Exploring the substrate stereoselectivity and catalytic mechanism of nonribosomal peptide macrocyclization in surugamides biosynthesis

SurE, the first reported penicillin-binding protein-like thioesterase (PBP-like TE), is known as a new off-loading cyclase, which catalyzes heterochiral coupling in nonribosomal peptides (NRPs). However, the structural rationale for substrate stereoselectivity and enzymatic mechanism remains mysterious. Here, computational models, integrating MD simulations and QM/MM methods, unveiled SurE's substrate recognition and catalytic process. An oxyanion hole stabilized the C-terminal D-residue during recognition. Residue R446 anchored the substrate for macrocyclization. A vital hydrogen-bonding network (Y154, K66, N156), verified by mutation results, was responsible for the recognition of N-terminal L-residue and involvement in catalytic process with a calculated 19.4 kcal/mol energy barrier. Four novel-designed peptide precursors were effectively cyclized into cyclopeptides by SurE based on computational analysis. Our results provide a comprehensive understanding of SurE's catalytic mechanism and guiding design of versatile PBP-like TEs for novel macrocyclic NRPs.