Modulation of domain-domain interaction and protein function by a charged linker: A case study of mycobacteriophage D29 endolysin

Phage-encoded cell wall peptidoglycan hydrolyzing enzymes, called endolysins, are essential for efficient release of virions from bacteria, and show species-specific killing of the host. We have demonstrated previously that the interaction between N-terminal catalytic and C-terminal cell wall binding domains of mycobacteriophage D29 endolysin makes the enzyme inactive in Escherichiacoli. Here, we demonstrate that such interaction occurs intramolecularly and is facilitated by a charged linker that connects the two domains. We also show that linker composition is crucial for the inactivation of PG hydrolase in E. coli. Such knowledge will immensely help in bioengineering of endolysins with narrow or broad spectrum antimicrobial activity.