Structure of l-rhamnose isomerase in complex with l-rhamnopyranose demonstrates the sugar-ring opening mechanism and the role of a substrate sub-binding site

▸ l-Rhamnose isomerase catalyzes the reversible isomerization of l-rhamnose to l-rhamnulose. ▸ The catalytic reaction includes opening of the sugar-ring, but the mechanism is unclear. ▸ The structure of the enzyme with substrates in a pyranose ring form was determined. ▸ A catalytic water molecule is probably involved in opening the pyranose ring. ▸ A newly found substrate sub-binding site recognizes the anomers of substrates.