scholarly journals Diversity and evolution of B-family DNA polymerases

2020 ◽  
Vol 48 (18) ◽  
pp. 10142-10156 ◽  
Author(s):  
Darius Kazlauskas ◽  
Mart Krupovic ◽  
Julien Guglielmini ◽  
Patrick Forterre ◽  
Česlovas Venclovas
Keyword(s):  
Structural Information ◽  
Dna Polymerases ◽  
Comprehensive Analysis ◽  
Metagenomic Data ◽  
Dna Viruses ◽  
Taxonomic Distribution ◽  
Binding Domains ◽  
Catalytically Active ◽  
Domains Of Life ◽  
Massive Accumulation

Abstract B-family DNA polymerases (PolBs) represent the most common replicases. PolB enzymes that require RNA (or DNA) primed templates for DNA synthesis are found in all domains of life and many DNA viruses. Despite extensive research on PolBs, their origins and evolution remain enigmatic. Massive accumulation of new genomic and metagenomic data from diverse habitats as well as availability of new structural information prompted us to conduct a comprehensive analysis of the PolB sequences, structures, domain organizations, taxonomic distribution and co-occurrence in genomes. Based on phylogenetic analysis, we identified a new, widespread group of bacterial PolBs that are more closely related to the catalytically active N-terminal half of the eukaryotic PolEpsilon (PolEpsilonN) than to Escherichia coli Pol II. In Archaea, we characterized six new groups of PolBs. Two of them show close relationships with eukaryotic PolBs, the first one with PolEpsilonN, and the second one with PolAlpha, PolDelta and PolZeta. In addition, structure comparisons suggested common origin of the catalytically inactive C-terminal half of PolEpsilon (PolEpsilonC) and PolAlpha. Finally, in certain archaeal PolBs we discovered C-terminal Zn-binding domains closely related to those of PolAlpha and PolEpsilonC. Collectively, the obtained results allowed us to propose a scenario for the evolution of eukaryotic PolBs.

scholarly journals Gastric Cancer Microbiome

Pathobiology ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 88 (2) ◽  
pp. 156-169
Author(s):  
Williams Fernandes Barra ◽  
Dionison Pereira Sarquis ◽  
André Salim Khayat ◽  
Bruna Cláudia Meireles Khayat ◽  
Samia Demachki ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Gastric Cancer ◽  
Small Sample Size ◽  
Total Sample ◽  
Clinical Situation ◽  
Gastric Carcinogenesis ◽  
Comprehensive Analysis ◽  
Small Sample ◽  
Metagenomic Data ◽  
Clinical Scenarios ◽  
H Pylori

Identifying a microbiome pattern in gastric cancer (GC) is hugely debatable due to the variation resulting from the diversity of the studied populations, clinical scenarios, and metagenomic approach. <i>H. pylori</i> remains the main microorganism impacting gastric carcinogenesis and seems necessary for the initial steps of the process. Nevertheless, an additional non-<i>H. pylori</i> microbiome pattern is also described, mainly at the final steps of the carcinogenesis. Unfortunately, most of the presented results are not reproducible, and there are no consensual candidates to share the <i>H. pylori</i> protagonists. Limitations to reach a consistent interpretation of metagenomic data include contamination along every step of the process, which might cause relevant misinterpretations. In addition, the functional consequences of an altered microbiome might be addressed. Aiming to minimize methodological bias and limitations due to small sample size and the lack of standardization of bioinformatics assessment and interpretation, we carried out a comprehensive analysis of the publicly available metagenomic data from various conditions relevant to gastric carcinogenesis. Mainly, instead of just analyzing the results of each available publication, a new approach was launched, allowing the comprehensive analysis of the total sample amount, aiming to produce a reliable interpretation due to using a significant number of samples, from different origins, in a standard protocol. Among the main results, <i>Helicobacter</i> and <i>Prevotella</i> figured in the “top 6” genera of every group. <i>Helicobacter</i> was the first one in chronic gastritis (CG), gastric cancer (GC), and adjacent (ADJ) groups, while <i>Prevotella</i> was the leader among healthy control (HC) samples. Groups of bacteria are differently abundant in each clinical situation, and bacterial metabolic pathways also diverge along the carcinogenesis cascade. This information may support future microbiome interventions aiming to face the carcinogenesis process and/or reduce GC risk.

scholarly journals Structure insights of the human peroxisomal ABC transporter ALDP

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yutian Jia ◽  
Yanming Zhang ◽  
Jianlin Lei ◽  
Guanghui Yang
Keyword(s):  
Structural Information ◽  
Free State ◽  
Head Group ◽  
Working Mechanism ◽  
Peroxisomal Membrane ◽  
Binding Domains ◽  
Cryo Electron Microscopy ◽  
Ligand Free ◽  
Clinical Description

Adrenoleukodystrophy protein (ALDP) is responsible for the transport of free very-long-chain fatty acids (VLCFAs) and corresponding CoA-esters across the peroxisomal membrane. ALDP belongs to the ATP-binding cassette sub-family D, which is also named as ABCD1. Dysfunction of ALDP leads to peroxisomal metabolic disorder exemplified by X-linked adrenoleukodystrophy (ALD). Hundreds of ALD-causing mutations are identified on ALDP. However, the pathogenic mechanisms of these mutations are restricted to clinical description due to limited structural information. Furthermore, ALDP plays a role in myelin maintenance, which is tightly associated with axon regeneration. Here we report the cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM) structure of human ALDP with nominal resolution of 3.4 angstrom in nucleotide free state. The structure of ALDP exhibits a typical assembly of ABC transporters. The nucleotide binding domains (NBDs) displays a ligand free state. ALDP exhibits an inward-open conformation to the cytosol. A short helix is located at the peroxisomal side, which is different from other three members of ABCD transporters. The two transmembrane domains (TMDs) of ALDP form a cavity, in which two lipid-like densities can be recognized as the head group of an coenzyme-A ester of a lipid. This structure provides a framework for understanding the working mechanism of ALDP and classification of the disease-causing mutations.

scholarly journals Inhibitors of Mycobacterium tuberculosis EgtD target both substrate binding sites to limit hercynine production

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Thanuja D. Sudasinghe ◽  
Michael T. Banco ◽  
Donald R. Ronning
Keyword(s):  
Mycobacterium Tuberculosis ◽  
Binding Sites ◽  
Enzyme Inhibitor ◽  
Structural Information ◽  
Alkylating Agents ◽  
Enzyme Active Site ◽  
Treatment Regimens ◽  
Domains Of Life ◽  
Substrate Binding Sites

AbstractErgothioneine (EGT) is a low molecular weight histidine betaine essential in all domains of life but only synthesized by selected few organisms. Synthesis of EGT by Mycobacterium tuberculosis (M. tb) is critical for maintaining bioenergetic homeostasis and protecting the bacterium from alkylating agents, oxidative stress, and anti-tubercular drugs. EgtD, an S-adenosylmethionine-dependent methyltransferase (AdoMet), catalyzes the trimethylation of L-Histidine to initiate EGT biosynthesis and this reaction has been shown to be essential for EGT production in mycobacteria and for long-term infection of murine macrophages by M. tb. In this work, library screening and structure-guided strategies identified multiple classes of M. tb EgtD inhibitors that bind in various regions of the enzyme active site. X-ray crystal structures of EgtD-inhibitor complexes confirm that L-Histidine analogs bind solely to the L-Histidine binding site while drug-like inhibitors, such as TGX-221, and S-Glycyl-H-1152 span both the L-Histidine and AdoMet binding sites. These enzyme-inhibitor complexes provide detailed structural information of compound scaffolds useful for developing more potent inhibitors that could shorten Tuberculosis treatment regimens by weakening important bacterial defenses.

scholarly journals Unveiling Crucivirus Diversity by Mining Metagenomic Data

mBio ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 11 (5) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ignacio de la Higuera ◽  
George W. Kasun ◽  
Ellis L. Torrance ◽  
Alyssa A. Pratt ◽  
Amberlee Maluenda ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
De Novo ◽  
Rna Viruses ◽  
Sequence Data ◽  
Ecosystem Dynamics ◽  
Capsid Proteins ◽  
Metagenomic Data ◽  
Dna Viruses ◽  
Rep Protein ◽  
Dna And Rna ◽  
Core Proteins

ABSTRACT The discovery of cruciviruses revealed the most explicit example of a common protein homologue between DNA and RNA viruses to date. Cruciviruses are a novel group of circular Rep-encoding single-stranded DNA (ssDNA) (CRESS-DNA) viruses that encode capsid proteins that are most closely related to those encoded by RNA viruses in the family Tombusviridae. The apparent chimeric nature of the two core proteins encoded by crucivirus genomes suggests horizontal gene transfer of capsid genes between DNA and RNA viruses. Here, we identified and characterized 451 new crucivirus genomes and 10 capsid-encoding circular genetic elements through de novo assembly and mining of metagenomic data. These genomes are highly diverse, as demonstrated by sequence comparisons and phylogenetic analysis of subsets of the protein sequences they encode. Most of the variation is reflected in the replication-associated protein (Rep) sequences, and much of the sequence diversity appears to be due to recombination. Our results suggest that recombination tends to occur more frequently among groups of cruciviruses with relatively similar capsid proteins and that the exchange of Rep protein domains between cruciviruses is rarer than intergenic recombination. Additionally, we suggest members of the stramenopiles/alveolates/Rhizaria supergroup as possible crucivirus hosts. Altogether, we provide a comprehensive and descriptive characterization of cruciviruses. IMPORTANCE Viruses are the most abundant biological entities on Earth. In addition to their impact on animal and plant health, viruses have important roles in ecosystem dynamics as well as in the evolution of the biosphere. Circular Rep-encoding single-stranded (CRESS) DNA viruses are ubiquitous in nature, many are agriculturally important, and they appear to have multiple origins from prokaryotic plasmids. A subset of CRESS-DNA viruses, the cruciviruses, have homologues of capsid proteins encoded by RNA viruses. The genetic structure of cruciviruses attests to the transfer of capsid genes between disparate groups of viruses. However, the evolutionary history of cruciviruses is still unclear. By collecting and analyzing cruciviral sequence data, we provide a deeper insight into the evolutionary intricacies of cruciviruses. Our results reveal an unexpected diversity of this virus group, with frequent recombination as an important determinant of variability.

scholarly journals Novel Cell-Virus-Virophage Tripartite Infection Systems Discovered in the Freshwater Lake Dishui Lake in Shanghai, China

2020 ◽  
Vol 94 (11) ◽  
Author(s):  
Shengzhong Xu ◽  
Liang Zhou ◽  
Xiaosha Liang ◽  
Yifan Zhou ◽  
Hao Chen ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Green Algae ◽  
Green Alga ◽  
Phylogenetic Analyses ◽  
Freshwater Lake ◽  
Metagenomic Data ◽  
Data Sets ◽  
Data Set ◽  
Dna Viruses ◽  
Oligonucleotide Frequency ◽  
Dsdna Viruses

ABSTRACT Virophages are small parasitic double-stranded DNA (dsDNA) viruses of giant dsDNA viruses infecting unicellular eukaryotes. Except for a few isolated virophages characterized by parasitization mechanisms, features of virophages discovered in metagenomic data sets remain largely unknown. Here, the complete genomes of seven virophages (26.6 to 31.5 kbp) and four large DNA viruses (190.4 to 392.5 kbp) that coexist in the freshwater lake Dishui Lake, Shanghai, China, have been identified based on environmental metagenomic investigation. Both genomic and phylogenetic analyses indicate that Dishui Lake virophages (DSLVs) are closely related to each other and to other lake virophages, and Dishui Lake large DNA viruses are affiliated with the micro-green alga-infecting Prasinovirus of the Phycodnaviridae (named Dishui Lake phycodnaviruses [DSLPVs]) and protist (protozoan and alga)-infecting Mimiviridae (named Dishui Lake large alga virus [DSLLAV]). The DSLVs possess more genes with closer homology to that of large alga viruses than to that of giant protozoan viruses. Furthermore, the DSLVs are strongly associated with large green alga viruses, including DSLPV4 and DSLLAV1, based on codon usage as well as oligonucleotide frequency and correlation analyses. Surprisingly, a nonhomologous CRISPR-Cas like system is found in DSLLAV1, which appears to protect DSLLAV1 from the parasitization of DSLV5 and DSLV8. These results suggest that novel cell-virus-virophage (CVv) tripartite infection systems of green algae, large green alga virus (Phycodnaviridae- and Mimiviridae-related), and virophage exist in Dishui Lake, which will contribute to further deep investigations of the evolutionary interaction of virophages and large alga viruses as well as of the essential roles that the CVv plays in the ecology of algae. IMPORTANCE Virophages are small parasitizing viruses of large/giant viruses. To our knowledge, the few isolated virophages all parasitize giant protozoan viruses (Mimiviridae) for propagation and form a tripartite infection system with hosts, here named the cell-virus-virophage (CVv) system. However, the CVv system remains largely unknown in environmental metagenomic data sets. In this study, we systematically investigated the metagenomic data set from the freshwater lake Dishui Lake, Shanghai, China. Consequently, four novel large alga viruses and seven virophages were discovered to coexist in Dishui Lake. Surprisingly, a novel CVv tripartite infection system comprising green algae, large green alga viruses (Phycodnaviridae- and Mimiviridae-related), and virophages was identified based on genetic link, genomic signature, and CRISPR system analyses. Meanwhile, a nonhomologous CRISPR-like system was found in Dishui Lake large alga viruses, which appears to protect the virus host from the infection of Dishui Lake virophages (DSLVs). These findings are critical to give insight into the potential significance of CVv in global evolution and ecology.

scholarly journals The missing link: allostery and catalysis in the anti-viral protein SAMHD1

2019 ◽  
Vol 47 (4) ◽  
pp. 1013-1027 ◽  
Author(s):  
Elizabeth R. Morris ◽  
Ian A. Taylor
Keyword(s):  
Allosteric Regulation ◽  
Active Form ◽  
Inflammatory Disorder ◽  
Dna Viruses ◽  
Allosteric Coupling ◽  
Allosteric Sites ◽  
Catalytically Active ◽  
Important Regulator ◽  
Hydrolysis Of ◽  
Vertebrate Protein

Abstract Vertebrate protein SAMHD1 (sterile-α-motif and HD domain containing protein 1) regulates the cellular dNTP (2′-deoxynucleoside-5′-triphosphate) pool by catalysing the hydrolysis of dNTP into 2′-deoxynucleoside and triphosphate products. As an important regulator of cell proliferation and a key player in dNTP homeostasis, mutations to SAMHD1 are implicated in hypermutated cancers, and germline mutations are associated with Chronic Lymphocytic Leukaemia and the inflammatory disorder Aicardi–Goutières Syndrome. By limiting the supply of dNTPs for viral DNA synthesis, SAMHD1 also restricts the replication of several retroviruses, such as HIV-1, and some DNA viruses in dendritic and myeloid lineage cells and resting T-cells. SAMHD1 activity is regulated throughout the cell cycle, both at the level of protein expression and post-translationally, through phosphorylation. In addition, allosteric regulation further fine-tunes the catalytic activity of SAMHD1, with a nucleotide-activated homotetramer as the catalytically active form of the protein. In cells, GTP and dATP are the likely physiological activators of two adjacent allosteric sites, AL1 (GTP) and AL2 (dATP), that bridge monomer–monomer interfaces to stabilise the protein homotetramer. This review summarises the extensive X-ray crystallographic, biophysical and molecular dynamics experiments that have elucidated important features of allosteric regulation in SAMHD1. We present a comprehensive mechanism detailing the structural and protein dynamics components of the allosteric coupling between nucleotide-induced tetramerization and the catalysis of dNTP hydrolysis by SAMHD1.

Structure, function and evolution of the XPD family of iron–sulfur-containing 5′→3′ DNA helicases

2009 ◽  
Vol 37 (3) ◽  
pp. 547-551 ◽  
Author(s):  
Malcolm F. White
Keyword(s):  
Xeroderma Pigmentosum ◽  
Dna Recombination ◽  
Complementation Group ◽  
Iron Sulfur Cluster ◽  
Dna Helicases ◽  
Sulfur Cluster ◽  
Binding Domains ◽  
Iron Sulfur ◽  
Domains Of Life ◽  
Xpd Helicase

The XPD (xeroderma pigmentosum complementation group D) helicase family comprises a number of superfamily 2 DNA helicases with members found in all three domains of life. The founding member, the XPD helicase, is conserved in archaea and eukaryotes, whereas the closest homologue in bacteria is the DinG (damage-inducible G) helicase. Three XPD paralogues, FancJ (Fanconi's anaemia complementation group J), RTEL (regular of telomere length) and Chl1, have evolved in eukaryotes and function in a variety of DNA recombination and repair pathways. All family members are believed to be 5′→3′ DNA helicases with a structure that includes an essential iron–sulfur-cluster-binding domain. Recent structural, mutational and biophysical studies have provided a molecular framework for the mechanism of the XPD helicase and help to explain the phenotypes of a considerable number of mutations in the XPD gene that can cause three different genetic conditions: xeroderma pigmentosum, trichothiodystrophy and Cockayne's syndrome. Crystal structures of XPD from three archaeal organisms reveal a four-domain structure with two canonical motor domains and two unique domains, termed the Arch and iron–sulfur-cluster-binding domains. The latter two domains probably collaborate to separate duplex DNA during helicase action. The role of the iron–sulfur cluster and the evolution of the XPD helicase family are discussed.

scholarly journals Changes in conformational equilibria regulate the activity of the Dcp2 decapping enzyme

2017 ◽  
Vol 114 (23) ◽  
pp. 6034-6039 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jan Philip Wurm ◽  
Iris Holdermann ◽  
Jan H. Overbeck ◽  
Philipp H. O. Mayer ◽  
Remco Sprangers
Keyword(s):  
Molecular Level ◽  
Structural Information ◽  
Active State ◽  
Transverse Relaxation ◽  
Activator Proteins ◽  
Regulatory Domains ◽  
Conformational Equilibria ◽  
Catalytically Active ◽  
Decapping Enzyme ◽  
Dynamic Equilibria

Crystal structures of enzymes are indispensable to understanding their mechanisms on a molecular level. It, however, remains challenging to determine which structures are adopted in solution, especially for dynamic complexes. Here, we study the bilobed decapping enzyme Dcp2 that removes the 5′ cap structure from eukaryotic mRNA and thereby efficiently terminates gene expression. The numerous Dcp2 structures can be grouped into six states where the domain orientation between the catalytic and regulatory domains significantly differs. Despite this wealth of structural information it is not possible to correlate these states with the catalytic cycle or the activity of the enzyme. Using methyl transverse relaxation-optimized NMR spectroscopy, we demonstrate that only three of the six domain orientations are present in solution, where Dcp2 adopts an open, a closed, or a catalytically active state. We show how mRNA substrate and the activator proteins Dcp1 and Edc1 influence the dynamic equilibria between these states and how this modulates catalytic activity. Importantly, the active state of the complex is only stably formed in the presence of both activators and the mRNA substrate or the m7GDP decapping product, which we rationalize based on a crystal structure of the Dcp1:Dcp2:Edc1:m7GDP complex. Interestingly, we find that the activating mechanisms in Dcp2 also result in a shift of the substrate specificity from bacterial to eukaryotic mRNA.

Structural Analysis of Janus Kinases.

Blood ◽  
2004 ◽  
Vol 104 (11) ◽  
pp. 3863-3863
Author(s):  
Titus J. Boggon ◽  
Yiqun Li ◽  
Michael J. Eck
Keyword(s):  
Structural Information ◽  
Severe Combined Immunodeficiency ◽  
Interleukin 2 ◽  
Selective Inhibition ◽  
Kinase Domain ◽  
Janus Kinase ◽  
Catalytically Active ◽  
Carboxy Terminal ◽  
Structural Insights ◽  
Kinase A

Abstract Janus Kinase 3 (Jak3) plays an essential role in hematopoietic signaling. Primarily expressed in B-, T- and Natural killer cells, it is activated through the γc chain of interleukin-2 like cytokine receptors (IL-2, -4, -7, -9, -15, -21). Deficiency of catalytically active Jak3 or disruption of the Jak3:IL-2γc interaction results in severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID). Jak3-deficient humans demonstrate defects restricted to the immune system, suggesting that selective inhibition of Jak3 catalytic activity or interruption of the Jak3:IL-2γc interaction are potentially exploitable strategies to achieve immunosuppression. Jak kinases contain four defined regions; a catalytically active carboxy-terminal kinase, a pseudo-kinase, a SH2-like region and a N-terminal Ferm domain. To date, no direct structural information has been reported for portions of any of the Jak family kinases. Structural studies are underway to define crystallographically the kinase domain of Jak3 and the Jak3-Ferm:IL-2γc interaction. Structural insights into the mechanism of Jak activation and routes to specific inhibition will be discussed.

scholarly journals The identity of the active site of oxalate decarboxylase and the importance of the stability of active-site lid conformations1

2007 ◽  
Vol 407 (3) ◽  
pp. 397-406 ◽  
Author(s):  
Victoria J. Just ◽  
Matthew R. Burrell ◽  
Laura Bowater ◽  
Iain McRobbie ◽  
Clare E. M. Stevenson ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Crystal Structures ◽  
Active Site ◽  
Structural Information ◽  
Side Reaction ◽  
Oxalate Oxidase ◽  
Decarboxylase Activity ◽  
Oxalate Decarboxylase ◽  
Catalytically Active ◽  
The Stability ◽  
Kinetics Of

Oxalate decarboxylase (EC 4.1.1.2) catalyses the conversion of oxalate into carbon dioxide and formate. It requires manganese and, uniquely, dioxygen for catalysis. It forms a homohexamer and each subunit contains two similar, but distinct, manganese sites termed sites 1 and 2. There is kinetic evidence that only site 1 is catalytically active and that site 2 is purely structural. However, the kinetics of enzymes with mutations in site 2 are often ambiguous and all mutant kinetics have been interpreted without structural information. Nine new site-directed mutants have been generated and four mutant crystal structures have now been solved. Most mutants targeted (i) the flexibility (T165P), (ii) favoured conformation (S161A, S164A, D297A or H299A) or (iii) presence (Δ162–163 or Δ162–164) of a lid associated with site 1. The kinetics of these mutants were consistent with only site 1 being catalytically active. This was particularly striking with D297A and H299A because they disrupted hydrogen bonds between the lid and a neighbouring subunit only when in the open conformation and were distant from site 2. These observations also provided the first evidence that the flexibility and stability of lid conformations are important in catalysis. The deletion of the lid to mimic the plant oxalate oxidase led to a loss of decarboxylase activity, but only a slight elevation in the oxalate oxidase side reaction, implying other changes are required to afford a reaction specificity switch. The four mutant crystal structures (R92A, E162A, Δ162–163 and S161A) strongly support the hypothesis that site 2 is purely structural.

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