Surface sites for engineering allosteric control in proteins

Statistical analyses of protein families reveal networks of coevolving amino acids that functionally link distantly positioned functional surfaces. Such linkages suggest a concept for engineering allosteric control into proteins: The intramolecular networks of two proteins could be joined across their surface sites such that the activity of one protein might control the activity of the other. We tested this idea by creating PAS-DHFR, a designed chimeric protein that connects a light-sensing signaling domain from a plant member of the Per/Arnt/Sim (PAS) family of proteins with Escherichia coli dihydrofolate reductase (DHFR). With no optimization, PAS-DHFR exhibited light-dependent catalytic activity that depended on the site of connection and on known signaling mechanisms in both proteins. PAS-DHFR serves as a proof of concept for engineering regulatory activities into proteins through interface design at conserved allosteric sites.     

Role of methylotrophic bacteria in managing abiotic stresses for enhancing agricultural production

Abiotic stresses are a significant factor that considerably limits plant growth and productivity. Methylotrophs are an essential group of bacteria that utilize volatile carbon compounds, are prolific colonizers of different plant parts, and play a vital role in plant growth promotion(PGP) under stress conditions.Numerous rhizospheric and phyllosphere methylotrophs have been reported to exhibit PGP activities with superior stress-tolerating capacity against drought,heavy metal, salinity, high and...