Structural and mechanistic insights into the dual-nuclease defense protein Upx as an anti-phage system - PubMed
3 days ago
- #nuclease
- #anti-phage defense
- #bacterial immunity
- Upx is a dual-nuclease defense protein acting as an anti-phage system.
- The C-terminal domain (CTD) contains the conserved PD-(D/E)XK catalytic core, supported by N-terminal (NTD) and middle domains (MD).
- The MD enhances the nucleic acid binding capability of the CTD.
- The NTD exhibits a basal exonuclease activity that is auto-inhibited by the MD.
- Phage protein gp16 relieves MD-mediated inhibition, activating Upx's dual nuclease activity.
- Upx's structure and mechanism provide insights into bacterial immunity and antiviral strategies.