Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jan 22, 2026

Author Spotlight: Purifying High-Quality Tubulin to Study Protein Dynamics and Therapeutic Applications
06:30

Author Spotlight: Purifying High-Quality Tubulin to Study Protein Dynamics and Therapeutic Applications

Published on: October 11, 2024

2.3K

Structural basis of tubulin detyrosination by VASH2/SVBP heterodimer

Chen Zhou1, Ling Yan1, Wen-Hui Zhang1

  • 1National Key Laboratory of Crop Genetic Improvement, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, China.

Nature Communications
|July 21, 2019
PubMed

Insights

Scientists have uncovered the structure of the VASH2/SVBP enzyme complex, revealing its mechanism for detyrosination of alpha-tubulin. This finding sheds light on a critical cycle linked to cancer and disease.

Area of Science:

  • Biochemistry
  • Structural Biology
  • Molecular Biology

Background:

  • The C-terminus of alpha-tubulin undergoes a detyrosination/tyrosination cycle.
  • Dysregulation of this cycle is implicated in cancer and other diseases.
  • The mechanisms of tubulin tyrosination are understood, but detyrosination mechanisms remain elusive.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To elucidate the molecular mechanisms of tubulin detyrosination.
  • To determine the structure of the VASH2/SVBP heterodimer and its complex with the tubulin tail.

Main Methods:

  • X-ray crystallography was used to determine the structures.
  • The structures of the VASH2/SVBP heterodimer and the tubulin tail/VASH2/SVBP complex were resolved at 2.2 Å and 2.5 Å resolution, respectively.

Main Results:

  • The crystal structure of the VASH2/SVBP heterodimer and its complex with the tubulin tail were determined.
  • VASH2 exhibits a non-canonical Cys-His-Ser catalytic triad for tyrosine cleavage.
  • SVBP acts as a chaperone, stabilizing dynamic helices in VASH2, and a positively charged groove targets the tubulin tail.

Conclusions:

  • The study reveals the structure of the VASH2/SVBP complex, the enzyme responsible for tubulin detyrosination.
  • Insights into the catalytic mechanism and substrate targeting provide a mechanistic understanding of the tubulin tyrosine cycle.

More Related Videos

X-ray Diffraction of Intact Murine Skeletal Muscle as a Tool for Studying the Structural Basis of Muscle Disease08:26

X-ray Diffraction of Intact Murine Skeletal Muscle as a Tool for Studying the Structural Basis of Muscle Disease

Published on: July 18, 2019

7.8K
Expression, Purification, and Liposome Binding of Budding Yeast SNX-BAR Heterodimers10:28

Expression, Purification, and Liposome Binding of Budding Yeast SNX-BAR Heterodimers

Published on: December 6, 2019

8.2K

Related Concept Videos

Structural Protein Function01:56

Structural Protein Function

Structural proteins are a category of proteins responsible for functions ranging from cell shape and movement to providing support to major structures such as bones, cartilage, hair, and muscles. This group includes proteins such as collagen, actin, myosin, and keratin.
Collagen, the most abundant protein in mammals, is found throughout the body. In connective tissue, such as skin, ligaments, and tendons, it provides tensile strength and elasticity.  In bones and teeth, it mineralizes to...
29.8K
Structures of Solids02:22

Structures of Solids

Solids in which the atoms, ions, or molecules are arranged in a definite repeating pattern are known as crystalline solids. Metals and ionic compounds typically form ordered, crystalline solids. A crystalline solid has a precise melting temperature because each atom or molecule of the same type is held in place with the same forces or energy. Amorphous solids or non-crystalline solids (or, sometimes, glasses) which lack an ordered internal structure and are randomly arranged. Substances that...
17.5K
RNA Structure01:23

RNA Structure

Overview
The basic structure of RNA consists of a five-carbon sugar and one of four nitrogenous bases. Although most RNA is single-stranded, it can form complex secondary and tertiary structures. Such structures play essential roles in the regulation of transcription and translation.
Different Types of RNA Have the Same Basic Structure
There are three main types of ribonucleic acid (RNA): messenger RNA (mRNA), transfer RNA (tRNA), and ribosomal RNA (rRNA). All three RNA types consist of a...
78.9K
Microtubules01:35

Microtubules

There are three types of cytoskeletal structures in eukaryotic cells—microfilaments, intermediate filaments, and microtubules. With a diameter of about 25 nm, microtubules are the thickest of these fibers. Microtubules carry out a variety of functions that include cell structure and support, transport of organelles, cell motility (movement), and the separation of chromosomes during cell division.
98.2K
Structural Isomerism02:34

Structural Isomerism

Isomerism in Complexes
Isomers are different chemical species that have the same chemical formula. Structural isomerism of coordination compounds can be divided into two subcategories, the linkage isomers and coordination-sphere isomers.
Linkage isomers occur when the coordination compound contains a ligand that can bind to the transition metal center through two different atoms. For example, the CN− ligand can bind through the carbon atom or through the nitrogen atom. Similarly, SCN− can...
21.5K
Structure of Lipids03:38

Structure of Lipids

Lipids include a diverse group of compounds that are largely nonpolar in nature. This is because they are hydrocarbons that include mostly nonpolar carbon-carbon or carbon-hydrogen bonds. Non-polar molecules are hydrophobic (“water fearing”), or insoluble in water. Lipids perform many different functions in a cell. Cells store energy for long-term use in the form of fats. Lipids also provide insulation from the environment for plants and animals. For example, they help keep aquatic...
98.4K