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Biochemical and structural characterization of CpxP and CpxA, key components of an envelope stress response in Escherichia coli

  • Author / Creator
    Thede, Gina L.
  • The Cpx two‐component signal transduction pathway of Escherichia coli consists of an inner membrane‐localized sensor histidine kinase, CpxA, the response regulator, CpxR, and the novel periplasmic accessory protein, CpxP. These proteins mediate a bacterial stress response, sensing envelope perturbations including damage caused by misfolded periplasmic or inner membrane proteins, and regulating the expression of a host of factors that contribute to preservation of the envelope.
    While structural information exists for a number of bacterial two‐component systems, there is limited data to describe the constituents of the Cpx system. Since CpxP has no homologues of known function, we initially focused on its biophysical and structural characterization. Biochemical studies demonstrated that CpxP maintains a dimeric state, but may undergo a slight structural adjustment in response to the Cpx pathway inducing cue, alkaline pH. The crystal structure of CpxP, determined to 2.85 Å resolution, revealed an antiparallel dimer of intertwined α‐helices with a highly basic concave surface. We identified that the core fold adopted by CpxP is also found in a number of other periplasmic stress response proteins. Additionally, we proposed that the conserved LTXXQ motifs that define a family of proteins have a structural role in the formation of diverging turns. Finally, we identified several sites, including two solvent‐exposed residues and the charged surfaces of CpxP, which are likely involved in intermolecular interactions.
    In an effort to understand the molecular mechanism(s) by which CpxA detects specific inducing signals, we set out to describe the uncharacterized periplasmic sensor domain of CpxA biochemically and structurally. We demonstrated that the isolated sensor domain likely exists in a unique tetramer‐dimer equilibrium. Further, we suggested that the periplasmic domain of CpxA forms a PAS‐like PDC fold, and identified regions that could possibly be involved in a structural rearrangement upon stimulus perception. Lastly, we established preliminary crystallization conditions that will be optimized for high‐resolution structure determination. Ultimately, these studies will provide insight into the molecular characteristics of CpxA and CpxP that contribute to the regulation of the response to envelope stress in pathogenic bacteria such as E. coli.

  • Subjects / Keywords
  • Graduation date
    Fall 2012
  • Type of Item
    Thesis
  • Degree
    Doctor of Philosophy
  • DOI
    https://doi.org/10.7939/R31C7M
  • License
    This thesis is made available by the University of Alberta Libraries with permission of the copyright owner solely for non-commercial purposes. This thesis, or any portion thereof, may not otherwise be copied or reproduced without the written consent of the copyright owner, except to the extent permitted by Canadian copyright law.
  • Language
    English
  • Institution
    University of Alberta
  • Degree level
    Doctoral
  • Department
  • Supervisor / co-supervisor and their department(s)
  • Examining committee members and their departments
    • Cygler, Mirek (University of Saskatchewan, Biochemistry)
    • MacMillan, Andrew (Biochemistry)
    • Raivio, Tracy (Biological Sciences)
    • Young, Howard (Biochemistry)
    • Glover, Mark (Biochemistry)