Structural basis for catalysis and inhibition of N-glycan processing class I alpha 1,2-mannosidases.
Vallee, F., Karaveg, K., Herscovics, A., Moremen, K.W., Howell, P.L.(2000) J Biol Chem 275: 41287-41298
- PubMed: 10995765 
- DOI: https://doi.org/10.1074/jbc.M006927200
- Primary Citation of Related Structures:  
1FMI, 1FO2, 1FO3 - PubMed Abstract: 
Endoplasmic reticulum (ER) class I alpha1,2-mannosidase (also known as ER alpha-mannosidase I) is a critical enzyme in the maturation of N-linked oligosaccharides and ER-associated degradation. Trimming of a single mannose residue acts as a signal to target misfolded glycoproteins for degradation by the proteasome. Crystal structures of the catalytic domain of human ER class I alpha1,2-mannosidase have been determined both in the presence and absence of the potent inhibitors kifunensine and 1-deoxymannojirimycin. Both inhibitors bind to the protein at the bottom of the active-site cavity, with the essential calcium ion coordinating the O-2' and O-3' hydroxyls and stabilizing the six-membered rings of both inhibitors in a (1)C(4) conformation. This is the first direct evidence of the role of the calcium ion. The lack of major conformational changes upon inhibitor binding and structural comparisons with the yeast alpha1, 2-mannosidase enzyme-product complex suggest that this class of inverting enzymes has a novel catalytic mechanism. The structures also provide insight into the specificity of this class of enzymes and provide a blueprint for the future design of novel inhibitors that prevent degradation of misfolded proteins in genetic diseases.
Organizational Affiliation: 
Program in Structural Biology and Biochemistry, Research Institute, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario M5G 1X8, Canada.