Interactive binding to the two principal ligand binding sites of human serum albumin: effect of the neutral-to-base transition

Thermal effects and drugs competition on the palmitate binding capacity of human serum albumin

Human serum albumin (HSA) is the most abundant plasma protein of the circulatory system. It is a multidomain, multifunctional protein that, combining diverse affinities and wide specificity, binds, stores, and transports a variety of biological compounds, pharmacores, and fatty acids. HSA is finding increasing uses in drug-delivery due to its ability to carry functionalized ligands and prodrugs. All this raises the question of competition for binding sites occupancy in case of multiple ligands, which in turn influences the protein structure/dynamic/function relationship and also has an impact on the biomedical applications. In this work, the effects of interactive binding of palmitic acid (PA), warfarin (War) and ibuprofen (Ibu) on the thermal stability of HSA were studied using DSC, ATR-FTIR, and EPR. PA is a high-affinity physiological ligand, while the two drugs are widely used for their anticoagulant (War) and anti-inflammatory (Ibu) efficacy, and are exogenous compounds that accommodate in the deputed drug site DS1 and DS2, respectively overlapping with some of the fatty acid binding sites. The results indicate that HSA acquires the highest thermal stability when it is fully saturated with PA. The binding of this physiological ligand does not hamper the binding of War or Ibu to the native state of the protein. In addition, the three ligands bind simultaneously, suggesting a synergic cooperative influence due to allosteric effects. The increased thermal stability subsequent to binary and multiple ligands binding moderates protein aggregation propensity and restricts protein dynamics. The biophysics findings provide interesting features about protein stability, aggregation, and dynamics in interaction with multiple ligands and are relevant in drug-delivery.

The importance of plasma protein and tissue binding in a drug discovery program to successfully deliver a preclinical candidate

Plasma protein binding and tissue binding are arguably two of the most critical parameters that are measured as part of a drug discovery program since, according to the free drug hypothesis, it is the free drug that is responsible for both efficacy and toxicity. This chapter aims to deconstruct the role of plasma protein and tissue binding in drug discovery programs, and to consider the conclusion made by Pfizer and Genentech/Depomed a decade ago that optimising plasma protein binding as an independent parameter does not significantly influence efficacy. This chapter will also examine how binding metrics are applied in drug discovery programs and explore circumstances where optimising plasma protein or tissue binding can be an effective strategy to deliver a candidate molecule for preclinical development with an early indication of sufficient therapeutic index.

Interactive multiple binding of oleic acid, warfarin and ibuprofen with human serum albumin revealed by thermal and fluorescence studies

Human serum albumin binds a wide variety of drugs with different structure and affinity to two main binding sites, drug site 1 (DS1) and drug site 2 (DS2), which partially or totally overlap with fatty acid (FA) sites. Although multiple binding sites are available for endogenous compounds, FAs are the primary physiological ligands of albumin and their competition in the occupancy of DS1 and DS2 affects the binding of exogenous molecules, with a possible impact on drug delivery. In this work, we have investigated the simultaneous binding of oleic acid, warfarin and ibuprofen to albumin using differential scanning calorimetry and fluorescence to evaluate the impact on the conformational stability of the protein. The two drugs are widely used for their anticoagulant (warfarin) and anti-inflammatory (ibuprofen) properties, and can be also considered as site markers to probe DS1 and DS2, respectively. Oleic acid is one of the most important fatty acids from a physiological point of view for its role as a source of energy for cells, and also it binds albumin with the highest association constant. When complexed with oleic acid the calorimetric profile of albumin shows a biphasic trend whose line shape depends on the ligand concentration. The binding capacity of either warfarin or ibuprofen to albumin is modulated by oleate molecules in a concentration-dependent mode being synergic cooperative (warfarin) or competitive-like (ibuprofen). The overall results provide insights on the dynamics of albumin/ligands complex, which in turn may have important pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic implications.

Serum Albumin: A Multifaced Enzyme

Human serum albumin (HSA) is the most abundant protein in plasma, contributing actively to oncotic pressure maintenance and fluid distribution between body compartments. HSA acts as the main carrier of fatty acids, recognizes metal ions, affects pharmacokinetics of many drugs, provides the metabolic modification of some ligands, renders potential toxins harmless, accounts for most of the anti-oxidant capacity of human plasma, and displays esterase, enolase, glucuronidase, and peroxidase (pseudo)-enzymatic activities. HSA-based catalysis is physiologically relevant, affecting the metabolism of endogenous and exogenous compounds including proteins, lipids, cholesterol, reactive oxygen species (ROS), and drugs. Catalytic properties of HSA are modulated by allosteric effectors, competitive inhibitors, chemical modifications, pathological conditions, and aging. HSA displays anti-oxidant properties and is critical for plasma detoxification from toxic agents and for pro-drugs activation. The enzymatic properties of HSA can be also exploited by chemical industries as a scaffold to produce libraries of catalysts with improved proficiency and stereoselectivity for water decontamination from poisonous agents and environmental contaminants, in the so called “green chemistry” field. Here, an overview of the intrinsic and metal dependent (pseudo-)enzymatic properties of HSA is reported to highlight the roles played by this multifaced protein.

Insight into the antitumor actions of sterically hindered platinum(ii) complexes by a combination of STD NMR and LCMS techniques

Sterically hindered platinum(ii) complexes have shown great advantages in overcoming platinum drug resistance. In this study, the antitumor actions of sterically hindered platinum(ii) complex 1 (cis-dichloro[(1R,2R)-N1-(2-fluorobenzyl)-1,2-diaminocyclohexane-N,N']platinum(ii), C13H19FPtCl2) were investigated by using saturation transfer difference nuclear magnetic resonance (STD NMR) and liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LCMS) techniques. STD NMR was applied to study the HSA (human serum albumin) binding properties, while the interactions between guanosine 5'-monophosphate (5'-GMP) and complex 1 were studied by LCMS. For HSA binding experiments, strong STD signals were observed for protons of sterically hindered parts of carrier ligands, indicating that the sterically hindered moieties of the carrier ligand could be situated inside the binding pocket of HSA. A 19F NMR experiment indicated that complex 1 could interact with HSA. Furthermore, the binding modes of complex 1 with guanosine 5'-monophosphate (5'-GMP) were studied in the absence and presence of glutathione by LCMS. According to the HPLC profiles, a mono-functional binding mode was observed for complex 1 both in the presence and in the absence of glutathione, while a bi-adduct was observed for Pt(DACH)Cl2, which may be one of the reasons for their different biological activities. Hence, this study demonstrated that the NMR method combined with the LCMS technique could provide valuable information to understand the transport and the underlying anticancer mechanisms of the platinum(ii) complex at the molecular level. Moreover, the results reported here can help to reveal the binding mechanisms of the sterically hindered platinum(ii) compounds with biomolecules, which may shed light on the design of novel platinum(ii) anticancer agents with suitable sterically hindered groups.

Structural Basis of Drug Recognition by Human Serum Albumin

Background:

Human serum albumin (HSA), the most abundant protein in plasma, is a monomeric multi-domain macromolecule with at least nine binding sites for endogenous and exogenous ligands. HSA displays an extraordinary ligand binding capacity as a depot and carrier for many compounds including most acidic drugs. Consequently, HSA has the potential to influence the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of drugs.

Objective:

In this review, the structural determinants of drug binding to the multiple sites of HSA are analyzed and discussed in detail. Moreover, insight into the allosteric and competitive mechanisms underpinning drug recognition, delivery, and efficacy are analyzed and discussed.

Conclusion:

As several factors can modulate drug binding to HSA (e.g., concurrent administration of drugs competing for the same binding site, ligand binding to allosteric-coupled clefts, genetic inherited diseases, and post-translational modifications), ligand binding to HSA is relevant not only under physiological conditions, but also in the pharmacological therapy management.

Binding affinity, antioxidative capacity and in vitro digestion of complexes of grape seed procyanidins and pork, chicken and fish protein

Studies have reported that procyanidins can interact with proteins, thereby affecting their structure, function, and bioaccessibility. In this paper, we investigated the interaction between grape seeds procyanidins (GSP) and animal source protein (from pig, chicken and fish), and the effects on the protein structure, antioxidant capacity and bioaccessibility of GSP. Fluorescence results showed that the binding constant of GSP-protein complex was 10-10⁴ M^-1, and the main forces were van der Waals force, hydrogen bonds and hydrophobic interactions. The antioxidant capacity of GSP was masked by GSP-protein complexes formed. The circular dichroism indicated that GSP had an effect on the content of α-helix and β-sheet in the secondary structure of pork and chicken proteins, but had little effect on the secondary structure of fish protein. The results showed that the protein can bind to GSP and affect its antioxidant activity and bioaccessibility. This study can provide reference for further study on the digestion and absorption of the complexes and offer health guidance in the preparation of diets.

Advanced organ support (ADVOS) in the critically ill: first clinical experience in patients with multiple organ failure

Background

Prevalence of multiple organ failure (MOF) in critically ill patients is increasing and associated mortality remains high. Extracorporeal organ support is a cornerstone in the management of MOF. We report data of an advanced hemodialysis system based on albumin dialysis (ADVOS multi device) that can regulate acid–base balance in addition to the established properties of renal replacement therapy and albumin dialysis systems in critically ill patients with MOF.

Methods

34 critically ill patients with MOF received 102 ADVOS treatment sessions in the Department of Intensive Care Medicine of the University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf. Markers of metabolic detoxification and acid–base regulation were collected and blood gas analyses were performed. A subgroup analyses were performed in patients with severe acidemia (pH < 7.2).

Results

Median number of treatment sessions was 2 (range 1–9) per patient. Median duration of treatment was 17.5 (IQR 11–23) hours per session. Treatment with the ADVOS multi-albumin dialysis device caused a significant decrease in bilirubin levels, serum creatinine, BUN and ammonia levels. The relative elimination rate of bilirubin was concentration dependent. Furthermore, a significant improvement in blood pH, HCO₃⁻ and PaCO₂, was achieved during ADVOS treatment including six patients that suffered from severe metabolic acidosis refractory to continuous renal replacement therapy. Delta pH, HCO₃⁻ and PaCO₂ were significantly affected by the ADVOS blood flow rate and pH settings. This improvement in the clinical course during ADVOS treatments allowed a reduction in norepinephrine during ADVOS therapy. Treatments were well tolerated. Mortality rates were 50% and 62% for 28 and 90 days, respectively.

Conclusions

In this case series in patients with MOF, ADVOS was able to eliminate water-soluble and albumin-bound substances. Furthermore, the device corrected severe metabolic and respiratory acid–base disequilibrium. No major adverse events associated with the ADVOS treatments were observed.

Induced CD of iron(ii) clathrochelates: sensing of the structural and conformational alterations of serum albumins

An ability of inherently achiral macrobicyclic metal complexes iron(ii) clathrochelates to acquire an induced CD (ICD) output in the visible spectral range upon interaction with bovine serum albumin (BSA) was recently discovered. In the present work, the CD-reporting properties of iron(ii) clathrochelates to proteins and the thermodynamic parameters of their binding to albumins are evaluated. It is shown that iron(ii) clathrochelates functionalized by six ribbed carboxyphenylsulfide groups are able to discriminate between serum albumins of relative structure (here human and bovine albumins) by giving distinct ICD spectra. Besides, by the variation of the shape and intensity of CD bands, these cage metal complexes reflect the pH-triggered alterations of the tertiary structure of albumins. The constitutional isomerism (ortho-, meta- or para-isomers) of terminal carboxyphenylsulfide groups of iron(ii) clathrochelates strongly affects both the character of their ICD output upon binding with proteins and the parameters of the formed guest-host associates. Using isothermal titration calorimetry, it was determined that cage metal complexes bearing meta- and ortho-isomers of carboxyphenylsulfide groups possess higher association constants (Ka ∼ 2 × 104 M-1) and clathrochelate-to-BSA binding ratios (n = 2) than the para-isomer (Ka ∼ 5 × 103 M-1, n = 1). The iron(ii) clathrochelates are suggested to be potential molecular three-dimensional scaffolds for the design of CD-sensitive reporters able to recognize specific elements of protein surfaces.

Options in extracorporeal support of multiple organ failure

Multiorgan failure is among the most frequent reasons of death in critically ill patients. Based on extensive and long-term use of renal replacement therapy, extracorporeal organ support became available for other organ failures. Initially, most of these techniques (e.g. extracorporeal membrane oxygenation, extracorporeal CO₂ removal [ECCO2R] and extracorporeal liver support) were used as stand-alone single organ support systems. Considering multiple interactions between native organs (“crosstalk”), combined or integrated extracorporeal organ support (ECOS) devices are intriguing. The concept of multiple organ support therapy (MOST) providing simultaneous and combined support for different failing organs was described more than 15 years ago by Ronco and Bellomo. This concept also implicates overcoming the “compartmentalized” approach provided by different single organ specialized professionals by a multidisciplinary and multiprofessional strategy. The idea of MOST is supported by the failure of several recent studies on single organ support including liver and lung support. Improvement of outcome by ECOS necessarily depends on optimized patient selection, integrated organ support and limitation of its side effects. This implicates challenges for engineers, industry and healthcare professionals. From a technical viewpoint, modular combination of pre-existing technologies such as renal replacement, albumin-dialysis, ECCO2R and potentially cytokine elimination can be considered as a first step. While this allows for stepwise and individual combination of standard organ support facilities, it carries the disadvantage of large extracorporeal blood volume and surfaces as well as additive costs. The more intriguing next step is an integrated platform providing the capacity of multiple organ support within one device. (This article is freely available.)

Quantitative Photo-crosslinking Mass Spectrometry Revealing Protein Structure Response to Environmental Changes

Protein structures respond to changes in their chemical and physical environment. However, studying such conformational changes is notoriously difficult, as many structural biology techniques are also affected by these parameters. Here, the use of photo-crosslinking, coupled with quantitative crosslinking mass spectrometry (QCLMS), offers an opportunity, since the reactivity of photo-crosslinkers is unaffected by changes in environmental parameters. In this study, we introduce a workflow combining photo-crosslinking using sulfosuccinimidyl 4,4'-azipentanoate (sulfo-SDA) with our recently developed data-independent acquisition (DIA)-QCLMS. This novel photo-DIA-QCLMS approach is then used to quantify pH-dependent conformational changes in human serum albumin (HSA) and cytochrome C by monitoring crosslink abundances as a function of pH. Both proteins show pH-dependent conformational changes resulting in acidic and alkaline transitions. 93% and 95% of unique residue pairs (URP) were quantifiable across triplicates for HSA and cytochrome C, respectively. Abundance changes of URPs and hence conformational changes of both proteins were visualized using hierarchical clustering. For HSA we distinguished the N-F and the N-B form from the native conformation. In addition, we observed for cytochrome C acidic and basic conformations. In conclusion, our photo-DIA-QCLMS approach distinguished pH-dependent conformers of both proteins.

Metal-catalyzed oxidation of human serum albumin does not alter the interactive binding to the two principal drug binding sites

It is well known that various physiological factors such as pH, endogenous substances or post-translational modifications can affect the conformational state of human serum albumin (HSA). In a previous study, we reported that both pH- and long chain fatty acid-induced conformational changes can alter the interactive binding of ligands to the two principal binding sites of HSA, namely, site I and site II. In the present study, the effect of metal-catalyzed oxidation (MCO) caused by ascorbate/oxygen/trace metals on HSA structure and the interactive binding between dansyl-L-asparagine (DNSA; a site I ligand) and ibuprofen (a site II ligand) at pH 6.5 was investigated. MCO was accompanied by a time-dependent increase in carbonyl content in HSA, suggesting that the HSA was being oxidized. In addition, The MCO of HSA was accompanied by a change in net charge to a more negative charge and a decrease in thermal stability. SDS-PAGE patterns and α-helical contents of the oxidized HSAs were similar to those of native HSA, indicating that the HSA had not been extensively structurally modified by MCO. MCO also caused a selective decrease in ibuprofen binding. In spite of the changes in the HSA structure and ligand that bind to site II, no change in the interactive binding between DNSA and ibuprofen was observed. These data indicated that amino acid residues in site II are preferentially oxidized by MCO, whereas the spatial relationship between sites I and II (e.g. the distance between sites), the flexibility or space of each binding site are not altered. The present findings provide insights into the structural characteristics of oxidized HSA, and drug binding and drug-drug interactions on oxidized HSA.

Warfarin inhibits allosterically the reductive nitrosylation of ferric human serum heme-albumin

Human serum heme-albumin (HSA-heme-Fe) displays heme-based ligand binding and (pseudo-)enzymatic properties. Here, the effect of the prototypical drug warfarin on kinetics and thermodynamics of NO binding to ferric and ferrous HSA-heme-Fe (HSA-heme-Fe(III) and HSA-heme-Fe(II), respectively) and on the NO-mediated reductive nitrosylation of the heme-Fe atom is reported; data were obtained between pH5.5 and 9.5 at 20.0°C. Since warfarin is a common drug, its effect on the reactivity of HSA-heme-Fe represents a relevant issue in the pharmacological therapy management. The inhibition of NO binding to HSA-heme-Fe(III) and HSA-heme-Fe(II) as well as of the NO-mediated reductive nitrosylation of the heme-Fe(III) atom by warfarin has been ascribed to drug binding to the fatty acid binding site 2 (FA2), shifting allosterically the penta-to-six coordination equilibrium of the heme-Fe atom toward the low reactive species showing the six-coordinated metal center by His146 and Tyr161 residues. These data: (i) support the role of HSA-heme-Fe in trapping NO, (ii) highlight the modulation of the heme-Fe-based reactivity by drugs, and (iii) could be relevant for the modulation of HSA functions by drugs in vivo.

Interaction of phenazinium-based photosensitizers with the 'N' and 'B' isoforms of human serum albumin: Effect of methyl substitution

The present work is focused on exploring the interaction of two phenazinium-based biological photosensitizers, phenosafranin (PSF) and safranin-O (SO), with human serum albumin (HSA), with particular emphasis on the physiologically significant NB conformational transition of the protein on the dye:HSA interaction. In addition, the presence of methyl substitution on the planar phenazinium ring in SO paves way for looking into the effect of simple chemical manipulation (that is, methyl substitution on the dye nucleus) on the dye:protein interaction behavior as a function of various (pH-induced) isoforms of HSA. Our results reveal a significantly stronger binding interaction of SO with the B isoform of HSA (at pH9.0) compared to that with the N isoform (at pH7.4). On the contrary, the PSF:HSA interaction is found to be reasonably insensitive to the aforesaid conformational transition of HSA. However, the probable binding location of both the dye molecules (PSF and SO) is found to be within the protein scaffolds (domain IB). This is further quantified from the modulation of fluorescence decay behavior of the dyes within the protein scaffolds. It is important to note that the rotational relaxation behavior of the protein-bound dyes reveals an unusual 'dip-rise-dip', an observation not reported earlier. Such unusual anisotropy decay is meticulously analyzed by an associated (or multicomponent) exponential decay model which emphasizes on the fractional contributions from differential classes of fluorophore populations characterized by the fast (due to unbound or solvent exposed part of the fluorophore) and slow (due to embedded or bound part) motions, in combination with their different local mobilities. Furthermore, the translational diffusion of the dye molecules in the presence of the protein in different isoforms (N-form or B-form) at a single molecule level is also measured by Fluorescence Correlation Spectroscopy (FCS).

Long chain fatty acids alter the interactive binding of ligands to the two principal drug binding sites of human serum albumin

A wide variety of drugs bind to human serum albumin (HSA) at its two principal sites, namely site I and site II. A number of reports indicate that drug binding to these two binding sites are not completely independent, and that interactions between ligands of these two discrete sites can play a role. In this study, the effect of the binding of long-chain fatty acids on the interactive binding between dansyl-L-asparagine (DNSA; site I ligand) and ibuprofen (site II ligand) at pH6.5 was examined. Binding experiments showed that the binding of sodium oleate (Ole) to HSA induces conformational changes in the molecule, which, in turn, changes the individual binding of DNSA and ibuprofen, as well as the mode of interaction between these two ligands from a ‘competitive-like’ allosteric interaction in the case of the defatted HSA conformer to a ‘nearly independent’ binding in the case of non-defatted HSA conformer. Circular dichroism measurements indicated that ibuprofen and Ole are likely to modify the spatial orientation of DNSA at its binding site. Docking simulations suggest that the long-distance electric repulsion between DNSA and ibuprofen on defatted HSA contributes to a ‘competitive-like’ allosteric interaction, whereas extending the distance between ligands and/or increasing the flexibility or size of the DNSA binding site in fatted HSA evokes a change in the interaction mode to ‘nearly independent’ binding. The present findings provide further insights into the structural dynamics of HSA upon the binding of fatty acids, and its effects on drug binding and drug-drug interactions that occur on HSA.

Intrinsically Disordered Regions in Serum Albumin: What Are They For?

Serum albumin is a major plasma protein in mammalian blood. The importance of this protein lies in its roles in both bioregulation and transport phenomena. Serum albumin binds various metal ions and participates in the transport and storage of fatty acids, bilirubin, steroids amino acids, and many other ligands, usually with regions of hydrophobic surface. Although the primary role of serum albumin is to transport various ligand, its versatile binding capacities and high concentration mean that it can assume a number of additional functions. The major goal of this article is to show how intrinsic disorder is encoded in the amino acid sequence of serum albumin, and how intrinsic disorder is related to functions of this important serum protein.

A principal component analysis of the dynamics of subdomains and binding sites in human serum albumin

The conformational dynamics of human serum albumin (HSA) was investigated by principal component analysis (PCA) applied to three molecular dynamics trajectories of 200 ns each. The overlap of the essential subspaces spanned by the first 10 principal components (PC) of different trajectories was about 0.3 showing that the PCA based on a trajectory length of 200 ns is not completely convergent for this protein. The contributions of the relative motion of subdomains and of the subdomains (internal) distortion to the first 10 PCs were found to be comparable. Based on the distribution of the first 3 PC, 10 protein conformers are identified showing relative root mean square deviations (RMSD) between 2.3 and 4.6 Å. The main PCs are found to be delocalized over the whole protein structure indicating that the motions of different protein subdomains are coupled. This coupling is considered as being related to the allosteric effects observed upon ligand binding to HSA. On the other hand, the first PC of one of the three trajectories describes a conformational transition of the protein domain I that is close to that experimentally observed upon myristate binding. This is a theoretical support for the older hypothesis stating that changes of the protein onformation favorable to binding can precede the ligand complexation. A detailed all atoms PCA performed on the primary Sites 1 and 2 confirms the multiconformational character of the HSA binding sites as well as the significant coupling of their motions.

Heme-based catalytic properties of human serum albumin

Human serum albumin (HSA): (i) controls the plasma oncotic pressure, (ii) modulates fluid distribution between the body compartments, (iii) represents the depot and carrier of endogenous and exogenous compounds, (iv) increases the apparent solubility and lifetime of hydrophobic compounds, (v) affects pharmacokinetics of many drugs, (vi) inactivates toxic compounds, (vii) induces chemical modifications of some ligands, (viii) displays antioxidant properties, and (ix) shows enzymatic properties. Under physiological and pathological conditions, HSA has a pivotal role in heme scavenging transferring the metal-macrocycle from high- and low-density lipoproteins to hemopexin, thus acquiring globin-like reactivity. Here, the heme-based catalytic properties of HSA are reviewed and the structural bases of drug-dependent allosteric regulation are highlighted.

Evaluation of albumin structural modifications through cobalt-albumin binding (CAB) assay

Human serum albumin (HSA) is the most abundant protein in the human body. HSA injections prepared by fractionating human blood have mainly covered the demand for albumin to treat hypoalbuminemia, the state of low concentration of albumin in blood. HSA in solution may exist in various forms such as monomers, oligomers, polymers, or as mixtures, and its conformational change and/or aggregation may occur easily. Considering these characteristics, there is a great chance of modification and polymer formation during the preparation processes of albumin products, especially injections. The albumin cobalt binding (ACB) test reported by Bar-Or et al. was originally designed to detect ischemia modified albumin (IMA), which contains the modified HSA N-terminal sequence by cleavage of the last two amino acids. In this study, we developed a cobalt albumin binding (CAB) assay to correct the flaws of the ACB test with improving the sensitivity and precision. The newly developed CAB assay easily detects albumin configuration alterations and may be able to be used in developing a quality control method for albumin and its pharmaceutical formulations including albumin injections.

The bioanalytical challenge of determining unbound concentration and protein binding for drugs

Knowledge regarding unbound concentrations is of vital importance when exploring the PK and PD of a drug. The accurate and reproducible determination of plasma protein binding and unbound concentrations for a compound/drug is a serious challenge for the bioanalytical laboratory. When the drug is in equilibrium with the binding protein(s), this equilibrium will shift when physiological conditions are not met. Furthermore, the true unbound fraction/concentration is unknown, and there are numerous publications in the scientific literature reporting and discussing data that have been produced without sufficient control of the parameters influencing the equilibrium. In this Review, different parameters affecting the equilibrium and analysis are discussed, together with suggestions on how to control these parameters in order to produce as trustworthy results for unbound concentrations/fractions as possible.

Photoaffinity labeling of plasma proteins

Photoaffinity labeling is a powerful technique for identifying a target protein. A high degree of labeling specificity can be achieved with this method in comparison to chemical labeling. Human serum albumin (HSA) and α₁-acid glycoprotein (AGP) are two plasma proteins that bind a variety of endogenous and exogenous substances. The ligand binding mechanism of these two proteins is complex. Fatty acids, which are known to be transported in plasma by HSA, cause conformational changes and participate in allosteric ligand binding to HSA. HSA undergoes an N-B transition, a conformational change at alkaline pH, that has been reported to result in increased ligand binding. Attempts have been made to investigate the impact of fatty acids and the N-B transition on ligand binding in HSA using ketoprofen and flunitrazepam as photolabeling agents. Meanwhile, plasma AGP is a mixture of genetic variants of the protein. The photolabeling of AGP with flunitrazepam has been utilized to shed light on the topology of the protein ligand binding site. Furthermore, a review of photoaffinity labeling performed on other major plasma proteins will also be discussed. Using a photoreactive natural ligand as a photolabeling agent to identify target protein in the plasma would reduce non-specific labeling.

Reciprocal allosteric modulation of carbon monoxide and warfarin binding to ferrous human serum heme-albumin

Human serum albumin (HSA), the most abundant protein in human plasma, could be considered as a prototypic monomeric allosteric protein, since the ligand-dependent conformational adaptability of HSA spreads beyond the immediate proximity of the binding site(s). As a matter of fact, HSA is a major transport protein in the bloodstream and the regulation of the functional allosteric interrelationships between the different binding sites represents a fundamental information for the knowledge of its transport function. Here, kinetics and thermodynamics of the allosteric modulation: (i) of carbon monoxide (CO) binding to ferrous human serum heme-albumin (HSA-heme-Fe(II)) by warfarin (WF), and (ii) of WF binding to HSA-heme-Fe(II) by CO are reported. All data were obtained at pH 7.0 and 25°C. Kinetics of CO and WF binding to the FA1 and FA7 sites of HSA-heme-Fe(II), respectively, follows a multi-exponential behavior (with the same relative percentage for the two ligands). This can be accounted for by the existence of multiple conformations and/or heme-protein axial coordination forms of HSA-heme-Fe(II). The HSA-heme-Fe(II) populations have been characterized by resonance Raman spectroscopy, indicating the coexistence of different species characterized by four-, five- and six-coordination of the heme-Fe atom. As a whole, these results suggest that: (i) upon CO binding a conformational change of HSA-heme-Fe(II) takes place (likely reflecting the displacement of an endogenous ligand by CO), and (ii) CO and/or WF binding brings about a ligand-dependent variation of the HSA-heme-Fe(II) population distribution of the various coordinating species. The detailed thermodynamic and kinetic analysis here reported allows a quantitative description of the mutual allosteric effect of CO and WF binding to HSA-heme-Fe(II).

Interaction of virstatin with human serum albumin: spectroscopic analysis and molecular modeling

Virstatin is a small molecule that inhibits Vibrio cholerae virulence regulation, the causative agent for cholera. Here we report the interaction of virstatin with human serum albumin (HSA) using various biophysical methods. The drug binding was monitored using different isomeric forms of HSA (N form ∼pH 7.2, B form ∼pH 9.0 and F form ∼pH 3.5) by absorption and fluorescence spectroscopy. There is a considerable quenching of the intrinsic fluorescence of HSA on binding the drug. The distance (r) between donor (Trp214 in HSA) and acceptor (virstatin), obtained from Forster-type fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET), was found to be 3.05 nm. The ITC data revealed that the binding was an enthalpy-driven process and the binding constants K(a) for N and B isomers were found to be 6.09×10(5 )M(-1) and 4.47×10(5) M(-1), respectively. The conformational changes of HSA due to the interaction with the drug were investigated from circular dichroism (CD) and Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. For 1:1 molar ratio of the protein and the drug the far-UV CD spectra showed an increase in α- helicity for all the conformers of HSA, and the protein is stabilized against urea and thermal unfolding. Molecular docking studies revealed possible residues involved in the protein-drug interaction and indicated that virstatin binds to Site I (subdomain IIA), also known as the warfarin binding site.

Comparative spectroscopic studies on drug binding characteristics and protein surface hydrophobicity of native and modified forms of bovine serum albumin: possible relevance to change in protein structure/function upon non-enzymatic glycation

The interaction between serum albumin (SA) and drugs has provided an interesting ground for understanding of drug effects, especially in drug distribution and drug-drug interaction on SA, in the case of multi-drug therapy. Determination of the impact of various factors on drug-protein interaction is especially important upon significant binding of drug to albumin. In the present study, the interaction of two drugs (furosemide and indomethacin) with native and modified albumins were investigated by using various spectroscopic methods. Fluorescence data indicated that 1:1 binding of drugs to bovine serum albumin (BSA) is associated with quenching of albumin intrinsic fluorescence. The Job's plot also confirmed that drug binds to BSA via mentioned stoichiometry. Analysis of the quenching and thermodynamic parameters indicated that intermolecular interactions between drug and albumin may change upon protein modification. The theoretical analyses also suggested some conformational changes of interacting side chains in subdomain IIA binding site (at the vicinity of W237), which were in good agreement with experimental data. Decrease of protein surface hydrophobicity (PSH) was also observed upon both albumin modification and drug binding.

pH-dependent complexation of histamine H1 receptor antagonists and human serum albumin studied by UV resonance Raman spectroscopy

UV resonance Raman spectroscopy was used to characterize the binding of three first-generation histamine H(1) receptor antagonists-tripelennamine (TRP), mepyramine (MEP), and brompheniramine (BPA)-to human serum albumin (HSA) at pH 7.2 and pH 9.0. Binding constants differ at these pH values, which can be ascribed to the different extent of protonation of the ethylamino side chain of the ligands. We have recently shown [Tardioli et al. J. Raman Spectrosc. 2011, 42, 1016-1024] that for the solution conformation of TRP and MEP the side chain plays an important role by allowing an internal hydrogen bond with the aminopyridine nitrogen in TRP and MEP. Results presented in this paper suggest that the existence of such molecular structures has serious biological significance on the binding affinity of those ligands to HSA. At pH 7.2, only the stretched conformers of protonated TRP and MEP bind in HSA binding site I. Using UV absorption data, we derived binding constants for the neutral and protonated forms of TRP to HSA. The neutral species seems to be conjugated to a positive group of the protein, affecting both the tryptophan W214 and some of the tyrosine (Y) vibrations. BPA, for which the structure with an intramolecular hydrogen bonded side chain is not possible, is H bound to the indole ring nitrogen of W214, of which the side chain rotates over a certain angle to accommodate the drug in site I. We propose that the protonated BPA is also bound in site I, where the Y150 residue stabilizes the presence of this compound in the binding pocket. No spectroscopic evidence was found for conformational changes of the protein affecting the spectroscopic properties of W and Y in this pH range.

A molecular mechanism for modulating plasma Zn speciation by fatty acids

Albumin transports both fatty acids and zinc in plasma. Competitive binding studied by isothermal titration calorimetry revealed that physiologically relevant levels of fatty acids modulate the Zn-binding capacity of albumin, with far-reaching implications for biological zinc speciation. The molecular mechanism for this effect is likely due to a large conformational change elicited by fatty acid binding to a high-affinity interdomain site that disrupts at least one Zn site. Albumin may be a molecular device to "translate" certain aspects of the organismal energy state into global zinc signals.

Human serum albumin: from bench to bedside

Human serum albumin (HSA), the most abundant protein in plasma, is a monomeric multi-domain macromolecule, representing the main determinant of plasma oncotic pressure and the main modulator of fluid distribution between body compartments. HSA displays an extraordinary ligand binding capacity, providing a depot and carrier for many endogenous and exogenous compounds. Indeed, HSA represents the main carrier for fatty acids, affects pharmacokinetics of many drugs, provides the metabolic modification of some ligands, renders potential toxins harmless, accounts for most of the anti-oxidant capacity of human plasma, and displays (pseudo-)enzymatic properties. HSA is a valuable biomarker of many diseases, including cancer, rheumatoid arthritis, ischemia, post-menopausal obesity, severe acute graft-versus-host disease, and diseases that need monitoring of the glycemic control. Moreover, HSA is widely used clinically to treat several diseases, including hypovolemia, shock, burns, surgical blood loss, trauma, hemorrhage, cardiopulmonary bypass, acute respiratory distress syndrome, hemodialysis, acute liver failure, chronic liver disease, nutrition support, resuscitation, and hypoalbuminemia. Recently, biotechnological applications of HSA, including implantable biomaterials, surgical adhesives and sealants, biochromatography, ligand trapping, and fusion proteins, have been reported. Here, genetic, biochemical, biomedical, and biotechnological aspects of HSA are reviewed.

Histidine146 of human serum albumin plays a prominent role at the interface of subdomains IA and IIA in allosteric ligand binding

Fatty acids are endogenous ligands of human serum albumin (HSA) that induce conformational changes and participate in allosteric ligand binding to HSA. In a previous study, we showed that, when myristate (MYR) is present, the binding of [(14) C]ketoprofen (KP) to subdomain IA of HSA was increased, indicating that, when MYR binds to HSA, a new binding site in formed in that region. Meanwhile, an N-B transition has been reported to increase the binding of ligands at alkaline pH when the status of albumin is the B-conformer. Six histidine single mutants of HSA, H9A, H39A, H67A, H105A, H128A and H146A were produced and photolabeled with [(14) C]KP at pH 6.5, 7.4 and 8.2 and the role of each histidine in causing the N-B transition induced allosteric ligand binding was examined. Cyanogen bromide cleavage of the photolabeled native HSA showed that subdomain IA was the site of the allosteric binding of KP at pH 8.2. From the photolabeling results, H146 was found to play a prominent role whilst H128 played little or no role in the allosteric binding. However, the remaining 4 mutants did not show a clear photolabeling pattern that was similar to either native HSA or H146A and, as a result, no firm conclusions can be made. An additional histidine mutant, H146I, was produced to confirm the results for H146A. A similar experiment using H146I showed that a benzene ring-like structure at position 146 is required for the allosteric ligand binding to occur.

Binding of anti-Parkinson's disease drugs to human serum albumin is allosterically modulated

Binding of drugs to plasma proteins is an important determinant for their efficacy because it modulates drug availability to the intended target. Co-administered drugs may bind to the same protein site or to different functionally linked clefts following competitive and allosteric mechanisms. Here, we report a thermodynamic and computational characterization of the binding mode of apomorphine and benserazide, two therapeutic agents co-administered in the treatment of Parkinson's disease, to human serum albumin (HSA). Apomorphine binds to HSA with a simple equilibrium (K(d) = 3.1 x 10(-6) M). Conversely, benserazide binds to HSA with two independent equilibria (K(d1)< or = 10(-6) M and K(d2) = 5.0 x 10(-5) M). Values of K(d) and K(d2) increase to 1.5 x 10(-5) M and 5.0 x 10(-4) M, respectively, in the presence of heme. Accordingly, the K(d) value for heme binding to HSA increases from 5.0 x 10(-7) M to 4.8 x 10(-6) M and 9.2 x 10(-7) M, in the presence of saturating amounts of apomorphine and benserazide, respectively. The K(d1) value for benserazide binding to HSA is not affected by heme binding, whereas apomorphine and benserazide inhibit warfarin binding to HSA, and vice versa. Therefore, apomorphine and the second benserazide molecule bind to the warfarin site, allosterically linked to the heme site. Simulated docking of apomorphine and benserazide into the warfarin site provides favorable values of intermolecular energy (-23.0 kJ mol(-1) and -15.2 kJ mol(-1), respectively). Considering the apomorphine, benserazide, and HSA-heme plasma levels and the possible co-administration of warfarin, these results appear relevant in the management of patients affected by Parkinson's disease.

Ibuprofen impairs allosterically peroxynitrite isomerization by ferric human serum heme-albumin

Human serum albumin (HSA) participates in heme scavenging; in turn, heme endows HSA with myoglobin-like reactivity and spectroscopic properties. Here, the allosteric effect of ibuprofen on peroxynitrite isomerization to NO(3)(-) catalyzed by ferric human serum heme-albumin (HSA-heme-Fe(III)) is reported. Data were obtained at 22.0 degrees C. HSA-heme-Fe(III) catalyzes peroxynitrite isomerization in the absence and presence of CO(2); the values of the second order catalytic rate constant (k(on)) are 4.1 x 10(5) and 4.5 x 10(5) m(-1) s(-1), respectively. Moreover, HSA-heme-Fe(III) prevents peroxynitrite-mediated nitration of free added l-tyrosine. The pH dependence of k(on) (pK(a) = 6.9) suggests that peroxynitrous acid reacts preferentially with the heme-Fe(III) atom, in the absence and presence of CO(2). The HSA-heme-Fe(III)-catalyzed isomerization of peroxynitrite has been ascribed to the reactive pentacoordinated heme-Fe(III) atom. In the absence and presence of CO(2), ibuprofen impairs dose-dependently peroxynitrite isomerization by HSA-heme-Fe(III) and facilitates the nitration of free added l-tyrosine; the value of the dissociation equilibrium constant for ibuprofen binding to HSA-heme-Fe(III) (L) ranges between 7.7 x 10(-4) and 9.7 x 10(-4) m. Under conditions where [ibuprofen] is >>L, the kinetics of HSA-heme-Fe(III)-catalyzed isomerization of peroxynitrite is superimposable to that obtained in the absence of HSA-heme-Fe(III) or in the presence of non-catalytic HSA-heme-Fe(III)-cyanide complex and HSA. Ibuprofen binding impairs allosterically peroxynitrite isomerization by HSA-heme-Fe(III), inducing the hexacoordination of the heme-Fe(III) atom. These results represent the first evidence for peroxynitrite isomerization by HSA-heme-Fe(III), highlighting the allosteric modulation of HSA-heme-Fe(III) reactivity by heterotropic interaction(s), and outlining the role of drugs in modulating HSA functions. The present results could be relevant for the drug-dependent protective role of HSA-heme-Fe(III) in vivo.

Albumin stabilizes (-)-epigallocatechin gallate in human serum: binding capacity and antioxidant property

(-)-Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCg) is the major component of green tea and is known to show strong biological activity, although it can be easily oxidized under physiological conditions. In this study, we indicate that EGCg is stable in human serum and that human serum albumin (HSA) stabilizes EGCg under aerobic condition. Although EGCg is usually decomposed within 1 h in aqueous solution at neutral pH, EGCg in serum and phosphate buffer (pH 7.4) containing HSA was stable over 1 h, even at neutral and slightly alkaline pH. Under these conditions, EGCg binds to HSA non-covalently. The sulfhydryl group acts as an antioxidant for EGCg oxidation. Incubation of EGCg with HSA is accompanied by the oxidation of a free sulfhydryl group in HSA. These results suggest that the antioxidant property and the binding capacity of HSA contribute to the stabilization of EGCg in human serum.

Structure, properties, and engineering of the major zinc binding site on human albumin

Most blood plasma zinc is bound to albumin, but the structure of the binding site has not been determined. Zn K-edge extended x-ray absorption fine structure spectroscopy and modeling studies show that the major Zn(2+) site on albumin is a 5-coordinate site with average Zn-O/N distances of 1.98 A and a weak sixth O/N bond of 2.48 A, consistent with coordination to His(67) and Asn(99) from domain I, His(247) and Asp(249) from domain II (residues conserved in all sequenced mammalian albumins), plus a water ligand. The dynamics of the domain I/II interface, thought to be important to biological function, are affected by Zn(2+) binding, which induces cooperative allosteric effects related to those of the pH-dependent neutral-to-base transition. N99D and N99H mutations enhance Zn(2+) binding but alter protein stability, whereas mutation of His(67) to alanine removes an interdomain H-bond and weakens Zn(2+) binding. Both wild-type and mutant albumins promote the safe management of high micromolar zinc concentrations for cells in cultures.

[Study on binding of drug to serum protein]

After being distributed in the circulating blood, drugs bind to serum proteins varying degrees. In general, such binding is reversible, and a dynamic equilibrium exists between the bound and unbound molecular species. It is believed that unless there is a specific transport system (e.g. receptor-mediated endocytosis, protein-mediated transport), only unbound drugs are able to penetrate through biomembranes, are distributed to tissues, and undergo metabolism and glomerular filtration. It is also believed that only unbound molecules present in target tissues can exert their pharmacological effects, and that the concentration of unbound molecules in tissues is in proportion to the drug serum concentration. Therefore, drug-serum protein binding is critically involved in the manifestation of the pharmacological effects of a drug as well as its pharmacokinetics. Among serum proteins, human serum albumin (HSA) and alpha(1)-acid glycoprotein (AGP) play important roles in protein binding for many drugs, which is of key importance to drug distribution in the body. In addition, they are widely used in clinical settings as blood preparations and drug delivery system carriers. It is thus of great importance from the viewpoint of pharmaceutical science to clarify the structure, function, and pharmaceutical properties of HSA and AGP. Accordingly, since starting my laboratory, the focus of my research has involved molecular pharmaceutical studies on the interactions of drugs and HSA and AGP for the purpose of applying these findings to clinical fields, such as drug treatment, diagnosis and drug discovery. In this review, the molecular properties of HSA and AGP will be briefly outlined. The static and dynamic topology of drug binding sites on these proteins, investigated by various spectroscopic techniques, X-ray crystallography, quantitative structure-activity relationships, molecular modeling, photo affinity labeling, site-directed mutagenesis etc., changes in the serum protein binding of drugs in pathological conditions, such as liver and kidney failure and various inflammation diseases and factors contributing to the changes will then be summarized. Finally, cases in which protein binding displacement can be applied to medical fields will also be introduced.

Association mechanism of four acetylcholinesterase inhibitors (AChEIs) with human serum albumin: a biochromatographic approach

In this work, the interaction of a series of acetylcholinesterase inhibitors (AChEIs; donepezil, galanthamine, huperzine and neostigmine) with human serum albumin (HSA) immobilized on porous silica particles was studied using a biochromatographic approach. For all the tested AChEI molecules, linear retention plots were observed at all temperatures. An analysis of the thermodynamics (i.e. enthalpy (DeltaH degrees ), entropy ((S degrees *)) of the interaction of the AChEI molecules with the immobilized human serum albumin was also carried out. The (H degrees and (S degrees * values for donepezil, galanthamine and neostigmine, were negative due to van der Waals interactions and hydrogen bonding which govern this association with albumin. Whereas the positive values of (H degrees and (S degrees * of huperzine binding on HSA indicated a predominance of hydrophobic interactions. The association of AChEIs with HSA was increased linearly with pH. A comparative thermodynamic study with benzodiazepine molecules was also done to determine the potential binding site of these drugs on HSA.

Modulation of heme and myristate binding to human serum albumin by anti-HIV drugs. An optical and NMR spectroscopic study

Human serum albumin (HSA) has an extraordinary ligand-binding capacity, and transports Fe(III)heme and medium- and long-chain fatty acids. In human immunodeficiency virus-infected patients the administered drugs bind to HSA and act as allosteric effectors. Here, the binding of Fe(III)heme to HSA in the presence of three representative anti-HIV drugs and myristate is investigated. Values of the dissociation equilibrium constant K(d) for Fe(III)heme binding to HSA were determined at different myristate concentrations, in the absence and presence of anti-HIV drugs. Nuclear magnetic relaxation dispersion profiles of HSA-Fe(III)heme were measured, at different myristate concentrations, in the absence and presence of anti-HIV drugs. Structural bases for anti-HIV drug binding to HSA are provided by automatic docking simulation. Abacavir and nevirapine bind to HSA with K(d) values of 1 x 10(-6) and 2 x 10(-6) M, respectively. Therefore, at concentrations used in therapy (in the 1-5 x 10(-6) M range) abacavir and nevirapine bind to HSA and increase the affinity of heme for HSA. In the presence of abacavir or nevirapine, the affinity is not lowered by myristate. FA7 should therefore be intended as a secondary binding site for abacavir and nevirapine. Binding of atazanavir is limited by the large size of the drug, although preferential binding may be envisaged to a site positively coupled with FA1 and FA2, and negatively coupled to FA7. As a whole, these results provide a foundation for the comprehension of the complex network of links modulating HSA-binding properties.

Effect of prototypic drugs ibuprofen and warfarin on global chaotropic unfolding of human serum heme-albumin: A fast-field-cycling 1H-NMR relaxometric study

Human serum albumin (HSA) is the most prominent protein in plasma, but it is also found in tissues and secretions throughout the body. The three-domain design of HSA provides a variety of binding sites for many ligands, including heme and drugs. HSA has been used as a model multidomain protein to investigate how interdomain interactions affect the global folding/unfolding process. Here, we report on the reversible chemical denaturation of heme-HSA involving three different conformational states (F, N, and B, occurring at pH 4.0, 7.0, and 9.0, respectively) and on the effect of prototypic drugs ibuprofen and warfarin on thermodynamics of the reversible unfolding process. Chaotropic unfolding of heme-HSA in the F, N, and B conformations is governed by different thermodynamic regimes, with the B form showing an entropic stabilization of the structure that compensates an enthalpic destabilization, and the F form easily unfolding under entropic control. Warfarin and ibuprofen binding stabilizes heme-HSA in both N and B states.

Energetics and Conformational Changes upon Complexation of a Phenothiazine Drug with Human Serum Albumin

The interactions and complexation process of the amphiphilic phenothiazine fluphenazine hydrochloride with human serum albumin in aqueous buffered solutions of pH 3.0 and 7.4 have been examined by zeta-potential, isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC), UV-vis spectroscopy, and dynamic light scattering (DLS) techniques with the aim of analyzing the effect of hydrophobic and electrostatic forces on the complexation process and the alteration of protein conformation upon binding. Thus, the energetics and stoichiometry of the binding process were derived from ITC data. The enthalpies of binding obtained are small and exothermic, so the Gibbs energies of binding are dominated by large increases in entropy, consistent with hydrophobic interactions at a acidic pH. However, at physiological pH, binding to the first class of binding sites is dominated by an enthalpic contribution due to the existence of electrostatic interactions and probably some hydrogen bonding. Binding isotherms were obtained from microcalorimetric data by using a theoretical model based on the Langmuir isotherm. zeta-Potential data showed a reversal in the sign of the protein charge at pH 7.4, as a consequence of the binding of the drug to the protein. Gibbs energies of drug binding per mole of drug were also derived from zeta-potential data. On the other hand, binding of the phenothiazine that causes a conformational transition on the protein structure was followed as a function of drug concentration using UV-vis spectroscopy, and the data were analyzed to obtain the Gibbs energy of the transition in water (deltaG(degree)w) and in a hydrophobic environment (deltaG(degree)hc). Finally, the population distribution of the different species in solution and the size of the complexes were analyzed through dynamic light scattering. The existence of an aggregation process of drug/protein complexes, as a consequence of the expanded structure of the protein induced by the drug and subsequent further binding, is in agreement with ITC data. In addition, detection of drug aggregates at concentrations below the drug critical micelle concentration was also detected by this technique.