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<p>Prokaryotic defense-associated reverse transcriptase (DRT) systems confer host resistance to viral infection through DNA synthesis; however, the molecular mechanisms underlying their function remain poorly understood. Here, we demonstrate that DRT4, a single-gene anti-phage defense system, synthesizes single-stranded DNA (ssDNA) products of random sequences in a template-independent manner. High-resolution cryo-EM structures of DRT4 in multiple functional states elucidate its oligomeric architecture, catalytic metal ion coordination, and substrate/DNA product binding, offering mechanistic insights into its promiscuous polymerization activity. Structural and biochemical analyses further identify a conserved tyrosine residue that acts as the priming site for the initiation of DNA synthesis. Upon phage infection, a phage-encoded DNA-binding protein, ORF55, protects the 3’ end of the DRT4-synthesized ssDNA from host exonuclease degradation, likely resulting in toxic ssDNA accumulation that leads to cell death. Remarkably, ORF55 also activates DRT6, a structural homolog of DRT4, suggesting a conserved activation mechanism among related DRT systems. These findings provide structural and mechanistic insights into DRT4-mediated antiviral defense, establishing a distinct paradigm for antiviral reverse transcriptase in bacterial immunity.</p>

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Anti-phage defense mechanism involving phage-encoded DNA binding protein and bacterial reverse transcriptase DRT4

  • 期刊论文

  • 出版模式：

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  • 发表日期：

    2025年12月2日

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  • Yong Wang,
  • Hao Wu,
  • Jinyue Li,
  • Qiyin An,
  • Zhenhua Tian,
  • Zengqin Deng

摘要

Prokaryotic defense-associated reverse transcriptase (DRT) systems confer host resistance to viral infection through DNA synthesis; however, the molecular mechanisms underlying their function remain poorly understood. Here, we demonstrate that DRT4, a single-gene anti-phage defense system, synthesizes single-stranded DNA (ssDNA) products of random sequences in a template-independent manner. High-resolution cryo-EM structures of DRT4 in multiple functional states elucidate its oligomeric architecture, catalytic metal ion coordination, and substrate/DNA product binding, offering mechanistic insights into its promiscuous polymerization activity. Structural and biochemical analyses further identify a conserved tyrosine residue that acts as the priming site for the initiation of DNA synthesis. Upon phage infection, a phage-encoded DNA-binding protein, ORF55, protects the 3’ end of the DRT4-synthesized ssDNA from host exonuclease degradation, likely resulting in toxic ssDNA accumulation that leads to cell death. Remarkably, ORF55 also activates DRT6, a structural homolog of DRT4, suggesting a conserved activation mechanism among related DRT systems. These findings provide structural and mechanistic insights into DRT4-mediated antiviral defense, establishing a distinct paradigm for antiviral reverse transcriptase in bacterial immunity.