Left-handed β-helix

UDP-GlcNAc acyltransferase (LpxA)

This enzyme catalyzes a step in Lipid A biosynthesis, a component of the outer membrane in Gram-negative bacteria. It is formed from 3 identical subunits, and the active site appears to be found between subunits. Each subunit contains a left-handed β-helix with 3 faces made up of short, parallel β-strands. 3 copies of a peptide inhibitor - colored green- identify the likely active sites.



Structure of UDP-N-acetylglucosamine acyltransferase with a bound antibacterial pentadecapeptide. Williams, A.H., Immormino, R.M., Gewirth, D.T., Raetz, C.R., (2006) Proc.Natl.Acad.Sci.Usa 103: 10877-10882
(PubMed)

2aq9 (PDB)