Glucose-1,6-Bisphosphate, a Key Metabolic Regulator, Is Synthesized by a Distinct Family of α-Phosphohexomutases Widely Distributed in Prokaryotes

ABSTRACT The reactions of α-d-phosphohexomutases (αPHM) are ubiquitous, key to primary metabolism, and essential for several processes in all domains of life. The functionality of these enzymes relies on an initial phosphorylation step which requires the presence of α-d-glucose-1,6-bisphosphate (Glc-1,6-BP). While well investigated in vertebrates, the origin of this activator compound in bacteria is unknown. Here we show that the Slr1334 protein from the unicellular cyanobacterium Synechocysitis sp. PCC 6803 is a Glc-1,6-BP-synthase. Biochemical analysis revealed that Slr1334 efficiently converts fructose-1,6-bisphosphate (Frc-1,6-BP) and α-d-glucose-1-phosphate/α-d-glucose-6-phosphate into Glc-1,6-BP and also catalyzes the reverse reaction. As inferred from phylogenetic analysis, the slr1334 product belongs to a primordial subfamily of αPHMs that is present especially in deeply branching bacteria and also includes human commensals and pathogens. Remarkably, the homologue of Slr1334 in the human gut bacterium Bacteroides salyersiae catalyzes the same reaction, suggesting a conserved and essential role for the members of this αPHM subfamily. IMPORTANCE Glc-1,6-BP is known as an essential activator of phosphoglucomutase (PGM) and other members of the αPHM superfamily, making it a central regulator in glycogen metabolism, glycolysis, amino sugar formation as well as bacterial cell wall and capsule formation. Despite this essential role in carbon metabolism, its origin in prokaryotes has so far remained elusive. In this study we identify a member of a specific αPHM subfamily as the first bacterial Glc-1,6-BP synthase, forming free Glc-1,6-BP by using Frc-1,6-BP as phosphoryl-donor. PGMs of this subfamily are widely distributed among prokaryotes including human commensals and pathogens. By showing that a distinct subfamily member can also form Glc-1,6-BP, we provide evidence that Glc-1,6-BP synthase activity is a general feature of this group.