Cooperative interactions of the gene 5 protein

Using the refined molecular structure of the Gene 5 DNA Binding Protein (G5BP) and the mechanism of DNA binding deduced from a variety of experimental techniques (G. D. Brayer and A. McPherson, J. Mol. Biol. 169, 565, 1983; G. D. Brayer and A. McPherson, Biochemistry 23, 340, 1984), we have modeled the contiguous, linear aggregation of G5BP dimers along two opposing single strands of DNA. Using both automated graphics systems and systematic calculations of intermolecular contacts between adjacent units, we have optimized the fit of complementary protein surfaces in the presence of DNA. We propose that a minor conformational change involving residues 38-43, triggered by the binding of nucleic acid, relieves several critical steric contacts and permits otherwise extensively complementary surfaces to form an interface. The bonding between surfaces on adjacent G5BP units is the primary source of the cooperativity of binding observed for G5BP. The interacting amino acid residues at the interface are described.     

The Binding of fd Gene 5 Protein to Polydeoxynucleotides: Evidence from CD Measurements for Two Binding Modes

Abstract

Circular dichroism measurements were used to study the binding of fd gene 5 protein to fd DNA, to six polydeoxynucleotides (poly(d(A)], poly[d(T)], poly[d(I)], poly[d(C)], poly[d(A-T)], and the random copolymer poly[d(A,T)]), and to three oligodeoxynucleotides (d(pA)₂₀, d(pA)₇, and d(pT)₇). Titrations of these DNAs with fd gene 5 protein were generally done in a low ionic strength buffer (5 mM Tris-HCl, pH 7.0 or 7.8) to insure tight binding, needed to obtain stoichiometric endpoints. By monitoring the CD of the nucleic acids above 250 nm, where the protein has no significant intrinsic optical activity, we found that there were two modes of binding, with the number of nucleotides covered by a gene 5 protein monomer (n) being close to either 4 or 3. These stoichiometrics depended upon which polymer was titrated as well as upon the protein concentration. Single endpoints at nucleotide/protein molar ratios close to 3 were found during titrations of poly[d(T)] and fd DNA (giving n = 3.1 and 2.8 ± 0.2, respectively), while CD changes with two apparent endpoints at nucleotide/protein molar ratios close to 4 and approximately 3 were found during titrations of poly[d(A)], poly[d(I)], poly[d(A-T)], and poly[d(A,T)) (with the first endpoints giving n = 4.1, 4.0, 4.0, and 4.1 ± 0.3, respectively). Calculations showed that the CD changes we observed during these latter titrations were consistent with a switch between two non- interacting binding modes of n = 4 and n = 3. We found no evidence for an n = 5 binding mode. One implication of our results is that the Brayer and McPherson model for the helical gene 5 protein-DNA complex, which has 5 nucleotides bound per protein monomer (G. Brayer and A. McPherson, J. Biomol Struct, and Dyn. 2, 495-510, 1984), cannot be correct for the detailed solution structure of the complex.

We interpreted the CD changes above 250 nm upon binding of the gene 5 protein to single-stranded DNAs to be the result of a slight unstacking of the bases, along with a significant alteration of the CD contributions of the individual nucleotides in the case of A- and/or T-containing DNAs, Interestingly, CD contributions attributed to nearest-neighbor interactions in free poly[d(A-T)], poly[d(A,T)], poly[d(A)], and poly[d(T)] were partially maintained in the CD spectra of the protein-saturated polymers, so that neighboring nucleotides, when bound to the protein at 20°C, appeared to interact with one another in much the same manner as in the free polymers at 50°C. Finally, we found that the protein tyrosyl CD band at 228.5 nm decreased 39-42% when the protein bound to poly[d(A)] or poly[d(T)], but this band decreased no more than 9% when the gene 5 protein bound to short A- or T-containing oligomers. Thus, at least one tyrosyl residue has a significantly altered optical activity only when the DNA substrate is long enough either to cause a transition to a different protein conformation or to allow additional protein-protein contacts between adjacent helical turns of the DNA-protein complex.     

Refined structure of the gene 5 DNA binding protein from bacteriophage fd

The three-dimensional structure of the gene 5 DNA binding protein (G5BP) from bacteriophage fd has been determined from a combination of multiple isomorphous replacement techniques, partial refinements and deleted fragment difference Fourier syntheses. The structure was refined using restrained parameter least-squares and difference Fourier methods to a final residual of R = 0.217 for the 3528 statistically significant reflections present to 2.3 A resolution. In addition to the 682 atoms of the protein, 12 solvent molecules were included. We describe here the dispositions and orientations of the amino acid side-chains and their interactions as visualized in the G5BP structure. The G5BP monomer of 87 peptide units is almost entirely in the beta-conformation, organized as a three-stranded sheet, a two-stranded beta-ribbon and a broad connecting loop. There is no alpha-helix present in the molecule. Two G5BP monomers are tightly interlocked about an intermolecular dyad axis to form a compact dimer unit of about 55 A X 45 A X 36 A. The dimer is characterized by two symmetry-related antiparallel clefts that traverse the monomer surfaces essentially perpendicular to the dyad axis. From the three-stranded antiparallel beta-sheet, formed from the first two-thirds of the sequence, extend three tyrosine residues (26, 34, 41), a lysine (46) and two arginine residues (16, 21) that, as indicated by other physical and chemical experiments, are directly involved in DNA binding. Other residues likely to share binding responsibility are arginine 80 extending from the beta-ribbon and phenylalanine 73 from the tip of this loop, but as provided, however, by the opposite monomer within each G5BP dimer pair. Thus, both symmetry-related DNA binding sites have a composite nature and include contributions from both elements of the dimer. The gene 5 dimer is clearly the active binding species, and the two monomers within the dyad-related pair are so structurally contiguous that one cannot be certain whether the isolated monomer would maintain its observed crystal structure. This linkage is manifested primarily as a skeletal core of hydrophobic residues that extends from the center of each monomer continuously through an intermolecular beta-barrel that joins the pair. Protruding from the major area of density of each monomer is an elongated wing of tenuous structure comprising residues 15 through 32, which is, we believe, intimately involved in DNA binding. This wing appears to be dynamic and mobile, even in the crystal and, therefore, is likely to undergo conformational change in the presence of the ligand.     

On the Information Content of Protein Sequences

Abstract

TATA-box binding protein (TBP) in a monomelic form and the complexes it forms with DNA have been elucidated with molecular dynamics simulations. Large TBP domain motions (bend and twist) are detected in the monomer as well as in the DNA complexes; these motions can be important for TBP binding of DNA. TBP interacts with guanine bases flanking the TATA element in the simulations of the complex; these interactions may explain the preference for guanine observed at these DNA positions. Side chains of some TBP residues at the binding interface display significant dynamic flexibility that results in ‘flipflop’ contacts involving multiple base pairs of the DNA. We discuss the possible functional significance of these observations.     

Reductive methylation and 13C NMR studies of the lysyl residues of fd gene 5 protein. Lysines 24, 46, and 69 may be involved in nucleic acid binding

We have examined the role of lysyl residues in the binding of fd gene 5 protein to a nucleic acid polymer. The lysyl residues of the protein were chemically modified to form N epsilon, N epsilon-dimethyllysyl derivatives containing 13C-enriched methyl groups. The 13C NMR spectrum of the modified protein was studied as a function of pH and salt concentration. Differences in the local magnetic environment of the six dimethyllysyl amino groups allowed all six 13C resonances to be resolved for samples in the pH range 8.5-9.0 at less than 50 mM ionic strength. One of the dimethylamino resonances was split at low pH, indicating that the two methyl groups were nonequivalent and that the corresponding lysyl residue (either Lys-3 or Lys-7) might be involved in an ion-pairing interaction. Specific lysyl residues were protected from methylation when the protein was bound to poly(rU). The level of protection of individual lysyl residues was quantitated using peptide mapping and sequencing of gene 5 protein labeled with 3H and 14C radioactive labels. Lysines 24, 46, and 69 showed significant protection (33-52%) from methylation in the protein-polynucleotide complex, suggesting that these 3 residues form part of the nucleic acid-binding site. The alpha-amino group of Met-1 was relatively unreactive in both the free and bound protein, which indicated that the amino terminus is not as exposed in solution as in the crystal structure (Brayer, G.D., and McPherson, A. (1983) J. Mol. Biol. 169, 565-596).     

In vitro and in silico analysis of the Aspergillus nidulans DNA–CreA repressor interactions

The CreA protein mediates carbon catabolite repression in the fungus Aspergillus nidulans. Its DNA-binding domain belongs to the Cys₂-His₂ class, binding specifically to a 5′ SYGGRG 3′ nucleotide sequence. EMSA experiments showed that the CreA(G27D) mutation resulted in a 30-fold increase of the K_diss, and footprinting revealed a altered pattern of protein/DNA contacts. We modeled the CreA and the CreA(G27D) complexes in silico. A 15?ns molecular dynamics simulation of the solvated CreA(G27D) and CreA models was carried out using the MOE 2007.09 suite and the Amber99 force field. We have focused our analysis in residues Arg14, Glu16, His17, and Arg20 and Arg44, Asp46, and Arg50, previously, shown to be responsible for the specific contacts of the two Zn fingers. The electrostatic and the total potential energies showed the CreA(G27D) mutation to decrease the affinity of the complex, in agreement with the K_diss′s values. The in silico approach highlighted the role of the inter-finger linker. We identified several differential structural characteristics of the CreA and CreA(G27D)/DNA complexes and observed that the latter resulted in a lower dynamic flexibility of the complex.     

Crystal Structures of the Human G3BP1 NTF2-Like Domain Visualize FxFG Nup Repeat Specificity

Ras GTPase Activating Protein SH3 Domain Binding Protein (G3BP) is a potential anti-cancer drug target implicated in several cellular functions. We have used protein crystallography to solve crystal structures of the human G3BP1 NTF2-like domain both alone and in complex with an FxFG Nup repeat peptide. Despite high structural similarity, the FxFG binding site is located between two alpha helices in the G3BP1 NTF2-like domain and not at the dimer interface as observed for nuclear transport factor 2. ITC studies showed specificity towards the FxFG motif but not FG and GLFG motifs. The unliganded form of the G3BP1 NTF2-like domain was solved in two crystal forms to resolutions of 1.6 and 3.3 Å in space groups P2₁2₁2₁ and P6₃22 based on two different constructs, residues 1–139 and 11–139, respectively. Crystal packing of the N-terminal residues against a symmetry related molecule in the P2₁2₁2₁ crystal form might indicate a novel ligand binding site that, however, remains to be validated. The crystal structures give insight into the nuclear transportation mechanisms of G3BP and provide a basis for future structure based drug design.     

Crystal Structure of the Vaccinia Virus DNA Polymerase Holoenzyme Subunit D4 in Complex with the A20 N-Terminal Domain

Vaccinia virus polymerase holoenzyme is composed of the DNA polymerase E9, the uracil-DNA glycosylase D4 and A20, a protein with no known enzymatic activity. The D4/A20 heterodimer is the DNA polymerase co-factor whose function is essential for processive DNA synthesis. Genetic and biochemical data have established that residues located in the N-terminus of A20 are critical for binding to D4. However, no information regarding the residues of D4 involved in A20 binding is yet available. We expressed and purified the complex formed by D4 and the first 50 amino acids of A20 (D4/A20_1–50). We showed that whereas D4 forms homodimers in solution when expressed alone, D4/A20_1–50 clearly behaves as a heterodimer. The crystal structure of D4/A20_1–50 solved at 1.85 Å resolution reveals that the D4/A20 interface (including residues 167 to 180 and 191 to 206 of D4) partially overlaps the previously described D4/D4 dimer interface. A20_1–50 binding to D4 is mediated by an α-helical domain with important leucine residues located at the very N-terminal end of A20 and a second stretch of residues containing Trp43 involved in stacking interactions with Arg167 and Pro173 of D4. Point mutations of the latter residues disturb D4/A20_1–50 formation and reduce significantly thermal stability of the complex. Interestingly, small molecule docking with anti-poxvirus inhibitors selected to interfere with D4/A20 binding could reproduce several key features of the D4/A20_1–50 interaction. Finally, we propose a model of D4/A20_1–50 in complex with DNA and discuss a number of mutants described in the literature, which affect DNA synthesis. Overall, our data give new insights into the assembly of the poxvirus DNA polymerase cofactor and may be useful for the design and rational improvement of antivirals targeting the D4/A20 interface.     

Phase separation of a plant virus movement protein and cellular factors support virus-host interactions

Both cellular and viral proteins can undergo phase separation and form membraneless compartments that concentrate biomolecules. The p26 movement protein from single-stranded, positive-sense Pea enation mosaic virus 2 (PEMV2) separates into a dense phase in nucleoli where p26 and related orthologues must interact with fibrillarin (Fib2) as a pre-requisite for systemic virus movement. Using in vitro assays, viral ribonucleoprotein complexes containing p26, Fib2, and PEMV2 genomic RNAs formed droplets that may provide the basis for self-assembly in planta. Mutating basic p26 residues (R/K-G) blocked droplet formation and partitioning into Fib2 droplets or the nucleolus and prevented systemic movement of a Tobacco mosaic virus (TMV) vector in Nicotiana benthamiana. Mutating acidic residues (D/E-G) reduced droplet formation in vitro, increased nucleolar retention 6.5-fold, and prevented systemic movement of TMV, thus demonstrating that p26 requires electrostatic interactions for droplet formation and charged residues are critical for nucleolar trafficking and virus movement. p26 readily partitioned into stress granules (SGs), which are membraneless compartments that assemble by clustering of the RNA binding protein G3BP following stress. G3BP is upregulated during PEMV2 infection and over-expression of G3BP restricted PEMV2 RNA accumulation >20-fold. Deletion of the NTF2 domain that is required for G3BP condensation restored PEMV2 RNA accumulation >4-fold, demonstrating that phase separation enhances G3BP antiviral activity. These results indicate that p26 partitions into membraneless compartments with either proviral (Fib2) or antiviral (G3BP) factors.     

On the attribution of binding energy in antigen-antibody complexes McPC 603, D1.3, and HyHEL-5

Using X-ray coordinates of antigen-antibody complexes McPC 603, D1.3, and HyHEL-5, we made semiquantitative estimates of Gibbs free energy changes (delta G) accompanying noncovalent complex formation of the McPC 603 Fv fragment with phosphocholine and the D1.3 or HyHEL-5 Fv fragments with hen egg white lysozyme. Our empirical delta G function, which implicitly incorporates solvent effects, has the following components: hydrophobic force, solvent-modified electrostatics, changes in side-chain conformational entropy, translational/overall rotational entropy changes, and the dilutional (cratic) entropy term. The calculated delta G ranges matched the experimentally determined delta G of McPC 603 and D1.3 complexes and overestimated it (i.e., gave a more negative value) in the case of HyHEL-5. Relative delta G contributions of selected antibody residues, calculated for HyHEL-5 complexes, agreed with those determined independently in site-directed mutagenesis experiments. Analysis of delta G attribution in all three complexes indicated that only a small number of amino acids probably contribute actively to binding energetics. These form a subset of the total antigen-antibody contact surface. In the antibodies, the bottom part of the antigen binding cavity dominated the energetics of binding whereas in lysozyme, the energetically most important residues defined small (2.5-3 nm2) "energetic" epitopes. Thus, a concept of protein antigenicity emerges that involves the active, attractive contributions mediated by the energetic antigenic epitopes and the passive surface complementarity contributed by the surrounding contact area. The D1.3 energetic epitope of lysozyme involved Gly 22, Gly 117, and Gln 121; the HyHEL-5 epitope consisted of Arg 45 and Arg 68. These are also the essential antigenic residues determined experimentally. The above positions belong to the most protruding parts of the lysozyme surface, and their backbones are not exceptionally flexible. Least-squares analysis of six different antibody binding regions indicated that the geometry of the VH-VL interface beta-barrel is well conserved, giving no indication of significant changes in domain-domain contacts upon complex formation.     

The binding of fd gene 5 protein to polydeoxynucleotides: evidence from CD measurements for two binding modes

Circular dichroism measurements were used to study the binding of fd gene 5 protein to fd DNA, to six polydeoxynucleotides (poly[d(A)], poly[d(T)], poly[d(I)], poly[d(C)], poly[d(A-T)], and the random copolymer poly[d(A,T)]), and to three oligodeoxynucleotides (d(pA)20, d(pA)7, and d(pT)7). Titrations of these DNAs with fd gene 5 protein were generally done in a low ionic strength buffer (5 mM Tris-HCl, pH 7.0 or 7.8) to insure tight binding, needed to obtain stoichiometric endpoints. By monitoring the CD of the nucleic acids above 250 nm, where the protein has no significant intrinsic optical activity, we found that there were two modes of binding, with the number of nucleotides covered by a gene 5 protein monomer (n) being close to either 4 or 3. These stoichiometries depended upon which polymer was titrated as well as upon the protein concentration. Single endpoints at nucleotide/protein molar ratios close to 3 were found during titrations of poly[d(T)] and fd DNA (giving n = 3.1 and 2.8 +/- 0.2, respectively), while CD changes with two apparent endpoints at nucleotide/protein molar ratios close to 4 and approximately 3 were found during titrations of poly[d(A)], poly[d(I)], poly[d(A-T)], and poly[d(A,T)] (with the first endpoints giving n = 4.1 4.0, 4.0, and 4.1 +/- 0.3, respectively). Calculations showed that the CD changes we observed during these latter titrations were consistent with a switch between two non-interacting binding modes of n = 4 and n = 3. We found no evidence for an n = 5 binding mode. One implication of our results is that the Brayer and McPherson model for the helical gene 5 protein-DNA complex, which has 5 nucleotides bound per protein monomer (G. Brayer and A. McPherson, J. Biomol. Struct. and Dyn. 2, 495-510, 1984), cannot be correct for the detailed solution structure of the complex. We interpreted the CD changes above 250 nm upon binding of the gene 5 protein to single-stranded DNAs to be the result of a slight unstacking of the bases, along with a significant alteration of the CD contributions of the individual nucleotides in the case of A-and/or T-containing DNAs. Interestingly, CD contributions attributed to nearest-neighbor interactions in free poly[d(A-T)], poly[d(A,T)], poly[d(A)], and poly[d(T)] were partially maintained in the CD spectra of the protein-saturated polymers, so that neighboring nucleotides, when bound to the protein at 20 degrees C, appeared to interact with one another in much the same manner as in the free polymers at 50 degrees C.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

IV型限制酶ScoMcrA中SRA结构域介导的二聚体化对硫结合结构域功能的影响机制

[背景] 部分细菌的DNA骨架会发生磷硫酰化修饰,硫结合结构域（Sulfur Binding Domain,SBD）可以特异性识别这种生理修饰。与绝大多数SBD-HNH双结构域核酸酶不同,ScoMcrA的SBD和HNH结构域中间插入了一个特异性识别5-甲基胞嘧啶（5mC）修饰DNA的SET and RING-Associated （SRA）结构域。晶体结构显示,单独的SBD是单体,而SBD-SRA是双体。[目的] 探究ScoMcrA中SRA结构域的存在对SBD识别硫修饰DNA的影响及影响方式。[方法] 凝胶迁移实验（Electrophoresis Mobility Shift Assay,EMSA）比较SBD、SBD-SRA对硫修饰DNA结合力的差异;对参与SBD-SRA二聚体化的关键氨基酸残基突变,并检测点突变对SBD-SRA蛋白二聚体化及结合硫修饰DNA的影响。[结果] 相较于SBD结构域,SBD-SRA双结构域对磷硫酰化修饰DNA的结合能力明显增强。对SBD-SRA双体互作界面进行单点突变基本不影响其对硫修饰DNA的结合,当二聚体化界面连续的L₂₆₁LGET₂₆₅突变成A₂₆₁AAAA₂₆₅时,突变体对硫修饰DNA的结合力下降到与SBD相似的水平。[结论] 根据EMSA实验结果可以初步判断,SRA结构域介导的SBD-SRA双体化能增强SBD对硫修饰DNA的结合力;L₂₆₁LGET₂₆₅是SRA结构域上影响SBD对硫修饰DNA结合力的关键氨基酸位点。     

Topological Comparison of Two Helix Destabilizing Proteins: Ribonuclease A and the Gene 5 DNA Binding Protein

Abstract

A topological comparison of the two helix destabilizing proteins, pancreatic ribonuclease A and the gene S DNA binding protein of bacteriophage fd has been completed utilizing the available high resolution tertiary structures of each protein. The results indicate these two proteins are structurally if not also evolutionarily related. Regions of closest topological equivalence occur between beta loops directly involved in nucleotide binding or are required for the maintenance of their respective oligonucleotide binding channels. In addition, there is a similar placement of critical amino acid side chains about the binding site. Further evidence for this structural relationship is obtained by comparison of structural data for the mode of complexation of polynucleotides to each protein. The results of topological comparison suggest the essential property shared by helix destabilizing proteins, whether specialized DNA binding proteins such as G5BP or proteins with other primary functional roles, like ribonuclease A, is the presence of an elongated oligonucleotide binding channel. Although ribonuclease A and G5BP are structurally related, it seems likely any protein with this structural feature will exhibit a helix destabilizing capacity. This conclusion is supported by the diversity of molecular characteristics shown by other proteins having this activity.     

Structure and Dynamics of Distamycin A with d(CGCAAATTGGC):d(GCCAATTTGCG) at Low Drug: DNA Ratios

Abstract

Two-dimensional NMR has been used to study the interaction of distamycin A with d(CGCAAA- TTGGC):d(GCCAATTTGCG) at low and intermediate drug: DNA ratios (<2.0). Drug-DNA contacts were identified by nuclear Overhauser effect spectroscopy, which also served to monitor exchange of the drug between different binding sites. At low drug: DNA ratios (0.5), distamycin A binds in two orientations within the five central A-T base pairs and has a preference (2.2:1) for binding with the formyl end directed toward the 5′ side of the A-rich strand. The pattern of drug-DNA contacts corresponding to the preferred binding orientation are consistent with the drug sliding between adjacent AAAT and AATT binding sites at a rate that is fast on the NMR time scale. Similarly, the pattern of NOEs associated with the less favored orientation are consistent with the drug sliding between adjacent AATT and ATTT sites, again in fast exchange. Off-rates for the drug from the major and minor binding orientations were measured to be 2.4 =1.5 and 3.3 = 1.5 s^?1 respectively, at 35°C. At intermediate drug: DNA ratios (1.3) exchange of the drug between the two one-drug and the two sites of a two-drug complex is observed. Off-rates for both drugs from the 2:1 complex were measured to be 1.0 =0.5 s^?1 (35°C).     

Polymerase manager protein UmuD directly regulates Escherichia coli DNA polymerase III α binding to ssDNA

Replication by Escherichia coli DNA polymerase III is disrupted on encountering DNA damage. Consequently, specialized Y-family DNA polymerases are used to bypass DNA damage. The protein UmuD is extensively involved in modulating cellular responses to DNA damage and may play a role in DNA polymerase exchange for damage tolerance. In the absence of DNA, UmuD interacts with the α subunit of DNA polymerase III at two distinct binding sites, one of which is adjacent to the single-stranded DNA-binding site of α. Here, we use single molecule DNA stretching experiments to demonstrate that UmuD specifically inhibits binding of α to ssDNA. We predict using molecular modeling that UmuD residues D91 and G92 are involved in this interaction and demonstrate that mutation of these residues disrupts the interaction. Our results suggest that competition between UmuD and ssDNA for α binding is a new mechanism for polymerase exchange.     

Binding of Complement Inhibitor C4b-binding Protein to a Highly Virulent Streptococcus pyogenes M1 Strain Is Mediated by Protein H and Enhances Adhesion to and Invasion of Endothelial Cells

Streptococcus pyogenes AP1, a strain of the highly virulent M1 serotype, uses exclusively protein H to bind the complement inhibitor C4b-binding protein (C4BP). We found a strong correlation between the ability of AP1 and its isogenic mutants lacking protein H to inhibit opsonization with complement C3b and binding of C4BP. C4BP bound to immobilized protein H or AP1 bacteria retained its cofactor activity for degradation of ¹²⁵I-C4b. Furthermore, C4b deposited from serum onto AP1 bacterial surfaces was processed into C4c/C4d fragments, which did not occur on strains unable to bind C4BP. Recombinant C4BP mutants, which (i) lack certain CCP domains or (ii) have mutations in single aa as well as (iii) mutants with additional aa between different CCP domains were used to determine that the binding is mainly mediated by a patch of positively charged amino acid residues at the interface of domains CCP1 and CCP2. Using recombinant protein H fragments, we narrowed down the binding site to the N-terminal domain A. With a peptide microarray, we identified one single 18-amino acid-long peptide comprising residues 92–109, which specifically bound C4BP. Biacore was used to determine K_D = 6 × 10⁻⁷ m between protein H and a single subunit of C4BP. C4BP binding also correlated with elevated levels of adhesion and invasion to endothelial cells. Taken together, we identified the molecular basis of C4BP-protein H interaction and found that it is not only important for decreased opsonization but also for invasion of endothelial cells by S. pyogenes.