Structure of the lysine specific protease Kgp from Porphyromonas gingivalis, a target for improved oral health.

ABSTRACT: The oral pathogen Porphyromonas gingivalis is a keystone pathogen in the development of chronic periodontitis. Gingipains, the principle virulence factors of P. gingivalis are multidomain, cell-surface proteins containing a cysteine protease domain. The lysine specific gingipain, Kgp, is a critical virulence factor of P. gingivalis. We have determined the X-ray crystal structure of the lysine-specific protease domain of Kgp to 1.6 Å resolution. The structure provides insights into the mechanism of substrate specificity and catalysis.

SUBMITTER: Gorman MA 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4282422 | biostudies-literature | 2015 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature