User:Jacob Holt/Sandbox 1
Desaturation of Fatty Acids using Stearoyl-CoA Desaturase-1 EnzymeDesaturation of Fatty Acids using Stearoyl-CoA Desaturase-1 Enzyme
Introduction![]() Stearyol CoA Desaturase (SCD1) functions as a lipogenic enzyme which is essential for fatty acid metabolism. SCD1 desaturates the sigma bond, within the 18-carbon acyl-CoA ligand, that attaches carbons 9 and 10[1]. The primary role of SCD1 is to catalyze the biosynthesis of monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs) via saturated acyl-CoAs with an acyl chain length of 14-19 carbons[2][3]. Variations of the monounsaturated fatty acids function as precursors for the biosynthesis of phospholipids, cholesteryl esters, and triglycerides; therefore, SCD1 is a promising candidate for drug targeting[1]. Structural Overview![]() SCD1 is a protein transmembrane protein (4 helices in membrane, 8 helices in cytoplasm, shown in figures 2 and 3) that acquires electrons via an electron transport chain which includes cytochrome b5 reductase and cytochrome b5.The electrons are transferred via a ternary complex and accepted by SCD1 by the iron metal ions[3]. SCD1 has 8 helices that are hydrophobic, 4 helices that are hydrophilic, and 3 helices that are amphipathic[1][3](figure 3).There are two Fe+2 metal ions within the structure of SCD1 that were determined by x-ray fluorescence chromatography x-ray fluorescense[3]. These ions are believed to be the activators of the catalytic molecule to allow for the desaturation reaction to occur within the enzyme. ![]()
Ligand Binding PocketThe ligand binding pocket is a narrow tunnel that extends approximately 24 Å into the mostly hydrophobic interior of the protein. The ligand is stabilized by bending into a kinked conformation which creates a tight fit in the binding pocket tunnel, and by a hydrogen bond that occurs between the W258 side chain and the acyl carbonyl[1]. The kink in the tunnel is formed by the conserved residues, [1].7 which are stabilized by the hydrogen bond shared with Q143[1]. There are that interact with the substrate; the Fe2+ ions are coordinated by 9 histidine residues. One metal ion is coordinated by 4 histidine's residues and a water molecule, and the other metal ion is coordinated by 5 histidine residues[1]. the ligand is seen to be in a eclipsed position, indicating it is in its post-reaction form. The histidine residues position the metal ions 6.4 Å apart[1]. Histidine CoordinationThere are that together coordinate the metal ions[1]. One of the metal ions is coordinated by 4 histidine's residues and a water molecule, and the other metal ion is coordinated by 5 histidine residues[1]. The histidine residues position the metal ions 6.4 Å apart[1]. Desaturation SiteThe ligand is desaturated at carbons 9 and 10[3]. The desaturation site of the ligand takes place inside the active site tunnel which enforces correct positioning of the substrate[1]. Before the reaction occurs, the ligand is in a gauche conformation at the desaturation site. This was determined by accidental usage of which allowed for binding of the substrate but prevented the reaction[3]. The product is in a cis conformation post-reaction. The product structure was determined using Fe2+ metal ions which allowed for the full reaction to take place[3]. The difference between the is the creation of a double bond, and the positioning of carbon 9 and 10 into a eclipsed position Active Site CapThe two conserved residues of the active site cap are . These two residues form a hydrogen bond creating a ridged barrier at the end of the active site to keep the ligand from moving during the reaction[1]. The active site cap is also used in determining the substrate length when entering the active site[1]. Catalytic MoleculeThe of the SCD1 enzyme is a water molecule, coordinated by via hydrogen bonding[1]. The water molecule is 2.2 Å away from the Fe2+ metal ion molecule[1]. It interacts with the Fe2+ ion to make highly reactive radicals that are able to desaturate the highly stable carbon chain[4]. It is through the coordination of these ions by the histidines that the are able to be positioned within the vicinity of carbons 9 and 10 of the ligand[4]. Substrate Entering and LeavingThe substrate enters the active site through the active site tunnel and undergoes a to conform to the kinked shape of the tunnel[1]. Upon the substrate being converted to its final form, the product is laterally released from the protein due to a lateral egress of H1 and H2 caused by the deformation in the hydrogen bonding of the residues N 143 and T 257[1].
Proposed Mechanism![]() The mechanism used by the SCD1 enzyme is different than most desaturase enzymes because it does not use an oxo-bridge. This was confirmed based on the distance between the metal ions (~6.4Å) and the lack of electron density that should be present with two oxygens[3]. There have been multiple proposed mechanisms, but the mechanism shown below is a shortened version of the mechanism that is the most accurate[4]. Step 1: Addition of O2 and H2O which react with the Fe2+ ions to create oxygen radicals on the iron ions (Figure 4). Step 2: Electron/proton pair is brought in via the electron transport chain; this increases the oxidation of both iron ions, gets rid of the radicals, and creates an active Fe-oxyl molecule (Figure).5 Fe-oxyl molecule is reactive enough, due to the change in the oxidation state, to pull off the first hydrogen on carbon 9 (figure 4). Step 3: An unstable radical intermediate of the 18-carbon acyl-CoA ligand is formed which reacts with the other Fe-O molecule, in the +3 state, to pull of the second hydrogen and form the final product (figure 4)[4]. Step 4: Another electron/proton pair is brought in to create three H2O molecules and to take the Fe ions back down to their original oxidation state of +2 (Figure 4)[4].
Regulation of EnzymeThe main function of SCD1 is to create the desaturated ligand that is used in the synthesis of cholesterol esters and triglycerides[3]. Based on this main function it has been confirmed that insulin and carbohydrate metabolism play a major role in the regulation of SCD1[5]. Along with insulin many other hormones have shown positive regulation of the SCD1 enzyme including T3, estradiol, and dexamethasone[5]. The carbohydrate metabolism can be altered by eating a fat-free, high carbohydrate diet with an increased intake of polyunsaturated fatty acids[5]. The will negatively regulate the mRNA expression of the SCD1 enzyme in the liver because high amounts of carbohydrates and polyunsaturated fatty acids decrease/inhibit the activity of the SCD1 enzyme[5].
Biological Relevance![]() Absence or a deficit of SCD1 in the body is associated with obesity and insulin resistant which is a main cause of Type II diabetes type 2 diabetes[3]. Cancer sites in the body tend to show a much higher expression rate of SCD1[3]. Focusing on SCD1 as a drug target could lead to advancements in treatment of obesity, diabetes, and other metabolic diseases[1]. The ligand structure was determined by using Zn2+ metal ions and product structure was determined using Fe2+ ions[3].
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Student ContributionsStudent Contributions
Carson Maris, Jess Kersey, Jacob Holt