Activation of RidA chaperone function by N-chlorination

Escherichia coli RidA is a member of a structurally conserved, yet functionally highly diverse protein family involved in translation inhibition (human), Hsp90-like chaperone activity (fruit fly) and enamine/imine deamination ( Salmonella enterica ). Here, we show that 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. Instead, treatment with HOCl or chloramines decreases the amino group content of RidA by reversibly N -chlorinating positively charged residues. N -chlorination increases hydrophobicity of RidA and promotes binding to a wide spectrum of unfolded cytosolic proteins. Deletion of ridA results in an HOCl-sensitive phenotype. HOCl-mediated N -chlorination thus is a cysteine-independent post-translational modification that reversibly turns RidA into an effective chaperone holdase, which plays a crucial role in the protection of cytosolic proteins during oxidative stress. Hypochlorous acid generated by neutrophils acts as a potent antibacterial agent. Müller et al . now show that this oxidant directly activates a protective counter-response in E. coli by N -chlorinating the protein RidA and converting it into an effective protein chaperone.