Oxyanion stabilization is essential for E2 enzyme activity in ubiquitin and Ub-like protein conjugation. Here, the authors demonstrate that E2 enzymes (1) employ C-alpha hydrogen bonding for oxyanion stabilization and (2) feature an additional oxyanion hole that facilitates cis conjugation, together highlighting the adaptability of E2 enzymes.
- Manoj Kumar
- Sayanika Banerjee
- Reuven Wiener