Cooperative binding of ATP and RNA induces a closed conformation in a DEAD box RNA helicase.

ABSTRACT: RNA helicases couple the energy from ATP hydrolysis with structural changes of their RNA substrates. DEAD box helicases form the largest class of RNA helicases and share a helicase core comprising two RecA-like domains. An opening and closing of the interdomain cleft during RNA unwinding has been postulated but not shown experimentally. Single-molecule FRET experiments with the Bacillus subtilis DEAD box helicase YxiN carrying donor and acceptor fluorophores on different sides of the interdomain cleft reveal an open helicase conformation in the absence of nucleotides, or in the presence of ATP, or ADP, or RNA. In the presence of ADP and RNA, the open conformation is retained. By contrast, cooperative binding of ATP and RNA leads to a compact helicase structure, proving that the ATP- and AD

SUBMITTER: Theissen B 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2206573 | biostudies-literature | 2008 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature