The enzymatic reaction-induced configuration change of the prosthetic group PQQ of methanol dehydrogenase

► Three crystal structures of methanol dehydrogenase from Methylophilus W3A1 in a new crystal form were determined at high resolution. ► Two crystals grown in the presence of 50 mM methanol and ethanol, respectively, show different configurations of the prosthetic group PQQ. ► Oxidation of methanol catalyzed by the enzyme induces a configuration change of PQQ, from the oxidized orthoquinone form to the C5-reduced PQQ intermediate.