Journal Article
- Crystal Structures of Plk1 Polo‑Box Domain Bound to the Human Papillomavirus Minor Capsid Protein L2‑Derived Peptide
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Sujin Jung , Hye Seon Lee , Ho-Chul Shin , Joon Sig Choi , Seung Jun Kim , Bonsu Ku
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J. Microbiol. 2023;61(8):755-764. Published online September 8, 2023
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12275-023-00071-3
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Abstract
- Human papillomaviruses (HPVs) can increase the proliferation of infected cells during HPV-driven abnormalities, such as
cervical cancer or benign warts. To date, more than 200 HPV genotypes have been identified, most of which are classified
into three major genera: Alphapapillomavirus, Betapapillomavirus, and Gammapapillomavirus. HPV genomes commonly
encode two structural (L1 and L2) and seven functional (E1, E2, E4–E7, and E8) proteins. L2, the minor structural protein
of HPVs, not only serves as a viral capsid component but also interacts with various human proteins during viral infection. A
recent report revealed that L2 of HPV16 recruits polo-like kinase 1 (Plk1), a master regulator of eukaryotic mitosis and cell
cycle progression, for the delivery of viral DNA to mitotic chromatin during HPV16 infection. In this study, we verified the
direct and potent interactions between the polo-box domain (PBD) of Plk1 and PBD-binding motif (S–S–pT–P)-containing
phosphopeptides derived from L2 of HPV16/HPV18 (high-risk alphapapillomaviruses), HPV5b (low-risk betapapillomavirus),
and HPV4 (low-risk gammapapillomavirus). Subsequent structural determination of the Plk1 PBD bound to the
HPV18 or HPV4 L2-derived phosphopeptide demonstrated that they interact with each other in a canonical manner, in
which electrostatic interactions and hydrogen bonds play key roles in sustaining the complex. Therefore, our structural and
biochemical data imply that Plk1 is a broad binding target of L2 of various HPV genotypes belonging to the Alpha-, Beta-,
and Gammapapillomavirus genera.
Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
- Enhancing the Intrinsic Bioremediation of PAH-Contaminated Anoxic Estuarine Sediments with Biostimulating Agents
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Quang-Dung Bach , Sang-Jin Kim , Sung-Chan Choi , Young-Sook Oh
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J. Microbiol. 2005;43(4):319-324.
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DOI: https://doi.org/2259 [pii]
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Abstract
- Estuarine sediments are frequently polluted with hydrocarbons from fuel spills and industrial wastes. Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are components of these contaminants that tend to accumulate in the sediment due to their low aqueous solubility, low volatility, and high affinity for particulate matter. The toxic, recalcitrant, mutagenic, and carcinogenic nature of these compounds may require aggressive treatment to remediate polluted sites effectively. In petroleum-contaminated sediments near a petrochemical industry in Gwangyang Bay, Korea, in situ PAH concentrations ranged from 10 to 2,900 ug/kg dry sediment. To enhance the biodegradation rate of PAHs under anaerobic conditions, sediment samples were amended with biostimulating agents alone or in combination: nitrogen and phosphorus in the form of slow-release fertilizer (SRF), lactate, yeast extract (YE), and Tween 80. When added to the sediment individually, all tested agents enhanced the degradation of PAHs, including naphthalene, acenaphthene, anthracene, fluorene, phenanthrene, fluoranthene, pyrene, chrysene, and benzo[a]pyrene. Moreover, the combination of SRF, Tween 80, and lactate increased the PAH degradation rate 1.2-8.2 times above that of untreated sediment (0.01-10 ug PAH/kg dry sediment/day). Our results indicated that in situ contaminant PAHs in anoxic sediment, including high molecular weight PAHs, were degraded biologically and that the addition of stimulators increased the biodegradation potential of the intrinsic microbial populations. Our results will contribute to the development of new strategies for in situ treatment of PAH-contaminated anoxic sediments.