Recommendations for performing, interpreting and reporting hydrogen deuterium exchange mass spectrometry (HDX-MS) experiments

Isotope-selective pore opening in a flexible metal-organic framework

Flexible metal-organic frameworks that show reversible guest-induced phase transitions between closed and open pore phases have enormous potential for highly selective, energy-efficient gas separations. Here, we present the gate-opening process of DUT-8(Ni) that selectively responds to D₂, whereas no response is observed for H₂ and HD. In situ neutron diffraction directly reveals this pressure-dependent phase transition. Low-temperature thermal desorption spectroscopy measurements indicate an outstanding D₂-over-H₂ selectivity of 11.6 at 23.3 K, with high D₂ uptake. First-principles calculations coupled with statistical thermodynamics predict the isotope-selective gate opening, rationalized by pronounced nuclear quantum effects. Simulations suggest DUT-8(Ni) to remain closed in the presence of HT, while it also opens for DT and T₂, demonstrating gate opening as a highly effective approach for isotopolog separation.

High-Throughput Native Mass Spectrometry Screening in Drug Discovery

The design of new therapeutic molecules can be significantly informed by studying protein-ligand interactions using biophysical approaches directly after purification of the protein-ligand complex. Well-established techniques utilized in drug discovery include isothermal titration calorimetry, surface plasmon resonance, nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, and structure-based drug discovery which mainly rely on protein crystallography and, more recently, cryo-electron microscopy. Protein-ligand complexes are dynamic, heterogeneous, and challenging systems that are best studied with several complementary techniques. Native mass spectrometry (MS) is a versatile method used to study proteins and their non-covalently driven assemblies in a native-like folded state, providing information on binding thermodynamics and stoichiometry as well as insights on ternary and quaternary protein structure. Here, we discuss the basic principles of native mass spectrometry, the field’s recent progress, how native MS is integrated into a drug discovery pipeline, and its future developments in drug discovery.

Mapping of molecular interactions between human E3 ligase TRIM69 and Dengue virus NS3 protease using hydrogen-deuterium exchange mass spectrometry

Tripartite motif (TRIM) E3 ligases target specific substrates, including viral proteins, for proteasomal degradation, and are thus essential regulators of the innate antiviral response. TRIM69 ubiquitinates the non-structural NS3 protein of Dengue virus for its degradation by the host machinery. This antiviral strategy abrogates the immunosuppression mediated by the NS2B-NS3 protease complex. To understand how this host-driven antiviral response against Dengue virus, we sought to define the mode of interaction between human TRIM69 and Dengue NS2B-NS3 and the subsequent polyubiquitination of the protease by the E3 ligase. We show that NS2B-NS3Δpro is sufficient as a substrate for ubiquitination by TRIM69 using ELISA and in vitro assays. Using hydrogen-deuterium exchange mass spectrometry (HDXMS), we mapped the interface of the interaction between TRIM69 and NS2B-NS3Δpro, and propose a rationale for the binding and subsequent ubiquitination process. Furthermore, through sequence analysis, we showed that the regions targeted by TRIM69 on the DENV-2 NS3 protease (NS3Δpro) are well conserved across DENV serotypes and other flaviviruses, including Zika virus, West Nile virus, and Japanese encephalitis virus. Our results show the direct interactions of TRIM69 with viral proteins, provide mechanistic insights at a molecular level, and highlight the functional relevance of TRIM69 interacting with the Dengue viral protein. Collectively, our findings suggest that TRIM69 may act as a pan-antiflaviviral restriction factor.

Hydrogen/Deuterium Exchange Mass Spectrometry for Weak Binders

This note describes theoretical and experimental considerations to observe perturbation of a protein upon binding to a ligand with weak affinity by hydrogen/deuterium exchange mass spectrometry (HDX-MS). The most popular application of HDX-MS is to determine the binding site of a drug or drug lead in a protein target. However, when the affinity of a ligand is weak, driving the equilibrium to the formation of a complex is difficult, and thus, observing the perturbation upon binding is also challenging. Theoretical consideration indicates that the original concentration of a ligand over the dissociation constant ([L₀]/K_D) is roughly equal to the maximum protection factor expected for the experiment when the original concentration of a ligand is significantly larger than the original concentration of a protein and the dissociation constant ([L₀] ≫ [P₀] and [L₀] ≫ K_D). When HDX-MS analysis of a protein with a ligand of low affinity and low solubility is carried out, it may be challenging to achieve high enough ligand concentration to drive the equilibrium in favor of the complex due to the low solubility. There are two methods to alleviate this issue: (i) spiking a low affinity/low solubility ligand to exchange buffer to lower the required ligand concentration in aqueous protein stock solution and (ii) mixing a 1:1 ratio of aqueous protein-ligand stock solution and deuterated buffer to initiate the exchange reaction instead of the commonly used 1:9 ratio.

Activation of the essential kinase PDK1 by phosphoinositide-driven trans-autophosphorylation

3-phosphoinositide-dependent kinase 1 (PDK1) is an essential serine/threonine protein kinase, which plays a crucial role in cell growth and proliferation. It is often referred to as a 'master' kinase due to its ability to activate at least 23 downstream protein kinases implicated in various signaling pathways. In this study, we have elucidated the mechanism of phosphoinositide-driven PDK1 auto-activation. We show that PDK1 trans-autophosphorylation is mediated by a PIP3-mediated face-to-face dimer. We report regulatory motifs in the kinase-PH interdomain linker that allosterically activate PDK1 autophosphorylation via a linker-swapped dimer mechanism. Finally, we show that PDK1 is autoinhibited by its PH domain and that positive cooperativity of PIP3 binding drives switch-like activation of PDK1. These results imply that the PDK1-mediated activation of effector kinases, including Akt, PKC, Sgk, S6K and RSK, many of whom are not directly regulated by phosphoinositides, is also likely to be dependent on PIP3 or PI(3,4)P2.

Structural basis for the mechanisms of human presequence protease conformational switch and substrate recognition

Presequence protease (PreP), a 117 kDa mitochondrial M16C metalloprotease vital for mitochondrial proteostasis, degrades presequence peptides cleaved off from nuclear-encoded proteins and other aggregation-prone peptides, such as amyloid β (Aβ). PreP structures have only been determined in a closed conformation; thus, the mechanisms of substrate binding and selectivity remain elusive. Here, we leverage advanced vitrification techniques to overcome the preferential denaturation of one of two ~55 kDa homologous domains of PreP caused by air-water interface adsorption. Thereby, we elucidate cryoEM structures of three apo-PreP open states along with Aβ- and citrate synthase presequence-bound PreP at 3.3–4.6 Å resolution. Together with integrative biophysical and pharmacological approaches, these structures reveal the key stages of the PreP catalytic cycle and how the binding of substrates or PreP inhibitor drives a rigid body motion of the protein for substrate binding and catalysis. Together, our studies provide key mechanistic insights into M16C metalloproteases for future therapeutic innovations.

Presequence protease (PreP) is essential to mitochondrial proteostasis. This study leverages advanced vitrification techniques to solve cryoEM structures of apo- and substrate-bound PreP and integrates these data with other analysis to reveal key stages and mechanistic insights of the PreP catalytic cycle.

Challenges and Opportunities for Bayesian Statistics in Proteomics

Proteomics is a data-rich science with complex experimental designs and an intricate measurement process. To obtain insights from the large data sets produced, statistical methods, including machine learning, are routinely applied. For a quantity of interest, many of these approaches only produce a point estimate, such as a mean, leaving little room for more nuanced interpretations. By contrast, Bayesian statistics allows quantification of uncertainty through the use of probability distributions. These probability distributions enable scientists to ask complex questions of their proteomics data. Bayesian statistics also offers a modular framework for data analysis by making dependencies between data and parameters explicit. Hence, specifying complex hierarchies of parameter dependencies is straightforward in the Bayesian framework. This allows us to use a statistical methodology which equals, rather than neglects, the sophistication of experimental design and instrumentation present in proteomics. Here, we review Bayesian methods applied to proteomics, demonstrating their potential power, alongside the challenges posed by adopting this new statistical framework. To illustrate our review, we give a walk-through of the development of a Bayesian model for dynamic organic orthogonal phase-separation (OOPS) data.

Mass Spectrometry Methods for Measuring Protein Stability

Mass spectrometry is a central technology in the life sciences, providing our most comprehensive account of the molecular inventory of the cell. In parallel with developments in mass spectrometry technologies targeting such assessments of cellular composition, mass spectrometry tools have emerged as versatile probes of biomolecular stability. In this review, we cover recent advancements in this branch of mass spectrometry that target proteins, a centrally important class of macromolecules that accounts for most biochemical functions and drug targets. Our efforts cover tools such as hydrogen-deuterium exchange, chemical cross-linking, ion mobility, collision induced unfolding, and other techniques capable of stability assessments on a proteomic scale. In addition, we focus on a range of application areas where mass spectrometry-driven protein stability measurements have made notable impacts, including studies of membrane proteins, heat shock proteins, amyloidogenic proteins, and biotherapeutics. We conclude by briefly discussing the future of this vibrant and fast-moving area of research.

The Conformational State of the BTK Substrate PLCγ Contributes to Ibrutinib Resistance

Mutations in PLCγ, a substrate of the tyrosine kinase BTK, are often found in patients who develop resistance to the BTK inhibitor Ibrutinib. However, the mechanisms by which these PLCγ mutations cause Ibrutinib resistance are unclear. Under normal signaling conditions, BTK mediated phosphorylation of Y783 within the PLCγ cSH2-linker promotes the intramolecular association of this site with the adjacent cSH2 domain resulting in active PLCγ. Thus, the cSH2-linker region in the center of the regulatory gamma specific array (γSA) of PLCγ is a key feature controlling PLCγ activity. Even in the unphosphorylated state this linker exists in a conformational equilibrium between free and bound to the cSH2 domain. The position of this equilibrium is optimized within the properly regulated PLCγ enzyme but may be altered in the context of mutations. We therefore assessed the conformational status of four resistance associated mutations within the PLCγ γSA and find that they each alter the conformational equilibrium of the γSA leading to a shift toward active PLCγ. Interestingly, two distinct modes of mutation induced activation are revealed by this panel of Ibrutinib resistance mutations. These findings, along with the recently determined structure of fully autoinhibited PLCγ, provide new insight into the nature of the conformational change that occurs within the γSA regulatory region to affect PLCγ activation. Improving our mechanistic understanding of how B cell signaling escapes Ibrutinib treatment via mutations in PLCγ will aid in the development of strategies to counter drug resistance.

Protection of the Prodomain α1-Helix Correlates with Latency in the Transforming Growth Factor-β Family

The 33 members of the transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β) family are fundamentally important for organismal development and homeostasis. Family members are synthesized and secreted as pro-complexes of non-covalently associated prodomains and growth factors (GF). Pro-complexes from a subset of family members are latent and require activation steps to release the GF for signaling. Why some members are latent while others are non-latent is incompletely understood, particularly because of large family diversity. Here, we have examined representative family members in negative stain electron microscopy (nsEM) and hydrogen deuterium exchange (HDX) to identify features that differentiate latent from non-latent members. nsEM showed three overall pro-complex conformations that differed in prodomain arm domain orientation relative to the bound growth factor. Two cross-armed members, TGF-β1 and TGF-β2, were each latent. However, among V-armed members, GDF8 was latent whereas ActA was not. All open-armed members, BMP7, BMP9, and BMP10, were non-latent. Family members exhibited remarkably varying HDX patterns, consistent with large prodomain sequence divergence. A strong correlation emerged between latency and protection of the prodomain α1-helix from exchange. Furthermore, latency and protection from exchange correlated structurally with increased α1-helix buried surface area, hydrogen bonds, and cation-pi bonds. Moreover, a specific pattern of conserved basic and hydrophobic residues in the α1-helix and aromatic residues in the interacting fastener were found only in latent members. Thus, this first comparative survey of TGF-β family members reveals not only diversity in conformation and dynamics but also unique features that distinguish latent members.

HDfleX: Software for Flexible High Structural Resolution of Hydrogen/Deuterium-Exchange Mass Spectrometry Data

Hydrogen/deuterium-exchange mass spectrometry (HDX-MS) experiments on protein structures can be performed at three levels: (1) by enzymatically digesting labeled proteins and analyzing the peptides (bottom-up), (2) by further fragmenting peptides following digestion (middle-down), and (3) by fragmenting the intact labeled protein (top-down) using soft gas-phase fragmentation methods, such as electron transfer dissociation (ETD). However, to the best of our knowledge, the software packages currently available for the analysis of HDX-MS data do not enable the peptide- and ETD-levels to be combined; they can only be analyzed separately. Thus, we developed HDfleX, a standalone application for the analysis of flexible high structural resolution of HDX-MS data, which allows data at any level of structural resolution (intact protein, peptide, fragment) to be merged. HDfleX features rapid experimental data fitting, robust statistical significance analyses, and optional methods for theoretical intrinsic calculations and a novel empirical correction for comparison between solution conditions.

Allosteric control of Ubp6 and the proteasome via a bidirectional switch

The proteasome recognizes ubiquitinated proteins and can also edit ubiquitin marks, allowing substrates to be rejected based on ubiquitin chain topology. In yeast, editing is mediated by deubiquitinating enzyme Ubp6. The proteasome activates Ubp6, whereas Ubp6 inhibits the proteasome through deubiquitination and a noncatalytic effect. Here, we report cryo-EM structures of the proteasome bound to Ubp6, based on which we identify mutants in Ubp6 and proteasome subunit Rpt1 that abrogate Ubp6 activation. The Ubp6 mutations define a conserved region that we term the ILR element. The ILR is found within the BL1 loop, which obstructs the catalytic groove in free Ubp6. Rpt1-ILR interaction opens the groove by rearranging not only BL1 but also a previously undescribed network of three interconnected active-site-blocking loops. Ubp6 activation and noncatalytic proteasome inhibition are linked in that they are eliminated by the same mutations. Ubp6 and ubiquitin together drive proteasomes into a unique conformation associated with proteasome inhibition. Thus, a multicomponent allosteric switch exerts simultaneous control over both Ubp6 and the proteasome.

Translocation of polyubiquitinated protein substrates by the hexameric Cdc48 ATPase

The hexameric Cdc48 ATPase (p97 or VCP in mammals) cooperates with its cofactor Ufd1/Npl4 to extract polyubiquitinated proteins from membranes or macromolecular complexes for degradation by the proteasome. Here, we clarify how the Cdc48 complex unfolds its substrates and translocates polypeptides with branchpoints. The Cdc48 complex recognizes primarily polyubiquitin chains rather than the attached substrate. Cdc48 and Ufd1/Npl4 cooperatively bind the polyubiquitin chain, resulting in the unfolding of one ubiquitin molecule (initiator). Next, the ATPase pulls on the initiator ubiquitin and moves all ubiquitin molecules linked to its C terminus through the central pore of the hexameric double ring, causing transient ubiquitin unfolding. When the ATPase reaches the isopeptide bond of the substrate, it can translocate and unfold both N- and C-terminal segments. Ubiquitins linked to the branchpoint of the initiator dissociate from Ufd1/Npl4 and move outside the central pore, resulting in the release of unfolded, polyubiquitinated substrate from Cdc48.

Rapid antibody conformational screening by matrix assisted laser desorption ionization hydrogen-deuterium exchange mass spectrometry

Recent advances in the field of cancer biology have accelerated the discovery and development of novel biopharmaceuticals. At the forefront of these drug development efforts are high-throughput screening, compressed timelines and limited sample quantities, all characteristic of the discovery space. To meet program targets, large numbers of protein variants must be produced, screened, and characterized, presenting a daunting analytical challenge. Additionally, higher-order structure is paramount for protein function and must be monitored as a critical quality attribute. Matrix Assisted Laser Desorption Ionization MS has been utilized as an ultra-fast, automatable, sample-sparing analytical tool for biomolecules. Our group has published applications integrating Hydrogen-Deuterium Exchange MS with Matrix Assisted Laser Desorption Ionization MS for the rapid conformational characterization of small proteins, the current work expands this application to monoclonal and bi-specific antibodies. This study demonstrates the ability of the methodology Matrix Assisted Laser Desorption Ionization Hydrogen-Deuterium Exchange MS to detect conformational differences between bi-specific antibodies from different expression host. These conformational differences were validated by orthogonal techniques including Circular Dichroism, Nuclear Magnetic Resonance and Size-Exclusion Chromatography Hydrogen-Deuterium Exchange MS. This work demonstrates the utility of applying the developed methodology as a rapid conformational screening tool to triage samples for further analytical characterization. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

Increasing the reliability of compound identification in biological samples using 16O/18O-exchange mass spectrometry

The task of multipurpose analysis of biological samples and identification of individual compounds in them is actual for many organizations in various fields; the results of such analyses can affect lives. The most frequently used, most accurate, and highly sensitive method used for this kind of analysis is the combination of gas/liquid chromatography and high-resolution mass spectrometry. However, in some areas, it is necessary to increase the reliability of compound identification. In this paper, we present a method that combines the reaction of oxygen isotope exchange with mass spectrometry; the method allows to increase the reliability of identification of individual compounds. Oxygen isotope exchange reaction is a "selective" one, which means that not all oxygen present in the molecule can exchange, but only in certain functional groups. Thus, by the number of isotope exchanges that have occurred in this molecule, the right structural formula might be more accurately chosen. The method was tested both on pure pharmaceutical substances and on real human urine samples. In both cases, the effectiveness of the method was shown: the number of expected exchanges in known substances coincided with the experimental one, and from several possible structures of unknown substances, the correct one was chosen based on the number of isotope exchanges.

Pore dynamics and asymmetric cargo loading in an encapsulin nanocompartment

Encapsulins are protein nanocompartments that house various cargo enzymes, including a family of decameric ferritin-like proteins. Here, we study a recombinant Haliangium ochraceum encapsulin:encapsulated ferritin complex using cryo-electron microscopy and hydrogen/deuterium exchange mass spectrometry to gain insight into the structural relationship between the encapsulin shell and its protein cargo. An asymmetric single-particle reconstruction reveals four encapsulated ferritin decamers in a tetrahedral arrangement within the encapsulin nanocompartment. This leads to a symmetry mismatch between the protein cargo and the icosahedral encapsulin shell. The encapsulated ferritin decamers are offset from the interior face of the encapsulin shell. Using hydrogen/deuterium exchange mass spectrometry, we observed the dynamic behavior of the major fivefold pore in the encapsulin shell and show the pore opening via the movement of the encapsulin A-domain. These data will accelerate efforts to engineer the encapsulation of heterologous cargo proteins and to alter the permeability of the encapsulin shell via pore modifications.

Prediction and Modeling of Protein–Protein Interactions Using “Spotted” Peptides with a Template-Based Approach

Protein–peptide interactions (PpIs) are a subset of the overall protein–protein interaction (PPI) network in the living cell and are pivotal for the majority of cell processes and functions. High-throughput methods to detect PpIs and PPIs usually require time and costs that are not always affordable. Therefore, reliable in silico predictions represent a valid and effective alternative. In this work, a new algorithm is described, implemented in a freely available tool, i.e., “PepThreader”, to carry out PPIs and PpIs prediction and analysis. PepThreader threads multiple fragments derived from a full-length protein sequence (or from a peptide library) onto a second template peptide, in complex with a protein target, “spotting” the potential binding peptides and ranking them according to a sequence-based and structure-based threading score. The threading algorithm first makes use of a scoring function that is based on peptides sequence similarity. Then, a rerank of the initial hits is performed, according to structure-based scoring functions. PepThreader has been benchmarked on a dataset of 292 protein–peptide complexes that were collected from existing databases of experimentally determined protein–peptide interactions. An accuracy of 80%, when considering the top predicted 25 hits, was achieved, which performs in a comparable way with the other state-of-art tools in PPIs and PpIs modeling. Nonetheless, PepThreader is unique in that it is able at the same time to spot a binding peptide within a full-length sequence involved in PPI and model its structure within the receptor. Therefore, PepThreader adds to the already-available tools supporting the experimental PPIs and PpIs identification and characterization.

Hydrogen-Deuterium Exchange Mass Spectrometry Reveals a Novel Binding Region of a Neutralizing Fully Human Monoclonal Antibody to Anthrax Protective Antigen

Anthrax vaccine adsorbed (AVA) containing protective antigen (PA) is the only FDA-approved anthrax vaccine in the United States. Characterization of the binding of AVA-induced anti-PA human antibodies against the PA antigen after vaccination is crucial to understanding mechanisms of the AVA-elicited humoral immune response. Hydrogen deuterium exchange mass spectrometry (HDX-MS) is often coupled with a short liquid chromatography gradient (e.g., 5–10 min) for the characterization of protein interactions. We recently developed a long-gradient (e.g., 90 min), sub-zero temperature, ultra-high performance liquid chromatography HDX-MS (UPLC-HDX-MS) platform that has significantly increased separation power and limited back-exchange for the analysis of protein samples with high complexity. In this study, we demonstrated the utility of this platform for mapping antibody–antigen epitopes by examining four fully human monoclonal antibodies to anthrax PA. Antibody p1C03, with limited neutralizing activity in vivo, bound to a region on domain 1A of PA. p6C04 and p1A06, with no neutralizing activities, bound to the same helix on domain 3 to prevent oligomerization of PA. We found p6C01 strongly bound to domain 3 on a different helix region. We also identified a secondary epitope for p6C01, which likely leads to the blocking of furin cleavage of PA after p6C01 binding. This novel binding of p6C01 results in highly neutralizing activity. This is the first report of this distinct binding mechanism for a highly neutralizing fully human antibody to anthrax protective antigen. Studying such epitopes can facilitate the development of novel therapeutics against anthrax.

Nipah Virus V Protein Binding Alters MDA5 Helicase Folding Dynamics

Nipah virus (NiV) is an emerging and deadly zoonotic paramyxovirus that is responsible for periodic epidemics of acute respiratory illness and encephalitis in humans. Previous studies have shown that the NiV V protein antagonizes host antiviral immunity, but the molecular mechanism is incompletely understood. To address this gap, we biochemically characterized NiV V binding to the host pattern recognition receptor MDA5. We find that the C-terminal domain of NiV V (V_CTD) is sufficient to bind the MDA5_SF2 domain when recombinantly co-expressed in bacteria. Analysis by hydrogen-deuterium exchange mass spectrometry (HDX-MS) studies revealed that NiV V_CTD is conformationally dynamic, and binding to MDA5 reduces the dynamics of V_CTD. Our results also suggest that the β-sheet region in between the MDA5 Hel1, Hel2, and Hel2i domains exhibits rapid HDX. Upon V_CTD binding, these β-sheet and adjacent residues show significant protection. Collectively, our findings suggest that NiV V binding disrupts the helicase fold and dynamics of MDA5 to antagonize host antiviral immunity.

Discovery and Mechanism of Action of Small Molecule Inhibitors of Ceramidases

Sphingolipid metabolism is tightly controlled by enzymes to regulate essential processes in human physiology. The central metabolite is ceramide, a pro-apoptotic lipid catabolized by ceramidase enzymes to produce pro-proliferative sphingosine-1-phosphate. Alkaline ceramidases are transmembrane enzymes that recently attracted attention for drug development in fatty liver diseases. However, due to their hydrophobic nature, no specific small molecule inhibitors have been reported. We present the discovery and mechanism of action of the first drug-like inhibitors of alkaline ceramidase 3 (ACER3). In particular, we chemically engineered novel fluorescent ceramide substrates enabling screening of large compound libraries and characterized enzyme:inhibitor interactions using mass spectrometry and MD simulations. In addition to revealing a new paradigm for inhibition of lipid metabolising enzymes with non-lipidic small molecules, our data lay the ground for targeting ACER3 in drug discovery efforts.

Using hydrogen-deuterium exchange mass spectrometry to characterize Mtr4 interactions with RNA

Hydrogen deuterium exchange coupled to mass spectrometry (HDX-MS) is a valuable technique to investigate the dynamics of protein systems. The approach compares the deuterium uptake of protein backbone amides under multiple conditions to characterize protein conformation and interaction. HDX-MS is versatile and can be applied to diverse ligands, however, challenges remain when it comes to exploring complexes containing nucleic acids. In this chapter, we present procedures for the optimization and application of HDX-MS to studying RNA-binding proteins and use the RNA helicase Mtr4 as a demonstrative example. We highlight considerations in designing on-exchange, bottom-up, comparative studies on proteins with RNA. Our protocol details preliminary testing and optimization of experimental parameters. Difficulties arising from the inclusion of RNA, such as signal repression and sample carryover, are addressed. We discuss how chromatography parameters can be adjusted depending on the issues presented by the RNA, emphasizing reproducible peptide recovery in the absence and presence of RNA. Methods for visualization of HDX data integrated with statistical analysis are also reviewed with examples. These protocols can be applied to future studies of various RNA-protein complexes.

Mapping of a N-terminal α-helix domain required for human PINK1 stabilization, Serine228 autophosphorylation and activation in cells

Autosomal recessive mutations in the PINK1 gene are causal for Parkinson's disease (PD). PINK1 encodes a mitochondrial localized protein kinase that is a master-regulator of mitochondrial quality control pathways. Structural studies to date have elaborated the mechanism of how mutations located within the kinase domain disrupt PINK1 function; however, the molecular mechanism of PINK1 mutations located upstream and downstream of the kinase domain is unknown. We have employed mutagenesis studies to define the minimal region of human PINK1 required for optimal ubiquitin phosphorylation, beginning at residue Ile111. Inspection of the AlphaFold human PINK1 structure model predicts a conserved N-terminal α-helical extension (NTE) domain forming an intramolecular interaction with the C-terminal extension (CTE), which we corroborate using hydrogen/deuterium exchange mass spectrometry of recombinant insect PINK1 protein. Cell-based analysis of human PINK1 reveals that PD-associated mutations (e.g. Q126P), located within the NTE : CTE interface, markedly inhibit stabilization of PINK1; autophosphorylation at Serine228 (Ser228) and Ubiquitin Serine65 (Ser65) phosphorylation. Furthermore, we provide evidence that NTE and CTE domain mutants disrupt PINK1 stabilization at the mitochondrial Translocase of outer membrane complex. The clinical relevance of our findings is supported by the demonstration of defective stabilization and activation of endogenous PINK1 in human fibroblasts of a patient with early-onset PD due to homozygous PINK1 Q126P mutations. Overall, we define a functional role of the NTE : CTE interface towards PINK1 stabilization and activation and show that loss of NTE : CTE interactions is a major mechanism of PINK1-associated mutations linked to PD.

The Fab portion of immunoglobulin G has sites in the CL domain that interact with Fc gamma receptor IIIa

The interaction between IgG and Fc gamma receptor IIIa (FcγRIIIa) is essential for mediating immune responses. Recent studies have shown that the antigen binding fragment (Fab) and Fc are involved in IgG-FcγRIII interactions. Here, we conducted bio-layer interferometry (BLI) and isothermal titration calorimetry to measure the kinetic and thermodynamic parameters that define the role of Fab in forming the IgG-FcγRIII complex using several marketed therapeutic antibodies. Moreover, hydrogen/deuterium exchange mass spectrometry (HDX-MS) and crosslinking mass spectrometry (XL-MS) were used to clarify the interaction sites and structural changes upon formation of these IgG-FcγRIII complexes. The results showed that Fab in IgG facilitates the interaction via slower dissociation and a larger enthalpy gain. However, a larger entropy loss led to only a marginal change in the equilibrium dissociation constant. Combined HDX-MS and XL-MS analysis revealed that the CL domain of Fab in IgG was in close proximity to FcγRIIIa, indicating that this domain specifically interacts with the extracellular membrane-distal domain (D1) and membrane-proximal domain (D2) of FcγRIIIa. Together with previous studies, these results demonstrate that IgG-FcγRIII interactions are predominantly mediated by the binding of Fc to D2, and the Fab-FcγRIII interaction stabilizes complex formation. These interaction schemes were essentially fucosylation-independent, with Fc-D2 interactions enhanced by afucosylation and the contribution of Fab slightly reduced. Furthermore, the influence of antigen binding on IgG-FcγRIII interactions was also investigated. Combined BLI and HDX-MS results indicate that structural alterations in Fab caused by antigen binding facilitate stabilization of IgG-FcγRIII interactions. This report provides a comprehensive understanding of the interaction between IgG and FcγRIII.

Single-Domain Antibodies for Targeting, Detection, and In Vivo Imaging of Human CD4+ Cells

The advancement of new immunotherapies necessitates appropriate probes to monitor the presence and distribution of distinct immune cell populations. Considering the key role of CD4⁺ cells in regulating immunological processes, we generated novel single-domain antibodies [nanobodies (Nbs)] that specifically recognize human CD4. After in-depth analysis of their binding properties, recognized epitopes, and effects on T-cell proliferation, activation, and cytokine release, we selected CD4-specific Nbs that did not interfere with crucial T-cell processes in vitro and converted them into immune tracers for noninvasive molecular imaging. By optical imaging, we demonstrated the ability of a high-affinity CD4-Nb to specifically visualize CD4⁺ cells in vivo using a xenograft model. Furthermore, quantitative high-resolution immune positron emission tomography (immunoPET)/MR of a human CD4 knock-in mouse model showed rapid accumulation of ⁶⁴Cu-radiolabeled CD4-Nb1 in CD4⁺ T cell-rich tissues. We propose that the CD4-Nbs presented here could serve as versatile probes for stratifying patients and monitoring individual immune responses during personalized immunotherapy in both cancer and inflammatory diseases.

Domain-specific biochemical and serological characterization of SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid protein

Nucleocapsid proteins are essential for SARS-CoV-2 life cycle. Here, we describe protocols to gather domain-specific insights about essential properties of nucleocapsids. These assays include dynamic light scattering to characterize oligomerization, fluorescence polarization to quantify RNA binding, hydrogen-deuterium exchange mass spectrometry to map RNA binding regions, negative-stain electron microscopy to visualize oligomeric species, interferon reporter assay to evaluate interferon signaling modulation, and a serology assay to reveal insights for improved sensitivity and specificity. These assays are broadly applicable to RNA-encapsidated nucleocapsids. For complete details on the use and execution of this protocol, please refer to Wu et al. (2021).

Hydrogen/Deuterium Exchange Mass Spectrometry with Integrated Electrochemical Reduction and Microchip-Enabled Deglycosylation for Epitope Mapping of Heavily Glycosylated and Disulfide-Bonded Proteins

Hydrogen/deuterium exchange mass spectrometry (HDX-MS) is a recognized method to study protein conformational dynamics and interactions. Proteins encompassing post-translational modifications (PTMs), such as disulfide bonds and glycosylations, present challenges to HDX-MS, as disulfide bond reduction and deglycosylation is often required to extract HDX information from regions containing these PTMs. In-solution deglycosylation with peptide-N4-(N-acetyl-β-d-glucosaminyl)-asparagine amidase A (PNGase A) or PNGase H⁺ combined with chemical reduction using tris-(2-carboxyethyl)phosphine (TCEP) has previously been used for HDX-MS analysis of disulfide-linked glycoproteins. However, this workflow requires extensive manual sample preparation and consumes large amounts of enzyme. Furthermore, large amounts of TCEP and glycosidases often result in suboptimal liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) performance. Here, we compare the in-solution activity of PNGase A, PNGase H⁺, and the newly discovered PNGase Dj under quench conditions and immobilize them onto thiol-ene microfluidic chips to create HDX-MS-compatible immobilized microfluidic enzyme reactors (IMERs). The IMERS retain deglycosylation activity, also following repeated use and long-term storage. Furthermore, we combine a PNGase Dj IMER, a pepsin IMER, and an electrochemical cell to develop an HDX-MS setup capable of efficient online disulfide-bond reduction, deglycosylation, and proteolysis. We demonstrate the applicability of this setup by mapping the epitope of a monoclonal antibody (mAb) on the heavily disulfide-bonded and glycosylated sema-domain of the tyrosine-protein kinase Met (SD c-Met). We achieve near-complete sequence coverage and extract HDX data to identify regions of SD c-Met involved in mAb binding. The described methodology thus presents an integrated and online workflow for improved HDX-MS analysis of challenging PTM-rich proteins.

HDX-MS and MD Simulations Provide Evidence for Stabilization of the IgG1-FcγRIa (CD64a) Immune Complex Through Intermolecular Glycoprotein Bonds

Previous reports present different models for the stabilization of the Fc-FcγRI immune complex. Although accord exists on the importance of L235 in IgG1 and some hydrophobic contacts for complex stabilization, discord exists regarding the existence of stabilizing glycoprotein contacts between glycans of IgG1 and a conserved FG-loop (¹⁷¹MGKHRY¹⁷⁶) of FcγRIa. Complexes formed from the FcγRIa receptor and IgG1s containing biantennary glycans with N-acetylglucosamine, galactose, and α2,6-N-acetylneuraminic terminations were measured by hydrogen-deuterium exchange mass spectrometry (HDX-MS), classified for dissimilarity with Welch's ANOVA and Games-Howell post hoc procedures, and modeled with molecular dynamics (MD) simulations. For each glycoform of the IgG1-FcγRIa complex peptic peptides of Fab, Fc and FcγRIa report distinct H/D exchange rates. MD simulations corroborate the differences in the peptide deuterium content through calculation of the percent of time that transient glycan-peptide bonds exist. These results indicate that stability of IgG1-FcγRIa complexes correlate with the presence of intermolecular glycoprotein interactions between the IgG1 glycans and the ¹⁷³KHR¹⁷⁵ motif within the FG-loop of FcγRIa. The results also indicate that intramolecular glycan-protein bonds stabilize the Fc region in isolated and complexed IgG1. Moreover, HDX-MS data evince that the Fab domain has glycan-protein binding contacts within the IgG1-FcγRI complex.

Tools for Decoding Ubiquitin Signaling in DNA Repair

The maintenance of genome stability requires dedicated DNA repair processes and pathways that are essential for the faithful duplication and propagation of chromosomes. These DNA repair mechanisms counteract the potentially deleterious impact of the frequent genotoxic challenges faced by cells from both exogenous and endogenous agents. Intrinsic to these mechanisms, cells have an arsenal of protein factors that can be utilised to promote repair processes in response to DNA lesions. Orchestration of the protein factors within the various cellular DNA repair pathways is performed, in part, by post-translational modifications, such as phosphorylation, ubiquitin, SUMO and other ubiquitin-like modifiers (UBLs). In this review, we firstly explore recent advances in the tools for identifying factors involved in both DNA repair and ubiquitin signaling pathways. We then expand on this by evaluating the growing repertoire of proteomic, biochemical and structural techniques available to further understand the mechanistic basis by which these complex modifications regulate DNA repair. Together, we provide a snapshot of the range of methods now available to investigate and decode how ubiquitin signaling can promote DNA repair and maintain genome stability in mammalian cells.

Conformational dynamics of free and membrane-bound human Hsp70 in model cytosolic and endo-lysosomal environments

The binding of the major stress-inducible human 70-kDa heat shock protein (Hsp70) to the anionic phospholipid bis-(monoacylglycero)-phosphate (BMP) in the lysosomal membrane is crucial for its impact on cellular pathology in lysosomal storage disorders. However, the conformational features of this protein-lipid complex remain unclear. Here, we apply hydrogen-deuterium exchange mass spectrometry (HDX-MS) to describe the dynamics of the full-length Hsp70 in the cytosol and its conformational changes upon translocation into lysosomes. Using wild-type and W90F mutant proteins, we also map and discriminate the interaction of Hsp70 with BMP and other lipid components of the lysosomal membrane. We identify the N-terminal of the nucleotide binding domain (residues 87-118) as the primary orchestrator of BMP interaction. We show that the conformation of this domain is significantly reorganized in the W90F mutant, explaining its inability to stabilize lysosomal membranes. Overall, our results reveal important new molecular details of the protective effect of Hsp70 in lysosomal storage diseases, which, in turn, could guide future drug development.

Quantitative Hydrogen/Deuterium Exchange Mass Spectrometry

This Account describes considerations for the data generation, data analysis, and data interpretation of a hydrogen/deuterium exchange-mass spectrometry (HDX-MS) experiment to have a quantitative argument. Although HDX-MS has gained its popularity as a biophysical tool, the argument from its data often remains qualitative. To generate HDX-MS data that are more suitable for a quantitative argument, the sequence coverage and sequence resolution should be optimized during the feasibility stage, and the time window coverage and time window resolution should be improved during the HDX stage. To extract biophysically meaningful values for a certain perturbation from medium-resolution HDX-MS data, there are two major ways: (i) estimating the area between the two deuterium buildup curves using centroid values with and without the perturbation when plotted against log time scale and (ii) dissecting into multiple single-exponential curves using the isotope envelopes. To have more accurate arguments for an HDX-MS perturbation study, (i) false negatives due to sequence coverage, (ii) false negatives due to time window coverage, (iii) false positives due to sequence resolution, and (iv) false positives due to allosteric effects should be carefully examined.

Naturally Occurring Mutations to Muscle-Type Creatine Kinase Impact Its Canonical and Pharmacological Activities in a Substrate-Dependent Manner In Vitro

Tenofovir (TFV) is a key component of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP). TFV is a nucleotide analog reverse-transcriptase inhibitor prodrug that requires two separate phosphorylation reactions by intracellular kinases to form the active metabolite tenofovir-diphosphate (TFV-DP). Muscle-type creatine kinase (CKM) has previously been demonstrated to be the kinase most responsible for the phosphorylation of tenofovir-monophosphate (TFV-MP) to the active metabolite in colon tissue. Because of the importance of CKM in TFV activation, genetic variation in CKM may contribute to interindividual variability in TFV-DP levels. In the present study, we report 10 naturally occurring CKM mutations that reduced TFV-MP phosphorylation in vitro: T35I, R43Q, I92M, H97Y, R130H, R132C, F169L, Y173C, W211R, V280L, and N286I. Interestingly, of these 10, only 4-R130H, R132C, W211R, and N286I-reduced both canonical CKM activities: ADP phosphorylation and ATP dephosphorylation. Although positions 130, 132, and 286 are located in the active site, the other mutations that resulted in decreased TFV-MP phosphorylation occur elsewhere in the protein structure. Four of these eight mutations-T35I, R43Q, I92M, and W211R-were found to decrease the thermal stability of the protein. Additionally, the W211R mutation was found to impact protein structure both locally and at a distance. These data suggest a substrate-specific effect such that certain mutations are tolerated for canonical activities while being deleterious toward the pharmacological activity of TFV activation, which could influence PrEP outcomes. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: Muscle-type creatine kinase (CKM) is important to the activation of tenofovir, a key component of HIV prophylaxis. This study demonstrates that naturally occurring CKM mutations impact enzyme function in a substrate-dependent manner such that some mutations that do not reduce canonical activities lead to reductions in the pharmacologically relevant activity. This finding at the intersection of drug metabolism and energy metabolism is important to the perspective on pharmacology of other drugs acted on by atypical drug-metabolizing enzymes.

Hydrogen-deuterium exchange mass spectrometry reveals three unique binding responses of mAbs directed to the catalytic domain of hCAIX

Human carbonic anhydrase (hCAIX), an extracellular enzyme that catalyzes the reversible hydration of CO₂, is often overexpressed in solid tumors. This enzyme is instrumental in maintaining the survival of cancer cells in a hypoxic and acidic tumor microenvironment. Absent in most normal tissues, hCAIX is a promising therapeutic target for detection and treatment of solid tumors. Screening of a library of anti-hCAIX monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) previously identified three therapeutic candidates (mAb c2C7, m4A2 and m9B6) with distinct biophysical and functional characteristics. Selective binding to the catalytic domain was confirmed by yeast surface display and isothermal calorimetry, and deeper insight into the dynamic binding profiles of these mAbs upon binding were highlighted by bottom-up hydrogen-deuterium exchange mass spectrometry (HDX-MS). Here, a conformational and allosterically silent epitope was identified for the antibody-drug conjugate candidate c2C7. Unique binding profiles are described for both inhibitory antibodies, m4A2 and m9B6. M4A2 reduces the ability of the enzyme to hydrate CO₂ by steric gating at the entrance of the catalytic cavity. Conversely, m9B6 disrupts the secondary structure that is necessary for substrate binding and hydration. The synergy of these two inhibitory mechanisms is demonstrated in in vitro activity assays and HDX-MS. Finally, the ability of m4A2 to modulate extracellular pH and intracellular metabolism is reported. By highlighting three unique modes by which hCAIX can be targeted, this study demonstrates both the utility of HDX-MS as an important tool in the characterization of anti-cancer biotherapeutics, and the underlying value of CAIX as a therapeutic target.

Cross-Linking Mass Spectrometry for Investigating Protein Conformations and Protein-Protein Interactions─A Method for All Seasons

Mass spectrometry (MS) has become one of the key technologies of structural biology. In this review, the contributions of chemical cross-linking combined with mass spectrometry (XL-MS) for studying three-dimensional structures of proteins and for investigating protein-protein interactions are outlined. We summarize the most important cross-linking reagents, software tools, and XL-MS workflows and highlight prominent examples for characterizing proteins, their assemblies, and interaction networks in vitro and in vivo. Computational modeling plays a crucial role in deriving 3D-structural information from XL-MS data. Integrating XL-MS with other techniques of structural biology, such as cryo-electron microscopy, has been successful in addressing biological questions that to date could not be answered. XL-MS is therefore expected to play an increasingly important role in structural biology in the future.

HPF1 dynamically controls the PARP1/2 balance between initiating and elongating ADP-ribose modifications

PARP1 and PARP2 produce poly(ADP-ribose) in response to DNA breaks. HPF1 regulates PARP1/2 catalytic output, most notably permitting serine modification with ADP-ribose. However, PARP1 is substantially more abundant in cells than HPF1, challenging whether HPF1 can pervasively modulate PARP1. Here, we show biochemically that HPF1 efficiently regulates PARP1/2 catalytic output at sub-stoichiometric ratios matching their relative cellular abundances. HPF1 rapidly associates/dissociates from multiple PARP1 molecules, initiating serine modification before modification initiates on glutamate/aspartate, and accelerating initiation to be more comparable to elongation reactions forming poly(ADP-ribose). This “hit and run” mechanism ensures HPF1 contributions to PARP1/2 during initiation do not persist and interfere with PAR chain elongation. We provide structural insights into HPF1/PARP1 assembled on a DNA break, and assess HPF1 impact on PARP1 retention on DNA. Our data support the prevalence of serine-ADP-ribose modification in cells and the efficiency of serine-ADP-ribose modification required for an acute DNA damage response.

HPF1 controls the ADP-ribosylation activity of PARP1/2 in response to DNA breaks. Here, the authors show that HPF1 regulates the balance between ADP-ribose initiation and elongation through a dynamic interaction that accelerates the initiation rate on serine residues.

Probing the Impact of Temperature and Substrates on the Conformational Dynamics of the Neurotransmitter:Sodium symporter LeuT

The crucial function of neurotransmitter:sodium symporters (NSS) in facilitating the reuptake of neurotransmitters into neuronal cells makes them attractive drug targets for treating multiple mental diseases. Due to the challenges in working with eukaryotic NSS proteins, LeuT, a prokaryotic amino acid transporter, has served as a model protein for studying structure-function relationships of NSS family proteins. With hydrogen-deuterium exchange mass spectrometry (HDX-MS), slow unfolding/refolding kinetics were identified in multiple regions of LeuT, suggesting that substrate translocation involves cooperative fluctuations of helical stretches. Earlier work has solely been performed at non-native temperatures (25 °C) for LeuT, which is evolutionarily adapted to function at high temperatures (85 - 95 °C). To address the effect of temperature on LeuT dynamics, we have performed HDX-MS experiments at elevated temperatures (45 °C and 60 °C). At these elevated temperatures, multiple regions in LeuT exhibited increased dynamics compared to 25 °C. Interestingly, coordinated slow unfolding/refolding of key regions could still be observed, though considerably faster. We have further investigated the conformational impact of binding the efficiently transported substrate alanine (Ala) relative to the much slower transported substrate leucine (Leu). Comparing the HDX of the Ala-bound versus Leu-bound state of LeuT, we observe distinct differences that could explain the faster transport rate (k_cat) of Ala relative to Leu. Importantly, slow unfolding/refolding dynamics could still be observed in regions of Ala-bound LeuT . Overall, our work brings new insights into the conformational dynamics of LeuT and provides a better understanding of the transport mechanism of LeuT and possibly other transporters bearing the LeuT fold.

Epitope screening using Hydrogen/Deuterium Exchange Mass Spectrometry (HDX-MS): An accelerated workflow for evaluation of lead monoclonal antibodies

BACKGROUND

Epitope mapping is an increasingly important aspect of biotherapeutic and vaccine development. Recent advances in therapeutic antibody design and production have enabled candidate mAbs to be identified at a rapidly increasing rate, resulting in a significant bottleneck in the characterization of "structural" epitopes, that are challenging to determine using existing high throughput epitope mapping tools. Here, a Hydrogen/Deuterium Exchange Mass Spectrometry (HDX-MS) epitope screening workflow was introduced that is well suited for accelerated characterization of epitopes with a common antigen.

MAIN METHODS AND MAJOR RESULTS

The method is demonstrated on set of six candidate mAbs targeting Pertactin (PRN). Using this approach, five of the six epitopes were unambiguously determined using two HDX mixing timepoints in 24 h total run time, which is equivalent to the instrument time required to map a single epitope using the conventional workflow.

CONCLUSION

An accelerated HDX-MS epitope screening workflow was developed. The "screening" workflow successfully characterized five (out of six attempted) novel epitopes on the PRN antigen; information that can be used to support vaccine antigenicity assays.

Interaction of Aluminum-adjuvanted Recombinant P[4] Protein Antigen With Preservatives: Storage Stability and Backbone Flexibility Studies

Eight antimicrobial preservatives used in parenteral multidose formulations (thimerosal, 2-phenoxy ethanol, phenol, benzyl alcohol, m-cresol, chlorobutanol, methyl paraben, propyl paraben) were examined for their effects on the storage stability (4 °C, 25 °C) of an Alhydrogel® (AH) adjuvanted formulation of the non-replicating rotavirus vaccine (NRRV) recombinant P[4] protein antigen. The stability of AH-adsorbed P[4] was monitored for antigen-antibody binding, conformational stability, and antigen-adjuvant interaction via competitive ELISA, DSC, and SDS-PAGE, respectively. There was an unexpected correlation between increasing storage stability of the AH-adsorbed P[4] and preservative hydrophobicity (log P) (e.g., the parabens and chlorobutanol were least destabilizing). We used hydrogen exchange-mass spectrometry (HX-MS) to better understand the destabilizing effects of temperature and preservative on backbone flexibility of AH-adsorbed P[4]. Thimerosal addition immediately increased the backbone flexibility across much of the AH-adsorbed P[4] protein backbone (except the N-terminal P2 region and residues G¹⁷-Y³⁸), and further increase in P[4] backbone flexibility was observed after storage (4 °C, 4 weeks). HX-MS analysis of AH-adsorbed P[4] stored for 4 weeks at 25 °C revealed structural alterations in some regions of the epitope involved in P[4] specific mAb binding. These combined results are discussed in terms of a generalized workflow for multi-dose vaccine formulation development for recombinant protein antigens.

Hydrogen/Deuterium Exchange Measurements May Provide an Incomplete View of Protein Dynamics: a Case Study on Cytochrome c

Many aspects of protein function rely on conformational fluctuations. Hydrogen/deuterium exchange (HDX) mass spectrometry (MS) provides a window into these dynamics. Despite the widespread use of HDX-MS, it remains unclear whether this technique provides a truly comprehensive view of protein dynamics. HDX is mediated by H-bond-opening/closing events, implying that HDX methods provide an H-bond-centric view. This raises the question if there could be fluctuations that leave the H-bond network unaffected, thereby rendering them undetectable by HDX-MS. We explore this issue in experiments on cytochrome c (cyt c). Compared to the Fe(II) protein, Fe(III) cyt c shows enhanced deuteration on both the distal and proximal sides of the heme. Previous studies have attributed the enhanced dynamics of Fe(III) cyt c to the facile and reversible rupture of the distal M80-Fe(III) bond. Using molecular dynamics (MD) simulations, we conducted a detailed analysis of various cyt c conformers. Our MD data confirm that rupture of the M80-Fe(III) contact triggers major reorientation of the distal Ω loop. Surprisingly, this event takes place with only miniscule H-bonding alterations. In other words, the distal loop dynamics are almost "HDX-silent". Moreover, distal loop movements cannot account for enhanced dynamics on the opposite (proximal) side of the heme. Instead, enhanced deuteration of Fe(III) cyt c is attributed to sparsely populated conformers where both the distal (M80) and proximal (H18) coordination bonds have been ruptured, along with opening of numerous H-bonds on both sides of the heme. We conclude that there can be major structural fluctuations that are only weakly coupled to changes in H-bonding, making them virtually impossible to track by HDX-MS. In such cases, HDX-MS may provide an incomplete view of protein dynamics.

Target Discovery for Host-Directed Antiviral Therapies: Application of Proteomics Approaches

Current epidemics, such as AIDS or flu, and the emergence of new threatening pathogens, such as the one causing the current coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, represent major global health challenges. While vaccination is an important part of the arsenal to counter the spread of viral diseases, it presents limitations and needs to be complemented by efficient therapeutic solutions. Intricate knowledge of host-pathogen interactions is a powerful tool to identify host-dependent vulnerabilities that can be exploited to dampen viral replication. Such host-directed antiviral therapies are promising and are less prone to the development of drug-resistant viral strains. Here, we first describe proteomics-based strategies that allow the rapid characterization of host-pathogen interactions. We then discuss how such data can be exploited to help prioritize compounds with potential host-directed antiviral activity that can be tested in preclinical models.

Molecular insights into mechanisms of GPCR hijacking by Staphylococcus aureus

Atypical chemokine receptor 1 (ACKR1) is a G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) targeted by Staphylococcus aureus bicomponent pore-forming leukotoxins to promote bacterial growth and immune evasion. Here, we have developed an integrative molecular pharmacology and structural biology approach in order to characterize the effect of leukotoxins HlgA and HlgB on ACKR1 structure and function. Interestingly, using cell-based assays and native mass spectrometry, we found that both components HlgA and HlgB compete with endogenous chemokines through a direct binding with the extracellular domain of ACKR1. Unexpectedly, hydrogen/deuterium exchange mass spectrometry analysis revealed that toxin binding allosterically modulates the intracellular G protein-binding domain of the receptor, resulting in dissociation and/or changes in the architecture of ACKR1-Gαi1 protein complexes observed in living cells. Altogether, our study brings important molecular insights into the initial steps of leukotoxins targeting a host GPCR.

Binding specificity of type three secretion system effector NleH2 to multi-cargo chaperone CesT and their phosphorylation

Gram-negative pathogens like Enteropathogenic Escherichia coli (EPEC) utilize the type three secretion system (T3SS) to translocate various effector proteins that are needed to "hijack" the host system for pathogenic survival. Specialized T3SS chaperones inside bacterial cells stabilize these effector proteins and facilitate their translocation. CesT is a unique multi-cargo chaperone that interacts with and translocates ~10 different effector proteins. Here, we report the specific interaction between CesT and its key effector, NleH2, and explore the potential role of NleH2 as a kinase for CesT phosphorylation. First, we identified the chaperone-binding domain (CBD; 19-97aa) of NleH2, and mapped the specific interaction sites for both CesT and NleH2. The N- and C-terminal residues of the CBD interact with the dimeric interface of CesT. Further, we compared the CesT binding to NleH2, to that of another key effector Tir and with the global carbon regulator CsrA. Notably, the effectors have the binding regions at the β-sheet core and dimer interface of CesT, whereas the CsrA regulator interacts predominantly through the C-terminal region, which is found ~17 Å away from the effectors-binding sites. Next, we showed that NleH2 remains an active kinase even as a complex with CesT and is responsible for its autophosphorylation as well as phosphorylation of CesT at Tyr153. Collectively, our findings enhance the understanding of the role of multi-cargo chaperone CesT in orchestrating effector translocation through T3SS.

Development of a highly specific and sensitive VHH-based sandwich immunoassay for the detection of the SARS-CoV-2 nucleoprotein

The current COVID-19 pandemic illustrates the importance of obtaining reliable methods for the rapid detection of SARS-CoV-2. A highly specific and sensitive diagnostic test able to differentiate the SARS-CoV-2 virus from common human coronaviruses is therefore needed. Coronavirus nucleoprotein (N) localizes to the cytoplasm and the nucleolus and is required for viral RNA synthesis. N is the most abundant coronavirus protein, so it is of utmost importance to develop specific antibodies for its detection. In this study, we developed a sandwich immunoassay to recognize the SARS-CoV-2 N protein. We immunized one alpaca with recombinant SARS-CoV-2 N and constructed a large single variable domain on heavy chain (VHH) antibody library. After phage display selection, seven VHHs recognizing the full N protein were identified by ELISA. These VHHs did not recognize the nucleoproteins of the four common human coronaviruses. Hydrogen Deuterium eXchange–Mass Spectrometry (HDX-MS) analysis also showed that these VHHs mainly targeted conformational epitopes in either the C-terminal or the N-terminal domains. All VHHs were able to recognize SARS-CoV-2 in infected cells or on infected hamster tissues. Moreover, the VHHs could detect the SARS variants B.1.17/alpha, B.1.351/beta, and P1/gamma. We propose that this sandwich immunoassay could be applied to specifically detect the SARS-CoV-2 N in human nasal swabs.

Palmitoylation targets the calcineurin phosphatase to the phosphatidylinositol 4-kinase complex at the plasma membrane

Calcineurin, the conserved protein phosphatase and target of immunosuppressants, is a critical mediator of Ca2+ signaling. Here, to discover calcineurin-regulated processes we examined an understudied isoform, CNAβ1. We show that unlike canonical cytosolic calcineurin, CNAβ1 localizes to the plasma membrane and Golgi due to palmitoylation of its divergent C-terminal tail, which is reversed by the ABHD17A depalmitoylase. Palmitoylation targets CNAβ1 to a distinct set of membrane-associated interactors including the phosphatidylinositol 4-kinase (PI4KA) complex containing EFR3B, PI4KA, TTC7B and FAM126A. Hydrogen-deuterium exchange reveals multiple calcineurin-PI4KA complex contacts, including a calcineurin-binding peptide motif in the disordered tail of FAM126A, which we establish as a calcineurin substrate. Calcineurin inhibitors decrease PI4P production during Gq-coupled GPCR signaling, suggesting that calcineurin dephosphorylates and promotes PI4KA complex activity. In sum, this work discovers a calcineurin-regulated signaling pathway which highlights the PI4KA complex as a regulatory target and reveals that dynamic palmitoylation confers unique localization, substrate specificity and regulation to CNAβ1.

Probing Universal Protein Dynamics Using Hydrogen-Deuterium Exchange Mass Spectrometry-Derived Residue-Level Gibbs Free Energy

Hydrogen-deuterium exchange mass spectrometry (HDX-MS) is a powerful technique to monitor protein intrinsic dynamics. The technique provides high-resolution information on how protein intrinsic dynamics are altered in response to biological signals, such as ligand binding, oligomerization, or allosteric networks. However, identification, interpretation, and visualization of such events from HDX-MS data sets is challenging as these data sets consist of many individual data points collected across peptides, time points, and experimental conditions. Here, we present PyHDX, an open-source Python package and webserver, that allows the user to batch extract the universal quantity Gibbs free energy at residue levels over multiple protein conditions and homologues. The output is directly visualized on a linear map or 3D structures or is exported as .csv files or PyMOL scripts.

Recent advancements in mass spectrometry for higher order structure characterization of protein therapeutics

Molecular characterization of higher order structure (HOS) in protein therapeutics is crucial to the selection of candidate molecules, understanding of structure-function relationships, formulation development, stability assessment, and comparability studies. Recent advances in mass spectrometry (MS), including native MS, hydrogen/deuterium exchange (HDX)-MS, and fast photochemical oxidation of proteins (FPOP) coupled with MS, have provided orthogonal ways to characterize HOS of protein therapeutics. In this review, we present the utility of native MS, HDX-MS and FPOP-MS in protein therapeutics discovery and development, with a focus on epitope mapping, aggregation assessment, and comparability studies. We also discuss future trends in the application of these MS methods to HOS characterization.

Fenton-Chemistry-Based Oxidative Modification of Proteins Reflects Their Conformation

In order to understand protein structure to a sufficient extent for, e.g., drug discovery, no single technique can provide satisfactory information on both the lowest-energy conformation and on dynamic changes over time (the ‘four-dimensional’ protein structure). Instead, a combination of complementary techniques is required. Mass spectrometry methods have shown promise in addressing protein dynamics, but often rely on the use of high-end commercial or custom instruments. Here, we apply well-established chemistry to conformation-sensitive oxidative protein labelling on a timescale of a few seconds, followed by analysis through a routine protein analysis workflow. For a set of model proteins, we show that site selectivity of labelling can indeed be rationalised in terms of known structural information, and that conformational changes induced by ligand binding are reflected in the modification pattern. In addition to conventional bottom-up analysis, further insights are obtained from intact mass measurement and native mass spectrometry. We believe that this method will provide a valuable and robust addition to the ‘toolbox’ of mass spectrometry researchers studying higher-order protein structure.