Crystal structure of Bacillus subtilis anti-TRAP protein, an antagonist of TRAP/RNA interaction

Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 2005 Dec 6;102(49):17600-5. doi: 10.1073/pnas.0508728102. Epub 2005 Nov 23.

Abstract

In Bacillus subtilis the anti-TRAP protein (AT) is produced in response to the accumulation of uncharged tRNA(Trp). AT regulates expression of genes involved in tryptophan biosynthesis and transport by binding to the tryptophan-activated trp RNA-binding attenuation protein (TRAP) and preventing its interaction with several mRNAs. Here, we report the x-ray structure of AT at 2.8 angstroms resolution, showing that the protein subunits assemble into tight trimers. Four such trimers are further associated into a 12-subunit particle in which individual trimers are related by twofold and threefold symmetry axes. Twelve DnaJ-like, cysteine-rich zinc-binding domains form spikes on the surface of the dodecamer. Available data suggest several possible ways for AT to interact with the 11-subunit TRAP. Interaction between the two symmetry-mismatching molecules could be assisted by the flexible nature of AT zinc-binding domains.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Bacillus subtilis / chemistry*
  • Bacterial Proteins / antagonists & inhibitors*
  • Bacterial Proteins / chemistry*
  • Bacterial Proteins / metabolism*
  • Crystallography, X-Ray
  • Models, Molecular
  • Protein Binding
  • Protein Structure, Quaternary
  • Protein Structure, Tertiary
  • RNA, Bacterial / antagonists & inhibitors
  • RNA, Bacterial / chemistry
  • RNA, Bacterial / metabolism*
  • RNA-Binding Proteins / antagonists & inhibitors*
  • RNA-Binding Proteins / chemistry*
  • RNA-Binding Proteins / metabolism*
  • Transcription Factors / antagonists & inhibitors*
  • Transcription Factors / chemistry*
  • Transcription Factors / metabolism*
  • Zinc / chemistry

Substances

  • Bacterial Proteins
  • MtrB protein, Bacteria
  • RNA, Bacterial
  • RNA-Binding Proteins
  • Transcription Factors
  • yczA protein, Bacillus subtilis
  • Zinc

Associated data

  • PDB/2BX9