Structures of alternatively spliced isoforms of human ketohexokinase
2009

Structures of Human Ketohexokinase Isoforms

publication 10 minutes Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Trinh Chi H., Asipu Aruna, Bonthron David T., Phillips Simon E. V.

Primary Institution: University of Leeds

Hypothesis

The effect of the Ala43Thr mutation may confer a selective deficiency of KHK-C while preserving KHK-A activity.

Conclusion

The study reveals structural differences between the KHK-A and KHK-C isoforms that affect their stability and function.

Supporting Evidence

  • The study solved the crystal structures of KHK-A and KHK-C, revealing differences in their active sites.
  • KHK-A was found to be more thermostable than KHK-C.
  • Mutations Gly40Arg and Ala43Thr were modeled in the context of the KHK structure.

Takeaway

Scientists studied two versions of a protein that helps break down sugar, finding that small changes in the protein can affect how well it works.

Methodology

The structures were determined using X-ray crystallography and molecular replacement techniques.

Limitations

The resolution of the KHK-C structure was lower than that of KHK-A, affecting the clarity of the active site.

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1107/S0907444908041115

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