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The pathogenesis of the SARS-CoV-2 virus initiates through recognition of the angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) receptor of the host cells by the receptor-binding domain (RBD) located at the spikes of the virus. Here, using molecular dynamics simulations, we have demonstrated the allosteric crosstalk within the RBD in the apo- and the ACE2 receptor-bound states, revealing the contribution of the dynamics-based correlated motions and the electrostatic energy perturbations to this crosstalk. While allostery, based on correlated motions, dominates inherent distal communication in the apo-RBD, the electrostatic energy perturbations determine favorable pairwise crosstalk within the RBD residues upon binding to ACE2. Interestingly, the allosteric path is composed of residues which are evolutionarily conserved within closely related coronaviruses, pointing toward the biological relevance of the communication and its potential as a target for drug development.

Hif-3α, a member of the hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF) family, enters the nucleus and regulates gene expression in response to hypoxia. The molecular basis of its nuclear localization is not clear. HIF-1α and HIF-2α use a bipartite nuclear localization signal (NLS) to enter the nucleus. This motif is not conserved in Hif-3α. Although there is a conserved Arg/Lys rich motif in the Hif-3α N-terminal region, deletion of this region has minimal effect on Hif-3α nuclear localization. Here, we mapped the functional NLS to the unique C-terminal region of Hif-3α and identified two clusters of basic residues critical for its nuclear localization. The two NLS motifs are functionally redundant. Our results, thus, suggest that Hif-3α nuclear localization is mediated through two redundant NLS motifs located in its unique C-terminal region.

The plant-specific GAI-RGA-and-SCR (GRAS) family of proteins function as transcriptional regulators and play critical roles in development and signalling. Recent structural studies have shed light on the molecular functions at the structural level. The conserved GRAS domain comprises an α-helical cap and α/β core subdomains. The α-helical cap mediates head-to-head heterodimerization between SHR and SCR GRAS domains. This type of dimerization is predicted for the NSP1-NSP2 heterodimer and DELLA proteins such as RGA and SLR1 homodimers. The α/β core subdomain possesses a hydrophobic groove formed by surface α3- and α7-helices and mediates protein-protein interactions. The groove of the SHR GRAS domain accommodates the zinc fingers of JKD, a BIRD/IDD family transcription factor, while the groove of the SCL7 GRAS domain mediates the SCL7 homodimerization.

The deadly neurotoxins of Clostridium botulinum (BoNTs) comprise eight serotypes (A–G; X). The neurotoxin gene cluster encoding BoNT and its accessory proteins includes an operon containing an ntnh gene upstream of the boNT gene. Another operon contains either ha (haemagglutinin) or orfX genes (of unknown function). Here we describe a novel boNT gene cluster from Enterococcus sp. 3G1_DIV0629, with a typical ntnh gene and an uncommon orfX arrangement. The neurotoxin (designated putative eBoNT/J) contains a metallopeptidase zinc‐binding site, a translocation domain and a target cell attachment domain. Structural properties of the latter suggest a novel targeting mechanism with consequent implications for application by the pharmaceutical industry. This is the first complete boNT gene cluster identified in a non‐clostridial genome.

Glucocorticoid-induced TNFR-related protein (GITR) is constitutively expressed in T regulatory (Treg) cells and regulates their suppressive function. We identified two methylated CpG islands in the Gitr locus. Using a ChIP assay, we demonstrate that both DNMT1 and methyl-CpG-binding domain Protein 4 (MBD4) bind to the Gitr promoter. Moreover, knockdown of DNMT1 decreases the binding activity of MBD4. We observed much higher levels of both DNMT1 and MBD4 in human CD4(+) CD25(-) conventional T (Tconv) cells. Moreover, co-overexpression of DNMT1 and MBD4 in Treg cells significantly inhibits GITR expression and impairs their suppressive activity. Our results reveal a novel molecular mechanism by which MBD4 inhibits GITR expression in a DNMT1-dependent manner.

A highly coordinated complex known as the microprocessor precisely processes primary transcripts of MIRNA genes into mature miRNAs. In plants, the microprocessor minimally consists of three components: Dicer-like protein 1 (DCL1), HYPONASTIC LEAF 1 (HYL1), and SERRATE (SE). To precisely modulate miRNA maturation, the microprocessor cooperates with at least 12 proteins in plants. In addition, we here show the involvement of a novel gene, HYL1-interacting GIY-YIG-like endonuclease (HIGLE). The encoded protein has a GIY-YIG domain that is generally found within a class of homing endonucleases. HIGLE directly interacts with the microprocessor components HYL1 and SE. Unlike the functions of other GIY-YIG endonucleases, the catalytic core of HIGLE has both DNase and RNase activities that sufficiently processes miRNA precursors into short fragments in vitro.

The tumor suppressor Ras-association domain family member 6 (RASSF6) has Ras-association domain (RA) and Salvador/RASSF/Hippo domain (SARAH). RASSF6 antagonizes MDM2, stabilizes p53, and induces apoptosis and cell cycle arrest. We previously demonstrated the interaction between RASSF6 and MDM2, but did not determine how both proteins interact with each other. We have shown here that N-terminal, RA, and SARAH domains of RASSF6 interact with MDM2 at distinct regions. RA binds to the RING-finger region of MDM2 and stabilizes p53. SARAH binds RA and blocks the interaction between RA and MDM2. RA overexpression induces p53-dependent apoptosis and senescence. In the presence of active KRas, the interaction between RA and MDM2 is recovered. In this way, RA and SARAH play an important role in Ras-mediated regulation of p53.

Recent work has demonstrated that cotranslational folding of proteins or protein domains in, or in the immediate vicinity of, the ribosome exit tunnel generates a pulling force on the nascent polypeptide chain that can be detected using a so-called translational arrest peptide (AP) engineered into the nascent chain as a force sensor. Here, we show that AP-based force measurements combined with systematic Ala and Trp scans of a zinc-finger domain that folds in the exit tunnel can be used to identify the residues that are critical for intraribosomal folding. Our results suggest a general approach to characterize the folded state(s) that may form as a protein domain moves progressively down the ribosome exit tunnel.

Phosphoinositides represent a very small fraction of membrane phospholipids, having fast turnover rates and unique subcellular distributions, which make them perfect for initiating local temporal effects. Seven different phosphoinositide species are generated through reversible phosphorylation of the inositol ring of phosphatidylinositol (PtdIns). The negative charge generated by the phosphates provides specificity for interaction with various protein domains that commonly contain a cluster of basic residues. Examples of domains that bind phosphoinositides include PH domains, WD40 repeats, PX domains, and FYVE domains. Such domains often display specificity toward a certain species or subset of phosphoinositides. Here we will review the current literature of different phosphoinositide-binding proteins involved in autophagy.

Interactions between downstream regulatory element antagonist modulator (DREAM) and presenilin 1 (PS1) are related to numerous neuronal processes. We demonstrate that association of PS1 carboxyl peptide (residues 445-467, HL9) with DREAM is calcium dependent and stabilized by a cluster of three aromatic residues: F462 and F465 from PS1 and F252 from DREAM. Additional stabilization is provided by residues in a loop connecting α helices 7 and 8 in DREAM and residues of PS1, namely cation-π interactions between R200 in DREAM and F465 in PS1 and the salt bridges formed by R207 in DREAM and D450 and D458 in PS1.

Serum amyloid A is a major acute-phase plasma protein that modulates innate immunity and cholesterol homeostasis. We combine sequence analysis with x-ray crystal structures to postulate that SAA acts as an intrinsically disordered hub mediating interactions among proteins, lipids and proteoglycans. A structural model of lipoprotein-bound SAA monomer is proposed wherein two α-helices from the N-domain form a concave hydrophobic surface that binds lipoproteins. A C-domain, connected to the N-domain via a flexible linker, binds polar/charged ligands including cell receptors, bridging them with lipoproteins and re-routing cholesterol transport. Our model is supported by the SAA cleavage in the inter-domain linker to generate the 1–76 fragment deposited in reactive amyloidosis. This model sheds new light on functions of this enigmatic protein.

Ly6/urokinase‐type plasminogen activator receptor (uPAR) (LU) domain containing 6 (LYPD6) is a Wnt signaling enhancer that promotes phosphorylation of the Wnt coreceptor low density lipoprotein receptor‐related protein 6 (LRP6). It also binds the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR). We report here the 1.25 Å resolution structure of the LYPD6 extracellular LU domain and map its interaction with LRP6 by mutagenesis and surface plasmon resonance. The LYPD6LU structure reveals a ‘trifingered protein domain’ fold with the middle fingertip bearing an ‘NxI’ motif, a tripeptide motif associated with LRP5/6 binding by Wnt inhibitors. Of the Ly6 protein family members, only LYPD6 has an NxI motif. Since mutations in the LYPD6 NxI motif abolish or severely reduce interaction with LRP6, our results indicate its key role in the interaction of LYPD6 with LRP6.

Cotranslational folding of small protein domains within the ribosome exit tunnel may be an important cellular strategy to avoid protein misfolding. However, the pathway of cotranslational folding has so far been described only for a few proteins, and therefore, it is unclear whether folding in the ribosome exit tunnel is a common feature for small protein domains. Here, we have analyzed nine small protein domains and determined at which point during translation their folding generates sufficient force on the nascent chain to release translational arrest by the SecM arrest peptide, both in vitro and in live E. coli cells. We find that all nine protein domains initiate folding while still located well within the ribosome exit tunnel.

The AAA ATPase spastin is a microtubule-severing enzyme that plays important roles in various cellular events including axon regeneration. Herein, we found that the basal ATPase activity of spastin is negatively regulated by spastin concentration. By determining a spastin crystal structure, we demonstrate the necessity of intersubunit interactions between spastin AAA domains. Neutralization of the positive charges in the microtubule-binding domain (MTBD) of spastin dramatically decreases the ATPase activity at low concentration, although the ATP-hydrolyzing potential is not affected. These results demonstrate that, in addition to the AAA domain, the MTBD region of spastin is also involved in regulating ATPase activity, making interactions between spastin protomers more complicated than expected.

KaiC is the central oscillator protein in the cyanobacterial circadian clock. KaiC oscillates autonomously between phosphorylated and dephosphorylated states on a 24-h cycle in vitro by mixing with KaiA and KaiB in the presence of ATP. KaiC forms a C6 -symmetrical hexamer, which is a double ring structure of homologous N-terminal and C-terminal domains termed CI and CII, respectively. Here, through the characterization of an isolated CII domain protein, CIIKaiC , we show that phosphorylation of KaiC Thr432 destabilizes the hexameric state of the CII ring to a monomeric state. The results suggest that the stable hexameric CI ring acts as a molecular bundle to hold the CII ring, which undergoes dynamic structural changes upon phosphorylation.

Neural networks are optimized to detect temporal coincidence on the millisecond timescale. Here, we offer a synthetic hypothesis based on recent structural insights into SNAREs and the C2 domain proteins to explain how synaptic transmission can keep this pace. We suggest that an outer ring of up to six curved Munc13 'MUN' domains transiently anchored to the plasma membrane via its flanking domains surrounds a stable inner ring comprised of synaptotagmin C2 domains to serve as a work-bench on which SNAREpins are templated. This 'buttressed-ring hypothesis' affords straightforward answers to many principal and long-standing questions concerning how SNAREpins can be assembled, clamped, and then released synchronously with an action potential.

Most bacteriophages rapidly infect and kill bacteria and, therefore, qualify as the next generation therapeutics for rapidly emerging drug-resistant bacteria such as Mycobacterium tuberculosis. We have previously characterized the mycobacteriophage D29-generated endolysin, Lysin A, for its activity against mycobacteria. Here, we present a detailed characterization of the lysozyme domain (LD) of D29 Lysin A that hydrolyzes peptidoglycan of both gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria with high potency. By characterizing an exhaustive LD protein variant library, we have identified critical residues important for LD activity and stability. We further complement our in vitro experiments with detailed in silico investigations. We present LD as a potent candidate for developing phage-based broad-spectrum therapeutics.

The UDP-GlcNAc:lysosomal enzyme, N-acetylglucosamine-1-phosphotransferase (GlcNAc-1-PT), is an α2 β2 γ2 hexamer that mediates the initial step in the formation of the mannose 6-phosphate targeting signal on newly synthesized lysosomal acid hydrolases. The GNPTAB gene encodes the 1256 amino acid long α/β precursor which is normally cleaved at K928 in the early Golgi by Site-1 protease (S1P). Here, we show that removal of the so-called 'spacer-1' domain (residues 86-322) results in cleavage almost exclusively at a second S1P consensus sequence located upstream of K928. In addition, GlcNAc-1-PT lacking spacer-1 exhibits enhanced phosphorylation of several non-lysosomal glycoproteins, while the phosphorylation of lysosomal acid hydrolases is not altered. In view of these effects on the maturation and function of GlcNAc-1-PT, we suggest renaming `spacer-1' the `regulatory-1' domain.

Polyglutamine tract-binding protein 1 (PQBP1) is an intrinsically disordered protein composed of a small folded WW domain and a long disordered region. PQBP1 binds to spliceosomal proteins WBP11 and U5-15kD through its N-terminal WW domain and C-terminal region, respectively. Here, we reveal that the binding between PQBP1 and WBP11 reduces the binding affinity between PQBP1 and U5-15kD. Our results suggest that the interaction between PQBP1 and WBP11 negatively modulates the U5-15kD binding of PQBP1 by an allosteric mechanism.

Mammalian pentatricopeptide repeat domain (PPR) proteins are involved in regulation of mitochondrial RNA metabolism and translation and are required for mitochondrial function. We investigated an uncharacterised PPR protein, the supernumerary mitochondrial ribosomal protein of the small subunit 27 (MRPS27), and show that it associates with the 12S rRNA and tRNAGlu, however it does not affect their abundance. We found that MRPS27 is not required for mitochondrial RNA processing or the stability of the small ribosomal subunit. However, MRPS27 is required for mitochondrial protein synthesis and its knockdown causes decreased abundance in respiratory complexes and cytochrome c oxidase activity.Structured summary of protein interactionsMRPS27 and MRPS15colocalize by cosedimentation through density gradient (View Interaction)

The protein family of membrane-anchored extended synaptotagmin-like proteins (E-Syts) was recently discovered in humans. E-Syt1 to 3 each contain at least one transmembrane domain and three or five C2 domains. To investigate the whole C2 area of murine E-Syt2, highly pure recombinant E-Syt2 (rE-Syt2) covering all three C2 domains was isolated. The structure of rE-Syt2 was studied by small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) providing a three-dimensional image of a protein with three C2 domains. Calcium binding of rE-Syt2 triggered structural rearrangements and initiated reversible multimerization of the protein in vitro. Quantitative analysis of the calcium binding revealed an apparent binding constant of 100 μM. This is the first structural study of a multi-C2 protein, presumably involved in Ca-dependent signalling events.

We describe the behavior of a polypeptide consisting of the genetic fusion of a structurally stable single-domain protein, EGFP (an analog of the green fluorescent protein) with an amyloidogenic sequence, retroCspA (known to readily form amyloid fibrils). Refolding of the fusion protein through single-step removal of denaturant and salt results in precipitation into amyloid aggregates displaying fibrillar morphology, thioflavin T binding as well as green fluorescence. Refolding through step-wise reduction of denaturant concentration in the presence of salt yields a soluble aggregate containing a folded, thermally-stable, non-fluorescent EGFP domain. Together, these results indicate that retroCspA forces the fusion protein to aggregate; however, the EGFP domain remains folded in a native-like structural format in both soluble aggregates and precipitates.

Alpha-amylases are widely found in eukaryotes and prokaryotes. Few amino acids are conserved among these organisms, but at an intra-kingdom level, conserved protein domains exist. In animals, numerous conserved stretches are considered as typical of animal alpha-amylases. Searching databases, we found no animal-type alpha-amylases outside the Bilateria. Instead, we found in the sponge Reniera sp. and in the sea anemone Nematostella vectensis, alpha-amylases whose most similar cognate was that of the amoeba Dictyostelium discoideum. We found that this "Dictyo-type" alpha-amylase was shared not only by these non-Bilaterian animals, but also by other Amoebozoa, Choanoflagellates, and Fungi. This suggested that the Dictyo-type alpha-amylase was present in the last common ancestor of Unikonts. The additional presence of the Dictyo-type in some Ciliates and Excavates, suggests that horizontal gene transfers may have occurred among Eukaryotes. We have also detected putative interkingdom transfers of amylase genes, which obscured the historical reconstitution. Several alternative scenarii are discussed.

Domain promiscuity is a powerful evolutionary force that promotes functional innovation in proteins, thus increasing proteome and organismal complexity. Carbohydrate-binding modules, in particular, are known to partake in complex modular architectures that play crucial roles in numerous biochemical and molecular processes. However, the extent, functional, and evolutionary significance of promiscuity is shrouded in mystery for most CBM families. Here, we analyzed the global promiscuity of family 14 carbohydrate-binding modules (CBM14s) and show that fusion, fission, and reorganization events with numerous other domain types interplayed incessantly in a lineage-dependent manner to likely facilitate species adaptation and functional innovation in the family.

SIB1 FKBP22 is a homodimer, with each subunit consisting of the C-terminal catalytic domain and N-terminal dimerization domain. This protein exhibits peptidyl prolyl cis–trans isomerase activity for both peptide and protein substrates. However, truncation of the N-terminal domain greatly reduces the activity only for a protein substrate. Using surface plasmon resonance, we showed that SIB1 FKBP22 loses the binding ability to a folding intermediate of protein upon truncation of the N-terminal domain but does not lose it upon truncation of the C-terminal domain. We propose that the binding site of SIB1 FKBP22 to a protein substrate of PPIase is located at the N-terminal domain.

With two tandem repeated cysteine- and histidine-rich domains (designated as CHORD), CHORD-containing proteins (CHPs) are a novel family of highly conserved proteins that play important roles in plant disease resistance and animal development. Through interacting with suppressor of the G2 allele of Skp1 (SGT1) and Hsp90, plant CHORD-containing protein RAR1 (required for Mla resistance 1) plays a critical role in disease resistance mediated by multiple R genes. Yet, the physiological function of vertebrate CHORD-containing protein-1 (Chp-1) has been poorly investigated. In this study, we provide the first biochemical evidence demonstrating that mammalian Chp-1 is a novel Hsp90-interacting protein. Mammalian Chp-1 contains two CHORD domains (I and II) and one CS domain (a domain shared by CHORD-containing proteins and SGT1). With sequence and structural similarity to Hsp90 co-chaperones p23 and SGT1, Chp-1 binds to the ATPase domain of Hsp90, but the biochemical property of the interaction is unique. The Chp-1–Hsp90 interaction is independent of ATP and ATPase-coupled conformational change of Hsp90, a feature that distinguishes Chp-1 from p23. Furthermore, it appears that multiple domains of Chp-1 are required for stable Chp-1–Hsp90 interaction. Unlike SGT1 whose CS domain is sufficient for Hsp90 binding, the CS domain of Chp-1 is essential but not sufficient for Hsp90 binding. While the CHORD-I domain of Chp-1 is dispensable for Hsp90 binding, the CHORD-II domain and the linker region are essential. Interestingly, the CHORD-I domain of plant RAR1 protein is solely responsible for Hsp90 binding. The unique Chp-1–Hsp90 interaction may be indicative of a distinct biological activity of Chp-1 and functional diversification of CHORD-containing proteins during evolution.

Structurally conserved regions or structural templates have been identified and examined for features such as amino acid content, solvent accessibility, secondary structures, non-polar interaction, residue packing and extent of structural deviations in 179 aligned members of superfamilies involving 1208 pairs of protein domains. An analysis of these structural features shows that the retention of secondary structural conservation and similar hydrogen bonding pattern within the templates is 2.5 and 1.8 times higher, respectively, than full-length alignments suggesting that they form the minimum structural requirement of a superfamily. The identification and availability of structural templates find value in different areas of protein structure prediction and modelling such as in sensitive sequence searches, accurate sequence alignment and three-dimensional modelling on the basis of distant relationships.

We present the 2.6 A resolution crystal structure of a complex formed between G-actin and gelsolin fragment Met25-Gln160 (G1+). The structure differs from those of other gelsolin domain 1 (G1) complexes in that an additional six amino acid residues from the crucial linker region into gelsolin domain 2 (G2) are visible and are attached securely to the surface of actin. The linker segment extends away from G1 up the face of actin in a direction that infers G2 will bind along the same long-pitch helical strand as the actin bound to G1. This is consistent with a mechanism whereby G2 attaches gelsolin to the side of a filament and then directs G1 toward a position where it would disrupt actin-actin contacts. Alignment of the sequence of the structurally important residues within the G1-G2 linker with those of WH2 (WASp homology domain 2) domain protein family members (e.g. WASp (Wiscott-Aldridge syndrome protein) and thymosin beta4) suggests that the opposing activities of filament assembly and disassembly may exploit a common patch on the surface of actin.

Sulfurtransferases/rhodaneses (ST) are a group of enzymes widely distributed in all three phyla that catalyze the transfer of sulfur from a donor to a thiophilic acceptor substrate. All ST contain distinct structural domains, and can exist as single-domain proteins, as tandemly repeated modules in which the C-terminal domain bears the active site, or as members of multi-domain proteins. We identified several ST in Arabidopsis resembling the C-terminus of the Arabidopsis two-domain ST1 and the single-domain GlpE protein from Escherichia coli. Two of them (accession numbers BAB10422 and BAB10409) were expressed in E. coli and purified. Both proteins showed thiosulfate-specific ST enzyme activity.

The turnover of cellular proteins is a highly organized process that involves spatially and temporally regulated degradation by the ubiquitin/proteasome system. It is generally acknowledged that the specificity of the process is determined by constitutive or conditional protein domains, the degradation signals, that target the substrate for proteasomal degradation. In this review, we discuss a new type of regulatory domain: the stabilization signal. A model is proposed according to which protein half-lives are determined by the interplay of counteracting degradation and stabilization signals.

We propose a normalization of symbols and terms used to describe, accurately and succinctly, the detailed interactions between amino acid residues of pairs of interacting proteins at protein:protein (or protein:peptide) interfaces. Our aim is to unify several diverse descriptions currently in use in order to facilitate communication in the rapidly progressing field of signaling by protein domains. In order for the nomenclature to be convenient and widely used, we also suggest a parallel set of symbols restricted to the ASCII format allowing accurate parsing of the nomenclature to a computer-readable form. This proposal will be reviewed in the future and will therefore be open for the inclusion of new rules, modifications and changes.

WW domains are small protein modules composed of approximately 40 amino acids. These domains fold as a stable, triple stranded β-sheet and recognize proline-containing ligands. WW domains are found in many different signaling and structural proteins, often localized in the cytoplasm as well as in the cell nucleus. Based on analyses of seven structures of WW domains, we discuss their diverse binding preferences and sequence conservation patterns. While modeling WW domains for which structures have not been determined we uncovered a case of potential molecular and functional convergence between WW and SH3 domains. The binding surface of the modeled WW domain of Npw38 protein shows a remarkable similarity to the SH3 domain of Sem5 protein, confirming biochemical data on similar binding predilections of both domains.

The actin-depolymerising factor (ADF)/cofilin group of proteins are stimulus-responsive actin-severing proteins, members of which are regulated by reversible phosphorylation. The phosphorylation site on the maize ADF, ZmADF3, is Ser-6 but the kinase responsible is unknown [Smertenko et al., Plant J. 14 (1998) 187–193]. We have partially purified the ADF kinase(s) and found it to be calcium-regulated and inhibited by N-(6-aminohexyl)-[3H]5-chloro-1-naphthalenesulphonamide. Immunoblotting reveals that calmodulin-like domain protein kinase(s) (CDPK) are enriched in the purified preparation and addition of anti-CDPK to in vitro phosphorylation assays results in the inhibition of ADF phosphorylation. These data strongly suggest that plant ADF is phosphorylated by CDPK(s), a class of protein kinases unique to plants and protozoa.

Members of the HERC (domain homologous to E6 associated protein carboxy-terminus and RCC1 domain protein) family may function both as guanine nucleotide exchange factors and E3 ubiquitin ligases. Here we identify an unstudied member, HERC3. This protein was recognized by specific antibodies in different cell types. HERC3 was located in the cytosol and in vesicular-like structures containing β-COP, ARF and Rab5 proteins. Involvement of HERC3 in the ubiquitin system was suggested by its ability to interact with ubiquitin. The conserved cysteine in HECT proteins was not essential for this non-covalent binding. Moreover, HERC3 was a substrate of ubiquitination being degraded by the proteasome. These observations indicate a fine regulation of HERC3 and suggest a role in vesicular traffic and ubiquitin-dependent processes.

The lipoyl domains of 2-oxo acid dehydrogenase multienzyme complexes and the biotinyl domains of biotin-dependent enzymes have homologous structures, but the target lysine residue in each domain is correctly selected for post-translational modification by lipoyl protein ligase and biotinyl protein ligase, respectively. We have applied two-dimensional heteronuclear NMR spectroscopy to investigate the interaction between the apo form of the biotinyl domain of the biotin carboxyl carrier protein of acetyl-CoA carboxylase and the biotinyl protein ligase (BPL) from Escherichia coli. Heteronuclear multiple quantum coherence NMR spectra of the 15N-labelled biotinyl domain were recorded in the presence and absence of the ligase and backbone amide 1H and 15N chemical shifts were evaluated. Small, but significant, changes in chemical shift were found in two regions, including the tight β-turn that houses the lysine residue targetted for biotinylation, and the β-strand 2 and the loop that precedes it in the domain. When compared with the three-dimensional structure, sequence alignments of other biotinyl and lipoyl domains, and mutagenesis data, these results give a clear indication of how the biotinyl domain is both recognised by BPL and distinguished from the structurally related lipoyl domain to ensure correct post-translational modification.

Structural comparisons of the two GTPase activating proteins (GAPs) p120 and p50 in complex with Ras and Rho, respectively, allowed us to decipher the functional role of specific structural features, such as helix α8c of p120 and helix A1 of p50, necessary for small GTPase recognition. We identified important residues that may be critical for stabilization of the GAP/GTPase binary complexes. Detection of topohydrophobic positions (positions which are most often occupied by hydrophobic amino acids within a family of protein domains) conserved between the two GAP families led to the characterization of a common flexible four-helix bundle. Altogether, these data are consistent with a rearrangement of several helices around a common core, which strongly supports the assumption that p50 and p120 GAPs derive from a unique fold. Considered as a whole, the remarkable plasticity of GAPs appears to be a means used by nature to accurately confer functional specificity.

Exogenously expressed unphosphorylated sub-domains of the R domain block CFTR Cl− channels in the planar lipid bilayer, though the block differs from block with full length R domain. Full length R domain peptide (aa 588–855) blocks CFTR Cl− channels quickly, completely and permanently [1]. Two sub-domains, RD1RD2 (aa 588–805) and RD2TM (aa 672–855), also inhibit CFTR Cl− channels, but the block takes longer to effect and is not complete. Shorter sequences, RD1 (aa 588–746) and RD2 (aa 672–805), fail to effect any block. These data suggest that either the amino-terminal or carboxy-terminal portions of the R domain protein or its stabilized secondary structure are critical to functional regulation.

Disulfide bridges were introduced into CrylAa, a Bacillus thuringiensis lepidopteran toxin, to stabilize different protein domains including domain I alpha-helical regions thought to be involved in membrane integration and permeation. Bridged mutants could not form functional ion channels in lipid bilayers in the oxidized state, but upon reduction with beta-mercaptoethanol, regained parental toxin channel activity. Our results show that unfolding of the protein around a hinge region linking domain I and II is a necessary step for pore formation. They also suggest that membrane insertion of the hydrophobic hairpin made of alpha-helices 4 and 5 in domain I plays a critical role in the formation of a functional pore.

Experimentally measured rates of spontaneous folding of single-domain globular proteins range from microseconds to hours: the difference (11 orders of magnitude!) is akin to the difference between the life span of a mosquito and the age of the Universe. We show that physical theory with biological constraints outlines the possible range of folding rates for single-domain globular proteins of various size and stability, and that the experimentally measured folding rates fall within this narrow “golden triangle” built without any adjustable parameters, filling it almost completely. This “golden triangle” also successfully predicts the maximal allowed size of the “foldable” protein domains, as well as the maximal size of protein domains that fold under solely thermodynamic (rather than kinetic) control. In conclusion, we give a phenomenological formula for dependence of the folding rate on the size, shape and stability of the protein fold.

Treatment of yeast phosphoglycerate kinase (PGK) with trypsin results in a fourfold increase in the Vmax of this enzyme, without affecting the Km. This activation is shown to be due to the removal of the C-terminal lysine residue. The C-terminal sequence folds back over the N-terminal domain and contacts the extreme N-terminal sequence which folds onto the C-terminal domain, thus making many of the inter-domain contacts in this two domain protein. Previous studies have shown that this C-terminal region is important in mediating the conformational changes required during catalysis by yeast PGK. Observation of the three-dimensional structure of this enzyme suggests that removal of the C-terminal lysine residue will strengthen the interaction between K5 and E413. This indicates that this salt bridge stabilises the enzyme in the higher activity form, while the presence of K415 reduces the strength of that interaction.

A novel, unusually small, and highly conserved domain of modular intracellular proteins is described. The domain was first recognized as three repeats in the yeast rsp5 gene product and named thereafter. The rsp5 protein is thought to interact with nuclear proteins but also contains a C2 domain typical for cytoplasmic proteins. Further analyses revealed several additional occurrences of this domain in diverse protein classes, including cytoplasmic signal transduction proteins, gene products interacting with the transcription machinery, structural proteins like dystrophin, and a putative RNA helicase.

BRCT domains are versatile protein modular domains found as single units or as multiple copies in more than 20 different proteins in the human genome. Interestingly, most BRCT-containing proteins function in the same biological process, the DNA damage response network, but show specificity in their molecular interactions. BRCT domains have been found to bind a wide array of ligands from proteins, phosphorylated linear motifs, and DNA. Here we discuss the biology of BRCT domains and how a domain-centric analysis can aid in the understanding of signal transduction events in the DNA damage response network.