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Peter MF, Ruland JA, Kim Y, Hendricks P, Schneberger N, Siebrasse JP, Thomas GH, Kubitscheck U, Hagelueken G. Conformational coupling of the sialic acid TRAP transporter HiSiaQM with its substrate binding protein HiSiaP. Nat Commun 2024; 15:217. [PMID: 38191530 PMCID: PMC10774421 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-44327-3] [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: 03/03/2023] [Accepted: 12/08/2023] [Indexed: 01/10/2024] Open
Abstract
The tripartite ATP-independent periplasmic (TRAP) transporters use an extra cytoplasmic substrate binding protein (SBP) to transport a wide variety of substrates in bacteria and archaea. The SBP can adopt an open- or closed state depending on the presence of substrate. The two transmembrane domains of TRAP transporters form a monomeric elevator whose function is strictly dependent on the presence of a sodium ion gradient. Insights from experimental structures, structural predictions and molecular modeling have suggested a conformational coupling between the membrane elevator and the substrate binding protein. Here, we use a disulfide engineering approach to lock the TRAP transporter HiSiaPQM from Haemophilus influenzae in different conformational states. The SBP, HiSiaP, is locked in its substrate-bound form and the transmembrane elevator, HiSiaQM, is locked in either its assumed inward- or outward-facing states. We characterize the disulfide-locked constructs and use single-molecule total internal reflection fluorescence (TIRF) microscopy to study their interactions. Our experiments demonstrate that the SBP and the transmembrane elevator are indeed conformationally coupled, meaning that the open and closed state of the SBP recognize specific conformational states of the transporter and vice versa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin F Peter
- Institute of Structural Biology, University of Bonn, Venusberg-Campus 1, 53127, Bonn, Germany
- Biochemistry Center, Heidelberg University, Im Neuenheimer Feld 328, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Jan A Ruland
- Clausius Institute for Physical and Theoretical Chemistry, University of Bonn, Wegelerstr. 12, 53115, Bonn, Germany
| | - Yeojin Kim
- Institute of Structural Biology, University of Bonn, Venusberg-Campus 1, 53127, Bonn, Germany
| | - Philipp Hendricks
- Institute of Structural Biology, University of Bonn, Venusberg-Campus 1, 53127, Bonn, Germany
| | - Niels Schneberger
- Institute of Structural Biology, University of Bonn, Venusberg-Campus 1, 53127, Bonn, Germany
| | - Jan Peter Siebrasse
- Clausius Institute for Physical and Theoretical Chemistry, University of Bonn, Wegelerstr. 12, 53115, Bonn, Germany
| | - Gavin H Thomas
- Department of Biology (Area 10), University of York, York, YO10 5YW, UK
| | - Ulrich Kubitscheck
- Clausius Institute for Physical and Theoretical Chemistry, University of Bonn, Wegelerstr. 12, 53115, Bonn, Germany
| | - Gregor Hagelueken
- Institute of Structural Biology, University of Bonn, Venusberg-Campus 1, 53127, Bonn, Germany.
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2
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Topor CV, Puiu M, Bala C. Strategies for Surface Design in Surface Plasmon Resonance (SPR) Sensing. BIOSENSORS 2023; 13:bios13040465. [PMID: 37185540 PMCID: PMC10136606 DOI: 10.3390/bios13040465] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2023] [Revised: 03/31/2023] [Accepted: 04/05/2023] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
Surface plasmon resonance (SPR) comprises several surface-sensitive techniques that enable the trace and ultra-trace detection of various analytes through affinity pairing. Although enabling label-free, sensitive detection and real-time monitoring, several issues remain to be addressed, such as poor stability, non-specific adsorption and the loss of operational activity of biomolecules. In this review, the progress over sensor modification, immobilization techniques and novel 2D nanomaterials, gold nanostructures and magnetic nanoparticles for signal amplification is discussed. The advantages and disadvantages of each design strategy will be provided together with some of the recent achievements.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristina-Virginia Topor
- Department of Analytical and Physical Chemistry, University of Bucharest, 4-12 Regina Elisabeta Blvd., 030018 Bucharest, Romania
- R&D Center LaborQ, University of Bucharest, 4-12 Regina Elisabeta Blvd., 030018 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Mihaela Puiu
- Department of Analytical and Physical Chemistry, University of Bucharest, 4-12 Regina Elisabeta Blvd., 030018 Bucharest, Romania
- R&D Center LaborQ, University of Bucharest, 4-12 Regina Elisabeta Blvd., 030018 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Camelia Bala
- Department of Analytical and Physical Chemistry, University of Bucharest, 4-12 Regina Elisabeta Blvd., 030018 Bucharest, Romania
- R&D Center LaborQ, University of Bucharest, 4-12 Regina Elisabeta Blvd., 030018 Bucharest, Romania
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3
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Peter MF, Ruland JA, Depping P, Schneberger N, Severi E, Moecking J, Gatterdam K, Tindall S, Durand A, Heinz V, Siebrasse JP, Koenig PA, Geyer M, Ziegler C, Kubitscheck U, Thomas GH, Hagelueken G. Structural and mechanistic analysis of a tripartite ATP-independent periplasmic TRAP transporter. Nat Commun 2022; 13:4471. [PMID: 35927235 PMCID: PMC9352664 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-31907-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2022] [Accepted: 07/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Tripartite ATP-independent periplasmic (TRAP) transporters are found widely in bacteria and archaea and consist of three structural domains, a soluble substrate-binding protein (P-domain), and two transmembrane domains (Q- and M-domains). HiSiaPQM and its homologs are TRAP transporters for sialic acid and are essential for host colonization by pathogenic bacteria. Here, we reconstitute HiSiaQM into lipid nanodiscs and use cryo-EM to reveal the structure of a TRAP transporter. It is composed of 16 transmembrane helices that are unexpectedly structurally related to multimeric elevator-type transporters. The idiosyncratic Q-domain of TRAP transporters enables the formation of a monomeric elevator architecture. A model of the tripartite PQM complex is experimentally validated and reveals the coupling of the substrate-binding protein to the transporter domains. We use single-molecule total internal reflection fluorescence (TIRF) microscopy in solid-supported lipid bilayers and surface plasmon resonance to study the formation of the tripartite complex and to investigate the impact of interface mutants. Furthermore, we characterize high-affinity single variable domains on heavy chain (VHH) antibodies that bind to the periplasmic side of HiSiaQM and inhibit sialic acid uptake, providing insight into how TRAP transporter function might be inhibited in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin F Peter
- Institute of Structural Biology, University of Bonn, Venusberg-Campus 1, 53127, Bonn, Germany
| | - Jan A Ruland
- Institute for Physical und Theoretical Chemistry, University of Bonn, Wegelerstr. 12, 53127, Bonn, Germany
| | - Peer Depping
- Institute of Structural Biology, University of Bonn, Venusberg-Campus 1, 53127, Bonn, Germany
- Aston Centre for Membrane Proteins and Lipids Research, Aston St., B4 7ET, Birmingham, UK
| | - Niels Schneberger
- Institute of Structural Biology, University of Bonn, Venusberg-Campus 1, 53127, Bonn, Germany
| | - Emmanuele Severi
- Department of Biology (Area 10), University of York, York, YO10 5YW, UK
- Biosciences Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle, NE2 4HH, UK
| | - Jonas Moecking
- Institute of Structural Biology, University of Bonn, Venusberg-Campus 1, 53127, Bonn, Germany
| | - Karl Gatterdam
- Institute of Structural Biology, University of Bonn, Venusberg-Campus 1, 53127, Bonn, Germany
| | - Sarah Tindall
- Department of Biology (Area 10), University of York, York, YO10 5YW, UK
| | - Alexandre Durand
- Institut de Génétique et de Biologie Molecule et Cellulaire, 1 Rue Laurent Fries, 67404, Illkirch Cedex, France
| | - Veronika Heinz
- Institute of Biophysics and Biophysical Chemistry, University of Regensburg, Universitätsstr. 31, 93053, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Jan Peter Siebrasse
- Institute for Physical und Theoretical Chemistry, University of Bonn, Wegelerstr. 12, 53127, Bonn, Germany
| | - Paul-Albert Koenig
- Core Facility Nanobodies, University of Bonn, Venusberg-Campus 1, 53127, Bonn, Germany
| | - Matthias Geyer
- Institute of Structural Biology, University of Bonn, Venusberg-Campus 1, 53127, Bonn, Germany
| | - Christine Ziegler
- Institute of Biophysics and Biophysical Chemistry, University of Regensburg, Universitätsstr. 31, 93053, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Ulrich Kubitscheck
- Institute for Physical und Theoretical Chemistry, University of Bonn, Wegelerstr. 12, 53127, Bonn, Germany
| | - Gavin H Thomas
- Department of Biology (Area 10), University of York, York, YO10 5YW, UK
| | - Gregor Hagelueken
- Institute of Structural Biology, University of Bonn, Venusberg-Campus 1, 53127, Bonn, Germany.
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4
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Kowalska M, Bąchor R. Catch, Modify and Analyze: Methods of Chemoselective Modification of Cysteine-Containing Peptides. Molecules 2022; 27:molecules27051601. [PMID: 35268701 PMCID: PMC8911932 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27051601] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2022] [Revised: 02/17/2022] [Accepted: 02/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
One effective solution in the analysis of complex mixtures, including protein or cell hydrolysates, is based on chemoselective derivatization of a selected group of compounds by using selective tags to facilitate detection. Another method is based on the capture of the desired compounds by properly designed solid supports, resulting in sample enrichment. Cysteine is one of the rarest amino acids, but at least one cysteine residue is present in more than 91% of human proteins, which clearly confirms its important role in biological systems. Some cysteine-containing peptides may serve as significant molecular biomarkers, which may emerge as key indices in the management of patients with particular diseases. In the current review, we describe recent advances in the development of cysteine-containing peptide modification techniques based on solution and solid phase derivatization and enrichment strategies.
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Sampson CDD, Stewart MJ, Mindell JA, Mulligan C. Solvent accessibility changes in a Na +-dependent C 4-dicarboxylate transporter suggest differential substrate effects in a multistep mechanism. J Biol Chem 2020; 295:18524-18538. [PMID: 33087444 PMCID: PMC7939474 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.ra120.013894] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2020] [Revised: 10/06/2020] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
The divalent anion sodium symporter (DASS) family (SLC13) plays critical roles in metabolic homeostasis, influencing many processes, including fatty acid synthesis, insulin resistance, and adiposity. DASS transporters catalyze the Na+-driven concentrative uptake of Krebs cycle intermediates and sulfate into cells; disrupting their function can protect against age-related metabolic diseases and can extend lifespan. An inward-facing crystal structure and an outward-facing model of a bacterial DASS family member, VcINDY from Vibrio cholerae, predict an elevator-like transport mechanism involving a large rigid body movement of the substrate-binding site. How substrate binding influences the conformational state of VcINDY is currently unknown. Here, we probe the interaction between substrate binding and protein conformation by monitoring substrate-induced solvent accessibility changes of broadly distributed positions in VcINDY using a site-specific alkylation strategy. Our findings reveal that accessibility to all positions tested is modulated by the presence of substrates, with the majority becoming less accessible in the presence of saturating concentrations of both Na+ and succinate. We also observe separable effects of Na+ and succinate binding at several positions suggesting distinct effects of the two substrates. Furthermore, accessibility changes to a solely succinate-sensitive position suggests that substrate binding is a low-affinity, ordered process. Mapping these accessibility changes onto the structures of VcINDY suggests that Na+ binding drives the transporter into an as-yet-unidentified conformational state, involving rearrangement of the substrate-binding site-associated re-entrant hairpin loops. These findings provide insight into the mechanism of VcINDY, which is currently the only structurally characterized representative of the entire DASS family.
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Affiliation(s)
- Connor D D Sampson
- School of Biosciences, University of Kent, Canterbury, Kent, United Kingdom
| | - Matthew J Stewart
- School of Biosciences, University of Kent, Canterbury, Kent, United Kingdom
| | - Joseph A Mindell
- Membrane Transport Biophysics Section, Porter Neuroscience Research Center, NINDS, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
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Gupta K, Toombes GE, Swartz KJ. Exploring structural dynamics of a membrane protein by combining bioorthogonal chemistry and cysteine mutagenesis. eLife 2019; 8:50776. [PMID: 31714877 PMCID: PMC6850778 DOI: 10.7554/elife.50776] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2019] [Accepted: 10/11/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The functional mechanisms of membrane proteins are extensively investigated with cysteine mutagenesis. To complement cysteine-based approaches, we engineered a membrane protein with thiol-independent crosslinkable groups using azidohomoalanine (AHA), a non-canonical methionine analogue containing an azide group that can selectively react with cycloalkynes through a strain-promoted azide-alkyne cycloaddition (SPAAC) reaction. We demonstrate that AHA can be readily incorporated into the Shaker Kv channel in place of methionine residues and modified with azide-reactive alkyne probes in Xenopus oocytes. Using voltage-clamp fluorometry, we show that AHA incorporation permits site-specific fluorescent labeling to track voltage-dependent conformational changes similar to cysteine-based methods. By combining AHA incorporation and cysteine mutagenesis in an orthogonal manner, we were able to site-specifically label the Shaker Kv channel with two different fluorophores simultaneously. Our results identify a facile and straightforward approach for chemical modification of membrane proteins with bioorthogonal chemistry to explore their structure-function relationships in live cells. Living cells can sense cues from their environment via molecules located at the interface between the inside and the outside of the cell. These molecules are mostly proteins and are made up of building blocks known as amino acids. To understand how these proteins work, fluorescent probes can be attached to amino acids within them – which can then tell when different parts of proteins move in response to a signal. Scientists often target fluorescent probes at the amino acid cysteine, because it has a chemically reactive side group and is rare enough so that unique positions can be labeled in the protein of interest. However, being able to target other amino acids would allow scientists to ask, and potentially solve, more precise questions about these proteins. Methionine is another amino acid that has a low abundance in most proteins. Previous research has shown that the cell’s normal protein-building machinery can incorporate synthetic versions of methionine into proteins. This suggested that the introduction of chemically reactive alternatives to methionine could offer a way to label membrane proteins with fluorescent probes and free up the cysteines to be targeted with other approaches. Gupta et al. set out to develop a straightforward method to achieve this and started with a well-studied membrane protein, called Shaker, and cells from female African clawed frogs, which are widely used to study membrane proteins. Gupta et al. found that the cells could readily take up a chemically reactive methionine alternative called azidohomoalanine (AHA) from their surrounding solution and incorporate it within the Shaker protein. The AHA took the place of the methionines that are normally found in Shaker, and just like in cysteine-based methods, fluorescent probes could be easily attached to the AHAs in this membrane protein. Shaker is a protein that allows potassium ions to flow across the cell membrane by changing shape in response to the membrane voltage. The fluorescence from those probes also changed with the membrane voltage in a way that was comparable to cysteine-mediated approaches. This indicated that the AHA modification could also be used to track structural changes in the Shaker protein. Finally, Gupta et al. showed that AHA- and cysteine-mediated labeling approaches could be combined to attach two different fluorescent probes onto the Shaker protein. This method will expand the toolbox for researchers studying the relationship between the structure and function of membrane proteins in live cells. In future, it could be applied more widely once the properties of the fluorescent probes for AHA-mediated labeling can be optimized.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kanchan Gupta
- Molecular Physiology and Biophysics Section, Porter Neuroscience Research Center, National Institute of Neurological Diseases and Stroke, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, United States
| | - Gilman Es Toombes
- Molecular Physiology and Biophysics Section, Porter Neuroscience Research Center, National Institute of Neurological Diseases and Stroke, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, United States
| | - Kenton J Swartz
- Molecular Physiology and Biophysics Section, Porter Neuroscience Research Center, National Institute of Neurological Diseases and Stroke, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, United States
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7
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Kumar S, Ruiz N. Probing Conformational States of a Target Protein in Escherichia coli Cells by in vivo Cysteine Cross-linking Coupled with Proteolytic Gel Analysis. Bio Protoc 2019; 9:e3271. [PMID: 33654790 DOI: 10.21769/bioprotoc.3271] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2019] [Revised: 05/23/2019] [Accepted: 05/27/2019] [Indexed: 11/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Transporters are dynamic membrane proteins that are essential to the physiology of cells. To function, transporters must cycle between various conformational states, so to understand their mechanistic details, it is critical to characterize how their structure changes during the transport cycle. One approach to studying the dynamics of transporters takes advantage of the chemistry of cysteine by using sulfhydryl-reactive, bi-functional cross-linkers to probe changes in the distance between two specific residues that have been substituted to cysteine. This approach is mostly used to study transporters in vitro, not in their natural cellular environment. Here we describe a protocol based on structure-guided cysteine cross-linking and proteolysis-coupled gel analysis to probe conformational changes of a target transporter in live Escherichia coli cells. Although cross-linking approaches have been used to probe the proximity between transmembrane segments in membrane proteins in vivo, to our knowledge this protocol is the first to be used to interrogate transporter dynamics in cells. The use of this protocol is optimal for proteins with known or modeled structures to guide the replacement of specific residues with cysteines and the selection of cross-linking agents with various spacer arm lengths. This protocol allows for discriminating easily cross-linked and uncross-linked species and does not require the often difficult or unavailable reconstitution of transport activity in an in vitro system. In addition, this protocol could be used to probe the conformation of transporters in cells treated with transport inhibitors in order to better understand their mechanism of action, and potentially dynamic interactions between domains in proteins that are not transporters.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sujeet Kumar
- Department of Microbiology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA
| | - Natividad Ruiz
- Department of Microbiology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA
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Chang YN, Jaumann EA, Reichel K, Hartmann J, Oliver D, Hummer G, Joseph B, Geertsma ER. Structural basis for functional interactions in dimers of SLC26 transporters. Nat Commun 2019; 10:2032. [PMID: 31048734 PMCID: PMC6497670 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-019-10001-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2018] [Accepted: 04/13/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The SLC26 family of transporters maintains anion equilibria in all kingdoms of life. The family shares a 7 + 7 transmembrane segments inverted repeat architecture with the SLC4 and SLC23 families, but holds a regulatory STAS domain in addition. While the only experimental SLC26 structure is monomeric, SLC26 proteins form structural and functional dimers in the lipid membrane. Here we resolve the structure of an SLC26 dimer embedded in a lipid membrane and characterize its functional relevance by combining PELDOR/DEER distance measurements and biochemical studies with MD simulations and spin-label ensemble refinement. Our structural model reveals a unique interface different from the SLC4 and SLC23 families. The functionally relevant STAS domain is no prerequisite for dimerization. Characterization of heterodimers indicates that protomers in the dimer functionally interact. The combined structural and functional data define the framework for a mechanistic understanding of functional cooperativity in SLC26 dimers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yung-Ning Chang
- Institute of Biochemistry, Biocenter, Goethe University Frankfurt, Max-von-Laue Str. 9, 60438, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Eva A Jaumann
- Institute of Physical and Theoretical Chemistry, Goethe University Frankfurt, Max-von-Laue Str. 7, 60438, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Katrin Reichel
- Department of Theoretical Biophysics, Max Planck Institute of Biophysics, Max-von-Laue Str. 3, 60438, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Julia Hartmann
- Department of Neurophysiology, Institute of Physiology and Pathophysiology, Philipps University, 35037, Marburg, Germany
| | - Dominik Oliver
- Department of Neurophysiology, Institute of Physiology and Pathophysiology, Philipps University, 35037, Marburg, Germany.,DFG Research Training Group, Membrane Plasticity in Tissue Development and Remodeling, Philipps University, GRK 2213, Philipps, Germany
| | - Gerhard Hummer
- Department of Theoretical Biophysics, Max Planck Institute of Biophysics, Max-von-Laue Str. 3, 60438, Frankfurt am Main, Germany. .,Institute of Biophysics, Goethe University Frankfurt, Max-von-Laue Str. 1, 60438, Frankfurt am Main, Germany.
| | - Benesh Joseph
- Institute of Physical and Theoretical Chemistry, Goethe University Frankfurt, Max-von-Laue Str. 7, 60438, Frankfurt am Main, Germany. .,Institute of Biophysics, Goethe University Frankfurt, Max-von-Laue Str. 1, 60438, Frankfurt am Main, Germany.
| | - Eric R Geertsma
- Institute of Biochemistry, Biocenter, Goethe University Frankfurt, Max-von-Laue Str. 9, 60438, Frankfurt am Main, Germany.
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Kumar S, Rubino FA, Mendoza AG, Ruiz N. The bacterial lipid II flippase MurJ functions by an alternating-access mechanism. J Biol Chem 2018; 294:981-990. [PMID: 30482840 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.ra118.006099] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2018] [Revised: 11/14/2018] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
The peptidoglycan (PG) cell wall is an essential extracytoplasmic glycopeptide polymer that safeguards bacteria against osmotic lysis and determines cellular morphology. Bacteria use multiprotein machineries for the synthesis of the PG cell wall during cell division and elongation that can be targeted by antibiotics such as the β-lactams. Lipid II, the lipid-linked precursor for PG biogenesis, is synthesized in the inner leaflet of the cytoplasmic membrane and then translocated across the bilayer, where it is ultimately polymerized into PG. In Escherichia coli, MurJ, a member of the MOP exporter superfamily, has been recently shown to have lipid II flippase activity that depends on membrane potential. Because of its essentiality, MurJ could potentially be targeted by much needed novel antibiotics. Recent structural information suggests that a central cavity in MurJ alternates between inward- and outward-open conformations to flip lipid II, but how these conformational changes occur are unknown. Here, we utilized structure-guided cysteine cross-linking and proteolysis-coupled gel analysis to probe the conformational changes of MurJ in E. coli cells. We found that paired cysteine substitutions in transmembrane domains 2 and 8 and periplasmic loops of MurJ could be cross-linked with homobifunctional cysteine cross-linkers, indicating that MurJ can adopt both inward- and outward-facing conformations in vivo Furthermore, we show that dissipating the membrane potential with an ionophore decreases the prevalence of the inward-facing, but not the outward-facing state. Our study provides in vivo evidence that MurJ uses an alternating-access mechanism during the lipid II transport cycle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sujeet Kumar
- From the Department of Microbiology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio 43210 and
| | - Frederick A Rubino
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02138
| | - Alicia G Mendoza
- From the Department of Microbiology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio 43210 and
| | - Natividad Ruiz
- From the Department of Microbiology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio 43210 and
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