The molecular basis of polysaccharide cleavage by lytic polysaccharide monooxygenases
Journal article, 2016
Lytic polysaccharide monooxygenases (LPMOs) are copper-containing enzymes that oxidatively break down recalcitrant polysaccharides such as cellulose and chitin. Since their discovery, LPMOs have become integral factors in the industrial utilization of biomass, especially in the sustainable generation of cellulosic bioethanol. We report here a structural determination of an LPMO-oligosaccharide complex, yielding detailed insights into the mechanism of action of these enzymes. Using a combination of structure and electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy, we reveal the means by which LPMOs interact with saccharide substrates. We further uncover electronic and structural features of the enzyme active site, showing how LPMOs orchestrate the reaction of oxygen with polysaccharide chains.
Author
K. E. H. Frandsen
University of Copenhagen
T. J. Simmons
University of Cambridge
P. Dupree
University of Cambridge
J. C. N. Poulsen
University of Copenhagen
G. R. Hemsworth
University of York
L. Ciano
University of York
E. M. Johnston
University of York
M. Tovborg
Novozymes A/S
Katja Salomon Johansen
Chalmers, Biology and Biological Engineering, Industrial Biotechnology
P. von Freiesleben
Novozymes A/S
L. Marmuse
Grenoble Alpes University
S. Fort
Grenoble Alpes University
S. Cottaz
Grenoble Alpes University
H. Driguez
Grenoble Alpes University
B. Henrissat
King Abdulaziz University
INRA Avignon
Aix Marseille University
N. Lenfant
Aix Marseille University
INRA Avignon
F. Tuna
University of Manchester
A. Baldansuren
University of Manchester
G. J. Davies
University of York
L. Lo Leggio
University of Copenhagen
P. H. Walton
University of York
Nature Chemical Biology
1552-4450 (ISSN) 1552-4469 (eISSN)
Vol. 12 4 298-+Subject Categories
Chemical Engineering
DOI
10.1038/nchembio.2029