Structure-based function analysis of putative conserved proteins with isomerase activity from Haemophilus influenzae
Mohd Shahbaaz1, Faizan Ahmad2, Md Imtaiyaz Hassan3
1Department of Computer Science, Jamia Millia Islamia, Jamia Nagar, New Delhi, 110025, India.
3 Biotech
|March 22, 2017
Summary
This study identified 13 hypothetical proteins in Haemophilus influenzae with isomerase activity, crucial for understanding bacterial survival and pathogenesis. These findings aid in developing new therapeutic targets against this pathogen.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Genomics
- Structural Biology
Background:
- Haemophilus influenzae is a Gram-negative bacterium causing severe infections like meningitis.
- Its genome was the first to be fully sequenced, offering a basis for detailed analysis.
- Many hypothetical proteins (HPs) in H. influenzae lack defined functions, hindering understanding of its biology.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assign precise functions to uncharacterized hypothetical proteins in H. influenzae.
- To identify potential novel therapeutic targets by understanding protein functions.
- To elucidate the role of HPs in bacterial pathogenesis and survival mechanisms.
Main Methods:
- Comprehensive analysis of the H. influenzae genome using protein structure and function prediction tools.
- In silico modeling and structural analysis of identified hypothetical proteins.
- Sequence and structural similarity searches against known enzyme families, particularly isomerases.
Main Results:
- Identified 13 hypothetical proteins with significant sequence and structural similarity to isomerases.
- Determined specific isomerase activities including alanine racemase, lysine 2,3-aminomutase, and pseudouridine synthases (Rlu B, C, E).
- Confirmed presence of TIM barrel domains and isomerase-like activities in these HPs, suggesting roles in metabolic pathways.
Conclusions:
- Hypothetical proteins with isomerase activities play a significant role in H. influenzae survival and pathogenesis.
- Functional characterization of these HPs provides insights into essential biochemical pathways.
- This research identifies potential targets for developing new antimicrobial therapies against H. influenzae infections.
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