Yeh Chen

Structure and function of the XpsE N-terminal domain, an essential component of the Xanthomonas campestris type II secretion system.

Secretion of fully folded extracellular proteins across the outer membrane of Gram-negative bacteria is mainly assisted by the ATP-dependent type II secretion system (T2SS). Depending on species, 12-15 proteins are usually required for the function of T2SS by forming a trans-envelope multiprotein secretion complex. Here we report crystal structures of an essential component of the Xanthomonas campestris T2SS, the 21-kDa N-terminal domain of cytosolic secretion ATPase XpsE (XpsEN), in two conformational states. By mediating interaction between XpsE and the cytoplasmic membrane protein XpsL, XpsEN anchors XpsE to the membrane-associated secretion complex to allow the coupling between ATP utilization and exoprotein secretion. The structure of XpsEN observed in crystal form P43212 is composed of a 90-residue α/β sandwich core domain capped by a 62-residue N-terminal helical region. The core domain exhibits structural similarity with the NifU-like domain, suggesting that XpsEN may be involved in the regulation of XpsE ATPase activity. Surprisingly, although a similar core domain structure was observed in crystal form I4122, the N-terminal 36 residues of the helical region undergo a large structural rearrangement. Deletion analysis indicates that these residues are required for exoprotein secretion by mediating the XpsE/XpsL interaction. Site-directed mutagenesis study further suggests the more compact conformation observed in the P43212 crystal likely represents the XpsL binding-competent state. Based on these findings, we speculate that XpsE might function in T2SS by cycling between two conformational states. As a closely related protein to XpsE, secretion ATPase PilB may function similarly in the type IV pilus assembly.

Physical mapping of RFLP markers on four chromosome arms in maize using terminal deficiencies.

Abstract Terminal deficiencies (TDs) generated by the r-XI deletion system in maize were used to physically map RFLP markers on the short arm of chromosome 2 (2S) and the long arm of chromosome 6 (6L), chromosome 8 (8L), and chromosome 10 (10L). Five TDs on 2S, 8 on 6L, 10 on 8L, and 20 on 10L were isolated using the recessive morphological markers lg1, py1, j1(gl18), and sr2, respectively, for selection. Two exceptional TDs on 2S and 8L also have a second breakpoint on the long arm of chromosome 2 (2L) and 8L, respectively. The physical mapping of RFLP probes in relation to TD breakpoints was done by Southern hybridization. The five TDs on 2S divide chromosome 2 into four regions, all of which are distinguishable by RFLP markers. Likewise, three remaining chromosome arms are divided by TDs into RFLP-marked regions: 8 TDs divide 6L into five regions, 10 TDs divided 8L into seven regions, and 20 TDs divide 10L into three regions. The linear order of the physical map of 6L and 8L is consistent with that of the genetic maps, but that of 2L and 10L is not. Four groups of markers on 2S as well as 2L, and two on 10L are in reverse order in the physical map compared with the genetic maps. Other intriguing results are that breakpoints of TDs on 6L and 8L are distributed throughout the selected region, but most of those on 2L and 10L cluster in a region near the centromere; a single TD arose after fertilization.

Mechanism and inhibition of human UDP-GlcNAc 2-epimerase, the key enzyme in sialic acid biosynthesis.

The bifunctional enzyme UDP-GlcNAc 2-epimerase/ManNAc kinase (GNE) plays a key role in sialic acid production. It is different from the non-hydrolyzing enzymes for bacterial cell wall biosynthesis, and it is feed-back inhibited by the downstream product CMP-Neu5Ac. Here the complex crystal structure of the N-terminal epimerase part of human GNE shows a tetramer in which UDP binds to the active site and CMP-Neu5Ac binds to the dimer-dimer interface. The enzyme is locked in a tightly closed conformation. By comparing the UDP-binding modes of the non-hydrolyzing and hydrolyzing UDP-GlcNAc epimerases, we propose a possible explanation for the mechanistic difference. While the epimerization reactions of both enzymes are similar, Arg113 and Ser302 of GNE are likely involved in product hydrolysis. On the other hand, the CMP-Neu5Ac binding mode clearly elucidates why mutations in Arg263 and Arg266 can cause sialuria. Moreover, full-length modelling suggests a channel for ManNAc trafficking within the bifunctional enzyme.

Structure and mechanism of an antibiotics-synthesizing 3-hydroxykynurenine C-methyltransferase

Streptosporangium sibiricum SibL catalyzes the methyl transfer from S-adenosylmethionine (SAM) to 3-hydroxykynurenine (3-HK) to produce S-adenosylhomocysteine (SAH) and 3-hydroxy-4-methyl-kynurenine for sibiromycin biosynthesis. Here, we present the crystal structures of apo-form Ss-SibL, Ss-SibL/SAH binary complex and Ss-SibL/SAH/3-HK ternary complex. Ss-SibL is a homodimer. Each subunit comprises a helical N-terminal domain and a Rossmann-fold C-terminal domain. SAM (or SAH) binding alone results in domain movements, suggesting a two-step catalytic cycle. Analyses of the enzyme-ligand interactions and further mutant studies support a mechanism in which Tyr134 serves as the principal base in the transferase reaction of methyl group from SAM to 3-HK.

Crystal structures of the archaeal UDP-GlcNAc 2-epimerase from Methanocaldococcus jannaschii reveal a conformational change induced by UDP-GlcNAc.

Uridine diphosphate N‐acetylglucosamine (UDP‐GlcNAc) 2‐epimerase catalyzes the interconversion of UDP‐GlcNAc to UDP‐N‐acetylmannosamine (UDP‐ManNAc), which is used in the biosynthesis of cell surface polysaccharides in bacteria. Biochemical experiments have demonstrated that mutation of this enzyme causes changes in cell morphology and the thermoresistance of the cell wall. Here, we present the crystal structures of Methanocaldococcus jannaschii UDP‐GlcNAc 2‐epimerase in open and closed conformations. A comparison of these crystal structures shows that upon UDP and UDP‐GlcNAc binding, the enzyme undergoes conformational changes involving a rigid‐body movement of the C‐terminal domain. We also present the crystal structure of Bacillus subtilis UDP‐GlcNAc 2‐epimerase in the closed conformation in the presence of UDP and UDP‐GlcNAc. Although a structural overlay of these two closed‐form structures reveals that the substrate‐binding site is evolutionarily conserved, some areas of the allosteric site are distinct between the archaeal and bacterial UDP‐GlcNAc 2‐epimerases. This is the first report on the crystal structure of archaeal UDP‐GlcNAc 2‐epimerase, and our results clearly demonstrate the changes between the open and closed conformations of this enzyme. Proteins 2014; 82:1519–1526.

Crystal Structure of Deinococcus radiodurans RecQ Helicase Catalytic Core Domain: The Interdomain Flexibility

RecQ DNA helicases are key enzymes in the maintenance of genome integrity, and they have functions in DNA replication, recombination, and repair. In contrast to most RecQs, RecQ from Deinococcus radiodurans (DrRecQ) possesses an unusual domain architecture that is crucial for its remarkable ability to repair DNA. Here, we determined the crystal structures of the DrRecQ helicase catalytic core and its ADP-bound form, revealing interdomain flexibility in its first RecA-like and winged-helix (WH) domains. Additionally, the WH domain of DrRecQ is positioned in a different orientation from that of the E. coli RecQ (EcRecQ). These results suggest that the orientation of the protein during DNA-binding is significantly different when comparing DrRecQ and EcRecQ.

Crystallization and preliminary X-ray diffraction analysis of the Nif3-family protein MJ0927 from Methanocaldococcus jannaschii

MJ0927 is a member of the Nif3 family and is widely distributed across living organisms. Although several crystal structures of Nif3 proteins have been reported, structural information on archaeal Nif3 is still limited. To understand the structural differences between bacterial and archaeal Nif3 proteins, MJ0927 from Methanocaldococcus jannaschii was purified and crystallized using the sitting-drop vapour-diffusion method. The crystals diffracted to a resolution of 2.47 Å and belonged to the orthorhombic space group C222, with unit-cell parameters a = 81.21, b = 172.94, c = 147.42 Å. Determination of this structure may provide insights into the function of MJ0927.

SH3‐like motif‐containing C‐terminal domain of staphylococcal teichoic acid transporter suggests possible function

The negatively charged bacterial polysaccharides—wall teichoic acids (WTAs) are synthesized intracellularly and exported by a two‐component transporter, TagGH, comprising a transmembrane subunit TagG and an ATPase subunit TagH. We determined the crystal structure of the C‐terminal domain of TagH (TagH‐C) to investigate its function. The structure shows an N‐terminal SH3‐like subdomain wrapped by a C‐terminal subdomain with an anti‐parallel β‐sheet and an outer shell of α‐helices. A stretch of positively charged surface across the subdomain interface is flanked by two negatively charged regions, suggesting a potential binding site for negatively charged polymers, such as WTAs or acidic peptide chains. Proteins 2016; 84:1328–1332.

Crystal structures of Staphylococcal SaeR reveal possible DNA-binding modes.

Two-component system SaeRS of Staphylococcus regulates virulence factor expression through phosphorylation of the DNA-binding regulator SaeR by the sensor histidine kinase SaeS. Here crystal structures of the DNA-binding domain (DBD) of SaeR from two Staphylococcal species Staphylococcus epidermidis and Staphylococcus aureus were determined and showed similar folds. Analyzing the DNA binding activity of three mutants of SeSaeR, we observed that Thr217 is important in binding to the phosphate group of DNA and Trp219 may interact with the base pairs. Additionally, the tandem arrangement of DBD may represent a possible way for SaeR oligomerization on DNA.

Crystallization and preliminary X-ray diffraction analysis of the DNA-binding domain of the response regulator SaeR from Staphylococcus epidermidis

SaeR is the response regulator of the SaeRS two-component signal transduction system, which is involved in regulating bacterial autolysis and biofilm formation. SaeR comprises an N-terminal receiver domain and a C-terminal effector domain. The effector domain possesses DNA-binding and transactivation functions. Here, the effector domain of SaeR from Staphylococcus epidermidis was purified and crystallized using the sitting-drop vapour-diffusion method. The crystals diffracted to a resolution of 2.15 Å and belonged to space group P2(1)2(1)2(1), with unit-cell parameters a = 34.20, b = 53.78, c = 111.66 Å. Determining the structure will provide insights into the mechanisms underlying DNA binding.