4-Hydroxyphenylpyruvate dioxygenase (HPPD) is a key enzyme in tyrosine catabolism, catalysing the oxidation of 4-hydroxyphenylpyruvate to homogentisate. Genetic deficiency of this enzyme causes type III tyrosinaemia. The enzyme comprises two barrel-shaped domains formed by the N- and C-termini, with the active site located in the C-terminus. This study investigated the role of the N-terminus, located at the domain interface, in HPPD activity. We observed that the kcat/Km decreased ∼8-fold compared with wild type upon removal of the 12 N-terminal residues (ΔR13). Interestingly, the wild-type level of activity was retained in a mutant missing the 17 N-terminal residues, with a kcat/Km 11-fold higher than that of the ΔR13 mutant; however, the structural stability of this mutant was lower than that of wild type. A 2-fold decrease in catalytic efficiency was observed for the K10A and E12A mutants, indicating synergism between these residues in the enzyme catalytic function. A molecular dynamics simulation showed large RMS fluctuations in ΔR13 suggesting that conformational flexibility at the domain interface leads to lower activity in this mutant. These results demonstrate that the N-terminus maintains the stability of the domain interface to allow for catalysis at the active site of HPPD.
Download full-text PDF |
Source |
---|---|
http://dx.doi.org/10.1093/jb/mvz092 | DOI Listing |
Sci Rep
December 2024
Department of Electronics, Carleton University, Ottawa, ON, K1S 5B6, Canada.
In this paper, we propose a novel structure of anisotropic graphene-based hyperbolic metamaterial (AGHMM) sandwiched as a defect between two one-dimensional photonic crystals (PCs) in the terahertz (THz) region. The proposed structure is numerically simulated and analyzed using the transfer matrix method, effective medium theory and three-dimensional finite-difference time-domain. The defect layer of AGHMM consists of graphene sheets separated by subwavelength dielectric spacers.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFACS Appl Mater Interfaces
December 2024
Institute of Translational Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences & Ministry of Education Frontiers Science Center for Precision Oncology, University of Macau, Taipa 999078, Macau, China.
Levels of tissue oxygenation and collagen regeneration are critical indicators in the early evaluation of wound healing. Traditionally, these factors have been assessed using separate instruments and different methodologies. Here, we adopt the spatially averaged phosphorescence lifetime approach using Re-diimine complexes (Re-probe) to enable simultaneous quantification of these two critical factors in healing wounds.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFFront Robot AI
December 2024
School of Food Science and Environmental Health, Technological University Dublin, Dublin, Ireland.
Collaborative intelligence (CI) involves human-machine interactions and is deemed safety-critical because their reliable interactions are crucial in preventing severe injuries and environmental damage. As these applications become increasingly data-driven, the reliability of CI applications depends on the quality of data, shaping the system's ability to interpret and respond in diverse and often unpredictable environments. In this regard, it is important to adhere to data quality standards and guidelines, thus facilitating the advancement of these collaborative systems in industry.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFJ Chem Inf Model
December 2024
Faculty of Engineering and Natural Sciences, Sabanci University, Istanbul 34956, Turkey.
Genetically encoded fluorescent biosensors (GEFBs) have become indispensable tools for visualizing biological processes A typical GEFB is composed of a sensory domain (SD) that undergoes a conformational change upon ligand binding or enzymatic reaction; the SD is genetically fused with a fluorescent protein (FP). The changes in the SD allosterically modulate the chromophore environment whose spectral properties are changed. Single fluorescent (FP)-based biosensors, a subclass of GEFBs, offer a simple experimental setup; they are easy to produce in living cells, structurally stable, and simple to use due to their single-wavelength operation.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFJ Neuroeng Rehabil
December 2024
Laboratory for Neuro- & Psychophysiology, Department of Neurosciences, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.
Background: The loss of finger control in individuals with neuromuscular disorders significantly impacts their quality of life. Electroencephalography (EEG)-based brain-computer interfaces that actuate neuroprostheses directly via decoded motor intentions can help restore lost finger mobility. However, the extent to which finger movements exhibit distinct and decodable EEG correlates remains unresolved.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFEnter search terms and have AI summaries delivered each week - change queries or unsubscribe any time!