Cloning and characterization of a novel RNA polymerase II C-terminal domain phosphatase

Oxidative stress induces Ser 2 dephosphorylation of the RNA polymerase II CTD and premature transcription termination

The C-terminal domain (CTD) of the largest subunit of RNA polymerase II (Pol II) consists of YSPTSPS heptapeptide repeats, and the phosphorylation status of the repeats controls multiple transcriptional steps and co-transcriptional events. However, how CTD phosphorylation status responds to distinct environmental stresses is not fully understood. In this study, we found that a drastic reduction in phosphorylation of a subset of Ser2 residues occurs rapidly but transiently following exposure to H₂O₂. ChIP analysis indicated that Ser2-P, and to a lesser extent Tyr1-P was reduced only at the gene 3' end. Significantly, the levels of polyadenylation factor CstF77, as well as Pol II, were also reduced. However, no increase in uncleaved or readthrough RNA products was observed, suggesting transcribing Pol II prematurely terminates at the gene end in response to H₂O₂. Further analysis found that the reduction of Ser2-P is, at least in part, regulated by CK2 but independent of FCP1 and other known Ser2 phosphatases. Finally, the H₂O₂ treatment also affected snRNA 3' processing although surprisingly the U2 processing was not impaired. Together, our data suggest that H₂O₂ exposure creates a unique CTD phosphorylation state that rapidly alters transcription to deal with acute oxidative stress, perhaps creating a novel "emergency brake" mechanism to transiently dampen gene expression.

Phosphatase UBLCP1 controls proteasome assembly

Ubiquitin-like domain-containing C-terminal domain phosphatase 1 (UBLCP1), an FCP/SCP phosphatase family member, was identified as the first proteasome phosphatase. UBLCP1 binds to proteasome subunit Rpn1 and dephosphorylates the proteasome in vitro. However, it is still unclear which proteasome subunit(s) are the bona fide substrate(s) of UBLCP1 and the precise mechanism for proteasome regulation remains elusive. Here, we show that UBLCP1 selectively binds to the 19S regulatory particle (RP) through its interaction with Rpn1, but not the 20S core particle (CP) or the 26S proteasome holoenzyme. In the RP, UBLCP1 dephosphorylates the subunit Rpt1, impairs its ATPase activity, and consequently disrupts the 26S proteasome assembly, yet it has no effects on the RP assembly from precursor complexes. The Rpn1-binding and phosphatase activities of UBLCP1 are essential for its function on Rpt1 dephosphorylation and proteasome activity both in vivo and in vitro. Our study establishes the essential role of the UBLCP1/Rpn1/Rpt1 complex in regulating proteasome assembly.

Dephosphorylating eukaryotic RNA polymerase II

The phosphorylation state of the C-terminal domain of RNA polymerase II is required for the temporal and spatial recruitment of various factors that mediate transcription and RNA processing throughout the transcriptional cycle. Therefore, changes in CTD phosphorylation by site-specific kinases/phosphatases are critical for the accurate transmission of information during transcription. Unlike kinases, CTD phosphatases have been traditionally neglected as they are thought to act as passive negative regulators that remove all phosphate marks at the conclusion of transcription. This over-simplified view has been disputed in recent years and new data assert the active and regulatory role phosphatases play in transcription. We now know that CTD phosphatases ensure the proper transition between different stages of transcription, balance the distribution of phosphorylation for accurate termination and re-initiation, and prevent inappropriate expression of certain genes. In this review, we focus on the specific roles of CTD phosphatases in regulating transcription. In particular, we emphasize how specificity and timing of dephosphorylation are achieved for these phosphatases and consider the various regulatory factors that affect these dynamics.

Over-expression in E. coli and purification of functional full-length murine small C-terminal domain phosphatase (SCP1, or Golli-interacting protein)

During myelination in the central nervous system, proteins arising from the gene in the oligodendrocyte lineage (golli) participate in diverse events in signal transduction and gene regulation. One of the interacting partners of the Golli-isoform BG21 was discovered by yeast-2-hybrid means and was denoted the Golli-interacting-protein (GIP). In subsequent in vitro studies of recombinant murine GIP, it was not possible to produce a full-length version of recombinant murine rmGIP in functional form under native conditions, primarily because of solubility issues, necessitating the study of a hexahistidine-tagged, truncated form ΔN-rmGIP. This protein is an acidic phosphatase belonging to the family of RNA-polymerase-2, small-subunit, C-terminal phosphatases (SCP1), and studies of the human ortholog hSCP1 have also been performed on truncated forms. Here, a new SUMO-expression and purification protocol has been developed for the preparation of a functional, full-length mSCP1/GIP (our nomenclature henceforth), with no additional purification tags. Both full-length mSCP1/GIP and the truncated murine form (now denoted ΔN-rmSCP1/GIP) had similar melting temperatures, indicating that the integrity of the catalytic core per se was minimally affected by the N-terminus. Characterization of mSCP1/GIP activity with the artificial substrate p-NPP (p-nitrophenylphosphate) yielded kinetic parameters comparable to those of ΔN-rmSCP1/GIP and the truncated human ortholog ΔN-hSCP1. Similarly, mSCP1/GIP dephosphorylated a more natural CTD-peptide substrate (but not protein kinase C-phosphorylated BG21) with comparable kinetics to ΔN-hSCP1. The successful production of an active, full-length mSCP1/GIP will enable future evaluation of the functional role of its N-terminus in protein-protein interactions (e.g., BG21) that regulate its phosphatase activity.

Solution structure and Rpn1 interaction of the UBL domain of human RNA polymerase II C-terminal domain phosphatase

The ubiquitin-like modifier (UBL) domain of ubiquitin-like domain proteins (UDPs) interacts specifically with subunits of the 26 S proteasome. A novel UDP, ubiquitin-like domain-containing C-terminal domain phosphatase (UBLCP1), has been identified as an interacting partner of the 26 S proteasome. We determined the high-resolution solution structure of the UBL domain of human UBLCP1 by nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. The UBL domain of hUBLCP1 has a unique β-strand (β3) and β3-α2 loop, instead of the canonical β4 observed in other UBL domains. The molecular topology and secondary structures are different from those of known UBL domains including that of fly UBLCP1. Data from backbone dynamics shows that the β3-α2 loop is relatively rigid although it might have intrinsic dynamic profile. The positively charged residues of the β3-α2 loop are involved in interacting with the C-terminal leucine-rich repeat-like domain of Rpn1.

Comparative proteomic profiling of human lung adenocarcinoma cells (CL 1-0) expressing miR-372

Lung cancer is a common malignancy and has a poor overall prognosis. Widespread metastasis is a common phenomenon in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). It has been demonstrated that cancer relapse and survival can be predicted by the presence of a five-microRNA (miRNA) signature independent of stage or histologic type in NSCLC patients. Among the five miRNAs in the signature, miR-372 has been shown to play a significant role in metastasis and in the development of human testicular germ cell tumors. In addition, there is evidence that miR-372 posttranscriptionally downregulates large tumor suppressor, homolog 2 (Lats2), resulting in tumorigenesis and proliferation. To further investigate the cellular mechanisms involved in miR-372-induced silencing, we conducted a comparative proteomic analysis of NSCLC CL 1-0 cells expressing miRNA-372 and/or vector only by using two-dimensional gel electrophoresis (2DE), two-dimensional difference gel electrophoresis (2D-DIGE), and LC/MS/MS. Proteins identified as being up- or downregulated were further classified according to their biological functions. Many of the proteins identified in our study may be potential diagnostic biomarkers of NSCLC, particularly phosphorylated eIF4A-I.

Human HAD phosphatases: structure, mechanism, and roles in health and disease

Phosphatases of the haloacid dehalogenase (HAD) superfamily of hydrolases are an ancient and very large class of enzymes that have evolved to dephosphorylate a wide range of low- and high molecular weight substrates with often exquisite specificities. HAD phosphatases constitute approximately one-fifth of all human phosphatase catalytic subunits. While the overall sequence similarity between HAD phosphatases is generally very low, family members can be identified based on the presence of a characteristic Rossmann-like fold and the active site sequence DxDx(V/T). HAD phosphatases employ an aspartate residue as a nucleophile in a magnesium-dependent phosphoaspartyl transferase reaction. Although there is genetic evidence demonstrating a causal involvement of some HAD phosphatases in diseases such as cancer, cardiovascular, metabolic and neurological disorders, the physiological roles of many of these enzymes are still poorly understood. In this review, we discuss the structure and evolution of human HAD phosphatases, and summarize their known functions in health and disease.

UBLCP1 is a 26S proteasome phosphatase that regulates nuclear proteasome activity

Protein degradation by the 26S proteasome is a fundamental process involved in a broad range of cellular activities, yet how proteasome activity is regulated remains poorly understood. We report here that ubiquitin-like domain-containing C-terminal domain phosphatase 1 (UBLCP1) is a 26S proteasome phosphatase that regulates nuclear proteasome activity. UBLCP1 directly interacts with the proteasome via its UBL domain and is exclusively localized in the nucleus. UBLCP1 dephosphorylates the 26S proteasome and inhibits proteasome activity in vitro. Knockdown of UBLCP1 in cells promotes 26S proteasome assembly and selectively enhances nuclear proteasome activity. Our results describe the first identified proteasome-specific phosphatase and uncover a unique mechanism for phosphoregulation of the proteasome.

AtCPL5, a novel Ser-2-specific RNA polymerase II C-terminal domain phosphatase, positively regulates ABA and drought responses in Arabidopsis

Arabidopsis RNA polymerase II (RNAPII) C-terminal domain (CTD) phosphatases regulate stress-responsive gene expression and plant development via the dephosphorylation of serine (Ser) residues of the CTD. Some of these phosphatases (CTD phosphatase-like 1 (CPL1) to CPL3) negatively regulate ABA and stress responses. Here, we isolated AtCPL5, a cDNA encoding a protein containing two CTD phosphatase domains (CPDs). To characterize AtCPL5, we analyzed the gene expression patterns and subcellular protein localization, investigated various phenotypes of AtCPL5-overexpressors and knockout mutants involved in ABA and drought responses, performed microarray and RNA hybridization analyses using AtCPL5-overexpressors, and assessed the CTD phosphatase activities of the purified AtCPL5 and each CPD of the protein. Transcripts of the nucleus-localized AtCPL5 were induced by ABA and drought. AtCPL5-overexpressors exhibited ABA-hypersensitive phenotypes (increased inhibition of seed germination, seedling growth, and stomatal aperture), lower transpiration rates upon dehydration, and enhanced drought tolerance, while the knockout mutants showed weak ABA hyposensitivity. AtCPL5 overexpression changed the expression of numerous genes, including those involved in ABA-mediated responses. In contrast to Ser-5-specific phosphatase activity of the negative stress response regulators, purified AtCPL5 and each CPD of the protein specifically dephosphorylated Ser-2 in RNAPII CTD. We conclude that AtCPL5 is a unique CPL family protein that positively regulates ABA-mediated development and drought responses in Arabidopsis.

Rough set soft computing cancer classification and network: one stone, two birds

Gene expression profiling provides tremendous information to help unravel the complexity of cancer. The selection of the most informative genes from huge noise for cancer classification has taken centre stage, along with predicting the function of such identified genes and the construction of direct gene regulatory networks at different system levels with a tuneable parameter. A new study by Wang and Gotoh described a novel Variable Precision Rough Sets-rooted robust soft computing method to successfully address these problems and has yielded some new insights. The significance of this progress and its perspectives will be discussed in this article.

Inactivation of the CTD phosphatase-like gene OsCPL1 enhances the development of the abscission layer and seed shattering in rice

Although susceptibility to seed shattering causes severe yield loss during cereal crop harvest, it is an adaptive trait for seed dispersal in wild plants. We previously identified a recessive shattering locus, sh-h, from the rice shattering mutant line Hsh that carries an enhanced abscission layer. Here, we further mapped sh-h to a 34-kb region on chromosome 7 by analyzing 240 F(2) plants and five F(3) lines from the cross between Hsh and Blue&Gundil. Hsh had a point mutation at the 3' splice site of the seventh intron within LOC_Os07g10690, causing a 15-bp deletion of its mRNA as a result of altered splicing. Two transferred DNA (T-DNA) insertion mutants and one point mutant exhibited the enhanced shattering phenotype, confirming that LOC_Os07g10690 is indeed the sh-h gene. RNA interference (RNAi) transgenic lines with suppressed expression of this gene exhibited greater shattering. This gene, which encodes a protein containing a conserved carboxy-terminal domain (CTD) phosphatase domain, was named Oryza sativa CTD phosphatase-like 1 (OsCPL1). Subcellular localization and biochemical analysis revealed that the OsCPL1 protein is a nuclear phosphatase, a common characteristic of metazoan CTD phosphatases involved in cell differentiation. These results demonstrate that OsCPL1 represses differentiation of the abscission layer during panicle development.

The RNA Pol II CTD phosphatase Fcp1 is essential for normal development in Drosophila melanogaster

The reversible phosphorylation-dephosphorylation of RNA polymerase II (Pol II) large subunit carboxyl terminal domain (CTD) during transcription cycles in eukaryotic cells generates signals for the steps of RNA synthesis and maturation. The major phosphatase specific for CTD dephosphorylation from yeast to mammals is the TFIIF-interacting CTD-phosphatase, Fcp1. We report here on the in vivo analysis of Fcp1 function in Drosophila using transgenic lines in which the phosphatase production is misregulated. Fcp1 function is essential throughout Drosophila development and ectopic up- or downregulation of fcp1 results in lethality. The fly Fcp1 binds to specific regions of the polytene chromosomes at many sites colocalized with Pol II. In accord with the strong evolutional conservation of Fcp1: (1) the Xenopus fcp1 can substitute the fly fcp1 function, (2) similarly to its S. pombe homologue, Drosophila melanogaster (Dm)Fcp1 interacts with the RPB4 subunit of Pol II, and (3) transient expression of DmFcp1 has a negative effect on transcription in mammalian cells. The in vivo experimental system described here suggests that fly Fcp1 is associated with the transcription engaged Pol II and offers versatile possibilities for studying this evolutionary conserved essential enzyme.

The genetic control of neocortex volume and covariation with neocortical gene expression in mice

Background

The size of the cerebral cortex varies widely within human populations, and a large portion of this variance is modulated by genetic factors. The discovery and characterization of these genes and their variants can contribute to an understanding of individual differences in brain development, behavior, and disease susceptibility. Here we use unbiased stereological techniques to map quantitative trait loci (QTLs) that modulate the volume of neocortex.

Results

We estimated volumes bilaterally in an expanded set of BXD recombinant inbred strains (n = 56 strains and 223 animals) taken from the Mouse Brain Library . We generated matched microarray data for the cerebral cortex in the same large panel of strains and in parental neonates to efficiently nominate and evaluate candidate genes. Volume of the neocortex varies widely, and is a heritable trait. Genome-wide mapping of this trait revealed two QTLs – one on chromosome (Chr) 6 at 88 ± 5 Mb and another at Chr 11 (41 ± 8 Mb). We generated both neonatal and adult neocortical gene expression databases using microarray technology. Using these databases in combination with other bioinformatic tools we have identified positional candidates on these QTL intervals.

Conclusion

This study is the first to use the expanded set of BXD strains to map neocortical volume, and we found that normal variation of this trait is, at least in part, genetically modulated. These results provide a baseline from which to assess the genetic contribution to regional variation in neocortical volume, as well as other neuroanatomic phenotypes that may contribute to variation in regional volume, such as proliferation, death, and number and packing density of neurons

Evolution of protein phosphatases in plants and animals

Protein phosphorylation appears to be a universal mechanism of protein regulation. Genomics has provided the means to compile inventories of protein phosphatases across a wide selection of organisms and this has supplied insights into the evolution of this group of enzymes. Protein phosphatases evolved independently several times yielding the groups we observe today. Starting from a core catalytic domain, phosphatases evolved by a series of gene duplication events and by adopting the use of regulatory subunits and/or fusion with novel functional modules or domains. Recent analyses also suggest that the serine/threonine specific enzymes are more ancient than the PTPs (protein tyrosine phosphatases). It is likely that the latter played a key role at the onset of metazoan evolution in conjunction with the tremendous expansion of tyrosine kinases and PTPs at this point. In the present review, we discuss the evolution of the PTPs, the serine/threonine specific PPP (phosphoprotein phosphatase) and PPM (metallo-dependent protein phosphatase) families and the more recently discovered phosphatases that utilize an aspartate-based catalytic mechanism. We will also highlight examples of convergent evolution and several phosphatases which are unique to plants.

A novel protein phosphatase is a binding partner for the protein kinase domains of UNC-89 (Obscurin) in Caenorhabditis elegans

Mutation of the Caenorhabditis elegans gene unc-89 results in disorganization of muscle A-bands. unc-89 encodes a giant polypeptide (900 kDa) containing two protein kinase domains, PK1 and PK2. Yeast two-hybrid screening using a portion of UNC-89 including PK2, yielded SCPL-1 (small CTD phosphatase-like-1), which contains a C terminal domain (CTD) phosphatase type domain. In addition to the PK2 domain, interaction with SCPL-1 required the putative autoinhibitory sequence, and immunoglobulin (Ig) and fibronectin type 3 (Fn3) domains lying N-terminal of the kinase domain. SCPL-1 also interacts with PK1, and it similarly requires the kinase domain and upstream Fn3 and Ig domains. Analogous regions from the two other giant kinases of C. elegans, twitchin and TTN-1, failed to interact with SCPL-1. The interaction between SCPL-1 and either Ig-Fn3-PK2 or Fn3-Ig-PK1 was confirmed by biochemical methods. The scpl-1b promoter is expressed in the same set of muscles as unc-89. Antibodies to SCPL-1 localize to the M-line and a portion of the I-band. Bacterially expressed SCPL-1 proteins have phosphatase activity in vitro with properties similar to previously characterized members of the CTD phosphatase family. RNA interference knockdown results in a defect in the function of egg-laying muscles. These studies suggest a new role for the CTD phosphatase family, that is, in muscle giant kinase signaling.

Evolutionary radiation pattern of novel protein phosphatases revealed by analysis of protein data from the completely sequenced genomes of humans, green algae, and higher plants

In addition to the major serine/threonine-specific phosphoprotein phosphatase, Mg(2+)-dependent phosphoprotein phosphatase, and protein tyrosine phosphatase families, there are novel protein phosphatases, including enzymes with aspartic acid-based catalysis and subfamilies of protein tyrosine phosphatases, whose evolutionary history and representation in plants is poorly characterized. We have searched the protein data sets encoded by the well-finished nuclear genomes of the higher plants Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) and Oryza sativa, and the latest draft data sets from the tree Populus trichocarpa and the green algae Chlamydomonas reinhardtii and Ostreococcus tauri, for homologs to several classes of novel protein phosphatases. The Arabidopsis proteins, in combination with previously published data, provide a complete inventory of known types of protein phosphatases in this organism. Phylogenetic analysis of these proteins reveals a pattern of evolution where a diverse set of protein phosphatases was present early in the history of eukaryotes, and the division of plant and animal evolution resulted in two distinct sets of protein phosphatases. The green algae occupy an intermediate position, and show similarity to both plants and animals, depending on the protein. Of specific interest are the lack of cell division cycle (CDC) phosphatases CDC25 and CDC14, and the seeming adaptation of CDC14 as a protein interaction domain in higher plants. In addition, there is a dramatic increase in proteins containing RNA polymerase C-terminal domain phosphatase-like catalytic domains in the higher plants. Expression analysis of Arabidopsis phosphatase genes differentially amplified in plants (specifically the C-terminal domain phosphatase-like phosphatases) shows patterns of tissue-specific expression with a statistically significant number of correlated genes encoding putative signal transduction proteins.

The eyes absent family of phosphotyrosine phosphatases: properties and roles in developmental regulation of transcription

Integration of multiple signaling pathways at the level of their transcriptional effectors provides an important strategy for fine-tuning gene expression and ensuring a proper program of development. Posttranslational modifications, such as phosphorylation, play important roles in modulating transcription factor activity. The discovery that the transcription factor Eyes absent (Eya) possesses protein phosphatase activity provides an interesting new paradigm. Eya may regulate the phosphorylation state of either itself or its transcriptional cofactors, thereby directly affecting transcriptional output. The identification of a growing number of transcription factors with enzymic activity suggests that such dual-function proteins exert greater control of signaling events than previously imagined. Given the conservation of both its phosphatase and transcription factor activity across mammalian species, Eya provides an excellent model for studying how a single protein integrates these two functions under the influence of multiple signaling pathways to promote development.

A conserved phosphatase cascade that regulates nuclear membrane biogenesis

A newly emerging family of phosphatases that are members of the haloacid dehalogenase superfamily contains the catalytic motif DXDX(T/V). A member of this DXDX(T/V) phosphatase family known as Dullard was recently shown to be a potential regulator of neural tube development in Xenopus [Satow R, Chan TC, Asashima M (2002) Biochem Biophys Res Commun 295:85-91]. Herein, we demonstrate that human Dullard and the yeast protein Nem1p perform similar functions in mammalian cells and yeast cells, respectively. In addition to similarity in primary sequence, Dullard and Nem1p possess similar domains and show similar substrate preferences, and both localize to the nuclear envelope. Additionally, we show that human Dullard can rescue the aberrant nuclear envelope morphology of nem1Delta yeast cells, functionally replacing Nem1p. Finally, Nem1p, has been shown to deposphorylate the yeast phosphatidic acid phosphatase Smp2p [Santos-Rosa H, Leung J, Grimsey N, Peak-Chew S, Siniossoglou S (2005) EMBO J 24:1931-1941], and we show that Dullard dephosphorylates the mammalian phospatidic acid phosphatase, lipin. Therefore, we propose that Dullard participates in a unique phosphatase cascade regulating nuclear membrane biogenesis, and that this cascade is conserved from yeast to mammals.

Determinants for dephosphorylation of the RNA polymerase II C-terminal domain by Scp1

Phosphorylation and dephosphorylation of the C-terminal domain (CTD) of RNA polymerase II (Pol II) represent a critical regulatory checkpoint for transcription. Transcription initiation requires Fcp1/Scp1-mediated dephosphorylation of phospho-CTD. Fcp1 and Scp1 belong to a family of Mg2+ -dependent phosphoserine (P.Ser)/phosphothreonine (P.Thr)-specific phosphatases. We recently showed that Scp1 is an evolutionarily conserved regulator of neuronal gene silencing. Here, we present the X-ray crystal structures of a dominant-negative form of human Scp1 (D96N mutant) bound to mono- and diphosphorylated peptides encompassing the CTD heptad repeat (Y1S2P3T4S5P6S7). Moreover, kinetic and thermodynamic analyses of Scp1-phospho-CTD peptide complexes support the structures determined. This combined structure-function analysis discloses the residues in Scp1 involved in CTD binding and its preferential dephosphorylation of P.Ser5 of the CTD heptad repeat. Moreover, these results provide a template for the design of specific inhibitors of Scp1 for the study of neuronal stem cell development.

Evolutionary genomics of the HAD superfamily: understanding the structural adaptations and catalytic diversity in a superfamily of phosphoesterases and allied enzymes

The HAD (haloacid dehalogenase) superfamily includes phosphoesterases, ATPases, phosphonatases, dehalogenases, and sugar phosphomutases acting on a remarkably diverse set of substrates. The availability of numerous crystal structures of representatives belonging to diverse branches of the HAD superfamily provides us with a unique opportunity to reconstruct their evolutionary history and uncover the principal determinants that led to their diversification of structure and function. To this end we present a comprehensive analysis of the HAD superfamily that identifies their unique structural features and provides a detailed classification of the entire superfamily. We show that at the highest level the HAD superfamily is unified with several other superfamilies, namely the DHH, receiver (CheY-like), von Willebrand A, TOPRIM, classical histone deacetylases and PIN/FLAP nuclease domains, all of which contain a specific form of the Rossmannoid fold. These Rossmannoid folds are distinguished from others by the presence of equivalently placed acidic catalytic residues, including one at the end of the first core beta-strand of the central sheet. The HAD domain is distinguished from these related Rossmannoid folds by two key structural signatures, a "squiggle" (a single helical turn) and a "flap" (a beta hairpin motif) located immediately downstream of the first beta-strand of their core Rossmanoid fold. The squiggle and the flap motifs are predicted to provide the necessary mobility to these enzymes for them to alternate between the "open" and "closed" conformations. In addition, most members of the HAD superfamily contains inserts, termed caps, occurring at either of two positions in the core Rossmannoid fold. We show that the cap modules have been independently inserted into these two stereotypic positions on multiple occasions in evolution and display extensive evolutionary diversification independent of the core catalytic domain. The first group of caps, the C1 caps, is directly inserted into the flap motif and regulates access of reactants to the active site. The second group, the C2 caps, forms a roof over the active site, and access to their internal cavities might be in part regulated by the movement of the flap. The diversification of the cap module was a major factor in the exploration of a vast substrate space in the course of the evolution of this superfamily. We show that the HAD superfamily contains 33 major families distributed across the three superkingdoms of life. Analysis of the phyletic patterns suggests that at least five distinct HAD proteins are traceable to the last universal common ancestor (LUCA) of all extant organisms. While these prototypes diverged prior to the emergence of the LUCA, the major diversification in terms of both substrate specificity and reaction types occurred after the radiation of the three superkingdoms of life, primarily in bacteria. Most major diversification events appear to correlate with the acquisition of new metabolic capabilities, especially related to the elaboration of carbohydrate metabolism in the bacteria. The newly identified relationships and functional predictions provided here are likely to aid the future exploration of the numerous poorly understood members of this large superfamily of enzymes.