The LPG1x family from Leishmania major is constituted of rare eukaryotic galactofuranosyltransferases with unprecedented catalytic properties

Sci Rep. 2018 Dec 4;8(1):17566. doi: 10.1038/s41598-018-35847-w.

Abstract

Galactofuranosyltransferases are poorly described enzymes despite their crucial role in the virulence and the pathogenicity of numerous microorganisms. These enzymes are considered as potential targets for therapeutic action. In addition to the only well-characterised prokaryotic GlfT2 from Mycobacterium tuberculosis, four putative genes in Leishmania major were previously described as potential galactofuranosyltransferases. In this study, we have cloned, over-expressed, purified and fully determined the kinetic parameters of these four eukaryotic enzymes, thus demonstrating their unique potency in catalysing the transfer of the galactofuranosyl moiety into acceptors. Their individual promiscuity revealed to be different, as some of them could efficiently use NDP-pyranoses as donor substrates in addition to the natural UDP-galactofuranose. Such results pave the way for the development of chemoenzymatic synthesis of furanosyl-containing glycoconjugates as well as the design of improved drugs against leishmaniasis.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Biocatalysis
  • Escherichia coli / genetics
  • Galactose / analogs & derivatives*
  • Galactose / metabolism
  • Galactosyltransferases / biosynthesis*
  • Galactosyltransferases / chemistry*
  • Kinetics
  • Leishmania major / enzymology*
  • Protozoan Proteins / biosynthesis*
  • Protozoan Proteins / chemistry*
  • Substrate Specificity
  • Uridine Diphosphate / analogs & derivatives*
  • Uridine Diphosphate / metabolism

Substances

  • Protozoan Proteins
  • uridine diphosphate galactofuranose
  • Uridine Diphosphate
  • Galactosyltransferases
  • LPG1 protein, Leishmania
  • Galactose