Structure of mycobacterial maltokinase, the missing link in the essential GlgE-pathway

A novel four-step pathway identified recently in mycobacteria channels trehalose to glycogen synthesis and is also likely involved in the biosynthesis of two other crucial polymers: intracellular methylglucose lipopolysaccharides and exposed capsular glucan. The structures of three of the intervening enzymes - GlgB, GlgE, and TreS - were recently reported, providing the first templates for rational drug design. Here we describe the structural characterization of the fourth enzyme of the pathway, mycobacterial maltokinase (Mak), uncovering a eukaryotic-like kinase (ELK) fold, similar to methylthioribose kinases and aminoglycoside phosphotransferases. The 1.15 Å structure of Mak in complex with a…

• ES
  European Synchrotron Radiation Facility
• PO
  Programa Operacional Temático Factores de Competitividade

  Award: PEst-C/SAU/LA0001/2013-2014
• FP
  Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia

  Awards: COMPETE, PTDC/BIA-PRO/110523/2009, FCOMP-01-0124-FEDER