1
|
Bibollet H, Kramer A, Bannister RA, Hernández-Ochoa EO. Advances in Ca V1.1 gating: New insights into permeation and voltage-sensing mechanisms. Channels (Austin) 2023; 17:2167569. [PMID: 36642864 PMCID: PMC9851209 DOI: 10.1080/19336950.2023.2167569] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2022] [Accepted: 01/09/2023] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
The CaV1.1 voltage-gated Ca2+ channel carries L-type Ca2+ current and is the voltage-sensor for excitation-contraction (EC) coupling in skeletal muscle. Significant breakthroughs in the EC coupling field have often been close on the heels of technological advancement. In particular, CaV1.1 was the first voltage-gated Ca2+ channel to be cloned, the first ion channel to have its gating current measured and the first ion channel to have an effectively null animal model. Though these innovations have provided invaluable information regarding how CaV1.1 detects changes in membrane potential and transmits intra- and inter-molecular signals which cause opening of the channel pore and support Ca2+ release from the sarcoplasmic reticulum remain elusive. Here, we review current perspectives on this topic including the recent application of functional site-directed fluorometry.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hugo Bibollet
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Audra Kramer
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Roger A. Bannister
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Department of Pathology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Erick O. Hernández-Ochoa
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Characterising ion channel structure and dynamics using fluorescence spectroscopy techniques. Biochem Soc Trans 2022; 50:1427-1445. [DOI: 10.1042/bst20220605] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2022] [Revised: 09/21/2022] [Accepted: 10/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Ion channels undergo major conformational changes that lead to channel opening and ion conductance. Deciphering these structure-function relationships is paramount to understanding channel physiology and pathophysiology. Cryo-electron microscopy, crystallography and computer modelling provide atomic-scale snapshots of channel conformations in non-cellular environments but lack dynamic information that can be linked to functional results. Biophysical techniques such as electrophysiology, on the other hand, provide functional data with no structural information of the processes involved. Fluorescence spectroscopy techniques help bridge this gap in simultaneously obtaining structure-function correlates. These include voltage-clamp fluorometry, Förster resonance energy transfer, ligand binding assays, single molecule fluorescence and their variations. These techniques can be employed to unearth several features of ion channel behaviour. For instance, they provide real time information on local and global rearrangements that are inherent to channel properties. They also lend insights in trafficking, expression, and assembly of ion channels on the membrane surface. These methods have the advantage that they can be carried out in either native or heterologous systems. In this review, we briefly explain the principles of fluorescence and how these have been translated to study ion channel function. We also report several recent advances in fluorescence spectroscopy that has helped address and improve our understanding of the biophysical behaviours of different ion channel families.
Collapse
|
3
|
Yüksel S, Bonus M, Schwabe T, Pfleger C, Zimmer T, Enke U, Saß I, Gohlke H, Benndorf K, Kusch J. Uncoupling of Voltage- and Ligand-Induced Activation in HCN2 Channels by Glycine Inserts. Front Physiol 2022; 13:895324. [PMID: 36091400 PMCID: PMC9452628 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2022.895324] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2022] [Accepted: 06/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Hyperpolarization-activated cyclic nucleotide-modulated (HCN) channels are tetramers that generate electrical rhythmicity in special brain neurons and cardiomyocytes. The channels are activated by membrane hyperpolarization. The binding of cAMP to the four available cyclic nucleotide-binding domains (CNBD) enhances channel activation. We analyzed in the present study the mechanism of how the effect of cAMP binding is transmitted to the pore domain. Our strategy was to uncouple the C-linker (CL) from the channel core by inserting one to five glycine residues between the S6 gate and the A′-helix (constructs 1G to 5G). We quantified in full-length HCN2 channels the resulting functional effects of the inserted glycines by current activation as well as the structural dynamics and statics using molecular dynamics simulations and Constraint Network Analysis. We show functionally that already in 1G the cAMP effect on activation is lost and that with the exception of 3G and 5G the concentration-activation relationships are shifted to depolarized voltages with respect to HCN2. The strongest effect was found for 4G. Accordingly, the activation kinetics were accelerated by all constructs, again with the strongest effect in 4G. The simulations reveal that the average residue mobility of the CL and CNBD domains is increased in all constructs and that the junction between the S6 and A′-helix is turned into a flexible hinge, resulting in a destabilized gate in all constructs. Moreover, for 3G and 4G, there is a stronger downward displacement of the CL-CNBD than in HCN2 and the other constructs, resulting in an increased kink angle between S6 and A′-helix, which in turn loosens contacts between the S4-helix and the CL. This is suggested to promote a downward movement of the S4-helix, similar to the effect of hyperpolarization. In addition, exclusively in 4G, the selectivity filter in the upper pore region and parts of the S4-helix are destabilized. The results provide new insights into the intricate activation of HCN2 channels.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sezin Yüksel
- Universitätsklinikum Jena, Institut für Physiologie II, Jena, Germany
| | - Michele Bonus
- Institut für Pharmazeutische und Medizinische Chemie, Heinrich-Heine-Universität Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Tina Schwabe
- Universitätsklinikum Jena, Institut für Physiologie II, Jena, Germany
| | - Christopher Pfleger
- Institut für Pharmazeutische und Medizinische Chemie, Heinrich-Heine-Universität Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Thomas Zimmer
- Universitätsklinikum Jena, Institut für Physiologie II, Jena, Germany
| | - Uta Enke
- Universitätsklinikum Jena, Institut für Physiologie II, Jena, Germany
| | - Inga Saß
- Universitätsklinikum Jena, Institut für Physiologie II, Jena, Germany
| | - Holger Gohlke
- Institut für Pharmazeutische und Medizinische Chemie, Heinrich-Heine-Universität Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
- John von Neumann Institute for Computing (NIC), Jülich Supercomputing Centre (JSC), Institute of Biological Information Processing (IBI-7: Structural Biochemistry) and Institute of Bio- and Geosciences (IBG-4: Bioinformatics), Forschungszentrum Jülich GmbH, Jülich, Germany
- *Correspondence: Holger Gohlke, ; Klaus Benndorf, ; Jana Kusch,
| | - Klaus Benndorf
- Universitätsklinikum Jena, Institut für Physiologie II, Jena, Germany
- *Correspondence: Holger Gohlke, ; Klaus Benndorf, ; Jana Kusch,
| | - Jana Kusch
- Universitätsklinikum Jena, Institut für Physiologie II, Jena, Germany
- *Correspondence: Holger Gohlke, ; Klaus Benndorf, ; Jana Kusch,
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Münch JL, Paul F, Schmauder R, Benndorf K. Bayesian inference of kinetic schemes for ion channels by Kalman filtering. eLife 2022; 11:e62714. [PMID: 35506659 PMCID: PMC9342998 DOI: 10.7554/elife.62714] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2020] [Accepted: 04/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Inferring adequate kinetic schemes for ion channel gating from ensemble currents is a daunting task due to limited information in the data. We address this problem by using a parallelized Bayesian filter to specify hidden Markov models for current and fluorescence data. We demonstrate the flexibility of this algorithm by including different noise distributions. Our generalized Kalman filter outperforms both a classical Kalman filter and a rate equation approach when applied to patch-clamp data exhibiting realistic open-channel noise. The derived generalization also enables inclusion of orthogonal fluorescence data, making unidentifiable parameters identifiable and increasing the accuracy of the parameter estimates by an order of magnitude. By using Bayesian highest credibility volumes, we found that our approach, in contrast to the rate equation approach, yields a realistic uncertainty quantification. Furthermore, the Bayesian filter delivers negligibly biased estimates for a wider range of data quality. For some data sets, it identifies more parameters than the rate equation approach. These results also demonstrate the power of assessing the validity of algorithms by Bayesian credibility volumes in general. Finally, we show that our Bayesian filter is more robust against errors induced by either analog filtering before analog-to-digital conversion or by limited time resolution of fluorescence data than a rate equation approach.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jan L Münch
- Institut für Physiologie II, Universitätsklinikum Jena, Friedrich Schiller University JenaJenaGermany
| | - Fabian Paul
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of ChicagoChicagoUnited States
| | - Ralf Schmauder
- Institut für Physiologie II, Universitätsklinikum Jena, Friedrich Schiller University JenaJenaGermany
| | - Klaus Benndorf
- Institut für Physiologie II, Universitätsklinikum Jena, Friedrich Schiller University JenaJenaGermany
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Sattler C, Benndorf K. Enlightening activation gating in P2X receptors. Purinergic Signal 2022; 18:177-191. [PMID: 35188598 PMCID: PMC9123132 DOI: 10.1007/s11302-022-09850-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2021] [Accepted: 02/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
P2X receptors are trimeric nonselective cation channels gated by ATP. They assemble from seven distinct subunit isoforms as either homo- or heteromeric complexes and contain three extracellularly located binding sites for ATP. P2X receptors are expressed in nearly all tissues and are there involved in physiological processes like synaptic transmission, pain, and inflammation. Thus, they are a challenging pharmacological target. The determination of crystal and cryo-EM structures of several isoforms in the last decade in closed, open, and desensitized states has provided a firm basis for interpreting the huge amount of functional and biochemical data. Electrophysiological characterization in conjugation with optical approaches has generated significant insights into structure–function relationships of P2X receptors. This review focuses on novel optical and related approaches to better understand the conformational changes underlying the activation of these receptors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Christian Sattler
- Institut Für Physiologie II, Universitätsklinikum Jena, Friedrich-Schiller-Universität Jena, 07740, Jena, Germany.
| | - Klaus Benndorf
- Institut Für Physiologie II, Universitätsklinikum Jena, Friedrich-Schiller-Universität Jena, 07740, Jena, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Kolobkova Y, Pervaiz S, Stauber T. The expanding toolbox to study the LRRC8-formed volume-regulated anion channel VRAC. CURRENT TOPICS IN MEMBRANES 2021; 88:119-163. [PMID: 34862024 DOI: 10.1016/bs.ctm.2021.10.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
The volume-regulated anion channel (VRAC) is activated upon cell swelling and facilitates the passive movement of anions across the plasma membrane in cells. VRAC function underlies many critical homeostatic processes in vertebrate cells. Among them are the regulation of cell volume and membrane potential, glutamate release and apoptosis. VRAC is also permeable for organic osmolytes and metabolites including some anti-cancer drugs and antibiotics. Therefore, a fundamental understanding of VRAC's structure-function relationships, its physiological roles, its utility for therapy of diseases, and the development of compounds modulating its activity are important research frontiers. Here, we describe approaches that have been applied to study VRAC since it was first described more than 30 years ago, providing an overview of the recent methodological progress. The diverse applications reflecting a compromise between the physiological situation, biochemical definition, and biophysical resolution range from the study of VRAC activity using a classic electrophysiology approach, to the measurement of osmolytes transport by various means and the investigation of its activation using a novel biophysical approach based on fluorescence resonance energy transfer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yulia Kolobkova
- Department of Human Medicine and Institute for Molecular Medicine, MSH Medical School Hamburg, Germany
| | - Sumaira Pervaiz
- Institute of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Freie Universität Berlin, Germany
| | - Tobias Stauber
- Department of Human Medicine and Institute for Molecular Medicine, MSH Medical School Hamburg, Germany; Institute of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Freie Universität Berlin, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Pipatpolkai T, Quetschlich D, Stansfeld PJ. From Bench to Biomolecular Simulation: Phospholipid Modulation of Potassium Channels. J Mol Biol 2021; 433:167105. [PMID: 34139216 PMCID: PMC8361781 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmb.2021.167105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2021] [Revised: 06/09/2021] [Accepted: 06/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/05/2022]
Abstract
Potassium (K+) ion channels are crucial in numerous cellular processes as they hyperpolarise a cell through K+ conductance, returning a cell to its resting potential. K+ channel mutations result in multiple clinical complications such as arrhythmia, neonatal diabetes and migraines. Since 1995, the regulation of K+ channels by phospholipids has been heavily studied using a range of interdisciplinary methods such as cellular electrophysiology, structural biology and computational modelling. As a result, K+ channels are model proteins for the analysis of protein-lipid interactions. In this review, we will focus on the roles of lipids in the regulation of K+ channels, and how atomic-level structures, along with experimental techniques and molecular simulations, have helped guide our understanding of the importance of phospholipid interactions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tanadet Pipatpolkai
- Department of Biochemistry, South Parks Road, Oxford OX1 3QU, UK; Department of Physiology Anatomy and Genetics, Parks Road, Oxford OX1 3PT, UK; OXION Initiative in Ion Channels and Disease, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 3PT, UK
| | - Daniel Quetschlich
- Department of Biochemistry, South Parks Road, Oxford OX1 3QU, UK; Department of Chemistry, South Parks Road, Oxford OX1 3QZ, UK
| | - Phillip J Stansfeld
- School of Life Sciences & Department of Chemistry, University of Warwick, Coventry CV4 7AL, UK.
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Abstract
Fluorescence spectroscopy and microscopy are non-destructive methods that provide real-time measurements of ion channel structural dynamics. As such, they constitute a direct path linking the high-resolution structural models from X-ray crystallography and cryo-electron microscopy with the high-resolution functional data from ionic current measurements. The utility of fluorescence as a reporter of channel structure is limited by the palette of available fluorophores. Thiol-reactive fluorophores are small and bright, but are restricted in terms of the positions on a protein that can be labeled and present significant issues with background incorporation. Genetically encoded fluorescent protein tags are specific to a protein of interest, but are very large and usually only used to label the free N- and C-termini of proteins. L-3-(6-acetylnaphthalen-2-ylamino)-2-aminopropionic acid (ANAP) is a fluorescent amino acid that can be specifically incorporated into virtually any site on a protein of interest using amber stop-codon suppression. Due to its environmental sensitivity and potential as a donor in fluorescence resonance energy transfer experiments, it has been adopted by numerous investigators to study voltage, ligand, and temperature-dependent activation of a host of ion channels. Simultaneous measurements of ionic currents and ANAP fluorescence yield exceptional mechanistic insights into channel function. In this chapter, I will summarize the current literature regarding ANAP and ion channels and discuss the practical aspects of using ANAP, including potential pitfalls and confounds.
Collapse
|
9
|
Pfleger C, Kusch J, Kondapuram M, Schwabe T, Sattler C, Benndorf K, Gohlke H. Allosteric signaling in C-linker and cyclic nucleotide-binding domain of HCN2 channels. Biophys J 2021; 120:950-963. [PMID: 33515603 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpj.2021.01.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2020] [Revised: 01/04/2021] [Accepted: 01/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Opening of hyperpolarization-activated cyclic nucleotide-modulated (HCN) channels is controlled by membrane hyperpolarization and binding of cyclic nucleotides to the tetrameric cyclic nucleotide-binding domain (CNBD), attached to the C-linker (CL) disk. Confocal patch-clamp fluorometry revealed pronounced cooperativity of ligand binding among protomers. However, by which pathways allosteric signal transmission occurs remained elusive. Here, we investigate how changes in the structural dynamics of the CL-CNBD of mouse HCN2 upon cAMP binding relate to inter- and intrasubunit signal transmission. Applying a rigidity-theory-based approach, we identify two intersubunit and one intrasubunit pathways that differ in allosteric coupling strength between cAMP-binding sites or toward the CL. These predictions agree with results from electrophysiological and patch-clamp fluorometry experiments. Our results map out distinct routes within the CL-CNBD that modulate different cAMP-binding responses in HCN2 channels. They signify that functionally relevant submodules may exist within and across structurally discernable subunits in HCN channels.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Christopher Pfleger
- Mathematisch-Naturwissenschaftliche Fakultät, Institut für Pharmazeutische und Medizinische Chemie, Heinrich-Heine-Universität Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Jana Kusch
- Institute of Physiology II, Jena University Hospital, Jena, Germany
| | | | - Tina Schwabe
- Institute of Physiology II, Jena University Hospital, Jena, Germany
| | | | - Klaus Benndorf
- Institute of Physiology II, Jena University Hospital, Jena, Germany
| | - Holger Gohlke
- Mathematisch-Naturwissenschaftliche Fakultät, Institut für Pharmazeutische und Medizinische Chemie, Heinrich-Heine-Universität Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany; John von Neumann Institute for Computing, Jülich Supercomputing Centre, and Institute of Biological Information Processing (IBI-7, Structural Biochemistry), Forschungszentrum Jülich, Jülich, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Yang F, Xu L, Lee BH, Xiao X, Yarov‐Yarovoy V, Zheng J. An Unorthodox Mechanism Underlying Voltage Sensitivity of TRPV1 Ion Channel. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2020; 7:2000575. [PMID: 33101845 PMCID: PMC7578911 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202000575] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2020] [Revised: 08/05/2020] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
While the capsaicin receptor transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 (TRPV1) channel is a polymodal nociceptor for heat, capsaicin, and protons, the channel's responses to each of these stimuli are profoundly regulated by membrane potential, damping or even prohibiting its response at negative voltages and amplifying its response at positive voltages. Therefore, voltage sensitivity of TRPV1 is anticipated to play an important role in shaping pain responses. How voltage regulates TRPV1 activation remains unknown. Here, it is shown that voltage sensitivity does not originate from the S4 segment like classic voltage-gated ion channels; instead, outer pore acidic residues directly partake in voltage-sensitive activation, with their negative charges collectively constituting the observed gating charges. Outer pore gating-charge movement is titratable by extracellular pH and is allosterically coupled to channel activation, likely by influencing the upper gate in the ion selectivity filter. Elucidating this unorthodox voltage-gating process provides a mechanistic foundation for understanding TRPV1 polymodal gating and opens the door to novel approaches regulating channel activity for pain management.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Fan Yang
- Department of Biophysics, and Kidney Disease Center of the First Affiliated HospitalZhejiang University School of Medicine866 Yuhangtang RoadHangzhouZhejiang310058China
- Department of Physiology and Membrane BiologyUniversity of California, DavisOne Shields AvenueDavisCA95616USA
| | - Lizhen Xu
- Department of Biophysics, and Kidney Disease Center of the First Affiliated HospitalZhejiang University School of Medicine866 Yuhangtang RoadHangzhouZhejiang310058China
| | - Bo Hyun Lee
- Department of Physiology and Membrane BiologyUniversity of California, DavisOne Shields AvenueDavisCA95616USA
| | - Xian Xiao
- Department of Physiology and Membrane BiologyUniversity of California, DavisOne Shields AvenueDavisCA95616USA
- School of Life Sciences, Westlake Institute for Advanced StudyWestlake UniversityShilongshan Road No. 18, Xihu DistrictHangzhouZhejiang310064China
| | - Vladimir Yarov‐Yarovoy
- Department of Physiology and Membrane BiologyUniversity of California, DavisOne Shields AvenueDavisCA95616USA
| | - Jie Zheng
- Department of Physiology and Membrane BiologyUniversity of California, DavisOne Shields AvenueDavisCA95616USA
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Braun N, Sheikh ZP, Pless SA. The current chemical biology tool box for studying ion channels. J Physiol 2020; 598:4455-4471. [DOI: 10.1113/jp276695] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2020] [Accepted: 07/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- N. Braun
- Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology University of Copenhagen Jagtvej 160 Copenhagen 2100 Denmark
| | - Z. P. Sheikh
- Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology University of Copenhagen Jagtvej 160 Copenhagen 2100 Denmark
| | - S. A. Pless
- Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology University of Copenhagen Jagtvej 160 Copenhagen 2100 Denmark
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Zeng SL, Sudlow LC, Berezin MY. Using Xenopus oocytes in neurological disease drug discovery. Expert Opin Drug Discov 2019; 15:39-52. [PMID: 31674217 DOI: 10.1080/17460441.2020.1682993] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Introduction: Neurological diseases present a difficult challenge in drug discovery. Many of the current treatments have limited efficiency or result in a variety of debilitating side effects. The search of new therapies is of a paramount importance, since the number of patients that require a better treatment is growing rapidly. As an in vitro model, Xenopus oocytes provide the drug developer with many distinct advantages, including size, durability, and efficiency in exogenous protein expression. However, there is an increasing need to refine the recent breakthroughs.Areas covered: This review covers the usage and recent advancements of Xenopus oocytes for drug discovery in neurological diseases from expression and functional measurement techniques to current applications in Alzheimer's disease, painful neuropathies, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). The existing limitations of Xenopus oocytes in drug discovery are also discussed.Expert opinion: With the rise of aging population and neurological disorders, Xenopus oocytes, will continue to play an important role in understanding the mechanism of the disease, identification and validation of novel molecular targets, and drug screening, providing high-quality data despite the technical limitations. With further advances in oocytes-related techniques toward an accurate modeling of the disease, the diagnostics and treatment of neuropathologies will be becoming increasing personalized.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Steven L Zeng
- Department of Radiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Leland C Sudlow
- Department of Radiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Mikhail Y Berezin
- Department of Radiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Raghuraman H, Chatterjee S, Das A. Site-Directed Fluorescence Approaches for Dynamic Structural Biology of Membrane Peptides and Proteins. Front Mol Biosci 2019; 6:96. [PMID: 31608290 PMCID: PMC6774292 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2019.00096] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2019] [Accepted: 09/11/2019] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Membrane proteins mediate a number of cellular functions and are associated with several diseases and also play a crucial role in pathogenicity. Due to their importance in cellular structure and function, they are important drug targets for ~60% of drugs available in the market. Despite the technological advancement and recent successful outcomes in determining the high-resolution structural snapshot of membrane proteins, the mechanistic details underlining the complex functionalities of membrane proteins is least understood. This is largely due to lack of structural dynamics information pertaining to different functional states of membrane proteins in a membrane environment. Fluorescence spectroscopy is a widely used technique in the analysis of functionally-relevant structure and dynamics of membrane protein. This review is focused on various site-directed fluorescence (SDFL) approaches and their applications to explore structural information, conformational changes, hydration dynamics, and lipid-protein interactions of important classes of membrane proteins that include the pore-forming peptides/proteins, ion channels/transporters and G-protein coupled receptors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- H. Raghuraman
- Crystallography and Molecular Biology Division, Saha Institute of Nuclear Physics, Homi Bhabha National Institute, Kolkata, India
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
14
|
Cowgill J, Chanda B. The contribution of voltage clamp fluorometry to the understanding of channel and transporter mechanisms. J Gen Physiol 2019; 151:1163-1172. [PMID: 31431491 PMCID: PMC6785729 DOI: 10.1085/jgp.201912372] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Cowgill and Chanda discuss the importance of voltage clamp fluorometry to the functional interpretation of ion channel and transporter structures. Key advances in single particle cryo-EM methods in the past decade have ushered in a resolution revolution in modern biology. The structures of many ion channels and transporters that were previously recalcitrant to crystallography have now been solved. Yet, despite having atomistic models of many complexes, some in multiple conformations, it has been challenging to glean mechanistic insight from these structures. To some extent this reflects our inability to unambiguously assign a given structure to a particular physiological state. One approach that may allow us to bridge this gap between structure and function is voltage clamp fluorometry (VCF). Using this technique, dynamic conformational changes can be measured while simultaneously monitoring the functional state of the channel or transporter. Many of the important papers that have used VCF to probe the gating mechanisms of channels and transporters have been published in the Journal of General Physiology. In this review, we provide an overview of the development of VCF and discuss some of the key problems that have been addressed using this approach. We end with a brief discussion of the outlook for this technique in the era of high-resolution structures.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- John Cowgill
- Graduate Program in Biophysics, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI.,Department of Neuroscience, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI
| | - Baron Chanda
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI .,Department of Biomolecular Chemistry, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
König B, Hao Y, Schwartz S, Plested AJ, Stauber T. A FRET sensor of C-terminal movement reveals VRAC activation by plasma membrane DAG signaling rather than ionic strength. eLife 2019; 8:45421. [PMID: 31210638 PMCID: PMC6597245 DOI: 10.7554/elife.45421] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2019] [Accepted: 06/14/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Volume-regulated anion channels (VRACs) are central to cell volume regulation. Recently identified as hetero-hexamers formed by LRRC8 proteins, their activation mechanism remains elusive. Here, we measured Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET) between fluorescent proteins fused to the C-termini of LRRC8 subunits. Inter-subunit FRET from LRRC8 complexes tracked VRAC activation. With patch-clamp fluorometry, we confirmed that the cytoplasmic domains rearrange during VRAC opening. With these FRET reporters, we determined VRAC activation, non-invasively, in live cells and their subcompartments. Reduced intracellular ionic strength did not directly activate VRACs, and VRACs were not activated on endomembranes. Instead, pharmacological manipulation of diacylglycerol (DAG), and protein kinase D (PKD) activity, activated or inhibited plasma membrane-localized VRACs. Finally, we resolved previous contradictory reports concerning VRAC activation, using FRET to detect robust activation by PMA that was absent during whole-cell patch clamp. Overall, non-invasive VRAC measurement by FRET is an essential tool for unraveling its activation mechanism.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin König
- Institute of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Yuchen Hao
- Institute of Biology, Humboldt Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany.,Leibniz Forschungsinstitut für Molekulare Pharmakologie (FMP), Berlin, Germany.,NeuroCure, Charité Universitätsmedizin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Sophia Schwartz
- Institute of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Andrew Jr Plested
- Institute of Biology, Humboldt Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany.,Leibniz Forschungsinstitut für Molekulare Pharmakologie (FMP), Berlin, Germany.,NeuroCure, Charité Universitätsmedizin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Tobias Stauber
- Institute of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Luo L, Wang Y, Li B, Xu L, Kamau PM, Zheng J, Yang F, Yang S, Lai R. Molecular basis for heat desensitization of TRPV1 ion channels. Nat Commun 2019; 10:2134. [PMID: 31086183 PMCID: PMC6513986 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-019-09965-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2018] [Accepted: 04/09/2019] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
The transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 (TRPV1) ion channel is a prototypical molecular sensor for noxious heat in mammals. Its role in sustained heat response remains poorly understood, because rapid heat-induced desensitization (Dh) follows tightly heat-induced activation (Ah). To understand the physiological role and structural basis of Dh, we carried out a comparative study of TRPV1 channels in mouse (mV1) and those in platypus (pV1), which naturally lacks Dh. Here we show that a temperature-sensitive interaction between the N- and C-terminal domains of mV1 but not pV1 drives a conformational rearrangement in the pore leading to Dh. We further show that knock-in mice expressing pV1 sensed heat normally but suffered scald damages in a hot environment. Our findings suggest that Dh evolved late during evolution as a protective mechanism and a delicate balance between Ah and Dh is crucial for mammals to sense and respond to noxious heat.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lei Luo
- Key Laboratory of Animal Models and Human Disease Mechanisms of Chinese Academy of Sciences/Key Laboratory of Bioactive Peptides of Yunnan Province, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Kunming, Yunnan, 650223, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Yunfei Wang
- Key Laboratory of Animal Models and Human Disease Mechanisms of Chinese Academy of Sciences/Key Laboratory of Bioactive Peptides of Yunnan Province, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Kunming, Yunnan, 650223, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Bowen Li
- Key Laboratory of Animal Models and Human Disease Mechanisms of Chinese Academy of Sciences/Key Laboratory of Bioactive Peptides of Yunnan Province, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Kunming, Yunnan, 650223, China
| | - Lizhen Xu
- Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, Department of Biophysics and Kidney Disease Center, First Affiliated Hospital, Institute of Neuroscience, National Health Commission and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310058, China
| | - Peter Muiruri Kamau
- Key Laboratory of Animal Models and Human Disease Mechanisms of Chinese Academy of Sciences/Key Laboratory of Bioactive Peptides of Yunnan Province, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Kunming, Yunnan, 650223, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Jie Zheng
- Department of Physiology and Membrane Biology, University of California, Davis, CA, 95616, USA.
| | - Fan Yang
- Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, Department of Biophysics and Kidney Disease Center, First Affiliated Hospital, Institute of Neuroscience, National Health Commission and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310058, China.
| | - Shilong Yang
- Key Laboratory of Animal Models and Human Disease Mechanisms of Chinese Academy of Sciences/Key Laboratory of Bioactive Peptides of Yunnan Province, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Kunming, Yunnan, 650223, China.
| | - Ren Lai
- Key Laboratory of Animal Models and Human Disease Mechanisms of Chinese Academy of Sciences/Key Laboratory of Bioactive Peptides of Yunnan Province, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Kunming, Yunnan, 650223, China.
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Puljung M, Vedovato N, Usher S, Ashcroft F. Activation mechanism of ATP-sensitive K + channels explored with real-time nucleotide binding. eLife 2019; 8:41103. [PMID: 30789344 PMCID: PMC6400584 DOI: 10.7554/elife.41103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2018] [Accepted: 02/14/2019] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
The response of ATP-sensitive K+ channels (KATP) to cellular metabolism is coordinated by three classes of nucleotide binding site (NBS). We used a novel approach involving labeling of intact channels in a native, membrane environment with a non-canonical fluorescent amino acid and measurement (using FRET with fluorescent nucleotides) of steady-state and time-resolved nucleotide binding to dissect the role of NBS2 of the accessory SUR1 subunit of KATP in channel gating. Binding to NBS2 was Mg2+-independent, but Mg2+ was required to trigger a conformational change in SUR1. Mutation of a lysine (K1384A) in NBS2 that coordinates bound nucleotides increased the EC50 for trinitrophenyl-ADP binding to NBS2, but only in the presence of Mg2+, indicating that this mutation disrupts the ligand-induced conformational change. Comparison of nucleotide-binding with ionic currents suggests a model in which each nucleotide binding event to NBS2 of SUR1 is independent and promotes KATP activation by the same amount.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Michael Puljung
- Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Natascia Vedovato
- Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Samuel Usher
- Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Frances Ashcroft
- Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Wulf M, Pless SA. High-Sensitivity Fluorometry to Resolve Ion Channel Conformational Dynamics. Cell Rep 2018; 22:1615-1626. [DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2018.01.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2017] [Revised: 12/01/2017] [Accepted: 01/10/2018] [Indexed: 10/18/2022] Open
|
19
|
Liu C, Xie C, Grant K, Su Z, Gao W, Liu Q, Zhou L. Patch-clamp fluorometry-based channel counting to determine HCN channel conductance. J Gen Physiol 2017; 148:65-76. [PMID: 27353446 PMCID: PMC4924933 DOI: 10.1085/jgp.201511559] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2015] [Accepted: 05/23/2016] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Counting ion channels on cell membranes is of fundamental importance for the study of channel biophysics. Channel counting has thus far been tackled by classical approaches, such as radioactive labeling of ion channels with blockers, gating current measurements, and nonstationary noise analysis. Here, we develop a counting method based on patch-clamp fluorometry (PCF), which enables simultaneous electrical and optical recordings, and apply it to EGFP-tagged, hyperpolarization-activated and cyclic nucleotide-regulated (HCN) channels. We use a well-characterized and homologous cyclic nucleotide-gated (CNG) channel to establish the relationship between macroscopic fluorescence intensity and the total number of channels. Subsequently, based on our estimate of the total number of HCN channels, we determine the single-channel conductance of HCN1 and HCN2 to be 0.46 and 1.71 pS, respectively. Such a small conductance would present a technical challenge for traditional electrophysiology. This PCF-based technique provides an alternative method for counting particles on cell membranes, which could be applied to biophysical studies of other membrane proteins.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chang Liu
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, School of Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA 23298 School of Medicine, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China
| | - Changan Xie
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, School of Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA 23298
| | - Khade Grant
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, School of Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA 23298
| | - Zhuocheng Su
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, School of Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA 23298
| | - Weihua Gao
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, School of Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA 23298
| | - Qinglian Liu
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, School of Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA 23298
| | - Lei Zhou
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, School of Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA 23298
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Górka AK, Górecki A, Dziedzicka-Wasylewska M. Site-directed fluorescence labeling of intrinsically disordered region of human transcription factor YY1: The inhibitory effect of zinc ions. Protein Sci 2017; 27:390-401. [PMID: 29024161 DOI: 10.1002/pro.3323] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2017] [Revised: 09/25/2017] [Accepted: 10/09/2017] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
Site-specific labeling of proteins with fluorescent dyes allows the study of protein structure and function using a wide variety of fluorescent techniques. However, specific labeling is not trivial in the case of proteins containing multiple cysteine residues. An example of such a protein is transcription factor Yin Yang 1, which comprises eight cysteine residues in four C2H2 type zinc fingers in the C-terminal region. Kinetic measurements of the labeling process allowed us to develop preparative labeling of three cysteine residues differently introduced to the N-terminal, disordered fragment of the protein. The protocol developed in the present study allows to prepare the protein with high recovery yield and high selectivity of the labeling. This was confirmed using proteolytic digestion and spectroscopic approach. The labeling process was significantly affected by the presence of zinc ions and was dependent on the localization of the engineered cysteine residue. This is the first known example of the use of cysteine metal protection and labeling (CyMPL) technology for the labeling of protein regions with no stable secondary structures.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Adam Kazimierz Górka
- Department of Physical Biochemistry, Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics, and Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, Kraków, Poland
| | - Andrzej Górecki
- Department of Physical Biochemistry, Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics, and Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, Kraków, Poland
| | - Marta Dziedzicka-Wasylewska
- Department of Physical Biochemistry, Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics, and Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, Kraków, Poland
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Sasmal DK, Yadav R, Lu HP. Single-Molecule Patch-Clamp FRET Anisotropy Microscopy Studies of NMDA Receptor Ion Channel Activation and Deactivation under Agonist Ligand Binding in Living Cells. J Am Chem Soc 2016; 138:8789-801. [DOI: 10.1021/jacs.6b03496] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Dibyendu Kumar Sasmal
- Center for Photochemical
Sciences, Department of Chemistry, Bowling Green State University, Bowling
Green, Ohio 43403, United States
| | - Rajeev Yadav
- Center for Photochemical
Sciences, Department of Chemistry, Bowling Green State University, Bowling
Green, Ohio 43403, United States
| | - H. Peter Lu
- Center for Photochemical
Sciences, Department of Chemistry, Bowling Green State University, Bowling
Green, Ohio 43403, United States
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Structural rearrangement of the intracellular domains during AMPA receptor activation. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2016; 113:E3950-9. [PMID: 27313205 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1601747113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
α-Amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acid receptors (AMPARs) are ligand-gated ion channels that mediate the majority of fast excitatory neurotransmission in the central nervous system. Despite recent advances in structural studies of AMPARs, information about the specific conformational changes that underlie receptor function is lacking. Here, we used single and dual insertion of GFP variants at various positions in AMPAR subunits to enable measurements of conformational changes using fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) in live cells. We produced dual CFP/YFP-tagged GluA2 subunit constructs that had normal activity and displayed intrareceptor FRET. We used fluorescence lifetime imaging microscopy (FLIM) in live HEK293 cells to determine distinct steady-state FRET efficiencies in the presence of different ligands, suggesting a dynamic picture of the resting state. Patch-clamp fluorometry of the double- and single-insert constructs showed that both the intracellular C-terminal domain (CTD) and the loop region between the M1 and M2 helices move during activation and the CTD is detached from the membrane. Our time-resolved measurements revealed unexpectedly complex fluorescence changes within these intracellular domains, providing clues as to how posttranslational modifications and receptor function interact.
Collapse
|
23
|
Priest M, Bezanilla F. Functional Site-Directed Fluorometry. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2016; 869:55-76. [PMID: 26381940 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4939-2845-3_4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/02/2022]
Abstract
Initially developed in the mid-1990s to examine the conformational changes of the canonical Shaker voltage-gated potassium channel, functional site-directed fluorometry has since been expanded to numerous other voltage-gated and ligand-gated ion channels as well as transporters, pumps, and other integral membrane proteins. The power of functional site-directed fluorometry, also known as voltage-clamp fluorometry, lies in its ability to provide information on the conformational changes in a protein in response to changes in its environment with high temporal resolution while simultaneously monitoring the function of that protein. Over time, applications of site-directed fluorometry have expanded to examine the interactions of ion channels with modulators ranging from membrane potential to ligands to accessory protein subunits to lipids. In the future, the range of questions answerable by functional site-directed fluorometry and its interpretive power should continue to improve, making it an even more powerful technique for dissecting the conformational dynamics of ion channels and other membrane proteins.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Michael Priest
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology and Committee on Neurobiology, University of Chicago, Gordon Center for Integrative Science W229M, 929 East 57th Street, 60637, Chicago, IL, USA.
| | - Francisco Bezanilla
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology and Committee on Neurobiology, University of Chicago, Gordon Center for Integrative Science W229M, 929 East 57th Street, 60637, Chicago, IL, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Gordon SE, Senning EN, Aman TK, Zagotta WN. Transition metal ion FRET to measure short-range distances at the intracellular surface of the plasma membrane. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2016; 147:189-200. [PMID: 26755772 PMCID: PMC4727948 DOI: 10.1085/jgp.201511530] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2015] [Accepted: 12/21/2015] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
A novel method is presented to measure short distances in cell plasma membranes using transition metal ion FRET with metal ions bound to introduced sites in the membrane. Biological membranes are complex assemblies of lipids and proteins that serve as platforms for cell signaling. We have developed a novel method for measuring the structure and dynamics of the membrane based on fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET). The method marries four technologies: (1) unroofing cells to isolate and access the cytoplasmic leaflet of the plasma membrane; (2) patch-clamp fluorometry (PCF) to measure currents and fluorescence simultaneously from a membrane patch; (3) a synthetic lipid with a metal-chelating head group to decorate the membrane with metal-binding sites; and (4) transition metal ion FRET (tmFRET) to measure short distances between a fluorescent probe and a transition metal ion on the membrane. We applied this method to measure the density and affinity of native and introduced metal-binding sites in the membrane. These experiments pave the way for measuring structural rearrangements of membrane proteins relative to the membrane.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sharona E Gordon
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195
| | - Eric N Senning
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195
| | - Teresa K Aman
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195
| | - William N Zagotta
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Zhu W, Varga Z, Silva JR. Molecular motions that shape the cardiac action potential: Insights from voltage clamp fluorometry. PROGRESS IN BIOPHYSICS AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2015; 120:3-17. [PMID: 26724572 DOI: 10.1016/j.pbiomolbio.2015.12.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2015] [Revised: 11/11/2015] [Accepted: 12/16/2015] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Very recently, voltage-clamp fluorometry (VCF) protocols have been developed to observe the membrane proteins responsible for carrying the ventricular ionic currents that form the action potential (AP), including those carried by the cardiac Na(+) channel, NaV1.5, the L-type Ca(2+) channel, CaV1.2, the Na(+)/K(+) ATPase, and the rapid and slow components of the delayed rectifier, KV11.1 and KV7.1. This development is significant, because VCF enables simultaneous observation of ionic current kinetics with conformational changes occurring within specific channel domains. The ability gained from VCF, to connect nanoscale molecular movement to ion channel function has revealed how the voltage-sensing domains (VSDs) control ion flux through channel pores, mechanisms of post-translational regulation and the molecular pathology of inherited mutations. In the future, we expect that this data will be of great use for the creation of multi-scale computational AP models that explicitly represent ion channel conformations, connecting molecular, cell and tissue electrophysiology. Here, we review the VCF protocol, recent results, and discuss potential future developments, including potential use of these experimental findings to create novel computational models.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wandi Zhu
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Zoltan Varga
- MTA-DE-NAP B Ion Channel Structure-Function Research Group, RCMM, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Jonathan R Silva
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Berger TK, Isacoff EY. Fluorescent labeling for patch-clamp fluorometry (PCF) measurements of real-time protein motion in ion channels. Methods Mol Biol 2015; 1266:93-106. [PMID: 25560069 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4939-2272-7_6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Understanding the function of ion channels is a major goal of molecular neurophysiology. While standard electrophysiological methods are invaluable tools to investigate the gating of ion channels, the structural rearrangements that mediate the way a channel senses physiological signals and opens and closes its gates cannot be measured electrically in a direct way. Here, we describe a method, based on site-specific labeling of a channel of interest with an environmentally sensitive fluorophore, which makes it possible to monitor conformational changes of ion channels in biological membranes in real time.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Thomas K Berger
- Research Center Caesar, Ludwig-Erhard-Allee 2, 53175, Bonn, Germany,
| | | |
Collapse
|
27
|
Kusch J, Zifarelli G. Patch-clamp fluorometry: electrophysiology meets fluorescence. Biophys J 2014; 106:1250-7. [PMID: 24655500 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpj.2014.02.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2013] [Revised: 12/23/2013] [Accepted: 02/06/2014] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Ion channels and transporters are membrane proteins whose functions are driven by conformational changes. Classical biophysical techniques provide insight into either the structure or the function of these proteins, but a full understanding of their behavior requires a correlation of both these aspects in time. Patch-clamp and voltage-clamp fluorometry combine spectroscopic and electrophysiological techniques to simultaneously detect conformational changes and ionic currents across the membrane. Since its introduction, patch-clamp fluorometry has been responsible for invaluable advances in our knowledge of ion channel biophysics. Over the years, the technique has been applied to many different ion channel families to address several biophysical questions with a variety of spectroscopic approaches and electrophysiological configurations. This review illustrates the strength and the flexibility of patch-clamp fluorometry, demonstrating its potential as a tool for future research.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jana Kusch
- Universitätsklinikum Jena, Institut für Physiologie II, Jena, Germany.
| | - Giovanni Zifarelli
- Istituto di Biofisica, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Genova, Italy.
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Sasmal D, Lu HP. Single-molecule patch-clamp FRET microscopy studies of NMDA receptor ion channel dynamics in living cells: revealing the multiple conformational states associated with a channel at its electrical off state. J Am Chem Soc 2014; 136:12998-3005. [PMID: 25148304 PMCID: PMC4183623 DOI: 10.1021/ja506231j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2014] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Conformational dynamics plays a critical role in the activation, deactivation, and open-close activities of ion channels in living cells. Such conformational dynamics is often inhomogeneous and extremely difficult to be directly characterized by ensemble-averaged spectroscopic imaging or only by single channel patch-clamp electric recording methods. We have developed a new and combined technical approach, single-molecule patch-clamp FRET microscopy, to probe ion channel conformational dynamics in living cell by simultaneous and correlated measurements of real-time single-molecule FRET spectroscopic imaging with single-channel electric current recording. Our approach is particularly capable of resolving ion channel conformational change rate process when the channel is at its electrically off states and before the ion channel is activated, the so-called "silent time" when the electric current signals are at zero or background. We have probed NMDA (N-methyl-D-aspartate) receptor ion channel in live HEK-293 cell, especially, the single ion channel open-close activity and its associated protein conformational changes simultaneously. Furthermore, we have revealed that the seemingly identical electrically off states are associated with multiple conformational states. On the basis of our experimental results, we have proposed a multistate clamshell model to interpret the NMDA receptor open-close dynamics.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dibyendu
Kumar Sasmal
- Department
of Chemistry and
Center for Photochemical Sciences, Bowling
Green State University, Bowling
Green, Ohio 43403, United States
| | - H. Peter Lu
- Department
of Chemistry and
Center for Photochemical Sciences, Bowling
Green State University, Bowling
Green, Ohio 43403, United States
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Yang F, Ma L, Cao X, Wang K, Zheng J. Divalent cations activate TRPV1 through promoting conformational change of the extracellular region. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2013; 143:91-103. [PMID: 24344245 PMCID: PMC3874565 DOI: 10.1085/jgp.201311024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Divalent cations Mg2+ and Ba2+ selectively and directly potentiate transient receptor potential vanilloid type 1 heat activation by lowering the activation threshold into the room temperature range. We found that Mg2+ potentiates channel activation only from the extracellular side; on the intracellular side, Mg2+ inhibits channel current. By dividing the extracellularly accessible region of the channel protein into small segments and perturbing the structure of each segment with sequence replacement mutations, we observed that the S1–S2 linker, the S3–S4 linker, and the pore turret are all required for Mg2+ potentiation. Sequence replacements at these regions substantially reduced or eliminated Mg2+-induced activation at room temperature while sparing capsaicin activation. Heat activation was affected by many, but not all, of these structural alternations. These observations indicate that extracellular linkers and the turret may interact with each other. Site-directed fluorescence resonance energy transfer measurements further revealed that, like heat, Mg2+ also induces structural changes in the pore turret. Interestingly, turret movement induced by Mg2+ precedes channel activation, suggesting that Mg2+-induced conformational change in the extracellular region most likely serves as the cause of channel activation instead of a coincidental or accommodating structural adjustment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Fan Yang
- Department of Physiology and Membrane Biology, University of California School of Medicine, Davis, Davis, CA 95616
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
30
|
Rajapaksha SP, Wang X, Lu HP. Suspended Lipid Bilayer for Optical and Electrical Measurements of Single Ion Channel Proteins. Anal Chem 2013; 85:8951-5. [DOI: 10.1021/ac401342u] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Suneth P. Rajapaksha
- Department of Chemistry and Center for Photochemical
Sciences, Bowling Green State University, Bowling Green, Ohio 43403, United States
| | - Xuefei Wang
- Department of Chemistry and Center for Photochemical
Sciences, Bowling Green State University, Bowling Green, Ohio 43403, United States
| | - H. Peter Lu
- Department of Chemistry and Center for Photochemical
Sciences, Bowling Green State University, Bowling Green, Ohio 43403, United States
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
Abstract
In a multimeric receptor protein, the binding of a ligand can modulate the binding of a succeeding ligand. This phenomenon, called cooperativity, is caused by the interaction of the receptor subunits. By using a complex Markovian model and a set of parameters determined previously, we analyzed how the successive binding of four ligands leads to a complex cooperative interaction of the subunits in homotetrameric HCN2 pacemaker channels. The individual steps in the model were characterized by Gibbs free energies for the equilibria and activation energies, specifying the affinity of the binding sites and the transition rates, respectively. Moreover, cooperative free energies were calculated for each binding step in both the closed and the open channel. We show that the cooperativity sequence positive-negative-positive determined for the binding affinity is generated by the combined effect of very different cooperativity sequences determined for the binding and unbinding rates, which are negative-negative-positive and no-negative-no, respectively. It is concluded that in the ligand-induced activation of HCN2 channels, the sequence of cooperativity based on the binding affinity is caused by two even qualitatively different sequences of cooperativity that are based on the rates of ligand binding and unbinding.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Klaus Benndorf
- Institut für Physiologie II, Universitätsklinikum Jena, Friedrich-Schiller-Universität Jena, Jena, Germany.
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
32
|
Kalstrup T, Blunck R. Dynamics of internal pore opening in K(V) channels probed by a fluorescent unnatural amino acid. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2013; 110:8272-7. [PMID: 23630265 PMCID: PMC3657800 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1220398110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 77] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Atomic-scale models on the gating mechanism of voltage-gated potassium channels (Kv) are based on linear interpolations between static structures of their initial and final state derived from crystallography and molecular dynamics simulations, and, thus, lack dynamic structural information. The lack of information on dynamics and intermediate states makes it difficult to associate the structural with the dynamic functional data obtained with electrophysiology. Although voltage-clamp fluorometry fills this gap, it is limited to sites extracellularly accessible, when the key region for gating is located at the cytosolic side of the channels. Here, we solved this problem by performing voltage-clamp fluorometry with a fluorescent unnatural amino acid. By using an orthogonal tRNA-synthetase pair, the fluorescent unnatural amino acid was incorporated in the Shaker voltage-gated potassium channel at key regions that were previously inaccessible. Thus, we defined which parts act independently and which parts act cooperatively and found pore opening to occur in two sequential transitions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tanja Kalstrup
- Groupe d’étude des protéines membranaires (GÉPROM) and Departments of Physics and Physiology, Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada H3C 3J7
| | - Rikard Blunck
- Groupe d’étude des protéines membranaires (GÉPROM) and Departments of Physics and Physiology, Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada H3C 3J7
| |
Collapse
|
33
|
Abstract
Ion channels, as membrane proteins, are the sensors of the cell. They act as the first line of communication with the world beyond the plasma membrane and transduce changes in the external and internal environments into unique electrical signals to shape the responses of excitable cells. Because of their importance in cellular communication, ion channels have been intensively studied at the structural and functional levels. Here, we summarize the diverse approaches, including molecular and cellular, chemical, optical, biophysical, and computational, used to probe the structural and functional rearrangements that occur during channel activation (or sensitization), inactivation (or desensitization), and various forms of modulation. The emerging insights into the structure and function of ion channels by multidisciplinary approaches allow the development of new pharmacotherapies as well as new tools useful in controlling cellular activity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wei-Guang Li
- Neuroscience Division, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Cell Biology, Institute of Medical Sciences, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, China
| | | |
Collapse
|
34
|
Puljung MC, Zagotta WN. Fluorescent labeling of specific cysteine residues using CyMPL. CURRENT PROTOCOLS IN PROTEIN SCIENCE 2012; Chapter 14:14.14.1-14.14.10. [PMID: 23151742 PMCID: PMC3501994 DOI: 10.1002/0471140864.ps1414s70] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
The unique reactivity and relative rarity of cysteine among amino acids makes it a convenient target for the site-specific chemical modification of proteins. Commercially available fluorophores and modifiers react with cysteine through a variety of electrophilic functional groups. However, it can be difficult to achieve specific labeling of a particular cysteine residue in a protein containing multiple cysteines, in a mixture of proteins, or in a protein's native environment. This unit describes a procedure termed CyMPL (Cysteine Metal Protection and Labeling), which enables specific labeling by incorporating a cysteine of interest into a minimal binding site for group 12 metal ions (e.g., Cd2+ and Zn2+). These sites can be inserted into any region of known secondary structure in virtually any protein and cause minimal structural perturbation. Bound metal ions protect the cysteine from reaction while background cysteines are covalently blocked with non-fluorescent modifiers. The metal ions are subsequently removed and the deprotected cysteine is labeled specifically.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Michael C Puljung
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington
| | - William N Zagotta
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington
| |
Collapse
|
35
|
Benndorf K, Kusch J, Schulz E. Probability fluxes and transition paths in a Markovian model describing complex subunit cooperativity in HCN2 channels. PLoS Comput Biol 2012; 8:e1002721. [PMID: 23093920 PMCID: PMC3475657 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pcbi.1002721] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2012] [Accepted: 08/16/2012] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Hyperpolarization-activated cyclic nucleotide-modulated (HCN) channels are voltage-gated tetrameric cation channels that generate electrical rhythmicity in neurons and cardiomyocytes. Activation can be enhanced by the binding of adenosine-3',5'-cyclic monophosphate (cAMP) to an intracellular cyclic nucleotide binding domain. Based on previously determined rate constants for a complex Markovian model describing the gating of homotetrameric HCN2 channels, we analyzed probability fluxes within this model, including unidirectional probability fluxes and the probability flux along transition paths. The time-dependent probability fluxes quantify the contributions of all 13 transitions of the model to channel activation. The binding of the first, third and fourth ligand evoked robust channel opening whereas the binding of the second ligand obstructed channel opening similar to the empty channel. Analysis of the net probability fluxes in terms of the transition path theory revealed pronounced hysteresis for channel activation and deactivation. These results provide quantitative insight into the complex interaction of the four structurally equal subunits, leading to non-equality in their function.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Klaus Benndorf
- Friedrich-Schiller-Universität Jena, Universitätsklinikum Jena, Institut für Physiologie II, Jena, Germany.
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
36
|
Taraska JW. Mapping membrane protein structure with fluorescence. Curr Opin Struct Biol 2012; 22:507-13. [PMID: 22445227 DOI: 10.1016/j.sbi.2012.02.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2012] [Revised: 02/22/2012] [Accepted: 02/24/2012] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Membrane proteins regulate many cellular processes including signaling cascades, ion transport, membrane fusion, and cell-to-cell communications. Understanding the architecture and conformational fluctuations of these proteins is critical to understanding their regulation and functions. Fluorescence methods including intensity mapping, fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET), and photo-induced electron transfer, allow for targeted measurements of domains within membrane proteins. These methods can reveal how a protein is structured and how it transitions between different conformational states. Here, I will review recent work done using fluorescence to map the structures of membrane proteins, focusing on how each of these methods can be applied to understanding the dynamic nature of individual membrane proteins and protein complexes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Justin W Taraska
- Laboratory of Molecular Biophysics, National Heart Lung and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, United States.
| |
Collapse
|
37
|
Kusch J, Thon S, Schulz E, Biskup C, Nache V, Zimmer T, Seifert R, Schwede F, Benndorf K. How subunits cooperate in cAMP-induced activation of homotetrameric HCN2 channels. Nat Chem Biol 2011; 8:162-9. [PMID: 22179066 DOI: 10.1038/nchembio.747] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2011] [Accepted: 10/06/2011] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
Hyperpolarization-activated cyclic nucleotide-modulated (HCN) channels are tetrameric membrane proteins that generate electrical rhythmicity in specialized neurons and cardiomyocytes. The channels are primarily activated by voltage but are receptors as well, binding the intracellular ligand cyclic AMP. The molecular mechanism of channel activation is still unknown. Here we analyze the complex activation mechanism of homotetrameric HCN2 channels by confocal patch-clamp fluorometry and kinetically quantify all ligand binding steps and closed-open isomerizations of the intermediate states. For the binding affinity of the second, third and fourth ligand, our results suggest pronounced cooperativity in the sequence positive, negative and positive, respectively. This complex interaction of the subunits leads to a preferential stabilization of states with zero, two or four ligands and suggests a dimeric organization of the activation process: within the dimers the cooperativity is positive, whereas it is negative between the dimers.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jana Kusch
- Institut für Physiologie II, Universitätsklinikum Jena, Friedrich-Schiller-Universität Jena, Jena, Germany
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
38
|
Labeling of specific cysteines in proteins using reversible metal protection. Biophys J 2011; 100:2513-21. [PMID: 21575586 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpj.2011.03.063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2010] [Revised: 02/14/2011] [Accepted: 03/29/2011] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Fluorescence spectroscopy is an indispensible tool for studying the structure and conformational dynamics of protein molecules both in isolation and in their cellular context. The ideal probes for monitoring intramolecular protein motions are small, cysteine-reactive fluorophores. However, it can be difficult to obtain specific labeling of a desired cysteine in proteins with multiple cysteines, in a mixture of proteins, or in a protein's native environment, in which many cysteine-containing proteins are present. To obtain specific labeling, we developed a method we call cysteine metal protection and labeling (CyMPL). With this method, a desired cysteine can be reversibly protected by binding group 12 metal ions (e.g., Cd²⁺ and Zn²⁺) while background cysteines are blocked with nonfluorescent covalent modifiers. We increased the metal affinity for specific cysteines by incorporating them into minimal binding sites in existing secondary structural motifs (i.e., α-helix or β-strand). After the metal ions were removed, the deprotected cysteines were then available to specifically react with a fluorophore.
Collapse
|
39
|
Shen B, Xiang Z, Miller B, Louie G, Wang W, Noel JP, Gage FH, Wang L. Genetically encoding unnatural amino acids in neural stem cells and optically reporting voltage-sensitive domain changes in differentiated neurons. Stem Cells 2011; 29:1231-40. [PMID: 21681861 PMCID: PMC3209808 DOI: 10.1002/stem.679] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Although unnatural amino acids (Uaas) have been genetically encoded in bacterial, fungal, and mammalian cells using orthogonal transfer RNA (tRNA)/aminoacyl-tRNA synthetase pairs, applications of this method to a wider range of specialized cell types, such as stem cells, still face challenges. While relatively straightforward in stem cells, transient expression lacks sufficient temporal resolution to afford reasonable levels of Uaa incorporation and to allow for the study of the longer term differentiation process of stem cells. Moreover, Uaa incorporation may perturb differentiation. Here, we describe a lentiviral-based gene delivery method to stably incorporate Uaas into proteins expressed in neural stem cells, specifically HCN-A94 cells. The transduced cells differentiated into neural progenies in the same manner as the wild-type cells. By genetically incorporating a fluorescent Uaa into a voltage-dependent membrane lipid phosphatase, we show that this Uaa optically reports the conformational change of the voltage-sensitive domain in response to membrane depolarization. The method described here should be generally applicable to other stem cells and membrane proteins.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bin Shen
- The Jack H. Skirball Center for Chemical Biology & Proteomics, The Salk Institute for Biological Studies, 10010 North Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla, California, 92037, U.S.A
| | - Zheng Xiang
- The Jack H. Skirball Center for Chemical Biology & Proteomics, The Salk Institute for Biological Studies, 10010 North Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla, California, 92037, U.S.A
| | - Barbara Miller
- Laboratory of Genetics, The Salk Institute for Biological Studies, 10010 North Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla, California, 92037, U.S.A
| | - Gordon Louie
- The Jack H. Skirball Center for Chemical Biology & Proteomics, The Salk Institute for Biological Studies, 10010 North Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla, California, 92037, U.S.A
| | - Wenyuan Wang
- The Jack H. Skirball Center for Chemical Biology & Proteomics, The Salk Institute for Biological Studies, 10010 North Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla, California, 92037, U.S.A
| | - Joseph P. Noel
- The Jack H. Skirball Center for Chemical Biology & Proteomics, The Salk Institute for Biological Studies, 10010 North Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla, California, 92037, U.S.A
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, The Salk Institute for Biological Studies, 10010 North Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla, California, 92037, U.S.A
| | - Fred H. Gage
- Laboratory of Genetics, The Salk Institute for Biological Studies, 10010 North Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla, California, 92037, U.S.A
| | - Lei Wang
- The Jack H. Skirball Center for Chemical Biology & Proteomics, The Salk Institute for Biological Studies, 10010 North Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla, California, 92037, U.S.A
| |
Collapse
|
40
|
Kusch J, Zimmer T, Holschuh J, Biskup C, Schulz E, Nache V, Benndorf K. Role of the S4-S5 linker in CNG channel activation. Biophys J 2011; 99:2488-96. [PMID: 20959089 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpj.2010.07.041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2010] [Revised: 06/22/2010] [Accepted: 07/19/2010] [Indexed: 10/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Cyclic nucleotide-gated (CNG) channels mediate sensory signal transduction in retinal and olfactory cells. The channels are activated by the binding of cyclic nucleotides to a cyclic nucleotide-binding domain (CNBD) in the C-terminus that is located at the intracellular side. The molecular events translating the ligand binding to the pore opening are still unknown. We investigated the role of the S4-S5 linker in the activation process by quantifying its interaction with other intracellular regions. To this end, we constructed chimeric channels in which the N-terminus, the S4-S5 linker, the C-linker, and the CNBD of the retinal CNGA1 subunit were systematically replaced by the respective regions of the olfactory CNGA2 subunit. Macroscopic concentration-response relations were analyzed, yielding the apparent affinity to cGMP and the Hill coefficient. The degree of functional coupling of intracellular regions in the activation gating was determined by thermodynamic double-mutant cycle analysis. We observed that all four intracellular regions, including the relatively short S4-S5 linker, are involved in controlling the apparent affinity of the channel to cGMP and, moreover, in determining the degree of cooperativity between the subunits, as derived from the Hill coefficient. The interaction energies reveal an interaction of the S4-S5 linker with both the N-terminus and the C-linker, but no interaction with the CNBD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jana Kusch
- Universitätsklinikum Jena, Institut für Physiologie II, Germany
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
41
|
Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan R Silva
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA.
| | | |
Collapse
|
42
|
Kusch J, Biskup C, Thon S, Schulz E, Nache V, Zimmer T, Schwede F, Benndorf K. Interdependence of receptor activation and ligand binding in HCN2 pacemaker channels. Neuron 2010; 67:75-85. [PMID: 20624593 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuron.2010.05.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 84] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/25/2010] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
HCN pacemaker channels are tetramers mediating rhythmicity in neuronal and cardiac cells. The activity of these channels is controlled by both membrane voltage and the ligand cAMP, binding to each of the four channel subunits. The molecular mechanism underlying channel activation and the relationship between the two activation stimuli are still unknown. Using patch-clamp fluorometry and a fluorescent cAMP analog, we show that full ligand-induced activation appears already with only two ligands bound to the tetrameric channel. Kinetic analysis of channel activation and ligand binding suggests direct interaction between the voltage sensor and the cyclic nucleotide-binding domain, bypassing the pore. By exploiting the duality of activation in HCN2 channels by voltage and ligand binding, we quantify the increase of the binding affinity and overall free energy for binding upon channel activation, proving thus the principle of reciprocity between ligand binding and conformational change in a receptor protein.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jana Kusch
- Institut für Physiologie II, Universitätsklinikum Jena, Jena, Germany
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
43
|
Abstract
Macromolecules drive the complex behavior of neurons. For example, channels and transporters control the movements of ions across membranes, SNAREs direct the fusion of vesicles at the synapse, and motors move cargo throughout the cell. Understanding the structure, assembly, and conformational movements of these and other neuronal proteins is essential to understanding the brain. Developments in fluorescence have allowed the architecture and dynamics of proteins to be studied in real time and in a cellular context with great accuracy. In this review, we cover classic and recent methods for studying protein structure, assembly, and dynamics with fluorescence. These methods include fluorescence and luminescence resonance energy transfer, single-molecule bleaching analysis, intensity measurements, colocalization microscopy, electron transfer, and bimolecular complementation analysis. We present the principles of these methods, highlight recent work that uses the methods, and discuss a framework for interpreting results as they apply to molecular neurobiology.
Collapse
|
44
|
Thermosensitive TRP channel pore turret is part of the temperature activation pathway. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2010; 107:7083-8. [PMID: 20351268 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1000357107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 152] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Temperature sensing is crucial for homeotherms, including human beings, to maintain a stable body core temperature and respond to the ambient environment. A group of exquisitely temperature-sensitive transient receptor potential channels, termed thermoTRPs, serve as cellular temperature sensors. How thermoTRPs convert thermal energy (heat) into protein conformational changes leading to channel opening remains unknown. Here we demonstrate that the pathway for temperature-dependent activation is distinct from those for ligand- and voltage-dependent activation and involves the pore turret. We found that mutant channels with an artificial pore turret sequence lose temperature sensitivity but maintain normal ligand responses. Using site-directed fluorescence recordings we observed that temperature change induces a significant rearrangement of TRPV1 pore turret that is coupled to channel opening. This movement is specifically associated to temperature-dependent activation and is not observed during ligand- and voltage-dependent channel activation. These observations suggest that the turret is part of the temperature-sensing apparatus in thermoTRP channels, and its conformational change may give rise to the large entropy that defines high temperature sensitivity.
Collapse
|
45
|
Horne AJ, Fedida D. Use of voltage clamp fluorimetry in understanding potassium channel gating: a review of Shaker fluorescence data. Can J Physiol Pharmacol 2010; 87:411-8. [PMID: 19526034 DOI: 10.1139/y09-024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Voltage clamp fluorimetry (VCF) utilizes fluorescent probes that covalently bind to cysteine residues introduced into proteins and emit light as a function of their environment. Measurement of this emitted light during membrane depolarization reveals changes in the emission level as the environment of the labelled residue changes. This allows for the correlation of channel gating events with movement of specific protein moieties, at nanosecond time resolution. Since the pioneering use of this technique to investigate Shaker potassium channel activation movements, VCF has become an invaluable technique used to understand ion channel gating. This review summarizes the theory and some of the data on the application of the VCF technique. Although its usage has expanded beyond voltage-gated potassium channels and VCF is now used in a number of other voltage- and ligand-gated channels, we will focus on studies conducted in Shaker potassium channels, and what they have told us about channel activation and inactivation gating.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- A J Horne
- Department of Cellular and Physiological Sciences, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z3, Canada
| | | |
Collapse
|
46
|
Qu Z, Cheng W, Cui Y, Cui Y, Zheng J. Human disease-causing mutations disrupt an N-C-terminal interaction and channel function of bestrophin 1. J Biol Chem 2009; 284:16473-16481. [PMID: 19372599 PMCID: PMC2713530 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m109.002246] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2009] [Revised: 04/01/2009] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Mutations in the human bestrophin 1 (hBest1) chloride channel cause Best vitelliform macular dystrophy. Although mutations in its transmembrane domains were found to alter biophysical properties of the channel, the mechanism for disease-causing mutations in its N and C termini remains elusive. We hypothesized that these mutations lead to channel dysfunction through disruption of an N-C-terminal interaction. Here, we present data demonstrating that hBest1 N and C termini indeed interact both in vivo and in vitro. In addition, using a spectrum-based fluorescence resonance energy transfer method, we showed that functional hBest1 channels in the plasma membrane were multimers. Disease-causing mutations in the N terminus (R19C, R25C, and K30C) and the C terminus (G299E, D301N, and D312N) caused channel dysfunction and disruption of the N-C interaction. Consistent with the functional and biochemical results, mutants D301N and D312N clearly reduced fluorescence resonance energy transfer signal, indicating that the N-C interaction was indeed perturbed. These results suggest that hBest1 functions as a multimer in the plasma membrane, and disruption of the N-C interaction by mutations leads to hBest1 channel dysfunction.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zhiqiang Qu
- From the Department of Cell Biology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia 30322; Department of Physiology, Qingdao University School of Medicine, Qingdao, Shandong 266071, China.
| | - Wei Cheng
- Department of Physiology and Membrane Biology, University of California, School of Medicine, Davis, California 95616
| | - Yuanyuan Cui
- From the Department of Cell Biology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia 30322
| | - Yuanyuan Cui
- Department of Physiology and Membrane Biology, University of California, School of Medicine, Davis, California 95616
| | - Jie Zheng
- Department of Physiology and Membrane Biology, University of California, School of Medicine, Davis, California 95616
| |
Collapse
|
47
|
Wang Z, Jiang Y, Lu L, Huang R, Hou Q, Shi F. Molecular mechanisms of cyclic nucleotide-gated ion channel gating. J Genet Genomics 2009; 34:477-85. [PMID: 17601606 DOI: 10.1016/s1673-8527(07)60052-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2006] [Accepted: 01/08/2007] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Cyclic nucleotide-gated ion channels (CNGs) are distributed most widely in the neuronal cell. Great progress has been made in molecular mechanisms of CNG channel gating in the recent years. Results of many experiments have indicated that the stoichiometry and assembly of CNG channels affect their property and gating. Experiments of CNG mutants and analyses of cysteine accessibilities show that cyclic nucleotide-binding domains (CNBD) bind cyclic nucleotides and subsequently conformational changes occurred followed by the concerted or cooperative conformational change of all four subunits during CNG gating. In order to provide theoretical assistances for further investigation on CNG channels, especially regarding the disease pathogenesis of ion channels, this paper reviews the latest progress on mechanisms of CNG channels, functions of subunits, processes of subunit assembly, and conformational changes of subunit regions during gating.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zhengchao Wang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
48
|
Lee JR, Shieh RC. Structural changes in the cytoplasmic pore of the Kir1.1 channel during pHi-gating probed by FRET. J Biomed Sci 2009; 16:29. [PMID: 19272129 PMCID: PMC2672938 DOI: 10.1186/1423-0127-16-29] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2008] [Accepted: 03/06/2009] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Kir1.1 channels are important in maintaining K+ homeostasis in the kidney. Intracellular acidification reversibly closes the Kir1.1 channel and thus decreases K+ secretion. In this study, we used Foster resonance energy transfer (FRET) to determine whether the conformation of the cytoplasmic pore changes in response to intracellular pH (pHi)-gating in Kir1.1 channels fused with enhanced cyan fluorescent protein (ECFP) and enhanced yellow fluorescent protein (EYFP) (ECFP-Kir1.1-EYFP). Because the fluorescence intensities of ECFP and EYFP were affected at pHi < 7.4 where pHi-gating occurs in the ECFP-Kir1.1-EYFP construct, we examined the FRET efficiencies of an ECFP-S219R-EYFP mutant, which is completed closed at pHi 7.4 and open at pHi 10.0. FRET efficiency was increased from 25% to 40% when the pHi was decreased from 10.0 to 7.4. These results suggest that the conformation of the cytoplasmic pore in the Kir1.1 channel changes in response to pHi gating such that the N- and C-termini move apart from each other at pHi 7.4, when the channel is open.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jay-Ron Lee
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Academia Sinica, Taipei 11529, Taiwan, Republic of China.
| | | |
Collapse
|
49
|
Combined single-molecule electrical recording and single-molecule spectroscopy studies of ion channel conformational dynamics. Methods Cell Biol 2009. [PMID: 19195561 DOI: 10.1016/s0091-679x(08)00819-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register]
Abstract
Stochastic and inhomogeneous conformational changes regulate the function and dynamics of ion channels. Such complexity makes it difficult, if not impossible, to characterize ion channel dynamics using conventional electrical recording alone since that the measurement does not specifically interrogate the associated conformational changes but rather the consequences of the conformational changes. Recently, new technology developments on single-molecule spectroscopy, and especially, the combined approaches of using single ion channel patch-clamp electrical recording and single-molecule fluorescence imaging have provided us the capability of probing ion channel conformational changes simultaneously with the electrical single channel recording. The function-regulating and site-specific conformational changes of ion channels are now measurable under physiological conditions in real-time, one molecule at a time. In this chapter, we will focus our discussion on the new development of real-time imaging of the dynamics of individual ion channels using a novel combination of single-molecule fluorescence spectroscopy and single-channel current recordings. We will then discuss a specific example of single-molecule gramicidin ion channel dynamics studied by the new approach and the future prospects.
Collapse
|
50
|
Semenova NP, Abarca-Heidemann K, Loranc E, Rothberg BS. Bimane fluorescence scanning suggests secondary structure near the S3-S4 linker of BK channels. J Biol Chem 2009; 284:10684-93. [PMID: 19244238 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m808891200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Gating of large conductance Ca(2+)-activated K(+) channels (BK or maxi-K channels) is controlled by a Ca(2+)-sensor, formed by the channel cytoplasmic C-terminal domain, and a voltage sensor, formed by its S0-S4 transmembrane helices. Here we analyze structural properties of a portion of the BK channel voltage sensing domain, the S3-S4 linker, using fluorescence lifetime spectroscopy. Single residues in the S3-S4 linker region were substituted with cysteine, and the cysteine-substituted mutants were expressed in CHO cells and covalently labeled with the sulfhydryl-reactive fluorophore monobromo-trimethylammonio-bimane (qBBr). qBBr fluorescence is quenched by tryptophan and, to a lesser extent, tyrosine side chains. We found that qBBr fluorescence in several of the labeled cysteine-substituted channels shows position-specific quenching, as indicated by increase of the brief lifetime component of the qBBr fluorescence decay. Quenching was reduced with the mutation W203F (in the S4 segment), suggesting that Trp-203 acts as a quenching group. Our results suggest a working hypothesis for the secondary structure of the BK channel S3-S4 region, and places residues Leu-204, Gly-205, and Leu-206 within the extracellular end of the S4 helix.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nina P Semenova
- Department of Physiology, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas 78229, USA
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|