Fig. 5: Mapping intermediate structures and FAD-binding events along the dCRY folding pathway.

a, b The unfolded polypeptide folds into the first intermediate (I₁) that matches with the size of PHR (purple). c I₁ either binds FAD to form I₁⋅FAD or folds into I₂, which encompasses the Phosphate-binding motif. d I₂ can bind FAD to form I₂⋅FAD, which then folds into I₃⋅FAD that includes folding of the protrusion motif and the C-terminal lid. Together with the phosphate-binding motif, I₃⋅FAD has the C-terminal coupled motif (CCM) folded, which include the entire network of residues that interact with FAD. e In the last step, I₃⋅FAD folds into the dCRY native structure and the C-terminal tail (CTT) docks on top of FAD.