PhosphoThr peptide binding globally rigidifies much of the FHA domain from Arabidopsis receptor kinase-associated protein phosphatase

Protein intrinsic disorder within the Potyvirus genus: from proteome-wide analysis to functional annotation

Within proteins, intrinsically disordered regions (IDRs) are devoid of stable secondary and tertiary structures under physiological conditions and rather exist as dynamic ensembles of inter-converting conformers. Although ubiquitous in all domains of life, the intrinsic disorder content is highly variable in viral genomes. Over the years, functional annotations of disordered regions at the scale of the whole proteome have been conducted for several animal viruses. But to date, similar studies applied to plant viruses are still missing. Based on disorder prediction tools combined with annotation programs and evolutionary studies, we analyzed the intrinsic disorder content in Potyvirus, using a 10-species dataset representative of this genus diversity. In this paper, we revealed that: (i) the Potyvirus proteome displays high disorder content, (ii) disorder is conserved during Potyvirus evolution, suggesting a functional advantage of IDRs, (iii) IDRs evolve faster than ordered regions, and (iv) IDRs may be associated with major biological functions required for the Potyvirus cycle. Notably, the proteins P1, Coat protein (CP) and Viral genome-linked protein (VPg) display a high content of conserved disorder, enriched in specific motifs mimicking eukaryotic functional modules and suggesting strategies of host machinery hijacking. In these three proteins, IDRs are particularly conserved despite their high amino acid polymorphism, indicating a link to adaptive processes. Through this comprehensive study, we further investigate the biological relevance of intrinsic disorder in Potyvirus biology and we propose a functional annotation of potyviral proteome IDRs.

Using NMR spectroscopy to elucidate the role of molecular motions in enzyme function

Conformational motions play an essential role in enzyme function, often facilitating the formation of enzyme-substrate complexes and/or product release. Although considerable debate remains regarding the role of molecular motions in the conversion of enzymatic substrates to products, numerous examples have found motions to be crucial for optimization of enzyme scaffolds, effective substrate binding, and product dissociation. Conformational fluctuations are often rate-limiting to enzyme catalysis, primarily through product release, with the chemical reaction occurring much more quickly. As a result, the direct involvement of motions at various stages along the enzyme reaction coordinate remains largely unknown and untested. In the following review, we describe the use of solution NMR techniques designed to probe various timescales of molecular motions and detail examples in which motions play a role in propagating catalytic effects from the active site and directly participate in essential aspects of enzyme function.

Achieving peptide binding specificity and promiscuity by loops: case of the forkhead-associated domain

The regulation of a series of cellular events requires specific protein–protein interactions, which are usually mediated by modular domains to precisely select a particular sequence from diverse partners. However, most signaling domains can bind to more than one peptide sequence. How do proteins create promiscuity from precision? Moreover, these complex interactions typically occur at the interface of a well-defined secondary structure, α helix and β sheet. However, the molecular recognition primarily controlled by loop architecture is not fully understood. To gain a deep understanding of binding selectivity and promiscuity by the conformation of loops, we chose the forkhead-associated (FHA) domain as our model system. The domain can bind to diverse peptides via various loops but only interact with sequences containing phosphothreonine (pThr). We applied molecular dynamics (MD) simulations for multiple free and bound FHA domains to study the changes in conformations and dynamics. Generally, FHA domains share a similar folding structure whereby the backbone holds the overall geometry and the variety of sidechain atoms of multiple loops creates a binding surface to target a specific partner. FHA domains determine the specificity of pThr by well-organized binding loops, which are rigid to define a phospho recognition site. The broad range of peptide recognition can be attributed to different arrangements of the loop interaction network. The moderate flexibility of the loop conformation can help access or exclude binding partners. Our work provides insights into molecular recognition in terms of binding specificity and promiscuity and helpful clues for further peptide design.

Phospho-Ser/Thr-binding domains: navigating the cell cycle and DNA damage response

Coordinated progression through the cell cycle is a complex challenge for eukaryotic cells. Following genotoxic stress, diverse molecular signals must be integrated to establish checkpoints specific for each cell cycle stage, allowing time for various types of DNA repair. Phospho-Ser/Thr-binding domains have emerged as crucial regulators of cell cycle progression and DNA damage signalling. Such domains include 14-3-3 proteins, WW domains, Polo-box domains (in PLK1), WD40 repeats (including those in the E3 ligase SCF(βTrCP)), BRCT domains (including those in BRCA1) and FHA domains (such as in CHK2 and MDC1). Progress has been made in our understanding of the motif (or motifs) that these phospho-Ser/Thr-binding domains connect with on their targets and how these interactions influence the cell cycle and DNA damage response.

Structural and functional analysis of phosphothreonine-dependent FHA domain interactions

FHA domains are well established as phospho-dependent binding modules mediating signal transduction in Ser/Thr kinase signaling networks in both eukaryotic and prokaryotic species. Although they are unique in binding exclusively to phosphothreonine, the basis for this discrimination over phosphoserine has remained elusive. Here, we attempt to dissect overall binding specificity at the molecular level. We first determined the optimal peptide sequence for Rv0020c FHA domain binding by oriented peptide library screening. This served as a basis for systematic mutagenic and binding analyses, allowing us to derive relative thermodynamic contributions of conserved protein and peptide residues to binding and specificity. Structures of phosphopeptide-bound and uncomplexed Rv0020c FHA domain then directed molecular dynamics simulations which show how the extraordinary discrimination in favor of phosphothreonine occurs through formation of additional hydrogen-bonding networks that are ultimately stabilized by van der Waals interactions of the phosphothreonine γ-methyl group with a conserved pocket on the FHA domain surface.

Apparent tradeoff of higher activity in MMP-12 for enhanced stability and flexibility in MMP-3

The greater activity of MMP-12 than MMP-3 toward substrates from protein fibrils has been quantified. Why is MMP-12 the more active protease? We looked for behaviors associated with the higher activity of MMP-12 than MMP-3, using nuclear magnetic resonance to monitor backbone dynamics and residue-specific stabilities of their catalytic domain. The proteolytic activities are likely to play important roles in inflammatory diseases of arteries, lungs, joints, and intestines. Nuclear magnetic resonance line broadening indicates that regions surrounding the active sites of both proteases sample conformational substates within milliseconds. The more extensive line broadening in MMP-3 suggests greater sampling of conformational substates, affecting the full length of helix B and beta-strand IV forming the active site, and more remote sites. This could suggest more excursions to functionally incompetent substates. MMP-3 also has enhanced subnanosecond fluctuations in helix A, in the beta-hairpin of strands IV and V, and before and including helix C. Hydrogen exchange protection in the EX2 regime suggests that MMP-3 possesses 2.8 kcal/mol higher folding stability than MMP-12(E219A). The beta-sheet of MMP-3 appears to be stabilized still more. The higher stability of MMP-3 relative to MMP-12 coincides with the former's considerably lower proteolytic activity. This relationship is consistent with the hypothesis that enzymes often trade stability for higher activity.

Simple tests for the validation of multiple field spin relaxation data

(15)N spin relaxation data is widely used to extract detailed dynamic information regarding bond vectors such as the amide N-H bond of the protein backbone. Analysis is typically carried using the Lipari-Szabo model-free approach. Even though the original model-free equation can be determined from single field R (1), R (2) and NOE, over-determination of more complex motional models is dependent on the recording of multiple field datasets. This is especially important for the characterization of conformational exchange which affects R (2) in a field dependent manner. However, severe artifacts can be introduced if inconsistencies arise between experimental setups with different magnets (or samples). Here, we propose the use of simple tests as validation tools for the assessment of consistency between different datasets recorded at multiple magnetic fields. Synthetic data are used to show the effects of inconsistencies on the proposed tests. Moreover, an analysis of data currently deposited in the BMRB is performed. Finally, two cases from our laboratory are presented. These tests are implemented in the open-source program relax, and we propose their use as a routine check-up for assessment of multiple field dataset consistency prior to any analysis such as model-free calculations. We believe this will aid in the extraction of higher quality dynamics information from (15)N spin relaxation data.

14-3-3 and FHA domains mediate phosphoprotein interactions

Many aspects of plant growth and development require specific protein interactions to carry out biochemical and cellular functions. Several proteins mediate these interactions, two of which specifically recognize phosphoproteins: 14-3-3 proteins and proteins with FHA domains. These are the only phosphobinding domains identified in plants. Both domains are present in animals and plants, and are used by plant proteins to regulate metabolic, developmental, and signaling pathways. 14-3-3s regulate sugar metabolism, proton gradients, and control transcription factor localization. FHA domains are modular domains often found in multidomain proteins that are involved in signal transduction and plant development.

Structure and function of the phosphothreonine-specific FHA domain

The forkhead-associated (FHA) domain is the only known phosphoprotein-binding domain that specifically recognizes phosphothreonine (pThr) residues, distinguishing them from phosphoserine (pSer) residues. In contrast to its very strict specificity toward pThr, the FHA domain recognizes very diverse patterns in the residues surrounding the pThr residue. For example, the FHA domain of Ki67, a protein associated with cellular proliferation, binds to an extended target surface involving residues remote from the pThr, whereas the FHA domain of Dun1, a DNA damage-response kinase, specifically recognizes a doubly phosphorylated Thr-Gln (TQ) cluster by virtue of its possessing two pThr-binding sites. The FHA domain exists in various proteins with diverse functions and is particularly prevalent among proteins involved in the DNA damage response. Despite a very short history, a number of unique structural and functional properties of the FHA domain have been uncovered. This review highlights the diversity of biological functions of the FHA domain-containing proteins and the structural bases for the novel binding specificities and multiple binding modes of FHA domains.

Crystal structure of the Pml1p subunit of the yeast precursor mRNA retention and splicing complex

The precursor mRNA retention and splicing (RES) complex mediates nuclear retention and enhances splicing of precursor mRNAs. The RES complex from yeast comprises three proteins, Snu17p, Bud13p and Pml1p. Snu17p acts as a central platform that concomitantly binds the Bud13p and Pml1p subunits via short peptide epitopes. As a step to decipher the molecular architecture of the RES complex, we have determined crystal structures of full-length Pml1p and N-terminally truncated Pml1p. The first 50 residues of full-length Pml1p, encompassing the Snu17p-binding region, are disordered, showing that Pml1p binds to Snu17p via an intrinsically unstructured region. The remainder of Pml1p folds as a forkhead-associated (FHA) domain, which is expanded by a number of noncanonical elements compared with known FHA domains from other proteins. An atypical N-terminal appendix runs across one beta-sheet and thereby stabilizes the domain as shown by deletion experiments. FHA domains are thought to constitute phosphopeptide-binding elements. Consistently, a sulfate ion was found at the putative phosphopeptide-binding loops of full-length Pml1p. The N-terminally truncated version of the protein lacked a similar phosphopeptide mimic but retained an almost identical structure. A long loop neighboring the putative phosphopeptide-binding site was disordered in both structures. Comparison with other FHA domain proteins suggests that this loop adopts a defined conformation upon ligand binding and thereby confers ligand specificity. Our results show that in the RES complex, an FHA domain of Pml1p is flexibly tethered via an unstructured N-terminal region to Snu17p.

Mechanistic insights into phosphoprotein-binding FHA domains

[Structure: see text]. FHA domains are protein modules that switch signals in diverse biological pathways by monitoring the phosphorylation of threonine residues of target proteins. As part of the effort to gain insight into cellular avoidance of cancer, FHA domains involved in the cellular response to DNA damage have been especially well-characterized. The complete protein where the FHA domain resides and the interaction partners determine the nature of the signaling. Thus, a key biochemical question is how do FHA domains pick out their partners from among thousands of alternatives in the cell? This Account discusses the structure, affinity, and specificity of FHA domains and the formation of their functional structure. Although FHA domains share sequence identity at only five loop residues, they all fold into a beta-sandwich of two beta-sheets. The conserved arginine and serine of the recognition loops recognize the phosphorylation of the threonine targeted. Side chains emanating from loops that join beta-strand 4 with 5, 6 with 7, or 10 with 11 make specific contacts with amino acids of the ligand that tailor sequence preferences. Many FHA domains choose a partner in extended conformation, somewhat according to the residue three after the phosphothreonine in sequence (pT + 3 position). One group of FHA domains chooses a short carboxylate-containing side chain at pT + 3. Another group chooses a long, branched aliphatic side chain. A third group prefers other hydrophobic or uncharged polar side chains at pT + 3. However, another FHA domain instead chooses on the basis of pT - 2, pT - 3, and pT + 1 positions. An FHA domain from a marker of human cancer instead chooses a much longer protein fragment that adds a beta-strand to its beta-sheet and that presents hydrophobic residues from a novel helix to the usual recognition surface. This novel recognition site and more remote sites for the binding of other types of protein partners were predicted for the entire family of FHA domains by a bioinformatics approach. The phosphopeptide-dependent dynamics of an FHA domain, SH2 domain, and PTB domain suggest a common theme: rigid, preformed binding surfaces support van der Waals contacts that provide favorable binding enthalpy. Despite the lack of pronounced conformational changes in FHA domains linked to binding events, more subtle adjustments may be possible. In the one FHA domain tested, phosphothreonine peptide binding is accompanied by increased flexibility just outside the binding site and increased rigidity across the beta-sandwich. The folding of the same FHA domain progresses through near-native intermediates that stabilize the recognition loops in the center of the phosphoprotein-binding surface; this may promote rigidity in the interface and affinity for targets phosphorylated on threonine.

Backbone dynamics in an intramolecular prolylpeptide-SH3 complex from the diphtheria toxin repressor, DtxR

The diphtheria toxin repressor contains an SH3-like domain that forms an intramolecular complex with a proline-rich (Pr) peptide segment and stabilizes the inactive state of the repressor. Upon activation of diphtheria toxin repressor (DtxR) by transition metals, this intramolecular complex must dissociate as the SH3 domain and Pr segment form different interactions in the active repressor. Here we investigate the dynamics of this intramolecular complex using backbone amide nuclear spin relaxation rates determined using NMR spectroscopy and molecular dynamics trajectories. The SH3 domain in the unbound and bound states showed typical dynamics in that the secondary structures were fairly ordered with high generalized order parameters and low effective correlation times, while residues in the loops connecting beta-strands exhibited reduced generalized order parameters and required additional motional terms to adequately model the relaxation rates. Residues forming the Pr segment exhibited low-order parameters with internal rotational correlation times on the order of 0.6 ns-1 ns. Further analysis showed that the SH3 domain was rich in millisecond time scale motions while the Pr segment exhibited motions on the 100 mus time scale. Molecular dynamics simulations indicated structural rearrangements that may contribute to the observed relaxation rates and, together with the observed relaxation rate data, suggested that the Pr segment exhibits a binding<-->unbinding equilibrium. The results here provide new insights into the nature of the intramolecular complex and provide a better understanding of the biological role of the SH3 domain in regulating DtxR activity.

Model-free analysis for large proteins at high magnetic field strengths

Protein backbone dynamics is often characterized using model-free analysis of three sets of (15)N relaxation data: longitudinal relaxation rate (R1), transverse relaxation rate (R2), and (15)N-{H} NOE values. Since the experimental data is limited, a simplified model-free spectral density function is often used that contains one Lorentzian describing overall rotational correlation but not one describing internal motion. The simplified spectral density function may be also used in estimating the overall rotational correlation time, by making the R2/R1 largely insensitive to internal motions, as well as used as one of the choices in the model selection protocol. However, such approximation may not be valid for analysis of relaxation data of large proteins recorded at high magnetic field strengths since the contribution to longitudinal relaxation from the Lorentzian describing the overall rotational diffusion of the molecule is comparably small relative to that describing internal motion. Here, we quantitatively estimate the errors introduced by the use of the simplified spectral density in model-free analysis for large proteins at high magnetic field strength.

A model for agonism and antagonism in an ancient and ubiquitous cAMP-binding domain

The cAMP-binding domain (CBD) is an ancient and conserved regulatory motif that allosterically modulates the function of a group of diverse proteins, thereby translating the cAMP signal into a controlled biological response. The main receptor for cAMP in mammals is the ubiquitous regulatory (R) subunit of protein kinase A. Despite the recognized significant potential for pharmacological applications of CBDs, currently only one group of competitive inhibitor antagonists is known: the (R(p))-cAMPS family of phosphorothioate cAMP analogs, in which the equatorial exocyclic oxygen of cAMP is replaced by sulfur. It is also known that the diastereoisomer (S(p))-cAMPS with opposite phosphorous chirality is a cAMP agonist, but the molecular mechanism of action of these analogs is currently not fully understood. Previous crystallographic and unfolding investigations point to the enhanced CBD dynamics as a key determinant of antagonism. Here, we investigate the (R(p))- and (S(p))-cAMPS-bound states of R(CBD-A) using a comparative NMR approach that reveals a clear chemical shift and dynamic NMR signature, differentiating the (S(p))-cAMPS agonist from the (R(p))-cAMPS antagonist. Based on these data, we have proposed a model for the (R(p)/S(p))-cAMPS antagonism and agonism in terms of steric and electronic effects on two main allosteric relay sites, Ile(163) and Asp(170), respectively, affecting the stability of a ternary inhibitory complex formed by the effector ligand, the regulatory and the catalytic subunits of protein kinase A. The proposed model not only rationalizes the existing data on the phosphorothioate analogs, but it will also facilitate the design of novel cAMP antagonists and agonists.

Partially unfolded forms and non-two-state folding of a beta-sandwich: FHA domain from Arabidopsis receptor kinase-associated protein phosphatase

FHA domains adopt a beta-sandwich fold with 11 strands. The first evidence of partially unfolded forms of a beta-sandwich is derived from native-state hydrogen exchange (NHX) of the forkhead-associated (FHA) domain from kinase-associated protein phosphatase from Arabidopsis. The folding kinetics of this FHA domain indicate that EX2 behavior prevails at pH 6.3. In the chevron plot, rollover in the folding arm and bends in the unfolding arm suggest folding intermediates. NHX of this FHA domain suggests a core of six most stable beta-strands and two loops, characterized by rare global unfolding events. Flanking this stable core are beta-strands and recognition loops with less stability, termed subglobal motifs. These suggest partially unfolded forms (near-native intermediates) with two levels of stability. The spatial separation of the subglobal motifs on the flanks suggests possible parallelism in their folding as additional beta-strands align with the stable core of six strands. Intermediates may contribute to differences in stabilities and m-values suggested by NHX or kinetics relative to chemical denaturation. Residual structure in the unfolded regime is suggested by superprotection of beta-strand 6 and by GdmCl-dependence of adjustments in amide NMR spectra and residual optical signal. The global folding stability depends strongly on pH, with at least 3 kcal/mol more stability at pH 7.3 than at pH 6.3. This FHA domain is hypothesized to fold progressively with initial hydrophobic collapse of its stable six-stranded core followed by addition of less stable flanking beta-strands and ordering of recognition loops.