title: Solution structure of the major (Spy0128) and minor (Spy0125 and Spy0130) pili subunits from Streptococcus pyogenes.
abstract: Adhesion of the serotype M1 Streptococcus pyogenes strain SF370 to human tonsil explants and cultured keratinocytes requires extended polymeric surface structures called pili. In this important human pathogen, pili are assembled from three protein subunits: Spy0125, Spy0128 and Spy0130 through the action of sortase enzymes. For this study, the structural properties of these pili proteins have been investigated in solution. Spy0125 and Spy0128 display characteristics of globular, folded proteins. Circular dichroism suggests a largely beta-sheet composition for Spy0128 and Spy0125; Spy0130 appears to contain little secondary structure. Each of the proteins adopts a monodisperse, monomeric state in solution as assessed by analytical ultracentrifugation. Further, small-angle X-ray scattering curves for Spy0125, Spy0128 and Spy0130 suggest each protein adopts an elongated shape, likely comprised of two domains, with similar maximal dimensions. Based on the scattering data, dummy atom models of each of the pili subunits have been reconstructed ab initio. This study provides the first insights into the structure of Streptococcus pyogenes minor pili subunits, and possible implications for protein function are discussed.
authors.affiliation: Faculty of Medical Sciences, Institute for Cell and Molecular Biosciences, Newcastle University, Framlington Place, Newcastle upon Tyne NE2 4HH, UK. alexandra.solovyova@newcastle.ac.uk
authors.forename: Alexandra S
authors.initials: AS
authors.lastname: Solovyova
authors.forename: Jonathan A
authors.initials: JA
authors.lastname: Pointon
authors.forename: Paul R
authors.initials: PR
authors.lastname: Race
authors.forename: Wendy D
authors.initials: WD
authors.lastname: Smith
authors.forename: Michael A
authors.initials: MA
authors.lastname: Kehoe
authors.forename: Mark J
authors.initials: MJ
authors.lastname: Banfield
mesh_terms: D000465:Algorithms; D002942:Circular Dichroism; D003198:Computer Simulation; D036781:Fimbriae Proteins / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000235:genetics; D010861:Fimbriae, Bacterial / Q000737:chemistry / Q000235:genetics; D008956:Models, Chemical; D008958:Models, Molecular; D017433:Protein Structure, Secondary; D053838:Scattering, Small Angle; D012984:Software; D012996:Solutions; D013297:Streptococcus pyogenes; D014461:Ultracentrifugation; D014466:Ultraviolet Rays; D014867:Water / Q000737:chemistry; D014961:X-Ray Diffraction
chemical_list: D012996:Solutions; D014867:Water; D036781:Fimbriae Proteins