Response of SCP-2L domain of human MFE-2 to ligand removal: binding site closure and burial of peroxisomal targeting signal

J Mol Biol. 2002 Oct 11;323(1):99-113. doi: 10.1016/s0022-2836(02)00939-7.

Abstract

In the study of the structure and function relationship of human MFE-2, we have investigated the dynamics of human MFE-2SCP-2L (hSCP-2L) and its response to ligand removal. A comparison was made with homologous rabbit SCP-2. Breathing and a closing motion are found, identifiable with an adjustment in size and a closing off of the binding pocket. Crucial residues for structural integrity have been identified. Particularly mobile areas of the protein are loop 1 that is connecting helices A and C in space, and helix D, next to the entrance of the pocket. In hSCP-2L, the binding pocket gets occupied by Phe93, which is making a tight hydrophobic contact with Trp36. In addition, it is found that the C-terminal peroxisomal targeting signal (PTS1) that is solvent exposed in the complexed structure becomes buried when no ligand is present. Moreover, an anti-correlation exists between burial of PTS1 and the size of the binding pocket. The results are in accordance with plant nsLTPs, where a similar accommodation of binding pocket size was found after ligand binding/removal. Furthermore, the calculations support the suggestion of a ligand-assisted targeting mechanism.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • 3-Hydroxyacyl CoA Dehydrogenases / chemistry
  • 3-Hydroxyacyl CoA Dehydrogenases / metabolism*
  • Binding Sites
  • Enoyl-CoA Hydratase / chemistry
  • Enoyl-CoA Hydratase / metabolism*
  • Humans
  • Hydrogen Bonding
  • Ligands
  • Models, Molecular
  • Multienzyme Complexes / chemistry
  • Multienzyme Complexes / metabolism*
  • Peroxisomes / metabolism*
  • Protein Sorting Signals*

Substances

  • Ligands
  • Multienzyme Complexes
  • Protein Sorting Signals
  • 3-Hydroxyacyl CoA Dehydrogenases
  • Enoyl-CoA Hydratase