Crystal structure of Pyrococcus furiosus PF2050, a member of the DUF2666 protein family

Pyrococcus furiosus PF2050 is an uncharacterized putative protein that contains two DUF2666 domains. Functional and structural studies of PF2050 have not previously been performed. In this study, we determined the crystal structure of PF2050. The structure of PF2050 showed that the two DUF2666 domains interact tightly, forming a globular structure. Each DUF2666 domain comprises an antiparallel β-sheet and an α-helical bundle. One side of the PF2050 structure has a positively charged basic cleft, which may have a DNA-binding function. Furthermore, we confirmed that PF2050 interacts with circular and linear dsDNA.

► The DUFs (Domain of Unknown Function) are a large set of uncharacterized protein families.
► We determined the crystal structure of PF2050, a member of DUF2666 protein family.
► PF2050 has a DNA-binding function.