1
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Maharjan A, Park JH. Cell-free protein synthesis system: A new frontier for sustainable biotechnology-based products. Biotechnol Appl Biochem 2023; 70:2136-2149. [PMID: 37735977 DOI: 10.1002/bab.2514] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2023] [Accepted: 09/11/2023] [Indexed: 09/23/2023]
Abstract
Cell-free protein synthesis (CFPS) system is an innovative technology with a wide range of potential applications that could challenge current thinking and provide solutions to environmental and health issues. CFPS system has been demonstrated to be a successful way of producing biomolecules in a variety of applications, including the biomedical industry. Although there are still obstacles to overcome, its ease of use, versatility, and capacity for integration with other technologies open the door for it to continue serving as a vital instrument in synthetic biology research and industry. In this review, we mainly focus on the cell-free based platform for various product productions. Moreover, the challenges in the bio-therapeutic aspect using cell-free systems and their future prospective for the improvement and sustainability of the cell free systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anoth Maharjan
- Bio-Evaluation Center, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Cheongju 28116, Republic of Korea
| | - Jung-Ho Park
- Bio-Evaluation Center, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Cheongju 28116, Republic of Korea
- Department of Biosystems and Bioengineering, KRIBB School of Biotechnology, Korea University of Science and Technology (UST), Daejeon, Republic of Korea
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2
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Dmitrieva DA, Kotova TV, Safronova NA, Sadova AA, Dashevskii DE, Mishin AV. Protein Design Strategies for the Structural–Functional Studies of G Protein-Coupled Receptors. BIOCHEMISTRY (MOSCOW) 2023; 88:S192-S226. [PMID: 37069121 DOI: 10.1134/s0006297923140110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/22/2023]
Abstract
G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) are an important family of membrane proteins responsible for many physiological functions in human body. High resolution GPCR structures are required to understand their molecular mechanisms and perform rational drug design, as GPCRs play a crucial role in a variety of diseases. That is difficult to obtain for the wild-type proteins because of their low stability. In this review, we discuss how this problem can be solved by using protein design strategies developed to obtain homogeneous stabilized GPCR samples for crystallization and cryoelectron microscopy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daria A Dmitrieva
- Research Center for Molecular Mechanisms of Aging and Age-Related Diseases, Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology, Dolgoprudny, Moscow Region, 141701, Russia
| | - Tatiana V Kotova
- Research Center for Molecular Mechanisms of Aging and Age-Related Diseases, Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology, Dolgoprudny, Moscow Region, 141701, Russia
| | - Nadezda A Safronova
- Research Center for Molecular Mechanisms of Aging and Age-Related Diseases, Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology, Dolgoprudny, Moscow Region, 141701, Russia
| | - Alexandra A Sadova
- Research Center for Molecular Mechanisms of Aging and Age-Related Diseases, Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology, Dolgoprudny, Moscow Region, 141701, Russia
| | - Dmitrii E Dashevskii
- Research Center for Molecular Mechanisms of Aging and Age-Related Diseases, Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology, Dolgoprudny, Moscow Region, 141701, Russia
| | - Alexey V Mishin
- Research Center for Molecular Mechanisms of Aging and Age-Related Diseases, Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology, Dolgoprudny, Moscow Region, 141701, Russia.
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3
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Bruni R, Laguerre A, Kaminska A, McSweeney S, Hendrickson WA, Liu Q. High-throughput cell-free screening of eukaryotic membrane protein expression in lipidic mimetics. Protein Sci 2022; 31:639-651. [PMID: 34910339 PMCID: PMC8862427 DOI: 10.1002/pro.4259] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2021] [Revised: 12/10/2021] [Accepted: 12/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Membrane proteins play essential roles in cellular function and metabolism. Nonetheless, biophysical and structural studies of membrane proteins are impeded by the difficulty of their expression in and purification from heterologous cell-based systems. As an alternative to these cell-based systems, cell-free protein synthesis has proven to be an exquisite method for screening membrane protein targets in a variety of lipidic mimetics. Here we report a high-throughput screening workflow and apply it to screen 61 eukaryotic membrane protein targets. For each target, we tested its expression in lipidic mimetics: two detergents, two liposomes, and two nanodiscs. We show that 35 membrane proteins (57%) can be expressed in a soluble fraction in at least one of the mimetics with the two detergents performing significantly better than nanodiscs and liposomes, in that order. Using the established cell-free workflow, we studied the production and biophysical assays for mitochondrial pyruvate carrier (MPC) complexes. Our studies show that the complexes produced in cell-free are functionally competent in complex formation and substrate binding. Our results highlight the utility of using cell-free systems for screening and production of eukaryotic membrane proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Renato Bruni
- Center on Membrane Protein Production and Analysis (COMPPÅ)New York Structural Biology CenterNew YorkNew YorkUSA
| | - Aisha Laguerre
- Center on Membrane Protein Production and Analysis (COMPPÅ)New York Structural Biology CenterNew YorkNew YorkUSA,Present address:
Roche DiagnosticsSanta ClaraCaliforniaUSA
| | - Anna‐Maria Kaminska
- Center on Membrane Protein Production and Analysis (COMPPÅ)New York Structural Biology CenterNew YorkNew YorkUSA,Present address:
New York Blood CenterNew YorkNew YorkUSA
| | | | - Wayne A. Hendrickson
- Center on Membrane Protein Production and Analysis (COMPPÅ)New York Structural Biology CenterNew YorkNew YorkUSA,Department of Biochemistry and Molecular BiophysicsColumbia UniversityNew YorkNew YorkUSA
| | - Qun Liu
- NSLS‐II, Brookhaven National LaboratoryUptonNew YorkUSA,Biology DepartmentBrookhaven National LaboratoryUptonNew YorkUSA
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4
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Kögler LM, Stichel J, Beck-Sickinger AG. Structural investigations of cell-free expressed G protein-coupled receptors. Biol Chem 2020; 401:97-116. [PMID: 31539345 DOI: 10.1515/hsz-2019-0292] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2019] [Accepted: 09/02/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) are of great pharmaceutical interest and about 35% of the commercial drugs target these proteins. Still there is huge potential left in finding molecules that target new GPCRs or that modulate GPCRs differentially. For a rational drug design, it is important to understand the structure, binding and activation of the protein of interest. Structural investigations of GPCRs remain challenging, although huge progress has been made in the last 20 years, especially in the generation of crystal structures of GPCRs. This is mostly caused by issues with the expression yield, purity or labeling. Cell-free protein synthesis (CFPS) is an efficient alternative for recombinant expression systems that can potentially address many of these problems. In this article the use of CFPS for structural investigations of GPCRs is reviewed. We compare different CFPS systems, including the cellular basis and reaction configurations, and strategies for an efficient solubilization. Next, we highlight recent advances in the structural investigation of cell-free expressed GPCRs, with special emphasis on the role of photo-crosslinking approaches to investigate ligand binding sites on GPCRs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa Maria Kögler
- Institute of Biochemistry, Faculty of Biosciences, Pharmacy and Psychology, Leipzig University, Brüderstr. 34, D-04103 Leipzig, Germany
| | - Jan Stichel
- Institute of Biochemistry, Faculty of Biosciences, Pharmacy and Psychology, Leipzig University, Brüderstr. 34, D-04103 Leipzig, Germany
| | - Annette G Beck-Sickinger
- Institute of Biochemistry, Faculty of Biosciences, Pharmacy and Psychology, Leipzig University, Brüderstr. 34, D-04103 Leipzig, Germany
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5
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Abstract
Proteins are the main source of drug targets and some of them possess therapeutic potential themselves. Among them, membrane proteins constitute approximately 50% of the major drug targets. In the drug discovery pipeline, rapid methods for producing different classes of proteins in a simple manner with high quality are important for structural and functional analysis. Cell-free systems are emerging as an attractive alternative for the production of proteins due to their flexible nature without any cell membrane constraints. In a bioproduction context, open systems based on cell lysates derived from different sources, and with batch-to-batch consistency, have acted as a catalyst for cell-free synthesis of target proteins. Most importantly, proteins can be processed for downstream applications like purification and functional analysis without the necessity of transfection, selection, and expansion of clones. In the last 5 years, there has been an increased availability of new cell-free lysates derived from multiple organisms, and their use for the synthesis of a diverse range of proteins. Despite this progress, major challenges still exist in terms of scalability, cost effectiveness, protein folding, and functionality. In this review, we present an overview of different cell-free systems derived from diverse sources and their application in the production of a wide spectrum of proteins. Further, this article discusses some recent progress in cell-free systems derived from Chinese hamster ovary and Sf21 lysates containing endogenous translocationally active microsomes for the synthesis of membrane proteins. We particularly highlight the usage of internal ribosomal entry site sequences for more efficient protein production, and also the significance of site-specific incorporation of non-canonical amino acids for labeling applications and creation of antibody drug conjugates using cell-free systems. We also discuss strategies to overcome the major challenges involved in commercializing cell-free platforms from a laboratory level for future drug development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Srujan Kumar Dondapati
- Fraunhofer Institute for Cell Therapy and Immunology (IZI), Branch Bioanalytics and Bioprocesses (IZI-BB), Am Mühlenberg 13, 14476, Potsdam, Germany
| | - Marlitt Stech
- Fraunhofer Institute for Cell Therapy and Immunology (IZI), Branch Bioanalytics and Bioprocesses (IZI-BB), Am Mühlenberg 13, 14476, Potsdam, Germany
| | - Anne Zemella
- Fraunhofer Institute for Cell Therapy and Immunology (IZI), Branch Bioanalytics and Bioprocesses (IZI-BB), Am Mühlenberg 13, 14476, Potsdam, Germany
| | - Stefan Kubick
- Fraunhofer Institute for Cell Therapy and Immunology (IZI), Branch Bioanalytics and Bioprocesses (IZI-BB), Am Mühlenberg 13, 14476, Potsdam, Germany.
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Joint Faculty of the Brandenburg University of Technology Cottbus-Senftenberg, The Brandenburg Medical School Theodor Fontane and the University of Potsdam, Potsdam, Germany.
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6
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Escherichia coli Extract-Based Cell-Free Expression System as an Alternative for Difficult-to-Obtain Protein Biosynthesis. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21030928. [PMID: 32023820 PMCID: PMC7037961 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21030928] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2019] [Revised: 01/15/2020] [Accepted: 01/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Before utilization in biomedical diagnosis, therapeutic treatment, and biotechnology, the diverse variety of peptides and proteins must be preliminarily purified and thoroughly characterized. The recombinant DNA technology and heterologous protein expression have helped simplify the isolation of targeted polypeptides at high purity and their structure-function examinations. Recombinant protein expression in Escherichia coli, the most-established heterologous host organism, has been widely used to produce proteins of commercial and fundamental research interests. Nonetheless, many peptides/proteins are still difficult to express due to their ability to slow down cell growth or disrupt cellular metabolism. Besides, special modifications are often required for proper folding and activity of targeted proteins. The cell-free (CF) or in vitro recombinant protein synthesis system enables the production of such difficult-to-obtain molecules since it is possible to adjust reaction medium and there is no need to support cellular metabolism and viability. Here, we describe E. coli-based CF systems, the optimization steps done toward the development of highly productive and cost-effective CF methodology, and the modification of an in vitro approach required for difficult-to-obtain protein production.
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7
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Hajek P, Bader A, Helmstetter F, Henke B, Arnold P, Beitz E. Cell-Free and Yeast-Based Production of the Malarial Lactate Transporter, PfFNT, Delivers Comparable Yield and Protein Quality. Front Pharmacol 2019; 10:375. [PMID: 31024323 PMCID: PMC6467934 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2019.00375] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2019] [Accepted: 03/26/2019] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Cell-free protein production is an attractive alternative to cell-based expression. Rapid results, small-volume reactions, irrelevance of protein toxicity, flexibility, and openness of the system are strong points in favor of the cell-free system. However, the in vitro situation lacks the cellular quality control machinery comprising e.g., the translocon for inserting membrane proteins into lipid bilayers, and chaperon-assisted protein degradation pathways. Here, we compare yield and protein quality of the lactate transporter, PfFNT, from malaria parasites when produced in Pichia pastoris yeast, or in an Escherichia coli S30-extract-based cell-free system. Besides solubilization and correct folding, PfFNT requires oligomerization into homopentamers. We assessed PfFNT folding/oligomerization and function by transmission electron microscopy imaging, transport assays, and binding of small-molecule inhibitors. For the latter, we used chromatography of the PfFNT-inhibitor complex with dual-wavelength detection, and biolayer interferometry. Our data show, that PfFNT possesses an intrinsic capability for assuming the correct fold, oligomerization pattern, and functionality during in vitro translation. This competence depended on the detergent present in the cell-free reaction. The choice of detergent further affected purification and inhibitor binding. In conclusion, in the presence of a suitable detergent, cell-free systems are very well capable of producing high quality membrane proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philipp Hajek
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Medicinal Chemistry, Pharmaceutical Institute, Christian-Albrechts-University Kiel, Kiel, Germany
| | - Annika Bader
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Medicinal Chemistry, Pharmaceutical Institute, Christian-Albrechts-University Kiel, Kiel, Germany
| | - Folknand Helmstetter
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Medicinal Chemistry, Pharmaceutical Institute, Christian-Albrechts-University Kiel, Kiel, Germany
| | - Björn Henke
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Medicinal Chemistry, Pharmaceutical Institute, Christian-Albrechts-University Kiel, Kiel, Germany
| | - Philipp Arnold
- Anatomical Institute, Christian-Albrechts-University Kiel, Kiel, Germany
| | - Eric Beitz
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Medicinal Chemistry, Pharmaceutical Institute, Christian-Albrechts-University Kiel, Kiel, Germany
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8
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Assays with Detection of Fluorescence Anisotropy: Challenges and Possibilities for Characterizing Ligand Binding to GPCRs. Trends Pharmacol Sci 2018; 39:187-199. [DOI: 10.1016/j.tips.2017.10.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2017] [Revised: 10/10/2017] [Accepted: 10/10/2017] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
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9
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Link R, Veiksina S, Rinken A, Kopanchuk S. Characterization of ligand binding to melanocortin 4 receptors using fluorescent peptides with improved kinetic properties. Eur J Pharmacol 2017; 799:58-66. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2017.01.040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2016] [Revised: 01/25/2017] [Accepted: 01/25/2017] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
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10
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Henrich E, Ma Y, Engels I, Münch D, Otten C, Schneider T, Henrichfreise B, Sahl HG, Dötsch V, Bernhard F. Lipid Requirements for the Enzymatic Activity of MraY Translocases and in Vitro Reconstitution of the Lipid II Synthesis Pathway. J Biol Chem 2015; 291:2535-46. [PMID: 26620564 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m115.664292] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2015] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Screening of new compounds directed against key protein targets must continually keep pace with emerging antibiotic resistances. Although periplasmic enzymes of bacterial cell wall biosynthesis have been among the first drug targets, compounds directed against the membrane-integrated catalysts are hardly available. A promising future target is the integral membrane protein MraY catalyzing the first membrane associated step within the cytoplasmic pathway of bacterial peptidoglycan biosynthesis. However, the expression of most MraY homologues in cellular expression systems is challenging and limits biochemical analysis. We report the efficient production of MraY homologues from various human pathogens by synthetic cell-free expression approaches and their subsequent characterization. MraY homologues originating from Bordetella pertussis, Helicobacter pylori, Chlamydia pneumoniae, Borrelia burgdorferi, and Escherichia coli as well as Bacillus subtilis were co-translationally solubilized using either detergent micelles or preformed nanodiscs assembled with defined membranes. All MraY enzymes originating from Gram-negative bacteria were sensitive to detergents and required nanodiscs containing negatively charged lipids for obtaining a stable and functionally folded conformation. In contrast, the Gram-positive B. subtilis MraY not only tolerates detergent but is also less specific for its lipid environment. The MraY·nanodisc complexes were able to reconstitute a complete in vitro lipid I and lipid II forming pipeline in combination with the cell-free expressed soluble enzymes MurA-F and with the membrane-associated protein MurG. As a proof of principle for future screening platforms, we demonstrate the inhibition of the in vitro lipid II biosynthesis with the specific inhibitors fosfomycin, feglymycin, and tunicamycin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erik Henrich
- From the Institute of Biophysical Chemistry, Centre for Biomolecular Magnetic Resonance, J. W. Goethe-University, 60438 Frankfurt-am-Main, Germany
| | - Yi Ma
- From the Institute of Biophysical Chemistry, Centre for Biomolecular Magnetic Resonance, J. W. Goethe-University, 60438 Frankfurt-am-Main, Germany, the School of Bioscience and Bioengineering, South China University of Technology, 510006 Guangzhou, China,
| | - Ina Engels
- the Institute for Pharmaceutical Microbiology, University of Bonn, Germany, and the German Centre for Infection Research (DZIF), partner site Cologne-Bonn, 53115 Bonn, Germany
| | - Daniela Münch
- the Institute for Pharmaceutical Microbiology, University of Bonn, Germany, and
| | - Christian Otten
- the Institute for Pharmaceutical Microbiology, University of Bonn, Germany, and
| | - Tanja Schneider
- the Institute for Pharmaceutical Microbiology, University of Bonn, Germany, and the German Centre for Infection Research (DZIF), partner site Cologne-Bonn, 53115 Bonn, Germany
| | - Beate Henrichfreise
- the Institute for Pharmaceutical Microbiology, University of Bonn, Germany, and
| | - Hans-Georg Sahl
- the Institute for Pharmaceutical Microbiology, University of Bonn, Germany, and the German Centre for Infection Research (DZIF), partner site Cologne-Bonn, 53115 Bonn, Germany
| | - Volker Dötsch
- From the Institute of Biophysical Chemistry, Centre for Biomolecular Magnetic Resonance, J. W. Goethe-University, 60438 Frankfurt-am-Main, Germany
| | - Frank Bernhard
- From the Institute of Biophysical Chemistry, Centre for Biomolecular Magnetic Resonance, J. W. Goethe-University, 60438 Frankfurt-am-Main, Germany,
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11
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Hoffmann C, Castro M, Rinken A, Leurs R, Hill SJ, Vischer HF. Ligand Residence Time at G-protein–Coupled Receptors—Why We Should Take Our Time To Study It. Mol Pharmacol 2015; 88:552-60. [DOI: 10.1124/mol.115.099671] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2015] [Accepted: 07/07/2015] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
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12
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Henrich E, Hein C, Dötsch V, Bernhard F. Membrane protein production in Escherichia coli cell-free lysates. FEBS Lett 2015; 589:1713-22. [PMID: 25937121 DOI: 10.1016/j.febslet.2015.04.045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2015] [Revised: 04/17/2015] [Accepted: 04/21/2015] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Cell-free protein production has become a core technology in the rapidly spreading field of synthetic biology. In particular the synthesis of membrane proteins, highly problematic proteins in conventional cellular production systems, is an ideal application for cell-free expression. A large variety of artificial as well as natural environments for the optimal co-translational folding and stabilization of membrane proteins can rationally be designed. The high success rate of cell-free membrane protein production allows to focus on individually selected targets and to modulate their functional and structural properties with appropriate supplements. The efficiency and robustness of lysates from Escherichia coli strains allow a wide diversity of applications and we summarize current strategies for the successful production of high quality membrane protein samples.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erik Henrich
- Institute of Biophysical Chemistry, Centre for Biomolecular Magnetic Resonance, J.W. Goethe-University, Frankfurt-am-Main, Germany
| | - Christopher Hein
- Institute of Biophysical Chemistry, Centre for Biomolecular Magnetic Resonance, J.W. Goethe-University, Frankfurt-am-Main, Germany
| | - Volker Dötsch
- Institute of Biophysical Chemistry, Centre for Biomolecular Magnetic Resonance, J.W. Goethe-University, Frankfurt-am-Main, Germany
| | - Frank Bernhard
- Institute of Biophysical Chemistry, Centre for Biomolecular Magnetic Resonance, J.W. Goethe-University, Frankfurt-am-Main, Germany.
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13
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Henrich E, Dötsch V, Bernhard F. Screening for Lipid Requirements of Membrane Proteins by Combining Cell-Free Expression with Nanodiscs. Methods Enzymol 2015; 556:351-69. [DOI: 10.1016/bs.mie.2014.12.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
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14
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Abstract
Cell-free expression has emerged as a new standard for the production of membrane proteins. The reduction of expression complexity in cell-free systems eliminates central bottlenecks and allows the reliable and efficient synthesis of many different types of membrane proteins. Furthermore, the open accessibility of cell-free reactions enables the co-translational solubilization of cell-free expressed membrane proteins in a large variety of supplied additives. Hydrophobic environments can therefore be adjusted according to the requirements of individual membrane protein targets. We present different approaches for the preparative scale cell-free production of G-protein-coupled receptors using the extracts of Escherichia coli cells. We exemplify expression conditions implementing detergents, nanodiscs, or liposomes. The generated protein samples could be directly used for further functional characterization.
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Sachse R, Dondapati SK, Fenz SF, Schmidt T, Kubick S. Membrane protein synthesis in cell-free systems: From bio-mimetic systems to bio-membranes. FEBS Lett 2014; 588:2774-81. [DOI: 10.1016/j.febslet.2014.06.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 101] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2014] [Revised: 05/30/2014] [Accepted: 06/02/2014] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
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16
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Hein C, Henrich E, Orbán E, Dötsch V, Bernhard F. Hydrophobic supplements in cell-free systems: Designing artificial environments for membrane proteins. Eng Life Sci 2014. [DOI: 10.1002/elsc.201300050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Christopher Hein
- Centre for Biomolecular Magnetic Resonance; Institute for Biophysical Chemistry; Goethe-University of Frankfurt/Main; Frankfurt am Main Germany
| | - Erik Henrich
- Centre for Biomolecular Magnetic Resonance; Institute for Biophysical Chemistry; Goethe-University of Frankfurt/Main; Frankfurt am Main Germany
| | - Erika Orbán
- Centre for Biomolecular Magnetic Resonance; Institute for Biophysical Chemistry; Goethe-University of Frankfurt/Main; Frankfurt am Main Germany
| | - Volker Dötsch
- Centre for Biomolecular Magnetic Resonance; Institute for Biophysical Chemistry; Goethe-University of Frankfurt/Main; Frankfurt am Main Germany
| | - Frank Bernhard
- Centre for Biomolecular Magnetic Resonance; Institute for Biophysical Chemistry; Goethe-University of Frankfurt/Main; Frankfurt am Main Germany
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17
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Roos C, Kai L, Haberstock S, Proverbio D, Ghoshdastider U, Ma Y, Filipek S, Wang X, Dötsch V, Bernhard F. High-level cell-free production of membrane proteins with nanodiscs. Methods Mol Biol 2014; 1118:109-130. [PMID: 24395412 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-62703-782-2_7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
This chapter addresses two major bottlenecks in cell-free membrane protein production. Firstly, we describe the optimization of expression templates for obtaining membrane proteins in preparative scales. We present details for a newly established tag variation screen providing high success rates in improving expression efficiencies while having only minimal impacts on the target protein structure. Secondly, we present protocols for the efficient co-translational insertion of membrane proteins into defined lipid bilayers. We describe the production of nanodiscs and their implementation into cell-free expression reactions for the co-translational reconstitution of membrane proteins. In addition we give guidelines for the loading of nanodiscs with different lipids in order to systematically analyze effects of lipids on the translocation, functional folding, and stability of cell-free expressed membrane proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christian Roos
- Centre for Biomolecular Magnetic Resonance, Institute for Biophysical Chemistry, Goethe-University of Frankfurt/Main, Frankfurt/Main, Germany
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18
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Sridharan R, Zuber J, Connelly SM, Mathew E, Dumont ME. Fluorescent approaches for understanding interactions of ligands with G protein coupled receptors. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA 2014; 1838:15-33. [PMID: 24055822 PMCID: PMC3926105 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbamem.2013.09.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 86] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2013] [Revised: 09/03/2013] [Accepted: 09/08/2013] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
G protein coupled receptors are responsible for a wide variety of signaling responses in diverse cell types. Despite major advances in the determination of structures of this class of receptors, the underlying mechanisms by which binding of different types of ligands specifically elicits particular signaling responses remain unclear. The use of fluorescence spectroscopy can provide important information about the process of ligand binding and ligand dependent conformational changes in receptors, especially kinetic aspects of these processes that can be difficult to extract from X-ray structures. We present an overview of the extensive array of fluorescent ligands that have been used in studies of G protein coupled receptors and describe spectroscopic approaches for assaying binding and probing the environment of receptor-bound ligands with particular attention to examples involving yeast pheromone receptors. In addition, we discuss the use of fluorescence spectroscopy for detecting and characterizing conformational changes in receptors induced by the binding of ligands. Such studies have provided strong evidence for diversity of receptor conformations elicited by different ligands, consistent with the idea that GPCRs are not simple on and off switches. This diversity of states constitutes an underlying mechanistic basis for biased agonism, the observation that different stimuli can produce different responses from a single receptor. It is likely that continued technical advances will allow fluorescence spectroscopy to play an important role in continued probing of structural transitions in G protein coupled receptors. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled: Structural and biophysical characterisation of membrane protein-ligand binding.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rajashri Sridharan
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, P.O. Box 712, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY 14642
| | - Jeffrey Zuber
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, P.O. Box 712, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY 14642
| | - Sara M. Connelly
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, P.O. Box 712, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY 14642
| | - Elizabeth Mathew
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, P.O. Box 712, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY 14642
| | - Mark E. Dumont
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, P.O. Box 712, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY 14642
- Department of Pediatrics, P.O. Box 777, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY 14642
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Functional properties of cell-free expressed human endothelin A and endothelin B receptors in artificial membrane environments. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-BIOMEMBRANES 2013; 1828:2182-92. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbamem.2013.05.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2013] [Revised: 05/27/2013] [Accepted: 05/29/2013] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
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Ritz S, Hulko M, Zerfass C, May S, Hospach I, Krasteva N, Nelles G, Sinner EK. Cell-free expression of a mammalian olfactory receptor and unidirectional insertion into small unilamellar vesicles (SUVs). Biochimie 2013; 95:1909-16. [PMID: 23816872 DOI: 10.1016/j.biochi.2013.06.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2013] [Accepted: 06/20/2013] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
Although the identification of the multigene family encoding mammalian olfactory receptors were identified more than 20 years ago, we are far from understanding olfactory perception because of the difficulties in functional expression of these receptors in heterologous cell systems. Cell-free (CF) or in vitro expression systems offer an elegant alternative route to cell based protein expression, as the functional expression of membrane proteins can be directly achieved from the genetic template without the need of cell cultivation and protein isolation. Here we investigated in detail the cell-free expression and membrane insertion of the olfactory receptor OR5 in dependence of different experimental conditions like probing different origins of the cell-free expression system (from bacteria, via plants and insects toward mammalian system) and lipid composition of the respective extracts. We provided substantial biochemical indications by radioactive labeling based on [(35)S]-methionine, followed by proteolytic digestion, and we found that the insertion of the olfactory receptor OR5 into liposomes resulted in an unidirectional orientation with the binding side exposed into the aqueous space, resembling the native orientation in the cilia of the olfactory neurons. We report the different results in synthesis capacity for the different in vitro systems employed as we like to demonstrate the first in vitro kit toward and ex situ and ex vivo odorant receptor array.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandra Ritz
- Max Planck Institute for Polymer Research, Ackermannweg 10, Mainz 55128, Germany.
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21
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Ruehrer S, Michel H. ExploitingLeishmania tarentolaecell-free extracts for the synthesis of human solute carriers. Mol Membr Biol 2013; 30:288-302. [DOI: 10.3109/09687688.2013.807362] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
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22
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Bernhard F, Tozawa Y. Cell-free expression--making a mark. Curr Opin Struct Biol 2013; 23:374-80. [PMID: 23628286 DOI: 10.1016/j.sbi.2013.03.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2012] [Revised: 03/26/2013] [Accepted: 03/29/2013] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Cell-free protein production opens new perspectives for the direct manipulation of expression compartments in combination with reduced complexity of physiological requirements. The technology is therefore in particular suitable for the general synthesis of difficult proteins including toxins and membrane proteins as well as for the analysis of their functional folding in artificial environments. A further key application of cell-free expression is the fast and economic labeling of proteins for structural and functional applications. Two extract sources, wheat embryos and Escherichia coli cells, are currently employed for the preparative scale cell-free production of proteins. Recent achievements in structural characterization include cell-free synthesized membrane proteins and even larger protein assemblies may become feasible.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frank Bernhard
- Institute of Biophysical Chemistry, Centre for Biomolecular Magnetic Resonance, Goethe University, Frankfurt am Main, Germany.
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23
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Roos C, Zocher M, Müller D, Münch D, Schneider T, Sahl HG, Scholz F, Wachtveitl J, Ma Y, Proverbio D, Henrich E, Dötsch V, Bernhard F. Characterization of co-translationally formed nanodisc complexes with small multidrug transporters, proteorhodopsin and with the E. coli MraY translocase. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-BIOMEMBRANES 2012; 1818:3098-106. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbamem.2012.08.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2012] [Revised: 08/10/2012] [Accepted: 08/10/2012] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
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24
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Banères JL, Mouillac B. [Handling G-protein-coupled receptors: expression, purification and in vitro stabilization]. Med Sci (Paris) 2012; 28:837-44. [PMID: 23067414 DOI: 10.1051/medsci/20122810011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Among the different classes of integral membrane proteins, G protein-coupled receptors (GPCR) constitute the largest family. They are involved in most essential physiological functions and particularly play a key role in cell-to-cell communication and sensory signal transduction. They represent targets for approximately 30% of currently marketed drugs. In order to better understand their functioning, define their tridimensional structure and develop novel selective and efficient therapeutic compounds, it is crucial to purify these proteins for a full characterization. However, this biochemical step is not trivial since GPCR are present in membranes at very low levels and they require detergents to be extracted from their natural lipid environment and be handled as functional proteins. No universal strategy for GPCR production, purification and stabilization is currently available; each single GPCR possesses a unique set of physicochemical characteristics, preference for some detergents upon solubilization and specific conditions for purification. During the last decade, major breakthroughs regarding overexpression, purification and above all GPCR stabilization, thanks to amphipols and nanodiscs, opened very exciting perspectives for structural and dynamic investigations of these membrane proteins. The aim of this chapter is to provide an overview of the different aspects of GPCR handling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jean-Louis Banères
- Institut des biomolécules Max Mousseron, faculté de pharmacie, Montpellier, France
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25
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Salon JA, Lodowski DT, Palczewski K. The significance of G protein-coupled receptor crystallography for drug discovery. Pharmacol Rev 2012; 63:901-37. [PMID: 21969326 DOI: 10.1124/pr.110.003350] [Citation(s) in RCA: 160] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Crucial as molecular sensors for many vital physiological processes, seven-transmembrane domain G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) comprise the largest family of proteins targeted by drug discovery. Together with structures of the prototypical GPCR rhodopsin, solved structures of other liganded GPCRs promise to provide insights into the structural basis of the superfamily's biochemical functions and assist in the development of new therapeutic modalities and drugs. One of the greatest technical and theoretical challenges to elucidating and exploiting structure-function relationships in these systems is the emerging concept of GPCR conformational flexibility and its cause-effect relationship for receptor-receptor and receptor-effector interactions. Such conformational changes can be subtle and triggered by relatively small binding energy effects, leading to full or partial efficacy in the activation or inactivation of the receptor system at large. Pharmacological dogma generally dictates that these changes manifest themselves through kinetic modulation of the receptor's G protein partners. Atomic resolution information derived from increasingly available receptor structures provides an entrée to the understanding of these events and practically applying it to drug design. Supported by structure-activity relationship information arising from empirical screening, a unified structural model of GPCR activation/inactivation promises to both accelerate drug discovery in this field and improve our fundamental understanding of structure-based drug design in general. This review discusses fundamental problems that persist in drug design and GPCR structural determination.
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Affiliation(s)
- John A Salon
- Department of Molecular Structure, Amgen Incorporated, Thousand Oaks, California, USA
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26
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Facile backbone structure determination of human membrane proteins by NMR spectroscopy. Nat Methods 2012; 9:834-9. [PMID: 22609626 DOI: 10.1038/nmeth.2033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 76] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2012] [Accepted: 04/25/2012] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Although nearly half of today's major pharmaceutical drugs target human integral membrane proteins (hIMPs), only 30 hIMP structures are currently available in the Protein Data Bank, largely owing to inefficiencies in protein production. Here we describe a strategy for the rapid structure determination of hIMPs, using solution NMR spectroscopy with systematically labeled proteins produced via cell-free expression. We report new backbone structures of six hIMPs, solved in only 18 months from 15 initial targets. Application of our protocols to an additional 135 hIMPs with molecular weight <30 kDa yielded 38 hIMPs suitable for structural characterization by solution NMR spectroscopy without additional optimization.
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27
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Isaksson L, Enberg J, Neutze R, Göran Karlsson B, Pedersen A. Expression screening of membrane proteins with cell-free protein synthesis. Protein Expr Purif 2012; 82:218-25. [DOI: 10.1016/j.pep.2012.01.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2011] [Revised: 12/22/2011] [Accepted: 01/03/2012] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
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Haberstock S, Roos C, Hoevels Y, Dötsch V, Schnapp G, Pautsch A, Bernhard F. A systematic approach to increase the efficiency of membrane protein production in cell-free expression systems. Protein Expr Purif 2012; 82:308-16. [PMID: 22342679 DOI: 10.1016/j.pep.2012.01.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2011] [Revised: 01/25/2012] [Accepted: 01/27/2012] [Indexed: 10/14/2022]
Abstract
High amounts of membrane protein samples are needed for structural or functional analysis and a first bottleneck is often to obtain sufficient production efficiencies. The reduced complexity of protein production in cell-free expression systems results in a frequent correlation of efficiency problems with the essential transcription/translation process. We present a systematic tag variation strategy for the rapid improvement of cell-free expression efficiencies of membrane proteins based on the optimization of translation initiation. A small number of rationally designed short expression tags is attached via overlap PCR to the 5-prime end of the target protein coding sequence. The generated pool of DNA templates is analyzed in a cell-free expression screen and the most efficient template is selected for further preparative scale protein production. The expression tags can be minimized to only a few codons and no further impact on the coding sequence is required. The complete process takes only few days and the synthesized PCR fragments can be used directly as templates for preparative scale cell-free reactions. The strategy is exemplified with the production of a set of G-protein coupled receptors and yield improvements of up to 32-fold were obtained. All proteins were finally synthesized in amounts sufficient for further quality optimization and initial crystallization screens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefan Haberstock
- Institute of Biophysical Chemistry, Centre for Biomolecular Magnetic Resonance, J.W. Goethe-University, Frankfurt-am-Main, Germany
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29
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Current World Literature. Curr Opin Nephrol Hypertens 2012; 21:106-18. [DOI: 10.1097/mnh.0b013e32834ee42b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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30
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Kai L, Roos C, Haberstock S, Proverbio D, Ma Y, Junge F, Karbyshev M, Dötsch V, Bernhard F. Systems for the cell-free synthesis of proteins. Methods Mol Biol 2012; 800:201-225. [PMID: 21964791 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-61779-349-3_14] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
We describe a system for the cell-free expression of proteins based on extracts from Escherichia coli. Two reaction configurations, batch and continuous exchange, are discussed and analytical scale as well as preparative scale setups are documented. Guidelines for the systematic development and optimization of cell-free expression protocols are given in detail. We further provide specific protocols and parameters for the cell-free production of membrane proteins. High-throughput screening applications of CF expression systems are exemplified as new tools for genomics and proteomics studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lei Kai
- Centre for Biomolecular Magnetic Resonance, Institute for Biophysical Chemistry, Goethe-University of Frankfurt/Main, Frankfurt/Main, Germany
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31
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Ma Y, Münch D, Schneider T, Sahl HG, Bouhss A, Ghoshdastider U, Wang J, Dötsch V, Wang X, Bernhard F. Preparative scale cell-free production and quality optimization of MraY homologues in different expression modes. J Biol Chem 2011; 286:38844-53. [PMID: 21937437 PMCID: PMC3234709 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m111.301085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2011] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
MraY translocase catalyzes the first committed membrane-bound step of bacterial peptidoglycan synthesis leading to the formation of lipid I. The essential membrane protein therefore has a high potential as target for drug screening approaches to develop antibiotics against gram-positive as well as gram-negative bacteria. However, the production of large integral membrane proteins in conventional cellular expression systems is still very challenging. Cell-free expression technologies have been optimized in recent times for the production of membrane proteins in the presence of detergents (D-CF), lipids (L-CF), or as precipitates (P-CF). We report the development of preparative scale production protocols for the MraY homologues of Escherichia coli and Bacillus subtilis in all three cell-free expression modes followed by their subsequent quality evaluation. Although both proteins can be cell-free produced at comparable high levels, their requirements for optimal expression conditions differ markedly. B. subtilus MraY was stably folded in all three expression modes and showed highest translocase activities after P-CF production followed by defined treatment with detergents. In contrast, the E. coli MraY appears to be unstable after post- or cotranslational solubilization in detergent micelles. Expression kinetics and reducing conditions were identified as optimization parameters for the quality improvement of E. coli MraY. Most remarkably, in contrast to B. subtilis MraY the E. coli MraY has to be stabilized by lipids and only the production in the L-CF mode in the presence of preformed liposomes resulted in stable and translocase active protein samples.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi Ma
- From the School of Bioscience and Bioengineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, China
- the Institute of Biophysical Chemistry, Centre for Biomolecular Magnetic Resonance, J.W. Goethe-University, Frankfurt-am-Main 60438, Germany
| | - Daniela Münch
- the Institute of Medical Microbiology, Immunology, and Parasitology, Pharmaceutical Microbiology Section, University of Bonn, Bonn 53105, Germany, and
| | - Tanja Schneider
- the Institute of Medical Microbiology, Immunology, and Parasitology, Pharmaceutical Microbiology Section, University of Bonn, Bonn 53105, Germany, and
| | - Hans-Georg Sahl
- the Institute of Medical Microbiology, Immunology, and Parasitology, Pharmaceutical Microbiology Section, University of Bonn, Bonn 53105, Germany, and
| | - Ahmed Bouhss
- the Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular and Cellular Biophysics, University Paris-Sud, UMR 8619 Orsay, France
| | - Umesh Ghoshdastider
- the Institute of Biophysical Chemistry, Centre for Biomolecular Magnetic Resonance, J.W. Goethe-University, Frankfurt-am-Main 60438, Germany
| | - Jufang Wang
- From the School of Bioscience and Bioengineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Volker Dötsch
- the Institute of Biophysical Chemistry, Centre for Biomolecular Magnetic Resonance, J.W. Goethe-University, Frankfurt-am-Main 60438, Germany
| | - Xiaoning Wang
- From the School of Bioscience and Bioengineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Frank Bernhard
- the Institute of Biophysical Chemistry, Centre for Biomolecular Magnetic Resonance, J.W. Goethe-University, Frankfurt-am-Main 60438, Germany
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32
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Lyukmanova EN, Shenkarev ZO, Khabibullina NF, Kopeina GS, Shulepko MA, Paramonov AS, Mineev KS, Tikhonov RV, Shingarova LN, Petrovskaya LE, Dolgikh DA, Arseniev AS, Kirpichnikov MP. Lipid-protein nanodiscs for cell-free production of integral membrane proteins in a soluble and folded state: comparison with detergent micelles, bicelles and liposomes. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-BIOMEMBRANES 2011; 1818:349-58. [PMID: 22056981 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbamem.2011.10.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 82] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2011] [Revised: 10/03/2011] [Accepted: 10/18/2011] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Production of integral membrane proteins (IMPs) in a folded state is a key prerequisite for their functional and structural studies. In cell-free (CF) expression systems membrane mimicking components could be added to the reaction mixture that promotes IMP production in a soluble form. Here lipid-protein nanodiscs (LPNs) of different lipid compositions (DMPC, DMPG, POPC, POPC/DOPG) have been compared with classical membrane mimicking media such as detergent micelles, lipid/detergent bicelles and liposomes by their ability to support CF synthesis of IMPs in a folded and soluble state. Three model membrane proteins of different topology were used: homodimeric transmembrane (TM) domain of human receptor tyrosine kinase ErbB3 (TM-ErbB3, 1TM); voltage-sensing domain of K(+) channel KvAP (VSD, 4TM); and bacteriorhodopsin from Exiguobacterium sibiricum (ESR, 7TM). Structural and/or functional properties of the synthesized proteins were analyzed. LPNs significantly enhanced synthesis of the IMPs in a soluble form regardless of the lipid composition. A partial disintegration of LPNs composed of unsaturated lipids was observed upon co-translational IMP incorporation. Contrary to detergents the nanodiscs resulted in the synthesis of ~80% active ESR and promoted correct folding of the TM-ErbB3. None of the tested membrane mimetics supported CF synthesis of correctly folded VSD, and the protocol of the domain refolding was developed. The use of LPNs appears to be the most promising approach to CF production of IMPs in a folded state. NMR analysis of (15)N-Ile-TM-ErbB3 co-translationally incorporated into LPNs shows the great prospects of this membrane mimetics for structural studies of IMPs produced by CF systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- E N Lyukmanova
- Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russian Federation.
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33
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Corin K, Baaske P, Ravel DB, Song J, Brown E, Wang X, Geissler S, Wienken CJ, Jerabek-Willemsen M, Duhr S, Braun D, Zhang S. A robust and rapid method of producing soluble, stable, and functional G-protein coupled receptors. PLoS One 2011; 6:e23036. [PMID: 22039398 PMCID: PMC3201940 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0023036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2011] [Accepted: 07/04/2011] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Membrane proteins, particularly G-protein coupled receptors (GPCRs), are notoriously difficult to express. Using commercial E. coli cell-free systems with the detergent Brij-35, we could rapidly produce milligram quantities of 13 unique GPCRs. Immunoaffinity purification yielded receptors at >90% purity. Secondary structure analysis using circular dichroism indicated that the purified receptors were properly folded. Microscale thermophoresis, a novel label-free and surface-free detection technique that uses thermal gradients, showed that these receptors bound their ligands. The secondary structure and ligand-binding results from cell-free produced proteins were comparable to those expressed and purified from HEK293 cells. Our study demonstrates that cell-free protein production using commercially available kits and optimal detergents is a robust technology that can be used to produce sufficient GPCRs for biochemical, structural, and functional analyses. This robust and simple method may further stimulate others to study the structure and function of membrane proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karolina Corin
- Center for Biomedical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | | | - Deepali B. Ravel
- Center for Biomedical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Junyao Song
- Center for Biomedical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Emily Brown
- Center for Biomedical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Xiaoqiang Wang
- Center for Biomedical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States of America
- Center for Bioengineering and Biotechnology, China University of Petroleum (East China), Qingdao, Shandong, People's Republic of China
| | | | - Christoph J. Wienken
- Systems Biophysics, Functional Nanosystems, Ludwig-Maximilians University München, München, Germany
| | | | - Stefan Duhr
- NanoTemper Technologies GmbH, München, Germany
| | - Dieter Braun
- Systems Biophysics, Functional Nanosystems, Ludwig-Maximilians University München, München, Germany
| | - Shuguang Zhang
- Center for Biomedical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States of America
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Popot JL, Althoff T, Bagnard D, Banères JL, Bazzacco P, Billon-Denis E, Catoire LJ, Champeil P, Charvolin D, Cocco MJ, Crémel G, Dahmane T, de la Maza LM, Ebel C, Gabel F, Giusti F, Gohon Y, Goormaghtigh E, Guittet E, Kleinschmidt JH, Kühlbrandt W, Le Bon C, Martinez KL, Picard M, Pucci B, Sachs JN, Tribet C, van Heijenoort C, Wien F, Zito F, Zoonens M. Amphipols from A to Z. Annu Rev Biophys 2011; 40:379-408. [PMID: 21545287 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-biophys-042910-155219] [Citation(s) in RCA: 207] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Amphipols (APols) are short amphipathic polymers that can substitute for detergents to keep integral membrane proteins (MPs) water soluble. In this review, we discuss their structure and solution behavior; the way they associate with MPs; and the structure, dynamics, and solution properties of the resulting complexes. All MPs tested to date form water-soluble complexes with APols, and their biochemical stability is in general greatly improved compared with MPs in detergent solutions. The functionality and ligand-binding properties of APol-trapped MPs are reviewed, and the mechanisms by which APols stabilize MPs are discussed. Applications of APols include MP folding and cell-free synthesis, structural studies by NMR, electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction, APol-mediated immobilization of MPs onto solid supports, proteomics, delivery of MPs to preexisting membranes, and vaccine formulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- J-L Popot
- Institut de Biologie Physico-Chimique, CNRS/Université Paris-7 UMR 7099, Paris, France.
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Klammt C, Perrin MH, Maslennikov I, Renault L, Krupa M, Kwiatkowski W, Stahlberg H, Vale W, Choe S. Polymer-based cell-free expression of ligand-binding family B G-protein coupled receptors without detergents. Protein Sci 2011; 20:1030-41. [PMID: 21465615 DOI: 10.1002/pro.636] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2010] [Revised: 02/23/2011] [Accepted: 03/25/2011] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
G-protein coupled receptors (GPCRs) constitute the largest family of intercellular signaling molecules and are estimated to be the target of more than 50% of all modern drugs. As with most integral membrane proteins (IMPs), a major bottleneck in the structural and biochemical analysis of GPCRs is their expression by conventional expression systems. Cell-free (CF) expression provides a relatively new and powerful tool for obtaining preparative amounts of IMPs. However, in the case of GPCRs, insufficient homogeneity of the targeted protein is a problem as the in vitro expression is mainly done with detergents, in which aggregation and solubilization difficulties, as well as problems with proper folding of hydrophilic domains, are common. Here, we report that using CF expression with the help of a fructose-based polymer, NV10 polymer (NVoy), we obtained preparative amounts of homogeneous GPCRs from the three GPCR families. We demonstrate that two GPCR B family members, corticotrophin-releasing factor receptors 1 and 2β are not only solubilized in NVoy but also have functional ligand-binding characteristics with different agonists and antagonists in a detergent-free environment as well. Our findings open new possibilities for functional and structural studies of GPCRs and IMPs in general.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christian Klammt
- Structural Biology Laboratory, The Salk Institute for Biological Studies, La Jolla, California 92037, USA
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Asada H, Uemura T, Yurugi-Kobayashi T, Shiroishi M, Shimamura T, Tsujimoto H, Ito K, Sugawara T, Nakane T, Nomura N, Murata T, Haga T, Iwata S, Kobayashi T. Evaluation of the Pichia pastoris expression system for the production of GPCRs for structural analysis. Microb Cell Fact 2011; 10:24. [PMID: 21513509 PMCID: PMC3094209 DOI: 10.1186/1475-2859-10-24] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2010] [Accepted: 04/22/2011] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Various protein expression systems, such as Escherichia coli (E. coli), Saccharomyces cerevisiae (S. cerevisiae), Pichia pastoris (P. pastoris), insect cells and mammalian cell lines, have been developed for the synthesis of G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) for structural studies. Recently, the crystal structures of four recombinant human GPCRs, namely β2 adrenergic receptor, adenosine A2a receptor, CXCR4 and dopamine D3 receptor, were successfully determined using an insect cell expression system. GPCRs expressed in insect cells are believed to undergo mammalian-like posttranscriptional modifications and have similar functional properties than in mammals. Crystal structures of GPCRs have not yet been solved using yeast expression systems. In the present study, P. pastoris and insect cell expression systems for the human muscarinic acetylcholine receptor M2 subtype (CHRM2) were developed and the quantity and quality of CHRM2 synthesized by both expression systems were compared for the application in structural studies. Results The ideal conditions for the expression of CHRM2 in P. pastoris were 60 hr at 20°C in a buffer of pH 7.0. The specific activity of the expressed CHRM2 was 28.9 pmol/mg of membrane protein as determined by binding assays using [3H]-quinuclidinyl benzilate (QNB). Although the specific activity of the protein produced by P. pastoris was lower than that of Sf9 insect cells, CHRM2 yield in P. pastoris was 2-fold higher than in Sf9 insect cells because P. pastoris was cultured at high cell density. The dissociation constant (Kd) for QNB in P. pastoris was 101.14 ± 15.07 pM, which was similar to that in Sf9 insect cells (86.23 ± 8.57 pM). There were no differences in the binding affinity of CHRM2 for QNB between P. pastoris and Sf9 insect cells. Conclusion Compared to insect cells, P. pastoris is easier to handle, can be grown at lower cost, and can be expressed quicker at a large scale. Yeast, P. pastoris, and insect cells are all effective expression systems for GPCRs. The results of the present study strongly suggested that protein expression in P. pastoris can be applied to the structural and biochemical studies of GPCRs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hidetsugu Asada
- Iwata Human Receptor Crystallography project, ERATO, JST, Konoe-cho, Yoshida, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606-8501, Japan
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