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Molecular cellMay 2024 DOI:
10.1016/j.molcel.2024.05.001

Retron-Eco1 assembles NAD+-hydrolyzing filaments that provide immunity against bacteriophages

Carabias, Arturo; Camara-Wilpert, Sarah; Mestre, Mario Rodríguez; Lopéz-Méndez, Blanca; Hendriks, Ivo A; Zhao, Ruiliang; Pape, Tillmann; Fuglsang, Anders; Luk, Sean Hoi-Ching; Nielsen, Michael L; Pinilla-Redondo, Rafael; Montoya, Guillermo
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Abstract
Retrons are toxin-antitoxin systems protecting bacteria against bacteriophages via abortive infection. The Retron-Eco1 antitoxin is formed by a reverse transcriptase (RT) and a non-coding RNA (ncRNA)/multi-copy single-stranded DNA (msDNA) hybrid that neutralizes an uncharacterized toxic effector. Yet, the molecular mechanisms underlying phage defense remain unknown. Here, we show that the N-glycosidase effector, which belongs to the STIR superfamily, hydrolyzes NAD+ during infection. Cryoelectron microscopy (cryo-EM) analysis shows that the msDNA stabilizes a filament that cages the effector in a low-activity state in which ADPr, a NAD+ hydrolysis product, is covalently linked to the catalytic E106 residue. Mutations shortening the msDNA induce filament disassembly and the effector's toxicity, underscoring the msDNA role in immunity. Furthermore, we discovered a phage-encoded Retron-Eco1 inhibitor (U56) that binds ADPr, highlighting the intricate interplay between retron systems and phage evolution. Our work outlines the structural basis of Retron-Eco1 defense, uncovering ADPr's pivotal role in immunity.
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