“A hidden structure may explain how infant gut bacteria gets nutrients”

Key points

• Researchers study PNGaseABif from infant-associated Bifidobacterium bifidum strains.
• Enzyme shows strong preference for glycopeptides over larger glycoproteins.
• A novel ten-stranded β-sheet cradle forms a C-shaped pocket for short glycopeptides.
• Catalytic residues Asp107 and Glu236 are implicated in glycan cleavage mechanism.
• Findings suggest broader presence of similar cradles in PNGaseA superfamily and potential infant gut roles.