Glycosylation and charge distribution orchestrates the conformational ensembles of a biotechnologically promissory phytase in different pHs – a computational study

Abstract

Phytases [myo-inositol(1,2,3,4,5,6) hexakisphosphate phosphohydrolases] are phytate-specific phosphatases not present in monogastric animals. Nevertheless, they are an essential supplement to feeding such animals and for human special diets. It is crucial, hence, the biotechnological use of phytases with intrinsic stability and activity at the acid pHs from gastric environments. Here we use Metadynamics (METADY) simulations to probe the conformational space of the Aspergillus nidulans phytase and the differential effects of pH and glycosylation in this same space. The results suggest that strategic combinations of pH and glycosylation affect the stability of native-like conformations and alternate these structures from a metastable to a stable profile. Furthermore, the protein segments previously reported as more thermosensitive in phytases from this family present a pivotal role in the conformational changes at different conditions, especially H2, H5-7, L8, L10, L12, and L17. Also, the glycosylations and the pH-dependent charge balance modulate the mobility and interactions at these same regions, with consequences for the surface solvation and active site exposition. Finally, although the glycosylations have stabilized the native structure and improved the substrate docking at all the studied pHs, the data suggest a higher phytate receptivity at catalytic poses for the unglycosylated structure at pH 6.5 and the glycosylated one at pH 4.5. This behavior agrees with the exact change in optimum pH reported for this enzyme, expressed on low or high glycosylating systems. We hope the results and insights presented here will be helpful in future approaches for rational engineering of technologically promising phytases and intelligent planning of their heterologous expression systems and conditions for use.

Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma

Keywords:

• Aspergillus nidulans phytase
• metadynamics
• molecular dynamics simulation
• glycosylation
• electrostatic surface potential
• pH and protonation states
• conformational free energy landscape of proteins
• enzymes in biotechnology

Disclosure statement

The authors have no conflicts of interest to declare.

Additional information

Funding

National Council for Scientific and Technological Development (CNPq), grants 403140/2022-6, 200775/2022-7 and 200776/2022-3.