Evidence that membrane insertion of the cytosolic domain of Bcl-xL is governed by an electrostatic mechanism

Neutron reflectometry and NMR spectroscopy of full-length Bcl-2 protein reveal its membrane localization and conformation

B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2) proteins are the main regulators of mitochondrial apoptosis. Anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 proteins possess a hydrophobic tail-anchor enabling them to translocate to their target membrane and to shift into an active conformation where they inhibit pro-apoptotic Bcl-2 proteins to ensure cell survival. To address the unknown molecular basis of their cell-protecting functionality, we used intact human Bcl-2 protein natively residing at the mitochondrial outer membrane and applied neutron reflectometry and NMR spectroscopy. Here we show that the active full-length protein is entirely buried into its target membrane except for the regulatory flexible loop domain (FLD), which stretches into the aqueous exterior. The membrane location of Bcl-2 and its conformational state seems to be important for its cell-protecting activity, often infamously upregulated in cancers. Most likely, this situation enables the Bcl-2 protein to sequester pro-apoptotic Bcl-2 proteins at the membrane level while sensing cytosolic regulative signals via its FLD region.

Conformational States of the Cytoprotective Protein Bcl-xL

Bcl-xL is a major inhibitor of apoptosis, a fundamental homeostatic process of programmed cell death that is highly conserved across evolution. Because it plays prominent roles in cancer, Bcl-xL is a major target for anticancer therapy and for studies aimed at understanding its structure and activity. Although Bcl-xL is active primarily at intracellular membranes, most studies have focused on soluble forms of the protein lacking both the membrane-anchoring C-terminal tail and the intrinsically disordered loop, and this has resulted in a fragmented view of the protein's biological activity. Here, we describe the conformation of full-length Bcl-xL. Using NMR spectroscopy, molecular dynamics simulations, and isothermal titration calorimetry, we show how the three structural elements affect the protein's structure, dynamics, and ligand-binding activity in both its soluble and membrane-anchored states. The combined data provide information about the molecular basis for the protein's functionality and a view of its complex molecular mechanisms.

Lipid-modulation of membrane insertion and refolding of the apoptotic inhibitor Bcl-xL

Bcl-xL is a member of the Bcl-2 family of apoptotic regulators, responsible for inhibiting the permeabilization of the mitochondrial outer membrane, and a promising anti-cancer target. Bcl-xL exists in the following conformations, each believed to play a role in the inhibition of apoptosis: (a) a soluble folded conformation, (b) a membrane-anchored (by its C-terminal α8 helix) form, which retains the same fold as in solution and (c) refolded membrane-inserted conformations, for which no structural data are available. Previous studies established that in the cell Bcl-xL exists in a dynamic equilibrium between soluble and membranous states, however, no direct evidence exists in support of either anchored or inserted conformation of the membranous state in vivo. In this in vitro study, we employed a combination of fluorescence and EPR spectroscopy to characterize structural features of the bilayer-inserted conformation of Bcl-xL and the lipid modulation of its membrane insertion transition. Our results indicate that the core hydrophobic helix α6 inserts into the bilayer without adopting a transmembrane orientation. This insertion disrupts the packing of Bcl-xL and releases the regulatory N-terminal BH4 domain (α1) from the rest of the protein structure. Our data demonstrate that both insertion and refolding of Bcl-xL are modulated by lipid composition, which brings the apparent pK_a of insertion to the threshold of physiological pH. We hypothesize that conformational rearrangements associated with the bilayer insertion of Bcl-xL result in its switching to a so-called non-canonical mode of apoptotic inhibition. Presented results suggest that the alteration in lipid composition before and during apoptosis can serve as an additional factor regulating the permeabilization of the mitochondrial outer membrane.

The pH-Dependent Trigger in Diphtheria Toxin T Domain Comes with a Safety Latch

Protein-side-chain protonation, coupled to conformational rearrangements, is one way of regulating physiological function caused by changes in protein environment. Specifically, protonation of histidine residues has been implicated in pH-dependent conformational switching in several systems, including the diphtheria toxin translocation (T) domain, which is responsible for the toxin's cellular entry via the endosomal pathway. Our previous studies a) identified protonation of H257 as a major component of the T domain's conformational switch and b) suggested the possibility of a neighboring H223 acting as a modulator, affecting the protonation of H257 and preventing premature conformational changes outside the endosome. To verify this "safety-latch" hypothesis, we report here the pH-dependent folding and membrane interactions of the T domain of the wild-type and that of the H223Q mutant, which lacks the latch. Thermal unfolding of the T domain, measured by circular dichroism, revealed that the reduction in the transition temperature for helical unfolding for an H223Q mutant starts at less acidic conditions (pH <7.5) relative to the wild-type protein (pH <6.5). Hydrogen-deuterium-exchange mass spectrometry demonstrates that the H223Q replacement results in a loss of stability of the amphipathic helices TH1-3 and the hydrophobic core helix TH8 at pH 6.5. That this destabilization occurs in solution correlates well with the pH-range shift for the onset of the membrane permeabilization and translocation activity of the T domain, confirming our initial hypothesis that H223 protonation guards against early refolding. Taken together, these results demonstrate that histidine protonation can fine-tune pH-dependent switching in physiologically relevant systems.

Salt stress response of membrane proteome of sugar beet monosomic addition line M14

Understanding how plants respond to and tolerate salt stress is important for engineering and breeding effort to boost plant productivity and bioenergy in an ever challenging environment. Sugar beet M14 line is a unique germplasm that contains genetic materials from Beta vulgaris L. and Beta corolliflora Zoss, and it exhibits tolerance to salt stress. Here we report the changes in membrane proteome of the M14 plants in response to salt stress (0, 200, 400mM NaCl) using an iTRAQ two-dimensional LC-MS/MS technology for quantitative proteomic analysis. In total, 274 proteins, mostly membrane proteins, were identified, and 50 proteins exhibited differential protein level changes, with 40 proteins increased and 10 decreased. The proteins were mainly involved in transport, metabolism, protein synthesis, photosynthesis, protein folding and degradation, signal transduction, stress and defense, energy, and cell structure. These results have revealed interesting mechanisms underlying the M14 response and tolerance to salt stress.

BIOLOGICAL SIGNIFICANCE

Sugar beet monosomic addition line M14 is a special variety with salt stress tolerance. Analysis of the M14 membrane proteome under salt stress may provide useful information regarding specific adaptive mechanisms underlying salt stress tolerance. Membrane proteins are known to play critical roles in salt stress signaling and adaptation. The purpose of this study was to identify significantly changed membrane proteins and determine their possible relevance to salt tolerance. The proteomic analysis of the M14 line revealed important molecular mechanisms that can be potentially applied to improving crop salt tolerance. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled: Proteomics in India.

Conformation of BCL-XL upon Membrane Integration

BCL-XL is an anti-apoptotic BCL-2 family protein found both in the cytosol and bound to intracellular membranes. Structural studies of BCL-XL have advanced by deleting its hydrophobic C-terminus and adding detergents to enhance solubility. However, since the C-terminus is essential for function and detergents strongly affect structure and activity, the molecular mechanisms controlling intracellular localization and cytoprotective activity are incompletely understood. Here we describe the conformations and ligand binding activities of water-soluble and membrane-bound BCL-XL, with its complete C-terminus, in detergent-free environments. We show that the C-terminus interacts with a conserved surface groove in the water-soluble state of the protein and inserts across the phospholipid bilayer in the membrane-bound state. Contrary to current models, membrane binding does not induce a conformational change in the soluble domain and both states bind a known ligand with affinities that are modulated by the specific state of the protein.

Glutamate 85 and glutamate 228 contribute to the pH-response of the soluble form of chloride intracellular channel 1

The chloride intracellular channel protein, CLIC1, is synthesised as a soluble monomer that can reversibly bind membranes. Soluble CLIC1 is proposed to respond to the low pH found at a membrane surface by partially unfolding and restructuring into a membrane-competent conformation. This transition is proposed to be controlled by strategically located "pH-sensor" residues that become protonated at acidic pH. In this study, we investigate the role of two conserved glutamate residues, Glu85 in the N-domain and Glu228 in the C-domain, as pH-sensors. E85L and E228L CLIC1 variants were created to reduce pH sensitivity by permanently breaking the bonds these residues form. The structure and stability of each variant was compared to the wild type at both pH 7.0 and pH 5.5. Neither substitution significantly altered the structure but both decreased the conformational stability. Furthermore, E85L CLIC1 formed a urea-induced unfolding intermediate state at both pH 7 and pH 5.5 compared to wild-type and E228L CLIC1 which only formed the intermediate at pH 5.5. We conclude that Glu85 and Glu228 are two of the five pH-sensor residues of CLIC1 and contribute to the pH-response in different ways. Glu228 lowers the stability of the native state at pH 5.5, while Glu85 contributes both to the stability of the native state and to the formation of the intermediate state. By putting these interactions into the context of the three previously described CLIC1 pH-sensor residues, we propose a mechanism for the conversion of CLIC1 from the soluble state to the pre-membrane form.

Functions of the C-terminal domains of apoptosis-related proteins of the Bcl-2 family

Bcl-2 family proteins are involved in cell homeostasis, where they regulate cell death. Some of these proteins are pro-apoptotic and others pro-survival. Moreover, many of them share a similar domain composition with several of the so-called BH domains, although some only have a BH3 domain. A C-terminal domain is present in all the multi-BH domain proteins and in some of the BH3-only ones. This C-terminal domain is hydrophobic or amphipathic, for which reason it was thought when they were discovered that they were membrane anchors. Although this is indeed one of their functions, it has since been observed that they may also serve as regulators of the function of some members of this family, such as Bax. They may also serve to recognize the target membrane of some of these proteins, which only after an apoptotic signal, are incorporated into a membrane. It has been shown that peptides that imitate the sequence of C-terminal domains can form pores and may serve as a model to design cytotoxic molecules.

A Lys-Trp cation-π interaction mediates the dimerization and function of the chloride intracellular channel protein 1 transmembrane domain

Chloride intracellular channel protein 1 (CLIC1) is a dual-state protein that can exist either as a soluble monomer or in an integral membrane form. The oligomerization of the transmembrane domain (TMD) remains speculative despite it being implicated in pore formation. The extent to which electrostatic and van der Waals interactions drive folding and association of the dimorphic TMD is unknown and is complicated by the requirement of interactions favorable in both aqueous and membrane environments. Here we report a putative Lys37-Trp35 cation-π interaction and show that it stabilizes the dimeric form of the CLIC1 TMD in membranes. A synthetic 30-mer peptide comprising a K37M TMD mutant was examined in 2,2,2-trifluoroethanol, sodium dodecyl sulfate micelles, and 1-palmitoyl-2-oleoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine liposomes using far-ultraviolet (UV) circular dichroism, fluorescence, and UV absorbance spectroscopy. Our data suggest that Lys37 is not implicated in the folding, stability, or membrane insertion of the TMD peptide. However, removal of this residue impairs the formation of dimers and higher-order oligomers. This is accompanied by a 30-fold loss of chloride influx activity, suggesting that dimerization modulates the rate of chloride conductance. We propose that, within membranes, individual TMD helices associate via a Lys37-mediated cation-π interaction to form active dimers. The latter findings are also supported by results of modeling a putative TMD dimer conformation in which Lys37 and Trp35 form cation-π pairs at the dimer interface. Dimeric helix bundles may then associate to form fully active ion channels. Thus, within a membrane-like environment, aromatic interactions involving a polar lysine side chain provide a thermodynamic driving force for helix-helix association.

Comparison of membrane insertion pathways of the apoptotic regulator Bcl-xL and the diphtheria toxin translocation domain

The diphtheria toxin translocation domain (T-domain) and the apoptotic repressor Bcl-xL are membrane proteins that adopt their final topology by switching folds from a water-soluble to a membrane-inserted state. While the exact molecular mechanisms of this transition are not clearly understood in either case, the similarity in the structures of soluble states of the T-domain and Bcl-xL led to the suggestion that their membrane insertion pathways will be similar, as well. Previously, we have applied an array of spectroscopic methods to characterize the pH-triggered refolding and membrane insertion of the diphtheria toxin T-domain. Here, we use the same set of methods to describe the membrane insertion pathway of Bcl-xL, which allows us to make a direct comparison between both systems with respect to the thermodynamic stability in solution, pH-dependent membrane association, and transmembrane insertion. Thermal denaturation measured by circular dichroism indicates that, unlike the T-domain, Bcl-xL does not undergo a pH-dependent destabilization of the structure. Förster resonance energy transfer measurements demonstrate that Bcl-xL undergoes reversible membrane association modulated by the presence of anionic lipids, suggesting that formation of the membrane-competent form occurs close to the membrane interface. Membrane insertion of the main hydrophobic helical hairpin of Bcl-xL, α5-α6, was studied by site-selective attachment of environment-sensitive dye NBD. In contrast to the insertion of the corresponding TH8-TH9 hairpin into the T-domain, insertion of α5-α6 was found not to depend strongly on the presence of anionic lipids. Taken together, our results indicate that while Bcl-xL and the T-domain share structural similarities, their modes of conformational switching and membrane insertion pathways are distinctly different.

Heat-induced fibrillation of BclXL apoptotic repressor

The BclXL apoptotic repressor bears the propensity to associate into megadalton oligomers in solution, particularly under acidic pH. Herein, using various biophysical methods, we analyze the effect of temperature on the oligomerization of BclXL. Our data show that BclXL undergoes irreversible aggregation and assembles into highly-ordered rope-like homogeneous fibrils with length in the order of mm and a diameter in the μm-range under elevated temperatures. Remarkably, the formation of such fibrils correlates with the decay of a largely α-helical fold into a predominantly β-sheet architecture of BclXL in a manner akin to the formation of amyloid fibrils. Further interrogation reveals that while BclXL fibrils formed under elevated temperatures show no observable affinity toward BH3 ligands, they appear to be optimally primed for insertion into cardiolipin bicelles. This salient observation strongly argues that BclXL fibrils likely represent an on-pathway intermediate for insertion into mitochondrial outer membrane during the onset of apoptosis. Collectively, our study sheds light on the propensity of BclXL to form amyloid-like fibrils with important consequences on its mechanism of action in gauging the apoptotic fate of cells in health and disease.

Lipid dynamics and protein-lipid interactions in 2D crystals formed with the β-barrel integral membrane protein VDAC1

We employ a combination of (13)C/(15)N magic angle spinning (MAS) NMR and (2)H NMR to study the structural and functional consequences of different membrane environments on VDAC1 and, conversely, the effect of VDAC1 on the structure of the lipid bilayer. MAS spectra reveal a well-structured VDAC1 in 2D crystals of dimyristoylphosphatidylcholine (DMPC) and diphytanoylphosphatidylcholine (DPhPC), and their temperature dependence suggests that the VDAC structure does not change conformation above and below the lipid phase transition temperature. The same data show that the N-terminus remains structured at both low and high temperatures. Importantly, functional studies based on electrophysiological measurements on these same samples show fully functional channels, even without the presence of Triton X-100 that has been found necessary for in vitro-refolded channels. (2)H solid-state NMR and differential scanning calorimetry were used to investigate the dynamics and phase behavior of the lipids within the VDAC1 2D crystals. (2)H NMR spectra indicate that the presence of protein in DMPC results in a broad lipid phase transition that is shifted from 19 to ~27 °C and show the existence of different lipid populations, consistent with the presence of both annular and bulk lipids in the functionally and structurally homogeneous samples.

Ligand binding and membrane insertion compete with oligomerization of the BclXL apoptotic repressor

B-cell lymphoma extra large (BclXL) apoptotic repressor plays a central role in determining the fate of cells to live or die during physiological processes such as embryonic development and tissue homeostasis. Herein, using a myriad of biophysical techniques, we provide evidence that ligand binding and membrane insertion compete with oligomerization of BclXL in solution. Of particular importance is the observation that such oligomerization is driven by the intermolecular binding of its C-terminal transmembrane (TM) domain to the canonical hydrophobic groove in a domain-swapped trans fashion, whereby the TM domain of one monomer occupies the canonical hydrophobic groove within the other monomer and vice versa. Binding of BH3 ligands to the canonical hydrophobic groove displaces the TM domain in a competitive manner, allowing BclXL to dissociate into monomers upon hetero-association. Remarkably, spontaneous insertion of BclXL into DMPC/DHPC (1,2-dimyristoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine/1,2-dihexanoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine) bicelles results in a dramatic conformational change such that it can no longer recognize the BH3 ligands in what has come to be known as the "hit-and-run" mechanism. Collectively, our data suggest that oligomerization of a key apoptotic repressor serves as an allosteric switch that fine-tunes its ligand binding and membrane insertion pertinent to the regulation of apoptotic machinery.

The cytosolic domain of Fis1 binds and reversibly clusters lipid vesicles

Every lipid membrane fission event involves the association of two apposing bilayers, mediated by proteins that can promote membrane curvature, fusion and fission. We tested the hypothesis that Fis1, a tail-anchored protein involved in mitochondrial and peroxisomal fission, promotes changes in membrane structure. We found that the cytosolic domain of Fis1 alone binds lipid vesicles, which is enhanced upon protonation and increasing concentrations of anionic phospholipids. Fluorescence and circular dichroism data indicate that the cytosolic domain undergoes a membrane-induced conformational change that buries two tryptophan side chains upon membrane binding. Light scattering and electron microscopy data show that membrane binding promotes lipid vesicle clustering. Remarkably, this vesicle clustering is reversible and vesicles largely retain their original shape and size. This raises the possibility that the Fis1 cytosolic domain might act in membrane fission by promoting a reversible membrane association, a necessary step in membrane fission.

The C. elegans B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2) homolog cell death abnormal 9 (CED-9) associates with and remodels LIPID membranes

Bcl-2 proteins associate with and remodel mitochondria to regulate apoptosis. While the C. elegans Bcl-2 homolog CED-9 constitutively associates with mitochondria, it is unclear whether or not this association reflects an innate ability of CED-9 to directly remodel mitochondrial membranes. To address this question, we have characterized the effects of recombinantly expressed and purified CED-9 on synthetic lipid vesicles. We found that CED-9 associates with anionic lipid vesicles at neutral pH, and that association can occur independently of the C-terminal transmembrane domain. Membrane association changes the environment of CED-9 tryptophans and results in an apparent increase in α-helical structure. Upon association, CED-9 alters the permeability of membranes resulting in leakage of encapsulated dyes. Furthermore, this membrane remodeling promotes membrane fusion upon protonation of CED-9. Bypass of this protonation trigger can be achieved by mutating two conserved glutamates (E187K/E190K) or removing the N-terminal 67 residues. Together, these in vitro results suggest that CED-9 retains the amphitropic ability of mammalian Bcl-2 proteins to associate with cellular membranes. We therefore discuss the possibility that CED-9 and other Bcl-2 homologs localize at mitochondria to regulate mitochondrial homeostasis by either modulating mitochondrial membrane permeability or fusion.

Designed low amphipathic peptides with alpha-helical propensity exhibiting antimicrobial activity via a lipid domain formation mechanism

Although several low amphipathic peptides have been known to exhibit antimicrobial activity, their mode of action has not been completely elucidated. In this study, using designed low amphipathic peptides that retain different alpha-helical content and hydrophobicity, we attempted to investigate the mechanism of these properties. Calorimetric and thermodynamic analyses demonstrated that the peptides induce formation of two lipid domains in an anionic liposome at a high peptide-to-lipid ratio. On the other hand, even at a low peptide-to-lipid ratio, they caused minimal membrane damage, such as flip-flop of membrane lipids or leakage of calcein molecules from liposomes, and never translocated across membranes. Interaction energies between the peptides and anionic liposomes showed good correlation with antimicrobial activity for both Escherichia coli and Bacillus subtilis. We thus propose that the domain formation mechanism in which antimicrobial peptides exhibit activity solely by forming lipid domains without membrane damage is a major determinant of the antimicrobial activity of low amphipathic peptides. These peptides appear to stiffen the membrane such that it is deprived of the fluidity necessary for biological functions. We also showed that to construct the lipid domains, peptides need not form stable and cooperative structures. Rather, it is essential for peptides to only interact tightly with the membrane interface via strong electrostatic interactions, and slight differences in binding strength are invoked by differences in hydrophobicity. The peptides thus designed might pave the way for "clean" antimicrobial reagents that never cause release of membrane elements and efflux of their inner components.

Neuroprotectin D1 induces dephosphorylation of Bcl-xL in a PP2A-dependent manner during oxidative stress and promotes retinal pigment epithelial cell survival

Retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cell integrity is critical for the survival of photoreceptor cells. Bcl-x(L) is a major anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 protein required for RPE cell survival, and phosphorylation of Bcl-x(L) at residue Ser-62 renders this protein pro-apoptotic. In this study, we identify serine/threonine protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A) as a key regulator of Bcl-x(L) phosphorylation at residue Ser-62 in ARPE-19 cells, a spontaneously arising RPE cell line in which Bcl-x(L) is highly expressed. We found that either PP2A inhibitor okadaic acid or depletion of catalytic subunit alpha of PP2A (PP2A/Calpha) by small interfering RNA enhanced Bcl-x(L) phosphorylation when activated with hydrogen peroxide and tumor necrosis factor alpha-induced oxidative stress. Disruption of PP2A/Calpha exacerbated oxidative stress-induced apoptosis. PP2A/Calpha colocalized and interacted with S62Bcl-x(L) in cells stressed with H(2)O(2)/tumor necrosis factor alpha. By contrast, the omega-3 fatty acid docosahexaenoic acid derivative, neuroprotectin D1 (NPD1), a potent activator of survival signaling, down-regulated oxidative stress-induced phosphorylation of Bcl-x(L) by increasing protein phosphatase activity. NPD1 also attenuated the oxidative stress-induced apoptosis by knockdown of PP2A/Calpha and increased the association of PP2A/Calpha with S62Bcl-x(L) as well as total Bcl-x(L). NPD1 also enhanced the heterodimerization of Bcl-x(L) with its counterpart, pro-apoptotic protein Bax. Thus, NPD1 modulates the activation of this Bcl-2 family protein by dephosphorylating in a PP2A-dependent manner, suggesting a coordinated, NPD1-mediated regulation of cell survival in response to oxidative stress.

Active fragments from pro- and antiapoptotic BCL-2 proteins have distinct membrane behavior reflecting their functional divergence

BACKGROUND

The BCL-2 family of proteins includes pro- and antiapoptotic members acting by controlling the permeabilization of mitochondria. Although the association of these proteins with the outer mitochondrial membrane is crucial for their function, little is known about the characteristics of this interaction.

METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS

Here, we followed a reductionist approach to clarify to what extent membrane-active regions of homologous BCL-2 family proteins contribute to their functional divergence. Using isolated mitochondria as well as model lipid Langmuir monolayers coupled with Brewster Angle Microscopy, we explored systematically and comparatively the membrane activity and membrane-peptide interactions of fragments derived from the central helical hairpin of BAX, BCL-xL and BID. The results show a connection between the differing abilities of the assayed peptide fragments to contact, insert, destabilize and porate membranes and the activity of their cognate proteins in programmed cell death.

CONCLUSION/SIGNIFICANCE

BCL-2 family-derived pore-forming helices thus represent structurally analogous, but functionally dissimilar membrane domains.

Structure assembly of Bcl-x(L) through alpha5-alpha5 and alpha6-alpha6 interhelix interactions in lipid membranes

Lipid bilayer membrane is the main site where Bcl-x(L) executes its anti-apoptotic function. Here we used site-directed mutagenesis and cysteine-directed cross-linking to trap the structure of Bcl-x(L) upon membrane insertion. Cys151 on alpha5-helix and Asn185 on alpha6-helix of two neighboring Bcl-x(L) are found in close positions, respectively. The FRET based binding assay indicated that the BH3-peptide binding pocket in Bcl-x(L) is disrupted after its membrane insertion. Co-immunoprecipitation experiments showed that the membrane-bound Bcl-x(L) sequestered tBid by direct interaction at physiological pH. If Bcl-x(L) behaves similarly at low pH as it does at physiological pH, the membrane-bound Bcl-x(L) should bind to tBid through protein regions other than the BH3 domain of tBid and the hydrophobic pocket of Bcl-x(L). Previously, a crystallography study demonstrated that Bcl-x(L) formed homodimers through domain swapping in water, where Cys151 and Asn185 of two monomeric subunits are far apart from each other and the BH3-peptide binding pocket is intact. Our results indicated that Bcl-x(L) dimer trapped by cross-linking in lipids is distinct from the domain swapped dimer, suggesting that Bcl-x(L) transits through a structural change from the water-soluble state to the membrane-bound state and there are multiple possibilities for structural reorganization of Bcl-x(L) protein.

Biologically distinct conformations of Bcl-x can be resolved using 2D isoelectric focusing

Bcl-x, a potent regulator of cellular decisions of life and death, has multiple survival-enhancing activities that rely on distinct protein regions. Evidence suggests that depending on the local environment and the binding of protein or peptide partners, Bcl-x can take on several conformations that expose different protein regions. However, biological occurrence of conformational forms has been very difficult to study, because structure determination techniques use large quantities of protein, purified under conditions that change Bcl-x conformation. We show here that standard 2D isoelectric focusing techniques can be used to distinguish conformationally distinct forms of Bcl-x in cell lysates. Conformational isoelectric forms were manipulated through the use of detergents and buffers of differing pH. Our data indicate that post-translational modifications are not needed for or associated with conformational changes, distinguishing the dominant isoelectric forms of Bcl-x. We found that Bcl-x conformational isoelectric forms have preferred subcellular localization patterns. Moreover, conformational forms are differently regulated in certain locations during cytokine starvation of IL-3-dependent cells. Therefore, we provide evidence that 2DIEF can be used to view biologically distinct conformational differences in Bcl-x on minute quantities of unpurified protein from cells or lysates.

CED-9 and mitochondrial homeostasis in C. elegans muscle

Mitochondrial homeostasis reflects a dynamic balance between membrane fission and fusion events thought essential for mitochondrial function. We report here that altered expression of the C. elegans BCL2 homolog CED-9 affects both mitochondrial fission and fusion. Although striated muscle cells lacking CED-9 have no alteration in mitochondrial size or ultrastructure, these cells appear more sensitive to mitochondrial fragmentation. By contrast, increased CED-9 expression in these cells produces highly interconnected mitochondria. This mitochondrial phenotype is partially suppressed by increased expression of the dynamin-related GTPase DRP-1, with suppression dependent on the BH3 binding pocket of CED-9. This suppression suggests that CED-9 directly regulates DRP-1, a model supported by our finding that CED-9 activates the GTPase activity of human DRP1. Thus, CED-9 is capable of regulating the mitochondrial fission-fusion cycle but is not essential for either fission or fusion.

Disparate proteins use similar architectures to damage membranes

Membrane disruption can efficiently alter cellular function; indeed, pore-forming toxins (PFTs) are well known as important bacterial virulence factors. However, recent data have revealed that structures similar to those found in PFTs are found in membrane active proteins across disparate phyla. Many similarities can be identified only at the 3D-structural level. Of note, domains found in membrane-attack complex proteins of complement and perforin (MACPF) resemble cholesterol-dependent cytolysins from Gram-positive bacteria, and the Bcl family of apoptosis regulators share similar architectures with Escherichia coli pore-forming colicins. These and other correlations provide considerable help in understanding the structural requirements for membrane binding and pore formation.

Regulation of antiapoptotic MCL-1 function by gossypol: mechanistic insights from in vitro reconstituted systems

Small-molecule drugs that induce apoptosis in tumor cells by activation of the BCL-2-regulated mitochondrial outer membrane permeabilization (MOMP) pathway hold promise for rational anticancer therapies. Accumulating evidence indicates that the natural product gossypol and its derivatives can kill tumor cells by targeting antiapoptotic BCL-2 family members in such a manner as to trigger MOMP. However, due to the inherent complexity of the cellular apoptotic network, the precise mechanisms by which interactions between gossypol and individual BCL-2 family members lead to MOMP remain poorly understood. Here, we used simplified systems bearing physiological relevance to examine the impact of gossypol on the function of MCL-1, a key determinant for survival of various human malignancies that has become a highly attractive target for anticancer drug design. First, using a reconstituted liposomal system that recapitulates basic aspects of the BCL-2-regulated MOMP pathway, we demonstrate that MCL-1 inhibits BAX permeabilizing function via a "dual-interaction" mechanism, while submicromolar concentrations of gossypol reverse MCL-1-mediated inhibition of functional BAX activation. Solution-based studies showed that gossypol competes with BAX/BID BH3 ligands for binding to MCL-1 hydrophobic groove, thereby providing with a mechanistic explanation for how gossypol restores BAX permeabilizing function in the presence of MCL-1. By contrast, no evidence was found indicating that gossypol transforms MCL-1 into a BAX-like pore-forming molecule. Altogether, our findings validate MCL-1 as a direct target of gossypol, and highlight that making this antiapoptotic protein unable to inhibit BAX-driven MOMP may represent one important mechanism by which gossypol exerts its cytotoxic effect in selected cancer cells.

Unravelling the bcl-2 apoptosis code with a simple model system

Using defined lipids and purified proteins, Billen et al. offer a new model to reconcile the two currently opposing models for how Bcl-2 family member interactions regulate cell death.

Local RNA conformational dynamics revealed by 2-aminopurine solvent accessibility

Acrylamide quenching is widely used to monitor the solvent exposure of fluorescent probes in vitro. Here, we tested the utility of this technique to discriminate local RNA secondary structures using the fluorescent adenine analogue 2-aminopurine (2-AP). Under native conditions, the solvent accessibilities of most 2-AP-labeled RNA substrates were poorly resolved by classical single-population models; rather, a two-state quencher accessibility algorithm was required to model acrylamide-dependent changes in 2-AP fluorescence in structured RNA contexts. Comparing 2-AP quenching parameters between structured and unstructured RNA substrates permitted the effects of local RNA structure on 2-AP solvent exposure to be distinguished from nearest neighbor effects or environmental influences on intrinsic 2-AP photophysics. Using this strategy, the fractional accessibility of 2-AP for acrylamide ( f a) was found to be highly sensitive to local RNA structure. Base-paired 2-AP exhibited relatively poor accessibility, consistent with extensive shielding by adjacent bases. 2-AP in a single-base bulge was uniformly accessible to solvent, whereas the fractional accessibility of 2-AP in a hexanucleotide loop was indistinguishable from that of an unstructured RNA. However, these studies also provided evidence that the f a parameter reflects local conformational dynamics in base-paired RNA. Enhanced base pair dynamics at elevated temperatures were accompanied by increased f a values, while restricting local RNA breathing by adding a C-G base pair clamp or positioning 2-AP within extended RNA duplexes significantly decreased this parameter. Together, these studies show that 2-AP quenching studies can reveal local RNA structural and dynamic features beyond those that can be measured by conventional spectroscopic approaches.

N,N’-Hexadecanoyl l-2-diaminomethyl-18-crown-6 surfactant: Synthesis and aggregation features in aqueous solution

Bolas surfactants can be inserted into bi-layers and may operate as permanent holes in such membranes. Significant synthetic work and an exhaustive characterisation of their properties in the bulk was performed. On this purpose, the phase diagram of the system composed by water and 1,16-hexadecanoyl-bis-(2-aminomethyl)-18-crown-6 (termed Bola A16) was investigated in a wide temperature and concentration range. No liquid crystalline phases were observed and a large micellar solution was present, up to about 50 surfactant wt%. Surface tension experiments defined adsorption and micelle formation. The low observed cmc value is important for pharmacological applications, in fact, considering intravenous administration, only micelles with low cmc value can exist in blood. Nuclear magnetic resonance experiments determined both water and surfactant self-diffusion. According to the aforementioned experiments, slight, if any, modifications in the structure of micelles were inferred on increasing Bola A16 content. Dynamic rheological experiments probed the solution micro-structure. The observed rheological behaviour is newtonian. The solution viscosity and the shear relaxation processes were rationalized assuming the presence of spherical aggregates, occurring up to high surfactant content. The viscometric behaviour was rationalised in terms of a former theory of flow as a cooperative phenomenon. The number of micelles coordinated each other during the viscous flow and the interaction strength between them was obtained as a function of Bola A16 concentration. Such value is close to unity and practically independent of surfactant content in the whole concentration range we investigated. This behaviour points out that little, or none, interactions among micellar aggregates occur. The absence of shear induced changes in the aggregate shape implies no change in drug delivery properties under flow, this is useful in the pharmaco-dynamics field, since drug delivery usually operates in mechanically stressed conditions. Thanks to the above properties, the material results particularly suitable for application in pharmaceutical field, may solubilize lipid membranes and selectively transport ions across them. Ancillary effects, such as the uptake of counter-ions in the crown ether, are to be considered.

Role of helix nucleation in the kinetics of binding of mastoparan X to phospholipid bilayers

Many antimicrobial peptides undergo a coil-to-helix transition upon binding to membranes. While this conformational transition is critical for function, little is known about the underlying mechanistic details. Here, we explore the membrane-mediated folding mechanism of an antimicrobial peptide, mastoparan X. Using stopped-flow fluorescence techniques in conjunction with a fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) pair, p-cyanophenylalanine (donor) and tryptophan (acceptor), we were able to probe, albeit in an indirect manner, the membrane-mediated folding kinetics of this peptide. Our results show that the association of mastoparan X with model lipid vesicles proceeds with biphasic kinetics. The first step shows a large change in the FRET signal, indicating that the helix forms early in the time course of the interaction, while the second step where a further increase in tryptophan fluorescence is observed presumably reflects deeper insertion of the peptide into the bilayer. Additional kinetic studies on a double mutant of mastoparan X, designed to form a nucleation site for alpha-helix formation through coordination with a metal ion (e.g., Zn2+ or Ni2+), indicate that while the coil-to-helix transition occurs in the first step, it follows the rate-determining docking of the peptide onto the membrane surface. Taken together, these results indicate that the initial association of the peptide with the membrane occurs in a nonhelical conformation, which rapidly converts to a helical state within the anisotropic environment of the bilayer surface.

Regulation of apoptosis by C. elegans CED-9 in the absence of the C-terminal transmembrane domain

Bcl-2 proteins regulate apoptosis in organisms as diverse as mammals and nematodes. These proteins are often localized at mitochondria by a C-terminal transmembrane domain. Although the transmembrane domain and mitochondrial localization are centrally involved in specific cases of vertebrate Bcl-2 activity, the significance of this localization is not clear for all species. Studying the Caenorhabditis elegans Bcl-2 homolog CED-9, we found that the transmembrane domain was both necessary and sufficient for localization at mitochondrial outer membranes. Furthermore, we found that in our assays, ced-9 transgenes lacking the transmembrane domain, although somewhat less active than equivalent transgenes derived from wild-type ced-9, rescued embryonic lethality of ced-9(lf) animals and responded properly to upstream signals in controlling the fate of Pn.aap neurons. Both of these apoptotic activities were retained in a construct where CED-9 lacking the transmembrane domain was targeted to the cytosolic surface of the endoplasmic reticulum and derived organelles, suggesting that in wild-type animals, accumulation at mitochondria is not essential for CED-9 to either inhibit or promote apoptosis in C. elegans. Taken together, these data are consistent with a multimodal character of CED-9 action, with an ability to regulate apoptosis through interactions in the cytosol coexisting with additional evolutionarily conserved role(s) at the membrane.

Protein binding onto surfactant-based synthetic vesicles

Synthetic vesicles were prepared by mixing anionic and cationic surfactants, aqueous sodium dodecylsulfate with didodecyltrimethylammonium or cetyltrimethylammonium bromide. The overall surfactant content and the (anionic/cationic) mole ratios allow one to obtain negatively charged vesicles. In the phase diagram, the vesicular region is located between a solution phase, a lamellar liquid crystalline dispersion, and a precipitate area. Characterization of the vesicles was performed by electrophoretic mobility, NMR, TEM, and DLS and we determined their uni-lamellar character, size, stability, and charge density. Negatively charged vesicular dispersions, made of sodium dodecylsulfate/didodecyltrimethylammonium bromide or sodium dodecylsulfate/cetyltrimethylammonium bromide, were mixed with lysozyme, to form lipoplexes. Depending on the protein/vesicle charge ratio, binding, surface saturation, and lipoplexes flocculation, or precipitation, occurs. The free protein in excess remains in solution, after binding saturation. The systems were investigated by thermodynamic (surface tension and solution calorimetry), DLS, CD, TEM, 1H NMR, transport properties, electrophoretic mobility, and dielectric relaxation. The latter two methods give information on the vesicle charge neutralization by adsorbed protein. Binding is concomitant to modifications in the double layer thickness of vesicles and in the surface charge density of the resulting lipoplexes. This is also confirmed by developing the electrophoretic mobility results in terms of a Langmuir-like adsorption isotherm. Charges in excess with respect to the amount required to neutralize the vesicle surface promote lipoplexes clustering and/or flocculation. Protein-vesicle interactions were observed by DLS, indicating changes in particle size (and in their distribution functions) upon addition of LYSO. According to CD, the bound protein retains its native conformation, at least in the SDS/CTAB vesicular system. In fact, changes in the alpha-helix and beta-sheet conformations are moderate, if any. Calorimetric methods indicate that the maximum heat effect for LYSO binding occurs at charge neutralization. They also indicate that enthalpic are by far the dominant contributions to the system stability. Accordingly, energy effects associated with charge neutralization and double-layer contributions are much higher than counterion exchange and dehydration terms.

Helix orientations in membrane-associated Bcl-XL determined by 15N-solid-state NMR spectroscopy

Controlled cell death is fundamental to tissue hemostasis and apoptosis malfunctions can lead to a wide range of diseases. Bcl-x(L) is an anti-apoptotic protein the function of which is linked to its reversible interaction with mitochondrial outer membranes. Its interfacial and intermittent bilayer association makes prediction of its bound structure difficult without using methods able to extract data from dynamic systems. Here we investigate Bcl-x(L) associated with oriented lipid bilayers at physiological pH using solid-state NMR spectroscopy. The data are consistent with a C-terminal transmembrane anchoring sequence and an average alignment of the remaining helices, i.e. including helices 5 and 6, approximately parallel to the membrane surface. Data from several biophysical approaches confirm that after removal of the C-terminus from Bcl-x(L) its membrane interactions are weak. In the presence of membranes Bcl-x(L) can still interact with a Bak BH3 domain peptide suggesting a model where the hydrophobic C-terminus of the protein unfolds and inserts into the membrane. During this conformational change the Bcl-x(L) hydrophobic binding pocket becomes accessible for protein-protein interactions whilst the structure of the N-terminal region remains intact.

Defining the interacting regions between apomyoglobin and lipid membrane by hydrogen/deuterium exchange coupled to mass spectrometry

Sperm whale myoglobin can be considered as the model protein of the globin family. The pH-dependence of the interactions of apomyoglobin with lipid bilayers shares some similarities with the behavior of pore-forming domains of bacterial toxins belonging also to the globin family. Two different states of apomyoglobin bound to a lipid bilayer have been characterized by using hydrogen/deuterium exchange experiments and mass spectrometry. When bound to the membrane at pH 5.5, apomyoglobin remains mostly native-like and interacts through alpha-helix A. At pH 4, the binding is related to the stabilization of a partially folded state. In that case, alpha-helices A and G are involved in the interaction. At this pH, alpha-helix G, which is the most hydrophobic region of apomyoglobin, is available for interaction with the lipid bilayer because of the loss of the tertiary structure. Our results show the feasibility of such experiments and their potential for the characterization of various membrane-bound states of amphitropic proteins such as pore-forming domains of bacterial toxins. This is not possible with other high-resolution methods, because these proteins are usually in partially folded states when interacting with membranes.

Behavior of the N-Terminal Helices of the Diphtheria Toxin T Domain during the Successive Steps of Membrane Interaction

During intoxication of a cell, the translocation (T) domain of the diphtheria toxin helps the passage of the catalytic domain across the membrane of the endosome into the cytoplasm. We have investigated the behavior of the N-terminal region of the T domain during the successive steps of its interaction with membranes at acidic pH using tryptophan fluorescence, its quenching by brominated lipids, and trypsin digestion. The change in the environment of this region was monitored using mutant W281F carrying a single native tryptophan at position 206 at the tip of helix TH1. The intrinsic propensity to interact with the membrane of each helix of the N-terminus of the T domain, TH1, TH2, TH3, and TH4, was also studied using synthetic peptides. We showed the N-terminal region of the T domain was not involved in the binding of the domain to the membrane, which occurred at pH 6 mainly through hydrophobic effects. At that stage of the interaction, the N-terminal region remained strongly solvated. Further acidification eliminated repulsive electrostatic interactions between this region and the membrane, allowing its penetration into the membrane by attractive electrostatic interactions and hydrophobic effects. The peptide study indicated the nature of forces contributing to membrane penetration. Overall, the data suggested that the acidic pH found in the endosome not only triggers the formation of the molten globule state of the T domain required for membrane interaction but also governs a progressive penetration of the N-terminal part of the T domain in the membrane. We propose that these physicochemical properties are necessary for the translocation of the catalytic domain.

The N-terminal domain of Bcl-xL reversibly binds membranes in a pH-dependent manner

Bcl-xL regulates apoptosis by maintaining the integrity of the mitochondrial outer membrane by adopting both soluble and membrane-associated forms. The membrane-associated conformation does not require a conserved, C-terminal transmembrane domain and appears to be inserted into the bilayer of synthetic membranes as assessed by membrane permeabilization and critical surface pressure measurements. Membrane association is reversible and is regulated by the cooperative binding of approximately two protons to the protein. Two acidic residues, Glu153 and Asp156, that lie in a conserved hairpin of Bcl-xLDeltaTM appear to be important in this process on the basis of a 16% increase in the level of membrane association of the double mutant E153Q/D156N. Contrary to that for the wild type, membrane permeabilization for the mutant is not correlated with membrane association. Monolayer surface pressure measurements suggest that this effect is primarily due to less membrane penetration. These results suggest that E153 and D156 are important for the Bcl-xLDeltaTM conformational change and that membrane binding can be distinct from membrane permeabilization. Taken together, these studies support a model in which Bcl-xL activity is controlled by reversible insertion of its N-terminal domain into the mitochondrial outer membrane. Future studies with Bcl-xL mutants such as E153Q/D156N should allow determination of the relative contributions of membrane binding, insertion, and permeabilization to the regulation of apoptosis.

How do Bax and Bak lead to permeabilization of the outer mitochondrial membrane?

Bcl-2 family members, like the structurally similar translocation domain of diphtheria toxin, can form ion-selective channels and larger-diameter pores in artificial lipid bilayers. Recent studies show how Bcl-2 family members change topology in membranes during apoptosis and that these different states may either promote or inhibit apoptosis. Binding of BH3-only proteins alters the subcellular localization and/or membrane topology and probably affects the channel formation of Bcl-2, Bcl-xL and Bcl-w. However, it remains unclear how the pore-forming activity functions in cells to regulate mitochondrial membrane permeabilization and cell death. Bcl-2 family members in flies and worms regulate apoptosis by mechanisms seemingly unrelated to membrane permeabilization, leaving a unifying model for the biochemical activity of this protein family unknown. Work linking Bcl-2 family members to mitochondrial morphogenesis in worms and mammals suggests some common functions of Bcl-2 family proteins may exist.