Probing bacterial transmembrane histidine kinase receptor-ligand interactions with natural and synthetic molecules

Wai Leung Ng, Yunzhou Wei, Lark J. Perez, Jianping Cong, Tao Long, Matthew Koch, Martin F. Semmelhack, Ned S. Wingreen, Bonnie L. Bassler

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

51 Scopus citations

Abstract

Bacterial histidine kinases transduce extracellular signals into the cytoplasm. Most stimuli are chemically undefined; therefore, despite intensive study, signal recognition mechanisms remain mysterious. We exploit the fact that quorum-sensing signals are known molecules to identify mutants in the Vibrio cholerae quorum-sensing receptor CqsS that display altered responses to natural and synthetic ligands. Using this chemical-genetics approach, we assign particular amino acids of the CqsS sensor to particular roles in recognition of the native ligand, CAI-1 (S-3 hydroxytridecan-4-one) as well as ligand analogues. Amino acids W104 and S107 dictate receptor preference for the carbon-3 moiety. Residues F162 and C170 specify ligand head size and tail length, respectively. By combining mutations, we can build CqsS receptors responsive to ligand analogues altered at both the head and tail. We suggest that rationally designed ligands can be employed to study, and ultimately to control, histidine kinase activity.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)5575-5580
Number of pages6
JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America
Volume107
Issue number12
DOIs
StatePublished - Mar 23 2010

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • General

Keywords

  • Agonist
  • Antagonist
  • Quorum-sensing
  • Two-component protein

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Probing bacterial transmembrane histidine kinase receptor-ligand interactions with natural and synthetic molecules'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this