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C I Bränden

Publications and source records attributed to C I Bränden.

5 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2001

Capturing whole-genome characteristics in short sequences using a naïve Bayesian classifier.

Bacterial genomes have diverged during evolution, resulting in clearcut differences in their nucleotide composition, such as their GC content. The analysis of complete sequences of bacterial genomes also reveals the presence of nonrandom sequence variation, manifest in the frequency profile of specific short oligonucleotides. These frequency profiles constitute highly specific genomic signatures. Based on these differences in oligonucleotide frequency between bacterial genomes, we investigated the possibility of predicting the genome of origin for a specific genomic sequence. To this end, we developed a naïve Bayesian classifier and systematically analyzed 28 eubacterial and archaeal genomes. We found that sequences as short as 400 bases could be correctly classified with an accuracy of 85%. We then applied the classifier to the identification of horizontal gene transfer events in whole-genome sequences and demonstrated the validity of our approach by correctly predicting the transfer of both the superoxide dismutase (sodC) and the bioC gene from Haemophilus influenzae to Neisseria meningitis, correctly identifying both the donor and recipient species. We believe that this classification methodology could be a valuable tool in biodiversity studies.

Archaea↗
PubMed1993

PapD and superfamily of periplasmic immunoglobulin-like pilus chaperones.

The formation of a P pilus requires a molecular chaperone in the periplasm and a molecular usher in the outer membrane. Each pilus is composed of six different types of proteins that are assembled into a composite fiber in a defined order. The correct folding of subunits into domains that can serve as assembly modules requires an association with the periplasmic chaperone. PapD is the prototype member of the family of bacterial pilus chaperones that have a three-dimensional structure consistent with an immunoglobulin fold. In general, proteins with an immunoglobulin fold structure have molecular recognition functions in eukaryotic cells that are often integrated with effector functions. PapD has also a recognition function, binding nascently translocated pilus subunits and maintaining them in assembly-competent conformations. The association of the chaperone with the subunit triggers the targeting of the latter to an outer membrane usher. The usher serves as a molecular gatekeeper, allowing the ordered incorporation of the pilus subunits into the pilus structure from the periplasmic chaperone complexes. The two immunoglobulin-like domains of PapD are oriented to form a cleft that contains the subunit binding site. This is a different binding paradigm from that used by either antibodies or the growth hormone receptor. The blend of genetics, biochemistry, X-ray crystallography, and carbohydrate chemistry in the study of pili biogenesis will continue to give insight into some of the most basic intellectual challenges in molecular biology concerning how proteins fold into domains that serve as modules for the formation of larger assemblies, and relating these processes to microbial pathogenesis.

Adhesins, Escherichia coli↗
PubMed1979

X-ray studies of the binding of Cibacron blue F3GA to liver alcohol dehydrogenase.

The binding of Cibacron F3GA to orthorhombic crystals of liver alcohol dehydrogenase has been studied to 0.37-nm resolution. Similarities in the binding of this dye were found for rings B, C and D with the binding of the coenzyme NAD+. However, ring A of the dye and the nicotinamide ribose part of the coenzyme are quite differently bound to the enzyme.

Alcohol Oxidoreductases↗
PubMed1977

X-ray investigation of the binding of 1,10-phenanthroline and imidazole to horse-liver alcohol dehydrogenase.

We have studied the binding of two inhibitor molecules, imidazole and 1,10-phenanthroline, to liver alcohol dehydrogenase by crystallographic methods. X-ray data for the imidazole complex were collected to 0.29-nm resolution and for the 1,10-phenanthroline complex to 0.45-nm resolution. In both cases we found only one peak in the difference electron density maps close to the active zinc atom. The peak corresponding to 1,10-phenanthroline overlaps the site of the density of the zinc-bound water in the apoenzyme and the imidazole density partly overlaps this density. We can not discern any additional peaks close to the zinc atom which would correspond to new positions of bound water. We thus conclude that both these inhibitors bind to the catalytic zinc atom and that upon binding they displace the water molecule that is firmly bound to this zinc atom in the apoenzyme. We do not see any structural changes in the remaining part of the molecule.

Alcohol Oxidoreductases↗