Structure of the sortase AcSrtC-1 from Actinomyces oris

The crystal structure of the sortase AcSrtC-1 from the oral microorganism Actinomyces oris has been determined to 2.4 Å resolution. AcSrtC-1 is a cysteine transpeptidase that is responsible for the formation of fimbriae by the polymerization of a shaft protein. Similar to other pili-associated sortases, the AcSrtC-1 active site is protected by a flexible lid. The asymmetric unit contains five AcSrtC-1 molecules and their catalytic Cys-His-Arg triads are trapped in two different conformations. It is also shown that the thermostability of the enzyme is increased by the presence of calcium.