Inter-domain crosstalk in the phytochrome molecules

Author: Park C-M.   Bhoo S-H.   Song P-S.  

Publisher: Academic Press

ISSN: 1084-9521

Source: Seminars in Cell and Developmental Biology, Vol.11, Iss.6, 2000-12, pp. : 449-456

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Abstract

Phytochromes are bifunctional photoreceptors with a two-domain structure, consisting of the N-terminal photosensory domain and the C-terminal regulatory domain. The photo-induced Pr ↔ Pfr phototransformation accompanies subtle conformational changes, primarily triggered by the apoprotein–chromophore interactions in the N-terminal domain. The conformational signals are subsequently transmitted to the C-terminal domain through various inter-domain crosstalks, resulting in the interaction of the activated C-terminal domain with phytochrome interacting factors. Thus the inter-domain crosstalks play critical roles in the photoactivation of the phytochromes. Protein phosphorylation, such as that of Ser-598, is implicated in this process by inducing conformational changes and by modulating inter-domain signaling.