Biochemical identification and crystal structure of kynurenine formamidase from Drosophila melanogaster
Autor(es): Han, Qian; Robinson, Howard; Li, Jianyong
Resumo: KFase (kynurenine formamidase), also known as arylformamidase and formylkynurenine formamidase, efficiently catalyses the hydrolysis of NFK (N-formyl-L-kynurenine) to kynurenine. KFase is the second enzyme in the kynurenine pathway of tryptophan metabolism. A number of intermediates formed in the kynurenine pathway are biologically active and implicated in an assortment of medical conditions, including cancer, schizophrenia and neurodegenerative diseases. Consequently, enzymes involved in the kynurenine pathway have been considered potential regulatory targets. In the present study, we report, for the first time, the biochemical characterization and crystal structures of Drosophila melanogaster KFase conjugated with an inhibitor, PMSF. The protein architecture of KFase reveals that it belongs to the alpha/beta hydrolase fold family. The PMSF-binding information of the solved conjugated crystal structure was used to obtain a KFase and NFK complex using molecular docking. The complex is useful for understanding the catalytic mechanism of KFase. The present study provides a molecular basis for future efforts in maintaining or regulating kynurenine metabolism through the molecular and biochemical regulation of KFase.
Palavras-Chave: Alpha/beta hydrolase; Diazinon; Kynurenine formamidase (KFase); N-formyl-L-kynurenine (NFK); PMSF; Tryptophan metabolism
Imprenta: Biochemical Journal, v. 446, n. 2, p. 253-260, 2012
Identificador do objeto digital: 10.1042/BJ20120416
Descritores: Aedes aegypti - Proteins
Data de publicação: 2012
