1
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Roy RK, Bera A, Patra N. Insights into Allosteric Inhibition of the AcrB Efflux Pump: Role of Distinct Binding Pockets, Protomer Preferences, and Crosstalk Disruption. J Chem Inf Model 2024; 64:5964-5976. [PMID: 39011748 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jcim.4c00306] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/17/2024]
Abstract
AcrB, a key component in bacterial efflux processes, exhibits distinct binding pockets that influence inhibitor interactions. In addition to the well-known distal binding pocket within the periplasmic domain, a noteworthy pocket amidst the transmembrane (TM) helices serves as an alternate binding site for inhibitors. The bacterial efflux mechanism involves a pivotal functional rotation of the TM protein, inducing conformational changes in each protomer and propelling drugs toward the outer membrane domain. Surprisingly, inhibitors binding to the TM domain display a preference for L protomers over T protomers. Metadynamics simulations elucidate that Lys940 in the TM domain of AcrB can adopt two conformations in L protomers, whereas the energy barrier for such transitions is higher in T protomers. This phenomenon results in stable inhibitor binding in l protomers. Upon a detailed analysis of unbinding pathways using random accelerated molecular dynamics and umbrella sampling, we have identified three distinct routes for ligand exit from the allosteric site, specifically involving regions within the TM domains─TM4, TM5, and TM10. To explore allosteric crosstalk, we focused on the following key residues: Val452 from the TM domain and Ala831 from the porter domain. Surprisingly, our findings reveal that inhibitor binding disrupts this communication. The shortest path connecting Val452 and Ala831 increases upon inhibitor binding, suggesting sabotage of the natural interdomain communication dynamics. This result highlights the intricate interplay between inhibitor binding and allosteric signaling within our studied system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rakesh Kumar Roy
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Indian Institute of Technology (ISM) Dhanbad, Dhanbad 826004, India
| | - Abhishek Bera
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Indian Institute of Technology (ISM) Dhanbad, Dhanbad 826004, India
| | - Niladri Patra
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Indian Institute of Technology (ISM) Dhanbad, Dhanbad 826004, India
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2
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Krishna NB, Roopa L, Pravin Kumar R, S GT. Computational studies on the catalytic potential of the double active site for enzyme engineering. Sci Rep 2024; 14:17892. [PMID: 39095391 PMCID: PMC11297320 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-60824-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2023] [Accepted: 04/27/2024] [Indexed: 08/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Proteins possessing double active sites have the potential to revolutionise enzyme design strategies. This study extensively explored an enzyme that contains both a natural active site (NAS) and an engineered active site (EAS), focusing on understanding its structural and functional properties. Metadynamics simulations were employed to investigate how substrates interacted with their respective active sites. The results revealed that both the NAS and EAS exhibited similar minimum energy states, indicating comparable binding affinities. However, it became apparent that the EAS had a weaker binding site for the substrate due to its smaller pocket and constrained conformation. Interestingly, the EAS also displayed dynamic behaviour, with the substrate observed to move outside the pocket, suggesting the possibility of substrate translocation. To gain further insights, steered molecular dynamics (SMD) simulations were conducted to study the conformational changes of the substrate and its interactions with catalytic residues. Notably, the substrate adopted distinct conformations, including near-attack conformations, in both the EAS and NAS. Nevertheless, the NAS demonstrated superior binding minima for the substrate compared to the EAS, reinforcing the observation that the engineered active site was less favourable for substrate binding due to its limitations. The QM/MM (Quantum mechanics and molecular mechanics) analyses highlight the energy disparity between NAS and EAS. Specifically, EAS exhibited elevated energy levels due to its engineered active site being located on the surface. This positioning exposes the substrate to solvents and water molecules, adding to the energy challenge. Consequently, the engineered enzyme did not provide a significant advantage in substrate binding over the single active site protein. Further, the investigation of internal channels and tunnels within the protein shed light on the pathways facilitating transport between the two active sites. By unravelling the complex dynamics and functional characteristics of this double-active site protein, this study offers valuable insights into novel strategies of enzyme engineering. These findings establish a solid foundation for future research endeavours aimed at harnessing the potential of double-active site proteins in diverse biotechnological applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naveen Banchallihundi Krishna
- Department of Computational Biology and AI, Kcat Enzymatic Private Limited, #16, Ramakrishnappa Road, Cox Town, Bangalore, 560005, India
- Department of Biotechnology and Bioinformatics, JSS Academy of Higher Education and Research, Mysuru, 570015, India
| | - Lalitha Roopa
- Department of Computational Biology and AI, Kcat Enzymatic Private Limited, #16, Ramakrishnappa Road, Cox Town, Bangalore, 560005, India
| | - R Pravin Kumar
- Department of Computational Biology and AI, Kcat Enzymatic Private Limited, #16, Ramakrishnappa Road, Cox Town, Bangalore, 560005, India.
| | - Gopenath T S
- Department of Biotechnology and Bioinformatics, JSS Academy of Higher Education and Research, Mysuru, 570015, India
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3
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Klenotic PA, Yu EW. Structural analysis of resistance-nodulation cell division transporters. Microbiol Mol Biol Rev 2024; 88:e0019823. [PMID: 38551344 PMCID: PMC11332337 DOI: 10.1128/mmbr.00198-23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
SUMMARYInfectious bacteria have both intrinsic and acquired mechanisms to combat harmful biocides that enter the cell. Through adaptive pressures, many of these pathogens have become resistant to many, if not all, of the current antibiotics used today to treat these often deadly infections. One prominent mechanism is the upregulation of efflux systems, especially the resistance-nodulation-cell division class of exporters. These tripartite systems consist of an inner membrane transporter coupled with a periplasmic adaptor protein and an outer membrane channel to efficiently transport a diverse array of substrates from inside the cell to the extracellular space. Detailed mechanistic insight into how these inner membrane transporters recognize and shuttle their substrates can ultimately inform both new antibiotic and efflux pump inhibitor design. This review examines the structural basis of substrate recognition of these pumps and the molecular mechanisms underlying multidrug extrusion, which in turn mediate antimicrobial resistance in bacterial pathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philip A. Klenotic
- Department of Pharmacology, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - Edward W. Yu
- Department of Pharmacology, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
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4
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Gervasoni S, Mehla J, Bergen CR, Leus IV, Margiotta E, Malloci G, Bosin A, Vargiu AV, Lomovskaya O, Rybenkov VV, Ruggerone P, Zgurskaya HI. Molecular determinants of avoidance and inhibition of Pseudomonas aeruginosa MexB efflux pump. mBio 2023; 14:e0140323. [PMID: 37493633 PMCID: PMC10470492 DOI: 10.1128/mbio.01403-23] [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: 06/05/2023] [Accepted: 06/12/2023] [Indexed: 07/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Transporters of the resistance-nodulation-cell division (RND) superfamily of proteins are the dominant multidrug efflux power of Gram-negative bacteria. The major RND efflux pump of Pseudomonas aeruginosa is MexAB-OprM, in which the inner membrane transporter MexB is responsible for the recognition and binding of compounds. The high importance of this pump in clinical antibiotic resistance made it a subject of intense investigations and a promising target for the discovery of efflux pump inhibitors. This study is focused on a series of peptidomimetic compounds developed as effective inhibitors of MexAB-OprM. We performed multi-copy molecular dynamics simulations, machine-learning (ML) analyses, and site-directed mutagenesis of MexB to investigate interactions of MexB with representatives of efflux avoiders, substrates, and inhibitors. The analysis of both direct and water-mediated protein-ligand interactions revealed characteristic patterns for each class, highlighting significant differences between them. We found that efflux avoiders poorly interact with the access binding site of MexB, and inhibition engages amino acid residues that are not directly involved in binding and transport of substrates. In agreement, machine-learning models selected different residues predictive of MexB substrates and inhibitors. The differences in interactions were further validated by site-directed mutagenesis. We conclude that the substrate translocation and inhibition pathways of MexB split at the interface (between the main putative binding sites) and at the deep binding pocket and that interactions outside of the hydrophobic patch contribute to the inhibition of MexB. This molecular-level information could help in the rational design of new inhibitors and antibiotics less susceptible to the efflux mechanism. IMPORTANCE Multidrug transporters recognize and expel from cells a broad range of ligands including their own inhibitors. The difference between the substrate translocation and inhibition routes remains unclear. In this study, machine learning and computational and experimental approaches were used to understand dynamics of MexB interactions with its ligands. Our results show that some ligands engage a certain combination of polar and charged residues in MexB binding sites to be effectively expelled into the exit funnel, whereas others engage aromatic and hydrophobic residues that slow down or hinder the next step in the transporter cycle. These findings suggest that all MexB ligands fit into this substrate-inhibitor spectrum depending on their physico-chemical structures and properties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Gervasoni
- Department of Physics, University of Cagliari, Monserrato, Italy
| | - Jitender Mehla
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Oklahoma, Norman, Oklahoma, USA
| | - Charles R. Bergen
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Oklahoma, Norman, Oklahoma, USA
| | - Inga V. Leus
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Oklahoma, Norman, Oklahoma, USA
| | - Enrico Margiotta
- Department of Physics, University of Cagliari, Monserrato, Italy
| | - Giuliano Malloci
- Department of Physics, University of Cagliari, Monserrato, Italy
| | - Andrea Bosin
- Department of Physics, University of Cagliari, Monserrato, Italy
| | | | | | - Valentin V. Rybenkov
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Oklahoma, Norman, Oklahoma, USA
| | - Paolo Ruggerone
- Department of Physics, University of Cagliari, Monserrato, Italy
| | - Helen I. Zgurskaya
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Oklahoma, Norman, Oklahoma, USA
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5
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Trampari E, Prischi F, Vargiu AV, Abi-Assaf J, Bavro VN, Webber MA. Functionally distinct mutations within AcrB underpin antibiotic resistance in different lifestyles. NPJ ANTIMICROBIALS AND RESISTANCE 2023; 1:2. [PMID: 38686215 PMCID: PMC11057200 DOI: 10.1038/s44259-023-00001-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2022] [Accepted: 02/27/2023] [Indexed: 05/02/2024]
Abstract
Antibiotic resistance is a pressing healthcare challenge and is mediated by various mechanisms, including the active export of drugs via multidrug efflux systems, which prevent drug accumulation within the cell. Here, we studied how Salmonella evolved resistance to two key antibiotics, cefotaxime and azithromycin, when grown planktonically or as a biofilm. Resistance to both drugs emerged in both conditions and was associated with different substitutions within the efflux-associated transporter, AcrB. Azithromycin exposure selected for an R717L substitution, while cefotaxime for Q176K. Additional mutations in ramR or envZ accumulated concurrently with the R717L or Q176K substitutions respectively, resulting in clinical resistance to the selective antibiotics and cross-resistance to other drugs. Structural, genetic, and phenotypic analysis showed the two AcrB substitutions confer their benefits in profoundly different ways. R717L reduces steric barriers associated with transit through the substrate channel 2 of AcrB. Q176K increases binding energy for cefotaxime, improving recognition in the distal binding pocket, resulting in increased efflux efficiency. Finally, we show the R717 substitution is present in isolates recovered around the world.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eleftheria Trampari
- Quadram Institute Bioscience, Norwich Research Park, Norwich, Norfolk NR4 7UQ UK
| | - Filippo Prischi
- School of Life Sciences, University of Essex, Wivenhoe Park, Colchester, CO4 3SQ UK
| | - Attilio V. Vargiu
- Department of Physics, University of Cagliari, S. P. 8, km. 0.700, 09042 Monserrato, Italy
| | - Justin Abi-Assaf
- Quadram Institute Bioscience, Norwich Research Park, Norwich, Norfolk NR4 7UQ UK
| | - Vassiliy N. Bavro
- School of Life Sciences, University of Essex, Wivenhoe Park, Colchester, CO4 3SQ UK
| | - Mark A. Webber
- Quadram Institute Bioscience, Norwich Research Park, Norwich, Norfolk NR4 7UQ UK
- Medical School, University of East Anglia, Norwich Research Park, Norwich, Norfolk NR4 7UA UK
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6
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Athar M, Gervasoni S, Catte A, Basciu A, Malloci G, Ruggerone P, Vargiu AV. Tripartite efflux pumps of the RND superfamily: what did we learn from computational studies? MICROBIOLOGY (READING, ENGLAND) 2023; 169. [PMID: 36972322 DOI: 10.1099/mic.0.001307] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/29/2023]
Abstract
Bacterial resistance to antibiotics has been long recognized as a priority to address for human health. Among all micro-organisms, the so-called multi-drug resistant (MDR) bacteria, which are resistant to most, if not all drugs in our current arsenal, are particularly worrisome. The World Health Organization has prioritized the ESKAPE (Enterococcus faecium, Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Acinetobacter baumannii, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Enterobacter species) pathogens, which include four Gram-negative bacterial species. In these bacteria, active extrusion of antimicrobial compounds out of the cell by means of 'molecular guns' known as efflux pumps is a main determinant of MDR phenotypes. The resistance-nodulation-cell division (RND) superfamily of efflux pumps connecting the inner and outer membrane in Gram-negative bacteria is crucial to the onset of MDR and virulence, as well as biofilm formation. Thus, understanding the molecular basis of the interaction of antibiotics and inhibitors with these pumps is key to the design of more effective therapeutics. With the aim to contribute to this challenge, and complement and inspire experimental research, in silico studies on RND efflux pumps have flourished in recent decades. Here, we review a selection of such investigations addressing the main determinants behind the polyspecificity of these pumps, the mechanisms of substrate recognition, transport and inhibition, as well as the relevance of their assembly for proper functioning, and the role of protein-lipid interactions. The journey will end with a perspective on the role of computer simulations in addressing the challenges posed by these beautifully complex machineries and in supporting the fight against the spread of MDR bacteria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohd Athar
- Physics Department, University of Cagliari, Cittadella Universitaria, SP 8 km 0.700, 09042, Monserrato (CA), Italy
| | - Silvia Gervasoni
- Physics Department, University of Cagliari, Cittadella Universitaria, SP 8 km 0.700, 09042, Monserrato (CA), Italy
| | - Andrea Catte
- Physics Department, University of Cagliari, Cittadella Universitaria, SP 8 km 0.700, 09042, Monserrato (CA), Italy
| | - Andrea Basciu
- Physics Department, University of Cagliari, Cittadella Universitaria, SP 8 km 0.700, 09042, Monserrato (CA), Italy
| | - Giuliano Malloci
- Physics Department, University of Cagliari, Cittadella Universitaria, SP 8 km 0.700, 09042, Monserrato (CA), Italy
| | - Paolo Ruggerone
- Physics Department, University of Cagliari, Cittadella Universitaria, SP 8 km 0.700, 09042, Monserrato (CA), Italy
| | - Attilio Vittorio Vargiu
- Physics Department, University of Cagliari, Cittadella Universitaria, SP 8 km 0.700, 09042, Monserrato (CA), Italy
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7
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Afshinpour M, Mahdiuni H. Arginine transportation mechanism through cationic amino acid transporter 1: insights from molecular dynamics studies. J Biomol Struct Dyn 2023; 41:13580-13594. [PMID: 36762692 DOI: 10.1080/07391102.2023.2175374] [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: 07/21/2022] [Accepted: 01/28/2023] [Indexed: 02/11/2023]
Abstract
Metabolic and signaling mechanisms in mammalian cells are facilitated by the transportation of L-arginine (Arg) across the plasma membrane through cationic amino acid transporter (CAT) proteins. Due to a lack of argininosuccinate synthase (ASS) activity in various tumor cells such as acute myeloid leukemia, acute lymphocytic leukemia, and chronic lymphocytic leukemia, these tumor entities are arginine-auxotrophic and therefore depend on the uptake of the amino acid arginine. Cationic amino acid transporter-1 (CAT-1) is the leading arginine importer expressed in the aforementioned tumor entities. Hence, in the present study, to investigate the transportation mechanism of arginine in CAT-1, we performed molecular dynamics (MD) simulation methods on the modeled human CAT-1. The MM-PBSA approach was conducted to determine the critical residues interacting with arginine within the corresponding binding site of CAT-1. In addition, we found out that the water molecules have the leading role in forming the transportation channel within CAT-1. The conductive structure of CAT-1 was formed only when the water molecules were continuously distributed across the channel. Steered molecular dynamics (SMD) simulation approach showed various energy barriers against arginine transportation through CAT-1, especially while crossing the bottlenecks of the related channel. These findings at the molecular level might shed light on identifying the crucial amino acids in the binding of arginine to eukaryotic CATs and also provide fundamental insights into the arginine transportation mechanisms through CAT-1. Understanding the transportation mechanism of arginine is essential to developing CAT-1 blockers, which can be potential medications for some types of cancers.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maral Afshinpour
- Bioinformatics Lab., Department of Biology, School of Sciences, Razi University, Kermanshah, Iran
| | - Hamid Mahdiuni
- Bioinformatics Lab., Department of Biology, School of Sciences, Razi University, Kermanshah, Iran
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8
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Spatial Characteristics of the Efflux Pump MexB Determine Inhibitor Binding. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 2022; 66:e0067222. [DOI: 10.1128/aac.00672-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The multidrug efflux transporters MexB and MexY in
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
and AcrB in
Escherichia coli
contribute to these organisms’ multidrug resistance. Efflux pump inhibitor (EPI) ABI-PP inhibits MexB and AcrB, but not MexY.
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9
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Gervasoni S, Malloci G, Bosin A, Vargiu AV, Zgurskaya HI, Ruggerone P. Recognition of quinolone antibiotics by the multidrug efflux transporter MexB of Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Phys Chem Chem Phys 2022; 24:16566-16575. [PMID: 35766032 PMCID: PMC9278589 DOI: 10.1039/d2cp00951j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
The drug/proton antiporter MexB is the engine of the major efflux pump MexAB-OprM in Pseudomonas aeruginosa. This protein is known to transport a large variety of compounds, including antibiotics, thus conferring a multi-drug resistance phenotype. Due to the difficulty of producing co-crystals, only two X-ray structures of MexB in a complex with ligands are available to date, and mechanistic aspects are largely hypothesized based on the body of data collected for the homologous protein AcrB of Escherichia coli. In particular, a recent study (Ornik-Cha, Wilhelm, Kobylka et al., Nat. Commun., 2021, 12, 6919) reported a co-crystal structure of AcrB in a complex with levofloxacin, an antibiotic belonging to the important class of (fluoro)-quinolones. In this work, we performed a systematic ensemble docking campaign coupled to the cluster analysis and molecular-mechanics optimization of docking poses to study the interaction between 36 quinolone antibiotics and MexB. We additionally investigated surface complementarity between each molecule and the transporter and thoroughly assessed the computational protocol adopted against the known experimental data. Our study reveals different binding preferences of the investigated compounds towards the sub-sites of the large deep binding pocket of MexB, supporting the hypothesis that MexB substrates oscillate between different binding modes with similar affinity. Interestingly, small changes in the molecular structure translate into significant differences in MexB–quinolone interactions. All the predicted binding modes are available for download and visualization at the following link: https://www.dsf.unica.it/dock/mexb/quinolones. Putative binding modes (BMs) of quinolones to the bacterial efflux transporter MexB were identified. Multiple interaction patterns are possible, supporting the hypothesis that substrates oscillate between different BMs with similar affinity.![]()
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Gervasoni
- Department of Physics, University of Cagliari, Citt. Universitaria, I-09042 Monserrato (Cagliari), Italy.
| | - Giuliano Malloci
- Department of Physics, University of Cagliari, Citt. Universitaria, I-09042 Monserrato (Cagliari), Italy.
| | - Andrea Bosin
- Department of Physics, University of Cagliari, Citt. Universitaria, I-09042 Monserrato (Cagliari), Italy.
| | - Attilio V Vargiu
- Department of Physics, University of Cagliari, Citt. Universitaria, I-09042 Monserrato (Cagliari), Italy.
| | - Helen I Zgurskaya
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Oklahoma, Norman, OK 73072, USA
| | - Paolo Ruggerone
- Department of Physics, University of Cagliari, Citt. Universitaria, I-09042 Monserrato (Cagliari), Italy.
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10
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Pyridylpiperazine-based allosteric inhibitors of RND-type multidrug efflux pumps. Nat Commun 2022; 13:115. [PMID: 35013254 PMCID: PMC8749003 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-27726-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2021] [Accepted: 12/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Efflux transporters of the RND family confer resistance to multiple antibiotics in Gram-negative bacteria. Here, we identify and chemically optimize pyridylpiperazine-based compounds that potentiate antibiotic activity in E. coli through inhibition of its primary RND transporter, AcrAB-TolC. Characterisation of resistant E. coli mutants and structural biology analyses indicate that the compounds bind to a unique site on the transmembrane domain of the AcrB L protomer, lined by key catalytic residues involved in proton relay. Molecular dynamics simulations suggest that the inhibitors access this binding pocket from the cytoplasm via a channel exclusively present in the AcrB L protomer. Thus, our work unveils a class of allosteric efflux-pump inhibitors that likely act by preventing the functional catalytic cycle of the RND pump. Efflux transporters of the RND family confer resistance to multiple antibiotics in Gram-negative bacteria. Here, the authors identify pyridylpiperazine-based compounds that potentiate antibiotic activity in E. coli through allosteric inhibition of its primary RND transporter.
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11
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Ammerman L, Mertz SB, Park C, Wise JG. Transport Dynamics of MtrD: An RND Multidrug Efflux Pump from Neisseria gonorrheae. Biochemistry 2021; 60:3098-3113. [PMID: 34609833 DOI: 10.1021/acs.biochem.1c00399] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
The MtrCDE system confers multidrug resistance to Neisseria gonorrheae, the causative agent of gonorrhea. Using free and directed molecular dynamics (MD) simulations, we analyzed the interactions between MtrD and azithromycin, a transport substrate of MtrD, and a last-resort clinical treatment for multidrug-resistant gonorrhea. We then simulated the interactions between MtrD and streptomycin, an apparent nonsubstrate of MtrD. Using known conformations of MtrD homologues, we simulated a potential dynamic transport cycle of MtrD using targeted MD techniques (TMD), and we noted that forces were not applied to ligands of interest. In these TMD simulations, we observed the transport of azithromycin and the rejection of streptomycin. In an unbiased, long-time scale simulation of AZY-bound MtrD, we observed the spontaneous diffusion of azithromycin through the periplasmic cleft. Our simulations show how the peristaltic motions of the periplasmic cleft facilitate the transport of substrates by MtrD. Our data also suggest that multiple transport pathways for macrolides may exist within the periplasmic cleft of MtrD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lauren Ammerman
- Department of Biological Sciences, Southern Methodist University, Dallas, Texas 75275-0376, United States.,Center for Research Computing, Southern Methodist University, Dallas, Texas 75275-0376, United States.,Center for Drug Discovery, Design and Delivery, Southern Methodist University, Dallas, Texas 75275-0376, United States
| | - Sarah B Mertz
- Department of Biological Sciences, Southern Methodist University, Dallas, Texas 75275-0376, United States.,Center for Research Computing, Southern Methodist University, Dallas, Texas 75275-0376, United States.,Center for Drug Discovery, Design and Delivery, Southern Methodist University, Dallas, Texas 75275-0376, United States
| | - Chanyang Park
- Department of Biological Sciences, Southern Methodist University, Dallas, Texas 75275-0376, United States.,Center for Drug Discovery, Design and Delivery, Southern Methodist University, Dallas, Texas 75275-0376, United States
| | - John G Wise
- Department of Biological Sciences, Southern Methodist University, Dallas, Texas 75275-0376, United States.,Center for Research Computing, Southern Methodist University, Dallas, Texas 75275-0376, United States.,Center for Drug Discovery, Design and Delivery, Southern Methodist University, Dallas, Texas 75275-0376, United States
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12
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Bharatham N, Bhowmik P, Aoki M, Okada U, Sharma S, Yamashita E, Shanbhag AP, Rajagopal S, Thomas T, Sarma M, Narjari R, Nagaraj S, Ramachandran V, Katagihallimath N, Datta S, Murakami S. Structure and function relationship of OqxB efflux pump from Klebsiella pneumoniae. Nat Commun 2021; 12:5400. [PMID: 34518546 PMCID: PMC8437966 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-25679-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2020] [Accepted: 08/20/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
OqxB is an RND (Resistance-Nodulation-Division) efflux pump that has emerged as a factor contributing to the antibiotic resistance in Klebsiella pneumoniae. OqxB underwent horizontal gene transfer and is now seen in other Gram-negative bacterial pathogens including Escherichia coli, Enterobacter cloacae and Salmonella spp., further disseminating multi-drug resistance. In this study, we describe crystal structure of OqxB with n-dodecyl-β-D-maltoside (DDM) molecules bound in its substrate-binding pocket, at 1.85 Å resolution. We utilize this structure in computational studies to predict the key amino acids contributing to the efflux of fluoroquinolones by OqxB, distinct from analogous residues in related transporters AcrB and MexB. Finally, our complementation assays with mutated OqxB and minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) experiments with clinical isolates of E. coli provide further evidence that the predicted structural features are indeed involved in ciprofloxacin efflux.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nagakumar Bharatham
- grid.413008.e0000 0004 1765 8271Bugworks Research India Pvt. Ltd., Centre for Cellular and Molecular Platforms, GKVK, Bellary Rd, Bengaluru, Karnataka India ,grid.502290.cThe University of Trans-Disciplinary Health Sciences and Technology (TDU), Bengaluru, Karnataka India
| | - Purnendu Bhowmik
- grid.413008.e0000 0004 1765 8271Bugworks Research India Pvt. Ltd., Centre for Cellular and Molecular Platforms, GKVK, Bellary Rd, Bengaluru, Karnataka India ,grid.502290.cThe University of Trans-Disciplinary Health Sciences and Technology (TDU), Bengaluru, Karnataka India
| | - Maho Aoki
- grid.32197.3e0000 0001 2179 2105Department of Life Science and Technology, Tokyo Institute of Technology, Yokohama, Japan
| | - Ui Okada
- grid.32197.3e0000 0001 2179 2105Department of Life Science and Technology, Tokyo Institute of Technology, Yokohama, Japan
| | - Sreevalli Sharma
- grid.413008.e0000 0004 1765 8271Bugworks Research India Pvt. Ltd., Centre for Cellular and Molecular Platforms, GKVK, Bellary Rd, Bengaluru, Karnataka India ,grid.502290.cThe University of Trans-Disciplinary Health Sciences and Technology (TDU), Bengaluru, Karnataka India
| | - Eiki Yamashita
- grid.136593.b0000 0004 0373 3971Institute for Protein Research, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, Japan
| | - Anirudh P. Shanbhag
- grid.413008.e0000 0004 1765 8271Bugworks Research India Pvt. Ltd., Centre for Cellular and Molecular Platforms, GKVK, Bellary Rd, Bengaluru, Karnataka India
| | - Sreenath Rajagopal
- grid.413008.e0000 0004 1765 8271Bugworks Research India Pvt. Ltd., Centre for Cellular and Molecular Platforms, GKVK, Bellary Rd, Bengaluru, Karnataka India
| | - Teby Thomas
- grid.418280.70000 0004 1794 3160St. John’s Research Institute, Bengaluru, Karnataka India
| | - Maitrayee Sarma
- grid.413008.e0000 0004 1765 8271Bugworks Research India Pvt. Ltd., Centre for Cellular and Molecular Platforms, GKVK, Bellary Rd, Bengaluru, Karnataka India
| | - Riya Narjari
- grid.413008.e0000 0004 1765 8271Bugworks Research India Pvt. Ltd., Centre for Cellular and Molecular Platforms, GKVK, Bellary Rd, Bengaluru, Karnataka India
| | | | - Vasanthi Ramachandran
- grid.413008.e0000 0004 1765 8271Bugworks Research India Pvt. Ltd., Centre for Cellular and Molecular Platforms, GKVK, Bellary Rd, Bengaluru, Karnataka India ,grid.502290.cThe University of Trans-Disciplinary Health Sciences and Technology (TDU), Bengaluru, Karnataka India
| | - Nainesh Katagihallimath
- grid.413008.e0000 0004 1765 8271Bugworks Research India Pvt. Ltd., Centre for Cellular and Molecular Platforms, GKVK, Bellary Rd, Bengaluru, Karnataka India ,grid.502290.cThe University of Trans-Disciplinary Health Sciences and Technology (TDU), Bengaluru, Karnataka India
| | - Santanu Datta
- grid.413008.e0000 0004 1765 8271Bugworks Research India Pvt. Ltd., Centre for Cellular and Molecular Platforms, GKVK, Bellary Rd, Bengaluru, Karnataka India
| | - Satoshi Murakami
- grid.32197.3e0000 0001 2179 2105Department of Life Science and Technology, Tokyo Institute of Technology, Yokohama, Japan
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13
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Zwama M, Nishino K. Ever-Adapting RND Efflux Pumps in Gram-Negative Multidrug-Resistant Pathogens: A Race against Time. Antibiotics (Basel) 2021; 10:774. [PMID: 34201908 PMCID: PMC8300642 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics10070774] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2021] [Revised: 06/11/2021] [Accepted: 06/14/2021] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
The rise in multidrug resistance (MDR) is one of the greatest threats to human health worldwide. MDR in bacterial pathogens is a major challenge in healthcare, as bacterial infections are becoming untreatable by commercially available antibiotics. One of the main causes of MDR is the over-expression of intrinsic and acquired multidrug efflux pumps, belonging to the resistance-nodulation-division (RND) superfamily, which can efflux a wide range of structurally different antibiotics. Besides over-expression, however, recent amino acid substitutions within the pumps themselves-causing an increased drug efflux efficiency-are causing additional worry. In this review, we take a closer look at clinically, environmentally and laboratory-evolved Gram-negative bacterial strains and their decreased drug sensitivity as a result of mutations directly in the RND-type pumps themselves (from Escherichia coli, Salmonella enterica, Neisseria gonorrhoeae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Acinetobacter baumannii and Legionella pneumophila). We also focus on the evolution of the efflux pumps by comparing hundreds of efflux pumps to determine where conservation is concentrated and where differences in amino acids can shed light on the broad and even broadening drug recognition. Knowledge of conservation, as well as of novel gain-of-function efflux pump mutations, is essential for the development of novel antibiotics and efflux pump inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martijn Zwama
- SANKEN (The Institute of Scientific and Industrial Research), Osaka University, Ibaraki, Osaka 567-0047, Japan
| | - Kunihiko Nishino
- SANKEN (The Institute of Scientific and Industrial Research), Osaka University, Ibaraki, Osaka 567-0047, Japan
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Japan
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14
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Fairweather SJ, Gupta V, Chitsaz M, Booth L, Brown MH, O’Mara ML. Coordination of Substrate Binding and Protonation in the N. gonorrhoeae MtrD Efflux Pump Controls the Functionally Rotating Transport Mechanism. ACS Infect Dis 2021; 7:1833-1847. [PMID: 33980014 DOI: 10.1021/acsinfecdis.1c00149] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Multidrug resistance is a serious problem that threatens the effective treatment of the widespread sexually transmitted disease gonorrhea, caused by the Gram-negative bacterium Neisseria gonorrhoeae. The drug efflux pump primarily implicated in N. gonorrhoeae antimicrobial resistance is the inner membrane transporter MtrD, which forms part of the tripartite multiple transferable resistance (Mtr) CDE efflux system. A structure of MtrD was first solved in 2014 as a symmetrical homotrimer, and then, recently, as an asymmetrical homotrimer. Through a series of molecular dynamics simulations and mutagenesis experiments, we identify the combination of substrate binding and protonation states of the proton relay network that drives the transition from the symmetric to the asymmetric conformation of MtrD. We characterize the allosteric coupling between the functionally important local regions that control conformational changes between the access, binding, and extrusion states and allow for transition to the asymmetric MtrD conformation. We also highlight a significant rotation of the transmembrane helices caused by protonation of the proton relay network, which widens the intermonomeric gap that is a hallmark of the rotational transporter mechanism. This is the first analysis and description of the transport mechanism for the N. gonorrhoeae MtrD transporter and provides evidence that antimicrobial efflux in MtrD follows the functionally rotating transport mechanism seen in protein homologues from the same transport protein superfamily.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephen J. Fairweather
- Research School of Chemistry, The Australian National University, Canberra, ACT 0200, Australia
- Research School of Biology, The Australian National University, Canberra, ACT 0200, Australia
| | - Vrinda Gupta
- Research School of Chemistry, The Australian National University, Canberra, ACT 0200, Australia
| | - Mohsen Chitsaz
- College of Science and Engineering, Flinders University, Bedford Park, SA 5042, Australia
| | - Lauren Booth
- Research School of Chemistry, The Australian National University, Canberra, ACT 0200, Australia
| | - Melissa H. Brown
- College of Science and Engineering, Flinders University, Bedford Park, SA 5042, Australia
| | - Megan L. O’Mara
- Research School of Chemistry, The Australian National University, Canberra, ACT 0200, Australia
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15
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MexAB-OprM Efflux Pump Interaction with the Peptidoglycan of Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22105328. [PMID: 34070225 PMCID: PMC8158685 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22105328] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2021] [Revised: 05/11/2021] [Accepted: 05/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
One of the major families of membrane proteins found in prokaryote genome corresponds to the transporters. Among them, the resistance-nodulation-cell division (RND) transporters are highly studied, as being responsible for one of the most problematic mechanisms used by bacteria to resist to antibiotics, i.e., the active efflux of drugs. In Gram-negative bacteria, these proteins are inserted in the inner membrane and form a tripartite assembly with an outer membrane factor and a periplasmic linker in order to cross the two membranes to expulse molecules outside of the cell. A lot of information has been collected to understand the functional mechanism of these pumps, especially with AcrAB-TolC from Escherichia coli, but one missing piece from all the suggested models is the role of peptidoglycan in the assembly. Here, by pull-down experiments with purified peptidoglycans, we precise the MexAB-OprM interaction with the peptidoglycan from Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, highlighting a role of the peptidoglycan in stabilizing the MexA-OprM complex and also differences between the two Gram-negative bacteria peptidoglycans.
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16
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Rybenkov VV, Zgurskaya HI, Ganguly C, Leus IV, Zhang Z, Moniruzzaman M. The Whole Is Bigger than the Sum of Its Parts: Drug Transport in the Context of Two Membranes with Active Efflux. Chem Rev 2021; 121:5597-5631. [PMID: 33596653 PMCID: PMC8369882 DOI: 10.1021/acs.chemrev.0c01137] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Cell envelope plays a dual role in the life of bacteria by simultaneously protecting it from a hostile environment and facilitating access to beneficial molecules. At the heart of this ability lie the restrictive properties of the cellular membrane augmented by efflux transporters, which preclude intracellular penetration of most molecules except with the help of specialized uptake mediators. Recently, kinetic properties of the cell envelope came into focus driven on one hand by the urgent need in new antibiotics and, on the other hand, by experimental and theoretical advances in studies of transmembrane transport. A notable result from these studies is the development of a kinetic formalism that integrates the Michaelis-Menten behavior of individual transporters with transmembrane diffusion and offers a quantitative basis for the analysis of intracellular penetration of bioactive compounds. This review surveys key experimental and computational approaches to the investigation of transport by individual translocators and in whole cells, summarizes key findings from these studies and outlines implications for antibiotic discovery. Special emphasis is placed on Gram-negative bacteria, whose envelope contains two separate membranes. This feature sets these organisms apart from Gram-positive bacteria and eukaryotic cells by providing them with full benefits of the synergy between slow transmembrane diffusion and active efflux.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valentin V Rybenkov
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Stephenson Life Sciences Research Center, University of Oklahoma, 101 Stephenson Parkway, Norman, Oklahoma 73019, United States
| | - Helen I Zgurskaya
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Stephenson Life Sciences Research Center, University of Oklahoma, 101 Stephenson Parkway, Norman, Oklahoma 73019, United States
| | - Chhandosee Ganguly
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Stephenson Life Sciences Research Center, University of Oklahoma, 101 Stephenson Parkway, Norman, Oklahoma 73019, United States
| | - Inga V Leus
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Stephenson Life Sciences Research Center, University of Oklahoma, 101 Stephenson Parkway, Norman, Oklahoma 73019, United States
| | - Zhen Zhang
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Stephenson Life Sciences Research Center, University of Oklahoma, 101 Stephenson Parkway, Norman, Oklahoma 73019, United States
| | - Mohammad Moniruzzaman
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Stephenson Life Sciences Research Center, University of Oklahoma, 101 Stephenson Parkway, Norman, Oklahoma 73019, United States
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17
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Alav I, Kobylka J, Kuth MS, Pos KM, Picard M, Blair JMA, Bavro VN. Structure, Assembly, and Function of Tripartite Efflux and Type 1 Secretion Systems in Gram-Negative Bacteria. Chem Rev 2021; 121:5479-5596. [PMID: 33909410 PMCID: PMC8277102 DOI: 10.1021/acs.chemrev.1c00055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 99] [Impact Index Per Article: 33.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Tripartite efflux pumps and the related type 1 secretion systems (T1SSs) in Gram-negative organisms are diverse in function, energization, and structural organization. They form continuous conduits spanning both the inner and the outer membrane and are composed of three principal components-the energized inner membrane transporters (belonging to ABC, RND, and MFS families), the outer membrane factor channel-like proteins, and linking the two, the periplasmic adaptor proteins (PAPs), also known as the membrane fusion proteins (MFPs). In this review we summarize the recent advances in understanding of structural biology, function, and regulation of these systems, highlighting the previously undescribed role of PAPs in providing a common architectural scaffold across diverse families of transporters. Despite being built from a limited number of basic structural domains, these complexes present a staggering variety of architectures. While key insights have been derived from the RND transporter systems, a closer inspection of the operation and structural organization of different tripartite systems reveals unexpected analogies between them, including those formed around MFS- and ATP-driven transporters, suggesting that they operate around basic common principles. Based on that we are proposing a new integrated model of PAP-mediated communication within the conformational cycling of tripartite systems, which could be expanded to other types of assemblies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ilyas Alav
- Institute
of Microbiology and Infection, College of Medical and Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham B15 2TT, United Kingdom
| | - Jessica Kobylka
- Institute
of Biochemistry, Biocenter, Goethe Universität
Frankfurt, Max-von-Laue-Straße 9, D-60438 Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Miriam S. Kuth
- Institute
of Biochemistry, Biocenter, Goethe Universität
Frankfurt, Max-von-Laue-Straße 9, D-60438 Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Klaas M. Pos
- Institute
of Biochemistry, Biocenter, Goethe Universität
Frankfurt, Max-von-Laue-Straße 9, D-60438 Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Martin Picard
- Laboratoire
de Biologie Physico-Chimique des Protéines Membranaires, CNRS
UMR 7099, Université de Paris, 75005 Paris, France
- Fondation
Edmond de Rothschild pour le développement de la recherche
Scientifique, Institut de Biologie Physico-Chimique, 75005 Paris, France
| | - Jessica M. A. Blair
- Institute
of Microbiology and Infection, College of Medical and Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham B15 2TT, United Kingdom
| | - Vassiliy N. Bavro
- School
of Life Sciences, University of Essex, Colchester, CO4 3SQ United Kingdom
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18
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Zgurskaya HI, Malloci G, Chandar B, Vargiu AV, Ruggerone P. Bacterial efflux transporters' polyspecificity - a gift and a curse? Curr Opin Microbiol 2021; 61:115-123. [PMID: 33940284 DOI: 10.1016/j.mib.2021.03.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2021] [Revised: 03/26/2021] [Accepted: 03/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
All mechanisms of clinical antibiotic resistance benefit from activities of polyspecific efflux pumps acting to reduce intracellular accumulation of toxins and antibiotics. In Gram-negative bacteria, the major polyspecific efflux transporters belong to the Resistance-Nodulation-cell Division (RND) superfamily of proteins, which are capable of expelling thousands of structurally diverse compounds. Recent structural and functional advances generated novel insights into mechanisms underlying the biochemical versatility of RND transporters. This opinion article reviews these mechanisms and discusses implications of the polyspecificity of RND transporters for bacterial survival and for the development of efflux pump inhibitors effective in clinics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helen I Zgurskaya
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Oklahoma, Norman, OK 73072, United States.
| | - Giuliano Malloci
- Department of Physics, University of Cagliari, 09042 Monserrato (Cagliari), Italy
| | - Brinda Chandar
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Oklahoma, Norman, OK 73072, United States
| | - Attilio V Vargiu
- Department of Physics, University of Cagliari, 09042 Monserrato (Cagliari), Italy
| | - Paolo Ruggerone
- Department of Physics, University of Cagliari, 09042 Monserrato (Cagliari), Italy
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19
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Structural Insights into Transporter-Mediated Drug Resistance in Infectious Diseases. J Mol Biol 2021; 433:167005. [PMID: 33891902 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmb.2021.167005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2021] [Revised: 04/12/2021] [Accepted: 04/12/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Infectious diseases present a major threat to public health globally. Pathogens can acquire resistance to anti-infectious agents via several means including transporter-mediated efflux. Typically, multidrug transporters feature spacious, dynamic, and chemically malleable binding sites to aid in the recognition and transport of chemically diverse substrates across cell membranes. Here, we discuss recent structural investigations of multidrug transporters involved in resistance to infectious diseases that belong to the ATP-binding cassette (ABC) superfamily, the major facilitator superfamily (MFS), the drug/metabolite transporter (DMT) superfamily, the multidrug and toxic compound extrusion (MATE) family, the small multidrug resistance (SMR) family, and the resistance-nodulation-division (RND) superfamily. These structural insights provide invaluable information for understanding and combatting multidrug resistance.
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20
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Perturbed structural dynamics underlie inhibition and altered efflux of the multidrug resistance pump AcrB. Nat Commun 2020; 11:5565. [PMID: 33149158 PMCID: PMC7642415 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-020-19397-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2020] [Accepted: 10/08/2020] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Resistance–nodulation–division efflux pumps play a key role in inherent and evolved multidrug resistance in bacteria. AcrB, a prototypical member of this protein family, extrudes a wide range of antimicrobial agents out of bacteria. Although high-resolution structures exist for AcrB, its conformational fluctuations and their putative role in function are largely unknown. Here, we determine these structural dynamics in the presence of substrates using hydrogen/deuterium exchange mass spectrometry, complemented by molecular dynamics simulations, and bacterial susceptibility studies. We show that an efflux pump inhibitor potentiates antibiotic activity by restraining drug-binding pocket dynamics, rather than preventing antibiotic binding. We also reveal that a drug-binding pocket substitution discovered within a multidrug resistant clinical isolate modifies the plasticity of the transport pathway, which could explain its altered substrate efflux. Our results provide insight into the molecular mechanism of drug export and inhibition of a major multidrug efflux pump and the directive role of its dynamics. AcrB is a prototypical resistance–nodulation–division (RND) bacterial transporter, conferring resistance to a variety of antibiotics. HDX-MS and other, complementary approaches offer insight into AcrB structural dynamics and suggest the molecular mechanisms underlying drug export and inhibition of this multidrug-resistance conferring pump.
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21
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Antibiotic export by MexB multidrug efflux transporter is allosterically controlled by a MexA-OprM chaperone-like complex. Nat Commun 2020; 11:4948. [PMID: 33009415 PMCID: PMC7532149 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-020-18770-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2019] [Accepted: 09/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The tripartite multidrug efflux system MexAB-OprM is a major actor in Pseudomonas aeruginosa antibiotic resistance by exporting a large variety of antimicrobial compounds. Crystal structures of MexB and of its Escherichia coli homolog AcrB had revealed asymmetric trimers depicting a directional drug pathway by a conformational interconversion (from Loose and Tight binding pockets to Open gate (LTO) for drug exit). It remains unclear how MexB acquires its LTO form. Here by performing functional and cryo-EM structural investigations of MexB at various stages of the assembly process, we unveil that MexB inserted in lipid membrane is not set for active transport because it displays an inactive LTC form with a Closed exit gate. In the tripartite complex, OprM and MexA form a corset-like platform that converts MexB into the active form. Our findings shed new light on the resistance nodulation cell division (RND) cognate partners which act as allosteric factors eliciting the functional drug extrusion.
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22
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Rajapaksha P, Pandeya A, Wei Y. Probing the Dynamics of AcrB Through Disulfide Bond Formation. ACS OMEGA 2020; 5:21844-21852. [PMID: 32905396 PMCID: PMC7469415 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.0c02921] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2020] [Accepted: 08/05/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
The resistant-nodulation-division (RND) superfamily member tripartite AcrA-AcrB-TolC efflux pump is a major contributor to the multidrug resistance in Escherichia coli. AcrB is the inner membrane protein of the efflux complex and is responsible for the recognition and binding of compounds before their transportation out of the cell. Understanding the dynamics of AcrB during functional rotation in the process of drug efflux is the focus of this study. For this purpose, we introduced six inter-subunit disulfide bonds into the periplasmic domain of AcrB using site-directed mutagenesis to study the importance of the relative flexibility at the inter-subunit interface. Western blot analysis revealed the formation of disulfide bond-linked AcrB oligomers, which were reduced into monomers under reducing conditions. The impact of mutation and formation of disulfide bond on efflux were evaluated via comparison of the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of an acrB knockout strain expressing different mutants. The double Cys mutants tested led to equal or higher susceptibility to AcrB substrates compared to their corresponding single mutants. To determine if the reduction of activity in a double mutant is due to restriction on conformational changes by the disulfide bond formation, ethidium bromide accumulation assays were conducted utilizing dithiothreitol (DTT) as the reducing agent. In two cases, the activities of the double Cys mutants were partially restored by DTT reduction, confirming the importance of relative movement in the respective location for function. These findings provide new insights into the dynamics of the AcrAB-TolC efflux pump in E. coli.
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23
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Johnson RM, Fais C, Parmar M, Cheruvara H, Marshall RL, Hesketh SJ, Feasey MC, Ruggerone P, Vargiu AV, Postis VLG, Muench SP, Bavro VN. Cryo-EM Structure and Molecular Dynamics Analysis of the Fluoroquinolone Resistant Mutant of the AcrB Transporter from Salmonella. Microorganisms 2020; 8:E943. [PMID: 32585951 PMCID: PMC7355581 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms8060943] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2020] [Revised: 06/09/2020] [Accepted: 06/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Salmonella is an important genus of Gram-negative pathogens, treatment of which has become problematic due to increases in antimicrobial resistance. This is partly attributable to the overexpression of tripartite efflux pumps, particularly the constitutively expressed AcrAB-TolC. Despite its clinical importance, the structure of the Salmonella AcrB transporter remained unknown to-date, with much of our structural understanding coming from the Escherichia coli orthologue. Here, by taking advantage of the styrene maleic acid (SMA) technology to isolate membrane proteins with closely associated lipids, we report the very first experimental structure of Salmonella AcrB transporter. Furthermore, this novel structure provides additional insight into mechanisms of drug efflux as it bears the mutation (G288D), originating from a clinical isolate of Salmonella Typhimurium presenting an increased resistance to fluoroquinolones. Experimental data are complemented by state-of-the-art molecular dynamics (MD) simulations on both the wild type and G288D variant of Salmonella AcrB. Together, these reveal several important differences with respect to the E. coli protein, providing insights into the role of the G288D mutation in increasing drug efflux and extending our understanding of the mechanisms underlying antibiotic resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel M. Johnson
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Biological Sciences & Astbury Centre for Structural and Molecular Biology, University of Leeds, Leeds LS2 9JT, UK; (R.M.J.); (S.J.H.); (M.C.F.)
| | - Chiara Fais
- Department of Physics, University of Cagliari, s.p. 8, Cittadella Universitaria, 09042 Monserrato, Italy; (C.F.); (P.R.); (A.V.V.)
| | - Mayuriben Parmar
- Biomedicine Research Group, Faculty of Health and Social Sciences, Leeds Beckett University, Leeds LS1 3HE, UK; (M.P.); (V.L.G.P.)
| | - Harish Cheruvara
- Diamond Light Source, Membrane Protein Laboratory (MPL), Diamond House, Harwell Science and Innovation Campus, Fermi Ave, Didcot OX11 0DE, UK;
- School of Life Sciences, University of Essex, Wivenhoe Park, Colchester CO4 3SQ, UK
| | - Robert L. Marshall
- School of Biosciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham B15 2TT, UK;
| | - Sophie J. Hesketh
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Biological Sciences & Astbury Centre for Structural and Molecular Biology, University of Leeds, Leeds LS2 9JT, UK; (R.M.J.); (S.J.H.); (M.C.F.)
| | - Matthew C. Feasey
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Biological Sciences & Astbury Centre for Structural and Molecular Biology, University of Leeds, Leeds LS2 9JT, UK; (R.M.J.); (S.J.H.); (M.C.F.)
| | - Paolo Ruggerone
- Department of Physics, University of Cagliari, s.p. 8, Cittadella Universitaria, 09042 Monserrato, Italy; (C.F.); (P.R.); (A.V.V.)
| | - Attilio V. Vargiu
- Department of Physics, University of Cagliari, s.p. 8, Cittadella Universitaria, 09042 Monserrato, Italy; (C.F.); (P.R.); (A.V.V.)
| | - Vincent L. G. Postis
- Biomedicine Research Group, Faculty of Health and Social Sciences, Leeds Beckett University, Leeds LS1 3HE, UK; (M.P.); (V.L.G.P.)
| | - Stephen P. Muench
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Biological Sciences & Astbury Centre for Structural and Molecular Biology, University of Leeds, Leeds LS2 9JT, UK; (R.M.J.); (S.J.H.); (M.C.F.)
| | - Vassiliy N. Bavro
- School of Life Sciences, University of Essex, Wivenhoe Park, Colchester CO4 3SQ, UK
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24
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Saranya V, Mary PV, Vijayakumar S, Shankar R. The hazardous effects of the environmental toxic gases on amyloid beta-peptide aggregation: A theoretical perspective. Biophys Chem 2020; 263:106394. [PMID: 32480019 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpc.2020.106394] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2020] [Revised: 05/12/2020] [Accepted: 05/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is one of the leading causes of dementia in elderly people. It has been well documented that the exposure to environmental toxins such as CO, CO2, SO2 and NO2 that are present in the air is considered as a hallmark for the progression of Alzheimer's disease. However, their actual mechanism by which environmental toxin triggers the aggregation of Aβ42 peptide at the molecular and atomic levels remain unknown. In this study, molecular dynamics simulation was carried out to study the aggregation mechanism of the Aβ42 peptide due to its interaction of toxic gas (CO, CO2, SO2 and NO2). During the 400 ns simulation, all the Aβ42 interacted toxic gas (CO, CO2, SO2, and NO2) complexes have smaller Root Mean Square Deviation values when compared to the Aβ42 peptide, which shows that the interaction of toxic gases (CO, CO2, SO2, and NO2) would increase the Aβ42 peptide structural stability. The radius of gyration analysis also supports that Aβ42 interacted CO2 and SO2 complexes have the minimum value in the range of 0.95 nm and 1.5 nm. It is accounted that the Aβ42 interacted CO2 and SO2 complexes have a greater compact structure in comparison to Aβ42 interacted CO and NO2 complexes. Furthermore, all the Aβ42 interacted toxic gas (CO, CO2, SO2, and NO2) complexes exhibited an enhanced secondary structural probability for coil and turn regions with a reduced α-helix probability, which indicates that the interaction of toxic gases may enhance the toxicity and aggregation of Aβ42.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vasudevan Saranya
- Molecular Simulation Laboratory, Department of Physics, Bharathiar University, Coimbatore 641 046, India
| | - Pitchumani Violet Mary
- Department of Physics, Sri Shakthi Institute of Engineering and Technology, Coimbatore 641 062, India
| | | | - Ramasamy Shankar
- Molecular Simulation Laboratory, Department of Physics, Bharathiar University, Coimbatore 641 046, India.
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25
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Vergalli J, Atzori A, Pajovic J, Dumont E, Malloci G, Masi M, Vargiu AV, Winterhalter M, Réfrégiers M, Ruggerone P, Pagès JM. The challenge of intracellular antibiotic accumulation, a function of fluoroquinolone influx versus bacterial efflux. Commun Biol 2020; 3:198. [PMID: 32346058 PMCID: PMC7189378 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-020-0929-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [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: 12/06/2019] [Accepted: 03/31/2020] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
With the spreading of antibiotic resistance, the translocation of antibiotics through bacterial envelopes is crucial for their antibacterial activity. In Gram-negative bacteria, the interplay between membrane permeability and drug efflux pumps must be investigated as a whole. Here, we quantified the intracellular accumulation of a series of fluoroquinolones in population and in individual cells of Escherichia coli according to the expression of the AcrB efflux transporter. Computational results supported the accumulation levels measured experimentally and highlighted how fluoroquinolones side chains interact with specific residues of the distal pocket of the AcrB tight monomer during recognition and binding steps.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia Vergalli
- UMR_MD1, U-1261, Aix-Marseille University, INSERM, IRBA, MCT, Marseille, France
| | - Alessio Atzori
- Department of Physics, University of Cagliari, 09042, Monserrato, CA, Italy
| | - Jelena Pajovic
- DISCO beamline, Synchrotron Soleil, Saint-Aubin, France
- University of Belgrade, Faculty of Physics, 11001, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Estelle Dumont
- UMR_MD1, U-1261, Aix-Marseille University, INSERM, IRBA, MCT, Marseille, France
- Institut National Supérieur d'Agronomie et de Biotechnologies (INSAB), Université des Sciences et Techniques de Masuku (USTM), BP941, Franceville, Gabon
| | - Giuliano Malloci
- Department of Physics, University of Cagliari, 09042, Monserrato, CA, Italy
| | - Muriel Masi
- UMR_MD1, U-1261, Aix-Marseille University, INSERM, IRBA, MCT, Marseille, France
- Institut de Biologie Intégrative de la Cellule (I2BC), Université Paris Saclay, CNRS, CEA, 91198, Gif-sur-Yvette, France
| | | | - Mathias Winterhalter
- Department of Life Sciences and Chemistry, Jacobs University Bremen, 28719, Bremen, Germany
| | | | - Paolo Ruggerone
- Department of Physics, University of Cagliari, 09042, Monserrato, CA, Italy
| | - Jean-Marie Pagès
- UMR_MD1, U-1261, Aix-Marseille University, INSERM, IRBA, MCT, Marseille, France.
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Abstract
Gram-negative bacteria are protected by a multicompartmental molecular architecture known as the cell envelope that contains two membranes and a thin cell wall. As the cell envelope controls influx and efflux of molecular species, in recent years both experimental and computational studies of such architectures have seen a resurgence due to the implications for antibiotic development. In this article we review recent progress in molecular simulations of bacterial membranes. We show that enormous progress has been made in terms of the lipidic and protein compositions of bacterial systems. The simulations have moved away from the traditional setup of one protein surrounded by a large patch of the same lipid type toward a more bio-logically representative viewpoint. Simulations with multiple cell envelope components are also emerging. We review some of the key method developments that have facilitated recent progress, discuss some current limitations, and offer a perspective on future directions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wonpil Im
- Departments of Biological Sciences and Bioengineering, Lehigh University, Bethlehem, Pennsylvania 18015, USA
- School of Computational Sciences, Korea Institute for Advanced Study, Seoul 02455, Republic of Korea
| | - Syma Khalid
- School of Chemistry, University of Southampton, Southampton S017 1BJ, United Kingdom
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Jewel Y, Van Dinh Q, Liu J, Dutta P. Substrate-dependent transport mechanism in AcrB of multidrug resistant bacteria. Proteins 2020; 88:853-864. [PMID: 31998988 DOI: 10.1002/prot.25877] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2019] [Revised: 01/07/2020] [Accepted: 01/25/2020] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
The multidrug resistance (MDR) system effectively expels antibiotics out of bacteria causing serious issues during bacterial infection. In addition to drug, indole, a common metabolic waste of bacteria, is expelled by MDR system of gram-negative bacteria for their survival. Experimental results suggest that AcrB, one of the key components of MDR system, undergoes large scale conformation changes during the pumping due to proton-motive process. However, due to extremely short time scale, it is difficult to observe (experimentally) those changes in the AcrB, which might facilitate the pumping process. Molecular simulations can shed light to understand the conformational changes for transport of indole in AcrB. Examination of conformational changes using all-atom simulation is, however, impractical. Here, we develop a hybrid coarse-grained force field to study the conformational changes of AcrB in presence of indole in the porter domain of monomer II. Using the coarse-grained force field, we investigated the conformational changes of AcrB for a number of model systems considering the effect of protonation in aspartic acid (Asp) residues Asp407 and Asp408 in the transmembrane domain of monomer II. Our results show that in the presence of indole, protonation of Asp408 or Asp407 residue causes conformational changes from binding state to extrusion state in monomer II, while remaining two monomers (I and III) approach access state in AcrB protein. We also observed that all three AcrB monomers prefer to go back to access state in the absence of indole. Steered molecular dynamics simulations were performed to demonstrate the feasibility of indole transport mechanism for protonated systems. Identification of indole transport pathway through AcrB can be very helpful in understanding the drug efflux mechanism used by the MDR bacteria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yead Jewel
- School of Mechanical and Materials Engineering, Washington State University, Pullman, Washington
| | - Quyen Van Dinh
- School of Mechanical and Materials Engineering, Washington State University, Pullman, Washington
| | - Jin Liu
- School of Mechanical and Materials Engineering, Washington State University, Pullman, Washington
| | - Prashanta Dutta
- School of Mechanical and Materials Engineering, Washington State University, Pullman, Washington
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28
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Atzori A, Malloci G, Cardamone F, Bosin A, Vargiu AV, Ruggerone P. Molecular Interactions of Carbapenem Antibiotics with the Multidrug Efflux Transporter AcrB of Escherichia coli. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:E860. [PMID: 32013182 PMCID: PMC7037162 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21030860] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2020] [Accepted: 01/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The drug/proton antiporter AcrB, engine of the major efflux pump AcrAB(Z)-TolC of Escherichia coli and other bacteria, is characterized by its impressive ability to transport chemically diverse compounds, conferring a multi-drug resistance (MDR) phenotype. Although hundreds of small molecules are known to be AcrB substrates, only a few co-crystal structures are available to date. Computational methods have been therefore intensively employed to provide structural and dynamical fingerprints related to transport and inhibition of AcrB. In this work, we performed a systematic computational investigation to study the interaction between representative carbapenem antibiotics and AcrB. We focused on the interaction of carbapenems with the so-called distal pocket, a region known for its importance in binding inhibitors and substrates of AcrB. Our findings reveal how the different physico-chemical nature of these antibiotics is reflected on their binding preference for AcrB. The molecular-level information provided here could help design new antibiotics less susceptible to the efflux mechanism.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Giuliano Malloci
- Department of Physics, University of Cagliari, 09042 Monserrato (CA), Italy; (A.A.); (F.C.); (A.B.); (P.R.)
| | | | | | - Attilio Vittorio Vargiu
- Department of Physics, University of Cagliari, 09042 Monserrato (CA), Italy; (A.A.); (F.C.); (A.B.); (P.R.)
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29
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Tam HK, Malviya VN, Foong WE, Herrmann A, Malloci G, Ruggerone P, Vargiu AV, Pos KM. Binding and Transport of Carboxylated Drugs by the Multidrug Transporter AcrB. J Mol Biol 2019; 432:861-877. [PMID: 31881208 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmb.2019.12.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2019] [Revised: 12/11/2019] [Accepted: 12/12/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
AcrAB(Z)-TolC is the main drug efflux transporter complex in Escherichia coli. The extrusion of various toxic compounds depends on several drug binding sites within the trimeric AcrB transporter. Membrane-localized carboxylated substrates, such as fusidic acid and hydrophobic β-lactams, access the pump via a groove between the transmembrane helices TM1 and TM2. In this article, the transport route from the initial TM1/TM2 groove binding site toward the deep binding pocket located in the periplasmic part has been addressed via molecular modeling studies followed by functional and structural characterization of several AcrB variants. We propose that membrane-embedded drugs bind initially to the TM1/TM2 groove, are oriented by the AcrB PN2 subdomain, and are subsequently transported via a PN2/PC1 interface pathway directly toward the deep binding pocket. Our work emphasizes the exploitation of multiple transport pathways by AcrB tuned to substrate physicochemical properties related to the polyspecificity of the pump.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heng-Keat Tam
- Institute of Biochemistry, Goethe University Frankfurt, Max-von-Laue-Str. 9, D-60438 Frankfurt Am Main, Germany
| | - Viveka N Malviya
- Institute of Biochemistry, Goethe University Frankfurt, Max-von-Laue-Str. 9, D-60438 Frankfurt Am Main, Germany
| | - Wuen-Ee Foong
- Institute of Biochemistry, Goethe University Frankfurt, Max-von-Laue-Str. 9, D-60438 Frankfurt Am Main, Germany
| | - Andrea Herrmann
- Institute of Biochemistry, Goethe University Frankfurt, Max-von-Laue-Str. 9, D-60438 Frankfurt Am Main, Germany
| | - Giuliano Malloci
- Department of Physics, University of Cagliari, S.P. 8 Km 0.700, 09042 Monserrato (CA), Italy
| | - Paolo Ruggerone
- Department of Physics, University of Cagliari, S.P. 8 Km 0.700, 09042 Monserrato (CA), Italy
| | - Attilio V Vargiu
- Department of Physics, University of Cagliari, S.P. 8 Km 0.700, 09042 Monserrato (CA), Italy.
| | - Klaas M Pos
- Institute of Biochemistry, Goethe University Frankfurt, Max-von-Laue-Str. 9, D-60438 Frankfurt Am Main, Germany.
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Kobylka J, Kuth MS, Müller RT, Geertsma ER, Pos KM. AcrB: a mean, keen, drug efflux machine. Ann N Y Acad Sci 2019; 1459:38-68. [PMID: 31588569 DOI: 10.1111/nyas.14239] [Citation(s) in RCA: 93] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2019] [Revised: 08/21/2019] [Accepted: 09/02/2019] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Gram-negative bacteria are intrinsically resistant against cytotoxic substances by means of their outer membrane and a network of multidrug efflux systems, acting in synergy. Efflux pumps from various superfamilies with broad substrate preferences sequester and pump drugs across the inner membrane to supply the highly polyspecific and powerful tripartite resistance-nodulation-cell division (RND) efflux pumps with compounds to be extruded across the outer membrane barrier. In Escherichia coli, the tripartite efflux system AcrAB-TolC is the archetype RND multiple drug efflux pump complex. The homotrimeric inner membrane component acriflavine resistance B (AcrB) is the drug specificity and energy transduction center for the drug/proton antiport process. Drugs are bound and expelled via a cycle of mainly three consecutive states in every protomer, constituting a flexible alternating access channel system. This review recapitulates the molecular basis of drug and inhibitor binding, including mechanistic insights into drug efflux by AcrB. It also summarizes 17 years of mutational analysis of the gene acrB, reporting the effect of every substitution on the ability of E. coli to confer resistance toward antibiotics (http://goethe.link/AcrBsubstitutions). We emphasize the functional robustness of AcrB toward single-site substitutions and highlight regions that are more sensitive to perturbation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica Kobylka
- Institute of Biochemistry, Goethe-University Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Miriam S Kuth
- Institute of Biochemistry, Goethe-University Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Reinke T Müller
- Institute of Biochemistry, Goethe-University Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Eric R Geertsma
- Institute of Biochemistry, Goethe-University Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Klaas M Pos
- Institute of Biochemistry, Goethe-University Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
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31
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Abstract
Infections arising from multidrug-resistant pathogenic bacteria are spreading rapidly throughout the world and threaten to become untreatable. The origins of resistance are numerous and complex, but one underlying factor is the capacity of bacteria to rapidly export drugs through the intrinsic activity of efflux pumps. In this Review, we describe recent advances that have increased our understanding of the structures and molecular mechanisms of multidrug efflux pumps in bacteria. Clinical and laboratory data indicate that efflux pumps function not only in the drug extrusion process but also in virulence and the adaptive responses that contribute to antimicrobial resistance during infection. The emerging picture of the structure, function and regulation of efflux pumps suggests opportunities for countering their activities.
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32
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Molecular basis for the different interactions of congeneric substrates with the polyspecific transporter AcrB. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-BIOMEMBRANES 2019; 1861:1397-1408. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbamem.2019.05.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2018] [Revised: 12/20/2018] [Accepted: 01/06/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
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Atzori A, Malloci G, Prajapati JD, Basciu A, Bosin A, Kleinekathöfer U, Dreier J, Vargiu AV, Ruggerone P. Molecular Interactions of Cephalosporins with the Deep Binding Pocket of the RND Transporter AcrB. J Phys Chem B 2019; 123:4625-4635. [PMID: 31070373 PMCID: PMC6939625 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jpcb.9b01351] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The drug/proton antiporter AcrB, part of the major efflux pump AcrABZ-TolC in Escherichia coli, is characterized by its impressive ability to transport chemically diverse compounds, conferring a multidrug resistance phenotype. However, the molecular features differentiating between good and poor substrates of the pump have yet to be identified. In this work, we combined molecular docking with molecular dynamics simulations to study the interactions between AcrB and two representative cephalosporins, cefepime and ceftazidime (a good and poor substrate of AcrB, respectively). Our analysis revealed different binding preferences of the two compounds toward the subsites of the large deep binding pocket of AcrB. Cefepime, although less hydrophobic than ceftazidime, showed a higher affinity than ceftazidime for the so-called hydrophobic trap, a region known for binding inhibitors and substrates. This supports the hypothesis that surface complementarity between the molecule and AcrB, more than the intrinsic hydrophobicity of the antibiotic, is a feature required for the interaction within this region. Oppositely, the preference of ceftazidime for binding outside the hydrophobic trap might not be optimal for triggering allosteric conformational changes needed to the transporter to accomplish its function. Altogether, our findings could provide valuable information for the design of new antibiotics less susceptible to the efflux mechanism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessio Atzori
- Department of Physics, University of Cagliari, 09042 Monserrato (CA), Italy
| | - Giuliano Malloci
- Department of Physics, University of Cagliari, 09042 Monserrato (CA), Italy
| | | | - Andrea Basciu
- Department of Physics, University of Cagliari, 09042 Monserrato (CA), Italy
| | - Andrea Bosin
- Department of Physics, University of Cagliari, 09042 Monserrato (CA), Italy
| | - Ulrich Kleinekathöfer
- Department of Physics and Earth Sciences, Jacobs University Bremen, Campus Ring 1, 28759 Bremen, Germany
| | - Jürg Dreier
- Basilea Pharmaceutica International Ltd., Grenzacherstrasse 487, 4058 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Attilio V. Vargiu
- Department of Physics, University of Cagliari, 09042 Monserrato (CA), Italy
| | - Paolo Ruggerone
- Department of Physics, University of Cagliari, 09042 Monserrato (CA), Italy
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34
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Pieńko T, Trylska J. Computational Methods Used to Explore Transport Events in Biological Systems. J Chem Inf Model 2019; 59:1772-1781. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.jcim.8b00974] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Tomasz Pieńko
- Centre of New Technologies, University of Warsaw, S. Banacha 2c, 02-097 Warsaw, Poland
- Department of Drug Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy with the Laboratory Medicine Division, Medical University of Warsaw, S. Banacha 1a, 02-097 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Joanna Trylska
- Centre of New Technologies, University of Warsaw, S. Banacha 2c, 02-097 Warsaw, Poland
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35
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Shriram V, Khare T, Bhagwat R, Shukla R, Kumar V. Inhibiting Bacterial Drug Efflux Pumps via Phyto-Therapeutics to Combat Threatening Antimicrobial Resistance. Front Microbiol 2018; 9:2990. [PMID: 30619113 PMCID: PMC6295477 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2018.02990] [Citation(s) in RCA: 84] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2018] [Accepted: 11/19/2018] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Antibiotics, once considered the lifeline for treating bacterial infections, are under threat due to the emergence of threatening antimicrobial resistance (AMR). These drug-resistant microbes (or superbugs) are non-responsive to most of the commonly used antibiotics leaving us with few treatment options and escalating mortality-rates and treatment costs. The problem is further aggravated by the drying-pipeline of new and potent antibiotics effective particularly against the drug-resistant strains. Multidrug efflux pumps (EPs) are established as principal determinants of AMR, extruding multiple antibiotics out of the cell, mostly in non-specific manner and have therefore emerged as potent drug-targets for combating AMR. Plants being the reservoir of bioactive compounds can serve as a source of potent EP inhibitors (EPIs). The phyto-therapeutics with noteworthy drug-resistance-reversal or re-sensitizing activities may prove significant for reviving the otherwise fading antibiotics arsenal and making this combination-therapy effective. Contemporary attempts to potentiate the antibiotics with plant extracts and pure phytomolecules have gained momentum though with relatively less success against Gram-negative bacteria. Plant-based EPIs hold promise as potent drug-leads to combat the EPI-mediated AMR. This review presents an account of major bacterial multidrug EPs, their roles in imparting AMR, effective strategies for inhibiting drug EPs with phytomolecules, and current account of research on developing novel and potent plant-based EPIs for reversing their AMR characteristics. Recent developments including emergence of in silico tools, major success stories, challenges and future prospects are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Varsha Shriram
- Department of Botany, Prof. Ramkrishna More College, Savitribai Phule Pune University, Pune, India
| | - Tushar Khare
- Department of Biotechnology, Modern College of Arts, Science and Commerce (Savitribai Phule Pune University), Pune, India
| | - Rohit Bhagwat
- Department of Environmental Science, Savitribai Phule Pune University, Pune, India
| | - Ravi Shukla
- Centre for Advanced Materials and Industrial Chemistry, School of Science, RMIT University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Vinay Kumar
- Department of Biotechnology, Modern College of Arts, Science and Commerce (Savitribai Phule Pune University), Pune, India.,Department of Environmental Science, Savitribai Phule Pune University, Pune, India
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36
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Li X, Wang W, Fan Y, Wei Y, Yu LQ, Wei JF, Wang YF. Anticancer efficiency of cycloartane triterpenoid derivatives isolated from Cimicifuga yunnanensis Hsiao on triple-negative breast cancer cells. Cancer Manag Res 2018; 10:6715-6729. [PMID: 30584366 PMCID: PMC6289211 DOI: 10.2147/cmar.s185387] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The roots and rhizomes of Cimicifuga yunnanensis Hsiao are commonly used as anti-inflammatory, antipyretic, and analgesic remedies and detoxification agents in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). Although C. yunnanensis has been considered as supplementary medicine for several disorders, the antitumor effect of this herb and its key components has not been explored. Materials and methods The rhizomes of C. yunnanensis were isolated by chromatographic techniques. Structures of isolated compounds were identified based on spectroscopic methods and comparison with published data. The in vitro anticancer activities of purified components were also performed by MTT experiments. The in vivo anticancer activities were examined by subcutaneous tumor model or a breast cancer liver metastasis model. Results In this study, we aimed to identify and characterize the effective antitumor components from the rhizomes of C. yunnanensis. By bioassay-guided fractionation techniques and chemical characterization, 12 cycloartane triterpenes and four chromones were isolated, among them, 11 compounds were identified in this genus at first. The identified two compounds showed dramatic inhibitory activities against breast cancer cells: compound 4 (23-epi-26-deoxyactein) and compound 13 (cimigenol). Then, we examined the antitumor effect of these two selective candidate chemicals on triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) cells in vivo and found that they could reduce tumor growth in subcutaneous tumor model or breast cancer liver metastasis model. Conclusion These results suggested that the selective compounds isolated from C. yunnanensis Hsiao could be the promising new agents for TNBC treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao Li
- Biotechnology Developing Center of Henan Academy of Sciences, Henan Academy of Sciences, Zhengzhou 450002, Henan, People's Republic of China.,State Key Laboratory of Photochemistry and Plant Resources in West China, Kunming Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming 650201, Yunnan, People's Republic of China,
| | - Wei Wang
- Biotechnology Developing Center of Henan Academy of Sciences, Henan Academy of Sciences, Zhengzhou 450002, Henan, People's Republic of China
| | - Yi Fan
- Biotechnology Developing Center of Henan Academy of Sciences, Henan Academy of Sciences, Zhengzhou 450002, Henan, People's Republic of China
| | - Yue Wei
- Biotechnology Developing Center of Henan Academy of Sciences, Henan Academy of Sciences, Zhengzhou 450002, Henan, People's Republic of China
| | - Li-Qin Yu
- Biotechnology Developing Center of Henan Academy of Sciences, Henan Academy of Sciences, Zhengzhou 450002, Henan, People's Republic of China
| | - Ji-Fu Wei
- Research Division of Clinical Pharmacology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210029, People's Republic of China,
| | - Yi-Fen Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Photochemistry and Plant Resources in West China, Kunming Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming 650201, Yunnan, People's Republic of China,
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37
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Atzori A, Malviya VN, Malloci G, Dreier J, Pos KM, Vargiu AV, Ruggerone P. Identification and characterization of carbapenem binding sites within the RND-transporter AcrB. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-BIOMEMBRANES 2018; 1861:62-74. [PMID: 30416087 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbamem.2018.10.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2018] [Revised: 10/19/2018] [Accepted: 10/22/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Understanding the molecular determinants for recognition, binding and transport of antibiotics by multidrug efflux systems is important for basic research and useful for the design of more effective antimicrobial compounds. Imipenem and meropenem are two carbapenems whose antibacterial activity is known to be poorly and strongly affected by MexAB-OprM, the major efflux pump transporter in Pseudomonas aeruginosa. However, not much is known regarding recognition and transport of these compounds by AcrAB-TolC, which is the MexAB-OprM homologue in Escherichia coli and by definition the paradigm model for structural studies on efflux pumps. Prompted by this motivation, we unveiled the molecular details of the interaction of imipenem and meropenem with the transporter AcrB by combining computer simulations with biophysical experiments. Regarding the interaction with the two main substrate binding regions of AcrB, the so-called access and deep binding pockets, molecular dynamics simulations revealed imipenem to be more mobile than meropenem in the former, while comparable mobilities were observed in the latter. This result is in line with isothermal titration calorimetry, differential scanning experiments, and binding free energy calculations, indicating a higher affinity for meropenem than imipenem at the deep binding pocket, while both sharing similar affinities at the access pocket. Our findings rationalize how different physico-chemical properties of compounds reflect on their interactions with AcrB. As such, they constitute precious information to be exploited for the rational design of antibiotics able to evade efflux pumps.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessio Atzori
- Department of Physics, University of Cagliari, 09042 Monserrato, CA, Italy
| | - Viveka N Malviya
- Institute of Biochemistry, Goethe University Frankfurt, Max-von-Laue-Str. 9, 60438 Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Giuliano Malloci
- Department of Physics, University of Cagliari, 09042 Monserrato, CA, Italy
| | - Jürg Dreier
- Basilea Pharmaceutica International Ltd., Grenzacherstrasse 487, 4058 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Klaas M Pos
- Institute of Biochemistry, Goethe University Frankfurt, Max-von-Laue-Str. 9, 60438 Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Attilio V Vargiu
- Department of Physics, University of Cagliari, 09042 Monserrato, CA, Italy
| | - Paolo Ruggerone
- Department of Physics, University of Cagliari, 09042 Monserrato, CA, Italy,.
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38
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Mapping the Dynamic Functions and Structural Features of AcrB Efflux Pump Transporter Using Accelerated Molecular Dynamics Simulations. Sci Rep 2018; 8:10470. [PMID: 29992991 PMCID: PMC6041327 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-28531-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2017] [Accepted: 06/25/2018] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Multidrug efflux pumps confer resistance to their bacterial hosts by pumping out a diverse range of compounds, including most antibiotics. Being more familiar with the details of functional dynamics and conformations of these types of pumps could help in discovering approaches to stop them functioning properly. Computational approaches, particularly conventional molecular dynamics simulations followed by diverse post simulation analysis, are powerful methods that help researchers by opening a new window to study phenomena that are not detectable in as much detail in vitro or in vivo as they are in silico. In this study, accelerated molecular dynamics simulations were applied to study the dynamics of AcrB efflux pump transporters in interaction with PAβN and tetracycline as an inhibitor and a substrate, respectively, to compare the differences in the dynamics and consequently the mechanism of action of the pump. The different dynamics for PAβN -bound form of AcrB compared to the TET-bound form is likely to affect the rotating mechanism typically observed for AcrB transporter. This shows the dynamics of the active AcrB transporter is different in a substrate-bound state compared to an inhibitor-bound state. This advances our knowledge and helps to unravel the mechanism of tripartite efflux pumps.
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39
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Ramaswamy VK, Vargiu AV, Malloci G, Dreier J, Ruggerone P. Molecular Determinants of the Promiscuity of MexB and MexY Multidrug Transporters of Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Front Microbiol 2018; 9:1144. [PMID: 29910784 PMCID: PMC5992780 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2018.01144] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2018] [Accepted: 05/14/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Secondary multidrug transporters of the resistance-nodulation-cell division (RND) superfamily contribute crucially to antibiotic resistance in Gram-negative bacteria. Compared to the most studied transporter AcrB of Escherichia coli, little is known about the molecular determinants of distinct polyspecificities of the most important RND transporters MexB and MexY of Pseudomonas aeruginosa. In an effort to add knowledge on this topic, we performed an exhaustive atomic-level comparison of the main putative recognition sites (access and deep binding pockets) in these two Mex transporters. We identified an underlying link between some structural, chemical and dynamical features of the binding pockets and the physicochemical nature of the corresponding substrates recognized by either one or both pumps. In particular, mosaic-like lipophilic and electrostatic surfaces of the binding pockets provide for both proteins several multifunctional sites for diffuse binding of diverse substrates. Specific lipophilicity signatures of the weakly conserved deep pocket suggest a key role of this site as a selectivity filter as in Acr transporters. Finally, the different dynamics of the bottom-loop in MexB and MexY support its possible role in binding of large substrates. Our work represents the first comparative study of the major RND transporters in P. aeruginosa and also the first structure-based study of MexY, for which no experimental structure is available yet.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Attilio V Vargiu
- Department of Physics, University of Cagliari, Monserrato, Italy
| | - Giuliano Malloci
- Department of Physics, University of Cagliari, Monserrato, Italy
| | - Jürg Dreier
- Basilea Pharmaceutica International Ltd., Basel, Switzerland
| | - Paolo Ruggerone
- Department of Physics, University of Cagliari, Monserrato, Italy
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Zwama M, Yamaguchi A. Molecular mechanisms of AcrB-mediated multidrug export. Res Microbiol 2018; 169:372-383. [PMID: 29807096 DOI: 10.1016/j.resmic.2018.05.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2018] [Revised: 03/07/2018] [Accepted: 05/16/2018] [Indexed: 10/16/2022]
Abstract
The over-expression of multidrug efflux pumps belonging to the Resistance-Nodulation-Division (RND) superfamily is one of the main causes of multidrug-resistance (MDR) in Gram-negative pathogenic bacteria. AcrB is the most thoroughly studied RND transporter and has functioned as a model for our understanding of efflux-mediated MDR. This multidrug-exporter can recognize and transport a wide range of structurally unrelated compounds (including antibiotics, dyes, bile salts and detergents), while it shows a strict inhibitor specificity. Here we discuss our current knowledge of AcrB, and include recent advances, regarding its structure, mechanism of drug transport, substrate recognition, different intramolecular entry pathways and the drug export driven by remote conformational coupling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martijn Zwama
- Laboratory of Cell Membrane Structural Biology, Institute of Scientific and Industrial Research, Osaka University, Ibaraki, Osaka, 567-0047, Japan; Department of Biomolecular Science and Regulation, Institute of Scientific and Industrial Research, Osaka University, Ibaraki, Osaka, 567-0047, Japan; Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, 565-0871, Japan
| | - Akihito Yamaguchi
- Laboratory of Cell Membrane Structural Biology, Institute of Scientific and Industrial Research, Osaka University, Ibaraki, Osaka, 567-0047, Japan.
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Neuberger A, Du D, Luisi BF. Structure and mechanism of bacterial tripartite efflux pumps. Res Microbiol 2018; 169:401-413. [PMID: 29787834 DOI: 10.1016/j.resmic.2018.05.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2017] [Revised: 02/20/2018] [Accepted: 05/14/2018] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Efflux pumps are membrane proteins which contribute to multi-drug resistance. In Gram-negative bacteria, some of these pumps form complex tripartite assemblies in association with an outer membrane channel and a periplasmic membrane fusion protein. These tripartite machineries span both membranes and the periplasmic space, and they extrude from the bacterium chemically diverse toxic substrates. In this chapter, we summarise current understanding of the structural architecture, functionality, and regulation of tripartite multi-drug efflux assemblies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arthur Neuberger
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Cambridge, Tennis Court Road, Cambridge CB2 1GA, UK
| | - Dijun Du
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Cambridge, Tennis Court Road, Cambridge CB2 1GA, UK
| | - Ben F Luisi
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Cambridge, Tennis Court Road, Cambridge CB2 1GA, UK.
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