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McKerrow JH, McGrath ME, Engel JC. The cysteine protease of Trypanosoma cruzi as a model for antiparasite drug design. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2005; 11:279-82. [PMID: 15275323 DOI: 10.1016/0169-4758(95)80039-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
By combining new technology in molecular biology, X-ray crystallography, computer graphics and biochemistry, structure-based drug design provides a parallel and cost-effective strategy for identification of new antiparasite chemotherapy. James McKerrow, Mary McGrath and Juan Engel here discuss an example of the amplication of this strategy is its use in targeting the major cysteine protease in Trypanosoma cruzi. Tools from molecular biology helped overcome the obstacle of limited parasite material to allow production of reagent quantities of enzyme for inhibitor screening. Computer graphics analysis and X-ray crystallography are allowing rapid identification of new inhibitors based on either leads already identified or compounds selected by computer graphics screening of chemical databases.
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Somoza JR, Zhan H, Bowman KK, Yu L, Mortara KD, Palmer JT, Clark JM, McGrath ME. Crystal structure of human cathepsin V. Biochemistry 2000; 39:12543-51. [PMID: 11027133 DOI: 10.1021/bi000951p] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Cathepsin V is a lysosomal cysteine protease that is expressed in the thymus, testis and corneal epithelium. We have determined the 1.6 A resolution crystal structure of human cathepsin V associated with an irreversible vinyl sulfone inhibitor. The fold of this enzyme is similar to the fold adopted by other members of the papain superfamily of cysteine proteases. This study provides a framework for understanding the structural basis for cathepsin V's activity and will aid in the design of inhibitors of this enzyme. A comparison of cathepsin V's active site with the active sites of related proteases revealed a number of differences, especially in the S2 and S3 subsites, that could be exploited in identifying specific cathepsin V inhibitors or in identifying inhibitors of other cysteine proteases that would be selective against cathepsin V.
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Fein JA, Ginsburg KR, McGrath ME, Shofer FS, Flamma JC, Datner EM. Violence prevention in the emergency department: clinician attitudes and limitations. ARCHIVES OF PEDIATRICS & ADOLESCENT MEDICINE 2000; 154:495-8. [PMID: 10807302 DOI: 10.1001/archpedi.154.5.495] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To assess emergency department (ED) clinicians' attitudes and behaviors regarding identification, assessment, and intervention for youth at risk for violence in the ED. DESIGN Anonymous, cross-sectional written questionnaire. SETTING The EDs of 3 urban hospitals. SUBJECTS Emergency medicine residents and faculty, pediatric residents, pediatric emergency medicine fellows and faculty, and ED nurses. RESULTS A total of 184 (88%) of 208 clinicians completed the questionnaire. Only 15% correctly recognized the lack of existing protocols for addressing youth violence. Clinicians reported being most active in identification of at-risk youth (93% asking context of injury and 82% determining relationships of victim and perpetrator), with pediatricians being more active than general ED clinicians (87% vs 68%; P<.01). Clinicians less often reported performing assessments or referrals of at-risk youth. Nurses and physicians were no different in their reported identification, assessment, or referral behaviors. Barriers identified include concern over upsetting family members, lack of time or skills, and concern for personal safety. Additional clinician training, information about community resources, and specially trained on-site staff were noted by respondents as potential solutions. CONCLUSIONS Emergency department clinicians recognize the need for evaluation of youth at risk for violence. They are able to identify violently injured youth, but less often perform risk assessment to guide patients to appropriate follow-up resources. Further investigation should address clinician barriers to the complete care of violently injured youth in the ED.
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Abstract
A significant number of exciting papain-like cysteine protease structures have been determined by crystallographic methods over the last several years. This trove of data allows for an analysis of the structural features that empower these molecules as they efficiently carry out their specialized tasks. Although the structure of the paradigm for the family, papain, has been known for twenty years, recent efforts have reaped several structures of specialized mammalian enzymes. This review first covers the commonalities of architecture and purpose of the papain-like cysteine proteases. From that broad platform, each of the lysosomal enzymes for which there is an X-ray structure (or structures) is then examined to gain an understanding of what structural features are used to customize specificity and activity. Structure-based design of inhibitors to control pathological cysteine protease activity will also be addressed.
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Duffy SJ, McGrath ME, Becker BM, Linakis JG. Mothers with histories of domestic violence in a pediatric emergency department. Pediatrics 1999; 103:1007-13. [PMID: 10224180 DOI: 10.1542/peds.103.5.1007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To determine the prevalence of domestic violence against mothers in a pediatric emergency department and the relationship of their children to the abusers. DESIGN Cross-sectional survey of a convenience sample of mothers seeking treatment for their children. SETTING An urban pediatric emergency department. PARTICIPANTS A total of 157 mothers with children <3 years of age. Women were excluded if older children or partners were present. RESULTS A total of 52% of women reported histories of adult physical abuse, 21% reported adult sexual abuse, and 28% reported childhood sexual abuse. A total of 10% of women were in abusive relationships in the past year. Victims of adult physical abuse were more likely to report histories of adult sexual abuse (relative risk [RR]: 4.93) or childhood sexual abuse (RR: 3.13). Intimate partners perpetrated 67% of physical abuse and 55% of sexual abuse. Relatives perpetrated 66% of childhood sexual abuse. Women who revealed histories of childhood sexual abuse were more likely to report adult sexual abuse (RR: 4. 93). A total of 40% of the perpetrators of adult physical abuse, 73% of the perpetrators of past year physical abuse, and 10% of the perpetrators of adult sexual abuse had regular contact with their victims' children. Health care providers screened only 21% of the women for past violence. Victims of domestic violence were no more likely to have been screened than those without histories of physical or sexual abuse. CONCLUSIONS Mothers of young patients in a pediatric emergency department are often victims of domestic violence. Perpetrators are often close relatives and thus place the victims' children at risk for abuse and for the psychological trauma of witnessing violence. Given the prevalence of domestic violence, families may benefit from routine violence screening and interventions in pediatric emergency departments.
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McAleese SM, Pemberton AD, McGrath ME, Huntley JF, Miller HR. Sheep mast-cell proteinases-1 and -3: cDNA cloning, primary structure and molecular modelling of the enzymes and further studies on substrate specificity. Biochem J 1998; 333 ( Pt 3):801-9. [PMID: 9677343 PMCID: PMC1219647 DOI: 10.1042/bj3330801] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Sheep mast-cell proteinase-1 (sMCP-1) is a serine proteinase expressed predominantly by mucosal mast cells, with specificity for cleavage C-terminal to basic and hydrophobic amino acid residues. A cDNA encoding sMCP-1 has been cloned using reverse transcriptase (RT)-PCR. It appears to be translated as a pre-proenzyme with a 17-amino-acid signal peptide, a basic 2-amino-acid propeptide and a 226-amino-acid catalytic domain. A second cDNA, encoding a serine proteinase 90% identical with sMCP-1, was also cloned and named sMCP-3. Molecular models were constructed for both enzymes using coordinates for the refined X-ray structures of human cathepsin G, chymase and rat mast-cell proteinase-2. The model for sMCP-1 suggests that the acidic Asp-226 side chain extends into the substrate-binding pocket, hydrogen-bonding with Ser-190 on the opposite side and bisecting the pocket. The location of an acidic moiety in this position would favour interaction with basic substrate residues and binding of aromatic residues is rationalized by interaction of the positively charged equatorial plane with Asp-226. The balance between chymotryptic and tryptic activities of sMCP-1 was found to be sensitive to salt concentration, with increasing univalent cation concentration favouring chymotryptic activity relative to the tryptic. Using a peptide substrate representing residues 36-59 of the human thrombin receptor, increasing salt concentration favoured cleavage at Phe-43 rather than at Arg-41.
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Abstract
We have determined the 2.5 A structure (Rcryst = 20.5%, Rfree = 28.5%) of a complex between human cathepsin S and the potent, irreversible inhibitor 4-morpholinecarbonyl-Phe-hPhe-vinyl sulfone-phenyl. Noncrystallographic symmetry averaging and other density modification techniques were used to improve electron density maps which were nonoptimal due to systematically incomplete data. Methods that reduce the number of parameters were implemented for refinement. The refined structure shows cathepsin S to be similar to related cysteine proteases such as papain and cathepsins K and L. As expected, the covalently-bound inhibitor is attached to the enzyme at Cys 25, and enzyme binding subsites S3-S1' are occupied by the respective inhibitor substituents. A somewhat larger S2 pocket than what is found in similar enzymes is consistent with the broader specificity of cathepsin S at this site, while Lys 61 in the S3 site may offer opportunities for selective inhibition of this enzyme. The presence of Arg 137 in the S1' pocket, and proximal to Cys 25 may have implications not only for substrate specificity C-terminal to the scissile bond, but also for catalysis.
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McGrath ME, Hogan JW, Peipert JF. A prevalence survey of abuse and screening for abuse in urgent care patients. Obstet Gynecol 1998; 91:511-4. [PMID: 9540932 DOI: 10.1016/s0029-7844(98)00002-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To determine the prevalence of physical and sexual abuse in pregnant and nonpregnant women in an urgent care obstetrics and gynecology triage unit and the frequency with which these patients recall being screened by their health care provider. METHODS We carried out a structured survey of 255 pregnant and 142 nonpregnant women presenting to an urban New England urgent care obstetrics and gynecology unit between February 1995 and September 1995. Patients in advanced stages of labor or unable to participate due to a language barrier were excluded. The survey consisted of 22 questions, seven of which were modified from the abuse assessment screen. RESULTS Among 397 participants with complete data, we found that 184 (46%) reported a history of physical or sexual abuse in the past, and 38 (10%) reported recent abuse. Young age and insurance status (Medicaid or uninsured) were associated significantly with recent abuse after we controlled for race, education, and pregnancy status. Only 18% of women recalled being asked about abuse by a health care provider. Young women were more likely to report being asked about abuse. Among women reporting recent abuse, white women were significantly more likely to report being asked about abuse than nonwhite women (P=.02). The majority of women reporting a history of abuse did not recall being screened for violence by a health care provider. CONCLUSION Women of all ages, income, and ethnic backgrounds reported a history of domestic violence or sexual assault. Providers should incorporate routine screening into the assessment of all women.
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McGrath ME, Mirzadegan T, Schmidt BF. Crystal structure of phenylmethanesulfonyl fluoride-treated human chymase at 1.9 A. Biochemistry 1997; 36:14318-24. [PMID: 9400368 DOI: 10.1021/bi971403n] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
The X-ray crystal structure of human chymase has been determined to 1.9 A resolution using molecular replacement methods. This first structure of human chymase is present as the Ser 195 ester of alpha-toluenesulfonic acid. The refined structure (Rcryst = 0.183) shows that the inhibitor phenyl moiety lies at the top of the major specificity pocket, S1, while the sulfur is covalently linked to Ser 195-O gamma. The sulfonyl oxygens interact with the oxyanion hole and with His 57-N delta 1. The presence of the inhibitor disturbs the usual gauche position of His 57 and forces it to the trans conformer. Though the primary binding pockets are similarly specific in chymase and chymotrypsin, examination of the extended substrate binding sites reveals the structural basis for chymase's greater discrimination in choosing substrates. The larger 30s loop and its proximity to the active site indicates that it contacts substrate residues C-terminal to the scissile bond. Modeling of substrate at the chymase active site suggests that binding energy may be gained by three main-chain hydrogen bonds provided by substrate residues P2' and P4' and that discriminating interactions with substrate side chains are also likely. The presence of Lys 40 in S1' of human chymase explains its preference for Asp/Glu at P1'. Moreover, the cationic nature of S1' provides a structural basis for human chymase's poor catalytic efficiency when angiotensin II is the substrate.
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McGrath ME, Osawa AE, Barnes MG, Clark JM, Mortara KD, Schmidt BF. Production of crystallizable human chymase from a Bacillus subtilis system. FEBS Lett 1997; 413:486-8. [PMID: 9303560 DOI: 10.1016/s0014-5793(97)00962-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
A Bacillus subtilis strain deficient in seven extracellular proteases was used to produce human mast cell chymase and is a viable expression system for serine proteases and other classes of proteins. Chymase is produced at 0.3-0.5 mg/l and is purified by three chromatography steps. Two crystal forms of PMSF-treated chymase were optimized. The first is C2 with a=47.94 A, b=85.23 A, c=174.18 A, beta=96.74 degrees, and diffracts to at least 2.1 A, while the second is P212121, with cell dimensions a=43.93 A, b=58.16 A, and c=86.09 A, and a diffraction limit of approximately 1.9 A. The first crystal form has either three or four molecules/asymmetric unit, while the second has one molecule/asymmetric unit.
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McGrath ME, Bettacchi A, Duffy SJ, Peipert JF, Becker BM, St Angelo L. Violence against women: provider barriers to intervention in emergency departments. Acad Emerg Med 1997; 4:297-300. [PMID: 9107329 DOI: 10.1111/j.1553-2712.1997.tb03552.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 76] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To determine: 1) provider behavior in screening for domestic violence (DV) and sexual assault (SA); 2) provider training in DV and SA; 3) provider knowledge of available protocols for DV and SA; and 4) provider perception of barriers to intervention. METHODS Anonymous, structured surveys were distributed to physicians, nurses, and social workers at an adult ED trauma center, an affiliated pediatric ED, and a women's urgent care center between July and September 1995. RESULTS Of 207 staff members (59%) responding, 54% and 68% indicated that they never/rarely screen for DV or SA, respectively. Thirty-five percent had received no DV training and 27% had received no SA training. Thirty-one percent of the staff had knowledge of existing protocols for DV and 63% had knowledge of existing protocols for SA. Providers trained in DV were more likely to screen for DV (RR 1.5, 95% CI 1.27-1.92, p < or = 0.001) and SA (RR 1.49, 95% CI 1.24-1.79, p < or = 0.0018), and providers trained in SA were more likely to screen for SA (RR 1.32, 95% CI 1.13-1.54, p = 0.0019) and DV (RR 1.35, 95% CI 1.13-1.60, p = 0.0007). Barriers that the majority of staff experienced in the care of DV/SA victims included: frustration that the victim would return to an abusive partner, concerns about misdiagnosis, lack of time, personal discomfort, reluctance to intrude into familial privacy, and lack of 24-hour social service support. CONCLUSION Providers surveyed had received little training in and rarely screen for violence, and there are a range of personal and institutional barriers impeding intervention with victims of SA and DV. Institutional changes to enhance training and support providers working in the front line of this epidemic may improve services for victims of violence.
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Linnevers CJ, McGrath ME, Armstrong R, Mistry FR, Barnes MG, Klaus JL, Palmer JT, Katz BA, Brömme D. Expression of human cathepsin K in Pichia pastoris and preliminary crystallographic studies of an inhibitor complex. Protein Sci 1997; 6:919-21. [PMID: 9098904 PMCID: PMC2144758 DOI: 10.1002/pro.5560060421] [Citation(s) in RCA: 96] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Cathepsin K is a cysteine protease of the papain family, which is predominantly expressed in osteoclasts, and is regarded as a key protease in bone remodeling. To facilitate structural studies of the protein, the wild-type sequence of the protease has been mutated so as to replace a potential N-glycosylation site. We have expressed the mutant human cathepsin K to 190 mg/5 L using the Pichia pastoris expression system. Cathepsin K was inactivated with the mechanism-based inhibitor, APC3328, and crystallized from magnesium formate. A 2.2 A X-ray data set has been collected on crystals belonging to space group P2(1)2(1)2(1), with a = 41.66 A, b = 51.41 A, and c = 107.72 A. There is most likely one molecule per asymmetric unit.
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McGrath ME, Klaus JL, Barnes MG, Brömme D. Crystal structure of human cathepsin K complexed with a potent inhibitor. NATURE STRUCTURAL BIOLOGY 1997; 4:105-9. [PMID: 9033587 DOI: 10.1038/nsb0297-105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 136] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
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Craig AM, Banker G, Chang W, McGrath ME, Serpinskaya AS. Clustering of gephyrin at GABAergic but not glutamatergic synapses in cultured rat hippocampal neurons. J Neurosci 1996; 16:3166-77. [PMID: 8627355 PMCID: PMC6579124] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
The molecular mechanisms underlying the establishment of a postsynaptic receptor mosaic on CNS neurons are poorly understood. One protein thought to be involved is gephyrin, a peripheral membrane protein that binds to the inhibitory glycine receptor and functions in clustering this receptor at synapses in cultured rat spinal cord neurons. We investigated the possible association of gephyrin with synapses in cultured rat hippocampal neurons, where glutamate and GABA but not glycine are the principal transmitters. Gephyrin immunoreactivity was detected in axons as well as dendrites, changing from a predominantly axonal to a more dendritic distribution with time in culture. Gephyrin staining was not distributed uniformly, but always took the form of clusters. Small clusters of gephyrin (0.2 microns 2), present throughout development, were distributed widely and not restricted to synaptic sites. Larger clusters of gephyrin (0.4-10.0 microns 2, sometimes composed of groups of small clusters), which developed in older cells, were localized to a subset of contacts between axons and dendrites. These large clusters were not present at glutamatergic synapses (marked by immunostaining for GluR1), but were closely associated with GABAergic synapses (marked by immunostaining for GABA and glutamic acid decarboxylase). These results, together with previous findings, suggest that gephyrin may function to anchor GABA and glycine receptors, but not glutamate receptors, at postsynaptic sites on central neurons. They also raise the possibility that gephyrin has additional functions, independent of its role at synapses.
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Abstract
We have expressed active human cathepsin S to 60 mg/L in Sf9 cells using a baculovirus system. Production of milligram quantities has facilitated crystallographic studies to determine the structure of this enzyme, which has unique properties among lysosomal cysteine proteinases. Recombinant, irreversibly inhibited cathepsin S was crystallized from ammonium phosphate at 17 degrees C. The crystals diffract to at least 2.3 A, and belong to the orthorhombic crystal system with a primitive lattice. Approximate cell dimensions are: a = 37.7 A, b = 73.9 A, and c = 106.7 A. There is most likely one molecule per asymmetric unit.
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Wagner RL, Apriletti JW, McGrath ME, West BL, Baxter JD, Fletterick RJ. A structural role for hormone in the thyroid hormone receptor. Nature 1995; 378:690-7. [PMID: 7501015 DOI: 10.1038/378690a0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 642] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
The crystal structure of the rat alpha 1 thyroid hormone receptor ligand-binding domain bound with a thyroid hormone agonist reveals that ligand is completely buried within the domain as part of the hydrophobic core. In addition, the carboxy-terminal activation domain forms an amphipathic helix, with its hydrophobic face constituting part of the hormone binding cavity. These observations suggest a structural role for ligand, in establishing the active conformation of the receptor, that is likely to underlie hormonal regulation of gene expression for the nuclear receptors.
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McGrath ME, Eakin AE, Engel JC, McKerrow JH, Craik CS, Fletterick RJ. The crystal structure of cruzain: a therapeutic target for Chagas' disease. J Mol Biol 1995; 247:251-9. [PMID: 7707373 DOI: 10.1006/jmbi.1994.0137] [Citation(s) in RCA: 207] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
Trypanosoma cruzi, a protozoan parasite, is the etiologic agent of American trypanosomiasis or Chagas' disease. Chagas' disease afflicts more than 24 million individuals in South and Central America producing a debilitating life-long disease. It is the leading cause of heart failure in many Latin American countries. Currently, there is no satisfactory treatment for this parasitic infection. Cruzain (also known as cruzipain, gp 57/51), the major cysteine protease present in T. cruzi, is critical for the development and survival of the parasite within the host cells, making this enzyme a target for potential trypanocidal drugs. Here we report the X-ray crystal structure of cruzain complexed with the potent inhibitor Z-Phe-Ala-fluoromethyl ketone. The structure was determined at 2.35 A (Rcryst = 0.15) by molecular replacement using a modified papain as the search model. The refined structure is compared to papain. Features which distinguish cruzain from papain are discussed since they may aid in the design of specificity inhibitors. Fluorescence microscopy shows that a biotinylated form of the bound inhibitor does not effectively reach host proteases in their lysosomal compartment, but is selectively taken up by the parasite. The inhibitor greatly reduces parasitemia in a cell culture system, without adverse effects to mammalian cells. This biological selectivity can be exploited, in conjunction with unique active site features revealed by the crystal structure, to develop chemotherapy for Chagas' disease.
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Abstract
Ecotin, an Escherichia coli periplasmic protein of 142 amino acids, has been shown to be a potent inhibitor of a group of homologous serine proteases with widely differing substrate recognition. It is highly effective against a number of enzymes, including both pancreatic and neutrophil-derived elastases, chymotrypsin, trypsin, factor Xa, and kallikrein. Recent structural and functional studies on ecotin and its interactions with different serine proteases have clarified these initial observations and revealed the remarkable features of this protein in inhibiting a strikingly large subset of the chymotrypsin family of serine proteases. The structures of the ecotin:serine protease complexes provide the first examples of protein-protein recognition where the concept of specificity of interactions needs to be reexamined. The binding sites show a fluidity of protein contacts derived from ecotin's innate flexibility in fitting itself to proteases while strongly interfering with their function.
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McGrath ME, Erpel T, Bystroff C, Fletterick RJ. Macromolecular chelation as an improved mechanism of protease inhibition: structure of the ecotin-trypsin complex. EMBO J 1994; 13:1502-7. [PMID: 8156987 PMCID: PMC394978 DOI: 10.1002/j.1460-2075.1994.tb06411.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
The 2.4 A crystal structure (R = 0.180) of the serine protease inhibitor ecotin was determined in a complex with trypsin. Ecotin's dimer structure provides a second discrete and distal binding site for trypsin and, as shown by modelling experiments, other serine proteases. The second site is approximately 45 A from the reactive/active site of the complex and features 13 hydrogen bonds, including six that involve carbonyl oxygen atoms and four bridged by water molecules. Contacts ecotin makes with trypsin's active site are similar to, though more extensive than, those found between trypsin and basic pancreatic trypsin inhibitor. The side chain of ecotin Met84 is found in the substrate binding pocket of trypsin where it makes few contacts, but also does not disrupt the solvent structure or cause misalignment of the scissile bond. This first case of protein dimerization being used to augment binding energy and allow chelation of a target protein provides a new model for protein-protein interactions and for protease inhibition.
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McGrath ME, Wagner RL, Apriletti JW, West BL, Ramalingam V, Baxter JD, Fletterick RJ. Preliminary crystallographic studies of the ligand-binding domain of the thyroid hormone receptor complexed with triiodothyronine. J Mol Biol 1994; 237:236-9. [PMID: 8126736 DOI: 10.1006/jmbi.1994.1224] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
A truncated, recombinant form of the thyroid hormone receptor, including the hormone binding domain, has been co-crystallized with the hormone T3. The crystals are monoclinic, most likely space group P2, with two molecules per asymmetric unit and cell dimensions a = 63.6 A, b = 80.8 A, c = 100.9 A and beta = 92.1 degrees. The crystals diffract to only medium resolution and decay rapidly in the X-ray beam using laboratory sources. By contrast, high resolution, high-quality data are obtained using synchrotron radiation in conjunction with cryocrystallography.
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Tsao BP, Chow A, Cheroutre H, Song YW, McGrath ME, Kronenberg M. B cells are anergic in transgenic mice that express IgM anti-DNA antibodies. Eur J Immunol 1993; 23:2332-9. [PMID: 8370409 DOI: 10.1002/eji.1830230942] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
B lymphocytes in individuals with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) secrete pathogenic autoantibodies to DNA which cause clinical nephritis. (NZB X NZW) F1 (BW) female mice also secrete pathogenic anti-DNA autoantibodies, and therefore are considered to be an animal model of SLE. The rearranged immunoglobulin (Ig) genes that encode an anti-DNA antibody from a diseased BW mouse have been cloned, and transgenic (Tg) mice have been created by microinjection of these constructs into fertilized eggs from normal mice. As we reported previously, when the construct contains the C gamma 2a heavy chain constant (CH) region, the mice spontaneously secrete anti-DNA IgG and they develop mild nephritis. This demonstrated that the Ig encoded by the transgene is pathogenic. In contrast, here we report that when the construct contains the same anti-DNA Ig variable (V) regions used previously, along with the C mu region, the autoreactive B cells are rendered tolerant. Most B cells in the Tg mice express the mu transgene product on their surface, and rearrangement of endogenous light chain genes is partially suppressed. Furthermore, most hybridomas made from Tg B cells secrete IgM anti-DNA. Despite this, the Tg mice have reduced levels of total serum Ig and they do not secrete anti-DNA IgM either spontaneously or following immunization with DNA. We conclude that most B cells in the Tg mice have been rendered anergic. Anergy is however reversible in vitro; lipopolysaccharide stimulation of Tg B cells leads to the production of a significant amount of IgM anti-DNA antibody. The studies demonstrate that in this line of Tg mice on a normal mouse genetic background potentially pathogenic B cells that express a high-affinity Ig specific for a natural autoantigen are subject to tolerance by induction of anergy.
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Perona JJ, Tsu CA, McGrath ME, Craik CS, Fletterick RJ. Relocating a negative charge in the binding pocket of trypsin. J Mol Biol 1993; 230:934-49. [PMID: 8478942 DOI: 10.1006/jmbi.1993.1211] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
The functional and structural consequences of altering the position of the negatively charged aspartate residue at the base of the specificity pocket of trypsin have been examined by site-directed mutagenesis, kinetic characterization and crystallographic analysis. Anionic rat trypsin D189G/G226D exhibits a high level of catalytic activity on activated amide substrates, but its relative preference for lysine versus arginine as the P1 site residue is shifted by 30 to 40-fold in favor of lysine. The crystal structure of this variant has been determined in complexes with BPTI (bovine pancreatic trypsin inhibitor), APPI (amyloid beta-protein precursor inhibitor domain) and benzamidine inhibitors, at resolutions of 2.1 A, 2.5 A and 2.2 A, respectively. Asp226 bridges the base of the specificity pocket with its negative charge partially buried by interactions made with Ser190 and Tyr228. An equal reduction in the affinity of the variant enzyme for Arg and Lys substrates is attributable to a decreased electrostatic interaction of each ligand with the relocated aspartate residue. Comparison of structural and functional parameters with those of wild-type trypsin suggests that direct hydrogen-bonding electrostatic contacts in the S1 site do not significantly improve the free energy of substrate binding relative to indirect water-mediated interactions. The conformation adopted by Asp226, as well as by other adjacent side-chain and backbone groups, depends upon the ligand bound in the primary specificity pocket. This structural flexibility may be of critical importance to the retention of catalytic activity by the variant enzyme.
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Eakin AE, McGrath ME, McKerrow JH, Fletterick RJ, Craik CS. Production of crystallizable cruzain, the major cysteine protease from Trypanosoma cruzi. J Biol Chem 1993; 268:6115-8. [PMID: 8454586] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
The major cysteine protease of Trypanosoma cruzi, cruzain, has been previously expressed in Escherichia coli as a fusion polypeptide. The proteolytic processing events required to obtain active, mature cruzain from the recombinant expression system have been characterized using mutational analysis of the cloned gene. An inactive variant of cruzain (cruzain-C25A) revealed that the proteolytic cleavage of the COOH-terminal domain from the recombinant cruzain is independent of cruzain activity. This cleavage event, presumably performed by another protease, was reduced, although not completely eliminated, in a variant in which the cleavage recognition site was altered (cruzain-E219P). To obtain a homogeneous COOH terminus of the recombinant enzyme, a truncated form of cruzain (cruzain-delta c) was engineered by insertion of a stop codon in the gene at a site corresponding to autoproteolysis observed with the native enzyme, purified from epimastigotes. Diffraction quality crystals of recombinant cruzain (cruzain) and the truncated variant (cruzain-delta c) have been produced and characterized. Cruzain and cruzain-delta c were cocrystallized with the peptide fluoromethyl ketone (FMK) inhibitors, Z-Phe-Arg-FMK and Z-Phe-Ala-FMK, respectively, (where Z is benzyloxycarbonyl). The crystals are monoclinic, space group P2(1), with a = 45.5 A, b = 51.0 A, c = 45.7 A, and beta = 116.1 degrees. One cruzain molecule is present in the asymmetric unit. The crystallographic data reveal that the high resolution structure determination is feasible. This system will facilitate the three-dimensional structure determinations and biochemical analyses of cruzain and cruzain variants.
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McGrath ME, Haymore BL, Summers NL, Craik CS, Fletterick RJ. Structure of an engineered, metal-actuated switch in trypsin. Biochemistry 1993; 32:1914-9. [PMID: 8448149 DOI: 10.1021/bi00059a005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
The X-ray crystal structure of the copper complex of the rat trypsin mutant Arg96 to His96 (trypsin R96H) has been determined in order to ascertain the nature of the engineered metal-binding site and to understand the structural basis for the metal-induced enzymatic inhibition. In the structure, the catalytically essential His57 residue is reoriented out of the active-site pocket and forms a chelating, metal-binding site with residue His96. The copper is bound to the N epsilon 2 atoms of both histidine residues with Cu-N epsilon 2 = 2.2 A and N epsilon 2-Cu-N epsilon 2 = 89 degrees. The metal is clearly bound to a third ligand leading to a distorted square planar geometry at Cu. The X-ray results do not unambiguously yield the identity of this third ligand, but chemical data suggest that it is a deprotonated, chelating Tris molecule which was used as a carrier to solubilize the copper in alkaline solution (pH 8.0). Upon reorientation of His57, a unique water molecule moves into the active site and engages in hydrogen-bonding with Asp102-O delta 2 and His57-N delta 1. Except for small movements of the peptide backbone near His96, the remainder of the trypsin molecule is isostructural with the native enzyme. These data support the notion that the effective inhibition of catalytic activity by metal ions observed in trypsin R96H is indeed caused by a specific and reversible reorganization of the active site in the enzyme.
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