main chain nitrogen and oxygen atoms, more compact structures and reduced number of glycine residues. Many residues with large side chains in Alc. vinosum Cyt c' are substituted by alanines in Tch. tepidum Cyt c'. Both proteins from Tch. tepidum exhibit high structural similarities to their counterparts from Alc. vinosum, and the different residues between the corresponding proteins are mainly located on the surface and exposed to the solvent. Water molecules are found in the heme vicinity of Tch. tepidum Cyt c' and form hydrogen bonds with the heme ligand and C-terminal charged residues. Similar bound waters are also found in the vicinity of one heme group in the diheme subunit of Tch. tepidum flavocytochrome c. Electron density map of the Tch. tepidum flavocytochrome c clearly revealed the presence of disulfur atoms positioned between two cysteine residues at the active site near the FAD prosthetic group. The result strongly suggests that flavocytochrome c is involved in the sulfide oxidation in vivo. Detailed discussion is given on the relationships between the crystal structures and the spectroscopic properties observed for these proteins.

Structural insights into catalysis by βC‐S lyase from Streptococcus anginosus

Hydrogen sulfide (H(2)S) is a causative agent of oral malodor and may play an important role in the pathogenicity of oral bacteria such as Streptococcus anginosus. In this microorganism, H(2)S production is associated with βC-S lyase (Lcd) encoded by lcd gene, which is a pyridoxal 5'-phosphate (PLP)-dependent enzyme that catalyzes the α,β-elimination of sulfur-containing amino acids. When Lcd acts on L-cysteine, H(2)S is produced along with pyruvate and ammonia. To understand the H(2)S-producing mechanism of Lcd in detail, we determined the crystal structures of substrate-free Lcd (internal aldimine form) and two reaction intermediate complexes (external aldimine and α-aminoacrylate forms). The formation of intermediates induced little changes in the overall structure of the enzyme and in the active site residues, with the exception of Lys234, a PLP-binding residue. Structural and mutational analyses highlighted the importance of the active site residues Tyr60, Tyr119, and Arg365. In particular, Tyr119 forms a hydrogen bond with the side chain oxygen atom of L-serine, a substrate analog, in the external aldimine form suggesting its role in the recognition of the sulfur atom of the true substrate (L-cysteine). Tyr119 also plays a role in fixing the PLP cofactor at the proper position during catalysis through binding with its side chain. Finally, we partly modified the catalytic mechanism known for cystalysin, a βC-S lyase from Treponema denticola, and proposed an improved mechanism, which seems to be common to the βC-S lyases from oral bacteria.

The ST pinch: A side chain‐to‐side chain hydrogen‐bonded motif

The ST Pinch is a 12-membered hydrogen-bonded motif (Ser/Thr-Xaa-Ser/Thr) involving the side chain oxygen atoms of two Ser/Thr residues. We identified the ST Pinch in 104 proteins in a database containing high-resolution crystal structures. Conformational analysis of the ST Pinch in these proteins points to specific preferences for the Xaa residue and a high propensity of this residue to adopt positive φ angles. Our results suggest that this motif serves as a linker of secondary structural elements within proteins and is a new addition to the existing list of short hydrogen bond-stabilized motifs in proteins.

Hydration dynamics of protein molecules in aqueous solution: Unity among diversity#

Dielectric dispersion and NMRD experiments have revealed that a significant fraction of water molecules in the hydration shell of various proteins do not exhibit any slowing down of dynamics. This is usually attributed to the presence of the hydrophobic residues (HBR) on the surface, although HBRs alone cannot account for the large amplitude of the fast component. Solvation dynamics experiments and also computer simulation studies, on the other hand, repeatedly observed the presence of a non-negligible slow component. Here we show, by considering three well-known proteins (lysozyme, myoglobin and adelynate kinase), that the fast component arises partly from the response of those water molecules that are hydrogen bonded with the backbone oxygen (BBO) atoms. These are structurally and energetically less stable than those with the side chain oxygen (SCO) atoms. In addition, the electrostatic interaction energy distribution (EIED) of individual water molecules (hydrogen bonded to SCO) with side chain oxygen atoms shows a surprising two peak character with the lower energy peak almost coincident with the energy distribution of water hydrogen bonded to backbone oxygen atoms (BBO). This two peak contribution appears to be quite general as we find it for lysozyme, myoglobin and adenylate kinase (ADK). The sharp peak of EIED at small energy (at less than 2 k B T) for the BBO atoms, together with the first peak of EIED of SCO and the HBRs on the protein surface, explain why a large fraction (~ 80%) of water in the protein hydration layer remains almost as mobile as bulk water. Significant slowness arises only from the hydrogen bonds that populate the second peak of EIED at larger energy (at about 4 kBT). Thus, if we consider hydrogen bond interaction alone, only 15–20% of water molecules in the protein hydration layer can exhibit slow dynamics, resulting in an average relaxation time of about 5–10 ps. The latter estimate assumes a time constant of 20–100 ps for the slow component. Interestingly, relaxation of water molecules hydrogen bonded to back bone oxygen exhibit an initial component faster than the bulk, suggesting that hydrogen bonding of these water molecules remains frustrated. This explanation of the heterogeneous and non-exponential dynamics of water in the hydration layer is quantitatively consistent with all the available experimental results, and provides unification among diverse features. This study reveals a bimodal electrostatic energy distribution of protein–water hydrogen bonds involving side chain oxygen and faster than bulk water hydrogen bond breaking dynamics of protein–water hydrogen bond involving backbone oxygen.

Structural and Enzymatic Insights into Caspase-2 Protein Substrate Recognition and Catalysis

Caspase-2, the most evolutionarily conserved member in the human caspase family, may play important roles in stress-induced apoptosis, cell cycle regulation, and tumor suppression. In biochemical assays, caspase-2 uniquely prefers a pentapeptide (such as VDVAD) rather than a tetrapeptide, as required for efficient cleavage by other caspases. We investigated the molecular basis for pentapeptide specificity using peptide analog inhibitors and substrates that vary at the P5 position. We determined the crystal structures of apo caspase-2, caspase-2 in complex with peptide inhibitors VDVAD-CHO, ADVAD-CHO, and DVAD-CHO, and a T380A mutant of caspase-2 in complex with VDVAD-CHO. Two residues, Thr-380 and Tyr-420, are identified to be critical for the P5 residue recognition; mutation of the two residues reduces the catalytic efficiency by about 4- and 40-fold, respectively. The structures also provide a series of snapshots of caspase-2 in different catalytic states, shedding light on the mechanism of capase-2 activation, substrate binding, and catalysis. By comparing the apo and inhibited caspase-2 structures, we propose that the disruption of a non-conserved salt bridge between Glu-217 and the invariant Arg-378 is important for the activation of caspase-2. These findings broaden our understanding of caspase-2 substrate specificity and catalysis.

Ion Selectivity and Permeation in a Potassium Ion Transporter

The TrkH/TrkG/KtrB family of proteins mediate K+ uptake in bacteria and likely evolved from simple K+ channels by multiple gene duplications or fusions. We have solved the crystal structure of a TrkH from Vibrio parahaemolyticus to 3.5 A. TrkH is a homodimer, and each protomer contains an ion permeation pathway. A selectivity filter, similar in architecture to that in K+ channels but significantly shorter, is lined by backbone and side chain oxygen atoms. Functional studies showed that TrkH allows permeation of K+ and Rb+ but not smaller ions such as Na+ or Li+. Immediately intracellular to the selectivity filter is an intramembrane loop and an arginine residue, both highly conserved, that constrict an otherwise open permeation pathway. Functions of the loop and the positive charge (Arg) will be addressed.

Structural analysis of a group III Glu62-phospholipase A2 from the scorpion, Mesobuthus tamulus: Targeting and reversible inhibition by native peptides

Group III phospholipase A2 enzyme transcript from the Mesobuthus tamulus (Indian red scorpion) codes for three distinct products that include a large enzymatic subunit, a pentameric peptide and a small non-enzymatic subunit. The structures of these two subunits were modeled based on their sequence identity to bee venom PLA2 and the partial sequence of MU2 adaptin subunit of AP2 clathrin adaptor, respectively. The enzymatic subunit comprises of three helices, the calcium binding loop and a substrate binding hydrophobic channel where the structure is stabilized by four disulfide bonds. The active site of the enzyme shows a catalytic histidine residue. Interestingly, there is a conservative mutation of the conserved aspartic acid, a classical participant of catalysis in this enzyme family, to glutamic acid. However, the side chain oxygen atoms of this glutamate are oriented away from the catalytic histidine implicating the non-participation of this residue in stabilizing the tautomeric conformation of the histidine. The acidic non-enzymatic subunit comprises of extensive hydrophobic residues with a conformation of an anti-parallel β-sheets making it ideal for tissue specific targeting. The native pentapeptide with the sequence Alanine-Arginine-Serine-Alanine-Arginine was docked to the enzymatic subunit. The peptide ligand occupies the hydrophobic cavity and makes a plethora of interactions with the residues in the channel, including a hydrogen bond with the crucial catalytic histidine and coordinate bond with the calcium ion. This ligand has a binding constant (KD) of 1.5μM. This makes the ligand a potential reversible inhibitor, ideal to prevent the enzyme from interacting with non-specific molecules enroute to the target. The enzyme–ligand complex also provides a model to understand the stereochemistry required for the design of more potent drug molecules against such enzyme drug targets.

Structural characterization of human S100A16, a low-affinity calcium binder

The homodimeric structure of human S100A16 in the apo state has been obtained both in the solid state and in solution, resulting in good agreement between the structures with the exception of two loop regions. The homodimeric solution structure of human S100A16 was also calculated in the calcium(II)-bound form. Differently from most S100 proteins, the conformational rearrangement upon calcium binding is minor. This characteristic is likely to be related to the weak binding affinity of the protein for the calcium(II) ions. In turn, this is ascribed to the lack of the glutamate residue at the end of the S100-specific N-domain binding site, which in most S100 proteins provides two important side chain oxygen atoms as calcium(II) ligands. Furthermore, the presence of hydrophobic interactions stronger than for other S100 proteins, present in the closed form of S100A16 between the third and fourth helices, likely make the closed structure of the second EF-hand particularly stable, so even upon calcium(II) binding such a conformation is not disrupted.

X-ray Structure and Mutational Analysis of the Atrazine Chlorohydrolase TrzN

Atrazine chlorohydrolase, TrzN (triazine hydrolase or atrazine chlorohydrolase 2), initiates bacterial metabolism of the herbicide atrazine by hydrolytic displacement of a chlorine substituent from the s-triazine ring. The present study describes crystal structures and reactivity of wild-type and active site mutant TrzN enzymes. The homodimer native enzyme structure, solved to 1.40 Å resolution, is a (βα)(8) barrel, characteristic of members of the amidohydrolase superfamily. TrzN uniquely positions threonine 325 in place of a conserved aspartate that ligates the metal in most mononuclear amidohydrolases superfamily members. The threonine side chain oxygen atom is 3.3 Å from the zinc atom and 2.6 Å from the oxygen atom of zinc-coordinated water. Mutation of the threonine to a serine resulted in a 12-fold decrease in k(cat)/K(m), largely due to k(cat), whereas the T325D and T325E mutants had immeasurable activity. The structure and kinetics of TrzN are reminiscent of carbonic anhydrase, which uses a threonine to assist in positioning water for reaction with carbon dioxide. An isosteric substitution in the active site glutamate, E241Q, showed a large diminution in activity with ametryn, no detectable activity with atratone, and a 10-fold decrease with atrazine, when compared with wild-type TrzN. Activity with the E241Q mutant was nearly constant from pH 6.0 to 10.0, consistent with the loss of a proton-donating group. Structures for TrzN-E241Q were solved with bound ametryn and atratone to 1.93 and 1.64 Å resolution, respectively. Both structure and kinetic determinations suggest that the Glu(241) side chain provides a proton to N-1 of the s-triazine substrate to facilitate nucleophilic displacement at the adjacent C-2.

A Combined Computational and Functional Approach Identifies New Residues Involved in pH-dependent Gating of ASIC1a

Acid-sensing ion channels (ASICs) are key receptors for extracellular protons. These neuronal nonvoltage-gated Na(+) channels are involved in learning, the expression of fear, neurodegeneration after ischemia, and pain sensation. We have applied a systematic approach to identify potential pH sensors in ASIC1a and to elucidate the mechanisms by which pH variations govern ASIC gating. We first calculated the pK(a) value of all extracellular His, Glu, and Asp residues using a Poisson-Boltzmann continuum approach, based on the ASIC three-dimensional structure, to identify candidate pH-sensing residues. The role of these residues was then assessed by site-directed mutagenesis and chemical modification, combined with functional analysis. The localization of putative pH-sensing residues suggests that pH changes control ASIC gating by protonation/deprotonation of many residues per subunit in different channel domains. Analysis of the function of residues in the palm domain close to the central vertical axis of the channel allowed for prediction of conformational changes of this region during gating. Our study provides a basis for the intrinsic ASIC pH dependence and describes an approach that can also be applied to the investigation of the mechanisms of the pH dependence of other proteins.

Mechanism of Selective Urea Permeation through a Bacterial Urea Transporter

In addition to its function as an intermediate in nitrogen metabolism, the small molecule urea plays an important role in the homeostasis of osmolarity and fluid volume in many organisms, including mammals, which concentrate urea in the kidney to produce the osmotic gradient necessary for water re-absorption. Because urea is highly polar and consequently poorly permeable through lipid bilayers, specialized urea transporters have evolved to increase its rate of diffusion across cell membranes. To better understand how urea transporters achieve the rapid and selective transport of urea, we have solved the 2.3 A structure of a urea transporter from the bacterium Desulfovibrio vulgaris (dvUT), which has significant homology to mammalian urea transporters. The dvUT fold contains two homologous domains related by a two-fold pseudosymmetry axis perpendicular to the plane of the membrane. Each protomer contains a continuous membrane-spanning pore, suggesting that the protein operates by a channel-like rather than transporter-like mechanism. The constricted selectivity filter at the center of pore can accommodate dehydrated urea molecules passing in single file. Urea is stabilized by backbone and side chain oxygen atoms that provide continuous coordination as it progresses through the filter, and by well-positioned α-helix dipoles. We are now using a variety of functional assays to probe the physical and chemical interactions involved in the transport mechanism, as well as interactions between dvUT and various high-affinity UT blockers.

Quantum chemical study of adsorption of Ag 2, Ag 4 and Ag 8 on stoichiometric TiO 2 (1 1 0) surface

A density functional theory (DFT) calculations have been carried out to study the adsorption of silver di-, tetra- and octamers on stoichiometric rutile (1 1 0) surface. In order to determine the most reliable model of adsorption, two different approaches have been used: a cluster model and a periodic one. Comparison of the calculation results with the experimental data revealed that the periodic model exhibits better results than the cluster one. The most stable adsorption sites for each silver cluster have been found. It has been shown that hollow-sites are preferable to adsorption over chain oxygen atoms. Population and charge analysis have been carried out to determine the binding mechanisms for the most stable structures. The adsorbed clusters are coupled with the surface through two types of binding in case of the hollow-sites. The first type is the overlap between HOMO of the cluster and unfilled surface level which consists mostly of Ti atom 3d-orbitals. The charge is partly transferred from cluster to the surface, thus all adsorbed clusters have positive charges. The value of charge correlates with binding energies. The second binding type is the interaction of MOs of the cluster with surface eigenstates localized on chain oxygen atoms. This interaction is equally strong as compared to that of the first type and leads to deformation of silver clusters structure during adsorption. The second type of binding only occurs during the adsorption over chain oxygen atoms. Thus, the binding energies are smaller in this case. The presence of filled levels in the band gap has been revealed for some structures. It can be one of the reasons of high photocatalytic activity typical for Ag/TiO 2 systems.

Mechanistic Details of Glutathione Biosynthesis Revealed by Crystal Structures of Saccharomyces cerevisiae Glutamate Cysteine Ligase

Glutathione is a thiol-disulfide exchange peptide critical for buffering oxidative or chemical stress, and an essential cofactor in several biosynthesis and detoxification pathways. The rate-limiting step in its de novo biosynthesis is catalyzed by glutamate cysteine ligase, a broadly expressed enzyme for which limited structural information is available in higher eukaryotic species. Structural data are critical to the understanding of clinical glutathione deficiency, as well as rational design of enzyme modulators that could impact human disease progression. Here, we have determined the structures of Saccharomyces cerevisiae glutamate cysteine ligase (ScGCL) in the presence of glutamate and MgCl(2) (2.1 A; R = 18.2%, R(free) = 21.9%), and in complex with glutamate, MgCl(2), and ADP (2.7 A; R = 19.0%, R(free) = 24.2%). Inspection of these structures reveals an unusual binding pocket for the alpha-carboxylate of the glutamate substrate and an ATP-independent Mg(2+) coordination site, clarifying the Mg(2+) dependence of the enzymatic reaction. The ScGCL structures were further used to generate a credible homology model of the catalytic subunit of human glutamate cysteine ligase (hGCLC). Examination of the hGCLC model suggests that post-translational modifications of cysteine residues may be involved in the regulation of enzymatic activity, and elucidates the molecular basis of glutathione deficiency associated with patient hGCLC mutations.