8WYU

Open Falcilysin, from MK-4815-treated dataset

Summary for 8WYU

• Entry DOI: 10.2210/pdb8wyu/pdb
• EMDB information: 37939
• Descriptor: Falcilysin, ZINC ION (2 entities in total)
• Functional Keywords: falcilysin open conformation, hydrolase
• Biological source: Plasmodium falciparum 3D7
• Total number of polymer chains: 1
• Total formula weight: 132099.57

Authors

Lin, J.Q.,Yan, X.F.,Lescar, J. (deposition date: 2023-10-31, release date: 2024-08-07, Last modification date: 2025-02-19)

Primary citation

Lin, J.,Yan, X.,Chung, Z.,Liew, C.W.,El Sahili, A.,Pechnikova, E.V.,Preiser, P.R.,Bozdech, Z.,Gao, Y.G.,Lescar, J.
Inhibition of falcilysin from Plasmodium falciparum by interference with its closed-to-open dynamic transition.
Commun Biol, 7:1070-1070, 2024

PubMed Abstract: In the absence of an efficacious vaccine, chemotherapy remains crucial to prevent and treat malaria. Given its key role in haemoglobin degradation, falcilysin constitutes an attractive target. Here, we reveal the mechanism of enzymatic inhibition of falcilysin by MK-4815, an investigational new drug with potent antimalarial activity. Using X-ray crystallography, we determine two binary complexes of falcilysin in a closed state, bound with peptide substrates from the haemoglobin α and β chains respectively. An antiparallel β-sheet is formed between the substrate and enzyme, accounting for sequence-independent recognition at positions P2 and P1. In contrast, numerous contacts favor tyrosine and phenylalanine at the P1' position of the substrate. Cryo-EM studies reveal a majority of unbound falcilysin molecules adopting an open conformation. Addition of MK-4815 shifts about two-thirds of falcilysin molecules to a closed state. These structures give atomic level pictures of the proteolytic cycle, in which falcilysin interconverts between a closed state conducive to proteolysis, and an open conformation amenable to substrate diffusion and products release. MK-4815 and quinolines bind to an allosteric pocket next to a hinge region of falcilysin and hinders this dynamic transition. These data should inform the design of potent inhibitors of falcilysin to combat malaria.

PubMed: 39217277
DOI: 10.1038/s42003-024-06774-6

Experimental method

ELECTRON MICROSCOPY (3.2 Å)