Gene Ontology annotation based on UniProtKB/Swiss-Prot keyword mapping
Structure of the T4 baseplate and its function in triggering sheath contraction.
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Resolves the atomic structure of the T4 baseplate in pre- and post-attachment states, identifying the conserved core components including the gp48 hexameric ring at the baseplate-tube junction.
"Here we present the atomic structure of the approximately 6-megadalton bacteriophage T4 baseplate in its pre- and post-host attachment states and explain the events that lead to sheath contraction in atomic detail."
UniProtKB record for P13339 (48_BPT4)
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gp48 forms a homohexameric ring constituting the first tail tube annulus at the baseplate-tail tube junction, where it interacts with gp54 to initiate tail tube polymerization.
"Baseplate protein that forms, together with gp54, the baseplate-tail tube junction. The tail tube first 2 annuli are formed by gp48 and gp54, which are in continuation of the spike complex."
Deep research summary for Bacteriophage T4 gene 48 (gp48)
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Six copies each of gp48 and gp54 must bind to the assembled baseplate to form the tube-initiation platform before 144 monomers of gp19 can polymerize into the tail tube.
"In T4, gp48 and gp54 are classically described as tube initiator proteins: structural components added late in baseplate assembly that create the platform from which the major tail tube protein gp19 polymerizes to form the tail tube."