Takeshita, K.; Sakai, N.; Ueno, G.; Horie, M.; Tsujino, H.; Arisawa, M.; Yamamoto, M.; Arai, M.; Yamashita, T.

The widespread prevalence of tuberculosis and the need for extensive chemotherapy in its treatment are caused by the ability of tuberculosis (TB) bacteria to enter a dormant state. Therefore, it is crucial to develop effective compounds that can inhibit the growth of TB bacteria in both the active and dormant states. Previous research has identified agelasine D (marine sponge-derived diterpene alkaloid) capable of resisting dormant mycobacteria. Additionally, BCG3185c has been designated as a target mycobacterial protein. In this study, the crystal structure of BCG3185c was determined at a resolution of 1.86 [A]. Analysis of this crystal structure revealed a large pocket toward the catalytic center of BCG3185c, which is potentially adequate for agelasine D binding. Based on the results of the interaction analysis between agelasine D and Bacillus Calmette-Guerin (BCG) proteins, it was inferred that the binding of agelasine D to this large pocket is crucial for suppressing the growth of Mycobacterium tuberculosis.