scholarly journals Phylogenetic analysis of the phytochrome superfamily reveals distinct microbial subfamilies of photoreceptors

2005 ◽  
Vol 392 (1) ◽  
pp. 103-116 ◽  
Author(s):  
Baruch Karniol ◽  
Jeremiah R. Wagner ◽  
Joseph M. Walker ◽  
Richard D. Vierstra
Keyword(s):  
Red Light ◽  
Site Directed Mutagenesis ◽  
Side Chain ◽  
Directed Mutagenesis ◽  
Conserved Residues ◽  
Genomic Analyses ◽  
Biochemical Studies ◽  
Lyase Activity ◽  
Acidic Environments ◽  
Micro Organisms

Phys (phytochromes) are a superfamily of photochromic photoreceptors that employ a bilin-type chromophore to sense red and far-red light. Although originally thought to be restricted to plants, accumulating genetic and genomic analyses now indicate that they are also prevalent among micro-organisms. By a combination of phylogenetic and biochemical studies, we have expanded the Phy superfamily and organized its members into distinct functional clades which include the phys (plant Phys), BphPs (bacteriophytochromes), Cphs (cyanobacterial Phys), Fphs (fungal Phys) and a collection of Phy-like sequences. All contain a signature GAF (cGMP phosphodiesterase/adenylate cyclase/FhlA) domain, which houses the bilin lyase activity. A PHY domain (uppercase letters are used to denote the PHY domain specifically), which helps stabilize the Pfr form (far-red-light-absorbing form of Phy), is downstream of the GAF region in all but the Phy-like sequences. The phy, Cph, BphP and Fph families also include a PLD [N-terminal PAS (Per/Arnt/Sim)-like domain] upstream of the GAF domain. Site-directed mutagenesis of conserved residues within the GAF and PLD motifs supports their importance in chromophore binding and/or spectral activity. In agreement with Lamparter, Carrascal, Michael, Martinez, Rottwinkel and Abian [(2004) Biochemistry 43, 3659–3669], a conserved cysteine within the PLD of several BphPs was found to be necessary for binding the chromophore via the C-3 vinyl side chain on the bilin A ring. Phy-type sequences were also discovered in the actinobacterium Kineococcus radiotolerans and collections of microorganisms obtained from marine and extremely acidic environments, thus expanding further the range of these photoreceptors. Based on their organization and distribution, the evolution of the Phy superfamily into distinct photoreceptor types is proposed.

scholarly journals Conserved Residues Control the T1R3-Specific Allosteric Signaling Pathway of the Mammalian Sweet-Taste Receptor

2019 ◽  
Vol 44 (5) ◽  
pp. 303-310 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jean-Baptiste Chéron ◽  
Amanda Soohoo ◽  
Yi Wang ◽  
Jérôme Golebiowski ◽  
Serge Antonczak ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Transmembrane Domain ◽  
Taste Receptor ◽  
Receptor Activation ◽  
Sweet Taste ◽  
Site Directed Mutagenesis ◽  
Activation Mechanism ◽  
Structural Basis ◽  
Directed Mutagenesis ◽  
Conserved Residues ◽  
Sweet Taste Receptor

Abstract Mammalian sensory systems detect sweet taste through the activation of a single heteromeric T1R2/T1R3 receptor belonging to class C G-protein-coupled receptors. Allosteric ligands are known to interact within the transmembrane domain, yet a complete view of receptor activation remains elusive. By combining site-directed mutagenesis with computational modeling, we investigate the structure and dynamics of the allosteric binding pocket of the T1R3 sweet-taste receptor in its apo form, and in the presence of an allosteric ligand, cyclamate. A novel positively charged residue at the extracellular loop 2 is shown to interact with the ligand. Molecular dynamics simulations capture significant differences in the behavior of a network of conserved residues with and without cyclamate, although they do not directly interact with the allosteric ligand. Structural models show that they adopt alternate conformations, associated with a conformational change in the transmembrane region. Site-directed mutagenesis confirms that these residues are unequivocally involved in the receptor function and the allosteric signaling mechanism of the sweet-taste receptor. Similar to a large portion of the transmembrane domain, they are highly conserved among mammals, suggesting an activation mechanism that is evolutionarily conserved. This work provides a structural basis for describing the dynamics of the receptor, and for the rational design of new sweet-taste modulators.

scholarly journals The PDZ Domain of the SpoIVB Serine Peptidase Facilitates Multiple Functions

2001 ◽  
Vol 183 (14) ◽  
pp. 4364-4373 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ngo T. Hoa ◽  
James A. Brannigan ◽  
Simon M. Cutting
Keyword(s):  
Gene Expression ◽  
Pdz Domain ◽  
Proteolytic Processing ◽  
Site Directed Mutagenesis ◽  
Directed Mutagenesis ◽  
Critical Component ◽  
Conserved Residues ◽  
Multiple Functions ◽  
Serine Peptidase ◽  
Distinct Process

ABSTRACT During spore formation in Bacillus subtilis, the SpoIVB protein is a critical component of the ςKregulatory checkpoint. SpoIVB has been shown to be a serine peptidase that is synthesized in the spore chamber and which self-cleaves, releasing active forms. These forms can signal proteolytic processing of the transcription factor ςK in the outer mother cell chamber of the sporulating cell. This forms the basis of the ςK checkpoint and ensures accurate ςK-controlled gene expression. SpoIVB has also been shown to activate a second distinct process, termed the second function, which is essential for the formation of heat-resistant spores. In addition to the serine peptidase domain, SpoIVB contains a PDZ domain. We have altered a number of conserved residues in the PDZ domain by site-directed mutagenesis and assayed the sporulation phenotype and signaling properties of mutant SpoIVB proteins. Our work has revealed that the SpoIVB PDZ domain could be used for up to four distinct processes, (i) targeting of itself for transproteolysis, (ii) binding to the protease inhibitor BofC, (iii) signaling of pro-ςK processing, and (iv) signaling of the second function of SpoIVB.

scholarly journals Molecular determinants for agonist recognition and discrimination in P2X2 receptors

2019 ◽  
Vol 151 (7) ◽  
pp. 898-911 ◽  
Author(s):  
Federica Gasparri ◽  
Jesper Wengel ◽  
Thomas Grutter ◽  
Stephan A. Pless
Keyword(s):  
Drug Targets ◽  
P2x Receptors ◽  
Carbonyl Oxygen ◽  
Site Directed Mutagenesis ◽  
Side Chain ◽  
Ligand Recognition ◽  
Directed Mutagenesis ◽  
Backbone Carbonyl ◽  
Molecular Determinants ◽  
Atp Analogues

P2X receptors (P2XRs) are trimeric ligand-gated ion channels that open a cation-selective pore in response to ATP binding. P2XRs contribute to synaptic transmission and are involved in pain and inflammation, thus representing valuable drug targets. Recent crystal structures have confirmed the findings of previous studies with regards to the amino acid chains involved in ligand recognition, but they have also suggested that backbone carbonyl atoms contribute to ATP recognition and discrimination. Here we use a combination of site-directed mutagenesis, amide-to-ester substitutions, and a range of ATP analogues with subtle alterations to either base or sugar component to investigate the contributions of backbone carbonyl atoms toward ligand recognition and discrimination in rat P2X2Rs. Our findings demonstrate that while the Lys69 backbone carbonyl makes an important contribution to ligand recognition, the discrimination between different ligands is mediated by both the side chain and the backbone carbonyl oxygen of Thr184. Together, our data demonstrate how conserved elements in P2X2Rs recognize and discriminate agonists.

scholarly journals Cloning, Expression, and Site-Directed Mutagenesis of the Propene Monooxygenase Genes from Mycobacterium sp. Strain M156

2005 ◽  
Vol 71 (4) ◽  
pp. 1909-1914 ◽  
Author(s):  
Chan K. Chan Kwo Chion ◽  
Sarah E. Askew ◽  
David J. Leak
Keyword(s):  
Mutational Analysis ◽  
Substrate Binding ◽  
Site Directed Mutagenesis ◽  
Side Chain ◽  
Directed Mutagenesis ◽  
Active Site Residues ◽  
Styrene Oxidation ◽  
Overlapping Reading Frames ◽  
Reading Frames

ABSTRACT Propene monooxygenase has been cloned from Mycobacterium sp. strain M156, based on hybridization with the amoABCD genes of Rhodococcus corallinus B276. Sequencing indicated that the mycobacterial enzyme is a member of the binuclear nonheme iron monooxygenase family and, in gene order and sequence, is most similar to that from R. corallinus B-276. Attempts were made to express the pmoABCD operon in Escherichia coli and Mycobacterium smegmatis mc2155. In the former, there appeared to be a problem resolving overlapping reading frames between pmoA and -B and between pmoC and -D, while in the latter, problems were encountered with plasmid instability when the pmoABCD genes were placed under the control of the hsp60 heat shock promoter in the pNBV1 vector. Fortuitously, constructs with the opposite orientation were constitutively expressed at a level sufficient to allow preliminary mutational analysis. Two PMO active-site residues (A94 and V188) were targeted by site-directed mutagenesis to alter their stereoselectivity. The results suggest that changing the volume occupied by the side chain at V188 leads to a systematic alteration in the stereoselectivity of styrene oxidation, presumably by producing different orientations for substrate binding during catalysis. Changing the volume occupied by the side chain at A94 produced a nonsystematic change in stereoselectivity, which may be attributable to the role of this residue in expansion of the binding site during substrate binding. Neither set of mutations changed the enzyme's specificity for epoxidation.

scholarly journals Alteration of Leucine Aminopeptidase from Streptomyces septatus TH-2 to Phenylalanine Aminopeptidase by Site-Directed Mutagenesis

2005 ◽  
Vol 71 (11) ◽  
pp. 7229-7235 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jiro Arima ◽  
Yoshiko Uesugi ◽  
Masaki Iwabuchi ◽  
Tadashi Hatanaka
Keyword(s):  
Methyl Ester ◽  
Leucine Aminopeptidase ◽  
Hydrolytic Activity ◽  
Site Directed Mutagenesis ◽  
Saturation Mutagenesis ◽  
Side Chain ◽  
Directed Mutagenesis ◽  
Wild Type ◽  
Peptide Substrates ◽  
Hydrolytic Activities

ABSTRACT To tailor leucine aminopeptidase from Streptomyces septatus TH-2 (SSAP) to become a convenient biocatalyst, we are interested in Phe221 of SSAP, which is thought to interact with the side chain of the N-terminal residue of the substrate. By using saturation mutagenesis, the feasibility of altering the performance of SSAP was evaluated. The hydrolytic activities of 19 mutants were investigated using aminoacyl p-nitroanilide (pNA) derivatives as substrates. Replacement of Phe221 resulted in changes in the activities of all the mutants. Three of these mutants, F221G, F221A, and F221S, specifically hydrolyzed l-Phe-pNA, and F221I SSAP exhibited hydrolytic activity with l-Leu-pNA exceeding that of the wild type. Although the hydrolytic activities with peptide substrates decreased, the hydrolytic activities with amide and methyl ester substrates were proportional to the changes in the hydrolytic activities with pNA derivatives. Furthermore, based on a comparative kinetic study, the mechanism underlying the alteration in the preference of SSAP from leucine to phenylalanine is discussed.

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