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At least 235 records · Page 13Linked to original sources
PubMed1997

Analysis of the architecture of the transcription factor sigma N (sigma 54) and its domains by circular dichroism.

Enhancer-dependent transcription in bacteria requires the alternative transcription factor sigma N (sigma 54), which forms an RNA polymerase holoenzyme that binds promoters as a transcriptionally inactive complex. We have examined the structure of sigma N by circular dichroism (CD) analysis. The sigma N protein and its domains are well structured in the absence of the core RNA polymerase subunits or promoter DNA. Denaturation of sigma N by temperature as followed by changes in CD shows a concomitant loss of secondary and tertiary structures with a melting temperature of 36 degrees C. The secondary structure displays a two-state melting curve with a second Tm of 85 degrees C. The amino-terminal Region I activation domain together with the acidic Region II does not contribute to the two-state melting. In marked contrast, the integrity of the C-terminal DNA-binding domain is required for the two-state melting. Measurements of pKb also demonstrated that a C-terminal part of sigma N, but not regions I or I + II, is required for the structural integrity of sigma N at high pH. Measurements of pKa suggested that alpha-helical structures are important in sigma N for the establishment of tertiary structural elements. The tertiary structure near ultraviolet CD signals of sigma N do not require regions I or I + II but were strongly diminished by C-terminal truncation of sigma N. Promoter DNA binding resulted in a conformational change in sigma N, permitting the determination of a binding constant. A typical B-DNA conformation was adopted by the promoter DNA. Implications for the modular domain organization of sigma N, the function of C-terminal sequences, and domain communication and its role in activation of transcription are discussed.

Base Sequence↗
PubMed2005

Kissing complex RNAs mediate interaction between the Fragile-X mental retardation protein KH2 domain and brain polyribosomes.

Fragile-X mental retardation is caused by loss of function of a single gene encoding the Fragile-X mental retardation protein, FMRP, an RNA-binding protein that harbors two KH-type and one RGG-type RNA-binding domains. Previous studies identified intramolecular G-quartet RNAs as high-affinity targets for the RGG box, but the relationship of RNA binding to FMRP function and mental retardation remains unclear. One severely affected patient harbors a missense mutation (I304N) within the second KH domain (KH2), and some evidence suggests this domain may be involved in the proposed role of FMRP in translational regulation. We now identify the RNA target for the KH2 domain as a sequence-specific element within a complex tertiary structure termed the FMRP kissing complex. We demonstrate that the association of FMRP with brain polyribosomes is abrogated by competition with the FMRP kissing complex RNA, but not by high-affinity G-quartet RNAs. We conclude that mental retardation associated with the I304N mutation, and likely the Fragile-X syndrome more generally, may relate to a crucial role for RNAs harboring the kissing complex motif as targets for FMRP translational regulation.

Amino Acid Motifs↗
PubMed2006

Aptamer to ribozyme: the intrinsic catalytic potential of a small RNA.

The discovery of RNA-based catalysis 23 years ago dramatically changed the way biologists and biochemists thought of RNA. In the recent past, several ribozymes structures have provided some answers as to how catalysis is accomplished and how it relates to RNA structure and folding. However, there is still little information as to how catalytic activity evolved. Here we show that the small malachite green-binding aptamer has intrinsic catalytic potential that can be realized by designing the proper substrate. The charge distribution within the RNA binding pocket stabilizes the transition state of an ester hydrolysis reaction and thus accelerates the overall reaction. The results suggest that electrostatic forces can contribute significantly to RNA-based catalysis. Moreover, even simple RNA structures that have not been selected for catalytic properties can have a basic catalytic potential if they encounter the right substrate. This provides a possible starting point for the molecular evolution of more complex ribozymes.

Aptamers, Nucleotide↗
PubMed2004

In vitro selection and characterization of TCF-1 binding RNA aptamers.

TCF proteins are architectural transcription factors that bind to beta-catenin when the Wnt signaling pathway is activated. TCF-1 is specifically expressed in T-cell lineages and its interaction with beta-catenin is thought to be critical for early T-cell development. However, the mechanisms underlying activation of TCF-1 during T-cell development are not completely understood. With the aim of developing RNA aptamers that bind to TCF-1 and regulate its activity, we screened an RNA library consisting of random sequences of 70 nucleotides and were able to isolate aptamers that bind to TCF-1 with high affinity and specificity. We employed RNase footprinting to characterize the RNA structures and map their binding sites for TCF-1. It is hoped that the selected aptamers will regulate TCF-1 activity in vivo, thereby providing a unique tool for modulating TCF-1 function in early T-cell development.

Animals↗
PubMed2006

Structural analysis of kasugamycin inhibition of translation.

The prokaryotic ribosome is an important target of antibiotic action. We determined the X-ray structure of the aminoglycoside kasugamycin (Ksg) in complex with the Escherichia coli 70S ribosome at 3.5-A resolution. The structure reveals that the drug binds within the messenger RNA channel of the 30S subunit between the universally conserved G926 and A794 nucleotides in 16S ribosomal RNA, which are sites of Ksg resistance. To our surprise, Ksg resistance mutations do not inhibit binding of the drug to the ribosome. The present structural and biochemical results indicate that inhibition by Ksg and Ksg resistance are closely linked to the structure of the mRNA at the junction of the peptidyl-tRNA and exit-tRNA sites (P and E sites).

Aminoglycosides↗
PubMed2006

The antibiotic kasugamycin mimics mRNA nucleotides to destabilize tRNA binding and inhibit canonical translation initiation.

Kasugamycin (Ksg) specifically inhibits translation initiation of canonical but not of leaderless messenger RNAs. Ksg inhibition is thought to occur by direct competition with initiator transfer RNA. The 3.35-A structure of Ksg bound to the 30S ribosomal subunit presented here provides a structural description of two Ksg-binding sites as well as a basis for understanding Ksg resistance. Notably, neither binding position overlaps with P-site tRNA; instead, Ksg mimics codon nucleotides at the P and E sites by binding within the path of the mRNA. Coupled with biochemical experiments, our results suggest that Ksg indirectly inhibits P-site tRNA binding through perturbation of the mRNA-tRNA codon-anticodon interaction during 30S canonical initiation. In contrast, for 70S-type initiation on leaderless mRNA, the overlap between mRNA and Ksg is reduced and the binding of tRNA is further stabilized by the presence of the 50S subunit, minimizing Ksg efficacy.

Aminoglycosides↗
PubMed2004

Nodavirus coat protein imposes dodecahedral RNA structure independent of nucleotide sequence and length.

The nodavirus Flock house virus (FHV) has a bipartite, positive-sense RNA genome that is packaged into an icosahedral particle displaying T=3 symmetry. The high-resolution X-ray structure of FHV has shown that 10 bp of well-ordered, double-stranded RNA are located at each of the 30 twofold axes of the virion, but it is not known which portions of the genome form these duplex regions. The regular distribution of double-stranded RNA in the interior of the virus particle indicates that large regions of the encapsidated genome are engaged in secondary structure interactions. Moreover, the RNA is restricted to a topology that is unlikely to exist during translation or replication. We used electron cryomicroscopy and image reconstruction to determine the structure of four types of FHV particles that differed in RNA and protein content. RNA-capsid interactions were primarily mediated via the N and C termini, which are essential for RNA recognition and particle assembly. A substantial fraction of the packaged nucleic acid, either viral or heterologous, was organized as a dodecahedral cage of duplex RNA. The similarity in tertiary structure suggests that RNA folding is independent of sequence and length. Computational modeling indicated that RNA duplex formation involves both short-range and long-range interactions. We propose that the capsid protein is able to exploit the plasticity of the RNA secondary structures, capturing those that are compatible with the geometry of the dodecahedral cage.

Animals↗
PubMed2003

The crystal structure of AF1521 a protein from Archaeoglobus fulgidus with homology to the non-histone domain of macroH2A.

MacroH2A is an unusual histone H2A variant that has an extensive C-terminal tail that comprises approximately two thirds of the protein. The C-terminal non-histone domain of macroH2A is also found in a number of other proteins and has been termed the macro domain. Here we report the crystal structure to 1.7A of AF1521, a protein consisting of a stand-alone macro domain from Archaeoglobus fulgidus. The structure has a mixed alpha/beta fold that closely resembles the N-terminal DNA binding domain of the Escherichia coli leucine aminopeptidase PepA. The structure also shows some similarity to members of the P-loop family of nucleotide hydrolases.

Amino Acid Sequence↗
PubMed2003

Structure and function of the factor VIII gene and protein.

Factor (F) VIII is a large gene located near the terminus of the long arm of the X chromosome. It contains 26 exons that code for a signal peptide and a 2332 amino acid polypeptide with three different types of domains, namely A1-A2-B-A3-C1-C2. The A domains are homologous with each other and those of ceruloplasmin; substitution into the known crystal structure of the copper binding protein produces molecular models. The large, central B domain is highly glycosylated but has a variable sequence, even among FVIIIs from different species. Most of B can be deleted and the resulting recombinant protein has essentially normal survival in circulation and corrects the bleeding tendency in hemophilia A patients. The C domains are similar to each other, and the crystal structure of a recombinant human C2 domain is known, allowing construction of a molecular model of C1. The FVIII protein is secreted as a heterodimer following at least two intracellular cleavages within the B domain. In circulation it is stabilized by binding to von Willebrand factor (vWF) with a plasma half-life of about 10 hours. After specific thrombin cleavages that remove the remainder of the B domain and one of the high-affinity von Willebrand factor binding sites, FVIII becomes heterotrimeric FVIIIa, capable of enhancing intrinsic FX activation by FIXa. Inactivation of FVIIIa occurs by A2 dissociation or by specific cleavages within A1 and A2 by activated protein C. Control of intrinsic FX activation is critical for hemostasis and thrombosis.

Animals↗
PubMed2006

Essential role of the B23/NPM core domain in regulating ARF binding and B23 stability.

How cells coordinate inhibition of growth and division during genotoxic events is fundamental to our understanding of the origin of cancer. Despite increasing interest and extensive study, the mechanisms that link regulation of DNA synthesis and ribosomal biogenesis remain elusive. Recently, the tumor suppressor p14(ARF) (ARF) has been shown to interact functionally with the nucleolar protein B23/NPM (B23) and inhibit rRNA biogenesis. However, the molecular basis of the ARF-B23 interaction is hitherto unclear. Here we show that a highly conserved motif in the B23 oligomerization domain is essential for mediating ARF binding in vivo. Mutagenesis of conserved B23 core residues (L102A, G105A, G107A) prevented B23 from interacting with ARF. Modeling of the B23 core indicated that substitutions in the GSGP loop motif could trigger conformational changes in B23 thereby obstructing ARF binding. Interestingly, the GSGP loop mutants were unstable, defective for oligomerization, and delocalized from the nucleolus to the nucleoplasm. B23 core mutants displayed increased ubiquitination and proteasomal degradation. We conclude that the functional integrity of the B23 core motif is required for stability, efficient nucleolar localization as well as ARF binding.

Amino Acid Sequence↗
PubMed1995

Site-directed mutagenesis of Thermus thermophilus elongation factor Tu. Replacement of His85, Asp81 and Arg300.

His85 in Thermus thermophilus elongation factor Tu (EF-Tu) was replaced by glutamine, leucine and glycine residues, leading to [H85Q]EF-Tu, [H85L] EF-Tu and [H85G]EF-Tu, respectively. Asp81 was replaced by alanine leading to [D81A]EF-Tu, and replacement of Arg300 provided [R300I]EF-Tu. Glycine in position 85 of domain I induces a protease-sensitive site in domain II and causes complete protein degradation in vivo. A similar effect was observed when Asp81 was replaced by alanine or Arg300 by isoleucine. Degradation is probably due to disturbed interactions between the domains of EF-Tu.GTP, inducing a protease-sensitive cleavage site in domain II. [H85Q]EF-Tu, which can be effectively overproduced in Escherichia coli, is slower in poly(U)-dependent poly(Phe) synthesis, has lower affinity to aminoacyl-tRNA but shows only a slightly reduced rate of intrinsic GTP hydrolysis compared to the native protein. The GTPase of this protein variant is not efficiently stimulated by aminoacyl-tRNA and ribosomes. The slow GTPase of [H85Q]EF-Tu increases the fidelity of translation as measured by leucine incorporation into poly(Phe) in in vitro poly(U)-dependent ribosomal translation. Replacement of His85 in T. thermophilus EF-Tu by leucine completely deactivates the GTPase activity but does not substantially influence the aminoacyl-tRNA binding. [H85L]EF-Tu is inactive in poly(U)-dependent poly(Phe)-synthesis. The rate of nucleotide dissociation is highest for [H85L]EF-Tu, followed by [H85Q]EF-Tu and native T. thermophilus EF-Tu. Mutation of His85, a residue which is not directly involved in the nucleotide binding, thus influences the interaction of EF-Tu domains, nucleotide binding and the efficiency and rate of GTPase activity.

Amino Acid Sequence↗
PubMed2006

Structure-based mutational analysis of the NS3 helicase from dengue virus.

We performed a mutational analysis of the NS3 helicase of dengue virus to test insights gleaned from its crystal structure and identified four residues in the full-length protein that severely impaired either its RTPase and ATPase (Arg-457-458, Arg-460, Arg-463) or helicase (Ile-365, Arg-376) activity. Alanine substitution of Lys-396, which is located at the surface of domain II, drastically reduced all three enzymatic activities. Our study points to a pocket at the surface of domain II that may be suitable for the design of allosteric inhibitors.

Allosteric Site↗
PubMed2006

Structure function and splice site analysis of the synaptogenic activity of the neurexin-1 beta LNS domain.

Recent findings suggest that the neurexin-neuroligin link promotes both GABAergic and glutamatergic synaptogenesis, but the mechanism by which neurexins influence the clustering of appropriate neuroligins and postsynaptic differentiation remains unclear. Previous studies suggested that the presence or absence of alternatively spliced residues at splice site 4 (S4) in the neurexin LNS domain may regulate neurexin function. We demonstrate that addition of the S4 insert selectively reduces the ability of neurexin-1beta to cluster neuroligin-1/3/4 and glutamatergic postsynaptic proteins, although clustering of neuroligin-2 and GABAergic postsynaptic proteins remain strong. Furthermore, addition of the S4 insert decreases the binding affinity of neurexin-1beta to neuroligins-1 and -4 but has little effect on binding to neuroligins-2 and -3. Additional structure-function studies reveal the neurexin binding interface mediating synaptogenic activity to be composed primarily of residues in the beta2beta3, beta6beta7, and beta10beta11 loops on one rim of the LNS domain beta sandwich. Mutation of two predicted Ca(2+)-binding residues disrupts postsynaptic protein clustering and binding to neuroligins, consistent with previous findings that neurexin-neuroligin binding is Ca2+ dependent. Glutamatergic postsynaptic clustering was more readily disrupted by the mutagenesis than GABAergic postsynaptic protein clustering. Perhaps neurexins-neuroligins, or neurexin-1beta at least, is most important for GABA synapse formation or controlling the balance of GABA and glutamate synapses. These results suggest that differential neurexin-neuroligin binding affinities and splice variations may play an instructive role in postsynaptic differentiation.

Amino Acid Sequence↗
PubMed2005

The molecular basis for the mode of action of bicyclomycin.

Bicyclomycin (1) is a clinically useful antibiotic exhibiting activity against a broad spectrum of Gram-negative bacteria and against the Gram-positive bacterium, Micrococcus luteus. Bicyclomycin has been used to treat diarrhea in humans and bacterial diarrhea in calves and pigs and is marketed by Fujisawa (Osaka, Japan) under the trade name Bicozamycin. The structure of 1 is unique among antibiotics, and our studies document that its mechanism of action is novel. Early mechanistic proposals suggested that 1 reacted with nucleophiles (e.g., a protein sulfhydryl group) necessary for the remodeling the peptidoglycan assembly within the bacterial cell wall. We, however, showed that 1 targeted the rho transcription termination factor in Escherichia coli. The rho protein is integral to the expression of many gene products in E. coli and other Gram-negative bacteria, and without rho the cell losses viability. Rho is a member of the RecA-type ATPase class of enzymes that use nucleotide contacts to couple oligonucleotide translocation to ATP hydrolysis. Bicyclomycin is the only known selective inhibitor of rho. In this article, we integrate the evidence obtained from bicyclomycin structure-activity studies, site-directed mutagenesis investigations, bicyclomycin affinity labels, and biochemical and biophysical measurements with recent X-ray crystallographic images of the bicyclomycin-rho complex to define the rho antibiotic binding site and to document the pathway for rho inhibition by 1. Together, the structural and functional studies demonstrate how 1, a modest rho inhibitor, can disrupt the rho molecular machinery thereby leading to a catastrophic effect caused by the untimely overproduction of proteins not normally expressed constitutively, thus leading to a toxic effect on the cells.

Adenosine Triphosphatases↗