A PDZ switch for a cellular stress response

Cell. 2004 May 14;117(4):417-9. doi: 10.1016/s0092-8674(04)00453-2.

Abstract

The accumulation of misfolded porins in the periplasm of bacteria triggers a proteolytic cascade, initiated by activation of DegS, a member of the family of HtrA proteases. Activation of DegS ultimately leads to the expression of genes encoding the periplasmic protein folding machinery. A new study now reveals that binding of exposed C-termini of unassembled porins to the PDZ domain of DegS induces structural rearrangements that activate the catalytic site of the protease domain.

Publication types

  • Comment
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Bacteria / metabolism*
  • Bacterial Proteins / metabolism*
  • Catalytic Domain / physiology
  • Porins / metabolism*
  • Protein Binding / physiology
  • Protein Folding*

Substances

  • Bacterial Proteins
  • DegS protein, Bacteria
  • Porins