Klemens Wild - Academia.edu (original) (raw)

Papers by Klemens Wild

Research paper thumbnail of When RNP meets RNP: the signal recognition particle and the ribosome

Acta Crystallographica Section A Foundations and Advances, 2015

Research paper thumbnail of Protein Translocation: Checkpoint Role for SRP GTPase Activation

Current Biology, Nov 20, 2007

Research paper thumbnail of Structural characterization of the mammalian SRP system

Research paper thumbnail of Crystal form of the amyloid precursor protein intracellular domain (AICD) in complex with human FE65-PTB2

Research paper thumbnail of Three-Dimensional Structure Of The Amyloid Precursor Protein Intracellular Domain (AICD) In Complex With Human FE65-PTB2

Research paper thumbnail of Crystal Structure of an Early Protein-RNA Assembly Complex of the Signal Recognition Particle

Science, Oct 19, 2001

The signal recognition particle (SRP) is a universally conserved ribonucleoprotein complex that m... more The signal recognition particle (SRP) is a universally conserved ribonucleoprotein complex that mediates the cotranslational targeting of secretory and membrane proteins to cellular membranes. A crucial early step in SRP assembly in archaea and eukarya is the binding of protein SRP19 to specific sites on SRP RNA. Here we report the 1.8 angstrom resolution crystal structure of human SRP19 in complex with its primary binding site on helix 6 of SRP RNA, which consists of a stem-loop structure closed by an unusual GGAG tetraloop. Protein-RNA interactions are mediated by the specific recognition of a widened major groove and the tetraloop without any direct protein-base contacts and include a complex network of highly ordered water molecules. A model of the assembly of the SRP core comprising SRP19, SRP54, and SRP RNA based on crystallographic and biochemical data is proposed.

Research paper thumbnail of The many faces of SRP RNA

Acta Crystallographica Section A Foundations and Advances, 2014

Research paper thumbnail of Structural basis for cpSRP43 chromodomain selectivity and dynamics in Alb3 insertase interaction

Nature Communications, 2015

Canonical membrane protein biogenesis requires co-translational delivery of ribosome-associated p... more Canonical membrane protein biogenesis requires co-translational delivery of ribosome-associated proteins to the Sec translocase and depends on the signal recognition particle (SRP) and its receptor (SR). In contrast, high-throughput delivery of abundant light-harvesting chlorophyll a,b-binding proteins (LHCPs) in chloroplasts to the Alb3 insertase occurs post-translationally via a soluble transit complex including the cpSRP43/cpSRP54 heterodimer (cpSRP). Here we describe the molecular mechanisms of tethering cpSRP to the Alb3 insertase by specific interaction of cpSRP43 chromodomain 3 with a linear motif in the Alb3 C-terminal tail. Combining NMR spectroscopy, X-ray crystallography and biochemical analyses, we dissect the structural basis for selectivity of chromodomains 2 and 3 for their respective ligands cpSRP54 and Alb3, respectively. Negative cooperativity in ligand binding can be explained by dynamics in the chromodomain interface. Our study provides a model for membrane recruitment of the transit complex and may serve as a prototype for a functional gain by the tandem arrangement of chromodomains.

Research paper thumbnail of Structural characterization of the mammalian SRP system

GBM Annual Spring meeting Mosbach 2007, 2007

Research paper thumbnail of Translational arrest by a prokaryotic signal recognition particle is mediated by RNA interactions

Nature structural & molecular biology, Jan 7, 2015

The signal recognition particle (SRP) recognizes signal sequences of nascent polypeptides and tar... more The signal recognition particle (SRP) recognizes signal sequences of nascent polypeptides and targets ribosome-nascent chain complexes to membrane translocation sites. In eukaryotes, translating ribosomes are slowed down by the Alu domain of SRP to allow efficient targeting. In prokaryotes, however, little is known about the structure and function of Alu domain-containing SRPs. Here, we report a complete molecular model of SRP from the Gram-positive bacterium Bacillus subtilis, based on cryo-EM. The SRP comprises two subunits, 6S RNA and SRP54 or Ffh, and it facilitates elongation slowdown similarly to its eukaryotic counterpart. However, protein contacts with the small ribosomal subunit observed for the mammalian Alu domain are substituted in bacteria by RNA-RNA interactions of 6S RNA with the α-sarcin-ricin loop and helices H43 and H44 of 23S rRNA. Our findings provide a structural basis for cotranslational targeting and RNA-driven elongation arrest in prokaryotes.

Research paper thumbnail of The structure of Rpf2-Rrs1 explains its role in ribosome biogenesis

Nucleic Acids Research, 2015

The assembly of eukaryotic ribosomes is a hierarchical process involving about 200 biogenesis fac... more The assembly of eukaryotic ribosomes is a hierarchical process involving about 200 biogenesis factors and a series of remodeling steps. The 5S RNP consisting of the 5S rRNA, RpL5 and RpL11 is recruited at an early stage, but has to rearrange during maturation of the pre-60S ribosomal subunit. Rpf2 and Rrs1 have been implicated in 5S RNP biogenesis, but their precise role was unclear. Here, we present the crystal structure of the Rpf2-Rrs1 complex from Aspergillus nidulans at 1.5 Å resolution and describe it as Brix domain of Rpf2 completed by Rrs1 to form two anticodon-binding domains with functionally important tails. Fitting the X-ray structure into the cryo-EM density of a previously described pre-60S particle correlates with biochemical data. The heterodimer forms specific contacts with the 5S rRNA, RpL5 and the biogenesis factor Rsa4. The flexible protein tails of Rpf2-Rrs1 localize to the central protuberance. Two helices in the Rrs1 C-terminal tail occupy a strategic position to block the rotation of 25S rRNA and the 5S RNP. Our data provide a structural model for 5S RNP recruitment to the pre-60S particle and explain why removal of Rpf2-Rrs1 is necessary for rearrangements to drive 60S maturation.

Research paper thumbnail of A structure guided tour of the SRP cycle of protein transport

GBM Annual Fall meeting Berlin/Potsdam 2005, 2005

Research paper thumbnail of Symportin 1 chaperones 5S RNP assembly during ribosome biogenesis by occupying an essential rRNA-binding site

Nature communications, 2015

During 60S biogenesis, mature 5S RNP consisting of 5S RNA, RpL5 and RpL11, assembles into a pre-6... more During 60S biogenesis, mature 5S RNP consisting of 5S RNA, RpL5 and RpL11, assembles into a pre-60S particle, where docking relies on RpL11 interacting with helix 84 (H84) of the 25S RNA. How 5S RNP is assembled for recruitment into the pre-60S is not known. Here we report the crystal structure of a ternary symportin Syo1-RpL5-N-RpL11 complex and provide biochemical and structural insights into 5S RNP assembly. Syo1 guards the 25S RNA-binding surface on RpL11 and competes with H84 for binding. Pull-down experiments show that H84 releases RpL11 from the ternary complex, but not in the presence of 5S RNA. Crosslinking mass spectrometry visualizes structural rearrangements on incorporation of 5S RNA into the Syo1-RpL5-RpL11 complex supporting the formation of a pre-5S RNP. Our data underline the dual role of Syo1 in ribosomal protein transport and as an assembly platform for 5S RNP.

Research paper thumbnail of Amyloid precursor protein dimerization and synaptogenic function depend on copper binding to the growth factor-like domain

The Journal of neuroscience : the official journal of the Society for Neuroscience, Jan 13, 2014

Accumulating evidence suggests that the copper-binding amyloid precursor protein (APP) has an ess... more Accumulating evidence suggests that the copper-binding amyloid precursor protein (APP) has an essential synaptic function. APP synaptogenic function depends on trans-directed dimerization of the extracellular E1 domain encompassing a growth factor-like domain (GFLD) and a copper-binding domain (CuBD). Here we report the 1.75 Å crystal structure of the GFLD in complex with a copper ion bound with high affinity to an extended hairpin loop at the dimerization interface. In coimmunoprecipitation assays copper binding promotes APP interaction, whereas mutations in the copper-binding sites of either the GFLD or CuBD result in a drastic reduction in APP cis-orientated dimerization. We show that copper is essential and sufficient to induce trans-directed dimerization of purified APP. Furthermore, a mixed culture assay of primary neurons with HEK293 cells expressing different APP mutants revealed that APP potently promotes synaptogenesis depending on copper binding to the GFLD. Together, the...

Research paper thumbnail of RNA gymnastics in mammalian signal recognition particle assembly

RNA biology, 2014

More than one third of the cellular proteome is destined for incorporation into cell membranes or... more More than one third of the cellular proteome is destined for incorporation into cell membranes or export from the cell. In all domains of life, the signal recognition particle (SRP) delivers these proteins to the membrane and protein traffic falls apart without SRP logistics. With the aid of a topogenic transport signal, SRP retrieves its cargo right at the ribosome, from where they are sorted to the translocation channel. Mammalian SRP is a ribonucleoprotein complex consisting of an SRP RNA of 300 nucleotides and 6 proteins bound to it. Assembly occurs in a hierarchical manner mainly in the nucleolus and only SRP54, which recognizes the signal sequence and regulates the targeting process, is added as the last component in the cytosol. Here we present an update on recent insights in the structure, function and dynamics of SRP RNA in SRP assembly with focus on the S domain, and present SRP as an example for the complex biogenesis of a rather small ribonucleoprotein particle.

Research paper thumbnail of Signal sequences get active

Nature chemical biology, 2009

Research paper thumbnail of Expression, purification, crystallization and preliminary crystallographic analysis of the proliferation-associated protein Ebp1

Acta crystallographica. Section F, Structural biology and crystallization communications, 2007

ErbB-3-binding protein 1 (Ebp1) is a member of the family of proliferation-associated 2G4 protein... more ErbB-3-binding protein 1 (Ebp1) is a member of the family of proliferation-associated 2G4 proteins (PA2G4s) and plays a role in cellular growth and differentiation. Ligand-induced activation of the transmembrane receptor ErbB3 leads to dissociation of Ebp1 from the receptor in a phosphorylation-dependent manner. The non-associated protein is involved in transcriptional and translational regulation in the cell. Here, the overexpression, purification, crystallization and preliminary crystallographic studies of Ebp1 from Homo sapiens are reported. Initially observed crystals were improved by serial seeding to single crystals suitable for data collection. The optimized crystals belong to the tetragonal space group P4(1)2(1)2 or P4(3)2(1)2 and diffracted to a resolution of 1.6 A.

Research paper thumbnail of Expression, purification and preliminary crystallographic characterization of FlhF from Bacillus subtilis

Acta crystallographica. Section F, Structural biology and crystallization communications, 2007

The gram-positive bacterium Bacillus subtilis contains three proteins belonging to the signal rec... more The gram-positive bacterium Bacillus subtilis contains three proteins belonging to the signal recognition particle (SRP) type GTPase family. The well characterized signal sequence-binding protein SRP54 and the SRP receptor protein FtsY are universally conserved components of the SRP system of protein transport. The third member, FlhF, has been implicated in the placement and assembly of polar flagella. This article describes the overexpression and preliminary X-ray crystallographic analysis of an FlhF fragment that corresponds to the well characterized GTPase domains in SRP54 and FtsY. Three crystal forms are reported with either GDP or GMPPNP and diffract to a resolution of about 3 A.

Research paper thumbnail of Expression, purification, crystallization and preliminary X-ray diffraction analysis of the DDX3 RNA helicase domain

Acta crystallographica. Section F, Structural biology and crystallization communications, 2007

DDX3 is a human RNA helicase that is involved in RNA processing and important human diseases. Thi... more DDX3 is a human RNA helicase that is involved in RNA processing and important human diseases. This enzyme belongs to the DEAD-box protein family, the members of which are characterized by the presence of nine conserved motifs including the Asp-Glu-Ala-Asp motif that defines the family. DDX3 has two distinct domains: an ATP-binding domain in the central region of the protein and a helicase domain in the carboxy-terminal region. The helicase domain of DDX3 was cloned and overexpressed in Escherichia coli. Crystallization experiments yielded crystals that were suitable for X-ray diffraction analysis. The final crystallization conditions were a reservoir solution consisting of 2 M ammonium sulfate, 0.1 M imidazole pH 6.4 plus 5 mM spermine tetrahydrochloride and a protein solution containing 10 mM HEPES, 500 mM ammonium sulfate pH 8.0. The crystals of the helicase domain belong to the monoclinic space group P2(1), with unit-cell parameters a = 43.85, b = 60.72, c = 88.39 A, alpha = gamm...

Research paper thumbnail of Structure of the complete bacterial SRP Alu domain

The Alu domain of the signal recognition particle (SRP) arrests protein biosynthesis by competiti... more The Alu domain of the signal recognition particle (SRP) arrests protein biosynthesis by competition with elongation factor binding on the ribosome. The mammalian Alu domain is a protein-RNA complex, while prokaryotic Alu domains are protein-free with significant extensions of the RNA. Here we report the crystal structure of the complete Alu domain of Bacillus subtilis SRP RNA at 2.5Å resolution. The bacterial Alu RNA reveals a compact fold, which is stabilized by prokaryote-specific extensions and interactions. In this 'closed' conformation, the 5 and 3 regions are clamped together by the additional helix 1, the connecting 3-way junction and a novel minor groove interaction, which we term the 'minor-saddle motif' (MSM). The 5 region includes an extended loop-loop pseudoknot made of five consecutive Watson-Crick base pairs. Homology modeling with the human Alu domain in context of the ribosome shows that an additional lobe in the pseudoknot approaches the large subunit, while the absence of protein results in the detachment from the small subunit. Our findings provide the structural basis for purely RNA-driven elongation arrest in prokaryotes, and give insights into the structural adaption of SRP RNA during evolution.

Research paper thumbnail of When RNP meets RNP: the signal recognition particle and the ribosome

Acta Crystallographica Section A Foundations and Advances, 2015

Research paper thumbnail of Protein Translocation: Checkpoint Role for SRP GTPase Activation

Current Biology, Nov 20, 2007

Research paper thumbnail of Structural characterization of the mammalian SRP system

Research paper thumbnail of Crystal form of the amyloid precursor protein intracellular domain (AICD) in complex with human FE65-PTB2

Research paper thumbnail of Three-Dimensional Structure Of The Amyloid Precursor Protein Intracellular Domain (AICD) In Complex With Human FE65-PTB2

Research paper thumbnail of Crystal Structure of an Early Protein-RNA Assembly Complex of the Signal Recognition Particle

Science, Oct 19, 2001

The signal recognition particle (SRP) is a universally conserved ribonucleoprotein complex that m... more The signal recognition particle (SRP) is a universally conserved ribonucleoprotein complex that mediates the cotranslational targeting of secretory and membrane proteins to cellular membranes. A crucial early step in SRP assembly in archaea and eukarya is the binding of protein SRP19 to specific sites on SRP RNA. Here we report the 1.8 angstrom resolution crystal structure of human SRP19 in complex with its primary binding site on helix 6 of SRP RNA, which consists of a stem-loop structure closed by an unusual GGAG tetraloop. Protein-RNA interactions are mediated by the specific recognition of a widened major groove and the tetraloop without any direct protein-base contacts and include a complex network of highly ordered water molecules. A model of the assembly of the SRP core comprising SRP19, SRP54, and SRP RNA based on crystallographic and biochemical data is proposed.

Research paper thumbnail of The many faces of SRP RNA

Acta Crystallographica Section A Foundations and Advances, 2014

Research paper thumbnail of Structural basis for cpSRP43 chromodomain selectivity and dynamics in Alb3 insertase interaction

Nature Communications, 2015

Canonical membrane protein biogenesis requires co-translational delivery of ribosome-associated p... more Canonical membrane protein biogenesis requires co-translational delivery of ribosome-associated proteins to the Sec translocase and depends on the signal recognition particle (SRP) and its receptor (SR). In contrast, high-throughput delivery of abundant light-harvesting chlorophyll a,b-binding proteins (LHCPs) in chloroplasts to the Alb3 insertase occurs post-translationally via a soluble transit complex including the cpSRP43/cpSRP54 heterodimer (cpSRP). Here we describe the molecular mechanisms of tethering cpSRP to the Alb3 insertase by specific interaction of cpSRP43 chromodomain 3 with a linear motif in the Alb3 C-terminal tail. Combining NMR spectroscopy, X-ray crystallography and biochemical analyses, we dissect the structural basis for selectivity of chromodomains 2 and 3 for their respective ligands cpSRP54 and Alb3, respectively. Negative cooperativity in ligand binding can be explained by dynamics in the chromodomain interface. Our study provides a model for membrane recruitment of the transit complex and may serve as a prototype for a functional gain by the tandem arrangement of chromodomains.

Research paper thumbnail of Structural characterization of the mammalian SRP system

GBM Annual Spring meeting Mosbach 2007, 2007

Research paper thumbnail of Translational arrest by a prokaryotic signal recognition particle is mediated by RNA interactions

Nature structural & molecular biology, Jan 7, 2015

The signal recognition particle (SRP) recognizes signal sequences of nascent polypeptides and tar... more The signal recognition particle (SRP) recognizes signal sequences of nascent polypeptides and targets ribosome-nascent chain complexes to membrane translocation sites. In eukaryotes, translating ribosomes are slowed down by the Alu domain of SRP to allow efficient targeting. In prokaryotes, however, little is known about the structure and function of Alu domain-containing SRPs. Here, we report a complete molecular model of SRP from the Gram-positive bacterium Bacillus subtilis, based on cryo-EM. The SRP comprises two subunits, 6S RNA and SRP54 or Ffh, and it facilitates elongation slowdown similarly to its eukaryotic counterpart. However, protein contacts with the small ribosomal subunit observed for the mammalian Alu domain are substituted in bacteria by RNA-RNA interactions of 6S RNA with the α-sarcin-ricin loop and helices H43 and H44 of 23S rRNA. Our findings provide a structural basis for cotranslational targeting and RNA-driven elongation arrest in prokaryotes.

Research paper thumbnail of The structure of Rpf2-Rrs1 explains its role in ribosome biogenesis

Nucleic Acids Research, 2015

The assembly of eukaryotic ribosomes is a hierarchical process involving about 200 biogenesis fac... more The assembly of eukaryotic ribosomes is a hierarchical process involving about 200 biogenesis factors and a series of remodeling steps. The 5S RNP consisting of the 5S rRNA, RpL5 and RpL11 is recruited at an early stage, but has to rearrange during maturation of the pre-60S ribosomal subunit. Rpf2 and Rrs1 have been implicated in 5S RNP biogenesis, but their precise role was unclear. Here, we present the crystal structure of the Rpf2-Rrs1 complex from Aspergillus nidulans at 1.5 Å resolution and describe it as Brix domain of Rpf2 completed by Rrs1 to form two anticodon-binding domains with functionally important tails. Fitting the X-ray structure into the cryo-EM density of a previously described pre-60S particle correlates with biochemical data. The heterodimer forms specific contacts with the 5S rRNA, RpL5 and the biogenesis factor Rsa4. The flexible protein tails of Rpf2-Rrs1 localize to the central protuberance. Two helices in the Rrs1 C-terminal tail occupy a strategic position to block the rotation of 25S rRNA and the 5S RNP. Our data provide a structural model for 5S RNP recruitment to the pre-60S particle and explain why removal of Rpf2-Rrs1 is necessary for rearrangements to drive 60S maturation.

Research paper thumbnail of A structure guided tour of the SRP cycle of protein transport

GBM Annual Fall meeting Berlin/Potsdam 2005, 2005

Research paper thumbnail of Symportin 1 chaperones 5S RNP assembly during ribosome biogenesis by occupying an essential rRNA-binding site

Nature communications, 2015

During 60S biogenesis, mature 5S RNP consisting of 5S RNA, RpL5 and RpL11, assembles into a pre-6... more During 60S biogenesis, mature 5S RNP consisting of 5S RNA, RpL5 and RpL11, assembles into a pre-60S particle, where docking relies on RpL11 interacting with helix 84 (H84) of the 25S RNA. How 5S RNP is assembled for recruitment into the pre-60S is not known. Here we report the crystal structure of a ternary symportin Syo1-RpL5-N-RpL11 complex and provide biochemical and structural insights into 5S RNP assembly. Syo1 guards the 25S RNA-binding surface on RpL11 and competes with H84 for binding. Pull-down experiments show that H84 releases RpL11 from the ternary complex, but not in the presence of 5S RNA. Crosslinking mass spectrometry visualizes structural rearrangements on incorporation of 5S RNA into the Syo1-RpL5-RpL11 complex supporting the formation of a pre-5S RNP. Our data underline the dual role of Syo1 in ribosomal protein transport and as an assembly platform for 5S RNP.

Research paper thumbnail of Amyloid precursor protein dimerization and synaptogenic function depend on copper binding to the growth factor-like domain

The Journal of neuroscience : the official journal of the Society for Neuroscience, Jan 13, 2014

Accumulating evidence suggests that the copper-binding amyloid precursor protein (APP) has an ess... more Accumulating evidence suggests that the copper-binding amyloid precursor protein (APP) has an essential synaptic function. APP synaptogenic function depends on trans-directed dimerization of the extracellular E1 domain encompassing a growth factor-like domain (GFLD) and a copper-binding domain (CuBD). Here we report the 1.75 Å crystal structure of the GFLD in complex with a copper ion bound with high affinity to an extended hairpin loop at the dimerization interface. In coimmunoprecipitation assays copper binding promotes APP interaction, whereas mutations in the copper-binding sites of either the GFLD or CuBD result in a drastic reduction in APP cis-orientated dimerization. We show that copper is essential and sufficient to induce trans-directed dimerization of purified APP. Furthermore, a mixed culture assay of primary neurons with HEK293 cells expressing different APP mutants revealed that APP potently promotes synaptogenesis depending on copper binding to the GFLD. Together, the...

Research paper thumbnail of RNA gymnastics in mammalian signal recognition particle assembly

RNA biology, 2014

More than one third of the cellular proteome is destined for incorporation into cell membranes or... more More than one third of the cellular proteome is destined for incorporation into cell membranes or export from the cell. In all domains of life, the signal recognition particle (SRP) delivers these proteins to the membrane and protein traffic falls apart without SRP logistics. With the aid of a topogenic transport signal, SRP retrieves its cargo right at the ribosome, from where they are sorted to the translocation channel. Mammalian SRP is a ribonucleoprotein complex consisting of an SRP RNA of 300 nucleotides and 6 proteins bound to it. Assembly occurs in a hierarchical manner mainly in the nucleolus and only SRP54, which recognizes the signal sequence and regulates the targeting process, is added as the last component in the cytosol. Here we present an update on recent insights in the structure, function and dynamics of SRP RNA in SRP assembly with focus on the S domain, and present SRP as an example for the complex biogenesis of a rather small ribonucleoprotein particle.

Research paper thumbnail of Signal sequences get active

Nature chemical biology, 2009

Research paper thumbnail of Expression, purification, crystallization and preliminary crystallographic analysis of the proliferation-associated protein Ebp1

Acta crystallographica. Section F, Structural biology and crystallization communications, 2007

ErbB-3-binding protein 1 (Ebp1) is a member of the family of proliferation-associated 2G4 protein... more ErbB-3-binding protein 1 (Ebp1) is a member of the family of proliferation-associated 2G4 proteins (PA2G4s) and plays a role in cellular growth and differentiation. Ligand-induced activation of the transmembrane receptor ErbB3 leads to dissociation of Ebp1 from the receptor in a phosphorylation-dependent manner. The non-associated protein is involved in transcriptional and translational regulation in the cell. Here, the overexpression, purification, crystallization and preliminary crystallographic studies of Ebp1 from Homo sapiens are reported. Initially observed crystals were improved by serial seeding to single crystals suitable for data collection. The optimized crystals belong to the tetragonal space group P4(1)2(1)2 or P4(3)2(1)2 and diffracted to a resolution of 1.6 A.

Research paper thumbnail of Expression, purification and preliminary crystallographic characterization of FlhF from Bacillus subtilis

Acta crystallographica. Section F, Structural biology and crystallization communications, 2007

The gram-positive bacterium Bacillus subtilis contains three proteins belonging to the signal rec... more The gram-positive bacterium Bacillus subtilis contains three proteins belonging to the signal recognition particle (SRP) type GTPase family. The well characterized signal sequence-binding protein SRP54 and the SRP receptor protein FtsY are universally conserved components of the SRP system of protein transport. The third member, FlhF, has been implicated in the placement and assembly of polar flagella. This article describes the overexpression and preliminary X-ray crystallographic analysis of an FlhF fragment that corresponds to the well characterized GTPase domains in SRP54 and FtsY. Three crystal forms are reported with either GDP or GMPPNP and diffract to a resolution of about 3 A.

Research paper thumbnail of Expression, purification, crystallization and preliminary X-ray diffraction analysis of the DDX3 RNA helicase domain

Acta crystallographica. Section F, Structural biology and crystallization communications, 2007

DDX3 is a human RNA helicase that is involved in RNA processing and important human diseases. Thi... more DDX3 is a human RNA helicase that is involved in RNA processing and important human diseases. This enzyme belongs to the DEAD-box protein family, the members of which are characterized by the presence of nine conserved motifs including the Asp-Glu-Ala-Asp motif that defines the family. DDX3 has two distinct domains: an ATP-binding domain in the central region of the protein and a helicase domain in the carboxy-terminal region. The helicase domain of DDX3 was cloned and overexpressed in Escherichia coli. Crystallization experiments yielded crystals that were suitable for X-ray diffraction analysis. The final crystallization conditions were a reservoir solution consisting of 2 M ammonium sulfate, 0.1 M imidazole pH 6.4 plus 5 mM spermine tetrahydrochloride and a protein solution containing 10 mM HEPES, 500 mM ammonium sulfate pH 8.0. The crystals of the helicase domain belong to the monoclinic space group P2(1), with unit-cell parameters a = 43.85, b = 60.72, c = 88.39 A, alpha = gamm...

Research paper thumbnail of Structure of the complete bacterial SRP Alu domain

The Alu domain of the signal recognition particle (SRP) arrests protein biosynthesis by competiti... more The Alu domain of the signal recognition particle (SRP) arrests protein biosynthesis by competition with elongation factor binding on the ribosome. The mammalian Alu domain is a protein-RNA complex, while prokaryotic Alu domains are protein-free with significant extensions of the RNA. Here we report the crystal structure of the complete Alu domain of Bacillus subtilis SRP RNA at 2.5Å resolution. The bacterial Alu RNA reveals a compact fold, which is stabilized by prokaryote-specific extensions and interactions. In this 'closed' conformation, the 5 and 3 regions are clamped together by the additional helix 1, the connecting 3-way junction and a novel minor groove interaction, which we term the 'minor-saddle motif' (MSM). The 5 region includes an extended loop-loop pseudoknot made of five consecutive Watson-Crick base pairs. Homology modeling with the human Alu domain in context of the ribosome shows that an additional lobe in the pseudoknot approaches the large subunit, while the absence of protein results in the detachment from the small subunit. Our findings provide the structural basis for purely RNA-driven elongation arrest in prokaryotes, and give insights into the structural adaption of SRP RNA during evolution.