| Symbol: | YbaK |
| YbaK protein domain | |
| Pfam: | PF04073 |
| Interpro: | IPR007214 |
| Scop: | 1dbx |
| Cdd: | cd04332 |
In molecular biology, this protein domain of unknown function is found in numerous prokaryote organisms. This domain also occurs in a number of prolyl-tRNA synthetases (proRS) from prokaryotes. Thus, the domain is thought to be involved in oligonucleotide binding, with possible roles in recognition/discrimination or editing of prolyl-tRNA.[1]
Studies have shown that YbaK functions as a Cys-tRNAPro deacylase in vivo, deacetylation additionally involves turning genes off, hence, it can be assumed that it is preventing the addition of an amino acid to a tRNA molecule, thus preventing translation. In vitro studies with the full set of 20 E. coli aminoacyl-tRNAs revealed that the Haemophilus influenzae and E. coli YbaK proteins are moderately general aminoacyl-tRNA deacylases that preferentially hydrolyze Cys-tRNAPro and Cys-tRNACy. Furthermore, YbaK-mediated hydrolysis of aminoacyl-tRNA has been indicated to influence cell growth.[2] It has been further indicated that YbaK domain is important in the editing function if the wrong amino acid has been joined to the wrong tRNA.
The structure of YbaK shows a novel fold. This domain also occurs in a number of prolyl-tRNA synthetases (proRS) from prokaryotes. Thus, the domain is thought to be involved in oligonucleotide binding, with possible roles in recognition/discrimination or editing of prolyl-tRNA. YbaK is a highly curved mixed seven-stranded beta-sheet surrounded by six short alpha helices