1
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Baharian A, Ishida H, Sillner C, Vogel HJ. Split intein-mediated backbone cyclization enhances the stability and activity of staphylokinase, a potent fibrin-selective plasminogen activator. Int J Biol Macromol 2024; 275:133448. [PMID: 38945328 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2024.133448] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2024] [Revised: 06/03/2024] [Accepted: 06/24/2024] [Indexed: 07/02/2024]
Abstract
Staphylokinase (Sak), a small 15 kDa globular protein that is secreted by certain strains of Staphylococcus aureus, shows a potent fibrin-selective thrombolytic activity. Earlier work has shown that Sak could potentially become a low-cost alternative to currently used thrombolytic agents, such as tissue plasminogen activator (tPA). In attempts to improve its potential for clinical applications, numerous modifications of Sak have already been investigated. Here, we have characterized a novel Sak modification, cyclized Sak (cyc-Sak), which was prepared through split-intein mediated protein backbone cyclization. We have characterized the structure, stability and the activity of cyc-Sak using biophysical techniques, limited proteolysis studies and plasminogen (PG)-activation assays. Our results show that cyc-Sak possesses an identical structure, enhanced stability, resistance to proteolysis by exoproteases and improved PG-activation properties compared to its linear counterpart. It can be over-expressed with high yield in the cytoplasm of Escherichia coli and is easily purified in a two-step process. The intein-mediated cyclization occurs spontaneously in vivo during protein expression and does not necessitate further modification steps after purification of the protein. Furthermore, covalent Sak cyclization could be readily combined with other Sak modifications previously proposed, to generate an effective thrombolytic agent with lower immunogenicity and improved stability and activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Azin Baharian
- Biochemistry Research Group, Department of Biological Sciences, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta T2N 1N4, Canada
| | - Hiroaki Ishida
- Biochemistry Research Group, Department of Biological Sciences, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta T2N 1N4, Canada
| | - Cassandra Sillner
- Biochemistry Research Group, Department of Biological Sciences, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta T2N 1N4, Canada
| | - Hans J Vogel
- Biochemistry Research Group, Department of Biological Sciences, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta T2N 1N4, Canada.
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2
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Anastassov S, Filo M, Khammash M. Inteins: A Swiss army knife for synthetic biology. Biotechnol Adv 2024; 73:108349. [PMID: 38552727 DOI: 10.1016/j.biotechadv.2024.108349] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2023] [Revised: 03/21/2024] [Accepted: 03/23/2024] [Indexed: 04/13/2024]
Abstract
Inteins are proteins found in nature that execute protein splicing. Among them, split inteins stand out for their versatility and adaptability, presenting creative solutions for addressing intricate challenges in various biological applications. Their exquisite attributes, including compactness, reliability, orthogonality, low toxicity, and irreversibility, make them of interest to various fields including synthetic biology, biotechnology and biomedicine. In this review, we delve into the inherent challenges of using inteins, present approaches for overcoming these challenges, and detail their reliable use for specific cellular tasks. We will discuss the use of conditional inteins in areas like cancer therapy, drug screening, patterning, infection treatment, diagnostics and biocontainment. Additionally, we will underscore the potential of inteins in executing basic logical operations with practical implications. We conclude by showcasing their potential in crafting complex genetic circuits for performing computations and feedback control that achieves robust perfect adaptation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stanislav Anastassov
- Department of Biosystems Science and Engineering, ETH Zürich, Basel 4056, Switzerland
| | - Maurice Filo
- Department of Biosystems Science and Engineering, ETH Zürich, Basel 4056, Switzerland
| | - Mustafa Khammash
- Department of Biosystems Science and Engineering, ETH Zürich, Basel 4056, Switzerland.
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3
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Pasch T, Bäumer N, Bäumer S, Buchholz F, Mootz HD. Towards targeted Cas9 (CRISPR-Cas) delivery: Preparation of IgG antibody-Cas9 conjugates using a split intein. J Pept Sci 2024; 30:e3592. [PMID: 38447547 DOI: 10.1002/psc.3592] [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: 02/13/2024] [Accepted: 02/14/2024] [Indexed: 03/08/2024]
Abstract
The CRISPR-Cas9 system has revolutionized the field of genetic engineering, but targeted cellular delivery remains a central problem. The delivery of the preformed ribonuclease-protein (RNP) complex has the advantages of fewer side effects and avoidance of potential permanent effects. We reasoned that an internalizing IgG antibody as a targeting device could address the delivery of Cas9-RNP. We opted for protein trans-splicing mediated by a split intein to facilitate posttranslational conjugation of the two large protein entities. We recently described the cysteine-less CL split intein that efficiently performs under oxidizing conditions and does not interfere with disulfide bonds or thiol bioconjugation chemistries. Using the CL split intein, we report for the first time the ligation of monoclonal IgG antibody precursors, expressed in mammalian cells, and a Cas9 precursor, obtained from bacterial expression. A purified IgG-Cas9 conjugate was loaded with sgRNA to form the active RNP complex and introduced a double-strand break in its target DNA in vitro. Furthermore, a synthetic peptide variant of the short N-terminal split intein precursor proved useful for chemical modification of Cas9. The split intein ligation procedure reported here for IgG-Cas9 provides the first step towards a novel CRISPR-Cas9 targeting approach involving the preformed RNP complex.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tim Pasch
- Institute of Biochemistry, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Nicole Bäumer
- Department of Medicine A, Hematology/Oncology, University Hospital of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Sebastian Bäumer
- Department of Medicine A, Hematology/Oncology, University Hospital of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Frank Buchholz
- Medical Systems Biology, University Cancer Center (UCC), TU Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Henning D Mootz
- Institute of Biochemistry, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
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4
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Gharios R, Li A, Kopyeva I, Francis RM, DeForest CA. One-Step Purification and N-Terminal Functionalization of Bioactive Proteins via Atypically Split Inteins. Bioconjug Chem 2024; 35:750-757. [PMID: 38815180 PMCID: PMC11262789 DOI: 10.1021/acs.bioconjchem.4c00223] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/01/2024]
Abstract
Site-specific installation of non-natural functionality onto proteins has enabled countless applications in biotechnology, chemical biology, and biomaterials science. Though the N-terminus is an attractive derivatization location, prior methodologies targeting this site have suffered from low selectivity, a limited selection of potential chemical modifications, and/or challenges associated with divergent protein purification/modification steps. In this work, we harness the atypically split VidaL intein to simultaneously N-functionalize and purify homogeneous protein populations in a single step. Our method─referred to as VidaL-tagged expression and protein ligation (VEPL)─enables modular and scalable production of N-terminally modified proteins with native bioactivity. Demonstrating its flexibility and ease of use, we employ VEPL to combinatorially install 4 distinct (multi)functional handles (e.g., biotin, alkyne, fluorophores) to the N-terminus of 4 proteins that span three different classes: fluorescent (Enhanced Green Fluorescent Protein, mCherry), enzymatic (β-lactamase), and growth factor (epidermal growth factor). Moving forward, we anticipate that VEPL's ability to rapidly generate and isolate N-modified proteins will prove useful across the growing fields of applied chemical biology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryan Gharios
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington 98105, United States
| | - Annabella Li
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington 98105, United States
| | - Irina Kopyeva
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington 98105, United States
| | - Ryan M Francis
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington 98105, United States
| | - Cole A DeForest
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington 98105, United States
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington 98105, United States
- Department of Chemistry, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington 98105, United States
- Institute of Stem Cell & Regenerative Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington 98105, United States
- Molecular Engineering & Sciences Institute, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington 98105, United States
- Institute for Protein Design, University of Washington, Seattle ,Washington 98105, United States
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5
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Schmitz M, Ballestin JB, Liang J, Tomas F, Freist L, Voigt K, Di Ventura B, Öztürk MA. Int&in: A machine learning-based web server for active split site identification in inteins. Protein Sci 2024; 33:e4985. [PMID: 38717278 PMCID: PMC11078102 DOI: 10.1002/pro.4985] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2023] [Revised: 03/06/2024] [Accepted: 03/24/2024] [Indexed: 05/12/2024]
Abstract
Inteins are proteins that excise themselves out of host proteins and ligate the flanking polypeptides in an auto-catalytic process called protein splicing. In nature, inteins are either contiguous or split. In the case of split inteins, the two fragments must first form a complex for the splicing to occur. Contiguous inteins have previously been artificially split in two fragments because split inteins allow for distinct applications than contiguous ones. Even naturally split inteins have been split at unnatural split sites to obtain fragments with reduced affinity for one another, which are useful to create conditional inteins or to study protein-protein interactions. So far, split sites in inteins have been heuristically identified. We developed Int&in, a web server freely available for academic research (https://intein.biologie.uni-freiburg.de) that runs a machine learning model using logistic regression to predict active and inactive split sites in inteins with high accuracy. The model was trained on a dataset of 126 split sites generated using the gp41-1, Npu DnaE and CL inteins and validated using 97 split sites extracted from the literature. Despite the limited data size, the model, which uses various protein structural features, as well as sequence conservation information, achieves an accuracy of 0.79 and 0.78 for the training and testing sets, respectively. We envision Int&in will facilitate the engineering of novel split inteins for applications in synthetic and cell biology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mirko Schmitz
- BIOSS and CIBSS Research Signalling Centers, University of FreiburgFreiburgGermany
- Institute of Biology II, University of FreiburgFreiburgGermany
- 4HF Biotec GmbHFreiburgGermany
| | - Jara Ballestin Ballestin
- BIOSS and CIBSS Research Signalling Centers, University of FreiburgFreiburgGermany
- Institute of Biology II, University of FreiburgFreiburgGermany
- Bioprocess Innovation Unit, ViraTherapeutics GmbHRumAustria
| | - Junsheng Liang
- BIOSS and CIBSS Research Signalling Centers, University of FreiburgFreiburgGermany
- Institute of Biology II, University of FreiburgFreiburgGermany
| | - Franziska Tomas
- BIOSS and CIBSS Research Signalling Centers, University of FreiburgFreiburgGermany
- Institute of Biology II, University of FreiburgFreiburgGermany
- Department of Molecular Life SciencesUniversity of ZurichZurichSwitzerland
| | - Leon Freist
- Institute of Biology III, University of FreiburgFreiburgGermany
| | - Karsten Voigt
- Institute of Biology III, University of FreiburgFreiburgGermany
| | - Barbara Di Ventura
- BIOSS and CIBSS Research Signalling Centers, University of FreiburgFreiburgGermany
- Institute of Biology II, University of FreiburgFreiburgGermany
| | - Mehmet Ali Öztürk
- BIOSS and CIBSS Research Signalling Centers, University of FreiburgFreiburgGermany
- Institute of Biology II, University of FreiburgFreiburgGermany
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6
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Cheng L, Wang Y, Guo Y, Zhang SS, Xiao H. Advancing protein therapeutics through proximity-induced chemistry. Cell Chem Biol 2024; 31:428-445. [PMID: 37802076 PMCID: PMC10960704 DOI: 10.1016/j.chembiol.2023.09.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2023] [Revised: 08/21/2023] [Accepted: 09/15/2023] [Indexed: 10/08/2023]
Abstract
Recent years have seen a remarkable growth in the field of protein-based medical treatments. Nevertheless, concerns have arisen regarding the cytotoxicity limitations, low affinity, potential immunogenicity, low stability, and challenges to modify these proteins. To overcome these obstacles, proximity-induced chemistry has emerged as a next-generation strategy for advancing protein therapeutics. This method allows site-specific modification of proteins with therapeutic agents, improving their effectiveness without extensive engineering. In addition, this innovative approach enables spatial control of the reaction based on proximity, facilitating the formation of irreversible covalent bonds between therapeutic proteins and their targets. This capability becomes particularly valuable in addressing challenges such as the low affinity frequently encountered between therapeutic proteins and their targets, as well as the limited availability of small molecules for specific protein targets. As a result, proximity-induced chemistry is reshaping the field of protein drug preparation and propelling the revolution in novel protein therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linqi Cheng
- Department of Chemistry, Rice University, 6100 Main Street, Houston, TX 77005, USA
| | - Yixian Wang
- Department of Chemistry, Rice University, 6100 Main Street, Houston, TX 77005, USA
| | - Yiming Guo
- Department of Chemistry, Rice University, 6100 Main Street, Houston, TX 77005, USA
| | - Sophie S Zhang
- Department of Chemistry, Rice University, 6100 Main Street, Houston, TX 77005, USA
| | - Han Xiao
- Department of Chemistry, Rice University, 6100 Main Street, Houston, TX 77005, USA; Department of Biosciences, Rice University, 6100 Main Street, Houston, TX 77005, USA; Department of Bioengineering, Rice University, 6100 Main Street, Houston, TX 77005, USA.
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7
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Hunt JP, Free TJ, Galiardi J, Watt KM, Wood DW, Bundy BC. Streamlining the Detection of Human Thyroid Receptor Ligand Interactions with XL1-Blue Cell-Free Protein Synthesis and Beta-Galactosidase Fusion Protein Biosensors. Life (Basel) 2023; 13:1972. [PMID: 37895354 PMCID: PMC10608756 DOI: 10.3390/life13101972] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2023] [Revised: 09/22/2023] [Accepted: 09/25/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Thyroid receptor signaling controls major physiological processes and disrupted signaling can cause severe disorders that negatively impact human life. Consequently, methods to detect thyroid receptor ligands are of great toxicologic and pharmacologic importance. Previously, we reported thyroid receptor ligand detection with cell-free protein synthesis of a chimeric fusion protein composed of the human thyroid receptor beta (hTRβ) receptor activator and a β-lactamase reporter. Here, we report a 60% reduction in sensing cost by reengineering the chimeric fusion protein biosensor to include a reporter system composed of either the full-length beta galactosidase (β-gal), the alpha fragment of β-gal (β-gal-α), or a split alpha fragment of the β-gal (split β-gal-α). These biosensor constructs are deployed using E. coli XL1-Blue cell extract to (1) avoid the β-gal background activity abundant in BL21 cell extract and (2) facilitate β-gal complementation reporter activity to detect human thyroid receptor ligands. These results constitute a promising platform for high throughput screening and potentially the portable detection of human thyroid receptor ligands.
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Affiliation(s)
- J. Porter Hunt
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Brigham Young University, Provo, UT 84602, USA
| | - Tyler J. Free
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Brigham Young University, Provo, UT 84602, USA
| | - Jackelyn Galiardi
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Kevin M. Watt
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84108, USA
| | - David W. Wood
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Bradley C. Bundy
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Brigham Young University, Provo, UT 84602, USA
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8
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Boral S, Sen S, Kushwaha T, Inampudi KK, De S. Extein residues regulate the catalytic function of Spl DnaX intein enzyme by restricting the near-attack conformations of the active-site residues. Protein Sci 2023; 32:e4699. [PMID: 37313648 PMCID: PMC10288555 DOI: 10.1002/pro.4699] [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: 03/23/2023] [Revised: 05/30/2023] [Accepted: 06/06/2023] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Intein enzymes catalyze the splicing of their flanking polypeptide chains and have found tremendous biotechnological applications. Their terminal residues form the catalytic core and participate in the splicing reaction. Hence, the neighboring N- and C-terminal extein residues influence the catalytic rate. As these extein residues vary depending on the substrate identity, we tested the influence of 20 amino acids at these sites in the Spl DnaX intein and observed significant variation of spliced product as well as N- and C-terminus cleavage product formation. We investigated the dependence of these reactions on the extein residues by molecular dynamics (MD) simulations on eight extein variants, and found that the conformational sampling of the active-site residues of the intein enzyme differed among these extein variants. We found that the extein variants that sample higher population of near-attack conformers (NACs) of the active-site residues undergo higher product formation in our activity assays. Ground state conformers that closely resemble the transition state are referred to as NACs. Very good correlation was observed between the NAC populations from the MD simulations of eight extein variants and the corresponding product formation from our activity assays. Furthermore, this molecular detail enabled us to elucidate the mechanistic roles of several conserved active-site residues in the splicing reaction. Overall, this study shows that the catalytic power of Spl DnaX intein enzyme, and most likely other inteins, depends on the efficiency of formation of NACs in the ground state, which is further modulated by the extein residues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Soumendu Boral
- School of BioscienceIndian Institute of Technology KharagpurKharagpurIndia
| | - Srijon Sen
- School of BioscienceIndian Institute of Technology KharagpurKharagpurIndia
| | - Tushar Kushwaha
- Department of BiophysicsAll India Institute of Medical SciencesNew DelhiIndia
| | - Krishna K. Inampudi
- Department of BiophysicsAll India Institute of Medical SciencesNew DelhiIndia
| | - Soumya De
- School of BioscienceIndian Institute of Technology KharagpurKharagpurIndia
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9
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Pasch T, Schröder A, Kattelmann S, Eisenstein M, Pietrokovski S, Kümmel D, Mootz HD. Structural and biochemical analysis of a novel atypically split intein reveals a conserved histidine specific to cysteine-less inteins. Chem Sci 2023; 14:5204-5213. [PMID: 37206380 PMCID: PMC10189870 DOI: 10.1039/d3sc01200j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2023] [Accepted: 04/23/2023] [Indexed: 05/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Protein trans-splicing mediated by a split intein reconstitutes a protein backbone from two parts. This virtually traceless autoprocessive reaction provides the basis for numerous protein engineering applications. Protein splicing typically proceeds through two thioester or oxyester intermediates involving the side chains of cysteine or serine/threonine residues. A cysteine-less split intein has recently attracted particular interest as it can splice under oxidizing conditions and is orthogonal to disulfide or thiol bioconjugation chemistries. Here, we report the split PolB16 OarG intein, a second such cysteine-independent intein. As a unique trait, it is atypically split with a short intein-N precursor fragment of only 15 amino acids, the shortest characterized to date, which was chemically synthesized to enable protein semi-synthesis. By rational engineering we obtained a high-yielding, improved split intein mutant. Structural and mutational analysis revealed the dispensability of the usually crucial conserved motif N3 (block B) histidine as an obvious peculiar property. Unexpectedly, we identified a previously unnoticed histidine in hydrogen-bond forming distance to the catalytic serine 1 as critical for splicing. This histidine has been overlooked so far in multiple sequence alignments and is highly conserved only in cysteine-independent inteins as a part of a newly discovered motif NX. The motif NX histidine is thus likely of general importance to the specialized environment in the active site required in this intein subgroup. Together, our study advances the toolbox as well as the structural and mechanistic understanding of cysteine-less inteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tim Pasch
- Institute of Biochemistry, University of Münster Corrensstr. 36 48149 Münster Germany
| | - Alexander Schröder
- Institute of Biochemistry, University of Münster Corrensstr. 36 48149 Münster Germany
| | - Sabrina Kattelmann
- Institute of Biochemistry, University of Münster Corrensstr. 36 48149 Münster Germany
| | - Miriam Eisenstein
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Weizmann Institute of Science Rehovot 76100 Israel
| | - Shmuel Pietrokovski
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Weizmann Institute of Science Rehovot 76100 Israel
| | - Daniel Kümmel
- Institute of Biochemistry, University of Münster Corrensstr. 36 48149 Münster Germany
| | - Henning D Mootz
- Institute of Biochemistry, University of Münster Corrensstr. 36 48149 Münster Germany
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10
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Harel O, Jbara M. Chemical Synthesis of Bioactive Proteins. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2023; 62:e202217716. [PMID: 36661212 DOI: 10.1002/anie.202217716] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2022] [Revised: 01/18/2023] [Accepted: 01/20/2023] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
Nature has developed a plethora of protein machinery to operate and maintain nearly every task of cellular life. These processes are tightly regulated via post-expression modifications-transformations that modulate intracellular protein synthesis, folding, and activation. Methods to prepare homogeneously and precisely modified proteins are essential to probe their function and design new bioactive modalities. Synthetic chemistry has contributed remarkably to protein science by allowing the preparation of novel biomacromolecules that are often challenging or impractical to prepare via common biological means. The ability to chemically build and precisely modify proteins has enabled the production of new molecules with novel physicochemical properties and programmed activity for biomedical research, diagnostic, and therapeutic applications. This minireview summarizes recent developments in chemical protein synthesis to produce bioactive proteins, with emphasis on novel analogs with promising in vitro and in vivo activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Omer Harel
- School of Chemistry, Raymond and Beverly Sackler Faculty of Exact Sciences, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, 69978, Israel
| | - Muhammad Jbara
- School of Chemistry, Raymond and Beverly Sackler Faculty of Exact Sciences, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, 69978, Israel
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11
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Wang D, Fan X, Li M, Liu T, Lu P, Wang G, Li Y, Han J, Zhao J. Prime Editing in Mammals: The Next Generation of Precision Genome Editing. CRISPR J 2022; 5:746-768. [PMID: 36512351 DOI: 10.1089/crispr.2022.0084] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The recently established prime editor (PE) system is regarded as next-generation gene-editing technology. This methodology can install any base-to-base change as well as insertions and deletions without the requirement for double-stranded break formation or donor DNA templates; thus, it offers more targeting flexibility and greater editing precision than conventional CRISPR-Cas systems or base editors. In this study, we introduce the basic principles of PE and then review its most recent progress in terms of editing versatility, specificity, and efficiency in mammals. Next, we summarize key considerations regarding the selection of PE variants, prime editing guide RNA (pegRNA) design rules, and the efficiency and accuracy evaluation of PE. Finally, we highlight and discuss how PE can assist in a wide range of biological studies and how it can be applied to make precise genomic corrections in animal models, which paves the way for curing human diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dawei Wang
- Department of Endocrinology, Shandong Provincial Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, China; Central Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China
- Department of Endocrinology, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China; Central Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China
- Shandong Engineering Research Center of Stem Cell and Gene Therapy for Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases, Jinan, China; Central Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China
- Shandong Key Laboratory of Endocrinology and Lipid Metabolism, Jinan, China; and Central Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China
| | - Xiude Fan
- Department of Endocrinology, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China; Central Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China
- Shandong Engineering Research Center of Stem Cell and Gene Therapy for Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases, Jinan, China; Central Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China
- Shandong Key Laboratory of Endocrinology and Lipid Metabolism, Jinan, China; and Central Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China
| | - Mengzhu Li
- Department of Endocrinology, Shandong Provincial Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, China; Central Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China
- Department of Endocrinology, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China; Central Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China
- Shandong Engineering Research Center of Stem Cell and Gene Therapy for Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases, Jinan, China; Central Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China
- Shandong Key Laboratory of Endocrinology and Lipid Metabolism, Jinan, China; and Central Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China
| | - Tianbo Liu
- Department of Endocrinology, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China; Central Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China
- Shandong Engineering Research Center of Stem Cell and Gene Therapy for Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases, Jinan, China; Central Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China
- Shandong Key Laboratory of Endocrinology and Lipid Metabolism, Jinan, China; and Central Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China
| | - Peng Lu
- Department of Endocrinology, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China; Central Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China
- Shandong Engineering Research Center of Stem Cell and Gene Therapy for Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases, Jinan, China; Central Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China
- Shandong Key Laboratory of Endocrinology and Lipid Metabolism, Jinan, China; and Central Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China
| | - Guangxin Wang
- Shandong Innovation Center of Intelligent Diagnosis, Central Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China
| | - Yuan Li
- Department of Endocrinology, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China; Central Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China
- Shandong Engineering Research Center of Stem Cell and Gene Therapy for Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases, Jinan, China; Central Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China
- Shandong Key Laboratory of Endocrinology and Lipid Metabolism, Jinan, China; and Central Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China
| | - JunMing Han
- Department of Endocrinology, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China; Central Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China
- Shandong Engineering Research Center of Stem Cell and Gene Therapy for Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases, Jinan, China; Central Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China
- Shandong Key Laboratory of Endocrinology and Lipid Metabolism, Jinan, China; and Central Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China
| | - JiaJun Zhao
- Department of Endocrinology, Shandong Provincial Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, China; Central Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China
- Department of Endocrinology, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China; Central Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China
- Shandong Engineering Research Center of Stem Cell and Gene Therapy for Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases, Jinan, China; Central Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China
- Shandong Key Laboratory of Endocrinology and Lipid Metabolism, Jinan, China; and Central Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China
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12
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Lee CH, Lee JH, Lee JY, Cui CH, Cho BK, Kim SC. Novel Split Intein-Mediated Enzymatic Channeling Accelerates the Multimeric Bioconversion Pathway of Ginsenoside. ACS Synth Biol 2022; 11:3296-3304. [PMID: 36150110 DOI: 10.1021/acssynbio.2c00216] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
Cascade reaction systems, such as protein fusion and synthetic protein scaffold systems, can both spatially control the metabolic flux and boost the productivity of multistep enzymatic reactions. Despite many efforts to generate fusion proteins, this task remains challenging due to the limited expression of complex enzymes. Therefore, we developed a novel fusion system that bypasses the limited expression of complex enzymes via a post-translational linkage. Here, we report a split intein-mediated cascade system wherein orthogonal split inteins serve as adapters for protein ligation. A genetically programmable, self-assembled, and traceless split intein was utilized to generate a biocatalytic cascade to produce the ginsenoside compound K (CK) with various pharmacological activities, including anticarcinogenic, anti-inflammatory, and antidiabetic effects. We used two types of split inteins, consensus atypical (Cat) and Rma DnaB, to form a covalent scaffold with the three enzymes involved in the CK conversion pathway. The multienzymatic complex with a size greater than 240 kDa was successfully assembled in a soluble form and exhibited specific activity toward ginsenoside conversion. Furthermore, our split intein cascade system significantly increased the CK conversion rate and reduced the production time by more than 2-fold. Our multienzymatic cascade system that uses split inteins can be utilized as a platform for regulating multimeric bioconversion pathways and boosting the production of various high-value substances.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cho-Heun Lee
- Department of Biological Sciences, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, Daejeon 34141, Korea
| | - Jun-Hyoung Lee
- Department of Biological Sciences, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, Daejeon 34141, Korea
| | - Ju Young Lee
- Research Center for Bio-based Chemistry, Korea Research Institute of Chemical Technology (KRICT), Ulsan 44429, Korea
| | - Chang-Hao Cui
- Intelligent Synthetic Biology Center, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, Daejeon 34141, Korea
| | - Byung-Kwan Cho
- Department of Biological Sciences, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, Daejeon 34141, Korea
| | - Sun-Chang Kim
- Department of Biological Sciences, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, Daejeon 34141, Korea.,Intelligent Synthetic Biology Center, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, Daejeon 34141, Korea
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13
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Proteins through the eyes of an organic chemist. Tetrahedron 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.tet.2022.133022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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14
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Butts M, Nam Chu. Utilizing a Baculovirus/Insect Cell Expression System and Expressed Protein Ligation (EPL) for Protein Semisynthesis. Curr Protoc 2022; 2:e348. [PMID: 35044726 PMCID: PMC8855479 DOI: 10.1002/cpz1.348] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Protein semisynthesis has been used for the chemoselective linking of synthetic peptides and recombinant protein fragments to generate complete native proteins in good yield. The ability to site-selectively incorporate multiple post-translational chemical modifications (PTMs) into proteins via this approach shows great potential for enhancing understanding of the molecular basis of protein function and regulation. Protein semisynthesis, however, often requires high expression efficiency of the recombinant protein fragments (i.e., high expression yield and ability to preserve protein biological functions), which can be hard to achieve for some human enzymes when using bacterial expression systems. Here, we describe how to use a baculovirus/insect cell expression system and a protein semisynthesis strategy known as expressed protein ligation (EPL) to produce workable levels of proteins of interest containing site-specific chemical modifications. The protocol provides detailed guidance for generating protein C-terminal thioesters for use with the EPL reaction, performing the EPL reaction, and purifying the protein ligation product. We exemplify the protocols by generating protein kinase Akt1 with site-specific phosphorylations installed into its C-terminal tail, for kinetic kinase assays. We hope these methods will help increase the use of protein semisynthesis for elucidating the post-translational regulation of human enzymes involved in cell signaling. © 2022 Wiley Periodicals LLC Basic Protocol 1: Generation of the N-terminal protein of interest (POI) fragment containing a C-terminal thioester moiety Basic Protocol 2: Expressed protein ligation (EPL) of the protein thioester with a synthetic peptide and purification of the protein ligation product Basic Protocol 3: Semisynthesis and biochemical analysis of site-specifically phosphorylated Akt1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marie Butts
- Department of Cancer Biology and Genetics, the Comprehensive Cancer Center, College of Medicine, The Ohio State University; Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Nam Chu
- Department of Cancer Biology and Genetics, the Comprehensive Cancer Center, College of Medicine, The Ohio State University; Columbus, OH 43210, USA,Corresponding author:
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15
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Vogl DP, Conibear AC, Becker CFW. Segmental and site-specific isotope labelling strategies for structural analysis of posttranslationally modified proteins. RSC Chem Biol 2021; 2:1441-1461. [PMID: 34704048 PMCID: PMC8496066 DOI: 10.1039/d1cb00045d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2021] [Accepted: 08/11/2021] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Posttranslational modifications can alter protein structures, functions and locations, and are important cellular regulatory and signalling mechanisms. Spectroscopic techniques such as nuclear magnetic resonance, infrared and Raman spectroscopy, as well as small-angle scattering, can provide insights into the structural and dynamic effects of protein posttranslational modifications and their impact on interactions with binding partners. However, heterogeneity of modified proteins from natural sources and spectral complexity often hinder analyses, especially for large proteins and macromolecular assemblies. Selective labelling of proteins with stable isotopes can greatly simplify spectra, as one can focus on labelled residues or segments of interest. Employing chemical biology tools for modifying and isotopically labelling proteins with atomic precision provides access to unique protein samples for structural biology and spectroscopy. Here, we review site-specific and segmental isotope labelling methods that are employed in combination with chemical and enzymatic tools to access posttranslationally modified proteins. We discuss illustrative examples in which these methods have been used to facilitate spectroscopic studies of posttranslationally modified proteins, providing new insights into biology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dominik P Vogl
- University of Vienna, Faculty of Chemistry, Institute of Biological Chemistry Währinger Straße 38 1090 Vienna Austria +43-1-4277-870510 +43-1-4277-70510
| | - Anne C Conibear
- The University of Queensland, School of Biomedical Sciences St Lucia Brisbane 4072 QLD Australia
| | - Christian F W Becker
- University of Vienna, Faculty of Chemistry, Institute of Biological Chemistry Währinger Straße 38 1090 Vienna Austria +43-1-4277-870510 +43-1-4277-70510
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16
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Preparation of Bacterial Cell-Surface Displayed Semisynthetic Cyclic Peptides. Methods Mol Biol 2021. [PMID: 34596850 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-1689-5_11] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register]
Abstract
Semisynthetic cyclic peptides bearing both non-proteinogenic and genetically encoded amino acids are excellent ligands for peptide-based drug discovery. While semisynthesis expands the chemical space, genetic encoding allows access to a large library via randomization at the nucleic acid level. Selection of novel binders of such macrocyclic ligands requires linking their genotype to phenotype. In this chapter, we report a bacterial cell-surface display system to present cyclic peptides composed of synthetic and genetically encoded fragments. The synthetic fragment along with the split intein partner and an aminooxy moiety is ligated and cyclized with the recombinant backbone containing an unnatural amino acid by protein trans-splicing and intramolecular oxime ligation, respectively. A pH-shift protocol was applied to accelerate on surface cyclization. This method will enable generation of semisynthetic cyclic peptide libraries and their selection by fluorescence-activated cell sorting.
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17
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Wolf P, Gavins G, Beck‐Sickinger AG, Seitz O. Strategies for Site-Specific Labeling of Receptor Proteins on the Surfaces of Living Cells by Using Genetically Encoded Peptide Tags. Chembiochem 2021; 22:1717-1732. [PMID: 33428317 PMCID: PMC8248378 DOI: 10.1002/cbic.202000797] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2020] [Revised: 01/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Fluorescence microscopy imaging enables receptor proteins to be investigated within their biological context. A key challenge is to site-specifically incorporate reporter moieties into proteins without interfering with biological functions or cellular networks. Small peptide tags offer the opportunity to combine inducible labeling with small tag sizes that avoid receptor perturbation. Herein, we review the current state of live-cell labeling of peptide-tagged cell-surface proteins. Considering their importance as targets in medicinal chemistry, we focus on membrane receptors such as G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) and receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs). We discuss peptide tags that i) are subject to enzyme-mediated modification reactions, ii) guide the complementation of reporter proteins, iii) form coiled-coil complexes, and iv) interact with metal complexes. Given our own contributions in the field, we place emphasis on peptide-templated labeling chemistry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philipp Wolf
- Faculty of Life SciencesInstitute of BiochemistryLeipzig UniversityBrüderstrasse 3404103LeipzigGermany
| | - Georgina Gavins
- Faculty of Mathematics and Natural SciencesDepartment of ChemistryHumboldt-Universität zu BerlinBrook-Taylor-Str. 212489BerlinGermany
| | - Annette G. Beck‐Sickinger
- Faculty of Life SciencesInstitute of BiochemistryLeipzig UniversityBrüderstrasse 3404103LeipzigGermany
| | - Oliver Seitz
- Faculty of Mathematics and Natural SciencesDepartment of ChemistryHumboldt-Universität zu BerlinBrook-Taylor-Str. 212489BerlinGermany
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18
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Ho TYH, Shao A, Lu Z, Savilahti H, Menolascina F, Wang L, Dalchau N, Wang B. A systematic approach to inserting split inteins for Boolean logic gate engineering and basal activity reduction. Nat Commun 2021; 12:2200. [PMID: 33850130 PMCID: PMC8044194 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-22404-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2020] [Accepted: 03/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Split inteins are powerful tools for seamless ligation of synthetic split proteins. Yet, their use remains limited because the already intricate split site identification problem is often complicated by the requirement of extein junction sequences. To address this, we augment a mini-Mu transposon-based screening approach and devise the intein-assisted bisection mapping (IBM) method. IBM robustly reveals clusters of split sites on five proteins, converting them into AND or NAND logic gates. We further show that the use of inteins expands functional sequence space for splitting a protein. We also demonstrate the utility of our approach over rational inference of split sites from secondary structure alignment of homologous proteins, and that basal activities of highly active proteins can be mitigated by splitting them. Our work offers a generalizable and systematic route towards creating split protein-intein fusions for synthetic biology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Trevor Y H Ho
- Centre for Synthetic and Systems Biology, School of Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK.,Hangzhou Innovation Centre, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China.,College of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Alexander Shao
- Centre for Synthetic and Systems Biology, School of Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK.,Microsoft Research, Cambridge, UK
| | - Zeyu Lu
- Centre for Synthetic and Systems Biology, School of Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | | | - Filippo Menolascina
- Institute for Bioengineering, School of Engineering, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Lei Wang
- School of Engineering, Westlake University, Hangzhou, China
| | | | - Baojun Wang
- Centre for Synthetic and Systems Biology, School of Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK. .,Hangzhou Innovation Centre, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China. .,College of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China. .,ZJU-UoE Joint Research Centre for Engineering Biology, Zhejiang University, Haining, China.
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19
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Inteins in Science: Evolution to Application. Microorganisms 2020; 8:microorganisms8122004. [PMID: 33339089 PMCID: PMC7765530 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms8122004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2020] [Revised: 12/09/2020] [Accepted: 12/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Inteins are mobile genetic elements that apply standard enzymatic strategies to excise themselves post-translationally from the precursor protein via protein splicing. Since their discovery in the 1990s, recent advances in intein technology allow for them to be implemented as a modern biotechnological contrivance. Radical improvement in the structure and catalytic framework of cis- and trans-splicing inteins devised the development of engineered inteins that contribute to various efficient downstream techniques. Previous literature indicates that implementation of intein-mediated splicing has been extended to in vivo systems. Besides, the homing endonuclease domain also acts as a versatile biotechnological tool involving genetic manipulation and control of monogenic diseases. This review orients the understanding of inteins by sequentially studying the distribution and evolution pattern of intein, thereby highlighting a role in genetic mobility. Further, we include an in-depth summary of specific applications branching from protein purification using self-cleaving tags to protein modification, post-translational processing and labelling, followed by the development of intein-based biosensors. These engineered inteins offer a disruptive approach towards research avenues like biomaterial construction, metabolic engineering and synthetic biology. Therefore, this linear perspective allows for a more comprehensive understanding of intein function and its diverse applications.
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20
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Bhagawati M, Hoffmann S, Höffgen KS, Piehler J, Busch KB, Mootz HD. In Cellulo Protein Semi‐Synthesis from Endogenous and Exogenous Fragments Using the Ultra‐Fast Split Gp41‐1 Intein. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2020. [DOI: 10.1002/ange.202006822] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Maniraj Bhagawati
- Department of Chemistry and Pharmacy Institute of Biochemistry, University of Münster Corrensstrasse 36 48149 Münster Germany
| | - Simon Hoffmann
- Department of Chemistry and Pharmacy Institute of Biochemistry, University of Münster Corrensstrasse 36 48149 Münster Germany
| | - Katharina S. Höffgen
- Department of Chemistry and Pharmacy Institute of Biochemistry, University of Münster Corrensstrasse 36 48149 Münster Germany
| | - Jacob Piehler
- Department of Biology and Center for Cellular Nanoanalytics University of Osnabrück Barbarastrasse 11 49076 Osnabrück Germany
| | - Karin B. Busch
- Institute of Molecular Cell Biology University of Münster Schlossplatz 5 48149 Münster Germany
| | - Henning D. Mootz
- Department of Chemistry and Pharmacy Institute of Biochemistry, University of Münster Corrensstrasse 36 48149 Münster Germany
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21
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Bhagawati M, Hoffmann S, Höffgen KS, Piehler J, Busch KB, Mootz HD. In Cellulo Protein Semi-Synthesis from Endogenous and Exogenous Fragments Using the Ultra-Fast Split Gp41-1 Intein. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2020; 59:21007-21015. [PMID: 32777124 PMCID: PMC7693240 DOI: 10.1002/anie.202006822] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2020] [Revised: 07/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Protein semi-synthesis inside live cells from exogenous and endogenous parts offers unique possibilities for studying proteins in their native context. Split-intein-mediated protein trans-splicing is predestined for such endeavors and has seen some successes, but a much larger variety of established split inteins and associated protocols is urgently needed. We characterized the association and splicing parameters of the Gp41-1 split intein, which favorably revealed a nanomolar affinity between the intein fragments combined with the exceptionally fast splicing rate. Following bead-loading of a chemically modified intein fragment precursor into live mammalian cells, we fluorescently labeled target proteins on their N- and C-termini with short peptide tags, thus ensuring minimal perturbation of their structure and function. In combination with a nuclear-entrapment strategy to minimize cytosolic fluorescence background, we applied our technique for super-resolution imaging and single-particle tracking of the outer mitochondrial protein Tom20 in HeLa cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maniraj Bhagawati
- Department of Chemistry and PharmacyInstitute of Biochemistry, University of MünsterCorrensstrasse 3648149MünsterGermany
| | - Simon Hoffmann
- Department of Chemistry and PharmacyInstitute of Biochemistry, University of MünsterCorrensstrasse 3648149MünsterGermany
| | - Katharina S. Höffgen
- Department of Chemistry and PharmacyInstitute of Biochemistry, University of MünsterCorrensstrasse 3648149MünsterGermany
| | - Jacob Piehler
- Department of Biology and Center for Cellular NanoanalyticsUniversity of OsnabrückBarbarastrasse 1149076OsnabrückGermany
| | - Karin B. Busch
- Institute of Molecular Cell BiologyUniversity of MünsterSchlossplatz 548149MünsterGermany
| | - Henning D. Mootz
- Department of Chemistry and PharmacyInstitute of Biochemistry, University of MünsterCorrensstrasse 3648149MünsterGermany
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22
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Hoffmann S, Terhorst TME, Singh RK, Kümmel D, Pietrokovski S, Mootz HD. Biochemical and Structural Characterization of an Unusual and Naturally Split Class 3 Intein. Chembiochem 2020; 22:364-373. [PMID: 32813312 PMCID: PMC7891396 DOI: 10.1002/cbic.202000509] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2020] [Revised: 08/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Split inteins are indispensable tools for protein engineering because their ligation and cleavage reactions enable unique modifications of the polypeptide backbone. Three different classes of inteins have been identified according to the nature of the covalent intermediates resulting from the acyl rearrangements in the multistep protein‐splicing pathway. Class 3 inteins employ a characteristic internal cysteine for a branched thioester intermediate. A bioinformatic database search of non‐redundant protein sequences revealed the absence of split variants in 1701 class 3 inteins. We have discovered the first reported split class 3 intein in a metagenomics data set and report its biochemical, mechanistic and structural analysis. The AceL NrdHF intein exhibits low sequence conservation with other inteins and marked deviations in residues at conserved key positions, including a variation of the typical class‐3 WCT triplet motif. Nevertheless, functional analysis confirmed the class 3 mechanism of the intein and revealed excellent splicing yields within a few minutes over a wide range of conditions and with barely detectable cleavage side reactions. A high‐resolution crystal structure of the AceL NrdHF precursor and a mutagenesis study explained the importance and roles of several residues at the key positions. Tolerated substitutions in the flanking extein residues and a high affinity between the split intein fragments further underline the intein's future potential as a ligation tool.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simon Hoffmann
- Institute of Biochemistry, University of Muenster, Corrensstraße 36, 48149, Münster, Germany
| | - Tobias M E Terhorst
- Institute of Biochemistry, University of Muenster, Corrensstraße 36, 48149, Münster, Germany
| | - Rohit K Singh
- Institute of Biochemistry, University of Muenster, Corrensstraße 36, 48149, Münster, Germany
| | - Daniel Kümmel
- Institute of Biochemistry, University of Muenster, Corrensstraße 36, 48149, Münster, Germany
| | - Shmuel Pietrokovski
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, 76100, Israel
| | - Henning D Mootz
- Institute of Biochemistry, University of Muenster, Corrensstraße 36, 48149, Münster, Germany
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23
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Aparicio Pelaz D, Yerkesh Z, Kirchgäßner S, Mahler H, Kharchenko V, Azhibek D, Jaremko M, Mootz HD, Jaremko Ł, Schwarzer D, Fischle W. Examining histone modification crosstalk using immobilized libraries established from ligation-ready nucleosomes. Chem Sci 2020; 11:9218-9225. [PMID: 34123170 PMCID: PMC8163371 DOI: 10.1039/d0sc03407j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Chromatin signaling relies on a plethora of posttranslational modifications (PTM) of the histone proteins which package the long DNA molecules of our cells in reoccurring units of nucleosomes. Determining the biological function and molecular working mechanisms of different patterns of histone PTMs requires access to various chromatin substrates of defined modification status. Traditionally, these are achieved by individual reconstitution of single nucleosomes or arrays of nucleosomes in conjunction with modified histones produced by means of chemical biology. Here, we report an alternative strategy for establishing a library of differentially modified nucleosomes that bypasses the need for many individual syntheses, purification and assembly reactions by installing modified histone tails on ligation-ready, immobilized nucleosomes reconstituted in a single batch. Using the ligation-ready nucleosome strategy with sortase-mediated ligation for histone H3 and intein splicing for histone H2A, we generated libraries of up to 280 individually modified nucleosomes in 96-well plate format. Screening these libraries for the effects of patterns of PTMs onto the recruitment of a well-known chromatin factor, HP1 revealed a previously unknown long-range cross-talk between two modifications. H3S28 phosphorylation enhances recruitment of the HP1 protein to the H3K9 methylated H3-tail only in nucleosomal context. Detailed structural analysis by NMR measurements implies negative charges at position 28 to increase nucleosomal H3-tail dynamics and flexibility. Our work shows that ligation-ready nucleosomes enable unprecedented access to the ample space and complexity of histone modification patterns for the discovery and dissection of chromatin regulatory principles. 280 different patterns of histone modifications were installed in preassembled nucleosomes using PTS and SML enabling screening of readout crosstalk.![]()
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Affiliation(s)
- Diego Aparicio Pelaz
- Interfaculty Institute of Biochemistry, University of Tübingen Auf der Morgenstelle 34 D-72076 Tübingen Germany
| | - Zhadyra Yerkesh
- Biological and Environmental Science and Engineering Division, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology Thuwal 23955 Saudi Arabia
| | - Sören Kirchgäßner
- Interfaculty Institute of Biochemistry, University of Tübingen Auf der Morgenstelle 34 D-72076 Tübingen Germany
| | - Henriette Mahler
- Laboratory of Chromatin Biochemistry, Max Planck Institute for Biophysical Chemistry 37077 Göttingen Germany
| | - Vladlena Kharchenko
- Biological and Environmental Science and Engineering Division, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology Thuwal 23955 Saudi Arabia
| | - Dulat Azhibek
- Biological and Environmental Science and Engineering Division, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology Thuwal 23955 Saudi Arabia
| | - Mariusz Jaremko
- Biological and Environmental Science and Engineering Division, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology Thuwal 23955 Saudi Arabia
| | - Henning D Mootz
- Institute of Biochemistry, University of Muenster Corrensstr. 36 48149 Münster Germany
| | - Łukasz Jaremko
- Biological and Environmental Science and Engineering Division, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology Thuwal 23955 Saudi Arabia
| | - Dirk Schwarzer
- Interfaculty Institute of Biochemistry, University of Tübingen Auf der Morgenstelle 34 D-72076 Tübingen Germany
| | - Wolfgang Fischle
- Biological and Environmental Science and Engineering Division, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology Thuwal 23955 Saudi Arabia .,Laboratory of Chromatin Biochemistry, Max Planck Institute for Biophysical Chemistry 37077 Göttingen Germany
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24
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Takahara M, Kamiya N. Synthetic Strategies for Artificial Lipidation of Functional Proteins. Chemistry 2020; 26:4645-4655. [DOI: 10.1002/chem.201904568] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2019] [Revised: 11/29/2019] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Mari Takahara
- Department of Materials Science & Chemical EngineeringNational Institute of TechnologyKitakyushu College 5-20-1 Shii Kokuraminamiku Kitakyushu 802-0985 Japan
| | - Noriho Kamiya
- Department of Applied ChemistryGraduate School of Engineering 744 Motooka Nishiku Fukuoka 819-0395 Japan
- Division of Biotechnology, Center for Future ChemistryKyushu University 744 Motooka Nishiku Fukuoka 819-0395 Japan
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25
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Pinto F, Thornton EL, Wang B. An expanded library of orthogonal split inteins enables modular multi-peptide assemblies. Nat Commun 2020; 11:1529. [PMID: 32251274 PMCID: PMC7090010 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-020-15272-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2019] [Accepted: 02/26/2020] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Inteins are protein segments capable of joining adjacent residues via a peptide bond. In this process known as protein splicing, the intein itself is not present in the final sequence, thus achieving scarless peptide ligation. Here, we assess the splicing activity of 34 inteins (both uncharacterized and known) using a rapid split fluorescent reporter characterization platform, and establish a library of 15 mutually orthogonal split inteins for in vivo applications, 10 of which can be simultaneously used in vitro. We show that orthogonal split inteins can be coupled to multiple split transcription factors to implement complex logic circuits in living organisms, and that they can also be used for the in vitro seamless assembly of large repetitive proteins with biotechnological relevance. Our work demonstrates the versatility and vast potential of an expanded library of orthogonal split inteins for their use in the fields of synthetic biology and protein engineering.
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Affiliation(s)
- Filipe Pinto
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, EH9 3FF, UK
- Centre for Synthetic and Systems Biology, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, EH9 3FF, UK
| | - Ella Lucille Thornton
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, EH9 3FF, UK
- Centre for Synthetic and Systems Biology, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, EH9 3FF, UK
| | - Baojun Wang
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, EH9 3FF, UK.
- Centre for Synthetic and Systems Biology, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, EH9 3FF, UK.
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26
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Balkhi SS, Hojati Z. The Effects of Self-cleavage Intein-ELK16 Tag in the Transcript Steric Hindrance of IFN. Indian J Clin Biochem 2020; 36:159-166. [PMID: 33867706 DOI: 10.1007/s12291-020-00872-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2019] [Accepted: 01/11/2020] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Intervening proteins (Inteins) are identified as protein domains in a precursor protein structure. Inteins can excise itself from precursor protein and join the remaining portions which result in forming an active protein. In this study, the transcript expression level of recombinant human Interferon beta (rhIFNβ) connected to the self-cleavage Intein-ELK16 (LELELKLKLELELKLK) tag was measured by real-time PCR in HEK293T cell line. First, the sequence of Mycobacterium tuberculosis RecA (Mtu recA) was obtained from the InBase database to do appropriate changes including adding the restriction sites, kozak sequence, signal peptide and ELK16 sequence by SnapGene software. The RNA secondary structure were also examined using the online RNA Fold 2.2 web server. Next, the construct was inserted into pUC19 plasmid. The sequence of rhIFNβ was also cloned into pBudCE4.1 vector. In the next step, the rhIFNβ was ligated into the construct (self-cleavage tag of ELK16) using T4 DNA ligase and the recombinant construct was transfected into HEK293T cell line. Finally, expression of the cassette was evaluated by real-time PCR. The analysis of secondary RNA structure indicates a minimum free energy of MEF - 261.10 kcal/mol. Our results indicate that IFNβ was upregulated (37.8-fold, p < 0.0001) in cells which transfected by rhIFNβ-ELK16 compared to the mock and un-transfected conditions. Altogether, our results show that the presence of mini self-cleavage Intein-ELK16 tag along with the rhIFNβ had no interference in transcription of rhIFNβ in the HEK293T cell line.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sayed Sharif Balkhi
- Division of Genetics, Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Isfahan, Isfahan, 81746-73441 Iran
| | - Zohreh Hojati
- Division of Genetics, Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Isfahan, Isfahan, 81746-73441 Iran
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27
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Abstract
Protein semisynthesis is a powerful tool for studying proteins and has contributed to a better understanding of protein structure and function and also driven innovations in protein science. Expressed protein ligation (EPL) is a widely used method to generate chemically modified proteins. However, EPL has some limitations, particularly relevant to modify challenging proteins such as antibodies. The method termed streamlined expressed protein ligation (SEPL) overcomes some of the problems of EPL, and other methods of protein semisynthesis, to generate challenging modified proteins such as antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs). ADCs targeting highly cytotoxic molecules to cancer cells, offer an attractive strategy to selectively eliminate tumor cells with improved therapeutic index than the antibodies or cytotoxic molecules themselves. Despite the potential of ADCs, the development of such complex molecules is challenging. We provide here protocols to prepare site-specifically modified ADCs by streamlined expressed protein ligation (SEPL), which does not require the incorporation of unnatural modifications into the antibody. Therefore, fully native antibodies, with only the desired cytotoxic molecules attached, can be generated.
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Romero-Casañas A, Gordo V, Castro J, Ribó M. Protein Splicing: From the Foundations to the Development of Biotechnological Applications. Methods Mol Biol 2020; 2133:15-29. [PMID: 32144661 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-0434-2_2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Expressed protein ligation is a simple and powerful method in protein engineering to introduce sequences of unnatural amino acids, posttranslational modifications, and biophysical probes into proteins of any size. This methodology has been developed based on the knowledge obtained from protein splicing. Protein splicing is a multistep biochemical reaction that includes the concomitant cleavage and formation of peptide bonds carried out by self-processing domains named inteins. The natural substrates of protein splicing are essential proteins found in intein-containing organisms; inteins are also functional in nonnative frameworks and can be used to alter nearly any protein's primary amino acid sequence. Accordingly, different reactivity features of inteins have been largely exploited to manipulate proteins in countless methods encompassing fields from biochemical research to the development of biotechnological applications including the study of disease progression and validation of potential drug candidates. Here, we review almost three decades of research to uncover the chemical and biochemical enigmas of protein splicing and the development of inteins as potent protein engineering tools.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alejandro Romero-Casañas
- Laboratori d'Enginyeria de Proteïnes, Departament de Biologia, Facultat de Ciències, Universitat de Girona, Girona, Spain
| | - Verónica Gordo
- Laboratori d'Enginyeria de Proteïnes, Departament de Biologia, Facultat de Ciències, Universitat de Girona, Girona, Spain
| | - Jessica Castro
- Laboratori d'Enginyeria de Proteïnes, Departament de Biologia, Facultat de Ciències, Universitat de Girona, Girona, Spain
| | - Marc Ribó
- Laboratori d'Enginyeria de Proteïnes, Departament de Biologia, Facultat de Ciències, Universitat de Girona, Girona, Spain.
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29
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Abstract
The development of expressed protein ligation (EPL) widened the scope of questions that could be addressed by mechanistic biochemistry. Protein trans-splicing (PTS) relies on the same basic chemical principles, but utilizes split inteins to tracelessly ligate distinct peptide or polypeptide fragments together with native peptide bonds. Here we present a method to adapt PTS methodologies for their use in live cells, in order to deliver synthetic or native histone modifications. As an example, we provide a protocol to incorporate a small molecule fluorophore into chromatinized histones. The protocol should be easily adaptable to incorporate other modifications to chromatin in vivo.
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30
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A mesophilic cysteine-less split intein for protein trans-splicing applications under oxidizing conditions. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2019; 116:22164-22172. [PMID: 31611397 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1909825116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Split intein-mediated protein trans-splicing has found extensive applications in chemical biology, protein chemistry, and biotechnology. However, an enduring limitation of all well-established split inteins has been the requirement to carry out the reaction in a reducing environment due to the presence of 1 or 2 catalytic cysteines that need to be in a reduced state for splicing to occur. The concomitant exposure of the fused proteins to reducing agents severely limits the scope of protein trans-splicing by excluding proteins sensitive to reducing conditions, such as those containing critical disulfide bonds. Here we report the discovery, characterization, and engineering of a completely cysteine-less split intein (CL intein) that is capable of efficient trans-splicing at ambient temperatures, without a denaturation step, and in the absence of reducing agents. We demonstrate its utility for the site-specific chemical modification of nanobodies and an antibody Fc fragment by N- and C-terminal trans-splicing with short peptide tags (CysTag) that consist of only a few amino acids and have been prelabeled on a single cysteine using classical cysteine bioconjugation. We also synthesized the short N-terminal fragment of the atypically split CL intein by solid-phase peptide synthesis. Furthermore, using the CL intein in combination with a nanobody-epitope pair as a high-affinity mediator, we showed chemical labeling of the extracellular domain of a cell surface receptor on living mammalian cells with a short CysTag containing a synthetic fluorophore. The CL intein thus greatly expands the scope of applications for protein trans-splicing.
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31
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Matico R, Szewczuk LM, Pietrak B, Chen S, Dul E, Bonnette WG, Meinhold DW, Quinque G, Totoritis R, Lewis T, Grimes M, Fornwald D, McCormick PM, Schaber M, Jiang Y, Bledsoe R, Holbert MA. Modular Protein Ligation: A New Paradigm as a Reagent Platform for Pre-Clinical Drug Discovery. Sci Rep 2019; 9:13078. [PMID: 31511536 PMCID: PMC6739470 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-49149-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2019] [Accepted: 08/20/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Significant resource is spent by drug discovery project teams to generate numerous, yet unique target constructs for the multiple platforms used to drive drug discovery programs including: functional assays, biophysical studies, structural biology, and biochemical high throughput screening campaigns. To improve this process, we developed Modular Protein Ligation (MPL), a combinatorial reagent platform utilizing Expressed Protein Ligation to site-specifically label proteins at the C-terminus with a variety of cysteine-lysine dipeptide conjugates. Historically, such proteins have been chemically labeled non-specifically through surface amino acids. To demonstrate the feasibility of this approach, we first applied MPL to proteins of varying size in different target classes using different recombinant protein expression systems, which were then evaluated in several different downstream assays. A key advantage to the implementation of this paradigm is that one construct can generate multiple final products, significantly streamlining the reagent generation for multiple early drug discovery project teams.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosalie Matico
- Janssen Pharmaceutical Companies of Johnson and Johnson, 1400 McKean Rd., Springhouse, Pa, 19477, USA
| | - Lawrence M Szewczuk
- Janssen Pharmaceutical Companies of Johnson and Johnson, 1400 McKean Rd., Springhouse, Pa, 19477, USA
| | - Beth Pietrak
- Janssen Pharmaceutical Companies of Johnson and Johnson, 1400 McKean Rd., Springhouse, Pa, 19477, USA
| | - Stephanie Chen
- GlaxoSmithKline, 1250S Collegeville Rd., Collegeville, Pa, 19426, USA
| | - Ed Dul
- GlaxoSmithKline, 1250S Collegeville Rd., Collegeville, Pa, 19426, USA
| | - William G Bonnette
- Janssen Pharmaceutical Companies of Johnson and Johnson, 1400 McKean Rd., Springhouse, Pa, 19477, USA
| | | | - Geoffrey Quinque
- GlaxoSmithKline, 1250S Collegeville Rd., Collegeville, Pa, 19426, USA
| | - Rachel Totoritis
- GlaxoSmithKline, 1250S Collegeville Rd., Collegeville, Pa, 19426, USA
| | - Tia Lewis
- GlaxoSmithKline, 1250S Collegeville Rd., Collegeville, Pa, 19426, USA
| | - Maggie Grimes
- GlaxoSmithKline, 1250S Collegeville Rd., Collegeville, Pa, 19426, USA
| | - Daniel Fornwald
- Janssen Pharmaceutical Companies of Johnson and Johnson, 1400 McKean Rd., Springhouse, Pa, 19477, USA
| | | | - Michael Schaber
- Janssen Pharmaceutical Companies of Johnson and Johnson, 1400 McKean Rd., Springhouse, Pa, 19477, USA
| | - Yong Jiang
- GlaxoSmithKline, 1250S Collegeville Rd., Collegeville, Pa, 19426, USA
| | - Randy Bledsoe
- GlaxoSmithKline, 1250S Collegeville Rd., Collegeville, Pa, 19426, USA
| | - Marc A Holbert
- GlaxoSmithKline, 1250S Collegeville Rd., Collegeville, Pa, 19426, USA.
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32
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Thompson RE, Stevens AJ, Muir TW. Protein engineering through tandem transamidation. Nat Chem 2019; 11:737-743. [PMID: 31263208 PMCID: PMC6711197 DOI: 10.1038/s41557-019-0281-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2018] [Accepted: 05/10/2019] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Semisynthetic proteins engineered to contain non-coded elements such as post-translational modifications (PTMs) represent a powerful class of tools for interrogating biological processes. Here, we introduce a one-pot, chemoenzymatic method that allows broad access to chemically modified proteins. The approach involves a tandem transamidation reaction cascade that integrates intein-mediated protein splicing with enzyme-mediated peptide ligation. We show that this approach can be used to introduce PTMs and biochemical probes into a range of proteins including Cas9 nuclease and the transcriptional regulator MeCP2, which causes Rett syndrome when mutated. The versatility of the approach is further illustrated through the chemical tailoring of histone proteins within a native chromatin setting. We expect our approach will extend the scope of semisynthesis in protein engineering.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert E Thompson
- Department of Chemistry, Princeton University, Frick Chemistry Laboratory, Princeton, NJ, USA
| | - Adam J Stevens
- Department of Chemistry, Princeton University, Frick Chemistry Laboratory, Princeton, NJ, USA
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Pharmacology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Tom W Muir
- Department of Chemistry, Princeton University, Frick Chemistry Laboratory, Princeton, NJ, USA.
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33
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Kofoed C, Riesenberg S, Šmolíková J, Meldal M, Schoffelen S. Semisynthesis of an Active Enzyme by Quantitative Click Ligation. Bioconjug Chem 2019; 30:1169-1174. [PMID: 30883092 DOI: 10.1021/acs.bioconjchem.9b00110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
The incorporation of clickable noncanonical amino acids (ncAAs) has proven to an invaluable tool in chemical biology and protein science research. Nevertheless, the number of examples in which the method is used for preparative purposes is extremely limited. We report the synthesis of an active enzyme by quantitative, Cu(I)-catalyzed ligation of two inactive protein halves, expressed and equipped with an azide and alkyne moiety, respectively, through ncAA incorporation. The reported quantitative conversion is exceptional given the large size of the protein fragments and the fact that no linker or excess of either of the polypeptides was used. The triazole bridge formed between the ncAA side chains was shown to effectively mimic a natural protein loop, providing an enzyme with the same activity as its natural counterpart. We envision that this strategy, termed split-click protein chemistry, can be used for the production of proteins that are difficult to express as full-length entities. It also paves the way for the design of new proteins with tailor-made functionalities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christian Kofoed
- Center for Evolutionary Chemical Biology, Department of Chemistry , University of Copenhagen , Universitetsparken 5 , 2100 Copenhagen , Denmark
| | - Stephan Riesenberg
- Center for Evolutionary Chemical Biology, Department of Chemistry , University of Copenhagen , Universitetsparken 5 , 2100 Copenhagen , Denmark
| | - Jaroslava Šmolíková
- Center for Evolutionary Chemical Biology, Department of Chemistry , University of Copenhagen , Universitetsparken 5 , 2100 Copenhagen , Denmark
| | - Morten Meldal
- Center for Evolutionary Chemical Biology, Department of Chemistry , University of Copenhagen , Universitetsparken 5 , 2100 Copenhagen , Denmark
| | - Sanne Schoffelen
- Center for Evolutionary Chemical Biology, Department of Chemistry , University of Copenhagen , Universitetsparken 5 , 2100 Copenhagen , Denmark
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34
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Conibear AC, Muttenthaler M. Advancing the Frontiers of Chemical Protein Synthesis-The 7 th CPS Meeting, Haifa, Israel. Cell Chem Biol 2019; 25:247-254. [PMID: 29547714 DOI: 10.1016/j.chembiol.2018.03.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
The 7th Chemical Protein Synthesis Meeting took place in September 2017 in Haifa, Israel, bringing together 100 scientists from 11 countries. The cutting-edge scientific program included new synthetic strategies and ligation auxiliaries, novel insights into protein signaling and post-translational modifications, and a range of promising therapeutic applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne C Conibear
- Institute of Biological Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Markus Muttenthaler
- Institute of Biological Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria; Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, 4072 Brisbane, Australia.
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35
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Sarmiento C, Camarero JA. Biotechnological Applications of Protein Splicing. Curr Protein Pept Sci 2019; 20:408-424. [PMID: 30734675 PMCID: PMC7135711 DOI: 10.2174/1389203720666190208110416] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2018] [Revised: 12/22/2018] [Accepted: 12/25/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Protein splicing domains, also called inteins, have become a powerful biotechnological tool for applications involving molecular biology and protein engineering. Early applications of inteins focused on self-cleaving affinity tags, generation of recombinant polypeptide α-thioesters for the production of semisynthetic proteins and backbone cyclized polypeptides. The discovery of naturallyoccurring split-inteins has allowed the development of novel approaches for the selective modification of proteins both in vitro and in vivo. This review gives a general introduction to protein splicing with a focus on their role in expanding the applications of intein-based technologies in protein engineering and chemical biology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Corina Sarmiento
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA9033 USA
| | - Julio A. Camarero
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA9033 USA
- Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA9033 USA
- Department of Chemistry, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California 90089-9121, USA
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36
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Matern JCJ, Friedel K, Binschik J, Becher KS, Yilmaz Z, Mootz HD. Altered Coordination of Individual Catalytic Steps in Different and Evolved Inteins Reveals Kinetic Plasticity of the Protein Splicing Pathway. J Am Chem Soc 2018; 140:11267-11275. [PMID: 30111090 DOI: 10.1021/jacs.8b04794] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
Protein splicing performed by inteins provides powerful opportunities to manipulate protein structure and function, however, detailed mechanistic knowledge of the multistep pathway to help engineering optimized inteins remains scarce. A typical intein has to coordinate three steps to maximize the product yield of ligated exteins. We have revealed a new type of coordination in the Ssp DnaB intein, in which the initial N- S acyl shift appears rate-limiting and acts as an up-regulation switch to dramatically accelerate the last step of succinimide formation, which is thus coupled to the first step. The structure-activity relationship at the N-terminal scissile bond was studied with atomic precision using a semisynthetic split intein. We show that the removal of the extein acyl group from the α-amino moiety of the intein's first residue is strictly required and sufficient for the up-regulation switch. Even an acetyl group as the smallest possible extein moiety completely blocked the switch. Furthermore, we investigated the M86 intein, a mutant with faster splicing kinetics previously obtained by laboratory evolution of the Ssp DnaB intein, and the individual impact of its eight mutations. The succinimide formation was decoupled from the first step in the M86 intein, but the acquired H143R mutation acts as a brake to prevent premature C-terminal cleavage and thereby maximizes splicing yields. Together, these results revealed a high degree of plasticity in the kinetic coordination of the splicing pathway. Furthermore, our study led to the rational design of improved M86 mutants with the highest yielding trans-splicing and fastest trans-cleavage activities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julian C J Matern
- Institute of Biochemistry, Department of Chemistry and Pharmacy , University of Muenster , Wilhelm-Klemm-Str. 2 , 48149 Münster , Germany
| | - Kristina Friedel
- Institute of Biochemistry, Department of Chemistry and Pharmacy , University of Muenster , Wilhelm-Klemm-Str. 2 , 48149 Münster , Germany
| | - Jens Binschik
- Institute of Biochemistry, Department of Chemistry and Pharmacy , University of Muenster , Wilhelm-Klemm-Str. 2 , 48149 Münster , Germany
| | - Kira-Sophie Becher
- Institute of Biochemistry, Department of Chemistry and Pharmacy , University of Muenster , Wilhelm-Klemm-Str. 2 , 48149 Münster , Germany
| | - Zahide Yilmaz
- Institute of Biochemistry, Department of Chemistry and Pharmacy , University of Muenster , Wilhelm-Klemm-Str. 2 , 48149 Münster , Germany
| | - Henning D Mootz
- Institute of Biochemistry, Department of Chemistry and Pharmacy , University of Muenster , Wilhelm-Klemm-Str. 2 , 48149 Münster , Germany
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37
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Jeon H, Lee E, Kim D, Lee M, Ryu J, Kang C, Kim S, Kwon Y. Cell-Based Biosensors Based on Intein-Mediated Protein Engineering for Detection of Biologically Active Signaling Molecules. Anal Chem 2018; 90:9779-9786. [PMID: 30028129 DOI: 10.1021/acs.analchem.8b01481] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
Live-cell-based biosensors have emerged as a useful tool for biotechnology and chemical biology. Genetically encoded sensor cells often use bimolecular fluorescence complementation or fluorescence resonance energy transfer to build a reporter unit that suffers from nonspecific signal activation at high concentrations. Here, we designed genetically encoded sensor cells that can report the presence of biologically active molecules via fluorescence-translocation based on split intein-mediated conditional protein trans-splicing (PTS) and conditional protein trans-cleavage (PTC) reactions. In this work, the target molecules or the external stimuli activated intein-mediated reactions, which resulted in activation of the fluorophore-conjugated signal peptide. This approach fully valued the bond-making and bond-breaking features of intein-mediated reactions in sensor construction and thus eliminated the interference of false-positive signals resulting from the mere binding of fragmented reporters. We could also avoid the necessity of designing split reporters to refold into active structures upon reconstitution. These live-cell-based sensors were able to detect biologically active signaling molecules, such as Ca2+ and cortisol, as well as relevant biological stimuli, such as histamine-induced Ca2+ stimuli and the glucocorticoid receptor agonist, dexamethasone. These live-cell-based sensing systems hold large potential for applications such as drug screening and toxicology studies, which require functional information about targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hyunjin Jeon
- Department of Biomedical Engineering (BK21 plus) , Dongguk University , Seoul 04620 , Korea
| | - Euiyeon Lee
- Department of Biomedical Engineering (BK21 plus) , Dongguk University , Seoul 04620 , Korea
| | - Dahee Kim
- Department of Biomedical Engineering (BK21 plus) , Dongguk University , Seoul 04620 , Korea
| | - Minhyung Lee
- Department of Biomedical Engineering (BK21 plus) , Dongguk University , Seoul 04620 , Korea
| | - Jeahee Ryu
- Department of Biomedical Engineering (BK21 plus) , Dongguk University , Seoul 04620 , Korea
| | - Chungwon Kang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering (BK21 plus) , Dongguk University , Seoul 04620 , Korea
| | - Soyoun Kim
- Department of Biomedical Engineering (BK21 plus) , Dongguk University , Seoul 04620 , Korea
| | - Youngeun Kwon
- Department of Biomedical Engineering (BK21 plus) , Dongguk University , Seoul 04620 , Korea
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38
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Kötzler MP, Robinson K, Chen HM, Okon M, McIntosh LP, Withers SG. Modulating the Nucleophile of a Glycoside Hydrolase through Site-Specific Incorporation of Fluoroglutamic Acids. J Am Chem Soc 2018; 140:8268-8276. [DOI: 10.1021/jacs.8b04235] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
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39
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Gordo V, Aparicio D, Pérez-Luque R, Benito A, Vilanova M, Usón I, Fita I, Ribó M. Structural Insights into Subunits Assembly and the Oxyester Splicing Mechanism of Neq pol Split Intein. Cell Chem Biol 2018; 25:871-879.e2. [PMID: 29754955 DOI: 10.1016/j.chembiol.2018.04.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2017] [Revised: 02/28/2018] [Accepted: 04/08/2018] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Split inteins are expressed as two separated subunits (N-intein and C-intein) fused to the corresponding exteins. The specific association of both intein subunits precedes protein splicing, which results in excision of the intein subunits and in ligation, by a peptide bond, of the concomitant exteins. Catalytically active intein precursors are typically too reactive for crystallization or even isolation. Neq pol is the trans-intein of the B-type DNA polymerase I split gene from hyperthermophile Nanoarchaeum equitans. We have determined the crystal structures of both the isolated NeqN and the complex of NeqN and NeqC subunits carrying the wild-type sequences, including the essential catalytic residues Ser1 and Thr+1, in addition to seven and three residues of the N- and C-exteins, respectively. These structures provide detailed information on the unique oxyester chemistry of the splicing mechanism of Neq pol and of the extensive rearrangements that occur in NeqN during the association step.
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Affiliation(s)
- Verónica Gordo
- Laboratori d'Enginyeria de Proteïnes, Departament de Biologia, Facultat de Ciències, Universitat de Girona, C/ Maria Aurèlia Capmany 40, 17003 Girona, Spain; IdIBGi Hospital Universitari Josep Trueta, Girona, Spain
| | - David Aparicio
- Instituto de Biología Molecular de Barcelona (IBMB-CSIC), Parc Cientific de Barcelona, Baldiri i Reixac 10, 08028 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Rosa Pérez-Luque
- Instituto de Biología Molecular de Barcelona (IBMB-CSIC), Parc Cientific de Barcelona, Baldiri i Reixac 10, 08028 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Antoni Benito
- Laboratori d'Enginyeria de Proteïnes, Departament de Biologia, Facultat de Ciències, Universitat de Girona, C/ Maria Aurèlia Capmany 40, 17003 Girona, Spain; IdIBGi Hospital Universitari Josep Trueta, Girona, Spain
| | - Maria Vilanova
- Laboratori d'Enginyeria de Proteïnes, Departament de Biologia, Facultat de Ciències, Universitat de Girona, C/ Maria Aurèlia Capmany 40, 17003 Girona, Spain; IdIBGi Hospital Universitari Josep Trueta, Girona, Spain
| | - Isabel Usón
- Instituto de Biología Molecular de Barcelona (IBMB-CSIC), Parc Cientific de Barcelona, Baldiri i Reixac 10, 08028 Barcelona, Spain; ICREA Lluís Companys 23, 08003 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Ignacio Fita
- Instituto de Biología Molecular de Barcelona (IBMB-CSIC), Parc Cientific de Barcelona, Baldiri i Reixac 10, 08028 Barcelona, Spain.
| | - Marc Ribó
- Laboratori d'Enginyeria de Proteïnes, Departament de Biologia, Facultat de Ciències, Universitat de Girona, C/ Maria Aurèlia Capmany 40, 17003 Girona, Spain; IdIBGi Hospital Universitari Josep Trueta, Girona, Spain.
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40
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Conibear AC, Watson EE, Payne RJ, Becker CFW. Native chemical ligation in protein synthesis and semi-synthesis. Chem Soc Rev 2018; 47:9046-9068. [DOI: 10.1039/c8cs00573g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 178] [Impact Index Per Article: 29.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Combining modern synthetic and molecular biology toolkits, native chemical ligation and expressed protein ligation enables robust access to modified proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne C. Conibear
- Faculty of Chemistry
- Institute of Biological Chemistry
- University of Vienna
- Vienna
- Austria
| | - Emma E. Watson
- School of Chemistry
- The University of Sydney
- Sydney
- Australia
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41
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Engineered Ssp DnaX inteins for protein splicing with flanking proline residues. Saudi J Biol Sci 2017; 26:854-859. [PMID: 31049014 PMCID: PMC6486613 DOI: 10.1016/j.sjbs.2017.07.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2017] [Revised: 07/19/2017] [Accepted: 07/19/2017] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Inteins are internal protein sequences capable of catalyzing a protein splicing reaction by self-excising from a precursor protein and simultaneously joining the flanking sequences with a peptide bond. Split inteins have separate pieces (N-intein and C-intein) that reassemble non-covalently to catalyze a protein trans-splicing reaction joining two polypeptides. Protein splicing has become increasingly useful tools in many fields of biological research and biotechnology. However, natural and engineered inteins have failed previously to function when being flanked by proline residue at the -1 or +2 positions, which limits general uses of inteins. In this study, different engineered inteins were tested. We found that engineered Ssp DnaX mini-intein and split inteins could carry out protein splicing with proline at the +2 positions or at both -1 and +2 positions. Under in vivo conditions in E. coli cells, the mini-intein, S1 split intein, and S11 split intein spliced efficiently, whereas the S0 split intein did not splice with proline at both -1 and +2 positions. The S1 and S11 split inteins also trans-spliced efficiently in vitro with proline at the +2 positions or at both -1 and +2 positions, but the S0 split intein trans-spliced inefficiently with proline at the +2 position and did not trans-splice with proline at both -1 and +2 positions. These findings contribute significantly to the toolbox of intein-based technologies by allowing the use of inteins in proteins having proline at the splicing point.
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42
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Neugebauer M, Böcker JK, Matern JCJ, Pietrokovski S, Mootz HD. Development of a screening system for inteins active in protein splicing based on intein insertion into the LacZα-peptide. Biol Chem 2017; 398:57-67. [PMID: 27632429 DOI: 10.1515/hsz-2016-0229] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2016] [Accepted: 08/23/2016] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Protein splicing by inteins has found diverse applications in biotechnology, protein chemistry and chemical biology. Inteins display a wide range of efficiencies and rates unpredictable from their amino acid sequences. Here, we identified positions T22S and S35 in the LacZα peptide as intein insertion sites that strictly require protein splicing, in contrast to cleavage side-reactions, to allow for complementation of β-galactosidase activity. Both the cis-variant of the M86 mutant of the Ssp DnaB intein and a split form undergoing protein trans-splicing gave rise to formation of blue colonies in the β-galactosidase read-out. Furthermore, we report the two novel, naturally split VidaL T4Lh-1 and VidaL UvsX-2 inteins whose N-terminal fragments consist of only 15 and 16 amino acids, respectively. Initial biochemical characterization with the LacZα host system of these inteins further underlines its utility. Finally, we used the LacZα host system to rapidly identify amino acid substitutions from a small randomized library at the structurally conserved intein position 2 next to the catalytic center, that are tolerated for protein splicing activity of the M86 intein. These findings demonstrate the potential of the system for initial testing and directed evolution of inteins.
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Witting KF, Mulder MPC, Ovaa H. Advancing our Understanding of Ubiquitination Using the Ub-Toolkit. J Mol Biol 2017; 429:3388-3394. [PMID: 28410891 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmb.2017.04.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2017] [Revised: 04/06/2017] [Accepted: 04/06/2017] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Post-translational protein modification by ubiquitin (Ub) and Ub-like modifiers is orchestrated by the sequential action of Ub-activating, -conjugating, and -ligating enzymes to regulate a vast array of fundamental biological processes. Unsurprisingly, the dysregulation of the intricate interplay between ubiquitination and deubiquitination gives rise to numerous pathologies, most notably cancer and neurodegenerative diseases. While activity-based probes (ABPs) and assay reagents have been extensively developed and applied for deubiquitinating enzymes, similar tools for the Ub cascade have only recently emerged. Given the recent efforts to develop inhibitors for the Ub system, the urgency for developing ABPs and assay reagents is imminent. In this light, we comprehensively discuss the currently available ABPs with a focus on the newly developed reagents targeting the Ub cascade while illustrating their potential applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katharina F Witting
- Department of Chemical immunology, Leiden University Medical Center, Einthovenweg 20, 2333ZC Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Monique P C Mulder
- Department of Chemical immunology, Leiden University Medical Center, Einthovenweg 20, 2333ZC Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Huib Ovaa
- Department of Chemical immunology, Leiden University Medical Center, Einthovenweg 20, 2333ZC Leiden, The Netherlands.
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Bachmann AL, Mootz HD. N-terminal chemical protein labeling using the naturally split GOS-TerL intein. J Pept Sci 2017; 23:624-630. [PMID: 28332258 DOI: 10.1002/psc.2996] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2017] [Revised: 02/28/2017] [Accepted: 03/01/2017] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
Chemoselective and regioselective chemical protein labeling is of great importance, yet no current technique is sufficiently general and simple to perform. Protein trans-splicing by split inteins can be used to ligate short tags with chemical labels to either the N or the C terminus of a protein. The CysTag approach exploits split intein fragments without a cysteine fused with such a short tag containing a single cysteine that is easily amenable to selective modification using classical cysteine bioconjugation. Labeling of the protein of interest is achieved through transfer of the pre-labeled tag by protein trans-splicing. This protocol keeps other cysteines unmodified. While split inteins for C-terminal CysTag labeling were previously reported, no high-yielding and naturally split intein for N-terminal labeling has been available. In this work, the recently discovered GOS-TerL intein was explored as the only known naturally split intein that both lacks a cysteine in its N-terminal fragment and is active under ambient conditions. Thioredoxin as a model protein and a camelid nanobody were labeled with a synthetic fluorophore by transferring the pre-labeling CysTag in the protein trans-splicing reaction with yields of about 50 to 90%. The short N-terminal intein fragment was also chemically synthesized with a tag to enable protein labeling by semi-synthetic protein trans-splicing. Our results expand the scope of the CysTag labeling strategy, which achieves selective chemical modification without the requirement for sophisticated biorthogonal functional groups and rather builds on the plethora of commercially available reagents directed at the thiol side chain of cysteine. Copyright © 2017 European Peptide Society and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne-Lena Bachmann
- Institute of Biochemistry, University of Muenster, Wilhelm-Klemm-Str. 2, 48149, Münster, Germany
| | - Henning D Mootz
- Institute of Biochemistry, University of Muenster, Wilhelm-Klemm-Str. 2, 48149, Münster, Germany
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Abstract
Split inteins have emerged as a powerful tool in protein engineering. We describe a reliable in silico method to predict viable split sites for the design of new split inteins. A computational circular permutation (CP) prediction method facilitates the search for internal permissive sites to create artificial circular permutants. In this procedure, the original amino- and carboxyl-termini are connected and new termini are created. The identified new terminal sites are promising candidates for the generation of new split sites with the backbone opening being tolerated by the structural scaffold. Here we show how to integrate the online usage of the CP predictor, CPred, in the search of new split intein sites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi-Zong Lee
- Institute of Bioinformatics and Structural Biology, National Tsing Hua University, 101, Section 2, Kuang-Fu Road, 30013, Hsinchu, Taiwan
| | - Wei-Cheng Lo
- Department of Biological Science and Technology, National Chiao Tung University, Hsinchu, Taiwan.
- Institute of Bioinformatics and Systems Biology, National Chiao Tung University, Hsinchu, Taiwan.
| | - Shih-Che Sue
- Institute of Bioinformatics and Structural Biology, National Tsing Hua University, 101, Section 2, Kuang-Fu Road, 30013, Hsinchu, Taiwan.
- Department of Life Science, National Tsing Hua University, Hsinchu, Taiwan.
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46
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Abstract
Cyclic peptides are highly desired molecules not only for basic research but also for many biomedical and pharmacological applications. Due to their potentially superior physicochemical properties as compared to their linear counterparts, they are considered as ideal candidates for studying protein-protein interactions, among others. Most of the methods developed in recent years to prepare cyclic peptides focus either on a synthetic or a recombinant route. While the former provides access to diversified, noncanonical peptides, including unnatural and D-amino acid, for example, the latter can harness the power of genetic randomization to generate and select from large peptide libraries. Only few approaches have been reported to prepare semisynthetic macrocycles that would benefit from both the advantages associated with synthetic and genetically encoded parts. We describe in this chapter a chemo-enzymatic method to make semisynthetic cyclic peptides in vitro from two fragments using protein trans-splicing and bioorthogonal oxime ligation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shubhendu Palei
- Institute of Biochemistry, Department of Chemistry and Pharmacy, Institute of Biochemistry, University of Muenster, Wilhelm-Klemm-Str. 2, 48149, Münster, Germany
| | - Henning D Mootz
- Institute of Biochemistry, Department of Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Muenster, Wilhelm-Klemm-Str. 2, 48149, Münster, Germany.
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47
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Braner M, Wieneke R, Tampé R. Nanomolar affinity protein trans-splicing monitored in real-time by fluorophore–quencher pairs. Chem Commun (Camb) 2017; 53:545-548. [DOI: 10.1039/c6cc08862g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
We combined high-affinity protein trans-splicing with fluorophore/quencher pairs for online detection of covalent N-terminal ‘traceless’ protein labeling at nanomolar concentrations under physiological conditions in cellular environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- M. Braner
- Institute of Biochemistry, Biocenter
- Goethe University Frankfurt
- 60438 Frankfurt a.M
- Germany
| | - R. Wieneke
- Institute of Biochemistry, Biocenter
- Goethe University Frankfurt
- 60438 Frankfurt a.M
- Germany
| | - R. Tampé
- Institute of Biochemistry, Biocenter
- Goethe University Frankfurt
- 60438 Frankfurt a.M
- Germany
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48
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Sonntag T. A Cassette Approach for the Identification of Intein Insertion Sites. Methods Mol Biol 2017; 1495:239-258. [PMID: 27714621 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4939-6451-2_16] [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] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Over the past decade split inteins have established themselves as powerful tools for protein engineering, protein semisynthesis, and protein functional control approaches. Their key advantage lies in the protein trans-splicing (PTS) reaction that enables posttranslational protein assembly from two independent, even synthetic, peptide precursors. However, since most split intein applications deal with fragmentation and modification of proteins, various issues can arise, ranging from reduced stability to impairment of protein folding. In this chapter I address how the usage of DNA encoded intein cassettes can streamline and speed up the identification of functional split intein insertion sites in novel proteins of interest (POI).
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Affiliation(s)
- Tim Sonntag
- Clayton Foundation Laboratories for Peptide Biology, The Salk Institute for Biological Studies, La Jolla, California, 92037, USA.
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49
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Hackl S, Schmid A, Becker CFW. Semisynthesis of Membrane-Attached Proteins Using Split Inteins. METHODS IN MOLECULAR BIOLOGY (CLIFTON, N.J.) 2016; 1495:93-109. [PMID: 27714612 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4939-6451-2_7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
The site-selective installation of lipid modifications on proteins is critically important in our understanding of how membrane association influences the biophysical properties of proteins as well as to study certain proteins in their native environment. Here, we describe the use of split inteins for the C-terminal attachment of lipid-modified peptides to virtually any protein of interest (POI) via protein trans-splicing (PTS). To achieve this, the protein of interest is expressed in fusion with the N-terminal split intein segment and the C-terminal split intein segment is prepared by solid phase peptide synthesis. A synthetic peptide carrying two lipid chains is also made chemically to serve as a membrane anchor and subsequently linked to the C-terminal split intein by native chemical ligation. Proteins of interest for our work are the prion protein as well as small GTPases; however, extensions to other POIs are possible. Detailed information for the C-terminal introduction of a lipidated membrane anchor (MA) peptide using split intein systems from Synechocystis spp. and Nostoc punctiforme for the Prion protein (PrP, as a challenging protein of interest) and the enhanced green-fluorescent protein (eGFP, as an easily trackable target protein) are provided here.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefanie Hackl
- Department of Chemistry, Institute of Biological Chemistry, University of Vienna, Waehringer Str. 38, 1090, Vienna, Austria
| | - Alanca Schmid
- Department of Chemistry, Institute of Biological Chemistry, University of Vienna, Waehringer Str. 38, 1090, Vienna, Austria
| | - Christian F W Becker
- Department of Chemistry, Institute of Biological Chemistry, University of Vienna, Waehringer Str. 38, 1090, Vienna, Austria.
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50
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van Tilburg GB, Elhebieshy AF, Ovaa H. Synthetic and semi-synthetic strategies to study ubiquitin signaling. Curr Opin Struct Biol 2016; 38:92-101. [PMID: 27315041 PMCID: PMC7125694 DOI: 10.1016/j.sbi.2016.05.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2016] [Revised: 05/27/2016] [Accepted: 05/31/2016] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
The post-translational modification ubiquitin can be attached to the ɛ-amino group of lysine residues or to a protein's N-terminus as a mono ubiquitin moiety. Via its seven intrinsic lysine residues and its N-terminus, it can also form ubiquitin chains on substrates in many possible ways. To study ubiquitin signals, many synthetic and semi-synthetic routes have been developed for generation of ubiquitin-derived tools and conjugates. The strength of these methods lies in their ability to introduce chemo-selective ligation handles at sites that currently cannot be enzymatically modified. Here, we review the different synthetic and semi-synthetic methods available for ubiquitin conjugate synthesis and their contribution to how they have helped investigating conformational diversity of diubiquitin signals. Next, we discuss how these methods help understanding the ubiquitin conjugation-deconjugation system by recent advances in ubiquitin ligase probes and diubiquitin-based DUB probes. Lastly, we discuss how these methods help studying post-translational modification of ubiquitin itself.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriëlle Ba van Tilburg
- Department of Cell Biology II, Netherlands Cancer Institute, Plesmanlaan 121, 1066 CX, Amsterdam, The Netherlands; Department of Chemical Immunology, Leiden University Medical Center, Einthovenweg 20, 2333 ZC, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Angela F Elhebieshy
- Department of Cell Biology II, Netherlands Cancer Institute, Plesmanlaan 121, 1066 CX, Amsterdam, The Netherlands; Department of Chemical Immunology, Leiden University Medical Center, Einthovenweg 20, 2333 ZC, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Huib Ovaa
- Department of Cell Biology II, Netherlands Cancer Institute, Plesmanlaan 121, 1066 CX, Amsterdam, The Netherlands; Department of Chemical Immunology, Leiden University Medical Center, Einthovenweg 20, 2333 ZC, Leiden, The Netherlands.
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