2cmg

Publication Abstract from PubMed

Spermidine synthase (putrescine aminopropyltransferase, PAPT) catalyzes the transfer of the aminopropyl group from decarboxylated S-adenosylmethionine to putrescine during spermidine biosynthesis. Helicobacter pylori PAPT (HpPAPT) has a low sequence identity with other PAPTs and lacks the signature sequence found in other PAPTs. The crystal structure of HpPAPT, determined by multiwavelength anomalous dispersion, revealed an N-terminal beta-stranded domain and a C-terminal Rossmann-like domain. Structural comparison with other PAPTs showed that HpPAPT has a unique binding pocket between two domains, numerous non-conserved residues, a less acidic electrostatic surface potential, and a large buried space within the structure. HpPAPT lacks the gatekeeping loop that facilitates substrate binding in other PAPTs. PAPTs are essential for bacterial cell viability; thus, HpPAPT may be a potential antimicrobial drug target for H. pylori owing to its characteristic PAPT sequence and distinct conformation.

Crystal structure of Helicobacter pylori spermidine synthase: a Rossmann-like fold with a distinct active site.,Lu PK, Tsai JY, Chien HY, Huang H, Chu CH, Sun YJ Proteins. 2007 May 15;67(3):743-54. PMID:17357156^[2]

From MEDLINE®/PubMed®, a database of the U.S. National Library of Medicine.