A staphylococcal anti-sigma factor possesses a single-domain, carries different denaturant-sensitive regions and unfolds via two intermediates

PLoS One. 2018 Apr 5;13(4):e0195416. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0195416. eCollection 2018.

Abstract

RsbW, an anti-sigma factor possessing kinase activity, is expressed by many Gram-positive bacteria including Staphylococcus aureus. To obtain clues about the domain structure and the folding-unfolding mechanism of RsbW, we have elaborately studied rRsbW, a recombinant S. aureus RsbW. Sequence analysis of the protein fragments, generated by the limited proteolysis of rRsbW, has proposed it to be a single-domain protein. The unfolding of rRsbW in the presence of GdnCl or urea was completely reversible in nature and occurred through the formation of at least two intermediates. The structure, shape, and the surface hydrophobicity of no intermediate completely matches with those of other intermediates or the native rRsbW. Interestingly, one of the intermediates, formed in the presence of less GdnCl concentrations, has a molten globule-like structure. Conversely, all of the intermediates, like native rRsbW, exist as dimers in aqueous solution. The putative molten globule and the urea-generated intermediates also have retained some kinase activity. Additionally, the putative ATP binding site/catalytic site of rRsbW shows higher denaturant sensitivity than the tentative dimerization region of this enzyme.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Amino Acid Sequence
  • Bacillus subtilis / genetics
  • Bacterial Proteins / genetics*
  • Bacterial Proteins / metabolism
  • Base Sequence
  • Carrier Proteins / genetics*
  • Carrier Proteins / metabolism
  • Catalytic Domain / physiology*
  • Hydrophobic and Hydrophilic Interactions
  • Sequence Analysis, DNA
  • Sigma Factor / antagonists & inhibitors*
  • Staphylococcus aureus / genetics*
  • Staphylococcus aureus / metabolism*

Substances

  • Bacterial Proteins
  • Carrier Proteins
  • RsbV protein, Bacteria
  • RsbW protein, bacteria
  • Sigma Factor
  • spore-specific proteins, Bacillus

Grants and funding

DS received Senior Research Fellowship from the University Grants Commission (India). SS received financial assistance for the work from Bose Institute (India). The funders had no role in the study design, data collection and analysis, decision to publish or preparation of the manuscript.