Structural plasticity and enzyme action: crystal structures of mycobacterium tuberculosis peptidyl-tRNA hydrolase

Binding mode between peptidyl-tRNA hydrolase and the peptidyl-A76 moiety of the substrate

Peptidyl-tRNA hydrolase (Pth) hydrolyzes the ester bond between the peptide and the tRNA of peptidyl-tRNA molecules, which are the products of aborted translation, to prevent cell death by recycling tRNA. Numerous studies have attempted to elucidate the substrate recognition mechanism of Pth. However, the binding mode of the peptidyl-A76 (3'-terminal adenosine of tRNA) moiety of the substrate to Pth, especially the A76 moiety, remains unclear. Here, we present the crystal structure of Thermus thermophilus Pth (TtPth) in complex with adenosine 5'-monophosphate (AMP), a mimic of A76. In addition, we show the crystal structure of TtPth in which the active site cleft interacts with the C-terminal three amino acid residues of a crystallographically related neighboring TtPth molecule. Superimposition of these two crystal structures reveals that the C-terminal carboxyl group of the neighboring TtPth molecule and the 3'-hydroxyl group of AMP are located in positions favorable for ester bond formation, and we present a TtPth⋅peptidyl-A76 complex model. The complex model agrees with many previous NMR and kinetic studies, and our site-directed mutagenesis studies support its validity. Based on these facts, we conclude that the complex model properly represents the interaction between Pth and the substrate in the reaction. Furthermore, structural comparisons suggest that the substrate recognition mode is conserved among bacterial Pths. This study provides insights into the molecular mechanism of the reaction and useful information to design new drugs targeting Pth.

Characterization of structure of peptidyl-tRNA hydrolase from Enterococcus faecium and its inhibition by a pyrrolinone compound

In bacteria, peptidyl-tRNA hydrolase (Pth, E.C. 3.1.1.29) is a ubiquitous and essential enzyme for preventing the accumulation of peptidyl-tRNA and sequestration of tRNA. Pth is an esterase that cleaves the ester bond between peptide and tRNA. Here, we present the crystal structure of Pth from Enterococcus faecium (EfPth) at a resolution of 1.92 Å. The two molecules in the asymmetric unit differ in the orientation of sidechain of N66, a conserved residue of the catalytic site. Enzymatic hydrolysis of substrate α-N-BODIPY-lysyl-tRNALys (BLT) by EfPth was characterized by Michaelis-Menten parameters KM 163.5 nM and Vmax 1.9 nM/s. Compounds having pyrrolinone scaffold were tested for inhibition of Pth and one compound, 1040-C, was found to have IC50 of 180 nM. Antimicrobial activity profiling was done for 1040-C. It exhibited equipotent activity against drug-susceptible and resistant S. aureus (MRSA and VRSA) and Enterococcus (VSE and VRE) with MICs 2-8 μg/mL. 1040-C synergized with gentamicin and the combination was effective against the gentamicin resistant S. aureus strain NRS-119. 1040-C was found to reduce biofilm mass of S. aureus to an extent similar to Vancomycin. In a murine model of infection, 1040-C was able to reduce bacterial load to an extent comparable to Vancomycin.

Unveiling the Druggable Landscape of Bacterial Peptidyl tRNA Hydrolase: Insights into Structure, Function, and Therapeutic Potential

Bacterial peptidyl tRNA hydrolase (Pth) or Pth1 emerges as a pivotal enzyme involved in the maintenance of cellular homeostasis by catalyzing the release of peptidyl moieties from peptidyl-tRNA molecules and the maintenance of a free pool of specific tRNAs. This enzyme is vital for bacterial cells and an emerging drug target for various bacterial infections. Understanding the enzymatic mechanisms and structural intricacies of bacterial Pth is pivotal in designing novel therapeutics to combat antibiotic resistance. This review provides a comprehensive analysis of the multifaceted roles of Pth in bacterial physiology, shedding light on its significance as a potential drug target. This article delves into the diverse functions of Pth, encompassing its involvement in ribosome rescue, the maintenance of a free tRNA pool in bacterial systems, the regulation of translation fidelity, and stress response pathways within bacterial systems. Moreover, it also explores the druggability of bacterial Pth, emphasizing its promise as a target for antibacterial agents and highlighting the challenges associated with developing specific inhibitors against this enzyme. Structural elucidation represents a cornerstone in unraveling the catalytic mechanisms and substrate recognition of Pth. This review encapsulates the current structural insights of Pth garnered through various biophysical techniques, such as X-ray crystallography and NMR spectroscopy, providing a detailed understanding of the enzyme's architecture and conformational dynamics. Additionally, biophysical aspects, including its interaction with ligands, inhibitors, and substrates, are discussed, elucidating the molecular basis of bacterial Pth's function and its potential use in drug design strategies. Through this review article, we aim to put together all the available information on bacterial Pth and emphasize its potential in advancing innovative therapeutic interventions and combating bacterial infections.

Coarse-grained modeling of the calcium, sodium, magnesium and potassium cations interacting with proteins

Metal ions play important biological roles, e.g., activation or deactivation of enzymatic reactions and signal transduction. Moreover, they can stabilize protein structure, or even be actively involved in the protein folding process. Therefore, accurate treatment of the ions is crucial to model and investigate biological phenomena properly. In this work the coarse-grained UNRES (UNited RESidue) force field was extended to include the interactions between proteins and four alkali or alkaline earth metal cations of biological significance, i.e., calcium, magnesium, sodium and potassium. Additionally, chloride anions were introduced as counter-ions. Parameters were derived from all-atom simulations and incorporate water in an implicit manner. The new force field was tested on the set of the proteins and was able to reproduce the ion-binding preferences.

Characterization of active/binding site residues of peptidyl-tRNA hydrolase using biophysical and computational studies

All mRNAs cannot be translated into full-length proteins due to ribosome-stalling that leads to release of peptidyl-tRNA which can be lethal for bacterial survival. The enzyme peptidyl-tRNA hydrolase (PtH) hydrolyses the ester bond between nascent peptide and tRNA of peptidyl-tRNA and rescues the cells from toxicity. PtH is an essential enzyme in bacteria and inhibiting this crucial enzyme can serve to combat bacterial diseases. But due to lack of understanding about the catalytic mechanism of PtH, its inhibitors have not been developed. In this work, we have carried out the binding studies of M. tuberculosis and E. coli PtH with the peptidyl-tRNA analogue (puromycin) using ITC, FTIR, CD experiments followed by docking and MD simulations to identify the potential active site residues that would help to design PtH inhibitors. Binding studies of puromycin with both PtH by ITC experiments demonstrate similar thermodynamic parameters and three fold difference in their K_D. CD and FTIR studies detected changes in secondary structure composition of PtH in the presence of puromycin with different degree of perturbation. Though interactions with puromycin are conserved in both proteins, modelling studies revealed that water mediated interactions in M. tb-PtH resulting in higher affinity to puromycin.

Carboxylic Ester Hydrolases in Bacteria: Active Site, Structure, Function and Application

Carboxylic ester hydrolases (CEHs), which catalyze the hydrolysis of carboxylic esters to produce alcohol and acid, are identified in three domains of life. In the Protein Data Bank (PDB), 136 crystal structures of bacterial CEHs (424 PDB codes) from 52 genera and metagenome have been reported. In this review, we categorize these structures based on catalytic machinery, structure and substrate specificity to provide a comprehensive understanding of the bacterial CEHs. CEHs use Ser, Asp or water as a nucleophile to drive diverse catalytic machinery. The α/β/α sandwich architecture is most frequently found in CEHs, but 3-solenoid, β-barrel, up-down bundle, α/β/β/α 4-layer sandwich, 6 or 7 propeller and α/β barrel architectures are also found in these CEHs. Most are substrate-specific to various esters with types of head group and lengths of the acyl chain, but some CEHs exhibit peptidase or lactamase activities. CEHs are widely used in industrial applications, and are the objects of research in structure- or mutation-based protein engineering. Structural studies of CEHs are still necessary for understanding their biological roles, identifying their structure-based functions and structure-based engineering and their potential industrial applications.

Search of multiple hot spots on the surface of peptidyl-tRNA hydrolase: structural, binding and antibacterial studies

Peptidyl-tRNA hydrolase (Pth) catalyzes the breakdown of peptidyl-tRNA into peptide and tRNA components. Pth from Acinetobacter baumannii (AbPth) was cloned, expressed, purified and crystallized in a native unbound (AbPth-N) state and in a bound state with the phosphate ion and cytosine arabinoside (cytarabine) (AbPth-C). Structures of AbPth-N and AbPth-C were determined at 1.36 and 1.10 Å resolutions, respectively. The structure of AbPth-N showed that the active site is filled with water molecules. In the structure of AbPth-C, a phosphate ion is present in the active site, while cytarabine is bound in a cleft which is located away from the catalytic site. The cytarabine-binding site is formed with residues: Gln19, Trp27, Glu30, Gln31, Lys152, Gln158 and Asp162. In the structure of AbPth-N, the side chains of two active-site residues, Asn70 and Asn116, were observed in two conformations. Upon binding of the phosphate ion in the active site, the side chains of both residues were ordered to single conformations. Since Trp27 is present at the cytarabine-binding site, the fluorescence studies were carried out which gave a dissociation constant (KD) of 3.3 ± 0.8 × 10−7 M for cytarabine. The binding studies using surface plasmon resonance gave a KD value of 3.7 ± 0.7 × 10−7 M. The bacterial inhibition studies using the agar diffusion method and the biofilm inhibition assay established the strong antimicrobial potential of cytarabine. It also indicated that cytarabine inhibited Gram-negative bacteria more profoundly when compared with Gram-positive bacteria in a dose-dependent manner. Cytarabine was also effective against the drug-resistant bacteria both alone as well as in combination with other antibiotics.

Biochemical and structural studies of mutants indicate concerted movement of the dimer interface and ligand-binding region of Mycobacterium tuberculosis pantothenate kinase

Two point mutants and the corresponding double mutant of Mycobacterium tuberculosis pantothenate kinase have been prepared and biochemically and structurally characterized. The mutants were designed to weaken the affinity of the enzyme for the feedback inhibitor CoA. The mutants exhibit reduced activity, which can be explained in terms of their structures. The crystals of the mutants are not isomorphous to any of the previously analysed crystals of the wild-type enzyme or its complexes. The mycobacterial enzyme and its homologous Escherichia coli enzyme exhibit structural differences in their nucleotide complexes in the dimer interface and the ligand-binding region. In three of the four crystallographically independent mutant molecules the structure is similar to that in the E. coli enzyme. Although the mutants involve changes in the CoA-binding region, the dimer interface and the ligand-binding region move in a concerted manner, an observation which might be important in enzyme action. This work demonstrates that the structure of the mycobacterial enzyme can be transformed into a structure similar to that of the E. coli enzyme through minor perturbations without external influences such as those involving ligand binding.

Hydrolysis of diadenosine polyphosphates. Exploration of an additional role of Mycobacterium smegmatis MutT1

Diadenosine polyphosphates (Ap_nA, n=2-6), particularly Ap₄A, are involved in several important physiological processes. The substantial sequence identity of the Nudix hydrolase domain (domain 1) of Mycobacterium smegmatis MutT1 (MsMutT1) with a known Ap₄A hydrolase suggested that MsMutT1 could also hydrolyse diadenosine polyphosphates. Biochemical experiments yielded results in conformity with this suggestion, with Ap₄A as the best among the substrates. ATP is a product in all experiments; small amounts of ADP were also observed in the experiments involving Ap₄A and Ap₆A. Hydrolysis was inhibited by fluoride ions in all cases. The mechanism of action and its inhibition in relation to Ap_nA were explored through the X-ray analysis of the crystals of the MsMutT1 complexes with Ap₅A; Ap₅A and MnCl₂; Ap₄A; ATP; and ATP.NaF.MgCl₂. The aggregation pattern of molecules in the first four crystals is similar to that found in a majority of MsMutT1-NTP crystals. Substrate molecules occupy the primary binding site and ATP occupies a site at an intermolecular interface, in the first two. ATP occupies both the sites in the third and fourth crystal. The protein-ligand interactions observed in these crystal structures lead to an explanation of the molecular mechanism of hydrolysis of Ap_nA by MsMutT1. The fifth crystal exhibits a new packing arrangement. The structure of the complex provides an explanation for the fluoride inhibition of the activity of the enzyme. It would thus appear that MutT1 has a major role involving the hydrolysis of diadenosine polyphosphates, which could be elucidated at the molecular level.

Unraveling the stereochemical and dynamic aspects of the catalytic site of bacterial peptidyl-tRNA hydrolase

Bacterial peptidyl-tRNA hydrolase (Pth; EC 3.1.1.29) hydrolyzes the peptidyl-tRNAs accumulated in the cytoplasm and thereby prevents cell death by alleviating tRNA starvation. X-ray and NMR studies of Vibrio cholerae Pth (VcPth) and mutants of its key residues involved in catalysis show that the activity and selectivity of the protein depends on the stereochemistry and dynamics of residues H24, D97, N118, and N14. D97-H24 interaction is critical for activity because it increases the nucleophilicity of H24. The N118 and N14 have orthogonally competing interactions with H24, both of which reduce the nucleophilicity of H24 and are likely to be offset by positioning of a peptidyl-tRNA substrate. The region proximal to H24 and the lid region exhibit slow motions that may assist in accommodating the substrate. Helix α3 exhibits a slow wobble with intermediate time scale motions of its N-cap residue N118, which may work as a flypaper to position the scissile ester bond of the substrate. Overall, the dynamics of interactions between the side chains of N14, H24, D97, and N118, control the catalysis of substrate by this enzyme.

Structure and interactions of RecA: plasticity revealed by molecular dynamics simulations

Eleven independent simulations, each involving three consecutive molecules in the RecA filament, carried out on the protein from Mycobacterium tuberculosis, Mycobacterium smegmatis and Escherichia coli and their Adenosine triphosphate (ATP) complexes, provide valuable information which is complementary to that obtained from crystal structures, in addition to confirming the robust common structural framework within which RecA molecules from different eubacteria function. Functionally important loops, which are largely disordered in crystal structures, appear to adopt in each simulation subsets of conformations from larger ensembles. The simulations indicate the possibility of additional interactions involving the P-loop which remains largely invariant. The phosphate tail of the ATP is firmly anchored on the loop while the nucleoside moiety exhibits substantial structural variability. The most important consequence of ATP binding is the movement of the 'switch' residue. The relevant simulations indicate the feasibility of a second nucleotide binding site, but the pathway between adjacent molecules in the filament involving the two nucleotide binding sites appears to be possible only in the mycobacterial proteins.

Crystal structure of a [NiFe] hydrogenase maturation protease HybD from Thermococcus kodakarensis KOD1

A [NiFe] hydrogenase maturation protease HybD from Thermococcus kodakarensis KOD1 (TkHybD) is involved in the cleavage of the C-terminal residues of [NiFe] hydrogenase large subunits by Ni recognition. Here, we report the crystal structure of TkHybD at 1.82 Å resolution to better understand this process. TkHybD exhibits an α/β/α sandwich fold with conserved residues responsible for the Ni recognition. Comparisons of TkHybD with homologous proteins also reveal that they share a common overall architecture, suggesting that they have similar catalytic functions. Our results including metal binding site prediction provide insight into the substrate recognition and catalysis mechanism of TkHybD. Proteins 2016; 84:1321-1327. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Small Molecule Docking Supports Broad and Narrow Spectrum Potential for the Inhibition of the Novel Antibiotic Target Bacterial Pth1

Peptidyl-tRNA hydrolases (Pths) play ancillary yet essential roles in protein biosynthesis by recycling peptidyl-tRNA. In E. coli, inhibition of bacterial Pth1 leads to accumulation of peptidyl-tRNA, depletion of aminoacyl-tRNA, and cell death. Eukaryotes have multiple Pths and Pth1 knock out was shown to have no effect on viability in yeast. Thereby, bacterial Pth1 is a promising target for novel antibiotic development. With the abundance of Pth1 structural data, molecular docking was used for virtual screening of existing, commercially available antibiotics to map potential interactions with Pth enzymes. Overall, 83 compounds were docked to eight different bacterial Pth1 and three different Pth2 structures. A variety of compounds demonstrated favorable docking with Pths. Whereas, some compounds interacted favorably with all Pths (potential broad spectrum inhibition), more selective interactions were observed for Pth1 or Pth2 and even specificity for individual Pth1s. While the correlation between computational docking and experimentation still remains unknown, these findings support broad spectrum inhibition, but also point to the possibility of narrow spectrum Pth1 inhibition. Also suggested is that Pth1 can be distinguished from Pth2 by small molecule inhibitors. The findings support continued development of Pth1 as an antibiotic target.

Structural studies on Mycobacterium tuberculosis RecA: molecular plasticity and interspecies variability

Structures of crystals of Mycobacterium tuberculosis RecA, grown and analysed under different conditions, provide insights into hitherto underappreciated details of molecular structure and plasticity. In particular, they yield information on the invariant and variable features of the geometry of the P-loop, whose binding to ATP is central for all the biochemical activities of RecA. The strengths of interaction of the ligands with the P-loop reveal significant differences. This in turn affects the magnitude of the motion of the 'switch' residue, Gln195 in M. tuberculosis RecA, which triggers the transmission of ATP-mediated allosteric information to the DNA binding region. M. tuberculosis RecA is substantially rigid compared with its counterparts from M. smegmatis and E. coli, which exhibit concerted internal molecular mobility. The interspecies variability in the plasticity of the two mycobacterial proteins is particularly surprising as they have similar sequence and 3D structure. Details of the interactions of ligands with the protein, characterized in the structures reported here, could be useful for design of inhibitors against M. tuberculosis RecA.

Crystal structure of Staphylococcus aureus peptidyl-tRNA hydrolase at a 2.25 Å resolution

Peptidyl-tRNA hydrolase (Pth) catalyzes the release of tRNA to relieve peptidyl-tRNA accumulation. Because Pth activity is essential for the viability of bacteria, Pth is regarded as a promising target for the discovery of new antimicrobial agents. Here, the structure of Pth from the Gram-positive bacterium Staphylococcus aureus (SaPth) was solved by X-ray crystallography at a 2.25 Å resolution. The SaPth structure exhibits significant structural similarity with other members of the Pth superfamily, with a conserved α/β/α sandwich fold. A molecular phylogenetic analysis and a structure database search indicated that SaPth is most similar to its homolog in Streptococcus pyogenes, but it has a different substrate-binding cleft state.

The activating oxydianion binding domain for enzyme-catalyzed proton transfer, hydride transfer, and decarboxylation: specificity and enzyme architecture

The kinetic parameters for activation of yeast triosephosphate isomerase (ScTIM), yeast orotidine monophosphate decarboxylase (ScOMPDC), and human liver glycerol 3-phosphate dehydrogenase (hlGPDH) for catalysis of reactions of their respective phosphodianion truncated substrates are reported for the following oxydianions: HPO3(2-), FPO3(2-), S2O3(2-), SO4(2-) and HOPO3(2-). Oxydianions bind weakly to these unliganded enzymes and tightly to the transition state complex (E·S(‡)), with intrinsic oxydianion Gibbs binding free energies that range from -8.4 kcal/mol for activation of hlGPDH-catalyzed reduction of glycolaldehyde by FPO3(2-) to -3.0 kcal/mol for activation of ScOMPDC-catalyzed decarboxylation of 1-β-d-erythrofuranosyl)orotic acid by HOPO3(2-). Small differences in the specificity of the different oxydianion binding domains are observed. We propose that the large -8.4 kcal/mol and small -3.8 kcal/mol intrinsic oxydianion binding energy for activation of hlGPDH by FPO3(2-) and S2O3(2-), respectively, compared with activation of ScTIM and ScOMPDC reflect stabilizing and destabilizing interactions between the oxydianion -F and -S with the cationic side chain of R269 for hlGPDH. These results are consistent with a cryptic function for the similarly structured oxydianion binding domains of ScTIM, ScOMPDC and hlGPDH. Each enzyme utilizes the interactions with tetrahedral inorganic oxydianions to drive a conformational change that locks the substrate in a caged Michaelis complex that provides optimal stabilization of the different enzymatic transition states. The observation of dianion activation by stabilization of active caged Michaelis complexes may be generalized to the many other enzymes that utilize substrate binding energy to drive changes in enzyme conformation, which induce tight substrate fits.

Crystal structure of peptidyl-tRNA hydrolase from a Gram-positive bacterium, Streptococcus pyogenes at 2.19 Å resolution shows the closed structure of the substrate-binding cleft

•

Structure of peptidyl-tRNA hydrolase (Pth) from Streptococcus pyogenes.

•

First structure of Pth from a Gram-positive bacterium.

•

Conformations of the lid and gate loops are different from those observed in other Pth enzymes.

•

The substrate-binding channel is closed at both sites of the lid and gate loops.

•

In Pth structures from other species, the channel is fully open at the lid loop.

Peptidyl-tRNA hydrolase (Pth) catalyses the release of tRNA and peptide components from peptidyl-tRNA molecules. Pth from a Gram-positive bacterium Streptococcus pyogenes (SpPth) was cloned, expressed, purified and crystallised. Three-dimensional structure of SpPth was determined by X-ray crystallography at 2.19 Å resolution. Structure determination showed that the asymmetric unit of the unit cell contained two crystallographically independent molecules, designated A and B. The superimposition of C^α traces of molecules A and B showed an r.m.s. shift of 0.4 Å, indicating that the structures of two crystallographically independent molecules were identical. The polypeptide chain of SpPth adopted an overall α/β conformation. The substrate-binding cleft in SpPth is formed with three loops: the gate loop, Ile91–Leu102; the base loop, Gly108–Gly115; and the lid loop, Gly136–Gly150. Unlike in the structures of Pth from Gram-negative bacteria, the entry to the cleft in the structure of SpPth appeared to be virtually closed. However, the conformations of the active site residues were found to be similar.

Structural and binding studies of peptidyl-tRNA hydrolase from Pseudomonas aeruginosa provide a platform for the structure-based inhibitor design against peptidyl-tRNA hydrolase

Peptidyl-tRNA hydrolase is a key enzyme that is required to maintain the process of protein synthesis in bacteria. The structure determinations of the native enzyme from Pseudomonas aeruginosa and its complexes have provided an excellent platform for structure-based drug design.

Molecular flexibility of Mycobacterium tuberculosis ribosome recycling factor and its functional consequences: an exploration involving mutants

Internal mobility of the two domain molecule of ribosome recycling factor (RRF) is known to be important for its action. Mycobacterium tuberculosis RRF does not complement E. coli for its deficiency of RRF (in the presence of E. coli EF-G alone). Crystal structure had revealed higher rigidity of the M. tuberculosis RRF due to the presence of additional salt bridges between domains. Two inter-domain salt bridges and one between the linker region and the domain containing C-terminal residues were disrupted by appropriate mutations. Except for a C-terminal deletion mutant, all mutants showed RRF activity in E. coli when M. tuberculosis EF-G was also co-expressed. The crystal structures of the point mutants, that of the C-terminal deletion mutant and that of the protein grown in the presence of a detergent, were determined. The increased mobility resulting from the disruption of the salt bridge involving the hinge region allows the appropriate mutant to weakly complement E. coli for its deficiency of RRF even in the absence of simultaneous expression of the mycobacterial EF-G. The loss of activity of the C-terminal deletion mutant appears to be partly due to the rigidification of the molecule consequent to changes in the hinge region.

Recombinant production, crystallization and X-ray crystallographic structure determination of peptidyl-tRNA hydrolase from Salmonella typhimurium

Peptidyl-tRNA hydrolase (Pth; EC 3.1.1.29) from the pathogenic bacterium Salmonella typhimurium has been cloned, expressed in Escherichia coli and crystallized for X-ray analysis. Crystals were grown using hanging-drop vapor diffusion against a reservoir solution consisting of 0.03 M citric acid, 0.05 M bis-tris propane, 1% glycerol, 3% sucrose, 25% PEG 6000 pH 7.6. Crystals were used to obtain the three-dimensional structure of the native protein at 1.6 Å resolution. The structure was determined by molecular replacement of the crystallographic data processed in space group P2₁2₁2₁ with unit-cell parameters a=62.1, b=64.9, c=110.5 Å, α=β=γ=90°. The asymmetric unit of the crystallographic lattice was composed of two copies of the enzyme molecule with a 51% solvent fraction, corresponding to a Matthews coefficient of 2.02 Å3 Da(-1). The structural coordinates reported serve as a foundation for computational and structure-guided efforts towards novel small-molecule Pth1 inhibitors and potential antibacterial development.

Crystallization and preliminary X-ray characterization of MutT2, MSMEG_5148 from Mycobacterium smegmatis

Crystallization of MutT2, MSMEG_5148 from Mycobacterium smegmatis, has been carried out and the crystals have been characterized using X-ray diffraction. Matthews coefficient calculation suggests the possibility of one protein molecule in the asymmetric unit of the orthorhombic unit cell, space group P2(1)2(1)2 or P2(1)22. Solution of the structure of the protein by molecular replacement using the known three-dimensional structure of a bacterial Nudix hydrolase is envisaged.

Expression, purification, and solubility optimization of peptidyl-tRNA hydrolase 1 from Bacillus cereus

Peptidyl-tRNA hydrolase 1 cleaves the ester bond of peptidyl-tRNA thereby recycling peptidyl-tRNAs generated from premature termination of translation and expression of minigenes and short ORFs. Bacterial Pth1 is essential, highly conserved, and has no essential eukaryotic homolog making it a good target for antibacterial development. Herein we describe the cloning of pth1 gene from Bacillus cereus as an N-terminal hexahistidine fusion protein. Solubility was optimized for overexpression in Escherichia coli. Purity greater than 95% was achieved in one chromatography step. Yields greater than 12mg of purified Pth1 per liter of minimal media were achieved and buffer conditions for long-term solubility were determined. Enzymatic activity of Pth1 from B. cereus was confirmed and quantification of Michaelis-Menten parameters reported.

Cloning, expression, purification, crystallization and preliminary X-ray studies of argininosuccinate lyase (Rv1659) from Mycobacterium tuberculosis

The last enzyme in the arginine-biosynthesis pathway, argininosuccinate lyase, from Mycobacterium tuberculosis has been cloned, expressed, purified and crystallized, and preliminary X-ray studies have been carried out on the crystals. The His-tagged tetrameric enzyme with a subunit molecular weight of 50.9 kDa crystallized with two tetramers in the asymmetric unit of the orthorhombic unit cell, space group P2(1)2(1)2(1). Molecular-replacement calculations and self-rotation calculations confirmed the space group and the tetrameric nature of the molecule.

Small molecule binding, docking, and characterization of the interaction between Pth1 and peptidyl-tRNA

Bacterial Pth1 is essential for viability. Pth1 cleaves the ester bond between the peptide and nucleotide of peptidyl-tRNA generated from aborted translation, expression of mini-genes, and short ORFs. We have determined the shape of the Pth1:peptidyl-tRNA complex using small angle neutron scattering. Binding of piperonylpiperazine, a small molecule constituent of a combinatorial synthetic library common to most compounds with inhibitory activity, was mapped to Pth1 via NMR spectroscopy. We also report computational docking results, modeling piperonylpiperazine binding based on chemical shift perturbation mapping. Overall these studies promote Pth1 as a novel antibiotic target, contribute to understanding how Pth1 interacts with its substrate, advance the current model for cleavage, and demonstrate feasibility of small molecule inhibition.

The mode of inhibitor binding to peptidyl-tRNA hydrolase: binding studies and structure determination of unbound and bound peptidyl-tRNA hydrolase from Acinetobacter baumannii

The incidences of infections caused by an aerobic Gram-negative bacterium, Acinetobacter baumannii are very common in hospital environments. It usually causes soft tissue infections including urinary tract infections and pneumonia. It is difficult to treat due to acquired resistance to available antibiotics is well known. In order to design specific inhibitors against one of the important enzymes, peptidyl-tRNA hydrolase from Acinetobacter baumannii, we have determined its three-dimensional structure. Peptidyl-tRNA hydrolase (AbPth) is involved in recycling of peptidyl-tRNAs which are produced in the cell as a result of premature termination of translation process. We have also determined the structures of two complexes of AbPth with cytidine and uridine. AbPth was cloned, expressed and crystallized in unbound and in two bound states with cytidine and uridine. The binding studies carried out using fluorescence spectroscopic and surface plasmon resonance techniques revealed that both cytidine and uridine bound to AbPth at nanomolar concentrations. The structure determinations of the complexes revealed that both ligands were located in the active site cleft of AbPth. The introduction of ligands to AbPth caused a significant widening of the entrance gate to the active site region and in the process of binding, it expelled several water molecules from the active site. As a result of interactions with protein atoms, the ligands caused conformational changes in several residues to attain the induced tight fittings. Such a binding capability of this protein makes it a versatile molecule for hydrolysis of peptidyl-tRNAs having variable peptide sequences. These are the first studies that revealed the mode of inhibitor binding in Peptidyl-tRNA hydrolases which will facilitate the structure based ligand design.

Crystallization and preliminary X-ray analysis of peptidyl-tRNA hydrolase from Thermus thermophilus HB8

Peptidyl-tRNA is produced from the ribosome as a result of aborted translation. Peptidyl-tRNA hydrolase cleaves the ester bond between the peptide and the tRNA of peptidyl-tRNA molecules, to recycle tRNA for further rounds of protein synthesis. In this study, peptidyl-tRNA hydrolase from Thermus thermophilus HB8 (TthPth) was crystallized using 2-methyl-2,4-pentanediol as a precipitant. The crystals belonged to the orthorhombic space group P2₁2₁2₁, with unit-cell parameters a=47.45, b=53.92, c=58.67 Å, and diffracted X-rays to atomic resolution (beyond 1.0 Å resolution). The asymmetric unit is expected to contain one TthPth molecule, with a solvent content of 27.13% (VM=1.69 Å3 Da(-1)). The structure is being solved by molecular replacement.

Recombinant production, crystallization and X-ray crystallographic structure determination of the peptidyl-tRNA hydrolase of Pseudomonas aeruginosa

The peptidyl-tRNA hydrolase enzyme from the pathogenic bacterium Pseudomonas aeruginosa (Pth; EC 3.1.1.29) has been cloned, expressed in Escherichia coli and crystallized for X-ray structural analysis. Suitable crystals were grown using the sitting-drop vapour-diffusion method after one week of incubation against a reservoir solution consisting of 20% polyethylene glycol 4000, 100 mM Tris pH 7.5, 10%(v/v) isopropyl alcohol. The crystals were used to obtain the three-dimensional structure of the native protein at 1.77 Å resolution. The structure was determined by molecular replacement of the crystallographic data processed in space group P6(1)22 with unit-cell parameters a=b=63.62, c=155.20 Å, α=β=90, γ=120°. The asymmetric unit of the crystallographic lattice was composed of a single copy of the enzyme molecule with a 43% solvent fraction, corresponding to a Matthews coefficient of 2.43 Å3 Da(-1). The crystallographic structure reported here will serve as the foundation for future structure-guided efforts towards the development of novel small-molecule inhibitors specific to bacterial Pths.

Crystallization and preliminary X-ray studies of MutT1 (MSMEG_2390) from Mycobacterium smegmatis

MutT1 (MSMEG_2390) from Mycobacterium smegmatis has been crystallized and the crystals have been characterized using X-ray diffraction. The crystals belonged to space group P2(1)2(1)2(1). The Matthews coefficient suggested the possibility of one protein molecule in the asymmetric unit of the orthorhombic unit cell. Solution of the structure using the known three-dimensional structure of a bacterial MutT1 is anticipated.

Structural basis for the substrate recognition and catalysis of peptidyl-tRNA hydrolase

Peptidyl-tRNA hydrolase (Pth) cleaves the ester bond between the peptide and the tRNA of peptidyl-tRNA molecules, which are produced by aborted translation, to recycle tRNA for further rounds of protein synthesis. Pth is ubiquitous in nature, and its enzymatic activity is essential for bacterial viability. We have determined the crystal structure of Escherichia coli Pth in complex with the tRNA CCA-acceptor-TΨC domain, the enzyme-binding region of the tRNA moiety of the substrate, at 2.4 Å resolution. In combination with site-directed mutagenesis studies, the structure identified the amino acid residues involved in tRNA recognition. The structure also revealed that Pth interacts with the tRNA moiety through the backbone phosphates and riboses, and no base-specific interactions were observed, except for the interaction with the highly conserved base G53. This feature enables Pth to accept the diverse sequences of the elongator-tRNAs as substrate components. Furthermore, we propose an authentic Pth:peptidyl-tRNA complex model and a detailed mechanism for the hydrolysis reaction, based on the present crystal structure and the previous studies’ results.

Structures of new crystal forms of Mycobacterium tuberculosis peptidyl-tRNA hydrolase and functionally important plasticity of the molecule

The X-ray structures of new crystal forms of peptidyl-tRNA hydrolase from M. tuberculosis reported here and the results of previous X-ray studies of the enzyme from different sources provide a picture of the functionally relevant plasticity of the protein molecule. The new X-ray results confirm the connection deduced previously between the closure of the lid at the peptide-binding site and the opening of the gate that separates the peptide-binding and tRNA-binding sites. The plasticity of the molecule indicated by X-ray structures is in general agreement with that deduced from the available solution NMR results. The correlation between the lid and the gate movements is not, however, observed in the NMR structure.

Crystallization and preliminary X-ray analysis of peptidyl-tRNA hydrolase from Escherichia coli in complex with the acceptor-TΨC domain of tRNA

Peptidyl-tRNA hydrolase (Pth) cleaves the ester bond between the peptide and the tRNA of peptidyl-tRNA molecules, which are the product of aborted translation. In the present work, Pth from Escherichia coli was crystallized with the acceptor-TΨC domain of tRNA using 1,4-butanediol as a precipitant. The crystals belonged to the hexagonal space group P6(1), with unit-cell parameters a = b = 55.1, c = 413.1 Å, and diffracted X-rays beyond 2.4 Å resolution. The asymmetric unit is expected to contain two complexes of Pth and the acceptor-TΨC domain of tRNA (V(M) = 2.8 Å(3) Da(-1)), with a solvent content of 60.8%. The structure is being solved by molecular replacement.

Peptidyl-tRNA Hydrolase Screening Combined with Molecular Docking Reveals the Antibiotic Potential ofSyzygium johnsoniiBark Extract

With the rapid rise of antibiotic resistance in pathogenic bacteria, the need for new antibacterial agents is overwhelming. Herein we report the limited screening of tropical plant extracts for inhibitory activity against the essential enzyme peptidyl-tRNA hydrolase (Pth). Initial screening was conducted through an electrophoretic mobility assay and Northern blot detection. The ability of Pth to cleave the peptide-tRNA ester bond was assessed. The ethanol bark extract of Syzygium johnsonii showed strong inhibitory potential. Molecular docking studies point to Syzygium polyphenolics as the potential source of inhibition. This work is the forerunner of activity-directed isolation, purification, and structure elucidation of the inhibitory components from Syzygium johnsonii extracts and studies of compound interaction with Pth.

RNA-binding site of Escherichia coli peptidyl-tRNA hydrolase

In a cell, peptidyl-tRNA molecules that have prematurely dissociated from ribosomes need to be recycled. This work is achieved by an enzyme called peptidyl-tRNA hydrolase. To characterize the RNA-binding site of Escherichia coli peptidyl-tRNA hydrolase, minimalist substrates inspired from tRNA(His) have been designed and produced. Two minisubstrates consist of an N-blocked histidylated RNA minihelix or a small RNA duplex mimicking the acceptor and TψC stem regions of tRNA(His). Catalytic efficiency of the hydrolase toward these two substrates is reduced by factors of 2 and 6, respectively, if compared with N-acetyl-histidyl-tRNA(His). In contrast, with an N-blocked histidylated microhelix or a tetraloop missing the TψC arm, efficiency of the hydrolase is reduced 20-fold. NMR mapping of complex formation between the hydrolase and the small RNA duplex indicates amino acid residues sensitive to RNA binding in the following: (i) the enzyme active site region; (ii) the helix-loop covering the active site; (iii) the region including Leu-95 and the bordering residues 111-117, supposed to form the boundary between the tRNA core and the peptidyl-CCA moiety-binding sites; (iv) the region including Lys-105 and Arg-133, two residues that are considered able to clamp the 5'-phosphate of tRNA, and (v) the positively charged C-terminal helix (residues 180-193). Functional value of these interactions is assessed taking into account the catalytic properties of various engineered protein variants, including one in which the C-terminal helix was simply subtracted. A strong role of Lys-182 in helix binding to the substrate is indicated.

Location and conformation of pantothenate and its derivatives in Mycobacterium tuberculosis pantothenate kinase: insights into enzyme action

Previous studies of complexes of Mycobacterium tuberculosis PanK (MtPanK) with nucleotide diphosphates and nonhydrolysable analogues of nucleoside triphosphates in the presence or the absence of pantothenate established that the enzyme has dual specificity for ATP and GTP, revealed the unusual movement of ligands during enzyme action and provided information on the effect of pantothenate on the location and conformation of the nucleotides at the beginning and the end of enzyme action. The X-ray analyses of the binary complexes of MtPanK with pantothenate, pantothenol and N-nonylpantothenamide reported here demonstrate that in the absence of nucleotide these ligands occupy, with a somewhat open conformation, a location similar to that occupied by phosphopantothenate in the `end' complexes, which differs distinctly from the location of pantothenate in the closed conformation in the ternary `initiation' complexes. The conformation and the location of the nucleotide were also different in the initiation and end complexes. An invariant arginine appears to play a critical role in the movement of ligands that takes place during enzyme action. The work presented here completes the description of the locations and conformations of nucleoside diphosphates and triphosphates and pantothenate in different binary and ternary complexes, and suggests a structural rationale for the movement of ligands during enzyme action. The present investigation also suggests that N-alkylpantothenamides could be phosphorylated by the enzyme in the same manner as pantothenate.

Cloning, expression, purification, crystallization and preliminary X-ray studies of the mannose-binding lectin domain of MSMEG_3662 from Mycobacterium smegmatis

The mannose-binding lectin domain of MSMEG_3662 from Mycobacterium smegmatis has been cloned, expressed, purified and crystallized and the crystals have been characterized using X-ray diffraction. The Matthews coefficient suggests the possibility of two lectin domains in the triclinic cell. The amino-acid sequence of the domain indicates structural similarity to well characterized β-prism II fold lectins.

Structure of Francisella tularensis peptidyl-tRNA hydrolase

The rational design of novel antibiotics for bacteria involves the identification of inhibitors for enzymes involved in essential biochemical pathways in cells. In this study, the cloning, expression, purification, crystallization and structure of the enzyme peptidyl-tRNA hydrolase from Francisella tularensis, the causative agent of tularemia, was performed. The structure of F. tularensis peptidyl-tRNA hydrolase is comparable to those of other bacterial peptidyl-tRNA hydrolases, with most residues in the active site conserved amongst the family. The resultant reagents, structural data and analyses provide essential information for the structure-based design of novel inhibitors for this class of proteins.

X-ray and molecular-dynamics studies on Mycobacterium leprae single-stranded DNA-binding protein and comparison with other eubacterial SSB structures

The crystal structures of two forms of Mycobacterium leprae single-stranded DNA-binding protein (SSB) have been determined at 2.05 and 2.8 Å resolution. Comparison of these structures with the structures of other eubacterial SSBs indicates considerable variation in their quaternary association, although the DNA-binding domains in all of them exhibit the same OB-fold. This variation has no linear correlation with sequence variation, but could be related to variation in protein stability. Molecular-dynamics simulations have been carried out on tetrameric molecules derived from the two forms and the prototype Escherichia coli SSB and the individual subunits of both proteins. Together, the X-ray studies and molecular-dynamics simulations yield information on the relatively rigid and flexible regions of the molecule and on the effect of oligomerization on flexibility. The simulations provide insight into the changes in subunit structure on oligomerization. They also provide insight into the stability and time evolution of the hydrogen bonds/water bridges that connect the two pairs of monomers in the tetramer.

Crystallization and preliminary X-ray studies of the C-terminal domain of Mycobacterium tuberculosis LexA

The C-terminal domain of Mycobacterium tuberculosis LexA has been crystallized in two different forms. The form 1 and form 2 crystals belonged to space groups P3(1)21 and P3(1), respectively. Form 1 contains one domain in the asymmetric unit, while form 2 contains six crystallographically independent domains. The structures have been solved by molecular replacement.

Structure of uracil-DNA glycosylase from Mycobacterium tuberculosis: insights into interactions with ligands

Uracil N-glycosylase (Ung) is the most thoroughly studied of the group of uracil DNA-glycosylase (UDG) enzymes that catalyse the first step in the uracil excision-repair pathway. The overall structure of the enzyme from Mycobacterium tuberculosis is essentially the same as that of the enzyme from other sources. However, differences exist in the N- and C-terminal stretches and some catalytic loops. Comparison with appropriate structures indicate that the two-domain enzyme closes slightly when binding to DNA, while it opens slightly when binding to the proteinaceous inhibitor Ugi. The structural changes in the catalytic loops on complexation reflect the special features of their structure in the mycobacterial protein. A comparative analysis of available sequences of the enzyme from different sources indicates high conservation of amino-acid residues in the catalytic loops. The uracil-binding pocket in the structure is occupied by a citrate ion. The interactions of the citrate ion with the protein mimic those of uracil, in addition to providing insights into other possible interactions that inhibitors could be involved in.

M. tuberculosis pantothenate kinase: dual substrate specificity and unusual changes in ligand locations

Kinetic measurements of enzyme activity indicate that type I pantothenate kinase from Mycobacterium tuberculosis has dual substrate specificity for ATP and GTP, unlike the enzyme from Escherichia coli, which shows a higher specificity for ATP. A molecular explanation for the difference in the specificities of the two homologous enzymes is provided by the crystal structures of the complexes of the M. tuberculosis enzyme with (1) GMPPCP and pantothenate, (2) GDP and phosphopantothenate, (3) GDP, (4) GDP and pantothenate, (5) AMPPCP, and (6) GMPPCP, reported here, and the structures of the complexes of the two enzymes involving coenzyme A and different adenyl nucleotides reported earlier. The explanation is substantially based on two critical substitutions in the amino acid sequence and the local conformational change resulting from them. The structures also provide a rationale for the movement of ligands during the action of the mycobacterial enzyme. Dual specificity of the type exhibited by this enzyme is rare. The change in locations of ligands during action, observed in the case of the M. tuberculosis enzyme, is unusual, so is the striking difference between two homologous enzymes in the geometry of the binding site, locations of ligands, and specificity. Furthermore, the dual specificity of the mycobacterial enzyme appears to have been caused by a biological necessity.