Structural Basis for YjbH Adaptor-Mediated Recognition of Transcription Factor Spx

• YjbH is a bacterial adaptor protein required for efficient proteolysis of the RNA polymerase-binding transcription factor Spx by the ClpXP protease. We report the structure of YjbH in complex with Spx. YjbH comprises a DsbA-like thioredoxin domain connected via a linker to a C-terminal domain reminiscent of the winged helix-turn-helix fold. The interaction between YjbH and Spx involves a large surface area. Binding to YjbH stabilizes the C-terminal ClpX recognition region of Spx. We show that mutation of critical YjbH contact residues abrogates Spx recognition. Small-angle X-ray scattering and hydrogen-deuterium exchange mass spectrometry analyses determined the existence of a stable heterodimeric complex in solution and provide evidence that binding of Spx to YjbH reduces the overall conformational flexibility of Spx. Our findings provide insights into the molecular basis for Spx recognition and suggest a model for how YjbH stabilizes Spx and displays the C terminus of Spx for engagement by ClpXP. Awad et al. determined the crystal structure of the ClpXP adaptor protein YjbH in complex with the transcription factor Spx. Structural dynamics of the complex were investigated by hydrogen-deuterium exchange mass spectrometry. The insights provided in this work add molecular details to the recognition of Spx by YjbH.

Subject headings

NATURVETENSKAP  -- Biologi -- Strukturbiologi (hsv//swe)

NATURAL SCIENCES  -- Biological Sciences -- Structural Biology (hsv//eng)

NATURVETENSKAP  -- Biologi -- Mikrobiologi (hsv//swe)

NATURAL SCIENCES  -- Biological Sciences -- Microbiology (hsv//eng)

Keyword

adaptor protein

ClpXP

proteolysis

Spx

stress response

YjbH

Publication and Content Type

art (subject category)

ref (subject category)