Targeting active site residues and structural anchoring positions in terpene synthases

The sesterterpene synthase SmTS1 from Streptomyces mobaraensis contains several unusual residues in positions that are otherwise highly conserved. Site-directed mutagenesis experiments for these residues are reported that showed different effects, resulting in some cases in an improved catalytic activity, but in other cases in a loss of enzyme function. For other enzyme variants a functional switch was observed, turning SmTS1 from a sesterterpene into a diterpene synthase. This article gives rational explanations for these findings that may generally allow for protein engineering of other terpene synthases to improve their catalytic efficiency or to change their functions.

Automated summary

The study conducted site-directed mutagenesis experiments on the sesterterpene synthase SmTS1 from Streptomyces mobaraensis, revealing diverse effects of mutations on catalytic activity and enzyme function switch. Rational explanations were provided for these findings, offering insights into protein engineering of terpene synthases for improved efficiency or altered functions.