Structure of the Mtb CarD/RNAP β-lobes complex reveals the molecular basis of interaction and presents a distinct DNA-binding domain for Mtb CarD

Structure. 2013 Oct 8;21(10):1859-69. doi: 10.1016/j.str.2013.08.014. Epub 2013 Sep 19.

Abstract

CarD from Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) is an essential protein shown to be involved in stringent response through downregulation of rRNA and ribosomal protein genes. CarD interacts with the β-subunit of RNAP and this interaction is vital for Mtb's survival during the persistent infection state. We have determined the crystal structure of CarD in complex with the RNAP β-subunit β1 and β2 domains at 2.1 Å resolution. The structure reveals the molecular basis of CarD/RNAP interaction, providing a basis to further our understanding of RNAP regulation by CarD. The structural fold of the CarD N-terminal domain is conserved in RNAP interacting proteins such as TRCF-RID and CdnL, and displays similar interactions to the predicted homology model based on the TRCF/RNAP β1 structure. Interestingly, the structure of the C-terminal domain, which is required for complete CarD function in vivo, represents a distinct DNA-binding fold.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Bacterial Proteins / chemistry*
  • Binding Sites
  • Crystallography, X-Ray
  • DNA-Binding Proteins / chemistry*
  • DNA-Directed RNA Polymerases
  • Hydrogen Bonding
  • Hydrophobic and Hydrophilic Interactions
  • Models, Molecular
  • Mycobacterium tuberculosis*
  • Protein Binding
  • Protein Interaction Domains and Motifs
  • Protein Structure, Quaternary
  • Protein Structure, Secondary

Substances

  • Bacterial Proteins
  • DNA-Binding Proteins
  • rpoB protein, Mycobacterium tuberculosis
  • DNA-Directed RNA Polymerases

Associated data

  • PDB/4KBJ
  • PDB/4KBM