A unique photochromic UV-A sensor protein, Rc-PYP, interacting with the PYP-binding protein

Phys Chem Chem Phys. 2021 Sep 7;23(33):17813-17825. doi: 10.1039/d1cp02731j. Epub 2021 Aug 16.

Abstract

Photoactive yellow protein (PYP) is one of the typical light sensor proteins. Although its photoreaction has been extensively studied, no downstream partner protein has been identified to date. In this study, the intermolecular interaction dynamics observed between PYP from Rhodobacter capsulatus (Rc-PYP) and a possible downstream protein, PYP-binding protein (PBP), were investigated. It was found that UV light induced a long-lived product (pUV*), which interacts with PBP to form a stable hetero-hexamer (Complex-2). The reaction scheme for this interaction was revealed using transient absorption and transient grating methods. Time-resolved diffusion detection showed that a hetero-trimer (Complex-1) is formed transiently, which produced Complex-2 via a second-order reaction. Any other intermediates, including those from pBL, do not interact with PBP. The reaction scheme and kinetics are determined. Interestingly, long-lived Complex-2 dissociates upon excitation with blue light. These results demonstrate that Rc-PYP is a photochromic and new type of UV sensor to sense the relative intensities of UV-A and blue light.

MeSH terms

  • Bacterial Proteins / chemistry*
  • Bacterial Proteins / isolation & purification
  • Photoreceptors, Microbial / chemistry*
  • Photoreceptors, Microbial / isolation & purification
  • Rhodobacter capsulatus / chemistry
  • Spectrophotometry, Ultraviolet
  • Ultraviolet Rays

Substances

  • Bacterial Proteins
  • Photoreceptors, Microbial
  • photoactive yellow protein, Bacteria