1
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Hasanbasri Z, Tessmer MH, Stoll S, Saxena S. Modeling of Cu(II)-based protein spin labels using rotamer libraries. Phys Chem Chem Phys 2024; 26:6806-6816. [PMID: 38324256 PMCID: PMC10883468 DOI: 10.1039/d3cp05951k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2024]
Abstract
The bifunctional spin label double-histidine copper-(II) capped with nitrilotriacetate [dHis-Cu(II)-NTA], used in conjunction with electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) methods can provide high-resolution distance data for investigating protein structure and backbone conformational diversity. Quantitative utilization of this data is limited due to a lack of rapid and accurate dHis-Cu(II)-NTA modeling methods that can be used to translate experimental data into modeling restraints. Here, we develop two dHis-Cu(II)-NTA rotamer libraries using a set of recently published molecular dynamics simulations and a semi-empirical meta-dynamics-based conformational ensemble sampling tool for use with the recently developed chiLife bifunctional spin label modeling method. The accuracy of both the libraries and the modeling method are tested by comparing model predictions to experimentally determined distance distributions. We show that this method is accurate with absolute deviation between the predicted and experimental modes between 0.0-1.2 Å with an average of 0.6 Å over the test data used. In doing so, we also validate the generality of the chiLife bifunctional label modeling method. Taken together, the increased structural resolution and modeling accuracy of dHis-Cu(II)-NTA over other spin labels promise improvements in the accuracy and resolution of protein models by EPR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zikri Hasanbasri
- Department of Chemistry, University of Pittsburgh, PA, 15260, USA.
| | - Maxx H Tessmer
- Department of Chemistry, University of Washington, WA, 98195, USA.
| | - Stefan Stoll
- Department of Chemistry, University of Washington, WA, 98195, USA.
| | - Sunil Saxena
- Department of Chemistry, University of Pittsburgh, PA, 15260, USA.
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2
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Ackermann K, Heubach CA, Schiemann O, Bode BE. Pulse Dipolar Electron Paramagnetic Resonance Spectroscopy Distance Measurements at Low Nanomolar Concentrations: The Cu II-Trityl Case. J Phys Chem Lett 2024; 15:1455-1461. [PMID: 38294197 PMCID: PMC10860127 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jpclett.3c03311] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2023] [Revised: 01/11/2024] [Accepted: 01/19/2024] [Indexed: 02/01/2024]
Abstract
Recent sensitivity enhancements in pulse dipolar electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy (PDS) have afforded distance measurements at submicromolar spin concentrations. This development opens the path for new science as more biomolecular systems can be investigated at their respective physiological concentrations. Here, we demonstrate that the combination of orthogonal spin-labeling using CuII ions and trityl yields a >3-fold increase in sensitivity compared to that of the established CuII-nitroxide labeling strategy. Application of the recently developed variable-time relaxation-induced dipolar modulation enhancement (RIDME) method yields a further ∼2.5-fold increase compared to the commonly used constant-time RIDME. This overall increase in sensitivity of almost an order of magnitude makes distance measurements in the range of 3 nm with protein concentrations as low as 10 nM feasible, >2 times lower than the previously reported concentration. We expect that experiments at single-digit nanomolar concentrations are imminent, which have the potential to transform biological PDS applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katrin Ackermann
- EaStCHEM
School of Chemistry and Biomedical Sciences Research Complex, Centre
of Magnetic Resonance, University of St
Andrews, North Haugh, St Andrews KY16 9ST, U.K.
| | - Caspar A. Heubach
- Clausius-Institute
of Physical and Theoretical Chemistry, University
of Bonn, Wegelerstrasse 12, 53115 Bonn, Germany
| | - Olav Schiemann
- Clausius-Institute
of Physical and Theoretical Chemistry, University
of Bonn, Wegelerstrasse 12, 53115 Bonn, Germany
| | - Bela E. Bode
- EaStCHEM
School of Chemistry and Biomedical Sciences Research Complex, Centre
of Magnetic Resonance, University of St
Andrews, North Haugh, St Andrews KY16 9ST, U.K.
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3
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Bogetti X, Saxena S. Integrating Electron Paramagnetic Resonance Spectroscopy and Computational Modeling to Measure Protein Structure and Dynamics. Chempluschem 2024; 89:e202300506. [PMID: 37801003 DOI: 10.1002/cplu.202300506] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2023] [Revised: 10/05/2023] [Accepted: 10/06/2023] [Indexed: 10/07/2023]
Abstract
Electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) has become a powerful probe of conformational heterogeneity and dynamics of biomolecules. In this Review, we discuss different computational modeling techniques that enrich the interpretation of EPR measurements of dynamics or distance restraints. A variety of spin labels are surveyed to provide a background for the discussion of modeling tools. Molecular dynamics (MD) simulations of models containing spin labels provide dynamical properties of biomolecules and their labels. These simulations can be used to predict EPR spectra, sample stable conformations and sample rotameric preferences of label sidechains. For molecular motions longer than milliseconds, enhanced sampling strategies and de novo prediction software incorporating or validated by EPR measurements are able to efficiently refine or predict protein conformations, respectively. To sample large-amplitude conformational transition, a coarse-grained or an atomistic weighted ensemble (WE) strategy can be guided with EPR insights. Looking forward, we anticipate an integrative strategy for efficient sampling of alternate conformations by de novo predictions, followed by validations by systematic EPR measurements and MD simulations. Continuous pathways between alternate states can be further sampled by WE-MD including all intermediate states.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaowei Bogetti
- Department of Chemistry, University of Pittsburgh, 219 Parkman Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA, 15260, USA
| | - Sunil Saxena
- Department of Chemistry, University of Pittsburgh, 219 Parkman Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA, 15260, USA
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4
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Heubach CA, Hasanbasri Z, Abdullin D, Reuter A, Korzekwa B, Saxena S, Schiemann O. Differentiating between Label and Protein Conformers in Pulsed Dipolar EPR Spectroscopy with the dHis-Cu 2+ (NTA) Motif. Chemistry 2023; 29:e202302541. [PMID: 37755452 DOI: 10.1002/chem.202302541] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2023] [Revised: 09/26/2023] [Accepted: 09/27/2023] [Indexed: 09/28/2023]
Abstract
Pulsed dipolar EPR spectroscopy (PDS) in combination with site-directed spin labeling is a powerful tool in structural biology. However, the commonly used spin labels are conjugated to biomolecules via rather long and flexible linkers, which hampers the translation of distance distributions into biomolecular conformations. In contrast, the spin label copper(II)-nitrilotriacetic acid [Cu2+ (NTA)] bound to two histidines (dHis) is rigid and yields narrow distance distributions, which can be more easily translated into biomolecular conformations. Here, we use this label on the 71 kDa Yersinia outer protein O (YopO) to decipher whether a previously experimentally observed bimodal distance distribution is due to two conformations of the biomolecule or of the flexible spin labels. Two different PDS experiments, that is, pulsed electron-electron double resonance (PELDOR aka DEER) and relaxation-induced dipolar modulation enhancement (RIDME), yield unimodal distance distribution with the dHis-Cu2+ (NTA) motif; this result suggests that the α-helical backbone of YopO adopts a single conformation in frozen solution. In addition, we show that the Cu2+ (NTA) label preferentially binds to the target double histidine (dHis) sites even in the presence of 22 competing native histidine residues. Our results therefore suggest that the generation of a His-null background is not required for this spin labeling methodology. Together these results highlight the value of the dHis-Cu2+ (NTA) motif in PDS experiments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caspar A Heubach
- Clausius-Institute of Physical and Theoretical Chemistry, University of Bonn, Wegelerstr. 12, 53115, Bonn, Germany
| | - Zikri Hasanbasri
- Department of Chemistry, Chevron Science Center, University of Pittsburgh, 219 Parkman Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA, 15260, USA
| | - Dinar Abdullin
- Clausius-Institute of Physical and Theoretical Chemistry, University of Bonn, Wegelerstr. 12, 53115, Bonn, Germany
| | - Arne Reuter
- Clausius-Institute of Physical and Theoretical Chemistry, University of Bonn, Wegelerstr. 12, 53115, Bonn, Germany
| | - Benedict Korzekwa
- Clausius-Institute of Physical and Theoretical Chemistry, University of Bonn, Wegelerstr. 12, 53115, Bonn, Germany
- Leibniz-Center for Diabetes Research, University of Düsseldorf, Auf'm Hennekamp 65, 40225, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Sunil Saxena
- Department of Chemistry, Chevron Science Center, University of Pittsburgh, 219 Parkman Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA, 15260, USA
| | - Olav Schiemann
- Clausius-Institute of Physical and Theoretical Chemistry, University of Bonn, Wegelerstr. 12, 53115, Bonn, Germany
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5
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Bogetti X, Bogetti A, Casto J, Rule G, Chong L, Saxena S. Direct observation of negative cooperativity in a detoxification enzyme at the atomic level by Electron Paramagnetic Resonance spectroscopy and simulation. Protein Sci 2023; 32:e4770. [PMID: 37632831 PMCID: PMC10503414 DOI: 10.1002/pro.4770] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2023] [Revised: 07/14/2023] [Accepted: 08/23/2023] [Indexed: 08/28/2023]
Abstract
The catalytic activity of human glutathione S-transferase A1-1 (hGSTA1-1), a homodimeric detoxification enzyme, is dependent on the conformational dynamics of a key C-terminal helix α9 in each monomer. However, the structural details of how the two monomers interact upon binding of substrates is not well understood and the structure of the ligand-free state of the hGSTA1-1 homodimer has not been resolved. Here, we used a combination of electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) distance measurements and weighted ensemble (WE) simulations to characterize the conformational ensemble of the ligand-free state at the atomic level. EPR measurements reveal a broad distance distribution between a pair of Cu(II) labels in the ligand-free state that gradually shifts and narrows as a function of increasing ligand concentration. These shifts suggest changes in the relative positioning of the two α9 helices upon ligand binding. WE simulations generated unbiased pathways for the seconds-timescale transition between alternate states of the enzyme, leading to the generation of atomically detailed structures of the ligand-free state. Notably, the simulations provide direct observations of negative cooperativity between the monomers of hGSTA1-1, which involve the mutually exclusive docking of α9 in each monomer as a lid over the active site. We identify key interactions between residues that lead to this negative cooperativity. Negative cooperativity may be essential for interaction of hGSTA1-1 with a wide variety of toxic substrates and their subsequent neutralization. More broadly, this work demonstrates the power of integrating EPR distances with WE rare-events sampling strategy to gain mechanistic information on protein function at the atomic level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaowei Bogetti
- Department of ChemistryUniversity of PittsburghPittsburghPennsylvaniaUSA
| | - Anthony Bogetti
- Department of ChemistryUniversity of PittsburghPittsburghPennsylvaniaUSA
| | - Joshua Casto
- Department of ChemistryUniversity of PittsburghPittsburghPennsylvaniaUSA
| | - Gordon Rule
- Department of Biological SciencesCarnegie Mellon UniversityPittsburghPennsylvaniaUSA
| | - Lillian Chong
- Department of ChemistryUniversity of PittsburghPittsburghPennsylvaniaUSA
| | - Sunil Saxena
- Department of ChemistryUniversity of PittsburghPittsburghPennsylvaniaUSA
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6
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Vitali V, Ackermann K, Hagelueken G, Bode BE. Spectroscopically Orthogonal Labelling to Disentangle Site-Specific Nitroxide Label Distributions. APPLIED MAGNETIC RESONANCE 2023; 55:187-205. [PMID: 38357007 PMCID: PMC10861635 DOI: 10.1007/s00723-023-01611-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2023] [Revised: 08/23/2023] [Accepted: 08/25/2023] [Indexed: 02/16/2024]
Abstract
Biomolecular applications of pulse dipolar electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy (PDS) are becoming increasingly valuable in structural biology. Site-directed spin labelling of proteins is routinely performed using nitroxides, with paramagnetic metal ions and other organic radicals gaining popularity as alternative spin centres. Spectroscopically orthogonal spin labelling using different types of labels potentially increases the information content available from a single sample. When analysing experimental distance distributions between two nitroxide spin labels, the site-specific rotamer information has been projected into the distance and is not readily available, and the contributions of individual labelling sites to the width of the distance distribution are not obvious from the PDS data. Here, we exploit the exquisite precision of labelling double-histidine (dHis) motifs with CuII chelate complexes. The contribution of this label to the distance distribution widths in model protein GB1 has been shown to be negligible. By combining a dHis CuII labelling site with cysteine-specific nitroxide labelling, we gather insights on the label rotamers at two distinct sites, comparing their contributions to distance distributions based on different in silico modelling approaches and structural models. From this study, it seems advisable to consider discrepancies between different in silico modelling approaches when selecting labelling sites for PDS studies. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s00723-023-01611-1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valentina Vitali
- EaStCHEM School of Chemistry, Biomedical Sciences Research Complex, and Centre of Magnetic Resonance, University of St Andrews, North Haugh, St Andrews, KY16 9ST Scotland
- Magnetic Resonance Center (CERM), University of Florence, Via Luigi Sacconi 6, 50019 Sesto Fiorentino, Italy
- Department of Chemistry “Ugo Schiff”, University of Florence, Via Della Lastruccia 3, 50019 Sesto Fiorentino, Italy
| | - Katrin Ackermann
- EaStCHEM School of Chemistry, Biomedical Sciences Research Complex, and Centre of Magnetic Resonance, University of St Andrews, North Haugh, St Andrews, KY16 9ST Scotland
| | - Gregor Hagelueken
- Institute of Structural Biology, Biomedical Center, University of Bonn, Venusberg-Campus 1, 53127 Bonn, Germany
| | - Bela E. Bode
- EaStCHEM School of Chemistry, Biomedical Sciences Research Complex, and Centre of Magnetic Resonance, University of St Andrews, North Haugh, St Andrews, KY16 9ST Scotland
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7
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Karabanov A, Kryukov E, Langlais D, Iuga D, Good J. Post-acquisition correction of NMR spectra distorted by dynamic and static field inhomogeneity of cryogen-free magnets. JOURNAL OF MAGNETIC RESONANCE (SAN DIEGO, CALIF. : 1997) 2023; 353:107494. [PMID: 37348258 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmr.2023.107494] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2023] [Revised: 05/26/2023] [Accepted: 05/27/2023] [Indexed: 06/24/2023]
Abstract
Post-acquisition correction of NMR spectra is an important part of NMR spectroscopy that enables refined NMR spectra to be obtained, clean from undesirable out-phasing, broadening and noising. We describe analytical and numerical mathematical methods for post-acquisition correction of NMR spectra distorted by static and dynamic magnetic field inhomogeneity caused by imperfections of main superconducting coils and the cold head operation, typical for cryogen-free magnets. For the dynamic inhomogeneity, we apply a variant of the general reference deconvolution method, complemented with our mathematical analysis of spectral parameters. For the static inhomogeneity, we apply the method of a delayed Fourier transform, also supported with our analytical calculations. We verify our approach by correction processing of high-field experimental liquid-state 1H NMR spectra of water and ethanol as well as solid-state 13C MAS NMR spectra of adamantane and obtain good results for both static and dynamic field distortions. This work complements our previous work on instrumental suppression of dynamic distortions caused by the cold head operation. The results presented contribute well to the general field of processing NMR spectra and serve towards a more extensive use of cryogen-free magnets in high-resolution NMR spectroscopy.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Dinu Iuga
- The University of Warwick, Coventry, UK
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8
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Wort JL, Ackermann K, Giannoulis A, Bode BE. Enhanced sensitivity for pulse dipolar EPR spectroscopy using variable-time RIDME. JOURNAL OF MAGNETIC RESONANCE (SAN DIEGO, CALIF. : 1997) 2023; 352:107460. [PMID: 37167826 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmr.2023.107460] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2023] [Revised: 04/03/2023] [Accepted: 04/19/2023] [Indexed: 05/13/2023]
Abstract
Pulse dipolar EPR spectroscopy (PDS) measurements are an important complementary tool in structural biology and are increasingly applied to macromolecular assemblies implicated in human health and disease at physiological concentrations. This requires ever higher sensitivity, and recent advances have driven PDS measurements into the mid-nanomolar concentration regime, though optimization and acquisition of such measurements remains experimentally demanding and time expensive. One important consideration is that constant-time acquisition represents a hard limit for measurement sensitivity, depending on the maximum measured distance. Determining this distance a priori has been facilitated by machine-learning structure prediction (AlphaFold2 and RoseTTAFold) but is often confounded by non-representative behaviour in frozen solution that may mandate multiple rounds of optimization and acquisition. Herein, we endeavour to simultaneously enhance sensitivity and streamline PDS measurement optimization to one-step by benchmarking a variable-time acquisition RIDME experiment applied to CuII-nitroxide and CuII-CuII model systems. Results demonstrate marked sensitivity improvements of both 5- and 6-pulse variable-time RIDME of between 2- and 5-fold over the constant-time analogues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joshua L Wort
- EaStCHEM School of Chemistry, Biomedical Sciences Research Complex and Centre of Magnetic Resonance, University of St Andrews, North Haugh, St Andrews, Scotland
| | - Katrin Ackermann
- EaStCHEM School of Chemistry, Biomedical Sciences Research Complex and Centre of Magnetic Resonance, University of St Andrews, North Haugh, St Andrews, Scotland
| | - Angeliki Giannoulis
- EaStCHEM School of Chemistry, Biomedical Sciences Research Complex and Centre of Magnetic Resonance, University of St Andrews, North Haugh, St Andrews, Scotland
| | - Bela E Bode
- EaStCHEM School of Chemistry, Biomedical Sciences Research Complex and Centre of Magnetic Resonance, University of St Andrews, North Haugh, St Andrews, Scotland.
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9
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Kryukov E, Karabanov A, Langlais D, Iuga D, Reckless R, Good J. Cryogen-free 400 MHz (9.4 T) solid state MAS NMR system with liquid state NMR potential. SOLID STATE NUCLEAR MAGNETIC RESONANCE 2023; 125:101873. [PMID: 37172429 DOI: 10.1016/j.ssnmr.2023.101873] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2023] [Revised: 04/24/2023] [Accepted: 04/24/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023]
Abstract
We show that the temporal magnetic field distortion generated by the Cold Head operation can be removed and high quality Solid-State Magic Angle Spinning NMR results can be obtained with a cryogen-free magnet. The compact design of the cryogen-free magnets allows for the probe to be inserted either from the bottom (as in most NMR systems) or, more conveniently, from the top. The magnetic field settling time can be made as short as an hour after a field ramp. Therefore, a single cryogen-free magnet can be used at different fixed fields. The magnetic field can be changed every day without compromising the measurement resolution.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Dinu Iuga
- The University of Warwick, Coventry, UK
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10
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Galazzo L, Bordignon E. Electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy in structural-dynamic studies of large protein complexes. PROGRESS IN NUCLEAR MAGNETIC RESONANCE SPECTROSCOPY 2023; 134-135:1-19. [PMID: 37321755 DOI: 10.1016/j.pnmrs.2022.11.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2022] [Revised: 11/11/2022] [Accepted: 11/17/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Macromolecular protein assemblies are of fundamental importance for many processes inside the cell, as they perform complex functions and constitute central hubs where reactions occur. Generally, these assemblies undergo large conformational changes and cycle through different states that ultimately are connected to specific functions further regulated by additional small ligands or proteins. Unveiling the 3D structural details of these assemblies at atomic resolution, identifying the flexible parts of the complexes, and monitoring with high temporal resolution the dynamic interplay between different protein regions under physiological conditions is key to fully understanding their properties and to fostering biomedical applications. In the last decade, we have seen remarkable advances in cryo-electron microscopy (EM) techniques, which deeply transformed our vision of structural biology, especially in the field of macromolecular assemblies. With cryo-EM, detailed 3D models of large macromolecular complexes in different conformational states became readily available at atomic resolution. Concomitantly, nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy (EPR) have benefited from methodological innovations which also improved the quality of the information that can be achieved. Such enhanced sensitivity widened their applicability to macromolecular complexes in environments close to physiological conditions and opened a path towards in-cell applications. In this review we will focus on the advantages and challenges of EPR techniques with an integrative approach towards a complete understanding of macromolecular structures and functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Galazzo
- Department of Physical Chemistry, University of Geneva, Quai Ernest Ansermet 30, CH-1211 Genève 4, Switzerland.
| | - Enrica Bordignon
- Department of Physical Chemistry, University of Geneva, Quai Ernest Ansermet 30, CH-1211 Genève 4, Switzerland.
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11
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Casto J, Bogetti X, Hunter HR, Hasanbasri Z, Saxena S. "Store-bought is fine": Sensitivity considerations using shaped pulses for DEER measurements on Cu(II) labels. JOURNAL OF MAGNETIC RESONANCE (SAN DIEGO, CALIF. : 1997) 2023; 349:107413. [PMID: 36867974 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmr.2023.107413] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2022] [Revised: 01/27/2023] [Accepted: 02/22/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
The narrow excitation bandwidth of monochromic pulses is a sensitivity limitation for pulsed dipolar spectroscopy on Cu(II)-based measurements. In response, frequency-swept pulses with large excitation bandwidths have been adopted to probe a greater range of the EPR spectrum. However, much of the work utilizing frequency-swept pulses in Cu(II) distance measurements has been carried out on home-built spectrometers and equipment. Herein, we carry out systematic Cu(II) based distance measurements to demonstrate the capability of chirp pulses on commercial instrumentation. More importantly we delineate sensitivity considerations under acquisition schemes that are necessary for robust distance measurements using Cu(II) labels for proteins. We show that a 200 MHz sweeping bandwidth chirp pulse can improve the sensitivity of long-range distance measurements by factors of three to four. The sensitivity of short-range distances only increases slightly due to special considerations for the chirp pulse duration relative to the period length of the modulated dipolar signal. Enhancements in sensitivity also dramatically reduce measurement collection times enabling rapid collection of orientationally averaged Cu(II) distance measurements in under two hours.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joshua Casto
- Department of Chemistry, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15260, United States
| | - Xiaowei Bogetti
- Department of Chemistry, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15260, United States
| | - Hannah R Hunter
- Department of Chemistry, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15260, United States
| | - Zikri Hasanbasri
- Department of Chemistry, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15260, United States
| | - Sunil Saxena
- Department of Chemistry, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15260, United States.
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12
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Zhu W, Yang DT, Gronenborn AM. Ligand-Capped Cobalt(II) Multiplies the Value of the Double-Histidine Motif for PCS NMR Studies. J Am Chem Soc 2023; 145:4564-4569. [PMID: 36786809 PMCID: PMC10032564 DOI: 10.1021/jacs.2c12021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/15/2023]
Abstract
In structural studies by NMR, pseudocontact shifts (PCSs) provide both angular and distance information. For proteins, incorporation of a di-histidine (diHis) motif, coordinated to Co2+, has emerged as an important tool to measure PCS. Here, we show that using different Co(II)-chelating ligands, such as nitrilotriacetic acid (NTA) and iminodiacetic acid (IDA), resolves the isosurface ambiguity of Co2+-diHis and yields orthogonal PCS data sets with different Δχ-tensors for the same diHis-bearing protein. Importantly, such capping ligands effectively eliminate undesired intermolecular interactions, which can be detrimental to PCS studies. Devising and employing ligand-capping strategies afford versatile and powerful means to obtain multiple orthogonal PCS data sets, significantly extending the use of the diHis motif for structural studies by NMR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenkai Zhu
- Department of Structural Biology, University of Pittsburgh, School of Medicine, 3501 Fifth Avenue, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15261, United States
| | - Darian T Yang
- Department of Structural Biology, University of Pittsburgh, School of Medicine, 3501 Fifth Avenue, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15261, United States
- Department of Chemistry, University of Pittsburgh, Dietrich School of Arts and Sciences, 219 Parkman Avenue, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15260, United States
| | - Angela M Gronenborn
- Department of Structural Biology, University of Pittsburgh, School of Medicine, 3501 Fifth Avenue, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15261, United States
- Department of Chemistry, University of Pittsburgh, Dietrich School of Arts and Sciences, 219 Parkman Avenue, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15260, United States
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13
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Hasanbasri Z, Poncelet M, Hunter H, Driesschaert B, Saxena S. A new 13C trityl-based spin label enables the use of DEER for distance measurements. JOURNAL OF MAGNETIC RESONANCE (SAN DIEGO, CALIF. : 1997) 2023; 347:107363. [PMID: 36620971 PMCID: PMC9928843 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmr.2022.107363] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2022] [Revised: 12/15/2022] [Accepted: 12/21/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Triarylmethyl (TAM)-based labels, while still underutilized, are a powerful class of labels for pulsed-Electron Spin Resonance (ESR) distance measurements. They feature slow relaxation rates for long-lasting signals, high stability for cellular experiments, and narrow spectral features for efficient excitation of the spins. However, the typical narrow line shape limits the available distance measurements to only single-frequency experiments, such as Double Quantum Coherence (DQC) and Relaxation Induced Dipolar Modulation Enhancement (RIDME), which can be complicated to perform or hard to process. Therefore, widespread usage of TAM labels can be enhanced by the use of Double Electron-Electron Resonance (DEER) distance measurements. In this work, we developed a new spin label, 13C1-mOX063-d24, with a 13C isotope as the radical center. Due to the resolved hyperfine splitting, the spectrum is sufficiently broadened to permit DEER-based experiments at Q-band spectrometers. Additionally, this new label can be incorporated orthogonally with Cu(II)-based protein label. The orthogonal labeling scheme enables DEER distance measurement at X-band frequencies. Overall, the new trityl label allows for DEER-based distance measurements that complement existing TAM-label DQC and RIDME experiments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zikri Hasanbasri
- Department of Chemistry, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15260, United States
| | - Martin Poncelet
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy & In Vivo Multifunctional Magnetic Resonance (IMMR) Center, Health Sciences Center, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV 26506, United States
| | - Hannah Hunter
- Department of Chemistry, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15260, United States
| | - Benoit Driesschaert
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy & In Vivo Multifunctional Magnetic Resonance (IMMR) Center, Health Sciences Center, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV 26506, United States; C. Eugene Bennett Department of Chemistry West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV 26506, United States.
| | - Sunil Saxena
- Department of Chemistry, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15260, United States.
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14
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Hofmann L, Mandato A, Saxena S, Ruthstein S. The use of EPR spectroscopy to study transcription mechanisms. Biophys Rev 2022; 14:1141-1159. [PMID: 36345280 PMCID: PMC9636360 DOI: 10.1007/s12551-022-01004-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2022] [Accepted: 09/26/2022] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy has become a promising structural biology tool to resolve complex and dynamic biological mechanisms in-vitro and in-cell. Here, we focus on the advantages of continuous wave (CW) and pulsed EPR distance measurements to resolve transcription processes and protein-DNA interaction. The wide range of spin-labeling approaches that can be used to follow structural changes in both protein and DNA render EPR a powerful method to study protein-DNA interactions and structure-function relationships in other macromolecular complexes. EPR-derived data goes well beyond static structural information and thus serves as the method of choice if dynamic insight is needed. Herein, we describe the conceptual details of the theory and the methodology and illustrate the use of EPR to study the protein-DNA interaction of the copper-sensitive transcription factor, CueR.
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Affiliation(s)
- L. Hofmann
- Department of Chemistry and the Institute of Nanotechnology and Advanced Materials, Bar Ilan University, Ramat-Gan, Israel
| | - A. Mandato
- Department of Chemistry, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA USA
| | - S. Saxena
- Department of Chemistry, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA USA
| | - S. Ruthstein
- Department of Chemistry and the Institute of Nanotechnology and Advanced Materials, Bar Ilan University, Ramat-Gan, Israel
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15
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Oranges M, Wort JL, Fukushima M, Fusco E, Ackermann K, Bode BE. Pulse Dipolar Electron Paramagnetic Resonance Spectroscopy Reveals Buffer-Modulated Cooperativity of Metal-Templated Protein Dimerization. J Phys Chem Lett 2022; 13:7847-7852. [PMID: 35976741 PMCID: PMC9421889 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jpclett.2c01719] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2022] [Accepted: 08/10/2022] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
Self-assembly of protein monomers directed by metal ion coordination constitutes a promising strategy for designing supramolecular architectures complicated by the noncovalent interaction between monomers. Herein, two pulse dipolar electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy (PDS) techniques, pulse electron-electron double resonance and relaxation-induced dipolar modulation enhancement, were simultaneously employed to study the CuII-templated dimerization behavior of a model protein (Streptococcus sp. group G, protein G B1 domain) in both phosphate and Tris-HCl buffers. A cooperative binding model could simultaneously fit all data and demonstrate that the cooperativity of protein dimerization across α-helical double-histidine motifs in the presence of CuII is strongly modulated by the buffer, representing a platform for highly tunable buffer-switchable templated dimerization. Hence, PDS enriches the family of techniques for monitoring binding processes, supporting the development of novel strategies for bioengineering structures and stable architectures assembled by an initial metal-templated dimerization.
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16
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Ackermann K, Wort JL, Bode BE. Pulse dipolar EPR for determining nanomolar binding affinities. Chem Commun (Camb) 2022; 58:8790-8793. [PMID: 35837993 PMCID: PMC9350988 DOI: 10.1039/d2cc02360a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Protein interaction studies often require very low concentrations and highly sensitive biophysical methods. Here, we demonstrate that pulse dipolar electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy allows measuring dissociation constants in the nanomolar range. This approach is appealing for concentration-limited biomolecular systems and medium-to-high-affinity binding studies, demonstrated here at 50 nanomolar protein concentration. CuII-nitroxide RIDME measurements at 100 nM protein concentration allow reliable extraction of dissociation constants and distances, while measurements at 50 nM protein concentration allow reliable extraction of dissociation constants only.![]()
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Affiliation(s)
- Katrin Ackermann
- EaStCHEM School of Chemistry, Biomedical Sciences Research Complex and Centre of Magnetic resonance, University of St Andrews, North Haugh, St Andrews, KY16 9ST, Scotland, UK.
| | - Joshua L Wort
- EaStCHEM School of Chemistry, Biomedical Sciences Research Complex and Centre of Magnetic resonance, University of St Andrews, North Haugh, St Andrews, KY16 9ST, Scotland, UK.
| | - Bela E Bode
- EaStCHEM School of Chemistry, Biomedical Sciences Research Complex and Centre of Magnetic resonance, University of St Andrews, North Haugh, St Andrews, KY16 9ST, Scotland, UK.
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17
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Singewald K, Wilkinson JA, Hasanbasri Z, Saxena S. Beyond structure: Deciphering site-specific dynamics in proteins from double histidine-based EPR measurements. Protein Sci 2022; 31:e4359. [PMID: 35762707 DOI: 10.1002/pro.4359] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2022] [Revised: 05/16/2022] [Accepted: 05/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Site-specific dynamics in proteins are at the heart of protein function. While electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) has potential to measure dynamics in large protein complexes, the reliance on flexible nitroxide labels is limitating especially for the accurate measurement of site-specific β-sheet dynamics. Here, we employed EPR spectroscopy to measure site-specific dynamics across the surface of a protein, GB1. Through the use of the double Histidine (dHis) motif, which enables labeling with a Cu(II) - nitrilotriacetic acid (NTA) complex, dynamics information was obtained for both α-helical and β-sheet sites. Spectral simulations of the resulting CW-EPR report unique site-specific fluctuations across the surface of GB1. Additionally, we performed molecular dynamics (MD) simulations to complement the EPR data. The dynamics observed from MD agree with the EPR results. Furthermore, we observe small changes in gǁ values for different sites, which may be due to small differences in coordination geometry and/or local electrostatics of the site. Taken together, this work expands the utility of Cu(II)NTA-based EPR measurements to probe information beyond distance constraints.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin Singewald
- Department of Chemistry, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - James A Wilkinson
- Department of Chemistry, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Zikri Hasanbasri
- Department of Chemistry, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Sunil Saxena
- Department of Chemistry, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
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18
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Bogetti X, Hasanbasri Z, Hunter HR, Saxena S. An optimal acquisition scheme for Q-band EPR distance measurements using Cu 2+-based protein labels. Phys Chem Chem Phys 2022; 24:14727-14739. [PMID: 35574729 DOI: 10.1039/d2cp01032a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
Recent advances in site-directed Cu2+ labeling of proteins and nucleic acids have added an attractive new methodology to measure the structure-function relationship in biomolecules. Despite the promise, accessing the higher sensitivity of Q-band Double Electron Electron Resonance (DEER) has been challenging for Cu2+ labels designed for proteins. Q-band DEER experiments on this label typically require many measurements at different magnetic fields, since the pulses can excite only a few orientations at a given magnetic field. Herein, we analyze such orientational effects through simulations and show that three DEER measurements, at strategically selected magnetic fields, are generally sufficient to acquire an orientational-averaged DEER time trace for this spin label at Q-band. The modeling results are experimentally verified on Cu2+ labeled human glutathione S-transferase (hGSTA1-1). The DEER distance distribution measured at the Q-band shows good agreement with the distance distribution sampled by molecular dynamics (MD) simulations and X-band experiments. The concordance of MD sampled distances and experimentally measured distances adds growing evidence that MD simulations can accurately predict distances for the Cu2+ labels, which remains a key bottleneck for the commonly used nitroxide label. In all, this minimal collection scheme reduces data collection time by as much as six-fold and is generally applicable to many octahedrally coordinated Cu2+ systems. Furthermore, the concepts presented here may be applied to other metals and pulsed EPR experiments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaowei Bogetti
- Department of Chemistry, University of Pittsburgh, PA 15260, USA.
| | - Zikri Hasanbasri
- Department of Chemistry, University of Pittsburgh, PA 15260, USA.
| | - Hannah R Hunter
- Department of Chemistry, University of Pittsburgh, PA 15260, USA.
| | - Sunil Saxena
- Department of Chemistry, University of Pittsburgh, PA 15260, USA.
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19
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Abstract
Different types of spin labels are currently available for structural studies of biomolecules both in vitro and in cells using Electron Paramagnetic Resonance (EPR) and pulse dipolar spectroscopy (PDS). Each type of label has its own advantages and disadvantages, that will be addressed in this chapter. The spectroscopically distinct properties of the labels have fostered new applications of PDS aimed to simultaneously extract multiple inter-label distances on the same sample. In fact, combining different labels and choosing the optimal strategy to address their inter-label distances can increase the information content per sample, and this is pivotal to better characterize complex multi-component biomolecular systems. In this review, we provide a brief background of the spectroscopic properties of the four most common orthogonal spin labels for PDS measurements and focus on the various methods at disposal to extract homo- and hetero-label distances in proteins. We also devote a section to possible artifacts arising from channel crosstalk and provide few examples of applications in structural biology.
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20
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A Low-Spin CoII/Nitroxide Complex for Distance Measurements at Q-Band Frequencies. MAGNETOCHEMISTRY 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/magnetochemistry8040043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Pulse dipolar electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy (PDS) is continuously furthering the understanding of chemical and biological assemblies through distance measurements in the nanometer range. New paramagnets and pulse sequences can provide structural insights not accessible through other techniques. In the pursuit of alternative spin centers for PDS, we synthesized a low-spin CoII complex bearing a nitroxide (NO) moiety, where both the CoII and NO have an electron spin S of 1/2. We measured CoII-NO distances with the well-established double electron–electron resonance (DEER aka PELDOR) experiment, as well as with the five- and six-pulse relaxation-induced dipolar modulation enhancement (RIDME) spectroscopies at Q-band frequencies (34 GHz). We first identified challenges related to the stability of the complex in solution via DEER and X-ray crystallography and showed that even in cases where complex disproportionation is unavoidable, CoII-NO PDS measurements are feasible and give good signal-to-noise (SNR) ratios. Specifically, DEER and five-pulse RIDME exhibited an SNR of ~100, and while the six-pulse RIDME exhibited compromised SNR, it helped us minimize unwanted signals from the RIDME traces. Last, we demonstrated RIDME at a 10 μM sample concentration. Our results demonstrate paramagnetic CoII to be a feasible spin center in medium magnetic fields with opportunities for PDS studies involving CoII ions.
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21
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The Advantages of EPR Spectroscopy in Exploring Diamagnetic Metal Ion Binding and Transfer Mechanisms in Biological Systems. MAGNETOCHEMISTRY 2021. [DOI: 10.3390/magnetochemistry8010003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy has emerged as an ideal biophysical tool to study complex biological processes. EPR spectroscopy can follow minor conformational changes in various proteins as a function of ligand or protein binding or interactions with high resolution and sensitivity. Resolving cellular mechanisms, involving small ligand binding or metal ion transfer, is not trivial and cannot be studied using conventional biophysical tools. In recent years, our group has been using EPR spectroscopy to study the mechanism underlying copper ion transfer in eukaryotic and prokaryotic systems. This mini-review focuses on our achievements following copper metal coordination in the diamagnetic oxidation state, Cu(I), between biomolecules. We discuss the conformational changes induced in proteins upon Cu(I) binding, as well as the conformational changes induced in two proteins involved in Cu(I) transfer. We also consider how EPR spectroscopy, together with other biophysical and computational tools, can identify the Cu(I)-binding sites. This work describes the advantages of EPR spectroscopy for studying biological processes that involve small ligand binding and transfer between intracellular proteins.
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22
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Singewald K, Wilkinson JA, Saxena AS. Copper Based Site-directed Spin Labeling of Proteins for Use in Pulsed and Continuous Wave EPR Spectroscopy. Bio Protoc 2021; 11:e4258. [PMID: 35087917 DOI: 10.21769/bioprotoc.4258] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2021] [Revised: 10/08/2021] [Accepted: 10/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Site-directed spin labeling in conjunction with electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) is an attractive approach to measure residue specific dynamics and point-to-point distance distributions in a biomolecule. Here, we focus on the labeling of proteins with a Cu(II)-nitrilotriacetic acid (NTA) complex, by exploiting two strategically placed histidine residues (called the dHis motif). This labeling strategy has emerged as a means to overcome key limitations of many spin labels. Through utilizing the dHis motif, Cu(II)NTA rigidly binds to a protein without depending on cysteine residues. This protocol outlines three major points: the synthesis of the Cu(II)NTA complex; the measurement of continuous wave and pulsed EPR spectra, to verify a successful synthesis, as well as successful protein labeling; and utilizing Cu(II)NTA labeled proteins, to measure distance constraints and backbone dynamics. In doing so, EPR measurements are less influenced by sidechain motion, which influences the breadth of the measured distance distributions between two spins, as well as the measured residue-specific dynamics. More broadly, such EPR-based distance measurements provide unique structural constraints for integrative structural biophysics and complement traditional biophysical techniques, such as NMR, cryo-EM, FRET, and crystallography. Graphic abstract: Monitoring the success of Cu(II)NTA labeling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin Singewald
- Department of Chemistry, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, USA
| | | | - And Sunil Saxena
- Department of Chemistry, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, USA
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23
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Ackermann K, Chapman A, Bode BE. A Comparison of Cysteine-Conjugated Nitroxide Spin Labels for Pulse Dipolar EPR Spectroscopy. Molecules 2021; 26:7534. [PMID: 34946616 PMCID: PMC8706713 DOI: 10.3390/molecules26247534] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2021] [Revised: 11/30/2021] [Accepted: 12/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The structure-function and materials paradigms drive research on the understanding of structures and structural heterogeneity of molecules and solids from materials science to structural biology. Functional insights into complex architectures are often gained from a suite of complementary physicochemical methods. In the context of biomacromolecular structures, the use of pulse dipolar electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy (PDS) has become increasingly popular. The main interest in PDS is providing long-range nanometre distance distributions that allow for identifying macromolecular topologies, validating structural models and conformational transitions as well as docking of quaternary complexes. Most commonly, cysteines are introduced into protein structures by site-directed mutagenesis and modified site-specifically to a spin-labelled side-chain such as a stable nitroxide radical. In this contribution, we investigate labelling by four different commercial labelling agents that react through different sulfur-specific reactions. Further, the distance distributions obtained are between spin-bearing moieties and need to be related to the protein structure via modelling approaches. Here, we compare two different approaches to modelling these distributions for all four side-chains. The results indicate that there are significant differences in the optimum labelling procedure. All four spin-labels show differences in the ease of labelling and purification. Further challenges arise from the different tether lengths and rotamers of spin-labelled side-chains; both influence the modelling and translation into structures. Our comparison indicates that the spin-label with the shortest tether in the spin-labelled side-group, (bis-(2,2,5,5-Tetramethyl-3-imidazoline-1-oxyl-4-yl) disulfide, may be underappreciated and could increase the resolution of structural studies by PDS if labelling conditions are optimised accordingly.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Bela E. Bode
- EaStCHEM School of Chemistry, Biomedical Sciences Research Complex, and Centre of Magnetic Resonance, University of St Andrews, North Haugh, St Andrews KY16 9ST, UK; (K.A.); (A.C.)
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24
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Ackermann K, Wort JL, Bode BE. Nanomolar Pulse Dipolar EPR Spectroscopy in Proteins: Cu II-Cu II and Nitroxide-Nitroxide Cases. J Phys Chem B 2021; 125:5358-5364. [PMID: 33998795 PMCID: PMC7611071 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jpcb.1c03666] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
The study of ever more complex biomolecular assemblies implicated in human health and disease is facilitated by a suite of complementary biophysical methods. Pulse dipolar electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy (PDS) is a powerful tool that provides highly precise geometric constraints in frozen solutions; however, the drive toward PDS at physiologically relevant sub-μM concentrations is limited by the currently achievable concentration sensitivity. Recently, PDS using a combination of nitroxide- and CuII-based spin labels allowed measuring a 500 nM concentration of a model protein. Using commercial instrumentation and spin labels, we demonstrate CuII-CuII and nitroxide-nitroxide PDS measurements at protein concentrations below previous examples reaching 500 and 100 nM, respectively. These results demonstrate the general feasibility of sub-μM PDS measurements at short to intermediate distances (∼1.5 to 3.5 nm), and are of particular relevance for applications where the achievable concentration is limiting.
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25
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Casto J, Mandato A, Saxena S. dHis-troying Barriers: Deuteration Provides a Pathway to Increase Sensitivity and Accessible Distances for Cu 2+ Labels. J Phys Chem Lett 2021; 12:4681-4685. [PMID: 33979151 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jpclett.1c01002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Recently, site-directed Cu2+ labeling has emerged as an incisive biophysical tool to directly report on distance constraints that pertain to the structure, conformational transitions, and dynamics of proteins and nucleic acids. However, short phase memory times inherent to the Cu2+ labels limit measurable distances to 4-5 nm. In this work we systematically examine different methods to dampen electron-nuclear and electron-electron coupled interactions to decrease rapid relaxation. We show that using Cu2+ spin concentrations up to ca. 800 μM has an invariant effect on relaxation and that increasing the cryoprotectant concentration reduces contributions of solvent protons to relaxation. On the other hand, the deuteration of protein and solvent dramatically increases the duration of the dipolar modulated signal by over 6-fold to 32 μs. Based on this increase in signal longevity, distances up to 9 nm and beyond can potentially be measured with Cu2+ labels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joshua Casto
- Department of Chemistry, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15260, United States
| | - Alysia Mandato
- Department of Chemistry, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15260, United States
| | - Sunil Saxena
- Department of Chemistry, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15260, United States
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