Comparative analysis of structural and dynamic properties of the loaded and unloaded hemophore HasA: functional implications

Hemophore-like proteins of the HmuY family in the oral and gut microbiome: unraveling the mystery of their evolution

SUMMARY

Heme (iron protoporphyrin IX, FePPIX) is the main source of iron and PPIX for host-associated pathogenic bacteria, including members of the Bacteroidota (formerly Bacteroidetes) phylum. Porphyromonas gingivalis, a keystone oral pathogen, uses a unique heme uptake (Hmu) system, comprising a hemophore-like protein, designated as the first member of the novel HmuY family. Compared to classical, secreted hemophores utilized by Gram-negative bacteria or near-iron transporter domain-based hemophores utilized by Gram-positive bacteria, the HmuY family comprises structurally similar proteins that have undergone diversification during evolution. The best characterized are P. gingivalis HmuY and its homologs from Tannerella forsythia (Tfo), Prevotella intermedia (PinO and PinA), Bacteroides vulgatus (Bvu), and Bacteroides fragilis (BfrA, BfrB, and BfrC). In contrast to the two histidine residues coordinating heme iron in P. gingivalis HmuY, Tfo, PinO, PinA, Bvu, and BfrA preferentially use two methionine residues. Interestingly, BfrB, despite conserved methionine residue, binds the PPIX ring without iron coordination. BfrC binds neither heme nor PPIX in keeping with the lack of conserved histidine or methionine residues used by other members of the HmuY family. HmuY competes for heme binding and heme sequestration from host hemoproteins with other members of the HmuY family to increase P. gingivalis competitiveness. The participation of HmuY in the host immune response confirms its relevance in relation to the survival of P. gingivalis and its ability to induce dysbiosis not only in the oral microbiome but also in the gut microbiome or other host niches, leading to local injuries and involvement in comorbidities.

Gallium(III)-Salophen as a Dual Inhibitor of Pseudomonas aeruginosa Heme Sensing and Iron Acquisition

Pseudomonas aeruginosa is an opportunistic bacterium that causes life-threatening infections in immunocompromised patients. In infection, it uses heme as a primary iron source and senses the availability of exogenous heme through the heme assimilation system (Has), an extra cytoplasmic function σ-factor system. A secreted hemophore HasAp scavenges heme and, upon interaction with the outer-membrane receptor HasR, activates a signaling cascade, which in turn creates a positive feedback loop critical for sensing and adaptation within the host. The ability to sense and respond to heme as an iron source contributes to virulence. Consequently, the inhibition of this system will lead to a disruption in iron homeostasis, decreasing virulence. We have identified a salophen scaffold that successfully inhibits the activation of the Has signaling system while simultaneously targeting iron uptake via xenosiderophore receptors. We propose this dual mechanism wherein free Ga³⁺-salophen reduces growth through uptake and iron mimicry. A dual mechanism targeting extracellular heme signaling and uptake together with Ga³⁺-induced toxicity following active Ga³⁺salophen uptake provides a significant therapeutic advantage while reducing the propensity to develop resistance.

Binding of HasA by its transmembrane receptor HasR follows a conformational funnel mechanism

HasR in the outer membrane of Serratia marcescens binds secreted, heme-loaded HasA and translocates the heme to the periplasm to satisfy the cell's demand for iron. The previously published crystal structure of the wild-type complex showed HasA in a very specific binding arrangement with HasR, apt to relax the grasp on the heme and assure its directed transfer to the HasR-binding site. Here, we present a new crystal structure of the heme-loaded HasA arranged with a mutant of HasR, called double mutant (DM) in the following that seemed to mimic a precursor stage of the abovementioned final arrangement before heme transfer. To test this, we performed first molecular dynamics (MD) simulations starting at the crystal structure of the complex of HasA with the DM mutant and then targeted MD simulations of the entire binding process beginning with heme-loaded HasA in solution. When the simulation starts with the former complex, the two proteins in most simulations do not dissociate. When the mutations are reverted to the wild-type sequence, dissociation and development toward the wild-type complex occur in most simulations. This indicates that the mutations create or enhance a local energy minimum. In the targeted MD simulations, the first protein contacts depend upon the chosen starting position of HasA in solution. Subsequently, heme-loaded HasA slides on the external surface of HasR on paths that converge toward the specific arrangement apt for heme transfer. The targeted simulations end when HasR starts to relax the grasp on the heme, the subsequent events being in a time regime inaccessible to the available computing power. Interestingly, none of the ten independent simulation paths visits exactly the arrangement of HasA with HasR seen in the crystal structure of the mutant. Two factors which do not exclude each other could explain these observations: the double mutation creates a non-physiologic potential energy minimum between the two proteins and /or the target potential in the simulation pushes the system along paths deviating from the low-energy paths of the native binding processes. Our results support the former view, but do not exclude the latter possibility.

Tannerella forsythia Tfo belongs to Porphyromonas gingivalis HmuY-like family of proteins but differs in heme-binding properties

Porphyromonas gingivalis is considered the principal etiologic agent and keystone pathogen of chronic periodontitis. As an auxotrophic bacterium, it must acquire heme to survive and multiply at the infection site. P. gingivalis HmuY is the first member of a novel family of hemophore-like proteins. Bacterial heme-binding proteins usually use histidine-methionine or histidine-tyrosine residues to ligate heme-iron, whereas P. gingivalis HmuY uses two histidine residues. We hypothesized that other 'red complex' members, i.e. Tannerella forsythia and Treponema denticola might utilize similar heme uptake mechanisms to the P. gingivalis HmuY. Comparative and phylogenetic analyses suggested differentiation of HmuY homologs and low conservation of heme-coordinating histidine residues present in HmuY. The homologs were subjected to duplication before divergence of Bacteroidetes lineages, which could facilitate evolution of functional diversification. We found that T. denticola does not code an HmuY homolog. T. forsythia protein, termed as Tfo, binds heme, but preferentially in the ferrous form, and sequesters heme from the albumin-heme complex under reducing conditions. In agreement with that, the 3D structure of Tfo differs from that of HmuY in the folding of heme-binding pocket, containing two methionine residues instead of two histidine residues coordinating heme in HmuY. Heme binding to apo-HmuY is accompanied by movement of the loop carrying the His¹⁶⁶ residue, closing the heme-binding pocket. Molecular dynamics simulations (MD) demonstrated that this conformational change also occurs in Tfo. In conclusion, our findings suggest that HmuY-like family might comprise proteins subjected during evolution to significant diversification, resulting in different heme-binding properties.

Structure of the calcium-dependent type 2 secretion pseudopilus

Many Gram-negative bacteria use type 2 secretion systems (T2SS) to secrete proteins involved in virulence and adaptation. Transport of folded proteins via T2SS nanomachines requires the assembly of inner membrane-anchored fibers called pseudopili. Although efficient pseudopilus assembly is essential for protein secretion, structure-based functional analyses are required to unravel the mechanistic link between these processes. Here, we report an atomic model for a T2SS pseudopilus from Klebsiella oxytoca, obtained by fitting the NMR structure of its calcium-bound subunit PulG into the ~ 5 Å resolution cryo-electron microscopy (cryoEM) reconstruction of assembled fibers. This structure reveals the comprehensive network of inter-subunit contacts and unexpected features, including a disordered central region of the PulG helical stem, and highly flexible C-terminal residues on the fiber surface. NMR, mutagenesis and functional analyses highlight the key role of calcium in PulG folding and stability. Fiber disassembly in the absence of calcium provides a basis for pseudopilus length control, essential for protein secretion, and supports the Archimedes' screw model for T2S mechanism.

Iron Acquisition Strategies of Bacterial Pathogens

Iron is an essential micronutrient for both microbes and humans alike. For well over half a century we have known that this element, in particular, plays a pivotal role in health and disease and, most especially, in shaping host-pathogen interactions. Intracellular iron concentrations serve as a critical signal in regulating the expression not only of high-affinity iron acquisition systems in bacteria, but also of toxins and other noted virulence factors produced by some major human pathogens. While we now are aware of many strategies that the host has devised to sequester iron from invading microbes, there are as many if not more sophisticated mechanisms by which successful pathogens overcome nutritional immunity imposed by the host. This review discusses some of the essential components of iron sequestration and scavenging mechanisms of the host, as well as representative Gram-negative and Gram-positive pathogens, and highlights recent advances in the field. Last, we address how the iron acquisition strategies of pathogenic bacteria may be exploited for the development of novel prophylactics or antimicrobials.

Diverse structural approaches to haem appropriation by pathogenic bacteria

The critical need for iron presents a challenge for pathogenic bacteria that must survive in an environment bereft of accessible iron due to a natural low bioavailability and their host's nutritional immunity. Appropriating haem, either direct from host haemoproteins or by secreting haem-scavenging haemophores, is one way pathogenic bacteria can overcome this challenge. After capturing their target, haem appropriation systems must remove haem from a high-affinity binding site (on the host haemoprotein or bacterial haemophore) and transfer it to a binding site of lower affinity on a bacterial receptor. Structural information is now available to show how, using a combination of induced structural changes and steric clashes, bacteria are able to extract haem from haemophores, haemopexin and haemoglobin. This review focuses on structural descriptions of these bacterial haem acquisition systems, summarising how they bind haem and their target haemoproteins with particularly emphasis on the mechanism of haem extraction.

Transition Metals and Virulence in Bacteria

Transition metals are required trace elements for all forms of life. Due to their unique inorganic and redox properties, transition metals serve as cofactors for enzymes and other proteins. In bacterial pathogenesis, the vertebrate host represents a rich source of nutrient metals, and bacteria have evolved diverse metal acquisition strategies. Host metal homeostasis changes dramatically in response to bacterial infections, including production of metal sequestering proteins and the bombardment of bacteria with toxic levels of metals. In response, bacteria have evolved systems to subvert metal sequestration and toxicity. The coevolution of hosts and their bacterial pathogens in the battle for metals has uncovered emerging paradigms in social microbiology, rapid evolution, host specificity, and metal homeostasis across domains. This review focuses on recent advances and open questions in our understanding of the complex role of transition metals at the host-pathogen interface.

Replacing Arginine 33 for Alanine in the Hemophore HasA from Pseudomonas aeruginosa Causes Closure of the H32 Loop in the Apo-Protein

Previous characterization of hemophores from Serratia marcescens (HasAs), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (HasAp), and Yersinia pestis (HasAyp) showed that hemin binds between two loops, where it is axially coordinated by H32 and Y75. The Y75 loop is structurally conserved in all three hemophores and harbors conserved ligand Y75. The other loop contains H32 in HasAs and HasAp, but a noncoordinating Q32 in HasAyp. The H32 loop in apo-HasAs and apo-HasAp is in an open conformation, which places H32 about 30 Å from the hemin-binding site. Hence, hemin binding onto the Y75 loop of HasAs or HasAp triggers a large relocation of the H32 loop from an open- to a closed-loop conformation and enables coordination of the hemin-iron by H32. In comparison, the Q32 loop in apo-HasAyp is in the closed conformation, and hemin binding occurs with minimal reorganization and without coordinative interactions with the Q32 loop. Studies in crystallo and in solution have established that the open H32 loop in apo-HasAp and apo-HasAs is well structured and minimally affected by conformational dynamics. In this study we address the intriguing issue of the stability of the H32 loop in apo-HasAp and how hemin binding triggers its relocation. We address this question with a combination of NMR spectroscopy, X-ray crystallography, and molecular dynamics simulations and find that R33 is critical to the stability of the open H32 loop. Replacing R33 with A causes the H32 loop in R33A apo-HasAp to adopt a conformation similar to that of holo-HasAp. Finally, stopped-flow absorption and resonance Raman analyses of hemin binding to apo-R33A HasAp indicate that the closed H32 loop slows down the insertion of the heme inside the binding pocket, presumably as it obstructs access to the hydrophobic platform on the Y75 loop, but accelerates the completion of the heme iron coordination.

Spectroscopic and mutagenesis studies of human PGRMC1

Progesterone receptor membrane component 1 (PGRMC1) is a 25 kDa protein with an N-terminal transmembrane domain and a putative C-terminal cytochrome b5 domain. Heme-binding activity of PGRMC1 has been shown in various homologues of PGRMC1. Although the general definition of PGRMC1 is as a progesterone receptor, progesterone-binding activity has not been directly demonstrated in any of the purified PGRMC1 proteins fully loaded with heme. Here, we show that the human homologue of PGRMC1 (hPGRMC1) binds heme in a five-coordinate (5C) high-spin (HS) configuration, with an axial tyrosinate ligand, likely Y95. The negatively charged tyrosinate ligand leads to a relatively low redox potential of approximately -331 mV. The Y95C or Y95F mutation dramatically reduces the ability of the protein to bind heme, supporting the assignment of the axial heme ligand to Y95. On the other hand, the Y95H mutation retains ∼90% of the heme-binding activity. The heme in Y95H is also 5CHS, but it has a hydroxide axial ligand, conceivably stabilized by the engineered-in H95 via an H-bond; CO binding to the distal ligand-binding site leads to an exchange of the axial ligand to a histidine, possibly H95. We show that progesterone binds to hPGRMC1 and introduces spectral changes that manifest conformational changes to the heme. Our data offer the first direct evidence supporting progesterone-binding activity of PGRMC1.

Structural Biology of Bacterial Haemophores

Iron plays a key role in a wide range of metabolic and signalling functions representing an essential nutrient for almost all forms of life. However, the ferric form is hardly soluble, whereas the ferrous form is highly toxic. Thus, in biological fluids, most of the iron is sequestered in iron- or haem-binding proteins and the level of free iron is low, making haem and iron acquisition a challenge for pathogenic bacteria during infections. Although toxic to the host, free haem is a major and readily available source of iron for several pathogenic microorganisms. Both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria have developed several strategies to acquire free haem-Fe and protein-bound haem-Fe. Haemophores are a class of secreted and cell surface-exposed proteins promoting free-haem uptake, haem extraction from host haem proteins, and haem presentation to specific outer-membrane receptors that internalize the metal-porphyrins. Here, structural biology of bacterial haemophores is reviewed focusing on haem acquisition, haem internalization, and haem-degrading systems.

Replacing the axial ligand tyrosine 75 or its hydrogen bond partner histidine 83 minimally affects hemin acquisition by the hemophore HasAp from Pseudomonas aeruginosa

Hemophores from Pseudomonas aeruginosa (HasAp), Serratia marcescens (HasAsm), and Yersinia pestis (HasAyp) bind hemin between two loops. One of the loops harbors conserved axial ligand Tyr75 (Y75 loop) in all three structures, whereas the second loop (H32 loop) contains axial ligand His32 in HasAp and HasAsm, but a noncoordinating Gln32 in HasAyp. Binding of hemin to the Y75 loop of HasAp or HasAsm causes a large rearrangement of the H32 loop that allows His32 coordination. The Q32 loop in apo-HasAyp is already in the closed conformation, such that binding of hemin to the conserved Y75 loop occurs with minimal structural rearrangement and without coordinative interaction with the Q32 loop. In this study, structural and spectroscopic investigations of the hemophore HasAp were conducted to probe (i) the role of the conserved Tyr75 loop in hemin binding and (ii) the proposed requirement of the His83-Tyr75 hydrogen bond to allow the coordination of hemin by Tyr75. High-resolution crystal structures of H83A holo-HasAp obtained at pH 6.5 (0.89 Å) and pH 5.4 (1.25 Å) show that Tyr75 remains coordinated to the heme iron, and that a water molecule can substitute for Nδ of His83 to interact with the Oη atom of Tyr75, likely stabilizing the Tyr75-Fe interaction. Nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy revealed that in apo-Y75A and apo-H83A HasAp, the Y75 loop is disordered, and that disorder propagates to nearby elements of secondary structure, suggesting that His83 Nδ-Tyr75 Oη interaction is important to the organization of the Y75 loop in apo-HasA. Kinetic analysis of hemin loading conducted via stopped-flow UV-vis and rapid-freeze-quench resonance Raman shows that both mutants load hemin with biphasic kinetic parameters that are not significantly dissimilar from those previously observed for wild-type HasAp. When the structural and kinetic data are taken together, a tentative model emerges, which suggests that HasA hemophores utilize hydrophobic, π-π stacking, and van der Waals interactions to load hemin efficiently, while axial ligation likely functions to slow hemin release, thus allowing the hemophore to meet the challenge of capturing hemin under inhospitable conditions and delivering it selectively to its cognate receptor.

Differential roles of tryptophan residues in conformational stability of Porphyromonas gingivalis HmuY hemophore

Background

We have previously shown that the P. gingivalis HmuY hemophore-like protein binds heme and scavenges heme from host hemoproteins to further deliver it to the cognate heme receptor HmuR. The aim of this study was to characterize structural features of HmuY variants in the presence and absence of heme with respect to roles of tryptophan residues in conformational stability.

Results

HmuY possesses tryptophan residues at positions 51 and 73, which are conserved in HmuY homologs present in a variety of bacteria, and a tryptophan residue at position 161, which has been found only in HmuY identified in P. gingivalis strains. We expressed and purified the wildtype HmuY and its protein variants with single tryptophan residues replaced by alanine or tyrosine residues. All HmuY variants were subjected to thermal denaturation and fluorescence spectroscopy analyses. Replacement of the most buried W161 only moderately affects protein stability. The most profound effect of the lack of a large hydrophobic side chain in respect to thermal stability is observed for W73. Also replacement of the W51 exposed on the surface results in the greatest loss of protein stability and even the large aromatic side chain of a tyrosine residue has little potential to substitute this tryptophan residue. Heme binding leads to different exposure of the tryptophan residue at position 51 to the surface of the protein. Differences in structural stability of HmuY variants suggest the change of the tertiary structure of the protein upon heme binding.

Conclusions

Here we demonstrate differential roles of tryptophan residues in the protein conformational stability. We also propose different conformations of apo- and holoHmuY caused by tertiary changes which allow heme binding to the protein.

The hemophore HasA from Yersinia pestis (HasAyp) coordinates hemin with a single residue, Tyr75, and with minimal conformational change

Hemophores from Serratia marcescens (HasA(sm)) and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (HasA(p)) bind hemin between two loops, which harbor the axial ligands H32 and Y75. Hemin binding to the Y75 loop triggers closing of the H32 loop and enables binding of H32. Because Yersinia pestis HasA (HasA(yp)) presents a Gln at position 32, we determined the structures of apo- and holo-HasA(yp). Surprisingly, the Q32 loop in apo-HasA(yp) is already in the closed conformation, but no residue from the Q32 loop binds hemin in holo-HasA(yp). In agreement with the minimal reorganization between the apo- and holo-structures, the hemin on-rate is too fast to detect by conventional stopped-flow measurements.

Haemophore functions revisited

Haem is the major iron source for bacteria that develop in higher organisms. In these hosts, bacteria have to cope with nutritional immunity imposed by the host, since haem and iron are tightly bound to carrier and storage proteins. Siderophores were the first recognized fighters in the battle for iron between bacteria and host. They are non-proteinaceus organic molecules having an extremely high affinity for Fe(3+) and able to extract it from host proteins. Haemophores, that display functional analogy with siderophores, were more recently discovered. They are a class of secreted proteins with a high affinity for haem; they are able to extract haem from host haemoproteins and deliver it to specific receptors that internalize haem. In the past few years, a wealth of data has accumulated on haem acquisition systems that are dependent on surface exposed/secreted bacterial proteins. They promote haem transfer from its initial source (in most cases, a eukaryotic haem binding protein) to the transporter that carries out the membrane crossing step. Here we review recent discoveries in this field, with particular emphasis on similar and dissimilar mechanisms in haemophores and siderophores, from the initial host source to the binding protein/receptor at the cell surface.

Role of the iron axial ligands of heme carrier HasA in heme uptake and release

The hemophore protein HasA from Serratia marcescens cycles between two states as follows: the heme-bound holoprotein, which functions as a carrier of the metal cofactor toward the membrane receptor HasR, and the heme-free apoprotein fishing for new porphyrin to be taken up after the heme has been delivered to HasR. Holo- and apo-forms differ for the conformation of the two loops L1 and L2, which provide the axial ligands of the iron through His(32) and Tyr(75), respectively. In the apo-form, loop L1 protrudes toward the solvent far away from loop L2; in the holoprotein, closing of the loops on the heme occurs upon establishment of the two axial coordination bonds. We have established that the two variants obtained via single point mutations of either axial ligand (namely H32A and Y75A) are both in the closed conformation. The presence of the heme and one out of two axial ligands is sufficient to establish a link between L1 and L2, thanks to the presence of coordinating solvent molecules. The latter are stabilized in the iron coordination environment by H-bond interactions with surrounding protein residues. The presence of such a water molecule in both variants is revealed here through a set of different spectroscopic techniques. Previous studies had shown that heme release and uptake processes occur via intermediate states characterized by a Tyr(75)-iron-bound form with open conformation of loop L1. Here, we demonstrate that these states do not naturally occur in the free protein but can only be driven by the interaction with the partner proteins.

3.8 Protein and Nucleic Acid Folding: Domain Swapping in Proteins

Among thousands of homo-oligomeric protein structures, there is a small but growing subset of ‘domain-swapped’ proteins. The term ‘domain swapping,’ originally coined by D. Eisenberg, describes a scenario in which two or more polypeptide chains exchange identical units for oligomerization. This type of assembly could play a role in disease-related aggregation and amyloid formation or as a specific mechanism for regulating function. This chapter introduces terms and features concerning domain swapping, summarizes ideas about its putative mechanisms, reports on domain-swapped structures collected from the literature, and describes a few notable examples in detail.

Determination of hemin-binding characteristics of proteins by a combinatorial peptide library approach

Studies of the binding of heme/hemin to proteins or peptides have recently intensified as it became evident that heme serves not only as a prosthetic group, but also as a regulator and effector molecule interacting with transmembrane and cytoplasmic proteins. The iron-ion-containing heme group can associate with these proteins in different ways, with the amino acids Cys, His, and Tyr allowing individual modes of binding. Strong coordinate-covalent binding, such as in cytochrome c, is known, and reversible attachment is also discussed. Ligands for both types of binding have been reported independently, though sometimes with different affinities for similar sequences. We applied a combinatorial approach using the library (X)(4) (C/H/Y)(X)(4) to characterize peptide ligands with considerable hemin binding capacities. Some of the library-selected peptides were comparable in terms of hemin association independently of whether or not a cysteine residue was present in the sequence. Indeed, a preference for His-based (≈39 %) and Tyr-based (≈40 %) sequences over Cys-based ones (≈21 %) was detected. The binding affinities for the library-selected peptides, as determined by UV/Vis spectroscopy, were in the nanomolar range. Moreover, selected representatives efficiently competed for hemin binding with the human BK channel hSlo1, which is known to be regulated by heme through binding to its heme-binding domain.

Recent insights into iron import by bacteria

Bacteria are confronted with a low availability of iron owing to its insolubility in the Fe3+ form or its being bound to host proteins. The bacteria cope with the iron deficiency by using host heme or siderophores synthesized by themselves or other microbes. In contrast to most other nutrients, iron compounds are tightly bound to proteins at the cell surfaces, from which they are further translocated by highly specific proteins across the cell wall of gram-positive bacteria and the outer membrane of gram-negative bacteria. Once heme and iron siderophores arrive at the cytoplasmic membrane, they are taken up across the cytoplasmic membrane by ABC transporters. Here we present an outline of bacterial heme and iron siderophore transport exemplified by a few selected cases in which recent progress in the understanding of the transport mechanisms has been achieved.

Heme proteins--diversity in structural characteristics, function, and folding

The characteristics of heme prosthetic groups and their binding sites have been analyzed in detail in a data set of nonhomologous heme proteins. Variations in the shape, volume, and chemical composition of the binding site, in the mode of heme binding and in the number and nature of heme-protein interactions are found to result in significantly different heme environments in proteins with different functions in biology. Differences are also seen in the properties of the apo states of the proteins. The apo states of proteins that bind heme permanently in their functional form show some disorder, ranging from local unfolding in the heme binding pocket to complete unfolding to give a random coil. In contrast, proteins that bind heme transiently are fully folded in their apo and holo states, presumably allowing both apo and holo forms to remain biologically active resisting aggregation or proteolysis. The principles identified here provide a framework for the design of de novo proteins that will exhibit tight heme ligand binding and for the identification of the function of structural genomic target proteins with heme ligands.

Kinetic and spectroscopic studies of hemin acquisition in the hemophore HasAp from Pseudomonas aeruginosa

The extreme limitation of free iron has driven various pathogens to acquire iron from the host in the form of heme. Specifically, several Gram-negative pathogens secrete a heme binding protein known as HasA to scavenge heme from the extracellular environment and to transfer it to the receptor protein HasR for import into the bacterial cell. Structures of heme-bound and apo-HasA homologues show that the heme iron(III) ligands, His32 and Tyr75, reside on loops extending from the core of the protein and that a significant conformational change must occur at the His32 loop upon heme binding. Here, we investigate the kinetics of heme acquisition by HasA from Pseudomonas aeruginosa (HasAp). The rate of heme acquisition from human met-hemoglobin (met-Hb) closely matches that of heme dissociation which suggests a passive mode of heme uptake from this source. The binding of free hemin is characterized by an initial rapid phase forming an intermediate before further conversion to the final complex. Analysis of this same reaction using an H32A variant lacking the His heme ligand shows only the rapid phase to form a heme-protein complex spectroscopically equivalent to that of the wild-type intermediate. Further characterization of these reactions using electron paramagnetic resonance and resonance Raman spectroscopy of rapid freeze quench samples provides support for a model in which heme is initially bound by the Tyr75 to form a high-spin heme-protein complex before slower coordination of the His32 ligand upon closing of the His loop over the heme. The slow rate of this loop closure implies that the induced-fit mechanism of heme uptake in HasAp is not based on a rapid sampling of the H32 loop between open and closed configurations but, rather, that the H32 loop motions are triggered by the formation of the high-spin heme-HasAp intermediate complex.

Structural, NMR spectroscopic, and computational investigation of hemin loading in the hemophore HasAp from Pseudomonas aeruginosa

When challenged by low-iron conditions several Gram-negative pathogens secrete a hemophore (HasA) to scavenge hemin from its host and deliver it to a receptor (HasR) on their outer membrane for internalization. Here we report results from studies aimed at probing the structural and dynamic processes at play in the loading of the apo-hemophore secreted by P. aeruginosa (apo-HasAp) with hemin. The structure of apo-HasAp shows a large conformational change in the loop harboring axial ligand His32 relative to the structure of holo-HasAp, whereas the loop bearing the other axial ligand, Tyr75, remains intact. To investigate the role played by the axial ligand-bearing loops in the process of hemin capture we investigated the H32A mutant, which was found to exist as a monomer in its apo-form and as a mixture of monomers and dimers in its holo-form. We obtained an X-ray structure of dimeric H32A holo-HasAp, which revealed that the two subunits are linked by cofacial interactions of two hemin molecules and that the conformation of the Ala32 loop in the dimer is identical to that exhibited by the His32 loop in wild type apo-HasAp. Additional data suggest that the conformation of the Ala32 loop in the dimer is mainly a consequence of dimerization. Hence, to investigate the effect of hemin loading on the topology of the His32 loop we also obtained the crystal structure of monomeric H32A holo-HasAp coordinated by imidazole (H32A-imidazole) and investigated the monomeric H32A HasAp and H32A-imidazole species in solution by NMR spectroscopy. The structure of H32A-imidazole revealed that the Ala32 loop attains a "closed" conformation nearly identical to that observed in wild type holo-HasAp, and the NMR investigations indicated that this conformation is maintained in solution. The NMR studies also highlighted conformational heterogeneity at the H32 loop hinges and in other key sections of the structure. Targeted molecular dynamics simulations allowed us to propose a possible path for the closing of the His32 loop upon hemin binding and identified molecular motions that are likely important in transmitting the presence of hemin in the Tyr75 loop to the His32 loop to initiate its closing. Importantly, residues implicated as undergoing motions in the computations are also observed as being dynamic by NMR. Taken together, these observations provide direct experimental evidence indicating that hemin loads onto the Tyr75 loop of apo-HasAp, which triggers the closing of the His32 loop.

Species specificity, surface exposure, protein expression, immunogenicity, and participation in biofilm formation of Porphyromonas gingivalis HmuY

BACKGROUND

Porphyromonas gingivalis is a major etiological agent of chronic periodontitis. The aim of this study was to examine the species specificity, surface exposure, protein expression, immunogenicity, and participation in biofilm formation of the P. gingivalis heme-binding protein HmuY.

RESULTS

HmuY is a unique protein of P. gingivalis since only low amino-acid sequence homology has been found to proteins encoded in other species. It is exposed on the cell surface and highly abundant in the outer membrane of the cell, in outer-membrane vesicles, and is released into culture medium in a soluble form. The protein is produced constitutively at low levels in bacteria grown under high-iron/heme conditions and at higher levels in bacteria growing under the low-iron/heme conditions typical of dental plaque. HmuY is immunogenic and elicits high IgG antibody titers in rabbits. It is also engaged in homotypic biofilm formation by P. gingivalis. Anti-HmuY antibodies exhibit inhibitory activity against P. gingivalis growth and biofilm formation.

CONCLUSIONS

Here it is demonstrated that HmuY may play a significant role not only in heme acquisition, but also in biofilm accumulation on abiotic surfaces. The data also suggest that HmuY, as a surface-exposed protein, would be available for recognition by the immune response during chronic periodontitis and the production of anti-HmuY antibodies may inhibit biofilm formation.

Unique structure and stability of HmuY, a novel heme-binding protein of Porphyromonas gingivalis

Infection, survival, and proliferation of pathogenic bacteria in humans depend on their capacity to impair host responses and acquire nutrients in a hostile environment. Among such nutrients is heme, a co-factor for oxygen storage, electron transport, photosynthesis, and redox biochemistry, which is indispensable for life. Porphyromonas gingivalis is the major human bacterial pathogen responsible for severe periodontitis. It recruits heme through HmuY, which sequesters heme from host carriers and delivers it to its cognate outer-membrane transporter, the TonB-dependent receptor HmuR. Here we report that heme binding does not significantly affect the secondary structure of HmuY. The crystal structure of heme-bound HmuY reveals a new all-β fold mimicking a right hand. The thumb and fingers pinch heme iron through two apical histidine residues, giving rise to highly symmetric octahedral iron co-ordination. The tetrameric quaternary arrangement of the protein found in the crystal structure is consistent with experiments in solution. It shows that thumbs and fingertips, and, by extension, the bound heme groups, are shielded from competing heme-binding proteins from the host. This may also facilitate heme transport to HmuR for internalization. HmuY, both in its apo- and in its heme-bound forms, is resistant to proteolytic digestion by trypsin and the major secreted proteases of P. gingivalis, gingipains K and R. It is also stable against thermal and chemical denaturation. In conclusion, these studies reveal novel molecular properties of HmuY that are consistent with its role as a putative virulence factor during bacterial infection.

Pathogenic bacteria cause infection in humans as found in periodontitis, which is a chronic inflammation of the gums caused by Porphyromonas gingivalis. As part of the infective process, bacteria must acquire nutrients to survive and multiply at the infection site, and among such nutrients is heme. This is an iron-dependent co-factor of several indispensable enzymes and proteins. P. gingivalis liberates heme from host heme-binding proteins through the action of proteases and arranges its transport to the bacterial cell through two proteins, HmuY and HmuR. They grab free heme and transport it across the bacterial membrane into the cell, respectively. This function poses stringent conditions on these proteins regarding stability and resistance toward the host immune system. We report here that HmuY is very stable and that it displays a novel protein fold, which consists only of β-strands. It reminds us of a right hand, whose fingers trap heme. Once heme is bound, HmuY forms tetramers, which have the four heme-binding sites buried and thus protected from competing host heme-binding proteins. This feature also facilitates heme transport to HmuR and into the bacterial cell. All these data may help to develop new antibacterial agents at times in which resistance toward antibiotics, both at intensive healthcare stations and in the community, poses serious challenges to human health.

Mapping the interaction between the hemophore HasA and its outer membrane receptor HasR using CRINEPT-TROSY NMR spectroscopy

The first step of heme acquisition by Gram-negative pathogenic bacteria through the so-called heme acquisition system, Has, requires delivery of the heme from the extracellular hemophore protein HasA to a specific outer membrane receptor, HasR. CRINEPT-TROSY NMR experiments in DPC micelles were here used to obtain information on the intermediate HasA-HasR complex in solution. A stable protein-protein adduct is detected both in the presence and in the absence of heme. Structural information on the complexed form of HasA is obtained from chemical shift mapping and statistical analysis of the spectral fingerprint of the protein NMR spectra obtained under different conditions. This approach shows the following: (i) only three different conformations are possible for HasA in solution: one for the isolated apoprotein, one for the isolated holoprotein, and one for the complexed protein, that is independent of the presence of the heme; (ii) the structure of the hemophore in the complex resembles the open conformation of the apoprotein; (iii) the surface contact area between HasA and HasR is independent of the presence of the heme, involving loop L1, loop L2, and the beta2-beta6 strands; (iv) upon complex formation the heme group is transferred from holoHasA to HasR.

Structural characterization of the hemophore HasAp from Pseudomonas aeruginosa: NMR spectroscopy reveals protein-protein interactions between Holo-HasAp and hemoglobin

Pseudomonas aeruginosa secretes a 205 residue long hemophore (full-length HasAp) that is subsequently cleaved at the C'-terminal domain to produce mainly a 184 residue long truncated HasAp that scavenges heme [Letoffé, S., Redeker, V., and Wandersman, C. (1998) Mol. Microbiol. 28, 1223-1234]. HasAp has been characterized by X-ray crystallography and in solution by NMR spectroscopy. The X-ray crystal structure of truncated HasAp revealed a polypeptide alphabeta fold and a ferriheme coordinated axially by His32 and Tyr75, with the side chain of His83 poised to accept a hydrogen bond from the Tyr75 phenolic acid group. NMR investigations conducted with full-length HasAp showed that the carboxyl-terminal tail (21 residues) is disordered and conformationally flexible. NMR spectroscopic investigations aimed at studying a complex between apo-HasAp and human methemoglobin were stymied by the rapid heme capture by the hemophore. In an effort to circumvent this problem NMR spectroscopy was used to monitor the titration of 15N-labeled holo-HasAp with hemoglobin. These studies allowed identification of a specific area on the surface of truncated HasAp, encompassing the axial ligand His32 loop that serves as a transient site of interaction with hemoglobin. These findings are discussed in the context of a putative encounter complex between apo-HasAp and hemoglobin that leads to efficient hemoglobin-heme capture by the hemophore. Similar experiments conducted with full-length 15N-labeled HasAp and hemoglobin revealed a transient interaction site in full-length HasAp similar to that observed in the truncated hemophore. The spectral perturbations observed while investigating these interactions, however, are weaker than those observed for the interactions between hemoglobin and truncated HasAp, suggesting that the disordered tail in the full-length HasAp must be proteolyzed in the extracellular milieu to make HasAp a more efficient hemophore.

Heme uptake across the outer membrane as revealed by crystal structures of the receptor-hemophore complex

Gram-negative bacteria use specific heme uptake systems, relying on outer membrane receptors and excreted heme-binding proteins (hemophores) to scavenge and actively transport heme. To unravel the unknown molecular details involved, we present 3 structures of the Serratia marcescens receptor HasR in complex with its hemophore HasA. The transfer of heme over a distance of 9 A from its high-affinity site in HasA into a site of lower affinity in HasR is coupled with the exergonic complex formation of the 2 proteins. Upon docking to the receptor, 1 of the 2 axial heme coordinations of the hemophore is initially broken, but the position and orientation of the heme is preserved. Subsequently, steric displacement of heme by a receptor residue ruptures the other axial coordination, leading to heme transfer into the receptor.