2021 Fiscal Year Final Research Report
Architecture of photosensing organelle with PAC of 3D periodic structure
Project/Area Number |
19H03188
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Research Category |
Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research (B)
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Allocation Type | Single-year Grants |
Section | 一般 |
Review Section |
Basic Section 43040:Biophysics-related
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Research Institution | University 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)
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Project Period (FY) |
2019-04-01 – 2022-03-31
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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.
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Free Research Field |
クライオ電子顕微鏡
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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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