Structural studies of the Enterococcus faecalis SufU [Fe-S] cluster protein
2009

Study of the SufU Protein in Enterococcus faecalis

publication Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Gustavo P Riboldi, Hugo Verli, Jeverson Frazzon

Primary Institution: Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, Brazil

Hypothesis

The study aims to analyze the phylogenetic and structural characteristics of the SufU protein in Enterococcus faecalis.

Conclusion

The study identifies the SUF machinery for [Fe-S] cluster biosynthesis in Enterococcus faecalis, highlighting the structural similarities and differences with other bacteria.

Supporting Evidence

  • The study identifies conserved genes involved in [Fe-S] cluster biosynthesis in Enterococcus faecalis.
  • Molecular dynamics simulations showed high flexibility in the active site regions of the SufU protein.
  • Phylogenetic analysis revealed a close relationship between SufU and its orthologues in other Gram-positive bacteria.

Takeaway

This study looks at a protein in a type of bacteria that helps make important molecules called iron-sulfur clusters, which are needed for various functions in cells.

Methodology

The study involved phylogenetic analysis and molecular modeling of the SufU protein using comparative modeling and molecular dynamics simulations.

Limitations

The study primarily focuses on in silico analysis, which may not capture all biological complexities.

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1186/1471-2091-10-3

Want to read the original?

Access the complete publication on the publisher's website

View Original Publication