Crystal structures of triosephosphate isomerase from methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus MRSA252 provide structural insights into novel modes of ligand binding and unique conformations of catalytic loop

► First report of atomic resolution structures of SaTIM in complex with ligands. ► Unique “almost closed” conformation of catalytic L6 observed. ► L6 conformation varies and depends on position of phosphate groups in ligands. ► First report of novel binding of G2P, 3PG in TIM: triose group away from catalytic residues. ► First report of new phosphate binding site in TIM in complex with 2PG.