Coenzyme A Binding Research Articles

Investigating the Regulation of Ribosomal Protein S6 Kinase 1 by CoAlation.

Ribosomal protein S6 kinases belong to a family of highly conserved enzymes in eukaryotes that regulate cell growth, proliferation, survival, and the stress response. It is well established that the activation and downstream signalling of p70S6Ks involve multiple phosphorylation events by key regulators of cell growth, survival, and energy metabolism. Here, we report for the first time the covalent modification of p70S6K1 by coenzyme A (CoA) in response to oxidative stress, which regulates its kinase activity. The site of CoA binding (CoAlation) was mapped by mass spectrometry to cysteine 217 (Cys217), located in the kinase activation loop and only one amino acid away from the tripeptide DFG motif, which facilitates ATP-binding. The CoAlation of recombinant p70S6K1 was demonstrated in vitro and was shown to inhibit its kinase activity. Our molecular docking and dynamics analysis revealed the most likely mode for CoA binding to p70S6K1. This mechanism involves the non-covalent binding of the CoA ADP moiety to the p70S6K1 nucleotide-binding pocket, positioning the CoA thiol group in close proximity to form a covalent bond with the surface-exposed Cys217 residue. These findings support a "dual anchor" mechanism for protein kinase inhibition by CoAlation in cellular response to oxidative stress. Furthermore, the inhibition of S6K1 by CoAlation may open new avenues for developing novel inhibitors.

A Unique Mode of Coenzyme A Binding to the Nucleotide Binding Pocket of Human Metastasis Suppressor NME1.

Coenzyme A (CoA) is a key cellular metabolite which participates in diverse metabolic pathways, regulation of gene expression and the antioxidant defense mechanism. Human NME1 (hNME1), which is a moonlighting protein, was identified as a major CoA-binding protein. Biochemical studies showed that hNME1 is regulated by CoA through both covalent and non-covalent binding, which leads to a decrease in the hNME1 nucleoside diphosphate kinase (NDPK) activity. In this study, we expanded the knowledge on previous findings by focusing on the non-covalent mode of CoA binding to the hNME1. With X-ray crystallography, we solved the CoA bound structure of hNME1 (hNME1-CoA) and determined the stabilization interactions CoA forms within the nucleotide-binding site of hNME1. A hydrophobic patch stabilizing the CoA adenine ring, while salt bridges and hydrogen bonds stabilizing the phosphate groups of CoA were observed. With molecular dynamics studies, we extended our structural analysis by characterizing the hNME1-CoA structure and elucidating possible orientations of the pantetheine tail, which is absent in the X-ray structure due to its flexibility. Crystallographic studies suggested the involvement of arginine 58 and threonine 94 in mediating specific interactions with CoA. Site-directed mutagenesis and CoA-based affinity purifications showed that arginine 58 mutation to glutamate (R58E) and threonine 94 mutation to aspartate (T94D) prevent hNME1 from binding to CoA. Overall, our results reveal a unique mode by which hNME1 binds CoA, which differs significantly from that of ADP binding: the α- and β-phosphates of CoA are oriented away from the nucleotide-binding site, while 3'-phosphate faces catalytic histidine 118 (H118). The interactions formed by the CoA adenine ring and phosphate groups contribute to the specific mode of CoA binding to hNME1.

Skeletal muscle mitochondrial interactome remodeling is linked to functional decline in aged female mice.

Genomic, transcriptomic and proteomic approaches have been used to gain insight into molecular underpinnings of aging in laboratory animals and in humans. However, protein function in biological systems is under complex regulation and includes factors besides abundance levels, such as modifications, localization, conformation and protein-protein interactions. By making use of quantitative chemical cross-linking technologies, we show that changes in the muscle mitochondrial interactome contribute to mitochondrial functional decline in aging in female mice. Specifically, we identify age-related changes in protein cross-links relating to assembly of electron transport system complexes I and IV, activity of glutamate dehydrogenase, and coenzyme-A binding in fatty acid β-oxidation and tricarboxylic acid cycle enzymes. These changes show a remarkable correlation with complex I respiration differences within the same young-old animal pairs. Each observed cross-link can serve as a protein conformational or protein-protein interaction probe in future studies, which will provide further molecular insights into commonly observed age-related phenotypic differences. Therefore, this data set could become a valuable resource for additional in-depth molecular studies that are needed to better understand complex age-related molecular changes.

Profiling the Site of Protein CoAlation and Coenzyme A Stabilization Interactions.

Coenzyme A (CoA) is a key cellular metabolite known for its diverse functions in metabolism and regulation of gene expression. CoA was recently shown to play an important antioxidant role under various cellular stress conditions by forming a disulfide bond with proteins, termed CoAlation. Using anti-CoA antibodies and liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) methodologies, CoAlated proteins were identified from various organisms/tissues/cell-lines under stress conditions. In this study, we integrated currently known CoAlated proteins into mammalian and bacterial datasets (CoAlomes), resulting in a total of 2093 CoAlated proteins (2862 CoAlation sites). Functional classification of these proteins showed that CoAlation is widespread among proteins involved in cellular metabolism, stress response and protein synthesis. Using 35 published CoAlated protein structures, we studied the stabilization interactions of each CoA segment (adenosine diphosphate (ADP) moiety and pantetheine tail) within the microenvironment of the modified cysteines. Alternating polar-non-polar residues, positively charged residues and hydrophobic interactions mainly stabilize the pantetheine tail, phosphate groups and the ADP moiety, respectively. A flexible nature of CoA is observed in examined structures, allowing it to adapt its conformation through interactions with residues surrounding the CoAlation site. Based on these findings, we propose three modes of CoA binding to proteins. Overall, this study summarizes currently available knowledge on CoAlated proteins, their functional distribution and CoA–protein stabilization interactions.

Structural and biochemical analyses of an aminoglycoside 2\u2032-N-acetyltransferase from Mycolicibacterium smegmatis

The expression of aminoglycoside-modifying enzymes represents a survival strategy of antibiotic-resistant bacteria. Aminoglycoside 2′-N-acetyltransferase [AAC(2′)] neutralizes aminoglycoside drugs by acetylation of their 2′ amino groups in an acetyl coenzyme A (CoA)-dependent manner. To understand the structural features and molecular mechanism underlying AAC(2′) activity, we overexpressed, purified, and crystallized AAC(2′) from Mycolicibacterium smegmatis [AAC(2′)-Id] and determined the crystal structures of its apo-form and ternary complexes with CoA and four different aminoglycosides (gentamicin, sisomicin, neomycin, and paromomycin). These AAC(2′)-Id structures unraveled the binding modes of different aminoglycosides, explaining the broad substrate specificity of the enzyme. Comparative structural analysis showed that the α4-helix and β8–β9 loop region undergo major conformational changes upon CoA and substrate binding. Additionally, structural comparison between the present paromomycin-bound AAC(2′)-Id structure and the previously reported paromomycin-bound AAC(6′)-Ib and 30S ribosome structures revealed the structural features of paromomycin that are responsible for its antibiotic activity and AAC binding. Taken together, these results provide useful information for designing AAC(2′) inhibitors and for the chemical modification of aminoglycosides.

The Pathophysiological Role of CoA.

The importance of coenzyme A (CoA) as a carrier of acyl residues in cell metabolism is well understood. Coenzyme A participates in more than 100 different catabolic and anabolic reactions, including those involved in the metabolism of lipids, carbohydrates, proteins, ethanol, bile acids, and xenobiotics. However, much less is known about the importance of the concentration of this cofactor in various cell compartments and the role of altered CoA concentration in various pathologies. Despite continuous research on these issues, the molecular mechanisms in the regulation of the intracellular level of CoA under pathological conditions are still not well understood. This review summarizes the current knowledge of (a) CoA subcellular concentrations; (b) the roles of CoA synthesis and degradation processes; and (c) protein modification by reversible CoA binding to proteins (CoAlation). Particular attention is paid to (a) the roles of changes in the level of CoA under pathological conditions, such as in neurodegenerative diseases, cancer, myopathies, and infectious diseases; and (b) the beneficial effect of CoA and pantethine (which like CoA is finally converted to Pan and cysteamine), used at pharmacological doses for the treatment of hyperlipidemia.

RNA aptamer-driven ECL biosensing for tracing histone acetylation based on nano-prism substrate and cascade DNA amplification strategy

A new RNA aptamer-involved electrochemiluminescence (ECL) strategy for sensitive detection of histone acetyltransferase (HAT p300) is designed well based on coenzyme A (CoA)-initiated competitive response and advanced DNA nano-biotechnology. For the first time, this interesting analytical process is comprised of significant histone acetylation catalyzed by HAT p300, competitive replacement triggered by the specific binding of CoA and its RNA aptamer, stable scaffold guided by DNA nano-prism and typical amplification managed by hybrid chain reaction (HCR). Upon recognition of the RNA aptamer to CoA generated in acetylation, auxiliary DNA (A-DNA) which can be captured by three hanging arms of the fabricated DNA nano-prism immobilized onto Au electrode surface is released from the aptamer/A-DNA complex. Moreover, A-DNA can also open skillfully one hairpin DNA (H1), then turning into HCR process by alternating hybridization with the other hairpin DNA (H2). Abundant Ru(phen)32+ molecules which have a strong interaction with dsDNA can result in a significant output. This proposed platform exhibits excellent specificity and sensitivity toward HAT p300 with a detection limit of 0.001 nM and takes on outstanding practicality and superiority, which presents a great potential for HAT p300 analysis in biomedical sciences.

Binding site for coenzyme A revealed in the structure of pyruvate:ferredoxin oxidoreductase from Moorella thermoacetica

Pyruvate:ferredoxin oxidoreductase (PFOR) is a microbial enzyme that uses thiamine pyrophosphate (TPP), three [4Fe-4S] clusters, and coenzyme A (CoA) in the reversible oxidation of pyruvate to generate acetyl-CoA and carbon dioxide. The two electrons that are generated as a result of pyruvate decarboxylation are used in the reduction of low potential ferredoxins, which provide reducing equivalents for central metabolism, including the Wood-Ljungdahl pathway. PFOR is a member of the 2-oxoacid:ferredoxin oxidoreductase (OFOR) superfamily, which plays major roles in both microbial redox reactions and carbon dioxide fixation. Here, we present a set of crystallographic snapshots of the best-studied member of this superfamily, the PFOR from Moorella thermoacetica (MtPFOR). These snapshots include the native structure, those of lactyl-TPP and acetyl-TPP reaction intermediates, and the first of an OFOR with CoA bound. These structural data reveal the binding site of CoA as domain III, the function of which in OFORs was previously unknown, and establish sequence motifs for CoA binding in the OFOR superfamily. MtPFOR structures further show that domain III undergoes a conformational change upon CoA binding that seals off the active site and positions the thiolate of CoA directly adjacent to the TPP cofactor. These structural findings provide a molecular basis for the experimental observation that CoA binding accelerates catalysis by 105-fold.

Properties of Intermediates in the Catalytic Cycle of Oxalate Oxidoreductase and Its Suicide Inactivation by Pyruvate.

Oxalate:ferredoxin oxidoreductase (OOR) is an unusual member of the thiamine pyrophosphate (TPP)-dependent 2-oxoacid:ferredoxin oxidoreductase (OFOR) family in that it catalyzes the coenzyme A (CoA)-independent conversion of oxalate into 2 equivalents of carbon dioxide. This reaction is surprising because binding of CoA to the acyl-TPP intermediate of other OFORs results in formation of a CoA ester, and in the case of pyruvate:ferredoxin oxidoreductase (PFOR), CoA binding generates the central metabolic intermediate acetyl-CoA and promotes a 105-fold acceleration of the rate of electron transfer. Here we describe kinetic, spectroscopic, and computational results to show that CoA has no effect on catalysis by OOR and describe the chemical rationale for why this cofactor is unnecessary in this enzymatic transformation. Our results demonstrate that, like PFOR, OOR binds pyruvate and catalyzes decarboxylation to form the same hydroxyethylidine–TPP (HE–TPP) intermediate and one-electron transfer to generate the HE–TPP radical. However, in OOR, this intermediate remains stranded at the active site as a covalent inhibitor. These and other results indicate that, like other OFOR family members, OOR generates an oxalate-derived adduct with TPP (oxalyl-TPP) that undergoes decarboxylation and one-electron transfer to form a radical intermediate remaining bound to TPP (dihydroxymethylidene–TPP). However, unlike in PFOR, where CoA binding drives formation of the product, in OOR, proton transfer and a conformational change in the “switch loop” alter the redox potential of the radical intermediate sufficiently to promote the transfer of an electron into the iron–sulfur cluster network, leading directly to a second decarboxylation and completing the catalytic cycle.

Structural and biochemical characterisation of Archaeoglobus fulgidus esterase reveals a bound CoA molecule in the vicinity of the active site.

A new carboxyl esterase, AF-Est2, from the hyperthermophilic archaeon Archaeoglobus fulgidus has been cloned, over-expressed in Escherichia coli and biochemically and structurally characterized. The enzyme has high activity towards short- to medium-chain p-nitrophenyl carboxylic esters with optimal activity towards the valerate ester. The AF-Est2 has good solvent and pH stability and is very thermostable, showing no loss of activity after incubation for 30 min at 80 °C. The 1.4 Å resolution crystal structure of AF-Est2 reveals Coenzyme A (CoA) bound in the vicinity of the active site. Despite the presence of CoA bound to the AF-Est2 this enzyme has no CoA thioesterase activity. The pantetheine group of CoA partially obstructs the active site alcohol pocket suggesting that this ligand has a role in regulation of the enzyme activity. A comparison with closely related α/β hydrolase fold enzyme structures shows that the AF-Est2 has unique structural features that allow CoA binding. A comparison of the structure of AF-Est2 with the human carboxyl esterase 1, which has CoA thioesterase activity, reveals that CoA is bound to different parts of the core domain in these two enzymes and approaches the active site from opposite directions.

Crystal structure of ketopantoate reductase from Thermococcus kodakarensis complexed with NADP(.).

Coenzyme A (CoA) plays pivotal roles in a variety of metabolic pathways in all organisms. The biosynthetic pathway of CoA is strictly regulated by feedback inhibition. In the hyperthermophilic archaeon Thermococcus kodakarensis, ketopantoate reductase (KPR), which catalyzes the NAD(P)H-dependent reduction of 2-oxopantoate, is a target of feedback inhibition by CoA. The crystal structure of KPR from T. kodakarensis (Tk-KPR) complexed with CoA and 2-oxopantoate has previously been reported. The structure provided an explanation for the competitive inhibition mechanism. Here, further biochemical analyses of Tk-KPR and the crystal structure of Tk-KPR in complex with NADP(+) are reported. A mutational analysis implies that the residues in the binding pocket cooperatively contribute to the recognition of CoA. The structure reveals the same dimer architecture as the Tk-KPR-CoA-2-oxopantoate complex. Moreover, the positions of the residues involved in the dimer interaction are not changed by the binding of CoA and 2-oxopantoate, suggesting individual conformational changes of Tk-KPR monomers.

Crystal structure of archaeal ketopantoate reductase complexed with coenzyme a and 2-oxopantoate provides structural insights into feedback regulation.

Coenzyme A (CoA) plays essential roles in a variety of metabolic pathways in all three domains of life. The biosynthesis pathway of CoA is strictly regulated by feedback inhibition. In bacteria and eukaryotes, pantothenate kinase is the target of feedback inhibition by CoA. Recent biochemical studies have identified ketopantoate reductase (KPR), which catalyzes the NAD(P)H-dependent reduction of 2-oxopantoate to pantoate, as a target of the feedback inhibition by CoA in archaea. However, the mechanism for recognition of CoA by KPR is still unknown. Here we report the crystal structure of KPR from Thermococcus kodakarensis in complex with CoA and 2-oxopantoate. CoA occupies the binding site of NAD(P)H, explaining the competitive inhibition by CoA. Our structure reveals a disulfide bond between CoA and Cys84 that indicates an irreversible inhibition upon binding of CoA. The structure also suggests the cooperative binding of CoA and 2-oxopantoate that triggers a conformational closure and seems to facilitate the disulfide bond formation. Our findings provide novel insights into the mechanism that regulates biosynthesis of CoA in archaea.

Insights from the docking and molecular dynamics simulation of the Phosphopantetheinyl transferase (PptT) structural model from Mycobacterium tuberculosis

A great challenge is posed to the treatment of tuberculosis due to the evolution of multidrug-resistant (MDR) and extensively drugresistant (XDR) strains of Mycobacterium tuberculosis in recent times. The complex cell envelope of the bacterium contains unusual structures of lipids which protects the bacterium from host enzymes and escape immune response. To overcome the drug resistance, targeting “drug targets” which have a critical role in growth and virulence factor is a novel approach for better tuberculosis treatment. The enzyme Phosphopantetheinyl transferase (PptT) is an attractive drug target as it is primarily involved in post translational modification of various types-I polyketide synthases and assembly of mycobactin, which is required for lipid virulence factors. Our in silico studies reported that the structural model of M.tuberculosis PptT characterizes the structure-function activity. The refinement of the model was carried out with molecular dynamics simulations and was analyzed with root mean square deviation (RMSD), and radius of gyration (Rg). This confirmed the structural behavior of PptT in dynamic system. Molecular docking with substrate coenzyme A (CoA) identified the binding pocket and key residues His93, Asp114 and Arg169 involved in PptT-CoA binding. In conclusion, our results show that the M.tuberculosis PptT model and critical CoA binding pocket initiate the inhibitor design of PptT towards tuberculosis treatment.

Investigation of the Catalytic Mechanism of the Hotdog-Fold Enzyme Superfamily Pseudomonas sp. Strain CBS3 4-Hydroxybenzoyl-CoA Thioesterase

The 4-hydroxybenzoyl-CoA (4-HB-CoA) thioesterase from Pseudomonas sp. strain CBS3 catalyzes the final step of the 4-chlorobenzoate degradation pathway, which is the hydrolysis of 4-HB-CoA to coenzyme A (CoA) and 4-hydroxybenzoate (4-HB). In previous work, X-ray structural analysis of the substrate-bound thioesterase provided evidence of the role of an active site Asp17 in nucleophilic catalysis [Thoden, J. B., Holden, H. M., Zhuang, Z., and Dunaway-Mariano, D. (2002) X-ray crystallographic analyses of inhibitor and substrate complexes of wild-type and mutant 4-hydroxybenzoyl-CoA thioesterase. J. Biol. Chem. 277, 27468-27476]. In the study presented here, kinetic techniques were used to test the catalytic mechanism that was suggested by the X-ray structural data. The time course for the multiple-turnover reaction of 50 μM [(14)C]-4-HB-CoA catalyzed by 10 μM thioesterase supported a two-step pathway in which the second step is rate-limiting. Steady-state product inhibition studies revealed that binding of CoA (K(is) = 250 ± 70 μM; K(ii) = 900 ± 300 μM) and 4-HB (K(is) = 1.2 ± 0.2 mM) is weak, suggesting that product release is not rate-limiting. A substantial D(2)O solvent kinetic isotope effect (3.8) on the steady-state k(cat) value (18 s(-1)) provided evidence that a chemical step involving proton transfer is the rate-limiting step. Taken together, the kinetic results support a two-chemical pathway. The microscopic rate constants governing the formation and consumption of the putative aspartyl 17-(4-hydroxybenzoyl)anhydride intermediate were determined by simulation-based fitting of a kinetic model to time courses for the substrate binding reaction (5.0 μM 4-HB-CoA and 0.54 μM thioesterase), single-turnover reaction (5 μM [(14)C]-4-HB-CoA catalyzed by 50 μM thioesterase), steady-state reaction (5.2 μM 4-HB-CoA catalyzed by 0.003 μM thioesterase), and transient-state multiple-turnover reaction (50 μM [(14)C]-4-HB-CoA catalyzed by 10 μM thioesterase). Together with the results obtained from solvent (18)O labeling experiments, the findings are interpreted as evidence of the formation of an aspartyl 17-(4-hydroxybenzoyl)anhydride intermediate that undergoes rate-limiting hydrolytic cleavage at the hydroxybenzoyl carbonyl carbon atom.

Classification of Coenzyme-A Binding Proteins Based on Co-Factor Binding Modes

This study developed a mutual recognition of the proteins based on molecular classification, data mining strategies and the statistical clustering method, which was applied to study and classify clusters of coenzyme-A (CoA) binding proteins with their binding patterns extracted by using Pocket1.0 program. Several strategies have been evaluated for the accuracy of the system analysis and the two-step clustering method has been shown to be the best. The results revealed that the known CoA binding proteins can be clustered into three groups by using this approach. The designed classification coefficient was used effectively to identify the critical features for classification. The results show that both hydrogen bonds and hydrophobic interactions are important in all three clusters and that quite a few important residues related to biological activities are involved in the formation of hydrogen bonds. The classification of these interactions and the discovery of the characteristics and differences between the three clusters will have some utility for the design of specific agonists and antagonists.

Preparation of the Crystal Complex of Phosphopantetheine Adenylyltransferase from Mycobacterium tuberculosis with Coenzyme A and Investigation of Its Three-Dimensional Structure at 2.1-Å Resolution

Recombinant phosphopantetheine adenylyltransferase from Mycobacterium tuberculosis (PPAT Mt), which was produced by a high-producing strain and purified to 99%, was used for the crystal growth of the complex of the enzyme with coenzyme A (CoA). Crystals suitable for X-ray diffraction study were obtained by cocrystallization. The crystals belong to sp. gr. R32 and have the unit-cell parameters a = b = 98.840 A, c = 112.880 A, α = β = 90.00°, and γ = 120.00°. The three-dimensional structure of the complex was determined based on X-ray diffraction data collected from the crystals to 2.1 A resolution and refined to Rf = 22.7% and Rfree = 25.93%. Active-site bound coenzyme A was found, and its nearest environment was described. The conformational changes of the enzyme due to ligand binding were revealed. The binding of CoA by tuberculosis phosphopantetheine adenylyltransferase was characterized by comparing the structures of the title complex to a similar complex of PPAT from E. coli (PPAT Ec).

Dissecting the Role of Critical Residues and Substrate Preference of a Fatty Acyl-CoA Synthetase (FadD13) of Mycobacterium tuberculosis

Newly emerging multi-drug resistant strains of Mycobacterium tuberculosis (M.tb) severely limit the treatment options for tuberculosis (TB); hence, new antitubercular drugs are urgently needed. The mymA operon is essential for the virulence and intracellular survival of M.tb and thus represents an attractive target for the development of new antitubercular drugs. This study is focused on the structure-function relationship of Fatty Acyl-CoA Synthetase (FadD13, Rv3089) belonging to the mymA operon. Eight site-directed mutants of FadD13 were designed, constructed and analyzed for the structural-functional integrity of the enzyme. The study revealed that mutation of Lys487 resulted in ∼95% loss of the activity thus demonstrating its crucial requirement for the enzymatic activity. Comparison of the kinetic parameters showed the residues Lys172 and Ala302 to be involved in the binding of ATP and Ser404 in the binding of CoenzymeA. The influence of mutations of the residues Val209 and Trp377 emphasized their importance in maintaining the structural integrity of FadD13. Besides, we show a synergistic influence of fatty acid and ATP binding on the conformation and rigidity of FadD13. FadD13 represents the first Fatty Acyl-CoA Synthetase to display biphasic kinetics for fatty acids. FadD13 exhibits a distinct preference for C26/C24 fatty acids, which in the light of earlier reported observations further substantiates the role of the mymA operon in remodeling the cell envelope of intracellular M.tb under acidic conditions. A three-dimensional model of FadD13 was generated; the docking of ATP to the active site verified its interaction with Lys172, Ala302 and Lys487 and corresponded well with the results of the mutational studies. Our study provides a significant understanding of the FadD13 protein including the identification of residues important for its activity as well as in the maintenance of structural integrity. We believe that the findings of this study will provide valuable inputs in the development of inhibitors against the mymA operon, an important target for the development of antitubercular drugs.

Phosphopantetheine Adenylyltransferase from Escherichia coli : Investigation of the Kinetic Mechanism and Role in Regulation of Coenzyme A Biosynthesis

Phosphopantetheine adenylyltransferase (PPAT) from Escherichia coli is an essential hexameric enzyme that catalyzes the penultimate step in coenzyme A (CoA) biosynthesis and is a target for antibacterial drug discovery. The enzyme utilizes Mg-ATP and phosphopantetheine (PhP) to generate dephospho-CoA (dPCoA) and pyrophosphate. When overexpressed in E. coli, PPAT copurifies with tightly bound CoA, suggesting a feedback inhibitory role for this cofactor. Using an enzyme-coupled assay for the forward-direction reaction (dPCoA-generating) and isothermal titration calorimetry, we investigated the steady-state kinetics and ligand binding properties of PPAT. All substrates and products bind the free enzyme, and product inhibition studies are consistent with a random bi-bi kinetic mechanism. CoA inhibits PPAT and is competitive with ATP, PhP, and dPCoA. Previously published structures of PPAT crystallized at pH 5.0 show half-the-sites reactivity for PhP and dPCoA and full occupancy by ATP and CoA. Ligand-binding studies at pH 8.0 show that ATP, PhP, dPCoA, and CoA occupy all six monomers of the PPAT hexamer, although CoA exhibits two thermodynamically distinct binding modes. These results suggest that the half-the-sites reactivity observed in PPAT crystal structures may be pH dependent. In light of previous studies on the regulation of CoA biosynthesis, the PPAT kinetic and ligand binding data suggest that intracellular PhP concentrations modulate the distribution of PPAT monomers between high- and low-affinity CoA binding modes. This model is consistent with PPAT serving as a "backup" regulator of pathway flux relative to pantothenate kinase.

Structural and Functional Studies Suggest a Catalytic Mechanism for the Phosphotransacetylase from Methanosarcina thermophila

Phosphotransacetylase (EC 2.3.1.8) catalyzes reversible transfer of the acetyl group from acetyl phosphate to coenzyme A (CoA), forming acetyl-CoA and inorganic phosphate. Two crystal structures of phosphotransacetylase from the methanogenic archaeon Methanosarcina thermophila in complex with the substrate CoA revealed one CoA (CoA1) bound in the proposed active site cleft and an additional CoA (CoA2) bound at the periphery of the cleft. The results of isothermal titration calorimetry experiments are described, and they support the hypothesis that there are distinct high-affinity (equilibrium dissociation constant [KD], 20 microM) and low-affinity (KD, 2 mM) CoA binding sites. The crystal structures indicated that binding of CoA1 is mediated by a series of hydrogen bonds and extensive van der Waals interactions with the enzyme and that there are fewer of these interactions between CoA2 and the enzyme. Different conformations of the protein observed in the crystal structures suggest that domain movements which alter the geometry of the active site cleft may contribute to catalysis. Kinetic and calorimetric analyses of site-specific replacement variants indicated that there are catalytic roles for Ser309 and Arg310, which are proximal to the reactive sulfhydryl of CoA1. The reaction is hypothesized to proceed through base-catalyzed abstraction of the thiol proton of CoA by the adjacent and invariant residue Asp316, followed by nucleophilic attack of the thiolate anion of CoA on the carbonyl carbon of acetyl phosphate. We propose that Arg310 binds acetyl phosphate and orients it for optimal nucleophilic attack. The hypothesized mechanism proceeds through a negatively charged transition state stabilized by hydrogen bond donation from Ser309.

Crystal Structure of CaiB, a Type-III CoA Transferase in Carnitine Metabolism

Carnitine is an important molecule in human metabolism, mainly because of its role in the transport of long-chain fatty acids across the inner mitochondrial membrane. Escherichia coli uses carnitine as a terminal electron acceptor during anaerobic metabolism. Bacteria present in our large intestine break down carnitine that is not absorbed in the small intestine. One part of this catabolic pathway is reversible and can be utilized for bioproduction of large amounts of stereochemically pure L-carnitine, which is used medically for the treatment of a variety of human diseases. Here, we present the crystal structure of the E. coli protein CaiB, which is a member of the recently identified type-III coenzyme A (CoA) transferase family and catalyzes the transfer of the CoA moiety between gamma-butyrobetaine-CoA and carnitine forming carnityl-CoA and gamma-butyrobetaine. This is the first protein from the carnitine metabolic pathway to be structurally characterized. The structure of CaiB reveals a spectacular fold where two monomers are interlaced to form an interlocked dimer. A molecule of the crystallization buffer bis-(2-hydroxyethyl)imino-tris(hydroxymethyl)methane (bis-tris) is bound in a large pocket located primarily in the small domain, and we propose that this pocket constitutes the binding site for both substrate moieties participating in the CaiB transfer reaction. The binding of CoA to CaiB induces a domain movement that closes the active site of the protein. This is the first observation of a domain movement in the type-III CoA transferase family and can play an important role in coupling substrate binding to initiation of the catalytic reaction.