Biology subjects

Gayathri, P.

Publications and source records attributed to Gayathri, P..

13 recordsLinked to original sources

bioRxiv2026

Lateral interactions override nucleotide state in determining FtsZ filament curvature

The bacterial tubulin homolog FtsZ assembles into dynamic filaments that form the cytokinetic Z-ring and drives constriction during cell division. Whether a nucleotide-dependent FtsZ filament curvature plays a role in constriction is often debated. Here, we combine cryo-electron microscopy and molecular dynamics simulations to understand the structural basis of FtsZ filament curvature. Cryo-EM structures of GTP-bound Spiroplasma FtsZ filaments in two curved states emphasize that curvature is an intrinsic property of FtsZ filament, confirming recent models in which GTP hydrolysis does not dictate protofilament bending in the tubulin family. Consistently, molecular dynamics simulations demonstrate that GTP-bound filaments can adopt a range of curved conformations. The preferred intrinsic curvature appears to be such that the C-terminal end of the globular domain faces the convex surface. Structural analyses of the curved conformations identify dynamic and stationary zones at the longitudinal interfaces of the protofilament, suggesting that structural plasticity of the intermonomer interface contributes to filament bending. Furthermore, we demonstrate that lateral interactions between adjacent protofilaments straighten the filaments, overriding their relaxed curved states. Optimal orientations of lateral interactions in the Z-ring assembly could be brought about by other interacting proteins of the divisome machinery. The straighter filament conformation is likely to stimulate a higher GTPase activity. Together, our findings establish lateral association as a primary determinant for straight FtsZ filaments, analogous to the tubulin protofilaments in a microtubule lattice. The snapshots of structural states provide a mechanistic basis for how the intrinsic curvature facilitates association on the membrane and the physiological relevance of transitions between bent and straight conformations of the FtsZ filament during Z-ring assembly and constriction.

biochemistry↗

bioRxiv2025

Distinct filament morphology and membrane tethering features of the dual FtsZs in Odinarchaeota

The deep-branching Asgard archaea have emerged as a model to study Eukaryogenesis as they harbor homologs of many of the major eukaryotic protein families. In this study, we use Candidatus Odinarchaeota FtsZs as representatives to understand the probable origin, evolution, and assembly of the FtsZ-Tubulin protein superfamily in Asgard archaea. We have performed a comparative analysis of the biochemical properties and cytoskeletal assembly of FtsZ1 and FtsZ2, the two FtsZ isoforms in the Odinarchaeota metagenome. Our electron microscopy analysis reveals that OdinFtsZ1 assembles into curved single protofilaments, while OdinFtsZ2 forms stacked spiral ring-like structures. Upon sequence analysis, we identified an N-terminal amphipathic helix in OdinFtsZ1, which mediates direct membrane tethering. In contrast, OdinFtsZ2 is recruited to the membrane by the membrane-anchor OdinSepF via OdinFtsZ2s C-terminal tail. Overall, we report the presence of two distant evolutionary paralogs of FtsZ in Odinarchaeota, with distinct filament assemblies and differing modes of membrane targeting mechanisms, namely direct vs SepF-mediated membrane binding. Our findings highlight the diversity of FtsZ proteins in the transitional archaeal phylum Odinarchaeota, providing valuable insights into the evolution and differentiation of tubulin family proteins.

biochemistry↗

bioRxiv2024

Di-HAMP domains of a cytoplasmic chemoreceptor modulate nucleoid array formation and downstream signalling

In bacterial chemosensing, environmental cues are typically sensed by bacterial transmembrane receptors known as methyl accepting chemotaxis proteins (MCPs). MCPs form highly organized arrays using the bacterial membrane as a scaffold, which amplify the signals and transduce them into a cellular response. The FrzCD cytoplasmic receptor from Myxococcus xanthus is unique due to its ability to bind DNA and use the nucleoid as a scaffold to form arrays. In this study, we identified two HAMP (histidine kinase, adenylyl cyclase, MCP and phosphatase) domains located between the DNA binding and signaling domains of FrzCD. In vitro experiments demonstrate that these HAMP domains restrict FrzCD to a dimeric form in solution and modulate FrzCDs affinity for DNA, whereas the signaling domain stabilizes higher-order oligomeric assemblies upon DNA binding. Through fluorescence microscopy and analyses on Myxococcus social behavior, we demonstrate that the impact of FrzCD HAMP domains on DNA binding and oligomerization significantly influences group motility and development. Our results suggest that HAMP domains might have roles not only in signal transduction but also in the plasticity of chemosensory arrays. These observations illustrate mechanisms of regulation of a DNA-bound cytoplasmic array formed by a diffusible MCP. Significance StatementOur study identifies the presence of tandem HAMP domains in a cytoplasmic chemoreceptor, FrzCD, from Myxococcus xanthus, and highlights their role in dynamic receptor oligomerization on a DNA scaffold. By controlling receptor oligomerization and subsequently the array formation on the nucleoid, the tandem HAMP domains impart plasticity to the receptor arrays. Such plasticity governs cellular responses to external signals and dictate bacterial social behavior in group motility and multicellular structure formation.

microbiology↗

bioRxiv2024

RomX, a novel prokaryotic regulator, links the response receiver domain of RomR with GTP-bound MglA for establishing Myxococcus xanthus polarity

Cell polarity specification and reversals are distinctive features of motility of the soil bacterium Myxococcus xanthus. The bacterial small Ras-like GTPase, MglA, serves as a key player orchestrating these polarity oscillations. RomR, a response regulator, along with its partner RomX, has been identified to function as a guanine nucleotide exchange factor (GEF) for MglA, crucial for its polar recruitment. In this study, we determine the crystal structure of RomX, a protein of a hitherto unknown fold. RomX consists of a three-helix bundle, identified to be the same fold as the stalk domain of atlastin, a member of the dynamin family of GTPases. From our structure-based sequence analysis for proteins of a similar fold, we observe the co-occurrence of the RomX fold with response receiver domains in several bacterial response regulators. Based on mutational analysis and affinity measurements, we conclude that the helix-1 of RomX mediates the interaction with MglA-GTP, while helix-3 of RomX interacts with the RomR N-terminal receiver (REC) domain. We demonstrate that the binding between MglA and RomX is exclusively in the presence of GTP. The absence of additional stimulation of RomX GEF activity in the presence of RomR-REC supports the mutually exclusive interface on RomX for RomR and MglA interaction. Collectively, our findings validate the positioning of RomX between MglA and RomR-REC, providing insights into the concerted action of the RomR/RomX complex at both poles in driving MglA localization within polarized cells.

biochemistry↗

bioRxiv2023

Insights into assembly of constitutive filament-forming proteins of novel fold through domain dissection and EGFP insertion-based screen: A case study of Spiroplasma Fibril

Spiroplasma is a cell-wall less, helical bacterium possessing a cytoskeletal ribbon consisting Fibril and 5 MreB paralogs. In absence of any information regarding the filament interface of Fibril, a cytoskeleton protein of novel fold, multiple short constructs of Fibril were designed to identify minimal domains required for polymerization. Purification trials of these short constructs resulted in insoluble protein products. In a parallel approach, we incorporated EGFP at the loop regions aimed to hinder polymerization and obtain non-polymerising constructs. We were able to identify probable interfilament/intrafilament interface residues based on the fluorescence screen. We show that EGFP insertions at many of the positions are tolerated as Fibril filaments were readily observed for these constructs in transmission electron microscopy. Both the approaches suggest that Fibril requires N and C-terminal domains for its polymerization. Earlier studies have shown that FibrilWT interacts with MreB5. Our Fibril-EGFP constructs and MreB5 showed interaction similar to the wild-type. Co-sedimentation assay and visualization of Fibril-EGFP proteins proves that the fluorescent constructs are folded and functional and possess structural and biochemical properties similar to the wild type protein.

microbiology↗

bioRxiv2023

An amphipathic helix facilitates direct membrane binding of Mycoplasma FtsZ

Cell division in bacteria is initiated by constriction of the Z-ring comprising two essential proteins FtsZ and FtsA. Despite our knowledge about the crucial function of the Z-ring in bacterial division, the precise roles and mechanism of how FtsZ and FtsA drive cell constriction remain elusive. FtsZ/FtsA in wall-less bacteria like mycoplasmas is an ideal model system for obtaining mechanistic insights into Z-ring constriction in the absence of cell wall machinery. In this study, we have analyzed FtsZ and FtsA sequences of 113 mycoplasma species and compared with the corresponding protein sequences in cell-walled bacteria. We report a phylogenetically distinct group of 12 species that possess FtsZs without the canonical FtsA interacting conserved C-terminal peptide (CCTP) motif. Interestingly, these FtsZs contain a putative membrane-binding amphipathic helix as an N-terminal or C-terminal extension to the globular FtsZ domain. As a proof-of-concept, we experimentally show that the proposed C-terminal amphipathic helix in M. genitalium FtsZ binds liposomes in vitro as well as localizes to E. coli membrane in vivo. Additionally, we identify a putative cholesterol recognition motif within the C-terminal amphipathic helix region of M. genitalium FtsZ. Our study catalogues the functional variations of membrane attachment by the FtsZ and FtsA system in cell wall-less mycoplasmas and provides a new perspective to study novel functions of FtsZ/A system in cell division. ImportanceZ-ring and peptidoglycan synthesis machinery both play crucial roles in bacterial cell division. Currently, our knowledge about how FtsZ and FtsA, the two primary components of the Z-ring, function, is limited to cell-walled bacteria where ring constriction is coupled to peptidoglycan synthesis. Cell wall-less bacterial FtsZ/A system is an excellent model to study the mechanism of Z-ring constriction in the absence of cell wall synthesis machinery. Here, we analysed FtsZ protein sequences across mycoplasma species and identified their characteristic sequence features. Our study reveals a novel group of FtsZs from mycoplasma with an inherent membrane binding and probable cholesterol sensing amphipathic motif, which serves as a new paradigm to explore fundamental roles of FtsZ and FtsA in Z-ring constriction during bacterial division.

microbiology↗

bioRxiv2023

Mechanism of GTPase activation of a prokaryotic small Ras-like GTPase MglA by an asymmetrically interacting MglB dimer

Cell polarity oscillations in Myxococcus xanthus motility are driven by a prokaryotic small Ras-like GTPase, MglA, which switches from one cell pole to the other in response to extracellular signals. MglA dynamics is regulated by MglB, which functions both as a GAP (GTPase activating protein) and a GEF (guanine nucleotide exchange factor) for MglA. With an aim to dissect the role of asymmetry in the dual GAP and GEF activities of MglB, we generated a functional MglAB complex by co-expressing MglB with a linked construct of MglA and MglB. This strategy enabled us to generate mutations of individual MglB protomers (MglB1 linked to MglA or MglB2) and delineate their role in GEF and GAP activities. We establish that the C-terminal helix of MglB1, but not MglB2, stimulates nucleotide exchange through a site away from the nucleotide-binding pocket, confirming an allosteric mechanism. Interaction between the N-terminal {beta}-strand of MglB1 and {beta}0 of MglA is essential for the GEF activity of MglB. Specific residues of MglB2 which interact with Switch-I of MglA partially contribute to its GAP activity. Thus, the role of the MglB2 protomer in the GAP activity of MglB is limited to restricting the conformation of MglA active site loops by steric hindrance. The direct demonstration of the allosteric mechanism of GEF action provides us new insights into the regulation of small Ras-like GTPases, a feature potentially present in many uncharacterized GEFs.

biochemistry↗

bioRxiv2022

Structures of FtsZ from a cell-wall less bacterium Spiroplasma provide a mechanism for kinetic polarity

FtsZ, the tubulin homolog essential for bacterial cell division, assembles as Z-ring at the division site, and directs peptidoglycan synthesis by treadmilling. To obtain insights into fundamental features of FtsZ assembly dynamics independent of peptidoglycan synthesis, we characterized the FtsZ from the cell wall-less bacteria, Spiroplasma melliferum (SmFtsZ). SmFtsZ was found to be a slower GTPase and has higher critical concentration (CC) for polymerization compared to Escherichia coli FtsZ (EcFtsZ). In FtsZs, a conformational switch from R (close)- to T (open)- state favors polymerization. In FtsZs, a conformational switch from R (close)- to T (open)- state favors polymerization. We identified a residue, Phe224, located at the cleft between N-terminal domain (NTD) and C-terminal domain (CTD) of SmFtsZ, which is crucial for R- to T-state transition. The mutation F224M in SmFtsZ cleft resulted in higher GTPase activity and lower CC, whereas the corresponding M225F in EcFtsZ resulted in cell division defects in E. coli. Our results demonstrate that relative rotation of the domains is a rate-limiting step of polymerization. Our structural analysis of interdomain interactions suggests that R- to T-state transition likely follows addition of a GTP-bound monomer to the filament through interaction of the preformed NTD. Hence, the addition of monomers to the NTD-exposed end of filament is slower in comparison to the C-terminal domain end, thus supporting the phenomenon of kinetic polarity in a single protofilament assembly.

biochemistry↗

bioRxiv2022

A salt bridge mediated resistance mechanism to FtsZ inhibitor PC190723 revealed by a single step cell-based screen

Bacterial cell division proteins, especially the tubulin homolog FtsZ, have emerged as strong targets for developing new antibiotics. Here, we have utilized the fission yeast heterologous expression system to develop a cell-based assay to screen for small molecules that directly and specifically target the bacterial cell division protein FtsZ. The strategy also allows for simultaneous assessment of the toxicity of the drugs to eukaryotic yeast cells. As a proof-of-concept of the utility of this assay, we demonstrate the effect of the inhibitors sanguinarine, berberine and PC190723 on FtsZ. Though sanguinarine and berberine affect FtsZ polymerization, they exert a toxic effect on the cells. Further, using this assay system, we show that PC190723 affects Helicobacter pylori FtsZ function and gain new insights into the molecular determinants of resistance to PC190723. Based on sequence and structural analysis and site-specific mutations, we demonstrate that the presence of salt-bridge interactions between the central H7 helix and beta-strands S9 and S10 mediate resistance to PC190723 in FtsZ. The single-step in vivo cell-based assay using fission yeast enabled us to dissect the contribution of sequence-specific features of FtsZ and cell permeability effects associated with bacterial cell envelopes. Thus, our assay serves as a potent tool to rapidly identify novel compounds targeting polymeric bacterial cytoskeletal proteins like FtsZ to understand how they alter polymerization dynamics and address resistance determinants in targets.

cell biology↗

bioRxiv2021

Characterization of heterologously expressed fibril filaments, a shape and motility determining cytoskeletal protein of the helical bacterium Spiroplasma

Fibril is a constitutive filament forming cytoskeletal protein of unidentified fold, exclusive to members of genus Spiroplasma. It is hypothesized to undergo conformational changes necessary to bring about Spiroplasma motility through changes in body helicity. However, in the absence of a cofactor such as nucleotide that binds to the protein and drives polymerization, the mechanism driving conformational changes in fibril remains unknown. Sodium dodecyl sulphate (SDS) solubilized the fibril filaments and facilitated fibril purification by affinity chromatography. An alternate protocol for obtaining enriched insoluble fibril filaments has been standardized using density gradient centrifugation method. Visualization of purified protein using electron microscopy demonstrated that it forms filament bundles. Probable domain boundaries of fibril protein were identified based on mass spectrometric analysis of proteolytic fragments. Presence of both -helical and {beta}-sheet signatures in FT-IR measurements suggests that fibril filaments consist of assembly of folded globular domains, and not a {beta}-strand based aggregation similar to amyloid fibrils.

biophysics↗

bioRxiv2021

Filament dynamics driven by ATP hydrolysis modulates membrane binding of the bacterial actin MreB

MreB, the bacterial ancestor of eukaryotic actin, is responsible for shape in most rod-shaped bacteria. While the eukaryotic actin utilizes ATP hydrolysis to drive filament treadmilling, the relevance of nucleotide-driven polymerization dynamics for MreB function is unclear. Here, we report mechanistic insights into the interplay between nucleotide-binding, ATP hydrolysis and membrane-binding of Spiroplasma citri MreB5 (ScMreB5). Antiparallel double protofilament assembly of ScMreB5WT with ATP, ADP or AMPPNP and an ATPase deficient mutant ScMreB5E134A demonstrate that the filaments assemble independent of ATP hydrolysis. However, capture of the filament dynamics revealed that efficient filament formation, bundling through lateral interactions and filament disassembly are affected in ScMreB5E134A. Hence, the catalytic glutamate (Glu134 in ScMreB5) plays a dual role - it functions as a switch by sensing the ATP-bound state for filament assembly, and by assisting hydrolysis for triggering disassembly. Glu134 mutation also exhibits an allosteric effect on membrane binding, as observed from the reduced liposome binding compared to that of the wild type. Thus, ATP hydrolysis can modulate filament length and bundling, and consequently the orientation of MreB filaments on the cell membrane depending on the curvature. Binding of ScMreB5 with liposomes is mediated by surface charge-based interactions, demonstrating paralog and organism specific features for MreB function. We conclude that the conserved ATP-dependent polymerization and disassembly upon ATP hydrolysis has been repurposed for modulating curvature-dependent organization of filaments on the membrane.

biochemistry↗

bioRxiv2020

Genetic interaction between profilin and myosin II reveals a potential role for myosin II in actin filament disassembly in vivo

The actin cytoskeleton plays a variety of roles in eukaryotic cell physiology, ranging from cell polarity and migration to cytokinesis. Key to the function of the actin cytoskeleton is the mechanisms that control its assembly, stability, and turnover. Through genetic analyses in fission yeast, we found that, myo2-S1 (myo2-G515D), a myosin II mutant allele was capable of rescuing lethality caused by compromise of mechanisms involved in actin cable / ring assembly and stability. The mutation in myo2-S1 affects the activation loop of Myosin II, which is involved in physical interaction with subdomain 1 of actin and in stimulating the ATPase activity of Myosin. Consistently, actomyosin rings in myo2-S1 cell ghosts were severely compromised in contraction upon ATP addition, suggesting that Myo2-S1p was defective in actin binding and / or motor activity. These studies strongly suggest a role for Myo2p in actin cytoskeletal disassembly and turnover, and that compromise of this activity leads to genetic suppression of mutants defective in actin cable assembly / stability.

cell biology↗

bioRxiv2019

Transcriptome responses of intestinal epithelial cells induced by membrane vesicles of Listeria monocytogenes unveil novel insights into the host-pathogen cross talk

Membrane vesicles (MVs) serve as a vital source of virulence factors in many pathogenic organisms. The release of MVs by Listeria monocytogenes is only recently recognized, but its role in the pathogenesis is poorly understood. Here, we investigated the role of MVs of L. monocytogenes in virulence and host interactions. Proteomic analyses of whole cells and MVs of L. monocytogenes were performed using LC/MS/MS. A total of 1376 and 456 proteins were identified in the L. monocytogenes cells and MVs, respectively. Also, we have found that MVs contains active pore-forming listeriolysin (LLO), internalin B (inlB), phosphatidylinositol-specific phospholipase C (PI-PLC-A). We have previously reported that MVs of L. monocytogenes can infect and induce cytotoxicity in Caco-2 cells. In this study, we report the transcriptome response of Caco-2 cells upon infection with MVs as well as L. monocytogenes. In particular, we observed the up-regulation of autophagy-related genes in the early phase of infection with MVs. Transcription of inflammatory cytokines (CCL2, CXCL6, CXCL8, CXCL15, CXCL5, CXCL10) peaked at four h of infection. A large number of differentially expressed genes was associated with actin cytoskeleton rearrangement, autophagy, cell cycle arrest, and induction of oxidative stress. At a later time point, transcriptional programs generated upon infection with MVs point toward to evade innate immune signals, by modulating the expression of anti-inflammatory genes. KEGG pathway enrichment analysis revealed that MVs induce several signaling pathways such as PI3k-Akt signaling pathway, mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway, NOD-like receptor signaling pathway, cAMP signaling pathway, TNF, and NF-kB signaling pathway. Moreover, MVs induced the expression of cell cycle regulatory genes, which may result in the ability to prolong host cell survival, thus protecting the replicative niche for L. monocytogenes. Notably, we identified several non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) are regulated during infection, suggesting that an early manipulation of the host gene expression may be essential for L. monocytogenes persistence and replication in host cells.

microbiology↗