scholarly journals Flaviviruses have imperfect icosahedral symmetry

2018 ◽  
Vol 115 (45) ◽  
pp. 11608-11612 ◽  
Author(s):  
Matthew D. Therkelsen ◽  
Thomas Klose ◽  
Frank Vago ◽  
Wen Jiang ◽  
Michael G. Rossmann ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Lipid Membrane ◽  
Viral Assembly ◽  
Icosahedral Symmetry ◽  
Proximal Pole ◽  
The Core ◽  
Cryo Electron Microscopy ◽  
Symmetry Constraints ◽  
Conformational Rearrangements ◽  
Mature Virus ◽  
Concentric Organization

Flaviviruses assemble initially in an immature, noninfectious state and undergo extensive conformational rearrangements to generate mature virus. Previous cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM) structural studies of flaviviruses assumed icosahedral symmetry and showed the concentric organization of the external glycoprotein shell, the lipid membrane, and the internal nucleocapsid core. We show here that when icosahedral symmetry constraints were excluded in calculating the cryo-EM reconstruction of an immature flavivirus, the nucleocapsid core was positioned asymmetrically with respect to the glycoprotein shell. The core was positioned closer to the lipid membrane at the proximal pole, and at the distal pole, the outer glycoprotein spikes and inner membrane leaflet were either perturbed or missing. In contrast, in the asymmetric reconstruction of a mature flavivirus, the core was positioned concentric with the glycoprotein shell. The deviations from icosahedral symmetry demonstrated that the core and glycoproteins have varied interactions, which likely promotes viral assembly and budding.

scholarly journals Structures of Rhodopseudomonas palustris RC-LH1 complexes with open or closed quinone channels

2021 ◽  
Vol 7 (3) ◽  
pp. eabe2631
Author(s):  
David J. K. Swainsbury ◽  
Pu Qian ◽  
Philip J. Jackson ◽  
Kaitlyn M. Faries ◽  
Dariusz M. Niedzwiedzki ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Binding Sites ◽  
Rhodopseudomonas Palustris ◽  
Ring Closure ◽  
Light Harvesting Complex ◽  
The Core ◽  
Quinone Binding ◽  
Cryo Electron Microscopy ◽  
Unique Protein ◽  
Center Light ◽  
Resolution Structure

The reaction-center light-harvesting complex 1 (RC-LH1) is the core photosynthetic component in purple phototrophic bacteria. We present two cryo–electron microscopy structures of RC-LH1 complexes from Rhodopseudomonas palustris. A 2.65-Å resolution structure of the RC-LH114-W complex consists of an open 14-subunit LH1 ring surrounding the RC interrupted by protein-W, whereas the complex without protein-W at 2.80-Å resolution comprises an RC completely encircled by a closed, 16-subunit LH1 ring. Comparison of these structures provides insights into quinone dynamics within RC-LH1 complexes, including a previously unidentified conformational change upon quinone binding at the RC QB site, and the locations of accessory quinone binding sites that aid their delivery to the RC. The structurally unique protein-W prevents LH1 ring closure, creating a channel for accelerated quinone/quinol exchange.

scholarly journals Assisted assembly of bacteriophage T7 core components for genome translocation across the bacterial envelope

2021 ◽  
Vol 118 (34) ◽  
pp. e2026719118
Author(s):  
Mar Pérez-Ruiz ◽  
Mar Pulido-Cid ◽  
Juan Román Luque-Ortega ◽  
José María Valpuesta ◽  
Ana Cuervo ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Bacteriophage T7 ◽  
Dna Translocation ◽  
Oligomeric State ◽  
Viral Dna ◽  
The Core ◽  
Cryo Electron Microscopy ◽  
Core Proteins ◽  
Core Components ◽  
Bacterial Cytoplasm ◽  
Bacterial Peptidoglycan

In most bacteriophages, genome transport across bacterial envelopes is carried out by the tail machinery. In viruses of the Podoviridae family, in which the tail is not long enough to traverse the bacterial wall, it has been postulated that viral core proteins assembled inside the viral head are translocated and reassembled into a tube within the periplasm that extends the tail channel. Bacteriophage T7 infects Escherichia coli, and despite extensive studies, the precise mechanism by which its genome is translocated remains unknown. Using cryo-electron microscopy, we have resolved the structure of two different assemblies of the T7 DNA translocation complex composed of the core proteins gp15 and gp16. Gp15 alone forms a partially folded hexamer, which is further assembled upon interaction with gp16 into a tubular structure, forming a channel that could allow DNA passage. The structure of the gp15–gp16 complex also shows the location within gp16 of a canonical transglycosylase motif involved in the degradation of the bacterial peptidoglycan layer. This complex docks well in the tail extension structure found in the periplasm of T7-infected bacteria and matches the sixfold symmetry of the phage tail. In such cases, gp15 and gp16 that are initially present in the T7 capsid eightfold-symmetric core would change their oligomeric state upon reassembly in the periplasm. Altogether, these results allow us to propose a model for the assembly of the core translocation complex in the periplasm, which furthers understanding of the molecular mechanism involved in the release of T7 viral DNA into the bacterial cytoplasm.

scholarly journals A molecular pore spans the double membrane of the coronavirus replication organelle

Science ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 369 (6509) ◽  
pp. 1395-1398 ◽  
Author(s):  
Georg Wolff ◽  
Ronald W. A. L. Limpens ◽  
Jessika C. Zevenhoven-Dobbe ◽  
Ulrike Laugks ◽  
Shawn Zheng ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Drug Target ◽  
Rna Synthesis ◽  
Transmembrane Protein ◽  
Membrane Vesicle ◽  
Membrane Vesicles ◽  
Genome Replication ◽  
Messenger Rnas ◽  
Double Membrane ◽  
The Core ◽  
Cryo Electron Microscopy

Coronavirus genome replication is associated with virus-induced cytosolic double-membrane vesicles, which may provide a tailored microenvironment for viral RNA synthesis in the infected cell. However, it is unclear how newly synthesized genomes and messenger RNAs can travel from these sealed replication compartments to the cytosol to ensure their translation and the assembly of progeny virions. In this study, we used cellular cryo–electron microscopy to visualize a molecular pore complex that spans both membranes of the double-membrane vesicle and would allow export of RNA to the cytosol. A hexameric assembly of a large viral transmembrane protein was found to form the core of the crown-shaped complex. This coronavirus-specific structure likely plays a key role in coronavirus replication and thus constitutes a potential drug target.

scholarly journals Membrane Deformation of Endothelial Surface Layer Interspersed with Syndecan-4: A Molecular Dynamics Study

2019 ◽  
Vol 48 (1) ◽  
pp. 357-366 ◽  
Author(s):  
Xi Zhuo Jiang ◽  
Liwei Guo ◽  
Kai H. Luo ◽  
Yiannis Ventikos
Keyword(s):  
Molecular Dynamics ◽  
Lipid Membrane ◽  
Environmental Changes ◽  
Core Protein ◽  
Membrane Surface ◽  
Circulatory System ◽  
Endothelial Glycocalyx ◽  
Force Transmission ◽  
Membrane Deformation ◽  
The Core

Abstract The lipid membrane of endothelial cells plays a pivotal role in maintaining normal circulatory system functions. To investigate the response of the endothelial cell membrane to changes in vascular conditions, an atomistic model of the lipid membrane interspersed with Syndecan-4 core protein was established based on experimental observations and a series of molecular dynamics simulations were undertaken. The results show that flow results in continuous deformation of the lipid membrane, and the degree of membrane deformation is not in monotonic relationship with the environmental changes (either the changes in blood velocity or the alteration of the core protein configuration). An explanation for such non-monotonic relationship is provided, which agrees with previous experimental results. The elevation of the lipid membrane surface around the core protein of the endothelial glycocalyx was also observed, which can be mainly attributed to the Coulombic interactions between the biomolecules therein. The present study demonstrates that the blood flow can deform the lipid membrane directly via the interactions between water molecules and lipid membrane atoms thereby affecting mechanosensing; it also presents an additional force transmission pathway from the flow to the lipid membrane via the glycocalyx core protein, which complements previous mechanotransduction hypothesis.

scholarly journals The Structure of an Injectisome Export Gate Demonstrates Conservation of Architecture in the Core Export Gate between Flagellar and Virulence Type III Secretion Systems

mBio ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 10 (3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Steven Johnson ◽  
Lucas Kuhlen ◽  
Justin C. Deme ◽  
Patrizia Abrusci ◽  
Susan M. Lea
Keyword(s):  
Type Iii Secretion ◽  
Complex Analysis ◽  
Secretion Systems ◽  
Core Complex ◽  
Type Iii ◽  
The Core ◽  
Cryo Electron Microscopy ◽  
Type Iii Secretion Systems ◽  
Equivalent Complex ◽  
Resolution Structure

ABSTRACT Export of proteins through type III secretion systems (T3SS) is critical for motility and virulence of many major bacterial pathogens. Proteins are exported through a genetically defined export gate complex consisting of three proteins. We have recently shown at 4.2 Å that the flagellar complex of these three putative membrane proteins (FliPQR in flagellar systems, SctRST in virulence systems) assembles into an extramembrane helical assembly that likely seeds correct assembly of the rod. Here we present the structure of an equivalent complex from the Shigella virulence system at 3.5 Å by cryo-electron microscopy. This higher-resolution structure yields a more precise description of the structure and confirms the prediction of structural conservation in this core complex. Analysis of particle heterogeneity also suggests how the SctS/FliQ subunits sequentially assemble in the complex. IMPORTANCE Although predicted on the basis of sequence conservation, the work presented here formally demonstrates that all classes of type III secretion systems, flagellar or virulence, share the same architecture at the level of the core structures. This absolute conservation of the unusual extramembrane structure of the core export gate complex now allows work to move to focusing on both mechanistic studies of type III but also on fundamental studies of how such a complex is assembled.

scholarly journals Near-atomic cryo-EM structure of yeast kinesin-5-microtubule complex reveals a distinct binding footprint

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ottilie von Loeffelholz ◽  
Alejandro Peña ◽  
Douglas Robert Drummond ◽  
Robert Cross ◽  
Carolyn Ann Moores
Keyword(s):  
Electron Microscopy ◽  
Cell Division ◽  
Fission Yeast ◽  
Atomic Structure ◽  
Binding Pocket ◽  
Drug Binding ◽  
Motor Domain ◽  
List Type ◽  
The Core ◽  
Cryo Electron Microscopy

SummaryKinesin-5s are essential members of the superfamily of microtubule-dependent motors that undertake conserved roles in cell division. We investigated coevolution of the motor-microtubule interface using cryo-electron microscopy to determine the near-atomic structure of the motor domain of Cut7, the fission yeast kinesin-5, bound to fission yeast microtubules. AMPPNP-bound Cut7 adopts a kinesin-conserved ATP-like conformation, with a closed nucleotide binding pocket and docked neck linker that supports cover neck bundle formation. Compared to mammalian tubulin microtubules, Cut7’s footprint on S. pombe microtubule surface is subtly different because of their different architecture. However, the core motor-microtubule interaction that stimulates motor ATPase is tightly conserved, reflected in similar Cut7 ATPase activities on each microtubule type. The S. pombe microtubules were bound by the drug epothilone, which is visible in the taxane binding pocket. Stabilization of S. pombe microtubules is mediated by drug binding at this conserved site despite their noncanonical architecture and mechanochemistry.HighlightsS. pombe Cut7 has a distinct binding footprint on S. pombe microtubulesThe core interface driving microtubule activation of motor ATPase is conservedThe neck linker is docked in AMPPNP-bound Cut7 and the cover neck bundle is formedEpothilone binds at the taxane binding site to stabilize S. pombe microtubuleseTOC textTo investigate coevolution of the motor-microtubule interface, we used cryo-electron microscopy to determine the near-atomic structure of the motor domain of Cut7, the fission yeast kinesin-5, bound to microtubules polymerized from natively purified fission yeast tubulin and stabilised by the drug epothilone.

scholarly journals Structural insights on TRPV5 gating by endogenous modulators

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Taylor E.T. Hughes ◽  
Ruth A. Pumroy ◽  
Aysenur Torun Yazici ◽  
Marina A. Kasimova ◽  
Edwin C. Fluck ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Transient Receptor Potential ◽  
Receptor Potential ◽  
Transient Receptor Potential Channel ◽  
Cryo Electron Microscopy ◽  
Calcium Reabsorption ◽  
Conformational Rearrangements ◽  
Transient Receptor ◽  
Endogenous Modulators ◽  
Structural Insights ◽  
Insight Into

ABSTRACTTRPV5 is a transient receptor potential channel involved in calcium reabsorption. Here we investigate the interaction of two endogenous modulators with TRPV5. Both phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate (PI(4,5)P2) and calmodulin (CaM) have been shown to directly bind to TRPV5 and activate or inactivate the channel, respectively. Using cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM), we determined TRPV5 structures in the presence of dioctanoyl PI(4,5)P2 and CaM. The PI(4,5)P2 structure revealed a novel binding site between the N-linker, S4-S5 linker and S6 helix of TRPV5. These interactions with PI(4,5)P2 induce conformational rearrangements in the lower gate, opening the channel. The CaM structure revealed two TRPV5 C-terminal peptides anchoring a single CaM molecule and that calcium inhibition is mediated through a cation-π interaction between Lys116 on the C-lobe of calcium-activated CaM and Trp583 at the intracellular gate of TRPV5. Overall, this investigation provides insight into the endogenous modulation of TRPV5, which has the potential to guide drug discovery.

scholarly journals Distinct architecture and composition of mouse axonemal radial spoke head revealed by cryo-EM

2021 ◽  
Vol 118 (4) ◽  
pp. e2021180118
Author(s):  
Wei Zheng ◽  
Fan Li ◽  
Zhanyu Ding ◽  
Hao Liu ◽  
Lei Zhu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Electron Microscopy ◽  
Brake Pad ◽  
Core Complex ◽  
Central Pair ◽  
Radial Spoke ◽  
The Core ◽  
Cryo Electron Microscopy ◽  
Compact Body ◽  
Β Sheets ◽  
Cilia And Flagella

The radial spoke (RS) heads of motile cilia and flagella contact projections of the central pair (CP) apparatus to coordinate motility, but the morphology is distinct for protozoa and metazoa. Here we show the murine RS head is compositionally distinct from that ofChlamydomonas. Our reconstituted murine RS head core complex consists of Rsph1, Rsph3b, Rsph4a, and Rsph9, lacking Rsph6a and Rsph10b, whose orthologs exist in the protozoan RS head. We resolve its cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM) structure at 3.2-Å resolution. Our atomic model further reveals a twofold symmetric brake pad-shaped structure, in which Rsph4a and Rsph9 form a compact body extended laterally with two long arms of twisted Rsph1 β-sheets and potentially connected dorsally via Rsph3b to the RS stalk. Furthermore, our modeling suggests that the core complex contacts the periodic CP projections either rigidly through its tooth-shaped Rsph4a regions or elastically through both arms for optimized RS–CP interactions and mechanosignal transduction.

scholarly journals Assembly principles of a unique cage formed by hexameric and decameric E. coli proteins

eLife ◽  
2014 ◽  
Vol 3 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hélène Malet ◽  
Kaiyin Liu ◽  
Majida El Bakkouri ◽  
Sze Wah Samuel Chan ◽  
Gregory Effantin ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Electron Microscopy ◽  
Escherichia Coli ◽  
Lysine Decarboxylase ◽  
Lateral Interactions ◽  
E Coli ◽  
Aaa Atpase ◽  
Cryo Electron Microscopy ◽  
Conformational Rearrangements ◽  
The Individual ◽  
Assembly Principles

A 3.3 MDa macromolecular cage between two Escherichia coli proteins with seemingly incompatible symmetries–the hexameric AAA+ ATPase RavA and the decameric inducible lysine decarboxylase LdcI–is reconstructed by cryo-electron microscopy to 11 Å resolution. Combined with a 7.5 Å resolution reconstruction of the minimal complex between LdcI and the LdcI-binding domain of RavA, and the previously solved crystal structures of the individual components, this work enables to build a reliable pseudoatomic model of this unusual architecture and to identify conformational rearrangements and specific elements essential for complex formation. The design of the cage created via lateral interactions between five RavA rings is unique for the diverse AAA+ ATPase superfamily.

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