1
|
Valbuena A, Strobl K, Gil-Redondo JC, Valiente L, de Pablo PJ, Mateu MG. Single-Molecule Analysis of Genome Uncoating from Individual Human Rhinovirus Particles, and Modulation by Antiviral Drugs. SMALL (WEINHEIM AN DER BERGSTRASSE, GERMANY) 2024; 20:e2304722. [PMID: 37806749 DOI: 10.1002/smll.202304722] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2023] [Revised: 09/26/2023] [Indexed: 10/10/2023]
Abstract
Infection of humans by many viruses is typically initiated by the internalization of a single virion in each of a few susceptible cells. Thus, the outcome of the infection process may depend on stochastic single-molecule events. A crucial process for viral infection, and thus a target for developing antiviral drugs, is the uncoating of the viral genome. Here a force spectroscopy procedure using an atomic force microscope is implemented to study uncoating for individual human rhinovirus particles. Application of an increasing mechanical force on a virion led to a high force-induced structural transition that facilitated extrusion of the viral RNA molecule without loss of capsid integrity. Application of force to virions that h ad previously extruded the RNA, or to RNA-free capsids, led to a lower force-induced event associated with capsid disruption. The kinetic parameters are determined for each reaction. The high-force event is a stochastic process governed by a moderate free energy barrier (≈20 kcal mol-1 ), which results in a heterogeneous population of structurally weakened virions in which different fractions of the RNA molecule are externalized. The effects of antiviral compounds or capsid mutation on the kinetics of this reaction reveal a correlation between the reaction rate and virus infectivity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alejandro Valbuena
- Centro de Biología Molecular "Severo Ochoa" (CSIC-UAM), Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, 28049, Madrid, Spain
| | - Klara Strobl
- Departamento de Física de la Materia Condensada, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, 28049, Madrid, Spain
| | - Juan Carlos Gil-Redondo
- Centro de Biología Molecular "Severo Ochoa" (CSIC-UAM), Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, 28049, Madrid, Spain
| | - Luis Valiente
- Centro de Biología Molecular "Severo Ochoa" (CSIC-UAM), Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, 28049, Madrid, Spain
| | - Pedro J de Pablo
- Departamento de Física de la Materia Condensada, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, 28049, Madrid, Spain
- Instituto de Física de la Materia Condensada (IFIMAC), Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, 28049, Madrid, Spain
| | - Mauricio G Mateu
- Centro de Biología Molecular "Severo Ochoa" (CSIC-UAM), Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, 28049, Madrid, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Radiom M, Keys T, Turgay Y, Ali A, Preet S, Chesnov S, Lutz-Bueno V, Slack E, Mezzenga R. Mechanical tuning of virus-like particles. J Colloid Interface Sci 2023; 634:963-971. [PMID: 36571858 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcis.2022.12.090] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2022] [Revised: 12/18/2022] [Accepted: 12/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
HYPOTHESIS Virus-like particles (VLPs) are promising scaffolds for developing mucosal vaccines. For their optimal performance, in addition to design parameters from an immunological perspective, biophysical properties may need to be considered. EXPERIMENTS We investigated the mechanical properties of VLPs scaffolded on the coat protein of Acinetobacter phage AP205 using atomic force microscopy and small angle X-ray scattering. FINDINGS Investigations showed that AP205 VLP is a tough nanoshell of stiffness 93 ± 23 pN/nm and elastic modulus 0.11 GPa. However, its mechanical properties are modulated by attaching muco-inert polyethylene glycol to 46 ± 10 pN/nm and 0.05 GPa. Addition of antigenic peptides derived from SARS-CoV2 spike protein by genetic fusion increased the stiffness to 146 ± 54 pN/nm although the elastic modulus remained unchanged. These results, which are interpreted in terms of shell thickness and coat protein net charge variations, demonstrate that surface conjugation can induce appreciable changes in the biophysical properties of VLP-scaffolded vaccines.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Milad Radiom
- Laboratory of Food Immunology, Institute of Food, Nutrition and Health, ETH Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland; Laboratory of Food and Soft Materials, Institute of Food, Nutrition and Health, ETH Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland.
| | - Tim Keys
- Laboratory of Food Immunology, Institute of Food, Nutrition and Health, ETH Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Yagmur Turgay
- Laboratory of Food Immunology, Institute of Food, Nutrition and Health, ETH Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Ahmed Ali
- Laboratory of Food Immunology, Institute of Food, Nutrition and Health, ETH Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Swapan Preet
- Laboratory of Food Immunology, Institute of Food, Nutrition and Health, ETH Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Serge Chesnov
- University of Zürich/ETH Zürich, Functional Genomics Centre Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland
| | | | - Emma Slack
- Laboratory of Food Immunology, Institute of Food, Nutrition and Health, ETH Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland.
| | - Raffaele Mezzenga
- Laboratory of Food and Soft Materials, Institute of Food, Nutrition and Health, ETH Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Kraj P, Hewagama ND, Douglas T. Diffusion and molecular partitioning in hierarchically complex virus-like particles. Virology 2023; 580:50-60. [PMID: 36764014 DOI: 10.1016/j.virol.2023.01.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2022] [Revised: 01/09/2023] [Accepted: 01/12/2023] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
Viruses are diverse infectious agents found in virtually every type of natural environment. Due to the range of conditions in which viruses have evolved, they exhibit a wide range of structure and function which has been exploited for biotechnology. The self-assembly process of virus-like particles (VLPs), derived from structural virus components, allows for the assembly of a hierarchy of materials. Because VLPs are robust in both their assembly and the final product, functionality can be incorporated through design of their building blocks or chemical modification after their synthesis and assembly. In particular, encapsulation of active enzymes inside VLP results in macromolecular concentration approximating that of cells, introducing excluded volume effects on encapsulated cargo which are not present in traditional experiments done on dilute proteins. This work reviews the hierarchical assembly of VLPs, experiments investigating diffusion in VLP systems, and methods for partitioning of chemical species in VLPs as functional biomaterials.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Pawel Kraj
- Department of Chemistry, Indiana University, 800 E Kirkwood Ave., Bloomington, IN, 47405, USA
| | - Nathasha D Hewagama
- Department of Chemistry, Indiana University, 800 E Kirkwood Ave., Bloomington, IN, 47405, USA
| | - Trevor Douglas
- Department of Chemistry, Indiana University, 800 E Kirkwood Ave., Bloomington, IN, 47405, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Essus VA, Souza Júnior GSE, Nunes GHP, Oliveira JDS, de Faria BM, Romão LF, Cortines JR. Bacteriophage P22 Capsid as a Pluripotent Nanotechnology Tool. Viruses 2023; 15:516. [PMID: 36851730 PMCID: PMC9962691 DOI: 10.3390/v15020516] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2022] [Revised: 02/09/2023] [Accepted: 02/10/2023] [Indexed: 02/15/2023] Open
Abstract
The Salmonella enterica bacteriophage P22 is one of the most promising models for the development of virus-like particle (VLP) nanocages. It possesses an icosahedral T = 7 capsid, assembled by the combination of two structural proteins: the coat protein (gp5) and the scaffold protein (gp8). The P22 capsid has the remarkable capability of undergoing structural transition into three morphologies with differing diameters and wall-pore sizes. These varied morphologies can be explored for the design of nanoplatforms, such as for the development of cargo internalization strategies. The capsid proteic nature allows for the extensive modification of its structure, enabling the addition of non-native structures to alter the VLP properties or confer them to diverse ends. Various molecules were added to the P22 VLP through genetic, chemical, and other means to both the capsid and the scaffold protein, permitting the encapsulation or the presentation of cargo. This allows the particle to be exploited for numerous purposes-for example, as a nanocarrier, nanoreactor, and vaccine model, among other applications. Therefore, the present review intends to give an overview of the literature on this amazing particle.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Victor Alejandro Essus
- Laboratório de Virologia e Espectrometria de Massas (LAVEM), Departamento de Virologia, Instituto de Microbiologia Paulo de Góes, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21590-902, Brazil
| | - Getúlio Silva e Souza Júnior
- Laboratório de Virologia e Espectrometria de Massas (LAVEM), Departamento de Virologia, Instituto de Microbiologia Paulo de Góes, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21590-902, Brazil
| | - Gabriel Henrique Pereira Nunes
- Laboratório de Virologia e Espectrometria de Massas (LAVEM), Departamento de Virologia, Instituto de Microbiologia Paulo de Góes, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21590-902, Brazil
| | - Juliana dos Santos Oliveira
- Laboratório de Virologia e Espectrometria de Massas (LAVEM), Departamento de Virologia, Instituto de Microbiologia Paulo de Góes, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21590-902, Brazil
| | - Bruna Mafra de Faria
- Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Av. Carlos Chagas Filho, 373, CCS, Bl. F026, Rio de Janeiro 21941-590, Brazil
| | - Luciana Ferreira Romão
- Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Av. Carlos Chagas Filho, 373, CCS, Bl. F026, Rio de Janeiro 21941-590, Brazil
| | - Juliana Reis Cortines
- Laboratório de Virologia e Espectrometria de Massas (LAVEM), Departamento de Virologia, Instituto de Microbiologia Paulo de Góes, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21590-902, Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Sae-Ueng U, Bhunchoth A, Phironrit N, Treetong A, Sapcharoenkun C, Chatchawankanphanich O, Leartsakulpanich U, Chitnumsub P. Thermoresponsive C22 phage stiffness modulates the phage infectivity. Sci Rep 2022; 12:13001. [PMID: 35906255 PMCID: PMC9338302 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-16795-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2022] [Accepted: 07/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Bacteriophages offer a sustainable alternative for controlling crop disease. However, the lack of knowledge on phage infection mechanisms makes phage-based biological control varying and ineffective. In this work, we interrogated the temperature dependence of the infection and thermo-responsive behavior of the C22 phage. This soilborne podovirus is capable of lysing Ralstonia solanacearum, causing bacterial wilt disease. We revealed that the C22 phage could better infect the pathogenic host cell when incubated at low temperatures (25, 30 °C) than at high temperatures (35, 40 °C). Measurement of the C22 phage stiffness revealed that the phage stiffness at low temperatures was 2–3 times larger than at high temperatures. In addition, the imaging results showed that more C22 phage particles were attached to the cell surface at low temperatures than at high temperatures, associating the phage stiffness and the phage attachment. The result suggests that the structure and stiffness modulation in response to temperature change improve infection, providing mechanistic insight into the C22 phage lytic cycle. Our study signifies the need to understand phage responses to the fluctuating environment for effective phage-based biocontrol implementation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Udom Sae-Ueng
- National Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (BIOTEC), National Science and Technology Development Agency (NSTDA), Pathum Thani, 12120, Thailand.
| | - Anjana Bhunchoth
- National Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (BIOTEC), National Science and Technology Development Agency (NSTDA), Pathum Thani, 12120, Thailand
| | - Namthip Phironrit
- National Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (BIOTEC), National Science and Technology Development Agency (NSTDA), Pathum Thani, 12120, Thailand
| | - Alongkot Treetong
- National Nanotechnology Center (NANOTEC), National Science and Technology Development Agency (NSTDA), Pathum Thani, 12120, Thailand
| | - Chaweewan Sapcharoenkun
- National Nanotechnology Center (NANOTEC), National Science and Technology Development Agency (NSTDA), Pathum Thani, 12120, Thailand
| | - Orawan Chatchawankanphanich
- National Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (BIOTEC), National Science and Technology Development Agency (NSTDA), Pathum Thani, 12120, Thailand
| | - Ubolsree Leartsakulpanich
- National Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (BIOTEC), National Science and Technology Development Agency (NSTDA), Pathum Thani, 12120, Thailand
| | - Penchit Chitnumsub
- National Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (BIOTEC), National Science and Technology Development Agency (NSTDA), Pathum Thani, 12120, Thailand
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Menou L, Salas YC, Lecoq L, Salvetti A, Moskalenko CF, Castelnovo M. Stiffness heterogeneity of small viral capsids. Phys Rev E 2021; 104:064408. [PMID: 35030852 DOI: 10.1103/physreve.104.064408] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2021] [Accepted: 10/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Nanoindentation of viral capsids provides an efficient tool in order to probe their elastic properties. We investigate in the present work the various sources of stiffness heterogeneity as observed in atomic force microscopy experiments. By combining experimental results with both numerical and analytical modeling, we first show that for small viruses, a position-dependent stiffness is observed. This effect is strong and has not been properly taken into account previously. Moreover, we show that a geometrical model is able to reproduce this effect quantitatively. Our work suggests alternative ways of measuring stiffness heterogeneities on small viral capsids. This is illustrated on two different viral capsids: Adeno associated virus serotype 8 (AAV8) and hepatitis B virus (HBV with T=4). We discuss our results in light of continuous elasticity modeling.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lucas Menou
- Université de Lyon, Ens de Lyon, CNRS, Laboratoire de Physique, F-69342 Lyon, France
| | | | - Lauriane Lecoq
- Institut de Biologie et Chimie des Protéines, University of Lyon 1, Lyon, France
| | - Anna Salvetti
- International Center for Research in Infectiology (CIRI), INSERM U111, CNRS UMR 5308, Lyon, France
| | | | - Martin Castelnovo
- Université de Lyon, Ens de Lyon, CNRS, Laboratoire de Physique, F-69342 Lyon, France
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Zhang W, Jia Q, Teng Y, Yang M, Zhang H, Zhang XE, Wang P, Ge J, Cao S, Li F. An Ultrastable Virus-Like Particle with a Carbon Dot Core and Expanded Sequence Plasticity. SMALL (WEINHEIM AN DER BERGSTRASSE, GERMANY) 2021; 17:e2101717. [PMID: 34302443 DOI: 10.1002/smll.202101717] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2021] [Revised: 06/06/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Ordered bio-inorganic hybridization has evolved for the generation of high-performance materials in living organisms and inspires novel strategies to design artificial hybrid materials. Virus-like particles (VLPs) are attracting extensive interest as self-assembling systems and platforms in the fields of biotechnology and nanotechnology. However, as soft nanomaterials, their structural stability remains a general and fundamental problem in various applications. Here, an ultrastable VLP assembled from the major capsid protein (VP1) of simian virus 40 is reported, which contains a carbon dot (C-dot) core. Co-assembly of VP1 with C-dots led to homogeneous T = 1 VLPs with a fourfold increase in VLP yields. The resultant hybrid VLPs showed markedly enhanced structural stability and sequence plasticity. C-dots and a polyhistidine tag fused to the inner-protruding N-terminus of VP1 contributed synergistically to these enhancements, where extensive and strong noncovalent interactions on the C-dot/VP1 interfaces are responsible according to cryo-EM 3D reconstruction, molecular simulation, and affinity measurements. C-dot-enhanced ultrastable VLPs can serve as a new platform, enabling the fabrication of new architectures for bioimaging, theranostics, nanovaccines, etc. The hybridization strategy is simple and can easily be extended to other VLPs and protein nanoparticle systems.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wenjing Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, Wuhan Institute of Virology, Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), Wuhan, 430071, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Qingyan Jia
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
- Key Laboratory of Photochemical Conversion and Optoelectronic Materials, Technical Institute of Physics and Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100190, China
| | - Yibo Teng
- Wuhan Ready science and technology corporation Ltd, Wuhan, 430064, China
| | - Mengsi Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, Wuhan Institute of Virology, Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), Wuhan, 430071, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Hui Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, Wuhan Institute of Virology, Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), Wuhan, 430071, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Xian-En Zhang
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
- National Laboratory of Biomacromolecules, CAS Center for Excellence in Biomacromolecules, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), Beijing, 100101, China
| | - Pengfei Wang
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
- Key Laboratory of Photochemical Conversion and Optoelectronic Materials, Technical Institute of Physics and Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100190, China
| | - Jiechao Ge
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
- Key Laboratory of Photochemical Conversion and Optoelectronic Materials, Technical Institute of Physics and Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100190, China
| | - Sheng Cao
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, Wuhan Institute of Virology, Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), Wuhan, 430071, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Feng Li
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, Wuhan Institute of Virology, Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), Wuhan, 430071, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Maksudov F, Kononova O, Llauró A, Ortega-Esteban A, Douglas T, Condezo GN, Martín CS, Marx KA, Wuite GJL, Roos WH, de Pablo PJ, Barsegov V. Fluctuating nonlinear spring theory: Strength, deformability, and toughness of biological nanoparticles from theoretical reconstruction of force-deformation spectra. Acta Biomater 2021; 122:263-277. [PMID: 33359294 PMCID: PMC7897321 DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2020.12.043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2020] [Revised: 12/16/2020] [Accepted: 12/17/2020] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
We developed the Fluctuating Nonlinear Spring (FNS) model to describe the dynamics of mechanical deformation of biological particles, such as virus capsids. The theory interprets the force-deformation spectra in terms of the "Hertzian stiffness" (non-linear regime of a particle's small-amplitude deformations), elastic constant (large-amplitude elastic deformations), and force range in which the particle's fracture occurs. The FNS theory enables one to quantify the particles' elasticity (Young's moduli for Hertzian and bending deformations), and the limits of their strength (critical forces, fracture toughness) and deformability (critical deformations) as well as the probability distributions of these properties, and to calculate the free energy changes for the particle's Hertzian, elastic, and plastic deformations, and eventual fracture. We applied the FNS theory to describe the protein capsids of bacteriophage P22, Human Adenovirus, and Herpes Simplex virus characterized by deformations before fracture that did not exceed 10-19% of their size. These nanoshells are soft (~1-10-GPa elastic modulus), with low ~50-480-kPa toughness - a regime of material behavior that is not well understood, and with the strength increasing while toughness decreases with their size. The particles' fracture is stochastic, with the average values of critical forces, critical deformations, and fracture toughness comparable with their standard deviations. The FNS theory predicts 0.7-MJ/mol free energy for P22 capsid maturation, and it could be extended to describe uniaxial deformation of cylindrical microtubules and ellipsoidal cellular organelles.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Farkhad Maksudov
- Department of Chemistry, University of Massachusetts, Lowell, MA 01854, United States
| | - Olga Kononova
- Department of Chemistry, University of Massachusetts, Lowell, MA 01854, United States
| | - Aida Llauró
- Department of Condensed Matter Physics and Condensed Matter Physics Center, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, 28049, Madrid, Spain
| | - Alvaro Ortega-Esteban
- Department of Condensed Matter Physics and Condensed Matter Physics Center, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, 28049, Madrid, Spain
| | - Trevor Douglas
- Department of Chemistry, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN 47405, United States
| | - Gabriela N Condezo
- Department of Macromolecular Structures and NanoBioMedicine Initiative, Centro Nacional de Biotecnología (CNB-CIC), Darwin 3, 28049 Madrid, Spain
| | - Carmen San Martín
- Department of Macromolecular Structures and NanoBioMedicine Initiative, Centro Nacional de Biotecnología (CNB-CIC), Darwin 3, 28049 Madrid, Spain
| | - Kenneth A Marx
- Department of Chemistry, University of Massachusetts, Lowell, MA 01854, United States
| | - Gijs J L Wuite
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, and LaserLaB Amsterdam, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1081, 1081 HV, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Wouter H Roos
- Moleculaire Biofysica, Zernike Instituut, Rijksuniversiteit Groningen, 9747 AG Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Pedro J de Pablo
- Department of Condensed Matter Physics and Condensed Matter Physics Center, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, 28049, Madrid, Spain.
| | - Valeri Barsegov
- Department of Chemistry, University of Massachusetts, Lowell, MA 01854, United States.
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Sae-Ueng U, Bhunchoth A, Phironrit N, Treetong A, Sapcharoenkun C, Chatchawankanphanich O, Leartsakulpanich U, Chitnumsub P. C22 podovirus infectivity is associated with intermediate stiffness. Sci Rep 2020; 10:12604. [PMID: 32724109 PMCID: PMC7387534 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-69409-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2019] [Accepted: 07/08/2020] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Bacteriophages have potential for use as biological control agents (biocontrols) of pathogenic bacteria, but their low stability is limiting for their utilization as biocontrols. Understanding of the conditions conducive to storage of phages in which infectivity is maintained over long periods will be useful for their application as biocontrols. We employed a nanomechanical approach to study how external environmental factors affect surface properties and infectivity of the podovirus C22 phage, a candidate for biocontrol of Ralstonia solanacearum, the agent of bacterial wilt in crops. We performed atomic force microscopy (AFM)-based nano-indentation on the C22 phage in buffers with varying pH and ionic strength. The infectivity data from plaque assay in the same conditions revealed that an intermediate range of stiffness was associated with phage titer that remained consistently high, even after prolonged storage up to 182 days. The data are consistent with the model that C22 phage must adopt a metastable state for maximal infectivity, and external factors that alter the stiffness of the phage capsid lead to perturbation of this infective state.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Udom Sae-Ueng
- National Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (BIOTEC), National Science and Technology Development Agency (NSTDA), 113 Thailand Science Park, Phahonyothin Road, Khlong Nueng, Khlong Luang, Pathum Thani, 12120, Thailand.
| | - Anjana Bhunchoth
- National Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (BIOTEC), National Science and Technology Development Agency (NSTDA), 113 Thailand Science Park, Phahonyothin Road, Khlong Nueng, Khlong Luang, Pathum Thani, 12120, Thailand
| | - Namthip Phironrit
- National Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (BIOTEC), National Science and Technology Development Agency (NSTDA), 113 Thailand Science Park, Phahonyothin Road, Khlong Nueng, Khlong Luang, Pathum Thani, 12120, Thailand
| | - Alongkot Treetong
- National Nanotechnology Center (NANOTEC), National Science and Technology Development Agency (NSTDA), 111 Thailand Science Park, Phahonyothin Road, Khlong Nueng, Khlong Luang, Pathum Thani, 12120, Thailand
| | - Chaweewan Sapcharoenkun
- National Nanotechnology Center (NANOTEC), National Science and Technology Development Agency (NSTDA), 111 Thailand Science Park, Phahonyothin Road, Khlong Nueng, Khlong Luang, Pathum Thani, 12120, Thailand
| | - Orawan Chatchawankanphanich
- National Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (BIOTEC), National Science and Technology Development Agency (NSTDA), 113 Thailand Science Park, Phahonyothin Road, Khlong Nueng, Khlong Luang, Pathum Thani, 12120, Thailand
| | - Ubolsree Leartsakulpanich
- National Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (BIOTEC), National Science and Technology Development Agency (NSTDA), 113 Thailand Science Park, Phahonyothin Road, Khlong Nueng, Khlong Luang, Pathum Thani, 12120, Thailand
| | - Penchit Chitnumsub
- National Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (BIOTEC), National Science and Technology Development Agency (NSTDA), 113 Thailand Science Park, Phahonyothin Road, Khlong Nueng, Khlong Luang, Pathum Thani, 12120, Thailand
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Martín-González N, Hernando-Pérez M, Condezo GN, Pérez-Illana M, Šiber A, Reguera D, Ostapchuk P, Hearing P, San Martín C, de Pablo PJ. Adenovirus major core protein condenses DNA in clusters and bundles, modulating genome release and capsid internal pressure. Nucleic Acids Res 2019; 47:9231-9242. [PMID: 31396624 PMCID: PMC6755088 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkz687] [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: 06/05/2019] [Revised: 07/10/2019] [Accepted: 08/06/2019] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Some viruses package dsDNA together with large amounts of positively charged proteins, thought to help condense the genome inside the capsid with no evidence. Further, this role is not clear because these viruses have typically lower packing fractions than viruses encapsidating naked dsDNA. In addition, it has recently been shown that the major adenovirus condensing protein (polypeptide VII) is dispensable for genome encapsidation. Here, we study the morphology and mechanics of adenovirus particles with (Ad5-wt) and without (Ad5-VII-) protein VII. Ad5-VII- particles are stiffer than Ad5-wt, but DNA-counterions revert this difference, indicating that VII screens repulsive DNA-DNA interactions. Consequently, its absence results in increased internal pressure. The core is slightly more ordered in the absence of VII and diffuses faster out of Ad5-VII– than Ad5-wt fractured particles. In Ad5-wt unpacked cores, dsDNA associates in bundles interspersed with VII-DNA clusters. These results indicate that protein VII condenses the adenovirus genome by combining direct clustering and promotion of bridging by other core proteins. This condensation modulates the virion internal pressure and DNA release from disrupted particles, which could be crucial to keep the genome protected inside the semi-disrupted capsid while traveling to the nuclear pore.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Mercedes Hernando-Pérez
- Department of Macromolecular Structures, Centro Nacional de Biotecnología (CNB-CSIC), Madrid 28049, Spain
| | - Gabriela N Condezo
- Department of Macromolecular Structures, Centro Nacional de Biotecnología (CNB-CSIC), Madrid 28049, Spain
| | - Marta Pérez-Illana
- Department of Macromolecular Structures, Centro Nacional de Biotecnología (CNB-CSIC), Madrid 28049, Spain
| | | | - David Reguera
- Departament de Física de la Matèria Condensada, Facultat de Física, Universitat de Barcelona, Martí i Franqués 1, 08028 Barcelona, Spain.,Universitat de Barcelona Institute of Complex Systems (UBICS), 08028 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Philomena Ostapchuk
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, School of Medicine, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY 11794-5222, USA
| | - Patrick Hearing
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, School of Medicine, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY 11794-5222, USA
| | - Carmen San Martín
- Department of Macromolecular Structures, Centro Nacional de Biotecnología (CNB-CSIC), Madrid 28049, Spain
| | - Pedro J de Pablo
- Department of Condensed Matter Physics, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid 28049, Spain.,Instituto de Física de la Materia Condensada (IFIMAC), Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid 28049, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
The application of atomic force microscopy for viruses and protein shells: Imaging and spectroscopy. Adv Virus Res 2019; 105:161-187. [PMID: 31522704 DOI: 10.1016/bs.aivir.2019.07.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Atomic force microscopy (AFM) probes surface-adsorbed samples at the nanoscale by using a sharp stylus of nanometric size located at the end of a micro-cantilever. This technique can also work in a liquid environment and offers unique possibilities to study individual protein assemblies, such as viruses, under conditions that resemble their natural liquid milieu. Here, I show how AFM can be used to explore the topography of viruses and protein cages, including that of structures lacking a well-defined symmetry. AFM is not limited for imaging and allows the manipulation of individual viruses with force spectroscopy approaches, such as single indentation and mechanical fatigue assays. These pushing experiments deform the protein cages to obtain their mechanical information and can be used to monitor the structural changes induced by maturation or the exposure to different biochemical environments, such as pH variation. We discuss how studying capsid rupture and self-healing events offers insight into virus uncoating pathways. On the other hand, pulling tests can provide information about the virus-host interaction established between the viral fibers and the cell membrane.
Collapse
|
12
|
Sosa S, Rossi AH, Szalai AM, Klinke S, Rinaldi J, Farias A, Berguer PM, Nadra AD, Stefani FD, Goldbaum FA, Bonomi HR. Asymmetric bifunctional protein nanoparticles through redesign of self-assembly. NANOSCALE ADVANCES 2019; 1:1833-1846. [PMID: 36134238 PMCID: PMC9419478 DOI: 10.1039/c8na00375k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2018] [Accepted: 02/14/2019] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
Engineering oligomeric protein self-assembly is an attractive approach to fabricate nanostructures with well-defined geometries, stoichiometry and functions. The homodecamer Brucella Lumazine Synthase (BLS) is a highly stable and immunogenic protein nanoparticle (PNP). Here, we engineered the BLS protein scaffold to display two functions in spatially opposite regions of its structure yielding a Janus-like nanoparticle. An in silico analysis of the BLS head-to-head dimer of homopentamers shows major inter-pentameric interactions located in the equatorial interface. Based on this analysis, two BLS protomer variants were designed to interrupt pentamer self-dimerization and promote heteropentameric dimers. This strategy enabled us to generate a decameric particle with two distinct sides formed by two independent pentamers. The versatility of this new self-assembly nanofabrication strategy is illustrated with two example applications. First, a bifunctional BLS bearing Alexa Fluor 488 fluorophores on one side and sialic acid binding domains on the other side was used for labelling murine and human cells and analyzed by flow cytometry and confocal microscopy. Second, multichromophoric FRET nanoparticles were fabricated and characterized at the single molecule level, showing discrete energy transfer events. The engineered BLS variants constitute a general platform for displaying two functions in a controlled manner within the same PNP with potential applications in various areas such as biomedicine, biotechnology and nanotechnology.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Santiago Sosa
- Fundación Instituto Leloir, IIBBA-CONICET Av. Patricias Argentinas 435, (C1405BWE) Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires Argentina
- Centro de Investigaciones en Bionanociencias (CIBION)-CONICET Godoy Cruz 2390 (C1425FQD), Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires Argentina
| | - Andrés H Rossi
- Fundación Instituto Leloir, IIBBA-CONICET Av. Patricias Argentinas 435, (C1405BWE) Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires Argentina
| | - Alan M Szalai
- Centro de Investigaciones en Bionanociencias (CIBION)-CONICET Godoy Cruz 2390 (C1425FQD), Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires Argentina
| | - Sebastián Klinke
- Fundación Instituto Leloir, IIBBA-CONICET Av. Patricias Argentinas 435, (C1405BWE) Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires Argentina
- Plataforma Argentina de Biología Estructural y Metabolómica PLABEM Av. Patricias Argentinas 435 (C1405BWE) Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires Argentina
| | - Jimena Rinaldi
- Fundación Instituto Leloir, IIBBA-CONICET Av. Patricias Argentinas 435, (C1405BWE) Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires Argentina
| | - Ana Farias
- Fundación Instituto Leloir, IIBBA-CONICET Av. Patricias Argentinas 435, (C1405BWE) Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires Argentina
| | - Paula M Berguer
- Fundación Instituto Leloir, IIBBA-CONICET Av. Patricias Argentinas 435, (C1405BWE) Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires Argentina
| | - Alejandro D Nadra
- Departamento de Fisiología, Biología Molecular y Celular, Departamento de Química Biológica and IQUIBICEN-CONICET, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Ciudad Universitaria Pabellón 2 (C1428EHA), Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires Argentina
| | - Fernando D Stefani
- Centro de Investigaciones en Bionanociencias (CIBION)-CONICET Godoy Cruz 2390 (C1425FQD), Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires Argentina
- Departamento de Física, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Pabellón 1 Ciudad Universitaria (C1428EHA) Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires Argentina
| | - Fernando A Goldbaum
- Fundación Instituto Leloir, IIBBA-CONICET Av. Patricias Argentinas 435, (C1405BWE) Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires Argentina
- Plataforma Argentina de Biología Estructural y Metabolómica PLABEM Av. Patricias Argentinas 435 (C1405BWE) Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires Argentina
| | - Hernán R Bonomi
- Fundación Instituto Leloir, IIBBA-CONICET Av. Patricias Argentinas 435, (C1405BWE) Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires Argentina
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Newcomer RL, Schrad JR, Gilcrease EB, Casjens SR, Feig M, Teschke CM, Alexandrescu AT, Parent KN. The phage L capsid decoration protein has a novel OB-fold and an unusual capsid binding strategy. eLife 2019; 8:e45345. [PMID: 30945633 PMCID: PMC6449081 DOI: 10.7554/elife.45345] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2019] [Accepted: 03/20/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The major coat proteins of dsDNA tailed phages (order Caudovirales) and herpesviruses form capsids by a mechanism that includes active packaging of the dsDNA genome into a precursor procapsid, followed by expansion and stabilization of the capsid. These viruses have evolved diverse strategies to fortify their capsids, such as non-covalent binding of auxiliary 'decoration' (Dec) proteins. The Dec protein from the P22-like phage L has a highly unusual binding strategy that distinguishes between nearly identical three-fold and quasi-three-fold sites of the icosahedral capsid. Cryo-electron microscopy and three-dimensional image reconstruction were employed to determine the structure of native phage L particles. NMR was used to determine the structure/dynamics of Dec in solution. The NMR structure and the cryo-EM density envelope were combined to build a model of the capsid-bound Dec trimer. Key regions that modulate the binding interface were verified by site-directed mutagenesis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca L Newcomer
- Department of Molecular and Cell BiologyUniversity of ConnecticutStorrsUnited States
| | - Jason R Schrad
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular BiologyMichigan State UniversityEast LansingUnited States
| | - Eddie B Gilcrease
- Division of Microbiology and Immunology, Department of PathologyUniversity of Utah School of MedicineSalt Lake CityUnited States
| | - Sherwood R Casjens
- Division of Microbiology and Immunology, Department of PathologyUniversity of Utah School of MedicineSalt Lake CityUnited States
| | - Michael Feig
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular BiologyMichigan State UniversityEast LansingUnited States
| | - Carolyn M Teschke
- Department of Molecular and Cell BiologyUniversity of ConnecticutStorrsUnited States
| | - Andrei T Alexandrescu
- Department of Molecular and Cell BiologyUniversity of ConnecticutStorrsUnited States
| | - Kristin N Parent
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular BiologyMichigan State UniversityEast LansingUnited States
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Kondylis P, Schlicksup CJ, Zlotnick A, Jacobson SC. Analytical Techniques to Characterize the Structure, Properties, and Assembly of Virus Capsids. Anal Chem 2019; 91:622-636. [PMID: 30383361 PMCID: PMC6472978 DOI: 10.1021/acs.analchem.8b04824] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Panagiotis Kondylis
- Department of Chemistry, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN 47405-7102, USA
| | - Christopher J. Schlicksup
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN 47405-7102, USA
| | - Adam Zlotnick
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN 47405-7102, USA
| | - Stephen C. Jacobson
- Department of Chemistry, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN 47405-7102, USA
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Membrane-Containing Icosahedral Bacteriophage PRD1: The Dawn of Viral Lineages. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2019; 1215:85-109. [DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-14741-9_5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
|
16
|
Ortega-Esteban Á, Martín-González N, Moreno-Madrid F, Llauró A, Hernando-Pérez M, MartÚn CS, de Pablo PJ. Structural and Mechanical Characterization of Viruses with AFM. Methods Mol Biol 2019; 1886:259-278. [PMID: 30374873 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4939-8894-5_15] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Microscopes are used to characterize small objects with the help of probes that interact with the specimen, such as photons and electrons in optical and electron microscopies, respectively. In atomic force microscopy (AFM) the probe is a nanometric tip located at the end of a micro cantilever which palpates the specimen under study as a blind person manages a walking stick. In this way AFM allows obtaining nanometric resolution images of individual protein shells, such as viruses, in liquid milieu. Beyond imaging, AFM also enables not only the manipulation of single protein cages, but also the characterization of every physicochemical property able of inducing any measurable mechanical perturbation to the microcantilever that holds the tip. In this chapter we start revising some recipes for adsorbing protein shells on surfaces. Then we describe several AFM approaches to study individual protein cages, ranging from imaging to spectroscopic methodologies devoted for extracting physical information, such as mechanical and electrostatic properties. We also explain how a convenient combination of AFM and fluorescence methodologies entails monitoring genome release from individual viral shells during mechanical unpacking.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Álvaro Ortega-Esteban
- Department of Structure of Macromolecules, Centro Nacional de Biotecnología (CNB-CSIC), Madrid, Spain
| | - Natália Martín-González
- Departamento de Física de la Materia Condensada, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Francisco Moreno-Madrid
- Departamento de Física de la Materia Condensada, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Aida Llauró
- School of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Mercedes Hernando-Pérez
- Department of Structure of Macromolecules, Centro Nacional de Biotecnología (CNB-CSIC), Madrid, Spain
| | - Cármen San MartÚn
- Department of Structure of Macromolecules, Centro Nacional de Biotecnología (CNB-CSIC), Madrid, Spain
| | - Pedro J de Pablo
- Departamento de Física de la Materia Condensada, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain.
- Solid Condensed Matter Institute IFIMAC, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain.
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
de Pablo PJ, Schaap IAT. Atomic Force Microscopy of Viruses. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2019; 1215:159-179. [PMID: 31317500 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-14741-9_8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
Atomic force microscopy employs a nanometric tip located at the end of a micro-cantilever to probe surface-mounted samples at nanometer resolution. Because the technique can also work in a liquid environment it offers unique possibilities to study individual viruses under conditions that mimic their natural milieu. Here, we review how AFM imaging can be used to study the surface structure of viruses including that of viruses lacking a well-defined symmetry. Beyond imaging, AFM enables the manipulation of single viruses by force spectroscopy experiments. Pulling experiments can provide information about the early events of virus-host interaction between the viral fibers and the cell membrane receptors. Pushing experiments measure the mechanical response of the viral capsid and its contents and can be used to show how virus maturation and exposure to different pH values change the mechanical response of the viruses and the interaction between the capsid and genome. Finally, we discuss how studying capsid rupture and self-healing events offers insight in virus uncoating pathways.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- P J de Pablo
- Department of Condensed Matter Physics and Solid Condensed Matter Institute IFIMAC, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain.
| | | |
Collapse
|
18
|
Jiménez-Zaragoza M, Yubero MP, Martín-Forero E, Castón JR, Reguera D, Luque D, de Pablo PJ, Rodríguez JM. Biophysical properties of single rotavirus particles account for the functions of protein shells in a multilayered virus. eLife 2018; 7:37295. [PMID: 30201094 PMCID: PMC6133545 DOI: 10.7554/elife.37295] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2018] [Accepted: 08/01/2018] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
The functions performed by the concentric shells of multilayered dsRNA viruses require specific protein interactions that can be directly explored through their mechanical properties. We studied the stiffness, breaking force, critical strain and mechanical fatigue of individual Triple, Double and Single layered rotavirus (RV) particles. Our results, in combination with Finite Element simulations, demonstrate that the mechanics of the external layer provides the resistance needed to counteract the stringent conditions of extracellular media. Our experiments, in combination with electrostatic analyses, reveal a strong interaction between the two outer layers and how it is suppressed by the removal of calcium ions, a key step for transcription initiation. The intermediate layer presents weak hydrophobic interactions with the inner layer that allow the assembly and favor the conformational dynamics needed for transcription. Our work shows how the biophysical properties of the three shells are finely tuned to produce an infective RV virion.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Manuel Jiménez-Zaragoza
- Departamento de Física de la Materia Condensada, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Marina Pl Yubero
- Departamento de Física de la Materia Condensada, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | | | - Jose R Castón
- Department of Structure of Macromolecules, Centro Nacional de Biotecnología/CSIC, Madrid, Spain
| | - David Reguera
- Departament de Física de la Matèria Condensada, Facultat de Física, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Daniel Luque
- Centro Nacional de Microbiología/ISCIII, Majadahonda, Spain
| | - Pedro J de Pablo
- Departamento de Física de la Materia Condensada, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain.,Instituto de Física de la Materia Condensada (IFIMAC), Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | | |
Collapse
|
19
|
McCoy K, Selivanovitch E, Luque D, Lee B, Edwards E, Castón JR, Douglas T. Cargo Retention inside P22 Virus-Like Particles. Biomacromolecules 2018; 19:3738-3746. [PMID: 30092631 DOI: 10.1021/acs.biomac.8b00867] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Viral protein cages, with their regular and programmable architectures, are excellent platforms for the development of functional nanomaterials. The ability to transform a virus into a material with intended structure and function relies on the existence of a well-understood model system, a noninfectious virus-like particle (VLP) counterpart. Here, we study the factors important to the ability of P22 VLP to retain or release various protein cargo molecules depending on the nature of the cargo, the capsid morphology, and the environmental conditions. Because the interaction between the internalized scaffold protein (SP) and the capsid coat protein (CP) is noncovalent, we have studied the efficiency with which a range of SP variants can dissociate from the interior of different P22 VLP morphologies and exit by traversing the porous capsid. Understanding the types of cargos that are either retained or released from the P22 VLP will aid in the rational design of functional nanomaterials.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kimberly McCoy
- Department of Chemistry , Indiana University , 800 East Kirkwood Avenue , Bloomington , Indiana 47405 , United States
| | - Ekaterina Selivanovitch
- Department of Chemistry , Indiana University , 800 East Kirkwood Avenue , Bloomington , Indiana 47405 , United States
| | - Daniel Luque
- Department of Structure of Macromolecules , Centro Nacional de Biotecnología (CNB-CSIC) , Darwin 3 , 28049 Madrid , Spain.,Centro Nacional de Microbiología/ISCIII, 28220 Majadahonda, Madrid , Spain
| | - Byeongdu Lee
- X-ray Science Division, Advanced Photon Source , Argonne National Laboratory , 9700 South Cass Avenue , Argonne , Illinois 60439 , United States
| | - Ethan Edwards
- Department of Chemistry , Indiana University , 800 East Kirkwood Avenue , Bloomington , Indiana 47405 , United States
| | - José R Castón
- Department of Structure of Macromolecules , Centro Nacional de Biotecnología (CNB-CSIC) , Darwin 3 , 28049 Madrid , Spain
| | - Trevor Douglas
- Department of Chemistry , Indiana University , 800 East Kirkwood Avenue , Bloomington , Indiana 47405 , United States
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Azinas S, Bano F, Torca I, Bamford DH, Schwartz GA, Esnaola J, Oksanen HM, Richter RP, Abrescia NG. Membrane-containing virus particles exhibit the mechanics of a composite material for genome protection. NANOSCALE 2018; 10:7769-7779. [PMID: 29658555 PMCID: PMC5944389 DOI: 10.1039/c8nr00196k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2018] [Accepted: 03/02/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
The protection of the viral genome during extracellular transport is an absolute requirement for virus survival and replication. In addition to the almost universal proteinaceous capsids, certain viruses add a membrane layer that encloses their double-stranded (ds) DNA genome within the protein shell. Using the membrane-containing enterobacterial virus PRD1 as a prototype, and a combination of nanoindentation assays by atomic force microscopy and finite element modelling, we show that PRD1 provides a greater stability against mechanical stress than that achieved by the majority of dsDNA icosahedral viruses that lack a membrane. We propose that the combination of a stiff and brittle proteinaceous shell coupled with a soft and compliant membrane vesicle yields a tough composite nanomaterial well-suited to protect the viral DNA during extracellular transport.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- S. Azinas
- Molecular recognition and host–pathogen interactions programme , CIC bioGUNE , CIBERehd , Derio , Spain
- Biosurfaces Lab , CIC biomaGUNE , San Sebastian , Spain
| | - F. Bano
- Biosurfaces Lab , CIC biomaGUNE , San Sebastian , Spain
| | - I. Torca
- Mechanical and Industrial Production Department , Mondragon University , Arrasate-Mondragón , Spain
| | - D. H. Bamford
- Molecular and Integrative Biosciences Research Programme , Faculty of Biological and Environmental Sciences , Viikki Biocenter , University of Helsinki , Finland
| | - G. A. Schwartz
- Centro de Física de Materiales , (CSIC-UPV/EHU) & Donostia International Physics Center , San Sebastian , Spain
| | - J. Esnaola
- Mechanical and Industrial Production Department , Mondragon University , Arrasate-Mondragón , Spain
| | - H. M. Oksanen
- Molecular and Integrative Biosciences Research Programme , Faculty of Biological and Environmental Sciences , Viikki Biocenter , University of Helsinki , Finland
| | - R. P. Richter
- Biosurfaces Lab , CIC biomaGUNE , San Sebastian , Spain
- School of Biomedical Sciences , Faculty of Biological Sciences , School of Physics and Astronomy , Faculty of Mathematics and Physical Sciences , and Astbury Centre for Structural Molecular Biology University of Leeds , Leeds , UK . ; Tel: +44 113 3431969
| | - N. G. Abrescia
- Molecular recognition and host–pathogen interactions programme , CIC bioGUNE , CIBERehd , Derio , Spain
- IKERBASQUE , Basque Foundation for Science , Bilbao , Spain . ; Fax: +34 946572502 ; Tel: +34 946572523
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
McCoy K, Uchida M, Lee B, Douglas T. Templated Assembly of a Functional Ordered Protein Macromolecular Framework from P22 Virus-like Particles. ACS NANO 2018; 12:3541-3550. [PMID: 29558117 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.8b00528] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Bottom-up construction of mesoscale materials using biologically derived nanoscale building blocks enables engineering of desired physical properties using green production methods. Virus-like particles (VLPs) are exceptional building blocks due to their monodispersed sizes, geometric shapes, production ease, proteinaceous composition, and our ability to independently functionalize the interior and exterior interfaces. Here a VLP, derived from bacteriophage P22, is used as a building block for the fabrication of a protein macromolecular framework (PMF), a tightly linked 3D network of functional protein cages that exhibit long-range order and catalytic activity. Assembly of PMFs was electrostatically templated, using amine-terminated dendrimers, then locked into place with a ditopic cementing protein that binds to P22. Long-range order is preserved on removal of the dendrimer, leaving a framework material composed completely of protein. Encapsulation of β-glucosidase enzymes inside of P22 VLPs results in formation of stable, condensed-phase materials with high local concentration of enzymes generating catalytically active PMFs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kimberly McCoy
- Department of Chemistry , Indiana University , 800 East Kirkwood Avenue , Bloomington , Indiana 47405 , United States
| | - Masaki Uchida
- Department of Chemistry , Indiana University , 800 East Kirkwood Avenue , Bloomington , Indiana 47405 , United States
| | - Byeongdu Lee
- X-ray Science Division, Advanced Photon Source , Argonne National Laboratory , 9700 South Cass Avenue , Argonne , Illinois 60439 , United States
| | - Trevor Douglas
- Department of Chemistry , Indiana University , 800 East Kirkwood Avenue , Bloomington , Indiana 47405 , United States
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Direct visualization of single virus restoration after damage in real time. J Biol Phys 2018; 44:225-235. [PMID: 29654426 DOI: 10.1007/s10867-018-9492-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2018] [Accepted: 03/16/2018] [Indexed: 10/17/2022] Open
Abstract
We use the nano-dissection capabilities of atomic force microscopy to induce structural alterations on individual virus capsids in liquid milieu. We fracture the protein shells either with single nanoindentations or by increasing the tip-sample interaction force in amplitude modulation dynamic mode. The normal behavior is that these cracks persist in time. However, in very rare occasions they self-recuperate to retrieve apparently unaltered virus particles. In this work, we show the topographical evolution of three of these exceptional events occurring in T7 bacteriophage capsids. Our data show that single nanoindentation produces a local recoverable fracture that corresponds to the deepening of a capsomer. In contrast, imaging in dynamic mode induced cracks that separate the virus morphological subunits. In both cases, the breakage patterns follow intratrimeric loci.
Collapse
|
23
|
Kant R, Rayaprolu V, McDonald K, Bothner B. Curating viscoelastic properties of icosahedral viruses, virus-based nanomaterials, and protein cages. J Biol Phys 2018; 44:211-224. [PMID: 29637472 DOI: 10.1007/s10867-018-9491-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2018] [Accepted: 03/16/2018] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
The beauty, symmetry, and functionality of icosahedral virus capsids has attracted the attention of biologists, physicists, and mathematicians ever since they were first observed. Viruses and protein cages assemble into functional architectures in a range of sizes, shapes, and symmetries. To fulfill their biological roles, these structures must self-assemble, resist stress, and are often dynamic. The increasing use of icosahedral capsids and cages in materials science has driven the need to quantify them in terms of structural properties such as rigidity, stiffness, and viscoelasticity. In this study, we employed Quartz Crystal Microbalance with Dissipation technology (QCM-D) to characterize and compare the mechanical rigidity of different protein cages and viruses. We attempted to unveil the relationships between rigidity, radius, shell thickness, and triangulation number. We show that the rigidity and triangulation numbers are inversely related to each other and the comparison of rigidity and radius also follows the same trend. Our results suggest that subunit orientation, protein-protein interactions, and protein-nucleic acid interactions are important for the resistance to deformation of these complexes, however, the relationships are complex and need to be explored further. The QCM-D based viscoelastic measurements presented here help us elucidate these relationships and show the future prospect of this technique in the field of physical virology and nano-biotechnology.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ravi Kant
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Montana State University, Bozeman, MT, USA
| | - Vamseedhar Rayaprolu
- Department of Cell Biology and Neuroscience, Montana State University, Bozeman, MT, USA
| | - Kaitlyn McDonald
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Montana State University, Bozeman, MT, USA
| | - Brian Bothner
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Montana State University, Bozeman, MT, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Changes in the stability and biomechanics of P22 bacteriophage capsid during maturation. Biochim Biophys Acta Gen Subj 2018; 1862:1492-1504. [PMID: 29550430 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbagen.2018.03.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2017] [Revised: 02/11/2018] [Accepted: 03/04/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
The capsid of P22 bacteriophage undergoes a series of structural transitions during maturation that guide it from spherical to icosahedral morphology. The transitions include the release of scaffold proteins and capsid expansion. Although P22 maturation has been investigated for decades, a unified model that incorporates thermodynamic and biophysical analyses is not available. A general and specific model of icosahedral capsid maturation is of significant interest to theoreticians searching for fundamental principles as well as virologists and material scientists seeking to alter maturation to their advantage. To address this challenge, we have combined the results from orthogonal biophysical techniques including differential scanning fluorimetry, atomic force microscopy, circular dichroism, and hydrogen-deuterium exchange mass spectrometry. By integrating these results from single particle and population measurements, an energy landscape of P22 maturation from procapsid through expanded shell to wiffle ball emerged, highlighting the role of metastable structures and the thermodynamics guiding maturation. The propagation of weak quaternary interactions across symmetric elements of the capsid is a key component for stability in P22. A surprising finding is that the progression to wiffle ball, which lacks pentamers, shows that chemical and thermal stability can be uncoupled from mechanical rigidity, elegantly demonstrating the complexity inherent in capsid protein interactions and the emergent properties that can arise from icosahedral symmetry. On a broader scale, this work demonstrates the power of applying orthogonal biophysical techniques to elucidate assembly mechanisms for supramolecular complexes and provides a framework within which other viral systems can be compared.
Collapse
|
25
|
Martín-González N, Guérin Darvas SM, Durana A, Marti GA, Guérin DMA, de Pablo PJ. Exploring the role of genome and structural ions in preventing viral capsid collapse during dehydration. JOURNAL OF PHYSICS. CONDENSED MATTER : AN INSTITUTE OF PHYSICS JOURNAL 2018; 30:104001. [PMID: 29350623 PMCID: PMC7104708 DOI: 10.1088/1361-648x/aaa944] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2017] [Revised: 01/12/2018] [Accepted: 01/19/2018] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Even though viruses evolve mainly in liquid milieu, their horizontal transmission routes often include episodes of dry environment. Along their life cycle, some insect viruses, such as viruses from the Dicistroviridae family, withstand dehydrated conditions with presently unknown consequences to their structural stability. Here, we use atomic force microscopy to monitor the structural changes of viral particles of Triatoma virus (TrV) after desiccation. Our results demonstrate that TrV capsids preserve their genome inside, conserving their height after exposure to dehydrating conditions, which is in stark contrast with other viruses that expel their genome when desiccated. Moreover, empty capsids (without genome) resulted in collapsed particles after desiccation. We also explored the role of structural ions in the dehydration process of the virions (capsid containing genome) by chelating the accessible cations from the external solvent milieu. We observed that ion suppression helps to keep the virus height upon desiccation. Our results show that under drying conditions, the genome of TrV prevents the capsid from collapsing during dehydration, while the structural ions are responsible for promoting solvent exchange through the virion wall.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Natalia Martín-González
- Departamento de Física de la Materia Condensada C-III and Instituto de Física de la Materia Condensada (IFIMAC), Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Cantoblanco 28049 Madrid, Spain
| | - Sofía M Guérin Darvas
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), Barrio Sarriena S/N, 48940, Leioa, Vizcaya, Spain
| | - Aritz Durana
- Instituto Biofisika (IBF, UPV/EHU, CSIC), Parque Científico de la UPV/EHU, Barrio Sarriena S/N, 48940, Leioa, Vizcaya, Spain
- Fundación Biofísica Bizkaia, Edificio Biblioteca Central UPV/EHU, Bº Sarriena S/N, 48940, Leioa, Vizcaya, Spain
| | - Gerardo A Marti
- Centro de Estudios Parasitológicos y de Vectores (CEPAVE-CCT-La Plata-CONICET-UNLP), Boulevard 120 e/61 y 62, 1900 La Plata, Argentina
| | - Diego M A Guérin
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), Barrio Sarriena S/N, 48940, Leioa, Vizcaya, Spain
- Instituto Biofisika (IBF, UPV/EHU, CSIC), Parque Científico de la UPV/EHU, Barrio Sarriena S/N, 48940, Leioa, Vizcaya, Spain
| | - Pedro J de Pablo
- Departamento de Física de la Materia Condensada C-III and Instituto de Física de la Materia Condensada (IFIMAC), Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Cantoblanco 28049 Madrid, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
de Pablo PJ. Atomic force microscopy of virus shells. Semin Cell Dev Biol 2017; 73:199-208. [PMID: 28851598 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcdb.2017.08.039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2017] [Revised: 08/14/2017] [Accepted: 08/18/2017] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Microscopes are used to characterize small specimens with the help of probes, such as photons and electrons in optical and electron microscopies, respectively. In atomic force microscopy (AFM) the probe is a nanometric tip located at the end of a microcantilever which palpates the specimen under study as a blind person manages a white cane to explore the surrounding. In this way, AFM allows obtaining nanometric resolution images of individual protein shells, such as viruses, in liquid milieu. Beyond imaging, AFM also enables the manipulation of single protein cages, and the characterization of every physico-chemical property able of inducing any measurable mechanical perturbation to the microcantilever that holds the tip. Here we describe several AFM approaches to study individual protein cages, including imaging and spectroscopic methodologies for extracting mechanical and electrostatic properties. In addition, AFM allows discovering and testing the self-healing capabilities of protein cages because occasionally they may recover fractures induced by the AFM tip. Beyond the protein shells, AFM also is able of exploring the genome inside, obtaining, for instance, the condensation state of dsDNA and measuring its diffusion when the protein cage breaks.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Pedro J de Pablo
- Departamento de Física de la Materia Condensada and Solid Condensed Matter Institute IFIMAC, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, 28049 Madrid, Spain.
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Faulkner M, Rodriguez-Ramos J, Dykes GF, Owen SV, Casella S, Simpson DM, Beynon RJ, Liu LN. Direct characterization of the native structure and mechanics of cyanobacterial carboxysomes. NANOSCALE 2017; 9:10662-10673. [PMID: 28616951 PMCID: PMC5708340 DOI: 10.1039/c7nr02524f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
Carboxysomes are proteinaceous organelles that play essential roles in enhancing carbon fixation in cyanobacteria and some proteobacteria. These self-assembling organelles encapsulate Ribulose 1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase (Rubisco) and carbonic anhydrase using a protein shell structurally resembling an icosahedral viral capsid. The protein shell serves as a physical barrier to protect enzymes from the cytosol and a selectively permeable membrane to mediate transport of enzyme substrates and products. The structural and mechanical nature of native carboxysomes remain unclear. Here, we isolate functional β-carboxysomes from the cyanobacterium Synechococcus elongatus PCC7942 and perform the first characterization of the macromolecular architecture and inherent physical mechanics of single β-carboxysomes using electron microscopy, atomic force microscopy (AFM) and proteomics. Our results illustrate that the intact β-carboxysome comprises three structural domains, a single-layered icosahedral shell, an inner layer and paracrystalline arrays of interior Rubisco. We also observe the protein organization of the shell and partial β-carboxysomes that likely serve as the β-carboxysome assembly intermediates. Furthermore, the topography and intrinsic mechanics of functional β-carboxysomes are determined in native conditions using AFM and AFM-based nanoindentation, revealing the flexible organization and soft mechanical properties of β-carboxysomes compared to rigid viruses. Our study provides new insights into the natural characteristics of β-carboxysome organization and nanomechanics, which can be extended to diverse bacterial microcompartments and are important considerations for the design and engineering of functional carboxysomes in other organisms to supercharge photosynthesis. It offers an approach for inspecting the structural and mechanical features of synthetic metabolic organelles and protein scaffolds in bioengineering.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Matthew Faulkner
- Institute of Integrative Biology, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L69 7ZB, UK.
| | | | - Gregory F Dykes
- Institute of Integrative Biology, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L69 7ZB, UK.
| | - Siân V Owen
- Institute of Integrative Biology, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L69 7ZB, UK.
| | - Selene Casella
- Institute of Integrative Biology, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L69 7ZB, UK.
| | - Deborah M Simpson
- Institute of Integrative Biology, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L69 7ZB, UK.
| | - Robert J Beynon
- Institute of Integrative Biology, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L69 7ZB, UK.
| | - Lu-Ning Liu
- Institute of Integrative Biology, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L69 7ZB, UK.
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
AFM nanoindentation of protein shells, expanding the approach beyond viruses. Semin Cell Dev Biol 2017; 73:145-152. [PMID: 28774579 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcdb.2017.07.044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Revised: 07/26/2017] [Accepted: 07/28/2017] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
The archetypical protein nanoshell is the capsid that surrounds viral genomes. These capsids protect the viral RNA or DNA and function as transport vehicle for their nucleic acid. The material properties of a variety of viral capsids have been probed by Atomic Force Microscopy. In particular nanoindentation measurements revealed the complex mechanics of these shells and the intricate interplay of the capsid with its genomic content. Furthermore, effects of capsid protein mutations, capsid maturation and the effect of environmental changes have been probed. In addition, biological questions have been addressed by AFM nanoindentation of viruses and a direct link between mechanics and infectivity has been revealed. Recently, non-viral protein nanoshells have come under intense scrutiny and now the nanoindentation approach has been expanded to such particles as well. Both natural as well as engineered non-viral protein shells have been probed by this technique. Next to the material properties of viruses, therefor also the mechanics of encapsulins, carboxysomes, vault particles, lumazine synthase and artificial protein nanoshells is discussed here.
Collapse
|
29
|
Zeng C, Hernando-Pérez M, Dragnea B, Ma X, van der Schoot P, Zandi R. Contact Mechanics of a Small Icosahedral Virus. PHYSICAL REVIEW LETTERS 2017; 119:038102. [PMID: 28777631 DOI: 10.1103/physrevlett.119.038102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
A virus binding to a surface causes stress of the virus cage near the contact area. Here, we investigate the potential role of substrate-induced structural perturbation in the mechanical response of virus particles to adsorption. This is particularly relevant to the broad category of viruses stabilized by weak noncovalent interactions. We utilize atomic force microscopy to measure height distributions of the brome mosaic virus upon adsorption from solution on atomically flat substrates and present a continuum model that captures our observations and provides estimates of elastic properties and of the interfacial energy of the virus, without recourse to indentation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Cheng Zeng
- Department of Chemistry, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana 47405, USA
| | | | - Bogdan Dragnea
- Department of Chemistry, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana 47405, USA
| | - Xiang Ma
- Department of Chemistry, Idaho State University, Pocatello, Idaho 83209, USA
| | - Paul van der Schoot
- Department of Applied Physics, Eindhoven University of Technology, P.O. Box 513, 5600 MB Eindhoven, Netherlands
| | - Roya Zandi
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of California at Riverside, 900 University Avenue, Riverside, California 92521, USA
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Cornell TA, Srivastava Y, Jauch R, Fan R, Orner BP. The Crystal Structure of a Maxi/Mini-Ferritin Chimera Reveals Guiding Principles for the Assembly of Protein Cages. Biochemistry 2017; 56:3894-3899. [PMID: 28682051 DOI: 10.1021/acs.biochem.7b00312] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
Cage proteins assemble into nanoscale structures with large central cavities. They play roles, including those as virus capsids and chaperones, and have been applied to drug delivery and nanomaterials. Furthermore, protein cages have been used as model systems to understand and design protein quaternary structure. Ferritins are ubiquitous protein cages that manage iron homeostasis and oxidative damage. Two ferritin subfamilies have strongly similar tertiary structure yet distinct quaternary structure: maxi-ferritins normally assemble into 24-meric, octahedral cages with C-terminal E-helices centered around 4-fold symmetry axes, and mini-ferritins are 12-meric, tetrahedral cages with 3-fold axes defined by C-termini lacking E-domains. To understand the role E-domains play in ferritin quaternary structure, we previously designed a chimera of a maxi-ferritin E-domain fused to the C-terminus of a mini-ferritin. The chimera is a 12-mer cage midway in size between those of the maxi- and mini-ferritin. The research described herein sets out to understand (a) whether the increase in size over a typical mini-ferritin is due to a frozen state where the E-domain is flipped out of the cage and (b) whether the symmetrical preference of the E-domain in the maxi-ferritin (4-fold axis) overrules the C-terminal preference in the mini-ferritin (3-fold axis). With a 1.99 Å resolution crystal structure, we determined that the chimera assembles into a tetrahedral cage that can be nearly superimposed with the parent mini-ferritin, and that the E-domains are flipped external to the cage at the 3-fold symmetry axes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Thomas A Cornell
- Department of Chemistry, King's College London , London, U.K.,Division of Chemistry and Biological Chemistry, Nanyang Technological University , Singapore
| | - Yogesh Srivastava
- Genome Regulation Laboratory, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences , Guangzhou, China
| | - Ralf Jauch
- Genome Institute of Singapore , Singapore.,Genome Regulation Laboratory, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences , Guangzhou, China
| | - Rongli Fan
- Division of Chemistry and Biological Chemistry, Nanyang Technological University , Singapore
| | - Brendan P Orner
- Department of Chemistry, King's College London , London, U.K.,Division of Chemistry and Biological Chemistry, Nanyang Technological University , Singapore
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
Atomic force microscopy of virus shells. Biochem Soc Trans 2017; 45:499-511. [PMID: 28408490 DOI: 10.1042/bst20160316] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2016] [Revised: 02/16/2017] [Accepted: 02/17/2017] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Microscopes are used to characterize small objects with the help of probes that interact with the specimen, such as photons and electrons in optical and electron microscopies, respectively. In atomic force microscopy (AFM), the probe is a nanometric tip located at the end of a microcantilever which palpates the specimen under study just as a blind person manages a walking stick. In this way, AFM allows obtaining nanometric resolution images of individual protein shells, such as viruses, in a liquid milieu. Beyond imaging, AFM also enables not only the manipulation of single protein cages, but also the characterization of every physicochemical property capable of inducing any measurable mechanical perturbation to the microcantilever that holds the tip. In the present revision, we start revising some recipes for adsorbing protein shells on surfaces. Then, we describe several AFM approaches to study individual protein cages, ranging from imaging to spectroscopic methodologies devoted to extracting physical information, such as mechanical and electrostatic properties. We also explain how a convenient combination of AFM and fluorescence methodologies entails monitoring genome release from individual viral shells during mechanical unpacking.
Collapse
|