NMR methods for studying protein-protein interactions involved in translation initiation

Deciphering structural variation upon biotinylation of biotin carboxyl carrier protein domain in Streptococcus pneumoniae

Streptococcus pneumoniae is a leading cause of community-acquired pneumonia and is responsible for acute invasive and non-invasive infections. Fight against pneumococcus is currently hampered by insufficient vaccine coverage and rising antimicrobial resistance, making the research necessary on novel drug targets. High-throughput mutagenesis has shown that acetyl-CoA carboxylase (ACC) is an essential enzyme in S. pneumoniae which converts acetyl-CoA to malonyl-CoA, a key step in fatty acid biosynthesis. ACC has four subunits; Biotin carboxyl carrier protein (BCCP), Biotin carboxylase (BC), Carboxyl transferase subunit α and β. Biotinylation of S. pneumoniae BCCP (SpBCCP) is required for the activation of ACC complex. In this study, we have biophysically characterized the apo- and holo- biotinylating domain SpBCCP80. We have performed 2D and 3D NMR experiments to analyze the changes in amino acid residues upon biotinylation of SpBCCP80. Further, we used NMR backbone chemical shift assignment data for bioinformatical analyses to determine the secondary and tertiary structure of proteins. We observed major changes in AMKVM motif and thumb region of SpBCCP80 upon biotinylation. Overall, this work provides structural insight into the apo- to holo- conversion of SpBCCP80 which can be further used as a drug target against S. pneumoniae.

Molecular basis for the interactions of eIF2β with eIF5, eIF2B, and 5MP1 and their regulation by CK2

The heterotrimeric GTPase eukaryotic translation initiation factor 2 (eIF2) delivers the initiator Met-tRNAi to the ribosomal translation preinitiation complex. eIF2β has three lysine-rich repeats (K-boxes) in its N-terminal tail, which are important for binding to the GTPase-activating protein (GAP) eIF5, the guanine nucleotide exchange factor (GEF) eIF2B, and the regulator eIF5-mimic protein (5MP). Here, we combine X-ray crystallography with NMR to understand the molecular basis and dynamics of these interactions. The crystal structure of yeast eIF5-CTD in complex with K-box 3 of eIF2β reveals an extended binding site on eIF2β, far beyond the K-box. We show that human eIF5, eIF2Bε, and 5MP1 can all bind to each of the three K-boxes, while reducing each other's affinities. Moreover, all these affinities are increased by CK2 phosphomimetic mutations. Our results reveal how eIF5, eIF2B, and 5MP displace each other from eIF2, and elucidate the role of CK2 in remodeling the translation apparatus.

Covalent inhibition of pro-apoptotic BAX

BCL-2-associated X protein (BAX) is a promising therapeutic target for activating or restraining apoptosis in diseases of pathologic cell survival or cell death, respectively. In response to cellular stress, BAX transforms from a quiescent cytosolic monomer into a toxic oligomer that permeabilizes the mitochondria, releasing key apoptogenic factors. The mitochondrial lipid trans-2-hexadecenal (t-2-hex) sensitizes BAX activation by covalent derivatization of cysteine 126 (C126). In this study, we performed a disulfide tethering screen to discover C126-reactive molecules that modulate BAX activity. We identified covalent BAX inhibitor 1 (CBI1) as a compound that selectively derivatizes BAX at C126 and inhibits BAX activation by triggering ligands or point mutagenesis. Biochemical and structural analyses revealed that CBI1 can inhibit BAX by a dual mechanism of action: conformational constraint and competitive blockade of lipidation. These data inform a pharmacologic strategy for suppressing apoptosis in diseases of unwanted cell death by covalent targeting of BAX C126.

Design, synthesis and biological evaluation of 2-pyrrolone derivatives as radioprotectors

It is known that p53 is an important transcription factor and plays a central role in ionizing radiation (IR)-induced DNA damage responses such as cell cycle arrest, DNA repair and apoptosis. We previously reported that regulating p53 protein is an effective strategy for modulating cell fate by reducing the acute side effects of radiation therapy. Herein, we report on the discovery of STK160830 as a new radioprotector from a chemical library at The University of Tokyo and the design, synthesis and biological evaluation of its derivatives. The radioprotective activity of STK160830 itself and its derivatives that were synthesized in this work was evaluated using a leukemia cell line, MOLT-4 cells as a model of normal cells that express the p53 protein in a structure-activity relationships (SAR) study. The experimental results suggest that a direct relationship exists between the inhibitory effect of these STK160830 derivatives on the expression level of p53 and their radioprotective activity and that the suppression of p53 by STK160830 derivatives contribute to protecting MOLT-4 cells from apoptosis that is induced by exposure to radiation.

The metaphorical swiss army knife: The multitude and diverse roles of HEAT domains in eukaryotic translation initiation

Biomolecular associations forged by specific interaction among structural scaffolds are fundamental to the control and regulation of cell processes. One such structural architecture, characterized by HEAT repeats, is involved in a multitude of cellular processes, including intracellular transport, signaling, and protein synthesis. Here, we review the multitude and versatility of HEAT domains in the regulation of mRNA translation initiation. Structural and cellular biology approaches, as well as several biophysical studies, have revealed that a number of HEAT domain-mediated interactions with a host of protein factors and RNAs coordinate translation initiation. We describe the basic structural architecture of HEAT domains and briefly introduce examples of the cellular processes they dictate, including nuclear transport by importin and RNA degradation. We then focus on proteins in the translation initiation system featuring HEAT domains, specifically the HEAT domains of eIF4G, DAP5, eIF5, and eIF2Bϵ. Comparative analysis of their remarkably versatile interactions, including protein–protein and protein–RNA recognition, reveal the functional importance of flexible regions within these HEAT domains. Here we outline how HEAT domains orchestrate fundamental aspects of translation initiation and highlight open mechanistic questions in the area.

Dynamic interaction network involving the conserved intrinsically disordered regions in human eIF5

Translation initiation in eukaryotes requires multiple eukaryotic translation initiation factors (eIFs) and involves continuous remodeling of the ribosomal preinitiation complex (PIC). The GTPase eIF2 brings the initiator Met-tRNA_i to the PIC. Upon start codon selection and GTP hydrolysis, promoted by eIF5, eIF2-GDP is released in complex with eIF5. Here, we report that two intrinsically disordered regions (IDRs) in eIF5, the DWEAR motif and the C-terminal tail (CTT) dynamically contact the folded C-terminal domain (CTD) and compete with each other. The eIF5-CTD•CTT interaction favors eIF2β binding to eIF5-CTD, whereas the eIF5-CTD•DWEAR interaction favors eIF1A binding, which suggests how intramolecular contact rearrangement could play a role in PIC remodeling. We show that eIF5 phosphorylation by CK2, which is known to stimulate translation and cell proliferation, significantly increases the eIF5 affinity for eIF2. Our results also indicate that the eIF2β subunit has at least two, and likely three eIF5-binding sites.

Regulation of the interactions between human eIF5 and eIF1A by the CK2 kinase

Translation initiation in eukaryotes relies on a complex network of interactions that are continuously reorganized throughout the process. As more information becomes available about the structure of the ribosomal preinitiation complex (PIC) at various points in translation initiation, new questions arise about which interactions occur when, their roles, and regulation. The eukaryotic translation factor (eIF) 5 is the GTPase-activating protein (GAP) for the GTPase eIF2, which brings the initiator Met-tRNA_i to the PIC. eIF5 also plays a central role in PIC assembly and remodeling through interactions with other proteins, including eIFs 1, 1A, and 3c. Phosphorylation by casein kinase 2 (CK2) significantly increases the eIF5 affinity for eIF2. The interaction between eIF5 and eIF1A was reported to be mediated by the eIF5 C-terminal domain (CTD) and the eIF1A N-terminal tail. Here, we report a new contact interface, between eIF5-CTD and the oligonucleotide/oligosaccharide-binding fold (OB) domain of eIF1A, which contributes to the overall affinity between the two proteins. We also show that the interaction is modulated by dynamic intramolecular interactions within both eIF5 and eIF1A. CK2 phosphorylation of eIF5 increases its affinity for eIF1A, offering new insights into the mechanisms by which CK2 stimulates protein synthesis and cell proliferation.

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eIF5-CTD interacts with both the N-terminal tail and the OB domain of eIF1A.

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The OB domain contacts stabilize the overall interaction.

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The eIF1A C-terminal tail and the eIF5 DWEAR motif interfere with OB domain binding.

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CK2 phosphorylation of eIF5 increases its affinity for eIF1A.

Biochemical impact of a disease-causing Ile67Asn substitution on BOLA3 protein

Iron-sulfur (Fe-S) cluster biosynthesis involves the action of a variety of functionally distinct proteins, most of which are evolutionarily conserved. Mutations in these Fe-S scaffold and trafficking proteins can cause diseases such as multiple mitochondrial dysfunctions syndrome (MMDS), sideroblastic anemia, and mitochondrial encephalopathy. Herein, we investigate the effect of Ile67Asn substitution in the BOLA3 protein that results in the MMDS2 phenotype. Although the exact functional role of BOLA3 in Fe-S cluster biosynthesis is not known, the [2Fe-2S]-bridged complex of BOLA3 with GLRX5, another Fe-S protein, has been proposed as a viable intermediary cluster carrier to downstream targets. Our investigations reveal that the Ile67Asn substitution impairs the ability of BOLA3 to bind its physiological partner GLRX5, resulting in a failure to form the [2Fe-2S]-bridged complex. Although no drastic structural change in BOLA3 arises from the substitution, as evidenced by wild-type and mutant BOLA3 1H-15N HSQC and ion mobility native mass spectrometry experiments, this substitution appears to influence cluster reconstitution on downstream proteins leading to the disease phenotype. By contrast, substituted derivatives of the holo homodimeric form of BOLA3 are formed and remain active toward cluster exchange.

Site-Dependent Cysteine Lipidation Potentiates the Activation of Proapoptotic BAX

BCL-2 family proteins converge at the mitochondrial outer membrane to regulate apoptosis and maintain the critical balance between cellular life and death. This physiologic process is essential to organism homeostasis and relies on protein-protein and protein-lipid interactions among BCL-2 family proteins in the mitochondrial lipid environment. Here, we find that trans-2-hexadecenal (t-2-hex), previously implicated in regulating BAX-mediated apoptosis, does so by direct covalent reaction with C126, which is located on the surface of BAX at the junction of its α5/α6 core hydrophobic hairpin. The application of nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, hydrogen-deuterium exchange mass spectrometry, specialized t-2-hex-containing liposomes, and BAX mutational studies in mitochondria and cells reveals structure-function insights into the mechanism by which covalent lipidation at the mitochondria sensitizes direct BAX activation. The functional role of BAX lipidation as a control point of mitochondrial apoptosis could provide a therapeutic strategy for BAX modulation by chemical modification of C126.

Cohen et al. show that trans-2-hexadecenal (t-2-hex) potentiates BAX-mediated apoptosis by non-enzymatic covalent lipidation of BAX C126. t-2-hex derivatization induces BAX-activating conformational changes and enhances BH3-triggered BAX poration of liposomal and mitochondrial membranes in a C126-dependent manner. This mechanism informs a therapeutic strategy for modulating BAX-mediated apoptosis by targeting C126.

Conformational dynamics in interleukin 17A and 17F functional complexes is a key determinant of receptor A affinity and specificity

The proinflammatory cytokines IL-17A and IL-17F have been identified as key drivers of a range of human inflammatory diseases, such as psoriasis, which has led to several therapeutic antibodies targeted at IL-17A. The two cytokines have been shown to tightly associate as functional homo and hetero dimers, which induce signalling via the formation of a cell surface signalling complex with a single copy of both IL-17RA and IL-17RC. Striking differences in affinity have been observed for IL-17RA binding to IL-17AA, IL-17AF and IL-17FF, however, the functional significance and molecular basis for this has remained unclear. We have obtained comprehensive backbone NMR assignments for full length IL-17AA (79%), IL-17AF (93%) and IL-17FF (89%), which show that the dimers adopt almost identical backbone topologies in solution to those observed in reported crystal structures. Analysis of the line widths and intensities of assigned backbone amide NMR signals has revealed striking differences in the conformational plasticity and dynamics of IL-17AA compared to both IL-17AF and IL-17FF. Our NMR data indicate that a number of regions of IL-17AA are interconverting between at least two distinct conformations on a relatively slow timescale. Such conformational heterogeneity has previously been shown to play an important role in the formation of many high affinity protein-protein complexes. The locations of the affected IL-17AA residues essentially coincides with the regions of both IL-17A and IL-17F previously shown to undergo significant structural changes on binding to IL-17RA. Substantially less conformational exchange was revealed by the NMR data for IL-17FF and IL-17AF. We propose that the markedly different conformational dynamic properties of the distinct functional IL-17 dimers plays a key role in determining their affinities for IL-17RA, with the more dynamic and plastic nature of IL-17AA contributing to the significantly tighter affinity observed for binding to IL-17RA. In contrast, the dynamic properties are expected to have little influence on the affinity of IL-17 dimers for IL-17RC, which has recently been shown to induce only small structural changes in IL-17FF upon binding.

Eltrombopag directly inhibits BAX and prevents cell death

The BCL-2 family protein BAX has essential activity in mitochondrial regulation of cell death. While BAX activity ensures tissue homeostasis, when dysregulated it contributes to aberrant cell death in several diseases. During cellular stress BAX is transformed from an inactive cytosolic conformation to a toxic mitochondrial oligomer. Although the BAX transformation process is not well understood, drugs that interfere with this process are useful research tools and potential therapeutics. Here, we show that Eltrombopag,  an FDA-approved drug,  is a direct inhibitor of BAX. Eltrombopag binds the BAX trigger site distinctly from BAX activators, preventing them from triggering BAX conformational transformation and simultaneously promoting stabilization of the inactive BAX structure. Accordingly, Eltrombopag is capable of inhibiting BAX-mediated apoptosis induced by cytotoxic stimuli. Our data demonstrate structure-function insights into a mechanism of BAX inhibition and reveal a mechanism for Eltrombopag that may expand its use in diseases of uncontrolled cell death.

Binding mode of Pyridoclax to myeloid cell leukemia-1 (Mcl-1) revealed by nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, docking and molecular dynamics approaches

Myeloid cell leukemia-1 (Mcl-1) is an anti-apoptotic member of the Bcl-2 family proteins. Its amplification is one of the most frequent genetic aberrations found in human cancers. Pyridoclax, a promising BH3 mimetic inhibitor, interacts directly with Mcl-1 and induces massive apoptosis at a concentration of 15 µM in combination with anti-Bcl-x_L strategies in chemo-resistant ovarian cancer cell lines. In this study, a combined experimental and theoretical approach was used to investigate the binding mode of Pyridoclax to Mcl-1. The representative poses generated from dynamics simulations compared with NMR data revealed: (i) Pyridoclax bound to P1 and P2 pockets of Mcl-1 BH3 binding groove through its styryl and methyl groups establishing mainly hydrophobic contacts, (ii) one of the ending pyridines interacts through electrostatic interaction with K234 side chain, a negatively charged residue present only in this position in Mcl-1. Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.

Small-molecule allosteric inhibitors of BAX

BAX is a critical effector of the mitochondrial cell death pathway in response to a diverse range of stimuli in physiological and disease contexts. Upon binding by BH3-only proteins, cytosolic BAX undergoes conformational activation and translocation, resulting in mitochondrial outer membrane permeabilization. Efforts to rationally target BAX and develop inhibitors have been elusive, despite the clear therapeutic potential of inhibiting BAX-mediated cell death in a host of diseases. Here, we describe a class of small molecule BAX inhibitors, termed BAIs, which bind directly to a previously unrecognized pocket and allosterically inhibit BAX activation. BAI-binding around the hydrophobic helix α5 using hydrophobic and hydrogen bonding interactions stabilizes key areas of the hydrophobic core. BAIs inhibit conformational events in BAX activation that prevent BAX mitochondrial translocation and oligomerization. Our data highlight a novel paradigm for effective and selective pharmacological targeting of BAX to enable rational development of inhibitors of BAX-mediated cell death.

Arsenic targets Pin1 and cooperates with retinoic acid to inhibit cancer-driving pathways and tumor-initiating cells

Arsenic trioxide (ATO) and all-trans retinoic acid (ATRA) combination safely cures fatal acute promyelocytic leukemia, but their mechanisms of action and efficacy are not fully understood. ATRA inhibits leukemia, breast, and liver cancer by targeting isomerase Pin1, a master regulator of oncogenic signaling networks. Here we show that ATO targets Pin1 and cooperates with ATRA to exert potent anticancer activity. ATO inhibits and degrades Pin1, and suppresses its oncogenic function by noncovalent binding to Pin1's active site. ATRA increases cellular ATO uptake through upregulating aquaporin-9. ATO and ATRA, at clinically safe doses, cooperatively ablate Pin1 to block numerous cancer-driving pathways and inhibit the growth of triple-negative breast cancer cells and tumor-initiating cells in cell and animal models including patient-derived orthotopic xenografts, like Pin1 knockout, which is substantiated by comprehensive protein and microRNA analyses. Thus, synergistic targeting of Pin1 by ATO and ATRA offers an attractive approach to combating breast and other cancers.

Probing Protein-Protein Interactions Using Asymmetric Labeling and Carbonyl-Carbon Selective Heteronuclear NMR Spectroscopy

Protein-protein interactions (PPIs) regulate a plethora of cellular processes and NMR spectroscopy has been a leading technique for characterizing them at the atomic resolution. Technically, however, PPIs characterization has been challenging due to multiple samples required to characterize the hot spots at the protein interface. In this paper, we review our recently developed methods that greatly simplify PPI studies, which minimize the number of samples required to fully characterize residues involved in the protein-protein binding interface. This original strategy combines asymmetric labeling of two binding partners and the carbonyl-carbon label selective (CCLS) pulse sequence element implemented into the heteronuclear single quantum correlation (¹H-15N HSQC) spectra. The CCLS scheme removes signals of the J-coupled 15N⁻13C resonances and records simultaneously two individual amide fingerprints for each binding partner. We show the application to the measurements of chemical shift correlations, residual dipolar couplings (RDCs), and paramagnetic relaxation enhancements (PRE). These experiments open an avenue for further modifications of existing experiments facilitating the NMR analysis of PPIs.

Identifying RISC Components Using Ago2 Immunoprecipitation and Mass Spectrometry

Complex immunoprecipitation (Co-IP) is a powerful technique for precipitating an intact protein complex out of solution and cell lysates using an antibody that specifically binds to a particular protein in a large complex of proteins. Mass spectrometry (MS) is used to identify, sequence, and quantify proteins. RNA-induced silencing complexes (RISCs), Ago2 centered protein assemblies, are essential for miRNA mediated RNA decay and gene expression regulation; however, the complete list of RISCs is unknown. Here we describe methods used to combine IP and MS to identify new components of RISCs.

Novel mechanisms of eIF2B action and regulation by eIF2α phosphorylation

Eukaryotic translation initiation factor 2 (eIF2) is a heterotrimeric GTPase, which plays a critical role in protein synthesis regulation. eIF2-GTP binds Met-tRNA_i to form the eIF2-GTP•Met-tRNA_i ternary complex (TC), which is recruited to the 40S ribosomal subunit. Following GTP hydrolysis, eIF2-GDP is recycled back to TC by its guanine nucleotide exchange factor (GEF), eIF2B. Phosphorylation of the eIF2α subunit in response to various cellular stresses converts eIF2 into a competitive inhibitor of eIF2B, which triggers the integrated stress response (ISR). Dysregulation of eIF2B activity is associated with a number of pathologies, including neurodegenerative diseases, metabolic disorders, and cancer. However, despite decades of research, the underlying molecular mechanisms of eIF2B action and regulation remain unknown. Here we employ a combination of NMR, fluorescence spectroscopy, site-directed mutagenesis, and thermodynamics to elucidate the mechanisms of eIF2B action and its regulation by phosphorylation of the substrate eIF2. We present: (i) a novel mechanism for the inhibition of eIF2B activity, whereby eIF2α phosphorylation destabilizes an autoregulatory intramolecular interaction within eIF2α; and (ii) the first structural model for the complex of eIF2B with its substrate, eIF2-GDP, reaction intermediates, apo-eIF2 and eIF2-GTP, and product, TC, with direct implications for the eIF2B catalytic mechanism.

eIF1A/eIF5B interaction network and its functions in translation initiation complex assembly and remodeling

Eukaryotic translation initiation is a highly regulated process involving multiple steps, from 43S pre-initiation complex (PIC) assembly, to ribosomal subunit joining. Subunit joining is controlled by the G-protein eukaryotic translation initiation factor 5B (eIF5B). Another protein, eIF1A, is involved in virtually all steps, including subunit joining. The intrinsically disordered eIF1A C-terminal tail (eIF1A-CTT) binds to eIF5B Domain-4 (eIF5B-D4). The ribosomal complex undergoes conformational rearrangements at every step of translation initiation; however, the underlying molecular mechanisms are poorly understood. Here we report three novel interactions involving eIF5B and eIF1A: (i) a second binding interface between eIF5B and eIF1A; (ii) a dynamic intramolecular interaction in eIF1A between the folded domain and eIF1A-CTT; and (iii) an intramolecular interaction between eIF5B-D3 and -D4. The intramolecular interactions within eIF1A and eIF5B interfere with one or both eIF5B/eIF1A contact interfaces, but are disrupted on the ribosome at different stages of translation initiation. Therefore, our results indicate that the interactions between eIF1A and eIF5B are being continuously rearranged during translation initiation. We present a model how the dynamic eIF1A/eIF5B interaction network can promote remodeling of the translation initiation complexes, and the roles in the process played by intrinsically disordered protein segments.

Pre-TCR ligand binding impacts thymocyte development before αβTCR expression

Adaptive cellular immunity requires accurate self- vs. nonself-discrimination to protect against infections and tumorous transformations while at the same time excluding autoimmunity. This vital capability is programmed in the thymus through selection of αβT-cell receptors (αβTCRs) recognizing peptides bound to MHC molecules (pMHC). Here, we show that the pre-TCR (preTCR), a pTα-β heterodimer appearing before αβTCR expression, directs a previously unappreciated initial phase of repertoire selection. Contrasting with the ligand-independent model of preTCR function, we reveal through NMR and bioforce-probe analyses that the β-subunit binds pMHC using Vβ complementarity-determining regions as well as an exposed hydrophobic Vβ patch characteristic of the preTCR. Force-regulated single bonds akin to those of αβTCRs but with more promiscuous ligand specificity trigger calcium flux. Thus, thymic development involves sequential β- and then, αβ-repertoire tuning, whereby preTCR interactions with self pMHC modulate early thymocyte expansion, with implications for β-selection, immunodominant peptide recognition, and germ line-encoded MHC interaction.

Inhibition of Pro-apoptotic BAX by a noncanonical interaction mechanism

BCL-2 is a negative regulator of apoptosis implicated in homeostatic and pathologic cell survival. The canonical anti-apoptotic mechanism involves entrapment of activated BAX by a groove on BCL-2, preventing BAX homo-oligomerization and mitochondrial membrane poration. The BCL-2 BH4 domain also confers anti-apoptotic functionality, but the mechanism is unknown. We find that a synthetic α-helical BH4 domain binds to BAX with nanomolar affinity and independently inhibits the conformational activation of BAX. Hydrogen-deuterium exchange mass spectrometry demonstrated that the N-terminal conformational changes in BAX induced by a triggering BIM BH3 helix were suppressed by the BCL-2 BH4 helix. Structural analyses localized the BH4 interaction site to a groove formed by residues of α1, α1-α2 loop, and α2-α3 and α5-α6 hairpins on the BAX surface. These data reveal a previously unappreciated binding site for targeted inhibition of BAX and suggest that the BCL-2 BH4 domain may participate in apoptosis blockade by a noncanonical interaction mechanism.

Protein-protein interaction analysis by nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy

Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) has continued to evolve as a powerful method, with an increase in the number of pulse sequences and techniques available to study protein-protein interactions. In this chapter, a straightforward method to map a protein-protein interface and design a structural model is described, using chemical shift perturbation, paramagnetic relaxation enhancement, and data-driven docking.

A competitive stapled peptide screen identifies a selective small molecule that overcomes MCL-1-dependent leukemia cell survival

Cancer cells hijack BCL-2 family survival proteins to suppress the death effectors and thereby enforce an immortal state. This is accomplished biochemically by an antiapoptotic surface groove that neutralizes the proapoptotic BH3 α helix of death proteins. Antiapoptotic MCL-1 in particular has emerged as a ubiquitous resistance factor in cancer. Although targeting the BCL-2 antiapoptotic subclass effectively restores the death pathway in BCL-2-dependent cancer, the development of molecules tailored to the binding specificity of MCL-1 has lagged. We previously discovered that a hydrocarbon-stapled MCL-1 BH3 helix is an exquisitely selective MCL-1 antagonist. By deploying this unique reagent in a competitive screen, we identified an MCL-1 inhibitor molecule that selectively targets the BH3-binding groove of MCL-1, neutralizes its biochemical lock-hold on apoptosis, and induces caspase activation and leukemia cell death in the specific context of MCL-1 dependence.

Multimodal interaction with BCL-2 family proteins underlies the proapoptotic activity of PUMA BH3

PUMA is a proapoptotic BCL-2 family member that drives the apoptotic response to a diversity of cellular insults. Deciphering the spectrum of PUMA interactions that confer its context-dependent proapoptotic properties remains a high priority goal. Here, we report the synthesis of PUMA SAHBs, structurally stabilized PUMA BH3 helices that, in addition to broadly targeting antiapoptotic proteins, directly bind to proapoptotic BAX. NMR, photocrosslinking, and biochemical analyses revealed that PUMA SAHBs engage an α1/α6 trigger site on BAX to initiate its functional activation. We further demonstrated that a cell-permeable PUMA SAHB analog induces apoptosis in neuroblastoma cells and, like expressed PUMA protein, engages BCL-2, MCL-1, and BAX. Thus, we find that PUMA BH3 is a dual antiapoptotic inhibitor and proapoptotic direct activator, and its mimetics may serve as effective pharmacologic triggers of apoptosis in resistant human cancers.

Insights into the architecture of the eIF2Bα/β/δ regulatory subcomplex

Eukaryotic translation initiation factor 2B (eIF2B), the guanine nucleotide exchange factor for the G-protein eIF2, is one of the main targets for the regulation of protein synthesis. The eIF2B activity is inhibited in response to a wide range of stress factors and diseases, including viral infections, hypoxia, nutrient starvation, and heme deficiency, collectively known as the integrated stress response. eIF2B has five subunits (α-ε). The α, β, and δ subunits are homologous to each other and form the eIF2B regulatory subcomplex, which is believed to be a trimer consisting of monomeric α, β, and δ subunits. Here we use a combination of biophysical methods, site-directed mutagenesis, and bioinformatics to show that the human eIF2Bα subunit is in fact a homodimer, at odds with the current trimeric model for the eIF2Bα/β/δ regulatory complex. eIF2Bα dimerizes using the same interface that is found in the homodimeric archaeal eIF2Bα/β/δ homolog aIF2B and related metabolic enzymes. We also present evidence that the eIF2Bβ/δ binding interface is similar to that in the eIF2Bα2 homodimer. Mutations at the predicted eIF2Bβ/δ dimer interface cause genetic neurological disorders in humans. We propose that the eIF2B regulatory subcomplex is an α2β2δ2 hexamer, composed of one α2 homodimer and two βδ heterodimers. Our results offer novel insights into the architecture of eIF2B and its interactions with the G-protein eIF2.

Enhanced eIF1 binding to the 40S ribosome impedes conformational rearrangements of the preinitiation complex and elevates initiation accuracy

In the current model of translation initiation by the scanning mechanism, eIF1 promotes an open conformation of the 40S subunit competent for rapidly loading the eIF2·GTP·Met-tRNAi ternary complex (TC) in a metastable conformation (POUT) capable of sampling triplets entering the P site while blocking accommodation of Met-tRNAi in the PIN state and preventing completion of GTP hydrolysis (Pi release) by the TC. All of these functions should be reversed by eIF1 dissociation from the preinitiation complex (PIC) on AUG recognition. We tested this model by selecting eIF1 Ssu(-) mutations that suppress the elevated UUG initiation and reduced rate of TC loading in vivo conferred by an eIF1 (Sui(-)) substitution that eliminates a direct contact of eIF1 with the 40S subunit. Importantly, several Ssu(-) substitutions increase eIF1 affinity for 40S subunits in vitro, and the strongest-binding variant (D61G), predicted to eliminate ionic repulsion with 18S rRNA, both reduces the rate of eIF1 dissociation and destabilizes the PIN state of TC binding in reconstituted PICs harboring Sui(-) variants of eIF5 or eIF2. These findings establish that eIF1 dissociation from the 40S subunit is required for the PIN mode of TC binding and AUG recognition and that increasing eIF1 affinity for the 40S subunit increases initiation accuracy in vivo. Our results further demonstrate that the GTPase-activating protein eIF5 and β-subunit of eIF2 promote accuracy by controlling eIF1 dissociation and the stability of TC binding to the PIC, beyond their roles in regulating GTP hydrolysis by eIF2.

Conformational heterogeneity in antibody-protein antigen recognition: implications for high affinity protein complex formation

Specific, high affinity protein-protein interactions lie at the heart of many essential biological processes, including the recognition of an apparently limitless range of foreign proteins by natural antibodies, which has been exploited to develop therapeutic antibodies. To mediate biological processes, high affinity protein complexes need to form on appropriate, relatively rapid timescales, which presents a challenge for the productive engagement of complexes with large and complex contact surfaces (∼600-1800 Å(2)). We have obtained comprehensive backbone NMR assignments for two distinct, high affinity antibody fragments (single chain variable and antigen-binding (Fab) fragments), which recognize the structurally diverse cytokines interleukin-1β (IL-1β, β-sheet) and interleukin-6 (IL-6, α-helical). NMR studies have revealed that the hearts of the antigen binding sites in both free anti-IL-1β Fab and anti-IL-6 single chain variable exist in multiple conformations, which interconvert on a timescale comparable with the rates of antibody-antigen complex formation. In addition, we have identified a conserved antigen binding-induced change in the orientation of the two variable domains. The observed conformational heterogeneity and slow dynamics at protein antigen binding sites appears to be a conserved feature of many high affinity protein-protein interfaces structurally characterized by NMR, suggesting an essential role in protein complex formation. We propose that this behavior may reflect a soft capture, protein-protein docking mechanism, facilitating formation of high affinity protein complexes on a timescale consistent with biological processes.

Examining weak protein-protein interactions in start codon recognition via NMR spectroscopy

Weak protein-protein interactions are critical in numerous biological processes. Unfortunately, they are difficult to characterize due to the high concentrations required for the production and detection of the complex population. The inherent sensitivity of NMR spectroscopy to the chemical environment makes it an excellent tool to tackle this problem. NMR permits the exploration of interactions over a range of affinities, yielding essential insights into dynamic biological processes. The conversion of messanger RNA to protein is one such process that requires the coordinated association of many low-affinity proteins. During start codon recognition, eukaryotic initiation factors assemble into high-order complexes that bind messanger RNA and bring it to the ribosome for decoding. Many of the structures of the eukaryotic initiation factors have been determined; however, little is known regarding the weak binary complexes formed and their structure-function mechanisms. Herein, we use start codon recognition as a model system to review the relevant NMR methods for the characterization of weak interactions and the development of small molecule inhibitors.

The interaction between eukaryotic initiation factor 1A and eIF5 retains eIF1 within scanning preinitiation complexes

Scanning of the mRNA transcript by the preinitiation complex (PIC) requires a panel of eukaryotic initiation factors, which includes eIF1 and eIF1A, the main transducers of stringent AUG selection. eIF1A plays an important role in start codon recognition; however, its molecular contacts with eIF5 are unknown. Using nuclear magnetic resonance, we unveil eIF1A's binding surface on the carboxyl-terminal domain of eIF5 (eIF5-CTD). We validated this interaction by observing that eIF1A does not bind to an eIF5-CTD mutant, altering the revealed eIF1A interaction site. We also found that the interaction between eIF1A and eIF5-CTD is conserved between humans and yeast. Using glutathione S-transferase pull-down assays of purified proteins, we showed that the N-terminal tail (NTT) of eIF1A mediates the interaction with eIF5-CTD and eIF1. Genetic evidence indicates that overexpressing eIF1 or eIF5 suppresses the slow growth phenotype of eIF1A-NTT mutants. These results suggest that the eIF1A-eIF5-CTD interaction during scanning PICs contributes to the maintenance of eIF1 within the open PIC.

β-Hairpin loop of eukaryotic initiation factor 1 (eIF1) mediates 40 S ribosome binding to regulate initiator tRNA(Met) recruitment and accuracy of AUG selection in vivo

Recognition of the translation initiation codon is thought to require dissociation of eIF1 from the 40 S ribosomal subunit, enabling irreversible GTP hydrolysis (Pi release) by the eIF2·GTP·Met-tRNAi ternary complex (TC), rearrangement of the 40 S subunit to a closed conformation incompatible with scanning, and stable binding of Met-tRNAi to the P site. The crystal structure of a Tetrahymena 40 S·eIF1 complex revealed several basic amino acids in eIF1 contacting 18 S rRNA, and we tested the prediction that their counterparts in yeast eIF1 are required to prevent premature eIF1 dissociation from scanning ribosomes at non-AUG triplets. Supporting this idea, substituting Lys-60 in helix α1, or either Lys-37 or Arg-33 in β-hairpin loop-1, impairs binding of yeast eIF1 to 40 S·eIF1A complexes in vitro, and it confers increased initiation at UUG codons (Sui(-) phenotype) or lethality, in a manner suppressed by overexpressing the mutant proteins or by an eIF1A mutation (17-21) known to impede eIF1 dissociation in vitro. The eIF1 Sui(-) mutations also derepress translation of GCN4 mRNA, indicating impaired ternary complex loading, and this Gcd(-) phenotype is likewise suppressed by eIF1 overexpression or the 17-21 mutation. These findings indicate that direct contacts of eIF1 with 18 S rRNA seen in the Tetrahymena 40 S·eIF1 complex are crucial in yeast to stabilize the open conformation of the 40 S subunit and are required for rapid TC loading and ribosomal scanning and to impede rearrangement to the closed complex at non-AUG codons. Finally, we implicate the unstructured N-terminal tail of eIF1 in blocking rearrangement to the closed conformation in the scanning preinitiation complex.

The core microprocessor component DiGeorge syndrome critical region 8 (DGCR8) is a nonspecific RNA-binding protein

MicroRNA (miRNA) biogenesis follows a conserved succession of processing steps, beginning with the recognition and liberation of an miRNA-containing precursor miRNA hairpin from a large primary miRNA transcript (pri-miRNA) by the Microprocessor, which consists of the nuclear RNase III Drosha and the double-stranded RNA-binding domain protein DGCR8 (DiGeorge syndrome critical region protein 8). Current models suggest that specific recognition is driven by DGCR8 detection of single-stranded elements of the pri-miRNA stem-loop followed by Drosha recruitment and pri-miRNA cleavage. Because countless RNA transcripts feature single-stranded-dsRNA junctions and DGCR8 can bind hundreds of mRNAs, we explored correlations between RNA binding properties of DGCR8 and specific pri-miRNA substrate processing. We found that DGCR8 bound single-stranded, double-stranded, and random hairpin transcripts with similar affinity. Further investigation of DGCR8/pri-mir-16 interactions by NMR detected intermediate exchange regimes over a wide range of stoichiometric ratios. Diffusion analysis of DGCR8/pri-mir-16 interactions by pulsed field gradient NMR lent further support to dynamic complex formation involving free components in exchange with complexes of varying stoichiometry, although in vitro processing assays showed exclusive cleavage of pri-mir-16 variants bearing single-stranded flanking regions. Our results indicate that DGCR8 binds RNA nonspecifically. Therefore, a sequential model of DGCR8 recognition followed by Drosha recruitment is unlikely. Known RNA substrate requirements are broad and include 70-nucleotide hairpins with unpaired flanking regions. Thus, specific RNA processing is likely facilitated by preformed DGCR8-Drosha heterodimers that can discriminate between authentic substrates and other hairpins.

Structural and dynamic insights into substrate binding and catalysis of human lipocalin prostaglandin D synthase

Lipocalin prostaglandin D synthase (L-PGDS) regulates synthesis of an important inflammatory and signaling mediator, prostaglandin D2 (PGD2). Here, we used structural, biophysical, and biochemical approaches to address the mechanistic aspects of substrate entry, catalysis, and product exit of this enzyme. Structure of human L-PGDS was solved in a complex with a substrate analog (SA) and in ligand-free form. Its catalytic Cys 65 thiol group was found in two different conformations, each making a distinct hydrogen bond network to neighboring residues. These help in elucidating the mechanism of the cysteine nucleophile activation. Electron density for ligand observed in the active site defined the substrate binding regions, but did not allow unambiguous fitting of the SA. To further understand ligand binding, we used NMR spectroscopy to map the binding sites and to show the dynamics of protein-substrate and protein-product interactions. A model for ligand binding at the catalytic site is proposed, showing a second binding site involved in ligand exit and entry. NMR chemical shift perturbations and NMR resonance line-width alterations (observed as changes of intensity in two-dimensional cross-peaks in [¹H,¹⁵N]-transfer relaxation optimization spectroscopy) for residues at the Ω loop (A-B loop), E-F loop, and G-H loop besides the catalytic sites indicate involvement of these residues in ligand entry/egress.

Solution nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy

Solution nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy has come a long way in characterizing the structure and function of biological molecules since the first one-dimensional spectrum of protein was recorded about 30 years ago. To date (September 1, 2012), there are 9,521 solution NMR structures in the Protein Data Bank, compared to 74,009 determined by crystallographic methods. Unlike X-ray and electron microscopy (EM) methods, which are based on the concepts of Fourier optics and image reconstruction, structure determination by NMR involves measuring structural restraints and finding structural solutions that satisfy the restraints. Although the NMR approach is much less direct in a physical sense, it has proven itself over the years to be capable of de novo structure determination at high precision. Moreover, the method is highly versatile and can be used in a variety of ways for addressing mechanistic questions. NMR measurements of protein internal dynamics and protein-protein or protein-ligand interaction are directly relevant to function in vivo because the molecules are often in physiological buffer conditions. The method can also be applied to investigate protein-folding intermediates, conformational changes, as well as intrinsically unfolded proteins. Recently, along with X-ray and EM, solution NMR has entered a state of rapid growth for structural studies of membrane proteins, already demonstrating its feasibility in de novo structure determination of membrane-embedded ion channels and receptors. As the hardware advances rapidly, especially in cryogenic probes that have much higher sensitivity, the sample concentration required for solution NMR investigation is decreasing, hopefully soon to a concentration level at which nonspecific protein aggregation is no longer an issue. After three decades of improvement in spectrometer technology, NMR pulse experiments, isotope labeling schemes, and structure determination software, we believe that solution NMR will truly enter the production phase in the next decade to answer biological questions of high impact, and to become more versatile than ever in complementing X-ray and EM in investigating protein structure and function.

Accuracy and precision of protein-ligand interaction kinetics determined from chemical shift titrations

NMR-monitored chemical shift titrations for the study of weak protein-ligand interactions represent a rich source of information regarding thermodynamic parameters such as dissociation constants (K ( D )) in the micro- to millimolar range, populations for the free and ligand-bound states, and the kinetics of interconversion between states, which are typically within the fast exchange regime on the NMR timescale. We recently developed two chemical shift titration methods wherein co-variation of the total protein and ligand concentrations gives increased precision for the K ( D ) value of a 1:1 protein-ligand interaction (Markin and Spyracopoulos in J Biomol NMR 53: 125-138, 2012). In this study, we demonstrate that classical line shape analysis applied to a single set of (1)H-(15)N 2D HSQC NMR spectra acquired using precise protein-ligand chemical shift titration methods we developed, produces accurate and precise kinetic parameters such as the off-rate (k ( off )). For experimentally determined kinetics in the fast exchange regime on the NMR timescale, k ( off ) ~ 3,000 s(-1) in this work, the accuracy of classical line shape analysis was determined to be better than 5 % by conducting quantum mechanical NMR simulations of the chemical shift titration methods with the magnetic resonance toolkit GAMMA. Using Monte Carlo simulations, the experimental precision for k ( off ) from line shape analysis of NMR spectra was determined to be 13 %, in agreement with the theoretical precision of 12 % from line shape analysis of the GAMMA simulations in the presence of noise and protein concentration errors. In addition, GAMMA simulations were employed to demonstrate that line shape analysis has the potential to provide reasonably accurate and precise k ( off ) values over a wide range, from 100 to 15,000 s(-1). The validity of line shape analysis for k ( off ) values approaching intermediate exchange (~100 s(-1)), may be facilitated by more accurate K ( D ) measurements from NMR-monitored chemical shift titrations, for which the dependence of K ( D ) on the chemical shift difference (Δω) between free and bound states is extrapolated to Δω = 0. The demonstrated accuracy and precision for k ( off ) will be valuable for the interpretation of biological kinetics in weakly interacting protein-protein networks, where a small change in the magnitude of the underlying kinetics of a given pathway may lead to large changes in the associated downstream signaling cascade.

Coexistence of phases in a protein heterodimer

A heterodimer consisting of two or more different kinds of proteins can display an enormous number of distinct molecular architectures. The conformational entropy is an essential ingredient in the Helmholtz free energy and, consequently, these heterodimers can have a very complex phase structure. Here, it is proposed that there is a state of proteins, in which the different components of a heterodimer exist in different phases. For this purpose, the structures in the protein data bank (PDB) have been analyzed, with radius of gyration as the order parameter. Two major classes of heterodimers with their protein components coexisting in different phases have been identified. An example is the PDB structure 3DXC. This is a transcriptionally active dimer. One of the components is an isoform of the intra-cellular domain of the Alzheimer-disease related amyloid precursor protein (AICD), and the other is a nuclear multidomain adaptor protein in the Fe65 family. It is concluded from the radius of gyration that neither of the two components in this dimer is in its own collapsed phase, corresponding to a biologically active protein. The UNRES energy function has been utilized to confirm that, if the two components are separated from each other, each of them collapses. The results presented in this work show that heterodimers whose protein components coexist in different phases, can have intriguing physical properties with potentially important biological consequences.

Increased precision for analysis of protein-ligand dissociation constants determined from chemical shift titrations

NMR is ideally suited for the analysis of protein-protein and protein ligand interactions with dissociation constants ranging from ~2 μM to ~1 mM, and with kinetics in the fast exchange regime on the NMR timescale. For the determination of dissociation constants (K ( D )) of 1:1 protein-protein or protein-ligand interactions using NMR, the protein and ligand concentrations must necessarily be similar in magnitude to the K ( D ), and nonlinear least squares analysis of chemical shift changes as a function of ligand concentration is employed to determine estimates for the parameters K ( D ) and the maximum chemical shift change (Δδ(max)). During a typical NMR titration, the initial protein concentration, [P (0)], is held nearly constant. For this condition, to determine the most accurate parameters for K ( D ) and Δδ(max) from nonlinear least squares analyses requires initial protein concentrations that are ~0.5 × K ( D ), and a maximum concentration for the ligand, or titrant, of ~10 × [P (0)]. From a practical standpoint, these requirements are often difficult to achieve. Using Monte Carlo simulations, we demonstrate that co-variation of the ligand and protein concentrations during a titration leads to an increase in the precision of the fitted K ( D ) and Δδ(max) values when [P (0)] > K ( D ). Importantly, judicious choice of protein and ligand concentrations for a given NMR titration, combined with nonlinear least squares analyses using two independent variables (ligand and protein concentrations) and two parameters (K ( D ) and Δδ(max)) is a straightforward approach to increasing the accuracy of measured dissociation constants for 1:1 protein-ligand interactions.

The C-terminal domain of eukaryotic initiation factor 5 promotes start codon recognition by its dynamic interplay with eIF1 and eIF2β

Recognition of the proper start codon on mRNAs is essential for protein synthesis, which requires scanning and involves eukaryotic initiation factors (eIFs) eIF1, eIF1A, eIF2, and eIF5. The carboxyl terminal domain (CTD) of eIF5 stimulates 43S preinitiation complex (PIC) assembly; however, its precise role in scanning and start codon selection has remained unknown. Using nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy, we identified the binding sites of eIF1 and eIF2β on eIF5-CTD and found that they partially overlapped. Mutating select eIF5 residues in the common interface specifically disrupts interaction with both factors. Genetic and biochemical evidence indicates that these eIF5-CTD mutations impair start codon recognition and impede eIF1 release from the PIC by abrogating eIF5-CTD binding to eIF2β. This study provides mechanistic insight into the role of eIF5-CTD's dynamic interplay with eIF1 and eIF2β in switching PICs from an open to a closed state at start codons.

HNCA-TOCSY-CANH experiments with alternate (13)C- (12)C labeling: a set of 3D experiment with unique supra-sequential information for mainchain resonance assignment

Described here is a set of three-dimensional (3D) NMR experiments that rely on CACA-TOCSY magnetization transfer via the weak ³J(CαCα) coupling. These pulse sequences, which resemble recently described (13)C detected CACA-TOCSY (Takeuchi et al. 2010) experiments, are recorded in (1)H(2)O, and use (1)H excitation and detection. These experiments require alternate (13)C-(12)C labeling together with perdeuteration, which allows utilizing the small ³J(CαCα) scalar coupling that is otherwise masked by the stronger (1)J(CC) couplings in uniformly (13)C labeled samples. These new experiments provide a unique assignment ladder-mark that yields bidirectional supra-sequential information and can readily straddle proline residues. Unlike the conventional HNCA experiment, which contains only sequential information to the ¹³C(α) of the preceding residue, the 3D hnCA-TOCSY-caNH experiment can yield sequential correlations to alpha carbons in positions i-1, i + 1 and i-2. Furthermore, the 3D hNca-TOCSY-caNH and Hnca-TOCSY-caNH experiments, which share the same magnetization pathway but use a different chemical shift encoding, directly couple the (15)N-(1)H spin pair of residue i to adjacent amide protons and nitrogens at positions i-2, i-1, i + 1 and i + 2, respectively. These new experimental features make protein backbone assignments more robust by reducing the degeneracy problem associated with the conventional 3D NMR experiments.

BH3-triggered structural reorganization drives the activation of proapoptotic BAX

BAX is a proapoptotic BCL-2 family member that lies dormant in the cytosol until converted into a killer protein in response to cellular stress. Having recently identified the elusive trigger site for direct BAX activation, we now delineate by NMR and biochemical methods the essential allosteric conformational changes that transform ligand-triggered BAX into a fully activated monomer capable of propagating its own activation. Upon BAX engagement by a triggering BH3 helix, the unstructured loop between α helices 1 and 2 is displaced, the carboxy-terminal helix 9 is mobilized for membrane translocation, and the exposed BAX BH3 domain propagates the death signal through an autoactivating interaction with the trigger site of inactive BAX monomers. Our structure-activity analysis of this seminal apoptotic process reveals pharmacologic opportunities to modulate cell death by interceding at key steps of the BAX activation pathway.

Nitrogen-detected CAN and CON experiments as alternative experiments for main chain NMR resonance assignments

Heteronuclear direct-detection experiments, which utilize the slower relaxation properties of low gamma nuclei, such as (13)C have recently been proposed for sequence-specific assignment and structural analyses of large, unstructured, and/or paramagnetic proteins. Here we present two novel (15)N direct-detection experiments. The CAN experiment sequentially connects amide (15)N resonances using (13)C(alpha) chemical shift matching, and the CON experiment connects the preceding (13)C' nuclei. When starting from the same carbon polarization, the intensities of nitrogen signals detected in the CAN or CON experiments would be expected four times lower than those of carbon resonances observed in the corresponding (13)C-detecting experiment, NCA-DIPAP or NCO-IPAP (Bermel et al. 2006b; Takeuchi et al. 2008). However, the disadvantage due to the lower gamma is counteracted by the slower (15)N transverse relaxation during detection, the possibility for more efficient decoupling in both dimensions, and relaxation optimized properties of the pulse sequences. As a result, the median S/N in the (15)N observe CAN experiment is 16% higher than in the (13)C observe NCA-DIPAP experiment. In addition, significantly higher sensitivity was observed for those residues that are hard to detect in the NCA-DIPAP experiment, such as Gly, Ser and residues with high-field C(alpha) resonances. Both CAN and CON experiments are able to detect Pro resonances that would not be observed in conventional proton-detected experiments. In addition, those experiments are free from problems of incomplete deuterium-to-proton back exchange in amide positions of perdeuterated proteins expressed in D(2)O. Thus, these features and the superior resolution of (15)N-detected experiments provide an attractive alternative for main chain assignments. The experiments are demonstrated with the small model protein GB1 at conditions simulating a 150 kDa protein, and the 52 kDa glutathione S-transferase dimer, GST.

Topology and regulation of the human eIF4A/4G/4H helicase complex in translation initiation

The RNA helicase eIF4A plays a key role in unwinding of mRNA and scanning during translation initiation. Free eIF4A is a poor helicase and requires the accessory proteins eIF4G and eIF4H. However, the structure of the helicase complex and the mechanisms of stimulation of eIF4A activity have remained elusive. Here we report the topology of the eIF4A/4G/4H helicase complex, which is built from multiple experimentally observed domain-domain contacts. Remarkably, some of the interactions are continuously rearranged during the ATP binding/hydrolysis cycle of the helicase. We show that the accessory proteins modulate the affinity of eIF4A for ATP by interacting simultaneously with both helicase domains and promoting either the closed, ATP-bound conformation or the open, nucleotide-free conformation. The topology of the complex and the spatial arrangement of the RNA-binding surfaces offer insights into their roles in stimulation of helicase activity and the mechanisms of mRNA unwinding and scanning.

Acidic C-terminal tail of the ssDNA-binding protein of bacteriophage T7 and ssDNA compete for the same binding surface

ssDNA-binding proteins are key components of the machinery that mediates replication, recombination, and repair. Prokaryotic ssDNA-binding proteins share a conserved DNA-binding fold and an acidic C-terminal tail. It has been proposed that in the absence of ssDNA, the C-terminal tail contacts the ssDNA-binding cleft, therefore predicting that the binding of ssDNA and the C-terminal tail is mutually exclusive. Using chemical cross-linking, competition studies, and NMR chemical-shift mapping, we demonstrate that: (i) the C-terminal peptide of the gene 2.5 protein cross-links to the core of the protein only in the absence of ssDNA, (ii) the cross-linked species fails to bind to ssDNA, and (iii) a C-terminal peptide and ssDNA bind to the same overall surface of the protein. We propose that the protection of the DNA-binding cleft by the electrostatic shield of the C-terminal tail observed in prokaryotic ssDNA-binding proteins, ribosomal proteins, and high-mobility group proteins is an evolutionarily conserved mechanism. This mechanism prevents random binding of charged molecules to the nucleic acid-binding pocket and coordinates nucleic acid-protein and protein-protein interactions.