Molecular dynamics simulations of two GH74 endo-processive xyloglucanases and the mutated variants to understand better the mechanism of the enzyme action.

Background: GH74 xyloglucanases are composed of two separate domains connected by two unstructured peptides. Previously, a hypothesis was made that the movement of domains may affect the enzyme mechanism of catalysis.

Methods: The molecular dynamics (MD) simulations of endo-processive xyloglucanases from Paenibacillus odorifer (PoGH74) and Myceliophthora thermophila (MtXeg74A) were carried out.

Results: MD simulations for both enzymes in complex with XXLG and XGXXLG oligosaccharides confirmed the possibility of domain movement. In the case of MtXeg74A, changes in the distances between C atoms of aromatic residues involved in xyloglucan binding in -3 and +3 subsites of the active site cleft and those of selected residues on the opposite side of the cleft reached values up to 10-12 Å. For PoGH74 the conformational changes were less pronounced. In MtXeg74A variants, the deletion of loop 1, which partially closes the entrance to the cleft, and the additional double mutation of two Trp residues in +3 and +5 subsites caused the enhanced mobility of the XGXXLG and also induced changes in topography of the cleft.

Conclusions: These findings demonstrate the possibility of existence of GH74 xyloglucanases in a more open and more closed enzyme conformation. The enzyme in an open conformation may more easily accommodate the branched polysaccharide, while its transition to the closed conformation, together with loop 1 function, should aid processivity.

General Significance: Our results provide an insight into a mechanism of action of GH74 xyloglucanases and may be useful for discussing the catalytic mechanisms of glycoside hydrolases from other families.