title: Tryptophan as a molecular shovel in the glycosyl transfer activity of Trypanosoma cruzi trans-sialidase.
abstract: Molecular dynamics investigations into active site plasticity of Trypanosoma cruzi trans-sialidase, a protein implicated in Chagas disease, suggest that movement of the Trp(312) loop plays an important role in the enzyme's sialic acid transfer mechanism. The observed Trp(312) flexibility equates to a molecular shovel action, which leads to the expulsion of the donor aglycone leaving group from the catalytic site. These computational simulations provide detailed structural insights into sialyl transfer by the trans-sialidase and may aid the design of inhibitors effective against this neglected tropical disease.
authors.affiliation: School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom.
authors.forename: Felicity L
authors.initials: FL
authors.lastname: Mitchell
authors.forename: Steven M
authors.initials: SM
authors.lastname: Miles
authors.forename: João
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Neres
authors.forename: Elena V
authors.initials: EV
authors.lastname: Bichenkova
authors.forename: Richard A
authors.initials: RA
authors.lastname: Bryce
mesh_terms: D055162:Biocatalysis; D020134:Catalytic Domain; D006023:Glycoproteins / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000378:metabolism*; D006031:Glycosylation; D056004:Molecular Dynamics Simulation; D019158:N-Acetylneuraminic Acid / Q000378:metabolism; D009439:Neuraminidase / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000378:metabolism*; D014349:Trypanosoma cruzi / Q000201:enzymology*; D014364:Tryptophan / Q000378:metabolism*
chemical_list: D006023:Glycoproteins; D014364:Tryptophan; C069715:trans-sialidase; D009439:Neuraminidase; D019158:N-Acetylneuraminic Acid