1
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Amacher JF, Antos JM. Sortases: structure, mechanism, and implications for protein engineering. Trends Biochem Sci 2024; 49:596-610. [PMID: 38692993 DOI: 10.1016/j.tibs.2024.04.003] [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: 11/06/2023] [Revised: 03/22/2024] [Accepted: 04/15/2024] [Indexed: 05/03/2024]
Abstract
Sortase enzymes are critical cysteine transpeptidases on the surface of bacteria that attach proteins to the cell wall and are involved in the construction of bacterial pili. Due to their ability to recognize specific substrates and covalently ligate a range of reaction partners, sortases are widely used in protein engineering applications via sortase-mediated ligation (SML) strategies. In this review, we discuss recent structural studies elucidating key aspects of sortase specificity and the catalytic mechanism. We also highlight select recent applications of SML, including examples where fundamental studies of sortase structure and function have informed the continued development of these enzymes as tools for protein engineering.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeanine F Amacher
- Department of Chemistry, Western Washington University, Bellingham, WA 98225, USA.
| | - John M Antos
- Department of Chemistry, Western Washington University, Bellingham, WA 98225, USA.
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2
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Sivaramalingam SS, Jothivel D, Govindarajan DK, Kadirvelu L, Sivaramakrishnan M, Chithiraiselvan DD, Kandaswamy K. Structural and functional insights of sortases and their interactions with antivirulence compounds. Curr Res Struct Biol 2024; 8:100152. [PMID: 38989133 PMCID: PMC11231552 DOI: 10.1016/j.crstbi.2024.100152] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2023] [Revised: 05/18/2024] [Accepted: 06/11/2024] [Indexed: 07/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Sortase proteins play a crucial role as integral membrane proteins in anchoring bacterial surface proteins by recognizing them through a Cell-Wall Sorting (CWS) motif and cleaving them at specific sites before initiating pilus assembly. Both sortases and their substrate proteins are major virulence factors in numerous Gram-positive pathogens, making them attractive targets for antimicrobial intervention. Recognizing the significance of virulence proteins, a comprehensive exploration of their structural and functional characteristics is essential to enhance our understanding of pilus assembly in diverse Gram-positive bacteria. Therefore, this review article discusses the structural features of different classes of sortases and pilin proteins, primarily serving as substrates for sortase-assembled pili. Moreover, it thoroughly examines the molecular-level interactions between sortases and their inhibitors, providing insights from both structural and functional perspectives. In essence, this review article will provide a contemporary and complete understanding of both sortase pathways and various strategies to target them effectively to counteract the virulence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sowmiya Sri Sivaramalingam
- Research Center for Excellence in Microscopy, Department of Biotechnology, Kumaraguru College of Technology, Coimbatore, 641049, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Deepsikha Jothivel
- Research Center for Excellence in Microscopy, Department of Biotechnology, Kumaraguru College of Technology, Coimbatore, 641049, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Deenadayalan Karaiyagowder Govindarajan
- Research Center for Excellence in Microscopy, Department of Biotechnology, Kumaraguru College of Technology, Coimbatore, 641049, Tamil Nadu, India
- School of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore
| | - Lohita Kadirvelu
- Research Center for Excellence in Microscopy, Department of Biotechnology, Kumaraguru College of Technology, Coimbatore, 641049, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Muthusaravanan Sivaramakrishnan
- Research Center for Excellence in Microscopy, Department of Biotechnology, Kumaraguru College of Technology, Coimbatore, 641049, Tamil Nadu, India
- Department of Biotechnology, Mepco Schlenk Engineering College, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Dhivia Dharshika Chithiraiselvan
- Research Center for Excellence in Microscopy, Department of Biotechnology, Kumaraguru College of Technology, Coimbatore, 641049, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Kumaravel Kandaswamy
- Research Center for Excellence in Microscopy, Department of Biotechnology, Kumaraguru College of Technology, Coimbatore, 641049, Tamil Nadu, India
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3
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Arnott ZLP, Morgan HE, Hollingsworth K, Stevenson CME, Collins LJ, Tamasanu A, Machin DC, Dolan JP, Kamiński TP, Wildsmith GC, Williamson DJ, Pickles IB, Warriner SL, Turnbull WB, Webb ME. Quantitative N- or C-Terminal Labelling of Proteins with Unactivated Peptides by Use of Sortases and a d-Aminopeptidase. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2024; 63:e202310862. [PMID: 38072831 DOI: 10.1002/anie.202310862] [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: 07/28/2023] [Indexed: 01/13/2024]
Abstract
Quantitative and selective labelling of proteins is widely used in both academic and industrial laboratories, and catalytic labelling of proteins using transpeptidases, such as sortases, has proved to be a popular strategy for such selective modification. A major challenge for this class of enzymes is that the majority of procedures require an excess of the labelling reagent or, alternatively, activated substrates rather than simple commercially sourced peptides. We report the use of a coupled enzyme strategy which enables quantitative N- and C-terminal labelling of proteins using unactivated labelling peptides. The use of an aminopeptidase in conjunction with a transpeptidase allows sequence-specific degradation of the peptide by-product, shifting the equilibrium to favor product formation, which greatly enhances the reaction efficiency. Subsequent optimisation of the reaction allows N-terminal labelling of proteins using essentially equimolar ratios of peptide label to protein and C-terminal labelling with only a small excess. Minimizing the amount of substrate required for quantitative labelling has the potential to improve industrial processes and facilitate the use of transpeptidation as a method for protein labelling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zoe L P Arnott
- School of Chemistry and Astbury Centre for Structural Molecular Biology, University of Leeds, Woodhouse Lane, Leeds, LS2 9JT, UK
- Present address: Centre for Process Innovation, Central Park, The Nigel Perry Building, 1 Union St, Darlington, DL1 1GL, United Kingdom
| | - Holly E Morgan
- School of Chemistry and Astbury Centre for Structural Molecular Biology, University of Leeds, Woodhouse Lane, Leeds, LS2 9JT, UK
- Present Address: Ashfield MedComms, City Tower, Piccadilly Plaza, Manchester, M1 4BT, United Kingdom
| | - Kristian Hollingsworth
- School of Chemistry and Astbury Centre for Structural Molecular Biology, University of Leeds, Woodhouse Lane, Leeds, LS2 9JT, UK
| | - Charlotte M E Stevenson
- School of Chemistry and Astbury Centre for Structural Molecular Biology, University of Leeds, Woodhouse Lane, Leeds, LS2 9JT, UK
| | - Lawrence J Collins
- School of Chemistry and Astbury Centre for Structural Molecular Biology, University of Leeds, Woodhouse Lane, Leeds, LS2 9JT, UK
| | - Alexandra Tamasanu
- School of Chemistry and Astbury Centre for Structural Molecular Biology, University of Leeds, Woodhouse Lane, Leeds, LS2 9JT, UK
| | - Darren C Machin
- School of Chemistry and Astbury Centre for Structural Molecular Biology, University of Leeds, Woodhouse Lane, Leeds, LS2 9JT, UK
| | - Jonathan P Dolan
- School of Chemistry and Astbury Centre for Structural Molecular Biology, University of Leeds, Woodhouse Lane, Leeds, LS2 9JT, UK
- Present Address: School of Chemical and Physical Sciences & Centre for Glycoscience Research and Training, Keele University, Keele, Staffordshire, ST5 5BG, United Kingdom
| | - Tomasz P Kamiński
- School of Chemistry and Astbury Centre for Structural Molecular Biology, University of Leeds, Woodhouse Lane, Leeds, LS2 9JT, UK
| | - Gemma C Wildsmith
- School of Chemistry and Astbury Centre for Structural Molecular Biology, University of Leeds, Woodhouse Lane, Leeds, LS2 9JT, UK
| | - Daniel J Williamson
- School of Chemistry and Astbury Centre for Structural Molecular Biology, University of Leeds, Woodhouse Lane, Leeds, LS2 9JT, UK
- Present Address: Iksuda Therapeutics, The Biosphere, Draymans Way, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE4 5BX, United Kingdom
| | - Isabelle B Pickles
- School of Chemistry and Astbury Centre for Structural Molecular Biology, University of Leeds, Woodhouse Lane, Leeds, LS2 9JT, UK
- Present Address: York Structural Biology Laboratory, Department of Biology, University of York, Heslington, York, YO10 5DD, United Kingdom
| | - Stuart L Warriner
- School of Chemistry and Astbury Centre for Structural Molecular Biology, University of Leeds, Woodhouse Lane, Leeds, LS2 9JT, UK
| | - W Bruce Turnbull
- School of Chemistry and Astbury Centre for Structural Molecular Biology, University of Leeds, Woodhouse Lane, Leeds, LS2 9JT, UK
| | - Michael E Webb
- School of Chemistry and Astbury Centre for Structural Molecular Biology, University of Leeds, Woodhouse Lane, Leeds, LS2 9JT, UK
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4
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Savino S, Desmet T, Franceus J. Insertions and deletions in protein evolution and engineering. Biotechnol Adv 2022; 60:108010. [PMID: 35738511 DOI: 10.1016/j.biotechadv.2022.108010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2022] [Revised: 06/15/2022] [Accepted: 06/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Protein evolution or engineering studies are traditionally focused on amino acid substitutions and the way these contribute to fitness. Meanwhile, the insertion and deletion of amino acids is often overlooked, despite being one of the most common sources of genetic variation. Recent methodological advances and successful engineering stories have demonstrated that the time is ripe for greater emphasis on these mutations and their understudied effects. This review highlights the evolutionary importance and biotechnological relevance of insertions and deletions (indels). We provide a comprehensive overview of approaches that can be employed to include indels in random, (semi)-rational or computational protein engineering pipelines. Furthermore, we discuss the tolerance to indels at the structural level, address how domain indels can link the function of unrelated proteins, and feature studies that illustrate the surprising and intriguing potential of frameshift mutations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simone Savino
- Centre for Synthetic Biology (CSB), Department of Biotechnology, Ghent University, Coupure Links 653, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Tom Desmet
- Centre for Synthetic Biology (CSB), Department of Biotechnology, Ghent University, Coupure Links 653, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Jorick Franceus
- Centre for Synthetic Biology (CSB), Department of Biotechnology, Ghent University, Coupure Links 653, 9000 Ghent, Belgium..
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5
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Morgan HE, Turnbull WB, Webb ME. Challenges in the use of sortase and other peptide ligases for site-specific protein modification. Chem Soc Rev 2022; 51:4121-4145. [PMID: 35510539 PMCID: PMC9126251 DOI: 10.1039/d0cs01148g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Site-specific protein modification is a widely-used biochemical tool. However, there are many challenges associated with the development of protein modification techniques, in particular, achieving site-specificity, reaction efficiency and versatility. The engineering of peptide ligases and their substrates has been used to address these challenges. This review will focus on sortase, peptidyl asparaginyl ligases (PALs) and variants of subtilisin; detailing how their inherent specificity has been utilised for site-specific protein modification. The review will explore how the engineering of these enzymes and substrates has led to increased reaction efficiency mainly due to enhanced catalytic activity and reduction of reversibility. It will also describe how engineering peptide ligases to broaden their substrate scope is opening up new opportunities to expand the biochemical toolkit, particularly through the development of techniques to conjugate multiple substrates site-specifically onto a protein using orthogonal peptide ligases. We highlight chemical and biochemical strategies taken to optimise peptide and protein modification using peptide ligases.![]()
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Affiliation(s)
- Holly E Morgan
- School of Chemistry and Astbury Centre for Structural Molecular Biology, University of Leeds, Woodhouse Lane, Leeds, LS2 9JT, UK.
| | - W Bruce Turnbull
- School of Chemistry and Astbury Centre for Structural Molecular Biology, University of Leeds, Woodhouse Lane, Leeds, LS2 9JT, UK.
| | - Michael E Webb
- School of Chemistry and Astbury Centre for Structural Molecular Biology, University of Leeds, Woodhouse Lane, Leeds, LS2 9JT, UK.
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6
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Planas-Iglesias J, Opaleny F, Ulbrich P, Stourac J, Sanusi Z, Pinto GP, Schenkmayerova A, Byska J, Damborsky J, Kozlikova B, Bednar D. LoopGrafter: a web tool for transplanting dynamical loops for protein engineering. Nucleic Acids Res 2022; 50:W465-W473. [PMID: 35438789 PMCID: PMC9252738 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkac249] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2022] [Revised: 03/15/2022] [Accepted: 04/01/2022] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
The transplantation of loops between structurally related proteins is a compelling method to improve the activity, specificity and stability of enzymes. However, despite the interest of loop regions in protein engineering, the available methods of loop-based rational protein design are scarce. One particular difficulty related to loop engineering is the unique dynamism that enables them to exert allosteric control over the catalytic function of enzymes. Thus, when engaging in a transplantation effort, such dynamics in the context of protein structure need consideration. A second practical challenge is identifying successful excision points for the transplantation or grafting. Here, we present LoopGrafter (https://loschmidt.chemi.muni.cz/loopgrafter/), a web server that specifically guides in the loop grafting process between structurally related proteins. The server provides a step-by-step interactive procedure in which the user can successively identify loops in the two input proteins, calculate their geometries, assess their similarities and dynamics, and select a number of loops to be transplanted. All possible different chimeric proteins derived from any existing recombination point are calculated, and 3D models for each of them are constructed and energetically evaluated. The obtained results can be interactively visualized in a user-friendly graphical interface and downloaded for detailed structural analyses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joan Planas-Iglesias
- Loschmidt Laboratories, Department of Experimental Biology and RECETOX, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, 625 00 Brno, Czech Republic.,International Clinical Research Center, St Anne's University Hospital Brno, 656 916 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Filip Opaleny
- Department of Visual Computing, Faculty of Informatics, Masaryk University, 602 00 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Pavol Ulbrich
- Department of Visual Computing, Faculty of Informatics, Masaryk University, 602 00 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Jan Stourac
- Loschmidt Laboratories, Department of Experimental Biology and RECETOX, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, 625 00 Brno, Czech Republic.,International Clinical Research Center, St Anne's University Hospital Brno, 656 916 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Zainab Sanusi
- Loschmidt Laboratories, Department of Experimental Biology and RECETOX, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, 625 00 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Gaspar P Pinto
- Loschmidt Laboratories, Department of Experimental Biology and RECETOX, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, 625 00 Brno, Czech Republic.,International Clinical Research Center, St Anne's University Hospital Brno, 656 916 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Andrea Schenkmayerova
- Loschmidt Laboratories, Department of Experimental Biology and RECETOX, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, 625 00 Brno, Czech Republic.,International Clinical Research Center, St Anne's University Hospital Brno, 656 916 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Jan Byska
- Department of Visual Computing, Faculty of Informatics, Masaryk University, 602 00 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Jiri Damborsky
- Loschmidt Laboratories, Department of Experimental Biology and RECETOX, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, 625 00 Brno, Czech Republic.,International Clinical Research Center, St Anne's University Hospital Brno, 656 916 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Barbora Kozlikova
- Department of Visual Computing, Faculty of Informatics, Masaryk University, 602 00 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - David Bednar
- Loschmidt Laboratories, Department of Experimental Biology and RECETOX, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, 625 00 Brno, Czech Republic.,International Clinical Research Center, St Anne's University Hospital Brno, 656 916 Brno, Czech Republic
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7
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Gao M, Johnson DA, Piper IM, Kodama HM, Svendsen JE, Tahti E, Longshore‐Neate F, Vogel B, Antos JM, Amacher JF. Structural and biochemical analyses of selectivity determinants in chimeric Streptococcus Class A sortase enzymes. Protein Sci 2022; 31:701-715. [PMID: 34939250 PMCID: PMC8862441 DOI: 10.1002/pro.4266] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2021] [Revised: 12/16/2021] [Accepted: 12/17/2021] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
Sequence variation in related proteins is an important characteristic that modulates activity and selectivity. An example of a protein family with a large degree of sequence variation is that of bacterial sortases, which are cysteine transpeptidases on the surface of gram-positive bacteria. Class A sortases are responsible for attachment of diverse proteins to the cell wall to facilitate environmental adaption and interaction. These enzymes are also used in protein engineering applications for sortase-mediated ligations (SML) or sortagging of protein targets. We previously investigated SrtA from Streptococcus pneumoniae, identifying a number of putative β7-β8 loop-mediated interactions that affected in vitro enzyme function. We identified residues that contributed to the ability of S. pneumoniae SrtA to recognize several amino acids at the P1' position of the substrate motif, underlined in LPXTG, in contrast to the strict P1' Gly recognition of SrtA from Staphylococcus aureus. However, motivated by the lack of a structural model for the active, monomeric form of S. pneumoniae SrtA, here, we expanded our studies to other Streptococcus SrtA proteins. We solved the first monomeric structure of S. agalactiae SrtA which includes the C-terminus, and three others of β7-β8 loop chimeras from S. pyogenes and S. agalactiae SrtA. These structures and accompanying biochemical data support our previously identified β7-β8 loop-mediated interactions and provide additional insight into their role in Class A sortase substrate selectivity. A greater understanding of individual SrtA sequence and structural determinants of target selectivity may also facilitate the design or discovery of improved sortagging tools.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melody Gao
- Department of ChemistryWestern Washington UniversityBellinghamWashingtonUSA
| | - D. Alex Johnson
- Department of ChemistryWestern Washington UniversityBellinghamWashingtonUSA
| | - Isabel M. Piper
- Department of ChemistryWestern Washington UniversityBellinghamWashingtonUSA
| | - Hanna M. Kodama
- Department of ChemistryWestern Washington UniversityBellinghamWashingtonUSA
| | - Justin E. Svendsen
- Department of ChemistryWestern Washington UniversityBellinghamWashingtonUSA
| | - Elise Tahti
- Department of ChemistryWestern Washington UniversityBellinghamWashingtonUSA
| | | | - Brandon Vogel
- Department of ChemistryWestern Washington UniversityBellinghamWashingtonUSA
| | - John M. Antos
- Department of ChemistryWestern Washington UniversityBellinghamWashingtonUSA
| | - Jeanine F. Amacher
- Department of ChemistryWestern Washington UniversityBellinghamWashingtonUSA
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8
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Sequence variation in the β7-β8 loop of bacterial class A sortase enzymes alters substrate selectivity. J Biol Chem 2021; 297:100981. [PMID: 34302812 PMCID: PMC8361268 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2021.100981] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2021] [Revised: 07/09/2021] [Accepted: 07/16/2021] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Gram-positive bacteria contain sortase enzymes on their cell surfaces that catalyze transpeptidation reactions critical for proper cellular function. In vitro, sortases are used in sortase-mediated ligation (SML) reactions for a variety of protein engineering applications. Historically, sortase A from Staphylococcus aureus (saSrtA) has been the enzyme of choice to catalyze SML reactions. However, the stringent specificity of saSrtA for the LPXTG sequence motif limits its uses. Here, we describe the impact on substrate selectivity of a structurally conserved loop with a high degree of sequence variability in all classes of sortases. We investigate the contribution of this β7–β8 loop by designing and testing chimeric sortase enzymes. Our chimeras utilize natural sequence variation of class A sortases from eight species engineered into the SrtA sequence from Streptococcus pneumoniae. While some of these chimeric enzymes mimic the activity and selectivity of the WT protein from which the loop sequence was derived (e.g., that of saSrtA), others results in chimeric Streptococcus pneumoniae SrtA enzymes that are able to accommodate a range of residues in the final position of the substrate motif (LPXTX). Using mutagenesis, structural comparisons, and sequence analyses, we identify three interactions facilitated by β7–β8 loop residues that appear to be broadly conserved or converged upon in class A sortase enzymes. These studies provide the foundation for a deeper understanding of sortase target selectivity and can expand the sortase toolbox for future SML applications.
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9
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Freund C, Schwarzer D. Engineered Sortases in Peptide and Protein Chemistry. Chembiochem 2021; 22:1347-1356. [PMID: 33290621 PMCID: PMC8248031 DOI: 10.1002/cbic.202000745] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2020] [Revised: 12/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
The transpeptidase sortase A of Staphylococcus aureus (Sa-SrtA) is a valuable tool in protein chemistry. The native enzyme anchors surface proteins containing a highly conserved LPxTG sorting motif to a terminal glycine residue of the peptidoglycan layer in Gram-positive bacteria. This reaction is exploited for sortase-mediated ligation (SML), allowing the site-specific linkage of synthetic peptides and recombinant proteins by a native peptide bond. However, the moderate catalytic efficiency and specificity of Sa-SrtA fueled the development of new biocatalysts for SML, including the screening of sortase A variants form microorganisms other than S. aureus and the directed protein evolution of the Sa-SrtA enzyme itself. Novel display platforms and screening formats were developed to isolate sortases with altered properties from mutant libraries. This yielded sortases with strongly enhanced catalytic activity and enzymes recognizing new sorting motifs as substrates. This minireview focuses on recent advances in the field of directed sortase evolution and applications of these tailor-made enzymes in biochemistry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christian Freund
- Freie Universität BerlinInstitute of Chemistry and BiochemistryThielallee 6314195BerlinGermany
| | - Dirk Schwarzer
- University of TübingenInterfaculty Institute of Biochemistry (IFIB)Auf der Morgenstelle 3472076TübingenGermany
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10
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Anchoring surface proteins to the bacterial cell wall by sortase enzymes: how it started and what we know now. Curr Opin Microbiol 2021; 60:73-79. [PMID: 33611145 DOI: 10.1016/j.mib.2021.01.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2020] [Revised: 01/14/2021] [Accepted: 01/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
In Gram-positive bacteria, the peptidoglycan serves as a placeholder for surface display of a unique class of monomeric and polymeric proteins, or pili - the precursors of which harbor a cell wall sorting signal with LPXTG motif that is recognized by a conserved transpeptidase enzyme called sortase. Since this original discovery over two decades ago, extensive genetic, biochemical and structural studies have illuminated the basic mechanisms of sortase-mediated cell wall anchoring of surface proteins and pili. We now know how LPXTG-containing surface proteins are folded post-translocationally, how sortase enzymes recognize substrates, and how a remnant of the cell wall sorting signal modulates intramembrane signaling. In this review, we will highlight new findings from a few model experimental paradigms and present future prospects for the field.
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11
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Wójcik M, Szala K, van Merkerk R, Quax WJ, Boersma YL. Engineering the specificity of Streptococcus pyogenes sortase A by loop grafting. Proteins 2020; 88:1394-1400. [PMID: 32501594 PMCID: PMC7586933 DOI: 10.1002/prot.25958] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2020] [Revised: 04/30/2020] [Accepted: 05/27/2020] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Sortases are a group of enzymes displayed on the cell‐wall of Gram‐positive bacteria. They are responsible for the attachment of virulence factors onto the peptidoglycan in a transpeptidation reaction through recognition of a pentapeptide substrate. Most housekeeping sortases recognize one specific pentapeptide motif; however, Streptococcus pyogenes sortase A (SpSrtA WT) recognizes LPETG, LPETA and LPKLG motifs. Here, we examined SpSrtA's flexible substrate specificity by investigating the role of the β7/β8 loop in determining substrate specificity. We exchanged the β7/β8 loop in SpSrtA with corresponding β7/β8 loops from Staphylococcus aureus (SaSrtA WT) and Bacillus anthracis (BaSrtA WT). While the BaSrtA‐derived variant showed no enzymatic activity toward either LPETG or LPETA substrates, the activity of the SaSrtA‐derived mutant toward the LPETA substrate was completely abolished. Instead, the mutant had an improved activity toward LPETG, the preferred substrate of SaSrtA WT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Magdalena Wójcik
- Department of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Biology, Groningen Research Institute of Pharmacy, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Kamil Szala
- Department of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Biology, Groningen Research Institute of Pharmacy, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Ronald van Merkerk
- Department of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Biology, Groningen Research Institute of Pharmacy, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Wim J Quax
- Department of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Biology, Groningen Research Institute of Pharmacy, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Ykelien L Boersma
- Department of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Biology, Groningen Research Institute of Pharmacy, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
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