Cofactor mobility determines reaction outcome in the IMPDH/GMPR (β/α)(8) barrel enzymes

IMP dehydrogenase (IMPDH) and GMP reductase (GMPR) belong to the same structural family, share a common set of catalytic residues and bind the same ligands. The structural and mechanistic features that determine reaction outcome in the IMPDH/GMPR family have not been identified. Here, we show that the GMPR reaction utilizes the same intermediate E-XMP* as IMPDH, but this intermediate reacts with ammonia instead of water. A single crystal structure of human GMPR type 2 with IMP and NADPH fortuitously captures three different states, each of which mimic a distinct step in the catalytic cycle of GMPR. The cofactor is found in two conformations, an "in" conformation poised for hydride transfer, and an "out" conformation where the cofactor is 6 Å from IMP. Mutagenesis, substrate/cofactor analog experiments demonstrate that the “out” conformation is required for the deamination of GMP. Remarkably, the cofactor is part of the catalytic machinery activating ammonia.