Primary Citation of Related Structures:   1HFC
PubMed Abstract: 
The X-ray crystal structure of a 19 kDa active fragment of human fibroblast collagenase has been determined by the multiple isomorphous replacement method and refined at 1.56 A resolution to an R-factor of 17.4%. The current structure includes a bound hydroxamate inhibitor, 88 waters and three metal atoms (two zincs and a calcium) ...
The X-ray crystal structure of a 19 kDa active fragment of human fibroblast collagenase has been determined by the multiple isomorphous replacement method and refined at 1.56 A resolution to an R-factor of 17.4%. The current structure includes a bound hydroxamate inhibitor, 88 waters and three metal atoms (two zincs and a calcium). The overall topology of the enzyme, comprised of a five stranded beta-sheet and three alpha-helices, is similar to the thermolysin-like metalloproteinases. There are some important differences between the collagenase and thermolysin families of enzymes. The active site zinc ligands are all histidines (His-218, His-222, and His-228). The presence of a second zinc ion in a structural role is a unique feature of the matrix metalloproteinases. The binding properties of the active site cleft are more dependent on the main chain conformation of the enzyme (and substrate) compared with thermolysin. A mechanism of action for peptide cleavage similar to that of thermolysin is proposed for fibroblast collagenase.
Related Citations: 
Structure of Human Neutrophil Collagenase Reveals Large S1' Specificity Pocket Stams, T., Spurlino, J.C., Smith, D.L., Wahl, R.C., Ho, T.F., Qoronfleh, M.W., Banks, T.M., Rubin, B. (1994) Nat Struct Biol 1: 119
Organizational Affiliation: 
Sterling Winthrop Pharmaceuticals Research Division, Collegeville, Pennsylvania 19426.