Breaking biological symmetry in membrane proteins: The asymmetrical orientation of PsaC on the pseudo-C2 symmetric Photosystem I core

The elucidation of assembly pathways of multi-subunit membrane proteins is of growing interest in structural biology. In this study, we provide an analysis of the assembly of the asymmetrically oriented PsaC subunit on the pseudo C₂-symmetric Photosystem I core. Based on a comparison of the differences in the NMR solution structure of unbound PsaC with that of the X-ray crystal structure of bound PsaC, and on a detailed analysis of the PsaC binding site surrounding the F_X iron-sulfur cluster, two models can be envisioned for what are likely the last steps in the assembly of Photosystem I. Here, we dissect both models and attempt to address heretofore unrecognized issues by proposing a mechanism that includes a thermodynamic perspective. Experimental strategies to verify the models are proposed. In closing, the evolutionary aspects of the assembly process will be considered, with special reference to the structural arrangement of the PsaC binding surface. Received 22 October 2008; received after revision 17 November 2008; accepted 05 December 2008     

Biogenesis of β-barrel membrane proteins in bacteria and eukaryotes: evolutionary conservation and divergence

Membrane-embedded β-barrel proteins span the membrane via multiple amphipathic β-strands arranged in a cylindrical shape. These proteins are found in the outer membranes of Gram-negative bacteria, mitochondria and chloroplasts. This situation is thought to reflect the evolutionary origin of mitochondria and chloroplasts from Gram-negative bacterial endosymbionts. β-barrel proteins fulfil a variety of functions; among them are pore-forming proteins that allow the flux of metabolites across the membrane by passive diffusion, active transporters of siderophores, enzymes, structural proteins, and proteins that mediate protein translocation across or insertion into membranes. The biogenesis process of these proteins combines evolutionary conservation of the central elements with some noticeable differences in signals and machineries. This review summarizes our current knowledge of the functions and biogenesis of this special family of proteins.     

多个查询时选择区域更新策略的参数设定

提出了在位置相关连续查询(LDCQ)中选择区域更新策略在多个查询存在的情况下的优化参数值的理论分析结果.通过给予不同区域内固定大小的偏差限来减少移动对象的更新次数和对计算容量的占用;同时通过延迟广播来减少广播信息数量,从而优化了系统结构,减轻了系统负荷.研究结果表明,在多个查询同时存在的情况下,SAU的优化参数选择的理论分析和结果与实际仿真结果是基本符合的.     

移动数据库中支持车辆交通管理的时空模型

提出了一种用于有效管理交通,基于基本空间对象模型,紧密结合时间维的时空模型.针对当前大多数时空模型的局限性在于把复杂立体化的交通网络变成平面化的实体、导致网络分析效率不高的问题,以现有成熟的关系数据库为底层架构,采用自底向上的嵌套方式对移动对象(交通工具)和固定空间对象(交通网络、路标、区域等)进行建模,以及分层和栅格化处理交通网络的各个区域,有效地提高了时空查询和各种操作的效率.     

基于规则的模糊信息的排序方法

以模糊数空间上的度量以及一族可以序化的模糊集(称之为规则库)为基础,引入了模糊数关于规则库的位值概念,建立了一种模糊数的排序方法,并通过模糊数关于规则库的符合度来进一步描述模糊数关于规则库的位值,给出了模糊信息的复合量化策略,讨论了位值和符合度的基本性质,为有效地解决某种意识下的不确定型优化问题奠定了基础.     

Antimicrobial skin peptides and proteins

Human skin is permanently exposed to microorganisms, but rarely infected. One reason for this natural resistance might be the existence of a ‘chemical barrier’ consisting in constitutively and inducibly produced antimicrobial peptides and proteins (AMPs). Many of these AMPs can be induced in vitro by proinflammatory cytokines or bacteria. Apart from being expressed in vivo in inflammatory lesions, some AMPs are also focally expressed in skin in the absence of inflammation. This suggests that non-inflammatory stimuli of endogenous and/or exogenous origin can also stimulate AMP synthesis without inflammation. Such mediators might be ideal ‘immune stimulants’ to induce only the innate antimicrobial skin effector molecules without causing inflammation. Received 9 August 2005; received after revision 21 October 2005; accepted 16 November 2005     

Natural sweet macromolecules: how sweet proteins work

A few proteins, discovered mainly in tropical fruits, have a distinct sweet taste. These proteins have played an important role towards a molecular understanding of the mechanisms of taste. Owing to the huge difference in size, between most sweeteners and sweet proteins, it was believed that they must interact with a different receptor from that of small molecular weight sweeteners. Recent modelling studies have shown that the single sweet taste receptor has multiple active sites and that the mechanism of interaction of sweet proteins is intrinsically different from that of small sweeteners. Small molecular weight sweeteners occupy small receptor cavities inside two subdomains of the receptor, whereas sweet proteins can interact with the sweet receptor according to a mechanism called the ‘wedge model’ in which they bind to a large external cavity. This review describes these mechanisms and outlines a history of sweet proteins. Received 11 February 2006; received after revision 31 March 2006; accepted 11 May 2006     

Molecular mechanisms of phagocytic uptake in mammalian cells

Phagocytosis is a highly conserved, complex process that has evolved to counter the constant threat posed by pathogens, effete cells and debris. Classically defined as a mechanism for internalising and destroying particles greater than 0.5 mum in size, it is a receptor-mediated, actin-driven process. The best-studied phagocytic receptors are the opsono-receptors, FcgammaR and CR3. Phagocytic uptake involves actin dynamics including polymerisation, bundling, contraction, severing and depolymerisation of actin filaments. Recent evidence points to the importance of membrane remodelling during phagocytosis, both in terms of changes in lipid composition and delivery of new membrane to the sites of particle binding. Here we review the molecular mechanisms of phagocytic uptake and some of the strategies developed by microbial pathogens to manipulate this process.     

极端嗜热微生物分子伴侣蛋白研究与嗜热功能蛋白质的规模化制备技术研究

极端微生物是丰富的资源宝库,有着巨大的生物技术开发前景。本文从特殊功能蛋白质的发现与表征、结构与功能及潜在性应用．以及特殊功能蛋白质的规模化制备技术两个方面,对极端微生物的资源开发与利用进行了探讨。重点介绍了极端嗜热古菌Pyrococcus furiosus分子伴侣蛋白系统的一些研究,并以P．furiosus胞外α-淀粉酶PFA为例,对工业生物技术领域重组蛋白质的规模化制备技术进行了讨论。