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Dasgupta B, Miyashita O, Tama F. Reconstruction of low-resolution molecular structures from simulated atomic force microscopy images. Biochim Biophys Acta Gen Subj 2019; 1864:129420. [PMID: 31472175 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbagen.2019.129420] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2019] [Revised: 08/22/2019] [Accepted: 08/26/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) is an experimental technique to study structure-function relationship of biomolecules. AFM provides images of biomolecules at nanometer resolution. High-speed AFM experiments produce a series of images following dynamics of biomolecules. To further understand biomolecular functions, information on three-dimensional (3D) structures is beneficial. METHOD We aim to recover 3D information from an AFM image by computational modeling. The AFM image includes only low-resolution representation of a molecule; therefore we represent the structures by a coarse grained model (Gaussian mixture model). Using Monte-Carlo sampling, candidate models are generated to increase similarity between AFM images simulated from the models and target AFM image. RESULTS The algorithm was tested on two proteins to model their conformational transitions. Using a simulated AFM image as reference, the algorithm can produce a low-resolution 3D model of the target molecule. Effect of molecular orientations captured in AFM images on the 3D modeling performance was also examined and it is shown that similar accuracy can be obtained for many orientations. CONCLUSIONS The proposed algorithm can generate 3D low-resolution protein models, from which conformational transitions observed in AFM images can be interpreted in more detail. GENERAL SIGNIFICANCE High-speed AFM experiments allow us to directly observe biomolecules in action, which provides insights on biomolecular function through dynamics. However, as only partial structural information can be obtained from AFM data, this new AFM based hybrid modeling method would be useful to retrieve 3D information of the entire biomolecule.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bhaskar Dasgupta
- Center for Computational Science, RIKEN, Kobe, Hyogo, 650-0047, Japan.
| | - Osamu Miyashita
- Center for Computational Science, RIKEN, Kobe, Hyogo, 650-0047, Japan.
| | - Florence Tama
- Center for Computational Science, RIKEN, Kobe, Hyogo, 650-0047, Japan; Department of Physics, Graduate School of Science, Nagoya University, Aichi, 464-8602, Japan; Institute of Transformative Bio-Molecules (WPI-ITbM), Nagoya University, Aichi, 464-8601, Japan.
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2
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Cassidy CK, Himes BA, Luthey-Schulten Z, Zhang P. CryoEM-based hybrid modeling approaches for structure determination. Curr Opin Microbiol 2018; 43:14-23. [PMID: 29107896 PMCID: PMC5934336 DOI: 10.1016/j.mib.2017.10.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2017] [Revised: 10/04/2017] [Accepted: 10/09/2017] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Recent advances in cryo-electron microscopy (cryoEM) have dramatically improved the resolutions at which vitrified biological specimens can be studied, revealing new structural and mechanistic insights over a broad range of spatial scales. Bolstered by these advances, much effort has been directed toward the development of hybrid modeling methodologies for the construction and refinement of high-fidelity atomistic models from cryoEM data. In this brief review, we will survey the key elements of cryoEM-based hybrid modeling, providing an overview of available computational tools and strategies as well as several recent applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Keith Cassidy
- Department of Physics, Beckman Institute, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA
| | - Benjamin A Himes
- Department of Structural Biology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Zaida Luthey-Schulten
- Department of Chemistry, Center for the Physics of Living Cells, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA
| | - Peijun Zhang
- Department of Structural Biology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Division of Structural Biology, Wellcome Trust Centre for Human Genetics, University of Oxford, Roosevelt Drive, Oxford OX3 7BN, UK; Electron Bio-Imaging Centre, Diamond Light Sources, Harwell Science and Innovation Campus, Didcot OX11 0DE, UK.
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3
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Tekpinar M. Flexible fitting to cryo-electron microscopy maps with coarse-grained elastic network models. MOLECULAR SIMULATION 2018. [DOI: 10.1080/08927022.2018.1431835] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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4
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Cryo EM structure of intact rotary H +-ATPase/synthase from Thermus thermophilus. Nat Commun 2018; 9:89. [PMID: 29311594 PMCID: PMC5758568 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-017-02553-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2017] [Accepted: 12/04/2017] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Proton translocating rotary ATPases couple ATP hydrolysis/synthesis, which occurs in the soluble domain, with proton flow through the membrane domain via a rotation of the common central rotor complex against the surrounding peripheral stator apparatus. Here, we present a large data set of single particle cryo-electron micrograph images of the V/A type H+-rotary ATPase from the bacterium Thermus thermophilus, enabling the identification of three rotational states based on the orientation of the rotor subunit. Using masked refinement and classification with signal subtractions, we obtain homogeneous reconstructions for the whole complexes and soluble V1 domains. These reconstructions are of higher resolution than any EM map of intact rotary ATPase reported previously, providing a detailed molecular basis for how the rotary ATPase maintains structural integrity of the peripheral stator apparatus, and confirming the existence of a clear proton translocation path from both sides of the membrane.
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5
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Miyashita O, Tama F. Hybrid Methods for Macromolecular Modeling by Molecular Mechanics Simulations with Experimental Data. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2018; 1105:199-217. [PMID: 30617831 DOI: 10.1007/978-981-13-2200-6_13] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Hybrid approaches for the modeling of macromolecular complexes that combine computational molecular mechanics simulations with experimental data are discussed. Experimental data for biological molecular structures are often low-resolution, and thus, do not contain enough information to determine the atomic positions of molecules. This is especially true when the dynamics of large macromolecules are the focus of the study. However, computational modeling can complement missing information. Significant increase in computational power, as well as the development of new modeling algorithms allow us to model structures of biological macromolecules reliably, using experimental data as references. We review the basics of molecular mechanics approaches, such as atomic model force field, and coarse-grained models, molecular dynamics simulation and normal mode analysis and describe how they could be used for flexible fitting hybrid modeling with experimental data, especially from cryo-EM and SAXS.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Florence Tama
- RIKEN R-CCS, Kobe, Hyōgo, Japan. .,Department of Physics and ITbM, Nagoya University, Nagoya, Japan.
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6
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Kim DN, Sanbonmatsu KY. Tools for the cryo-EM gold rush: going from the cryo-EM map to the atomistic model. Biosci Rep 2017; 37:BSR20170072. [PMID: 28963369 PMCID: PMC5715128 DOI: 10.1042/bsr20170072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2017] [Revised: 09/26/2017] [Accepted: 09/27/2017] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
As cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM) enters mainstream structural biology, the demand for fitting methods is high. Here, we review existing flexible fitting methods for cryo-EM. We discuss their importance, potential concerns and assessment strategies. We aim to give readers concrete descriptions of cryo-EM flexible fitting methods with corresponding examples.
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Affiliation(s)
- Doo Nam Kim
- Theoretical Biology and Biophysics Group, Los Alamos National Laboratory, Los Alamos, U.S.A
| | - Karissa Y Sanbonmatsu
- Theoretical Biology and Biophysics Group, Los Alamos National Laboratory, Los Alamos, U.S.A.
- New Mexico Consortium, Los Alamos, U.S.A
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7
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Miyashita O, Kobayashi C, Mori T, Sugita Y, Tama F. Flexible fitting to cryo-EM density map using ensemble molecular dynamics simulations. J Comput Chem 2017; 38:1447-1461. [PMID: 28370077 DOI: 10.1002/jcc.24785] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2016] [Revised: 01/26/2017] [Accepted: 02/22/2017] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Flexible fitting is a computational algorithm to derive a new conformational model that conforms to low-resolution experimental data by transforming a known structure. A common application is against data from cryo-electron microscopy to obtain conformational models in new functional states. The conventional flexible fitting algorithms cannot derive correct structures in some cases due to the complexity of conformational transitions. In this study, we show the importance of conformational ensemble in the refinement process by performing multiple fittings trials using a variety of different force constants. Application to simulated maps of Ca2+ ATPase and diphtheria toxin as well as experimental data of release factor 2 revealed that for these systems, multiple conformations with similar agreement with the density map exist and a large number of fitting trials are necessary to generate good models. Clustering analysis can be an effective approach to avoid over-fitting models. In addition, we show that an automatic adjustment of the biasing force constants during the fitting process, implemented as replica-exchange scheme, can improve the success rate. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Osamu Miyashita
- Advanced Institute for Computational Science, RIKEN, 6-7-1, Minatojima-minami-machi, Chuo-ku, Kobe, Hyogo, 650-0047, Japan
| | - Chigusa Kobayashi
- Advanced Institute for Computational Science, RIKEN, 6-7-1, Minatojima-minami-machi, Chuo-ku, Kobe, Hyogo, 650-0047, Japan
| | - Takaharu Mori
- Theoretical Molecular Science Laboratory, RIKEN, 2-1 Hirosawa, Wako-shi, Saitama, 351-0198, Japan.,iTHES, RIKEN, 2-1 Hirosawa, Wako-shi, Saitama, 351-0198, Japan
| | - Yuji Sugita
- Advanced Institute for Computational Science, RIKEN, 6-7-1, Minatojima-minami-machi, Chuo-ku, Kobe, Hyogo, 650-0047, Japan.,Theoretical Molecular Science Laboratory, RIKEN, 2-1 Hirosawa, Wako-shi, Saitama, 351-0198, Japan.,iTHES, RIKEN, 2-1 Hirosawa, Wako-shi, Saitama, 351-0198, Japan.,Quantitative Biology Center, RIKEN, 6-7-1, Minatojima-minami-machi, Chuo-ku, Kobe, Hyogo, 650-0047, Japan
| | - Florence Tama
- Advanced Institute for Computational Science, RIKEN, 6-7-1, Minatojima-minami-machi, Chuo-ku, Kobe, Hyogo, 650-0047, Japan.,Department of Physics and ITbM, Nagoya University, Furo-cho, Chikusa-ku, Nagoya, Aichi, 464-8602, Japan
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8
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Joseph AP, Malhotra S, Burnley T, Wood C, Clare DK, Winn M, Topf M. Refinement of atomic models in high resolution EM reconstructions using Flex-EM and local assessment. Methods 2016; 100:42-9. [PMID: 26988127 PMCID: PMC4854230 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymeth.2016.03.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 75] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2016] [Revised: 03/09/2016] [Accepted: 03/14/2016] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
As the resolutions of Three Dimensional Electron Microscopic reconstructions of biological macromolecules are being improved, there is a need for better fitting and refinement methods at high resolutions and robust approaches for model assessment. Flex-EM/MODELLER has been used for flexible fitting of atomic models in intermediate-to-low resolution density maps of different biological systems. Here, we demonstrate the suitability of the method to successfully refine structures at higher resolutions (2.5-4.5Å) using both simulated and experimental data, including a newly processed map of Apo-GroEL. A hierarchical refinement protocol was adopted where the rigid body definitions are relaxed and atom displacement steps are reduced progressively at successive stages of refinement. For the assessment of local fit, we used the SMOC (segment-based Manders' overlap coefficient) score, while the model quality was checked using the Qmean score. Comparison of SMOC profiles at different stages of refinement helped in detecting regions that are poorly fitted. We also show how initial model errors can have significant impact on the goodness-of-fit. Finally, we discuss the implementation of Flex-EM in the CCP-EM software suite.
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Affiliation(s)
- Agnel Praveen Joseph
- Institute of Structural and Molecular Biology, Department of Biological Sciences, Birkbeck College, University of London, Malet Street, London WC1E 7HX, United Kingdom
| | - Sony Malhotra
- Scientific Computing Department, Science and Technology Facilities Council, Research Complex at Harwell, Didcot OX11 0FA, United Kingdom
| | - Tom Burnley
- Scientific Computing Department, Science and Technology Facilities Council, Research Complex at Harwell, Didcot OX11 0FA, United Kingdom
| | - Chris Wood
- Scientific Computing Department, Science and Technology Facilities Council, Research Complex at Harwell, Didcot OX11 0FA, United Kingdom
| | - Daniel K Clare
- Electron Bio-Imaging Centre (eBIC), Diamond Light Source, Harwell Science & Innovation Campus, OX11 0DE, United Kingdom
| | - Martyn Winn
- Scientific Computing Department, Science and Technology Facilities Council, Research Complex at Harwell, Didcot OX11 0FA, United Kingdom.
| | - Maya Topf
- Institute of Structural and Molecular Biology, Department of Biological Sciences, Birkbeck College, University of London, Malet Street, London WC1E 7HX, United Kingdom.
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9
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Farabella I, Vasishtan D, Joseph AP, Pandurangan AP, Sahota H, Topf M. TEMPy: a Python library for assessment of three-dimensional electron microscopy density fits. J Appl Crystallogr 2015; 48:1314-1323. [PMID: 26306092 PMCID: PMC4520291 DOI: 10.1107/s1600576715010092] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2014] [Accepted: 05/24/2015] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
TEMPy is an object-oriented Python library that provides the means to validate density fits in electron microscopy reconstructions. This article highlights several features of particular interest for this purpose and includes some customized examples. Three-dimensional electron microscopy is currently one of the most promising techniques used to study macromolecular assemblies. Rigid and flexible fitting of atomic models into density maps is often essential to gain further insights into the assemblies they represent. Currently, tools that facilitate the assessment of fitted atomic models and maps are needed. TEMPy (template and electron microscopy comparison using Python) is a toolkit designed for this purpose. The library includes a set of methods to assess density fits in intermediate-to-low resolution maps, both globally and locally. It also provides procedures for single-fit assessment, ensemble generation of fits, clustering, and multiple and consensus scoring, as well as plots and output files for visualization purposes to help the user in analysing rigid and flexible fits. The modular nature of TEMPy helps the integration of scoring and assessment of fits into large pipelines, making it a tool suitable for both novice and expert structural biologists.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irene Farabella
- Institute of Structural and Molecular Biology, Department of Biological Sciences, Birkbeck, University of London , Malet street, London WC1E 7HX, UK
| | - Daven Vasishtan
- Oxford Particle Imaging Centre, Division of Structural Biology, Wellcome Trust Centre for Human Genetics, University of Oxford , Oxford OX3 7BN, UK
| | - Agnel Praveen Joseph
- Scientific Computing Department, Science and Technology Facilities Council, Research Complex at Harwell , Didcot, Oxon OX11 0QX, UK
| | - Arun Prasad Pandurangan
- Institute of Structural and Molecular Biology, Department of Biological Sciences, Birkbeck, University of London , Malet street, London WC1E 7HX, UK
| | - Harpal Sahota
- Institute of Structural and Molecular Biology, Department of Biological Sciences, Birkbeck, University of London , Malet street, London WC1E 7HX, UK
| | - Maya Topf
- Institute of Structural and Molecular Biology, Department of Biological Sciences, Birkbeck, University of London , Malet street, London WC1E 7HX, UK
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10
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Xu XP, Volkmann N. Validation methods for low-resolution fitting of atomic structures to electron microscopy data. Arch Biochem Biophys 2015; 581:49-53. [PMID: 26116787 DOI: 10.1016/j.abb.2015.06.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2015] [Revised: 06/12/2015] [Accepted: 06/23/2015] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Fitting of atomic-resolution structures into reconstructions from electron cryo-microscopy is routinely used to understand the structure and function of macromolecular machines. Despite the fact that a plethora of fitting methods has been developed over recent years, standard protocols for quality assessment and validation of these fits have not been established. Here, we present the general concepts underlying current validation ideas as they relate to fitting of atomic-resolution models into electron cryo-microscopy reconstructions, with an emphasis on reconstructions with resolutions below the sub-nanometer range.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao-Ping Xu
- Bioinformatics and Structural Biology Program, Sanford-Burnham Medical Research Institute, 10901 N Torrey Pines Rd, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | - Niels Volkmann
- Bioinformatics and Structural Biology Program, Sanford-Burnham Medical Research Institute, 10901 N Torrey Pines Rd, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA.
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11
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López-Blanco JR, Chacón P. Structural modeling from electron microscopy data. WILEY INTERDISCIPLINARY REVIEWS-COMPUTATIONAL MOLECULAR SCIENCE 2014. [DOI: 10.1002/wcms.1199] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- José Ramón López-Blanco
- Department of Biological Physical Chemistry; Rocasolano Physical Chemistry Institute, CSIC; Madrid Spain
| | - Pablo Chacón
- Department of Biological Physical Chemistry; Rocasolano Physical Chemistry Institute, CSIC; Madrid Spain
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12
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Villa E, Lasker K. Finding the right fit: chiseling structures out of cryo-electron microscopy maps. Curr Opin Struct Biol 2014; 25:118-25. [PMID: 24814094 DOI: 10.1016/j.sbi.2014.04.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2014] [Revised: 04/08/2014] [Accepted: 04/09/2014] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Cryo-electron microscopy is a central tool for studying the architecture of macromolecular complexes at subnanometer resolution. Interpretation of an electron microscopy map requires its computational integration with data about the structure's components from all available sources, notably atomic models. Selecting a protocol for EM density-guided integrative structural modeling depends on the resolution and quality of the EM map as well as the available complimentary datasets. Here, we review rigid, flexible, and de novo integrative fitting into EM maps and provide guidelines and considerations for the design of modeling experiments. Finally, we discuss efforts towards establishing unified criteria for map and model assessment and validation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth Villa
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, United States.
| | - Keren Lasker
- Department of Developmental Biology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, United States.
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13
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Thalassinos K, Pandurangan AP, Xu M, Alber F, Topf M. Conformational States of macromolecular assemblies explored by integrative structure calculation. Structure 2014; 21:1500-8. [PMID: 24010709 PMCID: PMC3988990 DOI: 10.1016/j.str.2013.08.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2013] [Revised: 08/10/2013] [Accepted: 08/12/2013] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
A detailed description of macromolecular assemblies in multiple conformational states can be very valuable for understanding cellular processes. At present, structural determination of most assemblies in different biologically relevant conformations cannot be achieved by a single technique and thus requires an integrative approach that combines information from multiple sources. Different techniques require different computational methods to allow efficient and accurate data processing and analysis. Here, we summarize the latest advances and future challenges in computational methods that help the interpretation of data from two techniques—mass spectrometry and three-dimensional cryo-electron microscopy (with focus on alignment and classification of heterogeneous subtomograms from cryo-electron tomography). We evaluate how new developments in these two broad fields will lead to further integration with atomic structures to broaden our picture of the dynamic behavior of assemblies in their native environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Konstantinos Thalassinos
- Institute of Structural and Molecular Biology, Division of Biosciences, University College London, London WC1E 6BT, UK
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14
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Volkmann N. The joys and perils of flexible fitting. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2014; 805:137-55. [PMID: 24446360 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-319-02970-2_6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
While performing their functions, biological macromolecules often form large, dynamically changing macromolecular assemblies. Only a relatively small number of such assemblies have been accessible to the atomic-resolution techniques X-ray crystallography and NMR. Electron microscopy in conjunction with image reconstruction has become the preferred alternative for revealing the structures of such macromolecular complexes. However, for most assemblies the achievable resolution is too low to allow accurate atomic modeling directly from the data. Yet, useful models often can be obtained by fitting atomic models of individual components into a low-resolution reconstruction of the entire assembly. Several algorithms for achieving optimal fits in this context were developed recently, many allowing considerable degrees of flexibility to account for binding-induced conformational changes of the assembly components. This chapter describes the advantages and potential pitfalls of these methods and puts them into perspective with alternative approaches such as iterative modular fitting of rigid-body domains.
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Affiliation(s)
- Niels Volkmann
- Bioinformatics and Systems Biology Program, Sanford-Burnham Medical Research Institute, 10901 N Torrey Pines Rd, La Jolla, CA, 92037, USA,
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15
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Combined approaches to flexible fitting and assessment in virus capsids undergoing conformational change. J Struct Biol 2013; 185:427-39. [PMID: 24333899 PMCID: PMC3988922 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsb.2013.12.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2013] [Revised: 11/28/2013] [Accepted: 12/06/2013] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Fitting of atomic components into electron cryo-microscopy (cryoEM) density maps is routinely used to understand the structure and function of macromolecular machines. Many fitting methods have been developed, but a standard protocol for successful fitting and assessment of fitted models has yet to be agreed upon among the experts in the field. Here, we created and tested a protocol that highlights important issues related to homology modelling, density map segmentation, rigid and flexible fitting, as well as the assessment of fits. As part of it, we use two different flexible fitting methods (Flex-EM and iMODfit) and demonstrate how combining the analysis of multiple fits and model assessment could result in an improved model. The protocol is applied to the case of the mature and empty capsids of Coxsackievirus A7 (CAV7) by flexibly fitting homology models into the corresponding cryoEM density maps at 8.2 and 6.1 Å resolution. As a result, and due to the improved homology models (derived from recently solved crystal structures of a close homolog – EV71 capsid – in mature and empty forms), the final models present an improvement over previously published models. In close agreement with the capsid expansion observed in the EV71 structures, the new CAV7 models reveal that the expansion is accompanied by ∼5° counterclockwise rotation of the asymmetric unit, predominantly contributed by the capsid protein VP1. The protocol could be applied not only to viral capsids but also to many other complexes characterised by a combination of atomic structure modelling and cryoEM density fitting.
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16
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Bock LV, Blau C, Schröder GF, Davydov II, Fischer N, Stark H, Rodnina MV, Vaiana AC, Grubmüller H. Energy barriers and driving forces in tRNA translocation through the ribosome. Nat Struct Mol Biol 2013; 20:1390-6. [DOI: 10.1038/nsmb.2690] [Citation(s) in RCA: 135] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2013] [Accepted: 09/06/2013] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
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17
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iMODFIT: efficient and robust flexible fitting based on vibrational analysis in internal coordinates. J Struct Biol 2013; 184:261-70. [PMID: 23999189 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsb.2013.08.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 127] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2013] [Revised: 08/20/2013] [Accepted: 08/22/2013] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Here, we employed the collective motions extracted from Normal Mode Analysis (NMA) in internal coordinates (torsional space) for the flexible fitting of atomic-resolution structures into electron microscopy (EM) density maps. The proposed methodology was validated using a benchmark of simulated cases, highlighting its robustness over the full range of EM resolutions and even over coarse-grained representations. A systematic comparison with other methods further showcased the advantages of this proposed methodology, especially at medium to lower resolutions. Using this method, computational costs and potential overfitting problems are naturally reduced by constraining the search in low-frequency NMA space, where covalent geometry is implicitly maintained. This method also effectively captures the macromolecular changes of a representative set of experimental test cases. We believe that this novel approach will extend the currently available EM hybrid methods to the atomic-level interpretation of large conformational changes and their functional implications.
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