7QYI | pdb_00007qyi

Solution structure of the DNA-binding minor pilin FimT from Legionella pneumophila


Experimental Data Snapshot

  • Method: SOLUTION NMR
  • Conformers Calculated: 100 
  • Conformers Submitted: 20 
  • Selection Criteria: structures with the least restraint violations 

wwPDB Validation 3D Report Full Report

Validation slider image for 7QYI

This is version 1.3 of the entry. See complete history

Literature

The molecular basis of FimT-mediated DNA uptake during bacterial natural transformation.

Braus, S.A.G.Short, F.L.Holz, S.Stedman, M.J.M.Gossert, A.D.Hospenthal, M.K.

(2022) Nat Commun 13: 1065-1065

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-022-28690-1
  • Primary Citation Related Structures: 
    7QYI

  • PubMed Abstract: 

    Naturally competent bacteria encode sophisticated protein machinery for the uptake and translocation of exogenous DNA into the cell. If this DNA is integrated into the bacterial genome, the bacterium is said to be naturally transformed. Most competent bacterial species utilise type IV pili for the initial DNA uptake step. These proteinaceous cell-surface structures are composed of thousands of pilus subunits (pilins), designated as major or minor according to their relative abundance in the pilus. Here, we show that the minor pilin FimT plays an important role in the natural transformation of Legionella pneumophila. We use NMR spectroscopy, in vitro DNA binding assays and in vivo transformation assays to understand the molecular basis of FimT's role in this process. FimT binds to DNA via an electropositive patch, rich in arginines, several of which are well-conserved and located in a conformationally flexible C-terminal tail. FimT orthologues from other Gammaproteobacteria share the ability to bind to DNA. Our results suggest that FimT plays an important role in DNA uptake in a wide range of competent species.


  • Organizational Affiliation
    • Institute of Molecular Biology and Biophysics, ETH Zürich, Otto-Stern-Weg 5, Zürich, Switzerland.

Macromolecule Content 

  • Total Structure Weight: 14.38 kDa 
  • Atom Count: 1,014 
  • Modeled Residue Count: 125 
  • Deposited Residue Count: 125 
  • Unique protein chains: 1

Macromolecules

Find similar proteins by:|  3D Structure
Entity ID: 1
MoleculeChains  Sequence LengthOrganismDetailsImage
Pilus assembly protein125Legionella pneumophilaMutation(s): 0 
Gene Names: C3927_06370

Experimental Data & Validation

Experimental Data

  • Method: SOLUTION NMR
  • Conformers Calculated: 100 
  • Conformers Submitted: 20 
  • Selection Criteria: structures with the least restraint violations 

Structure Validation

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Entry History 

& Funding Information

Deposition Data


Funding OrganizationLocationGrant Number
Swiss National Science FoundationSwitzerlandPR00P3_179728

Revision History  (Full details and data files)

  • Version 1.0: 2022-03-02
    Type: Initial release
  • Version 1.1: 2022-03-16
    Changes: Database references
  • Version 1.2: 2023-06-14
    Changes: Other
  • Version 1.3: 2024-06-19
    Changes: Data collection, Database references