1
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Fang J, Li T, Lee J, Im D, Xu L, Liu Y, Seo J, Zhang WB. A single-domain protein catenane of dihydrofolate reductase. Natl Sci Rev 2023; 10:nwad304. [PMID: 38188024 PMCID: PMC10769465 DOI: 10.1093/nsr/nwad304] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2023] [Revised: 08/07/2023] [Accepted: 08/07/2023] [Indexed: 01/09/2024] Open
Abstract
A single-domain protein catenane refers to two mechanically interlocked polypeptide rings that fold synergistically into a compact and integrated structure, which is extremely rare in nature. Here, we report a single-domain protein catenane of dihydrofolate reductase (cat-DHFR). This design was achieved by rewiring the connectivity between secondary motifs to introduce artificial entanglement and synthesis was readily accomplished through a series of programmed and streamlined post-translational processing events in cells without any additional in vitro reactions. The target molecule contained few exogenous motifs and was thoroughly characterized using a combination of ultra-performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry, sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, protease cleavage experiments and ion mobility spectrometry-mass spectrometry. Compared with the linear control, cat-DHFR retained its catalytic capability and exhibited enhanced stability against thermal or chemical denaturation due to conformational restriction. These results suggest that linear proteins may be converted into their concatenated single-domain counterparts with almost identical chemical compositions, well-preserved functions and elevated stabilities, representing an entirely new horizon in protein science.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Fang
- Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences, Key Laboratory of Polymer Chemistry & Physics of Ministry of Education, Center for Soft Matter Science and Engineering, College of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Tianzuo Li
- Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences, Key Laboratory of Polymer Chemistry & Physics of Ministry of Education, Center for Soft Matter Science and Engineering, College of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Jiyeon Lee
- Department of Chemistry, Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH), Pohang 37673, Republic of Korea
| | - Dahye Im
- Department of Chemistry, Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH), Pohang 37673, Republic of Korea
| | - Lianjie Xu
- Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences, Key Laboratory of Polymer Chemistry & Physics of Ministry of Education, Center for Soft Matter Science and Engineering, College of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Yajie Liu
- Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences, Key Laboratory of Polymer Chemistry & Physics of Ministry of Education, Center for Soft Matter Science and Engineering, College of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Jongcheol Seo
- Department of Chemistry, Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH), Pohang 37673, Republic of Korea
| | - Wen-Bin Zhang
- Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences, Key Laboratory of Polymer Chemistry & Physics of Ministry of Education, Center for Soft Matter Science and Engineering, College of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
- Beijing Academy of Artificial Intelligence, Beijing 100084, China
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2
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Hayes HC, Luk LYP. Investigating the effects of cyclic topology on the performance of a plastic degrading enzyme for polyethylene terephthalate degradation. Sci Rep 2023; 13:1267. [PMID: 36690710 PMCID: PMC9870871 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-27780-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2022] [Accepted: 01/09/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Agitation is a commonly encountered stress for enzymes during all stages of production and application, but investigations that aim to improve their tolerance using topological engineering have yet to be reported. Here, the plastic-degrading enzyme IsPETase was cyclized in a range of topologies including a cyclic monomer, cyclic dimer and catenane using SpyTag/SpyCatcher technologies, and their tolerance towards different stresses including mechanical agitation was investigated. The cyclic dimer and catenane topologies were less susceptible to agitation-induced inactivation resulting in enhancement of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) degradation. While contrary to conventional belief, cyclic topologies did not improve tolerance of IsPETase towards heat or proteolytic treatment, the close proximity of active sites in the dimeric and catenane variants was found to enhance PET conversion into small soluble products. Together, these findings illustrate that it is worthwhile to explore the topology engineering of enzymes used in heterogeneous catalysis as it improves factors that are often overlooked in homogeneous catalysis studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heather C Hayes
- School of Chemistry, Cardiff University Main Building, Park Place, Cardiff, CF10 3AT, UK
- Cardiff Catalysis Institute, Cardiff University Main Building, Park Place, Cardiff, CF10 3AT, UK
| | - Louis Y P Luk
- School of Chemistry, Cardiff University Main Building, Park Place, Cardiff, CF10 3AT, UK.
- Cardiff Catalysis Institute, Cardiff University Main Building, Park Place, Cardiff, CF10 3AT, UK.
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3
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Wu WH, Guo J, Zhang L, Zhang WB, Gao W. Peptide/protein-based macrocycles: from biological synthesis to biomedical applications. RSC Chem Biol 2022; 3:815-829. [PMID: 35866174 PMCID: PMC9257627 DOI: 10.1039/d1cb00246e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2021] [Accepted: 06/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Living organisms have evolved cyclic or multicyclic peptides and proteins with enhanced stability and high bioactivity superior to their linear counterparts for diverse purposes. Herein, we review recent progress in applying this concept to artificial peptides and proteins to exploit the functional benefits of these macrocycles. Not only have simple cyclic forms been prepared, numerous macrocycle variants, such as knots and links, have also been developed. The chemical tools and synthetic strategies are summarized for the biological synthesis of these macrocycles, demonstrating it as a powerful alternative to chemical synthesis. Its further application to therapeutic peptides/proteins has led to biomedicines with profoundly improved pharmaceutical performances. Finally, we present our perspectives on the field and its future developments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wen-Hao Wu
- Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences, Key Laboratory of Polymer Chemistry & Physics of Ministry of Education, Center for Soft Matter Science and Engineering, College of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, Peking University Beijing 100871 P. R. China
| | - Jianwen Guo
- Department of Geriatric Dentistry, Beijing Laboratory of Biomedical Materials, Peking University School and Hospital of Stomatology Beijing 100081 P. R. China
- Biomedical Engineering Department, Peking University Beijing 100191 P. R. China
| | - Longshuai Zhang
- Department of Geriatric Dentistry, Beijing Laboratory of Biomedical Materials, Peking University School and Hospital of Stomatology Beijing 100081 P. R. China
- Biomedical Engineering Department, Peking University Beijing 100191 P. R. China
| | - Wen-Bin Zhang
- Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences, Key Laboratory of Polymer Chemistry & Physics of Ministry of Education, Center for Soft Matter Science and Engineering, College of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, Peking University Beijing 100871 P. R. China
| | - Weiping Gao
- Department of Geriatric Dentistry, Beijing Laboratory of Biomedical Materials, Peking University School and Hospital of Stomatology Beijing 100081 P. R. China
- Biomedical Engineering Department, Peking University Beijing 100191 P. R. China
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4
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Ye Q, Lin X, Wang T, Cui Y, Jiang H, Lu Y. Programmable protein topology via
SpyCatcher‐SpyTag
chemistry in one‐pot cell‐free expression system. Protein Sci 2022; 31:e4335. [DOI: 10.1002/pro.4335] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2022] [Revised: 05/02/2022] [Accepted: 05/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Qingning Ye
- Key Laboratory of Industrial Biocatalysis, Ministry of Education, Department of Chemical Engineering Tsinghua University Beijing China
- College of New Energy and Materials China University of Petroleum Beijing China
| | - Xiaomei Lin
- Key Laboratory of Industrial Biocatalysis, Ministry of Education, Department of Chemical Engineering Tsinghua University Beijing China
| | - Ting Wang
- Key Laboratory of Industrial Biocatalysis, Ministry of Education, Department of Chemical Engineering Tsinghua University Beijing China
| | - Yuntao Cui
- Key Laboratory of Industrial Biocatalysis, Ministry of Education, Department of Chemical Engineering Tsinghua University Beijing China
| | - Hao Jiang
- School of Materials Science and Engineering Beijing Institute of Technology Beijing China
| | - Yuan Lu
- Key Laboratory of Industrial Biocatalysis, Ministry of Education, Department of Chemical Engineering Tsinghua University Beijing China
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5
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Wu WH, Bai X, Shao Y, Yang C, Wei J, Wei W, Zhang WB. Higher Order Protein Catenation Leads to an Artificial Antibody with Enhanced Affinity and In Vivo Stability. J Am Chem Soc 2021; 143:18029-18040. [PMID: 34664942 DOI: 10.1021/jacs.1c06169] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
The chemical topology is a unique dimension for protein engineering, yet the topological diversity and architectural complexity of proteins remain largely untapped. Herein, we report the biosynthesis of complex topological proteins using a rationally engineered, cross-entwining peptide heterodimer motif derived from p53dim (an entangled homodimeric mutant of the tetramerization domain of the tumor suppressor protein p53). The incorporation of an electrostatic interaction at specific sites converts the p53dim homodimer motif into a pair of heterodimer motifs with high specificity for directing chain entanglement upon folding. Its combination with split-intein-mediated ligation and/or SpyTag/SpyCatcher chemistry facilitates the programmed synthesis of protein heterocatenane or [n]catenanes in cells, leading to a general and modular approach to complex protein catenanes containing various proteins of interest. Concatenation enhances not only the target protein's affinity but also the in vivo stability as shown by its prolonged circulation time in blood. As a proof of concept, artificial antibodies have been developed by embedding a human epidermal growth factor receptor 2-specific affibody onto the [n]catenane scaffolds and shown to exhibit a higher affinity and a better pharmacokinetic profile than the wild-type affibody. These results suggest that topology engineering holds great promise in the development of therapeutic proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wen-Hao Wu
- Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences, Key Laboratory of Polymer Chemistry & Physics of Ministry of Education, Center for Soft Matter Science and Engineering, College of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, Peking University, Beijing 100871, P. R. China
| | - Xilin Bai
- Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences, Key Laboratory of Polymer Chemistry & Physics of Ministry of Education, Center for Soft Matter Science and Engineering, College of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, Peking University, Beijing 100871, P. R. China
| | - Yu Shao
- Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences, Key Laboratory of Polymer Chemistry & Physics of Ministry of Education, Center for Soft Matter Science and Engineering, College of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, Peking University, Beijing 100871, P. R. China
| | - Chao Yang
- College of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, Anyang Institute of Technology, Anyang, Henan 455000, P. R. China
| | - Jingjing Wei
- College of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, Anyang Institute of Technology, Anyang, Henan 455000, P. R. China
| | - Wei Wei
- State Key Laboratory of Biochemical Engineering, Institute of Process Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, P. R. China
| | - Wen-Bin Zhang
- Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences, Key Laboratory of Polymer Chemistry & Physics of Ministry of Education, Center for Soft Matter Science and Engineering, College of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, Peking University, Beijing 100871, P. R. China
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6
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Liu Y, Wu W, Hong S, Fang J, Zhang F, Liu G, Seo J, Zhang W. Lasso Proteins: Modular Design, Cellular Synthesis, and Topological Transformation. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2020. [DOI: 10.1002/ange.202006727] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Yajie Liu
- Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences Key Laboratory of Polymer Chemistry & Physics of Ministry of Education Center for Soft Matter Science and Engineering College of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering Peking University Beijing 100871 P. R. China
| | - Wen‐Hao Wu
- Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences Key Laboratory of Polymer Chemistry & Physics of Ministry of Education Center for Soft Matter Science and Engineering College of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering Peking University Beijing 100871 P. R. China
| | - Sumin Hong
- Department of Chemistry Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH) Pohang 37673 Republic of Korea
| | - Jing Fang
- Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences Key Laboratory of Polymer Chemistry & Physics of Ministry of Education Center for Soft Matter Science and Engineering College of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering Peking University Beijing 100871 P. R. China
| | - Fan Zhang
- Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences Key Laboratory of Polymer Chemistry & Physics of Ministry of Education Center for Soft Matter Science and Engineering College of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering Peking University Beijing 100871 P. R. China
| | - Geng‐Xin Liu
- Center for Advanced Low-dimension Materials State Key Laboratory for Modification of Chemical Fibers and Polymer Materials College of Material Science and Engineering Donghua University Shanghai 201620 China
| | - Jongcheol Seo
- Department of Chemistry Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH) Pohang 37673 Republic of Korea
| | - Wen‐Bin Zhang
- Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences Key Laboratory of Polymer Chemistry & Physics of Ministry of Education Center for Soft Matter Science and Engineering College of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering Peking University Beijing 100871 P. R. China
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7
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Liu Y, Wu WH, Hong S, Fang J, Zhang F, Liu GX, Seo J, Zhang WB. Lasso Proteins: Modular Design, Cellular Synthesis, and Topological Transformation. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2020; 59:19153-19161. [PMID: 32602613 DOI: 10.1002/anie.202006727] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2020] [Revised: 06/30/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Entangled proteins have attracted significant research interest. Herein, we report the first rationally designed lasso proteins, or protein [1]rotaxanes, by using a p53dim-entwined dimer for intramolecular entanglement and a SpyTag-SpyCatcher reaction for side-chain ring closure. The lasso structures were confirmed by proteolytic digestion, mutation, NMR spectrometry, and controlled ligation. Their dynamic properties were probed by experiments such as end-capping, proteolytic digestion, and heating/cooling. As a versatile topological intermediate, a lasso protein could be converted to a rotaxane, a heterocatenane, and a "slide-ring" network. Being entirely genetically encoded, this robust and modular lasso-protein motif is a valuable addition to the topological protein repertoire and a promising candidate for protein-based biomaterials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yajie Liu
- Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences, Key Laboratory of Polymer Chemistry & Physics of Ministry of Education, Center for Soft Matter Science and Engineering, College of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, P. R. China
| | - Wen-Hao Wu
- Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences, Key Laboratory of Polymer Chemistry & Physics of Ministry of Education, Center for Soft Matter Science and Engineering, College of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, P. R. China
| | - Sumin Hong
- Department of Chemistry, Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH), Pohang, 37673, Republic of Korea
| | - Jing Fang
- Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences, Key Laboratory of Polymer Chemistry & Physics of Ministry of Education, Center for Soft Matter Science and Engineering, College of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, P. R. China
| | - Fan Zhang
- Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences, Key Laboratory of Polymer Chemistry & Physics of Ministry of Education, Center for Soft Matter Science and Engineering, College of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, P. R. China
| | - Geng-Xin Liu
- Center for Advanced Low-dimension Materials, State Key Laboratory for Modification of Chemical Fibers and Polymer Materials, College of Material Science and Engineering, Donghua University, Shanghai, 201620, China
| | - Jongcheol Seo
- Department of Chemistry, Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH), Pohang, 37673, Republic of Korea
| | - Wen-Bin Zhang
- Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences, Key Laboratory of Polymer Chemistry & Physics of Ministry of Education, Center for Soft Matter Science and Engineering, College of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, P. R. China
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8
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Kent SBH. Novel protein science enabled by total chemical synthesis. Protein Sci 2018; 28:313-328. [PMID: 30345579 DOI: 10.1002/pro.3533] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2018] [Revised: 10/12/2018] [Accepted: 10/15/2018] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Chemical synthesis is a well-established method for the preparation in the research laboratory of multiple-tens-of-milligram amounts of correctly folded, high purity protein molecules. Chemically synthesized proteins enable a broad spectrum of novel protein science. Racemic mixtures consisting of d-protein and l-protein enantiomers facilitate crystallization and determination of protein structures by X-ray diffraction. d-Proteins enable the systematic development of unnatural mirror image protein molecules that bind with high affinity to natural protein targets. The d-protein form of a therapeutic target can also be used to screen natural product libraries to identify novel small molecule leads for drug development. Proteins with novel polypeptide chain topologies including branched, circular, linear-loop, and interpenetrating polypeptide chains can be constructed by chemical synthesis. Medicinal chemistry can be applied to optimize the properties of therapeutic protein molecules. Chemical synthesis has been used to redesign glycoproteins and for the a priori design and construction of covalently constrained novel protein scaffolds not found in nature. Versatile and precise labeling of protein molecules by chemical synthesis facilitates effective application of advanced physical methods including multidimensional nuclear magnetic resonance and time-resolved FTIR for the elucidation of protein structure-activity relationships. The chemistries used for total synthesis of proteins have been adapted to making artificial molecular devices and protein-inspired nanomolecular constructs. Research to develop mirror image life in the laboratory is in its very earliest stages, based on the total chemical synthesis of d-protein forms of polymerase enzymes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephen B H Kent
- Department of Chemistry and Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology; Institute for Biophysical Dynamics, The University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, 60637
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9
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Xu L, Zhang WB. The pursuit of precision in macromolecular science: Concepts, trends, and perspectives. POLYMER 2018. [DOI: 10.1016/j.polymer.2018.09.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
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10
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Wang XW, Zhang WB. Chemical Topology and Complexity of Protein Architectures. Trends Biochem Sci 2018; 43:806-817. [DOI: 10.1016/j.tibs.2018.07.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2018] [Revised: 07/01/2018] [Accepted: 07/03/2018] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
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11
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12
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Wang XW, Zhang WB. Protein Catenation Enhances Both the Stability and Activity of Folded Structural Domains. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2017. [DOI: 10.1002/ange.201705194] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Xiao-Wei Wang
- Key Laboratory of Polymer Chemistry & Physics of Ministry of Education; Center for Soft Matter Science and Engineering; College of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering; Peking University; Beijing 100871 P. R. China
| | - Wen-Bin Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Polymer Chemistry & Physics of Ministry of Education; Center for Soft Matter Science and Engineering; College of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering; Peking University; Beijing 100871 P. R. China
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13
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Wang XW, Zhang WB. Protein Catenation Enhances Both the Stability and Activity of Folded Structural Domains. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2017; 56:13985-13989. [DOI: 10.1002/anie.201705194] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2017] [Revised: 08/07/2017] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Xiao-Wei Wang
- Key Laboratory of Polymer Chemistry & Physics of Ministry of Education; Center for Soft Matter Science and Engineering; College of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering; Peking University; Beijing 100871 P. R. China
| | - Wen-Bin Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Polymer Chemistry & Physics of Ministry of Education; Center for Soft Matter Science and Engineering; College of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering; Peking University; Beijing 100871 P. R. China
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14
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Dabrowski-Tumanski P, Sulkowska JI. To Tie or Not to Tie? That Is the Question. Polymers (Basel) 2017; 9:E454. [PMID: 30965758 PMCID: PMC6418553 DOI: 10.3390/polym9090454] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2017] [Revised: 09/11/2017] [Accepted: 09/12/2017] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
In this review, we provide an overview of entangled proteins. Around 6% of protein structures deposited in the PBD are entangled, forming knots, slipknots, lassos and links. We present theoretical methods and tools that enabled discovering and classifying such structures. We discuss the advantages and disadvantages of the non-trivial topology in proteins, based on available data about folding, stability, biological properties and evolutionary conservation. We also formulate intriguing and challenging questions on the border of biophysics, bioinformatics, biology and mathematics, which arise from the discovery of an entanglement in proteins. Finally, we discuss possible applications of entangled proteins in medicine and nanotechnology, such as the chance to design super stable proteins, whose stability could be controlled by chemical potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pawel Dabrowski-Tumanski
- Centre of New Technologies, University of Warsaw, Warsaw 02-097, Poland.
- Faculty of Chemistry, University of Warsaw, Warsaw 02-093, Poland.
| | - Joanna I Sulkowska
- Centre of New Technologies, University of Warsaw, Warsaw 02-097, Poland.
- Faculty of Chemistry, University of Warsaw, Warsaw 02-093, Poland.
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15
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Liu D, Wu WH, Liu YJ, Wu XL, Cao Y, Song B, Li X, Zhang WB. Topology Engineering of Proteins in Vivo Using Genetically Encoded, Mechanically Interlocking SpyX Modules for Enhanced Stability. ACS CENTRAL SCIENCE 2017; 3:473-481. [PMID: 28573210 PMCID: PMC5445526 DOI: 10.1021/acscentsci.7b00104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2017] [Indexed: 05/11/2023]
Abstract
Recombinant proteins are traditionally limited to linear configuration. Herein, we report in vivo protein topology engineering using highly efficient, mechanically interlocking SpyX modules named AXB and BXA. SpyX modules are protein domains composed of p53dim (X), SpyTag (A), and SpyCatcher (B). The p53dim guides the intertwining of the two nascent protein chains followed by autocatalytic isopeptide bond formation between SpyTag and SpyCatcher to fulfill the interlocking, leading to a variety of backbone topologies. Direct expression of AXB or BXA produces protein catenanes with distinct ring sizes. Recombinant proteins containing SpyX modules are obtained either as mechanically interlocked obligate dimers if the protein of interest is fused to the N- or C-terminus of SpyX modules, or as star proteins if the protein is fused to both N- and C-termini. As examples, cellular syntheses of dimers of (GB1)2 (where GB1 stands for immunoglobulin-binding domain B1 of streptococcal protein G) and of four-arm elastin-like star proteins were demonstrated. Comparison of the catenation efficiencies in different constructs reveals that BXA is generally much more effective than AXB, which is rationalized by the arrangement of three domains in space. Mechanical interlocking induces considerable stability enhancement. Both AXB and BXA have a melting point ∼20 °C higher than the linear controls and the BXA catenane has a melting point ~2 °C higher than the cyclic control BX'A. Notably, four-arm elastin-like star proteins demonstrate remarkable tolerance against trypsin digestion. The SpyX modules provide a convenient and versatile approach to construct unconventional protein topologies via the "assembly-reaction" synergy, which opens a new horizon in protein science for stability enhancement and function reinforcement via topology engineering.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dong Liu
- Key
Laboratory of Polymer Chemistry & Physics of Ministry of Education,
Center for Soft Matter Science and Engineering, College of Chemistry
and Molecular Engineering, Peking University, Beijing 100871, P. R. China
| | - Wen-Hao Wu
- Key
Laboratory of Polymer Chemistry & Physics of Ministry of Education,
Center for Soft Matter Science and Engineering, College of Chemistry
and Molecular Engineering, Peking University, Beijing 100871, P. R. China
| | - Ya-Jie Liu
- Key
Laboratory of Polymer Chemistry & Physics of Ministry of Education,
Center for Soft Matter Science and Engineering, College of Chemistry
and Molecular Engineering, Peking University, Beijing 100871, P. R. China
| | - Xia-Ling Wu
- Key
Laboratory of Polymer Chemistry & Physics of Ministry of Education,
Center for Soft Matter Science and Engineering, College of Chemistry
and Molecular Engineering, Peking University, Beijing 100871, P. R. China
| | - Yang Cao
- Key
Laboratory of Polymer Chemistry & Physics of Ministry of Education,
Center for Soft Matter Science and Engineering, College of Chemistry
and Molecular Engineering, Peking University, Beijing 100871, P. R. China
| | - Bo Song
- Department
of Chemistry, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida 33620, United States
| | - Xiaopeng Li
- Department
of Chemistry, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida 33620, United States
| | - Wen-Bin Zhang
- Key
Laboratory of Polymer Chemistry & Physics of Ministry of Education,
Center for Soft Matter Science and Engineering, College of Chemistry
and Molecular Engineering, Peking University, Beijing 100871, P. R. China
- Tel: + 86 10 6276 6876. Fax: + 86 10 6275 1710. E-mail:
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16
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao-Wei Wang
- Key Laboratory of Polymer Chemistry & Physics of Ministry of Education, Center for Soft Matter Science and Engineering, College of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering; Peking University; Beijing 100871 P.R. China
| | - Wen-Bin Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Polymer Chemistry & Physics of Ministry of Education, Center for Soft Matter Science and Engineering, College of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering; Peking University; Beijing 100871 P.R. China
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17
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Wang XW, Zhang WB. Cellular Synthesis of Protein Catenanes. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2016; 55:3442-6. [DOI: 10.1002/anie.201511640] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2015] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Xiao-Wei Wang
- Key Laboratory of Polymer Chemistry & Physics of Ministry of Education, Center for Soft Matter Science and Engineering, College of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering; Peking University; Beijing 100871 P.R. China
| | - Wen-Bin Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Polymer Chemistry & Physics of Ministry of Education, Center for Soft Matter Science and Engineering, College of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering; Peking University; Beijing 100871 P.R. China
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18
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Aguirre C, Goto Y, Costas M. Thermal and chemical unfolding pathways of PaSdsA1 sulfatase, a homo-dimer with topologically interlinked chains. FEBS Lett 2016; 590:202-14. [PMID: 26823168 DOI: 10.1002/1873-3468.12041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2015] [Revised: 11/17/2015] [Accepted: 12/07/2015] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Understanding the mechanisms as to how interlinked proteins entangle and fold is a challenge. PaSdsA1 sulfatase is a homo-dimer containing two zinc atoms per monomer. The monomer chains are interlinked in a dimerization domain. To study the unfolding pathways denaturation experiments were performed. In the native protein three forms coexist in chemical equilibrium, each with a different number of zinc atoms. In the chemical unfolding of the holo-dimers the entanglement of the chains is preserved and acts as a 'folding seed', allowing the unfolding process to be reversible. Thermal irreversible unfolding of the holo-dimers favours dissociation, producing monomers that are SDS-stabilized. The thermal unfolding of these monomers is reversible. However, it is not possible to form dimers from unfolded monomers.
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Affiliation(s)
- César Aguirre
- Laboratorio de Biofisicoquímica, Departamento de Fisicoquímica, Facultad de Química, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, México D. F, México
| | - Yuji Goto
- Protein Folding Laboratory, Institute for Protein Research, Osaka University, Japan
| | - Miguel Costas
- Laboratorio de Biofisicoquímica, Departamento de Fisicoquímica, Facultad de Química, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, México D. F, México
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19
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Reimann O, Smet‐Nocca C, Hackenberger CPR. Spurlose Aufreinigung und Desulfurierung von Ligationsprodukten des Tau‐Proteins. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2014. [DOI: 10.1002/ange.201408674] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Oliver Reimann
- Leibniz‐Institut für Molekulare Pharmakologie (FMP), Robert‐Rössle‐Straße 10, 13125 Berlin (Deutschland)
- Humboldt Universität zu Berlin, Department Chemie, Brook‐Taylor‐Straße 2, 12489 Berlin (Deutschland)
- Freie Universität Berlin, Institut für Chemie und Biochemie, Takustraße 3, 14195 Berlin (Deutschland)
| | - Caroline Smet‐Nocca
- UMR CNRS 8576, Lille 1 Science and Technology University, 59655 Villeneuve d'Ascq Cedex (Frankreich)
| | - Christian P. R. Hackenberger
- Leibniz‐Institut für Molekulare Pharmakologie (FMP), Robert‐Rössle‐Straße 10, 13125 Berlin (Deutschland)
- Humboldt Universität zu Berlin, Department Chemie, Brook‐Taylor‐Straße 2, 12489 Berlin (Deutschland)
- Freie Universität Berlin, Institut für Chemie und Biochemie, Takustraße 3, 14195 Berlin (Deutschland)
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20
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Reimann O, Smet‐Nocca C, Hackenberger CPR. Traceless Purification and Desulfurization of Tau Protein Ligation Products. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2014; 54:306-10. [DOI: 10.1002/anie.201408674] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2014] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Oliver Reimann
- Leibniz‐Institut für Molekulare Pharmakologie (FMP), Robert‐Rössle‐Strasse 10, 13125 Berlin (Germany)
- Humboldt Universität zu Berlin, Department Chemie, Brook‐Taylor‐Strasse 2, 12489 Berlin (Germany)
- Freie Universität Berlin, Institut für Chemie und Biochemie, Takustrasse 3, 14195 Berlin (Germany)
| | - Caroline Smet‐Nocca
- UMR CNRS 8576—Lille 1 Science and Technology University, 59655 Villeneuve d'Ascq Cedex (France)
| | - Christian P. R. Hackenberger
- Leibniz‐Institut für Molekulare Pharmakologie (FMP), Robert‐Rössle‐Strasse 10, 13125 Berlin (Germany)
- Humboldt Universität zu Berlin, Department Chemie, Brook‐Taylor‐Strasse 2, 12489 Berlin (Germany)
- Freie Universität Berlin, Institut für Chemie und Biochemie, Takustrasse 3, 14195 Berlin (Germany)
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21
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Virnau P, Mallam A, Jackson S. Structures and folding pathways of topologically knotted proteins. JOURNAL OF PHYSICS. CONDENSED MATTER : AN INSTITUTE OF PHYSICS JOURNAL 2011; 23:033101. [PMID: 21406854 DOI: 10.1088/0953-8984/23/3/033101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
In the last decade, a new class of proteins has emerged that contain a topological knot in their backbone. Although these structures are rare, they nevertheless challenge our understanding of protein folding. In this review, we provide a short overview of topologically knotted proteins with an emphasis on newly discovered structures. We discuss the current knowledge in the field, including recent developments in both experimental and computational studies that have shed light on how these intricate structures fold.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter Virnau
- Institut für Physik, Johannes Gutenberg-Universität Mainz, Staudinger Weg 7, 55128 Mainz, Germany.
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22
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Abstract
The issue of how a newly synthesized polypeptide chain folds to form a protein with a unique three-dimensional structure, otherwise known as the 'protein-folding problem', remains a fundamental question in the life sciences. Over the last few decades, much information has been gathered about the mechanisms by which proteins fold. However, despite the vast topological diversity observed in biological structures, it was thought improbable, if not impossible, that a polypeptide chain could 'knot' itself to form a functional protein. Nevertheless, such knotted structures have since been identified, raising questions about how such complex topologies can arise during folding. Their formation does not fit any current folding models or mechanisms, and therefore represents an important piece of the protein-folding puzzle. This article reviews the progress made towards discovering how nature codes for, and contends with, knots during protein folding, and examines the insights gained from both experimental and computational studies. Mechanisms to account for the formation of knotted structures that were previously thought unfeasible, and their implications for protein folding, are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna L Mallam
- St John's College and University Chemical Laboratory, Cambridge, UK.
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23
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Yeates TO, Norcross TS, King NP. Knotted and topologically complex proteins as models for studying folding and stability. Curr Opin Chem Biol 2007; 11:595-603. [PMID: 17967433 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpa.2007.10.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 78] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2007] [Accepted: 10/01/2007] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
Among proteins of known three-dimensional structure, only a few possess complex topological features such as knotted or interlinked (catenated) protein backbones. Such unusual proteins offer potentially unique insights into folding pathways and stabilization mechanisms. They also present special challenges for both theorists and computational scientists interested in understanding and predicting protein-folding behavior. Here, we review complex topological features in proteins with a focus on recent progress on the identification and characterization of knotted and interlinked protein systems. Also, an approach is described for designing an expanded set of knotted proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Todd O Yeates
- UCLA Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Los Angeles, CA 90095-1569, USA.
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24
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King NP, Yeates EO, Yeates TO. Identification of rare slipknots in proteins and their implications for stability and folding. J Mol Biol 2007; 373:153-66. [PMID: 17764691 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmb.2007.07.042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 100] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2007] [Revised: 07/17/2007] [Accepted: 07/19/2007] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Among the thousands of known three-dimensional protein folds, only a few have been found whose backbones are in knotted configurations. The rarity of knotted proteins has important implications for how natural proteins reach their natively folded states. Proteins with such unusual features offer unique opportunities for studying the relationships between structure, folding, and stability. Here we report the identification of a unique slipknot feature in the fold of a well-known thermostable protein, alkaline phosphatase. A slipknot is created when a knot is formed by part of a protein chain, after which the backbone doubles back so that the entire structure becomes unknotted in a mathematical sense. Slipknots are therefore not detected by computational tests that look for knots in complete protein structures. A computational survey looking specifically for slipknots in the Protein Data Bank reveals a few other instances in addition to alkaline phosphatase. Unexpected similarities are noted among some of the proteins identified. In addition, two transmembrane proteins are found to contain slipknots. Finally, mutagenesis experiments on alkaline phosphatase are used to probe the contribution the slipknot feature makes to thermal stability. The trends and conserved features observed in these proteins provide new insights into mechanisms of protein folding and stability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neil P King
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California-Los Angeles, 611 Charles Young Drive East, Los Angeles, CA 90095-1569, USA
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25
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Blankenship JW, Dawson PE. Threading a peptide through a peptide: protein loops, rotaxanes, and knots. Protein Sci 2007; 16:1249-56. [PMID: 17567748 PMCID: PMC2206686 DOI: 10.1110/ps.062673207] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
Proteins adopt complex folds in nature that typically avoid conformations that are knotted or "threaded" through closed loops. Is this the result of fundamental barriers to folding, or have proteins simply evolved to avoid threaded conformations? Organic synthesis has been used in supramolecular chemistry to install topological links in small molecules. By following these principles, we now show that it is possible to assemble a topologically linked protein complex by threading a linear protein through a cyclic protein to form a [2]pseudo-rotaxane. Subsequent ring closure using native chemical ligation cyclizes the linear protein, forming a [2]heterocatenane. Although the kinetics of protein threading are slower than the folding kinetics of the native protein, threading appears to be a highly efficient process.
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Affiliation(s)
- John W Blankenship
- Department of Chemistry, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
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26
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Boutz DR, Cascio D, Whitelegge J, Perry LJ, Yeates TO. Discovery of a thermophilic protein complex stabilized by topologically interlinked chains. J Mol Biol 2007; 368:1332-44. [PMID: 17395198 PMCID: PMC1955483 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmb.2007.02.078] [Citation(s) in RCA: 79] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2006] [Revised: 02/20/2007] [Accepted: 02/21/2007] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
A growing number of organisms have been discovered inhabiting extreme environments, including temperatures in excess of 100 degrees C. How cellular proteins from such organisms retain their native folds under extreme conditions is still not fully understood. Recent computational and structural studies have identified disulfide bonding as an important mechanism for stabilizing intracellular proteins in certain thermophilic microbes. Here, we present the first proteomic analysis of intracellular disulfide bonding in the hyperthermophilic archaeon Pyrobaculum aerophilum. Our study reveals that the utilization of disulfide bonds extends beyond individual proteins to include many protein-protein complexes. We report the 1.6 A crystal structure of one such complex, a citrate synthase homodimer. The structure contains two intramolecular disulfide bonds, one per subunit, which result in the cyclization of each protein chain in such a way that the two chains are topologically interlinked, rendering them inseparable. This unusual feature emphasizes the variety and sophistication of the molecular mechanisms that can be achieved by evolution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel R Boutz
- Molecular Biology Institute, University of California at Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
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27
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Poon GMK, Brokx RD, Sung M, Gariépy J. Tandem Dimerization of the Human p53 Tetramerization Domain Stabilizes a Primary Dimer Intermediate and Dramatically Enhances its Oligomeric Stability. J Mol Biol 2007; 365:1217-31. [PMID: 17113101 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmb.2006.10.051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2006] [Revised: 10/04/2006] [Accepted: 10/13/2006] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Tetramerization of the human p53 tumor suppressor protein is required for its biological functions. However, cellular levels of p53 indicate that it exists predominantly in a monomeric state. Since the oligomerization of p53 involves the rate-limiting formation of a primary dimer intermediate, we engineered a covalently linked pair of human p53 tetramerization (p53tet) domains to generate a tandem dimer (p53tetTD) that minimizes the energetic requirements for forming the primary dimer. We demonstrate that p53tetTD self-assembles into an oligomeric structure equivalent to the wild-type p53tet tetramer and exhibits dramatically enhanced oligomeric stability. Specifically, the p53tetTD dimer exhibits an unfolding/dissociation equilibrium constant of 26 fM at 37 degrees C, or a million-fold increase in stability relative to the wild-type p53tet tetramer, and resists subunit exchange with monomeric p53tet. In addition, whereas the wild-type p53tet tetramer undergoes coupled (i.e. two-state) dissociation/unfolding to unfolded monomers, the p53tetTD dimer denatures via an intermediate that is detectable by differential scanning calorimetry but not CD spectroscopy, consistent with a folded p53tetTD monomer that is equivalent to the p53tet primary dimer. Given its oligomeric stability and resistance against hetero-oligomerization, dimerization of p53 constructs incorporating the tetramerization domain may yield functional constructs that may resist exchange with wild-type or mutant forms of p53.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gregory M K Poon
- Ontario Cancer Institute, University Health Network, Ontario, Canada M5G 2M9
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28
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Abstract
To make more practical the total chemical synthesis of proteins by the ligation of unprotected peptide building blocks, we have developed a method to facilitate the isolation and handling of intermediate products. The synthetic technique makes use of a His6 tag at the C terminus of the target polypeptide chain, introduced during the synthesis of the C-terminal peptide segment building block. The presence of a His6 tag enables the isolation of peptide or protein products directly from ligation reaction mixtures by Ni-NTA affinity column purification. This simple approach enables facile buffer exchange to alternate reaction conditions and is compatible with direct analytical control by protein MS of the multiple ligation steps involved in protein synthesis. We used syntheses of crambin and a modular tetratricopeptide repeat protein of 17 kDa as models to examine the utility of this affinity purification approach. The results show that His6 tag-assisted chemical protein synthesis is a useful method that substantially reduces handling losses and provides for rapid chemical protein syntheses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Duhee Bang
- Institute for Biophysical Dynamics and Department of Chemistry, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
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29
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Abstract
Novel chemical variants of proteins have been found in nature, including potent 'microprotein' natural products and folded protein molecules that contain a cyclic polypeptide chain. Researchers have used chemical synthesis and genetic methods to make these proteins and more: protein catenanes, neoglycoproteins, and artificial protein molecules with novel architectures or made from novel building blocks. De novo design has taken a big step forward with the accurate design and construction of proteins with complex molecular structure. A variety of non-coded amino acids and other building blocks has been used to make increasingly sophisticated protein molecular devices for use as biosensors and for the study of signal transduction inside living cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephen Kent
- Cummings Life Sciences Center #325, The University of Chicago, 920 East 58th Street, Chicago, Illinois 60637, USA.
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30
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Abstract
The utility of peptide self-assembly can be extended by covalent capture of these supramolecular materials. Disulfide bond formation, native chemical ligation, olefin metathesis, radical capture and oxidative lysine cross-linking have been used recently to help stabilize and characterize a variety of self-assembled peptides. These include natural peptides, proteins and protein mimics such as alpha-helical coiled coils, amyloid-like beta-sheet fibres, portions of p53, glutathione S-transferase and elastin as well as unnatural peptide constructs such as cyclic peptide nanotubes and cylindrical micelles of peptide amphiphiles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeffrey D Hartgerink
- Rice University, Department of Chemistry and Bioengineering, 6100 Main Street, MS60, Houston, TX 77005, USA.
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31
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Zhou HX. Loops, linkages, rings, catenanes, cages, and crowders: entropy-based strategies for stabilizing proteins. Acc Chem Res 2004; 37:123-30. [PMID: 14967059 DOI: 10.1021/ar0302282] [Citation(s) in RCA: 121] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
A protein molecule exists in either a compact folded state or a variable and open unfolded state. Since the unfolded state is favored by chain entropy, restricting its entropy is an attractive mechanism for shifting the equilibrium toward the folded state. A number of entropy-based strategies have been engineered or used by natural proteins to increase the folding stability: (a) shortening of loop lengths, (b) covalent linkage of dimeric proteins, (c) backbone cyclization, (d) catenation, (e) spatial confinement, and (f) macromolecular crowding. Theoretical analyses demonstrate the importance of accounting for consequences on the folded as well as the unfolded state and provide guidance for further exploitation of these stabilization strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huan-Xiang Zhou
- Department of Physics and Institute of Molecular Biophysics, Florida State University, Tallahassee, Florida 32306, USA
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32
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Demarest SJ, Rogers J, Hansen G. Optimization of the Antibody CH3 Domain by Residue Frequency Analysis of IgG Sequences. J Mol Biol 2004; 335:41-8. [PMID: 14659738 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmb.2003.10.040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
In an attempt to enhance the overall assembly, yield and half-life of recombinant antibody proteins, we have cloned and expressed several IgG1 C(H)3 domains and examined their folding/refolding characteristics. We utilized a cytoplasmic bacterial expression system with a thioredoxin reductase knock-out strain of BL21(DE3) to produce bovine, murine and human C(H)3. Under identical conditions, expression of bovine C(H)3 resulted consistently in the highest yields of properly folded/oxidized protein. Circular dichroism and fluorescence experiments demonstrate that oxidized bovine and murine C(H)3 have surprisingly similar structures and stabilities, considering the marginal sequence conservation between the two molecules. Residue frequency analysis using a limited data set of 36 unique Fc sequences originating from 19 different mammalian species targeted five specific sites for optimization within bovine C(H)3. Combination of three of these mutants increased the thermal stability of the molecule to 86 degrees C. Comparison of this approach to similar studies using larger sequence databases and/or different selection criteria suggests sequence database design can increase the success rate for identifying residue sites worth optimizing. This optimized C(H)3 domain can be used as a particularly stable platform for functional design and can be grafted into full-length antibody sequences to enhance their thermodynamic parameters and shelf-life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephen J Demarest
- Torrey Mesa Research Institute, 3115 Merryfield Row, San Diego, CA 92130, USA.
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33
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Abstract
Building on previous studies of the effects of covalent linking and backbone cyclization on protein folding stability, a theory is developed for the stabilization effect of catenating a dimeric protein. Relative to covalent linking, catenation is up to 1000-fold more powerful in stabilizing the folded structure. This dramatic stabilization derives from the dual effects of backbone cyclization and constrained relative motion between the subunits afforded by the catenane topology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huan-Xiang Zhou
- Department of Physics and Institute of Molecular Biophysics, Florida State University, Tallahassee, Florida 32306, USA.
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34
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Abstract
The total synthesis, at will, of a wide variety of protein and enzyme molecules is made feasible by modem chemical ligation methods. As Emil Fischer intuitively understood, synthetic access to the enzyme molecule enables the power of chemical science to be applied to elucidating the molecular basis of catalytic function in unprecedented detail.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephen Kent
- Institute for Biophysical Dynamics, Department of Chemistry, The University of Chicago, IL 60637, USA.
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