Download MendeleyThe Purine Repressor of Bacillus Subtilis: A Novel Combination of Domains Adapted for Transcription Regulation
Sinha, S.C., Krahn, J., Shin, B.S., Tomchick, D.R., Zalkin, H., Smith, J.L.(2003) J Bacteriol 185: 4087-4098
- PubMed: 12837783
- DOI: https://doi.org/10.1128/JB.185.14.4087-4098.2003
- Primary Citation of Related Structures:
1O57 - PubMed Abstract:
The purine repressor from Bacillus subtilis, PurR, represses transcription from a number of genes with functions in the synthesis, transport, and metabolism of purines. The 2.2-A crystal structure of PurR reveals a two-domain protein organized as a dimer. The larger C-terminal domain belongs to the PRT structural family, in accord with a sequence motif for binding the inducer phosphoribosylpyrophosphate (PRPP). The PRT domain is fused to a smaller N-terminal domain that belongs to the winged-helix family of DNA binding proteins. A positively charged surface on the winged-helix domain likely binds specific DNA sequences in the recognition site. A second positively charged surface surrounds the PRPP site at the opposite end of the PurR dimer. Conserved amino acids in the sequences of PurR homologs in 21 gram-positive bacteria cluster on the proposed recognition surface of the winged-helix domain and around the PRPP binding site at the opposite end of the molecule, supporting a common function of DNA and PRPP binding for all of the proteins. The structure supports a binding mechanism in which extended regions of DNA interact with extensive protein surface. Unlike most PRT proteins, which are phosphoribosyltransferases (PRTases), PurR lacks catalytic activity. This is explained by a tyrosine side chain that blocks the site for a nucleophile cosubstrate in PRTases. Thus, B. subtilis has adapted an enzyme fold to serve as an effector-binding domain and has used it in a novel combination with the DNA-binding winged-helix domain as a repressor of purine genes.
Organizational Affiliation:
Department of Biological Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana 47907, USA.
