AtGC1 is the first enzyme with guanylyl cyclase activity identified in plants. The structure is currently uncharacterised, but the protein shares significant homology with a number of uncharacterised human proteins, so determination of the structure may have broader implications. See [cite num=1] or consult Chris Gehring for further biological details.
A 10 kDa domain of the Arabidopsis protein has been recombinantly expressed as a GST fusion and shown to be biologically active, and some optimisation of expression and solubility conditions has been done. The project will involve scale-up of expression and preliminary NMR studies and crystallisation trials. Depending on the success of the former, NMR or X-ray data will be collected and the structure determined in collaboration with either David or Muhammed.
- Ludidi, N., & Gehring, C. (2003). Identification of a novel protein with guanylyl cyclase activity in Arabidopsis thaliana. J Biol Chem, 278(8), 6490-4. PMID: 12482758 [cite num=”1″ return=TRUE]