Complex formation between mycobacterial polysaccharides or cyclodextrins and palmitoyl coenzyme A

Area of Science:

• Biochemistry
• Molecular Biology
• Organic Chemistry

Background:

• Mycobacterial polysaccharides like MMP and MGLP, along with cyclodextrins, form complexes with palmitoyl-CoA.
• Complex formation is attributed to hydrophobic interactions, influencing enzyme systems.

Purpose of the Study:

• To synthesize alkylated cyclodextrin derivatives to enhance hydrophobic character.
• To investigate the interaction of these derivatives and mycobacterial polysaccharides with palmitoyl-CoA.
• To elucidate the mechanism of fatty acid synthesis stimulation.

Main Methods:

• Synthesis of various alkylated cyclodextrin derivatives.
• Assay of fatty acid synthesis catalyzed by Mycobacterium smegmatis fatty acid synthetase.
• Spectroscopic analysis (optical rotation) to detect conformational changes.

Main Results:

• Alkylated cyclodextrins and mycobacterial polysaccharides form stoichiometric complexes with palmitoyl-CoA.
• Complex formation stimulates fatty acid synthesis, with efficacy varying among derivatives.
• Palmitoyl-CoA binding to MMP involves hydrophobic interactions and hydrogen bonding with the CoA moiety, inducing conformational changes.

Conclusions:

• Mycobacterial polysaccharides and alkylated cyclodextrins form similar inclusion complexes with palmitoyl-CoA.
• These complexes stimulate fatty acid synthesis through hydrophobic interactions and hydrogen bonding.
• Complex formation induces significant conformational changes in the polysaccharides.