Journal: EMBO J / Year: 2025 Title: Non-coding RNA mediates the defense-associated reverse transcriptase (DRT) anti-phage oligomerization transition. 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 ...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 / 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.
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Jun 23, 2025
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Mass: 58318.961 Da / Num. of mol.: 4 Source method: isolated from a genetically manipulated source Source: (gene. exp.) Escherichia coli (E. coli) / Gene: GQA06_05700 / Production host: Escherichia coli (E. coli) / References: UniProt: A0A6D0I497
#2: RNA chain
RNA (188-MER)
Mass: 60361.391 Da / Num. of mol.: 4 Source method: isolated from a genetically manipulated source Source: (gene. exp.) Escherichia coli (E. coli) / Production host: Escherichia coli (E. coli)
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