Membrane association via an amino-terminal amphipathic helix is required for the cellular organization and function of RNase II

Abstract

Background: Cellular organization of the Escherichia coli exoribonuclease RNase II is unknown. Results: Membrane association and self-interactions are both required for the RNase II cellular organization. Conclusion: Membrane binding facilitates RNase II interactions leading to assembly into organized cellular structures. Significance: Interplay of membrane association and formation of organized membrane-associated cellular structures could provide a mechanism to organize multiprotein systems within the bacterial cell. © 2013 by The American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Inc.