MxaJ structure reveals a periplasmic binding protein-like architecture with unique secondary structural elements

MxaJ is a component of type II methanol dehydrogenase (MDH) that mediates electron transfer during methanol oxidation in methanotrophic bacteria. However, little is known about how MxaJ structurally cooperates with MDH and Cytochrome c_L . Here, we report for the first time the crystal structure of MxaJ. MxaJ consists of eight α-helices and six β-strands, and resembles the "bi-lobate" folding architecture found in periplasmic binding proteins. Distinctive features of MxaJ include prominent loops and a β-strand around the hinge region supporting the ligand-binding cavity, which might provide a more favorable framework for interacting with proteins rather than small molecules. Proteins 2017; 85:1379-1386. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.