The evolving model of calmodulin structure, function and activation

Calmodulin: a highly conserved and ubiquitous Ca2+ sensor

Calcium ions (Ca2+) play critical roles in various biological phenomena. The free Ca2+ concentration in the cytoplasm of a resting cell is at the 10-7 M level, whereas that outside the cell is 10-3 M, creating a 10,000-fold gradient of Ca2+ concentrations across the cell membrane, separating the intracellular and extracellular solutions.1),2) When a cell is activated by external stimuli, the intracellular Ca2+ concentration increases to levels of 10-6-10-5 M through Ca2+ entry from the extracellular solution via plasma membrane Ca2+ channels and/or Ca2+ release from intracellular stores. This transient increase in Ca2+ functions as an important signal mediated by Ca2+ sensors. Thus, Ca2+ signals are transmitted to intracellular loci such as distinct, localized targets of Ca2+ sensors. Among numerous Ca2+ sensors present in cells, calmodulin is a highly conserved and ubiquitous Ca2+ sensor.3).

Calcium Signalling in Heart and Vessels: Role of Calmodulin and Downstream Calmodulin-Dependent Protein Kinases

Cardiovascular disease is the major cause of death worldwide. The success of medication and other preventive measures introduced in the last century have not yet halted the epidemic of cardiovascular disease. Although the molecular mechanisms of the pathophysiology of the heart and vessels have been extensively studied, the burden of ischemic cardiovascular conditions has risen to become a top cause of morbidity and mortality. Calcium has important functions in the cardiovascular system. Calcium is involved in the mechanism of excitation-contraction coupling that regulates numerous events, ranging from the production of action potentials to the contraction of cardiomyocytes and vascular smooth muscle cells. Both in the heart and vessels, the rise of intracellular calcium is sensed by calmodulin, a protein that regulates and activates downstream kinases involved in regulating calcium signalling. Among them is the calcium calmodulin kinase family, which is involved in the regulation of cardiac functions. In this review, we present the current literature regarding the role of calcium/calmodulin pathways in the heart and vessels with the aim to summarize our mechanistic understanding of this process and to open novel avenues for research.

Threonine Phosphorylation of an Electrochemical Peptide-Based Sensor to Achieve Improved Uranyl Ion Binding Affinity

We have successfully designed a uranyl ion (U(VI)-specific peptide and used it in the fabrication of an electrochemical sensor. The 12-amino acid peptide sequence, (n) DKDGDGYIpTAAE (c), originates from calmodulin, a Ca(II)-binding protein, and contains a phosphothreonine that enhances the sequence's affinity for U(VI) over Ca(II). The sensing mechanism of this U(VI) sensor is similar to other electrochemical peptide-based sensors, which relies on the change in the flexibility of the peptide probe upon interacting with the target. The sensor was systematically characterized using alternating current voltammetry (ACV) and cyclic voltammetry. Its limit of detection was 50 nM, which is lower than the United States Environmental Protection Agency maximum contaminant level for uranium. The signal saturation time was ~40 min. In addition, it showed minimal cross-reactivity when tested against nine different metal ions, including Ca(II), Mg(II), Pb(II), Hg(II), Cu(II), Fe(II), Zn(II), Cd(II), and Cr(VI). Its reusability and ability to function in diluted aquifer and drinking water samples were further confirmed and validated. The response of the sensor fabricated with the same peptide sequence but with a nonphosphorylated threonine was also analyzed, substantiating the positive effects of threonine phosphorylation on U(VI) binding. This study places emphasis on strategic utilization of non-standard amino acids in the design of metal ion-chelating peptides, which will further diversify the types of peptide recognition elements available for metal ion sensing applications.

An allergenic plant calmodulin from Artemisia pollen primes human DCs leads to Th2 polarization

Artemisia pollen is the major cause of seasonal allergic respiratory diseases in the northern hemisphere. About 28.57% of Artemisia allergic patients’ IgE can recognize ArtCaM, a novel allergenic calmodulin from Artemisia identified in this study. These patients exhibited stronger allergic reactions and a longer duration of allergic symptoms. However, the signaling mechanism that triggers these allergic reactions is not fully understood. In this study, we found that extracellular ArtCaM directly induces the maturation of human dendritic cells (DCs), which is attributed to a series of Ca²⁺ relevant cascades, including Ca²⁺/NFAT/CaMKs. ArtCaM alone induces inflammatory response toward Th1, Th17, and Treg. Interestingly, a combination of ArtCaM and anti-ArtCaM IgE led to Th2 polarization. The putative mechanism is that anti-ArtCaM IgE partially blocks the ArtCaM-induced ERK signal, but does not affect Ca²⁺-dependent cascades. The crosstalk between ERK and Ca²⁺ signal primes DCs maturation and Th2 polarization. In summary, ArtCaM related to clinical symptoms when combined with anti-ArtCaM IgE, could be a novel allergen to activate DCs and promote Th2 polarization. Such findings provide mechanistic insights into Th2 polarization in allergic sensitization and pave the way for novel preventive and therapeutic strategies for efficient management of such pollen allergic disease.

Calmodulin Activity Affects the Function of the Odorant Receptor AcerOr2 in Honeybees

Bees rely on their sensitive olfactory system to perform foraging activities in the surrounding environment. This ability is associated with the existence of olfactory receptors (ORs). In this study, we identified the AcerOr2 (ortholog to the Orco) protein in Apis cerana cerana, which contains a conserved, putative calmodulin (CaM)-binding site (CBS) indicating that CaM is involved in its function. We used immunofluorescence, Western blot, and Ca2 + imaging to monitor changes in the expression and activation of the signaling pathway associated with Ca2 + and Ca2 +/CaM-dependent protein kinase II (CaMKII) in Sf9 cells heterologously expressing AcerOr2 and a CaM-binding mutant. We used the synthetic Orco agonist VUAA1 to stimulate the cells or the antagonist W7 to inhibit CaM activity. The AcerOr2 CaM-binding mutant has a point mutation in the putative CBS (K331N). When heterologously expressed in Sf9 cells, the mutant should have less CaM activity. When the cells expressing AcerOr2 were treated with W7, the Ca2 + response of AceOr2 was similar to that of the mutant stimulated by VUAA1, and the expression of the CaM, CaMKII, and p-CaMKII has similar effects. Our results suggest that CaM activity affects the function of AceOr2 in vitro and can be used to further study the interaction between the AcerOr2 and calcium/CaM signaling pathway in the pollen collection behavior of bees.

Do calmodulin binding IQ motifs have built-in capping domains?

Most calmodulin (CaM) targets are α-helices. It is not clear if CaM induces the adoption of an α-helix configuration to its targets or if those targets are selected as they spontaneously adopt an α-helical conformation. Other than an α-helix propensity, there is a great variety of CaM targets with little more in common. One exception to this rule is the IQ site that can be recognized in a number of targets, such as those ion channels belonging to the KCNQ family. Although there is negligible sequence similarity between the IQ motif and the docking site on SK2 channels, both adopt a similar three-dimensional disposition. The isolated SK2 target presents a pre-folded core region that becomes fully α-helical upon binding to CaM. The existence of this pre-folded state suggests the occurrence of capping within CaM targets. In this review, we examine the capping properties within the residues flanking this core domain, and relate known IQ motifs and capping.

Calmodulin complexes with brain and muscle creatine kinase peptides

Calmodulin (CaM) is a ubiquitous Ca2+ sensing protein that binds to and modulates numerous target proteins and enzymes during cellular signaling processes. A large number of CaM-target complexes have been identified and structurally characterized, revealing a wide diversity of CaM-binding modes. A newly identified target is creatine kinase (CK), a central enzyme in cellular energy homeostasis. This study reports two high-resolution X-ray structures, determined to 1.24 ​Å and 1.43 ​Å resolution, of calmodulin in complex with peptides from human brain and muscle CK, respectively. Both complexes adopt a rare extended binding mode with an observed stoichiometry of 1:2 CaM:peptide, confirmed by isothermal titration calorimetry, suggesting that each CaM domain independently binds one CK peptide in a Ca2+-depended manner. While the overall binding mode is similar between the structures with muscle or brain-type CK peptides, the most significant difference is the opposite binding orientation of the peptides in the N-terminal domain. This may extrapolate into distinct binding modes and regulation of the full-length CK isoforms. The structural insights gained in this study strengthen the link between cellular energy homeostasis and Ca2+-mediated cell signaling and may shed light on ways by which cells can 'fine tune' their energy levels to match the spatial and temporal demands.

The calcium transporter ANNEXIN1 mediates cold-induced calcium signaling and freezing tolerance in plants

The transient elevation of cytosolic free calcium concentration ([Ca2+ ]cyt ) induced by cold stress is a well-established phenomenon; however, the underlying mechanism remains elusive. Here, we report that the Ca2+ -permeable transporter ANNEXIN1 (AtANN1) mediates cold-triggered Ca2+ influx and freezing tolerance in Arabidopsis thaliana. The loss of function of AtANN1 substantially impaired freezing tolerance, reducing the cold-induced [Ca2+ ]cyt increase and upregulation of the cold-responsive CBF and COR genes. Further analysis showed that the OST1/SnRK2.6 kinase interacted with and phosphorylated AtANN1, which consequently enhanced its Ca2+ transport activity, thereby potentiating Ca2+ signaling. Consistent with these results and freezing sensitivity of ost1 mutants, the cold-induced [Ca2+ ]cyt elevation in the ost1-3 mutant was reduced. Genetic analysis indicated that AtANN1 acts downstream of OST1 in responses to cold stress. Our data thus uncover a cascade linking OST1-AtANN1 to cold-induced Ca2+ signal generation, which activates the cold response and consequently enhances freezing tolerance in Arabidopsis.

Identification and Physicochemical Characterization of a New Allergen from Ascaris lumbricoides

To analyze the impact of Ascaris lumbricoides infection on the pathogenesis and diagnosis of allergic diseases, new allergens should be identified. We report the identification of a new Ascaris lumbricoides allergen, Asc l 5. The aim of this study was to evaluate the physicochemical and immunological features of the Asc l 5 allergen. We constructed an A. lumbricoides cDNA library and Asc l 5 was identified by immunoscreening. After purification, rAsc l 5 was physicochemically characterized. Evaluation of its allergenic activity included determination of Immunoglobulin E (IgE) binding frequency (in two populations: 254 children and 298 all-age subjects), CD203c based-basophil activation tests (BAT) and a passive cutaneous anaphylaxis (PCA) mouse model. We found by amino acid sequence analysis that Asc l 5 belongs to the SXP/RAL-2 protein family of nematodes. rAsc l 5 is a monomeric protein with an alpha-helical folding. IgE sensitization to rAsc l 5 was around 52% in general population; positive BAT rate was 60%. rAsc l 5 induced specific IgE production in mice and a positive PCA reaction. These results show that Asc l 5 has structural and immunological characteristics to be considered as a new allergen from A. lumbricoides.

Interactions between calmodulin and neurogranin govern the dynamics of CaMKII as a leaky integrator

Calmodulin-dependent kinase II (CaMKII) has long been known to play an important role in learning and memory as well as long term potentiation (LTP). More recently it has been suggested that it might be involved in the time averaging of synaptic signals, which can then lead to the high precision of information stored at a single synapse. However, the role of the scaffolding molecule, neurogranin (Ng), in governing the dynamics of CaMKII is not yet fully understood. In this work, we adopt a rule-based modeling approach through the Monte Carlo method to study the effect of Ca2+ signals on the dynamics of CaMKII phosphorylation in the postsynaptic density (PSD). Calcium surges are observed in synaptic spines during an EPSP and back-propagating action potential due to the opening of NMDA receptors and voltage dependent calcium channels. Using agent-based models, we computationally investigate the dynamics of phosphorylation of CaMKII monomers and dodecameric holoenzymes. The scaffolding molecule, Ng, when present in significant concentration, limits the availability of free calmodulin (CaM), the protein which activates CaMKII in the presence of calcium. We show that Ng plays an important modulatory role in CaMKII phosphorylation following a surge of high calcium concentration. We find a non-intuitive dependence of this effect on CaM concentration that results from the different affinities of CaM for CaMKII depending on the number of calcium ions bound to the former. It has been shown previously that in the absence of phosphatase, CaMKII monomers integrate over Ca2+ signals of certain frequencies through autophosphorylation (Pepke et al, Plos Comp. Bio., 2010). We also study the effect of multiple calcium spikes on CaMKII holoenzyme autophosphorylation, and show that in the presence of phosphatase, CaMKII behaves as a leaky integrator of calcium signals, a result that has been recently observed in vivo. Our models predict that the parameters of this leaky integrator are finely tuned through the interactions of Ng, CaM, CaMKII, and PP1, providing a mechanism to precisely control the sensitivity of synapses to calcium signals. Author Summary not valid for PLOS ONE submissions.

Oxidation of Methionine 77 in Calmodulin Alters Mouse Growth and Behavior

Methionine 77 in calmodulin can be stereospecifically oxidized to methionine sulfoxide by mammalian methionine sulfoxide reductase A. Whether this has in vivo significance is unknown. We therefore created a mutant mouse in which wild type calmodulin-1 was replaced by a calmodulin containing a mimic of methionine sulfoxide at residue 77. Total calmodulin levels were unchanged in the homozygous M77Q mutant, which is viable and fertile. No differences were observed on learning tests, including the Morris water maze and associative learning. Cardiac stress test results were also the same for mutant and wild type mice. However, young male and female mice were 20% smaller than wild type mice, although food intake was normal for their weight. Young M77Q mice were notably more active and exploratory than wild type mice. This behavior difference was objectively documented on the treadmill and open field tests. The mutant mice ran 20% longer on the treadmill than controls and in the open field test, the mutant mice explored more than controls and exhibited reduced anxiety. These phenotypic differences bore a similarity to those observed in mice lacking calcium/calmodulin kinase IIα (CaMKIIα). We then showed that MetO77 calmodulin was less effective in activating CaMKIIα than wild type calmodulin. Thus, characterization of the phenotype of a mouse expressing a constitutively active mimic of calmodulin led to the identification of the first calmodulin target that can be differentially regulated by the oxidation state of Met77. We conclude that reversible oxidation of methionine 77 in calmodulin by MSRA has the potential to regulate cellular function.

Remote-Controlling Potassium Channels in Living Cells through Photothermal Inactivation of Calmodulin

Spatiotemporal regulation of cellular functions provides a powerful strategy for understanding underlying mechanisms of cellular bioprocesses. Here, a strategy is reported to realize the remote control of the activities of potassium channels via photothermal inactivation of calmodulin (CaM) by using reduced graphene oxide decorated with calmodulin binding peptide (rGO-P) as the transducer with near-infrared light (NIR) irradiation. Upon NIR light irradiation, the CaM/Ca²⁺ bound to rGO-P is inactivated by the photothermal effect of rGO-P, resulting in the incapability of binding with Ca²⁺ . Hence, the closed Kv10.1 channel is converted to be open in the presence of calcium in living cells. Meanwhile, the SK2 channel is induced to be closed from the open state and the Kir2.1 channel is unaffected by the intracellular inactivation of CaM. This strategy gives a noninvasive and effective approach to remotely control the activities of potassium channels, offering an alternative for the development of optogenetics.

Double-stranded RNA targeting calmodulin reveals a potential target for pest management of Nilaparvata lugens

BACKGROUND

Calmodulin (CaM) is an essential protein in cellular activity and plays important roles in many processes in insect development. RNA interference (RNAi) has been hypothesized to be a promising method for pest control. CaM is a good candidate for RNAi target. However, the sequence and function of CaM in Nilaparvata lugens are unknown. Furthermore, the double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) target to CaM gene in pest control is still unavailable.

RESULTS

In the present study, two alternatively spliced variants of CaM transcripts, designated NlCaM1 and NlCaM2, were cloned from N. lugens. The two cDNA sequences exhibited 100% identity to each other in the open reading frame (ORF), and only differed in the 3' untranslated region (UTR). NlCaM including NlCaM1 and NlCaM2 mRNA was detectable in all developmental stages and tissues of N. lugens, with significantly increased expression in the salivary glands. Knockdown of NlCaM expression by RNAi with different dsRNAs led to an inability to molt properly, increased mortality, which ranged from 49.7 to 92.5%, impacted development of the ovaries and led to female infertility. There were no significant reductions in the transcript levels of vitellogenin and its receptor or in the total vitellogenin protein level relative to the control group. However, a significant reduction in vitellogenin protein was detected in ovaries injected with dsNlCaM. In addition, a specific dsRNA of NlCaM for control of N. lugens was designed and tested.

CONCLUSION

NlCaM plays important roles mainly in nymph development and uptake of vitellogenin by ovaries in vitellogenesis in N. lugens. dsRNA derived from the less conserved 3'-UTR of NlCaM shows great potential for RNAi-based N. lugens management. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry.

Impact of graphyne on structural and dynamical properties of calmodulin

Carbon-based nanomaterials such as graphyne, graphene, and carbon nanotubes have attracted considerable attention for their applications, but questions remain regarding their biosafety through potential adverse interactions with important biomolecules.

Insect odorant receptor trafficking requires calmodulin

BACKGROUND

Like most animals, insects rely on their olfactory systems for finding food and mates and in avoiding noxious chemicals and predators. Most insect olfactory neurons express an odorant-specific odorant receptor (OR) along with Orco, the olfactory co-receptor. Orco binds ORs and permits their trafficking to the dendrites of antennal olfactory sensory neurons (OSNs), where together, they are suggested to form heteromeric ligand-gated non-selective cation channels. While most amino acid residues in Orco are well conserved across insect orders, one especially well-conserved region in Orco's second intracellular loop is a putative calmodulin (CaM) binding site (CBS). In this study, we explore the relationship between Orco and CaM in vivo in the olfactory neurons of Drosophila melanogaster.

RESULTS

We first found OSN-specific knock-down of CaM at the onset of OSN development disrupts the spontaneous firing of OSNs and reduces Orco trafficking to the ciliated dendrites of OSNs without affecting their morphology. We then generated a series of Orco CBS mutant proteins and found that none of them rescue the Orco-null Orco ¹ mutant phenotype, which is characterized by an OR protein trafficking defect that blocks spontaneous and odorant-evoked OSN activity. In contrast to an identically constructed wild-type form of Orco that does rescue the Orco ¹ phenotype, all the Orco CBS mutants remain stuck in the OSN soma, preventing even the smallest odorant-evoked response. Last, we found CaM's modulation of OR trafficking is dependent on activity. Knock-down of CaM in all Orco-positive OSNs after OR expression is well established has little effect on olfactory responsiveness alone. When combined with an extended exposure to odorant, however, this late-onset CaM knock-down significantly reduces both olfactory sensitivity and the trafficking of Orco only to the ciliated dendrites of OSNs that respond to the exposed odorant.

CONCLUSIONS

In this study, we show CaM regulates OR trafficking and olfactory responses in vivo in Drosophila olfactory neurons via a well-conserved binding site on the olfactory co-receptor Orco. As CaM's modulation of Orco seems to be dependent on activity, we propose a model in which the CaM/Orco interaction allows insect OSNs to maintain appropriate dendritic levels of OR regardless of environmental odorant concentrations.

Cadmium Induces Apoptosis in Freshwater Crab Sinopotamon henanense through Activating Calcium Signal Transduction Pathway

Calcium ion (Ca²⁺) is one of the key intracellular signals, which is implicated in the regulation of cell functions such as impregnation, cell proliferation, differentiation and death. Cadmium (Cd) is a toxic environmental pollutant that can disturb cell functions and even lead to cell death. Recently, we have found that Cd induced apoptosis in gill cells of the freshwater crab Sinopotamon henanense via caspase activation. In the present study, we further investigated the role of calcium signaling in the Cd-induced apoptosis in the animals. Our data showed that Cd triggered gill cell apoptosis which is evidenced by apoptotic DNA fragmentation, activations of caspases-3, -8 and -9 and the presence of apoptotic morphological features. Moreover, Cd elevated the intracellular concentration of Ca²⁺, the protein concentration of calmodulin (CaM) and the activity of Ca²⁺-ATPase in the gill cells of the crabs. Pretreatment of the animals with ethylene glycol-bis-(b-aminoethyl ether)-N,N,N’,N’-tetraacetic acid (EGTA), Ca²⁺ chelator, inhibited Cd-induced activation of caspases-3, -8 and -9 as well as blocked the Cd-triggered apoptotic DNA fragmentation. The apoptotic morphological features were no longer observed in gill cells pretreated with the Ca²⁺ signaling inhibitors before Cd treatment. Our results indicate that Cd evokes gill cell apoptosis through activating Ca²⁺-CaM signaling transduction pathway.

Combining modelling and experimental approaches to explain how calcium signatures are decoded by calmodulin-binding transcription activators (CAMTAs) to produce specific gene expression responses

Experimental data show that Arabidopsis thaliana is able to decode different calcium signatures to produce specific gene expression responses. It is also known that calmodulin-binding transcription activators (CAMTAs) have calmodulin (CaM)-binding domains. Therefore, the gene expression responses regulated by CAMTAs respond to calcium signals. However, little is known about how different calcium signatures are decoded by CAMTAs to produce specific gene expression responses. A dynamic model of Ca(2+) -CaM-CAMTA binding and gene expression responses is developed following thermodynamic and kinetic principles. The model is parameterized using experimental data. Then it is used to analyse how different calcium signatures are decoded by CAMTAs to produce specific gene expression responses. Modelling analysis reveals that: calcium signals in the form of cytosolic calcium concentration elevations are nonlinearly amplified by binding of Ca(2+) , CaM and CAMTAs; amplification of Ca(2+) signals enables calcium signatures to be decoded to give specific CAMTA-regulated gene expression responses; gene expression responses to a calcium signature depend upon its history and accumulate all the information during the lifetime of the calcium signature. Information flow from calcium signatures to CAMTA-regulated gene expression responses has been established by combining experimental data with mathematical modelling.

Ca2+-controlled assembly for visualized detection of conformation changes of calmodulin

A new strategy has been designed for visualized detection of the conformation changes of calmodulin bound to target peptide (CaM-M13) based on the conformation sensitive property of a water-soluble conjugated polythiophene derivative (PMNT) and the electrostatic interactions of PMNT/CaM-M13. Interestingly, the direct visualized PMNT color changes under UV irradiation and the turbidity changes of samples in aqueous medium can be applied to detect the conformation changes as well as the controllable assembly of PMNT/CaM-M13 with Ca(2+) in aqueous medium. Because of the specific binding of Ca(2+), the assembly of PMNT/CaM-M13 can be applied to sense calcium as well.

Prediction and analysis of canonical EF hand loop and qualitative estimation of Ca²⁺ binding affinity

The diversity of functions carried out by EF hand-containing calcium-binding proteins is due to various interactions made by these proteins as well as the range of affinity levels for Ca²⁺ displayed by them. However, accurate methods are not available for prediction of binding affinities. Here, amino acid patterns of canonical EF hand sequences obtained from available crystal structures were used to develop a classifier that distinguishes Ca²⁺-binding loops and non Ca²⁺-binding regions with 100% accuracy. To investigate further, we performed a proteome-wide prediction for E. histolytica, and classified known EF-hand proteins. We compared our results with published methods on the E. histolytica proteome scan, and demonstrated our method to be more specific and accurate for predicting potential canonical Ca²⁺-binding loops. Furthermore, we annotated canonical EF-hand motifs and classified them based on their Ca²⁺-binding affinities using support vector machines. Using a novel method generated from position-specific scoring metrics and then tested against three different experimentally derived EF-hand-motif datasets, predictions of Ca²⁺-binding affinities were between 87 and 90% accurate. Our results show that the tool described here is capable of predicting Ca²⁺-binding affinity constants of EF-hand proteins. The web server is freely available at http://202.41.10.46/calb/index.html.

Relationships between IgE/IgG4 epitopes, structure and function in Anisakis simplex Ani s 5, a member of the SXP/RAL-2 protein family

BACKGROUND

Anisakiasis is a re-emerging global disease caused by consumption of raw or lightly cooked fish contaminated with L3 Anisakis larvae. This zoonotic disease is characterized by severe gastrointestinal and/or allergic symptoms which may misdiagnosed as appendicitis, gastric ulcer or other food allergies. The Anisakis allergen Ani s 5 is a protein belonging to the SXP/RAL-2 family; it is detected exclusively in nematodes. Previous studies showed that SXP/RAL-2 proteins are active antigens; however, their structure and function remain unknown. The aim of this study was to elucidate the three-dimensional structure of Ani s 5 and its main IgE and IgG4 binding regions.

METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS

The tertiary structure of recombinant Ani s 5 in solution was solved by nuclear magnetic resonance. Mg2+, but not Ca2+, binding was determined by band shift using SDS-PAGE. IgE and IgG4 epitopes were elucidated by microarray immunoassay and SPOTs membranes using sera from nine Anisakis allergic patients. The tertiary structure of Ani s 5 is composed of six alpha helices (H), with a Calmodulin like fold. H3 is a long, central helix that organizes the structure, with H1 and H2 packing at its N-terminus and H4 and H5 packing at its C-terminus. The orientation of H6 is undefined. Regarding epitopes recognized by IgE and IgG4 immunoglobulins, the same eleven peptides derived from Ani s 5 were bound by both IgE and IgG4. Peptides 14 (L40-K59), 26 (A76-A95) and 35 (I103-D122) were recognized by three out of nine sera.

CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE

This is the first reported 3D structure of an Anisakis allergen. Magnesium ion binding and structural resemblance to Calmodulin, suggest some putative functions for SXP/RAL-2 proteins. Furthermore, the IgE/IgG4 binding regions of Ani s 5 were identified as segments localized on its surface. These data will contribute towards a better understanding of the interactions that occur between immunoglobulins and allergens and, in turn, facilitate the design of novel diagnostic tests and immunotherapeutic strategies.

NMR paves the way for atomic level descriptions of sparsely populated, transiently formed biomolecular conformers

The importance of dynamics to biomolecular function is becoming increasingly clear. A description of the structure-function relationship must, therefore, include the role of motion, requiring a shift in paradigm from focus on a single static 3D picture to one where a given biomolecule is considered in terms of an ensemble of interconverting conformers, each with potentially diverse activities. In this Perspective, we describe how recent developments in solution NMR spectroscopy facilitate atomic resolution studies of sparsely populated, transiently formed biomolecular conformations that exchange with the native state. Examples of how this methodology is applied to protein folding and misfolding, ligand binding, and molecular recognition are provided as a means of illustrating both the power of the new techniques and the significant roles that conformationally excited protein states play in biology.

Probing the diverse landscape of protein flexibility and binding

Protein flexibility spans a broad spectrum, from highly stable folded to intrinsically disordered states. In this review, we discuss how various techniques, including X-ray crystallography, nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy and ensemble-modeling strategies employing various experimental measurements, have enabled detailed structural and dynamic characterizations of proteins in their free and bound states. This has revealed a variety of possible binding scenarios in which flexibility can either decrease or increase upon binding. Furthermore, dynamic free-state ensembles have repeatedly been observed to contain transiently formed conformations that partially or completely resemble bound states. These results demonstrate an intimate connection between protein flexibility and protein interactions and illustrate the huge diversity of structure and dynamics in both free proteins and protein complexes.

Calcium-dependent conformational flexibility of a CUB domain controls activation of the complement serine protease C1r

C1, the first component of the complement system, is a Ca(2+)-dependent heteropentamer complex of C1q and two modular serine proteases, C1r and C1s. Current functional models assume significant flexibility of the subcomponents. Noncatalytic modules in C1r have been proposed to provide the flexibility required for function. Using a recombinant CUB2-CCP1 domain pair and the individual CCP1 module, we showed that binding of Ca(2+) induces the folding of the CUB2 domain and stabilizes its structure. In the presence of Ca(2+), CUB2 shows a compact, folded structure, whereas in the absence of Ca(2+), it has a flexible, disordered conformation. CCP1 module is Ca(2+)-insensitive. Isothermal titration calorimetry revealed that CUB2 binds a single Ca(2+) with a relatively high K(D) (430 mum). In blood, the CUB2 domain of C1r is only partially (74%) saturated by Ca(2+), therefore the disordered, Ca(2+)-free form could provide the flexibility required for C1 activation. In accordance with this assumption, the effect of Ca(2+) on the autoactivation of native, isolated C1r zymogen was proved. In the case of infection-inflammation when the local Ca(2+) concentration decreases, this property of CUB2 domain could serve as subtle means to trigger the activation of the classical pathway of complement. The CUB2 domain of C1r is a novel example for globular protein domains with marginal stability, high conformational flexibility, and proteolytic sensitivity. The physical nature of the behavior of this domain is similar to that of intrinsically unstructured proteins, providing a further example of functionally relevant ligand-induced reorganization of a polypeptide chain.

A dynamic model of interactions of Ca2+, calmodulin, and catalytic subunits of Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II

During the acquisition of memories, influx of Ca2+ into the postsynaptic spine through the pores of activated N-methyl-D-aspartate-type glutamate receptors triggers processes that change the strength of excitatory synapses. The pattern of Ca2+influx during the first few seconds of activity is interpreted within the Ca2+-dependent signaling network such that synaptic strength is eventually either potentiated or depressed. Many of the critical signaling enzymes that control synaptic plasticity,including Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II (CaMKII), are regulated by calmodulin, a small protein that can bindup to 4 Ca2+ ions. As a first step toward clarifying how the Ca2+-signaling network decides between potentiation or depression, we have created a kinetic model of the interactions of Ca2+, calmodulin, and CaMKII that represents our best understanding of the dynamics of these interactions under conditions that resemble those in a postsynaptic spine. We constrained parameters of the model from data in the literature, or from our own measurements, and then predicted time courses of activation and autophosphorylation of CaMKII under a variety of conditions. Simulations showed that species of calmodulin with fewer than four bound Ca2+ play a significant role in activation of CaMKII in the physiological regime,supporting the notion that processing of Ca2+ signals in a spine involves competition among target enzymes for binding to unsaturated species of CaM in an environment in which the concentration of Ca2+ is fluctuating rapidly. Indeed, we showed that dependence of activation on the frequency of Ca2+ transients arises from the kinetics of interaction of fluctuating Ca2+with calmodulin/CaMKII complexes. We used parameter sensitivity analysis to identify which parameters will be most beneficial to measure more carefully to improve the accuracy of predictions. This model provides a quantitative base from which to build more complex dynamic models of postsynaptic signal transduction during learning.

Cholesterol efflux to apoA-I in ABCA1-expressing cells is regulated by Ca2+-dependent calcineurin signaling

ATP-binding cassette transporter A1 (ABCA1) is required for the lipidation of apolipoprotein A-I (apoA-I), although molecular mechanisms supporting this process remain poorly defined. In this study, we focused on the role of cytosolic Ca(2+) and its signaling and found that cytosolic Ca(2+) was required for cholesterol efflux to apoA-I. Removing extracellular Ca(2+) or chelating cytosolic Ca(2+) were equally inhibitory for apoA-I lipidation. We provide evidence that apoA-I induced Ca(2+) influx from the medium. We further demonstrate that calcineurin activity, the downstream target of Ca(2+) influx, was essential; inhibition of calcineurin activity by cyclosporine A or FK506 completely abolished apoA-I lipidation. Furthermore, calcineurin inhibition abolished apoA-I binding and diminished JAK2 phosphorylation, an established signaling event for cholesterol efflux to apoA-I. Finally, we demonstrate that neither Ca(2+) manipulation nor calcineurin inhibition influenced ABCA1's capacity to release microparticles or to remodel the plasma membrane. We conclude that this Ca(2+)-dependent calcineurin/JAK2 pathway is specifically responsible for apoA-I lipidation without directly modifying ABCA1 activity.

MalariaPlasmodium agent induces alteration in the head proteome of theirAnopheles mosquito host

Despite increasing evidence of behavioural manipulation of their vectors by pathogens, the underlying mechanisms causing infected vectors to act in ways that benefit pathogen transmission remain enigmatic in most cases. Here, 2-D DIGE coupled with MS were employed to analyse and compare the head proteome of mosquitoes (Anopheles gambiae sensu stricto (Giles)) infected with the malarial parasite (Plasmodium berghei) with that of uninfected mosquitoes. This approach detected altered levels of 12 protein spots in the head of mosquitoes infected with sporozoites. These proteins were subsequently identified using MS and functionally classified as belonging to metabolic, synaptic, molecular chaperone, signalling, and cytoskeletal groups. Our results indicate an altered energy metabolism in the head of sporozoite-infected mosquitoes. Some of the up-/down-regulated proteins identified, such as synapse-associated protein, 14-3-3 protein and calmodulin, have previously been shown to play critical roles in the CNS of both invertebrates and vertebrates. Furthermore, a heat shock response (HSP 20) and a variation of cytoarchitecture (tropomyosins) have been shown. Discovery of these proteins sheds light on potential molecular mechanisms that underlie behavioural modifications and offers new insights into the study of intimate interactions between Plasmodium and its Anopheles vector.

Conformational changes upon calcium binding and phosphorylation in a synthetic fragment of calmodulin

We have recently investigated by far-UV circular dichroism (CD) the effects of Ca(2+) binding and the phosphorylation of Ser 81 for the synthetic peptide CaM [54-106] encompassing the Ca(2+)-binding loops II and III and the central alpha helix of calmodulin (CaM) (Arrigoni et al., Biochemistry 2004, 43, 12788-12798). Using computational methods, we studied the changes in the secondary structure implied by these spectra with the aim to investigate the effect of Ca(2+) binding and the functional role of the phosphorylation of Ser 81 in the action of the full-length CaM. Ca(2+) binding induces the nucleation of helical structure by inducing side chain stacking of hydrophobic residues. We further investigated the effect of Ca(2+) binding by using near-UV CD spectroscopy. Molecular dynamics simulations of different fragments containing the central alpha-helix of CaM using various experimentally determined structures of CaM with bound Ca(2+) disclose the structural effects provided by the phosphorylation of Ser 81. This post-translational modification is predicted to alter the secondary structure in its surrounding and also to hinder the physiological bending of the central helix of CaM through an alteration of the hydrogen bond network established by the side chain of residue 81. Using quantum mechanical methods to predict the CD spectra for the frames obtained during the MD simulations, we are able to reproduce the relative experimental intensities in the far-UV CD spectra for our peptides. Similar conformational changes that take place in CaM [54-106] upon Ca(2+) binding and phosphorylation may occur in the full-length CaM.

Characterization of calretinin I-II as an EF-hand, Ca2+, H+-sensing domain

Calretinin, a neuronal protein with well-defined calcium-binding properties, has a poorly defined function. The pH dependent properties of calretinin (CR), the N-terminal (CR I-II), and C-terminal (CR III-VI) domains were investigated. A drop in pH within the intracellular range (from pH 7.5 to pH 6.5) leads to an increased hydrophobicity of calcium-bound CR and its domains as reported by fluorescence spectroscopy with the hydrophobic probe 2-(p-toluidino)-6-naphthalenesulfonic acid (TNS). The TNS data for the N- and C-terminal domains of CR are additive, providing further support for their independence within the full-length protein. Our work concentrated on CR I-II, which was found to have hydrophobic properties similar to calmodulin at lower pH. The elution of CR I-II from a phenyl-Sepharose column was consistent with the TNS data. The pH-dependent structural changes were further localized to residues 13-28 and 44-51 using nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy chemical shift analysis, and there appear to be no large changes in secondary structure. Protonation of His 12 and/or His 27 side chains, coupled with calcium chelation, appears to lead to the organization of a hydrophobic pocket in the N-terminal domain. CR may sense and respond to calcium, proton, and other signals, contributing to conflicting data on the proteins role as a calcium sensor or calcium buffer.

The organization of the core proteins of the yeast spindle pole body

The spindle pole body (SPB) is the microtubule organizing center of Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Its core includes the proteins Spc42, Spc110 (kendrin/pericentrin ortholog), calmodulin (Cmd1), Spc29, and Cnm67. Each was tagged with CFP and YFP and their proximity to each other was determined by fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET). FRET was measured by a new metric that accurately reflected the relative extent of energy transfer. The FRET values established the topology of the core proteins within the architecture of SPB. The N-termini of Spc42 and Spc29, and the C-termini of all the core proteins face the gap between the IL2 layer and the central plaque. Spc110 traverses the central plaque and Cnm67 spans the IL2 layer. Spc42 is a central component of the central plaque where its N-terminus is closely associated with the C-termini of Spc29, Cmd1, and Spc110. When the donor-acceptor pairs were ordered into five broad categories of increasing FRET, the ranking of the pairs specified a unique geometry for the positions of the core proteins, as shown by a mathematical proof. The geometry was integrated with prior cryoelectron tomography to create a model of the interwoven network of proteins within the central plaque. One prediction of the model, the dimerization of the calmodulin-binding domains of Spc110, was confirmed by in vitro analysis.

Structural characterization of Ca2+/CaM in complex with the phosphorylase kinase PhK5 peptide

Phosphorylase kinase (PhK) is a large hexadecameric enzyme consisting of four copies of four subunits: (alphabetagammadelta)4. An intrinsic calmodulin (CaM, the delta subunit) binds directly to the gamma protein kinase chain. The interaction site of CaM on gamma has been localized to a C-terminal extension of the kinase domain. Two 25-mer peptides derived from this region, PhK5 and PhK13, were identified previously as potential CaM-binding sites. Complex formation between Ca2+/CaM with these two peptides was characterized using analytical gel filtration and NMR methods. NMR chemical shift perturbation studies showed that while PhK5 forms a robust complex with Ca2+/CaM, no interactions with PhK13 were observed. 15N relaxation characteristics of Ca2+/CaM and Ca2+/CaM/PhK5 complexes were compared with the experimentally determined structures of several Ca2+/CaM/peptide complexes. Good fits were observed between Ca2+/CaM/PhK5 and three structures: Ca2+/CaM complexes with peptides from endothelial nitric oxide synthase, with smooth muscle myosin light chain kinase and CaM kinase I. We conclude that the PhK5 site is likely to have a direct role in Ca2+-regulated control of PhK activity through the formation of a classical 'compact' CaM complex.

Calmodulin and Ca2+-binding proteins (CaBPs): variations on a theme

Ca2+ is a ubiquitous second messenger that frequently exerts its effects through Ca2+-binding proteins. In response to changes in the intracellular [Ca2+], Ca2+-binding proteins modulate the cellular activities of enzymes, channels and structural proteins. Multiple Ca2+-binding proteins are expressed in the retina and, in most cases, in a unique cellular and sub-cellular manner. CaBPs are retinal Ca2+-binding proteins displaying a high similarity to calmodulin (CaM). CaBPs are able to mimic some of the interactions of CaM with effector enzymes, although their physiological role has not yet been resolved. CaBPs could be cell-type specific proteins that play a key role in the Ca2+ signaling of specialized retinal neurons.

Disruption of a calmodulin central helix-like region of 10-formyltetrahydrofolate dehydrogenase impairs its dehydrogenase activity by uncoupling the functional domains

10-Formyltetrahydrofolate dehydrogenase (FDH) is composed of three domains and possesses three catalytic activities but has only two catalytic centers. The amino-terminal domain (residue 1-310) bears 10-formyltetrahydrofolate hydrolase activity, the carboxyl-terminal domain (residue 420-902) bears an aldehyde dehydrogenase activity, and the full-length FDH produces 10-formyltetrahydrofolate dehydrogenase activity. The intermediate linker (residues 311-419) connecting the two catalytic domains does not contribute directly to the enzyme catalytic centers but is crucial for 10-formyltetrahydrofolate dehydrogenase activity. We have identified a region within the intermediate domain (residues 384-405) that shows sequence similarity to the central helix of calmodulin. Deletion of either the entire putative helix or the central part of the helix or replacement of the six residues within the central part with alanines resulted in total loss of the 10-formyltetrahydrofolate dehydrogenase activity, whereas the full hydrolase and aldehyde dehydrogenase activities were retained. Alanine-scanning mutagenesis revealed that neither of the six residues alone is required for FDH activity. Analysis of the predicted secondary structures and circular dichroic and fluorescence spectroscopy studies of the intermediate domain expressed as a separate protein showed that this region is likely to consist of two alpha-helices connected by a flexible loop. Our results suggest that flexibility within the putative helix is important for FDH function and could be a point for regulation of the enzyme.

Structure-function of the multifunctional Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II

Ca2+/calmodulin (CaM)-dependent protein kinase (CaMKII) is a ubiquitous mediator of Ca2+-linked signalling that phosphorylates a wide range of substrates to co-ordinate and regulate Ca2+-mediated alterations in cellular function. The transmission of information by the kinase from extracellular stimuli and the intracellular Ca2+ rise is not passive. Rather, its multimeric structure and autoregulation enable this enzyme to participate actively in the sensitivity, timing and location of its action. CaMKII can: (i) be activated in a Ca2+-spike frequency-dependent manner; (ii) become independent of its initial Ca2+/CaM activators; and (iii) undergo a 'molecular switch-like' behaviour, which is crucial for certain forms of learning and memory. CaMKII is derived from a family of four homologous but distinct genes, with over 30 alternatively spliced isoforms described at present. These isoforms possess diverse developmental and anatomical expression patterns, as well as subcellular localization. Six independent catalytic/autoregulatory domains are connected by a narrow stalk-like appendage to each hexameric ring within the dodecameric structure. Ca2+/CaM binding activates the enzyme by disinhibiting the autoregulatory domain; this process initiates an intra-holoenzyme autophosphorylation reaction that induces complex changes in the enzyme's sensitivity to Ca2+/CaM, including the generation of Ca2+/CaM-independent (autonomous) activity and marked increase in affinity for CaM. The role of CaMKII in Ca2+ signal transduction is shaped by its autoregulation, isoenzymic type and subcellular localization. The molecular determinants and mechanisms producing these processes are discussed as they relate to the structure-function of this multifunctional protein kinase.

Expression profile of 30,000 genes in rat hippocampus using SAGE

Using the serial analysis of gene expression (SAGE) method, we generated a gene expression profile of the rat hippocampus. A total of 76,790 SAGE tags was analyzed, allowing identification of 28,748 different tag species, each representing a unique mRNA transcript. The tags were divided into different abundancy classes, ranging from tags that were detected over 500 times to tags encountered only once in the 76,790 tags analyzed. The mRNA species detected more than 50 times represented 0.3% of the total number of unique tags while accounting for 22% of the total hippocampal mRNA mass. The majority of tags were encountered 5 times or less. The genes expressed at the highest levels were of mitochondrial origin, consistent with a high requirement for energy in neuronal tissue. At a lower level of expression, several neuron-specific transcripts were encountered, encoding various neurotransmitter receptors, transporters, and enzymes involved in neurotransmitter synthesis and turnover, ion channels and pumps, and synaptic components. Comparison of relative expression levels demonstrated that glutamate receptors are the most frequent neurotransmitter receptors expressed in the hippocampus, consistent with the important role of glutamatergic neurotransmission in the hippocampus, while GABA receptors were present at approximately 10-fold lower levels. Several kinases were present including CaMKII, which was expressed at high levels, consistent with its being the most abundant protein in the spines of hippocampal pyramidal cells. This is the first extensive inventory of gene expression in the hippocampus and serves as a reference for future studies aimed at elucidating hippocampal transcriptional responses under various conditions.

Structure of apoptosis-linked protein ALG-2: insights into Ca2+-induced changes in penta-EF-hand proteins

BACKGROUND

The Ca2+ binding apoptosis-linked gene-2 (ALG-2) protein acts as a proapoptotic factor in a variety of cell lines and is required either downstream or independently of caspases for apoptosis to occur. ALG-2 belongs to the penta-EF-hand (PEF) protein family and has two high-affinity and one low-affinity Ca2+ binding sites. Like other PEF proteins, its N terminus contains a Gly/Pro-rich segment. Ca2+ binding is required for the interaction with the target protein, ALG-2 interacting protein 1 (AIP1).

RESULTS

We present the 2.3 A resolution crystal structure of Ca2+-Ioaded des1-20ALG-2 (aa 21-191), which was obtained by limited proteolysis of recombinant ALG-2 with elastase. The molecule contains eight alpha helices that fold into five EF-hands, and, similar to other members of this protein family, the molecule forms dimers. Ca2+ ions bind to EF1, EF3, and, surprisingly, to EF5. In the related proteins calpain and grancalcin, the EF5 does not bind Ca2+ and is thought to primarily facilitate dimerization. Most importantly, the conformation of des1-20ALG-2 is significantly different from that of calpain and grancalcin. This difference can be described as a rigid body rotation of EF1-2 relative to EF4-5 and the dimer interface, with a hinge within the EF3 loop. An electron density, which is interpreted as a hydrophobic Gly/Pro-rich decapeptide that is possibly derived from the cleaved N terminus, was found in a hydrophobic cleft between these two halves of the molecule.

CONCLUSIONS

A different relative orientation of the N- and C-terminal halves of des1-20ALG-2 in the presence of Ca2+ and the peptide as compared to other Ca2+loaded PEF proteins changes substantially the shape of the molecule, exposing a hydrophobic patch on the surface for peptide binding and a large cleft near the dimer interface. We postulate that the binding of a Gly/ Pro-rich peptide in the presence of Ca2+ induces a conformational rearrangement in ALG-2, and that this mechanism is common to other PEF proteins.

The unfolding of substrates and ubiquitin-independent protein degradation by proteasomes

26S proteasomes are composed of a 20S proteolytic core and two ATPase-containing 19S regulatory particles. To clarify the role of these ATPases in proteolysis, we studied the PAN complex, the archaeal homolog of the 19S ATPases. When ATP is present, PAN stimulates protein degradation by archaeal 20S proteasomes. PAN is a molecular chaperone that catalyzes the ATP-dependent unfolding of globular proteins. If 20S proteasomes are present, this unfoldase activity is linked to degradation. Thus PAN, and presumably the 26S ATPases, unfold substrates and facilitate their entry into the 20S particle. 26S proteasomes preferentially degrade ubiquitinated proteins. However, we found that calmodulin (CaM) and troponin C are degraded by 26S proteasomes without ubiquitination. Ca(2+)-free native CaM and in vitro 'aged' CaM are degraded faster than the Ca(2+)-bound form. Ubiquitination of CaM does not enhance its degradation. Degradation of ovalbumin normally requires ubiquitination, but can occur without ubiquitination if ovalbumin is denatured. The degradation of these proteins still requires ATP and the 19S particle. Thus, ubiquitin-independent degradation by 26S proteasomes may be more important than generally assumed.

Kinase recognition by calmodulin: modeling the interaction with the autoinhibitory region of human cardiac titin kinase

Calmodulin (CaM)-protein interactions are usually described by studying complexes between synthetic targets of ca 25 amino acids and CaM. To understand the relevance of contacts outside the protein-binding region, we investigated the complex between recombinant human CaM (hCaM) and P7, a 38-residue peptide corresponding to the autoinhibitory domain of human cardiac titin kinase (hTK). To expedite the structure determination of hCaM-P7 we relied upon the high degree of similarity with other CaM-kinase peptide complexes. By using a combined homonuclear NMR spectroscopy and molecular modeling approach, we verified for the bound hCaM similar trends in chemical shifts as well as conservation of NOE patterns, which taken together imply the conservation of CaM secondary structure. P7 was anchored to the protein with 52 experimental intermolecular contacts. The hCaM-P7 structure is very similar to known CaM complexes, but the presence of NOE contacts outside the binding cavity appears to be novel. Comparison with the hTK crystal structure indicates that the P7 charged residues all correspond to accessible side-chains, while the putative anchoring hydrophobic side-chains are partially buried. To test this finding, we also modeled the early steps of the complex formation between Ca(2+)-loaded hCaM and hTK. The calculated trajectories strongly suggest the existence of an "electrostatic funnel", driving the long-range recognition of the two proteins. On the other hand, on a nanosecond time scale, no intermolecular interaction is formed as the P7 hydrophobic residues remain buried inside hTK. These results suggest that charged residues in hTK might be the anchoring points of Ca(2+)/hCaM, favoring the intrasteric regulation of the kinase. Furthermore, our structure, the first of CaM bound to a peptide derived from a kinase whose three-dimensional structure is known, suggests that special care is needed in the choice of template peptides to model protein-protein interactions.

The calmodulin multigene family as a unique case of genetic redundancy: multiple levels of regulation to provide spatial and temporal control of calmodulin pools?

Calmodulin (CaM) is a ubiquitous, highly conserved calcium sensor protein involved in the regulation of a wide variety of cellular events. In vertebrates, an identical CaM protein is encoded by a family of non-allelic genes, raising questions concerning the evolutionary pressure responsible for the maintenance of this apparently redundant family. Here we review the evidence that the control of the spatial and temporal availability of CaM may require multiple regulatory levels to ensure the proper localization, maintenance and size of intracellular CaM pools. Differential transcription of the CaM genes provides one level of regulation to meet tissue-specific, developmental and cell-specific needs for altered CaM levels. Post-transcriptional regulation occurs at the level of mRNA stability, perhaps dependent on alternative polyadenylation and differences in the untranslated sequences of the multiple gene transcripts. Recent evidence indicates that trafficking of specific CaM mRNAs may occur to specialized cellular locales such as the dendrites of neurons. This could allow local CaM synthesis and thereby help generate local pools of CaM. Local CaM activity may be further regulated by post-translational mechanisms such as phosphorylation or storage of CaM in a 'masked' form. The spatial resolution of CaM activity is enhanced by the limited free diffusion of CaM combined with differential affinity for and availability of target proteins. Preserving multiple CaM genes with divergent noncoding sequences may be necessary in complex organisms to ensure that the many CaM-dependent processes occur with the requisite spatial and temporal resolution. Transgenic mouse models and studies on mice carrying single and double gene 'knockouts' promise to shed further light on the role of specificity versus redundancy in the evolutionary maintenance of the vertebrate CaM multigene family.

Interactions of calmodulin with metal ions and with its target proteins revealed by conformation-sensitive monoclonal antibodies

Two monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) raised against bovine calmodulin (CaM), CAM1 and CAM4, enable one to monitor conformational changes that occur in the molecule. The interaction of CAM1 with CaM depends on the Ca2+ occupancy of its Ca(2+)-binding sites. CAM4, in contrast, interacts with CaM in a Ca(2+)-independent manner, interacting with both holoCaM and EGTA-treated CaM to a similar extent. Their interaction with various CaMs, CaM tryptic fragments and chemically modified CaM, as well as molecular graphics, led to identification of the CAM1 and CAM4 epitopes on the C- and N-terminal lobes of CAM respectively. The two mAbs were used as macromolecular probes to detect conformational changes occurring in the CaM molecule upon binding of metal ions and target proteins and peptides. MAb CAM1 successfully detected changes associated with Al3+ binding even in the presence of Ca2+, indicating that Al3+ and Ca2+ ions may bind to the protein simultaneously, leading to a new conformation of the molecule. MAbs CAM1 and CAM4 were used to follow the interactions of CaM with its target peptides and proteins. Complexes with melittin, mastoparan, calcineurin and phosphodiesterase showed different immunological properties on an immuno-enzyme electrode, indicating unique structural properties for each complex.

Domains responsible for constitutive and Ca(2+)-dependent interactions between calmodulin and small conductance Ca(2+)-activated potassium channels

Small conductance Ca(2+)-activated potassium channels (SK channels) are coassembled complexes of pore-forming SK alpha subunits and calmodulin. We proposed a model for channel activation in which Ca2+ binding to calmodulin induces conformational rearrangements in calmodulin and the alpha subunits that result in channel gating. We now report fluorescence measurements that indicate conformational changes in the alpha subunit after calmodulin binding and Ca2+ binding to the alpha subunit-calmodulin complex. Two-hybrid experiments showed that the Ca(2+)-independent interaction of calmodulin with the alpha subunits requires only the C-terminal domain of calmodulin and is mediated by two noncontiguous subregions; the ability of the E-F hands to bind Ca2+ is not required. Although SK alpha subunits lack a consensus calmodulin-binding motif, mutagenesis experiments identified two positively charged residues required for Ca(2+)-independent interactions with calmodulin. Electrophysiological recordings of SK2 channels in membrane patches from oocytes coexpressing mutant calmodulins revealed that channel gating is mediated by Ca2+ binding to the first and second E-F hand motifs in the N-terminal domain of calmodulin. Taken together, the results support a calmodulin- and Ca(2+)-calmodulin-dependent conformational change in the channel alpha subunits, in which different domains of calmodulin are responsible for Ca(2+)-dependent and Ca(2+)-independent interactions. In addition, calmodulin is associated with each alpha subunit and must bind at least one Ca2+ ion for channel gating. Based on these results, a state model for Ca2+ gating was developed that simulates alterations in SK channel Ca2+ sensitivity and cooperativity associated with mutations in CaM.

Calcium Mobilization in Human Myeloid Cells Results in Acquisition of Individual Dendritic Cell-Like Characteristics Through Discrete Signaling Pathways

We have shown previously that calcium ionophore (CI) treatment of various myeloid origin cells results in rapid acquisition of properties associated with mature, activated dendritic cells. These properties include increased CD83 and costimulatory molecule expression, tendencies to form dendritic processes, loss of CD14 expression by monocytes, and typically an enhanced capacity to sensitize T lymphocytes to Ag. We here analyze the intracellular signaling pathways by which CI induces acquisition of such properties. Thapsigargin, which raises intracellular Ca2+ levels by antagonizing its sequestration, induced immunophenotypic and morphologic changes that paralleled CI treatment. CI-induced activation was broadly attenuated by the Ca2+ chelating compound EGTA and by calmodulin antagonists trifluoperazine dimaleate and W-7. However, antagonists of signaling pathways downstream to calmodulin displayed more selective inhibitory effects. Calcineurin antagonists cyclosporin A and the FK-506 analogue, ascomycin, diminished costimulatory molecule and CD83 expression, as well as formation of dendritic processes in CI-treated myeloid cells, and strongly attenuated the T cell allosensitizing capacity of CI-treated HL-60 cells. These calcineurin antagonists displayed minimal effect on CI-induced CD14 down-regulation in monocytes. In contrast, the calmodulin-dependent protein kinase antagonists, K252a and KT5926, while displaying only modest effects on CI-induced costimulatory molecule and CD83 expression, strongly blocked CD14 down-regulation. These results are consistent with a Ca2+-dependent mechanism for CI-induced differentiation of myeloid cells, and indicate that multiple discrete signaling pathways downstream to calcium mobilization and calmodulin activation may be essential in regulating this process.

Dynamic redistribution of calmodulin in HeLa cells during cell division as revealed by a GFP-calmodulin fusion protein technique

It has been suggested by many studies that Ca2+ signaling plays an important role in regulating key steps in cell division. In order to study the down stream components of calcium signaling, we have fused the gene of calmodulin (CaM) with that of green fluorescent protein (GFP) and expressed it in HeLa cells. The GFP-CaM protein was found to have similar biochemical properties as the wild-type CaM, and its distribution was also similar to that of the endogenous CaM. Using this GFP-tagged CaM as a probe, we have conducted a detailed examination of the spatial- and temporal-dependent redistribution of calmodulin in living mammalian cells during cell division. Our major findings are: (1) high density of CaM was found to distribute in two sub-cellular locations during mitosis; one fraction was concentrated in the spindle poles, while the other was concentrated in the sub-membrane region around the cell. (2) The sub-membrane fraction of CaM became aggregated at the equatorial region where the cleavage furrow was about to form. The timing of this localized aggregation of CaM was closely associated with the onset of cytokinesis. (3) Using a TA-CaM probe, we found that the sub-membrane fraction of CaM near the cleavage furrow was selectively activated during cell division. (4) When we injected a CaM-specific inhibitory peptide into early anaphase cells, cytokinesis was either blocked or severely delayed. These findings suggest that, in addition to Ca2+ ion, CaM may represent a second signal that can also play an active role in determining the positioning and timing of the cleavage furrow formation.

Sequential assignment of 1H, 15N, 13C resonances and secondary structure of human calmodulin-like protein determined by NMR spectroscopy

Human calmodulin-like protein (CLP) is closely related to vertebrate calmodulin, yet its unique cell specific expression pattern, overlapping but divergent biochemical properties, and specific target proteins suggest that it is not an isoform of calmodulin. To gain insight into the structural differences that may underlie the difference target specificities and biochemical properties of CLP when compared to calmodulin, we determined the sequential backbone assignment and associated secondary structure of 144 out of the 148 residues of Ca2+-CLP by using multinuclear multidimensional NMR spectroscopy. Despite a very high overall degree of structural similarity between CLP and calmodulin, a number of significant differences were found mainly in the length of alpha-helices and in the central nonhelical flexible region. Interestingly, the regions of greatest primary sequence divergence between CLP and calmodulin in helices III and VIII displayed only minor secondary structure differences. The data suggest that the distinct differences in target specificity and biochemical properties of CLP and calmodulin result from the sum of several minor structural and side-chain changes spread over multiple domains in these proteins.

A model for target protein binding to calcium-activated S100 dimers

S100 proteins are a family of dimeric calcium-binding proteins implicated in several cancers and neurological diseases. Calbindin D9k is an unusual monomeric member of the S100 family. A calbindin D9k mutant containing a novel calcium-induced helix is characterized. Based on sequence comparison, this helix could be a component of other S100 proteins and a factor in target protein binding. The origin of structural differences between three reported apo S100 dimer structures is verified. We conclude that the differences are a result of modeling rather than a function of different target binding properties. A mechanism for target protein binding is suggested.

Raf-1 kinase and exoenzyme S interact with 14-3-3zeta through a common site involving lysine 49

14-3-3 proteins are a family of conserved dimeric molecules that bind to a range of cellular proteins involved in signal transduction and oncogenesis. Our solution of the crystal structure of 14-3-3zeta revealed a conserved amphipathic groove that may allow the association of 14-3-3 with diverse ligands (Liu, D., Bienkowska, J., Petosa, C., Collier, R. J., Fu, H., and Liddington, R. (1995) Nature 376, 191-194). Here, the contributions of three positively charged residues (Lys-49, Arg-56, and Arg-60) that lie in this Raf-binding groove were investigated. Two of the charge-reversal mutations greatly (K49E) or partially (R56E) decreased the interaction of 14-3-3zeta with Raf-1 kinase, whereas R60E showed only subtle effects on the binding. Interestingly, these mutations exhibited similar effects on the functional interaction of 14-3-3zeta with another target protein, exoenzyme S (ExoS), an ADP-ribosyltransferase from Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The EC50 values of 14-3-3zeta required for ExoS activation increased by approximately 110-, 5-, and 2-fold for the K49E, R56E, and R60E mutants, respectively. The drastic reduction of 14-3-3zeta/ligand affinity by the K49E mutation is due to a local electrostatic effect, rather than the result of a gross structural alteration, as evidenced by partial proteolysis and circular dichroism analysis. This work identifies the first point mutation (K49E) that dramatically disrupts 14-3-3zeta/ligand interactions. The parallel effects of this single point mutation on both Raf-1 binding and ExoS activation strongly suggest that diverse associated proteins share a common structural binding determinant on 14-3-3zeta.