SummarySinorhizobium meliloti DctB is a typical transmembrane sensory histidine kinase, which senses C4-dicarboxylic acids (DCA) and regulates the expression of DctA, the DCA transporter. We previously reported the crystal structures of its periplasmic sensory domain (DctBp) in apo and succinate-bound states, and these structures showed dramatic conformational changes at dimeric level. Here we show a ligand-induced dimeric switch in solution and a strong correlation between DctBp's dimerization states and the in vivo activities of DctB. Using sitedirected mutagenesis, we identify important determinants for signal perception and transduction. Specifically, we show that the ligand-binding pocket is essential for DCA-induced 'on' activity of DctB. Mutations at different sections of DctBp's dimerization interface can lock full-length DctB at either 'on' or 'off' state, independent of ligand binding. Taken together, these results suggest that DctBp's signal perception and transduction occur through a 'ligandinduced dimeric switch', in which the changes in the dimeric conformations upon ligand binding are responsible for the signal transduction in DctB.
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