Abstract
KFase (kynurenine formamidase), also known as arylformamidase and formylkynurenine formamidase, efficiently catalyses the hydrolysis of NFK (N-formyl-L-kynurenine) to kynurenine. KFase is the second enzyme in the kynurenine pathway of tryptophan metabolism. A number of intermediates formed in the kynurenine pathway are biologically active and implicated in an assortment of medical conditions, including cancer, schizophrenia and neurodegenerative diseases. Consequently, enzymes involved in the kynurenine pathway have been considered potential regulatory targets. In the present study, we report, for the first time, the biochemical characterization and crystal structures of Drosophila melanogaster KFase conjugated with an inhibitor, PMSF. The protein architecture of KFase reveals that it belongs to the α/β hydrolase fold family. The PMSF-binding information of the solved conjugated crystal structure was used to obtain a KFase and NFK complex using molecular docking. The complex is useful for understanding the catalytic mechanism of KFase. The present study provides a molecular basis for future efforts in maintaining or regulating kynurenine metabolism through the molecular and biochemical regulation of KFase.
Publication types
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Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
MeSH terms
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Animals
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Arylformamidase / antagonists & inhibitors
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Arylformamidase / chemistry*
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Arylformamidase / genetics
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Arylformamidase / metabolism*
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Biocatalysis
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Catalytic Domain
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Computer Simulation
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Crystallography, X-Ray
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Drosophila Proteins / antagonists & inhibitors
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Drosophila Proteins / chemistry*
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Drosophila Proteins / genetics
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Drosophila Proteins / metabolism*
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Drosophila melanogaster / enzymology*
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Drosophila melanogaster / metabolism
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Enzyme Inhibitors / chemistry
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Enzyme Inhibitors / metabolism
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Enzyme Inhibitors / pharmacology
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Hydrophobic and Hydrophilic Interactions
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Insecticides / chemistry
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Insecticides / metabolism
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Insecticides / pharmacology
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Kinetics
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Kynurenine / analogs & derivatives
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Kynurenine / chemistry
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Kynurenine / metabolism
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Ligands
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Models, Molecular
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Protein Binding
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Protein Conformation
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Recombinant Proteins / antagonists & inhibitors
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Recombinant Proteins / chemistry
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Recombinant Proteins / metabolism
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Tosyl Compounds / chemistry
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Tosyl Compounds / metabolism
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Tosyl Compounds / pharmacology
Substances
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Drosophila Proteins
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Enzyme Inhibitors
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Insecticides
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Ligands
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Recombinant Proteins
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Tosyl Compounds
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N'-formylkynurenine
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Kynurenine
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4-toluenesulfonyl fluoride
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Arylformamidase
Associated data
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PDB/4E11
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PDB/4E14
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PDB/4E15