Histidine Kinases in Signal Transduction

Living cells are constantly sensing environmental changes, and their abilities to sense these changes and adapt to them are essential for their survival. In bacteria, histidine kinases are the major sensors for these environmental stresses, enabling cells to adapt to new growth conditions.

Written by leading experts in the field, this book provides an up-to-date and comprehensive review on the structure and function of histidine kinases. It also provides extensive information on the physiological roles of histidine kinases in bacteria and eukaryotes.

An an essential reference for cell biologists, microbiologists, molecular biologists, and biochemists interested in signal transduction. Experimental biologists and pharmacologists studying signal transduction systems in living organisms will also find it a valuable research tool.

Inhalt

Preface

Contributors

1 Histidine Kinases: Introductory Remarks

Introduction

Basic Structure of Histidine Kinases (HKs)

Uniqueness of HKs

Difference between HKs and Ser/Thr/Tyr Kinases

Signal Transduction Mechanism

Regulation of Kinase and Phosphatase Activities: Switch Model and Rheostat Model

Concluding Remarks

References

2 The Histidine Kinase Family: Structures of Essential Building Blocks

Introduction

Kinase/Phosphatase Core Domain

Phosphotransfer Domain

Considerations on Domain Interactions

Concluding Remarks

References

3 Regulation of Porins in Escherichia coli by the Osmosensing Histidine Kinase~hosphatase EnvZ

Introduction

Domain A Is the Catalytic Domain

Domain B Is the Catalysis-Assisting and ATP-Binding Domain

Monomeric Histidine Kinase: Topological Arrangement between Domain A and Domain B

Role of DNA in EnvZ Function

Stoichiometric Complex Formation between EnvZ and OmpR

Regulation of Kinase and Phosphatase Activities: Switch Model versus Rheostat Model

Mechanism of Osmoregulation

Concluding Remarks

References

4 Structure and Function of CheA, the Histidine Kinase Central to Bacterial Chemotaxis

Introduction

Modular Structure of CheA

A Superfamily of Histidine Kinases and ATPases

Nucleotide Binding by CheA P4 and the GHL ATPases

ATP Hydrolysis and Conformation of P4

HPt Domain P1 and Phosphoryl Transfer

P2 Domain and Response Regulator Coupling

A Separate Dimerization Domain

Receptor Coupling by the P5 Regulatory Domain

Is Flexibility between Domains Important for Signaling?

Controlling Protein-Protein Interactions with ATP

Prospects for the Design of Antibiotics Directed at CheA

What Is Next?

References

5 Transmembrane Signaling and the Regulation of Histidine Kinase Activity

Introduction

Membrane Receptor Kinases

Type I Histidine Kinase Receptors

Receptors with Several Membrane-Spanning Segments

Transmembrane Signaling in Bacterial Chemotaxis

Conclusions

References

6 Structure-Function Relationships: Chemotaxis and Ethylene Receptors

Introduction

Chemotaxis and Chemoreceptors

The Ethylene Receptor

Chemoreceptors and Membrane-Bound Histidine Proteins Kinases

References

7 New Insights into the Mechanism of the Kinase and Phosphatase Activities of Escherichia coli NRH (NtrB) and Their Regulation by the PII Protein

Introduction

Mechanism of NRII Autophosphorylation and Regulation of This Activity by PII

Regulation of the Transphosphorylation Activity of NRII by PII

Evidence for Conformational Alteration of NRII by PII Binding

Mapping the Interaction of PII with NRII

Mapping the Activities of NRII

Explaining the Activities of Mutant Forms of NRII

References

8 Role of the Histidine-Containing Phosphotransfer Domain (HPt) in the Muhistep Phosphorelay through the Anaerobic Hybrid Sensor, ArcB

Introduction

HPt Domain

Structure and Function of Common HPt Domains

Multistep ArcB?ArcA Phosphorelay System in Escherichia coli Anaerobiosis

Advantage of Multistep Phosphorelay

Multisignaling Circuitry of the ArcB?ArcA Phosphorelay

Phospho-HPt Phosphatase Is Involved in the ArcB?ArcA Signaling Circuitry

Physiologic