Cryo-EM structure of the hedgehog release protein dispatched

The Hedgehog (Hh) signaling pathway controls embryonic development and adult tissue homeostasis in multicellular organisms. In Drosophila melanogaster, the pathway is primed by secretion of a dually lipid-modified morphogen, Hh, a process dependent on a membrane-integral protein Dispatched. Although Dispatched is a critical component of the pathway, the structural basis of its activity has, so far, not been described. Here, we describe a cryo–electron microscopy structure of the D. melanogaster Dispatched at 3.2-Å resolution. The ectodomains of Dispatched adopt an open conformation suggestive of a receptor-chaperone role. A three-dimensional reconstruction of Dispatched bound to Hh confirms the ability of Dispatched to bind Hh but using a unique mode distinct from those previously observed in structures of Hh complexes. The structure may represent the state of the complex that precedes shedding of Hh from the surface of the morphogen-releasing cell

Cryo-EM structure of the Hedgehog release protein Dispatched

The Hedgehog (Hh) signaling pathway controls embryonic development and adult tissue homeostasis in multicellular organisms. In Drosophila melanogaster, the pathway is primed by secretion of a dually lipid-modified morphogen, Hh, a process dependent on a membrane-integral protein Dispatched. Although Dispatched is a critical component of the pathway, the structural basis of its activity has, so far, not been described. Here, we describe a cryo–electron microscopy structure of the D. melanogaster Dispatched at 3.2-Å resolution. The ectodomains of Dispatched adopt an open conformation suggestive of a receptor-chaperone role. A three-dimensional reconstruction of Dispatched bound to Hh confirms the ability of Dispatched to bind Hh but using a unique mode distinct from those previously observed in structures of Hh complexes. The structure may represent the state of the complex that precedes shedding of Hh from the surface of the morphogen-releasing cell.ISSN:2375-254

An Evolved Orthogonal Enzyme/Cofactor Pair

We introduce a strategy that expands the functionality of hemoproteins through orthogonal enzyme/heme pairs. By exploiting the ability of a natural heme transport protein, ChuA, to promiscuously import heme derivatives, we have evolved a cytochrome P450 (P450_BM3) that selectively incorporates a nonproteinogenic cofactor, iron deuteroporphyrin IX (Fe-DPIX), even in the presence of endogenous heme. Crystal structures show that selectivity gains are due to mutations that introduce steric clash with the heme vinyl groups while providing a complementary binding surface for the smaller Fe-DPIX cofactor. Furthermore, the evolved orthogonal enzyme/cofactor pair is active in non-natural carbenoid-mediated olefin cyclopropanation. This methodology for the generation of orthogonal enzyme/cofactor pairs promises to expand cofactor diversity in artificial metalloenzymes

Does Prescribed Burning Affect Leaf Secondary Metabolites in Pine Stands?

International audiencePrescribed burning (PB) is gaining popularity as a low-cost forest protection measure that efficiently reduces fuel build-up, but its effects on tree health and growth are poorly understood. Here, we evaluated the impact of PB on plant defenses in Mediterranean pine forests (Pinus halepensis andP. nigra ssp. laricio). These chemical defenses were estimated based on needle secondary metabolites (terpenes and phenolics including flavonoids) and discussed in terms of chlorophyll fluorescence and soil nutrients. Three treatments were applied: absence of burning (control plots); single burns (plots burned once); and repeated burns (plots burned twice). For single burns, we also explored changes over time. In P. laricio, PB tended to trigger only minor modifications consisting exclusively of shortlived increases (observed within 3 months after PB) in flavonoid index, possibly due to the leaf temperature increase during PB. In P. halepensis, PB had detrimental effects on physiological performance, consisting of (i) significant decreases in actual PSII efficiency (ΦPSII) in light-adapted conditions after repeated PB, and (ii) short-lived decreases in variable-to-maximum fluorescence ratio (Fv/Fm) after single PB, indicating that PB actually stressed P. halepensistrees. Repeated PB also promoted terpene-like metabolite production, which increased 2 to 3-fold compared to control trees. Correlations between terpene metabolites and soil chemistry were found. These results suggest thatPB impacts needle secondary metabolism both directly (via a temperature impact) and indirectly (via soil nutrients), and that these impacts vary according to species/site location, frequency and time elapsed since last fire. Our findings are discussed with regard to the use of PB as a forest management technique and its consequences on plant investment in chemical defenses