Structural Biology
- Structural studies on ribosomes of differentially macrolide-resistant Staphylococcus aureus strains
Macrolide resistance in Staphylococcus aureus is mediated by Erm-family methyltransferases, altering ribosomal drug binding. Using cryo-EM, we analyze solithromycin-bound ribosomes from resistant strains, revealing interactions that may enhance antibiotic efficacy.
- The RBR E3 ubiquitin ligase HOIL-1 can ubiquitinate diverse non-protein substrates in vitro
The RBR E3 ligase HOIL-1 ubiquitinates Ser/Thr residues and various disaccharides in vitro and can be used to generate ubiquitinated sugars as tools to study non-proteinaceous ubiquitination.
- Molecular mechanism of bacteriophage contraction structure of an S-layer–penetrating bacteriophage
This study describes the high-resolution cryoEM structure of a contractile bacteriophage, displaying reduced contraction and lack of enzymatic domains for penetration.
- Mechanical forces and ligand binding modulate Pseudomonas aeruginosa PilY1 mechanosensitive protein
Single-molecule experiments reveal that PilY1’s behavior changes with force load and ligand binding, allowing for the mechanical compartmentalization of its functions.
- MDC1 mediates Pellino recruitment to sites of DNA double-strand breaks
RING E3 ubiquitin ligases Pellino 1 and 2 are recruited to sites of DNA damage via their non-canonical FHA domains that recognise conserved phosphorylated sequence motifs in the DNA damage adaptor protein MDC1.
- Cryo-EM structures reveal the H+/citrate symport mechanism of Drosophila INDY
We provide cryo-EM structures of Drosophila INDY in diverse functional states at near-atomic resolution. Our structures reveal its conformational cycle, sodium-independent H+/citrate co-transport, and phospholipid effects on stability. These findings provide molecular insights into the enigmatic transport mechanism of INDY.
- 4G cloning: rapid gene assembly for expression of multisubunit protein complexes in diverse hosts
To streamline expression construct preparation for screening in diverse expression hosts, we present vectors and protocols using Golden Gate ligation to guide one-step Gibson assembly.
- Structural roles of Ump1 and β-subunit propeptides in proteasome biogenesis
A 2.1 Å cryo-EM structure of a late proteasome precursor reveals roles of the assembly chaperone Ump1 and β-subunit propeptides in proteasome biogenesis.
- Cryo-EM reveals a phosphorylated R-domain envelops the NBD1 catalytic domain in an ABC transporter
Cryo-EM reveals that the R-domain of an ABCC transporter encircles the ATP catalytic domain-1 in a tetra-phosphorylated manner and regulates the ATPase activity along with cellular transport.
- Activation mechanism and novel binding sites of the BKCa channel activator CTIBD
CTIBD relieves overactive bladder in animal models by activating BKCa channels through extracellular binding, independent of calcium and membrane depolarization; key residues include W22, W203, and F266.