Conformational Study of GPI Anchors: the Common Oligosaccharide GPI Anchor Backbone

Abstract

The solution three-dimensional structure of pseudopentasaccharide 6, which constitutes the product from the GPI-PLD cleavage of a GPI anchor, has been studied using a protocol which involves a systematic search of the conformational space around the glycosidic linkages, a thorough molecular dynamics study with explicit water molecules and a full NMR analysis study of intramolecular hydrogen bonding in solution. The results indicate that 6 exists in an extended conformation with a considerable flexibility compatible with a hinge-like conformational motion.