Hi : Very interesting question that you are pointing out !. I have no experience with enzyme chimeras, however I think that if you got crystals and they diffract you should be able to solve the structure by MR using one or both structures as a seeding model within the chimera.
There is a very interesting review by Smyth and coworkers about the use of fusion proteins in affinity tags for solving protein structures. I know that is not your case, but is very similar. Take a look at : Smyth et al. "Crystal structures of fusion proteins with large-affinity tags". Protein Sci. 2003 Jul;12(7):1313-22. Review. Hope you find it interesting Cheers Francisco > Dear All: > I am working with two enzymes (40 kDa each). The crystal structures of > the two enzymes are known. > I have made a hybrid enzyme of the two individual ones. > This chimeric/hybrid enzyme is soluble and exhibits activity of the two > individual enzymes. > My questions are as follows: > 1. Could I use one of the enzyme's structure to solve the crystal > structure of the hybrid by MR? > 2. Has anyone working with such hybrids (?) noticed any increase in > specific activity of either of the enzymes? > Interestingly, the two enzymes work on the same substrate polymer. One > is a hydrolase another is an esterase. > > Thanks a lot. > Subbu > ----------------------------------------- Francisco J. Enguita, Ph.D. Host-pathogen Interactions Group Macromolecular Crystallography Laboratory ITQB EAN, Av. da República 2781-901 Oeiras Portugal Phone : +351-21-4469663 Fax : +351-21-4433644 E-mail : [EMAIL PROTECTED] -----------------------------------------
