+Search query
-Structure paper
| Title | Non-coding RNA mediates the defense-associated reverse transcriptase (DRT) anti-phage oligomerization transition. |
|---|---|
| Journal, issue, pages | EMBO J, Vol. 44, Issue 19, Page 5429-5442, Year 2025 |
| Publish date | Aug 20, 2025 |
Authors | Jie Han / Bin Liu / Jingjing Tang / Shuqin Zhang / Xiaoshen Wang / Xuzichao Li / Qian Zhang / Zhikun Liu / Wanyao Wang / Yingcan Liu / Ruimin Zhou / Hang Yin / Yong Wei / Zhuang Li / Minjie Zhang / Zengqin Deng / Heng Zhang / ![]() |
| PubMed Abstract | Defense-associated reverse transcriptase (DRT) systems are implicated in prokaryotic resistance to viral infections, yet the molecular mechanisms underlying their functionality remain largely unknown. ...Defense-associated reverse transcriptase (DRT) systems are implicated in prokaryotic resistance to viral infections, yet the molecular mechanisms underlying their functionality remain largely unknown. Here, we characterize a two-component DRT9 system, composed of a reverse transcriptase (RT) and a non-coding RNA (ncRNA), which exhibits a protein-primed DNA synthesis activity upon phage infection. We also determine its cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM) structures in different functional states. DRT9 RT binds to ncRNA, forming a dimer of dimers configuration that assembles into a trimer of dimers upon substrate binding. This oligomerization transition, crucial for DRT9-mediated anti-phage defense, is facilitated by a ncRNA cooperative self-assembly manner. Furthermore, substrate binding induces large conformational movements around the catalytic pocket of DRT9 RT, revealing a "lock-switch" mechanism for enzymatic activation. Notably, phylogenetic analysis and functional assays identify a unique N-terminal helix extension required for ncRNA stabilization and enzymatic activity, distinct from previously reported reverse transcriptase systems. Overall, our findings illuminate the molecular basis of DRT9-mediated antiviral defense and expand the functional and mechanistic diversity of the DRT family. |
External links | EMBO J / PubMed:40836036 / PubMed Central |
| Methods | EM (single particle) |
| Resolution | 3.46 - 3.49 Å |
| Structure data | EMDB-65143, PDB-9vku: EMDB-65181, PDB-9vma: |
| Chemicals | ![]() ChemComp-MG: ![]() ChemComp-DTP: |
| Source |
|
Keywords | ANTIVIRAL PROTEIN/RNA / a protein complex / ANTIVIRAL PROTEIN-RNA complex / ANTIVIRAL PROTEIN/RNA/DNA / complex / ANTIVIRAL PROTEIN-RNA-DNA complex |
Movie
Controller
Structure viewers
About Yorodumi Papers



Authors
External links






Keywords