Catalyzes an early step in the biosynthesis of tetrapyrroles. Binds two molecules of 5-aminolevulinate per subunit, each at a distinct site, and catalyzes their condensation to form porphobilinogen.
Porphobilinogen synthase (PBGS) catalyzes the first common step in tetrapyrrole (e.g. heme, chlorophyll) biosynthesis. Human PBGS exists as an equilibrium of high activity octamers, low activity hexamers, and alternate dimer configurations that dictate the stoichiometry and architecture of further assembly. It is posited that small molecules can be found that inhibit human PBGS activity by stabilizing the hexamer. Such molecules, if present in the environment, could potentiate disease states associated with reduced PBGS activity, such as lead poisoning and ALAD porphyria, the latter of which is associated with human PBGS variants whose quaternary structure equilibrium is shifted toward the hexamer (Jaffe, E. K., and Stith, L. (2007) Am. J. Hum. Genet. 80, 329-337). Hexamer-stabilizing inhibitors of human PBGS were identified using in silico prescreening (docking) of approximately 111,000 structures to a hexamer-specific surface cavity of a human PBGS crystal structure. Seventy-seven compounds were evaluated in vitro; three provided 90-100% conversion of octamer to hexamer in a native PAGE mobility shift assay. Based on chemical purity, two (ML-3A9 and ML-3H2) were subjected to further evaluation of their effect on the quaternary structure equilibrium and enzymatic activity. Naturally occurring ALAD porphyria-associated human PBGS variants are shown to have an increased susceptibility to inhibition by both ML-3A9 and ML-3H2. ML-3H2 is a structural analog of amebicidal drugs, which have porphyria-like side effects. Data support the hypothesis that human PBGS hexamer stabilization may explain these side effects. The current work identifies allosteric ligands of human PBGS and, thus, identifies human PBGS as a medically relevant allosteric enzyme.
Human porphobilinogen synthase (PBGS) is a main target in lead poisoning. Human PBGS purifies with eight Zn(II) per homo-octamer; four ZnA have predominantly nonsulfur ligands, and four ZnB have predominantly sulfur ligands. Only four Zn(II) are required for activity. To better elucidate the roles of Zn(II) and Pb(II), we produced human PBGS mutants that are designed to lack either the ZnA or ZnB sites. These proteins, MinusZnA (H131A, C223A) and MinusZnB (C122A, C124A, C132A), each become purified with four Zn(II) per octamer, thus confirming an asymmetry in the human PBGS structure. MinusZnA is fully active, whereas MinusZnB is far less active, verifying an important catalytic role for ZnB and the removed cysteine residues. Kinetic properties of the mutants and wild type proteins are described. Comparison of Pb(II) inhibition of the mutants shows that ligands to both ZnA and ZnB interact with Pb(II). The ZnB ligands preferentially interact with Pb(II). At least one ZnA ligand is responsible for the slow tight binding behavior of Pb(II). The data support a novel model where a high affinity lead site is a hybrid of the ZnA and ZnB sites. We propose that the lone electron pair of Pb(II) precludes Pb(II) to function in PBGS catalysis.
Catalysis of a biochemical reaction at physiological temperatures. In biologically catalyzed reactions, the reactants are known as substrates, and the catalysts are naturally occurring macromolecular substances known as enzymes. Enzymes possess specific binding sites for substrates, and are usually composed wholly or largely of protein, but RNA that has catalytic activity (ribozyme) is often also regarded as enzymatic.
Am. J. Hum. Genet. 49, 167-174 (1991)[PubMed:2063868]
delta-Aminolevulinate dehydratase deficient porphyria, a recently recognized inborn error of heme biosynthesis, results from the markedly deficient activity of the heme biosynthetic enzyme, delta-aminolevulinate dehydratase (ALA-D). The four homozygotes described to date with this disorder have remarkably distinct phenotypes, ranging from a severely affected infant with failure to thrive to an essentially asymptomatic 68-year-old male. To investigate the molecular nature of the lesions causing the severe infantile-onset form, total RNA was isolated from cultured lymphoblasts of the affected homozygote, RNA was reverse-transcribed to cDNA, and the 990-bp ALA-D-coding region was amplified by the PCR. Heterozygosity for an RsaI RFLP within the ALA-dehydratase-coding region permitted identification of the paternal and maternal mutant alleles prior to sequencing. The maternal mutation (designated G133R), a G-to-A transition of nucleotide 397, predicted a glycine-to-arginine substitution at residue 133 at the carboxyl end of the highly conserved zinc-binding site in the enzyme subunit. The G133R mutation created a PstI site and permitted the confirmation and rapid detection of this lesion in amplified genomic DNA from maternal relatives. The paternal mutation, a G-to-A transition of nucleotide 823, predicted a valine-to-methionine substitution of residue 275 (designated V275M). This mutation was confirmed in genomic DNA from family members by the competitive PCR technique. Both missense mutations, which occurred at CpG dinucleotides, resulted in the synthesis of enzyme subunits such that the activity of the homooctameric enzyme was markedly reduced, thereby causing the severe infantile-onset phenotype in the affected homozygote.
Human porphobilinogen synthase (PBGS) is a main target in lead poisoning. Human PBGS purifies with eight Zn(II) per homo-octamer; four ZnA have predominantly nonsulfur ligands, and four ZnB have predominantly sulfur ligands. Only four Zn(II) are required for activity. To better elucidate the roles of Zn(II) and Pb(II), we produced human PBGS mutants that are designed to lack either the ZnA or ZnB sites. These proteins, MinusZnA (H131A, C223A) and MinusZnB (C122A, C124A, C132A), each become purified with four Zn(II) per octamer, thus confirming an asymmetry in the human PBGS structure. MinusZnA is fully active, whereas MinusZnB is far less active, verifying an important catalytic role for ZnB and the removed cysteine residues. Kinetic properties of the mutants and wild type proteins are described. Comparison of Pb(II) inhibition of the mutants shows that ligands to both ZnA and ZnB interact with Pb(II). The ZnB ligands preferentially interact with Pb(II). At least one ZnA ligand is responsible for the slow tight binding behavior of Pb(II). The data support a novel model where a high affinity lead site is a hybrid of the ZnA and ZnB sites. We propose that the lone electron pair of Pb(II) precludes Pb(II) to function in PBGS catalysis.
Human porphobilinogen synthase (PBGS) is a main target in lead poisoning. Human PBGS purifies with eight Zn(II) per homo-octamer; four ZnA have predominantly nonsulfur ligands, and four ZnB have predominantly sulfur ligands. Only four Zn(II) are required for activity. To better elucidate the roles of Zn(II) and Pb(II), we produced human PBGS mutants that are designed to lack either the ZnA or ZnB sites. These proteins, MinusZnA (H131A, C223A) and MinusZnB (C122A, C124A, C132A), each become purified with four Zn(II) per octamer, thus confirming an asymmetry in the human PBGS structure. MinusZnA is fully active, whereas MinusZnB is far less active, verifying an important catalytic role for ZnB and the removed cysteine residues. Kinetic properties of the mutants and wild type proteins are described. Comparison of Pb(II) inhibition of the mutants shows that ligands to both ZnA and ZnB interact with Pb(II). The ZnB ligands preferentially interact with Pb(II). At least one ZnA ligand is responsible for the slow tight binding behavior of Pb(II). The data support a novel model where a high affinity lead site is a hybrid of the ZnA and ZnB sites. We propose that the lone electron pair of Pb(II) precludes Pb(II) to function in PBGS catalysis.
Human porphobilinogen synthase (PBGS) is a main target in lead poisoning. Human PBGS purifies with eight Zn(II) per homo-octamer; four ZnA have predominantly nonsulfur ligands, and four ZnB have predominantly sulfur ligands. Only four Zn(II) are required for activity. To better elucidate the roles of Zn(II) and Pb(II), we produced human PBGS mutants that are designed to lack either the ZnA or ZnB sites. These proteins, MinusZnA (H131A, C223A) and MinusZnB (C122A, C124A, C132A), each become purified with four Zn(II) per octamer, thus confirming an asymmetry in the human PBGS structure. MinusZnA is fully active, whereas MinusZnB is far less active, verifying an important catalytic role for ZnB and the removed cysteine residues. Kinetic properties of the mutants and wild type proteins are described. Comparison of Pb(II) inhibition of the mutants shows that ligands to both ZnA and ZnB interact with Pb(II). The ZnB ligands preferentially interact with Pb(II). At least one ZnA ligand is responsible for the slow tight binding behavior of Pb(II). The data support a novel model where a high affinity lead site is a hybrid of the ZnA and ZnB sites. We propose that the lone electron pair of Pb(II) precludes Pb(II) to function in PBGS catalysis.
Human porphobilinogen synthase (PBGS) is a main target in lead poisoning. Human PBGS purifies with eight Zn(II) per homo-octamer; four ZnA have predominantly nonsulfur ligands, and four ZnB have predominantly sulfur ligands. Only four Zn(II) are required for activity. To better elucidate the roles of Zn(II) and Pb(II), we produced human PBGS mutants that are designed to lack either the ZnA or ZnB sites. These proteins, MinusZnA (H131A, C223A) and MinusZnB (C122A, C124A, C132A), each become purified with four Zn(II) per octamer, thus confirming an asymmetry in the human PBGS structure. MinusZnA is fully active, whereas MinusZnB is far less active, verifying an important catalytic role for ZnB and the removed cysteine residues. Kinetic properties of the mutants and wild type proteins are described. Comparison of Pb(II) inhibition of the mutants shows that ligands to both ZnA and ZnB interact with Pb(II). The ZnB ligands preferentially interact with Pb(II). At least one ZnA ligand is responsible for the slow tight binding behavior of Pb(II). The data support a novel model where a high affinity lead site is a hybrid of the ZnA and ZnB sites. We propose that the lone electron pair of Pb(II) precludes Pb(II) to function in PBGS catalysis.
The chemical reactions and pathways resulting in the formation of heme, any compound of iron complexed in a porphyrin (tetrapyrrole) ring, from less complex precursors.
Human porphobilinogen synthase (PBGS) is a main target in lead poisoning. Human PBGS purifies with eight Zn(II) per homo-octamer; four ZnA have predominantly nonsulfur ligands, and four ZnB have predominantly sulfur ligands. Only four Zn(II) are required for activity. To better elucidate the roles of Zn(II) and Pb(II), we produced human PBGS mutants that are designed to lack either the ZnA or ZnB sites. These proteins, MinusZnA (H131A, C223A) and MinusZnB (C122A, C124A, C132A), each become purified with four Zn(II) per octamer, thus confirming an asymmetry in the human PBGS structure. MinusZnA is fully active, whereas MinusZnB is far less active, verifying an important catalytic role for ZnB and the removed cysteine residues. Kinetic properties of the mutants and wild type proteins are described. Comparison of Pb(II) inhibition of the mutants shows that ligands to both ZnA and ZnB interact with Pb(II). The ZnB ligands preferentially interact with Pb(II). At least one ZnA ligand is responsible for the slow tight binding behavior of Pb(II). The data support a novel model where a high affinity lead site is a hybrid of the ZnA and ZnB sites. We propose that the lone electron pair of Pb(II) precludes Pb(II) to function in PBGS catalysis.
The process of creating protein oligomers, compounds composed of a small number, usually between three and ten, of identical component monomers. Oligomers may be formed by the polymerization of a number of monomers or the depolymerization of a large protein polymer.
Evidence
1:
Inferred from Physical InteractionUniProtKB
Human porphobilinogen synthase (PBGS) is a main target in lead poisoning. Human PBGS purifies with eight Zn(II) per homo-octamer; four ZnA have predominantly nonsulfur ligands, and four ZnB have predominantly sulfur ligands. Only four Zn(II) are required for activity. To better elucidate the roles of Zn(II) and Pb(II), we produced human PBGS mutants that are designed to lack either the ZnA or ZnB sites. These proteins, MinusZnA (H131A, C223A) and MinusZnB (C122A, C124A, C132A), each become purified with four Zn(II) per octamer, thus confirming an asymmetry in the human PBGS structure. MinusZnA is fully active, whereas MinusZnB is far less active, verifying an important catalytic role for ZnB and the removed cysteine residues. Kinetic properties of the mutants and wild type proteins are described. Comparison of Pb(II) inhibition of the mutants shows that ligands to both ZnA and ZnB interact with Pb(II). The ZnB ligands preferentially interact with Pb(II). At least one ZnA ligand is responsible for the slow tight binding behavior of Pb(II). The data support a novel model where a high affinity lead site is a hybrid of the ZnA and ZnB sites. We propose that the lone electron pair of Pb(II) precludes Pb(II) to function in PBGS catalysis.
Porphobilinogen synthase (PBGS) catalyzes the first common step in tetrapyrrole (e.g. heme, chlorophyll) biosynthesis. Human PBGS exists as an equilibrium of high activity octamers, low activity hexamers, and alternate dimer configurations that dictate the stoichiometry and architecture of further assembly. It is posited that small molecules can be found that inhibit human PBGS activity by stabilizing the hexamer. Such molecules, if present in the environment, could potentiate disease states associated with reduced PBGS activity, such as lead poisoning and ALAD porphyria, the latter of which is associated with human PBGS variants whose quaternary structure equilibrium is shifted toward the hexamer (Jaffe, E. K., and Stith, L. (2007) Am. J. Hum. Genet. 80, 329-337). Hexamer-stabilizing inhibitors of human PBGS were identified using in silico prescreening (docking) of approximately 111,000 structures to a hexamer-specific surface cavity of a human PBGS crystal structure. Seventy-seven compounds were evaluated in vitro; three provided 90-100% conversion of octamer to hexamer in a native PAGE mobility shift assay. Based on chemical purity, two (ML-3A9 and ML-3H2) were subjected to further evaluation of their effect on the quaternary structure equilibrium and enzymatic activity. Naturally occurring ALAD porphyria-associated human PBGS variants are shown to have an increased susceptibility to inhibition by both ML-3A9 and ML-3H2. ML-3H2 is a structural analog of amebicidal drugs, which have porphyria-like side effects. Data support the hypothesis that human PBGS hexamer stabilization may explain these side effects. The current work identifies allosteric ligands of human PBGS and, thus, identifies human PBGS as a medically relevant allosteric enzyme.
Human porphobilinogen synthase (PBGS) is a main target in lead poisoning. Human PBGS purifies with eight Zn(II) per homo-octamer; four ZnA have predominantly nonsulfur ligands, and four ZnB have predominantly sulfur ligands. Only four Zn(II) are required for activity. To better elucidate the roles of Zn(II) and Pb(II), we produced human PBGS mutants that are designed to lack either the ZnA or ZnB sites. These proteins, MinusZnA (H131A, C223A) and MinusZnB (C122A, C124A, C132A), each become purified with four Zn(II) per octamer, thus confirming an asymmetry in the human PBGS structure. MinusZnA is fully active, whereas MinusZnB is far less active, verifying an important catalytic role for ZnB and the removed cysteine residues. Kinetic properties of the mutants and wild type proteins are described. Comparison of Pb(II) inhibition of the mutants shows that ligands to both ZnA and ZnB interact with Pb(II). The ZnB ligands preferentially interact with Pb(II). At least one ZnA ligand is responsible for the slow tight binding behavior of Pb(II). The data support a novel model where a high affinity lead site is a hybrid of the ZnA and ZnB sites. We propose that the lone electron pair of Pb(II) precludes Pb(II) to function in PBGS catalysis.
Porphobilinogen synthase (PBGS) catalyzes the first common step in the biosynthesis of tetrapyrroles (such as heme and chlorophyll). Although the predominant oligomeric form of this enzyme, as inferred from many crystal structures, is that of a homo-octamer, a rare human PBGS allele, F12L, reveals the presence of a hexameric form. Rearrangement of an N-terminal arm is responsible for this oligomeric switch, which results in profound changes in kinetic behavior. The structural transition between octamer and hexamer must proceed through an unparalleled equilibrium containing two different dimer structures. The allosteric magnesium, present in most PBGS, has a binding site in the octamer but not in the hexamer. The unprecedented structural rearrangement reported here relates to the allosteric regulation of PBGS and suggests that alternative PBGS oligomers may function in a magnesium-dependent regulation of tetrapyrrole biosynthesis in plants and some bacteria.
Binds 8 zinc ions per octamer. Only four zinc ions per octamer are required for full catalytic activity. Only four zinc ions per octamer are tightly bound. Can bind 2 zinc ions per subunit. The first zinc ion is important for catalysis.
Human porphobilinogen synthase (PBGS) is a main target in lead poisoning. Human PBGS purifies with eight Zn(II) per homo-octamer; four ZnA have predominantly nonsulfur ligands, and four ZnB have predominantly sulfur ligands. Only four Zn(II) are required for activity. To better elucidate the roles of Zn(II) and Pb(II), we produced human PBGS mutants that are designed to lack either the ZnA or ZnB sites. These proteins, MinusZnA (H131A, C223A) and MinusZnB (C122A, C124A, C132A), each become purified with four Zn(II) per octamer, thus confirming an asymmetry in the human PBGS structure. MinusZnA is fully active, whereas MinusZnB is far less active, verifying an important catalytic role for ZnB and the removed cysteine residues. Kinetic properties of the mutants and wild type proteins are described. Comparison of Pb(II) inhibition of the mutants shows that ligands to both ZnA and ZnB interact with Pb(II). The ZnB ligands preferentially interact with Pb(II). At least one ZnA ligand is responsible for the slow tight binding behavior of Pb(II). The data support a novel model where a high affinity lead site is a hybrid of the ZnA and ZnB sites. We propose that the lone electron pair of Pb(II) precludes Pb(II) to function in PBGS catalysis.
Can alternate between a fully active homooctamer and a low-activity homohexamer. A bound magnesium ion may promote the assembly of the fully active homooctamer. The magnesium-binding site is absent in the low-activity homohexamer. Inhibited by compounds that favor the hexameric state. Inhibited by divalent lead ions. The lead ions partially displace the zinc cofactor.
Porphobilinogen synthase (PBGS) catalyzes the first common step in tetrapyrrole (e.g. heme, chlorophyll) biosynthesis. Human PBGS exists as an equilibrium of high activity octamers, low activity hexamers, and alternate dimer configurations that dictate the stoichiometry and architecture of further assembly. It is posited that small molecules can be found that inhibit human PBGS activity by stabilizing the hexamer. Such molecules, if present in the environment, could potentiate disease states associated with reduced PBGS activity, such as lead poisoning and ALAD porphyria, the latter of which is associated with human PBGS variants whose quaternary structure equilibrium is shifted toward the hexamer (Jaffe, E. K., and Stith, L. (2007) Am. J. Hum. Genet. 80, 329-337). Hexamer-stabilizing inhibitors of human PBGS were identified using in silico prescreening (docking) of approximately 111,000 structures to a hexamer-specific surface cavity of a human PBGS crystal structure. Seventy-seven compounds were evaluated in vitro; three provided 90-100% conversion of octamer to hexamer in a native PAGE mobility shift assay. Based on chemical purity, two (ML-3A9 and ML-3H2) were subjected to further evaluation of their effect on the quaternary structure equilibrium and enzymatic activity. Naturally occurring ALAD porphyria-associated human PBGS variants are shown to have an increased susceptibility to inhibition by both ML-3A9 and ML-3H2. ML-3H2 is a structural analog of amebicidal drugs, which have porphyria-like side effects. Data support the hypothesis that human PBGS hexamer stabilization may explain these side effects. The current work identifies allosteric ligands of human PBGS and, thus, identifies human PBGS as a medically relevant allosteric enzyme.
Porphobilinogen synthase (PBGS) catalyzes the first common step in the biosynthesis of tetrapyrroles (such as heme and chlorophyll). Although the predominant oligomeric form of this enzyme, as inferred from many crystal structures, is that of a homo-octamer, a rare human PBGS allele, F12L, reveals the presence of a hexameric form. Rearrangement of an N-terminal arm is responsible for this oligomeric switch, which results in profound changes in kinetic behavior. The structural transition between octamer and hexamer must proceed through an unparalleled equilibrium containing two different dimer structures. The allosteric magnesium, present in most PBGS, has a binding site in the octamer but not in the hexamer. The unprecedented structural rearrangement reported here relates to the allosteric regulation of PBGS and suggests that alternative PBGS oligomers may function in a magnesium-dependent regulation of tetrapyrrole biosynthesis in plants and some bacteria.
Human porphobilinogen synthase (PBGS) is a main target in lead poisoning. Human PBGS purifies with eight Zn(II) per homo-octamer; four ZnA have predominantly nonsulfur ligands, and four ZnB have predominantly sulfur ligands. Only four Zn(II) are required for activity. To better elucidate the roles of Zn(II) and Pb(II), we produced human PBGS mutants that are designed to lack either the ZnA or ZnB sites. These proteins, MinusZnA (H131A, C223A) and MinusZnB (C122A, C124A, C132A), each become purified with four Zn(II) per octamer, thus confirming an asymmetry in the human PBGS structure. MinusZnA is fully active, whereas MinusZnB is far less active, verifying an important catalytic role for ZnB and the removed cysteine residues. Kinetic properties of the mutants and wild type proteins are described. Comparison of Pb(II) inhibition of the mutants shows that ligands to both ZnA and ZnB interact with Pb(II). The ZnB ligands preferentially interact with Pb(II). At least one ZnA ligand is responsible for the slow tight binding behavior of Pb(II). The data support a novel model where a high affinity lead site is a hybrid of the ZnA and ZnB sites. We propose that the lone electron pair of Pb(II) precludes Pb(II) to function in PBGS catalysis.
Protein involved in the synthesis of porphyrins which are compounds that contain the porphin structure, e.g. four pyrrole rings connected by methine bridges in a cyclic configuration to which a variety of side chains are attached. Porphyrins often chelate metal ions (Fe, Mg, Co, Zn, Cu, Ni). Examples are, heme proteins (which contain iron porphyrins) like myoglobin, hemoglobin, cytochromes, or related macrocycles including chlorophylls (which have a central magnesium ion) and pheophytins (which are metal free) and vitamin B-12 (which has cobalt).
Enzyme that catalyzes the cleavage of C-C, C-O, C-S, C-N or other bonds by other means than by hydrolysis or oxidation, with two substrates in one reaction direction, and one in the other. In the latter direction, a molecule (of carbon dioxide, water, etc) is eliminated, thus creating a new double bond or a new ring.
Enzyme whose activity is modified by the noncovalent binding of an allosteric effector at a site other than the active site. This binding mediates conformational changes, altering its catalytic or binding properties.
A reference proteome is a set of protein sequences derived from a complete proteome which constitutes a defined standard for a particular user community. Reference proteomes are manually defined according to a number of criteria. They cover the proteomes of well- studied model organisms and other proteomes of interest for biomedical and biotechnological research. Reference proteomes have been selected to provide broad coverage of the tree of life, and constitute a representative cross-section of the taxonomic diversity to be found within UniProtKB.