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2021 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

Architecture of photosensing organelle with PAC of 3D periodic structure

Research Project

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Project/Area Number 19H03188
Research Category

Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research (B)

Allocation TypeSingle-year Grants
Section一般
Review Section Basic Section 43040:Biophysics-related
Research InstitutionUniversity of Tsukuba

Principal Investigator

Iwasaki Kenji  筑波大学, 生存ダイナミクス研究センター, 教授 (20342751)

Project Period (FY) 2019-04-01 – 2022-03-31
Keywordsクライオ電子顕微鏡 / 単粒子解析 / ミドリムシ / 光センサー
Outline of Final Research Achievements

The identity of the light sensor of Euglena was a mystery for nearly a century, but it was isolated and characterized in the 21st century by Dr. Watanabe and colleagues at SOKENDAI. The molecular structure of the molecule, which is responsible for the step-up photophobic response in the photophobic responses, was successfully elucidated at the atomic level in this Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research(B). We succeeded in clarifying the N-terminal interaction site of the heterotetramer, which was particularly challenging. Taking advantage of the single-particle cryo-EM method, we improved the quality of the reconstructed structure of the region with significant density in the center of the tetramer by Focused classification. The interaction mode by the β-sheet was clarified without any additional data.

Free Research Field

クライオ電子顕微鏡

Academic Significance and Societal Importance of the Research Achievements

タンパク質による光センシングのメカニズムは様々だが、このミドリムシの光センサーは、青色光を受光すると、ATPから環状AMPを生成するアデニル酸シクラーゼという酵素活性機能を内包する。よって、この光センサーを遺伝的に細胞に導入できれば、人為的に青色光で細胞内の環状AMPの濃度を変化させることがきる。環状AMPは、主要な細胞内セカンドメッセンジャーであるので、細胞生物研究の強力なツールとなる可能性を秘めている。

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Published: 2023-01-30  

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