Self-association of Band 3, the human erythrocyte anion exchanger, in detergent solution

Organization and Dynamics of the Red Blood Cell Band 3 Anion Exchanger SLC4A1: Insights From Molecular Dynamics Simulations

Molecular dynamics (MD) simulations have provided new insights into the organization and dynamics of the red blood cell Band 3 anion exchanger (AE1, SLC4A1). Band 3, like many solute carriers, works by an alternating access mode of transport where the protein rapidly (104/s) changes its conformation between outward and inward-facing states via a transient occluded anion-bound intermediate. While structural studies of membrane proteins usually reveal valuable structural information, these studies provide a static view often in the presence of detergents. Membrane transporters are embedded in a lipid bilayer and associated lipids play a role in their folding and function. In this review, we highlight MD simulations of Band 3 in realistic lipid bilayers that revealed specific lipid and protein interactions and were used to re-create a model of the Wright (Wr) blood group antigen complex of Band 3 and Glycophorin A. Current MD studies of Band 3 and related transporters are focused on describing the trajectory of substrate binding and translocation in real time. A structure of the intact Band 3 protein has yet to be achieved experimentally, but cryo-electron microscopy in combination with MD simulations holds promise to capture the conformational changes associated with anion transport in exquisite molecular detail.

Identification and characterization of a second 4,4'-dibenzamido-2,2'-stilbenedisulphonate (DBDS)-binding site on band 3 and its relationship with the anion/proton co-transport function

Band 3 mediates both electroneutral AE (anion exchange) and APCT (anion/proton co-transport). Protons activate APCT and inhibit AE with the same pK (approximately 5.0). SDs (stilbenedisulphonates) bind to a primary, high-affinity site on band 3 and inhibit both AE and APCT functions. In this study, we present fluorescence and kinetic evidence showing that lowering the pH activates a second site on band 3, which binds DBDS (4,4'-dibenzamido-2,2'-stilbenedisulphonate) independently of chloride concentration, and that DBDS binding to the second site inhibits the APCT function of band 3. Activation of the second site correlated with loss of chloride binding to the transport site, thus explaining the lack of competition. The kinetics of DBDS binding at the second site could be simulated by a slow-transition, two-state exclusive binding mechanism (R0<-->T0+D<-->TD<-->RD, where D represents DBDS, R0 and T0 represent alternate conformational states at the second DBDS-binding site, and TD and RD are the same two states with ligand DBDS bound), with a calculated overall Kd of 3.9 microM and a T0+D<-->TD dissociation constant of 55 nM. DBDS binding to the primary SD site inhibited approx. 94% of the proton transport at low pH (KI=68.5+/-11.8 nM). DBDS binding to the second site inhibited approx. 68% of the proton transport (KI=7.27+/-1.27 microM) in a band 3 construct with all primary SD sites blocked through selective cross-linking by bis(sulphosuccinimidyl)suberate. DBDS inhibition of proton transport at the second site could be simulated quantitatively within the context of the slow-transition, two-state exclusive binding mechanism. We conclude that band 3 contains two DBDS-binding sites that can be occupied simultaneously at low pH. The binding kinetic and transport inhibition characteristics of DBDS interaction with the second site suggest that it may be located within a gated access channel leading to the transport site.

Oligomeric structure and minimal functional unit of the electrogenic sodium bicarbonate cotransporter NBCe1-A

The electrogenic sodium bicarbonate cotransporter NBCe1-A mediates the basolateral absorption of sodium and bicarbonate in the proximal tubule. In this study the oligomeric state and minimal functional unit of NBCe1-A were investigated. Wild-type (wt) NBCe1-A isolated from mouse kidney or heterologously expressed in HEK293 cells was predominantly in a dimeric state as was shown using fluorescence energy transfer, pulldown, immunoprecipitation, cross-linking experiments, and nondenaturing perfluorooctanoate-PAGE. NBCe1-A monomers were found to be covalently linked by S-S bonds. When each of the 15 native cysteine residues were individually removed on a wt-NBCe1-A backbone, dimerization of the cotransporter was not affected. In experiments involving multiple native cysteine residue removal, both Cys(630) and Cys(642) in extracellular loop 3 were shown to mediate S-S bond formation between NBCe1-A monomers. When native NBCe1-A cysteine residues were individually reintroduced into a cysteineless NBCe1-A mutant backbone, the finding that a Cys(992) construct that lacked S-S bonds functioned normally indicated that stable covalent linkage of NBCe1-A monomers was not a necessary requirement for functional activity of the cotransporter. Studies using concatameric constructs of wt-NBCe1-A, whose activity is resistant to methanesulfonate reagents, and an NBCe1-A(T442C) mutant, whose activity is completely inhibited by methanesulfonate reagents, confirmed that NBCe1-A monomers are functional. Our results demonstrate that wt-NBCe1-A is predominantly a homodimer, dependent on S-S bond formation that is composed of functionally active monomers.

A screening procedure for the solubilization of chloroplast membrane proteins from the marine green macroalga Ulva lactuca using RP–HPLC–MALDI-MS

A protocol for purification and analysis of chloroplast membrane proteins in the green macroalga Ulva lactuca has been developed, including reversed phase high performance liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC) and matrix assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF-MS). Five different solvents were evaluated for extraction of membrane proteins by three methods. The highest protein yield was achieved when proteins were extracted directly from the chloroplasts using the solvent hexafluoroisopropanol. A range of proteins of increasing hydrophobicity was separated by HPLC. Analysis of both HPLC fractions and non-separated samples by MALDI-TOF-MS revealed proteins with molecular weights spanning between 1 and 376 kDa.

Host receptors in malaria merozoite invasion

The clinical manifestations of Plasmodium falciparum malaria are directly linked to the blood stage of the parasite life cycle. At the blood stage, the circulating merozoites invade erythrocytes via a specific invasion pathway often identified with its dependence or independence on sialic acid residues of the host receptor. The invasion process involves multiple receptor-ligand interactions that mediate a complex series of events in a period of approximately 1 min. Although the mechanism by which merozoites invade erythrocytes is not fully understood, recent advances have put a new perspective on the importance of developing a multivalent blood stage-malaria vaccine. In this review, we highlight the role of currently identified host invasion receptors in blood-stage malaria.

A Co-ligand Complex Anchors Plasmodium falciparum Merozoites to the Erythrocyte Invasion Receptor Band 3

In Plasmodium falciparum malaria, erythrocyte invasion by circulating merozoites may occur via two distinct pathways involving either a sialic acid-dependent or -independent mechanism. Earlier, we identified two nonglycosylated exofacial regions of erythrocyte band 3 termed 5ABC and 6A as an important host receptor in the sialic acid-independent invasion pathway. 5ABC, a major segment of this receptor, interacts with the 42-kDa processing product of merozoite surface protein 1 (MSP1(42)) through its 19-kDa C-terminal domain. Here, we show that two regions of merozoite surface protein 9 (MSP9), also known as acidic basic repeat antigen, interact directly with 5ABC during erythrocyte invasion by P. falciparum. Native MSP9 as well as recombinant polypeptides derived from two regions of MSP9 (MSP9/Delta1 and MSP9/Delta2) interacted with both 5ABC and intact erythrocytes. Soluble 5ABC added to the assay mixture drastically diminished the binding of MSP9 to erythrocytes. Recombinant MSP9/Delta1 and MSP9/Delta2 present in the culture medium blocked P. falciparum reinvasion into erythrocytes in vitro. Native MSP9 and MSP1(42), the two ligands binding to the 5ABC receptor, existed as a stable complex. Our results establish a novel concept wherein the merozoite exploits a specific complex of co-ligands on its surface to target a single erythrocyte receptor during invasion. This new paradigm poses a new challenge in the development of a vaccine for blood stage malaria.

Stability of the lactose permease in detergent solutions

Protein stability, as measured by irreversible protein aggregation, is one of the central difficulties in the handling of detergent-solubilized membrane proteins. We present a quantitative analysis of the stability of the Escherichia coli lactose (lac) permease and a series of lac permease fusion proteins containing an insertion of cytochrome(b562), T4 lysozyme or beta-lactamase in the central hydrophilic loop of the permease. The stability of the proteins was evaluated under a variety of storage conditions by both a qualitative SDS-PAGE assay and by a quantitative hplc assay. Long-chain maltoside detergents were more effective at maintaining purified protein in solution than detergents with smaller head groups and/or shorter alkyl tails. A full factorial experiment established that the proteins were insensitive to sodium chloride concentrations, but greatly stabilized by glycerol, low temperature and the combination of glycerol and low temperature. The accurate quantitation of the protein by absorbance spectroscopy required exclusion of all contact with clarified polypropylene or polyvinyl chloride (PVC) materials. Although some of the fusion proteins were more prone to aggregation than the wild-type permease, the stability of a fusion protein containing a cytochrome(b562) insertion was indistinguishable from that of native lac permease.

Effect of pH on the self-association of erythrocyte band 3 in situ

The human erythrocyte anion exchanger (band 3) contains a cytoplasmic domain (cdb3) that exists in a reversible, pH-dependent structural equilibrium among three native conformations. To understand how this conformational equilibrium might influence the association state of band 3, we have incubated stripped erythrocyte membranes in solutions ranging from pH 6.0 to pH 10.5 and have examined the oligomeric state of the protein by size exclusion high performance liquid chromatography. We demonstrate that incubation of membranes in slightly acidic conditions favors dimer formation, whereas extended incubation at higher pHs (pH>9) leads to irreversible formation of an oligomeric species larger than the tetramer. Since the pH dependence of the conformational state of the cytoplasmic domain exhibits a similar pH profile, we suggest that the conformation of the cytoplasmic domain can modulate the self-association of band 3. Importantly, this modulation would appear to require the structural interactions present within the intact protein, since the isolated membrane-spanning domain does not display any pH dependence of association. The irreversible nature of the alkali-induced aggregation further suggests that a secondary reaction subsequent to band 3 association is required to stabilize the high molecular weight aggregate. Although we were able to eliminate covalent bond formation in this irreversible aggregation process, the exact nature of the secondary reaction remains to be elucidated.

Stability of membrane proteins: relevance for the selection of appropriate methods for high-resolution structure determinations

High stability is a prominent characteristic of integral membrane proteins of known atomic structure. But rather than being an intrinsic property, it may be due to a selection exerted by biochemical procedures prior to structure determination, since solubilization results in the transient exposure of membrane proteins to solution conditions. This may cause structural perturbations that interfere with 3D crystallization and hence with X-ray analysis. This problem also affects the preparation of samples for electron crystallography and NMR studies and may account for the fact that high-resolution structures of representatives of whole groups, such as transport proteins and signal transducers, have not been elucidated so far by any method. A knowledge of the proportion of labile proteins among membrane proteins, and of the kinetics of their denaturation, is therefore necessary. Establishing stability profiles, developing methods to maintain lateral pressure, or preventing contact with water (or both) should prove significant in establishing the structures of conformationally flexible proteins.

Two-dimensional crystallogenesis of transmembrane proteins

Two-dimensional crystallogenesis is a crucial step in the long road that leads to the determination of macromolecules structure via electron crystallography. The necessity of having large and highly ordered samples can hold back the resolution of structural works for a long time, and this, despite improvements made in electron microscopes or image processing. Today, finding good conditions for growing two-dimensional crystals still rely on either "biocrystallo-cooks" or on lucky ones. The present review presents the field by first describing the different crystals that one can encounter and the different crystallisation methods used. Then, the effects of different components (such as protein, lipids, detergent, buffer, and temperature) and the different methods (dialysis, hydrophobic adsorption) are discussed. This discussion is punctuated by correspondences made to the world of three-dimensional crystallogenesis. Finally, a guide for setting up 2D crystallogenesis experiments, built on the discussion mentioned before, is proposed to the reader. More than giving recipes, this review is meant to open up the discussions in this field.

Analysis of the native quaternary structure of vanilloid receptor 1

Vanilloid receptor subtype 1 (VR1) is a ligand-gated channel that can be activated by capsaicin and other vanilloids as well as by protons and heat. In the present study, we have analyzed the oligomeric state of VR1. Co-immunoprecipitation of differently tagged VR1 molecules indicated that VR1 can form oligomers. Using two different heterologous VR1 expression systems as well as endogenous VR1 expressed in dorsal root ganglion cells, we analyzed oligomer formation using perfluoro-octanoic acid polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. Results were confirmed both with chemical cross-linking agents as well as through endogenous cross-linking mediated by transglutaminase. Our results clearly show that VR1 forms multimers in each of the expression systems with a homotetramer as a predominant form. The oligomeric structure of VR1 may contribute to the complexity of VR1 pharmacology. Finally, differences in glycosylation between the systems were observed, indicating the need for caution in the use of the heterologous expression systems for analysis of VR1 properties.

Characterization of immunoglobulin binding to isolated human erythrocyte membranes: evidence for selective, temperature-induced binding of naturally occurring autoantibodies to the cytoskeleton

Human plasma contains naturally occurring autoantibodies to the predominant components of the erythrocyte membrane: band 3 and spectrin bands 1 and 2 of the cytoskeleton. The titer of cytoskeletal plasma autoantibodies increases in various hemolytic conditions, suggesting that opsonization of the cytoskeleton may play an important role in the clearance of hemolyzed (not senescent) erythrocytes from the circulation. In this study, we use Alexa Fluor 488 goat anti-human IgG conjugate (Molecular Probes, Eugene, OR, USA), to characterize plasma immunoglobulin binding to erythrocyte membranes from osmotically hemolyzed cells ('ghosts'). The results show that exposure of ghosts to plasma results in 4-fold more immunoglobulin binding to the cytoskeleton than is bound to the proteins contained within the lipid bilayer. Preincubation of the ghosts at 37 degrees C causes 8-fold more immunoglobulin binding to the cytoskeleton compared to bilayer proteins. This temperature-induced change resulted from selective immunoglobulin binding to the cytoskeleton, with no change in immunoglobulin binding to bilayer proteins. However, the rate of increase in cytoskeletal antigenicity at 37 degrees C did correlate with the rate of a conformational change in band 3, a transmembrane protein which serves as a major membrane attachment site for the cytoskeleton. The results of this study suggest that the cytoskeleton is the primary target in the opsonization of hemolyzed erythrocyte membranes by naturally occurring plasma autoantibodies. The conformational changes which occur in ghosts at 37 degrees C are associated with selective exposure of new immunoglobulin binding sites on the cytoskeleton, and with a change in the structure of band 3. We propose a model suggesting that opsonization of the cytoskeleton occurs prior to the decomposition of hemolyzed erythrocytes at 37 degrees C.

Trafficking and folding defects in hereditary spherocytosis mutants of the human red cell anion exchanger

Hereditary spherocytosis (HS) is a common inherited hemolytic anemia caused by mutations in erythrocyte proteins including the anion exchanger, AE1 (band 3). This study examined seven missense mutations (L707P, R760Q, R760W, R808C, H834P, T837M, and R870W) located in the membrane domain of the human AE1 that are associated with this disease. The HS mutants, constructed in full-length AE1 cDNA, could be transiently expressed to similar levels in HEK 293 cells. Immunofluorescence, cell surface biotinylation, and pulse chase labeling showed that the HS mutants all exhibited defective cellular trafficking from the endoplasmic reticulum to the plasma membrane. Impaired binding to an inhibitor affinity matrix indicated that the mutant proteins had non-native structures and may be misfolded. Further characterization of the HS R760Q mutant showed no change in its oligomeric structure or turnover (half-life = 15 h) compared to wild-type AE1, suggesting the mutant was not aggregated or targeted for rapid degradation via the proteasome. Intracellular retention of HS mutant AE1 would lead to destruction of the protein during erythroid development and would account for the lack of HS mutant AE1 in the plasma membrane of the mature red cell.

Crystallographic structure and functional interpretation of the cytoplasmic domain of erythrocyte membrane band 3

The red blood cell membrane (RBCM) is a primary model for animal cell plasma membranes. One of its major organizing centers is the cytoplasmic domain of band 3 (cdb3), which links multiple proteins to the membrane. Included among its peripheral protein ligands are ankyrin (the major bridge to the spectrin-actin skeleton), protein 4.1, protein 4.2, aldolase, glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase, phosphofructokinase, deoxyhemoglobin, p72syk protein tyrosine kinase, and hemichromes. The crystal structure of cdb3 is reported at 0.26 nm (2.6 Å) resolution. A tight symmetric dimer is formed by cdb3; it is stabilized by interlocked dimerization arms contributed by both monomers. Each subunit also includes a larger peripheral protein binding domain with an α+  β-fold. The binding sites of several peripheral proteins are localized in the structure, and the nature of the major conformational change that regulates membrane-skeletal interactions is evaluated. An improved structural definition of the protein network at the inner surface of the RBCM is now possible.

Crystallographic structure and functional interpretation of the cytoplasmic domain of erythrocyte membrane band 3

The red blood cell membrane (RBCM) is a primary model for animal cell plasma membranes. One of its major organizing centers is the cytoplasmic domain of band 3 (cdb3), which links multiple proteins to the membrane. Included among its peripheral protein ligands are ankyrin (the major bridge to the spectrin-actin skeleton), protein 4.1, protein 4.2, aldolase, glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase, phosphofructokinase, deoxyhemoglobin, p72syk protein tyrosine kinase, and hemichromes. The crystal structure of cdb3 is reported at 0.26 nm (2.6 Å) resolution. A tight symmetric dimer is formed by cdb3; it is stabilized by interlocked dimerization arms contributed by both monomers. Each subunit also includes a larger peripheral protein binding domain with an α+  β-fold. The binding sites of several peripheral proteins are localized in the structure, and the nature of the major conformational change that regulates membrane-skeletal interactions is evaluated. An improved structural definition of the protein network at the inner surface of the RBCM is now possible.

Cation and voltage dependence of rat kidney electrogenic Na(+)-HCO(-)(3) cotransporter, rkNBC, expressed in oocytes

Recently, we reported the cloning and expression of the rat renal electrogenic Na(+)-HCO(-)(3) cotransporter (rkNBC) in Xenopus oocytes [M. F. Romero, P. Fong, U. V. Berger, M. A. Hediger, and W. F. Boron. Am. J. Physiol. 274 (Renal Physiol. 43): F425-F432, 1998]. Thus far, all NBC cDNAs are at least 95% homologous. Additionally, when expressed in oocytes the NBCs are 1) electrogenic, 2) Na(+) dependent, 3) HCO(-)(3) dependent, and 4) inhibited by stilbenes such as DIDS. The apparent HCO(-)(3):Na(+) coupling ratio ranges from 3:1 in kidney to 2:1 in pancreas and brain to 1:1 in the heart. This study investigates the cation and voltage dependence of rkNBC expressed in Xenopus oocytes to better understand NBC's apparent tissue-specific physiology. Using two-electrode voltage clamp, we studied the cation specificity, Na(+) dependence, and the current-voltage (I-V) profile of rkNBC. These experiments indicate that K(+) and choline do not stimulate HCO(-)(3)-sensitive currents via rkNBC, and Li(+) elicits only 3 +/- 2% of the total Na(+) current. The Na(+) dose response studies show that the apparent affinity of rkNBC for extracellular Na(+) ( approximately 30 mM [Na(+)](o)) is voltage and HCO(-)(3) independent, whereas the rkNBC I-V relationship is Na(+) dependent. At [Na(+)](o) v(max) (96 mM), the I-V response is approximately linear; both inward and outward Na(+)-HCO(-)(3) cotransport are observed. In contrast, only outward cotransport occurs at low [Na(+)](o) (<1 mM [Na(+)](o)). All rkNBC currents are inhibited by extracellular application of DIDS, independent of voltage and [Na(+)](o). Using ion-selective microelectrodes, we monitored intracellular pH and Na(+) activity. We then calculated intracellular [HCO(-)(3)] and, with the observed reversal potentials, calculated the stoichiometry of rkNBC over a range of [Na(+)](o) values from 10 to 96 mM at 10 and 33 mM [HCO(-)(3)](o). rkNBC stoichiometry is 2 HCO(-)(3):1 Na(+) over this entire Na(+) range at both HCO(-)(3) concentrations. Our results indicate that rkNBC is highly selective for Na(+), with transport direction and magnitude sensitive to [Na(+)](o) as well as membrane potential. Since the rkNBC protein alone in oocytes exhibits a stoichiometry of less than the 3 HCO(-)(3):1 Na(+) thought necessary for HCO(-)(3) reabsorption by the renal proximal tubule, a control mechanism or signal that alters its in vivo function is hypothesized.

Hydrodynamic properties of human erythrocyte band 3 solubilized in reduced Triton X-100

The oligomeric state and function of band 3, purified by sulfhydryl affinity chromatography in reduced Triton X-100, was investigated. Size exclusion high-performance liquid chromatography showed that a homogeneous population of band 3 dimers could be purified from whole erythrocyte membranes. The elution profile of band 3 purified from membranes that had been stripped of its cytoskeleton before solubilization was a broad single peak describing a heterogeneous population of oligomers with a mean Stokes radius of 100 A. Sedimentation velocity ultracentrifugation analysis confirmed particle heterogeneity and further showed monomer/dimer/tetramer equilibrium self-association. Whether the conversion of dimer to the form described by a Stokes radius of 100 A was initiated by removal of cytoskeletal components, alkali-induced changes in band 3 conformation, or alkali-induced loss of copurifying ligands remains unclear. After incubation at 20 degrees C for 24 h, both preparations of band 3 converted to a common form characterized by a mean Stokes radius of 114 A. This form of the protein, examined by equilibrium sedimentation ultracentrifugation, is able to self-associate reversibly, and the self-association can be described by a dimer/tetramer/hexamer model, although the presence of higher oligomers cannot be discounted. The ability of the different forms of the protein to bind stilbene disulfonates revealed that the dimer had the highest inhibitor binding affinity, and the form characterized by a mean Stokes radius of 114 A to have the lowest.

Carbonic anhydrase II binds to the carboxyl terminus of human band 3, the erythrocyte C1-/HCO3- exchanger

In this study, we provide evidence that the 33-residue carboxyl-terminal (Ct) region of the human erythrocyte chloride/bicarbonate exchanger, band 3, binds carbonic anhydrase II (CAII). Immunofluorescence showed that tomato lectin-mediated clustering of band 3 in ghost membranes caused a similar clustering of CAII, indicating an in situ association. CAII cosolubilized and coimmunoprecipitated with band 3, suggesting that the two proteins form a complex. Band 3 (K1/2 = 70 nM) or the membrane domain of band 3 (K1/2 = 100 nM) bound saturably to immobilized CAII in a solid phase binding assay. The interaction with CAII was specifically blocked by an antibody to the Ct of band 3. Affinity blotting showed that a glutathione S-transferase (GST)-fusion protein (GST-Ct) containing the last 33 residues of human band 3 bound to CAII. The solid phase binding assay showed that binding of GST-Ct to immobilized CAII was saturable (K1/2 = 20 nM). The binding rate was slow (t1/2 = 12 h) at physiological ionic strength and pH but was enhanced at low ionic strength or acidic pH. Intact band 3 (Ki = 15 nM), the membrane domain of band 3 (Ki = 100 nM), or antibodies to the Ct of band 3 were able to block GST-Ct binding to CAII, confirming the specificity of the interaction. Affinity chromatography showed that CAII bound to immobilized GST-Ct with a 1:1 stoichiometry. This work indicates that CAII, the bicarbonate supplier, is directly coupled to band 3, the chloride/bicarbonate exchanger in red blood cells.

Effect of band 3 subunit equilibrium on the kinetics and affinity of ankyrin binding to erythrocyte membrane vesicles

The membrane-spanning protein, band 3, anchors the spectrin-based membrane skeleton to the lipid bilayer via the bridging protein, ankyrin. To understand how band 3 subunit stoichiometry influences this membrane-skeletal junction, we have induced changes in the band 3 association equilibrium and assayed the kinetics and equilibrium properties of ankyrin binding. We observe that band 3 oligomers convert slowly to dimers and ultimately monomers following removal of ankyrin. Addition of excess ankyrin back to these membranes enriched in dissociated band 3 then shifts band 3 almost entirely to tetramers, confirming that the tetrameric form of band 3 constitutes the preferred oligomeric state of ankyrin binding. 4, 4'-Diisothiocyanostilbene-2,2'-disulfonic acid (DIDS) labeling of band 3, which is shown to shift most of the band 3 population to dimers, eliminates the majority of ankyrin-binding sites on the membrane and greatly reduces retention of band 3 in detergent-extracted membrane skeletons. Furthermore, DIDS- modified membranes lack all low affinity ankyrin-binding sites and roughly half of all high affinity sites. Since labeled membranes lack the rapid kinetic phase of ankyrin binding and exhibit only half of the normal amplitude of the slow kinetic phase, it can be concluded that the rapid phase of ankyrin association involves low affinity sites and the slow phase involves high affinity sites. A model accounting for these data and most previous data on ankyrin-band 3 interactions is provided.

Characterization of the pH dependence of hemoglobin binding to band 3. Evidence for a pH-dependent conformational change within the hemoglobin-band 3 complex

The pH dependence of hemoglobin binding to inside-out red cell membrane vesicles was studied using 90 degrees light scattering (Salhany, J.M. et al., Biochemistry 19 (1980) 1447-1454). Hyperbolic binding curves were observed for high-affinity hemoglobin binding to the cytoplasmic domain of band 3 (CDB3) within the intact transporter. Analysis of these saturation curves yielded the apparent Kd and the maximum light scattering signal change (DeltaLSmax ). The apparent Kd for hemoglobin binding did not change substantially between pH 5.5 and 7.0, while at pH 8, there is no binding. In contrast, DeltaLSmax decreased by about 20-fold between pH 5.5 and 7.0, with an apparent pK of 6.5. These results suggest that hemoglobin binds to CDB3 with high affinity at both neutral and acid pH, a suggestion that was confirmed using a centrifugation method. Thus, the pK for the light scattering signal change is significantly lower than the pK for the actual binding process. We show that the change in DeltaLSmax is not related to a change in band 3 binding capacity, which remains constant as a function of pH. We also show that hemoglobin binding to non-band 3 sites contributes less than 10% to DeltaLSmax under our specific experimental conditions. On the basis of these and previous fluorescence quenching results in the literature, we propose a new model for hemoglobin binding to band 3, where raising the pH from 6 and 7 causes the CDB3-hemoglobin complex to undergo a conformational change leading to the movement of the bound hemoglobin away from the surface of the bilayer. The possible implication of this new mechanistic interpretation is discussed briefly.