Structural basis for regulation of a CBASS-CRISPR-Cas defense island by a transmembrane anti-σ factor and its ECF σ partner

Sci Adv. 2024 Oct 25;10(43):eadp1053. doi: 10.1126/sciadv.adp1053. Epub 2024 Oct 25.

Abstract

How CRISPR-Cas and cyclic oligonucleotide-based antiphage signaling systems (CBASS) are coordinately deployed against invaders remains unclear. We show that a locus containing two CBASS and one type III-B CRISPR-Cas system, regulated by the transmembrane anti-σ DdvA and its cognate extracytoplasmic function (ECF) σ DdvS, can defend Myxococcus xanthus against a phage. Cryo-electron microscopy reveals DdvA-DdvS pairs assemble as arrow-shaped transmembrane dimers. Each DdvA periplasmic domain adopts a separase/craspase-type tetratricopeptide repeat (TPR)-caspase HetF-associated with TPR (TPR-CHAT) architecture with an incomplete His-Cys active site, lacking three α-helices conserved among CHAT domains. Each active site faces the dimer interface, raising the possibility that signal-induced caspase-like DdvA autoproteolysis in trans precedes RseP-mediated intramembrane proteolysis and DdvS release. Nuclear magnetic resonance reveals a DdvA cytoplasmic CHCC-type zinc-bound three-helix bundle that binds to DdvS σ2 and σ4 domains, undergoing σ4-induced helix extension to trap DdvS. Altogether, we provide structural-mechanistic insights into membrane anti-σ-ECF σ regulation of an antiviral CBASS-CRISPR-Cas defense island.

MeSH terms

  • Bacterial Proteins / chemistry
  • Bacterial Proteins / genetics
  • Bacterial Proteins / metabolism
  • Bacteriophages / genetics
  • Bacteriophages / metabolism
  • CRISPR-Cas Systems*
  • Catalytic Domain
  • Cryoelectron Microscopy
  • Models, Molecular
  • Myxococcus xanthus / metabolism
  • Protein Multimerization
  • Sigma Factor / chemistry
  • Sigma Factor / genetics
  • Sigma Factor / metabolism

Substances

  • Sigma Factor
  • Bacterial Proteins