Structural conversion between open and closed forms of radixin: low-angle shadowing electron microscopy.

The function of ERM (ezrin/radixin/moesin) proteins as general cross-linkers between actin filaments and plasma membranes is regulated downstream of Rho, through the transition between active and inactive forms. To directly examine the conformational change between the active and inactive forms of ERM proteins, we applied low-angle rotary-shadowing electron microscopy to the radixin molecules, wild-type, T564A-non-phosphorylated-type, and T564E-phosphorylated-type, since most of the active forms are reportedly stabilized in cells by the C-terminal threonine phosphorylation. As a result, the T564A- and wild-type radixin molecules yielded the globular closed forms, approximately 8-14 nm in diameter, with some striations on their surfaces. In contrast, the T564E-radixin molecules tended to take elongated open forms, in which two globular structures measuring approximately 8 nm and approximately 5 nm in diameter were associated with both ends of the filamentous structures. The filamentous structure took either a approximately 20-25 nm-long straight course or a folded course. Taken together with the biochemical and the crystal structural results obtained to date, the closed and open forms represent the inactive and active forms of radixin as cross-linkers between actin filaments and plasma membranes.

Preparation and crystallization of the stimulatory and inhibitory complexes of GTP cyclohydrolase I and its feedback regulatory protein GFRP.

Mammalian GTP cyclohydrolase I is a decameric enzyme in the first and rate-limiting step in the biosynthesis of tetrahydrobiopterin, which is an essential cofactor for enzymes producing neurotransmitters such as catecholamines and for nitric oxide synthases. The enzyme is dually regulated by its feedback regulatory protein GFRP in the presence of its stimulatory effector phenylalanine and its inhibitory effector biopterin. Here, both the stimulatory and inhibitory complexes of rat GTP cyclohydrolase I bound to GFRP were crystallized by vapour diffusion. Diffraction data sets at resolutions of 3.0 and 2.64 A were collected for the stimulatory and inhibitory complexes, respectively. Each complex consists of two GTPCHI pentamer rings and two GFRP pentamer rings, with pseudo-52 point-group symmetry.

Crystallization and preliminary crystallographic studies of RhoGDI in complex with the radixin FERM domain.

The Rho guanine nucleotide-dissociation inhibitor (RhoGDI) is a general regulator that forms a complex with the GDP-bound form of Rho-family GTPases and suppresses their activation. The FERM domains of ERM (ezrin/radixin/moesin) proteins bind to RhoGDI and dissociate Rho from RhoGDI. The formation of a complex between RhoGDI and the FERM domain is an important step in the regulatory cycle of Rho activation. In this study, crystals of RhoGDI complexed with the FERM domain of radixin were obtained. The crystals of the binary complex belong to the space group P2(1)2(1)2, with unit-cell parameters a = 130.9 (2), b = 151.2 (2), c = 71.2 (1) A, and contain two protein complexes in the crystallographic asymmetric unit. A 2.9 A resolution data set was collected using synchrotron radiation at SPring-8.

Crystallographic characterization of the radixin FERM domain bound to the cytoplasmic tail of the adhesion protein ICAM-2.

Radixin is a member of the ERM proteins, which cross-link plasma membranes and actin filaments. The FERM domains located at the N-terminal regions of ERM proteins are responsible for membrane association through direct interactions with the cytoplasmic domains of integral membrane proteins. Here, crystals of the complex between the radixin FERM domain and the full-length cytoplasmic tail (28-residue peptide) of intercellular adhesion molecule 2, ICAM-2, have been obtained. The crystals were found to belong to space group P3(1)21 or P3(2)21, with unit-cell parameters a = b = 100.44 (9), c = 99.49 (6) A, and contain one complex in the crystallographic asymmetric unit. An intensity data set was collected to a resolution of 2.60 A.

Structural basis for the diversity of DNA recognition by bZIP transcription factors.

The basic region leucine zipper (bZIP) proteins form one of the largest families of transcription factors in eukaryotic cells. Despite relatively high homology between the amino acid sequences of the bZIP motifs, these proteins recognize diverse DNA sequences. Here we report the 2.0 A resolution crystal structure of the bZIP motif of one such transcription factor, PAP1, a fission yeast AP-1-like transcription factor that binds DNA containing the novel consensus sequence TTACGTAA. The structure reveals how the Pap1-specific residues of the bZIP basic region recognize the target sequence and shows that the side chain of the invariant Asn in the bZIP motif adopts an alternative conformation in Pap1. This conformation, which is stabilized by a Pap1-specific residue and its associated water molecule, recognizes a different base in the target sequence from that in other bZIP subfamilies.

Structural basis of the membrane-targeting and unmasking mechanisms of the radixin FERM domain.

Radixin is a member of the ezrin/radixin/moesin (ERM) family of proteins, which play a role in the formation of the membrane-associated cytoskeleton by linking actin filaments and adhesion proteins. This cross-linking activity is regulated by phosphoinositides such as phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate (PIP2) in the downstream of the small G protein Rho. The X-ray crystal structures of the radixin FERM domain, which is responsible for membrane binding, and its complex with inositol-(1,4, 5)-trisphosphate (IP3) have been determined. The domain consists of three subdomains featuring a ubiquitin-like fold, a four-helix bundle and a phosphotyrosine-binding-like domain, respectively. These subdomains are organized by intimate interdomain interactions to form characteristic grooves and clefts. One such groove is negatively charged and so is thought to interact with basic juxta-membrane regions of adhesion proteins. IP3 binds a basic cleft that is distinct from those of pleckstrin homology domains and is located on a positively charged flat molecular surface, suggesting an electrostatic mechanism of plasma membrane targeting. Based on the structural changes associated with IP3 binding, a possible unmasking mechanism of ERM proteins by PIP2 is proposed.

Crystallographic characterization of the membrane-binding domain of radixin.

Radixin is a protein which cross-links plasma membranes and actin filaments and thus forms membrane-associated cytoskeleton. The radixin N-terminal domain, which is responsible for membrane association, has been purified and crystallized by vapour diffusion with polyethylene glycol 6000. The crystals belong to space group P4(1)2(1)2 or P4(3)2(1)2, with unit-cell parameters a = b = 96.36, c = 133.16 A, and diffract to a resolution of 3.0 A.

Crystallization and preliminary crystallographic analysis of the Rho-binding domain of bovine Rho-kinase.

Rho-kinase binds to a small GTPase Rho in a GTP-dependent manner and regulates many cytoskeletal events in the cell. The minimum region of bovine Rho-kinase sufficient for Rho-binding was expressed as a fusion protein with glutathione S-transferase. After removal of the glutathione S-transferase, thin plate crystals were obtained. The selenomethionine-substituted protein was introduced and crystallized, as was the native protein. The crystals of the Rho-binding domain of Rho-kinase belong to the space group C2, with unit-cell parameters a = 148.0 (2), b = 26.1 (1), c = 39.6 (1) A, beta = 90.3 (1) degrees. The crystals diffract to a resolution beyond 1.5 A.

An open conformation of switch I revealed by the crystal structure of a Mg2+-free form of RHOA complexed with GDP. Implications for the GDP/GTP exchange mechanism.

Mg(2+) ions are essential for guanosine triphosphatase (GTPase) activity and play key roles in guanine nucleotide binding and preserving the structural integrity of GTP-binding proteins. We determined the crystal structure of a small GTPase RHOA complexed with GDP in the absence of Mg(2+) at 2.0-A resolution. Elimination of a Mg(2+) ion induces significant conformational changes in the switch I region that opens up the nucleotide-binding site. Similar structural changes have been observed in the switch regions of Ha-Ras bound to its guanine nucleotide exchange factor, Sos. This RHOA-GDP structure reveals an important regulatory role for Mg(2+) and suggests that guanine nucleotide exchange factor may utilize this feature of switch I to produce an open conformation in GDP/GTP exchange.

Refined structure of the histidine-containing phosphotransfer (HPt) domain of the anaerobic sensor kinase ArcB from Escherichia coli at 1.57 A resolution.

The crystal structure of the histidine-containing phosphotransfer (HPt) domain of the anaerobic sensor kinase ArcB from Escherichia coli has been refined to 1.57 A resolution, using the coordinates of the earlier 2.06 A structure as a starting model. The final model contained 956 protein atoms, one zinc ion and 156 water molecules, with an R factor of 19.0%. The high-resolution electron-density maps clearly revealed additional solvent molecules and seven discrete rotamers in the protein side chains. One residue, Met755, was fully buried but was able to occupy the space in the hydrophobic core by means of the two-state conformation of its side chain. One water molecule was buried in the protein core and contributed to the rigidity of the HPt domain, cooperating in the coordination of the zinc ion.

Crystal structure of a multifunctional 2-Cys peroxiredoxin heme-binding protein 23 kDa/proliferation-associated gene product.

Heme-binding protein 23 kDa (HBP23), a rat isoform of human proliferation-associated gene product (PAG), is a member of the peroxiredoxin family of peroxidases, having two conserved cysteine residues. Recent biochemical studies have shown that HBP23/PAG is an oxidative stress-induced and proliferation-coupled multifunctional protein that exhibits specific bindings to c-Abl protein tyrosine kinase and heme, as well as a peroxidase activity. A 2.6-A resolution crystal structure of rat HBP23 in oxidized form revealed an unusual dimer structure in which the active residue Cys-52 forms a disulfide bond with conserved Cys-173 from another subunit by C-terminal tail swapping. The active site is largely hydrophobic with partially exposed Cys-173, suggesting a reduction mechanism of oxidized HBP23 by thioredoxin. Thus, the unusual cysteine disulfide bond is involved in peroxidation catalysis by using thioredoxin as the source of reducing equivalents. The structure also provides a clue to possible interaction surfaces for c-Abl and heme. Several significant structural differences have been found from a 1-Cys peroxiredoxin, ORF6, which lacks the C-terminal conserved cysteine corresponding to Cys-173 of HBP23.

Crystal structure of an IRF-DNA complex reveals novel DNA recognition and cooperative binding to a tandem repeat of core sequences.

There has been growing interest in the role of the IRF (interferon regulatory factor) family of transcription factors in the regulation of immune responses, cytokine signaling, and oncogenesis. These members are characterized by their well-conserved DNA binding domains at the N-terminal regions. Here we report the 2.2 A resolution crystal structure of the DNA binding domain of one such family member, IRF-2, bound to DNA. The structure reveals its recognition sequence, AANNGAAA (here, recognized bases are underlined and in bold, and N indicates any base), and its cooperative binding to a tandem repeat of the GAAA core sequence induced by DNA structure distortions. These facts explain well the diverse binding properties of the IRF family members, which bind to both single and tandemly repeated sequences. Furthermore, we also identified the 'helix-hairpin-strand motif' at the C terminus of the recognition helix as a metal binding site that is commonly found in certain classes of DNA-interactive proteins. Our results provide new insights into the structure and function of this family of transcription factors.

Biochemical and crystallographic characterization of a Rho effector domain of the protein serine/threonine kinase N in a complex with RhoA.

The effector domain of human protein serine/threonine kinase N (PKN), an effector protein for the small GTP-binding protein Rho, was expressed and purified for protein characterization and crystallization in a complex form with human RhoA. In solution, RhoA binds to the PKN effector domain with 1:2 stoichiometry in a GTP-dependent manner. The obtained complex crystals diffract to 2.2 A resolution.

Structure of the histidine-containing phosphotransfer (HPt) domain of the anaerobic sensor protein ArcB complexed with the chemotaxis response regulator CheY.

The three-dimensional structure of the HPt domain of ArcB complexed with CheY has been determined using the molecular-replacement method. The structure was refined to a crystallographic R factor of 18.3% at 2.68 A resolution. The final model included 1899 protein atoms (117 residues from the HPt domain and 128 residues from CheY), one sulfate ion and 44 solvent molecules. In the crystal, CheY molecules stacked along the a axis of the cell with no interactions between neighbouring rows and the HPt domain bridged the CheY molecules. The phosphodonor residue His715 was fully exposed to the solvent region, even though the HPt domain was in contact with four molecules of CheY. CheY showed significant conformational change. This indicates that the HPt domain has a rigid structure when complexed with CheY.