1
|
Rehm FBH, Tyler TJ, Zhou Y, Huang YH, Wang CK, Lawrence N, Craik DJ, Durek T. Repurposing a plant peptide cyclase for targeted lysine acylation. Nat Chem 2024; 16:1481-1489. [PMID: 38789555 DOI: 10.1038/s41557-024-01520-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2022] [Accepted: 03/25/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024]
Abstract
Transpeptidases are powerful tools for protein engineering but are largely restricted to acting at protein backbone termini. Alternative enzymatic approaches for internal protein labelling require bulky recognition motifs or non-proteinogenic reaction partners, potentially restricting which proteins can be modified or the types of modification that can be installed. Here we report a strategy for labelling lysine side chain ε-amines by repurposing an engineered asparaginyl ligase, which naturally catalyses peptide head-to-tail cyclization, for versatile isopeptide ligations that are compatible with peptidic substrates. We find that internal lysines with an adjacent leucine residue mimic the conventional N-terminal glycine-leucine substrate. This dipeptide motif enables efficient intra- or intermolecular ligation through internal lysine side chains, minimally leaving an asparagine C-terminally linked to the lysine side chain via an isopeptide bond. The versatility of this approach is demonstrated by the chemoenzymatic synthesis of peptides with non-native C terminus-to-side chain topology and the conjugation of chemically modified peptides to recombinant proteins.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Fabian B H Rehm
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Innovations in Peptide and Protein Science, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.
| | - Tristan J Tyler
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Innovations in Peptide and Protein Science, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Yan Zhou
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Innovations in Peptide and Protein Science, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Yen-Hua Huang
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Innovations in Peptide and Protein Science, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Conan K Wang
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Innovations in Peptide and Protein Science, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Nicole Lawrence
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Innovations in Peptide and Protein Science, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - David J Craik
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Innovations in Peptide and Protein Science, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.
| | - Thomas Durek
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Innovations in Peptide and Protein Science, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Wang XB, Zhang CH, Zhang T, Li HZ, Liu YL, Xu ZG, Lei G, Cai CJ, Guo ZY. An efficient peptide ligase engineered from a bamboo asparaginyl endopeptidase. FEBS J 2024; 291:2918-2936. [PMID: 38525648 DOI: 10.1111/febs.17111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2023] [Revised: 02/07/2024] [Accepted: 02/22/2024] [Indexed: 03/26/2024]
Abstract
In recent years, a few asparaginyl endopeptidases (AEPs) from certain higher plants have been identified as efficient peptide ligases with wide applications in protein labeling and cyclic peptide synthesis. Recently, we developed a NanoLuc Binary Technology (NanoBiT)-based peptide ligase activity assay to identify more AEP-type peptide ligases. Herein, we screened 61 bamboo species from 16 genera using this assay and detected AEP-type peptide ligase activity in the crude extract of all tested bamboo leaves. From a popular bamboo species, Bambusa multiplex, we identified a full-length AEP-type peptide ligase candidate (BmAEP1) via transcriptomic sequencing. After its zymogen was overexpressed in Escherichia coli and self-activated in vitro, BmAEP1 displayed high peptide ligase activity, but with considerable hydrolytic activity. After site-directed mutagenesis of its ligase activity determinants, the mutant zymogen of [G238V]BmAEP1 was normally overexpressed in E. coli, but failed to activate itself. To resolve this problem, we developed a novel protease-assisted activation approach in which trypsin was used to cleave the mutant zymogen and was then conveniently removed via ion-exchange chromatography. After the noncovalently bound cap domain was dissociated from the catalytic core domain under acidic conditions, the recombinant [G238V]BmAEP1 displayed high peptide ligase activity with much lower hydrolytic activity and could efficiently catalyze inter-molecular protein ligation and intramolecular peptide cyclization. Thus, the engineered bamboo-derived peptide ligase represents a novel tool for protein labeling and cyclic peptide synthesis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xin-Bo Wang
- Research Center for Translational Medicine at East Hospital, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Cong-Hui Zhang
- Research Center for Translational Medicine at East Hospital, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Teng Zhang
- Research Center for Translational Medicine at East Hospital, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Hao-Zheng Li
- Research Center for Translational Medicine at East Hospital, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Ya-Li Liu
- Research Center for Translational Medicine at East Hospital, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Zeng-Guang Xu
- Research Center for Translational Medicine at East Hospital, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Gang Lei
- Sanya Research Base of International Centre for Bamboo and Rattan, China
| | - Chun-Ju Cai
- Sanya Research Base of International Centre for Bamboo and Rattan, China
- International Center for Bamboo and Rattan, State Forestry and Grassland Administration Key Laboratory of Bamboo and Rattan, Beijing, China
| | - Zhan-Yun Guo
- Research Center for Translational Medicine at East Hospital, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
de Veer SJ, Zhou Y, Durek T, Craik DJ, Rehm FBH. Tertiary amide bond formation by an engineered asparaginyl ligase. Chem Sci 2024; 15:5248-5255. [PMID: 38577369 PMCID: PMC10988630 DOI: 10.1039/d3sc06352f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2023] [Accepted: 03/04/2024] [Indexed: 04/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Transpeptidases are powerful tools for site-specific protein modification, enabling the production of tailored biologics to investigate protein function and aiding the development of next-generation therapeutics and diagnostics. Although protein labelling at the N- or C-terminus is readily accomplished using a range of established transpeptidases, these reactions are generally limited to forming products that are linked by a standard (secondary) amide bond. Here we show that, unlike other widely used transpeptidases, an engineered asparaginyl ligase is able to efficiently synthesise tertiary amide bonds by accepting diverse secondary amine nucleophiles. These reactions proceed efficiently under mild conditions (near-neutral pH) and allow the optimal recognition elements for asparaginyl ligases (P1 Asn and P2'' Leu) to be preserved. Certain products, particularly proline-containing products, were found to be protected from recognition by the enzyme, allowing for straightforward sequential labelling of proteins. Additionally, incorporation of 4-azidoproline enables one-pot dual labelling directly at the ligation junction. These capabilities further expand the chemical diversity of asparaginyl ligase-catalysed reactions and provide an alternative approach for straightforward, successive modification of protein substrates.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Simon J de Veer
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Innovations in Peptide and Protein Science, The University of Queensland Brisbane QLD 4072 Australia
| | - Yan Zhou
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Innovations in Peptide and Protein Science, The University of Queensland Brisbane QLD 4072 Australia
| | - Thomas Durek
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Innovations in Peptide and Protein Science, The University of Queensland Brisbane QLD 4072 Australia
| | - David J Craik
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Innovations in Peptide and Protein Science, The University of Queensland Brisbane QLD 4072 Australia
| | - Fabian B H Rehm
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Innovations in Peptide and Protein Science, The University of Queensland Brisbane QLD 4072 Australia
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Zhou Y, Durek T, Craik DJ, Rehm FBH. Sortase-Catalyzed Protein Domain Inversion. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2024; 63:e202316777. [PMID: 38366985 DOI: 10.1002/anie.202316777] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2023] [Revised: 02/11/2024] [Accepted: 02/13/2024] [Indexed: 02/19/2024]
Abstract
Topological transformations and permutations of proteins have attracted significant interest as strategies to generate new protein functionalities or stability. These efforts have mainly been inspired by naturally occurring post-translational modifications, such as head-to-tail cyclization, circular permutation, or lasso-like entanglement. Such approaches can be realized experimentally via genetic encoding, in the case of circular permutation, or via enzymatic processing, in the case of cyclization. Notably, these previously described strategies leave the polypeptide backbone orientation unaltered. Here we describe an unnatural protein permutation, the protein domain inversion, whereby a C-terminal portion of a protein is enzymatically inverted from the canonical N-to-C to a C-to-C configuration with respect to the N-terminal part of the protein. The closest conceptually analogous biological process is perhaps the inversion of DNA segments as catalyzed by recombinases. We achieve these inversions using an engineered sortase A, a widely used transpeptidase. Our reactions proceed efficiently under mild conditions at 4-25 °C and are compatible with entirely heterologously-produced protein substrates.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yan Zhou
- ARC Centre of Excellence for Innovations in Peptide and Protein Science, Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, 4072, Australia
| | - Thomas Durek
- ARC Centre of Excellence for Innovations in Peptide and Protein Science, Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, 4072, Australia
| | - David J Craik
- ARC Centre of Excellence for Innovations in Peptide and Protein Science, Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, 4072, Australia
| | - Fabian B H Rehm
- ARC Centre of Excellence for Innovations in Peptide and Protein Science, Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, 4072, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Lu Z, Ge R, Zheng B, Zheng P. Enzymatic Protein Immobilization for Nanobody Array. Molecules 2024; 29:366. [PMID: 38257279 PMCID: PMC10820937 DOI: 10.3390/molecules29020366] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2023] [Revised: 01/02/2024] [Accepted: 01/08/2024] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Antibody arrays play a pivotal role in the detection and quantification of biomolecules, with their effectiveness largely dependent on efficient protein immobilization. Traditional methods often use heterobifunctional cross-linking reagents for attaching functional residues in proteins to corresponding chemical groups on the substrate surface. However, this method does not control the antibody's anchoring point and orientation, potentially leading to reduced binding efficiency and overall performance. Another method using anti-antibodies as intermediate molecules to control the orientation can be used but it demonstrates lower efficiency. Here, we demonstrate a site-specific protein immobilization strategy utilizing OaAEP1 (asparaginyl endopeptidase) for building a nanobody array. Moreover, we used a nanobody-targeting enhanced green fluorescent protein (eGFP) as the model system to validate the protein immobilization method for building a nanobody array. Finally, by rapidly enriching eGFP, this method further highlights its potential for rapid diagnostic applications. This approach, characterized by its simplicity, high efficiency, and specificity, offers an advancement in the development of surface-modified protein arrays. It promises to enhance the sensitivity and accuracy of biomolecule detection, paving the way for broader applications in various research and diagnostic fields.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Peng Zheng
- State Key Laboratory of Coordination Chemistry, Chemistry and Biomedicine Innovation Center (ChemBIC), School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, China; (Z.L.); (R.G.); (B.Z.)
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Antonenko A, Singh AK, Mosna K, Krężel A. OaAEP1 Ligase-Assisted Chemoenzymatic Synthesis of Full Cysteine-Rich Metal-Binding Cyanobacterial Metallothionein SmtA. Bioconjug Chem 2023. [PMID: 36921066 PMCID: PMC10119931 DOI: 10.1021/acs.bioconjchem.3c00037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/17/2023]
Abstract
Among all approaches used for the semisynthesis of natural or chemically modified products, enzyme-assisted ligation is among the most promising and dynamically developing approaches. Applying an efficient C247A mutant of Oldenlandia affinis plant ligase OaAEP1 and solid-phase peptide synthesis chemistry, we present the chemoenzymatic synthesis of a complete sequence of the cysteine-rich and metal-binding cyanobacterial metallothionein Synechococcus metallothionein A (SmtA). Zn(II) and Cd(II) binding to the newly synthesized SmtA showed identical properties to the protein expressed in Escherichia coli. The presented approach is the first example of the use of OaAEP1 mutant for total protein synthesis of metallothionein, which occurs in mild conditions preventing cysteine thiol oxidation. The recognition motif of the applied enzyme could naturally occur in the protein structure or be synthetically or genetically incorporated in some loops or secondary structure elements. Therefore, we envision that this strategy can be used for efficiently obtaining SmtA and for a wide range of proteins and their derivatives.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anastasiia Antonenko
- Department of Chemical Biology, Faculty of Biotechnology, University of Wrocław, F. Joliot-Curie 14a, Wrocław 50-383, Poland
| | - Avinash Kumar Singh
- Department of Chemical Biology, Faculty of Biotechnology, University of Wrocław, F. Joliot-Curie 14a, Wrocław 50-383, Poland
| | - Karolina Mosna
- Department of Chemical Biology, Faculty of Biotechnology, University of Wrocław, F. Joliot-Curie 14a, Wrocław 50-383, Poland
| | - Artur Krężel
- Department of Chemical Biology, Faculty of Biotechnology, University of Wrocław, F. Joliot-Curie 14a, Wrocław 50-383, Poland
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Nadendla K, Simpson GG, Becher J, Journeaux T, Cabeza-Cabrerizo M, Bernardes GJL. Strategies for Conditional Regulation of Proteins. JACS AU 2023; 3:344-357. [PMID: 36873677 PMCID: PMC9975842 DOI: 10.1021/jacsau.2c00654] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2022] [Revised: 01/09/2023] [Accepted: 01/10/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Design of the next-generation of therapeutics, biosensors, and molecular tools for basic research requires that we bring protein activity under control. Each protein has unique properties, and therefore, it is critical to tailor the current techniques to develop new regulatory methods and regulate new proteins of interest (POIs). This perspective gives an overview of the widely used stimuli and synthetic and natural methods for conditional regulation of proteins.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Karthik Nadendla
- Yusuf
Hamied Department of Chemistry, University
of Cambridge, CB2 1EW, Cambridge, U.K.
| | - Grant G. Simpson
- Yusuf
Hamied Department of Chemistry, University
of Cambridge, CB2 1EW, Cambridge, U.K.
| | - Julie Becher
- Yusuf
Hamied Department of Chemistry, University
of Cambridge, CB2 1EW, Cambridge, U.K.
| | - Toby Journeaux
- Yusuf
Hamied Department of Chemistry, University
of Cambridge, CB2 1EW, Cambridge, U.K.
| | - Mar Cabeza-Cabrerizo
- Yusuf
Hamied Department of Chemistry, University
of Cambridge, CB2 1EW, Cambridge, U.K.
| | - Gonçalo J. L. Bernardes
- Yusuf
Hamied Department of Chemistry, University
of Cambridge, CB2 1EW, Cambridge, U.K.
- Instituto
de Medicina Molecular João Lobo Antunes, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, 1649-028 Lisboa, Portugal
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Ma Q, He B, Tang G, Xie R, Zheng P. Enzymatic Protein Immobilization on Amino-Functionalized Nanoparticles. MOLECULES (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 28:molecules28010379. [PMID: 36615576 PMCID: PMC9822503 DOI: 10.3390/molecules28010379] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2022] [Revised: 12/23/2022] [Accepted: 12/28/2022] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
The immobilization of proteins on nanoparticles has received much attention in recent years. Among different approaches, enzymatic protein immobilization shows unique advantages because of its site-specific connection. OaAEP1 is a recently engineered peptide ligase which can specifically recognize an N-terminal GL residue (NH2-Gly-Leu) and a C-terminal NGL amino acid residue (Asn-Gly-Leu-COOH) and ligates them efficiently. Herein, we report OaAEP1-mediated protein immobilization on synthetic magnetic nanoparticles. Our work showed that OaAEP1 could mediate C-terminal site-specific protein immobilization on the amino-functionalized Fe3O4 nanoparticles. Our work demonstrates a new method for site-specific protein immobilization on nanoparticles.
Collapse
|
9
|
Taylor RJ, Geeson MB, Journeaux T, Bernardes GJL. Chemical and Enzymatic Methods for Post-Translational Protein-Protein Conjugation. J Am Chem Soc 2022; 144:14404-14419. [PMID: 35912579 PMCID: PMC9389620 DOI: 10.1021/jacs.2c00129] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Fusion proteins play an essential role in the biosciences but suffer from several key limitations, including the requirement for N-to-C terminal ligation, incompatibility of constituent domains, incorrect folding, and loss of biological activity. This perspective focuses on chemical and enzymatic approaches for the post-translational generation of well-defined protein-protein conjugates, which overcome some of the limitations faced by traditional fusion techniques. Methods discussed range from chemical modification of nucleophilic canonical amino acid residues to incorporation of unnatural amino acid residues and a range of enzymatic methods, including sortase-mediated ligation. Through summarizing the progress in this rapidly growing field, the key successes and challenges associated with using chemical and enzymatic approaches are highlighted and areas requiring further development are discussed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ross J. Taylor
- Department
of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Lensfield Road, CB2 1EW Cambridge, U.K.
| | - Michael B. Geeson
- Department
of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Lensfield Road, CB2 1EW Cambridge, U.K.
| | - Toby Journeaux
- Department
of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Lensfield Road, CB2 1EW Cambridge, U.K.
| | - Gonçalo J. L. Bernardes
- Department
of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Lensfield Road, CB2 1EW Cambridge, U.K.
- Instituto
de Medicina Molecular João Lobo Antunes, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Avenida Professor Egas Moniz, 1649-028, Lisboa, Portugal
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Morgan HE, Turnbull WB, Webb ME. Challenges in the use of sortase and other peptide ligases for site-specific protein modification. Chem Soc Rev 2022; 51:4121-4145. [PMID: 35510539 PMCID: PMC9126251 DOI: 10.1039/d0cs01148g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Site-specific protein modification is a widely-used biochemical tool. However, there are many challenges associated with the development of protein modification techniques, in particular, achieving site-specificity, reaction efficiency and versatility. The engineering of peptide ligases and their substrates has been used to address these challenges. This review will focus on sortase, peptidyl asparaginyl ligases (PALs) and variants of subtilisin; detailing how their inherent specificity has been utilised for site-specific protein modification. The review will explore how the engineering of these enzymes and substrates has led to increased reaction efficiency mainly due to enhanced catalytic activity and reduction of reversibility. It will also describe how engineering peptide ligases to broaden their substrate scope is opening up new opportunities to expand the biochemical toolkit, particularly through the development of techniques to conjugate multiple substrates site-specifically onto a protein using orthogonal peptide ligases. We highlight chemical and biochemical strategies taken to optimise peptide and protein modification using peptide ligases.![]()
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Holly E Morgan
- School of Chemistry and Astbury Centre for Structural Molecular Biology, University of Leeds, Woodhouse Lane, Leeds, LS2 9JT, UK.
| | - W Bruce Turnbull
- School of Chemistry and Astbury Centre for Structural Molecular Biology, University of Leeds, Woodhouse Lane, Leeds, LS2 9JT, UK.
| | - Michael E Webb
- School of Chemistry and Astbury Centre for Structural Molecular Biology, University of Leeds, Woodhouse Lane, Leeds, LS2 9JT, UK.
| |
Collapse
|