The gene bc0361 encodes for a polysaccharide deacetylase, which is part of the carbohydrate esterase family 4 (CE 4). All members of this family share a conserved (a/�)8 barrel fold and a divalent metal ion (most commonly zinc) associated with the active site. This particular enzyme helps bacterial cells become �invisible� by removing the acetyl groups from membrane sugars, which are recognized by the host immune macrophages. Inhibition of this enzyme would disable the defensive mechanisms of the bacteria, which is a possible route for antibiotic drug development. Crystals of the native protein have been obtained, and crystallization of enzyme-inhibitor complexes is currently in progress.

Structural and functional determination of the polysaccharide deacetylase BC0361

245th National Meeting (2013)

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