Crystal structures of the binary and ternary complexes of 7 alpha-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase from Escherichia coli

Discovery and characterization of the first hyperthermophilic 3-quinuclidinone reductase from hot-spring metagenomes

Extremozymes play an essential part in the biosynthesis of pharmaceuticals (intermediates). In this study, a mixed assembly was performed for five metagenomes from hot springs. Via a series of procedures, including homology analysis, heterologous expression, and catalytic property characterization, the first hyperthermophilic 3-quinuclidinone reductase (SbQR) was successfully identified. The SbQR exhibits an optimal temperature of ≥95 °C and demonstrates remarkable thermal stability, with over 80 % of its activity retained following a 48-hour incubation at 50 °C. At particular concentrations, Mg2+, Na+, and Mn2+ can substantially enhance the enzymatic activity. However, no significant influence of K+ on the activity of SbQR was detected within the concentration range of 0-400 mM. Employing AlphaFold2, the three-dimensional structure of SbQR was predicted, which presents the typical traits of the Rossmann fold and is classified as a member of the short-chain dehydrogenases/reductases (SDR) superfamily. Molecular dynamics simulations were carried out and the results showed that when the temperature was increased to 390 K, the flexibility of residues 90-104 and the C-terminal increased significantly. This increase might lead to the destruction of the three-dimensional structure of the enzyme. In conclusion, this study identified the first hyperthermophilic 3-quinuclidinone reductase, providing a potential biocatalyst for the biopreparation of (R)-3-quinuclidinol.

The role of the gut microbial metabolism of sterols and bile acids in human health

Sterols and bile acids are vital signaling molecules that play key roles in systemic functions, influencing the composition of the human gut microbiota, which maintains a symbiotic relationship with the host. Additionally, gut microbiota-encoded enzymes catalyze the conversion of sterols and bile acids into various metabolites, significantly enhancing their diversity and biological activities. In this review, we focus on the microbial transformations of sterols and bile acids in the gut, summarize the relevant bacteria, genes, and enzymes, and review the relationship between the sterols and bile acids metabolism of gut microbiota and human health. This review contributes to a deeper understanding of the crucial roles of sterols and bile acids metabolism by gut microbiota in human health, offering insights for further investigation into the interactions between gut microbiota and the host.

Mechanistic Insight into the Reproductive Toxicity of Trifloxystrobin in Male Sprague-Dawley Rats

Previous studies have demonstrated the reproductive toxicity of trifluorostrobin (TRI) in male organisms. However, the underlying mechanisms of TRI responsible for testicular damage and hormonal disruption remain elusive. This study elucidated the male reproductive toxicity of TRI at the molecular level under environmentally relevant concentrations and its associations with gut microbiota dysbiosis. The rats were administered TRI (1.5, 15, and 75 mg/kg of body weight/day) continuously via gavage for 90 days. Exposure to 15 mg/kg (below the no-observed adverse effect level (NOAEL) of 30 mg/kg) and 75 mg/kg TRI damaged testicular tissue, reduced sperm count, and lowered serum hormone and total cholesterol levels. Transcriptomics analysis combined with molecular docking simulations and cell proliferation assays showed that exposure to TRI led to testicular damage by inhibiting the expression of cholesterol receptor genes, which, in turn, disrupted steroid hormone biosynthesis. Furthermore, exposure to TRI resulted in a marked decline in the relative abundance of the probiotic bacteria. Consistently, significant reductions in the relative abundance of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), retinoic acids, and steroid hormones in the gut were observed. Additionally, a significant correlation was observed between the relative abundance of Parabacteroides and serum testosterone levels, a vital biomarker for reproductive toxicity monitoring. These findings shed light on the mode of action of TRI-induced male reproductive toxicity and highlight the link between testicular injury and gut microbiota.

Inhibition of QDPR synergistically modulates intracellular tetrahydrobiopterin profiles in cooperation with methotrexate

Tetrahydrobiopterin (BH4) is an essential cofactor for dopamine and serotonin synthesis in monoaminergic neurons, phenylalanine metabolism in hepatocytes, and nitric oxide synthesis in endothelial and immune cells. BH4 is consumed as a cofactor or is readily oxidized by autooxidation. Quinonoid dihydropteridine reductase (QDPR) is an enzyme that reduces quinonoid dihydrobiopterin (qBH2) back to BH4, and we have previously demonstrated the significance of QDPR in maintaining BH4 in vivo using Qdpr-KO mice. In addition to the levels of BH4 in the cells, the ratios of oxidized to reduced forms of BH4 are supposed to be important for regulating nitric oxide synthase (NOS) via the so-called uncoupling of NOS. However, previous studies were limited due to the absence of specific and high-affinity inhibitors against QDPR. Here, we performed a high-throughput screening for a QDPR inhibitor and identified Compound 9b with an IC50 of 0.72 μM. To understand the inhibition mechanism, we performed kinetic analyses and molecular dynamics simulations. Treatment with 9b combined with methotrexate (MTX), an inhibitor of another BH4-reducing enzyme, dihydrofolate reductase (DHFR), significantly oxidized intracellular redox states in HepG2, Jurkat, SH-SY5Y, and PC12D cells. Collectively, these findings suggest that 9b may enhance the anticancer and anti-autoimmune effects of MTX.

Not exclusively the activity, but the sweet spot: a dehydrogenase point mutation synergistically boosts activity, substrate tolerance, thermal stability and yield

Catalytic activity is undoubtedly a key focus in enzyme engineering. The complicated reaction conditions hinder some enzymes from industrialization even though they have relatively promising activity. This has occurred to some dehydrogenases. Hydroxysteroid dehydrogenases (HSDHs) specifically catalyze the conversion between hydroxyl and keto groups, and hold immense potential in the synthesis of steroid medicines. We underscored the importance of 7α-HSDH activity, and analyzed the overall robustness and underlying mechanisms. Employing a high-throughput screening approach, we comprehensively assessed a mutation library, and obtained a mutant with enhanced enzymatic activity and overall stability/tolerance. The superior mutant (I201M) was identified to harbor improved thermal stability, substrate susceptibility, cofactor affinity, as well as the yield. This mutant displayed a 1.88-fold increase in enzymatic activity, a 1.37-fold improvement in substrate tolerance, and a 1.45-fold increase in thermal stability when compared with the wild type (WT) enzyme. The I201M mutant showed a 2.25-fold increase in the kcat/KM ratio (indicative of a stronger binding affinity for the cofactor). This mutant did not exhibit the highest enzyme activity compared with all the tested mutants, but these improved characteristics contributed synergistically to the highest yield. When a substrate at 100 mM was present, the 24 h yield by I201M reached 89.7%, significantly higher than the 61.2% yield elicited by the WT enzyme. This is the first report revealing enhancement of the catalytic efficiency, cofactor affinity, substrate tolerance, and thermal stability of NAD(H)-dependent 7α-HSDH through a single-point mutation. The mutated enzyme reached the highest enzymatic activity of 7α-HSDH ever reported. High enzymatic activity is undoubtedly crucial for enabling the industrialization of an enzyme. Our findings demonstrated that, when compared with other mutants boasting even higher enzymatic activity, mutants with excellent overall robustness were superior for industrial applications. This principle was exemplified by highly active enzymes such as 7α-HSDH.

Novel approaches in IBD therapy: targeting the gut microbiota-bile acid axis

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a chronic and recurrent condition affecting the gastrointestinal tract. Disturbed gut microbiota and abnormal bile acid (BA) metabolism are notable in IBD, suggesting a bidirectional relationship. Specifically, the diversity of the gut microbiota influences BA composition, whereas altered BA profiles can disrupt the microbiota. IBD patients often exhibit increased primary bile acid and reduced secondary bile acid concentrations due to a diminished bacteria population essential for BA metabolism. This imbalance activates BA receptors, undermining intestinal integrity and immune function. Consequently, targeting the microbiota-BA axis may rectify these disturbances, offering symptomatic relief in IBD. Here, the interplay between gut microbiota and bile acids (BAs) is reviewed, with a particular focus on the role of gut microbiota in mediating bile acid biotransformation, and contributions of the gut microbiota-BA axis to IBD pathology to unveil potential novel therapeutic avenues for IBD.

Characterization of a Novel Thermostable 7α-Hydroxysteroid Dehydrogenase

BACKGROUND

7α-Hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (7α-HSDH) plays a pivotal role in vivo in the biotransformation of secondary bile acids and has great potential in industrial biosynthesis due to its broad substrate specificity. In this study, we expressed and characterized a novel thermostable 7α-HSDH (named Sa 7α-HSDH).

METHODS

The DNA sequence was derived from the black bear gut microbiome metagenomic sequencing data, and the coding sequence of Sa 7α-HSDH was chemically synthesized. The heterologous expression of the enzyme was carried out using the pGEX-6p-1 vector. Subsequently, the activity of the purified enzyme was studied by measuring the absorbance change at 340 nm. Finally, the three-dimensional structure was predicted with AlphaFold2.

RESULTS

Coenzyme screening results confirmed it to be NAD(H) dependent. Substrate specificity test revealed that Sa 7α-HSDH could catalyze taurochenodeoxycholic acid (TCDCA) with catalytic efficiency (kcat/Km) 3.81 S-1 mM-1. The optimum temperature of Sa 7α-HSDH was measured to be 75°C, confirming that it belongs to thermophilic enzymes. Additionally, its thermostability was assessed using an accelerated stability test over 32 hours. The catalytic activity of Sa 7α-HSDH remained largely unchanged for the first 24 hours and retained over 90% of its functionality after 32 hours at 50°C. Sa 7α-HSDH exhibited maximal activity at pH 10. The effect of metal ions-K+, Na+, Mg2+ and Cu2+-on the enzymatic activity of Sa 7α-HSDH was investigated. Only Mg2+ was observed to enhance the enzyme's activity by 27% at a concentration of 300 mM. Neither K+ nor Na+ had a significant influence on activity. Only Cu2+ was found to reduce enzyme activity.

CONCLUSION

We characterized the thermostable 7α-HSDH, which provides a promising biocatalyst for bioconversion of steroids at high reaction temperatures.

Tropinone reductase: A comprehensive review on its role as the key enzyme in tropane alkaloids biosynthesis

TAs, including hyoscyamine and scopolamine, were used to treat neuromuscular disorders ranging from nerve agent poisoning to Parkinson's disease. Tropinone reductase I (TR-I; EC 1.1.1.206) catalyzed the conversion of tropinone into tropine in the biosynthesis of TAs, directing the metabolic flow towards hyoscyamine and scopolamine. Tropinone reductase II (TR-II; EC 1.1.1.236) was responsible for the conversion of tropinone into pseudotropine, diverting the metabolic flux towards calystegine A3. The regulation of metabolite flow through both branches of the TAs pathway seemed to be influenced by the enzymatic activity of both enzymes and their accessibility to the precursor tropinone. The significant interest in the utilization of metabolic engineering for the efficient production of TAs has highlighted the importance of TRs as crucial enzymes that govern both the direction of metabolic flow and the yield of products. This review discussed recent advances for the TRs sources, properties, protein structure and biocatalytic mechanisms, and a detailed overview of its crucial role in the metabolism and synthesis of TAs was summarized. Furthermore, we conducted a detailed investigation into the evolutionary origins of these two TRs. A prospective analysis of potential challenges and applications of TRs was presented.

The NADH recycling enzymes TsaC and TsaD regenerate reducing equivalents for Rieske oxygenase chemistry

Many microorganisms use both biological and nonbiological molecules as sources of carbon and energy. This resourcefulness means that some microorganisms have mechanisms to assimilate pollutants found in the environment. One such organism is Comamonas testosteroni, which metabolizes 4-methylbenzenesulfonate and 4-methylbenzoate using the TsaMBCD pathway. TsaM is a Rieske oxygenase, which in concert with the reductase TsaB consumes a molar equivalent of NADH. Following this step, the annotated short-chain dehydrogenase/reductase and aldehyde dehydrogenase enzymes TsaC and TsaD each regenerate a molar equivalent of NADH. This co-occurrence ameliorates the need for stoichiometric addition of reducing equivalents and thus represents an attractive strategy for integration of Rieske oxygenase chemistry into biocatalytic applications. Therefore, in this work, to overcome the lack of information regarding NADH recycling enzymes that function in partnership with Rieske non-heme iron oxygenases (Rieske oxygenases), we solved the X-ray crystal structure of TsaC to a resolution of 2.18 Å. Using this structure, a series of substrate analog and protein variant combination reactions, and differential scanning fluorimetry experiments, we identified active site features involved in binding NAD+ and controlling substrate specificity. Further in vitro enzyme cascade experiments demonstrated the efficient TsaC- and TsaD-mediated regeneration of NADH to support Rieske oxygenase chemistry. Finally, through in-depth bioinformatic analyses, we illustrate the widespread co-occurrence of Rieske oxygenases with TsaC-like enzymes. This work thus demonstrates the utility of these NADH recycling enzymes and identifies a library of short-chain dehydrogenase/reductase enzyme prospects that can be used in Rieske oxygenase pathways for in situ regeneration of NADH.

The Hylemon-Björkhem pathway of bile acid 7-dehydroxylation: history, biochemistry, and microbiology

Bile acids are detergents derived from cholesterol that function to solubilize dietary lipids, remove cholesterol from the body, and act as nutrient signaling molecules in numerous tissues with functions in the liver and gut being the best understood. Studies in the early 20th century established the structures of bile acids, and by mid-century, the application of gnotobiology to bile acids allowed differentiation of host-derived "primary" bile acids from "secondary" bile acids generated by host-associated microbiota. In 1960, radiolabeling studies in rodent models led to determination of the stereochemistry of the bile acid 7-dehydration reaction. A two-step mechanism was proposed, which we have termed the Samuelsson-Bergström model, to explain the formation of deoxycholic acid. Subsequent studies with humans, rodents, and cell extracts of Clostridium scindens VPI 12708 led to the realization that bile acid 7-dehydroxylation is a result of a multi-step, bifurcating pathway that we have named the Hylemon-Björkhem pathway. Due to the importance of hydrophobic secondary bile acids and the increasing measurement of microbial bai genes encoding the enzymes that produce them in stool metagenome studies, it is important to understand their origin.

Evaluating the Impact of the Tyr158 pKa on the Mechanism and Inhibition of InhA, the Enoyl-ACP Reductase from Mycobacterium tuberculosis

InhA, the Mycobacterium tuberculosis enoyl-ACP reductase, is a target for the tuberculosis (TB) drug isoniazid (INH). InhA inhibitors that do not require KatG activation avoid the most common mechanism of INH resistance, and there are continuing efforts to fully elucidate the enzyme mechanism to drive inhibitor discovery. InhA is a member of the short-chain dehydrogenase/reductase superfamily characterized by a conserved active site Tyr, Y158 in InhA. To explore the role of Y158 in the InhA mechanism, this residue has been replaced by fluoroTyr residues that increase the acidity of Y158 up to ∼3200-fold. Replacement of Y158 with 3-fluoroTyr (3-FY) and 3,5-difluoroTyr (3,5-F2Y) has no effect on kcatapp/KMapp nor on the binding of inhibitors to the open form of the enzyme (Kiapp), whereas both kcatapp/KMapp and Kiapp are altered by seven-fold for the 2,3,5-trifluoroTyr variant (2,3,5-F3Y158 InhA). 19F NMR spectroscopy suggests that 2,3,5-F3Y158 is ionized at neutral pH indicating that neither the acidity nor ionization state of residue 158 has a major impact on catalysis or on the binding of substrate-like inhibitors. In contrast, Ki*app is decreased 6- and 35-fold for the binding of the slow-onset inhibitor PT504 to 3,5-F2Y158 and 2,3,5-F3Y158 InhA, respectively, indicating that Y158 stabilizes the closed form of the enzyme adopted by EI*. The residence time of PT504 is reduced ∼four-fold for 2,3,5-F3Y158 InhA compared to wild-type, and thus, the hydrogen bonding interaction of the inhibitor with Y158 is an important factor in the design of InhA inhibitors with increased residence times on the enzyme.

Employing deuterium kinetic isotope effects to uncover the mechanism of (R)-3-hydroxybutyrate dehydrogenase

Short-chain dehydrogenases/reductases (SDR) form a large enzyme superfamily playing important roles in health and disease. Furthermore, they are useful tools in biocatalysis. Unveiling the nature of the transition state for hydride transfer is a crucial undertaking toward defining the physicochemical underpinnings of catalysis by SDR enzymes, including possible contributions from quantum mechanical tunneling. Primary deuterium kinetic isotope effects can uncover the contribution from chemistry to the rate-limiting step and potentially provide detailed information on the hydride-transfer transition state in SDR-catalyzed reactions. For the latter, however, one needs to determine the intrinsic isotope effect: that which would be measured if hydride transfer were rate determining. Alas, as is the case for many other enzymatic reactions, those catalyzed by SDRs are often limited by the rate of isotope-insensitive steps, such as product release and conformational changes, which masks the expression of the intrinsic isotope effect. This can be overcome by the powerful yet underexplored method of Palfey and Fagan via which intrinsic kinetic isotope effects can be extracted from pre-steady-state kinetics data. SDRs are ideal systems to which this method can be applied. We have employed this approach to elucidate the transition states for hydride transfer catalyzed by NADH-dependent cold- and warm-adapted (R)-3-hydroxybutyrate dehydrogenase. Experimental conditions which simplify the analysis are discussed.

Small molecule inhibitors of 15-PGDH exploit a physiologic induced-fit closing system

15-prostaglandin dehydrogenase (15-PGDH) is a negative regulator of tissue stem cells that acts via enzymatic activity of oxidizing and degrading PGE2, and related eicosanoids, that support stem cells during tissue repair. Indeed, inhibiting 15-PGDH markedly accelerates tissue repair in multiple organs. Here we have used cryo-electron microscopy to solve the solution structure of native 15-PGDH and of 15-PGDH individually complexed with two distinct chemical inhibitors. These structures identify key 15-PGDH residues that mediate binding to both classes of inhibitors. Moreover, we identify a dynamic 15-PGDH lid domain that closes around the inhibitors, and that is likely fundamental to the physiologic 15-PGDH enzymatic mechanism. We furthermore identify two key residues, F185 and Y217, that act as hinges to regulate lid closing, and which both inhibitors exploit to capture the lid in the closed conformation, thus explaining their sub-nanomolar binding affinities. These findings provide the basis for further development of 15-PGDH targeted drugs as therapeutics for regenerative medicine.

Liver's influence on the brain through the action of bile acids

The liver partakes as a sensor and effector of peripheral metabolic changes and a regulator of systemic blood and nutrient circulation. As such, abnormalities arising from liver dysfunction can influence the brain in multiple ways, owing to direct and indirect bilateral communication between the liver and the brain. Interestingly, altered bile acid composition resulting from perturbed liver cholesterol metabolism influences systemic inflammatory responses, blood-brain barrier permeability, and neuron synaptic functions. Furthermore, bile acids produced by specific bacterial species may provide a causal link between dysregulated gut flora and neurodegenerative disease pathology through the gut-brain axis. This review will cover the role of bile acids-an often-overlooked category of active metabolites-in the development of neurological disorders associated with neurodegeneration. Further studies into bile acid signaling in the brain may provide insights into novel treatments against neurological disorders.

Engineering Candida boidinii formate dehydrogenase for activity with the non-canonical cofactor 3'-NADP(H)

Oxidoreductases catalyze essential redox reactions, and many require a diffusible cofactor for electron transport, such as NAD(H). Non-canonical cofactor analogs have been explored as a means to create enzymatic reactions that operate orthogonally to existing metabolism. Here, we aimed to engineer the formate dehydrogenase from Candid boidinii (CbFDH) for activity with the non-canonical cofactor nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide 3'-phosphate (3'-NADP(H)). We used PyRosetta, the Cofactor Specificity Reversal Structural Analysis and Library Design (CSR-SALAD), and structure-guided saturation mutagenesis to identify mutations that enable CbFDH to use 3'-NADP+. Two single mutants, D195A and D195G, had the highest activities with 3'-NADP+, while the double mutant D195G/Y196S exhibited the highest cofactor selectivity reversal behavior. Steady state kinetic analyses were performed; the D195A mutant exhibited the highest KTS value with 3'-NADP+. This work compares the utility of computational approaches for cofactor specificity engineering while demonstrating the engineering of an important enzyme for novel non-canonical cofactor selectivity.

A Novel NADP(H)-Dependent 7alpha-HSDH: Discovery and Construction of Substrate Selectivity Mutant by C-Terminal Truncation

7α-Hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (7α-HSDH) plays an important role in the biosynthesis of tauroursodeoxycholic acid (TUDCA) using complex substrate chicken bile powder as raw material. However, chicken bile powder contains 4.74% taurocholic acid (TCA), and a new by-product tauroursocholic acid (TUCA) will be produced, having the risk of causing colorectal cancer. Here, we obtained a novel NADP(H)-dependent 7α-HSDH with good thermostability from Ursus thibetanus gut microbiota (named St-2-2). St-2-2 could catalyze taurochenodeoxycholic acid (TCDCA) and TCA with the catalytic activity of 128.13 and 269.39 U/mg, respectively. Interestingly, by a structure-based C-terminal truncation strategy, St-2-2△C10 only remained catalytic activity on TCDCA (14.19 U/mg) and had no activity on TCA. As a result, it can selectively catalyze TCDCA in waste chicken bile powder. MD simulation and structural analysis indicated that enhanced surface hydrophilicity and improved C-terminal rigidity affected the entry and exit of substrates. Hydrogen bond interactions between different subunits and interaction changes in Phe249 of the C-terminal loop inverted the substrate catalytic activity. This is the first report on substrate selectivity of 7α-HSDH by C-terminal truncation strategy and it can be extended to other 7α-HSDHs (J-1-1, S1-a-1).

Crystal structure of a short-chain dehydrogenase/reductase from Burkholderia phymatum in complex with NAD

Burkholderia phymatum is an important symbiotic nitrogen-fixing betaproteobacterium. B. phymatum is beneficial, unlike other Burkholderia species, which cause disease or are potential bioagents. Structural genomics studies at the SSGCID include characterization of the structures of short-chain dehydrogenases/reductases (SDRs) from multiple Burkholderia species. The crystal structure of a short-chain dehydrogenase from B. phymatum (BpSDR) was determined in space group C2221 at a resolution of 1.80 Å. BpSDR shares less than 38% sequence identity with any known structure. The monomer is a prototypical SDR with a well conserved cofactor-binding domain despite its low sequence identity. The substrate-binding cavity is unique and offers insights into possible functions and likely inhibitors of the enzymatic functions of BpSDR.

Characterization of gut microbial structural variations as determinants of human bile acid metabolism

Bile acids (BAs) facilitate intestinal fat absorption and act as important signaling molecules in host-gut microbiota crosstalk. BA-metabolizing pathways in the microbial community have been identified, but it remains largely unknown how the highly variable genomes of gut bacteria interact with host BA metabolism. We characterized 8,282 structural variants (SVs) of 55 bacterial species in the gut microbiomes of 1,437 individuals from two cohorts and performed a systematic association study with 39 plasma BA parameters. Both variations in SV-based continuous genetic makeup and discrete clusters showed correlations with BA metabolism. Metagenome-wide association analysis identified 809 replicable associations between bacterial SVs and BAs and SV regulators that mediate the effects of lifestyle factors on BA metabolism. This is the largest microbial genetic association analysis to demonstrate the impact of bacterial SVs on human BA composition, and it highlights the potential of targeting gut microbiota to regulate BA metabolism through lifestyle intervention.

Structural Insights into Novel 15-Prostaglandin Dehydrogenase Inhibitors

We discovered SW033291 in a high throughput chemical screen aimed at identifying 15-prostaglandin dehydrogenase (15-PGDH) modulators. The compound exhibited inhibitory activity in in vitro biochemical and cell-based assays of 15-PGDH activity. We subsequently demonstrated that this compound, and several analogs thereof, are effective in in vivo mouse models of bone marrow transplant, colitis, and liver regeneration, where increased levels of PGE2 positively potentiate tissue regeneration. To better understand the binding of SW033291, we carried out docking studies for both the substrate, PGE2, and an inhibitor, SW033291, to 15-PGDH. Our models suggest similarities in the ways that PGE2 and SW033291 interact with key residues in the 15-PGDH-NAD+ complex. We carried out molecular dynamics simulations (MD) of SW033291 bound to this complex, in order to understand the dynamics of the binding interactions for this compound. The butyl side chain (including the sulfoxide) of SW033291 participates in crucial binding interactions that are similar to those observed for the C15-OH and the C16-C20 alkyl chain of PGE2. In addition, interactions with residues Ser138, Tyr151, and Gln148 play key roles in orienting and stabilizing SW033291 in the binding site and lead to enantioselectivity for the R-enantiomer. Finally, we compare the binding mode of (R)-S(O)-SW033291 with the binding interactions of published 15-PGDH inhibitors.

Crystal structure of an apo 7α-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase reveals key structural changes induced by substrate and co-factor binding

7α-Hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (7α-HSDH) catalyzes the dehydrogenation of a hydroxyl group at the 7α position in steroid substrates using NAD⁺ or NADP⁺ as a co-factor. Although studies have determined the binary and ternary complex structures, detailed structural changes induced by ligand and co-factor binding remain unclear, because ligand-free structures are not yet available. Here, we present the crystal structure of apo 7α-HSDH from Escherichia coli (Eco-7α-HSDH) at 2.7 Å resolution. We found that the apo form undergoes substantial conformational changes in the β4-α4 loop, α7-α8 helices, and C-terminus loop among the four subunits comprising the tetramer. Furthermore, a comparison of the apo structure with the binary (NAD⁺)-complex and ternary (NADH and 7-oxoglycochenodeoxycholic acid)-complex Eco-7α-HSDH structures revealed that only the ternary-complex structure has a fully closed conformation, whereas the binary-complex and apo structures have a semi-closed or open conformation. This open-to-closed transition forces several catalytically important residues (S146, Y159, and K163) into correct positions for catalysis. To confirm the catalytic activity, we used alcohol dehydrogenase for NAD⁺ regeneration to allow efficient conversion of chenodeoxycholic acid to 7-ketolithocholic acid by Eco-7α-HSDH. These findings demonstrate that apo Eco-7α-HSDH exhibits intrinsically flexible characteristics with an open conformation. This structural information provides novel insight into the 7α-HSDH reaction mechanism.

An Overview of 7α- and 7β-Hydroxysteroid Dehydrogenases: Structure, Specificity and Practical Application

7α-Hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase and 7β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase are key enzymes involved in bile acid metabolism. They catalyze the epimerization of a hydroxyl group through 7-keto bile acid intermediates. Basic research of the two enzymes has focused on exploring new enzymes and the structure-function relationship. The application research focused on the in vitro biosynthesis of bile acid drugs and the exploration and improvement of their catalytic ability based on molecular engineering. This article summarized the primary and advanced structural characteristics, specificities, biochemical properties, and applications of the two enzymes. The emphasis is also given to obtaining of novel 7α-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase and 7β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase that are thermally stable and active in the presence of organic solvents, high substrate concentration, and extreme pH values. To achieve these goals, enzyme redesigning based on protein engineering and genomics may be the most useful approaches.

Ile258Met mutation of Brucella melitensis 7α-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase significantly enhances catalytic efficiency, cofactor affinity, and thermostability

NAD(H)-dependent 7α-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase catalyzes the oxidation of chenodeoxycholic acid to 7-oxolithocholic acid. Here, we designed mutations of Ile258 adjacent to the catalytic pocket of Brucella melitensis 7α-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase. The I258M variant gave a 4.7-fold higher k_cat, but 4.5-fold lower K_M, compared with the wild type, resulting in a 21.8-fold higher k_cat/K_M value for chenodeoxycholic acid oxidation. It presented a 2.0-fold lower K_M value with NAD⁺, suggesting stronger binding to the cofactor. I258M produced 7-oxolithocholic acid in the highest yield of 92.3% in 2 h, whereas the wild-type gave 88.4% in 12 h. The I258M mutation increased the half-life from 20.8 to 31.1 h at 30 °C. Molecular dynamics simulations indicated increased interactions and a modified tunnel improved the catalytic efficiency, and enhanced rigidity at three regions around the ligand-binding pocket increased the enzyme thermostability. This is the first report about significantly improved catalytic efficiency, cofactor affinity, and enzyme thermostability through single site-mutation of Brucella melitensis 7α-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase. KEY POINTS: • Sequence and structure analysis guided the site mutation design. • Thermostability, catalytic efficiency and 7-oxo-LCA production were determined. • MD simulation was performed to indicate the improvement by I258M mutation.

Microbial Hydroxysteroid Dehydrogenases: From Alpha to Omega

Bile acids (BAs) and glucocorticoids are steroid hormones derived from cholesterol that are important signaling molecules in humans and other vertebrates. Hydroxysteroid dehydrogenases (HSDHs) are encoded both by the host and by their resident gut microbiota, and they reversibly convert steroid hydroxyl groups to keto groups. Pairs of HSDHs can reversibly epimerize steroids from α-hydroxy conformations to β-hydroxy, or β-hydroxy to ω-hydroxy in the case of ω-muricholic acid. These reactions often result in products with drastically different physicochemical properties than their precursors, which can result in steroids being activators or inhibitors of host receptors, can affect solubility in fecal water, and can modulate toxicity. Microbial HSDHs modulate sterols associated with diseases such as colorectal cancer, liver cancer, prostate cancer, and polycystic ovary syndrome. Although the role of microbial HSDHs is not yet fully elucidated, they may have therapeutic potential as steroid pool modulators or druggable targets in the future. In this review, we explore metabolism of BAs and glucocorticoids with a focus on biotransformation by microbial HSDHs.

Conceptualizing the Vertebrate Sterolbiome

Vertebrates synthesize a diverse set of steroids and bile acids that undergo bacterial biotransformations. The endocrine literature has principally focused on the biochemistry and molecular biology of host synthesis and tissue-specific metabolism of steroids. Host-associated microbiota possess a coevolved set of steroid and bile acid modifying enzymes that match the majority of host peripheral biotransformations in addition to unique capabilities. The set of host-associated microbial genes encoding enzymes involved in steroid transformations is known as the sterolbiome. This review focuses on the current knowledge of the sterolbiome as well as its importance in medicine and agriculture.

The genome of a Bacteroidetes inhabitant of the human gut encodes a structurally distinct enoyl-acyl carrier protein reductase (FabI)

Enoyl-acyl carrier protein reductase (FabI) catalyzes a rate-controlling step in bacterial fatty-acid synthesis and is a target for antibacterial drug development. A phylogenetic analysis shows that FabIs fall into four divergent clades. Members of clades 1-3 have been structurally and biochemically characterized, but the fourth clade, found in members of phylum Bacteroidetes, is uncharacterized. Here, we identified the unique structure and conformational changes that distinguish clade 4 FabIs. Alistipes finegoldii is a prototypical Bacteroidetes inhabitant of the gut microbiome. We found that A. finegoldii FabI (AfFabI) displays cooperative kinetics and uses NADH as a cofactor, and its crystal structure at 1.72 Å resolution showed that it adopts a Rossmann fold as do other characterized FabIs. It also disclosed a carboxyl-terminal extension that forms a helix-helix interaction that links the protomers as a unique feature of AfFabI. An AfFabI·NADH crystal structure at 1.86 Å resolution revealed that this feature undergoes a large conformational change to participate in covering the NADH-binding pocket and establishing the water channels that connect the active site to the central water well. Progressive deletion of these interactions led to catalytically compromised proteins that fail to bind NADH. This unique conformational change imparted a distinct shape to the AfFabI active site that renders it refractory to a FabI drug that targets clade 1 and 3 pathogens. We conclude that the clade 4 FabI, found in the Bacteroidetes inhabitants of the gut, have several structural features and conformational transitions that distinguish them from other bacterial FabIs.

Consensus model of a cyanobacterial light-dependent protochlorophyllide oxidoreductase in its pigment-free apo-form and photoactive ternary complex

Photosynthetic organisms employ two different enzymes for the reduction of the C17 = C18 double bond of protochlorophyllide (Pchlide), yielding the chlorophyll precursor chlorophyllide. First, a nitrogenase-like, light-independent (dark-operative) Pchlide oxidoreductase and secondly, a light-dependent Pchlide oxidoreductase (LPOR). For the latter enzyme, despite decades of research, no structural information is available. Here, we use protein structure modelling, molecular dynamics (MD) simulations combined with multi-wavelength analytical ultracentrifugation (MWA-AUC) and small angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) experiments to derive a consensus model of the LPOR apoprotein and the substrate/cofactor/LPOR ternary complex. MWA-AUC and SAXS experiments independently demonstrate that the apoprotein is monomeric, while ternary complex formation induces dimerization. SAXS-guided modelling studies provide a full-length model of the apoprotein and suggest a tentative mode of dimerization for the LPOR ternary complex, supported by published cross-link constraints. Our study provides a first impression of the LPOR structural organization.

A Metabolome- and Metagenome-Wide Association Network Reveals Microbial Natural Products and Microbial Biotransformation Products from the Human Microbiota

The human microbiome consists of thousands of different microbial species, and tens of thousands of bioactive small molecules are associated with them. These associated molecules include the biosynthetic products of microbiota and the products of microbial transformation of host molecules, dietary components, and pharmaceuticals. The existing methods for characterization of these small molecules are currently time consuming and expensive, and they are limited to the cultivable bacteria. Here, we propose a method for detecting microbiota-associated small molecules based on the patterns of cooccurrence of molecular and microbial features across multiple microbiomes. We further map each molecule to the clade in a phylogenetic tree that is responsible for its production/transformation. We applied our proposed method to the tandem mass spectrometry and metagenomics data sets collected by the American Gut Project and to microbiome isolates from cystic fibrosis patients and discovered the genes in the human microbiome responsible for the production of corynomycolenic acid, which serves as a ligand for human T cells and induces a specific immune response against infection. Moreover, our method correctly associated pseudomonas quinolone signals, tyrvalin, and phevalin with their known biosynthetic gene clusters.IMPORTANCE Experimental advances have enabled the acquisition of tandem mass spectrometry and metagenomics sequencing data from tens of thousands of environmental/host-oriented microbial communities. Each of these communities contains hundreds of microbial features (corresponding to microbial species) and thousands of molecular features (corresponding to microbial natural products). However, with the current technology, it is very difficult to identify the microbial species responsible for the production/biotransformation of each molecular feature. Here, we develop association networks, a new approach for identifying the microbial producer/biotransformer of natural products through cooccurrence analysis of metagenomics and mass spectrometry data collected on multiple microbiomes.

Genomic Analysis of a New Estrogen-Degrading Bacterial Strain, Acinetobacter sp. DSSKY-A-001

In this study, we isolated a new estrogen-degrading bacterium from a soil sample collected near a pharmaceutical factory in Beijing, China. Morphological observations, physiological and biochemical analyses, and sequence analysis showed that the strain was in the genus Acinetobacter, and it was named DSSKY-A-001. The estrogen degradation rate and growth density of strain DSSKY-A-001 were determined by high-performance liquid chromatography and a growth assay using a microplate reader, respectively. The estrogen degradation rate was 76% on the third day and 90% on the sixth day of culture. Three kinds of estrogen metabolism intermediates were detected by high-performance liquid chromatography and mass spectrometry, and the estrogen metabolic pathway and possible estrogen-degrading enzymes were predicted. RT-PCR was used to verify whether the three putative enzymes, catechol 1,2-dioxygenase, dioxygenase, and 7α-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase, were expressed in the strain. The results of the validation were consistent with the predictions that these three enzymes were present and expressed in Acinetobacter DSSKY-A-001. To further understand the estrogen-degrading activity of the strain at the genetic level, we sequenced the genome and performed a functional gene annotation. Through this gene sequence analysis, we identified genes predicted to encode the previously detected enzymes, catechol 1,2-dioxygenase, dioxygenase, and 7α-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase, as well as six other enzymes that may be involved in estrogen degradation. Therefore, a total of nine enzymes related to estrogen degradation were found.

Theoretical Model of the Protochlorophyllide Oxidoreductase from a Hierarchy of Protocols

The enzyme protochlorophyllide oxidoreductase (LPOR) catalyzes the light-driven reduction of protochlorophyllide (Pchlide), a crucial step in chlorophyll biosynthesis. Molecular understanding of the photocatalytic mechanism of LPOR is essential for harnessing light energy to mediate enzymatic reactions. The absence of X-ray crystal structure has promoted the development of LPOR homology models that lack a catalytically competent active site and could not explain the variously reported spectroscopic evidence, including time-resolved optical spectroscopy data. We have refined previous structural models to account for the catalytic active site and the characteristic experimental spectral features of Pchlide binding, including the 26 cm^-1 red shift of the C₁₃₍₁₎ carbonyl stretch vibration in the mid-infrared (IR) and the 12 nm red shift of the Q _x electronic band. A hierarchy of theoretical methods, including homology modeling, molecular dynamics simulations, hybrid quantum mechanics [(TD-)DFT]/molecular mechanics [AMBER] calculations, and computational vibrational and electronic spectroscopies, have been combined in an iterative protocol to reproduce experimental evidence and to predict ultrafast transient IR spectroscopic fingerprints associated with the catalytic process. The successful application to the LPOR enzyme indicates that the presented hierarchical protocol provides a general workflow to protein structure refinement.

Bile acid oxidation by Eggerthella lenta strains C592 and DSM 2243T

Strains of Eggerthella lenta are capable of oxidation-reduction reactions capable of oxidizing and epimerizing bile acid hydroxyl groups. Several genes encoding these enzymes, known as hydroxysteroid dehydrogenases (HSDH) have yet to be identified. It is also uncertain whether the products of E. lenta bile acid metabolism are further metabolized by other members of the gut microbiota. We characterized a novel human fecal isolate identified as E. lenta strain C592. The complete genome of E. lenta strain C592 was sequenced and comparative genomics with the type strain (DSM 2243) revealed high conservation, but some notable differences. E. lenta strain C592 falls into group III, possessing 3α, 3β, 7α, and 12α-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (HSDH) activity, as determined by mass spectrometry of thin layer chromatography (TLC) separated metabolites of primary and secondary bile acids. Incubation of E. lenta oxo-bile acid and iso-bile acid metabolites with whole-cells of the high-activity bile acid 7α-dehydroxylating bacterium, Clostridium scindens VPI 12708, resulted in minimal conversion of oxo-derivatives to lithocholic acid (LCA). Further, Iso-chenodeoxycholic acid (iso-CDCA; 3β,7α-dihydroxy-5β-cholan-24-oic acid) was not metabolized by C. scindens. We then located a gene encoding a novel 12α-HSDH in E. lenta DSM 2243, also encoded by strain C592, and the recombinant purified enzyme was characterized and substrate-specificity determined. Genomic analysis revealed genes encoding an Rnf complex (rnfABCDEG), an energy conserving hydrogenase (echABCDEF) complex, as well as what appears to be a complete Wood-Ljungdahl pathway. Our prediction that by changing the gas atmosphere from nitrogen to hydrogen, bile acid oxidation would be inhibited, was confirmed. These results suggest that E. lenta is an important bile acid metabolizing gut microbe and that the gas atmosphere may be an important and overlooked regulator of bile acid metabolism in the gut.

Targeted Synthesis and Characterization of a Gene Cluster Encoding NAD(P)H-Dependent 3α-, 3β-, and 12α-Hydroxysteroid Dehydrogenases from Eggerthella CAG:298, a Gut Metagenomic Sequence

Gut metagenomic sequences provide a rich source of microbial genes, the majority of which are annotated by homology or unknown. Genes and gene pathways that encode enzymes catalyzing biotransformation of host bile acids are important to identify in gut metagenomic sequences due to the importance of bile acids in gut microbiome structure and host physiology. Hydroxysteroid dehydrogenases (HSDHs) are pyridine nucleotide-dependent enzymes with stereospecificity and regiospecificity for bile acid and steroid hydroxyl groups. HSDHs have been identified in several protein families, including medium-chain and short-chain dehydrogenase/reductase families as well as the aldo-keto reductase family. These protein families are large and contain diverse functionalities, making prediction of HSDH-encoding genes difficult and necessitating biochemical characterization. We located a gene cluster in Eggerthella sp. CAG:298 predicted to encode three HSDHs (CDD59473, CDD59474, and CDD59475) and synthesized the genes for heterologous expression in Escherichia coli We then screened bile acid substrates against the purified recombinant enzymes. CDD59475 is a novel 12α-HSDH, and we determined that CDD59474 (3α-HSDH) and CDD59473 (3β-HSDH) constitute novel enzymes in an iso-bile acid pathway. Phylogenetic analysis of these HSDHs with other gut bacterial HSDHs and closest homologues in the database revealed predictable clustering of HSDHs by function and identified several likely HSDH sequences from bacteria isolated or sequenced from diverse mammalian and avian gut samples.IMPORTANCE Bacterial HSDHs have the potential to significantly alter the physicochemical properties of bile acids, with implications for increased/decreased toxicity for gut bacteria and the host. The generation of oxo-bile acids is known to inhibit host enzymes involved in glucocorticoid metabolism and may alter signaling through nuclear receptors such as farnesoid X receptor and G-protein-coupled receptor TGR5. Biochemical or similar approaches are required to fill in many gaps in our ability to link a particular enzymatic function with a nucleic acid or amino acid sequence. In this regard, we have identified a novel 12α-HSDH and a novel set of genes encoding an iso-bile acid pathway (3α-HSDH and 3β-HSDH) involved in epimerization and detoxification of harmful secondary bile acids.

Lactobacillus fermentum FTDC 8312 combats hypercholesterolemia via alteration of gut microbiota

In this study, hypercholesterolemic mice fed with Lactobacillus fermentum FTDC 8312 after a seven-week feeding trial showed a reduction in serum total cholesterol (TC) levels, accompanied by a decrease in serum low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels, an increase in serum high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) levels, and a decreased ratio of apoB100:apoA1 when compared to those fed with control or a type strain, L. fermentum JCM 1173. These have contributed to a decrease in atherogenic indices (TC/HDL-C) of mice on the FTDC 8312 diet. Serum triglyceride (TG) levels of mice fed with FTDC 8312 and JCM 1173 were comparable to those of the controls. A decreased ratio of cholesterol and phospholipids (C/P) was also observed for mice fed with FTDC 8312, leading to a decreased number of spur red blood cells (RBC) formation in mice. Additionally, there was an increase in fecal TC, TG, and total bile acid levels in mice on FTDC 8312 diet compared to those with JCM 1173 and controls. The administration of FTDC 8312 also altered the gut microbiota population such as an increase in the members of genera Akkermansia and Oscillospira, affecting lipid metabolism and fecal bile excretion in the mice. Overall, we demonstrated that FTDC 8312 exerted a cholesterol lowering effect that may be attributed to gut microbiota modulation.

Virtual screening applications in short-chain dehydrogenase/reductase research

Several members of the short-chain dehydrogenase/reductase (SDR) enzyme family play fundamental roles in adrenal and gonadal steroidogenesis as well as in the metabolism of steroids, oxysterols, bile acids, and retinoids in peripheral tissues, thereby controlling the local activation of their cognate receptors. Some of these SDRs are considered as promising therapeutic targets, for example to treat estrogen-/androgen-dependent and corticosteroid-related diseases, whereas others are considered as anti-targets as their inhibition may lead to disturbances of endocrine functions, thereby contributing to the development and progression of diseases. Nevertheless, the physiological functions of about half of all SDR members are still unknown. In this respect, in silico tools are highly valuable in drug discovery for lead molecule identification, in toxicology screenings to facilitate the identification of hazardous chemicals, and in fundamental research for substrate identification and enzyme characterization. Regarding SDRs, computational methods have been employed for a variety of applications including drug discovery, enzyme characterization and substrate identification, as well as identification of potential endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDC). This review provides an overview of the efforts undertaken in the field of virtual screening supported identification of bioactive molecules in SDR research. In addition, it presents an outlook and addresses the opportunities and limitations of computational modeling and in vitro validation methods.

DFT-based prediction of reactivity of short-chain alcohol dehydrogenase

The reaction mechanism of ketone reduction by short chain dehydrogenase/reductase, (S)-1-phenylethanol dehydrogenase from Aromatoleum aromaticum, was studied with DFT methods using cluster model approach. The characteristics of the hydride transfer process were investigated based on reaction of acetophenone and its eight structural analogues. The results confirmed previously suggested concomitant transfer of hydride from NADH to carbonyl C atom of the substrate with proton transfer from Tyr to carbonyl O atom. However, additional coupled motion of the next proton in the proton-relay system, between O2′ ribose hydroxyl and Tyr154 was observed. The protonation of Lys158 seems not to affect the pKa of Tyr154, as the stable tyrosyl anion was observed only for a neutral Lys158 in the high pH model. The calculated reaction energies and reaction barriers were calibrated by calorimetric and kinetic methods. This allowed an excellent prediction of the reaction enthalpies (R² = 0.93) and a good prediction of the reaction kinetics (R² = 0.89). The observed relations were validated in prediction of log K_eq obtained for real whole-cell reactor systems that modelled industrial synthesis of S-alcohols.

Structure of NADP+-bound 7β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase reveals two cofactor-binding modes

In mammals, bile acids/salts and their glycine and taurine conjugates are effectively recycled through enterohepatic circulation. 7β-Hydroxysteroid dehydrogenases (7β-HSDHs; EC 1.1.1.201), including that from the intestinal microbe Collinsella aerofaciens, catalyse the NADPH-dependent reversible oxidation of secondary bile-acid products to avoid potential toxicity. Here, the first structure of NADP+ bound to dimeric 7β-HSDH is presented. In one active site, NADP+ adopts a conventional binding mode similar to that displayed in related enzyme structures. However, in the other active site a unique binding mode is observed in which the orientation of the nicotinamide is different. Since 7β-HSDH has become an attractive target owing to the wide and important pharmaceutical use of its product ursodeoxycholic acid, this work provides a more detailed template to support rational protein engineering to improve the enzymatic activities of this useful biocatalyst, further improving the yield of ursodeoxycholic acid and its other applications.

Engineering 7β-Hydroxysteroid Dehydrogenase for Enhanced Ursodeoxycholic Acid Production by Multiobjective Directed Evolution

Ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) is the main active ingredient of natural bear bile powder with multiple pharmacological functions. 7β-Hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (HSDH) is a key biocatalyst for the synthesis of UDCA. However, all the 7β-HSDHs reported commonly suffer from poor activity and thermostability, resulting in limited productivity of UDCA. In this study, a multiobjective directed evolution (MODE) strategy was proposed and applied to improve the activity, thermostability, and pH optimum of a 7β-HSDH. The best variant (V_3-1) showed a specific activity 5.5-fold higher than and a half-life 3-fold longer than those of the wild type. In addition, the pH optimum of the variant was shifted to a weakly alkaline value. In the cascade reaction, the productivity of UDCA with V_3-1 increased to 942 g L^-1 day^-1, in contrast to 141 g L^-1 day^-1 with the wild type. Therefore, this study provides a useful strategy for improving the catalytic efficiency of a key enzyme that significantly facilitated the bioproduction of UDCA.

Structural Insights into the Drosophila melanogaster Retinol Dehydrogenase, a Member of the Short-Chain Dehydrogenase/Reductase Family

The 11-cis-retinylidene chromophore of visual pigments isomerizes upon interaction with a photon, initiating a downstream cascade of signaling events that ultimately lead to visual perception. 11-cis-Retinylidene is regenerated through enzymatic transformations collectively called the visual cycle. The first and rate-limiting enzymatic reaction within this cycle, i.e., the reduction of all-trans-retinal to all-trans-retinol, is catalyzed by retinol dehydrogenases. Here, we determined the structure of Drosophila melanogaster photoreceptor retinol dehydrogenase (PDH) isoform C that belongs to the short-chain dehydrogenase/reductase (SDR) family. This is the first reported structure of a SDR that possesses this biologically important activity. Two crystal structures of the same enzyme grown under different conditions revealed a novel conformational change of the NAD⁺ cofactor, likely representing a change during catalysis. Amide hydrogen-deuterium exchange of PDH demonstrated changes in the structure of the enzyme upon dinucleotide binding. In D. melanogaster, loss of PDH activity leads to photoreceptor degeneration that can be partially rescued by transgenic expression of human RDH12. Based on the structure of PDH, we analyzed mutations causing Leber congenital amaurosis 13 in a homology model of human RDH12 to obtain insights into the molecular basis of RDH12 disease-causing mutations.

Structural and biochemical insights into 7β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase stereoselectivity

Hydroxysteroid dehydrogenases are of great interest as biocatalysts for transformations involving steroid substrates. They feature a high degree of stereo- and regio-selectivity, acting on a defined atom with a specific configuration of the steroid nucleus. The crystal structure of 7β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase from Collinsella aerofaciens reveals a loop gating active-site accessibility, the bases of the specificity for NADP(+) , and the general architecture of the steroid binding site. Comparison with 7α-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase provides a rationale for the opposite stereoselectivity. The presence of a C-terminal extension reshapes the substrate site of the β-selective enzyme, possibly leading to an inverted orientation of the bound substrate. Proteins 2016; 84:859-865. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

The three-dimensional structure of Clostridium absonum 7α-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase: new insights into the conserved arginines for NADP(H) recognition

7α-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (7α-HSDH) can catalyse the oxidation of C7 α-OH of the steroid nucleus in the bile acid metabolism. In the paper we determined the crystal structure of 7α-HSDH from Clostridium absonum (CA 7α-HSDH) complexed with taurochenodeoxycholic acid (TCDCA) and NADP(+) by X-ray diffraction, which, as a tetramer, possesses the typical α/β folding pattern. The four subunits of an asymmetric unit lie in the fact that there are the stable hydrophobic interactions between Q-axis-related subunits. Significantly, we captured an active state of the NADP(+), confirming that nicotinamide moiety of NADP(+) act as electron carrier in the dehydrogenation. On the basis of crystal structure analysis, site-directed mutagenesis and MD simulation, furthermore, we find that the guanidinium of Arg38 can form the stable cation-π interaction with the adenine ring of NADP(+), and the cation-π interaction and hydrogen bonds between Arg38 and NADP(+) have a significant anchor effect on the cofactor binding to CA 7α-HSDH.

A novel NAD(P)H-dependent carbonyl reductase specifically expressed in the thyroidectomized chicken fatty liver: catalytic properties and crystal structure

A gene encoding a functionally unknown protein that is specifically expressed in the thyroidectomized chicken fatty liver and has a predicted amino acid sequence similar to that of NAD(P)H-dependent carbonyl reductase was overexpressed in Escherichia coli; its product was purified and characterized. The expressed enzyme was an NAD(P)H-dependent broad substrate specificity carbonyl reductase and was inhibited by arachidonic acid at 1.5 μm. Enzymological characterization indicated that the enzyme could be classified as a cytosolic-type carbonyl reductase. The enzyme's 3D structure was determined using the molecular replacement method at 1.98 Å resolution in the presence of NADPH and ethylene glycol. The asymmetric unit consisted of two subunits, and a noncrystallographic twofold axis generated the functional dimer. The structures of the subunits, A and B, differed from each other. In subunit A, the active site contained an ethylene glycol molecule absent in subunit B. Consequently, Tyr172 in subunit A rotated by 103.7° in comparison with subunit B, which leads to active site closure in subunit A. In Y172A mutant, the Km value for 9,10-phenanthrenequinone (model substrate) was 12.5 times higher than that for the wild-type enzyme, indicating that Tyr172 plays a key role in substrate binding in this carbonyl reductase. Because the Tyr172-containing active site lid structure (Ile164-Gln174) is not conserved in all known carbonyl reductases, our results provide new insights into substrate binding of carbonyl reductase. The catalytic properties and crystal structure revealed that thyroidectomized chicken fatty liver carbonyl reductase is a novel enzyme.

Structural and biochemical insights into nucleotide-rhamnose synthase/epimerase-reductase from Arabidopsis thaliana

L-Rhamnose (Rha) is synthesized via a similar enzymatic pathway in bacteria, plants and fungi. In plants, nucleotide-rhamnose synthase/epimerase-reductase (NRS/ER) catalyzes the final step in the conversion of dTDP/UDP-α-D-Glc to dTDP/UDP-β-L-Rha in an NAD(P)H dependent manner. Currently, only biochemical evidence for the function of NRS/ER has been described. In this study, a crystal structure for Arabidopsis thaliana NRS/ER was determined, which is the first report of a eukaryotic rhamnose synthase with both epimerase and reductase activities. NRS/ER functions as a metal ion independent homodimer that forms through hydrophobic interactions via a four-helix bundle. Each monomer exhibits α/β folding that can be divided into two regions, nucleotide cofactor binding domain and sugar substrate binding domain. The affinities of ligands with NRS/ER were measured using isothermal titration calorimetry, which showed that NRS/ER has a preference for dTDP over UDP, while the cofactor binding site has a similar affinity for NADH and NADPH. Structural analysis coupled to site-directed mutagenesis suggested C115 and K183 as the acid/base pair responsible for epimerization, while T113, Y144 and K148 are the conserved residues in reduction. These findings shed light on the molecular mechanism of NRS/ER and were helpful to explore other eukaryotic enzymes involved in L-Rha synthesis.

The mechanism of enterohepatic circulation in the formation of gallstone disease

Bile acids entering into enterohepatic circulating are primary acids synthesized from cholesterol in hepatocyte. They are secreted actively across canalicular membrane and carried in bile to gallbladder, where they are concentrated during digestion. About 95 % BAs are actively taken up from the lumen of terminal ileum efficiently, leaving only approximately 5 % (or approximately 0.5 g/d) in colon, and a fraction of bile acids are passively reabsorbed after a series of modifications in the human large intestine including deconjugation and oxidation of hydroxy groups. Bile salts hydrolysis and hydroxy group dehydrogenation reactions are performed by a broad spectrum of intestinal anaerobic bacteria. Next, hepatocyte reabsorbs bile acids from sinusoidal blood, which are carried to liver through portal vein via a series of transporters. Bile acids (BAs) transporters are critical for maintenance of the enterohepatic BAs circulation, where BAs exert their multiple physiological functions including stimulation of bile flow, intestinal absorption of lipophilic nutrients, solubilization, and excretion of cholesterol. Tight regulation of BA transporters via nuclear receptors (NRs) is necessary to maintain proper BA homeostasis. In conclusion, disturbances of enterohepatic circulation may account for pathogenesis of gallstones diseases, including BAs transporters and their regulatory NRs and the metabolism of intestinal bacterias, etc.

Functional mechanism of C-terminal tail in the enzymatic role of porcine testicular carbonyl reductase: a combined experiment and molecular dynamics simulation study of the C-terminal tail in the enzymatic role of PTCR

Porcine testicular carbonyl reductase, PTCR which is one of the short chain dehydrogenases/reductases (SDR) superfamily catalyzes the NADPH-dependent reduction of carbonyl compounds including steroids and prostaglandins. Previously we reported C- terminal tail of PTCR was deleted due to a nonsynonymous single nucleotide variation (nsSNV). Here we identified from kinetic studies that the enzymatic properties for 5α-dihydrotestosterone (5α-DHT) were different between wild-type and C-terminal-deleted PTCRs. Compared to wild-type PTCR, C-terminal-deleted PTCR has much higher reduction rate. To investigate structural difference between wild-type and C-terminal-deleted PTCRs upon 5α-DHT binding, we performed molecular dynamics simulations for two complexes. Using trajectories, molecular interactions including hydrogen bonding patterns, distance between 5α-DHT and catalytic Tyr193, and interaction energies are analyzed and compared. During the MD simulation time, the dynamic behavior of C-terminal tail in wild-type PTCR is also examined using essential dynamics analysis. The results of our simulations reveal that the binding conformation of 5α-DHT in C-terminal-deleted PTCR is more favorable for reduction reaction in PTCR, which shows strong agreement with kinetic data. These structural findings provide valuable information to understand substrate specificity of PTCR and further kinetic properties of enzymes belonging to the SDR superfamily.

Metabolism of cholesterol and bile acids by the gut microbiota

The human gastro-intestinal tract hosts a complex and diverse microbial community, whose collective genetic coding capacity vastly exceeds that of the human genome. As a consequence, the gut microbiota produces metabolites from a large range of molecules that host's enzymes are not able to convert. Among these molecules, two main classes of steroids, cholesterol and bile acids, denote two different examples of bacterial metabolism in the gut. Therefore, cholesterol is mainly converted into coprostanol, a non absorbable sterol which is excreted in the feces. Moreover, this conversion occurs in a part of the human population only. Conversely, the primary bile acids (cholic and chenodeoxycholic acids) are converted to over twenty different secondary bile acid metabolites by the gut microbiota. The main bile salt conversions, which appear in the gut of the whole human population, include deconjugation, oxidation and epimerization of hydroxyl groups at C3, C7 and C12, 7-dehydroxylation, esterification and desulfatation. If the metabolisms of cholesterol and bile acids by the gut microbiota are known for decades, their consequences on human health and disease are poorly understood and only start to be considered.