Crystal structure of the catalytic domain of the Weissella oryzae botulinum-like toxin.
Kosenina, S., Masuyer, G., Zhang, S., Dong, M., Stenmark, P.(2019) FEBS Lett 593: 1403-1410
- PubMed: 31111466 
- DOI: https://doi.org/10.1002/1873-3468.13446
- Primary Citation of Related Structures:  
6RIM - PubMed Abstract: 
Botulinum neurotoxins (BoNTs) are the most potent toxins known. So far, eight serotypes have been identified that all act as zinc-dependent endopeptidases targeting SNARE proteins and inhibiting the release of neurotransmitters. Recently, the first botulinum toxin-like protein was identified outside the Clostridial genus, designated BoNT/Wo in the genome of Weissella oryzae. Here, we report the 1.6 Å X-ray crystal structure of the light chain of BoNT/Wo (LC/Wo). LC/Wo presents the core fold common to BoNTs but has an unusually wide, open and negatively charged catalytic pocket, with an additional Ca 2+ ion besides the zinc ion and a unique ß-hairpin motif. The structural information will help establish the substrate profile of BoNT/Wo and help our understanding of how BoNT evolved.
Organizational Affiliation: 
Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Stockholm University, Sweden.