Structural analyses and engineering of the pmHAS enzyme to improve its functional performance: An in silico study

Abstract

The Pasteurella multocida hyaluronic acid synthase (pmHAS) is reported to be able to solve the problem of hyaluronic acid (HA) polydispersity, while simplifying its purification process. In the present study, we tried to design a mutant pmHAS enzyme with improved functional properties. In this regard, several mutations were predicted and exerted within the active site of the enzyme. The obtained results showed that the mutant enzyme was more stable and was able to bind to its ligands with higher affinity. Given our results, the mutated enzyme could be used to produce HA more efficiently and prevent the breakdown of HA.