1
|
Escobedo F, Gospalswamy M, Hägerbäumer P, Stank TJ, Victor J, Groth G, Gohlke H, Dargel C, Hellweg T, Etzkorn M. Characterization of size-tuneable aescin-lipid nanoparticles as platform for stabilization of membrane proteins. Colloids Surf B Biointerfaces 2024; 242:114071. [PMID: 39002202 DOI: 10.1016/j.colsurfb.2024.114071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2024] [Revised: 06/22/2024] [Accepted: 06/29/2024] [Indexed: 07/15/2024]
Abstract
Disc-like lipid nanoparticles stabilized by saponin biosurfactants display fascinating properties, including their temperature-driven re-organization. β-Aescin, a saponin from seed extract of the horse chestnut tree, shows strong interactions with lipid membranes and has gained interest due to its beneficial therapeutic implications as well as its ability to decompose continuous lipid membranes into size-tuneable discoidal nanoparticles. Here, we characterize lipid nanoparticles formed by aescin and the phospholipid 1,2-dimyristoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine. We present site-resolved insights into central molecular interactions and their modulations by temperature and aescin content. Using the membrane protein bacteriorhodopsin, we additionally demonstrate that, under defined conditions, aescin-lipid discs can accommodate medium-sized transmembrane proteins. Our data reveal the general capability of this fascinating system to generate size-tuneable aescin-lipid-protein particles, opening the road for further applications in biochemical, biophysical and structural studies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Fatima Escobedo
- Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Institute of Physical Biology, Universitätsstr. 1, Düsseldorf 40225, Germany; Institute of Biological Information Processing (IBI-7: Structural Biochemistry), Forschungszentrum Jülich GmbH., Wilhelm-Johnen-Str, Jülich 52425, Germany
| | - Mohanraj Gospalswamy
- Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Institute for Pharmaceutical and Medicinal Chemistry, Universitätsstr. 1, Düsseldorf 40225, Germany
| | - Pia Hägerbäumer
- Physical and Biophysical Chemistry, Bielefeld University, Universitätsstr. 25, Bielefeld 33615, Germany
| | - Tim Julian Stank
- Physical and Biophysical Chemistry, Bielefeld University, Universitätsstr. 25, Bielefeld 33615, Germany
| | - Julian Victor
- Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Institute of Physical Biology, Universitätsstr. 1, Düsseldorf 40225, Germany
| | - Georg Groth
- Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Institute for Biochemical Plant Physiology, Universitätsstr. 1, Düsseldorf 40225, Germany
| | - Holger Gohlke
- Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Institute for Pharmaceutical and Medicinal Chemistry, Universitätsstr. 1, Düsseldorf 40225, Germany; Institute for Bio, and Geosciences (IBG-4: Bioinformatics), Forschungszentrum Jülich GmbH., Wilhelm-Johnen-Str, Jülich 52425, Germany
| | - Carina Dargel
- Physical and Biophysical Chemistry, Bielefeld University, Universitätsstr. 25, Bielefeld 33615, Germany; Institute of Physical Chemistry, University of Münster, Corrensstraße 28/30, Münster 48149, Germany.
| | - Thomas Hellweg
- Physical and Biophysical Chemistry, Bielefeld University, Universitätsstr. 25, Bielefeld 33615, Germany.
| | - Manuel Etzkorn
- Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Institute of Physical Biology, Universitätsstr. 1, Düsseldorf 40225, Germany; Institute of Biological Information Processing (IBI-7: Structural Biochemistry), Forschungszentrum Jülich GmbH., Wilhelm-Johnen-Str, Jülich 52425, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Sani MA, Rajput S, Keizer DW, Separovic F. NMR techniques for investigating antimicrobial peptides in model membranes and bacterial cells. Methods 2024; 224:10-20. [PMID: 38295893 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymeth.2024.01.012] [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: 10/31/2023] [Revised: 01/07/2024] [Accepted: 01/08/2024] [Indexed: 02/05/2024] Open
Abstract
AMPs are short, mainly cationic membrane-active peptides found in all living organism. They perform diverse roles including signaling and acting as a line of defense against bacterial infections. AMPs have been extensively investigated as templates to facilitate the development of novel antimicrobial therapeutics. Understanding the interplay between these membrane-active peptides and the lipid membranes is considered to be a significant step in elucidating the specific mechanism of action of AMPs against prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells to aid the development of new therapeutics. In this review, we have provided a brief overview of various NMR techniques commonly used for studying AMP structure and AMP-membrane interactions in model membranes and whole cells.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marc-Antoine Sani
- Bio21 Institute, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC 3010, Australia.
| | - Sunnia Rajput
- Bio21 Institute, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC 3010, Australia
| | - David W Keizer
- Bio21 Institute, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC 3010, Australia
| | - Frances Separovic
- Bio21 Institute, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC 3010, Australia; School of Chemistry, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC 3010, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Design of PG-Surfactants Bearing Polyacrylamide Polymer Chain to Solubilize Membrane Proteins in a Surfactant-Free Buffer. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22041524. [PMID: 33546366 PMCID: PMC7913505 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22041524] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2020] [Revised: 01/26/2021] [Accepted: 02/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The development of techniques capable of using membrane proteins in a surfactant-free aqueous buffer is an attractive research area, and it should be elucidated for various membrane protein studies. To this end, we examined a method using new solubilization surfactants that do not detach from membrane protein surfaces once bound. The designed solubilization surfactants, DKDKC12K-PAn (n = 5, 7, and 18), consist of two parts: one is the lipopeptide-based solubilization surfactant part, DKDKC12K, fand the other is the covalently connected linear polyacrylamide (PA) chain with different Mw values of 5, 7, or 18 kDa. Intermolecular interactions between the PA chains in DKDKC12K-PAn concentrated on the surfaces of membrane proteins via amphiphilic binding of the DKDKC12K part to the integral membrane domain was observed. Therefore, DKDKC12K-PAn (n = 5, 7, and 18) could maintain a bound state even after removal of the unbound by ultrafiltration or gel-filtration chromatography. We used photosystem I (PSI) from Thermosynecoccus vulcanus as a representative to assess the impacts of new surfactants on the solubilized membrane protein structure and functions. Based on the maintenance of unique photophysical properties of PSI, we evaluated the ability of DKDKC12K-PAn (n = 5, 7, and 18) as a new solubilization surfactant.
Collapse
|
4
|
Chorev DS, Robinson CV. The importance of the membrane for biophysical measurements. Nat Chem Biol 2020; 16:1285-1292. [PMID: 33199903 PMCID: PMC7116504 DOI: 10.1038/s41589-020-0574-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2019] [Accepted: 05/22/2020] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Within cell membranes numerous protein assemblies reside. Among their many functions, these assemblies regulate the movement of molecules between membranes, facilitate signaling into and out of cells, allow movement of cells by cell-matrix attachment, and regulate the electric potential of the membrane. With such critical roles, membrane protein complexes are of considerable interest for human health, yet they pose an enduring challenge for structural biologists because it is difficult to study these protein structures at atomic resolution in in situ environments. To advance structural and functional insights for these protein assemblies, membrane mimetics are typically employed to recapitulate some of the physical and chemical properties of the lipid bilayer membrane. However, extraction from native membranes can sometimes change the structure and lipid-binding properties of these complexes, leading to conflicting results and fueling a drive to study complexes directly from native membranes. Here we consider the co-development of membrane mimetics with technological breakthroughs in both cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM) and native mass spectrometry (nMS). Together, these developments are leading to a plethora of high-resolution protein structures, as well as new knowledge of their lipid interactions, from different membrane-like environments.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dror S Chorev
- Physical and Theoretical Chemistry Laboratory, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Carol V Robinson
- Physical and Theoretical Chemistry Laboratory, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Jones AJY, Gabriel F, Tandale A, Nietlispach D. Structure and Dynamics of GPCRs in Lipid Membranes: Physical Principles and Experimental Approaches. Molecules 2020; 25:E4729. [PMID: 33076366 PMCID: PMC7587580 DOI: 10.3390/molecules25204729] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2020] [Revised: 10/11/2020] [Accepted: 10/12/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Over the past decade, the vast amount of information generated through structural and biophysical studies of GPCRs has provided unprecedented mechanistic insight into the complex signalling behaviour of these receptors. With this recent information surge, it has also become increasingly apparent that in order to reproduce the various effects that lipids and membranes exert on the biological function for these allosteric receptors, in vitro studies of GPCRs need to be conducted under conditions that adequately approximate the native lipid bilayer environment. In the first part of this review, we assess some of the more general effects that a membrane environment exerts on lipid bilayer-embedded proteins such as GPCRs. This is then followed by the consideration of more specific effects, including stoichiometric interactions with specific lipid subtypes. In the final section, we survey a range of different membrane mimetics that are currently used for in vitro studies, with a focus on NMR applications.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Daniel Nietlispach
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Cambridge, 80 Tennis Court Road, Cambridge CB2 1GA, UK; (A.J.Y.J.); (F.G.); (A.T.)
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Danmaliki GI, Hwang PM. Solution NMR spectroscopy of membrane proteins. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-BIOMEMBRANES 2020; 1862:183356. [PMID: 32416193 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbamem.2020.183356] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2019] [Revised: 05/08/2020] [Accepted: 05/10/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Integral membrane proteins (IMPs) perform unique and indispensable functions in the cell, making them attractive targets for fundamental research and drug discovery. Developments in protein production, isotope labeling, sample preparation, and pulse sequences have extended the utility of solution NMR spectroscopy for studying IMPs with multiple transmembrane segments. Here we review some recent applications of solution NMR for studying structure, dynamics, and interactions of polytopic IMPs, emphasizing strategies used to overcome common technical challenges.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gaddafi I Danmaliki
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta T6G 2H7, Canada
| | - Peter M Hwang
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta T6G 2H7, Canada; Department of Medicine, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta T6G 2H7, Canada.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Hernando M, Orriss G, Perodeau J, Lei S, Ferens FG, Patel TR, Stetefeld J, Nieuwkoop AJ, O'Neil JD. Solution structure and oligomeric state of the E. coliglycerol facilitator. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-BIOMEMBRANES 2020; 1862:183191. [PMID: 31953232 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbamem.2020.183191] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2019] [Revised: 12/05/2019] [Accepted: 01/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Protein dynamics at atomic resolution can provide deep insights into the biological activities of proteins and enzymes but they can also make structure and dynamics studies challenging. Despite their well-known biological and pharmaceutical importance, integral membrane protein structure and dynamics studies lag behind those of water-soluble proteins mainly owing to solubility problems that result upon their removal from the membrane. Escherichia coli glycerol facilitator (GF) is a member of the aquaglyceroporin family that allows for the highly selective passive diffusion of its substrate glycerol across the inner membrane of the bacterium. Previous molecular dynamics simulations and hydrogen-deuterium exchange studies suggested that protein dynamics play an important role in the passage of glycerol through the protein pore. With the aim of studying GF dynamics by solution and solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy we optimized the expression of isotope-labelled GF and explored various solubilizing agents including detergents, osmolytes, amphipols, random heteropolymers, lipid nanodiscs, bicelles and other buffer additives to optimize the solubility and polydispersity of the protein. The GF protein is most stable and soluble in lauryl maltose neopentyl glycol (LMNG), where it exists in a tetramer-octamer equilibrium. The solution structures of the GF tetramer and octamer were determined by negative-stain transmission electron microscopy (TEM), size-exclusion chromatography small-angle X-ray scattering (SEC-SAXS) and solid-state magic-angle spinning NMR spectroscopy. Although NMR sample preparation still needs optimization for full structure and dynamics studies, negative stain TEM and SEC-SAXS revealed low-resolution structures of the detergent-solubilized tetramer and octamer particles. The non-native octamer appears to form from the association of the cytoplasmic faces of two tetramers, the interaction apparently mediated by their disordered N- and C-termini. This information may be useful in future studies directed at reducing the heterogeneity and self-association of the protein.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mary Hernando
- Department of Chemistry, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB R3T 2N2, Canada
| | - George Orriss
- Department of Chemistry, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB R3T 2N2, Canada
| | - Jacqueline Perodeau
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Rutgers School of Arts and Sciences, 123 Bevier Rd., Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA
| | - Shixing Lei
- Department of Chemistry, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB R3T 2N2, Canada
| | - Fraser G Ferens
- Department of Microbiology, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB R3T 2N2, Canada
| | - Trushar R Patel
- Alberta RNA Research & Training Institute, Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry, Lethbridge University, 4401 University Drive, Lethbridge, Alberta T1K 3M4, Canada
| | - Jörg Stetefeld
- Department of Chemistry, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB R3T 2N2, Canada
| | - Andrew J Nieuwkoop
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Rutgers School of Arts and Sciences, 123 Bevier Rd., Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA
| | - Joe D O'Neil
- Department of Chemistry, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB R3T 2N2, Canada.
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Recent advances in biophysical studies of rhodopsins - Oligomerization, folding, and structure. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-PROTEINS AND PROTEOMICS 2017; 1865:1512-1521. [PMID: 28844743 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbapap.2017.08.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2017] [Revised: 08/06/2017] [Accepted: 08/11/2017] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Retinal-binding proteins, mainly known as rhodopsins, function as photosensors and ion transporters in a wide range of organisms. From halobacterial light-driven proton pump, bacteriorhodopsin, to bovine photoreceptor, visual rhodopsin, they have served as prototypical α-helical membrane proteins in a large number of biophysical studies and aided in the development of many cutting-edge techniques of structural biology and biospectroscopy. In the last decade, microbial and animal rhodopsin families have expanded significantly, bringing into play a number of new interesting structures and functions. In this review, we will discuss recent advances in biophysical approaches to retinal-binding proteins, primarily microbial rhodopsins, including those in optical spectroscopy, X-ray crystallography, nuclear magnetic resonance, and electron paramagnetic resonance, as applied to such fundamental biological aspects as protein oligomerization, folding, and structure.
Collapse
|
9
|
Lakomek NA, Frey L, Bibow S, Böckmann A, Riek R, Meier BH. Proton-Detected NMR Spectroscopy of Nanodisc-Embedded Membrane Proteins: MAS Solid-State vs Solution-State Methods. J Phys Chem B 2017; 121:7671-7680. [PMID: 28737919 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jpcb.7b06944] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The structural and dynamical characterization of membrane proteins in a lipid bilayer at physiological pH and temperature and free of crystal constraints is crucial for the elucidation of a structure/dynamics-activity relationship. Toward this aim, we explore here the properties of the outer-membrane protein OmpX embedded in lipid bilayer nanodiscs using proton-detected magic angle spinning (MAS) solid-state NMR at 60 and 110 kHz. [1H,15N]-correlation spectra overlay well with the corresponding solution-state NMR spectra. Line widths as well as line intensities in solid and solution both depend critically on the sample temperature and, in particular, on the crossing of the lipid phase transition temperature. MAS (110 kHz) experiments yield well-resolved NMR spectra also for fully protonated OmpX and both below and above the lipid phase transition temperature.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Lukas Frey
- ETH Zürich , Physical Chemistry, Vladimir-Prelog-Weg 2, 8093 Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Stefan Bibow
- ETH Zürich , Physical Chemistry, Vladimir-Prelog-Weg 2, 8093 Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Anja Böckmann
- Institut de Biologie et Chimie des Protéines, Bases Moléculaires et Structurales des Systèmes Infectieux, Labex Ecofect, UMR 5086 CNRS, Université de Lyon , 7 passage du Vercors, 69367 Lyon, France
| | - Roland Riek
- ETH Zürich , Physical Chemistry, Vladimir-Prelog-Weg 2, 8093 Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Beat H Meier
- ETH Zürich , Physical Chemistry, Vladimir-Prelog-Weg 2, 8093 Zürich, Switzerland
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Abstract
To study integral membrane proteins, one has to extract them from the membrane—the step that is typically achieved by the application of detergents. In this mini-review, we summarize the top 10 detergents used for the structural analysis of membrane proteins based on the published results. The aim of this study is to provide the reader with an overview of the main properties of available detergents (critical micelle concentration (CMC) value, micelle size, etc.) and provide an idea of what detergents to may merit further study. Furthermore, we briefly discuss alternative solubilization and stabilization agents, such as polymers.
Collapse
|
11
|
Abstract
Which properties of the membrane environment are essential for the folding and oligomerization of transmembrane proteins? Because the lipids that surround membrane proteins in situ spontaneously organize into bilayers, it may seem intuitive that interactions with the bilayer provide both hydrophobic and topological constraints that help the protein to achieve a stable and functional three-dimensional structure. However, one may wonder whether folding is actually driven by the membrane environment or whether the folded state just reflects an adaptation of integral proteins to the medium in which they function. Also, apart from the overall transmembrane orientation, might the asymmetry inherent in biosynthesis processes cause proteins to fold to out-of-equilibrium, metastable topologies? Which of the features of a bilayer are essential for membrane protein folding, and which are not? To which extent do translocons dictate transmembrane topologies? Recent data show that many membrane proteins fold and oligomerize very efficiently in media that bear little similarity to a membrane, casting doubt on the essentiality of many bilayer constraints. In the following discussion, we argue that some of the features of bilayers may contribute to protein folding, stability and regulation, but they are not required for the basic three-dimensional structure to be achieved. This idea, if correct, would imply that evolution has steered membrane proteins toward an accommodation to biosynthetic pathways and a good fit into their environment, but that their folding is not driven by the latter or dictated by insertion apparatuses. In other words, the three-dimensional structure of membrane proteins is essentially determined by intramolecular interactions and not by bilayer constraints and insertion pathways. Implications are discussed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jean-Luc Popot
- Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique/Université Paris-7 UMR 7099 , Institut de Biologie Physico-Chimique (FRC 550), 13, rue Pierre-et-Marie-Curie, F-75005 Paris, France
| | - Donald M Engelman
- Department of Molecular Biophysics and Biochemistry, Yale University , Box 208114, New Haven, Connecticut 06520-8114, United States
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Henrich E, Hein C, Dötsch V, Bernhard F. Membrane protein production in Escherichia coli cell-free lysates. FEBS Lett 2015; 589:1713-22. [PMID: 25937121 DOI: 10.1016/j.febslet.2015.04.045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2015] [Revised: 04/17/2015] [Accepted: 04/21/2015] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Cell-free protein production has become a core technology in the rapidly spreading field of synthetic biology. In particular the synthesis of membrane proteins, highly problematic proteins in conventional cellular production systems, is an ideal application for cell-free expression. A large variety of artificial as well as natural environments for the optimal co-translational folding and stabilization of membrane proteins can rationally be designed. The high success rate of cell-free membrane protein production allows to focus on individually selected targets and to modulate their functional and structural properties with appropriate supplements. The efficiency and robustness of lysates from Escherichia coli strains allow a wide diversity of applications and we summarize current strategies for the successful production of high quality membrane protein samples.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Erik Henrich
- Institute of Biophysical Chemistry, Centre for Biomolecular Magnetic Resonance, J.W. Goethe-University, Frankfurt-am-Main, Germany
| | - Christopher Hein
- Institute of Biophysical Chemistry, Centre for Biomolecular Magnetic Resonance, J.W. Goethe-University, Frankfurt-am-Main, Germany
| | - Volker Dötsch
- Institute of Biophysical Chemistry, Centre for Biomolecular Magnetic Resonance, J.W. Goethe-University, Frankfurt-am-Main, Germany
| | - Frank Bernhard
- Institute of Biophysical Chemistry, Centre for Biomolecular Magnetic Resonance, J.W. Goethe-University, Frankfurt-am-Main, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Folding and stability of integral membrane proteins in amphipols. Arch Biochem Biophys 2014; 564:327-43. [PMID: 25449655 DOI: 10.1016/j.abb.2014.10.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2014] [Revised: 10/11/2014] [Accepted: 10/22/2014] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Amphipols (APols) are a family of amphipathic polymers designed to keep transmembrane proteins (TMPs) soluble in aqueous solutions in the absence of detergent. APols have proven remarkably efficient at (i) stabilizing TMPs, as compared to detergent solutions, and (ii) folding them from a denatured state to a native, functional one. The underlying physical-chemical mechanisms are discussed.
Collapse
|
14
|
How Amphipols Embed Membrane Proteins: Global Solvent Accessibility and Interaction with a Flexible Protein Terminus. J Membr Biol 2014; 247:965-70. [DOI: 10.1007/s00232-014-9657-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2014] [Accepted: 03/07/2014] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
|
15
|
Abstract
Amphipols (APols) are short amphipathic polymers that can substitute for detergents at the transmembrane surface of membrane proteins (MPs) and, thereby, keep them soluble in detergent free aqueous solutions. APol-trapped MPs are, as a rule, more stable biochemically than their detergent-solubilized counterparts. APols have proven useful to produce MPs, most noticeably by assisting their folding from the denatured state obtained after solubilizing MP inclusion bodies in either SDS or urea. They facilitate the handling in aqueous solution of fragile MPs for the purpose of proteomics, structural and functional studies, and therapeutics. Because APols can be chemically labeled or functionalized, and they form very stable complexes with MPs, they can also be used to functionalize those indirectly, which opens onto many novel applications. Following a brief recall of the properties of APols and MP/APol complexes, an update is provided of recent progress in these various fields.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Manuela Zoonens
- Laboratoire de Physico-Chimie Moléculaire des Protéines Membranaires, UMR 7099, Institut de Biologie Physico-Chimique (FRC 550), Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique/Université Paris-7, 13, rue Pierre-et-Marie-Curie, 75005 Paris, France
| | - Jean-Luc Popot
- Laboratoire de Physico-Chimie Moléculaire des Protéines Membranaires, UMR 7099, Institut de Biologie Physico-Chimique (FRC 550), Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique/Université Paris-7, 13, rue Pierre-et-Marie-Curie, 75005 Paris, France
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Polovinkin V, Balandin T, Volkov O, Round E, Borshchevskiy V, Utrobin P, von Stetten D, Royant A, Willbold D, Arzumanyan G, Chupin V, Popot JL, Gordeliy V. Nanoparticle Surface-Enhanced Raman Scattering of Bacteriorhodopsin Stabilized by Amphipol A8-35. J Membr Biol 2014; 247:971-80. [DOI: 10.1007/s00232-014-9701-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2014] [Accepted: 06/16/2014] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
|
17
|
Long-term stability of a vaccine formulated with the amphipol-trapped major outer membrane protein from Chlamydia trachomatis. J Membr Biol 2014; 247:1053-65. [PMID: 24942817 DOI: 10.1007/s00232-014-9693-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2014] [Accepted: 05/23/2014] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
Chlamydia trachomatis is a major bacterial pathogen throughout the world. Although antibiotic therapy can be implemented in the case of early detection, a majority of the infections are asymptomatic, requiring the development of preventive measures. Efforts have focused on the production of a vaccine using the C. trachomatis major outer membrane protein (MOMP). MOMP is purified in its native (n) trimeric form using the zwitterionic detergent Z3-14, but its stability in detergent solutions is limited. Amphipols (APols) are synthetic polymers that can stabilize membrane proteins (MPs) in detergent-free aqueous solutions. Preservation of protein structure and optimization of exposure of the most effective antigenic regions can avoid vaccination with misfolded, poorly protective protein. Previously, we showed that APols maintain nMOMP secondary structure and that nMOMP/APol vaccine formulations elicit better protection than formulations using either recombinant or nMOMP solubilized in Z3-14. To achieve a greater understanding of the structural behavior and stability of nMOMP in APols, we have used several spectroscopic techniques to characterize its secondary structure (circular dichroism), tertiary and quaternary structures (immunochemistry and gel electrophoresis) and aggregation state (light scattering) as a function of temperature and time. We have also recorded NMR spectra of (15)N-labeled nMOMP and find that the exposed loops are detectable in APols but not in detergent. Our analyses show that APols protect nMOMP much better than Z3-14 against denaturation due to continuous heating, repeated freeze/thaw cycles, or extended storage at room temperature. These results indicate that APols can help improve MP-based vaccine formulations.
Collapse
|
18
|
Planchard N, Point É, Dahmane T, Giusti F, Renault M, Le Bon C, Durand G, Milon A, Guittet É, Zoonens M, Popot JL, Catoire LJ. The use of amphipols for solution NMR studies of membrane proteins: advantages and constraints as compared to other solubilizing media. J Membr Biol 2014; 247:827-42. [PMID: 24676477 DOI: 10.1007/s00232-014-9654-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2013] [Accepted: 03/07/2014] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
Solution-state nuclear magnetic resonance studies of membrane proteins are facilitated by the increased stability that trapping with amphipols confers to most of them as compared to detergent solutions. They have yielded information on the state of folding of the proteins, their areas of contact with the polymer, their dynamics, water accessibility, and the structure of protein-bound ligands. They benefit from the diversification of amphipol chemical structures and the availability of deuterated amphipols. The advantages and constraints of working with amphipols are discussed and compared to those associated with other non-conventional environments, such as bicelles and nanodiscs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Noelya Planchard
- Laboratoire de Biologie Physico-Chimique des Protéines Membranaires, Institut de Biologie Physico-Chimique (FRC 550), UMR 7099, CNRS, Université Paris 7, 13 rue Pierre et Marie Curie, 75005, Paris, France
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
19
|
Giusti F, Rieger J, Catoire LJ, Qian S, Calabrese AN, Watkinson TG, Casiraghi M, Radford SE, Ashcroft AE, Popot JL. Synthesis, characterization and applications of a perdeuterated amphipol. J Membr Biol 2014; 247:909-24. [PMID: 24652511 DOI: 10.1007/s00232-014-9656-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2014] [Accepted: 03/07/2014] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Amphipols are short amphipathic polymers that can substitute for detergents at the hydrophobic surface of membrane proteins (MPs), keeping them soluble in the absence of detergents while stabilizing them. The most widely used amphipol, known as A8-35, is comprised of a polyacrylic acid (PAA) main chain grafted with octylamine and isopropylamine. Among its many applications, A8-35 has proven particularly useful for solution-state NMR studies of MPs, for which it can be desirable to eliminate signals originating from the protons of the surfactant. In the present work, we describe the synthesis and properties of perdeuterated A8-35 (perDAPol). Perdeuterated PAA was obtained by radical polymerization of deuterated acrylic acid. It was subsequently grafted with deuterated amines, yielding perDAPol. The number-average molar mass of hydrogenated and perDAPol, ~4 and ~5 kDa, respectively, was deduced from that of their PAA precursors, determined by size exclusion chromatography in tetrahydrofuran following permethylation. Electrospray ionization-ion mobility spectrometry-mass spectrometry measurements show the molar mass and distribution of the two APols to be very similar. Upon neutron scattering, the contrast match point of perDAPol is found to be ~120% D2O. In (1)H-(1)H nuclear overhauser effect NMR spectra, its contribution is reduced to ~6% of that of hydrogenated A8-35, making it suitable for extended uses in NMR spectroscopy. PerDAPol ought to also be of use for inelastic neutron scattering studies of the dynamics of APol-trapped MPs, as well as small-angle neutron scattering and analytical ultracentrifugation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Fabrice Giusti
- Laboratoire de Physico-Chimie Moléculaire des Membranes Biologiques, UMR 7099, Institut de Biologie Physico-Chimique (FRC 550), Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique and Université Paris-7, 13 rue Pierre et Marie Curie, 75005, Paris, France
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|