1
|
Carpenter KA, Altman RB. Databases of ligand-binding pockets and protein-ligand interactions. Comput Struct Biotechnol J 2024; 23:1320-1338. [PMID: 38585646 PMCID: PMC10997877 DOI: 10.1016/j.csbj.2024.03.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2024] [Revised: 03/16/2024] [Accepted: 03/17/2024] [Indexed: 04/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Many research groups and institutions have created a variety of databases curating experimental and predicted data related to protein-ligand binding. The landscape of available databases is dynamic, with new databases emerging and established databases becoming defunct. Here, we review the current state of databases that contain binding pockets and protein-ligand binding interactions. We have compiled a list of such databases, fifty-three of which are currently available for use. We discuss variation in how binding pockets are defined and summarize pocket-finding methods. We organize the fifty-three databases into subgroups based on goals and contents, and describe standard use cases. We also illustrate that pockets within the same protein are characterized differently across different databases. Finally, we assess critical issues of sustainability, accessibility and redundancy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kristy A. Carpenter
- Department of Biomedical Data Science, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Russ B. Altman
- Department of Biomedical Data Science, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
- Department of Bioengineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
- Department of Genetics, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
- Department of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Wen S, Zhao Y, Qi X, Cai M, Huang K, Liu H, Kong DX. Conformational plasticity of SpyCas9 induced by AcrIIA4 and AcrIIA2: Insights from molecular dynamics simulation. Comput Struct Biotechnol J 2024; 23:537-548. [PMID: 38235361 PMCID: PMC10791570 DOI: 10.1016/j.csbj.2023.12.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2023] [Revised: 12/06/2023] [Accepted: 12/22/2023] [Indexed: 01/19/2024] Open
Abstract
CRISPR-Cas9 systems constitute bacterial adaptive immune systems that protect against phage infections. Bacteriophages encode anti-CRISPR proteins (Acrs) that mitigate the bacterial immune response. However, the structural basis for their inhibitory actions from a molecular perspective remains elusive. In this study, through microsecond atomistic molecular dynamics simulations, we demonstrated the remarkable flexibility of Streptococcus pyogenes Cas9 (SpyCas9) and its conformational adaptability during interactions with AcrIIA4 and AcrIIA2. Specifically, we demonstrated that the binding of AcrIIA4 and AcrIIA2 to SpyCas9 induces a conformational rearrangement that causes spatial separation between the nuclease and cleavage sites, thus making the endonuclease inactive. This separation disrupts the transmission of signals between the protospacer adjacent motif recognition and nuclease domains, thereby impeding the efficient processing of double-stranded DNA. The simulation also reveals that AcrIIA4 and AcrIIA2 cause different structural variations of SpyCas9. Our research illuminates the precise mechanisms underlying the suppression of SpyCas9 by AcrIIA4 and AcrIIA2, thus presenting new possibilities for controlling genome editing with higher accuracy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shuixiu Wen
- National Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, Agricultural Bioinformatics Key Laboratory of Hubei Province, College of Informatics, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, PR China
| | - Yuxin Zhao
- National Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, Agricultural Bioinformatics Key Laboratory of Hubei Province, College of Informatics, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, PR China
| | - Xinyu Qi
- National Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, Agricultural Bioinformatics Key Laboratory of Hubei Province, College of Informatics, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, PR China
| | - Mingzhu Cai
- National Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, Agricultural Bioinformatics Key Laboratory of Hubei Province, College of Informatics, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, PR China
| | - Kaisheng Huang
- National Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, Agricultural Bioinformatics Key Laboratory of Hubei Province, College of Informatics, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, PR China
| | - Hui Liu
- National Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, Agricultural Bioinformatics Key Laboratory of Hubei Province, College of Informatics, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, PR China
| | - De-Xin Kong
- National Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, Agricultural Bioinformatics Key Laboratory of Hubei Province, College of Informatics, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, PR China
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Mi Y, Marcu SB, Tabirca S, Yallapragada VV. PS-GO parametric protein search engine. Comput Struct Biotechnol J 2024; 23:1499-1509. [PMID: 38633387 PMCID: PMC11021831 DOI: 10.1016/j.csbj.2024.04.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2024] [Revised: 04/01/2024] [Accepted: 04/01/2024] [Indexed: 04/19/2024] Open
Abstract
With the explosive growth of protein-related data, we are confronted with a critical scientific inquiry: How can we effectively retrieve, compare, and profoundly comprehend these protein structures to maximize the utilization of such data resources? PS-GO, a parametric protein search engine, has been specifically designed and developed to maximize the utilization of the rapidly growing volume of protein-related data. This innovative tool addresses the critical need for effective retrieval, comparison, and deep understanding of protein structures. By integrating computational biology, bioinformatics, and data science, PS-GO is capable of managing large-scale data and accurately predicting and comparing protein structures and functions. The engine is built upon the concept of parametric protein design, a computer-aided method that adjusts and optimizes protein structures and sequences to achieve desired biological functions and structural stability. PS-GO utilizes key parameters such as amino acid sequence, side chain angle, and solvent accessibility, which have a significant influence on protein structure and function. Additionally, PS-GO leverages computable parameters, derived computationally, which are crucial for understanding and predicting protein behavior. The development of PS-GO underscores the potential of parametric protein design in a variety of applications, including enhancing enzyme activity, improving antibody affinity, and designing novel functional proteins. This advancement not only provides a robust theoretical foundation for the field of protein engineering and biotechnology but also offers practical guidelines for future progress in this domain.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yanlin Mi
- School of Computer Science and Information Technology, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
- SFI Centre for Research Training in Artificial Intelligence, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
| | - Stefan-Bogdan Marcu
- School of Computer Science and Information Technology, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
| | - Sabin Tabirca
- School of Computer Science and Information Technology, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
- Faculty of Mathematics and Informatics, Transylvania University of Brasov, Brasov, Romania
| | - Venkata V.B. Yallapragada
- Centre for Advanced Photonics and Process Analytics, Munster Technological University, Cork, Ireland
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Fagnani E, Bonì F, Seneci P, Gornati D, Muzio L, Mastrangelo E, Milani M. Stabilization of the retromer complex: Analysis of novel binding sites of bis-1,3-phenyl guanylhydrazone 2a to the VPS29/VPS35 interface. Comput Struct Biotechnol J 2024; 23:1088-1093. [PMID: 38487369 PMCID: PMC10937258 DOI: 10.1016/j.csbj.2024.02.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2023] [Revised: 02/27/2024] [Accepted: 02/27/2024] [Indexed: 03/17/2024] Open
Abstract
The stabilization of the retromer protein complex can be effective in the treatment of different neurological disorders. Following the identification of bis-1,3-phenyl guanylhydrazone 2a as an effective new compound for the treatment of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, in this work we analyze the possible binding sites of this molecule to the VPS35/VPS29 dimer of the retromer complex. Our results show that the affinity for different sites of the protein assembly depends on compound charge and therefore slight changes in the cell microenvironment could promote different binding states. Finally, we describe a novel binding site located in a deep cleft between VPS29 and VPS35 that should be further explored to select novel molecular chaperones for the stabilization of the retromer complex.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Elisa Fagnani
- Biophysics Institute, CNR-IBF, Via Corti 12, I-20133 Milano, Italy
- Department of Bioscience, University of Milan, Via Celoria 26, I-20133 Milano, Italy
| | - Francesco Bonì
- Biophysics Institute, CNR-IBF, Via Corti 12, I-20133 Milano, Italy
- Department of Bioscience, University of Milan, Via Celoria 26, I-20133 Milano, Italy
| | - Pierfausto Seneci
- Department of Chemistry, University of Milan, Via Celoria 26, I-20133 Milano, Italy
| | - Davide Gornati
- Department of Chemistry, University of Milan, Via Celoria 26, I-20133 Milano, Italy
| | - Luca Muzio
- INSPE—Institute of Experimental Neurology, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Via Olgettina 60, I–20132 Milano, Italy
| | - Eloise Mastrangelo
- Biophysics Institute, CNR-IBF, Via Corti 12, I-20133 Milano, Italy
- Department of Bioscience, University of Milan, Via Celoria 26, I-20133 Milano, Italy
| | - Mario Milani
- Biophysics Institute, CNR-IBF, Via Corti 12, I-20133 Milano, Italy
- Department of Bioscience, University of Milan, Via Celoria 26, I-20133 Milano, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Kalinin V, Padnya P, Stoikov I. Romanowsky staining: history, recent advances and future prospects from a chemistry perspective. Biotech Histochem 2024; 99:1-20. [PMID: 37929609 DOI: 10.1080/10520295.2023.2273860] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Romanowsky staining was an important methodological breakthrough in diagnostic hematology and cytopathology during the late 19th and early 20th centuries; it has facilitated for decades the work of biologists, hematologists and pathologists working with blood cells. Despite more than a century of studying Romanowsky staining, no systematic review has been published that explains the chemical processes that produce the "Romanowsky effect" or "Romanowsky-Giemsa effect" (RGE), i.e., a purple coloration arising from the interaction of an azure dye with eosin and not due merely to their simultaneous presence. Our review is an attempt to build a bridge between chemists and biomedical scientists and to summarize the available data on methylene blue (MB) demethylation as well as the related reduction and decomposition of MB to simpler compounds by both light and enzyme systems and microorganisms. To do this, we analyze modern data on the mechanisms of MB demethylation both in the presence of acids and bases and by disproportionation due to the action of light. We also offer an explanation for why the RGE occurs only when azure B, or to a lesser extent, azure A is present by applying experimental and calculated physicochemical parameters including dye-DNA binding constants and electron density distributions in the molecules of these ligands. Finally, we discuss modern techniques for obtaining new varieties of Romanowsky dyes by modifying previously known ones. We hope that our critical literature study will help scientists understand better the chemical and physicochemical processes and mechanisms of cell staining with such dyes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Valeriy Kalinin
- A.M. Butlerov' Chemistry Institute, Kazan Federal University, Kazan, Russia
| | - Pavel Padnya
- A.M. Butlerov' Chemistry Institute, Kazan Federal University, Kazan, Russia
| | - Ivan Stoikov
- A.M. Butlerov' Chemistry Institute, Kazan Federal University, Kazan, Russia
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Cho CH, Kim JH, Padalkar NS, Reddy YVM, Park TJ, Park J, Park JP. Nanozyme-assisted molecularly imprinted polymer-based indirect competitive ELISA for the detection of marine biotoxin. Biosens Bioelectron 2024; 255:116269. [PMID: 38579624 DOI: 10.1016/j.bios.2024.116269] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2024] [Revised: 03/21/2024] [Accepted: 04/01/2024] [Indexed: 04/07/2024]
Abstract
Saxitoxin (STX), which is produced by certain dinoflagellate species, is a type of paralytic shellfish poisoning toxin that poses a serious threat to human health and the environment. Therefore, developing a technology for the convenient and cost-effective detection of STX is imperative. In this study, we developed an affinity peptide-imprinted polymer-based indirect competitive ELISA (ic-ELISA) without using enzyme-toxin conjugates. AuNP/Co3O4@Mg/Al cLDH was synthesized by calcining AuNP/ZIF-67@Mg/Al LDH, which was obtained by combining AuNPs, ZIF-67, and flower-like Mg/Al LDH. This synthesized nanozyme exhibited high catalytic activity (Km = 0.24 mM for TMB and 132.5 mM for H2O2). The affinity peptide-imprinted polymer (MIP) was imprinted with an STX-specific template peptide (STX MIP) on a multi-well microplate and then reacted with an STX-specific signal peptide (STX SP). The interaction between the STX SP and MIP was detected using a streptavidin-coated nanozyme (SA-AuNP/Co3O4@Mg/Al cLDH). The developed MIP-based ic-ELISA exhibited excellent selectivity and sensitivity, with a limit of detection of 3.17 ng/mL (equivalent: 0.317 μg/g). Furthermore, the system was validated using a commercial ELISA kit and mussel tissue samples, and it demonstrated a high STX recovery with a low coefficient of variation. These results imply that the developed ic-ELISA can be used to detect STX in real samples.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chae Hwan Cho
- Department of Food Science and Technology, GreenTech-Based Food Safety Research Group (BK21 Four), Chung-Ang University, Anseong, 17546, Republic of Korea
| | - Ji Hong Kim
- Department of Food Science and Technology, GreenTech-Based Food Safety Research Group (BK21 Four), Chung-Ang University, Anseong, 17546, Republic of Korea
| | - Navnath S Padalkar
- Department of Food Science and Technology, GreenTech-Based Food Safety Research Group (BK21 Four), Chung-Ang University, Anseong, 17546, Republic of Korea
| | - Y Veera Manohara Reddy
- Department of Chemistry, Sri Venkateswara College, University of Delhi, New Delhi, India
| | - Tae Jung Park
- Department of Chemistry, Institute of Interdisciplinary Convergence Research, Research Institute of Chem-Bio Diagnostic Technology, Chung-Ang University, 84 Heukseok-ro, Dongjak-gu, Seoul, 06974, Republic of Korea
| | - Jinyoung Park
- Department of Polymer Science & Engineering, Kyungpook National University, 80 Daehak-ro, Daegu, 41566, Republic of Korea
| | - Jong Pil Park
- Department of Food Science and Technology, GreenTech-Based Food Safety Research Group (BK21 Four), Chung-Ang University, Anseong, 17546, Republic of Korea.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Lan T, Dong Y, Jiang L, Zhang Y, Sui X. Analytical approaches for assessing protein structure in protein-rich food: A comprehensive review. Food Chem X 2024; 22:101365. [PMID: 38623506 PMCID: PMC11016869 DOI: 10.1016/j.fochx.2024.101365] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2023] [Revised: 03/24/2024] [Accepted: 04/05/2024] [Indexed: 04/17/2024] Open
Abstract
This review focuses on changes in nutrition and functional properties of protein-rich foods, primarily attributed to alterations in protein structures. We provide a comprehensive overview and comparison of commonly used laboratory methods for protein structure identification, aiming to offer readers a convenient understanding of these techniques. The review covers a range of detection technologies employed in food protein analysis and conducts an extensive comparison to identify the most suitable method for various proteins. While these techniques offer distinct advantages for protein structure determination, the inherent complexity of food matrices presents ongoing challenges. Further research is necessary to develop and enhance more robust detection methods to improve accuracy in protein conformation and structure analysis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tian Lan
- College of Food Science, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin 150030, China
| | - Yabo Dong
- College of Food Science, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin 150030, China
| | - Lianzhou Jiang
- College of Food Science, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin 150030, China
| | - Yan Zhang
- College of Horticulture and Landscape Architecture, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin 150030, China
| | - Xiaonan Sui
- College of Food Science, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin 150030, China
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Lichota A, Gwozdzinski K, Kowalczyk E, Kowalczyk M, Sienkiewicz M. Contribution of staphylococcal virulence factors in the pathogenesis of thrombosis. Microbiol Res 2024; 283:127703. [PMID: 38537329 DOI: 10.1016/j.micres.2024.127703] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2023] [Revised: 03/20/2024] [Accepted: 03/20/2024] [Indexed: 04/17/2024]
Abstract
Staphylococci are responsible for many infections in humans, starting with skin and soft tissue infections and finishing with invasive diseases such as endocarditis, sepsis and pneumonia, which lead to high mortality. Patients with sepsis often demonstrate activated clotting pathways, decreased levels of anticoagulants, decreased fibrinolysis, activated endothelial surfaces and activated platelets. This results in disseminated intravascular coagulation and formation of a microthrombus, which can lead to a multiorgan failure. This review describes various staphylococcal virulence factors that contribute to vascular thrombosis, including deep vein thrombosis in infected patients. The article presents mechanisms of action of different factors released by bacteria in various host defense lines, which in turn can lead to formation of blood clots in the vessels.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anna Lichota
- Department of Pharmaceutical Microbiology and Microbiological Diagnostics, Medical University of Lodz, Lodz, Poland.
| | | | - Edward Kowalczyk
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Medical University of Lodz, Lodz, Poland
| | | | - Monika Sienkiewicz
- Department of Pharmaceutical Microbiology and Microbiological Diagnostics, Medical University of Lodz, Lodz, Poland
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Zhu PY, Ma CM, Yang Y, Bian X, Ren LK, Wang B, Liu XF, Chen FL, Zhang G, Zhang N. Elucidating the interaction mechanism of rice glutelin and soybean 11S globulin using multi-spectroscopy and molecular dynamics simulation methods. Food Chem 2024; 442:138615. [PMID: 38309242 DOI: 10.1016/j.foodchem.2024.138615] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2023] [Revised: 01/24/2024] [Accepted: 01/26/2024] [Indexed: 02/05/2024]
Abstract
Rice gluten, as the hydrophobic protein, exhibits restricted application value in hydrophilic food, which may be enhanced through interaction with soybean 11S globulin, characterized by favorable functional properties. This study aims at revealing their interaction mechanism via multi-spectroscopy and molecular dynamics simulation. The formation and structural change of rice glutelin-soybean 11S globulin complexes were detected using fluorescence, ultra-violet and circular dichroism spectra. The addition of 11S globulin increased the contents of α-helix, β-turn and random coil, but decreased β-sheet content, and the change in secondary structure was correlated with particle size. Moreover, exposure of hydrophobic groups and formation of disulfide bonds occurred in the complexes. Molecular dynamics simulation verified these experimental results through analyses of root mean square deviation and fluctuation, hydrogen bond, secondary structure, and binding free energy analysis. This study contributes to expounding the interaction mechanism of protein and protein from the molecular level.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Peng-Yu Zhu
- College of Food Engineering, Harbin University of Commerce, Harbin 150076, China; State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Resources, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, China
| | - Chun-Min Ma
- College of Food Engineering, Harbin University of Commerce, Harbin 150076, China
| | - Yang Yang
- College of Food Engineering, Harbin University of Commerce, Harbin 150076, China
| | - Xin Bian
- College of Food Engineering, Harbin University of Commerce, Harbin 150076, China
| | - Li-Kun Ren
- College of Food Engineering, Harbin University of Commerce, Harbin 150076, China
| | - Bing Wang
- College of Food Engineering, Harbin University of Commerce, Harbin 150076, China
| | - Xiao-Fei Liu
- College of Food Engineering, Harbin University of Commerce, Harbin 150076, China
| | - Feng-Lian Chen
- College of Food Engineering, Harbin University of Commerce, Harbin 150076, China
| | - Guang Zhang
- College of Food Engineering, Harbin University of Commerce, Harbin 150076, China
| | - Na Zhang
- College of Food Engineering, Harbin University of Commerce, Harbin 150076, China.
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Zhang Z, Yu C, Wu Y, Wang Z, Xu H, Yan Y, Zhan Z, Yin S. Semiconducting polymer dots for multifunctional integrated nanomedicine carriers. Mater Today Bio 2024; 26:101028. [PMID: 38590985 PMCID: PMC11000120 DOI: 10.1016/j.mtbio.2024.101028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2024] [Revised: 03/09/2024] [Accepted: 03/13/2024] [Indexed: 04/10/2024] Open
Abstract
The expansion applications of semiconducting polymer dots (Pdots) among optical nanomaterial field have long posed a challenge for researchers, promoting their intelligent application in multifunctional nano-imaging systems and integrated nanomedicine carriers for diagnosis and treatment. Despite notable progress, several inadequacies still persist in the field of Pdots, including the development of simplified near-infrared (NIR) optical nanoprobes, elucidation of their inherent biological behavior, and integration of information processing and nanotechnology into biomedical applications. This review aims to comprehensively elucidate the current status of Pdots as a classical nanophotonic material by discussing its advantages and limitations in terms of biocompatibility, adaptability to microenvironments in vivo, etc. Multifunctional integration and surface chemistry play crucial roles in realizing the intelligent application of Pdots. Information visualization based on their optical and physicochemical properties is pivotal for achieving detection, sensing, and labeling probes. Therefore, we have refined the underlying mechanisms and constructed multiple comprehensive original mechanism summaries to establish a benchmark. Additionally, we have explored the cross-linking interactions between Pdots and nanomedicine, potential yet complete biological metabolic pathways, future research directions, and innovative solutions for integrating diagnosis and treatment strategies. This review presents the possible expectations and valuable insights for advancing Pdots, specifically from chemical, medical, and photophysical practitioners' standpoints.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ze Zhang
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery II, General Surgery Center, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin 130012, PR China
| | - Chenhao Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Integrated Optoelectronic, College of Electronic Science and Engineering, Jilin University, No.2699 Qianjin Street, Changchun, Jilin 130012, PR China
| | - Yuyang Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Integrated Optoelectronic, College of Electronic Science and Engineering, Jilin University, No.2699 Qianjin Street, Changchun, Jilin 130012, PR China
| | - Zhe Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Integrated Optoelectronic, College of Electronic Science and Engineering, Jilin University, No.2699 Qianjin Street, Changchun, Jilin 130012, PR China
| | - Haotian Xu
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The Third Bethune Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin 130000, PR China
| | - Yining Yan
- Department of Radiology, The Third Bethune Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin 130000, PR China
| | - Zhixin Zhan
- Department of Neurosurgery, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin 130012, PR China
| | - Shengyan Yin
- State Key Laboratory of Integrated Optoelectronic, College of Electronic Science and Engineering, Jilin University, No.2699 Qianjin Street, Changchun, Jilin 130012, PR China
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Mateos H, Mallardi A, Camero M, Lanave G, Catella C, Buonavoglia A, De Giglio O, Buonavoglia C, Palazzo G. Mechanism of surfactant interactions with feline coronavirus: A physical chemistry perspective. J Colloid Interface Sci 2024; 662:535-544. [PMID: 38364478 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcis.2024.02.088] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2024] [Revised: 02/01/2024] [Accepted: 02/10/2024] [Indexed: 02/18/2024]
Abstract
HYPOTHESIS Surfactants are inexpensive chemicals with promising applications in virus inactivation, particularly for enveloped viruses. Yet, the detailed mechanisms by which surfactants deactivate coronaviruses remain underexplored. This study delves into the virucidal mechanisms of various surfactants on Feline Coronavirus (FCoV) and their potential applications against more pathogenic coronaviruses. EXPERIMENTS By integrating virucidal activity assays with fluorescence spectroscopy, dynamic light scattering and laser Doppler electrophoresis, alongside liposome permeability experiments, we have analyzed the effects of non-ionic and ionic surfactants on viral activity. FINDINGS The non-ionic surfactant octaethylene glycol monodecyl ether (C10EO8) inactivates the virus by disrupting the lipid envelope, whereas ionic surfactants like Sodium Dodecyl Sulfate and Cetylpyridinium Chloride predominantly affect the spike proteins, with their impact on the viral membrane being hampered by kinetic and thermodynamic constraints. FCoV served as a safe model for studying virucidal activity, offering a faster alternative to traditional virucidal assays. The study demonstrates that physicochemical techniques can expedite the screening of virucidal compounds, contributing to the design of effective disinfectant formulations. Our results not only highlight the critical role of surfactant-virus interactions but also contribute to strategic advancements in public health measures for future pandemic containment and the ongoing challenge of antimicrobial resistance.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Helena Mateos
- Department of Chemistry and CSGI (Centre for Colloid and Surface Science), University of Bari "A. Moro", via Orabona 4, 70125 Bari, Italy.
| | - Antonia Mallardi
- Institute for Physical and Chemical Processes, Bari Division, National Council of Research (CNR), c/o Chemistry Department, Via Orabona 4, 70125 Bari, Italy.
| | - Michele Camero
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari "A. Moro", Strada Provinciale per Casamassima km. 3, 70010 Valenzano, Bari, Italy.
| | - Gianvito Lanave
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari "A. Moro", Strada Provinciale per Casamassima km. 3, 70010 Valenzano, Bari, Italy.
| | - Cristiana Catella
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari "A. Moro", Strada Provinciale per Casamassima km. 3, 70010 Valenzano, Bari, Italy.
| | - Alessio Buonavoglia
- Dental School, Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, University of Bologna Alma Mater, Italy.
| | - Osvalda De Giglio
- Interdisciplinary Department of Medicine, Hygiene Section, University of Bari "A. Moro", Piazza G. Cesare 11, 70124 Bari, Italy.
| | - Canio Buonavoglia
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari "A. Moro", Strada Provinciale per Casamassima km. 3, 70010 Valenzano, Bari, Italy.
| | - Gerardo Palazzo
- Department of Chemistry and CSGI (Centre for Colloid and Surface Science), University of Bari "A. Moro", via Orabona 4, 70125 Bari, Italy.
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Raji F, Nguyen NN, Nguyen CV, Nguyen AV. Lead (II) ions enable the ion-specific effects of monovalent anions on the molecular structure and interactions at silica/aqueous interfaces. J Colloid Interface Sci 2024; 662:653-662. [PMID: 38367582 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcis.2024.02.094] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2023] [Revised: 02/07/2024] [Accepted: 02/11/2024] [Indexed: 02/19/2024]
Abstract
HYPOTHESIS The adsorption of heavy metal ions such as Pb(II) onto negatively charged minerals such as silica is expected to alter the structure and the interactions at the silica/aqueous interfaces. Besides the solution pH, the inner-sphere sorption of Pb(II) is expected to regulate the surface charge/potential, hypothesized to control the actions of monovalent anions in the aqueous environment. These complex pictures can be probed directly using surface-sensitive sum-frequency generation (SFG) spectroscopy. EXPERIMENTS The pH-dependent water structure within the double layer at silica/aqueous interfaces under the influence of different ions was examined using SFG. The recorded SFG spectra were deconvoluted into the Stern layer (SL) and diffuse layer (DL) using the maximum entropy method in conjunction with the electrical double-layer theory. FINDINGS Standalone monovalent sodium salts do not exhibit ion-specific effects on the silica/aqueous interfaces. However, the mixture of Pb(II) species and each of these salts display profound ion-specific effects on the structure of silica/aqueous interfaces, indicating the role of Pb(II) as an enabler of the ion-specificity of the investigated monovalent anions. The interesting effect arises from a complex interplay between the physical processes (i.e., electrostatic interactions, screening effects, etc.) and chemical processes such as the hydrolysis of Pb(II) ions, ion complexation, protonation and deprotonation of the surface silanol group.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Foad Raji
- School of Chemical Engineering, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia.
| | - Ngoc N Nguyen
- School of Chemical Engineering, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia
| | - Cuong V Nguyen
- Department of Water and Environmental Regulation, Joondalup, WA 6027, Australia
| | - Anh V Nguyen
- School of Chemical Engineering, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Yau JCK, Hung KL, Ren Y, Kajitani T, Stuart MCA, Leung FKC. Red-light-controlled supramolecular assemblies of indigo amphiphiles at multiple length scales. J Colloid Interface Sci 2024; 662:391-403. [PMID: 38359503 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcis.2024.02.075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2023] [Revised: 01/31/2024] [Accepted: 02/06/2024] [Indexed: 02/17/2024]
Abstract
Amphiphilic molecules functionalized with photoresponsive motifs have attractive prospects for applications in smart functional bio-material ranging from cell-material interfaces to drug delivery systems owing to the precisely controllable functionality of self-assembled hierarchical supramolecular structures in aqueous media by a non-invasive light stimulation with high temporal- and spatial-resolution. However, most of reported photoresponsive amphiphiles are triggered by bio-damaging UV-light, which greatly limits the potential in bio-related applications. Herein, we present newly designed red-light controlled N,N'-diaryl-substituted indigo amphiphiles (IA), exhibiting excellent photoswitchablity and photostability with dual red-/green-light in organic media. Meanwhile, aqueous solutions of IA assembled into supramolecular structures in both microscopic and macroscopic length-scale, though the photoresponsiveness of IA is slightly compromised in aqueous media. At macroscopic length-scale, morphological changes of IA macroscopic scaffold prepared by a shear-flow method can be fine adjusted upon red-light irradiation. Moreover, the preferential attachment of live h-MSCs to IA macroscopic scaffold surface also indicates a good biocompatibility of IA macroscopic scaffold. These results provide the potential for developing the next generation of red-light controlled soft functional materials with good biocompatibility.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jerry Chun-Kit Yau
- The Hong Kong Polytechnic University Shenzhen Research Institute, Shenzhen 518057, China; State Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology and Drug Discovery, Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, China
| | - Ka-Lung Hung
- The Hong Kong Polytechnic University Shenzhen Research Institute, Shenzhen 518057, China; State Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology and Drug Discovery, Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, China
| | - Yikun Ren
- The Hong Kong Polytechnic University Shenzhen Research Institute, Shenzhen 518057, China; State Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology and Drug Discovery, Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, China
| | - Takashi Kajitani
- TC College Promotion Office, Open Facility Center, Tokyo Institute of Technology, 4259 Nagatsuta, Midori-ku, Yokohama 226-8503, Japan
| | - Marc C A Stuart
- Stratingh Institute for Chemistry and Groningen Biomolecular Science and Biotechnology Institute, University of Groningen, Nijenborgh 7, 9747 AG Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Franco King-Chi Leung
- The Hong Kong Polytechnic University Shenzhen Research Institute, Shenzhen 518057, China; State Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology and Drug Discovery, Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, China; Centre for Eye and Vision Research, 17W Hong Kong Science Park, Hong Kong, China.
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Berman RE, Dampier W, Nonnemacher MR, Wigdahl B. What's in a cure: designing a broad-spectrum HIV gene therapy. Curr Opin HIV AIDS 2024; 19:150-156. [PMID: 38547339 DOI: 10.1097/coh.0000000000000846] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/04/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW The leading gene editing strategy for a human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) cure involves the delivery of SaCas9 and two guide RNAs (gRNAs) in an adeno-associated viral (AAV) vector. As a dual-component system, CRISPR is targeted to a genetic locus through the choice of a Cas effector and gRNA protospacer design pair. As CRISPR research has expanded in recent years, these components have been investigated for utilization in cure strategies, which will be discussed in this article. RECENT FINDINGS Type II SpCas9 and SaCas9 have been the leading Cas effectors across gene editing therapeutics to date. Additionally, extensive research has expanded the potential to multiplex gRNAs and target them effectively to the highly genetically diverse HIV-1 provirus. More recently, the Type V family of Cas12 effectors opens a new opportunity to use a smaller Cas protein for packaging into an AAV vector with multiplexed gRNAs. SUMMARY In understanding the individual components of a CRISPR/Cas therapeutic cure for HIV-1, it is important to know that the currently used strategies can be improved upon. Future areas will include alternative smaller Cas effectors, multiplexed gRNAs designs, and/or alternative delivery modalities.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rachel E Berman
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Drexel University College of Medicine
- Center for Molecular Virology and Gene Therapy, Institute for Molecular Medicine and Infectious Disease, Drexel University College of Medicine
| | - Will Dampier
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Drexel University College of Medicine
- Center for Molecular Virology and Gene Therapy, Institute for Molecular Medicine and Infectious Disease, Drexel University College of Medicine
| | - Michael R Nonnemacher
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Drexel University College of Medicine
- Center for Molecular Virology and Gene Therapy, Institute for Molecular Medicine and Infectious Disease, Drexel University College of Medicine
- Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Brian Wigdahl
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Drexel University College of Medicine
- Center for Molecular Virology and Gene Therapy, Institute for Molecular Medicine and Infectious Disease, Drexel University College of Medicine
- Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Amyx-Sherer K, Reichhardt C. Challenges and opportunities in elucidating the structures of biofilm exopolysaccharides: A case study of the Pseudomonas aeruginosa exopolysaccharide called Pel. Magn Reson Chem 2024; 62:361-369. [PMID: 37919227 DOI: 10.1002/mrc.5405] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2023] [Revised: 10/09/2023] [Accepted: 10/17/2023] [Indexed: 11/04/2023]
Abstract
Biofilm formation protects bacteria from antibiotic treatment and host immune responses, making biofilm infections difficult to treat. Within biofilms, bacterial cells are entangled in a self-produced extracellular matrix that typically includes exopolysaccharides. Molecular-level descriptions of biofilm matrix components, especially exopolysaccharides, have been challenging to attain due to their complex nature and lack of solubility and crystallinity. Solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) has emerged as a key tool to determine the structure of biofilm matrix exopolysaccharides without degradative sample preparation. In this review, we discuss challenges of studying biofilm matrix exopolysaccharides and opportunities to develop solid-state NMR approaches to study these generally intractable materials. We specifically highlight investigations of the exopolysaccharide called Pel made by the opportunistic pathogen, Pseudomonas aeruginosa. We provide a roadmap for determining exopolysaccharide structure and discuss future opportunities to study such systems using solid-state NMR. The strategies discussed for elucidating biofilm exopolysaccharide structure should be broadly applicable to studying the structures of other glycans.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kristen Amyx-Sherer
- Department of Chemistry, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Courtney Reichhardt
- Department of Chemistry, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Roterman I, Stapor K, Konieczny L. Transmembrane proteins-Different anchoring systems. Proteins 2024; 92:593-609. [PMID: 38062872 DOI: 10.1002/prot.26646] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2023] [Revised: 11/03/2023] [Accepted: 11/17/2023] [Indexed: 04/13/2024]
Abstract
Transmembrane proteins are active in amphipathic environments. To stabilize the protein in such surrounding the exposure of hydrophobic residues on the protein surface is required. Transmembrane proteins are responsible for the transport of various molecules. Therefore, they often represent structures in the form of channels. This analysis focused on the stability and local flexibility of transmembrane proteins, particularly those related to their biological activity. Different forms of anchorage were identified using the fuzzy oil-drop model (FOD) and its modified form, FOD-M. The mainly helical as well as β-barrel structural forms are compared with respect to the mechanism of stabilization in the cell membrane. The different anchoring system was found to stabilize protein molecules with possible local fluctuation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Irena Roterman
- Department of Bioinformatics and Telemedicine, Jagiellonian University-Medical College, Krakow, Poland
| | - Katarzyna Stapor
- Faculty of Automatic, Electronics and Computer Science, Department of Applied Informatics, Silesian University of Technology, Gliwice, Poland
| | - Leszek Konieczny
- Chair of Medical Biochemistry, Jagiellonian University-Medical College, Krakow, Poland
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Erdemir S, Malkondu S, Oguz M, Kocak A. Monitoring Hg 2+ ions in food and environmental matrices using a novel ratiometric NIR fluorescent sensor via carbonothioate-deprotection reaction. Environ Pollut 2024; 348:123859. [PMID: 38537802 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2024.123859] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2024] [Revised: 03/22/2024] [Accepted: 03/23/2024] [Indexed: 04/21/2024]
Abstract
Mercury toxicity and its environmental impact are significant concerns for public health and environmental protection. Therefore, the development of effective, rapid, and reliable detection methods for trace levels of Hg2+ is crucial. Herein, a cyanine dye bearing a carbonothioate group is reported as a potential NIR fluorescent probe for Hg2+ detection. The spectral properties of the free probe have been characterized by the presence and absence of a series of analytes. The addition of Hg2+ leads to significant changes in the fluorescence signal with distinct red coloration compared to other competing analytes, indicating that the probe is highly selective for Hg2+. The fluorescence quantum yield increases from 0.073 to 0.315. The detection limit is 0.10 μM, indicating the high sensitivity of the probe to low Hg2+ levels. The most prominent sensing features of the probe include NIR fluorescence, low cytotoxicity, ratiometric fluorescence response, and fast response compared to most of the currently available fluorescent probes. In addition, the probe can detect Hg2+ in actual samples such as foodstuff, soil, water, and live cells. Bioimaging studies have demonstrated that the present probe is highly efficient in targeting mitochondria and possesses good imaging abilities for detecting Hg2+ in cells. Therefore, these results suggest that it can be proposed as a powerful NIR fluorescent probe for the highly sensitive detection of Hg2+.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Serkan Erdemir
- Selcuk University, Science Faculty, Department of Chemistry, Konya, 42250, Turkey.
| | - Sait Malkondu
- Giresun University, Faculty of Engineering, Department of Environmental Engineering, Giresun, 28200, Turkey
| | - Mehmet Oguz
- Selcuk University, Science Faculty, Department of Chemistry, Konya, 42250, Turkey
| | - Ahmet Kocak
- Selcuk University, Science Faculty, Department of Chemistry, Konya, 42250, Turkey
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Aktürk Dizman Y. Analysis of codon usage bias of exonuclease genes in invertebrate iridescent viruses. Virology 2024; 593:110030. [PMID: 38402641 DOI: 10.1016/j.virol.2024.110030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2023] [Revised: 02/04/2024] [Accepted: 02/13/2024] [Indexed: 02/27/2024]
Abstract
Invertebrate iridescent viruses (IIVs) are double-stranded DNA viruses that belong to the Iridoviridae family. IIVs result diseases that vary in severity from subclinical to lethal in invertebrate hosts. Codon usage bias (CUB) analysis is a versatile method for comprehending the genetic and evolutionary aspects of species. In this study, we analyzed the CUB in 10 invertebrate iridescent viruses exonuclease genes by calculating and comparing the nucleotide contents, effective number of codons (ENC), codon adaptation index (CAI), relative synonymous codon usage (RSCU), and others. The results revealed that IIVs exonuclease genes are rich in A/T. The ENC analysis displayed a low codon usage bias in IIVs exonuclease genes. ENC-plot, neutrality plot, and parity rule 2 plot demonstrated that besides mutational pressure, other factors like natural selection, dinucleotide content, and aromaticity also contributed to CUB. The findings could enhance our understanding of the evolution of IIVs exonuclease genes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yeşim Aktürk Dizman
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Arts and Sciences, Recep Tayyip Erdogan University, 53100, Rize, Türkiye.
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Jiang W. Studying the Collective Functional Response of a Receptor in Alchemical Ligand Binding Free Energy Simulations with Accelerated Solvation Layer Dynamics. J Chem Theory Comput 2024; 20:3085-3095. [PMID: 38568961 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jctc.4c00191] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/05/2024]
Abstract
Ligand binding free energy simulations (LB-FES) that involve sampling of protein functional conformations have been longstanding challenges in research on molecular recognition. Particularly, modeling of the conformational transition pathway and design of the heuristic biasing mechanism are severe bottlenecks for the existing enhanced configurational sampling (ECS) methods. Inspired by the key role of hydration in regulating conformational dynamics of macromolecules, this report proposes a novel ECS approach that facilitates binding-associated structural dynamics by accelerated hydration transitions in combination with the λ-exchange of free energy perturbation (FEP). Two challenging protein-ligand binding processes involving large configurational transitions of the receptor are studied, with hydration transitions at binding sites accelerated by Hamiltonian-simulated annealing of the hydration layer. Without the need for pathway analysis or ad hoc barrier flattening potential, LB-FES were performed with FEP/λ-exchange molecular dynamics simulation at a minor overhead for annealing of the hydration layer. The LB-FES studies showed that the accelerated rehydration significantly enhances the collective conformational transitions of the receptor, and convergence of binding affinity calculations is obtained at a sweet-spot simulation time scale. Alchemical LB-FES with the proposed ECS strategy is free from the effort of trial and error for the setup and realizes efficient on-the-fly sampling for the collective functional response of the receptor and bound water and therefore presents a practical approach to high-throughput screening in drug discovery.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wei Jiang
- Computational Science Division, Argonne National Laboratory, 9700 South Cass Avenue, Building 240, Argonne, Illinois 60439, United States
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Xiao Y, Wan J, Gao X, Wei Y, Fang J, Shen B. Versatile Fluorescence Lifetime-Based Copper Probe to Quantify Mitochondrial Membrane Potential and Reveal Its Interaction with Protein Aggregation. Anal Chem 2024; 96:6493-6500. [PMID: 38595323 DOI: 10.1021/acs.analchem.4c00909] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/11/2024]
Abstract
Mitochondria play a crucial role in maintaining cellular homeostasis, and the depolarization of mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) is an important signal of apoptosis. Additionally, protein misfolding and aggregation are closely related to diseases including neurodegenerative diseases, diabetes, and cancers. However, the interaction between MMP changes and disease-related protein aggregation was rarely studied. Herein, we report a novel "turn-on" fluorescent probe MitoRhB that specifically targets to mitochondria for Cu2+ detection in situ. The fluorescence lifetime (τ) of MitoRhB exhibits a positive correlation with MMP changes, allowing us to quantitatively determine the relative MMP during SOD1 (A4 V) protein aggregation. Finally, we found that (1) the increasing concentrations of copper will accelerate the depolarization of mitochondria and reduce MMP; (2) the depolarization of mitochondria can intensify the degree of protein aggregation, suggesting a new routine of copper-induced cell death mediated through abnormal MMP depolarization and protein aggregation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yu Xiao
- School of Food Science and Pharmaceutical Engineering, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210023, China
| | - Jingyang Wan
- School of Food Science and Pharmaceutical Engineering, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210023, China
| | - Xiaochen Gao
- School of Food Science and Pharmaceutical Engineering, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210023, China
| | - Yu Wei
- School of Food Science and Pharmaceutical Engineering, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210023, China
| | - Jiabao Fang
- School of Food Science and Pharmaceutical Engineering, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210023, China
| | - Baoxing Shen
- School of Food Science and Pharmaceutical Engineering, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210023, China
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Huggias S, Serradell MDLÁ, Azcárate JC, Casella ML, Peruzzo PJ, Bolla PA. Catalytic Performance in Nitroarene Reduction of Nanocatalyst Based on Noble Metal Nanoparticles Supported on Polymer/s-Layer Protein Hybrids. J Phys Chem B 2024. [PMID: 38646680 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jpcb.4c00043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/23/2024]
Abstract
We present a novel bionanocatalyst fabricated by the adsorption-reduction of metal ions on a polyurethane/S-layer protein biotemplate. The bioinspired support was obtained by the adsorption of S-layer proteins (isolated from Lentilactobacillus kefiri) on polyurethane particles. Silver and platinum nanoparticles were well-loaded on the surface of the support after the combination with metallic salts and reduction with H2 at room temperature. Transmission electron microscopy analysis revealed the strawberry-like morphology of the bionanocatalysts with a particle size, dn, of 2.39 nm for platinum and 9.60 nm for silver. Both systems catalyzed the hydrogenation of p-nitrophenol to p-aminophenol with high efficiency in water at mild conditions in the presence of NaBH4. Three different amounts of bionanocatalyst were tested, and in all cases, conversions between 97 and 99% were observed. The catalysts displayed excellent recyclability over ten cycles, and no extensive damage in their nanostructure was noted after them. The bionanocatalysts were stable during their production, storage, and use, thanks to the fact that the biosupport provides an effective driving force in the formation and stabilization of the metallic nanoparticles. The successful bioinspired production strategy and the good catalytic ability of the systems are encouraging in the search for nontoxic, simple, clean, and eco-friendly procedures for the synthesis and exploitation of nanostructures.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sofia Huggias
- Centro de Investigación y Desarrollo en Ciencias Aplicadas "Dr. Jorge J. Ronco" - CINDECA (UNLP-CONICET CCT La Plata), Calle 47 No 257, La Plata B1900AJK, Argentina
| | - María de Los Ángeles Serradell
- Cátedra de Microbiología, Departamento de Ciencias Biológicas, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas, Universidad Nacional de La Plata (UNLP), 47 y 115 s/n, La Plata 1900, Argentina
| | - Julio C Azcárate
- Centro Atómico Bariloche (CAB), Comisión Nacional de Energía Atómica - CONICET, Avda. E. Bustillo km 9500, San Carlos de Bariloche R8402AGP, Argentina
| | - Mónica L Casella
- Centro de Investigación y Desarrollo en Ciencias Aplicadas "Dr. Jorge J. Ronco" - CINDECA (UNLP-CONICET CCT La Plata), Calle 47 No 257, La Plata B1900AJK, Argentina
| | - Pablo J Peruzzo
- Instituto de Investigaciones Fisicoquímicas Teóricas y Aplicadas - INIFTA (UNLP - CONICET CCT La Plata), Diag. 113 y 64, La Plata B1904DPIB1904DPI, Argentina
| | - Patricia A Bolla
- Centro de Investigación y Desarrollo en Ciencias Aplicadas "Dr. Jorge J. Ronco" - CINDECA (UNLP-CONICET CCT La Plata), Calle 47 No 257, La Plata B1900AJK, Argentina
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Qiu L, Cooks RG. Spontaneous Oxidation in Aqueous Microdroplets: Water Radical Cation as Primary Oxidizing Agent. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2024; 63:e202400118. [PMID: 38302696 DOI: 10.1002/anie.202400118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2024] [Revised: 01/28/2024] [Accepted: 01/29/2024] [Indexed: 02/03/2024]
Abstract
Exploration of the unique chemical properties of interfaces can unlock new understanding. A striking example is the finding of accelerated reactions, particularly spontaneous oxidation reactions, that occur without assistance of catalysts or external oxidants at the air interface of both aqueous and organic solutions (provided they contain some water). This finding opened a new area of interfacial chemistry but also caused heated debate regarding the primary chemical species responsible for the observed oxidation. An overview of the literature covering oxidation in microdroplets with air interfaces is provided, together with a critical examination of previous findings and hypotheses. The water radical cation/radical anion pair, formed spontaneously and responsible for the electric field at or near the droplet/air interface, is suggested to constitute the primary redox species. Mechanisms of accelerated microdroplet reactions are critically discussed and it is shown that hydroxyl radical/hydrogen peroxide formation in microdroplets does not require that these species be the primary oxidant. Instead, we suggest that hydroxyl radical and hydrogen peroxide are the products of water radical cation decay in water. The importance of microdroplet chemistry in the prebiotic environment is sketched briefly and the role of partial solvation in reaction acceleration is noted.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lingqi Qiu
- Department of Chemistry, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907, U.S
| | - R Graham Cooks
- Department of Chemistry, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907, U.S
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Bhattacharya S, Satpati P. Why Does the E1219V Mutation Expand T-Rich PAM Recognition in Cas9 from Streptococcus pyogenes? J Chem Inf Model 2024; 64:3237-3247. [PMID: 38600752 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jcim.3c01515] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/12/2024]
Abstract
Popular RNA-guided DNA endonuclease Cas9 from Streptococcus pyogenes (SpCas9) recognizes the canonical 5'-NGG-3' protospacer adjacent motif (PAM) and triggers double-stranded DNA cleavage activity. Mutations in SpCas9 were demonstrated to expand the PAM readability and hold promise for therapeutic and genome editing applications. However, the energetics of the PAM recognition and its relation to the atomic structure remain unknown. Using the X-ray structure (precatalytic SpCas9:sgRNA:dsDNA) as a template, we calculated the change in the PAM binding affinity in response to SpCas9 mutations using computer simulations. The E1219V mutation in SpCas9 fine-tunes the water accessibility in the PAM binding pocket and promotes new interactions in the SpCas9:noncanonical T-rich PAM, thus weakening the PAM stringency. The nucleotide-specific interaction of two arginine residues (i.e., R1333 and R1335 of SpCas9) ensured stringent 5'-NGG-3' PAM recognition. R1335A substitution (SpCas9R1335A) completely disrupts the direct interaction between SpCas9 and PAM sequences (canonical or noncanonical), accounting for the loss of editing activity. Interestingly, the double mutant (SpCas9R1335A,E1219V) boosts DNA binding affinity by favoring protein:PAM electrostatic contact in a desolvated pocket. The underlying thermodynamics explain the varied DNA cleavage activity of SpCas9 variants. A direct link between the energetics, structures, and activity is highlighted, which can aid in the rational design of improved SpCas9-based genome editing tools.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shreya Bhattacharya
- Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati, Guwahati 781039, Assam, India
| | - Priyadarshi Satpati
- Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati, Guwahati 781039, Assam, India
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Wang Y, Xiong Y, Shi K, Effah CY, Song L, He L, Liu J. DNA nanostructures for exploring cell-cell communication. Chem Soc Rev 2024; 53:4020-4044. [PMID: 38444346 DOI: 10.1039/d3cs00944k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/07/2024]
Abstract
The process of coordinating between the same or multiple types of cells to jointly execute various instructions in a controlled and carefully regulated environment is a very appealing field. In order to provide clearer insight into the role of cell-cell interactions and the cellular communication of this process in their local communities, several interdisciplinary approaches have been employed to enhance the core understanding of this phenomenon. DNA nanostructures have emerged in recent years as one of the most promising tools in exploring cell-cell communication and interactions due to their programmability and addressability. Herein, this review is dedicated to offering a new perspective on using DNA nanostructures to explore the progress of cell-cell communication. After briefly outlining the anchoring strategy of DNA nanostructures on cell membranes and the subsequent dynamic regulation of DNA nanostructures, this paper highlights the significant contribution of DNA nanostructures in monitoring cell-cell communication and regulating its interactions. Finally, we provide a quick overview of the current challenges and potential directions for the application of DNA nanostructures in cellular communication and interactions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ya Wang
- College of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China.
| | - Yamin Xiong
- School of Life Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China
| | - Kangqi Shi
- College of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China.
| | - Clement Yaw Effah
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Henan Key Laboratory of Critical Care Medicine, Zhengzhou Key Laboratory of Sepsis, Henan Engineering Research Center for Critical Care Medicine, Zhengzhou 450003, China
| | - Lulu Song
- College of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China.
| | - Leiliang He
- College of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China.
| | - Jianbo Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Chemo/Biosensing and Chemometrics, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Key Laboratory for Bio-Nanotechnology and Molecular Engineering of Hunan Province, Hunan University, Changsha 410082, China.
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Nagy G, Hoffmann SV, Jones NC, Grubmüller H. Reference Data Set for Circular Dichroism Spectroscopy Comprised of Validated Intrinsically Disordered Protein Models. Appl Spectrosc 2024:37028241239977. [PMID: 38646777 DOI: 10.1177/00037028241239977] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/23/2024]
Abstract
Circular dichroism (CD) spectroscopy is an analytical technique that measures the wavelength-dependent differential absorbance of circularly polarized light and is applicable to most biologically important macromolecules, such as proteins, nucleic acids, and carbohydrates. It serves to characterize the secondary structure composition of proteins, including intrinsically disordered proteins, by analyzing their recorded spectra. Several computational tools have been developed to interpret protein CD spectra. These methods have been calibrated and tested mostly on globular proteins with well-defined structures, mainly due to the lack of reliable reference structures for disordered proteins. It is therefore still largely unclear how accurately these computational methods can determine the secondary structure composition of disordered proteins. Here, we provide such a required reference data set consisting of model structural ensembles and matching CD spectra for eight intrinsically disordered proteins. Using this set of data, we have assessed the accuracy of several published CD prediction and secondary structure estimation tools, including our own CD analysis package, SESCA. Our results show that for most of the tested methods, their accuracy for disordered proteins is generally lower than for globular proteins. In contrast, SESCA, which was developed using globular reference proteins, but was designed to be applicable to disordered proteins as well, performs similarly well for both classes of proteins. The new reference data set for disordered proteins should allow for further improvement of all published methods.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gabor Nagy
- Department of Theoretical and Computational Biophysics, Max Planck Institute for Multidisciplinary Sciences, Göttingen, Germany
| | | | - Nykola C Jones
- ISA, Department of Physics and Astronomy, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Helmut Grubmüller
- Department of Theoretical and Computational Biophysics, Max Planck Institute for Multidisciplinary Sciences, Göttingen, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Zhang C, Jerschow A. Range and sensitivity of 17O nuclear spin-lattice relaxation as a probe of aqueous electrolyte dynamics. J Chem Phys 2024; 160:154501. [PMID: 38624124 DOI: 10.1063/5.0196494] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2024] [Accepted: 03/31/2024] [Indexed: 04/17/2024] Open
Abstract
The study of electrolytic solutions is of relevance in many research fields, ranging from biophysics, materials, and colloid science to catalysis and electrochemistry. The dependence of solution dynamics on the nature of electrolytes and their concentrations has been the subject of many experimental and computational studies, yet it remains challenging to obtain a full understanding of the factors that govern solution behavior. Here, we provide additional insights into the behavior of aqueous solutions of alkali chlorides by combining 17O relaxation data with diffusion and viscosity data and contrast their behavior with 1H nuclear magnetic resonance relaxation data. The main findings are that 17O relaxation correlates well with viscosity data but not with diffusion data, while 1H relaxation correlates with neither. Certain ionic trends match known ion-specific series behavior, especially at high concentrations. Notably, we also examine the ranges of the interactions and conclude that the majority of the effects are tied to local water reorientation dynamics.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chengtong Zhang
- Department of Chemistry, New York University, 100 Washington Square East, New York, New York 10003, USA
| | - Alexej Jerschow
- Department of Chemistry, New York University, 100 Washington Square East, New York, New York 10003, USA
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Wang Y, Pan T, Li J, Zou L, Wei X, Zhang Q, Wei T, Xu L, Ulijn RV, Zhang C. Developing Isomeric Peptides for Mimicking the Sequence-Activity Landscapes of Enzyme Evolution. ACS Appl Mater Interfaces 2024. [PMID: 38644563 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.4c00501] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/23/2024]
Abstract
Enzymes catalyze almost all material conversion processes within living organisms, yet their natural evolution remains unobserved. Short peptides, derived from proteins and featuring active sites, have emerged as promising building blocks for constructing bioactive supramolecular materials that mimic native proteins through self-assembly. Herein, we employ histidine-containing isomeric tetrapeptides KHFF, HKFF, KFHF, HFKF, FKHF, and FHKF to craft supramolecular self-assemblies, aiming to explore the sequence-activity landscapes of enzyme evolution. Our investigations reveal the profound impact of peptide sequence variations on both assembly behavior and catalytic activity as hydrolytic simulation enzymes. During self-assembly, a delicate balance of multiple intermolecular interactions, particularly hydrogen bonding and aromatic-aromatic interactions, influences nanostructure formation, yielding various morphologies (e.g., nanofibers, nanospheres, and nanodiscs). Furthermore, the analysis of the structure-activity relationship demonstrates a strong correlation between the distribution of the His active site on the nanostructures and the formation of the catalytic microenvironment. This investigation of the sequence-structure-activity paradigm reflects how natural enzymes enhance catalytic activity by adjusting the primary structure during evolution, promoting fundamental research related to enzyme evolutionary processes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yaling Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, Key Laboratory of Bioactive Materials of Ministry of Education and College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China
| | - Tiezheng Pan
- School of Life Science and Technology, Tokyo Institute of Technology, 4259 Nagatsuta-cho, Midori-ku, Yokohama 226-8501, Japan
| | - Jie Li
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, Key Laboratory of Bioactive Materials of Ministry of Education and College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China
| | - Lina Zou
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, Key Laboratory of Bioactive Materials of Ministry of Education and College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China
| | - Xuewen Wei
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, Key Laboratory of Bioactive Materials of Ministry of Education and College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China
| | - Qian Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, Key Laboratory of Bioactive Materials of Ministry of Education and College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China
| | - Tingting Wei
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, Key Laboratory of Bioactive Materials of Ministry of Education and College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China
| | - Li Xu
- Key Laboratory for Molecular Enzymology and Engineering, The Ministry of Education, National Engineering Laboratory for AIDS Vaccine, School of Life Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun 130012, China
| | - Rein V Ulijn
- Advanced Science Research Center (ASRC) at the Graduate Center, City University of New York (CUNY), New York, New York 10031, United States
- Department of Chemistry, Hunter College, City University of New York, New York, New York 10065, United States
| | - Chunqiu Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, Key Laboratory of Bioactive Materials of Ministry of Education and College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Onal G, Yalçın-Çakmaklı G, Özçelik CE, Boussaad I, Şeker UÖŞ, Fernandes HJR, Demir H, Krüger R, Elibol B, Dökmeci S, Salman MM. Variant-specific effects of GBA1 mutations on dopaminergic neuron proteostasis. J Neurochem 2024. [PMID: 38641924 DOI: 10.1111/jnc.16114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2023] [Revised: 03/26/2024] [Accepted: 04/05/2024] [Indexed: 04/21/2024]
Abstract
Glucocerebrosidase 1 (GBA1) mutations are the most important genetic risk factors for Parkinson's disease (PD). Clinically, mild (e.g., p.N370S) and severe (e.g., p.L444P and p.D409H) GBA1 mutations have different PD phenotypes, with differences in age at disease onset, progression, and the severity of motor and non-motor symptoms. We hypothesize that GBA1 mutations cause the accumulation of α-synuclein by affecting the cross-talk between cellular protein degradation mechanisms, leading to neurodegeneration. Accordingly, we tested whether mild and severe GBA1 mutations differentially affect the degradation of α-synuclein via the ubiquitin-proteasome system (UPS), chaperone-mediated autophagy (CMA), and macroautophagy and differentially cause accumulation and/or release of α-synuclein. Our results demonstrate that endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress and total ubiquitination rates were significantly increased in cells with severe GBA1 mutations. CMA was found to be defective in induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-derived dopaminergic neurons with mild GBA1 mutations, but not in those with severe GBA1 mutations. When examining macroautophagy, we observed reduced formation of autophagosomes in cells with the N370S and D409H GBA1 mutations and impairments in autophagosome-lysosome fusion in cells with the L444P GBA1 mutation. Accordingly, severe GBA1 mutations were found to trigger the accumulation and release of oligomeric α-synuclein in iPSC-derived dopaminergic neurons, primarily as a result of increased ER stress and defective macroautophagy, while mild GBA1 mutations affected CMA, which is mainly responsible for the degradation of the monomeric form of α-synuclein. Overall, our findings provide new insight into the molecular basis of the clinical variability in PD associated with different GBA1 mutations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- G Onal
- Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics, Kavli Institute for NanoScience Discovery, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
- Oxford Parkinson's Disease Centre, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - G Yalçın-Çakmaklı
- Department of Neurology, Faculty of Medicine, Hacettepe University, Ankara, Turkey
| | - C E Özçelik
- National Nanotechnology Research Center, UNAM-Institute of Materials Science and Nanotechnology, Bilkent University, Ankara, Turkey
| | - I Boussaad
- Translational Neuroscience, Luxembourg Centre for Systems Biomedicine (LCSB), University of Luxembourg, Esch-sur-Alzette, Luxembourg
| | - U Ö Ş Şeker
- Interdisciplinary Neuroscience Program, National Nanotechnology Research Center, UNAM-Institute of Materials Science and Nanotechnology, Bilkent University, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Hugo J R Fernandes
- Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics, Kavli Institute for NanoScience Discovery, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
- Oxford Parkinson's Disease Centre, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - H Demir
- Department of Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, Faculty of Medicine, Hacettepe University, Ankara, Turkey
| | - R Krüger
- Translational Neuroscience, Luxembourg Centre for Systems Biomedicine (LCSB), University of Luxembourg, Esch-sur-Alzette, Luxembourg
- Transversal Translational Medicine, Luxembourg Institute of Health (LIH), Strassen, Luxembourg
- Parkinson Research Clinic, Centre Hospitalier de Luxembourg (CHL), Luxembourg City, Luxembourg
| | - B Elibol
- Department of Neurology, Faculty of Medicine, Hacettepe University, Ankara, Turkey
| | - S Dökmeci
- Department of Medical Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Hacettepe University, Ankara, Turkey
| | - M M Salman
- Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics, Kavli Institute for NanoScience Discovery, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
- Oxford Parkinson's Disease Centre, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Koksaldi IC, Park D, Atilla A, Kang H, Kim J, Seker UOS. RNA-Based Sensor Systems for Affordable Diagnostics in the Age of Pandemics. ACS Synth Biol 2024; 13:1026-1037. [PMID: 38588603 DOI: 10.1021/acssynbio.3c00698] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/10/2024]
Abstract
In the era of the COVID-19 pandemic, the significance of point-of-care (POC) diagnostic tools has become increasingly vital, driven by the need for quick and precise virus identification. RNA-based sensors, particularly toehold sensors, have emerged as promising candidates for POC detection systems due to their selectivity and sensitivity. Toehold sensors operate by employing an RNA switch that changes the conformation when it binds to a target RNA molecule, resulting in a detectable signal. This review focuses on the development and deployment of RNA-based sensors for POC viral RNA detection with a particular emphasis on toehold sensors. The benefits and limits of toehold sensors are explored, and obstacles and future directions for improving their performance within POC detection systems are presented. The use of RNA-based sensors as a technology for rapid and sensitive detection of viral RNA holds great potential for effectively managing (dealing/coping) with present and future pandemics in resource-constrained settings.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ilkay Cisil Koksaldi
- UNAM - Institute of Materials Science and Nanotechnology, National Nanotechnology Research Center (UNAM), Bilkent University, Ankara 06800, Turkey
| | - Dongwon Park
- Department of Life Sciences, Pohang University of Science and Technology, Pohang 37673, South Korea
| | - Abdurahman Atilla
- UNAM - Institute of Materials Science and Nanotechnology, National Nanotechnology Research Center (UNAM), Bilkent University, Ankara 06800, Turkey
| | - Hansol Kang
- Department of Life Sciences, Pohang University of Science and Technology, Pohang 37673, South Korea
| | - Jongmin Kim
- Department of Life Sciences, Pohang University of Science and Technology, Pohang 37673, South Korea
| | - Urartu Ozgur Safak Seker
- UNAM - Institute of Materials Science and Nanotechnology, National Nanotechnology Research Center (UNAM), Bilkent University, Ankara 06800, Turkey
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Hamuro Y. Interpretation of Hydrogen/Deuterium Exchange Mass Spectrometry. J Am Soc Mass Spectrom 2024. [PMID: 38639434 DOI: 10.1021/jasms.4c00044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/20/2024]
Abstract
This paper sheds light on the meaning of hydrogen/deuterium exchange-mass spectrometry (HDX-MS) data. HDX-MS data provide not structural information but dynamic information on an analyte protein. First, the reaction mechanism of backbone amide HDX reaction is considered and the correlation between the parameters from an X-ray crystal structure and the protection factors of HDX reactions of cytochrome c is evaluated. The presence of H-bonds in a protein structure has a strong influence on HDX rates which represent protein dynamics, while the solvent accessibility only weakly affects the HDX rates. Second, the energy diagrams of the HDX reaction at each residue in the presence and absence of perturbation are described. Whereas the free energy change upon mutation can be directly measured by the HDX rates, the free energy change upon ligand binding may be complicated due to the presence of unbound analyte protein in the protein-ligand mixture. Third, the meanings of HDX and other biophysical techniques are explained using a hypothetical protein folding well. The shape of the protein folding well describes the protein dynamics and provides Boltzmann distribution of open and closed states which yield HDX protection factors, while a protein's crystal structure represents a snapshot near the bottom of the well. All biophysical data should be consistent yet provide different information because they monitor different parts of the same protein folding well.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yoshitomo Hamuro
- ExSAR Corporation, 11 Deer Park Drive, Suite 103, Monmouth Junction, New Jersey 08852, United States
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
Spiriti J, Wong CF. Quantitative Prediction of Dissociation Rates of PYK2 Ligands Using Umbrella Sampling and Milestoning. J Chem Theory Comput 2024. [PMID: 38640609 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jctc.4c00192] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/21/2024]
Abstract
We used umbrella sampling and the milestoning simulation method to study the dissociation of multiple ligands from protein kinase PYK2. The activation barriers obtained from the potential of mean force of the umbrella sampling simulations correlated well with the experimental dissociation rates. Using the zero-temperature string method, we obtained optimized paths along the free-energy surfaces for milestoning simulations of three ligands with a similar structure. The milestoning simulations gave an absolute dissociation rate within 2 orders of magnitude of the experimental value for two ligands but at least 3 orders of magnitude too high for the third. Despite the similarity in their structures, the ligands took different pathways to exit from the binding site of PYK2, making contact with different sets of residues. In addition, the protein experienced different conformational changes for dissociation of the three ligands.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Justin Spiriti
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Missouri-St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri 63121, United States
| | - Chung F Wong
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Missouri-St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri 63121, United States
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
Ju H, Cheng L, Li M, Mei K, He S, Jia C, Guo X. Single-Molecule Electrical Profiling of Peptides and Proteins. Adv Sci (Weinh) 2024:e2401877. [PMID: 38639403 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202401877] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2024] [Revised: 04/03/2024] [Indexed: 04/20/2024]
Abstract
In recent decades, there has been a significant increase in the application of single-molecule electrical analysis platforms in studying proteins and peptides. These advanced analysis methods have the potential for deep investigation of enzymatic working mechanisms and accurate monitoring of dynamic changes in protein configurations, which are often challenging to achieve in ensemble measurements. In this work, the prominent research progress in peptide and protein-related studies are surveyed using electronic devices with single-molecule/single-event sensitivity, including single-molecule junctions, single-molecule field-effect transistors, and nanopores. In particular, the successful commercial application of nanopores in DNA sequencing has made it one of the most promising techniques in protein sequencing at the single-molecule level. From single peptides to protein complexes, the correlation between their electrical characteristics, structures, and biological functions is gradually being established. This enables to distinguish different molecular configurations of these biomacromolecules through real-time electrical monitoring of their life activities, significantly improving the understanding of the mechanisms underlying various life processes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hongyu Ju
- School of Pharmaceutical Science and Technology, Tianjin University, Tianjin, 300072, P. R. China
- Center of Single-Molecule Sciences, Institute of Modern Optics, Frontiers Science Center for New Organic Matter, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Microscale Optical Information Science and Technology, College of Electronic Information and Optical Engineering, Nankai University, Tianjin, 300350, P. R. China
| | - Li Cheng
- Center of Single-Molecule Sciences, Institute of Modern Optics, Frontiers Science Center for New Organic Matter, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Microscale Optical Information Science and Technology, College of Electronic Information and Optical Engineering, Nankai University, Tianjin, 300350, P. R. China
| | - Mengmeng Li
- Center of Single-Molecule Sciences, Institute of Modern Optics, Frontiers Science Center for New Organic Matter, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Microscale Optical Information Science and Technology, College of Electronic Information and Optical Engineering, Nankai University, Tianjin, 300350, P. R. China
| | - Kunrong Mei
- School of Pharmaceutical Science and Technology, Tianjin University, Tianjin, 300072, P. R. China
| | - Suhang He
- Center of Single-Molecule Sciences, Institute of Modern Optics, Frontiers Science Center for New Organic Matter, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Microscale Optical Information Science and Technology, College of Electronic Information and Optical Engineering, Nankai University, Tianjin, 300350, P. R. China
| | - Chuancheng Jia
- Center of Single-Molecule Sciences, Institute of Modern Optics, Frontiers Science Center for New Organic Matter, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Microscale Optical Information Science and Technology, College of Electronic Information and Optical Engineering, Nankai University, Tianjin, 300350, P. R. China
| | - Xuefeng Guo
- Center of Single-Molecule Sciences, Institute of Modern Optics, Frontiers Science Center for New Organic Matter, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Microscale Optical Information Science and Technology, College of Electronic Information and Optical Engineering, Nankai University, Tianjin, 300350, P. R. China
- Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences, National Biomedical Imaging Center, College of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, P. R. China
| |
Collapse
|
33
|
Mumbleau MM, Chevance F, Hughes K, Hammond MC. Investigating the Effect of RNA Scaffolds on the Multicolor Fluorogenic Aptamer Pepper in Different Bacterial Species. ACS Synth Biol 2024; 13:1093-1099. [PMID: 38593047 DOI: 10.1021/acssynbio.4c00009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/11/2024]
Abstract
RNA synthetic biology tools have primarily been applied in E. coli; however, many other bacteria are of industrial and clinical significance. Thus, the multicolor fluorogenic aptamer Pepper was evaluated in both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. Suitable HBC-Pepper dye pairs were identified that give blue, green, or red fluorescence signals in the E. coli, Bacillus subtilis, and Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium (S. Typhimurium). Furthermore, we found that different RNA scaffolds have a drastic effect on in vivo fluorescence, which did not correlate with the in vitro folding efficiency. One such scaffold termed DF30-tRNA displays 199-fold greater fluorescence than the Pepper aptamer alone and permits simultaneous dual color imaging in live cells.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Madeline M Mumbleau
- Department of Chemistry and Henry Eyring Center for Cell and Genome Science, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah 84112, United States
| | - Fabienne Chevance
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah 84112, United States
| | - Kelly Hughes
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah 84112, United States
| | - Ming C Hammond
- Department of Chemistry and Henry Eyring Center for Cell and Genome Science, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah 84112, United States
| |
Collapse
|
34
|
Kashnik AS, Baranov DS, Dzuba SA. Spatial Arrangement of the Drug Ibuprofen in a Model Membrane in the Presence of Lipid Rafts. J Phys Chem B 2024; 128:3652-3661. [PMID: 38576273 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jpcb.4c01507] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/06/2024]
Abstract
Many pharmaceutical drugs are known to interact with lipid membranes through nonspecific molecular interactions, which affect their therapeutic effect. Ibuprofen is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) and one of the most commonly prescribed. In the presence of cholesterol, lipid bilayers can separate into nanoscale liquid-disordered and liquid-ordered structures, the latter known as lipid rafts. Here, we study spin-labeled ibuprofen (ibuprofen-SL) in the model membrane consisting of 1,2-dipalmitoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine (DPPC), 1,2-dioleoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine (DOPC), and cholesterol in the molar ratio of (0.5-0.5xchol)/(0.5-0.5xchol)/xchol. Electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy is employed, along with its pulsed version of double electron-electron resonance (DEER, also known as PELDOR). The data obtained indicate lateral lipid-mediated clustering of ibuprofen-SL molecules with a local surface density noticeably larger than that expected for random lateral distribution. In the absence of cholesterol, the data can be interpreted as indicating alternating clustering in two opposing leaflets of the bilayer. In the presence of cholesterol, for xchol ≥ 20 mol %, the results show that ibuprofen-SL molecules have a quasi-regular lateral distribution, with a "superlattice" parameter of ∼3.0 nm. This regularity can be explained by the entrapment of ibuprofen-SL molecules by lipid rafts known to exist in this system with the additional assumption that lipid rafts have a nanoscale substructure.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anna S Kashnik
- Institute of Chemical Kinetics and Combustion, Russian Academy of Sciences, Novosibirsk 630090, Russia
| | - Denis S Baranov
- Institute of Chemical Kinetics and Combustion, Russian Academy of Sciences, Novosibirsk 630090, Russia
| | - Sergei A Dzuba
- Institute of Chemical Kinetics and Combustion, Russian Academy of Sciences, Novosibirsk 630090, Russia
| |
Collapse
|
35
|
Vithani N, Todd TD, Singh S, Trent T, Blumer KJ, Bowman GR. G Protein Activation Occurs via a Largely Universal Mechanism. J Phys Chem B 2024; 128:3554-3562. [PMID: 38580321 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jpcb.3c07028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/07/2024]
Abstract
Understanding how signaling proteins like G proteins are allosterically activated is a long-standing challenge with significant biological and medical implications. Because it is difficult to directly observe such dynamic processes, much of our understanding is based on inferences from a limited number of static snapshots of relevant protein structures, mutagenesis data, and patterns of sequence conservation. Here, we use computer simulations to directly interrogate allosteric coupling in six G protein α-subunit isoforms covering all four G protein families. To analyze this data, we introduce automated methods for inferring allosteric networks from simulation data and assessing how allostery is conserved or diverged among related protein isoforms. We find that the allosteric networks in these six G protein α subunits are largely conserved and consist of two pathways, which we call pathway-I and pathway-II. This analysis predicts that pathway-I is generally dominant over pathway-II, which we experimentally corroborate by showing that mutations to pathway-I perturb nucleotide exchange more than mutations to pathway-II. In the future, insights into unique elements of each G protein family could inform the design of isoform-specific drugs. More broadly, our tools should also be useful for studying allostery in other proteins and assessing the extent to which this allostery is conserved in related proteins.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Neha Vithani
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri 63110, United States
- Center for the Science and Engineering of Living Systems (CSELS), Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri 63130, United States
| | - Tyson D Todd
- Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri 63110, United States
| | - Sukrit Singh
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri 63110, United States
- Center for the Science and Engineering of Living Systems (CSELS), Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri 63130, United States
| | - Tony Trent
- Departments of Biochemistry & Biophysics and Bioengineering, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, United States
| | - Kendall J Blumer
- Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri 63110, United States
| | - Gregory R Bowman
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri 63110, United States
- Center for the Science and Engineering of Living Systems (CSELS), Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri 63130, United States
- Departments of Biochemistry & Biophysics and Bioengineering, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, United States
| |
Collapse
|
36
|
Madhanagopal BR, Rodriguez A, Cordones M, Chandrasekaran AR. Barium Concentration-Dependent Anomalous Electrophoresis of Synthetic DNA Motifs. ACS Appl Bio Mater 2024. [PMID: 38635922 DOI: 10.1021/acsabm.4c00274] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/20/2024]
Abstract
The structural integrity, assembly yield, and biostability of DNA nanostructures are influenced by the metal ions used to construct them. Although high (>10 mM) concentrations of divalent ions are often preferred for assembling DNA nanostructures, the range of ion concentrations and the composition of the assembly products vary for different assembly conditions. Here, we examined the unique ability of Ba2+ to retard double crossover DNA motifs by forming a low mobility species, whose mobility on the gel is determined by the concentration ratio of DNA and Ba2+. The formation of this electrophoretically retarded species is promoted by divalent ions such as Mg2+, Ca2+, and Sr2+ when combined with Ba2+ but not on their own, while monovalent ions such as Na+, K+, and Li+ do not have any effect on this phenomenon. Our results highlight the complex interplay between the metal ions and DNA self-assembly and could inform the design of DNA nanostructures for applications that expose them to multiple ions at high concentrations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bharath Raj Madhanagopal
- The RNA Institute, University at Albany, State University of New York, Albany, New York 12222, United States
| | - Arlin Rodriguez
- The RNA Institute, University at Albany, State University of New York, Albany, New York 12222, United States
| | - Mireylin Cordones
- The RNA Institute, University at Albany, State University of New York, Albany, New York 12222, United States
| | - Arun Richard Chandrasekaran
- The RNA Institute, University at Albany, State University of New York, Albany, New York 12222, United States
| |
Collapse
|
37
|
Gahlot P, Kravic B, Rota G, van den Boom J, Levantovsky S, Schulze N, Maspero E, Polo S, Behrends C, Meyer H. Lysosomal damage sensing and lysophagy initiation by SPG20-ITCH. Mol Cell 2024; 84:1556-1569.e10. [PMID: 38503285 DOI: 10.1016/j.molcel.2024.02.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2023] [Revised: 01/30/2024] [Accepted: 02/27/2024] [Indexed: 03/21/2024]
Abstract
Cells respond to lysosomal membrane permeabilization by membrane repair or selective macroautophagy of damaged lysosomes, termed lysophagy, but it is not fully understood how this decision is made. Here, we uncover a pathway in human cells that detects lipid bilayer perturbations in the limiting membrane of compromised lysosomes, which fail to be repaired, and then initiates ubiquitin-triggered lysophagy. We find that SPG20 binds the repair factor IST1 on damaged lysosomes and, importantly, integrates that with the detection of damage-associated lipid-packing defects of the lysosomal membrane. Detection occurs via sensory amphipathic helices in SPG20 before rupture of the membrane. If lipid-packing defects are extensive, such as during lipid peroxidation, SPG20 recruits and activates ITCH, which marks the damaged lysosome with lysine-63-linked ubiquitin chains to initiate lysophagy and thus triages the lysosome for destruction. With SPG20 being linked to neurodegeneration, these findings highlight the relevance of a coordinated lysosomal damage response for cellular homeostasis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Pinki Gahlot
- Center of Medical Biotechnology, Faculty of Biology, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Bojana Kravic
- Center of Medical Biotechnology, Faculty of Biology, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Giulia Rota
- Center of Medical Biotechnology, Faculty of Biology, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Johannes van den Boom
- Center of Medical Biotechnology, Faculty of Biology, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Sophie Levantovsky
- Munich Cluster for Systems Neurology, Medical Faculty, Ludwig-Maximilians-University München, Munich, Germany
| | - Nina Schulze
- Imaging Center Campus Essen, Center of Medical Biotechnology, Faculty of Biology, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Elena Maspero
- IFOM ETS, The AIRC Institute of Molecular Oncology, Milan, Italy
| | - Simona Polo
- IFOM ETS, The AIRC Institute of Molecular Oncology, Milan, Italy
| | - Christian Behrends
- Munich Cluster for Systems Neurology, Medical Faculty, Ludwig-Maximilians-University München, Munich, Germany
| | - Hemmo Meyer
- Center of Medical Biotechnology, Faculty of Biology, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
38
|
Elder JJH, Papadopoulos R, Hayne CK, Stanley RE. The making and breaking of tRNAs by ribonucleases. Trends Genet 2024:S0168-9525(24)00069-6. [PMID: 38641471 DOI: 10.1016/j.tig.2024.03.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2024] [Revised: 03/21/2024] [Accepted: 03/21/2024] [Indexed: 04/21/2024]
Abstract
Ribonucleases (RNases) play important roles in supporting canonical and non-canonical roles of tRNAs by catalyzing the cleavage of the tRNA phosphodiester backbone. Here, we highlight how recent advances in cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM), protein structure prediction, reconstitution experiments, tRNA sequencing, and other studies have revealed new insight into the nucleases that process tRNA. This represents a very diverse group of nucleases that utilize distinct mechanisms to recognize and cleave tRNA during different stages of a tRNA's life cycle including biogenesis, fragmentation, surveillance, and decay. In this review, we provide a synthesis of the structure, mechanism, regulation, and modes of tRNA recognition by tRNA nucleases, along with open questions for future investigation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jessica J H Elder
- Signal Transduction Laboratory, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
| | - Ry Papadopoulos
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA; Department of Chemistry, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Cassandra K Hayne
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA.
| | - Robin E Stanley
- Signal Transduction Laboratory, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
39
|
Su Z, Dhusia K, Wu Y. Encoding the space of protein-protein binding interfaces by artificial intelligence. Comput Biol Chem 2024; 110:108080. [PMID: 38643609 DOI: 10.1016/j.compbiolchem.2024.108080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2023] [Revised: 04/03/2024] [Accepted: 04/17/2024] [Indexed: 04/23/2024]
Abstract
The physical interactions between proteins are largely determined by the structural properties at their binding interfaces. It was found that the binding interfaces in distinctive protein complexes are highly similar. The structural properties underlying different binding interfaces could be further captured by artificial intelligence. In order to test this hypothesis, we broke protein-protein binding interfaces into pairs of interacting fragments. We employed a generative model to encode these interface fragment pairs in a low-dimensional latent space. After training, new conformations of interface fragment pairs were generated. We found that, by only using a small number of interface fragment pairs that were generated by artificial intelligence, we were able to guide the assembly of protein complexes into their native conformations. These results demonstrate that the conformational space of fragment pairs at protein-protein binding interfaces is highly degenerate. Features in this degenerate space can be well characterized by artificial intelligence. In summary, our machine learning method will be potentially useful to search for and predict the conformations of unknown protein-protein interactions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zhaoqian Su
- Data Science Institute, Vanderbilt University, 1001 19th Ave S, Nashville, TN 37212, USA
| | - Kalyani Dhusia
- Department of Systems and Computational Biology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, 1300 Morris Park Avenue, Bronx, NY 10461, USA
| | - Yinghao Wu
- Department of Systems and Computational Biology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, 1300 Morris Park Avenue, Bronx, NY 10461, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
40
|
Cui Y, Ying C, Huang XY, Ye Q, Tian J, Liu Z. Electrical Transport and Dynamics of Confined DNA through Highly Conductive 2D Graphene Nanochannels. Nano Lett 2024; 24:4485-4492. [PMID: 38578031 DOI: 10.1021/acs.nanolett.4c00403] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/06/2024]
Abstract
Confining DNA in nanochannels is an important approach to studying its structure and transportation dynamics. Graphene nanochannels are particularly attractive for studying DNA confinement due to their atomic flatness, precise height control, and excellent mechanical strength. Here, using femtosecond laser etching and wetting transfer, we fabricate graphene nanochannels down to less than 4.3 nm in height, with the length-to-height ratios up to 103. These channels exhibit high stability, low noise, and self-cleaning ability during the long-term ionic current recording. We report a clear linear relationship between DNA length and the residence time in the channel and further utilize this relationship to differentiate DNA fragments based on their lengths, ranging widely from 200 bps to 48.5 kbps. The graphene nanochannel presented here provides a potential platform for label-free analyses and reveals fundamental insights into the conformational dynamics of DNA and proteins in confined space.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yangjun Cui
- The Key Laboratory of Weak Light Nonlinear Photonics, Ministry of Education, School of Physics and Teda Applied Physics Institute, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China
| | - Cuifeng Ying
- Advanced Optics & Photonics Laboratory, Department of Engineering, School of Science & Technology, Nottingham Trent University, Nottingham NG11 8NS, U.K
| | - Xiao-Yu Huang
- The Key Laboratory of Weak Light Nonlinear Photonics, Ministry of Education, School of Physics and Teda Applied Physics Institute, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China
| | - Qing Ye
- The Key Laboratory of Weak Light Nonlinear Photonics, Ministry of Education, School of Physics and Teda Applied Physics Institute, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China
| | - Jianguo Tian
- The Key Laboratory of Weak Light Nonlinear Photonics, Ministry of Education, School of Physics and Teda Applied Physics Institute, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China
- Renewable Energy Conversion and Storage Center, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China
| | - Zhibo Liu
- The Key Laboratory of Weak Light Nonlinear Photonics, Ministry of Education, School of Physics and Teda Applied Physics Institute, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China
- Renewable Energy Conversion and Storage Center, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China
- The Collaborative Innovation Center of Extreme Optics, Shanxi University, Taiyuan, Shanxi 030006, China
| |
Collapse
|
41
|
Eibauer M, Weber MS, Kronenberg-Tenga R, Beales CT, Boujemaa-Paterski R, Turgay Y, Sivagurunathan S, Kraxner J, Köster S, Goldman RD, Medalia O. Vimentin filaments integrate low-complexity domains in a complex helical structure. Nat Struct Mol Biol 2024:10.1038/s41594-024-01261-2. [PMID: 38632361 DOI: 10.1038/s41594-024-01261-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2023] [Accepted: 03/01/2024] [Indexed: 04/19/2024]
Abstract
Intermediate filaments (IFs) are integral components of the cytoskeleton. They provide cells with tissue-specific mechanical properties and are involved in numerous cellular processes. Due to their intricate architecture, a 3D structure of IFs has remained elusive. Here we use cryo-focused ion-beam milling, cryo-electron microscopy and tomography to obtain a 3D structure of vimentin IFs (VIFs). VIFs assemble into a modular, intertwined and flexible helical structure of 40 α-helices in cross-section, organized into five protofibrils. Surprisingly, the intrinsically disordered head domains form a fiber in the lumen of VIFs, while the intrinsically disordered tails form lateral connections between the protofibrils. Our findings demonstrate how protein domains of low sequence complexity can complement well-folded protein domains to construct a biopolymer with striking mechanical strength and stretchability.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Matthias Eibauer
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.
| | - Miriam S Weber
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | | | - Charlie T Beales
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | | | - Yagmur Turgay
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- Department of Health Sciences and Technology, ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Suganya Sivagurunathan
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Julia Kraxner
- Institute for X-Ray Physics, University of Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
- MDC Berlin-Buch, Max-Delbrück-Centrum für Molekulare Medizin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Sarah Köster
- Institute for X-Ray Physics, University of Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Robert D Goldman
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Ohad Medalia
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.
| |
Collapse
|
42
|
Zhang X, Malle MG, Thomsen RP, Sørensen RS, Sørensen EW, Hatzakis NS, Kjems J. Deconvoluting the Effect of Cell-Penetrating Peptides for Enhanced and Controlled Insertion of Large-Scale DNA Nanopores. ACS Appl Mater Interfaces 2024; 16:18422-18433. [PMID: 38573069 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.3c18636] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/05/2024]
Abstract
DNA nanopores have emerged as powerful tools for molecular sensing, but the efficient insertion of large DNA nanopores into lipid membranes remains challenging. In this study, we investigate the potential of cell-penetrating peptides (CPPs), specifically SynB1 and GALA, to enhance the insertion efficiency of large DNA nanopores. We constructed SynB1- or GALA-functionalized DNA nanopores with an 11 nm inner diameter and visualized and quantified their membrane insertion using a TIRF microscopy-based single-liposome assay. The results demonstrated that incorporating an increasing number of SynB1 or GALA peptides into the DNA nanopore significantly enhanced the membrane perforation. Kinetic analysis revealed that the DNA nanopore scaffold played a role in prearranging the CPPs, which facilitated membrane interaction and pore formation. Notably, the use of pH-responsive GALA peptides allowed highly efficient and pH-controlled insertion of large DNA pores. Furthermore, single-channel recording elucidated that the insertion process of single GALA-modified nanopores into planar lipid bilayers was dynamic, likely forming transient large toroidal pores. Overall, our study highlights the potential of CPPs as insertion enhancers for DNA nanopores, which opens avenues for improved molecule sensing and the controlled release of cargo molecules.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xialin Zhang
- Interdisciplinary Nanoscience Center, Aarhus University, Aarhus C 8000, Denmark
| | | | - Rasmus P Thomsen
- Interdisciplinary Nanoscience Center, Aarhus University, Aarhus C 8000, Denmark
| | | | | | - Nikos S Hatzakis
- Department of Chemistry, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen 2100, Denmark
- Novonordisk Center for Protein Research, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen 2100, Denmark
| | - Jørgen Kjems
- Interdisciplinary Nanoscience Center, Aarhus University, Aarhus C 8000, Denmark
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Aarhus University, Aarhus C 8000, Denmark
| |
Collapse
|
43
|
Chen H, Wang R, Chiba T, Foreman K, Bowen K, Zhang X. Designer "Quasi-Benzyne": The Spontaneous Reduction of Ortho-Diiodotetrafluorobenzene on Water Microdroplets. J Am Chem Soc 2024; 146:10979-10983. [PMID: 38586980 DOI: 10.1021/jacs.4c02819] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/09/2024]
Abstract
It has been widely shown that water microdroplets have a plethora of unique properties that are highly distinct from those of bulk water, among which an especially intriguing one is the strong reducing power as a result of the electrons spontaneously generated at the air-water interface. In this study, we take advantage of the reducing power of water microdroplets to reduce ortho-diiodotetrafluorobenzene (o-C6F4I2) into a C6F4I2•- radical anion. Photoelectron spectroscopy and density functional theory computations reveal that the excess electron in C6F4I2•- occupies the I-C1-C2-I linkage, which elongates the C-I bonds but surprisingly shortens the C1-C2 bond, making the bond order higher than a double bond, similar to the benzyne molecule, so we named it "quasi-benzyne". The C6F4I2•- anion was further successfully utilized in a Diels-Alder reaction, a typical reaction for benzyne. This study provides a good example of strategically utilizing the spontaneous properties of water microdroplets and generating an especially exotic anion, and we anticipate that microdroplet chemistry can be an avenue rich in opportunities for new catalyst-free organic reactions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Huan Chen
- College of Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Advanced Energy Materials Chemistry (Ministry of Education), Renewable Energy Conversion and Storage Centre, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Biosensing and Molecular Recognition, Frontiers Science Centre for New Organic Matter, Nankai University, Tianjin300071, China
- Haihe Laboratory of Sustainable Chemical Transformations, Tianjin300192, China
| | - Ruijing Wang
- College of Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Advanced Energy Materials Chemistry (Ministry of Education), Renewable Energy Conversion and Storage Centre, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Biosensing and Molecular Recognition, Frontiers Science Centre for New Organic Matter, Nankai University, Tianjin300071, China
- Haihe Laboratory of Sustainable Chemical Transformations, Tianjin300192, China
| | - Tatsuya Chiba
- Department of Chemistry, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland 21218, United States
| | - Kathryn Foreman
- Department of Chemistry, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland 21218, United States
| | - Kit Bowen
- Department of Chemistry, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland 21218, United States
| | - Xinxing Zhang
- College of Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Advanced Energy Materials Chemistry (Ministry of Education), Renewable Energy Conversion and Storage Centre, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Biosensing and Molecular Recognition, Frontiers Science Centre for New Organic Matter, Nankai University, Tianjin300071, China
- Haihe Laboratory of Sustainable Chemical Transformations, Tianjin300192, China
| |
Collapse
|
44
|
Ganguly C, Rostami S, Long K, Aribam SD, Rajan R. Unity among the diverse RNA-guided CRISPR-Cas interference mechanisms. J Biol Chem 2024:107295. [PMID: 38641067 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2024.107295] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2023] [Revised: 04/08/2024] [Accepted: 04/10/2024] [Indexed: 04/21/2024] Open
Abstract
CRISPR-Cas (clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats-CRISPR-associated) systems are adaptive immune systems that protect bacteria and archaea from invading mobile genetic elements (MGEs). The Cas protein-CRISPR RNA (crRNA) complex uses complementarity of the crRNA "guide" region to specifically recognize the invader genome. CRISPR effectors that perform targeted destruction of the foreign genome have emerged independently as multi-subunit protein complexes (Class 1 systems) and as single multi-domain proteins (Class 2). These different CRISPR-Cas systems can cleave RNA, DNA, and protein in an RNA-guided manner to eliminate the invader, and in some cases, they initiate programmed cell death/dormancy. The versatile mechanisms of the different CRISPR-Cas systems to target and destroy nucleic acids have been adapted to develop various programmable-RNA-guided tools and have revolutionized the development of fast, accurate, and accessible genomic applications. In this review, we present the structure and interference mechanisms of different CRISPR-Cas systems and an analysis of their unified features. The three types of Class 1 systems (I, III, and IV) have a conserved right-handed helical filamentous structure that provides a backbone for sequence-specific targeting while using unique proteins with distinct mechanisms to destroy the invader. Similarly, all three Class 2 types (II, V, and VI) have a bilobed architecture that binds the RNA-DNA/RNA hybrid and uses different nuclease domains to cleave invading MGEs. Additionally, we highlight the mechanistic similarities of CRISPR-Cas enzymes with other RNA cleaving enzymes and briefly present the evolutionary routes of the different CRISPR-Cas systems.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chhandosee Ganguly
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Price Family Foundation Institute of Structural Biology, Stephenson Life Sciences Research Center, University of Oklahoma, 101 Stephenson Parkway, Norman, OK, 73019, USA
| | - Saadi Rostami
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Price Family Foundation Institute of Structural Biology, Stephenson Life Sciences Research Center, University of Oklahoma, 101 Stephenson Parkway, Norman, OK, 73019, USA
| | - Kole Long
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Price Family Foundation Institute of Structural Biology, Stephenson Life Sciences Research Center, University of Oklahoma, 101 Stephenson Parkway, Norman, OK, 73019, USA
| | - Swarmistha Devi Aribam
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Price Family Foundation Institute of Structural Biology, Stephenson Life Sciences Research Center, University of Oklahoma, 101 Stephenson Parkway, Norman, OK, 73019, USA
| | - Rakhi Rajan
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Price Family Foundation Institute of Structural Biology, Stephenson Life Sciences Research Center, University of Oklahoma, 101 Stephenson Parkway, Norman, OK, 73019, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
45
|
Horne RI, Andrzejewska EA, Alam P, Brotzakis ZF, Srivastava A, Aubert A, Nowinska M, Gregory RC, Staats R, Possenti A, Chia S, Sormanni P, Ghetti B, Caughey B, Knowles TPJ, Vendruscolo M. Discovery of potent inhibitors of α-synuclein aggregation using structure-based iterative learning. Nat Chem Biol 2024:10.1038/s41589-024-01580-x. [PMID: 38632492 DOI: 10.1038/s41589-024-01580-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2023] [Accepted: 02/12/2024] [Indexed: 04/19/2024]
Abstract
Machine learning methods hold the promise to reduce the costs and the failure rates of conventional drug discovery pipelines. This issue is especially pressing for neurodegenerative diseases, where the development of disease-modifying drugs has been particularly challenging. To address this problem, we describe here a machine learning approach to identify small molecule inhibitors of α-synuclein aggregation, a process implicated in Parkinson's disease and other synucleinopathies. Because the proliferation of α-synuclein aggregates takes place through autocatalytic secondary nucleation, we aim to identify compounds that bind the catalytic sites on the surface of the aggregates. To achieve this goal, we use structure-based machine learning in an iterative manner to first identify and then progressively optimize secondary nucleation inhibitors. Our results demonstrate that this approach leads to the facile identification of compounds two orders of magnitude more potent than previously reported ones.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Robert I Horne
- Centre for Misfolding Diseases, Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Ewa A Andrzejewska
- Centre for Misfolding Diseases, Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Parvez Alam
- Laboratory of Neurological Infections and Immunity, Rocky Mountain Laboratories, National Institute for Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Hamilton, MT, USA
| | - Z Faidon Brotzakis
- Centre for Misfolding Diseases, Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Ankit Srivastava
- Laboratory of Neurological Infections and Immunity, Rocky Mountain Laboratories, National Institute for Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Hamilton, MT, USA
| | - Alice Aubert
- Centre for Misfolding Diseases, Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Magdalena Nowinska
- Centre for Misfolding Diseases, Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Rebecca C Gregory
- Centre for Misfolding Diseases, Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Roxine Staats
- Centre for Misfolding Diseases, Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Andrea Possenti
- Centre for Misfolding Diseases, Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Sean Chia
- Centre for Misfolding Diseases, Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
- Bioprocessing Technology Institute, Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore, Singapore
| | - Pietro Sormanni
- Centre for Misfolding Diseases, Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Bernardino Ghetti
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Byron Caughey
- Laboratory of Neurological Infections and Immunity, Rocky Mountain Laboratories, National Institute for Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Hamilton, MT, USA
| | - Tuomas P J Knowles
- Centre for Misfolding Diseases, Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Michele Vendruscolo
- Centre for Misfolding Diseases, Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK.
| |
Collapse
|
46
|
Zhao S, Liu J, Zuo Z. Secondary Conformational Checkpoint in CRISPR-Cas9. J Chem Theory Comput 2024. [PMID: 38625092 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jctc.4c00120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/17/2024]
Abstract
A specific checkpoint between target DNA binding and cleavage primarily governs the precision of Cas9 gene editing. Although various CRISPR-Cas9 variants have been developed to improve DNA cleavage accuracy, we still lack a comprehensive understanding of how they work at the molecular level. Herein, we have focused on studying the late-stage conformational transitions of Cas9 and an evolved Cas9 mutant (evoCas9) that start from the precleavage state. Our submilliseconds of dynamic simulations reveal that the presence of base mismatches leads the HNH nuclease domain of Cas9 to alter its principal functional modes of motion, thereby impairing its conformational activation. This observation suggests the existence of a secondary conformational checkpoint that fine-tunes the final DNA cleavage activation. Remarkably, evoCas9 is prone to deviating from the normal activation pathway with base mismatches. This is characterized by a noticeable shift in the positioning of the HNH domain and a significantly perturbed allosteric communication network within the enzyme. Therefore, the mutations evolved in evoCas9 also reinforce the secondary checkpoint in addition to the previously identified primary checkpoint, collectively ensuring this variant's high gene-editing accuracy. This mechanism should also apply to other Cas9-guide RNA variants with enhanced fidelity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shuxin Zhao
- College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Shanghai University of Engineering Science, Shanghai 201620, China
- Shanghai Frontiers Science Research Center for Druggability of Cardiovascular noncoding RNA, Institute for Frontier Medical Technology, Shanghai University of Engineering Science, Shanghai 201620, China
| | - Jin Liu
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of North Texas System College of Pharmacy, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, Texas 76107, United States
| | - Zhicheng Zuo
- College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Shanghai University of Engineering Science, Shanghai 201620, China
- Shanghai Frontiers Science Research Center for Druggability of Cardiovascular noncoding RNA, Institute for Frontier Medical Technology, Shanghai University of Engineering Science, Shanghai 201620, China
| |
Collapse
|
47
|
Wang Y, Hernandez R. Construction of Multiscale Dissipative Particle Dynamics (DPD) Models from Other Coarse-Grained Models. ACS Omega 2024; 9:17667-17680. [PMID: 38645334 PMCID: PMC11025104 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.4c01868] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2024] [Revised: 03/06/2024] [Accepted: 03/15/2024] [Indexed: 04/23/2024]
Abstract
We present a general scheme for converting coarse-grained models into Dissipative Particle Dynamics (DPD) models. We build the corresponding DPD models by analogy with the de novo DPD coarse-graining scheme suggested by Groot and Warren (J. Chem. Phys., 1997). Electrostatic interactions between charged DPD particles are represented though the addition of a long-range Slater Coulomb potential as suggested by González-Melchor et al. (J. Chem. Phys., 2006). The construction is illustrated by converting MARTINI models for various proteins into a DPD representation, but it not restricted to the usual potential form in the MARTINI model-viz., Lennard-Jones potentials. We further extended the DPD scheme away from the typical use of homogeneous particle sizes, therefore faithfully representing the variations in the particle sizes seen in the underlying MARTINI model. The accuracy of the resulting construction of our generalized DPD models with respect to several structural observables has been benchmarked favorably against all-atom and MARTINI models for a selected set of peptides and proteins, and variations in the scales of the coarse-graining of the water solvent.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yinhan Wang
- Department of Chemistry, The Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland 21218, United States
| | - Rigoberto Hernandez
- Department of Chemistry, The Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland 21218, United States
| |
Collapse
|
48
|
Kisgeropoulos EC, Artz JH, Blahut M, Peters JW, King PW, Mulder DW. Properties of the iron-sulfur cluster electron transfer relay in an [FeFe]-hydrogenase that is tuned for H 2 oxidation catalysis. J Biol Chem 2024:107292. [PMID: 38636659 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2024.107292] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2024] [Revised: 04/09/2024] [Accepted: 04/11/2024] [Indexed: 04/20/2024] Open
Abstract
[FeFe]-hydrogenases catalyze the reversible oxidation of H2 from electrons and protons at an organometallic active site cofactor named the H-cluster. In addition to the H-cluster, most [FeFe]-hydrogenases possess accessory FeS cluster (F-cluster) relays that function in mediating electron transfer with catalysis. There is significant variation in the structural properties of F-cluster relays amongst the [FeFe]-hydrogenases, however it is unknown how this variation relates to the electronic and thermodynamic properties, and thus the electron transfer properties, of F-cluster relays. Clostridium pasteurianum [FeFe]-hydrogenase II (CpII), exhibits a large catalytic bias for H2 oxidation (compared to H2 production), making it a notable system for examining if F-cluster properties contribute to the overall function and efficiency of the enzyme. By applying a combination of multifrequency and potentiometric EPR, we resolved two EPR signals with distinct power- and temperature-dependent properties at g = 2.058 1.931 1.891 (F2.058) and g = 2.061 1.920 1.887 (F2.061), with assigned midpoint potentials of -140 ± 18 mV and -406 ± 12 mV vs. NHE, respectively. Spectral analysis revealed features consistent with spin-spin coupling between the two [4Fe-4S] F-clusters, and possible functional models are discussed that account for the contribution of coupling to the electron transfer landscape. The results signify the interplay of electronic coupling and free energy properties and parameters of the FeS clusters to the electron transfer mechanism through the relay and provide new insight as to how relays functionally complement the catalytic directionality of active sites to achieve highly efficient catalysis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Effie C Kisgeropoulos
- Biosciences Center, National Renewable Energy Laboratory, Golden, CO 80401, United States
| | - Jacob H Artz
- Biosciences Center, National Renewable Energy Laboratory, Golden, CO 80401, United States
| | - Matthew Blahut
- Biosciences Center, National Renewable Energy Laboratory, Golden, CO 80401, United States
| | - John W Peters
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, The University of Oklahoma, Norman, OK 73019, United States
| | - Paul W King
- Biosciences Center, National Renewable Energy Laboratory, Golden, CO 80401, United States; Renewable and Sustainable Energy Institute, National Renewable Energy Laboratory and University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO 80309, United States
| | - David W Mulder
- Biosciences Center, National Renewable Energy Laboratory, Golden, CO 80401, United States.
| |
Collapse
|
49
|
An K, Qiao Q, Zhou W, Jiang W, Li J, Xu Z. Stable Super-Resolution Imaging of Cell Membrane Nanoscale Subcompartment Dynamics with a Buffering Cyanine Dye. Anal Chem 2024; 96:5985-5991. [PMID: 38557031 DOI: 10.1021/acs.analchem.4c00342] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/04/2024]
Abstract
Super-resolution fluorescence imaging is a crucial method for visualizing the dynamics of the cell membrane involved in various physiological and pathological processes. This requires bright fluorescent dyes with excellent photostability and labeling stability to enable long-term imaging. In this context, we introduce a buffering-strategy-based cyanine dye, SA-Cy5, designed to identify and label carbonic anhydrase IX (CA IX) located in the cell membrane. The unique feature of SA-Cy5 lies in its ability to overcome photobleaching. When the dye on the cell membrane undergoes photobleaching, it is rapidly replaced by an intact probe from the buffer pool outside the cell membrane. This dynamic replacement ensures that the fluorescence intensity on the cell membrane remains stable over time. Under the super-resolution structured illumination microscopy (SIM), the cell membrane can be continuously imaged for 60 min with a time resolution of 20 s. This extended imaging period allows for the observation of substructural dynamics of the cell membrane, including the growth and fusion of filamentous pseudopodia and the fusion of vesicles. Additionally, this buffering strategy introduces a novel approach to address the issue of poor photostability associated with the cyanine dyes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kai An
- CAS Key Laboratory of Separation Science for Analytical Chemistry, Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 457 Zhongshan Road, Dalian 116023, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Qinglong Qiao
- CAS Key Laboratory of Separation Science for Analytical Chemistry, Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 457 Zhongshan Road, Dalian 116023, China
| | - Wei Zhou
- CAS Key Laboratory of Separation Science for Analytical Chemistry, Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 457 Zhongshan Road, Dalian 116023, China
| | - Wenchao Jiang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Separation Science for Analytical Chemistry, Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 457 Zhongshan Road, Dalian 116023, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Jin Li
- CAS Key Laboratory of Separation Science for Analytical Chemistry, Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 457 Zhongshan Road, Dalian 116023, China
| | - Zhaochao Xu
- CAS Key Laboratory of Separation Science for Analytical Chemistry, Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 457 Zhongshan Road, Dalian 116023, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| |
Collapse
|
50
|
Sharma P, Vaiwala R, Gopinath AK, Chockalingam R, Ayappa KG. Structure of the Bacterial Cell Envelope and Interactions with Antimicrobials: Insights from Molecular Dynamics Simulations. Langmuir 2024; 40:7791-7811. [PMID: 38451026 DOI: 10.1021/acs.langmuir.3c03474] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/08/2024]
Abstract
Bacteria have evolved over 3 billion years, shaping our intrinsic and symbiotic coexistence with these single-celled organisms. With rising populations of drug-resistant strains, the search for novel antimicrobials is an ongoing area of research. Advances in high-performance computing platforms have led to a variety of molecular dynamics simulation strategies to study the interactions of antimicrobial molecules with different compartments of the bacterial cell envelope of both Gram-positive and Gram-negative species. In this review, we begin with a detailed description of the structural aspects of the bacterial cell envelope. Simulations concerned with the transport and associated free energy of small molecules and ions through the outer membrane, peptidoglycan, inner membrane and outer membrane porins are discussed. Since surfactants are widely used as antimicrobials, a section is devoted to the interactions of surfactants with the cell wall and inner membranes. The review ends with a discussion on antimicrobial peptides and the insights gained from the molecular simulations on the free energy of translocation. Challenges involved in developing accurate molecular models and coarse-grained strategies that provide a trade-off between atomic details with a gain in sampling time are highlighted. The need for efficient sampling strategies to obtain accurate free energies of translocation is also discussed. Molecular dynamics simulations have evolved as a powerful tool that can potentially be used to design and develop novel antimicrobials and strategies to effectively treat bacterial infections.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Pradyumn Sharma
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, Karnataka, India, 560012
| | - Rakesh Vaiwala
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, Karnataka, India, 560012
| | - Amar Krishna Gopinath
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, Karnataka, India, 560012
| | - Rajalakshmi Chockalingam
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, Karnataka, India, 560012
| | - K Ganapathy Ayappa
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, Karnataka, India, 560012
| |
Collapse
|