DJ-1 is a deglycase enzyme which exhibits a redox-sensitive chaperone-like activity. The partially oxidized state of DJ-1 is active in inhibiting the aggregation of α-synuclein, a key protein associated with Parkinson’s disease. The underlying molecular mechanism behind α-synuclein aggregation inhibition remains unknown. Here we report that the partially oxidized DJ-1 possesses an adhesive surface which sequesters […]

Microbial attachment to host surfaces is a critical step in colonization. Hence, interfering with the initial attachment is considered as one of the attractive and efficient approaches in improving health and combating infections. Towards providing the essential foundations for this approach, Dr Krishnan’s structural biology group currently focus on hair-like surface organelles called pili or […]

The non-specific lipid transfer protein (nsLTP) transfers a variety of lipids between membranes and plays an important role in membrane biogenesis and regulating intra cellular fatty acid pools. However, the mechanism of lipid transfer remained enigmatic. We co-crystallized lipids with nsLTP under a wide range of conditions and determined crystal structures of four intermediate lipid […]

We had recently shown that vicilins could exhibit superoxide dismutase activity. In the present study, we have carried out functional and structural analyses of vicilins from two distinct evolutionary sources – tomato (S. lycopersicum; SL80.1) and hazelnut (C. avellana; HZ.1) – towards understanding the basis of their functional diversity. It was identified that SL80.1 retained […]

Powdery mildews are significant fungal pathogens that cause crop yield losses of ~25-60%. They are true obligate biotrophs, which means that they depend entirely on living host plants for their survival. To establish biotrophic relationships with their host, these fungi secrete an arsenal of effector molecules, primarily through specialized infection structures termed haustoria. A research […]