Crystal structure of the N-terminal RecA-like domain of a DEAD-box RNA helicase, the Dugesia japonica vasa-like gene B protein

J Struct Biol. 2005 Apr;150(1):58-68. doi: 10.1016/j.jsb.2005.01.006.

Abstract

The Dugesia japonica vasa-like gene B (DjVLGB) protein is a DEAD-box RNA helicase of a planarian, which is well known for its strong regenerative capacity. DjVLGB shares sequence similarity to the Drosophila germ-line-specific DEAD-box RNA helicase Vasa, and even higher similarity to its paralogue, mouse PL10. In this study, we solved the crystal structure of the DjVLGB N-terminal RecA-like domain. The overall fold and the structures of the putative ATPase active site of the DjVLGB N-terminal RecA-like domain are similar to those of the previously reported DEAD-box RNA helicase structures. In contrast, the surface structure of the side opposite to the putative ATPase active site is different from those of the other DEAD-box RNA helicases; the characteristic hydrophobic pockets are formed with aromatic and proline residues. These pocket-forming residues are conserved in the PL10-subfamily proteins, but less conserved in the Vasa orthologues and not conserved in the DEAD-box RNA helicases. Therefore, the structural features that we found are characteristic of the PL10-subfamily proteins and might contribute to their biological roles in germ-line development.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Amino Acid Sequence
  • Animals
  • Helminth Proteins / chemistry*
  • Helminth Proteins / classification
  • Molecular Sequence Data
  • Molecular Structure
  • Phylogeny
  • Planarians / enzymology*
  • Protein Structure, Tertiary
  • RNA Helicases / chemistry*
  • RNA Helicases / classification
  • Rec A Recombinases / chemistry*
  • Rec A Recombinases / classification

Substances

  • Helminth Proteins
  • vas-related protein, Dugesia japonica
  • Rec A Recombinases
  • RNA Helicases

Associated data

  • PDB/1WRB