Crystal structure of the human prostacyclin synthase.

ABSTRACT: Prostacyclin synthase (PGIS) catalyzes an isomerization of prostaglandin H(2) to prostacyclin, a potent mediator of vasodilation and anti-platelet aggregation. Here, we report the crystal structure of human PGIS at 2.15 A resolution, which represents the first three-dimensional structure of a class III cytochrome P450. While notable sequence divergence has been recognized between PGIS and other P450s, PGIS exhibits the typical triangular prism-shaped P450 fold with only moderate structural differences. The conserved acid-alcohol pair in the I helix of P450s is replaced by residues G286 and N287 in PGIS, but the distinctive disruption of the I helix and the presence of a nearby water channel remain conserved. The side-chain of N287 appears to be positioned to facilitate the endoperoxide bon

SUBMITTER: Chiang CW 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC1995163 | biostudies-literature | 2006 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature