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Metal-Based Complexes as Pharmaceuticals for Molecular Imaging of the Liver. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2019; 12:ph12030137. [PMID: 31527492 PMCID: PMC6789861 DOI: 10.3390/ph12030137] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2019] [Revised: 09/09/2019] [Accepted: 09/11/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
This article reviews the use of metal complexes as contrast agents (CA) and radiopharmaceuticals for the anatomical and functional imaging of the liver. The main focus was on two established imaging modalities: magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and nuclear medicine, the latter including scintigraphy and positron emission tomography (PET). The review provides an overview on approved pharmaceuticals like Gd-based CA and 99mTc-based radiometal complexes, and also on novel agents such as 68Ga-based PET tracers. Metal complexes are presented by their imaging modality, with subsections focusing on their structure and mode of action. Uptake mechanisms, metabolism, and specificity are presented, in context with advantages and limitations of the diagnostic application and taking into account the respective imaging technique.
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D'Onofrio M, Barracchia CG, Bortot A, Munari F, Zanzoni S, Assfalg M. Molecular differences between human liver fatty acid binding protein and its T94A variant in their unbound and lipid-bound states. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-PROTEINS AND PROTEOMICS 2017; 1865:1152-1159. [PMID: 28668637 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbapap.2017.06.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2017] [Revised: 06/15/2017] [Accepted: 06/26/2017] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Liver fatty acid binding protein (L-FABP) is an abundant cytosolic protein playing a central role in intracellular lipid trafficking. The L-FABP T94A variant, originating from one of the most common polymorphisms in the FABP family, is associated with several lipid-related disorders. However, the molecular factors that determine the observed functional differences are currently unknown. In our work, we performed a high resolution comparative molecular analysis of L-FABP T94T and L-FABP T94A in their unbound states and in the presence of representative ligands of the fatty acid and bile acid classes. We collected residue-resolved NMR spectral fingerprints of the two variants, and compared secondary structures, backbone dynamics, side chain arrangements, binding site occupation, and intermolecular contacts. We found that threonine to alanine replacement did not result in strongly perturbed structural and dynamic features, although differences in oleic acid binding by the two variants were detected. Based on chemical shift perturbations at sites distant from position 94 and on differences in intermolecular contacts, we suggest that long-range communication networks in L-FABP propagate the effect of amino acid substitution at sites relevant for ligand binding or biomolecular recognition.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Andrea Bortot
- Department of Biotechnology, University of Verona, 37134 Verona, Italy
| | - Francesca Munari
- Department of Biotechnology, University of Verona, 37134 Verona, Italy
| | - Serena Zanzoni
- Department of Biotechnology, University of Verona, 37134 Verona, Italy
| | - Michael Assfalg
- Department of Biotechnology, University of Verona, 37134 Verona, Italy.
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3
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Achermann JC, Domenice S, Bachega TASS, Nishi MY, Mendonca BB. Disorders of sex development: effect of molecular diagnostics. Nat Rev Endocrinol 2015; 11:478-88. [PMID: 25942653 DOI: 10.1038/nrendo.2015.69] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Disorders of sex development (DSDs) are a diverse group of conditions that can be challenging to diagnose accurately using standard phenotypic and biochemical approaches. Obtaining a specific diagnosis can be important for identifying potentially life-threatening associated disorders, as well as providing information to guide parents in deciding on the most appropriate management for their child. Within the past 5 years, advances in molecular methodologies have helped to identify several novel causes of DSDs; molecular tests to aid diagnosis and genetic counselling have now been adopted into clinical practice. Occasionally, genetic profiling of embryos prior to implantation as an adjunct to assisted reproduction, prenatal diagnosis of at-risk pregnancies and confirmatory testing of positive results found during newborn biochemical screening are performed. Of the available genetic tests, the candidate gene approach is the most popular. New high-throughput DNA analysis could enable a genetic diagnosis to be made when the aetiology is unknown or many differential diagnoses are possible. Nonetheless, concerns exist about the use of genetic tests. For instance, a diagnosis is not always possible even using new molecular approaches (which can be worrying for the parents) and incidental information obtained during the test might cause anxiety. Careful selection of the genetic test indicated for each condition remains important for good clinical practice. The purpose of this Review is to describe advances in molecular biological techniques for diagnosing DSDs.
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Affiliation(s)
- John C Achermann
- Developmental Endocrinology Research Group, Genetics and Genomic Medicine, UCL Institute of Child Health, University College London, 30 Guilford Street, London WC1N 1EH, UK
| | - Sorahia Domenice
- Unidade de Endocrinologia do Desenvolvimento, Laboratório de Hormônios e Genética Molecular LIM/42, Disciplina de Endocrinologia, Hospital das Clínicas da Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo, Av Dr Eneas de Carvalho Aguiar, 155, PAMB, 2 andar, Bloco 6, 05403-900 São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Tania A S S Bachega
- Unidade de Endocrinologia do Desenvolvimento, Laboratório de Hormônios e Genética Molecular LIM/42, Disciplina de Endocrinologia, Hospital das Clínicas da Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo, Av Dr Eneas de Carvalho Aguiar, 155, PAMB, 2 andar, Bloco 6, 05403-900 São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Mirian Y Nishi
- Unidade de Endocrinologia do Desenvolvimento, Laboratório de Hormônios e Genética Molecular LIM/42, Disciplina de Endocrinologia, Hospital das Clínicas da Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo, Av Dr Eneas de Carvalho Aguiar, 155, PAMB, 2 andar, Bloco 6, 05403-900 São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Berenice B Mendonca
- Unidade de Endocrinologia do Desenvolvimento, Laboratório de Hormônios e Genética Molecular LIM/42, Disciplina de Endocrinologia, Hospital das Clínicas da Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo, Av Dr Eneas de Carvalho Aguiar, 155, PAMB, 2 andar, Bloco 6, 05403-900 São Paulo, Brazil
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All-Purpose Containers? Lipid-Binding Protein - Drug Interactions. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0132096. [PMID: 26167932 PMCID: PMC4500398 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0132096] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2015] [Accepted: 06/10/2015] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
The combined use of in vitro (19F-NMR) and in silico (molecular docking) procedures demonstrates the affinity of a number of human calycins (lipid-binding proteins from ileum, liver, heart, adipose tissue and epidermis, and retinol-binding protein from intestine) for different drugs (mainly steroids and vastatins). Comparative evaluations on the complexes outline some of the features relevant for interaction (non-polar character of the drugs; amino acids and water molecules in the protein calyx most often involved in binding). Dissociation constants (Ki) for drugs typically lie in the same range as Ki for natural ligands; in most instances (different proteins and docking conditions), vastatins are the strongest interactors, with atorvastatin ranking top in half of the cases. The affinity of some calycins for some of the vastatins is in the order of magnitude of the drug Cmax after systemic administration in humans. The possible biological implications of this feature are discussed in connection with drug delivery parameters (route of administration, binding to carrier proteins, distribution to, and accumulation in, human tissues).
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Favretto F, Ceccon A, Zanzoni S, D'Onofrio M, Ragona L, Molinari H, Assfalg M. The unique ligand binding features of subfamily-II iLBPs with respect to bile salts and related drugs. Prostaglandins Leukot Essent Fatty Acids 2015; 95:1-10. [PMID: 25468388 DOI: 10.1016/j.plefa.2014.10.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2014] [Accepted: 10/20/2014] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Intracellular lipid binding proteins (iLBPs) are a family of evolutionarily related small cytoplasmic proteins implicated in the transcellular transport of lipophilic ligands. Subfamily-II iLBPs include the liver fatty acid binding protein (L-FABP), and the ileal and the liver and ileal bile acid binding proteins (L-BABP and I-BABP). Atomic-level investigations during the past 15-20 years have delivered relevant information on bile acid binding by this protein group, revealing unique features including binding cooperativity, promiscuity, and site selectivity. Using NMR spectroscopy and other biophysical techniques, our laboratories have contributed to an understanding of the molecular determinants of some of these properties and their generality among proteins from different animal species. We focused especially on formation of heterotypic complexes, considering the mixed compositions of physiological bile acid pools. Experiments performed with synthetic bile acid derivatives showed that iLBPs could act as targets for cell-specific contrast agents and, more generally, as effective carriers of amphiphilic drugs. This review collects the major findings related to bile salt interactions with iLBPs aiming to provide keys for a deeper understanding of protein-mediated intracellular bile salt trafficking.
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Affiliation(s)
- Filippo Favretto
- Department of Biotechnology, University of Verona, Strada Le Grazie 15, Verona 37134, Italy
| | - Alberto Ceccon
- Department of Biotechnology, University of Verona, Strada Le Grazie 15, Verona 37134, Italy
| | - Serena Zanzoni
- Department of Biotechnology, University of Verona, Strada Le Grazie 15, Verona 37134, Italy
| | - Mariapina D'Onofrio
- Department of Biotechnology, University of Verona, Strada Le Grazie 15, Verona 37134, Italy
| | - Laura Ragona
- Institute for Macromolecular Studies, National Research Council, Via Bassini 15, Milan 20133, Italy
| | - Henriette Molinari
- Institute for Macromolecular Studies, National Research Council, Via Bassini 15, Milan 20133, Italy
| | - Michael Assfalg
- Department of Biotechnology, University of Verona, Strada Le Grazie 15, Verona 37134, Italy.
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Pagano K, Tomaselli S, Zanzoni S, Assfalg M, Molinari H, Ragona L. Bile acid binding protein: a versatile host of small hydrophobic ligands for applications in the fields of MRI contrast agents and bio-nanomaterials. Comput Struct Biotechnol J 2013; 6:e201303021. [PMID: 24688729 PMCID: PMC3962148 DOI: 10.5936/csbj.201303021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2013] [Revised: 11/19/2013] [Accepted: 11/22/2013] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
During the last decade a growing amount of evidence has been obtained, supporting the role of the beta-clamshell family of intracellular lipid binding proteins (iLBPs) not only in the translocation of lipophilic molecules but also in lipid mediated signalling and metabolism. Given the central role of lipids in physiological processes, it is essential to have detailed knowledge on their interactions with cognate binding proteins. Structural and dynamical aspects of the binding mechanisms have been widely investigated by means of NMR spectroscopy, docking and molecular dynamics simulation approaches. iLBPs share a stable beta-barrel fold, delimiting an internal cavity capable of promiscuous ligand binding and display significant flexibility at the putative ligand portal. These features make this class of proteins good scaffolds to build host-guest systems for applications in nanomedicine and nanomaterials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katiuscia Pagano
- Istituto per lo Studio delle Macromolecole, CNR, via Bassini 15, 20133 Milano, Italy
| | - Simona Tomaselli
- Istituto per lo Studio delle Macromolecole, CNR, via Bassini 15, 20133 Milano, Italy
| | - Serena Zanzoni
- Dipartimento di Biotecnologie, Università degli Studi di Verona, Strada Le Grazie 15, 37134, Verona, Italy
| | - Michael Assfalg
- Dipartimento di Biotecnologie, Università degli Studi di Verona, Strada Le Grazie 15, 37134, Verona, Italy
| | - Henriette Molinari
- Istituto per lo Studio delle Macromolecole, CNR, via Bassini 15, 20133 Milano, Italy
| | - Laura Ragona
- Istituto per lo Studio delle Macromolecole, CNR, via Bassini 15, 20133 Milano, Italy
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Tomaselli S, Giovanella U, Pagano K, Leone G, Zanzoni S, Assfalg M, Meinardi F, Molinari H, Botta C, Ragona L. Encapsulation of a Rhodamine Dye within a Bile Acid Binding Protein: Toward Water Processable Functional Bio Host–Guest Materials. Biomacromolecules 2013; 14:3549-56. [DOI: 10.1021/bm400904s] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Simona Tomaselli
- Istituto
per lo Studio delle Macromolecole, CNR, via Bassini 15, 20133 Milano, Italy
| | - Umberto Giovanella
- Istituto
per lo Studio delle Macromolecole, CNR, via Bassini 15, 20133 Milano, Italy
| | - Katiuscia Pagano
- Istituto
per lo Studio delle Macromolecole, CNR, via Bassini 15, 20133 Milano, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Leone
- Istituto
per lo Studio delle Macromolecole, CNR, via Bassini 15, 20133 Milano, Italy
| | - Serena Zanzoni
- Dipartimento
di Biotecnologie, Università degli Studi di Verona, Strada
Le Grazie 15, 37134, Verona, Italy
| | - Michael Assfalg
- Dipartimento
di Biotecnologie, Università degli Studi di Verona, Strada
Le Grazie 15, 37134, Verona, Italy
| | - Francesco Meinardi
- Università degli Studi Milano Bicocca, Via Cozzi 53, 20125, Milano, Italy
| | - Henriette Molinari
- Istituto
per lo Studio delle Macromolecole, CNR, via Bassini 15, 20133 Milano, Italy
| | - Chiara Botta
- Istituto
per lo Studio delle Macromolecole, CNR, via Bassini 15, 20133 Milano, Italy
| | - Laura Ragona
- Istituto
per lo Studio delle Macromolecole, CNR, via Bassini 15, 20133 Milano, Italy
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8
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D'Onofrio M, Gianolio E, Ceccon A, Arena F, Zanzoni S, Fushman D, Aime S, Molinari H, Assfalg M. High Relaxivity Supramolecular Adducts Between Human-Liver Fatty-Acid-Binding Protein and Amphiphilic GdIII Complexes: Structural Basis for the Design of Intracellular Targeting MRI Probes. Chemistry 2012; 18:9919-28. [DOI: 10.1002/chem.201103778] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2011] [Revised: 05/08/2012] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
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9
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Zanzoni S, Assfalg M, Giorgetti A, D'Onofrio M, Molinari H. Structural requirements for cooperativity in ileal bile acid-binding proteins. J Biol Chem 2011; 286:39307-17. [PMID: 21917914 PMCID: PMC3234755 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m111.261099] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Ileal bile acid-binding proteins (I-BABP), belonging to the family of intracellular lipid-binding proteins, control bile acid trafficking in enterocytes and participate in regulating the homeostasis of these cholesterol-derived metabolites. I-BABP orthologues share the same structural fold and are able to host up to two ligands in their large internal cavities. However variations in the primary sequences determine differences in binding properties such as the degree of binding cooperativity. To investigate the molecular requirements for cooperativity we adopted a gain-of-function approach, exploring the possibility to turn the noncooperative chicken I-BABP (cI-BABP) into a cooperative mutant protein. To this aim we first solved the solution structure of cI-BABP in complex with two molecules of the physiological ligand glycochenodeoxycholate. A comparative structural analysis with closely related members of the same protein family provided the basis to design a double mutant (H99Q/A101S cI-BABP) capable of establishing a cooperative binding mechanism. Molecular dynamics simulation studies of the wild type and mutant complexes and essential dynamics analysis of the trajectories supported the role of the identified amino acid residues as hot spot mediators of communication between binding sites. The emerging picture is consistent with a binding mechanism that can be described as an extended conformational selection model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Serena Zanzoni
- Department of Biotechnology, University of Verona, 37134 Verona, Italy
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10
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Zebret S, Torres E, Terreno E, Guénée L, Senatore C, Hamacek J. Structure, stability and relaxivity of trinuclear triangular complexes. Dalton Trans 2011; 40:4284-90. [DOI: 10.1039/c0dt01739f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
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11
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Metals in proteins: cluster analysis studies. J Mol Model 2010; 17:429-42. [DOI: 10.1007/s00894-010-0733-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2008] [Accepted: 04/23/2010] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
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Villaraza AJL, Bumb A, Brechbiel MW. Macromolecules, dendrimers, and nanomaterials in magnetic resonance imaging: the interplay between size, function, and pharmacokinetics. Chem Rev 2010; 110:2921-59. [PMID: 20067234 PMCID: PMC2868950 DOI: 10.1021/cr900232t] [Citation(s) in RCA: 474] [Impact Index Per Article: 33.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Aaron Joseph L. Villaraza
- Radiation Oncology Branch, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Ambika Bumb
- Radiation Oncology Branch, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Martin W. Brechbiel
- Radiation Oncology Branch, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
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Chicken ileal bile-acid-binding protein: a promising target of investigation to understand binding co-operativity across the protein family. Biochem J 2009; 425:413-24. [PMID: 19874274 DOI: 10.1042/bj20091209] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Protein-bile acid interactions are crucial microscopic events at the basis of both physiological and pathological biochemical pathways. BABPs (bile-acid-binding proteins) are intracellular transporters able to bind ligands with different stoichiometry, selectivity and co-operativity. The molecular determinants and energetics of interaction are the observables that connect the microscopic to the macroscopic frameworks. The present paper addresses the study and proposes a mechanism for the multi-site interaction of bile acids with chicken I-BABP (ileal BABP) with the aim of elucidating the determinants of ligand binding in comparison with homologous proteins from different species and tissues. A thermodynamic binding model describing two independent consecutive binding sites is derived from isothermal titration calorimetry experiments and validated on the basis of both protein-observed and ligand-observed NMR titration data. It emerges that a singly bound protein is relatively abundant at low ligand/protein molar ratios assessing the absence of strong co-operativity. Both the measured energetics of binding and the distributed protein chemical-shift perturbations are in agreement with a first binding event triggering a global structural rearrangement. The enthalpic and entropic contributions associated with binding of the first ligand indicate that the interaction increases stability and order of the bound protein. The results described in the present study point to the presence of a protein scaffold which is able to establish long-range communication networks, but does not manifest positive-binding co-operativity, as observed for the human protein. We consider chicken I-BABP a suitable model to address the molecular basis for a gain-of-function on going from non-mammalian to mammalian species.
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Pedò M, Löhr F, D'Onofrio M, Assfalg M, Dötsch V, Molinari H. NMR studies reveal the role of biomembranes in modulating ligand binding and release by intracellular bile acid binding proteins. J Mol Biol 2009; 394:852-63. [PMID: 19836400 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmb.2009.10.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2009] [Revised: 10/05/2009] [Accepted: 10/08/2009] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Bile acid molecules are transferred vectorially between basolateral and apical membranes of hepatocytes and enterocytes in the context of the enterohepatic circulation, a process regulating whole body lipid homeostasis. This work addresses the role of the cytosolic lipid binding proteins in the intracellular transfer of bile acids between different membrane compartments. We present nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) data describing the ternary system composed of the bile acid binding protein, bile acids, and membrane mimetic systems, such as anionic liposomes. This work provides evidence that the investigated liver bile acid binding protein undergoes association with the anionic membrane and binding-induced partial unfolding. The addition of the physiological ligand to the protein-liposome mixture is capable of modulating this interaction, shifting the equilibrium towards the free folded holo protein. An ensemble of NMR titration experiments, based on nitrogen-15 protein and ligand observation, confirm that the membrane and the ligand establish competing binding equilibria, modulating the cytoplasmic permeability of bile acids. These results support a mechanism of ligand binding and release controlled by the onset of a bile salt concentration gradient within the polarized cell. The location of a specific protein region interacting with liposomes is highlighted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Massimo Pedò
- Department of Biotechnology, University of Verona, Strada Le Grazie 15, 37134 Verona, Italy
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Synthesis and characterization of organometallic rhenium(І) and technetium(І) bile acid complexes. J Organomet Chem 2009. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jorganchem.2009.06.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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