Abstract of the PDB Structure's related Publication:
Elongator is a highly conserved multiprotein complex composed of six subunits (Elp1-6). Elongator has been associated with various cellular activities and has attracted clinical attention because of its role in certain neurodegenerative diseases. Here, we present the crystal structure of the Elp2 subunit revealing two seven-bladed WD40 β propellers, and show by structure-guided mutational analyses that the WD40 fold integrity of Elp2 is necessary for its binding to Elp1 and Elp3 subunits in multiple species. The detailed biochemical experiments indicate that Elp2 binds microtubules through its conserved alkaline residues in vitro and in vivo. We find that both the mutually independent Elp2-mediated Elongator assembly and the cytoskeleton association are important for yeast viability. In addition, mutation of Elp2 greatly affects the histone H3 acetylation activity of Elongator in vivo. Our results indicate that Elp2 is a necessary component for functional Elongator and acts as a hub in the formation of various complexes.
One of the six protein cofactors required for the synthesis of 5-carboxymethyl group (cm5) on the wobble uridine-34 of a few tRNA. Acetate or acetyl-CoA is the donor of acetyl group, but the detailed mechanism of the reaction is still unknown. The cm5U derivative is the intermediate for further biochemical transformation of U34 derivative to either 5-methoxycarbonylmethyl uridine (mcm5U) catalysed by Trm9/Trm112 or 5-carbamoylmethyluridine (ncm5U) catalysed by a still unknown enzyme. Mutation in Elp (especially Elp3) influences telomeric gene silencing and DNA damage response. The multi-subunit complex El1-6 also interacts with elongating RNA polymerase II (RNAPII) is thought to facilitate transcription through histone acetylation.
A genome-wide screen identifies genes required for formation of the wobble nucleoside 5-methoxycarbonylmethyl-2-thiouridine in Saccharomyces cerevisiae.