Role of water molecules and ion pairs in Dps and related ferritin-like structures

MRPC (Missing Regions in Polypeptide Chains): a knowledgebase

Missing regions in protein crystal structures are those regions that cannot be resolved, mainly owing to poor electron density (if the three-dimensional structure was solved using X-ray crystallography). These missing regions are known to have high B factors and could represent loops with a possibility of being part of an active site of the protein molecule. Thus, they are likely to provide valuable information and play a crucial role in the design of inhibitors and drugs and in protein structure analysis. In view of this, an online database, Missing Regions in Polypeptide Chains (MRPC), has been developed which provides information about the missing regions in protein structures available in the Protein Data Bank. In addition, the new database has an option for users to obtain the above data for non-homologous protein structures (25 and 90%). A user-friendly graphical interface with various options has been incorporated, with a provision to view the three-dimensional structure of the protein along with the missing regions using JSmol. The MRPC database is updated regularly (currently once every three months) and can be accessed freely at the URL http://cluster.physics.iisc.ac.in/mrpc.

Characterization of Ionizable Groups' Environments in Proteins and Protein-Ligand Complexes through a Statistical Analysis of the Protein Data Bank

We conduct a statistical analysis of the molecular environment of common ionizable functional groups in both protein-ligand complexes and inside proteins from the Protein Data Bank (PDB). In particular, we characterize the frequency, type, and density of the interacting atoms as well as the presence of a potential counterion. We found that for ligands, most guanidinium groups, half of primary and secondary amines, and one-fourth of imidazole neighbor a carboxylate group. Tertiary amines bind more rarely near carboxylate groups, which may be explained by a crowded neighborhood and hydrophobic character. In comparison to the environment seen by the ligands, inside proteins, an environment enriched in main-chain atoms is found, and the prevalence of direct charge neutralization by carboxylate groups is different. When the ionizable character of water molecules and phenolic or hydroxyl groups is accounted, considering a high-resolution dataset (less than 1.5 Å), charge neutralization could occur for well above 80% of the ligand functional groups considered, but for tertiary amines.

Role of invariant water molecules and water-mediated ionic interactions in D-xylose isomerase from Streptomyces rubiginosus

The enzyme, D-xylose isomerase (D-xylose keto-isomerase; EC 5.3.1.5) is a soluble enzyme that catalyzes the conversion of the aldo-sugar D-xylose to the keto-sugar D-xylulose. A total of 27 subunits of D-xylose isomerase from Streptomyces rubiginosus were analyzed in order to identify the invariant water molecules and their water-mediated ionic interactions. A total of 70 water molecules were found to be invariant. The structural and/or functional roles of these water molecules have been discussed. These invariant water molecules and their ionic interactions may be involved in maintaining the structural stability of the enzyme D-xylose isomerase. Fifty-eight of the 70 invariant water molecules (83%) have at least one interaction with the main chain polar atom.

Water-mediated ionic interactions in protein structures

It is well known that water molecules play an indispensable role in the structure and function of biological macromolecules. The water-mediated ionic interactions between the charged residues provide stability and plasticity and in turn address the function of the protein structures. Thus, this study specifically addresses the number of possible water-mediated ionic interactions, their occurrence, distribution and nature found in 90% non-redundant protein chains. Further, it provides a statistical report of different charged residue pairs that are mediated by surface or buried water molecules to form the interactions. Also, it discusses its contributions in stabilizing various secondary structural elements of the protein. Thus, the present study shows the ubiquitous nature of the interactions that imparts plasticity and flexibility to a protein molecule.