Copper resistance in the cold: Genome analysis and characterisation of a P ATPase in Bizionia argentinensis.

Copper homeostasis is a fundamental process in organisms, characterised by unique pathways that have evolved to meet specific needs while preserving core resistance mechanisms. While these systems are well-documented in model bacteria, information on copper resistance in species adapted to cold environments is scarce. This study investigates the potential genes related to copper homeostasis in the genome of Bizionia argentinensis (JUB59-T), a psychrotolerant bacterium isolated from Antarctic seawater.

A structural appraisal of sterol carrier protein 2.

Sterol Carrier Protein 2 (SCP2) has been associated with lipid binding and transfer activities. However, genomic, proteomic, and structural studies revealed that it is an ubiquitous domain of complex proteins with a variety functions in all forms of life. High-resolution structures of representative SCP2 domains are available, encouraging a comprehensive review of the structural basis for its success.

TWISTED DWARF1 Mediates the Action of Auxin Transport Inhibitors on Actin Cytoskeleton Dynamics.

Plant growth and architecture is regulated by the polar distribution of the hormone auxin. Polarity and flexibility of this process is provided by constant cycling of auxin transporter vesicles along actin filaments, coordinated by a positive auxin-actin feedback loop. Both polar auxin transport and vesicle cycling are inhibited by synthetic auxin transport inhibitors, such as 1-N-naphthylphthalamic acid (NPA), counteracting the effect of auxin; however, underlying targets and mechanisms are unclear.

Parvulin 17-catalyzed Tubulin Polymerization Is Regulated by Calmodulin in a Calcium-dependent Manner.

Recently we have shown that the peptidyl-prolyl cis/trans isomerase parvulin 17 (Par17) interacts with tubulin in a GTP-dependent manner, thereby promoting the formation of microtubules. Microtubule assembly is regulated by Ca(2+)-loaded calmodulin (Ca(2+)/CaM) both in the intact cell and under in vitro conditions via direct interaction with microtubule-associated proteins. Here we provide the first evidence that Ca(2+)/CaM interacts also with Par17 in a physiologically relevant way, thus preventing Par17-promoted microtubule assembly.

¹H, ¹³C and ¹⁵N resonance assignments of human parvulin 17.

A 25-residue elongation at the N-terminus endows parvulin 17 (Par17) with altered functional properties compared to parvulin 14 (Par14), such as an enhanced influence on microtubule assembly. Therefore the three-dimensional structure of this N-terminal elongation is of particular interest. Here, we report the nearly complete (1)H, (13)C and (15)N chemical shift assignments of Par17.

NMR assignments of the FKBP-type PPIase domain of FKBP42 from Arabidopsis thaliana.

The Atfkbp42 gene is associated with reduced and disoriented growth of Arabidopsis thaliana. Resonance assignments are reported for the FKBP-type PPIase domain of AtFKBP42. Signal intensities reveal an additional structure element that is atypical for such FKBP domains.

Fatty acid transfer from Yarrowia lipolytica sterol carrier protein 2 to phospholipid membranes.

Sterol carrier protein 2 (SCP2) is an intracellular protein domain found in all forms of life. It was originally identified as a sterol transfer protein, but was recently shown to also bind phospholipids, fatty acids, and fatty-acyl-CoA with high affinity. Based on studies carried out in higher eukaryotes, it is believed that SCP2 targets its ligands to compartmentalized intracellular pools and participates in lipid traffic, signaling, and metabolism.

Biophysical characterisation and urea-induced unfolding of recombinant Yarrowia lipolytica sterol carrier protein-2.

We report a biophysical characterisation of apo-sterol carrier protein-2 from Yarrowia lipolytica (YLSCP-2) and its urea-induced unfolding followed by intrinsic tryptophan fluorescence, far-UV CD, ANS binding, and small angle X-ray scattering (SAXS). The unfolding is described as a three-step process. The first steps, between 1 and 2 M urea, have well-defined cooperative character and are related to the break down of most of the tertiary and secondary structure.

A yeast sterol carrier protein with fatty-acid and fatty-acyl-CoA binding activity.

The 14-kDa sterol carrier protein 2 (SCP2) domain is present in Eukaria, Bacteria and Archaea, and has been implicated in the transport and metabolism of lipids. We report the cloning, expression, purification and physicochemical characterization of a SCP2 from the yeast Yarrowia lipolytica (YLSCP2). Analytical size-exclusion chromatography, circular dichroism and fluorescence spectra, indicate that recombinant YLSCP2 is a well-folded monomer.

A Kazal prolyl endopeptidase inhibitor isolated from the skin of Phyllomedusa sauvagii.

Searching for bioactive peptides, we analyzed acidic extracts of Phyllomedusa sauvagii skin and found two new proteins, PSKP-1 and PSKP-2, of 6.7 and 6.6 kDa, respectively, which, by sequence homology, belong to the Kazal family of serine protease inhibitors.