Yeast Mnn9 is both a priming glycosyltransferase and an allosteric activator of mannan biosynthesis

The fungal cell possesses an essential carbohydrate cell wall. The outer layer, mannan, is formed by mannoproteins carrying highly mannosylated O - and N -linked glycans. Yeast mannan biosynthesis is initiated by a Golgi-located complex (M-Pol I) of two GT-62 mannosyltransferases, Mnn9p and Van1p, that are conserved in fungal pathogens. Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Candida albicans mnn9 knockouts show an aberrant cell wall and increased antibiotic sensitivity, suggesting the enzyme is a potential drug target. Here, we present the structure of Sc Mnn9 in complex with GDP and Mn 2+ , defining the fold and catalytic machinery of the GT-62 family. Compared with distantly related GT-78/GT-15 enzymes, Sc Mnn9 carries an unusual extension. Using a novel enzyme assay and site-directed mutagenesis, we identify conserved amino acids essential for Sc Mnn9 ‘priming’ α-1,6-mannosyltransferase activity. Strikingly, both the presence of the Sc Mnn9 protein and its product, but not Sc Mnn9 catalytic activity, are required to activate subsequent Sc Van1 processive α-1,6-mannosyltransferase activity in the M-Pol I complex. These results reveal the molecular basis of mannan synthesis and will aid development of inhibitors targeting this process.