Structural Determinants Allowing Transferase Activity in SENSITIVE TO FREEZING 2, Classified as a Family I Glycosyl Hydrolase

Authors

Rebecca Roston, University of Nebraska- LincolnFollow
Kun Wang, Michigan State University
Leslie A. Kuhn, Michigan State University
Christoph Benning, Michigan State University

Citation

The Journal of Biological Chemistry VOL. 289, NO. 38, pp. 26089–26106, September 19, 2014

Comments

© 2014 by The American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Inc. Published in the U.S.A.

Abstract

Background: SENSITIVE TO FREEZING 2 (SFR2) is classified as a glycosyl hydrolase, and by using glycosyltransferase activity, it modifies membrane lipids to promote freeze tolerance.

Results: Although the active site of SFR2 is identical to hydrolases, adjacent loop regions contribute to its transferase activity.

Conclusion: Transferase activity evolved by modifications external to the core catalytic site.

Significance: Defined structure-function relationships will inform engineering of transferases and freeze tolerance.