+Search query
-Structure paper
Title | Three-dimensional reconstruction of Agrobacterium VirE2 protein with single-stranded DNA. |
---|---|
Journal, issue, pages | J Biol Chem, Vol. 279, Issue 24, Page 25359-25363, Year 2004 |
Publish date | Jun 11, 2004 |
Authors | Asmahan Abu-Arish / Daphna Frenkiel-Krispin / Tobin Fricke / Tzvi Tzfira / Vitaly Citovsky / Sharon Grayer Wolf / Michael Elbaum / |
PubMed Abstract | Agrobacterium tumefaciens infects plant cells by a unique mechanism involving an interkingdom genetic transfer. A single-stranded DNA substrate is transported across the two cell walls along with the ...Agrobacterium tumefaciens infects plant cells by a unique mechanism involving an interkingdom genetic transfer. A single-stranded DNA substrate is transported across the two cell walls along with the bacterial virulence proteins VirD2 and VirE2. A single VirD2 molecule covalently binds to the 5'-end of the single-stranded DNA, while the VirE2 protein binds stoichiometrically along the length of the DNA, without sequence specificity. An earlier transmission/scanning transmission electron microscopy study indicated a solenoidal ("telephone coil") organization of the VirE2-DNA complex. Here we report a three-dimensional reconstruction of this complex using electron microscopy and single-particle image-processing methods. We find a hollow helical structure of 15.7-nm outer diameter, with a helical rise of 51.5 nm and 4.25 VirE2 proteins/turn. The inner face of the protein units contains a continuous wall and an inward protruding shelf. These structures appear to accommodate the DNA binding. Such a quaternary arrangement naturally sequesters the DNA from cytoplasmic nucleases and suggests a mechanism for its nuclear import by decoration with host cell factors. Coexisting with the helices, we also found VirE2 tetrameric ring structures. A two-dimensional average of the latter confirms the major features of the three-dimensional reconstruction. |
External links | J Biol Chem / PubMed:15054095 |
Methods | EM (helical sym.) |
Resolution | 25.0 Å |
Structure data | EMDB-2368: |
Source |
|