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Publication Abstract from PubMed

Most dUTP pyrophosphatases (dUTPases) are homotrimers with interfaces formed between subunit surfaces, in the central channel, and by C-terminal beta-strand swapping. Analysis of intersubunit interactions reveals an important cohesive role for the C-terminus. This is reflected in the crystal structure of fruitfly dUTPase displaying a dimeric organization in crystals grown in alcohol solution, where only beta-strand swapping interactions between subunits are retained from the usual trimer structure. Mutations of a suggested hinge proline destabilize human and Escherichia coli dUTPases without preventing trimeric organization. Trimer formation was, however, prevented in the human enzyme by truncating the C-terminus before the swapping arm. The molecular shape of full-length enzymes in solution reveals the localization and variation in flexibility of N- and C-terminal segments.

Molecular shape and prominent role of beta-strand swapping in organization of dUTPase oligomers.,Takacs E, Barabas O, Petoukhov MV, Svergun DI, Vertessy BG FEBS Lett. 2009 Mar 4;583(5):865-71. Epub 2009 Feb 11. PMID:19302784^[2]

From MEDLINE®/PubMed®, a database of the U.S. National Library of Medicine.