Family 1 glycosidases (GH1) are present in the three domains of life and share classical TIM-barrel fold. Structural and biochemical analyses of a resurrected ancestral GH1 enzyme reveal heme binding, not known in its modern descendants. Heme rigidifies the TIM-barrel and allosterically enhances catalysis.
- Gloria Gamiz-Arco
- Luis I. Gutierrez-Rus
- Jose M. Sanchez-Ruiz