Structural highlights
Function
A0A0B6AAV2_PRIM2 Gas vesicles are small, hollow, gas filled protein structures that are found in several microbial planktonic microorganisms. They allow the positioning of the organism at the favorable depth for growth. GvpA type proteins form the essential core of the structure.[HAMAP-Rule:MF_00576]
Publication Abstract from PubMed
Gas vesicles are gas-filled nanocompartments that allow a diverse group of bacteria and archaea to control their buoyancy. The molecular basis of their properties and assembly remains unclear. Here, we report the 3.2 A cryo-EM structure of the gas vesicle shell made from the structural protein GvpA that self-assembles into hollow helical cylinders closed off by cone-shaped tips. Two helical half shells connect through a characteristic arrangement of GvpA monomers, suggesting a mechanism of gas vesicle biogenesis. The fold of GvpA features a corrugated wall structure typical for force-bearing thin-walled cylinders. Small pores enable gas molecules to diffuse across the shell, while the exceptionally hydrophobic interior surface effectively repels water. Comparative structural analysis confirms the evolutionary conservation of gas vesicle assemblies and demonstrates molecular features of shell reinforcement by GvpC. Our findings will further research into gas vesicle biology and facilitate molecular engineering of gas vesicles for ultrasound imaging.
Cryo-EM structure of gas vesicles for buoyancy-controlled motility.,Huber ST, Terwiel D, Evers WH, Maresca D, Jakobi AJ Cell. 2023 Mar 2;186(5):975-986.e13. doi: 10.1016/j.cell.2023.01.041. PMID:36868215[1]
From MEDLINE®/PubMed®, a database of the U.S. National Library of Medicine.
References
- ↑ Huber ST, Terwiel D, Evers WH, Maresca D, Jakobi AJ. Cryo-EM structure of gas vesicles for buoyancy-controlled motility. Cell. 2023 Mar 2;186(5):975-986.e13. PMID:36868215 doi:10.1016/j.cell.2023.01.041
