Structural and biochemical characterization of MdaB from cariogenic Streptococcus mutans reveals an NADPH-specific quinone oxidoreductase

The putative gene smu.1420 from S. mutans is demonstrated to encode the MdaB protein with NADPH-specific quinone oxidoreductase activity. Crystal structures of Smu.1420 with NADP⁺ and menadione reveal the substrate-selection and catalytic mechanisms, and shed light on future drug development against S. mutans.

Structure of human endonuclease V as an inosine-specific ribonuclease

A 2.3 Å resolution crystal structure of human EndoV was determined and the structural basis of its unusual substrate specificities was explored.