Molecules of Escherichia coli MobB assemble into densely packed hollow cylinders in a crystal lattice with 75% solvent content

Acta Crystallogr D Biol Crystallogr. 2003 Dec;59(Pt 12):2348-52. doi: 10.1107/s090744490301967x. Epub 2003 Nov 27.

Abstract

The crystal structure of Escherichia coli MobB, an enzyme involved in the final step of molybdenum-cofactor biosynthesis, forms intertwined dimers. Each molecule consists of two segments and requires the second monomer for stable folding. Dimerization buries a quarter of the solvent-accessible area of the monomer. These dimers assemble into a hexagonal lattice with P6(4)22 symmetry and occupy only approximately 25% of the unit-cell volume. The symmetry-related dimers associate tightly into a helical structure with a diameter of 250 A and a pitch of 98 A. Two such helices are intertwined, shifted by 49 A along the sixfold axis. Within the crystal, these helices form thin-walled cylinders with an external diameter of 250 A and an internal diameter of 190 A. Their center is filled with solvent. These cylinders pack closely together, forming a hexagonal lattice with the highest possible packing density. This arrangement of dimers allows extensive intermolecular contacts with 75% solvent content in the crystal.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Crystallography, X-Ray
  • Dimerization
  • Escherichia coli / chemistry*
  • Escherichia coli / genetics
  • Escherichia coli / metabolism
  • Escherichia coli Proteins / chemistry
  • Escherichia coli Proteins / genetics
  • Models, Molecular
  • Protein Structure, Quaternary
  • Protein Structure, Secondary
  • Recombinant Proteins / chemistry
  • Recombinant Proteins / genetics
  • Selenomethionine / chemistry
  • Solvents
  • Trans-Activators / chemistry*
  • Trans-Activators / genetics

Substances

  • Escherichia coli Proteins
  • MobB protein, E coli
  • MobB protein, bacteria
  • Recombinant Proteins
  • Solvents
  • Trans-Activators
  • Selenomethionine