G-quadruplexes are noncanonical nucleic acid structures formed from stacked guanine tetrads. They are frequently used as building blocks and functional elements in fields such as synthetic biology and also thought to play widespread biological roles. G-quadruplexes are often studied as monomers, but can also form a variety of higher-order structures. This increases the structural and functional diversity of G-quadruplexes, and recent evidence suggests that it could also be biologically important. In this review, we describe the types of multimeric topologies adopted by G-quadruplexes and highlight what is known about their sequence requirements. We also summarize the limited information available about potential biological roles of multimeric G-quadruplexes and suggest new approaches that could facilitate future studies of these structures.

• MeSH
• DNA chemie   MeSH
• G-kvadruplexy * MeSH
• konformace nukleové kyseliny * MeSH
• molekulární modely MeSH
• molekulární struktura MeSH
• RNA chemie   MeSH
• telomery MeSH
• vztahy mezi strukturou a aktivitou MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH
• přehledy MeSH

G-Quadruplexes are noncanonical nucleic acid structures made up of stacked guanosine tetrads connected by short loops. They are frequently used building blocks in synthetic biology and thought to play widespread biological roles. Multimerization can change the functional properties of G-quadruplexes, and understanding the factors that modulate this process remains an important goal. Here, we report the discovery of a novel mechanism by which the formation of multimeric G-quadruplexes can be controlled using GTP. We show that GTP likely inhibits multimer formation by becoming incorporated into a tetrad in the monomeric form of the structure and define the sequence requirements of G-quadruplexes that form GTP-dependent structures. These experiments provide new insights into the small molecule control of G-quadruplex multimerization. They also suggest possible roles for GTP-dependent multimeric G-quadruplexes in both synthetic and natural biological systems.

• MeSH
• biochemické jevy MeSH
• DNA genetika   metabolismus   MeSH
• G-kvadruplexy * MeSH
• guanosintrifosfát metabolismus   MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• mutace MeSH
• Pan troglodytes MeSH
• Pongo MeSH
• zvířata MeSH
• Check Tag
• lidé MeSH
• zvířata MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH
• práce podpořená grantem MeSH

Human LLT1 is a C-type lectin-like ligand of NKR-P1 (CD161, gene KLRB1), a C-type lectin-like receptor of natural killer cells. Using X-ray diffraction, the first experimental structures of human LLT1 were determined. Four structures of LLT1 under various conditions were determined: monomeric, dimeric deglycosylated after the first N-acetylglucosamine unit in two forms and hexameric with homogeneous GlcNAc2Man5 glycosylation. The dimeric form follows the classical dimerization mode of human CD69. The monomeric form keeps the same fold with the exception of the position of an outer part of the long loop region. The hexamer of glycosylated LLT1 consists of three classical dimers. The hexameric packing may indicate a possible mode of interaction of C-type lectin-like proteins in the glycosylated form.

• MeSH
• glykosylace MeSH
• kvarterní struktura proteinů MeSH
• lektinové receptory NK-buněk - podrodina B chemie   genetika   metabolismus   MeSH
• lektiny typu C chemie   genetika   metabolismus   MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• multimerizace proteinu * MeSH
• receptory buněčného povrchu chemie   genetika   metabolismus   MeSH
• Check Tag
• lidé MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH
• práce podpořená grantem MeSH

UNLABELLED: The pollination services provided by the western honeybee (Apis mellifera) are critical for agricultural production and the diversity of wild flowering plants. However, honeybees suffer from environmental pollution, habitat loss, and pathogens, including viruses that can cause fatal diseases. Israeli acute bee paralysis virus (IAPV), from the family Dicistroviridae, has been shown to cause colony collapse disorder in the United States. Here, we present the IAPV virion structure determined to a resolution of 4.0 Å and the structure of a pentamer of capsid protein protomers at a resolution of 2.7 Å. IAPV has major capsid proteins VP1 and VP3 with noncanonical jellyroll β-barrel folds composed of only seven instead of eight β-strands, as is the rule for proteins of other viruses with the same fold. The maturation of dicistroviruses is connected to the cleavage of precursor capsid protein VP0 into subunits VP3 and VP4. We show that a putative catalytic site formed by the residues Asp-Asp-Phe of VP1 is optimally positioned to perform the cleavage. Furthermore, unlike many picornaviruses, IAPV does not contain a hydrophobic pocket in capsid protein VP1 that could be targeted by capsid-binding antiviral compounds. IMPORTANCE: Honeybee pollination is required for agricultural production and to sustain the biodiversity of wild flora. However, honeybee populations in Europe and North America are under pressure from pathogens, including viruses that cause colony losses. Viruses from the family Dicistroviridae can cause honeybee infections that are lethal, not only to individual honeybees, but to whole colonies. Here, we present the virion structure of an Aparavirus, Israeli acute bee paralysis virus (IAPV), a member of a complex of closely related viruses that are distributed worldwide. IAPV exhibits unique structural features not observed in other picorna-like viruses. Capsid protein VP1 of IAPV does not contain a hydrophobic pocket, implying that capsid-binding antiviral compounds that can prevent the replication of vertebrate picornaviruses may be ineffective against honeybee virus infections.

• MeSH
• Dicistroviridae ultrastruktura   MeSH
• konformace proteinů MeSH
• krystalografie rentgenová MeSH
• molekulární modely MeSH
• multimerizace proteinu MeSH
• včely virologie   MeSH
• virion ultrastruktura   MeSH
• virové plášťové proteiny chemie   metabolismus   MeSH
• virové struktury * MeSH
• zvířata MeSH
• Check Tag
• zvířata MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH

G-quadruplexes can multimerize under certain conditions, but the sequence requirements of such structures are not well understood. In this study, we investigated the ability of all possible variants of the central tetrad in a monomeric, parallel-strand G-quadruplex to form higher-order structures. Although most of these 256 variants existed primarily as monomers under the conditions of our screen, ∼10% formed dimers or tetramers. These structures could form in a wide range of monovalent and divalent metal ions, and folding was highly cooperative in both KCl and MgCl2. As was previously shown for G-quadruplexes that bind GTP and promote peroxidase reactions, G-quadruplexes that form dimers and tetramers have distinct sequence requirements. Some mutants could also form heteromultimers, and a second screen was performed to characterize the sequence requirements of these structures. Taken together, these experiments provide new insights into the sequence requirements and structures of both homomultimeric and heteromultimeric G-quadruplexes.

• MeSH
• cirkulární dichroismus MeSH
• DNA chemie   MeSH
• G-kvadruplexy * MeSH
• kationty dvojmocné chemie   farmakologie   MeSH
• konformace nukleové kyseliny MeSH
• mutace fyziologie   MeSH
• polymerizace MeSH
• sekvence nukleotidů MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH

UNLABELLED: Deoxyribonucleoside regulator (DeoR) from Bacillus subtilis negatively regulates expression of enzymes involved in the catabolism of deoxyribonucleosides and deoxyribose. The DeoR protein is homologous to the sorbitol operon regulator family of metabolic regulators and comprises an N-terminal DNA-binding domain and a C-terminal effector-binding domain. We have determined the crystal structure of the effector-binding domain of DeoR (C-DeoR) in free form and in covalent complex with its effector deoxyribose-5-phosphate (dR5P). This is the first case of a covalently attached effector molecule captured in the structure of a bacterial transcriptional regulator. The dR5P molecule is attached through a Schiff base linkage to residue Lys141. The crucial role of Lys141 in effector binding was confirmed by mutational analysis and mass spectrometry of Schiff base adducts formed in solution. Structural analyses of the free and effector-bound C-DeoR structures provided a structural explanation for the mechanism of DeoR function as a molecular switch. DATABASES: Atomic coordinates and structure factors for crystal structures of free C-DeoR and the covalent Schiff base complex of C-DeoR with dR5P have been deposited in the Protein Data Bank with accession codes 4OQQ and 4OQP, respectively. STRUCTURED DIGITAL ABSTRACT: C-DeoR and C-DeoR bind by x-ray crystallography (View interaction) DeoR and DeoR bind by molecular sieving (1, 2).

• MeSH
• Bacillus subtilis * MeSH
• bakteriální proteiny chemie   genetika   MeSH
• krystalografie rentgenová MeSH
• kvarterní struktura proteinů MeSH
• molekulární modely MeSH
• multimerizace proteinu MeSH
• mutageneze cílená MeSH
• represorové proteiny chemie   genetika   MeSH
• roztoky MeSH
• Schiffovy báze chemie   MeSH
• sekundární struktura proteinů MeSH
• sekvence aminokyselin MeSH
• strukturní homologie proteinů MeSH
• substituce aminokyselin MeSH
• terciární struktura proteinů MeSH
• vazba proteinů MeSH
• vazebná místa MeSH
• vodíková vazba MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH
• práce podpořená grantem MeSH

Insulin is a key protein hormone that regulates blood glucose levels and, thus, has widespread impact on lipid and protein metabolism. Insulin action is manifested through binding of its monomeric form to the Insulin Receptor (IR). At present, however, our knowledge about the structural behavior of insulin is based upon inactive, multimeric, and storage-like states. The active monomeric structure, when in complex with the receptor, must be different as the residues crucial for the interactions are buried within the multimeric forms. Although the exact nature of the insulin's induced-fit is unknown, there is strong evidence that the C-terminal part of the B-chain is a dynamic element in insulin activation and receptor binding. Here, we present the design and analysis of highly active (200-500%) insulin analogues that are truncated at residue 26 of the B-chain (B(26)). They show a structural convergence in the form of a new beta-turn at B(24)-B(26). We propose that the key element in insulin's transition, from an inactive to an active state, may be the formation of the beta-turn at B(24)-B(26) associated with a trans to cis isomerisation at the B(25)-B(26) peptide bond. Here, this turn is achieved with N-methylated L-amino acids adjacent to the trans to cis switch at the B(25)-B(26) peptide bond or by the insertion of certain D-amino acids at B(26). The resultant conformational changes unmask previously buried amino acids that are implicated in IR binding and provide structural details for new approaches in rational design of ligands effective in combating diabetes.

• MeSH
• CD antigeny metabolismus   MeSH
• inzulin analogy a deriváty   chemie   metabolismus   MeSH
• kinetika MeSH
• konformace proteinů MeSH
• krystalografie rentgenová MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• molekulární modely MeSH
• podjednotky proteinů MeSH
• receptor inzulinu metabolismus   MeSH
• sekundární struktura proteinů MeSH
• statická elektřina MeSH
• techniky in vitro MeSH
• Check Tag
• lidé MeSH
• Publikační typ
• práce podpořená grantem MeSH

Phage tail fibres are elongated protein assemblies capable of specific recognition of bacterial surfaces during the first step of viral infection1-4. The folding of these complex trimeric structures often requires a phage-encoded tail fibre assembly (Tfa) protein5-7. Despite the wide occurrence of Tfa proteins, their functional mechanism has not been elucidated. Here, we investigate the tail fibre and Tfa of Escherichia coli phage Mu. We demonstrate that Tfa forms a stable complex with the tail fibre, and present a 2.1 Å resolution X-ray crystal structure of this complex. We find that Tfa proteins are comprised of two domains: a non-conserved N-terminal domain that binds to the C-terminal region of the fibre and a conserved C-terminal domain that probably mediates fibre oligomerization and assembly. Tfa forms rapidly exchanging multimers on its own, but not a stable trimer, implying that Tfa does not specify the trimeric state of the fibre. We propose that the key conserved role of Tfa is to ensure that fibre assembly and multimerization initiates at the C terminus, ensuring that the intertwined and repetitive structural elements of fibres come together in the correct sequence. The universal importance of correctly aligning the C termini of phage fibres is highlighted by our work.

• MeSH
• bakteriofágy klasifikace   fyziologie   MeSH
• Escherichia coli metabolismus   virologie   MeSH
• krystalografie rentgenová MeSH
• molekulární modely MeSH
• multimerizace proteinu MeSH
• proteiny virových bičíků chemie   genetika   metabolismus   MeSH
• sbalování proteinů MeSH
• sekvence aminokyselin MeSH
• sekvenční seřazení MeSH
• vazba proteinů MeSH
• virové proteiny chemie   genetika   metabolismus   MeSH
• vztahy mezi strukturou a aktivitou MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH
• práce podpořená grantem MeSH

Glucose oxidase (GOX) is a homodimeric glycoprotein with tightly bound one molecule of FAD cofactor per monomer of the protein. GOX has numerous applications, but the preparation of biotechnologically interesting GOX sensors requires a removal of the native FAD cofactor. This process often leads to unwanted irreversible deflavination and, as a consequence, to the low enzyme recovery. Molecular mechanisms of reversible reflavination are poorly understood; our current knowledge is based only on empiric rules, which is clearly insufficient for further development. To develop conceptual understanding of flavin-binding competent states, we studied the effect of deflavination protocols on conformational properties of GOX. After deflavination, the apoform assembles into soluble oligomers with nearly native-like holoform secondary structure but largely destabilized tertiary structure presumambly due to the packing density defects around the vacant flavin binding site. The reflavination is cooperative but not fully efficient; after the binding the flavin cofactor, the protein directly disassembles into native homodimers while the fraction of oligomers remains irreversibly inactivated. Importantly, the effect of Hofmeister salts on the conformational properties of GOX and reflavination efficiency indicates that the native-like residual tertiary structure in the molten-globule states favorably supports the reflavination and minimizes the inactivated oligomers. We interpret our results by combining the ligand-induced changes in quaternary structure with salt-sensitive, non-equilibrated conformational selection model. In summary, our work provides the very first steps toward molecular understanding the complexity of the GOX reflavination mechanism.

• MeSH
• Aspergillus niger enzymologie   MeSH
• biokatalýza MeSH
• cirkulární dichroismus MeSH
• diferenciální skenovací kalorimetrie MeSH
• flavinadenindinukleotid chemie   metabolismus   MeSH
• glukosaoxidasa chemie   metabolismus   MeSH
• multimerizace proteinu MeSH
• protein - isoformy chemie   metabolismus   MeSH
• sekundární struktura proteinů MeSH
• spektrofotometrie ultrafialová MeSH
• stabilita proteinů MeSH
• teplota MeSH
• terciární struktura proteinů MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH

BACKGROUND: The pathogenic yeast Candida albicans can proliferate in environments with different carbon dioxide concentrations thanks to the carbonic anhydrase CaNce103p, which accelerates spontaneous conversion of carbon dioxide to bicarbonate and vice versa. Without functional CaNce103p, C. albicans cannot survive in atmospheric air. CaNce103p falls into the β-carbonic anhydrase class, along with its ortholog ScNce103p from Saccharomyces cerevisiae. The crystal structure of CaNce103p is of interest because this enzyme is a potential target for surface disinfectants. RESULTS: Recombinant CaNce103p was prepared in E. coli, and its crystal structure was determined at 2.2 Å resolution. CaNce103p forms a homotetramer organized as a dimer of dimers, in which the dimerization and tetramerization surfaces are perpendicular. Although the physiological role of CaNce103p is similar to that of ScNce103p from baker's yeast, on the structural level it more closely resembles carbonic anhydrase from the saprophytic fungus Sordaria macrospora, which is also tetrameric. Dimerization is mediated by two helices in the N-terminal domain of the subunits. The N-terminus of CaNce103p is flexible, and crystals were obtained only upon truncation of the first 29 amino acids. Analysis of CaNce103p variants truncated by 29, 48 and 61 amino acids showed that residues 30-48 are essential for dimerization. Each subunit contains a zinc atom in the active site and displays features characteristic of type I β-carbonic anhydrases. Zinc is tetrahedrally coordinated by one histidine residue, two cysteine residues and a molecule of β-mercaptoethanol originating from the crystallization buffer. The active sites are accessible via substrate tunnels, which are slightly longer and narrower than those observed in other fungal carbonic anhydrases. CONCLUSIONS: CaNce103p is a β-class homotetrameric metalloenzyme composed of two homodimers. Its structure closely resembles those of other β-type carbonic anhydrases, in particular CAS1 from Sordaria macrospora. The main differences occur in the N-terminal part and the substrate tunnel. Detailed knowledge of the CaNce103p structure and the properties of the substrate tunnel in particular will facilitate design of selective inhibitors of this enzyme.

• MeSH
• Candida albicans enzymologie   MeSH
• karboanhydrasy chemie   MeSH
• katalytická doména MeSH
• krystalografie rentgenová MeSH
• kvarterní struktura proteinů MeSH
• molekulární modely MeSH
• multimerizace proteinu MeSH
• sekvence aminokyselin MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH
• práce podpořená grantem MeSH