Cation charge and size selectivity of the C2 domain of cytosolic phospholipase A(2)

Synaptotagmin 7 C2 domains induce membrane curvature stress via electrostatic interactions and the wedge mechanism

Synaptotagmin 7 (Syt-7) is part of the synaptotagmin protein family that regulates exocytotic lipid membrane fusion. Among the family, Syt-7 stands out by its membrane binding strength and stabilization of long-lived membrane fusion pores. Given that Syt-7 vesicles form long-lived fusion pores, we hypothesize that its interactions with the membrane stabilize the specific curvatures, thicknesses, and lipid compositions that support a metastable fusion pore. Using all-atom molecular dynamics simulations and FRET-based assays of Syt-7's membrane-binding C2 domains (C2A and C2B), we found that Syt-7 C2 domains sequester anionic lipids, are sensitive to cholesterol, thin membranes, and generate lipid membrane curvature by two competing, but related mechanisms. First, Syt-7 forms strong electrostatic contacts with the membrane, generating negative curvature stress. Second, Syt-7's calcium binding loops embed in the membrane surface, acting as a wedge to thin the membrane and induce positive curvature stress. These curvature mechanisms are linked by the protein insertion depth as well as the resulting protein tilt. Simplified quantitative models of the curvature-generating mechanisms link simulation observables to their membrane-reshaping effectiveness.

Ca2+-binding motif of βγ-crystallins

βγ-Crystallin-type double clamp (N/D)(N/D)XX(S/T)S motif is an established but sparsely investigated motif for Ca(2+) binding. A βγ-crystallin domain is formed of two Greek key motifs, accommodating two Ca(2+)-binding sites. βγ-Crystallins make a separate class of Ca(2+)-binding proteins (CaBP), apparently a major group of CaBP in bacteria. Paralleling the diversity in βγ-crystallin domains, these motifs also show great diversity, both in structure and in function. Although the expression of some of them has been associated with stress, virulence, and adhesion, the functional implications of Ca(2+) binding to βγ-crystallins in mediating biological processes are yet to be elucidated.

Sonodynamic and sonocatalytic damage of BSA molecules by Cresol Red, Cresol Red-DA and Cresol Red-DA-Fe under ultrasonic irradiation

The interaction of Cresol Red derivatives (Cresol Red (o-Cresolsulfonphthalein), Cresol Red-DA (3,3'-Bis [N,N-di (carboxymethyl) aminomethyl]-o-cresolsulfonphthalein) and Cresol Red-DA-Fe(III) (3,3'-Bis [N,N-di (carboxymethyl) aminomethyl]-o-cresolsulfonphthalein-Ferrous(III)) with bovine serum albumin (BSA) were studied by the combination of ultraviolet spectroscopy, circular dichroism (CD) spectroscopy, fluorescence spectroscopy and synchronous fluorescence spectroscopy. On that basis, the sonodynamic and sonocatalytic damages of Cresol Red derivatives to BSA under ultrasonic irradiation were also investigated by means of corresponding spectrum technology. Meanwhile, some influenced factors such as ultrasonic irradiation time, Cresol Red derivatives concentration and ionic strength on the damage degree of BSA molecules were also reviewed. In addition, the binding site and damage site of BSA molecules were estimated by synchronous fluorescence spectra. Finally, the results of oxidation-extraction photometry (OEP) using several reactive oxygen species (ROS) scavengers indicated that the damage of BSA molecules is mainly due to the generation of ROS. Perhaps, this paper may offer some important subjects for broadening the application of Cresol Red derivatives in sonodynamic therapy (SDT) and sonocatalytic therapy (SCT) technologies for tumor treatment.

Barium ions selectively activate BK channels via the Ca2+-bowl site

Activation of Ca(2+)-dependent BK channels is increased via binding of micromolar Ca(2+) to two distinct high-affinity sites per BK α-subunit. One site, termed the Ca(2+) bowl, is embedded within the second RCK domain (RCK2; regulator of conductance for potassium) of each α-subunit, while oxygen-containing residues in the first RCK domain (RCK1) have been linked to a separate Ca(2+) ligation site. Although both sites are activated by Ca(2+) and Sr(2+), Cd(2+) selectively favors activation via the RCK1 site. Divalent cations of larger ionic radius than Sr(2+) are thought to be ineffective at activating BK channels. Here we show that Ba(2+), better known as a blocker of K(+) channels, activates BK channels and that this effect arises exclusively from binding at the Ca(2+)-bowl site. Compared with previous estimates for Ca(2+) bowl-mediated activation by Ca(2+), the affinity of Ba(2+) to the Ca(2+) bowl is reduced about fivefold, and coupling of binding to activation is reduced from ∼3.6 for Ca(2+) to about ∼2.8 for Ba(2+). These results support the idea that ionic radius is an important determinant of selectivity differences among different divalent cations observed for each Ca(2+)-binding site.