HingeProt: automated prediction of hinges in protein structures

Flexibility of the bacterial chaperone trigger factor in microsecond-timescale molecular dynamics simulations

The bacterial chaperone trigger factor (TF) is the first chaperone to be encountered by a nascent protein chain as it emerges from the ribosome exit tunnel. Experimental results suggest that TF possesses considerable conformational flexibility, and in an attempt to provide an atomic-level view of this flexibility, we have performed independent 1.5-μs molecular dynamics simulations of TF in explicit solvent using two different simulation force fields (OPLS-AA/L and AMBER ff99SB-ILDN). Both simulations indicate that TF possesses tremendous flexibility, with huge excursions from the crystallographic conformation caused by reorientations of the protein's constituent domains; both simulations also predict the formation of extensive contacts between TF's PPIase domain and the Arm 1 domain that is involved in nascent-chain binding. In the OPLS simulation, however, TF rapidly settles into a very compact conformation that persists for at least 1 μs, whereas in the AMBER simulation, it remains highly dynamic; additional simulations in which the two force fields were swapped suggest that these differences are at least partly attributable to sampling issues. The simulation results provide potential rationalizations of a number of experimental observations regarding TF's conformational behavior and have implications for using simulations to model TF's function on translating ribosomes.

Flexibility of truncated and full-length glucansucrase GTF180 enzymes from Lactobacillus reuteri 180

Glucansucrase enzymes synthesize high-molecular-mass extracellular α-glucan polysaccharides from sucrose. Previously, the crystal structure of truncated glucansucrase glucosyltransferase (GTF)180-ΔN from Lactobacillus reuteri 180 (lacking the N-terminal domain) revealed an elongated overall structure with two remote domains (IV and V) extending away from the core. By contrast, a new crystal form of the α-1,6/α-1,3 specific glucansucrase GTF180-ΔN shows an approximate 120(o) rotation of domain V about a hinge located between domains IV and V, giving a much more compact structure than before. Positional variability of domain V in solution is confirmed by small angle X-ray scattering experiments and rigid-body ensemble calculations. In addition, small angle X-ray scattering measurements of full-length GTF180 also provide the first structural data for a full-length glucansucrase, showing that the enzyme has an almost symmetric boomerang-like molecular shape, with a bend likely located between domains IV and V. The ~ 700-residue N-terminal domain, which is not present in the crystal structures, extends away from domain V and the catalytic core of the enzyme. We conclude that, as a result of the hinge region, in solution, GTF180-ΔN (and likely also the full-length GTF180) shows conformational flexibility; this may be a general feature of GH70 glucansucrases.

DATABASE

• Structural data for GTF180-ΔN II have been deposited in the Protein Data Bank under accession code 4AYG.

Investigating the allosteric regulation of YfiN from Pseudomonas aeruginosa: clues from the structure of the catalytic domain

Pseudomonas aeruginosa is responsible for a plethora of biofilm mediated chronic infections among which cystic fibrosis pneumonia is the most frightening. The long-term survival strategy of P. aeruginosa in the patients lungs is based on a fine balance of virulence vs dormant states and on genetic adaptation, in order to select persistent phenotypes as the small colony variants (SCVs), which strongly correlate with antibiotic resistance and poor lung function. Recent studies have coupled SCV with increased levels of the signaling molecule cyclic di-GMP, and demonstrated the central role of the diguanylate cyclase YfiN, part of the tripartite signaling module YifBNR, in c-di-GMP dependent SCV regulation. YfiN, also called TpbB, is a multi-domain membrane enzyme connecting periplasmic stimuli to cytosolic c-di-GMP production by an allosteric inside-out signaling mechanism that, due to the lack of structural data, is still largely hypothetical. We have solved the crystal structure of the catalytic domain (GGDEF), and measured the enzymatic activity of the cytosolic portion in real-time by means of a newly developed method. Based on these results we demonstrate that, unlike other diguanylate cyclase, YfiN does not undergo product feedback inhibition, and that the presence of the HAMP domain is required for dimerization and catalysis. Coupling our structural and kinetic data with an in silico study we are now able to propose a model for the allosteric regulation of YfiN.

Engineering proteins for thermostability through rigidifying flexible sites

Engineering proteins for thermostability is an exciting and challenging field since it is critical for broadening the industrial use of recombinant proteins. Thermostability of proteins arises from the simultaneous effect of several forces such as hydrophobic interactions, disulfide bonds, salt bridges and hydrogen bonds. All of these interactions lead to decreased flexibility of polypeptide chain. Structural studies of mesophilic and thermophilic proteins showed that the latter need more rigid structures to compensate for increased thermal fluctuations. Hence flexibility can be an indicator to pinpoint weak spots for enhancing thermostability of enzymes. A strategy has been proven effective in enhancing proteins' thermostability with two steps: predict flexible sites of proteins firstly and then rigidify these sites. We refer to this approach as rigidify flexible sites (RFS) and give an overview of such a method through summarizing the methods to predict flexibility of a protein, the methods to rigidify residues with high flexibility and successful cases regarding enhancing thermostability of proteins using RFS.

Structure and nucleic acid binding activity of the nucleoporin Nup157

At the center of the nuclear pore complex (NPC) is a uniquely versatile central transport channel. Structural analyses of distinct segments ("protomers") of the three "channel" nucleoporins yielded a model for how this channel is constructed. Its principal feature is a midplane ring that can undergo regulated diameter changes of as much as an estimated 30 nm. To better understand how a family of "adaptor" nucleoporins--concentrically surrounding this channel--might cushion these huge structural changes, we determined the crystal structure of one adaptor nucleoporin, Nup157. Here, we show that a recombinant Saccharomyces cerevisiae Nup157 protomer, representing two-thirds of Nup157 (residues 70-893), folds into a seven-bladed β-propeller followed by an α-helical domain, which together form a C-shaped architecture. Notably, the structure contains a large patch of positively charged residues, most of which are evolutionarily conserved. Consistent with this surface feature, we found that Nup157(70-893) binds to nucleic acids, although in a sequence-independent manner. Nevertheless, this interaction supports a previously reported role of Nup157, and its paralogue Nup170, in chromatin organization. Based on its nucleic acid binding capacity, we propose a dual location and function of Nup157. Finally, modeling the remaining C-terminal portion of Nup157 shows that it projects as a superhelical stack from the compact C-shaped portion of the molecule. The predicted four hinge regions indicate an intrinsic flexibility of Nup157, which could contribute to structural plasticity within the NPC.

High-resolution structure of an atypical α-phosphoglucomutase related to eukaryotic phosphomannomutases

The first structure of a bacterial α-phosphoglucomutase with an overall fold similar to eukaryotic phosphomannomutases is reported. Unlike most α-phosphoglucomutases within the α-D-phosphohexomutase superfamily, it belongs to subclass IIb of the haloacid dehalogenase superfamily (HADSF). It catalyzes the reversible conversion of α-glucose 1-phosphate to glucose 6-phosphate. The crystal structure of α-phosphoglucomutase fromLactococcus lactis(APGM) was determined at 1.5 Å resolution and contains a sulfate and a glycerol bound at the enzyme active site that partially mimic the substrate. A dimeric form of APGM is present in the crystal and in solution, an arrangement that may be functionally relevant. The catalytic mechanism of APGM and its strict specificity towards α-glucose 1-phosphate are discussed.

In silico characterization and molecular dynamics simulation of Pfcyc-1, a cyclin homolog of Plasmodium falciparum

Malaria is still one of the deadly diseases resulting in deaths of millions of people worldwide and situation has become worse due to alarming rise in anti-malarial drug resistance. Genome sequence availability of Plasmodium falciparum, the main causal organism of severe malaria in humans, has enabled identification of various parasite cell cycle regulators like several cyclins and cyclin dependent kinases or CDKs which are promising novel drug targets for Malaria. Here, we present in silico characterization of tertiary structure of Pfcyc-1, a P. falciparum cyclin homolog, which enables identification of key structural elements that contribute to its tertiary structure and function. We have investigated the structure and dynamics of Pfcyc-1 structural model by performing 10 ns molecular dynamics (MD) simulation. Our study indicates that despite poor sequence similarities with cyclin H and A, the characteristic structural cyclin domains are conserved in Pfcyc-1 too. The Pfcyc-1 model reveals a cyclin box, consisting of two tandemly repeating five-helix bundles separated by a linker hinge peptide. Furthermore, the amino acid residues in other known cyclins mediating cyclin-CDK interactions are conserved in Pfcyc-1. The model and its MD simulation offer a first ever structural annotation of any plasmodium cyclin, which along with sequence comparisons, helps in identification of important functional residues mediating the Pfcyc-1-CDK like interactions.

Molecular basis of HHQ biosynthesis: molecular dynamics simulations, enzyme kinetic and surface plasmon resonance studies

BACKGROUND

PQS (PseudomonasQuinolone Signal) and its precursor HHQ are signal molecules of the P. aeruginosa quorum sensing system. They explicate their role in mammalian pathogenicity by binding to the receptor PqsR that induces virulence factor production and biofilm formation. The enzyme PqsD catalyses the biosynthesis of HHQ.

RESULTS

Enzyme kinetic analysis and surface plasmon resonance (SPR) biosensor experiments were used to determine mechanism and substrate order of the biosynthesis. Comparative analysis led to the identification of domains involved in functionality of PqsD. A kinetic cycle was set up and molecular dynamics (MD) simulations were used to study the molecular bases of the kinetics of PqsD. Trajectory analysis, pocket volume measurements, binding energy estimations and decompositions ensured insights into the binding mode of the substrates anthraniloyl-CoA and β-ketodecanoic acid.

CONCLUSIONS

Enzyme kinetics and SPR experiments hint at a ping-pong mechanism for PqsD with ACoA as first substrate. Trajectory analysis of different PqsD complexes evidenced ligand-dependent induced-fit motions affecting the modified ACoA funnel access to the exposure of a secondary channel. A tunnel-network is formed in which Ser317 plays an important role by binding to both substrates. Mutagenesis experiments resulting in the inactive S317F mutant confirmed the importance of this residue. Two binding modes for β-ketodecanoic acid were identified with distinct catalytic mechanism preferences.

Dynamic fluctuations provide the basis of a conformational switch mechanism in apo cyclic AMP receptor protein

Escherichia coli cyclic AMP Receptor Protein (CRP) undergoes conformational changes with cAMP binding and allosterically promotes CRP to bind specifically to the DNA. In that, the structural and dynamic properties of apo CRP prior to cAMP binding are of interest for the comprehension of the activation mechanism. Here, the dynamics of apo CRP monomer/dimer and holo CRP dimer were studied by Molecular Dynamics (MD) simulations and Gaussian Network Model (GNM). The interplay of the inter-domain hinge with the cAMP and DNA binding domains are pre-disposed in the apo state as a conformational switch in the CRP's allosteric communication mechanism. The hinge at L134-D138 displaying intra- and inter-subunit coupled fluctuations with the cAMP and DNA binding domains leads to the emergence of stronger coupled fluctuations between the two domains and describes an on state. The flexible regions at K52-E58, P154/D155 and I175 maintain the dynamic coupling of the two domains. With a shift in the inter-domain hinge position towards the N terminus, nevertheless, the latter correlations between the domains loosen and become disordered; L134-D138 dynamically interacts only with the cAMP and DNA binding domains of its own subunit, and an off state is assumed. We present a mechanistic view on how the structural dynamic units are hierarchically built for the allosteric functional mechanism; from apo CRP monomer to apo-to-holo CRP dimers.

Structural insight into the binding complex: β-arrestin/CCR5 complex

The chemokine receptor 5 (CCR5) belongs to the superfamily of serpentine G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs). The DRY motif (Asp, Arg, Tyr) of the intracellular loop 2 (ICL2), which is highly conserved in the GPCRs has been shown to be essential for the stability of folding of CCR5 and the interaction with β-arrestin. But the molecular mechanism by which it recognizes and interacts with β-arrestin has not been elucidated. In the present study, we described the active state of the β-arrestin structure using normal mode analysis and characterized the binding cleft of CCR5-ICL2 with β-arrestin using SABRE© docking tool and molecular dynamics simulation. Based on our computational results, we proposed a mode of binding between the ICL2 loop of CCR5 and β-arrestin structure, and modeled the energetically stable β-arrestin/CCR5 complex. In view of CCR5's importance as a therapeutic target for the treatment of HIV, this observation provides novel insight into the β-arrestin/CCR5 pathway. As a result, the current computational study of the detailed β-arrestin/CCR5 binding complex could provide the rationale for the development of next generation of HIV peptide inhibitors as therapeutic agents.

Structure-function studies of the staphylococcal methicillin resistance antirepressor MecR2

Methicillin resistance in Staphylococcus aureus is elicited by the MecI-MecR1-MecA axis encoded by the mec locus. Recently, MecR2 was also identified as a regulator of mec through binding of the methicillin repressor, MecI. Here we show that plasmid-encoded full-length MecR2 restores resistance in a sensitive S. aureus mecR2 deletion mutant of the resistant strain N315. The crystal structure of MecR2 reveals an N-terminal DNA-binding domain, an intermediate scaffold domain, and a C-terminal dimerization domain that contributes to oligomerization. The protein shows structural similarity to ROK (repressors, open reading frames, and kinases) family proteins, which bind DNA and/or sugar molecules. We found that functional cell-based assays of three point mutants affecting residues participating in sugar binding in ROK proteins had no effect on the resistance phenotype. By contrast, MecR2 bound short double-stranded DNA oligonucleotides nonspecifically, and a deletion mutant affecting the N-terminal DNA-binding domain showed a certain effect on activity, thus contributing to resistance less than the wild-type protein. Similarly, a deletion mutant, in which a flexible segment of intermediate scaffold domain had been replaced by four glycines, significantly reduced MecR2 function, thus indicating that this domain may likewise be required for activity. Taken together, these results provide the structural basis for the activity of a methicillin antirepressor, MecR2, which would sequester MecI away from its cognate promoter region and facilitate its degradation.

Functional diversity and structural disorder in the human ubiquitination pathway

The ubiquitin-proteasome system plays a central role in cellular regulation and protein quality control (PQC). The system is built as a pyramid of increasing complexity, with two E1 (ubiquitin activating), few dozen E2 (ubiquitin conjugating) and several hundred E3 (ubiquitin ligase) enzymes. By collecting and analyzing E3 sequences from the KEGG BRITE database and literature, we assembled a coherent dataset of 563 human E3s and analyzed their various physical features. We found an increase in structural disorder of the system with multiple disorder predictors (IUPred – E1: 5.97%, E2: 17.74%, E3: 20.03%). E3s that can bind E2 and substrate simultaneously (single subunit E3, ssE3) have significantly higher disorder (22.98%) than E3s in which E2 binding (multi RING-finger, mRF, 0.62%), scaffolding (6.01%) and substrate binding (adaptor/substrate recognition subunits, 17.33%) functions are separated. In ssE3s, the disorder was localized in the substrate/adaptor binding domains, whereas the E2-binding RING/HECT-domains were structured. To demonstrate the involvement of disorder in E3 function, we applied normal modes and molecular dynamics analyses to show how a disordered and highly flexible linker in human CBL (an E3 that acts as a regulator of several tyrosine kinase-mediated signalling pathways) facilitates long-range conformational changes bringing substrate and E2-binding domains towards each other and thus assisting in ubiquitin transfer. E3s with multiple interaction partners (as evidenced by data in STRING) also possess elevated levels of disorder (hubs, 22.90% vs. non-hubs, 18.36%). Furthermore, a search in PDB uncovered 21 distinct human E3 interactions, in 7 of which the disordered region of E3s undergoes induced folding (or mutual induced folding) in the presence of the partner. In conclusion, our data highlights the primary role of structural disorder in the functions of E3 ligases that manifests itself in the substrate/adaptor binding functions as well as the mechanism of ubiquitin transfer by long-range conformational transitions.

Structure of the Leanyer orthobunyavirus nucleoprotein-RNA complex reveals unique architecture for RNA encapsidation

Negative-stranded RNA viruses cover their genome with nucleoprotein (N) to protect it from the human innate immune system. Abrogation of the function of N offers a unique opportunity to combat the spread of the viruses. Here, we describe a unique fold of N from Leanyer virus (LEAV, Orthobunyavirus genus, Bunyaviridae family) in complex with single-stranded RNA refined to 2.78 Å resolution as well as a 2.68 Å resolution structure of LEAV N-ssDNA complex. LEAV N is made up of an N- and a C-terminal lobe, with the RNA binding site located at the junction of these lobes. The LEAV N tetramer binds a 44-nucleotide-long single-stranded RNA chain. Hence, oligomerization of N is essential for encapsidation of the entire genome and is accomplished by using extensions at the N and C terminus. Molecular details of the oligomerization of N are illustrated in the structure where a circular ring-like tertiary assembly of a tetramer of LEAV N is observed tethering the RNA in a positively charged cavity running along the inner edge. Hydrogen bonds between N and the C2 hydroxyl group of ribose sugar explain the specificity of LEAV N for RNA over DNA. In addition, base-specific hydrogen bonds suggest that some regions of RNA bind N more tightly than others. Hinge movements around F20 and V125 assist in the reversal of capsidation during transcription and replication of the virus. Electron microscopic images of the ribonucleoprotein complexes of LEAV N reveal a filamentous assembly similar to those found in phleboviruses.

Protein oligomers studied by solid-state NMR--the case of the full-length nucleoid-associated protein histone-like nucleoid structuring protein

Members of the histone-like nucleoid structuring protein (H-NS) family play roles both as architectural proteins and as modulators of gene expression in Gram-negative bacteria. The H-NS protein participates in modulatory processes that respond to environmental changes in osmolarity, pH, or temperature. H-NS oligomerization is essential for its activity. Structural models of different truncated forms are available. However, high-resolution structural details of full-length H-NS and its DNA-bound state have largely remained elusive. We report on progress in characterizing the biologically active H-NS oligomers with solid-state NMR. We compared uniformly ((13)C,(15)N)-labeled ssNMR preparations of the isolated N-terminal region (H-NS 1-47) and full-length H-NS (H-NS 1-137). In both cases, we obtained ssNMR spectra of good quality and characteristic of well-folded proteins. Analysis of the results of 2D and 3D (13)C-(13)C and (15)N-(13)C correlation experiments conducted at high magnetic field led to assignments of residues located in different topological regions of the free full-length H-NS. These findings confirm that the structure of the N-terminal dimerization domain is conserved in the oligomeric full-length protein. Small changes in the dimerization interface suggested by localized chemical shift variations between solution and solid-state spectra may be relevant for DNA recoginition.

Imperfect duplicate insertions type of mutations in plasmepsin V modulates binding properties of PEXEL motifs of export proteins in Indian Plasmodium vivax

Introduction

Plasmepsin V (PM-V) have functionally conserved orthologues across the Plasmodium genus who's binding and antigenic processing at the PEXEL motifs for export about 200–300 essential proteins is important for the virulence and viability of the causative Plasmodium species. This study was undertaken to determine P. vivax plasmepsin V Ind (PvPM-V-Ind) PEXEL motif export pathway for pathogenicity-related proteins/antigens export thereby altering plasmodium exportome during erythrocytic stages.

Method

We identify and characterize Plasmodium vivax plasmepsin-V-Ind (mutant) gene by cloning, sequence analysis, in silico bioinformatic protocols and structural modeling predictions based on docking studies on binding capacity with PEXEL motifs processing in terms of binding and accessibility of export proteins.

Results

Cloning and sequence analysis for genetic diversity demonstrates PvPM-V-Ind (mutant) gene is highly conserved among all isolates from different geographical regions of India. Imperfect duplicate insertion types of mutations (SVSE from 246–249 AA and SLSE from 266–269 AA) were identified among all Indian isolates in comparison to P.vivax Sal-1 (PvPM-V-Sal 1) isolate. In silico bioinformatics interaction studies of PEXEL peptide and active enzyme reveal that PvPM-V-Ind (mutant) is only active in endoplasmic reticulum lumen and membrane embedding is essential for activation of plasmepsin V. Structural modeling predictions based on docking studies with PEXEL motif show significant variation in substrate protein binding of these imperfect mutations with data mined PEXEL sequences. The predicted variation in the docking score and interacting amino acids of PvPM-V-Ind (mutant) proteins with PEXEL and lopinavir suggests a modulation in the activity of PvPM-V in terms of binding and accessibility at these sites.

Conclusion/Significance

Our functional modeled validation of PvPM-V-Ind (mutant) imperfect duplicate insertions with data mined PEXEL sequences leading to altered binding and substrate accessibility of the enzyme makes it a plausible target to investigate export mechanisms for in silico virtual screening and novel pharmacophore designing.

Structure, dynamics, evolution, and function of a major scaffold component in the nuclear pore complex

The nuclear pore complex, composed of proteins termed nucleoporins (Nups), is responsible for nucleocytoplasmic transport in eukaryotes. Nuclear pore complexes (NPCs) form an annular structure composed of the nuclear ring, cytoplasmic ring, a membrane ring, and two inner rings. Nup192 is a major component of the NPC's inner ring. We report the crystal structure of Saccharomyces cerevisiae Nup192 residues 2-960 [ScNup192(2-960)], which adopts an α-helical fold with three domains (i.e., D1, D2, and D3). Small angle X-ray scattering and electron microscopy (EM) studies reveal that ScNup192(2-960) could undergo long-range transition between "open" and "closed" conformations. We obtained a structural model of full-length ScNup192 based on EM, the structure of ScNup192(2-960), and homology modeling. Evolutionary analyses using the ScNup192(2-960) structure suggest that NPCs and vesicle-coating complexes are descended from a common membrane-coating ancestral complex. We show that suppression of Nup192 expression leads to compromised nuclear transport and hypothesize a role for Nup192 in modulating the permeability of the NPC central channel.

Type II kinase inhibitors show an unexpected inhibition mode against Parkinson's disease-linked LRRK2 mutant G2019S

A number of well-known type II inhibitors (ATP-noncompetitive) that bind kinases in their DFG-out conformation were tested against wild-type LRRK2 and the most common Parkinson's disease-linked mutation, G2019S. We found that traditional type II inhibitors exhibit surprising variability in their inhibition mechanism between the wild type (WT) and the G2019S mutant of LRRK2. The type II kinase inhibitors were found to work in an ATP-competitive fashion against the G2019S mutant, whereas they appear to follow the expected noncompetitive mechanism against WT. Because the G2019S mutation lies in the DXG motif (DYG in LRRK2 but DFG in most other kinases) of the activation loop, we explored the structural consequence of the mutation on loop dynamics using an enhanced sampling method called metadynamics. The simulations suggest that the G2019S mutation stabilizes the DYG-in state of LRRK2 through a series of hydrogen bonds, leading to an increase in the conformational barrier between the active and inactive forms of the enzyme and a relative stabilization of the active form. The conformational bias toward the active form of LRRK2 mutants has two primary consequences. (1) The mutant enzyme becomes hyperactive, a known contributor to the Parkinsonian phenotype, as a consequence of being "locked" into the activated state, and (2) the mutation creates an unusual allosteric pocket that can bind type II inhibitors but in an ATP-competitive fashion. Our results suggest that developing type II inhibitors, which are generally considered superior to type I inhibitors because of desirable selectivity profiles, might be especially challenging for the G2019S LRRK2 mutant.

A dynamic model of the proteins that form the initial iron-sulfur cluster biogenesis machinery in yeast mitochondria

The assembly of iron-sulfur clusters (ISCs) in eukaryotes involves the protein Frataxin. Deficits in this protein have been associated with iron inside the mitochondria and impair ISC biogenesis as it is postulated to act as the iron donor for ISCs assembly in this organelle. A pronounced lack of Frataxin causes Friedreich's Ataxia, which is a human neurodegenerative and hereditary disease mainly affecting the equilibrium, coordination, muscles and heart. Moreover, it is the most common autosomal recessive ataxia. High similarities between the human and yeast molecular mechanisms that involve Frataxin have been suggested making yeast a good model to study that process. In yeast, the protein complex that forms the central assembly platform for the initial step of ISC biogenesis is composed by yeast frataxin homolog, Nfs1-Isd11 and Isu. In general, it is commonly accepted that protein function involves interaction with other protein partners, but in this case not enough is known about the structure of the protein complex and, therefore, how it exactly functions. The objective of this work is to model the protein complex in order to gain insight into structural details that end up with its biological function. To achieve this goal several bioinformatics tools, modeling techniques and protein docking programs have been used. As a result, the structure of the protein complex and the dynamic behavior of its components, along with that of the iron and sulfur atoms required for the ISC assembly, have been modeled. This hypothesis will help to better understand the function and molecular properties of Frataxin as well as those of its ISC assembly protein partners.

Drug resistance mechanism of PncA in Mycobacterium tuberculosis

Tuberculosis continues to be a global health threat. Pyrazinamide (PZA) is an important first-line drug in multidrug-resistant tuberculosis treatment. The emergence of strains resistant to PZA represents an important public health problem, as both first- and second-line treatment regimens include PZA. It becomes toxic to Mycobacterium tuberculosis when converted to pyrazinoic acid by the bacterial pyrazinamidase (PncA) enzyme. Resistance to PZA is caused mainly by the loss of enzyme activity by mutation, the mechanism of resistance is not completely understood. In our studies, we analysed three mutations (D8G, S104R and C138Y) of PncA which are involved in resistance towards PZA. Binding pocket analysis solvent accessibility analysis, molecular docking and interaction analysis were performed to understand the interaction behaviour of mutant enzymes with PZA. Molecular dynamics simulations were conducted to understand the three-dimensional (3D) conformational behaviour of native and mutants PncA. Our analysis clearly indicates that the mutation (D8G, S104R and C138Y) in PncA is responsible for rigid binding cavity which in turn abolishes conversion of PZA to its active form and is the sole reason for PZA resistance. Excessive hydrogen bonding between PZA binding cavity residues and their neighbouring residues are the reason of rigid binding cavity during simulation. We present an exhaustive analysis of the binding site flexibility and its 3D conformations that may serve as new starting points for structure-based drug design and helps the researchers to design new inhibitors with consideration of rigid criterion of binding residues due to mutation of this essential target. An animated Interactive 3D Complement (I3DC) is available in Proteopedia at http://proteopedia.org/w/Journal:JBSD:11.

On the molecular basis of D-bifunctional protein deficiency type III

Molecular basis of D-bifunctional protein (D-BP) deficiency was studied with wild type and five disease-causing variants of 3R-hydroxyacyl-CoA dehydrogenase fragment of the human MFE-2 (multifunctional enzyme type 2) protein. Complementation analysis in vivo in yeast and in vitro enzyme kinetic and stability determinants as well as in silico stability and structural fluctuation calculations were correlated with clinical data of known patients. Despite variations not affecting the catalytic residues, enzyme kinetic performance (K(m), V(max) and k(cat)) of the recombinant protein variants were compromised to a varying extent and this can be judged as the direct molecular cause for D-BP deficiency. Protein stability plays an additional role in producing non-functionality of MFE-2 in case structural variations affect cofactor or substrate binding sites. Structure-function considerations of the variant proteins matched well with the available data of the patients.

Structure of a periplasmic glucose-binding protein from Thermotoga maritima

ABC transport systems have been characterized in organisms ranging from bacteria to humans. In most bacterial systems, the periplasmic component is the primary determinant of specificity of the transport complex as a whole. Here, the X-ray crystal structure of a periplasmic glucose-binding protein (GBP) from Thermotoga maritima determined at 2.4 Å resolution is reported. The molecule consists of two similar α/β domains connected by a three-stranded hinge region. In the current structure, a ligand (β-D-glucose) is buried between the two domains, which have adopted a closed conformation. Details of the substrate-binding sites revealed features that determine substrate specificity. In toto, ten residues from both domains form eight hydrogen bonds to the bound sugar and four aromatic residues (two from each domain) stabilize the substrate through stacking interactions.

Computer-Aided Protein Directed Evolution: a Review of Web Servers, Databases and other Computational Tools for Protein Engineering

The combination of computational and directed evolution methods has proven a winning strategy for protein engineering. We refer to this approach as computer-aided protein directed evolution (CAPDE) and the review summarizes the recent developments in this rapidly growing field. We will restrict ourselves to overview the availability, usability and limitations of web servers, databases and other computational tools proposed in the last five years. The goal of this review is to provide concise information about currently available computational resources to assist the design of directed evolution based protein engineering experiment.

Structural and mechanistic investigations on Salmonella typhimurium acetate kinase (AckA): identification of a putative ligand binding pocket at the dimeric interface

Background

Bacteria such as Escherichia coli and Salmonella typhimurium can utilize acetate as the sole source of carbon and energy. Acetate kinase (AckA) and phosphotransacetylase (Pta), key enzymes of acetate utilization pathway, regulate flux of metabolites in glycolysis, gluconeogenesis, TCA cycle, glyoxylate bypass and fatty acid metabolism.

Results

Here we report kinetic characterization of S. typhimurium AckA (StAckA) and structures of its unliganded (Form-I, 2.70 Å resolution) and citrate-bound (Form-II, 1.90 Å resolution) forms. The enzyme showed broad substrate specificity with k_cat/K_m in the order of acetate > propionate > formate. Further, the K_m for acetyl-phosphate was significantly lower than for acetate and the enzyme could catalyze the reverse reaction (i.e. ATP synthesis) more efficiently. ATP and Mg²⁺ could be substituted by other nucleoside 5′-triphosphates (GTP, UTP and CTP) and divalent cations (Mn²⁺ and Co²⁺), respectively. Form-I StAckA represents the first structural report of an unliganded AckA. StAckA protomer consists of two domains with characteristic βββαβαβα topology of ASKHA superfamily of proteins. These domains adopt an intermediate conformation compared to that of open and closed forms of ligand-bound Methanosarcina thermophila AckA (MtAckA). Spectroscopic and structural analyses of StAckA further suggested occurrence of inter-domain motion upon ligand-binding. Unexpectedly, Form-II StAckA structure showed a drastic change in the conformation of residues 230–300 compared to that of Form-I. Further investigation revealed electron density corresponding to a citrate molecule in a pocket located at the dimeric interface of Form-II StAckA. Interestingly, a similar dimeric interface pocket lined with largely conserved residues could be identified in Form-I StAckA as well as in other enzymes homologous to AckA suggesting that ligand binding at this pocket may influence the function of these enzymes.

Conclusions

The biochemical and structural characterization of StAckA reported here provides insights into the biochemical specificity, overall fold, thermal stability, molecular basis of ligand binding and inter-domain motion in AckA family of enzymes. Dramatic conformational differences observed between unliganded and citrate-bound forms of StAckA led to identification of a putative ligand-binding pocket at the dimeric interface of StAckA with implications for enzymatic function.

Structure and flexibility of the C-ring in the electromotor of rotary F(0)F(1)-ATPase of pea chloroplasts

A ring of 8-15 identical c-subunits is essential for ion-translocation by the rotary electromotor of the ubiquitous F(O)F(1)-ATPase. Here we present the crystal structure at 3.4Å resolution of the c-ring from chloroplasts of a higher plant (Pisum sativum), determined using a native preparation. The crystal structure was found to resemble that of an (ancestral) cyanobacterium. Using elastic network modeling to investigate the ring's eigen-modes, we found five dominant modes of motion that fell into three classes. They revealed the following deformations of the ring: (I) ellipsoidal, (II) opposite twisting of the luminal circular surface of the ring against the stromal surface, and (III) kinking of the hairpin-shaped monomers in the middle, resulting in bending/stretching of the ring. Extension of the elastic network analysis to rings of different c(n)-symmetry revealed the same classes of dominant modes as in P. sativum (c(14)). We suggest the following functional roles for these classes: The first and third classes of modes affect the interaction of the c-ring with its counterparts in F(O), namely subunits a and bb'. These modes are likely to be involved in ion-translocation and torque generation. The second class of deformation, along with deformations of subunits γ and ε might serve to elastically buffer the torque transmission between F(O) and F(1).

Dynamics of endoglucanase catalytic domains: implications towards thermostability

Thermostable endoglucanases play a crucial role in the production of biofuels to breakdown plant cellulose. Analyzing their structure-dynamics relationship can inform about the origins of their thermostability. Although tertiary structures of many endoglucanase proteins are available, the relationship between thermostability, structure, and dynamics is not explored fully. We have generated elastic network models for thermostable and mesostable endoglucanases with the (αβ)₈ fold in substrate bound and unbound states. The comparative analyses shed light on the relation between protein dynamics, thermostability, and substrate binding. We observed specific differences in the dynamic behavior of catalytic residues in slow modes: while both the nucleophile and the acid/base donor residues show positively correlated motions in the thermophile, their dynamics is uncoupled in the mesophile. Our proof-of-concept comparison study suggests that global dynamics can be harnessed to further our understanding of thermostability.

Protein flexibility and conformational states of Leishmania antigen eIF-4A: identification of a novel plausible protein adjuvant using comparative genomics and molecular modeling

Recent homology modeling studies have identified specific residues (epitope) of the Leishmania RNA helicase protein (LmeIF) that stimulates production of IL-12 cytokine. However, question remains concerning how LmeIF's N-terminal moiety initiates adjuvant effects. Extensive molecular modeling combining the normal mode analysis (NMA) and molecular dynamics simulations, in the present study, has demonstrated that the LmeIF structure may exist in two different forms corresponding to the extended and collapsed (closed) states of the entire structure. The computational results showed that the two domains of the LmeIF structure tend to undergo large fluctuations in a concerted fashion and have strong effect on the solvent accessible surface of the epitope situated on the N-terminal structure. The conformational freedom of the C-terminal domains may explain why the entire LmeIF protein is not as active as the N-terminal moiety. Thereafter, a comparative genome analysis with subsequent homology modeling and molecular electrostatic potential (MEP) techniques allowed us to predict a novel and plausible RNA helicase (LI-helicase) from the Listeria source with adjuvant property as observed for the Leishmania eIF-4A protein. The structural folding and MEP maps revealed similar topologies of the epitope of both LmeIF and LI-helicase proteins and striking identity in the local disposition of the charged groups. An animated Interactive 3D Complement (I3DC) is available in Proteopedia at http://proteopedia.org/w/Journal:JBSD:7.

Influence of point mutations on the stability, dimerization, and oligomerization of human cystatin C and its L68Q variant

Human cystatin C (hCC) is a small but very intriguing protein. Produced by all nucleated cells is found in almost all tissues and body fluids where, at physiological conditions, plays a role of a very potent inhibitor of cysteine proteases. Biologically active hCC is a monomeric protein but during cellular trafficking it forms dimers, transiently losing its inhibitory activity. In vitro, dimerization of cystatin C was observed for the mature protein during crystallization trials, revealing that the mechanism of this process is based on the three dimensional swapping of the protein domains. In our work we have focused on the impact of two proposed "hot spots" in cystatin C structure on its conformational stability. Encouraged by promising results of the theoretical calculations, we designed and produced several hCC hinge region point mutation variants that display a variety of conformational stability and propensity for dimerization and aggregation. A similar approach, i.e., rational mutagenesis, has been also applied to study the amyloidogenic L68Q variant to determine the contribution of hydrophobic interactions and steric effect on the stability of monomeric cystatin C. In this overview we would like to summarize the results of our studies. The impact of a particular mutation on the properties of the studied proteins will be presented in the context of their thermal and mechanical stability, in vitro dimerization tendency as well as the outcome of crystallization. Better understanding of the mechanism and, especially, factors affecting conformational stability of cystatin C and access to stable monomeric and dimeric versions of the protein opens new perspectives in explaining the role of dimers and the domain swapping process in hCC oligomerization, as well as designing potential inhibitors of this process.

RIBFIND: a web server for identifying rigid bodies in protein structures and to aid flexible fitting into cryo EM maps

MOTIVATION

To better analyze low-resolution cryo electron microscopy maps of macromolecular assemblies, component atomic structures frequently have to be flexibly fitted into them. Reaching an optimal fit and preventing the fitting process from getting trapped in local minima can be significantly improved by identifying appropriate rigid bodies (RBs) in the fitted component.

RESULTS

Here we present the RIBFIND server, a tool for identifying RBs in protein structures. The server identifies RBs in proteins by calculating spatial proximity between their secondary structural elements.

AVAILABILITY

The RIBFIND web server and its standalone program are available at http://ribfind.ismb.lon.ac.uk.

CONTACT

a.pandurangan@mail.cryst.bbk.ac.uk

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION

Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.

How does KCNE1 regulate the Kv7.1 potassium channel? Model-structure, mutations, and dynamics of the Kv7.1-KCNE1 complex

The voltage-gated potassium channel Kv7.1 and its auxiliary subunit KCNE1 are expressed in the heart and give rise to the major repolarization current. The interaction of Kv7.1 with the single transmembrane helix of KCNE1 considerably slows channel activation and deactivation, raises single-channel conductance, and prevents slow voltage-dependent inactivation. We built a Kv7.1-KCNE1 model-structure. The model-structure agrees with previous disulfide mapping studies and enables us to derive molecular interpretations of electrophysiological recordings that we obtained for two KCNE1 mutations. An elastic network analysis of Kv7.1 fluctuations in the presence and absence of KCNE1 suggests a mechanistic perspective on the known effects of KCNE1 on Kv7.1 function: slow deactivation is attributed to the low mobility of the voltage-sensor domains upon KCNE1 binding, abolishment of voltage-dependent inactivation could result from decreased fluctuations in the external vestibule, and amalgamation of the fluctuations in the pore region is associated with enhanced ion conductivity.

CSA: comprehensive comparison of pairwise protein structure alignments

CSA is a web server for the computation, evaluation and comprehensive comparison of pairwise protein structure alignments. Its exact alignment engine computes either optimal, top-scoring alignments or heuristic alignments with quality guarantee for the inter-residue distance-based scorings of contact map overlap, PAUL, DALI and MATRAS. These and additional, uploaded alignments are compared using a number of quality measures and intuitive visualizations. CSA brings new insight into the structural relationship of the protein pairs under investigation and is a valuable tool for studying structural similarities. It is available at http://csa.project.cwi.nl.

Studies of human 2,4-dienoyl CoA reductase shed new light on peroxisomal β-oxidation of unsaturated fatty acids

Peroxisomes play an essential role in maintaining fatty acid homeostasis. Although mitochondria are also known to participate in the catabolism of fatty acids via β-oxidation, differences exist between the peroxisomal and mitochondrial β-oxidation. Only peroxisomes, but not mitochondrion, can shorten very long chain fatty acids. Here, we describe the crystal structure of a ternary complex of peroxisomal 2,4-dienoyl CoA reductases (pDCR) with hexadienoyl CoA and NADP, as a prototype for comparison with the mitochondrial 2,4-dienoyl CoA reductase (mDCR) to shed light on the differences between the enzymes from the two organelles at the molecular level. Unexpectedly, the structure of pDCR refined to 1.84 Å resolution reveals the absence of the tyrosine-serine pair seen in the active site of mDCR, which together with a lysine and an asparagine have been deemed a hallmark of the SDR family of enzymes. Instead, aspartate hydrogen-bonded to the Cα hydroxyl via a water molecule seems to perturb the water molecule for protonation of the substrate. Our studies provide the first structural evidence for participation of water in the DCR-catalyzed reactions. Biochemical studies and structural analysis suggest that pDCRs can catalyze the shortening of six-carbon-long substrates in vitro. However, the K(m) values of pDCR for short chain acyl CoAs are at least 6-fold higher than those for substrates with 10 or more aliphatic carbons. Unlike mDCR, hinge movements permit pDCR to process very long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids.

PredyFlexy: flexibility and local structure prediction from sequence

Protein structures are necessary for understanding protein function at a molecular level. Dynamics and flexibility of protein structures are also key elements of protein function. So, we have proposed to look at protein flexibility using novel methods: (i) using a structural alphabet and (ii) combining classical X-ray B-factor data and molecular dynamics simulations. First, we established a library composed of structural prototypes (LSPs) to describe protein structure by a limited set of recurring local structures. We developed a prediction method that proposes structural candidates in terms of LSPs and predict protein flexibility along a given sequence. Second, we examine flexibility according to two different descriptors: X-ray B-factors considered as good indicators of flexibility and the root mean square fluctuations, based on molecular dynamics simulations. We then define three flexibility classes and propose a method based on the LSP prediction method for predicting flexibility along the sequence. This method does not resort to sophisticate learning of flexibility but predicts flexibility from average flexibility of predicted local structures. The method is implemented in PredyFlexy web server. Results are similar to those obtained with the most recent, cutting-edge methods based on direct learning of flexibility data conducted with sophisticated algorithms. PredyFlexy can be accessed at http://www.dsimb.inserm.fr/dsimb_tools/predyflexy/.

Hinge sequences as signaling agents?

We report an unexpected finding of common structural principles in two unrelated signaling systems: the FAS death domain transformation that initializes the extrinsic apoptotic pathway and signaling by calmodulin bending. The location and design of the hinge is postulated to be a general principle for creating potential signaling event. We suggest that already existing tool can predict the existence of such a hinge and formulate the hypothesis that the internal instabilities designed into the hinge sequences are necessary devices in effective signaling events.

Density-cluster NMA: A new protein decomposition technique for coarse-grained normal mode analysis

Normal mode analysis has emerged as a useful technique for investigating protein motions on long time scales. This is largely due to the advent of coarse-graining techniques, particularly Hooke's Law-based potentials and the rotational-translational blocking (RTB) method for reducing the size of the force-constant matrix, the Hessian. Here we present a new method for domain decomposition for use in RTB that is based on hierarchical clustering of atomic density gradients, which we call Density-Cluster RTB (DCRTB). The method reduces the number of degrees of freedom by 85-90% compared with the standard blocking approaches. We compared the normal modes from DCRTB against standard RTB using 1-4 residues in sequence in a single block, with good agreement between the two methods. We also show that Density-Cluster RTB and standard RTB perform well in capturing the experimentally determined direction of conformational change. Significantly, we report superior correlation of DCRTB with B-factors compared with 1-4 residue per block RTB. Finally, we show significant reduction in computational cost for Density-Cluster RTB that is nearly 100-fold for many examples.

A model-structure of a periplasm-facing state of the NhaA antiporter suggests the molecular underpinnings of pH-induced conformational changes

The Escherichia coli NhaA antiporter couples the transport of H⁺ and Na⁺ (or Li⁺) ions to maintain the proper pH range and Na⁺ concentration in cells. A crystal structure of NhaA, solved at pH 4, comprises 12 transmembrane helices (TMs), arranged in two domains, with a large cytoplasm-facing funnel and a smaller periplasm-facing funnel. NhaA undergoes conformational changes, e.g. after pH elevation to alkaline ranges, and we used two computational approaches to explore them. On the basis of pseudo-symmetric features of the crystal structure, we predicted the structural architecture of an alternate, periplasm-facing state. In contrast to the crystal structure, the model presents a closed cytoplasmic funnel, and a periplasmic funnel of greater volume. To examine the transporter functional direction of motion, we conducted elastic network analysis of the crystal structure and detected two main normal modes of motion. Notably, both analyses predicted similar trends of conformational changes, consisting of an overall rotational motion of the two domains around a putative symmetry axis at the funnel centers, perpendicular to the membrane plane. This motion, along with conformational changes within specific helices, resulted in closure at the cytoplasmic end and opening at the periplasmic end. Cross-linking experiments, performed between segments on opposite sides of the cytoplasmic funnel, revealed pH-dependent interactions consistent with the proposed conformational changes. We suggest that the model-structure and predicted motion represent alkaline pH-induced conformational changes, mediated by a cluster of evolutionarily conserved, titratable residues, at the cytoplasmic ends of TMs II, V, and IX.

Mutations in Drosophila myosin rod cause defects in myofibril assembly

The roles of myosin during muscle contraction are well studied, but how different domains of this protein are involved in myofibril assembly in vivo is far less understood. The indirect flight muscles (IFMs) of Drosophila melanogaster provide a good model for understanding muscle development and function in vivo. We show that two missense mutations in the rod region of the myosin heavy-chain gene, Mhc, give rise to IFM defects and abnormal myofibrils. These defects likely result from thick filament abnormalities that manifest during early sarcomere development or later by hypercontraction. The thick filament defects are accompanied by marked reduction in accumulation of flightin, a myosin binding protein, and its phosphorylated forms, which are required to stabilise thick filaments. We investigated with purified rod fragments whether the mutations affect the coiled-coil structure, rod aggregate size or rod stability. No significant changes in these parameters were detected, except for rod thermodynamic stability in one mutation. Molecular dynamics simulations suggest that these mutations may produce localised rod instabilities. We conclude that the aberrant myofibrils are a result of thick filament defects, but that these in vivo effects cannot be detected in vitro using the biophysical techniques employed. The in vivo investigation of these mutant phenotypes in IFM development and function provides a useful platform for studying myosin rod and thick filament formation generically, with application to the aetiology of human myosin rod myopathies.

Vinculin motion modes analysis with elastic network model

Vinculin is an important protein for the linkage between adhesion molecules and the actin cytoskeleton. The activation mechanism of vinculin is still controversial. In order to provide useful information for a better understanding of its activation, we analyze the motion mode of vinculin with elastic network model in this work. The results show that, to some extent, the five domains will present structural rigidity in the motion process. The differences between the structure fluctuations of these domains are significant. When vinculin interacted with other partners, the central long alpha-helix of the first domain becomes bent. This bending deformation can weaken the interaction between the first domain and the tail domain. This motion mode of the first domain is in good agreement with the information extracted from some realistic complex structures. With the aid of the anisotropy elastic network mode, we analyze the motion directions of these domains. The fourth domain has a rotational motion. This rotation is favorable for the releasing of the tail domain from the pincer-like clamp, which is formed by the first and the third domain. All these motion modes are an inherent feature of the structure, and these modes mainly depend on the topology character of the structure.

Influence of point mutations on the stability, dimerization, and oligomerization of human cystatin C and its L68Q variant

Human cystatin C (hCC) is a small but very intriguing protein. Produced by all nucleated cells is found in almost all tissues and body fluids where, at physiological conditions, plays a role of a very potent inhibitor of cysteine proteases. Biologically active hCC is a monomeric protein but during cellular trafficking it forms dimers, transiently losing its inhibitory activity. In vitro, dimerization of cystatin C was observed for the mature protein during crystallization trials, revealing that the mechanism of this process is based on the three dimensional swapping of the protein domains. In our work we have focused on the impact of two proposed "hot spots" in cystatin C structure on its conformational stability. Encouraged by promising results of the theoretical calculations, we designed and produced several hCC hinge region point mutation variants that display a variety of conformational stability and propensity for dimerization and aggregation. A similar approach, i.e., rational mutagenesis, has been also applied to study the amyloidogenic L68Q variant to determine the contribution of hydrophobic interactions and steric effect on the stability of monomeric cystatin C. In this overview we would like to summarize the results of our studies. The impact of a particular mutation on the properties of the studied proteins will be presented in the context of their thermal and mechanical stability, in vitro dimerization tendency as well as the outcome of crystallization. Better understanding of the mechanism and, especially, factors affecting conformational stability of cystatin C and access to stable monomeric and dimeric versions of the protein opens new perspectives in explaining the role of dimers and the domain swapping process in hCC oligomerization, as well as designing potential inhibitors of this process.

Structural conservation of an ancient tRNA sensor in eukaryotic glutaminyl-tRNA synthetase

In all organisms, aminoacyl tRNA synthetases covalently attach amino acids to their cognate tRNAs. Many eukaryotic tRNA synthetases have acquired appended domains, whose origin, structure and function are poorly understood. The N-terminal appended domain (NTD) of glutaminyl-tRNA synthetase (GlnRS) is intriguing since GlnRS is primarily a eukaryotic enzyme, whereas in other kingdoms Gln-tRNA^Gln is primarily synthesized by first forming Glu-tRNA^Gln, followed by conversion to Gln-tRNA^Gln by a tRNA-dependent amidotransferase. We report a functional and structural analysis of the NTD of Saccharomyces cerevisiae GlnRS, Gln4. Yeast mutants lacking the NTD exhibit growth defects, and Gln4 lacking the NTD has reduced complementarity for tRNA^Gln and glutamine. The 187-amino acid Gln4 NTD, crystallized and solved at 2.3 Å resolution, consists of two subdomains, each exhibiting an extraordinary structural resemblance to adjacent tRNA specificity-determining domains in the GatB subunit of the GatCAB amidotransferase, which forms Gln-tRNA^Gln. These subdomains are connected by an apparent hinge comprised of conserved residues. Mutation of these amino acids produces Gln4 variants with reduced affinity for tRNA^Gln, consistent with a hinge-closing mechanism proposed for GatB recognition of tRNA. Our results suggest a possible origin and function of the NTD that would link the phylogenetically diverse mechanisms of Gln-tRNA^Gln synthesis.

Structural insight into mechanism and diverse substrate selection strategy of L-ribulokinase

The araBAD operon encodes three different enzymes required for catabolism of L-arabinose, which is one of the most abundant monosaccharides in nature. L-ribulokinase, encoded by the araB gene, catalyzes conversion of L-ribulose to L-ribulose-5-phosphate, the second step in the catabolic pathway. Unlike other kinases, ribulokinase exhibits diversity in substrate selectivity and catalyzes phosphorylation of all four 2-ketopentose sugars with comparable k(cat) values. To understand ribulokinase recognition and phosphorylation of a diverse set of substrates, we have determined the X-ray structure of ribulokinase from Bacillus halodurans bound to L-ribulose and investigated its substrate and ATP co-factor binding properties. The polypeptide chain is folded into two domains, one small and the other large, with a deep cleft in between. By analogy with related sugar kinases, we identified (447)GGLPQK(452) as the ATP-binding motif within the smaller domain. L-ribulose binds in the cleft between the two domains via hydrogen bonds with the side chains of highly conserved Trp126, Lys208, Asp274, and Glu329 and the main chain nitrogen of Ala96. The interaction of L-ribulokinase with L-ribulose reveals versatile structural features that help explain recognition of various 2-ketopentose substrates and competitive inhibition by L-erythrulose. Comparison of our structure to that of the structures of other sugar kinases revealed conformational variations that suggest domain-domain closure movements are responsible for establishing the observed active site environment.

A multidomain flexible docking approach to deal with large conformational changes in the modeling of biomolecular complexes

Binding-induced backbone and large-scale conformational changes represent one of the major challenges in the modeling of biomolecular complexes by docking. To address this challenge, we have developed a flexible multidomain docking protocol that follows a "divide-and-conquer" approach to model both large-scale domain motions and small- to medium-scale interfacial rearrangements: the flexible binding partner is treated as an assembly of subparts/domains that are docked simultaneously making use of HADDOCK's multidomain docking ability. For this, the flexible molecules are cut at hinge regions predicted using an elastic network model. The performance of this approach is demonstrated on a benchmark covering an unprecedented range of conformational changes of 1.5 to 19.5 Å. We show from a statistical survey of known complexes that the cumulative sum of eigenvalues obtained from the elastic network has some predictive power to indicate the extent of the conformational change to be expected.

The elastic network model reveals a consistent picture on intrinsic functional dynamics of type II restriction endonucleases

The vibrational dynamics of various type II restriction endonucleases, in complex with cognate/non-cognate DNA and in the apo form, are investigated with the elastic network model in order to reveal common functional mechanisms in this enzyme family. Scissor-like and tong-like motions observed in the slowest modes of all enzymes and their complexes point to common DNA recognition and cleavage mechanisms. Normal mode analysis further points out that the scissor-like motion has an important role in differentiating between cognate and non-cognate sequences at the recognition site, thus implying its catalytic relevance. Flexible regions observed around the DNA-binding site of the enzyme usually concentrate on the highly conserved β-strands, especially after DNA binding. These β-strands may have a structurally stabilizing role in functional dynamics for target site recognition and cleavage. In addition, hot spot residues based on high-frequency modes reveal possible communication pathways between the two distant cleavage sites in the enzyme family. Some of these hot spots also exist on the shortest path between the catalytic sites and are highly conserved.

Structural and functional analyses reveal that Staphylococcus aureus antibiotic resistance factor HmrA is a zinc-dependent endopeptidase

HmrA is an antibiotic resistance factor of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus. Molecular analysis of this protein revealed that it is not a muramidase or β-lactamase but a nonspecific double-zinc endopeptidase consisting of a catalytic domain and an inserted oligomerization domain, which probably undergo a relative interdomain hinge rotation upon substrate binding. The active-site cleft is located at the domain interface. Four HmrA protomers assemble to a large ∼170-kDa homotetrameric complex of 125 Å. All four active sites are fully accessible and ∼50-70 Å apart, far enough apart to act on a large meshwork substrate independently but simultaneously. In vivo studies with four S. aureus strains of variable resistance levels revealed that the extracellular addition of HmrA protects against loss of viability in the presence of oxacillin and that this protection depends on proteolytic activity. All of these results indicate that HmrA is a peptidase that participates in resistance mechanisms in vivo in the presence of β-lactams. Furthermore, our results have implications for most S. aureus strains of known genomic sequences and several other cocci and bacilli, which harbor close orthologs. This suggests that HmrA may be a new widespread antibiotic resistance factor in bacteria.

Structure of the RuBisCO chaperone RbcX from the thermophilic cyanobacterium Thermosynechococcus elongatus

The crystal structure of TeRbcX, a RuBisCO assembly chaperone from the cyanobacterium Thermosynechococcus elongatus, a thermophilic organism, has been determined at 1.7 Å resolution. TeRbcX has an unusual cysteine residue at position 103 that is not found in RbcX proteins from mesophilic organisms. Unlike wild-type TeRbcX, a mutant protein with Cys103 replaced by Ala (TeRbcX-C103A) could be readily crystallized. The structure revealed that the overall fold of the TeRbcX homodimer is similar to those of previously crystallized RbcX proteins. Normal-mode analysis suggested that TeRbcX might adopt an open or closed conformation through a hinge movement pivoted on a kink in two long α4 helices. This type of conformational transition is presumably connected to RbcL (the large RuBisCO subunit) binding during the chaperone function of the RuBisCO assembly.

Accounting for large amplitude protein deformation during in silico macromolecular docking

Rapid progress of theoretical methods and computer calculation resources has turned in silico methods into a conceivable tool to predict the 3D structure of macromolecular assemblages, starting from the structure of their separate elements. Still, some classes of complexes represent a real challenge for macromolecular docking methods. In these complexes, protein parts like loops or domains undergo large amplitude deformations upon association, thus remodeling the surface accessible to the partner protein or DNA. We discuss the problems linked with managing such rearrangements in docking methods and we review strategies that are presently being explored, as well as their limitations and success.