Understanding how noncatalytic carbohydrate binding modules can display specificity for xyloglucan

Abstract

Background: Carbohydrate binding modules (CBMs) contribute to the enzymatic degradation of complex polysaccharide structures. Results: New CBMs display specificity for decorated glucans through an extensive hydrophobic platform that interacts with both backbone and side chain structures. Conclusion: CBMs that bind to complex β-glucans exploit different components of these ligands as specificity determinants. Significance: CBMs can utilize the side chains of decorated glucans as specificity determinants.© 2013 by The American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Inc.