Enolase - Structure

Structure

Enolase has a molecular weight of 82,000-100,000 Daltons depending on the isoform. In human alpha enolase, the two subunits are antiparallel in orientation so that Glu20 of one subunit forms an ionic bond with Arg414 of the other subunit. Each subunit has two distinct domains. The smaller N-terminal domain consists of three α-helices and four β-sheets. The larger C-terminal domain starts with two β-sheets followed by two α-helices and ends with a barrel composed of alternating β-sheets and α-helices arranged so that the β-beta sheets are surrounded by the α-helices. The enzyme’s compact, globular structure results from significant hydrophobic interactions between these two domains.

Enolase is a highly conserved enzyme with five active-site residues being especially important for activity. When compared to wild-type enolase, a mutant enolase that differs at either the Glu168, Glu211, Lys345, or Lys396 residue has an activity level that is cut by a factor of 105. Also, changes affecting His159 leave the mutant with only 0.01% of its catalytic activity. An integral part of enolase are two Mg2+ cofactors in the active site, which serve to stabilize negative charges in the substrate.

3-D depiction of enolase dimer in antiparallel orientation. One dimer’s N-terminal Glu20 forms an ionic bond with the other’s C-terminal Arg414 to stabilize the enzyme’s quaternary structure.
Active site of enolase in the middle of the C-terminal domain’s barrel. Depicted are two Mg2+ cofactors and five highly conserved residues imperative for proper catalytic function: His159, Glu168, Glu211, Lys345, Lys396.

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