Structural basis of PP2A inhibition by small t antigen
2007

Understanding How Small t Antigen Inhibits Protein Phosphatase 2A

publication Evidence: high

Author Information

Author(s): Cho Uhn Soo, Morrone Seamus, Sablina Anna A, Arroyo Jason D, Hahn William C, Xu Wenqing

Primary Institution: Department of Biological Structure, University of Washington

Hypothesis

The study aims to elucidate the structural basis of how the SV40 small t antigen inhibits protein phosphatase 2A.

Conclusion

The crystal structure of the small t antigen in complex with the PP2A A subunit reveals how it inhibits PP2A activity, contributing to our understanding of its oncogenic functions.

Supporting Evidence

  • The study provides a detailed structural analysis of the small t antigen and its interaction with the PP2A A subunit.
  • The findings suggest that the small t antigen alters the activity of PP2A, a known tumor suppressor.
  • The crystal structure was determined at a resolution of 3.1 Å, revealing key interactions between the small t antigen and PP2A.

Takeaway

This study shows how a virus protein can stop a cell's natural defense against cancer by changing the shape of an important enzyme.

Methodology

The researchers determined the crystal structure of the SV40 small t antigen in complex with the PP2A A subunit using X-ray crystallography.

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1371/journal.pbio.0050202

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