A water molecule identified as a substrate of enzymatic hydrolysis of cellulose: A statistical-mechanics study

We calculated three-dimensional (3D) distribution of water molecules around and inside a complex of a cellulase, Cel44A, with a cellohexaose, based on the 3D-RISM theory. A distinct peak is observed in the 3D-distribution of water at the position within the hydrogen-bond distance from the two residues Glu186 and Glu359 in the enzyme. We identified the water molecule as a substrate of the enzymatic hydrolysis reaction. The finding provides strong support to one of the proposed mechanisms concerning the reaction, that is the retention process.