Download MendeleyCrystal Structure of Caulobacter Crescentus Polynucleotide Phosphorylase Reveals a Mechanism of RNA Substrate Channelling and RNA Degradosome Assembly.
Hardwick, S.W., Gubbey, T., Hug, I., Jenal, U., Luisi, B.F.(2012) Open Biol 2: 20028
- PubMed: 22724061 Search on PubMedSearch on PubMed Central
- DOI: https://doi.org/10.1098/rsob.120028
- Primary Citation Related Structures:
4AID, 4AIM, 4AM3 - PubMed Abstract:
Polynucleotide phosphorylase (PNPase) is an exoribonuclease that cleaves single-stranded RNA substrates with 3'-5' directionality and processive behaviour. Its ring-like, trimeric architecture creates a central channel where phosphorolytic active sites reside. One face of the ring is decorated with RNA-binding K-homology (KH) and S1 domains, but exactly how these domains help to direct the 3' end of single-stranded RNA substrates towards the active sites is an unsolved puzzle. Insight into this process is provided by our crystal structures of RNA-bound and apo Caulobacter crescentus PNPase. In the RNA-free form, the S1 domains adopt a 'splayed' conformation that may facilitate capture of RNA substrates. In the RNA-bound structure, the three KH domains collectively close upon the RNA and direct the 3' end towards a constricted aperture at the entrance of the central channel. The KH domains make non-equivalent interactions with the RNA, and there is a marked asymmetry within the catalytic core of the enzyme. On the basis of these data, we propose that structural non-equivalence, induced upon RNA binding, helps to channel substrate to the active sites through mechanical ratcheting. Structural and biochemical analyses also reveal the basis for PNPase association with RNase E in the multi-enzyme RNA degradosome assembly of the α-proteobacteria.
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Cambridge, Tennis Court Road, Cambridge CB2 1GA, UK.
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