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Acquasaliente L, Pierangelini A, Pagotto A, Pozzi N, De Filippis V. From haemadin to haemanorm: Synthesis and characterization of full-length haemadin from the leech Haemadipsa sylvestris and of a novel bivalent, highly potent thrombin inhibitor (haemanorm). Protein Sci 2023; 32:e4825. [PMID: 37924304 PMCID: PMC10683372 DOI: 10.1002/pro.4825] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2023] [Revised: 10/25/2023] [Accepted: 10/27/2023] [Indexed: 11/06/2023]
Abstract
Hirudin from Hirudo medicinalis is a bivalent α-Thrombin (αT) inhibitor, targeting the enzyme active site and exosite-I, and is currently used in anticoagulant therapy along with its simplified analogue hirulog. Haemadin, a small protein (57 amino acids) isolated from the land-living leech Haemadipsa sylvestris, selectively inhibits αT with a potency identical to that of recombinant hirudin (KI = 0.2 pM), with which it shares a common disulfide topology and overall fold. At variance with hirudin, haemadin targets exosite-II and therefore (besides the free protease) it also blocks thrombomodulin-bound αT without inhibiting the active intermediate meizothrombin, thus offering potential advantages over hirudin. Here, we produced in reasonably high yields and pharmaceutical purity (>98%) wild-type haemadin and the oxidation resistant Met5 → nor-Leucine analogue, both inhibiting αT with a KI of 0.2 pM. Thereafter, we used site-directed mutagenesis, spectroscopic, ligand-displacement, and Hydrogen/Deuterium Exchange-Mass Spectrometry techniques to map the αT regions relevant for the interaction with full-length haemadin and with the synthetic N- and C-terminal peptides Haem(1-10) and Haem(45-57). Haem(1-10) competitively binds to/inhibits αT active site (KI = 1.9 μM) and its potency was enhanced by 10-fold after Phe3 → β-Naphthylalanine exchange. Conversely to full-length haemadin, haem(45-57) displays intrinsic affinity for exosite-I (KD = 1.6 μM). Hence, we synthesized a peptide in which the sequences 1-9 and 45-57 were joined together through a 3-Glycine spacer to yield haemanorm, a highly potent (KI = 0.8 nM) inhibitor targeting αT active site and exosite-I. Haemanorm can be regarded as a novel class of hirulog-like αT inhibitors with potential pharmacological applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Acquasaliente
- Laboratory of Protein Chemistry & Molecular Hematology, Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, School of MedicineUniversity of PadovaPaduaItaly
| | - Andrea Pierangelini
- Laboratory of Protein Chemistry & Molecular Hematology, Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, School of MedicineUniversity of PadovaPaduaItaly
| | - Anna Pagotto
- Laboratory of Protein Chemistry & Molecular Hematology, Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, School of MedicineUniversity of PadovaPaduaItaly
| | - Nicola Pozzi
- Laboratory of Protein Chemistry & Molecular Hematology, Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, School of MedicineUniversity of PadovaPaduaItaly
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Edward A. Doisy Research CenterSaint Louis UniversitySt. LouisMissouriUSA
| | - Vincenzo De Filippis
- Laboratory of Protein Chemistry & Molecular Hematology, Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, School of MedicineUniversity of PadovaPaduaItaly
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2
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Acquasaliente L, Pontarollo G, Radu CM, Peterle D, Artusi I, Pagotto A, Uliana F, Negro A, Simioni P, De Filippis V. Exogenous human α-Synuclein acts in vitro as a mild platelet antiaggregant inhibiting α-thrombin-induced platelet activation. Sci Rep 2022; 12:9880. [PMID: 35701444 PMCID: PMC9198058 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-12886-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2021] [Accepted: 05/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
α-Synuclein (αSyn) is a small disordered protein, highly conserved in vertebrates and involved in the pathogenesis of Parkinson’s disease (PD). Indeed, αSyn amyloid aggregates are present in the brain of patients with PD. Although the pathogenic role of αSyn is widely accepted, the physiological function of this protein remains elusive. Beyond the central nervous system, αSyn is expressed in hematopoietic tissue and blood, where platelets are a major cellular host of αSyn. Platelets play a key role in hemostasis and are potently activated by thrombin (αT) through the cleavage of protease-activated receptors. Furthermore, both αT and αSyn could be found in the same spatial environment, i.e. the platelet membrane, as αT binds to and activates platelets that can release αSyn from α-granules and microvesicles. Here, we investigated the possibility that exogenous αSyn could interfere with platelet activation induced by different agonists in vitro. Data obtained from distinct experimental techniques (i.e. multiple electrode aggregometry, rotational thromboelastometry, immunofluorescence microscopy, surface plasmon resonance, and steady-state fluorescence spectroscopy) on whole blood and platelet-rich plasma indicate that exogenous αSyn has mild platelet antiaggregating properties in vitro, acting as a negative regulator of αT-mediated platelet activation by preferentially inhibiting P-selectin expression on platelet surface. We have also shown that both exogenous and endogenous (i.e. cytoplasmic) αSyn preferentially bind to the outer surface of activated platelets. Starting from these findings, a coherent model of the antiplatelet function of αSyn is proposed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Acquasaliente
- Laboratory of Protein Chemistry and Molecular Hematology, Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Padua, via Marzolo, 5, 35131, Padua, Italy
| | - Giulia Pontarollo
- Laboratory of Protein Chemistry and Molecular Hematology, Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Padua, via Marzolo, 5, 35131, Padua, Italy.,Center for Thrombosis and Hemostasis (CTH) University Medical Center Mainz, Langenbeckstraße 1, 55131, Mainz, Germany
| | - Claudia Maria Radu
- Department of Women's & Children's Health, University of Padua, Padua, Italy.,Thrombotic and Hemorrhagic Diseases Unit, Department of Medicine, University of Padua, via Giustiniani, 2, 35128, Padua, Italy
| | - Daniele Peterle
- Laboratory of Protein Chemistry and Molecular Hematology, Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Padua, via Marzolo, 5, 35131, Padua, Italy.,Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Northeastern University, 360 Huntington Ave. 02115, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Ilaria Artusi
- Laboratory of Protein Chemistry and Molecular Hematology, Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Padua, via Marzolo, 5, 35131, Padua, Italy
| | - Anna Pagotto
- Laboratory of Protein Chemistry and Molecular Hematology, Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Padua, via Marzolo, 5, 35131, Padua, Italy
| | - Federico Uliana
- Laboratory of Protein Chemistry and Molecular Hematology, Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Padua, via Marzolo, 5, 35131, Padua, Italy.,Institute of Molecular Systems Biology, ETH Zurich, 8093, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Alessandro Negro
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Padua, viale G. Colombo 3, 35100, Padua, Italy.
| | - Paolo Simioni
- Thrombotic and Hemorrhagic Diseases Unit, Department of Medicine, University of Padua, via Giustiniani, 2, 35128, Padua, Italy.
| | - Vincenzo De Filippis
- Laboratory of Protein Chemistry and Molecular Hematology, Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Padua, via Marzolo, 5, 35131, Padua, Italy. .,Biotechnology Center, CRIBI, University of Padua, Padua, Italy.
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3
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Java A, Pozzi N, Schroeder MC, Hu Z, Huan T, Seddon JM, Atkinson J. Functional analysis of rare genetic variants in complement factor I in advanced age-related macular degeneration. Hum Mol Genet 2022; 31:3683-3693. [PMID: 35531992 PMCID: PMC9616575 DOI: 10.1093/hmg/ddac103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2022] [Revised: 04/07/2022] [Accepted: 04/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Factor I (FI) is a serine protease inhibitor of the complement system. Heterozygous rare genetic variants in complement factor I (CFI) are associated with advanced age-related macular degeneration (AMD). The clinical impact of these variants is unknown since a majority have not been functionally characterized and are classified as 'variants of uncertain significance' (VUS). This study assessed the functional significance of VUS in CFI. Our previous cross-sectional study using a serum-based assay demonstrated that CFI variants in advanced AMD can be categorized into three types. Type 1 variants cause a quantitative deficiency of FI. Type 2 variants demonstrate a qualitative deficiency. However, Type 3 variants consist of VUS that are less dysfunctional than Types 1 and 2 but are not as biologically active as wild type (WT). In this study, we employed site-directed mutagenesis followed by expression of the recombinant variant and a comprehensive set of functional assays to characterize nine Type 3 variants that were identified in 37 individuals. Our studies establish that the expression of the recombinant protein compared with WT is reduced for R202I, Q217H, S221Y and G263V. Further, G362A and N536K, albeit expressed normally, have significantly less cofactor activity. These results led to re-categorization of CFI variants R202I, Q217H, S221Y and G263V as Type 1 variants and to reclassification of N536K and G362A as Type 2. The variants K441R, Q462H and I492L showed no functional defect and remained as Type 3. This study highlights the utility of an in-depth biochemical analysis in defining the pathologic and clinical implications of complement variants underlying AMD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anuja Java
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Nicola Pozzi
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Edward A. Doisy Research Center, Saint Louis University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63104, USA
| | - Molly C Schroeder
- Division of Laboratory and Genomic Medicine, Department of Pathology and Immunology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Zheng Hu
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Tianxiao Huan
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA 01655, USA
| | | | - John Atkinson
- To whom correspondence should be addressed at: Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA. Tel: +1 3143628391; Fax: +1 3143621366;
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4
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Alfeo MJ, Pagotto A, Barbieri G, Foster TJ, Vanhoorelbeke K, De Filippis V, Speziale P, Pietrocola G. Staphylococcus aureus iron-regulated surface determinant B (IsdB) protein interacts with von Willebrand factor and promotes adherence to endothelial cells. Sci Rep 2021; 11:22799. [PMID: 34815454 PMCID: PMC8611056 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-02065-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2021] [Accepted: 11/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Staphylococcus aureus is the cause of a spectrum of diseases in humans and animals. The molecular basis of this pathogenicity lies in the expression of a variety of virulence factors, including proteins that mediate adherence to the host plasma and extracellular matrix proteins. In this study, we discovered that the iron-regulated surface determinant B (IsdB) protein, besides being involved in iron transport and vitronectin binding, interacts with von Willebrand Factor (vWF). IsdB-expressing bacteria bound to both soluble and immobilized vWF. The binding of recombinant IsdB to vWF was blocked by heparin and reduced at high ionic strength. Furthermore, treatment with ristocetin, an allosteric agent that promotes the exposure of the A1 domain of vWF, potentiates the binding of IsdB to vWF. Both near-iron transporter motifs NEAT1 and NEAT2 of IsdB individually bound recombinant A1 domain with KD values in the micromolar range. The binding of IsdB and adhesion of S. aureus expressing IsdB to monolayers of activated endothelial cells was significantly inhibited by a monoclonal antibody against the A1 domain and by IsdB reactive IgG from patients with staphylococcal endocarditis. This suggests the importance of IsdB in adherence of S. aureus to the endothelium colonization and as potential therapeutic target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariangela J Alfeo
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Biochemistry Unit, University of Pavia, Viale Taramelli 3/b, 27100, Pavia, Italy
| | - Anna Pagotto
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, University of Padua, Via Marzolo 5, 35131, Padua, Italy
| | - Giulia Barbieri
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology "Lazzaro Spallanzani", University of Pavia, Via Ferrata 9, 27100, Pavia, Italy
| | - Timothy J Foster
- Microbiology Department, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Karen Vanhoorelbeke
- Laboratory for Thrombosis Research, KU Leuven Campus Kulak Kortrijk, Kortrijk, Belgium
| | - Vincenzo De Filippis
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, University of Padua, Via Marzolo 5, 35131, Padua, Italy
| | - Pietro Speziale
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Biochemistry Unit, University of Pavia, Viale Taramelli 3/b, 27100, Pavia, Italy
| | - Giampiero Pietrocola
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Biochemistry Unit, University of Pavia, Viale Taramelli 3/b, 27100, Pavia, Italy.
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5
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Stojanovski BM, Pelc LA, Di Cera E. Role of the activation peptide in the mechanism of protein C activation. Sci Rep 2020; 10:11079. [PMID: 32632109 PMCID: PMC7338465 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-68078-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2020] [Accepted: 06/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Protein C is a natural anticoagulant activated by thrombin in a reaction accelerated by the cofactor thrombomodulin. The zymogen to protease conversion of protein C involves removal of a short activation peptide that, relative to the analogous sequence present in other vitamin K-dependent proteins, contains a disproportionately high number of acidic residues. Through a combination of bioinformatic, mutagenesis and kinetic approaches we demonstrate that the peculiar clustering of acidic residues increases the intrinsic disorder propensity of the activation peptide and adversely affects the rate of activation. Charge neutralization of the acidic residues in the activation peptide through Ala mutagenesis results in a mutant activated by thrombin significantly faster than wild type. Importantly, the mutant is also activated effectively by other coagulation factors, suggesting that the acidic cluster serves a protective role against unwanted proteolysis by endogenous proteases. We have also identified an important H-bond between residues T176 and Y226 that is critical to transduce the inhibitory effect of Ca2+ and the stimulatory effect of thrombomodulin on the rate of zymogen activation. These findings offer new insights on the role of the activation peptide in the function of protein C.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bosko M Stojanovski
- Edward A. Doisy Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Saint Louis University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, 63104, USA
| | - Leslie A Pelc
- Edward A. Doisy Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Saint Louis University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, 63104, USA
| | - Enrico Di Cera
- Edward A. Doisy Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Saint Louis University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, 63104, USA.
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6
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Sodium-induced population shift drives activation of thrombin. Sci Rep 2020; 10:1086. [PMID: 31974511 PMCID: PMC6978324 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-57822-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2019] [Accepted: 01/06/2020] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
The equilibrium between active E and inactive E* forms of thrombin is assumed to be governed by the allosteric binding of a Na+ ion. Here we use molecular dynamics simulations and Markov state models to sample transitions between active and inactive states. With these calculations we are able to compare thermodynamic and kinetic properties depending on the presence of Na+. For the first time, we directly observe sodium-induced conformational changes in long-timescale computer simulations. Thereby, we are able to explain the resulting change in activity. We observe a stabilization of the active form in presence of Na+ and a shift towards the inactive form in Na+-free simulations. We identify key structural features to quantify and monitor this conformational shift. These include the accessibility of the S1 pocket and the reorientation of W215, of R221a and of the Na+ loop. The structural characteristics exhibit dynamics at various timescales: Conformational changes in the Na+ binding loop constitute the slowest observed movement. Depending on its orientation, it induces conformational shifts in the nearby substrate binding site. Only after this shift, residue W215 is able to move freely, allowing thrombin to adopt a binding-competent conformation.
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7
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Role of the I16-D194 ionic interaction in the trypsin fold. Sci Rep 2019; 9:18035. [PMID: 31792294 PMCID: PMC6889508 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-54564-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2019] [Accepted: 11/15/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Activity in trypsin-like proteases is the result of proteolytic cleavage at R15 followed by an ionic interaction that ensues between the new N terminus of I16 and the side chain of the highly conserved D194. This mechanism of activation, first proposed by Huber and Bode, organizes the oxyanion hole and primary specificity pocket for substrate binding and catalysis. Using the clotting protease thrombin as a relevant model, we unravel contributions of the I16-D194 ionic interaction to Na+ binding, stability of the transition state and the allosteric E*-E equilibrium of the trypsin fold. The I16T mutation abolishes the I16-D194 interaction and compromises the architecture of the oxyanion hole. The D194A mutation also abrogates the I16-D194 interaction but, surprisingly, has no effect on the architecture of the oxyanion hole that remains intact through a new H-bond established between G43 and G193. In both mutants, loss of the I16-D194 ionic interaction compromises Na+ binding, reduces stability of the transition state, collapses the 215–217 segment into the primary specific pocket and abrogates the allosteric E*-E equilibrium in favor of a rigid conformation that binds ligand at the active site according to a simple lock-and-key mechanism. These findings refine the structural role of the I16-D194 ionic interaction in the Huber-Bode mechanism of activation and reveal a functional linkage with the allosteric properties of the trypsin fold like Na+ binding and the E*-E equilibrium.
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8
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Residues W215, E217 and E192 control the allosteric E*-E equilibrium of thrombin. Sci Rep 2019; 9:12304. [PMID: 31444378 PMCID: PMC6707225 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-48839-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2019] [Accepted: 08/13/2019] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
A pre-existing, allosteric equilibrium between closed (E*) and open (E) conformations of the active site influences the level of activity in the trypsin fold and defines ligand binding according to the mechanism of conformational selection. Using the clotting protease thrombin as a model system, we investigate the molecular determinants of the E*-E equilibrium through rapid kinetics and X-ray structural biology. The equilibrium is controlled by three residues positioned around the active site. W215 on the 215-217 segment defining the west wall of the active site controls the rate of transition from E to E* through hydrophobic interaction with F227. E192 on the opposite 190-193 segment defining the east wall of the active site controls the rate of transition from E* to E through electrostatic repulsion of E217. The side chain of E217 acts as a lever that moves the entire 215-217 segment in the E*-E equilibrium. Removal of this side chain converts binding to the active site to a simple lock-and-key mechanism and freezes the conformation in a state intermediate between E* and E. These findings reveal a simple framework to understand the molecular basis of a key allosteric property of the trypsin fold.
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9
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Ricatti J, Acquasaliente L, Ribaudo G, De Filippis V, Bellini M, Llovera RE, Barollo S, Pezzani R, Zagotto G, Persaud KC, Mucignat-Caretta C. Effects of point mutations in the binding pocket of the mouse major urinary protein MUP20 on ligand affinity and specificity. Sci Rep 2019; 9:300. [PMID: 30670733 PMCID: PMC6342991 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-36391-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2018] [Accepted: 11/15/2018] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
The mouse Major Urinary Proteins (MUPs) contain a conserved β-barrel structure with a characteristic central hydrophobic pocket that binds a variety of volatile compounds. After release of urine, these molecules are slowly emitted in the environment where they play an important role in chemical communication. MUPs are highly polymorphic and conformationally stable. They may be of interest in the construction of biosensor arrays capable of detection of a broad range of analytes. In this work, 14 critical amino acids in the binding pocket involved in ligand interactions were identified in MUP20 using in silico techniques and 7 MUP20 mutants were synthesised and characterised to produce a set of proteins with diverse ligand binding profiles to structurally different ligands. A single amino acid substitution in the binding pocket can dramatically change the MUPs binding affinity and ligand specificity. These results have great potential for the design of new biosensor and gas-sensor recognition elements.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jimena Ricatti
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Padua, Padua, Italy.,Cell Biology and Neuroscience Institute, University of Buenos Aires-National Scientific and Technical Council (UBA-CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Laura Acquasaliente
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Giovanni Ribaudo
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Vincenzo De Filippis
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Marino Bellini
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Ramiro Esteban Llovera
- Multidisciplinary Institute of Cell Biology, National Scientific and Technical Council (CONICET) and Department of Science and Technology, National University of Quilmes, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Susi Barollo
- Department of Medicine, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | | | - Giuseppe Zagotto
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Krishna C Persaud
- School of Chemical Engineering and Analytical Science, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Carla Mucignat-Caretta
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Padua, Padua, Italy. .,National Institute of Biostructures and Biosystems, Rome, Italy.
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Chinnaraj M, Planer W, Pozzi N. Structure of Coagulation Factor II: Molecular Mechanism of Thrombin Generation and Development of Next-Generation Anticoagulants. Front Med (Lausanne) 2018; 5:281. [PMID: 30333979 PMCID: PMC6176116 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2018.00281] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2018] [Accepted: 09/14/2018] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Coagulation factor II, or prothrombin, is a multi-domain glycoprotein that is essential for life and a key target of anticoagulant therapy. In plasma, prothrombin circulates in two forms at equilibrium, “closed” (~80%) and “open” (~20%), brokered by the flexibility of the linker regions. Its structure remained elusive until recently when our laboratory solved the first X-ray crystal structure of the zymogen locked in the predominant closed form. Because of this technical breakthrough, fascinating aspects of the biology of prothrombin have started to become apparent, and with this, novel and important questions arise. Here, we examine the significance of the “closed”/“open” equilibrium in the context of the mechanism of thrombin generation. Further, we discuss the potential translational opportunities for the development of next-generation anticoagulants that arise from this discovery. By providing a structural overview of each alternative conformation, this minireview also offers a relevant example of modern structural biology and establishes a practical workflow to elucidate the structural features of analogous clotting and complement factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mathivanan Chinnaraj
- Edward A. Doisy Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Saint Louis University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, United States
| | - William Planer
- Edward A. Doisy Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Saint Louis University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, United States
| | - Nicola Pozzi
- Edward A. Doisy Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Saint Louis University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, United States
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11
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Structure of prothrombin in the closed form reveals new details on the mechanism of activation. Sci Rep 2018; 8:2945. [PMID: 29440720 PMCID: PMC5811608 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-21304-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2017] [Accepted: 02/01/2018] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The clotting factor prothrombin exists in equilibrium between closed and open conformations, but the physiological role of these forms remains unclear. As for other allosteric proteins, elucidation of the linkage between molecular transitions and function is facilitated by reagents stabilized in each of the alternative conformations. The open form of prothrombin has been characterized structurally, but little is known about the architecture of the closed form that predominates in solution under physiological conditions. Using X-ray crystallography and single-molecule FRET, we characterize a prothrombin construct locked in the closed conformation through an engineered disulfide bond. The construct: (i) provides structural validation of the intramolecular collapse of kringle-1 onto the protease domain reported recently; (ii) documents the critical role of the linker connecting kringle-1 to kringle-2 in stabilizing the closed form; and (iii) reveals novel mechanisms to shift the equilibrium toward the open conformation. Together with functional studies, our findings define the role of closed and open conformations in the conversion of prothrombin to thrombin and establish a molecular framework for prothrombin activation that rationalizes existing phenotypes associated with prothrombin mutations and points to new strategies for therapeutic intervention.
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12
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De Filippis V, Acquasaliente L, Pontarollo G, Peterle D. Noncoded amino acids in protein engineering: Structure-activity relationship studies of hirudin-thrombin interaction. Biotechnol Appl Biochem 2018; 65:69-80. [DOI: 10.1002/bab.1632] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2017] [Accepted: 12/06/2017] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Vincenzo De Filippis
- Laboratory of Protein Chemistry; Department of Pharmaceutical & Pharmacological Sciences; University of Padua; Padua Italy
| | - Laura Acquasaliente
- Laboratory of Protein Chemistry; Department of Pharmaceutical & Pharmacological Sciences; University of Padua; Padua Italy
| | - Giulia Pontarollo
- Laboratory of Protein Chemistry; Department of Pharmaceutical & Pharmacological Sciences; University of Padua; Padua Italy
| | - Daniele Peterle
- Laboratory of Protein Chemistry; Department of Pharmaceutical & Pharmacological Sciences; University of Padua; Padua Italy
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13
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Pontarollo G, Acquasaliente L, Peterle D, Frasson R, Artusi I, De Filippis V. Non-canonical proteolytic activation of human prothrombin by subtilisin from Bacillus subtilis may shift the procoagulant-anticoagulant equilibrium toward thrombosis. J Biol Chem 2017; 292:15161-15179. [PMID: 28684417 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m117.795245] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2017] [Revised: 06/28/2017] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Blood coagulation is a finely regulated physiological process culminating with the factor Xa (FXa)-mediated conversion of the prothrombin (ProT) zymogen to active α-thrombin (αT). In the prothrombinase complex on the platelet surface, FXa cleaves ProT at Arg-271, generating the inactive precursor prethrombin-2 (Pre2), which is further attacked at Arg-320-Ile-321 to yield mature αT. Whereas the mechanism of physiological ProT activation has been elucidated in great detail, little is known about the role of bacterial proteases, possibly released in the bloodstream during infection, in inducing blood coagulation by direct proteolytic ProT activation. This knowledge gap is particularly concerning, as bacterial infections are frequently complicated by severe coagulopathies. Here, we show that addition of subtilisin (50 nm to 2 μm), a serine protease secreted by the non-pathogenic bacterium Bacillus subtilis, induces plasma clotting by proteolytically converting ProT into active σPre2, a nicked Pre2 derivative with a single cleaved Ala-470-Asn-471 bond. Notably, we found that this non-canonical cleavage at Ala-470-Asn-471 is instrumental for the onset of catalysis in σPre2, which was, however, reduced about 100-200-fold compared with αT. Of note, σPre2 could generate fibrin clots from fibrinogen, either in solution or in blood plasma, and could aggregate human platelets, either isolated or in whole blood. Our findings demonstrate that alternative cleavage of ProT by proteases, even by those secreted by non-virulent bacteria such as B. subtilis, can shift the delicate procoagulant-anticoagulant equilibrium toward thrombosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulia Pontarollo
- From the Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, University of Padua, via Marzolo 5, Padua 35131, Italy
| | - Laura Acquasaliente
- From the Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, University of Padua, via Marzolo 5, Padua 35131, Italy
| | - Daniele Peterle
- From the Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, University of Padua, via Marzolo 5, Padua 35131, Italy
| | - Roberta Frasson
- From the Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, University of Padua, via Marzolo 5, Padua 35131, Italy
| | - Ilaria Artusi
- From the Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, University of Padua, via Marzolo 5, Padua 35131, Italy
| | - Vincenzo De Filippis
- From the Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, University of Padua, via Marzolo 5, Padua 35131, Italy
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14
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Gdalya H, Nachliel E, Gutman M, Einav Y, Tsfadia Y. The Translocation of Na +Ion Inside Human Thrombin Accounts for the Activation of the Enzyme. Isr J Chem 2017. [DOI: 10.1002/ijch.201600128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Hagit Gdalya
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology; Faculty of Life Sciences; Tel-Aviv University; Israel
| | - Esther Nachliel
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology; Faculty of Life Sciences; Tel-Aviv University; Israel
| | - Menachem Gutman
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology; Faculty of Life Sciences; Tel-Aviv University; Israel
| | - Yulia Einav
- Bioengineering Department; Faculty of Engineering, HIT; Israel
| | - Yossi Tsfadia
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology; Faculty of Life Sciences; Tel-Aviv University; Israel
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15
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Molecular mapping of α-thrombin (αT)/β2-glycoprotein I (β2GpI) interaction reveals how β2GpI affects αT functions. Biochem J 2016; 473:4629-4650. [PMID: 27760842 DOI: 10.1042/bcj20160603] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2016] [Revised: 09/07/2016] [Accepted: 10/14/2016] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
β2-Glycoprotein I (β2GpI) is the major autoantigen in the antiphospholipid syndrome, a thrombotic autoimmune disease. Nonetheless, the physiological role of β2GpI is still unclear. In a recent work, we have shown that β2GpI selectively inhibits the procoagulant functions of human α-thrombin (αT; i.e. prolongs fibrin clotting time, tc, and inhibits αT-induced platelet aggregation) without affecting the unique anticoagulant activity of the protease, i.e. the proteolytic generation of the anticoagulant protein C (PC) from the PC zymogen, which interacts with αT exclusively at the protease catalytic site. Here, we used several different biochemical/biophysical techniques and molecular probes for mapping the binding sites in the αT-β2GpI complex. Our results indicate that αT exploits the highly electropositive exosite-II, which is also responsible for anchoring αT on the platelet GpIbα (platelet receptor glycoprotein Ibα) receptor, for binding to a continuous negative region on β2GpI structure, spanning domain IV and (part of) domain V, whereas the protease active site and exosite-I (i.e. the fibrinogen-binding site) remain accessible for substrate/ligand binding. Furthermore, we provided evidence that the apparent increase in tc, previously observed with β2GpI, is more likely caused by alteration in the ensuing fibrin structure rather than by the inhibition of fibrinogen hydrolysis. Finally, we produced a theoretical docking model of αT-β2GpI interaction, which was in agreement with the experimental results. Altogether, these findings help to understand how β2GpI affects αT interactions and suggest that β2GpI may function as a scavenger of αT for binding to the GpIbα receptor, thus impairing platelet aggregation while enabling normal cleavage of fibrinogen and PC.
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