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. 1996 Feb;178(4):1232–1236. doi: 10.1128/jb.178.4.1232-1236.1996

Random and directed mutagenesis to elucidate the functional importance of helix II and F-989 in the C-terminal secretion signal of Escherichia coli hemolysin.

C Chervaux 1, I B Holland 1
PMCID: PMC177793  PMID: 8576066

Abstract

The HlyA secretion signal sequence of approximately 46 residues is predicted to contain helix I and an amphipathic helix II separated by a short loop including the conserved Phe residue, F-989. All nine substitutions of Phe-989 drastically reduce secretion of HlyA. Directed mutagenesis identified a functional hot spot, EISK, in helix II. However, genetic analysis did not provide strong support for a functional helix II; rather, the results emphasized that individual residues, for example, E-978 and F-989, are essential irrespective of a specific secondary structure.

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Selected References

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