1
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Kataoka M. Structural studies of bacteriorhodopsin in BC era. Biophys Physicobiol 2023; 20:e201006. [PMID: 38362329 PMCID: PMC10865857 DOI: 10.2142/biophysico.bppb-v20.s006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2022] [Accepted: 01/17/2023] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
It marked half a century since the discovery of bacteriorhodopsin two years ago. On this occasion, I have revisited historically important diffraction studies of this membrane protein, based on my recollections. X-ray diffraction and electron diffraction, and electron microscopy, described the low-resolution structure of bacteriorhodopsin within the purple membrane. Neutron diffraction was effective to assign the helical regions in the primary structure with 7 rods revealed by low-resolution structure as well as to describe the retinal position. Substantial conformational changes upon light illumination were clarified by the structures of various photointermediates. Early trials of time-resolved studies were also introduced. Models for the mechanism of light-driven proton pump based on the low-resolution structural studies are also described. Significantly, they are not far from the today's understanding. I believe that the spirit of the early research scientists in this field and the essence of their studies, which constitute the foundations of the field, still actively fertilizes current membrane protein research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mikio Kataoka
- Nara Institute of Science and Technology, Ikoma, Nara 630-0189, Japan
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2
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Wickstrand C, Dods R, Royant A, Neutze R. Bacteriorhodopsin: Would the real structural intermediates please stand up? Biochim Biophys Acta Gen Subj 2014; 1850:536-53. [PMID: 24918316 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbagen.2014.05.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 82] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2014] [Revised: 05/23/2014] [Accepted: 05/29/2014] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Bacteriorhodopsin (bR) is the simplest known light driven proton pump and has been heavily studied using structural methods: eighty four X-ray diffraction, six electron diffraction and three NMR structures of bR are deposited within the protein data bank. Twenty one X-ray structures report light induced structural changes and changes induced by mutation, changes in pH, thermal annealing or X-ray induced photo-reduction have also been examined. SCOPE OF REVIEW We argue that light-induced structural changes that are replicated across several studies by independent research groups are those most likely to represent what is happening in reality. We present both internal distance matrix analyses that sort deposited bR structures into hierarchal trees, and difference Fourier analysis of deposited X-ray diffraction data. MAJOR CONCLUSIONS An internal distance matrix analysis separates most wild-type bR structures according to their different crystal forms, indicating how the protein's structure is influenced by crystallization conditions. A similar analysis clusters eleven studies of illuminated bR crystals as one branch of a hierarchal tree with reproducible movements of the extracellular portion of helix C towards helix G, and of the cytoplasmic portion of helix F away from helices A, B and G. All crystallographic data deposited for illuminated crystals show negative difference density on a water molecule (Wat402) that forms H-bonds to the retinal Schiff Base and two aspartate residues (Asp85, Asp212) in the bR resting state. Other recurring difference density features indicated reproducible side-chain, backbone and water molecule displacements. X-ray induced radiation damage also disorders Wat402 but acts via cleaving the head-groups of Asp85 and Asp212. GENERAL SIGNIFICANCE A remarkable level of agreement exists when deposited structures and crystallographic observations are viewed as a whole. From this agreement a unified picture of the structural mechanism of light-induced proton pumping by bR emerges. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled Structural biochemistry and biophysics of membrane proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cecilia Wickstrand
- Department of Chemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Gothenburg, Box 462, SE-40530 Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Robert Dods
- Department of Chemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Gothenburg, Box 462, SE-40530 Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Antoine Royant
- Univ. Grenoble Alpes, IBS, F-38044 Grenoble, France; CNRS, IBS, F-38044 Grenoble, France; CEA, IBS, F-38044 Grenoble, France; European Synchrotron Radiation Facility, F-38043 Grenoble, France.
| | - Richard Neutze
- Department of Chemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Gothenburg, Box 462, SE-40530 Gothenburg, Sweden.
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3
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Ernst OP, Lodowski DT, Elstner M, Hegemann P, Brown L, Kandori H. Microbial and animal rhodopsins: structures, functions, and molecular mechanisms. Chem Rev 2014; 114:126-63. [PMID: 24364740 PMCID: PMC3979449 DOI: 10.1021/cr4003769] [Citation(s) in RCA: 771] [Impact Index Per Article: 77.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2013] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Oliver P. Ernst
- Departments
of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, 1 King’s College Circle, Medical Sciences Building, Toronto, Ontario M5S 1A8, Canada
| | - David T. Lodowski
- Center
for Proteomics and Bioinformatics, Case
Western Reserve University School of Medicine, 10900 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, Ohio 44106, United States
| | - Marcus Elstner
- Institute
for Physical Chemistry, Karlsruhe Institute
of Technology, Kaiserstrasse
12, 76131 Karlsruhe, Germany
| | - Peter Hegemann
- Institute
of Biology, Experimental Biophysics, Humboldt-Universität
zu Berlin, Invalidenstrasse
42, 10115 Berlin, Germany
| | - Leonid
S. Brown
- Department
of Physics and Biophysics Interdepartmental Group, University of Guelph, 50 Stone Road East, Guelph, Ontario N1G 2W1, Canada
| | - Hideki Kandori
- Department
of Frontier Materials, Nagoya Institute
of Technology, Showa-ku, Nagoya 466-8555, Japan
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4
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Kim TY, Schlieter T, Haase S, Alexiev U. Activation and molecular recognition of the GPCR rhodopsin--insights from time-resolved fluorescence depolarisation and single molecule experiments. Eur J Cell Biol 2011; 91:300-10. [PMID: 21803442 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejcb.2011.03.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2010] [Revised: 03/29/2011] [Accepted: 03/29/2011] [Indexed: 10/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The cytoplasmic surface of the G-protein coupled receptor (GPCR) rhodopsin is a key element in membrane receptor activation, molecular recognition by signalling molecules, and receptor deactivation. Understanding of the coupling between conformational changes in the intramembrane domain and the membrane-exposed surface of the photoreceptor rhodopsin is crucial for the elucidation of the molecular mechanism in GPCR activation. As little is known about protein dynamics, particularly the conformational dynamics of the cytoplasmic surface elements on the nanoseconds timescale, we utilised time-resolved fluorescence anisotropy experiments and site-directed fluorescence labelling to provide information on both, conformational space and motion. We summarise our recent advances in understanding rhodopsin dynamics and function using time-resolved fluorescence depolarisation and single molecule fluorescence experiments, with particular focus on the amphipathic helix 8, lying parallel to the cytoplasmic membrane surface and connecting transmembrane helix 7 with the long C-terminal tail.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tai-Yang Kim
- Physics Department, Freie Universität Berlin, Arnimallee 14, D-14195 Berlin, Germany
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5
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Andersson M, Malmerberg E, Westenhoff S, Katona G, Cammarata M, Wöhri AB, Johansson LC, Ewald F, Eklund M, Wulff M, Davidsson J, Neutze R. Structural Dynamics of Light-Driven Proton Pumps. Structure 2009; 17:1265-75. [DOI: 10.1016/j.str.2009.07.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 94] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2009] [Revised: 07/07/2009] [Accepted: 07/09/2009] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
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6
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Chen D, Lanyi JK. Structural changes in the N and N' states of the bacteriorhodopsin photocycle. Biophys J 2009; 96:2779-88. [PMID: 19348761 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpj.2008.12.3935] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2008] [Revised: 12/22/2008] [Accepted: 12/24/2008] [Indexed: 10/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The bacteriorhodopsin transport cycle includes protonation of the retinal Schiff base by Asp96 (M-->N reaction) and reprotonation of Asp96 from the cytoplasmic surface (N-->N' reaction). We measured distance changes between pairs of spin-labeled structural elements of interest, and in general observed larger overall structural changes in the N state compared with the N' state. The distance between the C-D loop and E-F interhelical loops in A103R1/M163R1 increased approximately 6 A in the N state and approximately 3 A in the N' state. The opposite trend of distance changes in V101R1/A168R1 and L100R1/T170R1 supports counterclockwise rotation of helix F in the N but not the N' state. Small distance increases were observed in S169R1/S226R1, but little change was seen in G106R1/G155R1. Taking earlier published EPR data into account, we suggest that structural changes of the E-F loop occur first, and then helices F and G begin to move together in the late M state. These motions then reach their maximum amplitude in the N state, evidently to facilitate the release of a proton from Asp96 and the formation of a proton-conduction pathway from Asp96 to the Schiff base. The structural changes reverse their directions and decay in the N' state.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deliang Chen
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, University of California, Irvine, California, USA
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7
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Hirai T, Subramaniam S. Protein conformational changes in the bacteriorhodopsin photocycle: comparison of findings from electron and X-ray crystallographic analyses. PLoS One 2009; 4:e5769. [PMID: 19488399 PMCID: PMC2685002 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0005769] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2008] [Accepted: 04/06/2009] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Light-driven conformational changes in the membrane protein bacteriorhodopsin have been studied extensively using X-ray and electron crystallography, resulting in the deposition of >30 sets of coordinates describing structural changes at various stages of proton transport. Using projection difference Fourier maps, we show that coordinates reported by different groups for the same photocycle intermediates vary considerably in the extent and nature of conformational changes. The different structures reported for the same intermediate cannot be reconciled in terms of differing extents of change on a single conformational trajectory. New measurements of image phases obtained by cryo-electron microscopy of the D96G/F171C/F219L triple mutant provide independent validation for the description of the large protein conformational change derived at 3.2 A resolution by electron crystallography of 2D crystals, but do not support atomic models for light-driven conformational changes derived using X-ray crystallography of 3D crystals. Our findings suggest that independent determination of phase information from 2D crystals can be an important tool for testing the accuracy of atomic models for membrane protein conformational changes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Teruhisa Hirai
- Laboratory of Cell Biology, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, United States of America
- * E-mail: (TH); (SS)
| | - Sriram Subramaniam
- Laboratory of Cell Biology, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, United States of America
- * E-mail: (TH); (SS)
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8
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Lanyi JK. Studies of the Bacteriorhodopsin Photocycle without the Use of Light: Clues to Proton Transfer Coupled Reactions. J Mol Microbiol Biotechnol 2007; 12:210-7. [PMID: 17587869 DOI: 10.1159/000099642] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
In the photochemical cycle of bacteriorhodopsin, the light-driven proton pump of halobacteria, only the first step, the isomerization of the all-trans retinal to 13-cis, is dependent on illumination. Because the steps that accomplish the translocation of a proton during the ensuing reaction sequence of intermediate states are thermal reactions, they have direct analogies with such steps in other ion pumps. In a surprisingly large number of cases, the reactions of the photocycle could be studied without using light. This review recounts experiments of this kind, and what they contribute to understanding the transport mechanism of this pump, and perhaps indirectly other ion pumps as well.
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Affiliation(s)
- Janos K Lanyi
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, University of California, Irvine, California 92697-4560, USA.
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9
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Kim TY, Winkler K, Alexiev U. Picosecond Multidimensional Fluorescence Spectroscopy: A Tool to Measure Real-time Protein Dynamics During Function†. Photochem Photobiol 2007; 83:378-84. [PMID: 17117889 DOI: 10.1562/2006-06-21-ra-943] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Advanced multidimensional time-correlated single photon counting (mdTCSPC) and picosecond time-resolved fluorescence in combination with site-directed fluorescence labeling are valuable tools to study the properties of membrane protein surface segments on the pico- to nanoseconds time scale. Time-resolved fluorescence anisotropy changes of protein bound fluorescent probes reveal changes in protein dynamics and steric restriction. In addition, the change in fluorescence lifetime and intensity of the covalently bound fluorescent dye is indicative of environmental changes at the protein surface. In this study, we have measured the changes in fluorescence lifetime traces of the fluorescent dye fluorescein covalently bound to the first cytoplasmic loop of bacteriorhodopsin (bR) after light activation of protein function. The fluorescence is excited by a picosecond laser pulse. The retinylidene chromophore of bR is light-activated by a 10 ns laser pulse, which in turn triggers recording of a sequence of fluorescence lifetime traces in the mdTCSPC-module. The fluorescence decay changes upon protein function occur predominantly in the 100 ps time range. The kinetics of these changes shows two transitions between three intermediate states in the second part of the bR photocycle. Correlation with photocycle kinetics allows for the determination of reaction intermediates at the proteins surface which are coupled to changes in the retinal binding pocket.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tai-Yang Kim
- Department of Physics, Freie Universität Berlin, Arnimallee 14, D-14195 Berlin, Germany
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10
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Mason AJ, Turner GJ, Glaubitz C. Conformational heterogeneity of transmembrane residues after the Schiff base reprotonation of bacteriorhodopsin. FEBS J 2005; 272:2152-64. [PMID: 15853800 DOI: 10.1111/j.1742-4658.2005.04633.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
bR, N-like and O-like intermediate states of [15N]methionine-labelled wild type and D85N/T170C bacteriorhodopsin were accumulated in native membranes by controlling the pH of the preparations. 15N cross polarization and magic angle sample spinning (CPMAS) NMR spectroscopy allowed resolution of seven out of nine resonances in the bR-state. It was possible to assign some of the observed resonances by using 13C/15N rotational echo double resonance (REDOR) NMR and Mn2+ quenching as well as D2O exchange, which helps to identify conformational changes after the bacteriorhodopsin Schiff base reprotonation. The significant differences in chemical shifts and linewidths detected for some of the resonances in N- and O-like samples indicate changes in conformation, structural heterogeneity or altered molecular dynamics in parts of the protein.
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Affiliation(s)
- A James Mason
- Centre for Biomolecular Magnetic Resonance and Institut für Biophysikalische Chemie, J.W. Goethe Universität, Frankfurt, Germany
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11
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Möbius K, Savitsky A, Schnegg A, Plato M, Fuchs M. High-field EPR spectroscopy applied to biological systems: characterization of molecular switches for electron and ion transfer. Phys Chem Chem Phys 2005; 7:19-42. [DOI: 10.1039/b412180e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 87] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
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12
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Kamikubo H, Kataoka M. Can the low-resolution structures of photointermediates of bacteriorhodopsin explain their crystal structures? Biophys J 2004; 88:1925-31. [PMID: 15596495 PMCID: PMC1305245 DOI: 10.1529/biophysj.104.045831] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
To understand the molecular mechanism of light-driven proton pumps, the structures of the photointermediates of bacteriorhodopsin have been intensively investigated. Low-resolution diffraction techniques have demonstrated substantial conformational changes at the helix level in the M and N intermediates, between which there are noticeable differences. The intermediate structures at atomic resolution have also been solved by x-ray crystallography. Although the crystal structures have demonstrated local structural changes, such as hydrogen bond network rearrangements including water molecules, the large conformational changes at the helix level are not necessarily observed. Furthermore, the two reported crystal structures of an intermediate accumulated using a common method were distinct. To reconcile these apparent discrepancies, low-resolution projection maps were calculated from the crystal structures and compared to the low-resolution intermediate structures obtained using native membranes. The crystal structures can be categorized into three groups, which qualitatively correspond to the low-resolution structures of the M1-type, M2-type, and N-type determined in the native membrane. Based on these results, we conclude that at least three types of intermediate structures play a role during the photocycle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hironari Kamikubo
- Graduate School of Materials Science, Nara Institute of Science and Technology (NAIST), Ikoma, Nara 630-0192, Japan
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13
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Stroud RM, Wells JA. Mechanistic diversity of cytokine receptor signaling across cell membranes. Sci Signal 2004; 2004:re7. [PMID: 15126678 DOI: 10.1126/stke.2312004re7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Circulating cytokines bind to specific receptors on the cell outer surface to evoke responses inside the cell. Binding of cytokines alters the association between receptor molecules that often cross the membrane only once in a single alpha-helical segment. As a consequence, association of protein domains on the inside of the membrane are also altered. Increasing evidence suggests that an initial "off-state" of associated receptors is perturbed, and brought to an activated state that leads to intracellular signaling and eventually effects a change in DNA transcription. The initial detection event that transduces the change in receptor association is sensitive to both proximity and orientation of the receptors, and probably also to the time that the activated state or receptor association is maintained. Ultimately, a cascade of phosphorylation events is triggered. The initial kinases are sometimes part of the intracellular domains of the receptors. The kinases can also be separate proteins that may be pre-associated with intracellular domains of the receptors, or can be recruited after the intracellular association of the activated receptors. We focus here on each of the cases for which structures of the activated cytokine-receptor complexes are known, in a search for underlying mechanisms. The variations in modes of association, stoichiometries of receptors and cytokines, and orientations before and after activation of these receptors are almost as great as the number of complexes themselves. The principles uncovered nevertheless illustrate the basis for high specificity and fidelity in cytokine-mediated signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert M Stroud
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, UCSF Genentech Hall, 600 16th Street, University of California, San Francisco, CA 94143-2240, USA
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14
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Abstract
Fourier transform infrared and Raman spectroscopy, solid-state NMR, and X-ray crystallography have contributed detailed information about the structural changes in the proton transport cycle of the light-driven pump, bacteriorhodopsin. The results over the past few years add up to a step-by-step description of the configurational changes of the photoisomerized retinal, how these changes result in internal proton transfers and the release of a proton to the extracellular surface and uptake on the other side, as well as the conservation and transformation of excess free energy during the cycle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Janos K Lanyi
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, University of California, Irvine, California 92697, USA.
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15
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16
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Schobert B, Brown LS, Lanyi JK. Crystallographic structures of the M and N intermediates of bacteriorhodopsin: assembly of a hydrogen-bonded chain of water molecules between Asp-96 and the retinal Schiff base. J Mol Biol 2003; 330:553-70. [PMID: 12842471 DOI: 10.1016/s0022-2836(03)00576-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 127] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
An M intermediate of wild-type bacteriorhodopsin and an N intermediate of the V49A mutant were accumulated in photostationary states at pH 5.6 and 295 K, and their crystal structures determined to 1.52A and 1.62A resolution, respectively. They appear to be M(1) and N' in the sequence, M(1)<-->M(2)<-->M'(2)<-->N<-->N'-->O-->BR, where M(1), M(2), and M'(2) contain an unprotonated retinal Schiff base before and after a reorientation switch and after proton release to the extracellular surface, while N and N' contain a reprotonated Schiff base, before and after reprotonation of Asp96 from the cytoplasmic surface. In M(1), we detect a cluster of three hydrogen-bonded water molecules at Asp96, not present in the BR state. In M(2), whose structure we reported earlier, one of these water molecules intercalates between Asp96 and Thr46. In N', the cluster is transformed into a single-file hydrogen-bonded chain of four water molecules that connects Asp96 to the Schiff base. We find a network of three water molecules near residue 219 in the crystal structure of the non-illuminated F219L mutant, where the residue replacement creates a cavity. This suggests that the hydration of the cytoplasmic region we observe in N' might have occurred spontaneously, beginning at an existing water molecule as nucleus, in the cavities from residue rearrangements in the photocycle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brigitte Schobert
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, University of California, D345 Medical Science I, Irvine, CA 92697, USA
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17
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Alexiev U, Rimke I, Pöhlmann T. Elucidation of the nature of the conformational changes of the EF-interhelical loop in bacteriorhodopsin and of the helix VIII on the cytoplasmic surface of bovine rhodopsin: a time-resolved fluorescence depolarization study. J Mol Biol 2003; 328:705-19. [PMID: 12706727 DOI: 10.1016/s0022-2836(03)00326-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 78] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
The conformation of the AB-loop and EF-loop of bacteriorhodopsin and of the fourth cytoplasmic loop (helix VIII) of bovine rhodopsin were assessed by a combination of time-resolved fluorescence depolarization and site-directed fluorescence labeling. The fluorescence anisotropy decays were measured employing a tunable Ti:sapphire laser/microchannel plate based single-photon counting apparatus with picosecond time resolution. This method allows measurement of the diffusional dynamics of the loops directly on a nanosecond time-scale. We implemented the method to study model peptides and two-helix systems representing sequences of bacteriorhodopsin. Thus, we systematically analyzed the anisotropic behavior of four different fluorescent dyes covalently bound to a single cysteine residue on the protein surface and assigned the anisotropy decay components to the modes of motion of the protein and its segments. We have identified two mechanisms of loop conformational changes in the functionally intact proteins bacteriorhodopsin and bovine rhodopsin. First, we found a surface potential-dependent transition between two conformational states of the EF-loop of bacteriorhodopsin, detected with the fluorescent dye bound to position 160. A transition between the two conformational states at 150mM KCl and 20 degrees C requires a surface potential change that corresponds to Deltasigma approximately -1.0e(-)/bacteriorhodopsin molecule. We suggest, that the surface potential-based switch of the EF-loop is the missing link between the movement of helix F and the transient surface potential change detected during the photocycle of bacteriorhodopsin. Second, in the visual pigment rhodopsin, with the fluorescent dye bound to position 316, a particularly striking pH-dependent conformational change of the fourth loop on the cytoplasmic surface was analyzed. The loop mobility increased from pH 5 to 8. The midpoint of this transition is at pH 6.2 and correlates with the midpoint of the pH-dependent equilibrium between the active metarhodopsin II and the inactive metarhodopsin I state.
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Affiliation(s)
- U Alexiev
- Department of Physics, Freie Universität Berlin, Arnimallee 14, D-14195 Berlin, Germany.
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18
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Nachliel E, Gutman M, Tittor J, Oesterhelt D. Proton transfer dynamics on the surface of the late M state of bacteriorhodopsin. Biophys J 2002; 83:416-26. [PMID: 12080130 PMCID: PMC1302157 DOI: 10.1016/s0006-3495(02)75179-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The cytoplasmic surface of the BR (initial) state of bacteriorhodopsin is characterized by a cluster of three carboxylates that function as a proton-collecting antenna. Systematic replacement of most of the surface carboxylates indicated that the cluster is made of D104, E161, and E234 (Checover, S., Y. Marantz, E. Nachliel, M. Gutman, M. Pfeiffer, J. Tittor, D. Oesterhelt, and N. Dencher. 2001. Biochemistry. 40:4281-4292), yet the BR state is a resting configuration; thus, its proton-collecting antenna can only indicate the presence of its role in the photo-intermediates where the protein is re-protonated by protons coming from the cytoplasmic matrix. In the present study we used the D96N and the triple (D96G/F171C/F219L) mutant for monitoring the proton-collecting properties of the protein in its late M state. The protein was maintained in a steady M state by continuous illumination and subjected to reversible pulse protonation caused by repeated excitation of pyranine present in the reaction mixture. The re-protonation dynamics of the pyranine anion was subjected to kinetic analysis, and the rate constants of the reaction of free protons with the surface groups and the proton exchange reactions between them were calculated. The reconstruction of the experimental signal indicated that the late M state of bacteriorhodopsin exhibits an efficient mechanism of proton delivery to the unoccupied-most basic-residue on its cytoplasmic surface (D38), which exceeds that of the BR configuration of the protein. The kinetic analysis was carried out in conjunction with the published structure of the M state (Sass, H., G. Büldt, R. Gessenich, D. Hehn, D. Neff, R. Schlesinger, J. Berendzen, and P. Ormos. 2000. Nature. 406:649-653), the model that resolves most of the cytoplasmic surface. The combination of the kinetic analysis and the structural information led to identification of two proton-conducting tracks on the protein's surface that are funneling protons to D38. One track is made of the carboxylate moieties of residues D36 and E237, while the other is made of D102 and E232. In the late M state the carboxylates of both tracks are closer to D38 than in the BR (initial) state, accounting for a more efficient proton equilibration between the bulk and the protein's proton entrance channel. The triple mutant resembles in the kinetic properties of its proton conducting surface more the BR-M state than the initial state confirming structural similarities with the BR-M state and differences to the BR initial state.
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Affiliation(s)
- Esther Nachliel
- Laser Laboratory for Fast Reactions in Biology, Department of Biochemistry, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 69978, Israel
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19
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Brown LS, Needleman R, Lanyi JK. Conformational change of the E-F interhelical loop in the M photointermediate of bacteriorhodopsin. J Mol Biol 2002; 317:471-8. [PMID: 11922678 DOI: 10.1006/jmbi.2002.5428] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
The conformation of the structured EF interhelical loop of bacteriorhodopsin and its change in the M photointermediate were assessed by measuring the rate of reaction of 16 single engineered cysteine residues along the loop with water-soluble sulfhydryl reagents. The exposure to the bulk in the unilluminated state determined with the cysteine reaction correlated well with the degree of access to water calculated from the crystallographic structure of the loop. The EF-loop should be affected by the well-known outward tilt of helix F in the M and N intermediates of the photocycle. A second mutation in each cysteine mutant, the D96N residue replacement, allowed full conversion to the M state by illumination. The reaction rates measured under these conditions indicated that buried residues tend to become more exposed, and exposed residues become more buried in M. This is to be expected from tilt of helix F. However, the observation of increased exposure of four residues near the middle of the loop, where steric effects are only from other loop residues, indicate that the conformation of the EF-loop itself is changed. Thus, the motion of the loop in M is more complex than expected from simple tilt of helix F, and may include rotation that unwinds its twist.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leonid S Brown
- Department of Physiology & Biophysics, University of California, Irvine, CA 92697, USA
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20
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Perálvarez A, Barnadas R, Sabés M, Querol E, Padrós E. Thr90 is a key residue of the bacteriorhodopsin proton pumping mechanism. FEBS Lett 2001; 508:399-402. [PMID: 11728460 DOI: 10.1016/s0014-5793(01)03080-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Mutation of Thr90 to Ala has a profound effect on bacteriorhodopsin properties. T90A shows about 20% of the proton pumping efficiency of wild type, once reconstituted into liposomes. Mutation of Thr90 influences greatly the Schiff base/Asp85 environment, as demonstrated by altered lambda(max) of 555 nm and pK(a) of Asp85 (about 1.3 pH units higher than wild type). Hydroxylamine accessibility is increased in both dark and light and differential scanning calorimetry and visible spectrophotometry show decreased thermal stability. These results suggest that Thr90 has an important structural role in both the unphotolysed bacteriorhodopsin and in the proton pumping mechanism.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Perálvarez
- Unitat de Biofísica, Departament de Bioquímica i de Biologia Molecular, Facultat de Medicina, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Spain
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21
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Nikiforovich GV, Marshall GR. 3D model for TM region of the AT-1 receptor in complex with angiotensin II independently validated by site-directed mutagenesis data. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2001; 286:1204-11. [PMID: 11527428 DOI: 10.1006/bbrc.2001.5526] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
A three-dimensional model of the complex of angiotensin II (AII) with the transmembrane (TM) region of the angiotensin II receptor of type 1 (the AT-1 receptor) was obtained by molecular modeling procedures employing structural homology to the X-ray structure of rhodopsin. Since the modeling procedure considered only steric and energy considerations without prior knowledge of the experimental results of site-directed mutagenesis, the results with receptor mutants could be used for independent validation of the model. Indeed, the model brings in contact the residues of AII responsible for agonistic activity, Tyr(4), His(6), and Phe(8), with many residues of AT-1 involved in signal transduction according to site-directed mutagenesis. The model also predicts the existence of several possible conformational pathways for transferring the binding signal through the TM region of AT-1 to the intracellular loops interacting with the G-protein.
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MESH Headings
- Amino Acid Sequence
- Crystallography, X-Ray
- Histidine/chemistry
- Ligands
- Models, Molecular
- Molecular Sequence Data
- Mutagenesis, Site-Directed
- Mutation
- Phenylalanine/chemistry
- Protein Binding
- Protein Conformation
- Protein Structure, Secondary
- Protein Structure, Tertiary
- Receptor, Angiotensin, Type 1
- Receptor, Angiotensin, Type 2
- Receptors, Angiotensin/chemistry
- Receptors, Angiotensin/genetics
- Rhodopsin/chemistry
- Signal Transduction
- Tyrosine/chemistry
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Affiliation(s)
- G V Nikiforovich
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics, Washington University, St. Louis, Missouri 63110, USA.
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22
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Radzwill N, Gerwert K, Steinhoff HJ. Time-resolved detection of transient movement of helices F and G in doubly spin-labeled bacteriorhodopsin. Biophys J 2001; 80:2856-66. [PMID: 11371459 PMCID: PMC1301470 DOI: 10.1016/s0006-3495(01)76252-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 90] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Photo-excited structural changes of the light-driven proton pump bacteriorhodopsin were monitored using double-site-directed spin labeling combined with electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy. The inter-spin distances between nitroxides attached at residue positions 100 and 226, 101 and 160, and 101 and 168 were determined for the BR initial state and the trapped M photo-intermediate. Distance changes that occur during the photocycle were followed with millisecond time resolution under physiological conditions at 293 K. The kinetic analysis of the EPR data and comparison with the absorbance changes in the visible spectrum reveal an outward movement of helix F during the late M intermediate and a subsequent approach of helix G toward the proton channel. The displacements of the cytoplasmic moieties of these helices amount to 0.1-0.2 nm. We propose that the resulting opening of the proton channel decreases the pK of the proton donor D96 and facilitates proton transfer to the Schiff base during the M-to-N transition.
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Affiliation(s)
- N Radzwill
- Lehrstuhl für Biophysik, Ruhr-Universität Bochum, D-44780 Bochum, Germany
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23
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Wang J, El-Sayed MA. Time-resolved Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy of the polarizable proton continua and the proton pump mechanism of bacteriorhodopsin. Biophys J 2001; 80:961-71. [PMID: 11159463 PMCID: PMC1301294 DOI: 10.1016/s0006-3495(01)76075-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Nanosecond-to-microsecond time-resolved Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy in the 3000-1000-cm(-1) region has been used to examine the polarizable proton continua observed in bacteriorhodopsin (bR) during its photocycle. The difference in the transient FTIR spectra in the time domain between 20 ns and 1 ms shows a broad absorption continuum band in the 2100-1800-cm(-1) region, a bleach continuum band in the 2500-2150-cm(-1) region, and a bleach continuum band above 2700 cm(-1). According to Zundel (G., J. Mol. Struct. 322:33-42), these continua appear in systems capable of forming polarizable hydrogen bonds. The formation of a bleach continuum suggests the presence of a polarizable proton in the ground state that changes during the photocycle. The appearance of a transient absorption continuum suggests a change in the polarizable proton or the appearance of new ones. It is found that each continuum has a rise time of less than 80 ns and a decay time component of approximately 300 micros. In addition, it is found that the absorption continuum in the 2100-1800-cm(-1) region has a slow rise component of 190 ns and a fast decay component of approximately 60 micros. Using these results and those of the recent x-ray structural studies of bR(570) and M(412) (H. Luecke, B. Schobert, H.T. Richter, J.-P. Cartailler, and J. K., Science 286:255-260), together with the already known spectroscopic properties of the different intermediates in the photocycle, the possible origins of the polarizable protons giving rise to these continua during the bR photocycle are proposed. Models of the proton pump are discussed in terms of the changes in these polarizable protons and the hydrogen-bonded chains and in terms of previously known results such as the simultaneous deprotonation of the protonated Schiff base (PSB) and Tyr185 and the disappearance of water molecules in the proton release channel during the proton pump process.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Wang
- Laser Dynamics Laboratory, School of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, Georgia 30332, USA
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24
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Xiao W, Brown LS, Needleman R, Lanyi JK, Shin YK. Light-induced rotation of a transmembrane alpha-helix in bacteriorhodopsin. J Mol Biol 2000; 304:715-21. [PMID: 11124021 DOI: 10.1006/jmbi.2000.4255] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Spin labeling EPR spectroscopy has been used to characterize light-induced conformational changes of bacteriorhodopsin (bR). Pairs of nitroxide spin labels were attached to engineered cysteine residues at strategic positions near the cytoplasmic ends of transmembrane alpha-helices B, F, and G in order to monitor distance changes upon light activation. The EPR analysis of six doubly labeled bR mutants indicates that the cytoplasmic end of helix F not only tilts outwards, but also rotates counter-clockwise during the photocycle. The direction of the rotation of helix F is the opposite of the clockwise rotation previously reported for bovine rhodopsin. The opposite chirality of the F helix rotation in the two systems is perhaps related to the differences in the cis-trans photoisomerization of the retinal in the two proteins. Using time-resolved EPR, we monitored the rotation of helix F also in real time, and found that the signal from the rotation arises concurrently with the reprotonation of the retinal Schiff base.
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Affiliation(s)
- W Xiao
- Department of Chemistry, University of California, Berkeley, CA, 94720, USA
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25
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Hirokawa T, Uechi J, Sasamoto H, Suwa M, Mitaku S. A triangle lattice model that predicts transmembrane helix configuration using a polar jigsaw puzzle. PROTEIN ENGINEERING 2000; 13:771-8. [PMID: 11161108 DOI: 10.1093/protein/13.11.771] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
We developed a method of predicting the tertiary structures of seven transmembrane helical proteins in triangle lattice models, assuming that the configuration of helices is stabilized by polar interactions. Triangle lattice models having 12 or 11 nearest neighbor pairs were used as general templates of a seven-helix system, then the orientation angles of all helices were varied at intervals of 15 degrees. The polar interaction energy for all possible positions of each helix was estimated using the calculated polar indices of transmembrane helices. An automated system was constructed and applied to bacteriorhodopsin, a typical membrane protein with seven transmembrane helices. The predicted optimal and actual structures were similar. The top 100 predicted helical configurations indicated that the helix-triangle, CFG, occurred at the highest frequency. In fact, this helix-triangle of bacteriorhodopsin forms an active proton-pumping site, suggesting that the present method can identify functionally important helices in membrane proteins. The possibility of studying the structure change of bacteriorhodopsin during the functional process by this method is discussed, and may serve to explain the experimental structures of photointermediate states.
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Affiliation(s)
- T Hirokawa
- Department of Biotechnology, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, Nakacho, Koganei, Tokyo 184-8588, Japan
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26
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Brown LS. Reconciling crystallography and mutagenesis: a synthetic approach to the creation of a comprehensive model for proton pumping by bacteriorhodopsin. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA 2000; 1460:49-59. [PMID: 10984590 DOI: 10.1016/s0005-2728(00)00129-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
As a result of the number of new high-resolution structures of the pigment and some of its photointermediates, a realistic model for the functioning of bacteriorhodopsin seems to be finally emerging. However, lack of structural information for some of the key functional states, and contradictions between some published structural models, argue for the use of the synthetic approach, one that includes use of data from both crystallographic and mutagenesis studies. The role of mutagenesis in this synthetic approach falls into two categories. First, to provide additional structural information, and second, to test the predictions of structural models by studying mutant phenotypes. This review urges critical comparisons of the structural and mutagenesis data, as there are problems with their selective and indiscriminate use.
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Affiliation(s)
- L S Brown
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, University of California, 92697-4560, Irvine, CA, USA.
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27
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Betancourt FM, Glaeser RM. Chemical and physical evidence for multiple functional steps comprising the M state of the bacteriorhodopsin photocycle. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA 2000; 1460:106-18. [PMID: 10984594 DOI: 10.1016/s0005-2728(00)00133-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Abstract
In the photocycle of bacteriorhodopsin (bR), light-induced transfer of a proton from the Schiff base to an acceptor group located in the extracellular half of the protein, followed by reprotonation from the cytoplasmic side, are key steps in vectorial proton pumping. Between the deprotonation and reprotonation events, bR is in the M state. Diverse experiments undertaken to characterize the M state support a model in which the M state is not a static entity, but rather a progression of two or more functional substates. Structural changes occurring in the M state and in the entire photocycle of wild-type bR can be understood in the context of a model which reconciles the chloride ion-pumping phenotype of mutants D85S and D85T with the fact that bR creates a transmembrane proton-motive force.
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Affiliation(s)
- F M Betancourt
- Life Sciences Division, Donner Laboratory, Lawrence Berkeley, National Laboratory, University of California, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA.
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28
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Kataoka M, Kamikubo H. Structures of photointermediates and their implications for the proton pump mechanism. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA 2000; 1460:166-76. [PMID: 10984598 DOI: 10.1016/s0005-2728(00)00137-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Abstract
It is widely accepted that bacteriorhodopsin undergoes global conformational changes during its photocycle. In this review, the structural properties of the M and N intermediates are described in detail. Based on the clarified global conformational change, we propose a model for the molecular mechanism of the proton pump. The global structural change is suggested to be a key component in establishing vectorial proton transport.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Kataoka
- Department of Materials Science, Nara Institute of Science and Technology, 8916-5, Takayama-machi, Ikoma, Nara 630-0101, Japan.
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29
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Dencher NA, Sass HJ, Büldt G. Water and bacteriorhodopsin: structure, dynamics, and function. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA 2000; 1460:192-203. [PMID: 10984600 DOI: 10.1016/s0005-2728(00)00139-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 86] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
A wealth of information has been gathered during the past decades that water molecules do play an important role in the structure, dynamics, and function of bacteriorhodopsin (bR) and purple membrane. Light-induced structural alterations in bR as detected by X-ray and neutron diffraction at low and high resolution are discussed in relationship to the mechanism of proton pumping. The analysis of high resolution intermediate structures revealed photon-induced rearrangements of water molecules and hydrogen bonds concomitant with conformational changes in the chromophore and the protein. These observations led to an understanding of key features of the pumping mechanism, especially the vectoriality and the different modes of proton translocation in the proton release and uptake domain of bR. In addition, water molecules influence the function of bR via equilibrium fluctuations, which must occur with adequate amplitude so that energy barriers between conformational states can be overcome.
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Affiliation(s)
- N A Dencher
- Technische Universität Darmstadt, Institute of Biochemistry, Physical Biochemistry, Petersenstrasse 22, D-64287 Darmstadt, Germany.
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30
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Subramaniam S, Henderson R. Molecular mechanism of vectorial proton translocation by bacteriorhodopsin. Nature 2000; 406:653-7. [PMID: 10949309 DOI: 10.1038/35020614] [Citation(s) in RCA: 331] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Bacteriorhodopsin, a membrane protein with a relative molecular mass of 27,000, is a light driven pump which transports protons across the cell membrane of the halophilic organism Halobacterium salinarum. The chromophore retinal is covalently attached to the protein via a protonated Schiff base. Upon illumination, retinal is isomerized. The Schiff base then releases a proton to the extracellular medium, and is subsequently reprotonated from the cytoplasm. An atomic model for bacteriorhodopsin was first determined by Henderson et al, and has been confirmed and extended by work in a number of laboratories in the last few years. Here we present an atomic model for structural changes involved in the vectorial, light-driven transport of protons by bacteriorhodopsin. A 'switch' mechanism ensures the vectorial nature of pumping. First, retinal unbends, triggered by loss of the Schiff base proton, and second, a protein conformational change occurs. This conformational change, which we have determined by electron crystallography at atomic (3.2 A in-plane and 3.6 A vertical) resolution, is largely localized to helices F and G, and provides an 'opening' of the protein to protons on the cytoplasmic side of the membrane.
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31
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Luecke H, Schobert B, Cartailler JP, Richter HT, Rosengarth A, Needleman R, Lanyi JK. Coupling photoisomerization of retinal to directional transport in bacteriorhodopsin. J Mol Biol 2000; 300:1237-55. [PMID: 10903866 DOI: 10.1006/jmbi.2000.3884] [Citation(s) in RCA: 177] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
In order to understand how isomerization of the retinal drives unidirectional transmembrane ion transport in bacteriorhodopsin, we determined the atomic structures of the BR state and M photointermediate of the E204Q mutant, to 1.7 and 1.8 A resolution, respectively. Comparison of this M, in which proton release to the extracellular surface is blocked, with the previously determined M in the D96N mutant indicates that the changes in the extracellular region are initiated by changes in the electrostatic interactions of the retinal Schiff base with Asp85 and Asp212, but those on the cytoplasmic side originate from steric conflict of the 13-methyl retinal group with Trp182 and distortion of the pi-bulge of helix G. The structural changes suggest that protonation of Asp85 initiates a cascade of atomic displacements in the extracellular region that cause release of a proton to the surface. The progressive relaxation of the strained 13-cis retinal chain with deprotonated Schiff base, in turn, initiates atomic displacements in the cytoplasmic region that cause the intercalation of a hydrogen-bonded water molecule between Thr46 and Asp96. This accounts for the lowering of the pK(a) of Asp96, which then reprotonates the Schiff base via a newly formed chain of water molecules that is extending toward the Schiff base.
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Affiliation(s)
- H Luecke
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, University of California, Irvine, CA 92697, USA
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32
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Heberle J. Proton transfer reactions across bacteriorhodopsin and along the membrane. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA 2000; 1458:135-47. [PMID: 10812029 DOI: 10.1016/s0005-2728(00)00064-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 129] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Bacteriorhodopsin is probably the best understood proton pump so far and is considered to be a model system for proton translocating membrane proteins. The basis of a molecular description of proton translocation is set by having the luxury of six highly resolved structural models at hand. Details of the mechanism and reaction dynamics were elucidated by a whole variety of biophysical techniques. The current molecular picture of catalysis by BR will be presented with examples from time-resolved spectroscopy. FT-IR spectroscopy monitors single proton transfer events within bacteriorhodopsin and judiciously positioned pH indicators detect proton migration at the membrane surface. Emerging properties are briefly outlined that underlie the efficient proton transfer across and along biological membranes.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Heberle
- Research Centre Jülich, IBI-2: Structural Biology, D-52425, Jülich, Germany.
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33
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Rink T, Pfeiffer M, Oesterhelt D, Gerwert K, Steinhoff HJ. Unraveling photoexcited conformational changes of bacteriorhodopsin by time resolved electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy. Biophys J 2000; 78:1519-30. [PMID: 10692336 PMCID: PMC1300749 DOI: 10.1016/s0006-3495(00)76704-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
By means of time-resolved electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy, the photoexcited structural changes of site-directed spin-labeled bacteriorhodopsin are studied. A complete set of cysteine mutants of the C-D loop, positions 100-107, and of the E-F loop, including the first alpha-helical turns of helices E and F, positions 154-171, was modified with a methanethiosulfonate spin label. The EPR spectral changes occurring during the photocycle are consistent with a small movement of helix C and an outward tilt of helix F. These helix movements are accompanied by a rearrangement of the E-F loop and of the C-terminal turn of helix E. The kinetic analysis of the transient EPR data and the absorbance changes in the visible spectrum reveals that the conformational change occurs during the lifetime of the M intermediate. Prominent rearrangements of nitroxide side chains in the vicinity of D96 may indicate the preparation of the reprotonation of the Schiff base. All structural changes reverse with the recovery of the bacteriorhodopsin initial state.
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Affiliation(s)
- T Rink
- Lehrstuhl für Biophysik, Ruhr-Universität Bochum, 44801 Bochum, Germany
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