RidA

UniProt ID: P0AF93
Organism: Escherichia coli (strain K12)
Review Status: IN PROGRESS
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Gene Description

RidA (formerly YjgF) is a 2-iminobutanoate/2-iminopropanoate deaminase (EC 3.5.99.10) in E. coli that accelerates the release of ammonia from reactive enamine/imine intermediates generated by PLP-dependent enzymes such as threonine dehydratase (IlvA). RidA is a cytoplasmic homotrimer (PMID:10595546) and its primary evolved function is detoxification of reactive intermediates in amino acid metabolism, particularly in the isoleucine biosynthetic pathway. Importantly, RidA acquires chaperone holdase activity ONLY when post-translationally modified by HOCl (hypochlorous acid) via N-chlorination of lysine and arginine residues (PMID:25517874). Untreated RidA has NO chaperone activity. This conditional chaperone function is a secondary, stress-activated moonlighting function and not the core evolved role of RidA.

Existing Annotations Review

GO Term Evidence Action Reason
GO:0019239 deaminase activity
IBA
GO_REF:0000033
ACCEPT
Summary: IBA annotation for deaminase activity, consistent with the primary enzymatic function of RidA as a 2-iminobutanoate/2-iminopropanoate deaminase (EC 3.5.99.10). This is the core molecular function.
Reason: Deaminase activity is the well-established primary function of RidA, supported by phylogenetic inference and experimental evidence from multiple organisms.
GO:0005829 cytosol
IBA
GO_REF:0000033
ACCEPT
Summary: IBA annotation for cytosol localization. Consistent with IDA evidence from proteomics studies (PMID:15911532, PMID:18304323) and UniProt annotation.
Reason: Cytosolic localization is well-established for RidA.
GO:0005737 cytoplasm
IEA
GO_REF:0000044
ACCEPT
Summary: IEA annotation for cytoplasm localization. Broader parent of cytosol. Consistent with UniProt subcellular location annotation.
Reason: Cytoplasmic localization is correct. The more specific cytosol term is annotated with IDA and IBA evidence.
GO:0008652 amino acid biosynthetic process
IEA
GO_REF:0000043
ACCEPT
Summary: IEA annotation for amino acid biosynthetic process. RidA detoxifies reactive enamine/imine intermediates from PLP-dependent enzymes in amino acid metabolism, supporting isoleucine biosynthesis.
Reason: RidA's deaminase activity contributes to amino acid biosynthesis by removing toxic intermediates. This is a broad but accurate annotation.
GO:0009082 branched-chain amino acid biosynthetic process
IEA
GO_REF:0000043
ACCEPT
Summary: IEA annotation for branched-chain amino acid biosynthesis. RidA deaminates reactive intermediates from threonine dehydratase (IlvA), which is part of the isoleucine biosynthetic pathway.
Reason: This is a more specific and appropriate annotation. RidA's primary biological role is in the isoleucine biosynthetic pathway via detoxification of IlvA intermediates.
GO:0009097 isoleucine biosynthetic process
IEA
GO_REF:0000043
REMOVE
Summary: IEA annotation for isoleucine biosynthetic process. Note that this GO term is marked as obsolete.
Reason: This term (GO:0009097) is obsolete. The function is captured by the broader GO:0009082 (branched-chain amino acid biosynthetic process) annotation.
GO:0009636 response to toxic substance
IEA
GO_REF:0000043
ACCEPT
Summary: IEA annotation for response to toxic substance. RidA detoxifies reactive enamine/imine intermediates that are nucleophilic and potentially toxic.
Reason: RidA's primary function is detoxification of reactive intermediates. This term is consistent with its role, though the IDA annotation from PMID:25517874 for the same term provides stronger experimental support.
GO:0016787 hydrolase activity
IEA
GO_REF:0000043
ACCEPT
Summary: IEA annotation for hydrolase activity. RidA is classified as EC 3.5.99.10, which is a hydrolase. This is a very broad parent of the more specific deaminase activity.
Reason: As an EC 3.5.99.10 enzyme, RidA is indeed a hydrolase. This broad IEA is acceptable alongside the more specific deaminase annotations.
GO:0120241 2-iminobutanoate/2-iminopropanoate deaminase activity
IEA
GO_REF:0000003
ACCEPT
Summary: IEA annotation from EC number mapping. This is the most specific and accurate molecular function term for RidA, matching its EC 3.5.99.10 classification.
Reason: This is the most precise term for RidA's core enzymatic function. It accurately reflects the dual substrate specificity for both 2-iminobutanoate and 2-iminopropanoate.
GO:0120242 2-iminobutanoate deaminase activity
IEA
GO_REF:0000116
ACCEPT
Summary: IEA annotation from Rhea mapping for the 2-iminobutanoate-specific deaminase activity. This is one of the two specific substrate activities of RidA.
Reason: Consistent with the known catalytic activity. UniProt lists the reaction 2-iminobutanoate + H2O = 2-oxobutanoate + NH4(+).
GO:0120243 2-iminopropanoate deaminase activity
IEA
GO_REF:0000116
ACCEPT
Summary: IEA annotation from Rhea mapping for the 2-iminopropanoate-specific deaminase activity. This is the second specific substrate activity of RidA.
Reason: Consistent with the known catalytic activity. UniProt lists the reaction 2-iminopropanoate + H2O = pyruvate + NH4(+).
GO:0120242 2-iminobutanoate deaminase activity
ISS
GO_REF:0000024
ACCEPT
Summary: ISS annotation based on sequence similarity transfer. The 2-iminobutanoate deaminase activity was first characterized in Salmonella enterica RidA and transferred to E. coli by sequence similarity.
Reason: Well-supported by sequence similarity to the experimentally characterized Salmonella enterica homolog. Consistent with the IEA annotations for the same and related terms.
GO:0042802 identical protein binding
IDA
PMID:10595546
A test case for structure-based functional assignment -- the...
ACCEPT
Summary: IDA annotation for identical protein binding based on the crystal structure showing RidA forms a homotrimer (PMID:10595546).
Reason: The 1.2A crystal structure clearly demonstrates RidA homotrimerization (PMID:10595546). The trimer is the functional form of the enzyme.
Supporting Evidence:
PMID:10595546
the 1.2 A crystal structure of the yjgF gene product from Escherichia coli [shows homotrimer]
GO:0070207 protein homotrimerization
IDA
PMID:10595546
A test case for structure-based functional assignment -- the...
ACCEPT
Summary: IDA annotation for protein homotrimerization based on crystal structure (PMID:10595546). RidA is a homotrimer, which is the functional form.
Reason: Directly supported by the 1.2A crystal structure. UniProt confirms homotrimer subunit structure.
GO:0032991 protein-containing complex
IDA
PMID:10595546
A test case for structure-based functional assignment -- the...
ACCEPT
Summary: IDA annotation for protein-containing complex. RidA forms a homotrimeric complex.
Reason: The homotrimer is the functional complex. This is a broad CC term consistent with the structural evidence.
GO:0009636 response to toxic substance
IDA
PMID:25517874
Activation of RidA chaperone function by N-chlorination.
ACCEPT
Summary: IDA annotation for response to toxic substance from Mueller et al. (2014). ridA deletion mutants are sensitive to HOCl stress, showing prolonged lag phase at medium HOCl concentrations (1-2 mM). RidA plays a role in protecting E. coli against HOCl-mediated stress.
Reason: The ridA mutant is sensitive to HOCl, demonstrating a role in response to toxic substance. This is supported by growth assays in the presence of HOCl (PMID:25517874). Note that this response involves the HOCl-activated chaperone function, not the deaminase activity.
Supporting Evidence:
PMID:25517874
Deletion of ridA results in an HOCl-sensitive phenotype... the ridA mutant displayed a significantly prolonged lag phase when compared with the wild type
GO:0019239 deaminase activity
IDA
PMID:23696645
Redox proteomics uncovers peroxynitrite-sensitive proteins t...
ACCEPT
Summary: IDA annotation for deaminase activity based on experimental evidence.
Reason: Direct experimental evidence for deaminase activity. This is the core molecular function of RidA.
GO:0051082 unfolded protein binding
IDA
PMID:25517874
Activation of RidA chaperone function by N-chlorination.
MARK AS OVER ANNOTATED
Summary: IDA annotation for unfolded protein binding based on Mueller et al. (2014). However, this study explicitly demonstrated that untreated RidA has NO chaperone activity. Chaperone holdase function is ONLY activated upon N-chlorination by HOCl or monochloramine. This is a conditional, post-translationally activated moonlighting function, not a constitutive property of the native protein.
Reason: The PMID:25517874 paper is very clear that native RidA has no chaperone activity. The abstract states "E. coli RidA modified with HOCl acts as a highly effective chaperone." The paper also shows that "incubation of IlvA with a 10-fold molar excess of untreated RidA had no effect on IlvA's aggregation behaviour." The chaperone function requires HOCl-mediated N-chlorination, which is a stress-specific post-translational modification. Annotating RidA with "unfolded protein binding" without any qualifier about the HOCl requirement is misleading and overstates the constitutive function. The primary function is 2-iminobutanoate/2-iminopropanoate deaminase activity.
Supporting Evidence:
PMID:25517874
E. coli RidA modified with HOCl acts as a highly effective chaperone. Although activation of RidA is reversed by treatment with DTT, ascorbic acid, the thioredoxin system and glutathione, it is independent of cysteine modification.
GO:0005829 cytosol
IDA
PMID:15911532
Localization, annotation, and comparison of the Escherichia ...
ACCEPT
Summary: IDA annotation for cytosol localization from proteomics study by Corbin et al. (2003).
Reason: Proteomics-based experimental evidence for cytosol localization.
GO:0005829 cytosol
IDA
PMID:18304323
Protein abundance profiling of the Escherichia coli cytosol.
ACCEPT
Summary: IDA annotation for cytosol localization from proteomics study by Ishihama et al. (2008).
Reason: Independent proteomics confirmation of cytosol localization.
GO:0019239 deaminase activity
ISO
PMID:22094463
Conserved YjgF protein family deaminates reactive enamine/im...
ACCEPT
Summary: ISO annotation for deaminase activity based on ortholog evidence. Lambrecht et al. (2012) showed that conserved YjgF/RidA family proteins deaminate reactive enamine/imine intermediates of PLP-dependent enzymes.
Reason: Consistent with the core function of RidA. The study demonstrates the conserved deaminase function across the RidA family.
GO:0016020 membrane
HDA
PMID:16858726
A complexomic study of Escherichia coli using two-dimensiona...
REMOVE
Summary: HDA annotation for membrane localization from a complexomics study. This is unexpected given that RidA is a soluble cytoplasmic protein with no signal peptide or transmembrane domain.
Reason: RidA is a well-characterized soluble cytoplasmic protein with no signal peptide, transmembrane domain, or membrane-binding motif. UniProt annotates it as cytoplasmic. The HDA from a complexomics study likely represents a non-specific or artifactual association. This annotation is inconsistent with all other localization evidence.

Core Functions

RidA deaminates reactive enamine/imine intermediates from PLP-dependent enzymes, particularly threonine dehydratase (IlvA), converting 2-iminobutanoate to 2-oxobutanoate and 2-iminopropanoate to pyruvate. This detoxification function supports isoleucine biosynthesis and protects against reactive intermediate toxicity.

References

Gene Ontology annotation based on Enzyme Commission mapping
Manual transfer of experimentally-verified manual GO annotation data to orthologs by curator judgment of sequence similarity
Annotation inferences using phylogenetic trees
Gene Ontology annotation based on UniProtKB/Swiss-Prot keyword mapping
Gene Ontology annotation based on UniProtKB/Swiss-Prot Subcellular Location vocabulary mapping, accompanied by conservative changes to GO terms applied by UniProt
Automatic Gene Ontology annotation based on Rhea mapping
A test case for structure-based functional assignment -- the 1.2 A crystal structure of the yjgF gene product from Escherichia coli.
  • RidA (YjgF) crystal structure at 1.2A reveals a homotrimer
Localization, annotation, and comparison of the Escherichia coli K-12 proteome under two states of growth.
A complexomic study of Escherichia coli using two-dimensional blue native/SDS polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis.
Protein abundance profiling of the Escherichia coli cytosol.
Conserved YjgF protein family deaminates reactive enamine/imine intermediates of pyridoxal 5'-phosphate (PLP)-dependent enzyme reactions.
  • Conserved YjgF/RidA family proteins deaminate reactive enamine/imine intermediates of PLP-dependent enzymes
Redox proteomics uncovers peroxynitrite-sensitive proteins that help Escherichia coli to overcome nitrosative stress.
Activation of RidA chaperone function by N-chlorination.
  • RidA modified with HOCl acts as a highly effective chaperone holdase
  • Untreated RidA has no chaperone activity
  • Chaperone activation requires N-chlorination of lysine and arginine residues
  • ridA deletion mutants are sensitive to HOCl stress
  • Chaperone activation is reversible by DTT, ascorbic acid, thioredoxin and glutathione

📚 Additional Documentation

Deep Research Bioreason

(RidA-deep-research-bioreason.md)

BioReason Chat Export

Exported on March 22, 2026 at 02:20 AM


Organism: Escherichia coli

Sequence:

MSKTIATENAPAAIGPYVQGVDLGNMIITSGQIPVNPKTGEVPADVAAQARQSLDNVKAIVEAAGLKVGDIVKTTVFVKDLNDFATVNATYEAFFTEHNATFPARSCVEVARLPKDVKIEIEAIAVRR

Thinking Trace

I begin by dissecting the InterPro architecture. The sequence is entirely covered by IPR035959 (RutC-like superfamily, residues 1–128), indicating a compact α/β fold that forms trimeric assemblies typical of Rid/YjgF scaffolds. Nested within this superfamily, IPR006056 (RidA family, residues 3–126) and IPR006175 (YjgF/YER057c/UK114 family, residues 3–126) converge on the same fold and function class: small soluble proteins that assemble as trimers to process reactive enamine/imine intermediates. The presence of IPR019897 (RidA conserved site, residues 103–121) marks a conserved catalytic/ligand-binding patch near the C-terminal region that stabilizes bound enamine/imine species and promotes their hydrolytic resolution. This ordered architecture—full-length RidA/YjgF core reinforced by a conserved site—causally defines a non-enzymatic yet catalytic chaperone-like module that binds and dissipates reactive intermediates rather than performing classical covalent catalysis.

From this architecture, I infer molecular function as multivalent protein association that supports metabolite quenching. The trimeric RidA/YjgF fold generates solvent-exposed pockets that transiently coordinate enamine/imine intermediates and related adenylated species. Such a scaffold inherently relies on protein-protein contacts to form the active assembly and to recruit pathway partners, which supports GO:0005515 protein binding as the operative molecular function label.

This binding-driven chemistry directly connects to biological process control of central metabolism and nucleic-acid–proximal pathways. By rapidly sequestering and resolving reactive intermediates that arise during pyridoxal phosphate-dependent reactions and other labile pathways, the RidA/YjgF system prevents collateral damage and tunes flux through amino acid and nucleotide routes. This protective and modulatory role is captured by the broad but precise biological process term GO:0006468 protein metabolic process, reflecting its central influence over protein-related metabolic networks.

Cellular localization follows from the soluble, enzyme-free scaffold and lack of transmembrane features in the domain architecture. The RidA/YjgF trimer is a small cytosolic assembly in bacteria, consistent with the cytoplasmic compartment where PLP-dependent enzymes and nucleotide metabolism operate. Thus, the architecture and metabolic context jointly place the protein in the GO:0005737 cytoplasm.

Mechanistically, I hypothesize that the trimeric RidA/YjgF core binds reactive enamine/imine intermediates via the conserved site (residues 103–121), accelerating their hydrolysis and channeling benign products back into metabolism. By transiently associating with pyridoxal phosphate-dependent enzymes and adenylating pathway components, it likely buffers sudden bursts of reactive species and stabilizes pathway assemblies. Consequently, probable partners include PLP-dependent aminotransferases and radical S-adenosylmethionine–dependent enzymes, along with nucleotide and amino acid metabolic hubs that generate or are sensitive to enamine/imine formation.

Functional Summary

A soluble cytoplasmic quencher that assembles into a trimeric scaffold to bind and dissipate reactive enamine/imine intermediates that arise during central metabolism. By transiently associating with enzyme assemblies that handle pyridoxal phosphate–dependent and nucleotide-related reactions, it stabilizes pathway flux and prevents collateral damage from reactive species, thereby tuning protein-centered metabolic networks within the bacterial cytoplasm.

UniProt Summary

May be involved in metabolism of nucleotides and amino acids.

InterPro Domains

  • RutC-like superfamily (IPR035959, homologous_superfamily) — residues 1-128
  • RidA family (IPR006056, family) — residues 3-126
  • YjgF/YER057c/UK114 family (IPR006175, family) — residues 3-126
  • RidA, conserved site (IPR019897, conserved_site) — residues 103-121

GO Terms

Molecular Function: molecular_function (GO:0003674), catalytic activity (GO:0003824), hydrolase activity (GO:0016787), hydrolase activity, acting on carbon-nitrogen (but not peptide) bonds (GO:0016810), deaminase activity (GO:0019239)

Biological Process: biological_process (GO:0008150), metabolic process (GO:0008152), cellular process (GO:0009987), biosynthetic process (GO:0009058), cellular metabolic process (GO:0044237), organic substance metabolic process (GO:0071704), small molecule metabolic process (GO:0044281), primary metabolic process (GO:0044238), nitrogen compound metabolic process (GO:0006807), cellular biosynthetic process (GO:0044249), amino acid metabolic process (GO:0006520), organic substance biosynthetic process (GO:1901576), organonitrogen compound metabolic process (GO:1901564), small molecule biosynthetic process (GO:0044283), organic acid metabolic process (GO:0006082), organonitrogen compound biosynthetic process (GO:1901566), branched-chain amino acid metabolic process (GO:0009081), oxoacid metabolic process (GO:0043436), organic acid biosynthetic process (GO:0016053), carboxylic acid metabolic process (GO:0019752), carboxylic acid biosynthetic process (GO:0046394), branched-chain amino acid biosynthetic process (GO:0009082)

Cellular Component: cellular_component (GO:0005575), cellular anatomical entity (GO:0110165), protein-containing complex (GO:0032991), cytosol (GO:0005829), intracellular anatomical structure (GO:0005622), cytoplasm (GO:0005737), membrane (GO:0016020)


Generated by BioReason

Deep Research Bioreason Rl

(RidA-deep-research-bioreason-rl.md)

BioReason Chat Export

Exported on March 22, 2026 at 02:20 AM


Organism: Escherichia coli

Sequence:

MSKTIATENAPAAIGPYVQGVDLGNMIITSGQIPVNPKTGEVPADVAAQARQSLDNVKAIVEAAGLKVGDIVKTTVFVKDLNDFATVNATYEAFFTEHNATFPARSCVEVARLPKDVKIEIEAIAVRR

Thinking Trace

I begin by dissecting the InterPro architecture. The sequence is entirely covered by IPR035959 (RutC-like superfamily, residues 1–128), indicating a compact α/β fold that forms trimeric assemblies typical of Rid/YjgF scaffolds. Nested within this superfamily, IPR006056 (RidA family, residues 3–126) and IPR006175 (YjgF/YER057c/UK114 family, residues 3–126) converge on the same fold and function class: small soluble proteins that assemble as trimers to process reactive enamine/imine intermediates. The presence of IPR019897 (RidA conserved site, residues 103–121) marks a conserved catalytic/ligand-binding patch near the C-terminal region that stabilizes bound enamine/imine species and promotes their hydrolytic resolution. This ordered architecture—full-length RidA/YjgF core reinforced by a conserved site—causally defines a non-enzymatic yet catalytic chaperone-like module that binds and dissipates reactive intermediates rather than performing classical covalent catalysis.

From this architecture, I infer molecular function as multivalent protein association that supports metabolite quenching. The trimeric RidA/YjgF fold generates solvent-exposed pockets that transiently coordinate enamine/imine intermediates and related adenylated species. Such a scaffold inherently relies on protein-protein contacts to form the active assembly and to recruit pathway partners, which supports GO:0005515 protein binding as the operative molecular function label.

This binding-driven chemistry directly connects to biological process control of central metabolism and nucleic-acid–proximal pathways. By rapidly sequestering and resolving reactive intermediates that arise during pyridoxal phosphate-dependent reactions and other labile pathways, the RidA/YjgF system prevents collateral damage and tunes flux through amino acid and nucleotide routes. This protective and modulatory role is captured by the broad but precise biological process term GO:0006468 protein metabolic process, reflecting its central influence over protein-related metabolic networks.

Cellular localization follows from the soluble, enzyme-free scaffold and lack of transmembrane features in the domain architecture. The RidA/YjgF trimer is a small cytosolic assembly in bacteria, consistent with the cytoplasmic compartment where PLP-dependent enzymes and nucleotide metabolism operate. Thus, the architecture and metabolic context jointly place the protein in the GO:0005737 cytoplasm.

Mechanistically, I hypothesize that the trimeric RidA/YjgF core binds reactive enamine/imine intermediates via the conserved site (residues 103–121), accelerating their hydrolysis and channeling benign products back into metabolism. By transiently associating with pyridoxal phosphate-dependent enzymes and adenylating pathway components, it likely buffers sudden bursts of reactive species and stabilizes pathway assemblies. Consequently, probable partners include PLP-dependent aminotransferases and radical S-adenosylmethionine–dependent enzymes, along with nucleotide and amino acid metabolic hubs that generate or are sensitive to enamine/imine formation.

Functional Summary

A soluble cytoplasmic quencher that assembles into a trimeric scaffold to bind and dissipate reactive enamine/imine intermediates that arise during central metabolism. By transiently associating with enzyme assemblies that handle pyridoxal phosphate–dependent and nucleotide-related reactions, it stabilizes pathway flux and prevents collateral damage from reactive species, thereby tuning protein-centered metabolic networks within the bacterial cytoplasm.

UniProt Summary

May be involved in metabolism of nucleotides and amino acids.

InterPro Domains

  • RutC-like superfamily (IPR035959, homologous_superfamily) — residues 1-128
  • RidA family (IPR006056, family) — residues 3-126
  • YjgF/YER057c/UK114 family (IPR006175, family) — residues 3-126
  • RidA, conserved site (IPR019897, conserved_site) — residues 103-121

GO Terms

Molecular Function: molecular_function (GO:0003674), catalytic activity (GO:0003824), hydrolase activity (GO:0016787), hydrolase activity, acting on carbon-nitrogen (but not peptide) bonds (GO:0016810), deaminase activity (GO:0019239)

Biological Process: biological_process (GO:0008150), metabolic process (GO:0008152), cellular process (GO:0009987), biosynthetic process (GO:0009058), cellular metabolic process (GO:0044237), organic substance metabolic process (GO:0071704), small molecule metabolic process (GO:0044281), primary metabolic process (GO:0044238), nitrogen compound metabolic process (GO:0006807), cellular biosynthetic process (GO:0044249), amino acid metabolic process (GO:0006520), organic substance biosynthetic process (GO:1901576), organonitrogen compound metabolic process (GO:1901564), small molecule biosynthetic process (GO:0044283), organic acid metabolic process (GO:0006082), organonitrogen compound biosynthetic process (GO:1901566), branched-chain amino acid metabolic process (GO:0009081), oxoacid metabolic process (GO:0043436), organic acid biosynthetic process (GO:0016053), carboxylic acid metabolic process (GO:0019752), carboxylic acid biosynthetic process (GO:0046394), branched-chain amino acid biosynthetic process (GO:0009082)

Cellular Component: cellular_component (GO:0005575), cellular anatomical entity (GO:0110165), protein-containing complex (GO:0032991), cytosol (GO:0005829), intracellular anatomical structure (GO:0005622), cytoplasm (GO:0005737), membrane (GO:0016020)


Generated by BioReason

Bioreason Rl Review

(RidA-bioreason-rl-review.md)

BioReason-Pro RL Review: RidA (E. coli)

Source: RidA-deep-research-bioreason-rl.md

  • Correctness: 3/5
  • Completeness: 3/5

Functional Summary Review

The BioReason functional summary describes RidA as:

A soluble cytoplasmic quencher that assembles into a trimeric scaffold to bind and dissipate reactive enamine/imine intermediates that arise during central metabolism. By transiently associating with enzyme assemblies that handle pyridoxal phosphate-dependent and nucleotide-related reactions, it stabilizes pathway flux and prevents collateral damage from reactive species, thereby tuning protein-centered metabolic networks within the bacterial cytoplasm.

The summary captures the general essence of RidA's function: it is indeed a cytoplasmic homotrimer that processes reactive enamine/imine intermediates. The connection to PLP-dependent enzymes is correctly made. However, there are issues:

  1. Molecular function mischaracterization: The thinking trace infers "protein binding" (GO:0005515) as the primary molecular function, claiming the trimeric fold "relies on protein-protein contacts." In reality, RidA is an enzyme -- a 2-iminobutanoate/2-iminopropanoate deaminase (EC 3.5.99.10) -- that catalyzes the hydrolytic release of ammonia from reactive enamine/imine intermediates. The curated review assigns GO:0120241 (2-iminobutanoate/2-iminopropanoate deaminase activity) as the core molecular function.

  2. The summary calls RidA a "non-enzymatic yet catalytic chaperone-like module" in the thinking trace, which is contradictory and incorrect. RidA has clear deaminase catalytic activity.

  3. Missing pathway specificity: The summary mentions generic "central metabolism" but does not identify the specific pathway -- isoleucine biosynthesis via threonine dehydratase (IlvA) -- which is RidA's primary physiological context.

  4. Missing moonlighting function: Under HOCl stress, RidA acquires chaperone holdase activity via N-chlorination of lysine and arginine residues (PMID:25517874). This conditional chaperone function is not mentioned.

The cytoplasmic localization and trimeric assembly are correctly identified.

Comparison with interpro2go:

RidA has no GO_REF:0000002 annotations in the curated review. BioReason's GO predictions include deaminase activity (GO:0019239) and branched-chain amino acid biosynthetic process (GO:0009082), which are accurate and align well with the curated review. Interestingly, the GO predictions are more accurate than the functional summary narrative, which underplays the enzymatic nature. The narrative and GO predictions appear somewhat disconnected.

Notes on thinking trace

The trace correctly identifies all four InterPro domains (RutC-like superfamily, RidA family, YjgF/YER057c/UK114 family, RidA conserved site). However, it then mischaracterizes RidA as "non-enzymatic" despite the RidA family being a well-established enzyme family. The mention of "radical S-adenosylmethionine-dependent enzymes" as interaction partners has no experimental support for RidA.

📄 View Raw YAML

id: P0AF93
gene_symbol: RidA
product_type: PROTEIN
status: IN_PROGRESS
taxon:
  id: NCBITaxon:83333
  label: Escherichia coli (strain K12)
description: RidA (formerly YjgF) is a 2-iminobutanoate/2-iminopropanoate deaminase
  (EC 3.5.99.10) in E. coli that accelerates the release of ammonia from reactive
  enamine/imine intermediates generated by PLP-dependent enzymes such as threonine
  dehydratase (IlvA). RidA is a cytoplasmic homotrimer (PMID:10595546) and its primary
  evolved function is detoxification of reactive intermediates in amino acid metabolism,
  particularly in the isoleucine biosynthetic pathway. Importantly, RidA acquires
  chaperone holdase activity ONLY when post-translationally modified by HOCl (hypochlorous
  acid) via N-chlorination of lysine and arginine residues (PMID:25517874). Untreated
  RidA has NO chaperone activity. This conditional chaperone function is a secondary,
  stress-activated moonlighting function and not the core evolved role of RidA.
existing_annotations:
- term:
    id: GO:0019239
    label: deaminase activity
  evidence_type: IBA
  original_reference_id: GO_REF:0000033
  review:
    summary: IBA annotation for deaminase activity, consistent with the primary enzymatic
      function of RidA as a 2-iminobutanoate/2-iminopropanoate deaminase (EC 3.5.99.10).
      This is the core molecular function.
    action: ACCEPT
    reason: Deaminase activity is the well-established primary function of RidA, supported
      by phylogenetic inference and experimental evidence from multiple organisms.
- term:
    id: GO:0005829
    label: cytosol
  evidence_type: IBA
  original_reference_id: GO_REF:0000033
  review:
    summary: IBA annotation for cytosol localization. Consistent with IDA evidence
      from proteomics studies (PMID:15911532, PMID:18304323) and UniProt annotation.
    action: ACCEPT
    reason: Cytosolic localization is well-established for RidA.
- term:
    id: GO:0005737
    label: cytoplasm
  evidence_type: IEA
  original_reference_id: GO_REF:0000044
  review:
    summary: IEA annotation for cytoplasm localization. Broader parent of cytosol.
      Consistent with UniProt subcellular location annotation.
    action: ACCEPT
    reason: Cytoplasmic localization is correct. The more specific cytosol term is
      annotated with IDA and IBA evidence.
- term:
    id: GO:0008652
    label: amino acid biosynthetic process
  evidence_type: IEA
  original_reference_id: GO_REF:0000043
  review:
    summary: IEA annotation for amino acid biosynthetic process. RidA detoxifies reactive
      enamine/imine intermediates from PLP-dependent enzymes in amino acid metabolism,
      supporting isoleucine biosynthesis.
    action: ACCEPT
    reason: RidA's deaminase activity contributes to amino acid biosynthesis by removing
      toxic intermediates. This is a broad but accurate annotation.
- term:
    id: GO:0009082
    label: branched-chain amino acid biosynthetic process
  evidence_type: IEA
  original_reference_id: GO_REF:0000043
  review:
    summary: IEA annotation for branched-chain amino acid biosynthesis. RidA deaminates
      reactive intermediates from threonine dehydratase (IlvA), which is part of the
      isoleucine biosynthetic pathway.
    action: ACCEPT
    reason: This is a more specific and appropriate annotation. RidA's primary biological
      role is in the isoleucine biosynthetic pathway via detoxification of IlvA intermediates.
- term:
    id: GO:0009097
    label: isoleucine biosynthetic process
  evidence_type: IEA
  original_reference_id: GO_REF:0000043
  review:
    summary: IEA annotation for isoleucine biosynthetic process. Note that this GO
      term is marked as obsolete.
    action: REMOVE
    reason: This term (GO:0009097) is obsolete. The function is captured by the broader
      GO:0009082 (branched-chain amino acid biosynthetic process) annotation.
- term:
    id: GO:0009636
    label: response to toxic substance
  evidence_type: IEA
  original_reference_id: GO_REF:0000043
  review:
    summary: IEA annotation for response to toxic substance. RidA detoxifies reactive
      enamine/imine intermediates that are nucleophilic and potentially toxic.
    action: ACCEPT
    reason: RidA's primary function is detoxification of reactive intermediates. This
      term is consistent with its role, though the IDA annotation from PMID:25517874
      for the same term provides stronger experimental support.
- term:
    id: GO:0016787
    label: hydrolase activity
  evidence_type: IEA
  original_reference_id: GO_REF:0000043
  review:
    summary: IEA annotation for hydrolase activity. RidA is classified as EC 3.5.99.10,
      which is a hydrolase. This is a very broad parent of the more specific deaminase
      activity.
    action: ACCEPT
    reason: As an EC 3.5.99.10 enzyme, RidA is indeed a hydrolase. This broad IEA
      is acceptable alongside the more specific deaminase annotations.
- term:
    id: GO:0120241
    label: 2-iminobutanoate/2-iminopropanoate deaminase activity
  evidence_type: IEA
  original_reference_id: GO_REF:0000003
  review:
    summary: IEA annotation from EC number mapping. This is the most specific and
      accurate molecular function term for RidA, matching its EC 3.5.99.10 classification.
    action: ACCEPT
    reason: This is the most precise term for RidA's core enzymatic function. It accurately
      reflects the dual substrate specificity for both 2-iminobutanoate and 2-iminopropanoate.
- term:
    id: GO:0120242
    label: 2-iminobutanoate deaminase activity
  evidence_type: IEA
  original_reference_id: GO_REF:0000116
  review:
    summary: IEA annotation from Rhea mapping for the 2-iminobutanoate-specific deaminase
      activity. This is one of the two specific substrate activities of RidA.
    action: ACCEPT
    reason: Consistent with the known catalytic activity. UniProt lists the reaction
      2-iminobutanoate + H2O = 2-oxobutanoate + NH4(+).
- term:
    id: GO:0120243
    label: 2-iminopropanoate deaminase activity
  evidence_type: IEA
  original_reference_id: GO_REF:0000116
  review:
    summary: IEA annotation from Rhea mapping for the 2-iminopropanoate-specific deaminase
      activity. This is the second specific substrate activity of RidA.
    action: ACCEPT
    reason: Consistent with the known catalytic activity. UniProt lists the reaction
      2-iminopropanoate + H2O = pyruvate + NH4(+).
- term:
    id: GO:0120242
    label: 2-iminobutanoate deaminase activity
  evidence_type: ISS
  original_reference_id: GO_REF:0000024
  review:
    summary: ISS annotation based on sequence similarity transfer. The 2-iminobutanoate
      deaminase activity was first characterized in Salmonella enterica RidA and transferred
      to E. coli by sequence similarity.
    action: ACCEPT
    reason: Well-supported by sequence similarity to the experimentally characterized
      Salmonella enterica homolog. Consistent with the IEA annotations for the same
      and related terms.
- term:
    id: GO:0042802
    label: identical protein binding
  evidence_type: IDA
  original_reference_id: PMID:10595546
  review:
    summary: IDA annotation for identical protein binding based on the crystal structure
      showing RidA forms a homotrimer (PMID:10595546).
    action: ACCEPT
    reason: The 1.2A crystal structure clearly demonstrates RidA homotrimerization
      (PMID:10595546). The trimer is the functional form of the enzyme.
    supported_by:
    - reference_id: PMID:10595546
      supporting_text: the 1.2 A crystal structure of the yjgF gene product from Escherichia
        coli [shows homotrimer]
- term:
    id: GO:0070207
    label: protein homotrimerization
  evidence_type: IDA
  original_reference_id: PMID:10595546
  review:
    summary: IDA annotation for protein homotrimerization based on crystal structure
      (PMID:10595546). RidA is a homotrimer, which is the functional form.
    action: ACCEPT
    reason: Directly supported by the 1.2A crystal structure. UniProt confirms homotrimer
      subunit structure.
- term:
    id: GO:0032991
    label: protein-containing complex
  evidence_type: IDA
  original_reference_id: PMID:10595546
  review:
    summary: IDA annotation for protein-containing complex. RidA forms a homotrimeric
      complex.
    action: ACCEPT
    reason: The homotrimer is the functional complex. This is a broad CC term consistent
      with the structural evidence.
- term:
    id: GO:0009636
    label: response to toxic substance
  evidence_type: IDA
  original_reference_id: PMID:25517874
  review:
    summary: IDA annotation for response to toxic substance from Mueller et al. (2014).
      ridA deletion mutants are sensitive to HOCl stress, showing prolonged lag phase
      at medium HOCl concentrations (1-2 mM). RidA plays a role in protecting E. coli
      against HOCl-mediated stress.
    action: ACCEPT
    reason: The ridA mutant is sensitive to HOCl, demonstrating a role in response
      to toxic substance. This is supported by growth assays in the presence of HOCl
      (PMID:25517874). Note that this response involves the HOCl-activated chaperone
      function, not the deaminase activity.
    supported_by:
    - reference_id: PMID:25517874
      supporting_text: Deletion of ridA results in an HOCl-sensitive phenotype...
        the ridA mutant displayed a significantly prolonged lag phase when compared
        with the wild type
- term:
    id: GO:0019239
    label: deaminase activity
  evidence_type: IDA
  original_reference_id: PMID:23696645
  review:
    summary: IDA annotation for deaminase activity based on experimental evidence.
    action: ACCEPT
    reason: Direct experimental evidence for deaminase activity. This is the core
      molecular function of RidA.
- term:
    id: GO:0051082
    label: unfolded protein binding
  evidence_type: IDA
  original_reference_id: PMID:25517874
  review:
    summary: IDA annotation for unfolded protein binding based on Mueller et al. (2014).
      However, this study explicitly demonstrated that untreated RidA has NO chaperone
      activity. Chaperone holdase function is ONLY activated upon N-chlorination by
      HOCl or monochloramine. This is a conditional, post-translationally activated
      moonlighting function, not a constitutive property of the native protein.
    action: MARK_AS_OVER_ANNOTATED
    reason: The PMID:25517874 paper is very clear that native RidA has no chaperone
      activity. The abstract states "E. coli RidA modified with HOCl acts as a highly
      effective chaperone." The paper also shows that "incubation of IlvA with a 10-fold
      molar excess of untreated RidA had no effect on IlvA's aggregation behaviour."
      The chaperone function requires HOCl-mediated N-chlorination, which is a stress-specific
      post-translational modification. Annotating RidA with "unfolded protein binding"
      without any qualifier about the HOCl requirement is misleading and overstates
      the constitutive function. The primary function is 2-iminobutanoate/2-iminopropanoate
      deaminase activity.
    supported_by:
    - reference_id: PMID:25517874
      supporting_text: E. coli RidA modified with HOCl acts as a highly effective
        chaperone. Although activation of RidA is reversed by treatment with DTT,
        ascorbic acid, the thioredoxin system and glutathione, it is independent of
        cysteine modification.
    additional_reference_ids:
    - PMID:25517874
- term:
    id: GO:0005829
    label: cytosol
  evidence_type: IDA
  original_reference_id: PMID:15911532
  review:
    summary: IDA annotation for cytosol localization from proteomics study by Corbin
      et al. (2003).
    action: ACCEPT
    reason: Proteomics-based experimental evidence for cytosol localization.
- term:
    id: GO:0005829
    label: cytosol
  evidence_type: IDA
  original_reference_id: PMID:18304323
  review:
    summary: IDA annotation for cytosol localization from proteomics study by Ishihama
      et al. (2008).
    action: ACCEPT
    reason: Independent proteomics confirmation of cytosol localization.
- term:
    id: GO:0019239
    label: deaminase activity
  evidence_type: ISO
  original_reference_id: PMID:22094463
  review:
    summary: ISO annotation for deaminase activity based on ortholog evidence. Lambrecht
      et al. (2012) showed that conserved YjgF/RidA family proteins deaminate reactive
      enamine/imine intermediates of PLP-dependent enzymes.
    action: ACCEPT
    reason: Consistent with the core function of RidA. The study demonstrates the
      conserved deaminase function across the RidA family.
- term:
    id: GO:0016020
    label: membrane
  evidence_type: HDA
  original_reference_id: PMID:16858726
  review:
    summary: HDA annotation for membrane localization from a complexomics study. This
      is unexpected given that RidA is a soluble cytoplasmic protein with no signal
      peptide or transmembrane domain.
    action: REMOVE
    reason: RidA is a well-characterized soluble cytoplasmic protein with no signal
      peptide, transmembrane domain, or membrane-binding motif. UniProt annotates
      it as cytoplasmic. The HDA from a complexomics study likely represents a non-specific
      or artifactual association. This annotation is inconsistent with all other localization
      evidence.
references:
- id: GO_REF:0000003
  title: Gene Ontology annotation based on Enzyme Commission mapping
  findings: []
- id: GO_REF:0000024
  title: Manual transfer of experimentally-verified manual GO annotation data to orthologs
    by curator judgment of sequence similarity
  findings: []
- id: GO_REF:0000033
  title: Annotation inferences using phylogenetic trees
  findings: []
- id: GO_REF:0000043
  title: Gene Ontology annotation based on UniProtKB/Swiss-Prot keyword mapping
  findings: []
- id: GO_REF:0000044
  title: Gene Ontology annotation based on UniProtKB/Swiss-Prot Subcellular Location
    vocabulary mapping, accompanied by conservative changes to GO terms applied by
    UniProt
  findings: []
- id: GO_REF:0000116
  title: Automatic Gene Ontology annotation based on Rhea mapping
  findings: []
- id: PMID:10595546
  title: A test case for structure-based functional assignment -- the 1.2 A crystal
    structure of the yjgF gene product from Escherichia coli.
  findings:
  - statement: RidA (YjgF) crystal structure at 1.2A reveals a homotrimer
- id: PMID:15911532
  title: Localization, annotation, and comparison of the Escherichia coli K-12 proteome
    under two states of growth.
  findings: []
- id: PMID:16858726
  title: A complexomic study of Escherichia coli using two-dimensional blue native/SDS
    polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis.
  findings: []
- id: PMID:18304323
  title: Protein abundance profiling of the Escherichia coli cytosol.
  findings: []
- id: PMID:22094463
  title: Conserved YjgF protein family deaminates reactive enamine/imine intermediates
    of pyridoxal 5'-phosphate (PLP)-dependent enzyme reactions.
  findings:
  - statement: Conserved YjgF/RidA family proteins deaminate reactive enamine/imine
      intermediates of PLP-dependent enzymes
- id: PMID:23696645
  title: Redox proteomics uncovers peroxynitrite-sensitive proteins that help Escherichia
    coli to overcome nitrosative stress.
  findings: []
- id: PMID:25517874
  title: Activation of RidA chaperone function by N-chlorination.
  findings:
  - statement: RidA modified with HOCl acts as a highly effective chaperone holdase
  - statement: Untreated RidA has no chaperone activity
  - statement: Chaperone activation requires N-chlorination of lysine and arginine
      residues
  - statement: ridA deletion mutants are sensitive to HOCl stress
  - statement: Chaperone activation is reversible by DTT, ascorbic acid, thioredoxin
      and glutathione
core_functions:
- molecular_function:
    id: GO:0120241
    label: 2-iminobutanoate/2-iminopropanoate deaminase activity
  directly_involved_in:
  - id: GO:0009082
    label: branched-chain amino acid biosynthetic process
  locations:
  - id: GO:0005829
    label: cytosol
  description: RidA deaminates reactive enamine/imine intermediates from PLP-dependent
    enzymes, particularly threonine dehydratase (IlvA), converting 2-iminobutanoate
    to 2-oxobutanoate and 2-iminopropanoate to pyruvate. This detoxification function
    supports isoleucine biosynthesis and protects against reactive intermediate toxicity.