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Regulation of Escherichia coli pyrC by the purine regulon repressor protein.

The purine regulon repressor, PurR, was identified as a component of the Escherichia coli regulatory system for pyrC, the gene that encodes dihydroorotase, an enzyme in de novo pyrimidine nucleotide synthesis. PurR binds to a pyrC control site that resembles a pur regulon operator and represses expression by twofold. Mutations that increase binding of PurR to the control site in vitro concomitantly increase in vivo regulation. There are completely independent mechanisms for regulation of pyrC by purine and pyrimidine nucleotides. Cross pathway regulation of pyrC by PurR may provide one mechanism to coordinate synthesis of purine and pyrimidine nucleotides.

Amidohydrolases↗

Function of nuclear co-repressor protein on thyroid hormone response elements is regulated by the receptor A/B domain.

Recently, a family of nuclear co-repressor proteins (TRACs) have been identified that interact with thyroid hormone (TR) and retinoic acid receptors to mediate ligand-independent repression of gene transcription. In this report, we have cloned and characterized a human TRAC, which when expressed as a truncated protein lacking its repressing domains, can abolish endogenous cellular TRAC activity. Use of this inhibitor has uncovered a differential function of TRACs on negative versus positive thyroid hormone response elements and has demonstrated the importance of the TR A/B domain in modulating TRAC function. Thus, isoform-specific functions of the TR may be mediated by their functional interaction with co-repressor proteins.

DNA-Binding Proteins↗

Binding of the ferric uptake regulation repressor protein (Fur) to Mn(II), Fe(II), Co(II), and Cu(II) ions as co-repressors: electronic absorption, equilibrium, and 57Fe Mössbauer studies.

The binding of the repressor protein (Fur) to Fe(II) as co-repressor was studied. Other transition metal ions such as Mn(II), Co(II), and Cu(II) were also studied as models. From the equilibrium studies Kd values of 55, 85, 36, and 10 microM were obtained for the Fur complex with Fe(II), Mn(II), Co(II), and Cu(II), respectively. The ratio of metal to Fur monomer was 1:1 in both the Fe(II) and Mn(II) complexes. Fur mutants were also studied. Electronic absorption spectra of the Co(II) Fur complex gave evidence of a distorted tetrahedral Co(II) site bound to sulfur. Frozen solution 57Fe Mössbauer spectra of the Fe(II) Fur indicated the presence of Fe(II) in a high spin distorted octahedral environment. The role of the metal ion as co-repressor in the binding of Fur to DNA is discussed in view of the above results.

Bacterial Proteins↗

Three-dimensional solution NMR structure of Apo-L75F-TrpR, a temperature-sensitive mutant of the tryptophan repressor protein.

L75F-TrpR is a temperature-sensitive mutant of the tryptophan repressor protein of Escherichia coli in which surface-exposed residue leucine 75 in the DNA binding domain is replaced with phenylalanine. Biochemical and biophysical studies had suggested global alterations in dynamics for L75F-TrpR, although the structure was apparently similar to that of wild-type TrpR. Herein, we report the three-dimensional solution structure of apo-L75F-TrpR determined by multidimensional ((1)H, (15)N, and (13)C) solution NMR spectroscopy. An ensemble of structures was generated from 769 unique NOE-based distance restraints, 68 dihedral angle restraints, and 62 hydrogen bond distance restraints. Apo-L75F-TrpR exhibits a three-dimensional (3D) fold very similar to that of apo-WT-TrpR, with a dimeric core of four alpha-helices (A-C and F) from each subunit, and less well-defined D and E helical regions of the DNA binding domains. Despite their many similarities, wild-type and mutant proteins display significant chemical shift differences, one cluster of which is in the B-C turn, too distant to be ascribed solely to ring current effects from Phe75. Differences in NOE patterns and amide proton exchange rates are also observed in the B-C turn region. The data provide evidence that this point mutation exerts local effects on structure and stability in the DNA binding domain, and propagates long-range effects through the tertiary structure.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

MalI, a novel protein involved in regulation of the maltose system of Escherichia coli, is highly homologous to the repressor proteins GalR, CytR, and LacI.

The maltose regulon of Escherichia coli comprises several operons that are under common regulatory control of the MalT activator protein. Five mal genes, organized in two divergent operons, code for a binding-protein-dependent transport system specific for maltose and maltodextrins. MalK, one of the subunits of this transport system, not only is essential for transport but also plays a role in regulation. Mutations abolishing MalK function not only result in inability to transport maltose but also cause constitutive expression of the maltose regulon. For this constitutivity to be exerted, the function of an additional gene product, MalI, is necessary. Using the constitutive expression of a malK-lacZ fusion as a signal, we cloned the malI gene, expressed it in minicells, and determined its DNA sequence. The sequence predicted a protein of 34,729 molecular weight, in agreement with the apparent molecular weight of the protein (35,000) when expressed in minicells and analyzed by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and autoradiography. MalI exhibited high homology to the repressor proteins GalR, CytR, and LacI. When the amino acid sequences were appropriately aligned, MalI showed 28% identity to GalR, 21% to CytR, and 24% to LacI. Including conservative amino acid exchanges, these numbers increased to 69, 56, and 58%, respectively. The regions of high homology were clustered in particular at the N-terminal portion of the protein that includes the helix-turn-helix motif thought to be involved in DNA binding. The protein contained a short stretch of 30 amino acids that was surprisingly homologous to a sequence in MalT. The amino-terminal half of the protein exhibited significant homology with MalK. The transcriptional start of malI was determined by reverse transcriptase and by S1 nuclease mapping. We found a possible binding site for cyclic AMP receptor protein in the promoter region of malI as well as two perfect direct repeats of 14 base pairs with twofold symmetry indicating their possible role as operator sites. Upstream to malI we observed a divergent open reading frame that extended to the end of the sequenced DNA.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Computational docking of L-arginine and its structural analogues to C-terminal domain of Escherichia coli arginine repressor protein (ArgRc).

The arginine repressor (ArgR) of Escherichia coli binds to six L-arginine molecules that act as its co-repressor in order to bind to DNA. The binding of L-arginine molecules as well as its structural analogues is compared by means of computational docking. A grid-based energy evaluation method combined with a Monte Carlo simulated annealing process was used in the automated docking. For all ligands, the docking procedure proposed more than one binding site in the C-terminal domain of ArgR (ArgRc). Interaction patterns of ArgRc with L-arginine were also observed for L-canavanine and L-citrulline. L-lysine and L-homoarginine, on the other hand, were shown to bind poorly at the binding site. Figure A general overview of the sites found from docking the various ligands into ArgRc ( grey ribbons). Red coloured sticks: residues in binding site H that was selected for docking

Arginine↗

Trp repressor protein is capable of intruding into other amino acid biosynthetic systems.

Escherichia coli strains with elevated intracellular levels of Trp repressor protein displayed complete growth inhibition on minimal media which contained high levels of tryptophan. The inhibition was attributable to the acquisition of a compound nutritional requirement, which could be satisfied by a combination of isoleucine, leucine, valine, threonine, serine, phenylalanine, and tyrosine. It is proposed that Trp repressor protein, at elevated levels, represses the transcription of those genes which encode enzymes for the biosynthesis of these particular amino acids. Data which support this model are presented, together with a discussion of its regulatory implications.

Amino Acids↗

Plasmid rescue from transgenic mouse DNA using LacI repressor protein conjugated to magnetic beads.

A method for the efficient rescue of lac operator containing plasmids from transgenic mouse genomic DNA is described. The method is based on the high affinity of the LacI repressor protein for the lac operator sequence. Using the LacI repressor protein conjugated to magnetic beads, more than 95% of plasmid sequences could be purified from restriction enzyme digested genomic DNA. After circularization, the plasmids were introduced into Escherichia coli by means of electroporation. Since the plasmid was cloned into a bacteriophage lambda vector, the efficiency of plasmid rescue could easily be compared with in vitro packaging. Our results indicate that plasmid rescue is about 25 times more efficient. Application of this method should be especially useful with transgenic mouse models harboring LacZ plasmid shuttle vectors for studying spontaneous or induced mutations in vivo.

Animals↗

Molecular dynamics simulation in solvent of the bacteriophage 434 cI repressor protein DNA binding domain amino acids (R1-69) in complex with its cognate operator (OR1) DNA sequence.

We investigated protein/DNA interactions, using molecular dynamics simulations computed between a 10 Angstom water layer model of the 434 cI Repressor protein DNA binding domain (DBD) amino acids (R1-69) and DNA of operator (OR1) and its flanks consisting of 28 nucleotide base pairs. Hydrogen bonding interactions were monitored. In addition, van der Waals and electrostatic interaction energies were calculated. Amino acids of the 434 cI repressor DNA recognition helix 3 formed both direct and water mediated hydrogen bonds at cognate codon-anticodon nucleotide base and backbone sites within the OR1 DNA major groove halfsites and flanking regions. In addition, hydrophilic amino acids within the loop between helix 3 and helix 4 have strong electrostatic attraction to codon-anticodon nucleotides located within the central nucleotides of the minor groove between the OR1 major groove halfsites. These interactions together induced significant structural changes in the operator DNA manifested by overtwisting of the central nucleotide base pairs and narrowing of the minor groove between the DNA major groove halfsites. Finally, these findings offer a code for site specific DNA recognition by the 434 cI repressor protein.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Pressure-induced changes in the secondary structure of the Escherichia coli methionine repressor protein.

The effect of hydrostatic pressure on the conformational properties of the E. coli methionine repressor protein in aqueous solution was investigated by infrared spectroscopy. Changes in hydrostatic pressure produce dramatic changes in the spectral region of the conformation-sensitive amide I band. As the pressure is raised up to 18 kbar, the protein undergoes a rearrangement of alpha-helical segments into beta-type structures; after the pressure is released the beta-strands reconvert into less ordered alpha-helical or random segments.

Bacterial Proteins↗

Determination of the ligand-binding characteristics of several tight-binding mutants of the lactose repressor protein.

Several tight-binding mutants of the lactose repressor protein have been characterized with respect to their fluorescence properties and their inducer, operator and nonspecific DNA-binding constants. The tryptophan fluorescence emission spectra for the mutants and the wild-type repressor are quite similar. However, alterations in the Stern-Volmer constants for iodide quenching of the tryptophans in the mutant proteins compared to wild-type suggest differences in the local environment or solvent accessibility for these amino acids in the tight-binding repressors. The inducer-binding affinities and association rate constants of the mutant proteins and protein-operator DNA fragment complexes are also altered compared to wild-type. The extents of these changes vary among the different mutant repressors. The nonspecific DNA-binding affinities of the mutant proteins are 2--3-fold greater than the wild-type repressor, and the affinities of the tight-binding proteins for a 29 base-pair operator DNA fragment are also increased, though to a varying extent depending upon the mutant. The phenotypic behavior of these proteins in vivo can be partially explained by these results obtained in vitro; however, it is likely that there are additional factors responsible for the tight-binding behavior of the proteins that were not detectable in these experiments.

Alleles↗

Regulated expression of a repressor protein: FadR activates iclR.

The control of the glyoxylate bypass operon (aceBAK) of Escherichia coli is mediated by two regulatory proteins, IclMR and FadR. IclMR is a repressor protein which has previously been shown to bind to a site which overlaps the aceBAK promoter. FAR is a repressor/activator protein which participates in control of the genes of fatty acid metabolism. A sequence just upstream of the iclR promoter bears a striking resemblance to FadR binding sites found in the fatty acid metabolic genes. The in vitro binding specificity of FadR, determined by oligonucleotide selection, was in good agreement with the sequences of these sites. The ability of FadR to bind to the site associated with iclR was demonstrated by gel shift and DNase I footprint analyses. Disruption of FadR or inactivation of the FadR binding site of iclR decreased the expression of an iclR::lacZ operon fusion, indicating that FadR activates the expression of iclR. It has been reported that disruption of fadR increases the expression of aceBAK. We observed a similar increase when we inactivated the FadR binding site of an iclR+ allele. This result suggests that FadR regulates aceBAK indirectly by altering the expression of IclR.

Bacterial Proteins↗

Glycine insertion in the hinge region of lactose repressor protein alters DNA binding.

Amino acid alterations were designed at the C terminus of the hinge segment (amino acids approximately 51-59) that links two functional domains within lactose repressor protein (LacI). Gly was introduced between Gly(58) and Lys(59) to generate Gly(58+1); Gln(60) was changed to Gly or Pro, and up to three additional glycines were inserted following Gln(60) --> Gly. All mutant proteins exhibited purification behavior, CD spectra, assembly state, and inducer binding properties similar to wild-type LacI and only small differences in trypsin proteolysis patterns. In contrast, significant differences were observed in DNA binding properties. Gly(58+1) exhibited a decrease of approximately 100-fold in affinity for O(1) operator, and sequential Gly insertion C-terminal to Gln(60) --> Gly resulted in progressively decreased affinity for O(1) operator, approaching nonspecific levels for insertion of >/=2 glycines. Where sufficient affinity for O(1) operator existed, decreased binding to O(1) in the presence of inducer indicated no disruption in the allosteric response for these proteins. Collectively, these results indicate that flexibility and/or spacing between the core and N-terminal domains did not significantly affect folding or assembly, but these alterations in the hinge domain profoundly altered affinity of the lactose repressor protein for its wild-type target sequence.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Model for lactose repressor protein and its interaction with ligands.

A model is presented for the structure of the lactose repressor protein and for its interaction with inducer, operator DNA, and nonspecific DNA. The proposed structure is based on experimental evidence from this laboratory and from the literature and is offered as an integration of the available data on this system. Features unique to this model include: (i) interaction of the core region of the protein with the operator, (ii) primary effects of the conformational change in response to inducer on the core-operator interaction, (iii) contacts between all four subunits of the protein and the operator DNA, and (iv) qualitative differences in operator and nonspecific DNA binding.

Base Sequence↗

Structure of the lambda tof repressor protein in solution. Heat stability and its relation to binding ability to DNA.

The lambda tof repressor protein was purified from E. coli cells retaining lambda dv plasmids by applying DNA-cellulose chromatography. 3H-labeled lambda dv and lambda imm21dv DNA, carrying and lacking lambda operators, respectively, were prepared and the binding activity of the lambda tof protein to the DNA was examined. Non-specific binding to lambda imm21dv DNA is completely lost at 30 degrees C, whereas specific binding to the DNA carrying the operators is retained even above 40 degrees C. The conformation of the lambda tof protein was analysed by means of circular dichroism and 1H-NMR spectra. The change in the molar ellipticity at 222 nm vs. temperature in CD spectra indicated a transition between two states with Tm at 42 degrees C. The 360 MHz 1H-NMR spectra revealed the presence at 20 degrees C of another change in local conformation of interaction which was not detected by the CD spectra. 1H-NMR also indicated the coexistence of thermal transitions with exchange rates faster and slower than the NMR time scale at about 50 degrees C, which is explained by the presence of domain structures. The NMR titration curve of the His residue gave a normal pK value showing its location on the surface of the protein. These conformational behaviors are well correlated to the specific and non-specific DNA binding activity of the lambda tof protein. The assignments of 1H resonance signals to some specific residues, including His 35 and Tyr 26, were established. It will be useful to determine the tof-DNA interaction.

Bacterial Proteins↗

Development of a self-assembling nuclear targeting vector system based on the tetracycline repressor protein.

The ultimate destination for most gene therapy vectors is the nucleus and nuclear import of potentially therapeutic DNA is one of the major barriers for nonviral vectors. We have developed a novel approach of attaching a nuclear localization sequence (NLS) peptide to DNA in a non-essential position, by generating a fusion between the tetracycline repressor protein TetR and the SV40-derived NLS peptide. The high affinity and specificity of TetR for the short DNA sequence tetO was used in these studies to bind the NLS to DNA as demonstrated by the reduced electrophoretic mobility of the TetR.tetO-DNA complexes. The protein TetR-NLS, but not control protein TetR, specifically enhances gene expression from lipofected tetO-containing DNA between 4- and 16-fold. The specific enhancement is observed in a variety of cell types, including primary and growth-arrested cells. Intracellular trafficking studies demonstrate an increased accumulation of fluorescence labeled DNA in the nucleus after TetR-NLS binding. In comparison, binding studies using the similar fusion of peptide nucleic acid (PNA) with NLS peptide, demonstrate specific binding of PNA to plasmid DNA. However, although we observed a 2-8.5-fold increase in plasmid-mediated luciferase activity with bis-PNA-NLS, control bis-PNA without an NLS sequence gave a similar increase, suggesting that the effect may not be because of a specific bis-PNA-NLS-mediated enhancement of nuclear transfer of the plasmid. Overall, we found TetRNLS-enhanced plasmid-mediated transgene expression at a similar level to that by bis-PNA-NLS or bis-PNA alone but specific to nuclear uptake and significantly more reliable and reproducible.

Active Transport, Cell Nucleus↗

A stationary-phase protein of Escherichia coli that affects the mode of association between the trp repressor protein and operator-bearing DNA.

Highly purified preparations of trp repressor (TrpR) protein derived from Escherichia coli strains that were engineered to overexpress this material were found to contain another protein, of 21 kDa. The second protein, designated WrbA [for tryptophan (W) repressor-binding protein] remained associated with its namesake through several sequential protein fractionation steps. The N-terminal amino acid sequence of the WrbA protein guided the design of two degenerate oligonucleotides that were used as probes in the cloning of the wrbA gene (198 codons). The WrbA protein, in purified form, was found by several criteria to enhance the formation and/or stability of noncovalent complexes between TrpR holorepressor and its primary operator targets. The formation of an operator-holorepressor-WrbA ternary complex was demonstrated by gel mobility-shift analysis. The WrbA protein alone does not interact with the trp operator. During the stationary phase, cells deficient in the WrbA protein were less efficient than wild type in their ability to repress the trp promoter. It is proposed that the WrbA protein functions as an accessory element in blocking TrpR-specific transcriptional processes that might be physiologically disadvantageous in the stationary phase of the bacterial life cycle.

Amino Acid Sequence↗