Determinants of Nucleotide-Binding Selectivity of Malic Enzyme
2011

Understanding Malic Enzyme Cofactor Selectivity

publication Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Hsieh Ju-Yi, Chen Meng-Chun, Hung Hui-Chih

Primary Institution: National Chung Hsing University, Taichung, Taiwan

Hypothesis

The study investigates the determinants of nucleotide-binding selectivity in malic enzyme.

Conclusion

The research shows that specific mutations can alter the cofactor preference of malic enzyme from NADP+ to NAD+.

Supporting Evidence

  • Mutations in specific residues significantly altered the enzyme's cofactor specificity.
  • The study provides kinetic evidence for the role of Glu314 in nucleotide binding.
  • The quadruple mutants displayed a shift in cofactor preference from NADP+ to NAD+.

Takeaway

Scientists changed parts of an enzyme to see how it uses different helpers, and found ways to make it prefer one helper over another.

Methodology

The study involved site-directed mutagenesis and kinetic analysis of malic enzyme variants.

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1371/journal.pone.0025312

Want to read the original?

Access the complete publication on the publisher's website

View Original Publication