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Insights into a water-mediated catalytic triad architecture in CE20 carbohydrate esterases

Author

Listed:
  • Michelle Teune

    (University Greifswald)

  • Plínio S. Vieira

    (Brazilian Center for Research in Energy and Materials (CNPEM))

  • Thorben Döhler

    (University Greifswald)

  • Gottfried J. Palm

    (University of Greifswald)

  • Theresa Dutschei

    (University Greifswald)

  • Daniel Bartosik

    (University of Greifswald)

  • Leona Berndt

    (University of Greifswald)

  • Gabriela F. Persinoti

    (Brazilian Center for Research in Energy and Materials (CNPEM))

  • Sandra Maaß

    (University of Greifswald)

  • Dörte Becher

    (University of Greifswald)

  • Thomas Schweder

    (University of Greifswald)

  • Mário T. Murakami

    (Brazilian Center for Research in Energy and Materials (CNPEM))

  • Michael Lammers

    (University of Greifswald)

  • Uwe T. Bornscheuer

    (University Greifswald)

Abstract

Carbohydrate esterases modify polysaccharides by removing different ester moieties thereby affecting their physicochemical properties and their accessibility by glycoside hydrolases. We determined the full-length structures of two members (Fl8CE20_II and PpCE20_II) from the carbohydrate esterase family 20 (CE20) by X-ray crystallography that feature an ancillary domain, inserted into the catalytic SGNH-hydrolase domain. Detailed structural analysis identifies a so far undescribed catalytic triad architecture which lacks the typical aspartate for polarization of the histidine but instead reveals a precisely coordinated water molecule mediating contact between the His and Asp. This coordinated water in the Ser-His-(H2O-Asp/Asn) motif, as further confirmed by mutational studies and by determination of kinetic constants, is crucial for catalytic activity. We therefore term this active site architecture a water-mediated catalytic triad.

Suggested Citation

  • Michelle Teune & Plínio S. Vieira & Thorben Döhler & Gottfried J. Palm & Theresa Dutschei & Daniel Bartosik & Leona Berndt & Gabriela F. Persinoti & Sandra Maaß & Dörte Becher & Thomas Schweder & Mári, 2025. "Insights into a water-mediated catalytic triad architecture in CE20 carbohydrate esterases," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 16(1), pages 1-13, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:natcom:v:16:y:2025:i:1:d:10.1038_s41467-025-62387-5
    DOI: 10.1038/s41467-025-62387-5
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