scholarly journals A Region of Bacillus subtilis CodY Protein Required for Interaction with DNA

2005 ◽  
Vol 187 (12) ◽  
pp. 4127-4139 ◽  
Author(s):  
Pascale Joseph ◽  
Manoja Ratnayake-Lecamwasam ◽  
Abraham L. Sonenshein
Keyword(s):  
Bacillus Subtilis ◽  
Dna Binding ◽  
Dna Recognition ◽  
Transcriptional Regulators ◽  
Site Directed Mutagenesis ◽  
Regulation Of Transcription ◽  
Gram Positive Bacteria ◽  
Target Promoters

ABSTRACT Bacillus subtilis CodY protein is the best-studied member of a novel family of global transcriptional regulators found ubiquitously in low-G+C gram-positive bacteria. As for many DNA-binding proteins, CodY appears to have a helix-turn-helix (HTH) motif thought to be critical for interaction with DNA. This putative HTH motif was found to be highly conserved in the CodY homologs. Site-directed mutagenesis was used to identify amino acids within this motif that are important for DNA recognition and binding. The effects of each mutation on DNA binding in vitro and on the regulation of transcription in vivo from two target promoters were tested. Each of the mutations had similar effects on binding to the two promoters in vitro, but some mutations had differential effects in vivo.

scholarly journals Structural basis for DNA recognition by STAT6

2016 ◽  
Vol 113 (46) ◽  
pp. 13015-13020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jing Li ◽  
Jose Pindado Rodriguez ◽  
Fengfeng Niu ◽  
Mengchen Pu ◽  
Jinan Wang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Dna Binding ◽  
Dna Recognition ◽  
Dynamics Simulation ◽  
Structural Basis ◽  
Innate Immune Responses ◽  
Site Analysis ◽  
X Ray Scattering ◽  
Dna Binding Site

STAT6 participates in classical IL-4/IL-13 signaling and stimulator of interferon genes-mediated antiviral innate immune responses. Aberrations in STAT6-mediated signaling are linked to development of asthma and diseases of the immune system. In addition, STAT6 remains constitutively active in multiple types of cancer. Therefore, targeting STAT6 is an attractive proposition for treating related diseases. Although a lot is known about the role of STAT6 in transcriptional regulation, molecular details on how STAT6 recognizes and binds specific segments of DNA to exert its function are not clearly understood. Here, we report the crystal structures of a homodimer of phosphorylated STAT6 core fragment (STAT6CF) alone and bound with the N3 and N4 DNA binding site. Analysis of the structures reveals that STAT6 undergoes a dramatic conformational change on DNA binding, which was further validated by performing molecular dynamics simulation studies and small angle X-ray scattering analysis. Our data show that a larger angle at the intersection where the two protomers of STAT meet and the presence of a unique residue, H415, in the DNA-binding domain play important roles in discrimination of the N4 site DNA from the N3 site by STAT6. H415N mutation of STAT6CF decreased affinity of the protein for the N4 site DNA, but increased its affinity for N3 site DNA, both in vitro and in vivo. Results of our structure–function studies on STAT6 shed light on mechanism of DNA recognition by STATs in general and explain the reasons underlying STAT6’s preference for N4 site DNA over N3.

scholarly journals Residues Required for Bacillus subtilis PhoP DNA Binding or RNA Polymerase Interaction: Alanine Scanning of PhoP Effector Domain Transactivation Loop and α Helix 3

2004 ◽  
Vol 186 (5) ◽  
pp. 1493-1502 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yinghua Chen ◽  
Wael R. Abdel-Fattah ◽  
F. Marion Hulett
Keyword(s):  
Bacillus Subtilis ◽  
Dna Binding ◽  
Rna Polymerase ◽  
Transcription Activation ◽  
Phosphate Deficiency ◽  
Alanine Scanning Mutagenesis ◽  
Alanine Scanning ◽  
Α Helix

ABSTRACT Bacillus subtilis PhoP is a member of the OmpR family of response regulators that activates or represses genes of the Pho regulon upon phosphorylation by PhoR in response to phosphate deficiency. Because PhoP binds DNA and is a dimer in solution independent of its phosphorylation state, phosphorylation of PhoP may optimize DNA binding or the interaction with RNA polymerase. We describe alanine scanning mutagenesis of the PhoP α loop and α helix 3 region of PhoPC (Val190 to E214) and functional analysis of the mutated proteins. Eight residues important for DNA binding were clustered between Val202 and Arg210. Using in vivo and in vitro functional analyses, we identified three classes of mutated proteins. Class I proteins (PhoPI206A, PhoPR210A, PhoPL209A, and PhoPH208A) were phosphorylation proficient and could dimerize but could not bind DNA or activate transcription in vivo or in vitro. Class II proteins (PhoPH205A and PhoPV204A) were phosphorylation proficient and could dimerize but could not bind DNA prior to phosphorylation. Members of this class had higher transcription activation in vitro than in vivo. The class III mutants, PhoPV202A and PhoPD203A, had a reduced rate of phosphotransfer and could dimerize but could not bind DNA or activate transcription in vivo or in vitro. Seven alanine substitutions in PhoP (PhoPV190A, PhoPW191A, PhoPY193A, PhoPF195A, PhoPG197A, PhoPT199A, and PhoPR200A) that specifically affected transcription activation were broadly distributed throughout the transactivation loop extending from Val190 to as far toward the C terminus as Arg200. PhoPW191A and PhoPR200A could not activate transcription, while the other five mutant proteins showed decreased transcription activation in vivo or in vitro or both. The mutagenesis studies may indicate that PhoP has a long transactivation loop and a short α helix 3, more similar to OmpR than to PhoB of Escherichia coli.

scholarly journals The SKHR Motif Is Required for Biological Function of the VirR Response Regulator from Clostridium perfringens

2003 ◽  
Vol 185 (20) ◽  
pp. 6205-6208 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sheena McGowan ◽  
Jennifer R. O'Connor ◽  
Jackie K. Cheung ◽  
Julian I. Rood
Keyword(s):  
Amino Acids ◽  
Dna Binding ◽  
Clostridium Perfringens ◽  
Biological Function ◽  
Response Regulator ◽  
Site Directed Mutagenesis ◽  
Directed Mutagenesis ◽  
Toxin Gene

ABSTRACT The response regulator VirR and its cognate sensor histidine kinase, VirS, are responsible for toxin gene regulation in the human pathogen Clostridium perfringens. The C-terminal domain of VirR (VirRc) contains the functional FxRxHrS motif, which is involved in DNA binding and is conserved in many regulatory proteins. VirRc was cloned, purified, and shown by in vivo and in vitro studies to comprise an independent DNA binding domain. Random and site-directed mutagenesis was used to identify further amino acids that were required for the functional integrity of the protein. Random mutagenesis identified a unique residue, Met-172, that was required for biological function. Site-directed mutagenesis of the SKHR motif (amino acids 216 to 219) revealed that these residues were also required for biological activity. Analysis of the mutated proteins indicated that they were unable to bind to the DNA target with the same efficiency as the wild-type protein.

scholarly journals Effects of Carboxy-Terminal Modifications and pH on Binding of a Bacillus subtilis Small, Acid-Soluble Spore Protein to DNA

2003 ◽  
Vol 185 (20) ◽  
pp. 6095-6103 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jeffrey Kosman ◽  
Peter Setlow
Keyword(s):  
Bacillus Subtilis ◽  
Dna Binding ◽  
Opposite Effect ◽  
Dna Protection ◽  
Apparent Lack ◽  
Thymine Dimers ◽  
Dna Binding Affinity ◽  
Carboxy Terminal

ABSTRACT Variants of the wild-type Bacillus subtilis α/β-type small, acid-soluble spore protein (SASP) SspCwt were designed to evaluate the contribution of C-terminal residues to these proteins' affinity for DNA. SspC variants lacking one to three C-terminal residues were similar to SspCwt in DNA binding, but removal of six C-terminal residues greatly decreased DNA binding. In contrast, a C-terminal extension of three residues increased SspC's affinity for DNA 5- to 10-fold. C-terminal and N-terminal changes that independently caused large increases in SspC-DNA binding affinity were combined and produced an additive effect on DNA binding; the affinity of the resulting variant, SspCΔN11-D13K-C3, for DNA was increased ≥20-fold over that of SspCwt. For most of the SspC variants tested, lowering the pH from 7 to 6 improved DNA binding two- to sixfold, although the opposite effect was observed with variants having additional C-terminal basic residues. In vitro, the binding of SspCΔN11-D13K-C3 to DNA suppressed the formation of cyclobutane-type thymine dimers and promoted the formation of the spore photoproduct upon UV irradiation to the same degree as the binding of SspCwt. However, B. subtilis spores lacking major α/β-type SASP and overexpressing SspCΔN11-D13K-C3 had a 10-fold-lower viability and far less UV and heat resistance than spores overexpressing SspCwt. This apparent lack of DNA protection by SspCΔN11-D13K-C3 in vivo is likely due to the twofold-lower level of this protein in spores compared to the level of SspCwt, perhaps because of effects of SspCΔN11-D13K-C3 on gene expression in the forespore during sporulation. The latter results indicate that only moderately strong binding of α/β-type SASP to DNA is important to balance the potentially conflicting requirements for these proteins in DNA transcription and DNA protection during spore formation, spore dormancy, and spore germination and outgrowth.

scholarly journals The Major Chromosome Condensation Factors Smc, HBsu, and Gyrase in Bacillus subtilis Operate via Strikingly Different Patterns of Motion

mSphere ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 5 (5) ◽  
Author(s):  
Sonja Schibany ◽  
Rebecca Hinrichs ◽  
Rogelio Hernández-Tamayo ◽  
Peter L. Graumann
Keyword(s):  
Bacillus Subtilis ◽  
Dna Binding ◽  
Single Molecule ◽  
High Mobility ◽  
Single Molecule Tracking ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Dna Compaction ◽  
Transient Interactions

ABSTRACT Although DNA-compacting proteins have been extensively characterized in vitro, knowledge of their DNA binding dynamics in vivo is greatly lacking. We have employed single-molecule tracking to characterize the motion of the three major chromosome compaction factors in Bacillus subtilis, Smc (structural maintenance of chromosomes) proteins, topoisomerase DNA gyrase, and histone-like protein HBsu. We show that these three proteins display strikingly different patterns of interaction with DNA; while Smc displays two mobility fractions, one static and one moving through the chromosome in a constrained manner, gyrase operates as a single slow-mobility fraction, suggesting that all gyrase molecules are catalytically actively engaged in DNA binding. Conversely, bacterial histone-like protein HBsu moves through the nucleoid as a larger, slow-mobility fraction and a smaller, high-mobility fraction, with both fractions having relatively short dwell times. Turnover within the SMC complex that makes up the static fraction is shown to be important for its function in chromosome compaction. Our report reveals that chromosome compaction in bacteria can occur via fast, transient interactions in vivo, avoiding clashes with RNA and DNA polymerases. IMPORTANCE All types of cells need to compact their chromosomes containing their genomic information several-thousand-fold in order to fit into the cell. In eukaryotes, histones achieve a major degree of compaction and bind very tightly to DNA such that they need to be actively removed to allow access of polymerases to the DNA. Bacteria have evolved a basic, highly dynamic system of DNA compaction, accommodating rapid adaptability to changes in environmental conditions. We show that the Bacillus subtilis histone-like protein HBsu exchanges on DNA on a millisecond scale and moves through the entire nucleoid containing the genome as a slow-mobility fraction and a dynamic fraction, both having short dwell times. Thus, HBsu achieves compaction via short and transient DNA binding, thereby allowing rapid access of DNA replication or transcription factors to DNA. Topoisomerase gyrase and B. subtilis Smc show different interactions with DNA in vivo, displaying continuous loading or unloading from DNA, or using two fractions, one moving through the genome and one statically bound on a time scale of minutes, respectively, revealing three different modes of DNA compaction in vivo.

scholarly journals Mutational Analysis of the MutH Protein fromEscherichia coli

2000 ◽  
Vol 276 (15) ◽  
pp. 12113-12119 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tamalette Loh ◽  
Kenan C. Murphy ◽  
Martin G. Marinus
Keyword(s):  
Amino Acids ◽  
Dna Binding ◽  
Mutational Analysis ◽  
Site Directed Mutagenesis ◽  
Mutant Proteins ◽  
Flexible Loop ◽  
Loop Regions ◽  
Binding Residues

Site-directed mutagenesis was performed on several areas of MutH based on the similarity of MutH andPvuII structural models. The aims were to identify DNA-binding residues; to determine whether MutH has the same mechanism for DNA binding and catalysis asPvuII; and to localize the residues responsible for MutH stimulation by MutL. No DNA-binding residues were identified in the two flexible loop regions of MutH, although similar loops inPvuII are involved in DNA binding. Two histidines in MutH are in a similar position as two histidines (His-84 and His-85) inPvuII that signal for DNA binding and catalysis. These MutH histidines (His-112 and His-115) were changed to alanines, but the mutant proteins had wild-type activity bothin vivoandin vitro. The results indicate that the MutH signal for DNA binding and catalysis remains unknown. Instead, a lysine residue (Lys-48) was found in the first flexible loop that functions in catalysis together with the three presumed catalytic amino acids (Asp-70, Glu-77, and Lys-79). Two deletion mutations (MutHΔ224 and MutHΔ214) in the C-terminal end of the protein, localized the MutL stimulation region to five amino acids (Ala-220, Leu-221, Leu-222, Ala-223, and Arg-224).

scholarly journals Functional Domains of the Bacillus subtilis Transcription Factor AraR and Identification of Amino Acids Important for Nucleoprotein Complex Assembly and Effector Binding

2006 ◽  
Vol 188 (8) ◽  
pp. 3024-3036 ◽  
Author(s):  
Irina Saraiva Franco ◽  
Luís Jaime Mota ◽  
Cláudio Manuel Soares ◽  
Isabel de Sá-Nogueira
Keyword(s):  
Amino Acids ◽  
Transcription Factor ◽  
Bacillus Subtilis ◽  
Dna Binding ◽  
Random Mutagenesis ◽  
Site Directed Mutagenesis ◽  
Functional Domains ◽  
Nucleoprotein Complex ◽  
Effector Binding

ABSTRACT The Bacillus subtilis AraR transcription factor represses at least 13 genes required for the extracellular degradation of arabinose-containing polysaccharides, transport of arabinose, arabinose oligomers, xylose, and galactose, intracellular degradation of arabinose oligomers, and further catabolism of this sugar. AraR exhibits a chimeric organization comprising a small N-terminal DNA-binding domain that contains a winged helix-turn-helix motif similar to that seen with the GntR family and a larger C-terminal domain homologous to that of the LacI/GalR family. Here, a model for AraR was derived based on the known crystal structures of the FadR and PurR regulators from Escherichia coli. We have used random mutagenesis, deletion, and construction of chimeric LexA-AraR fusion proteins to map the functional domains of AraR required for DNA binding, dimerization, and effector binding. Moreover, predictions for the functional role of specific residues were tested by site-directed mutagenesis. In vivo analysis identified particular amino acids required for dimer assembly, formation of the nucleoprotein complex, and composition of the sugar-binding cleft. This work presents a structural framework for the function of AraR and provides insight into the mechanistic mode of action of this modular repressor.

scholarly journals Cysteine 64 of Ref-1 Is Not Essential for Redox Regulation of AP-1 DNA Binding

2003 ◽  
Vol 23 (12) ◽  
pp. 4257-4266 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jared M. Ordway ◽  
Derek Eberhart ◽  
Tom Curran
Keyword(s):  
Transcription Factors ◽  
Dna Binding ◽  
Redox Regulation ◽  
Binding Activity ◽  
Regulation Of Transcription ◽  
Binding Domains ◽  
Dna Binding Activity ◽  
Reducing Activity

ABSTRACT Ref-1 participates in DNA repair as well as in redox regulation of transcription factor function. The redox function of Ref-1 involves reduction of oxidized cysteine residues within the DNA binding domains of several transcription factors, including Fos and Jun. Reduction of these residues is required for DNA binding, providing a redox-dependent mechanism for regulation of target gene expression. Previous in vitro studies implicated cysteine 65 of human Ref-1 (cysteine 64 of mouse Ref-1) as the redox catalytic site. We analyzed the in vivo role of cysteine 64 in redox regulation of AP-1 activity by introducing a cysteine-to-alanine point mutation into the endogenous mouse Ref-1 gene (ref-1 C64A). Unlike Ref-1 null mice, which die very early in embryonic development, homozygous ref-1 C64A mice are viable, they survive to normal life expectancy, and they display no overt abnormal phenotype. Although Ref-1 provides the major AP-1-reducing activity in murine cells, ref-1 C64A cells retain normal levels of endogenous AP-1 DNA binding activity in vivo as well as normal Fos- and Jun-reducing activity in vitro. These results demonstrate that Ref-1 cysteine 64/65 is not required for redox regulation of AP-1 DNA binding in vivo, and they challenge previous hypotheses regarding the mechanism by which Ref-1 regulates the redox-dependent activity of specific transcription factors.

scholarly journals In Vivo and In Vitro Studies of Bacillus subtilis Ferrochelatase Mutants Suggest Substrate Channeling in the Heme Biosynthesis Pathway

2002 ◽  
Vol 184 (14) ◽  
pp. 4018-4024 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ulf Olsson ◽  
Annika Billberg ◽  
Sara Sjövall ◽  
Salam Al-Karadaghi ◽  
Mats Hansson
Keyword(s):  
Bacillus Subtilis ◽  
Amino Acid ◽  
Three Dimensional ◽  
Site Directed Mutagenesis ◽  
Dimensional Structure ◽  
Amino Acid Residues ◽  
Three Dimensional Structure ◽  
Activity Measurements

ABSTRACT Ferrochelatase (EC 4.99.1.1) catalyzes the last reaction in the heme biosynthetic pathway. The enzyme was studied in the bacterium Bacillus subtilis, for which the ferrochelatase three-dimensional structure is known. Two conserved amino acid residues, S54 and Q63, were changed to alanine by site-directed mutagenesis in order to detect any function they might have. The effects of these changes were studied in vivo and in vitro. S54 and Q63 are both located at helix α3. The functional group of S54 points out from the enzyme, while Q63 is located in the interior of the structure. None of these residues interact with any other amino acid residues in the ferrochelatase and their function is not understood from the three-dimensional structure. The exchange S54A, but not Q63A, reduced the growth rate of B. subtilis and resulted in the accumulation of coproporphyrin III in the growth medium. This was in contrast to the in vitro activity measurements with the purified enzymes. The ferrochelatase with the exchange S54A was as active as wild-type ferrochelatase, whereas the exchange Q63A caused a 16-fold reduction in V max. The function of Q63 remains unclear, but it is suggested that S54 is involved in substrate reception or delivery of the enzymatic product.

scholarly journals The structural basis for dynamic DNA binding and bridging interactions which condense the bacterial centromere

eLife ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 6 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gemma LM Fisher ◽  
César L Pastrana ◽  
Victoria A Higman ◽  
Alan Koh ◽  
James A Taylor ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Bacillus Subtilis ◽  
Dna Binding ◽  
Dna Condensation ◽  
Structural Basis ◽  
Dna Binding Domain ◽  
Dynamic Nature ◽  
Terminal Domain ◽  
Binding Interface

The ParB protein forms DNA bridging interactions around parS to condense DNA and earmark the bacterial chromosome for segregation. The molecular mechanism underlying the formation of these ParB networks is unclear. We show here that while the central DNA binding domain is essential for anchoring at parS, this interaction is not required for DNA condensation. Structural analysis of the C-terminal domain reveals a dimer with a lysine-rich surface that binds DNA non-specifically and is essential for DNA condensation in vitro. Mutation of either the dimerisation or the DNA binding interface eliminates ParB-GFP foci formation in vivo. Moreover, the free C-terminal domain can rapidly decondense ParB networks independently of its ability to bind DNA. Our work reveals a dual role for the C-terminal domain of ParB as both a DNA binding and bridging interface, and highlights the dynamic nature of ParB networks in Bacillus subtilis.

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