Structure of Escherichia coli BamD and its functional implications in outer membrane protein assembly

BamD is part of the Escherichia coli outer membrane protein complex (BAM complex) and is essential for the survival of E. coli. The structure of BamD at 2.6 Å resolution shows that this lipoprotein is composed of ten α-helices that form five tetratricopeptide-repeat (TPR) motifs.

Structure of a compact conformation of linear diubiquitin

A new crystal structure of linear diubiquitin adopts a compact conformation that differs from its previously reported extended conformation.

Four complete turns of a curved 3₁₀-helix at atomic resolution: the crystal structure of the peptaibol trichovirin I-4A in a polar environment suggests a transition to α-helix for membrane function

The first structure of a subfamily 4 peptaibol antibiotic, trichovirin I-4A, is described at atomic resolution. The structure suggests a conformational transition to obtain the necessary amphiphilicity for membrane insertion and water/ion transport across the hydrophobic barrier.

Structural basis of the strict phospholipid binding specificity of the pleckstrin homology domain of human evectin-2

The 1.75 Å resolution X-ray crystallographic structure of human evectin-2 pleckstrin homology domain revealed ligand-induced conformational change. This structural change effectively explains the strict phospholipid binding specificity.

Global radiation damage at 300 and 260 K with dose rates approaching 1 MGy s⁻¹

Approximately half of global radiation damage to thaumatin crystals can be outrun at 260 K if data are collected in less than 1 s.

Structural studies on Mycobacterium tuberculosis DXR in complex with the antibiotic FR-900098

The structure of M. tuberculosis DXR (also known as IspC) in complex with the antibiotic FR-900098, NADPH and manganese was determined. This new crystal form diffracts to the highest resolution (1.65 Å) reported to date for this enzyme from any species.

Covalent modifications of the catalytic tyrosine in octahaem cytochrome c nitrite reductase and their effect on the enzyme activity

An unusual covalent bond between the side chains of the catalytic Tyr residue and Gln decreases the activity of cytochrome c nitrite reductase. The Tyr residue is a proton donor during the catalysis.

Structural insights into human Kif7, a kinesin involved in Hedgehog signalling

The human Kif7 motor domain structure provides insights into a kinesin of medical significance.

Structures of NodZ α1,6-fu­cosyltransferase in complex with GDP and GDP-fucose

Crystal structures of the bacterial α1,6-fucosyltransferase NodZ in complex with GDP and GDP-fucose are presented.

Structure of an RNA/DNA dodecamer corresponding to the HIV-1 polypurine tract at 1.6 Å resolution

The high-resolution crystal structure of an RNA/DNA dodecamer with the HIV-1 polypurine-tract sequence reveals an A-type hybrid duplex with a complete absence of any C2′-endo ribonucleotides and with segments of increased flexibility along the RNA chain.

Structure of the effector-binding domain of the arabinose repressor AraR from Bacillus subtilis

The crystal structure of the effector-binding domain of the transcriptional repressor AraR from B. subtilis in complex with the effector molecule (L-arabinose) was determined at 2.2 Å resolution. A detailed analysis of the crystal identified a dimer organization that is distinctive from that of other members of the GalR/LacI family.

The role of Asp116 in the reductive cleavage of dioxygen to water in CotA laccase: assistance during the proton-transfer mechanism

The role of Asp116 in the pronotation events taking place during CotA laccase catalytic mechanism was investigated. The crystal structure determination of three distinct mutants (D116A, D116N and D116E), produced by site-saturation mutagenesis, together with theoretical calculations have provided evidence of its importance during the reductive cleavage of dioxygen to water.

Notes for authors 2012