Crystal structure of a family VIII β-lactamase fold hydrolase reveals the molecular mechanism for its broad substrate scope

Family VIII esterases present similarities to class C beta-lactamases, which show nucleophilic serines located at the S-X-X-K motif instead of the G-X-S-X-G or G-D-S-(L) motif shown by other carboxylesterase families. Here, we report the crystal structure of a novel family VIII (subfamily VIII. I) esterase (EH7; denaturing temperature, 52.6 +/- 0.3 degrees C; pH optimum 7.0-9.0) to deepen its broad substrate range. Indeed, the analysis of the substrate specificity revealed its capacity to hydrolyse nitrocefin as a model chromogenic cephalosporin substrate (40.4 +/- 11.4 units-g(-1)), and a large battery of 66 structurally different esters (up to 1730 min(-1)), including bis(2-hydroxyethyl)-terephthalate (241.7 +/- 8.5 units-g(-1)) and the mycotoxin T-2 (1220 +/- 52 units-g(-1)). It also showed acyltransferase activity through the synthesis of benzyl 3-oxobutanoate (40.4 +/- 11.4 units-g(-1)) from benzyl alcohol and vinyl acetoacetate. Such a broad substrate scope is rare among family VIII esterases and lipolytic enzymes. Structural analyses of free and substrate-bound forms of this homooctamer esterase suggest that EH 7 presents a more opened and exposed 51 site having no steric hindrance for the entrance of substrates to the active site, more flexible R1, R2 and R3 regions allowing for the binding of a wide spectrum of substrates into the active site, and small residues in the conserved motif Y-XX containing the catalytic Tyr enabling the entrance of large substrates. These unique structural elements in combination with docking experiments allowed us to gain valuable insights into the substrate specificity of this esterase and possible others belonging to family VIII.

Automated summary

The crystal structure of a novel family VIII esterase is reported, which provides insights into its broad substrate specificity. The unique structural elements of this esterase, including an open and exposed active site, flexible regions for substrate binding, and small residues enabling the entrance of large substrates, contribute to its broad substrate range.