Discovery of the Membrane Binding Domain in Trifunctional Proline Utilization A

Biochemistry. 2017 Nov 28;56(47):6292-6303. doi: 10.1021/acs.biochem.7b01008. Epub 2017 Nov 15.

Abstract

Escherichia coli proline utilization A (EcPutA) is the archetype of trifunctional PutA flavoproteins, which function both as regulators of the proline utilization operon and bifunctional enzymes that catalyze the four-electron oxidation of proline to glutamate. EcPutA shifts from a self-regulating transcriptional repressor to a bifunctional enzyme in a process known as functional switching. The flavin redox state dictates the function of EcPutA. Upon proline oxidation, the flavin becomes reduced, triggering a conformational change that causes EcPutA to dissociate from the put regulon and bind to the cellular membrane. Major structure/function domains of EcPutA have been characterized, including the DNA-binding domain, proline dehydrogenase (PRODH) and l-glutamate-γ-semialdehyde dehydrogenase catalytic domains, and an aldehyde dehydrogenase superfamily fold domain. Still lacking is an understanding of the membrane-binding domain, which is essential for EcPutA catalytic turnover and functional switching. Here, we provide evidence for a conserved C-terminal motif (CCM) in EcPutA having a critical role in membrane binding. Deletion of the CCM or replacement of hydrophobic residues with negatively charged residues within the CCM impairs EcPutA functional and physical membrane association. Furthermore, cell-based transcription assays and limited proteolysis indicate that the CCM is essential for functional switching. Using fluorescence resonance energy transfer involving dansyl-labeled liposomes, residues in the α-domain are also implicated in membrane binding. Taken together, these experiments suggest that the CCM and α-domain converge to form a membrane-binding interface near the PRODH domain. The discovery of the membrane-binding region will assist efforts to define flavin redox signaling pathways responsible for EcPutA functional switching.

MeSH terms

  • Bacterial Proteins / chemistry*
  • Bacterial Proteins / metabolism*
  • Catalytic Domain
  • Cell Membrane / metabolism*
  • Crystallography, X-Ray
  • Escherichia coli / growth & development
  • Escherichia coli / metabolism*
  • Membrane Proteins / chemistry*
  • Membrane Proteins / metabolism*
  • Models, Molecular
  • Proline Oxidase / metabolism
  • Protein Conformation
  • Protein Domains

Substances

  • Bacterial Proteins
  • Membrane Proteins
  • PutA protein, Bacteria
  • Proline Oxidase