Fit and Conformational Changes

The current understanding on activation of Tec kinases fits into a two-step model. In the first step an intramolecular interaction between the SH3 domain and aproline-rich region in the TH domain is disrupted by binding ofthe PH domain to phosphoinositides, G protein subunits, or the FERM domain of Fak. These interactions lead to conformational changes of Tec and translocation to the cytoplasmic membrane where, in a second step, Src kinases phosphorylate a conserved tyrosine residue in the catalytic domain thereby increasing Tec kinase activity. Autophosphorylation of a tyrosine residue in the SH3 domain further prevents the inhibitory intramolecular interaction resulting in a robust Tec kinase activation. 

Figure 7-5. Two-dimensional representation of Koshland s induced fit model of the active site of a lyase. Binding of the substrate A—B induces conformational changes In the enzyme that aligns catalytic residues which participate in catalysis and strains the bond between A and B, facilitating its cleavage.

The INDUCED-FIT model for enzyme specificity says that good substrates must be able to cause the enzyme to change shape (conformation) so that catalytic and functional groups on the enzyme are brought into just the right place to catalyze the reaction. Bad substrates are bad because they aren t able to make the specific interactions that cause the conformation change, and the enzyme stays in its inactive conformation. 

Figure 6. Enzymes act as recycling catalysts in biochemical reactions. A substrate molecule binds (reversible) to the active site of an enzyme, forming an enzyme substrate complex. Upon binding, a series of conformational changes is induced that strengthens the binding (corresponding to the induced fit model of Koshland [148]) and leads to the formation of an enzyme product complex. To complete the cycle, the product is released, allowing the enzyme to bind further substrate molecules. (Adapted from Ref. 1). See color insert.

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