Journal article

Authors list: Nagano, S; Guan, KL; Shenkutie, SM; Feiler, C; Weiss, M; Kraskov, A; Buhrke, D; Hildebrandt, P; Hughes, J

Publication year: 2020

Pages: 581-588

Journal: Nature Plants

Volume number: 6

Issue number: 5

ISSN: 2055-026X

eISSN: 2055-0278

DOI Link: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41477-020-0638-y

Publisher: Nature Research

Abstract: 
Plant phytochromes are red/far-red photochromic photoreceptors that act as master regulators of development, controlling the expression of thousands of genes. Here, we describe the crystal structures of four plant phytochrome sensory modules, three at about 2 angstrom resolution or better, including the first of an A-type phytochrome. Together with extensive spectral data, these structures provide detailed insight into the structure and function of plant phytochromes. In the Pr state, the substitution of phycocyanobilin and phytochromobilin cofactors has no structural effect, nor does the amino-terminal extension play a significant functional role. Our data suggest that the chromophore propionates and especially the phytochrome-specific domain tongue act differently in plant and prokaryotic phytochromes. We find that the photoproduct in period-ARNT-single-minded (PAS)-cGMP-specific phosphodiesterase-adenylyl cyclase-FhlA (GAF) bidomains might represent a novel intermediate between MetaRc and Pfr. We also discuss the possible role of a likely nuclear localization signal specific to and conserved in the phytochrome A lineage.The structures of four plant phytochrome sensory modules, including an A-type phytochrome, illuminate the function of these red/far-red photoreceptors and suggest the existence of a nuclear localization signal specific to the phytochrome A lineage.

Harvard Citation style: Nagano, S., Guan, K., Shenkutie, S., Feiler, C., Weiss, M., Kraskov, A., et al. (2020) Structural insights into photoactivation and signalling in plant phytochromes, Nature Plants, 6(5), pp. 581-588. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41477-020-0638-y

APA Citation style: Nagano, S., Guan, K., Shenkutie, S., Feiler, C., Weiss, M., Kraskov, A., Buhrke, D., Hildebrandt, P., & Hughes, J. (2020). Structural insights into photoactivation and signalling in plant phytochromes. Nature Plants. 6(5), 581-588. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41477-020-0638-y