Structural analysis of botulinum neurotoxin type E catalytic domain and its mutant Glu212 -> Gln reveals the pivotal role of the Glu212 carboxylate in the catalytic pathway

The seven serotypes of botulinum neurotoxins (A-G) produced by clostridium botulinum share significant sequence homology and structural similarity. The study reveals the role of the nucleophilic water and the charge on the catalytic activity.