Characterization of two hydrophobic methyl clusters in HIV-1 protease by NMR spin relaxation in solution

Nearly 50 % of the amino acid residues of HIV-1 protease contain methyl side-chains, most of which appear to be organized into two clusters: the inner cluster that nearly surrounds the active site and the outer cluster that contains the hydrophobic core which stabilizes the inhibitor-free protease structure. NMR relaxation experiments sensitive to motions of methyl groups on the sub-nanosecond and the milli-microsecond time-scales revealed flexible methyl groups in residues that link the two clusters, the methyl groups of L10, L23, V75, and L76. We hypothesize that flexibility at the junctions of these clusters allows the protease to minimize conformational changes upon drug-binding. The two-methyl cluster motif appears to be a common structural feature among retroviral proteases and may play a similar role throughout this family of enzymes.

Flexible structures of SIBLING proteins, bone sialoprotein, and osteopontin

Bone sialoprotein (BSP) and osteopontin (OPN) are two members of the SIBLING (Small Integrin-Binding LIgand, N-linked Glycoprotein) family of genetically related proteins that are clustered on human chromosome 4. We present evidence that this entire family is the result of duplication and subsequent divergent evolution of a single ancient gene. The solution structures of these two post-translationally modified recombinant proteins were solved by one dimensional proton NMR and transverse relaxation times. The polypeptide backbones of both free BSP and OPN rapidly sample an ensemble of conformations consistent with them both being completely unstructured in solution. This flexibility appears to enable these relatively small glycoproteins to rapidly associate with a number of different binding partners including other proteins as well as the mineral phase of bones and teeth. These proteins often function by bridging two proteins of fixed structures into a biologically active complex.

Structural preordering in the N-terminal region of ribosomal protein S4 revealed by heteronuclear NMR spectroscopy

Protein S4, a component of the 30S subunit of the prokaryotic ribosome, is one of the first proteins to interact with rRNA in the process of ribosome assembly and is known to be involved in the regulation of this process. While the structure of the C-terminal 158 residues of Bacillus stearothermophilus S4 has been solved by both X-ray crystallography and NMR, that of the N-terminal 41 residues is unknown. Evidence suggests that the N-terminus is necessary both for the assembly of functional ribosomes and for full binding to 16S RNA, and so we present NMR data collected on the full-length protein (200 aa). Our data indicate that the addition of the N-terminal residues does not significantly change the structure of the C-terminal 158 residues. The data further indicate that the N-terminus is highly flexible in solution, without discernible secondary structure. Nevertheless, structure calculations based on nuclear Overhauser effect spectroscopic data combined with (15)N relaxation data revealed that two short segments in the N-terminus, S(12)RRL(15) and P(30)YPP(33), adopt transiently ordered states in solution. The major conformation of S(12)RRL(15) appears to orient the arginine side chains outward toward the solvent in a parallel fashion, while that of P(30)YPP(33) forms a nascent turn of a polyproline II helix. These segments contain residues that are highly conserved across many prokaryotic species, and thus they are reasonable candidates respectively for sites of interaction with RNA and other ribosomal proteins within the intact ribosome.

Protein dynamics from NMR

This review surveys recent investigations of conformational fluctuations of proteins in solution using NMR techniques. Advances in experimental methods have provided more accurate means of characterizing fast and slow internal motions as well as overall diffusion. The information obtained from NMR dynamics experiments provides insights into specific structural changes or configurational energetics associated with function. A variety of applications illustrate that studies of protein dynamics provide insights into protein-protein interactions, target recognition, ligand binding, and enzyme function.

Anti-HIV and anti-tumor protein MAP30, a 30 kDa single-strand type-I RIP, shares similar secondary structure and beta-sheet topology with the A chain of ricin, a type-II RIP

MAP30 is a 30 kDa single-stranded, type-I ribosome inactivating protein (RIP) possessing anti-tumor and anti-HIV activities. It binds both ribosomal RNA and the HIV-1 long-terminal repeat DNA. To understand the structural basis for MAP30 activities, we undertook the study of MAP30 by solution NMR spectroscopy. We report nearly complete 1H, 13C, and 15N chemical shift assignments of its 263 amino acids. Based upon an analysis of secondary 13C chemical shifts, 3J(HNHA) coupling constants, hydrogen exchange data, and nuclear Overhauser effect patterns, we find that the secondary structure and beta-sheet topology of MAP30 are very similar to those of the ricin A chain, a subunit of the well-known type-II RIP, even though two proteins display distinct activities. We therefore suggest that MAP30 and ricin A chain share a similar three-dimensional fold, and that the reported functional differences between two proteins arise primarily from differences in local three-dimensional structure and other structural properties such as surface electrostatic potentials.

Solution structure of anti-HIV-1 and anti-tumor protein MAP30: structural insights into its multiple functions

We present the solution structure of MAP30, a plant protein with anti-HIV and anti-tumor activities. Structural analysis and subsequent biochemical assays lead to several novel discoveries. First, MAP30 acts like a DNA glycosylase/apurinic (ap) lyase, an additional activity distinct from its known RNA N-glycosidase activity toward the 28S rRNA. Glycosylase/ap lyase activity explains MAP30's apparent inhibition of the HIV-1 integrase, MAP30's ability to irreversibly relax supercoiled DNA, and may be an alternative cytotoxic pathway that contributes to MAP30's anti-HIV/anti-tumor activities. Second, two distinct, but contiguous, subsites are responsible for MAP30's glycosylase/ap lyase activity. Third, Mn2+ and Zn2+ interact with negatively charged surfaces next to the catalytic sites, facilitating DNA substrate binding instead of directly participating in catalysis.

Refining the overall structure and subdomain orientation of ribosomal protein S4 delta41 with dipolar couplings measured by NMR in uniaxial liquid crystalline phases

Prokaryotic protein S4 initiates assembly of the small ribosomal subunit by binding to 16 S rRNA. Residues 43-200 of S4 from Bacillus stearothermophilus (S4 Delta41) bind to both 16 S rRNA and to a mRNA pseudoknot. In order to obtain structure-based insights regarding RNA binding, we previously determined the solution structure of S4 Delta41 using NOE, hydrogen bond, and torsion angle restraints. S4 Delta41 is elongated, with two distinct subdomains, one all helical, the other including a beta-sheet. In contrast to the high resolution structures obtained for each individual subdomain, their relative orientation was not precisely defined because only 17 intersubdomain NOE restraints were determined. Compared to the 1.7 A crystal structure, when the sheet-containing subdomains are superimposed, the helical subdomain is twisted by almost 45 degrees about the long axis of the molecule in the solution structure. Because variations in subdomain orientation may explain how the protein recognizes multiple RNA targets, our current goal is to determine the orientation of the subdomains in solution with high precision. To this end, NOE assignments were re-examined. NOESY experiments on a specifically labeled sample revealed that one of the intersubdomain restraints had been misassigned. However, the revised set of NOE restraints produces solution structures that still have imprecisely defined subdomain orientations and that lie between the original NMR structure and the crystal structure. In contrast, augmenting the NOE restraints with N-H dipolar couplings, measured in uniaxial liquid crystalline phases, clearly establishes the relative orientation of the subdomains. Data obtained from two independent liquid crystalline milieux, DMPC/DHPC bicelles and the filamentous bacteriophage Pf1, show that the relative orientation of the subdomains in solution is quite similar to the subdomain orientation in the crystal structure. The solution structure, refined with dipolar data, is presented and its implications for S4's RNA binding activity are discussed.

Flap opening and dimer-interface flexibility in the free and inhibitor-bound HIV protease, and their implications for function

BACKGROUND

(1)H and (15)N transverse relaxation measurements on perdeuterated proteins are ideally suited for detecting backbone conformational fluctuations on the millisecond-microsecond timescale. The identification of conformational exchange on this timescale by measuring the relaxation of both (1)H and (15)N holds great promise for the elucidation of functionally relevant conformational changes in proteins.

RESULTS

We measured the transverse (1)H and (15)N relaxation rates of backbone amides of HIV-1 protease in its free and inhibitor-bound forms. An analysis of these rates, obtained as a function of the effective rotating frame field, provided information about the timescale of structural fluctuations in several regions of the protein. The flaps that cover the active site of the inhibitor-bound protein undergo significant changes of backbone (φ,psi) angles, on the 100 micros timescale, in the free protein. In addition, the intermonomer beta-sheet interface of the bound form, which from protease structure studies appears to be rigid, was found to fluctuate on the millisecond timescale.

CONCLUSIONS

We present a working model of the flap-opening mechanism in free HIV-1 protease which involves a transition from a semi-open to an open conformation that is facilitated by interaction of the Phe53 ring with the substrate. We also identify a surprising fluctuation of the beta-sheet intermonomer interface that suggests a structural requirement for maturation of the protease. Thus, slow conformational fluctuations identified by (1)H and (15)N transverse relaxation measurements can be related to the biological functions of proteins.

Estimating the time scale of chemical exchange of proteins from measurements of transverse relaxation rates in solution

Chemical (conformational) exchange on the ms--microsecond time scale is reliably identified by the observation of transverse relaxation rates, Rex, that depend upon the strength of the effective field (omega 1eff = gamma B1eff) used in spin lock or CPMG experiments. In order to determine if the exchange correlation time, tau ex, is the fast or slow limit, measurements of (i) signal line shape and (ii) temperature dependence of Rex have been commonly used in studies of stable, small molecules. However, these approaches are often not applicable to proteins, because sample stability and solubility, respectively, limit the temperature range and signal sensitivity of experiments. Herein we use a complex, but general, two-site exchange equation to show when the simple fast exchange equations for Rex are good approximations, in the case of proteins. We then present a simple empirical equation that approximately predicts Rex in all exchange regimes, and explains these results in a clear, straightforward manner. Finally we show how one can reliably determine whether tau ex is in the fast or slow exchange limit.

Transverse 1H cross relaxation in 1H-15N correlated 1H CPMG experiments

Transverse 1H cross relaxation was observed in Carr-Purcell-Meiboom-Gill (CPMG) experiments by recording 15N-1H correlated spectra of amides in HIV protease that was perdeuterated at nonexchangeable sites. Perdeuteration suppresses 1H-1H J coupling and improves spectral resolution and sensitivity. Measurements of cross-peak intensities, arising from cross relaxation, were made as a function of (i) Deltaf, the frequency difference between the spins, and (ii) tauCPMG, one-half of the duration between CPMG pi pulses. Cross peaks were observed when tauCPMG was less than 1/(2Deltaf), in agreement with theoretical calculations.

The solution structure of ribosomal protein S4 delta41 reveals two subdomains and a positively charged surface that may interact with RNA

S4 is one of the first proteins to bind to 16S RNA during assembly of the prokaryotic ribosome. Residues 43-200 of S4 from Bacillus stearothermophilus (S4 Delta41) bind specifically to both 16S rRNA and to a pseudoknot within the alpha operon mRNA. As a first step toward understanding how S4 recognizes and organizes RNA, we have solved the structure of S4 Delta41 in solution by multidimensional heteronuclear nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. The fold consists of two globular subdomains, one comprised of four helices and the other comprised of a five-stranded antiparallel beta-sheet and three helices. Although cross-linking studies suggest that residues between helices alpha2 and alpha3 are close to RNA, the concentration of positive charge along the crevice between the two subdomains suggests that this could be an RNA-binding site. In contrast to the L11 RNA-binding domain studied previously, S4 Delta41 shows no fast local motions, suggesting that it has less capacity for refolding to fit RNA. The independently determined crystal structure of S4 Delta41 shows similar features, although there is small rotation of the subdomains compared with the solution structure. The relative orientation of the subdomains in solution will be verified with further study.

Solution structure and dynamics of linked cell attachment modules of mouse fibronectin containing the RGD and synergy regions: comparison with the human fibronectin crystal structure

We report the three-dimensional solution structure of the mouse fibronectin cell attachment domain consisting of the linked ninth and tenth type III modules, mFnFn3(9,10). Because the tenth module contains the RGD cell attachment sequence while the ninth contains the synergy region, mFnFn3(9,10) has the cell attachment activity of intact fibronectin. Essentially complete signal assignments and approximately 1800 distance and angle restraints were derived from multidimensional heteronuclear NMR spectra. These restraints were used with a hybrid distance geometry/simulated annealing protocol to generate an ensemble of 20 NMR structures having no distance or angle violations greater than 0.3 A or 3 degrees. Although the beta-sheet core domains of the individual modules are well-ordered structures, having backbone atom rmsd values from the mean structure of 0.51(+/-0.12) and 0.40(+/-0.07) A, respectively, the rmsd of the core atom coordinates increases to 3.63(+/-1.41) A when the core domains of both modules are used to align the coordinates. The latter result is a consequence of the fact that the relative orientation of the two modules is not highly constrained by the NMR restraints. Hence, while structures of the beta-sheet core domains of the NMR structures are very similar to the core domains of the crystal structure of hFnFn3(9,10), the ensemble of NMR structures suggests that the two modules form a less extended and more flexible structure than the fully extended rod-like crystal structure. The radius of gyration, Rg, of mFnFn3(9,10) derived from small-angle neutron scattering measurements, 20.5(+/-0.5) A, agrees with the average Rg calculated for the NMR structures, 20.4 A, and is ca 1 A less than the value of Rg calculated for the X-ray structure. The values of the rotational anisotropy, D ||/D perpendicular, derived from an analysis of 15N relaxation data, range from 1.7 to 2.1, and are significantly less than the anisotropy of 2.67 predicted by hydrodynamic modeling of the crystal coordinates. In contrast, hydrodynamic modeling of the NMR coordinates yields anisotropies in the range of 1.9 to 2.7 (average 2.4(+/-0.2)), with NMR structures bent by more than 20 degrees relative the crystal structure having calculated anisotropies in best agreement with experiment. In addition, the relaxation parameters indicate that several loops in mFnFn3(9,10), including the RGD loop, are flexible on the nanosecond to picosecond time-scale. Taken together, our results suggest that, in solution, the limited set of interactions between the mFnFn3(9,10) modules position the RGD and synergy regions to interact specifically with cell surface integrins, and at the same time permit sufficient flexibility that allows mFnFn3(9,10) to adjust for some variation in integrin structure or environment.

The RNA binding domain of ribosomal protein L11: three-dimensional structure of the RNA-bound form of the protein and its interaction with 23 S rRNA

The three-dimensional solution structure has been determined by NMR spectroscopy of the 75 residue C-terminal domain of ribosomal protein L11 (L11-C76) in its RNA-bound state. L11-C76 recognizes and binds tightly to a highly conserved 58 nucleotide domain of 23 S ribosomal RNA, whose secondary structure consists of three helical stems and a central junction loop. The NMR data reveal that the conserved structural core of the protein, which consists of a bundle of three alpha-helices and a two-stranded parallel beta-sheet four residues in length, is nearly the same as the solution structure determined for the non-liganded form of the protein. There are however, substantial chemical shift perturbations which accompany RNA binding, the largest of which map onto an extended loop which bridges the C-terminal end of alpha-helix 1 and the first strand of parallel beta-sheet. Substantial shift perturbations are also observed in the N-terminal end of alpha-helix 1, the intervening loop that bridges helices 2 and 3, and alpha-helix 3. The four contact regions identified by the shift perturbation data also displayed protein-RNA NOEs, as identified by isotope-filtered three-dimensional NOE spectroscopy. The shift perturbation and NOE data not only implicate helix 3 as playing an important role in RNA binding, but also indicate that regions flanking helix 3 are involved as well. Loop 1 is of particular interest as it was found to be flexible and disordered for L11-C76 free in solution, but not in the RNA-bound form of the protein, where it appears rigid and adopts a specific conformation as a result of its direct contact to RNA.

Characterization of native and recombinant bone sialoprotein: delineation of the mineral-binding and cell adhesion domains and structural analysis of the RGD domain

Bone sialoprotein is a small, sulfated, and phosphorylated integrin-binding glycoprotein apparently found only in tissues that eventually mineralize. Nondenatured bone sialoprotein (BSP) purified from rat osteosarcoma cell line (UMR 106-01 BSP) culture media is shown to have a hydroxyapatite Kd approximately 2.6 x 10(-9) M, perhaps the strongest affinity for this mineral of any of the matrix proteins. Both native BSP and a 47 kD fragment of UMR-BSP (Fragment 1 approximately 133A- approximately 265Y) are more potent inhibitors of seeded hydroxyapatite crystal growth than recombinant human BSP fragments lacking post-translational modifications. The recombinant proteins, however, do show reproducible inhibitory activity, suggesting that at least some of the strong mineral-binding properties are encoded directly within the protein sequence itself. BSP facilitates the adhesion of several cell types through its integrin binding (RGD) tripeptide sequence. Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) analysis of a 15N-enriched 59 amino acid recombinant domain containing the RGD tripeptide shows that the structure of this isolated domain is highly flexible with or without 5 mM calcium. Previous work has also shown that an endogenous fragment of UMR-BSP (Fragment 1) supports cell adhesion in the absence of the RGD sequence. In this report, non-RGD cell adhesion sites are localized within conserved amino- and carboxy-terminal tyrosine-rich domains of recombinant human BSP. Given the proximity of the latter non-RGD cell adhesion site to the RGD tripeptide, a model of BSP-receptor interactions is presented.

High resolution solution structure of ribosomal protein L11-C76, a helical protein with a flexible loop that becomes structured upon binding to RNA

The structure of the C-terminal RNA recognition domain of ribosomal protein L11 has been solved by heteronuclear three-dimensional nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. Although the structure can be considered high resolution in the core, 15 residues between helix alpha 1 and strand beta 1 form an extended, unstructured loop. 15N transverse relaxation measurements suggest that the loop is moving on a picosecond-to-nanosecond time scale in the free protein but not in the protein bound to RNA. Chemical shifts differences between the free protein and the bound protein suggest that the loop as well as the C-terminal end of helix alpha 3 are involved in RNA binding.

Structures of active site histidine mutants of IIIGlc, a major signal-transducing protein in Escherichia coli. Effects on the mechanisms of regulation and phosphoryl transfer

IIIGlc (also called IIAGlc), a major signal-transducing protein in Escherichia coli, is also a phosphorylcarrier in glucose uptake. The crystal and NMR structures of IIIGlc show that His90, the phosphoryl acceptor, adjoins His75 in the active site. Glutamine was substituted for His-, giving H75QIIIGlc and H90QIIIGlc, respectively (Presper, K. A., Wong, C.-Y., Liu, L., Meadow, N. D., and Roseman, S. (1989) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U. S. A. 86, 4052-4055), but the mutants showed unexpected properties. H90QIIIGlc loses regulatory functions of IIIGlc, and the phosphoryltransfer rates between HPr/H75QIIIGlc are 200-fold less than HPr/IIIGlc (Meadow, N. D., and Roseman, S. (1996) J. Biol. Chem. 271, 33440-33445). X-ray crystallography, differential scanning calorimetry, and NMR have now been used to determine the structures of the mutants (phospho-H75QIIIGlc was studied by NMR). The three methods gave completely consistent results. Except for the His to Gln substitutions, the only significant structural changes were in a few hydrogen bonds. H90QIIIGlc contains two structured water molecules (to Gln90), which could explain its inability to regulate glycerol kinase. Phospho-IIIGlc contains a chymotrypsin-like, hydrogen bond network (Thr73-His75-O--phosphoryl), whereas phospho-H75QIIIGlc contains only one bond (Gln75-O--phosphoryl). Hydrogen bonds play an essential role in a proposed mechanism for the phosphoryltransfer reaction.

Mapping hydration water molecules in the HIV-1 protease/DMP323 complex in solution by NMR spectroscopy

A tetrahedrally hydrogen-bonded structural water molecule, water 301, is seen in the crystal structure of nearly every HIV-1 protease/inhibitor complex. Although the urea oxygen of the designed inhibitor, DMP323, mimics and replaces water 301, other water molecules are seen in the protease/DMP323 crystal structure. As a first step toward understanding how water molecules may contribute to inhibitor potency and specificity, we have recorded water-NOESY and water-ROESY spectra of the protease/ DMP323 complex. Cross relaxation rates derived from these spectra, together with interproton distances calculated from the crystal structure of the complex, were used to classify the exchange cross peaks as follows: (A) a direct NOE with a water proton, (B) an indirect NOE with water through a labile protein proton, and (C) direct exchange of an amide proton with water. Type A and B cross peaks were analyzed using three models of water dynamics: (1) two-site exchange, with water molecules randomly hopping between bound and free states, (2) bound water with internal motion, and (3) free diffusion. Using the two-site exchange model to analyze the relaxation data of the type A cross peaks, it was found that the water molecules had short residence times, ca. 500 ps. in contrast with the > 9 ns residence time estimated for water 301 in the protease/P9941 complex [Grzesiek et al. (1994) J. Am. Chem. Soc. 116, 1581-1582]. The NMR data are consistent with the X-ray observation that two symmetry-related water molecules, waters 422 and 456, are bound at the DMP323 binding site. Hence, these water molecules may help to stabilize the structure of the complex. Finally, it was found that three buried and hydrogen-bonded Thr hydroxyl protons were in slow exchange with solvent. In contrast, it was found that the DMP323 H4/H5 hydroxyl protons and the Asp25/125 carboxyl protons, which form a buried hydrogen-bonded network at the catalytic site of the protease, are in rapid exchange with solvent, suggesting that solvent can penetrate into the buried protein/inhibitor interface on the millisecond to microsecond time scale.

Solution NMR evidence that the HIV-1 protease catalytic aspartyl groups have different ionization states in the complex formed with the asymmetric drug KNI-272

In order to improve the design of HIV-1 protease inhibitors, it is essential to understand how they interact with active site residues, particularly the catalytic Asp25 and Asp125 residues. KNI-272 is a promising, potent HIV-1 protease inhibitor (K(i) approximately 5 pM), currently undergoing phase 1 clinical trials. Because KNI-272 is asymmetric, the complex it forms with the homodimeric HIV-1 protease also lacks symmetry, and the two protease monomers can have distinct NMR spectra. Monomer specific signal assignments were obtained for amino acid residues in the drug binding site as well as for six of the eight Asp residues in the protease/KNI-272 complex. Using these assignments, the ionization states of the Asp carboxyl groups were determined from measurements of (a) the pD dependence of the chemical shifts of the Asp carboxyl carbons and (b) the H/D isotope effect upon the Asp carboxyl carbon chemical shifts. The results of these measurements indicate that the carboxyl of Asp25 is protonated while that of Asp125 is not protonated. These findings provide not only the first experimental evidence regarding the distinct protonation states of Asp25/125 in HIV-1 protease/drug complexes, but also shed light on interactions responsible for inhibitor binding that should form the basis for improved drug designs.