1
|
Zhang K, Han Y. Thermostable Bacterial Collagenolytic Proteases: A Review. J Microbiol Biotechnol 2024; 34:1385-1394. [PMID: 38934777 PMCID: PMC11294657 DOI: 10.4014/jmb.2404.04051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2024] [Revised: 05/21/2024] [Accepted: 05/28/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024]
Abstract
Collagenolytic proteases are widely used in the food, medical, pharmaceutical, cosmetic, and textile industries. Mesophilic collagenases exhibit collagenolytic activity under physiological conditions, but have limitations in efficiently degrading collagen-rich wastes, such as collagen from fish scales, at high temperatures due to their poor thermostability. Bacterial collagenolytic proteases are members of various proteinase families, including the bacterial collagenolytic metalloproteinase M9 and the bacterial collagenolytic serine proteinase families S1, S8, and S53. Notably, the C-terminal domains of collagenolytic proteases, such as the pre-peptidase C-terminal domain, the polycystic kidney disease-like domain, the collagen-binding domain, the proprotein convertase domain, and the β-jelly roll domain, exhibit collagen-binding or -swelling activity. These activities can induce conformational changes in collagen or the enzyme active sites, thereby enhancing the collagen-degrading efficiency. In addition, thermostable bacterial collagenolytic proteases can function at high temperatures, which increases their degradation efficiency since heat-denatured collagen is more susceptible to proteolysis and minimizes the risk of microbial contamination. To date, only a few thermophile-derived collagenolytic proteases have been characterized. TSS, a thermostable and halotolerant subtilisin-like serine collagenolytic protease, exhibits high collagenolytic activity at 60°C. In this review, we present and summarize the current research on A) the classification and nomenclature of thermostable and mesophilic collagenolytic proteases derived from diverse microorganisms, and B) the functional roles of their C-terminal domains. Furthermore, we analyze the cleavage specificity of the thermostable collagenolytic proteases within each family and comprehensively discuss the thermostable collagenolytic protease TSS.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kui Zhang
- College of Life Sciences and Technology, Longdong University, Qingyang 745000, P.R. China
- Gansu Key Laboratory of Protection and Utilization for Biological Resources and Ecological Restoration, Qingyang 745000, P.R. China
| | - Yapeng Han
- College of Life Sciences and Technology, Longdong University, Qingyang 745000, P.R. China
- Gansu Key Laboratory of Protection and Utilization for Biological Resources and Ecological Restoration, Qingyang 745000, P.R. China
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Xiao H, Liu X, Feng Y, Zheng L, Zhao M, Huang M. Secretion of collagenases by Saccharomyces cerevisiae for collagen degradation. BIOTECHNOLOGY FOR BIOFUELS AND BIOPRODUCTS 2022; 15:89. [PMID: 36031598 PMCID: PMC9420286 DOI: 10.1186/s13068-022-02186-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2022] [Accepted: 08/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Background The production and processing of animal-based products generates many collagen-rich by-products, which have received attention both for exploitation to increase their added value and to reduce their negative environmental impact. The collagen-rich by-products can be hydrolyzed by collagenases for further utilization. Therefore, collagenases are of benefit for efficient collagen materials processing. An alternative and safe way to produce secreted collagenases is needed. Results Two collagenases from Hathewaya histolytica, ColG and ColH, were successfully secreted by the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Compared with the native signal peptide of collagenase, the α-factor leader is more efficient in guiding collagenase secretion. Collagenase secretion was significantly increased in YPD medium by supplementing with calcium and zinc ions. Recombinant collagenase titers reached 68 U/mL and 55 U/mL for ColG and ColH, respectively. Collagenase expression imposed metabolic perturbations on yeast cells; substrate consumption, metabolites production and intracellular cofactor levels changed in engineered strains. Both recombinant collagenases from yeast could hydrolyze soluble and insoluble collagen materials. Recombinant ColG and ColH showed a synergistic effect on efficient collagen digestion. Conclusions Sufficient calcium and zinc ions are essential for active collagenase production by yeast. Collagenase secretion was increased by optimization of expression cassettes. Collagenase expression imposed metabolic burden and cofactor perturbations on yeast cells, which could be improved through metabolic engineering. Our work provides a useful way to produce collagenases for collagen resource utilization. Graphical Abstract ![]()
Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13068-022-02186-y.
Collapse
|
3
|
Widowati W, Gunanegara RF, Rizal R, Widodo WS, Amalia A, Wibowo SHB, Handono K, Marlina M, Lister INE, Chiuman L. Comparative Analysis of Wharton’s Jelly Mesenchymal Stem Cell (WJ-MSCs) Isolated Using Explant and Enzymatic Methods. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2019. [DOI: 10.1088/1742-6596/1374/1/012024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
|
4
|
Yang M, Liu H, Wang Y, Wu G, Qiu S, Liu C, Tan Z, Guo J, Zhu L. Hypoxia reduces the osteogenic differentiation of peripheral blood mesenchymal stem cells by upregulating Notch-1 expression. Connect Tissue Res 2019; 60:583-596. [PMID: 31035811 DOI: 10.1080/03008207.2019.1611792] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
Purpose: Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) seeded on biocompatible scaffolds have therapeutic potential for bone defect repair. However, MSCs can be affected by hypoxia and nutritional deficiency due to a lack of blood vessels in the scaffolds. Here, we explored the effects of hypoxia on MSC differentiation to clarify these mechanisms. Methods: Peripheral blood mesenchymal stem cells (PBMSCs) were cultured in small individual chambers with oxygen concentrations of 1%, 9%, and 21%. Cell proliferation was evaluated by Cell Counting Kit 8 assays, and cell survival was determined using live/dead assays. Scratch assays were performed to evaluate cell migration. Ca2+ deposition/mineralization experiments, reverse transcription quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction, and Western blotting were performed to assess the osteogenic differentiation of cells. Notch1 expression was downregulated by lentivirus-transfected PBMSCs to observe the effects of Notch1 knockdown on osteogenic gene and protein expression. Results: PBMSCs exposed to hypoxia (1% O2) demonstrated accelerated proliferation, increased migration, and reduced survival in the absence of serum. Although 9% oxygen promoted osteogenic differentiation, the osteogenic differentiation of PBMSCs was significantly reduced by 1% O2, and this effect was associated with increased Notch1 expression. Reducing Notch1 expression using small interfering RNA significantly restored the osteogenic differentiation of PBMSCs. Conclusions: Hypoxia accelerated proliferation, increased migration, and reduced PBMSC differentiation into osteoblasts by increasing Notch1 expression. These findings may contribute to the development of appropriate cell culture or in vivo transplantation conditions to maintain the full osteogenic potential of PBMSCs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Minsheng Yang
- Department of Spine Orthopedics, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University , Guangzhou , China
| | - Haixin Liu
- People's Hospital of Deyang City , Sichuan , China
| | - Yihan Wang
- Department of Spine Orthopedics, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University , Guangzhou , China
| | - Guofeng Wu
- Department of Orthopedics, Jingzhou No. 1 People's Hospital and First Affiliated Hospital of Yangtze University , Jingzhou , China
| | - Sujun Qiu
- Department of Spine Orthopedics, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University , Guangzhou , China
| | - Chun Liu
- Department of Spine Orthopedics, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University , Guangzhou , China
| | - Zhiwen Tan
- Department of Spine Orthopedics, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University , Guangzhou , China
| | - Jiasong Guo
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Southern Medical University , Guangzhou , China.,Key Laboratory of Tissue Construction and Detection of Guangdong Province , Guangzhou , China.,Institute of Bone Biology, Academy of Orthopaedics , Guangdong Province , Guangzhou , China
| | - Lixin Zhu
- Department of Spine Orthopedics, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University , Guangzhou , China
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Sixty years in the making: collagenase Clostridium histolyticum, from benchtop to FDA approval and beyond. World J Urol 2019; 38:269-277. [DOI: 10.1007/s00345-019-02818-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2019] [Accepted: 05/17/2019] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
|
6
|
Abstract
Collagen and hyaluronan are the most abundant components of the extracellular matrix (ECM) and their overexpression in tumors is linked to increased tumor growth and metastasis. These ECM components contribute to a protective tumor microenvironment by supporting a high interstitial fluid pressure and creating a tortuous setting for the convection and diffusion of chemotherapeutic small molecules, antibodies, and nanoparticles in the tumor interstitial space. This review focuses on the research efforts to deplete extracellular collagen with collagenases to normalize the tumor microenvironment. Although collagen synthesis inhibitors are in clinical development, the use of collagenases is contentious and clinically untested in cancer patients. Pretreatment of murine tumors with collagenases increased drug uptake and diffusion 2-10-fold. This modest improvement resulted in decreased tumor growth, but the benefits of collagenase treatment are confounded by risks of toxicity from collagen breakdown in healthy tissues. In this review, we evaluate the published in vitro and in vivo benefits and limitations of collagenase treatment to improve drug delivery.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Aaron Dolor
- Pharmaceutical Sciences and Pharmacogenomics Graduate Program, University of California, San Francisco, California. Department of Bioengineering and Therapeutic Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, 94143
| | - Francis C. Szoka
- Pharmaceutical Sciences and Pharmacogenomics Graduate Program, University of California, San Francisco, California. Department of Bioengineering and Therapeutic Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, 94143
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Al-Abdullah IH, Bagramyan K, Bilbao S, Qi M, Kalkum M. Fluorogenic Peptide Substrate for Quantification of Bacterial Enzyme Activities. Sci Rep 2017; 7:44321. [PMID: 28287171 PMCID: PMC5347087 DOI: 10.1038/srep44321] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2016] [Accepted: 02/06/2017] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
A novel peptide substrate (A G G P L G P P G P G G) was developed for quantifying the activities of bacterial enzymes using a highly sensitive Fluorescence Resonance Energy Transfer (FRET) based assay. The peptide substrate was cleaved by collagenase class I, II, Liberase MTF C/T, collagenase NB1, and thermolysin/neutral protease, which was significantly enhanced in the presence of CaCl2. However, the activities of these enzymes were significantly decreased in the presence of ZnSO4 or ZnCl2. Collagenase I, II, Liberase MTF C/T, thermolysin/neutral protease share similar cleavage sites, L↓G and P↓G. However, collagenase NB1 cleaves the peptide substrate at G↓P and P↓L, in addition to P↓G. The enzyme activity is pH dependent, within a range of 6.8 to 7.5, but was significantly diminished at pH 8.0. Interestingly, the peptide substrate was not cleaved by endogenous pancreatic protease such as trypsin, chymotrypsin, and elastase. In conclusion, the novel peptide substrate is collagenase, thermolysin/neutral protease specific and can be applied to quantify enzyme activities from different microbes. Furthermore, the assay can be used for fine-tuning reaction mixtures of various agents to enhance the overall activity of a cocktail of multiple enzymes and achieve optimal organ/tissue digestion, while protecting the integrity of the target cells.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ismail H. Al-Abdullah
- Department of Translational Research and Cellular Therapeutics, Diabetes and Metabolism Research Institute, Beckman Research Institute of the City of Hope, USA
| | - Karine Bagramyan
- Department of Molecular Immunology, Beckman Research Institute of the City of Hope, USA
| | - Shiela Bilbao
- Department of Translational Research and Cellular Therapeutics, Diabetes and Metabolism Research Institute, Beckman Research Institute of the City of Hope, USA
| | - Meirigeng Qi
- Department of Translational Research and Cellular Therapeutics, Diabetes and Metabolism Research Institute, Beckman Research Institute of the City of Hope, USA
| | - Markus Kalkum
- Department of Molecular Immunology, Beckman Research Institute of the City of Hope, USA
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Xu Y, Zhang G, Chang Y, Qiu YX, Wang C. The Preparation of Acellular Dermal Matrices by Freeze-Thawing and Ultrasonication Process and the Evaluation of Its Antigenicity. Cell Biochem Biophys 2017; 73:27-33. [PMID: 25649614 DOI: 10.1007/s12013-015-0569-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Antigenicity is the biggest obstacle of xenogeneic acellular dermal matrices (ADM) as dermal scaffold in treatment of large-area skin defect. We prepared ADM by repeated freezing and thawing and ultrasonic process, and then injected the ADM homogenate and degradation product into porcine skin to evaluate the effectiveness of the decellularized method and the antigenicity of porcine ADM. In this work, chinese miniature pigs (n = 10) were sensitized by subcutaneous injection with human ADM degradation products on days 0, 7, and 14. After 21 days, their abdominal skin was divided into five regions for intradermal injection of porcine ADM homogenate (PADM), PADM degradation products, human ADM homogenate (HADM), HADM degradation products, and physiological saline (negative control). Positive controls (n = 2) were processed with fresh human skin homogenate by the same method. The skin manifestations in related areas were observed at 24 and 48 h and then the skin was subjected to histopathological and immunohistochemical analysis. The results showed that skin erythema and hydroderma were not observed in all groups but in positive control group. The histopathological and immunohistochemical results confirmed that no inflammatory cell infiltration, irregular extracellular matrix, IL-2, and IFN-γ expression were observed in all four test groups. Our results suggest that the combination with repeated freeze-thawing and ultrasonication can be an effective method to prepare ADM, which has great potential in clinical application.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yazhen Xu
- Department of Burns and Plastic Surgery, Peking University Fourth School of Clinical Medicine, Beijing, 100035, People's Republic of China
| | - Guoan Zhang
- Department of Burns and Plastic Surgery, Peking University Fourth School of Clinical Medicine, Beijing, 100035, People's Republic of China.
| | - Yang Chang
- Department of Burns and Plastic Surgery, Peking University Fourth School of Clinical Medicine, Beijing, 100035, People's Republic of China
| | - Yu-Xuan Qiu
- Department of Burns and Plastic Surgery, Peking University Fourth School of Clinical Medicine, Beijing, 100035, People's Republic of China
| | - Cheng Wang
- Beijing Jishuitan Hospital, Beijing, 100035, People's Republic of China
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Diversity, Structures, and Collagen-Degrading Mechanisms of Bacterial Collagenolytic Proteases. Appl Environ Microbiol 2015; 81:6098-107. [PMID: 26150451 DOI: 10.1128/aem.00883-15] [Citation(s) in RCA: 75] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Bacterial collagenolytic proteases are important because of their essential role in global collagen degradation and because of their virulence in some human bacterial infections. Bacterial collagenolytic proteases include some metalloproteases of the M9 family from Clostridium or Vibrio strains, some serine proteases distributed in the S1, S8, and S53 families, and members of the U32 family. In recent years, there has been remarkable progress in discovering new bacterial collagenolytic proteases and in investigating the collagen-degrading mechanisms of bacterial collagenolytic proteases. This review provides comprehensive insight into bacterial collagenolytic proteases, especially focusing on the structures and collagen-degrading mechanisms of representative bacterial collagenolytic proteases in each family. The roles of bacterial collagenolytic proteases in human diseases and global nitrogen cycling, together with the biotechnological and medical applications for these proteases, are also briefly discussed.
Collapse
|
10
|
Gelbard MK, Chagan L, Tursi JP. Collagenase Clostridium histolyticum for the Treatment of Peyronie's Disease: The Development of This Novel Pharmacologic Approach. J Sex Med 2015; 12:1481-9. [PMID: 25940867 DOI: 10.1111/jsm.12904] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The conception of collagenase Clostridium histolyticum (CCH) as treatment for Peyronie's disease (PD) was a vital first step in providing a nonsurgical, minimally invasive FDA-approved treatment for men with PD. AIM To review the origins, clinical research history, and ultimately FDA approval of collagenase as PD treatment. METHODS A PubMed search using (Peyronie's or Peyronie) AND collagenase, and limited to clinical research studies, returned nine papers that were examined in the current review. RESULTS Collagenase as a PD treatment arose in response to a lack of effective nonsurgical treatments and the incomplete understanding of underlying PD etiology. Awareness of dense collagen in PD scarring and parallel initial exploration of collagenase to treat herniated lumbar discs coincided with and inspired laboratory-based investigation of collagenase effects on excised PD plaque tissue. The foundational conceptual work and the critical development of purified injectable collagenase allowed the pursuit of clinical studies. Progression of clinical studies into large-scale robust trials culminated in two important outcomes: development of the first validated, PD-specific measure of psychosexual function, the Peyronie's Disease Questionnaire, and the first FDA-approved treatment for PD. CONCLUSIONS Collagenase therapy began as an attempt to modify the structure of PD-related tunica albuginea scarring, despite the lack of a fundamental understanding of the scar's origin. If we wish to advance PD treatment beyond this first effective step, the future needs to bring us full circle to the starting point: We need a greater understanding of the control of collagen deposition and wound healing in men with PD.
Collapse
|
11
|
Bauer R, Janowska K, Taylor K, Jordan B, Gann S, Janowski T, Latimer EC, Matsushita O, Sakon J. Structures of three polycystic kidney disease-like domains from Clostridium histolyticum collagenases ColG and ColH. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2015; 71:565-77. [PMID: 25760606 PMCID: PMC4356367 DOI: 10.1107/s1399004714027722] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2014] [Accepted: 12/19/2014] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
The surface properties and dynamics of PKD-like domains from ColG and ColH differ. Clostridium histolyticum collagenases ColG and ColH are segmental enzymes that are thought to be activated by Ca2+-triggered domain reorientation to cause extensive tissue destruction. The collagenases consist of a collagenase module (s1), a variable number of polycystic kidney disease-like (PKD-like) domains (s2a and s2b in ColH and s2 in ColG) and a variable number of collagen-binding domains (s3 in ColH and s3a and s3b in ColG). The X-ray crystal structures of Ca2+-bound holo s2b (1.4 Å resolution, R = 15.0%, Rfree = 19.1%) and holo s2a (1.9 Å resolution, R = 16.3%, Rfree = 20.7%), as well as of Ca2+-free apo s2a (1.8 Å resolution, R = 20.7%, Rfree = 27.2%) and two new forms of N-terminally truncated apo s2 (1.4 Å resolution, R = 16.9%, Rfree = 21.2%; 1.6 Å resolution, R = 16.2%, Rfree = 19.2%), are reported. The structurally similar PKD-like domains resemble the V-set Ig fold. In addition to a conserved β-bulge, the PKD-like domains feature a second bulge that also changes the allegiance of the subsequent β-strand. This β-bulge and the genesis of a Ca2+ pocket in the archaeal PKD-like domain suggest a close kinship between bacterial and archaeal PKD-like domains. Different surface properties and indications of different dynamics suggest unique roles for the PKD-like domains in ColG and in ColH. Surface aromatic residues found on ColH s2a-s2b, but not on ColG s2, may provide the weak interaction in the biphasic collagen-binding mode previously found in s2b-s3. B-factor analyses suggest that in the presence of Ca2+ the midsection of s2 becomes more flexible but the midsections of s2a and s2b stay rigid. The different surface properties and dynamics of the domains suggest that the PKD-like domains of M9B bacterial collagenase can be grouped into either a ColG subset or a ColH subset. The conserved properties of PKD-like domains in ColG and in ColH include Ca2+ binding. Conserved residues not only interact with Ca2+, but also position the Ca2+-interacting water molecule. Ca2+ aligns the N-terminal linker approximately parallel to the major axis of the domain. Ca2+ binding also increases stability against heat and guanidine hydrochloride, and may improve the longevity in the extracellular matrix. The results of this study will further assist in developing collagen-targeting vehicles for various signal molecules.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ryan Bauer
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, AR 72701, USA
| | - Katarzyna Janowska
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, AR 72701, USA
| | - Kelly Taylor
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, AR 72701, USA
| | - Brad Jordan
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, AR 72701, USA
| | - Steve Gann
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, AR 72701, USA
| | - Tomasz Janowski
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, AR 72701, USA
| | - Ethan C Latimer
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, AR 72701, USA
| | - Osamu Matsushita
- Department of Bacteriology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama, Japan
| | - Joshua Sakon
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, AR 72701, USA
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Eckhard U, Schönauer E, Brandstetter H. Structural basis for activity regulation and substrate preference of clostridial collagenases G, H, and T. J Biol Chem 2013; 288:20184-94. [PMID: 23703618 PMCID: PMC3711286 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m112.448548] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Clostridial collagenases are among the most efficient enzymes to degrade by far the most predominant protein in the biosphere. Here we present crystal structures of the peptidases of three clostridial collagenase isoforms (ColG, ColH, and ColT). The comparison of unliganded and liganded structures reveals a quaternary subdomain dynamics. In the unliganded ColH structure, this globular dynamics is modulated by an aspartate switch motion that binds to the catalytic zinc. We further identified a calcium binding site in proximity to the catalytic zinc. Both ions are required for full activity, explaining why calcium critically affects the enzymatic activity of clostridial collagenases. Our studies further reveal that loops close to the active site thus serve as characteristic substrate selectivity filter. These elements explain the distinct peptidolytic and collagenolytic activities of these enzymes and provide a rational framework to engineer collagenases with customized substrate specificity as well as for inhibitor design.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ulrich Eckhard
- Division of Structural Biology, Department of Molecular Biology, University of Salzburg, Billrothstrasse 11, A-5020 Salzburg, Austria
| | | | | |
Collapse
|