Molecular Dynamics Simulations of Substrate Release from Trypanosoma cruzi UDP-Galactopyranose Mutase

The enzyme UDP-galactopyranose mutase (UGM) represents a promising drug target for the treatment of infections with Trypanosoma cruzi. We have computed the Potential of Mean Force for the release of UDP-galactopyranose from UGM, using Umbrella Sampling simulations. The simulations revealed the conformational changes that both substrate and enzyme undergo during the process. It was determined that the galactopyranose portion of the substrate is highly mobile and that the opening/closing of the active site occurs in stages. Previously uncharacterized interactions with highly conserved residues were also identified. These findings provide new pieces of information that contribute to the rational design of drugs against T. cruzi.Fil: Cossio Pérez, Rodrigo. Universidad Nacional de Quilmes. Departamento de Ciencia y Tecnología; Argentina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas; ArgentinaFil: Pierdominici Sottile, Gustavo. Universidad Nacional de Quilmes. Departamento de Ciencia y Tecnología; Argentina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas; ArgentinaFil: Sobrado, Pablo. No especifíca;Fil: Palma, Juliana Isabel. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas; Argentina. Universidad Nacional de Quilmes. Departamento de Ciencia y Tecnología; Argentin