1
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Lane BJ, Ma Y, Yan N, Wang B, Ackermann K, Karamanos TK, Bode BE, Pliotas C. Monitoring the conformational ensemble and lipid environment of a mechanosensitive channel under cyclodextrin-induced membrane tension. Structure 2024; 32:739-750.e4. [PMID: 38521071 DOI: 10.1016/j.str.2024.02.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2023] [Revised: 12/29/2023] [Accepted: 02/27/2024] [Indexed: 03/25/2024]
Abstract
Membrane forces shift the equilibria of mechanosensitive channels enabling them to convert mechanical cues into electrical signals. Molecular tools to stabilize and methods to capture their highly dynamic states are lacking. Cyclodextrins can mimic tension through the sequestering of lipids from membranes. Here we probe the conformational ensemble of MscS by EPR spectroscopy, the lipid environment with NMR, and function with electrophysiology under cyclodextrin-induced tension. We show the extent of MscS activation depends on the cyclodextrin-to-lipid ratio, and that lipids are depleted slower when MscS is present. This has implications in MscS' activation kinetics when distinct membrane scaffolds such as nanodiscs or liposomes are used. We find MscS transits from closed to sub-conducting state(s) before it desensitizes, due to the lack of lipid availability in its vicinity required for closure. Our approach allows for monitoring tension-sensitive states in membrane proteins and screening molecules capable of inducing molecular tension in bilayers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin J Lane
- Astbury Centre for Structural Molecular Biology, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Leeds, Leeds LS2 9JT, UK
| | - Yue Ma
- School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, Manchester Academic and Health Science Centre, The University of Manchester, Manchester M13 9PT, UK
| | - Nana Yan
- Astbury Centre for Structural Molecular Biology, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Leeds, Leeds LS2 9JT, UK
| | - Bolin Wang
- School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, Manchester Academic and Health Science Centre, The University of Manchester, Manchester M13 9PT, UK
| | - Katrin Ackermann
- EaStCHEM School of Chemistry, Biomedical Sciences Research Complex and Centre of Magnetic Resonance, University of St Andrews, St Andrews KY16 9ST, UK
| | - Theodoros K Karamanos
- Department of Life Sciences, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Imperial College London, London SW7 2AZ, UK
| | - Bela E Bode
- EaStCHEM School of Chemistry, Biomedical Sciences Research Complex and Centre of Magnetic Resonance, University of St Andrews, St Andrews KY16 9ST, UK
| | - Christos Pliotas
- Astbury Centre for Structural Molecular Biology, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Leeds, Leeds LS2 9JT, UK; School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, Manchester Academic and Health Science Centre, The University of Manchester, Manchester M13 9PT, UK; Manchester Institute of Biotechnology, The University of Manchester, Manchester M1 7DN, UK.
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2
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Grüschow S, McQuarrie S, Ackermann K, McMahon S, Bode B, Gloster T, White M. CRISPR antiphage defence mediated by the cyclic nucleotide-binding membrane protein Csx23. Nucleic Acids Res 2024; 52:2761-2775. [PMID: 38471818 PMCID: PMC11014256 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkae167] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2023] [Revised: 02/21/2024] [Accepted: 02/26/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
CRISPR-Cas provides adaptive immunity in prokaryotes. Type III CRISPR systems detect invading RNA and activate the catalytic Cas10 subunit, which generates a range of nucleotide second messengers to signal infection. These molecules bind and activate a diverse range of effector proteins that provide immunity by degrading viral components and/or by disturbing key aspects of cellular metabolism to slow down viral replication. Here, we focus on the uncharacterised effector Csx23, which is widespread in Vibrio cholerae. Csx23 provides immunity against plasmids and phage when expressed in Escherichia coli along with its cognate type III CRISPR system. The Csx23 protein localises in the membrane using an N-terminal transmembrane α-helical domain and has a cytoplasmic C-terminal domain that binds cyclic tetra-adenylate (cA4), activating its defence function. Structural studies reveal a tetrameric structure with a novel fold that binds cA4 specifically. Using pulse EPR, we demonstrate that cA4 binding to the cytoplasmic domain of Csx23 results in a major perturbation of the transmembrane domain, consistent with the opening of a pore and/or disruption of membrane integrity. This work reveals a new class of cyclic nucleotide binding protein and provides key mechanistic detail on a membrane-associated CRISPR effector.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sabine Grüschow
- Biomedical Sciences Research Complex, School of Biology, University of St Andrews, St Andrews, Fife KY16 9ST, UK
| | - Stuart McQuarrie
- Biomedical Sciences Research Complex, School of Biology, University of St Andrews, St Andrews, Fife KY16 9ST, UK
| | - Katrin Ackermann
- Biomedical Sciences Research Complex, School of Chemistry, Centre of Magnetic Resonance, University of St Andrews, St Andrews, Fife, KY16 9ST, UK
| | - Stephen McMahon
- Biomedical Sciences Research Complex, School of Biology, University of St Andrews, St Andrews, Fife KY16 9ST, UK
| | - Bela E Bode
- Biomedical Sciences Research Complex, School of Chemistry, Centre of Magnetic Resonance, University of St Andrews, St Andrews, Fife, KY16 9ST, UK
| | - Tracey M Gloster
- Biomedical Sciences Research Complex, School of Biology, University of St Andrews, St Andrews, Fife KY16 9ST, UK
| | - Malcolm F White
- Biomedical Sciences Research Complex, School of Biology, University of St Andrews, St Andrews, Fife KY16 9ST, UK
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3
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McQuarrie S, Athukoralage JS, McMahon SA, Graham S, Ackermann K, Bode BE, White MF, Gloster TM. Activation of Csm6 ribonuclease by cyclic nucleotide binding: in an emergency, twist to open. Nucleic Acids Res 2023; 51:10590-10605. [PMID: 37747760 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkad739] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2023] [Revised: 08/23/2023] [Accepted: 09/11/2023] [Indexed: 09/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Type III CRISPR systems synthesize cyclic oligoadenylate (cOA) second messengers as part of a multi-faceted immune response against invading mobile genetic elements (MGEs). cOA activates non-specific CRISPR ancillary defence nucleases to create a hostile environment for MGE replication. Csm6 ribonucleases bind cOA using a CARF (CRISPR-associated Rossmann Fold) domain, resulting in activation of a fused HEPN (Higher Eukaryotes and Prokaryotes Nucleotide binding) ribonuclease domain. Csm6 enzymes are widely used in a new generation of diagnostic assays for the detection of specific nucleic acid species. However, the activation mechanism is not fully understood. Here we characterised the cyclic hexa-adenylate (cA6) activated Csm6' ribonuclease from the industrially important bacterium Streptococcus thermophilus. Crystal structures of Csm6' in the inactive and cA6 bound active states illuminate the conformational changes which trigger mRNA destruction. Upon binding of cA6, there is a close to 60° rotation between the CARF and HEPN domains, which causes the 'jaws' of the HEPN domain to open and reposition active site residues. Key to this transition is the 6H domain, a right-handed solenoid domain connecting the CARF and HEPN domains, which transmits the conformational changes for activation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stuart McQuarrie
- Biomedical Sciences Research Complex, School of Biology, University of St Andrews, North Haugh, St Andrews, Fife KY16 9ST, UK
| | - Januka S Athukoralage
- Biomedical Sciences Research Complex, School of Biology, University of St Andrews, North Haugh, St Andrews, Fife KY16 9ST, UK
| | - Stephen A McMahon
- Biomedical Sciences Research Complex, School of Biology, University of St Andrews, North Haugh, St Andrews, Fife KY16 9ST, UK
| | - Shirley Graham
- Biomedical Sciences Research Complex, School of Biology, University of St Andrews, North Haugh, St Andrews, Fife KY16 9ST, UK
| | - Katrin Ackermann
- Biomedical Sciences Research Complex, School of Chemistry, Centre of Magnetic Resonance, University of St Andrews, North Haugh, St Andrews, Fife KY16 9ST, UK
| | - Bela E Bode
- Biomedical Sciences Research Complex, School of Chemistry, Centre of Magnetic Resonance, University of St Andrews, North Haugh, St Andrews, Fife KY16 9ST, UK
| | - Malcolm F White
- Biomedical Sciences Research Complex, School of Biology, University of St Andrews, North Haugh, St Andrews, Fife KY16 9ST, UK
| | - Tracey M Gloster
- Biomedical Sciences Research Complex, School of Biology, University of St Andrews, North Haugh, St Andrews, Fife KY16 9ST, UK
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4
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Vitali V, Ackermann K, Hagelueken G, Bode BE. Spectroscopically Orthogonal Labelling to Disentangle Site-Specific Nitroxide Label Distributions. APPLIED MAGNETIC RESONANCE 2023; 55:187-205. [PMID: 38357007 PMCID: PMC10861635 DOI: 10.1007/s00723-023-01611-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2023] [Revised: 08/23/2023] [Accepted: 08/25/2023] [Indexed: 02/16/2024]
Abstract
Biomolecular applications of pulse dipolar electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy (PDS) are becoming increasingly valuable in structural biology. Site-directed spin labelling of proteins is routinely performed using nitroxides, with paramagnetic metal ions and other organic radicals gaining popularity as alternative spin centres. Spectroscopically orthogonal spin labelling using different types of labels potentially increases the information content available from a single sample. When analysing experimental distance distributions between two nitroxide spin labels, the site-specific rotamer information has been projected into the distance and is not readily available, and the contributions of individual labelling sites to the width of the distance distribution are not obvious from the PDS data. Here, we exploit the exquisite precision of labelling double-histidine (dHis) motifs with CuII chelate complexes. The contribution of this label to the distance distribution widths in model protein GB1 has been shown to be negligible. By combining a dHis CuII labelling site with cysteine-specific nitroxide labelling, we gather insights on the label rotamers at two distinct sites, comparing their contributions to distance distributions based on different in silico modelling approaches and structural models. From this study, it seems advisable to consider discrepancies between different in silico modelling approaches when selecting labelling sites for PDS studies. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s00723-023-01611-1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valentina Vitali
- EaStCHEM School of Chemistry, Biomedical Sciences Research Complex, and Centre of Magnetic Resonance, University of St Andrews, North Haugh, St Andrews, KY16 9ST Scotland
- Magnetic Resonance Center (CERM), University of Florence, Via Luigi Sacconi 6, 50019 Sesto Fiorentino, Italy
- Department of Chemistry “Ugo Schiff”, University of Florence, Via Della Lastruccia 3, 50019 Sesto Fiorentino, Italy
| | - Katrin Ackermann
- EaStCHEM School of Chemistry, Biomedical Sciences Research Complex, and Centre of Magnetic Resonance, University of St Andrews, North Haugh, St Andrews, KY16 9ST Scotland
| | - Gregor Hagelueken
- Institute of Structural Biology, Biomedical Center, University of Bonn, Venusberg-Campus 1, 53127 Bonn, Germany
| | - Bela E. Bode
- EaStCHEM School of Chemistry, Biomedical Sciences Research Complex, and Centre of Magnetic Resonance, University of St Andrews, North Haugh, St Andrews, KY16 9ST Scotland
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5
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Wort JL, Ackermann K, Giannoulis A, Bode BE. Enhanced sensitivity for pulse dipolar EPR spectroscopy using variable-time RIDME. JOURNAL OF MAGNETIC RESONANCE (SAN DIEGO, CALIF. : 1997) 2023; 352:107460. [PMID: 37167826 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmr.2023.107460] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2023] [Revised: 04/03/2023] [Accepted: 04/19/2023] [Indexed: 05/13/2023]
Abstract
Pulse dipolar EPR spectroscopy (PDS) measurements are an important complementary tool in structural biology and are increasingly applied to macromolecular assemblies implicated in human health and disease at physiological concentrations. This requires ever higher sensitivity, and recent advances have driven PDS measurements into the mid-nanomolar concentration regime, though optimization and acquisition of such measurements remains experimentally demanding and time expensive. One important consideration is that constant-time acquisition represents a hard limit for measurement sensitivity, depending on the maximum measured distance. Determining this distance a priori has been facilitated by machine-learning structure prediction (AlphaFold2 and RoseTTAFold) but is often confounded by non-representative behaviour in frozen solution that may mandate multiple rounds of optimization and acquisition. Herein, we endeavour to simultaneously enhance sensitivity and streamline PDS measurement optimization to one-step by benchmarking a variable-time acquisition RIDME experiment applied to CuII-nitroxide and CuII-CuII model systems. Results demonstrate marked sensitivity improvements of both 5- and 6-pulse variable-time RIDME of between 2- and 5-fold over the constant-time analogues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joshua L Wort
- EaStCHEM School of Chemistry, Biomedical Sciences Research Complex and Centre of Magnetic Resonance, University of St Andrews, North Haugh, St Andrews, Scotland
| | - Katrin Ackermann
- EaStCHEM School of Chemistry, Biomedical Sciences Research Complex and Centre of Magnetic Resonance, University of St Andrews, North Haugh, St Andrews, Scotland
| | - Angeliki Giannoulis
- EaStCHEM School of Chemistry, Biomedical Sciences Research Complex and Centre of Magnetic Resonance, University of St Andrews, North Haugh, St Andrews, Scotland
| | - Bela E Bode
- EaStCHEM School of Chemistry, Biomedical Sciences Research Complex and Centre of Magnetic Resonance, University of St Andrews, North Haugh, St Andrews, Scotland.
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6
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Ackermann K, Chapman A, Bode BE. A Comparison of Cysteine-Conjugated Nitroxide Spin Labels for Pulse Dipolar EPR Spectroscopy. Molecules 2021; 26:7534. [PMID: 34946616 PMCID: PMC8706713 DOI: 10.3390/molecules26247534] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2021] [Revised: 11/30/2021] [Accepted: 12/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The structure-function and materials paradigms drive research on the understanding of structures and structural heterogeneity of molecules and solids from materials science to structural biology. Functional insights into complex architectures are often gained from a suite of complementary physicochemical methods. In the context of biomacromolecular structures, the use of pulse dipolar electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy (PDS) has become increasingly popular. The main interest in PDS is providing long-range nanometre distance distributions that allow for identifying macromolecular topologies, validating structural models and conformational transitions as well as docking of quaternary complexes. Most commonly, cysteines are introduced into protein structures by site-directed mutagenesis and modified site-specifically to a spin-labelled side-chain such as a stable nitroxide radical. In this contribution, we investigate labelling by four different commercial labelling agents that react through different sulfur-specific reactions. Further, the distance distributions obtained are between spin-bearing moieties and need to be related to the protein structure via modelling approaches. Here, we compare two different approaches to modelling these distributions for all four side-chains. The results indicate that there are significant differences in the optimum labelling procedure. All four spin-labels show differences in the ease of labelling and purification. Further challenges arise from the different tether lengths and rotamers of spin-labelled side-chains; both influence the modelling and translation into structures. Our comparison indicates that the spin-label with the shortest tether in the spin-labelled side-group, (bis-(2,2,5,5-Tetramethyl-3-imidazoline-1-oxyl-4-yl) disulfide, may be underappreciated and could increase the resolution of structural studies by PDS if labelling conditions are optimised accordingly.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Bela E. Bode
- EaStCHEM School of Chemistry, Biomedical Sciences Research Complex, and Centre of Magnetic Resonance, University of St Andrews, North Haugh, St Andrews KY16 9ST, UK; (K.A.); (A.C.)
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7
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Ackermann K, Wort JL, Bode BE. Nanomolar Pulse Dipolar EPR Spectroscopy in Proteins: Cu II-Cu II and Nitroxide-Nitroxide Cases. J Phys Chem B 2021; 125:5358-5364. [PMID: 33998795 PMCID: PMC7611071 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jpcb.1c03666] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
The study of ever more complex biomolecular assemblies implicated in human health and disease is facilitated by a suite of complementary biophysical methods. Pulse dipolar electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy (PDS) is a powerful tool that provides highly precise geometric constraints in frozen solutions; however, the drive toward PDS at physiologically relevant sub-μM concentrations is limited by the currently achievable concentration sensitivity. Recently, PDS using a combination of nitroxide- and CuII-based spin labels allowed measuring a 500 nM concentration of a model protein. Using commercial instrumentation and spin labels, we demonstrate CuII-CuII and nitroxide-nitroxide PDS measurements at protein concentrations below previous examples reaching 500 and 100 nM, respectively. These results demonstrate the general feasibility of sub-μM PDS measurements at short to intermediate distances (∼1.5 to 3.5 nm), and are of particular relevance for applications where the achievable concentration is limiting.
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8
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Wort JL, Ackermann K, Norman DG, Bode BE. A general model to optimise Cu II labelling efficiency of double-histidine motifs for pulse dipolar EPR applications. Phys Chem Chem Phys 2021; 23:3810-3819. [PMID: 33533341 DOI: 10.1039/d0cp06196d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) distance measurements are making increasingly important contributions to studies of biomolecules underpinning health and disease by providing highly accurate and precise geometric constraints. Combining double-histidine (dH) motifs with CuII spin labels shows promise for further increasing the precision of distance measurements, and for investigating subtle conformational changes. However, non-covalent coordination-based spin labelling is vulnerable to low binding affinity. Dissociation constants of dH motifs for CuII-nitrilotriacetic acid were previously investigated via relaxation induced dipolar modulation enhancement (RIDME), and demonstrated the feasibility of exploiting the dH motif for EPR applications at sub-μM protein concentrations. Herein, the feasibility of using modulation depth quantitation in CuII-CuII RIDME to simultaneously estimate a pair of non-identical independent KD values in such a tetra-histidine model protein is addressed. Furthermore, we develop a general speciation model to optimise CuII labelling efficiency, depending upon pairs of identical or disparate KD values and total CuII label concentration. We find the dissociation constant estimates are in excellent agreement with previously determined values, and empirical modulation depths support the proposed model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joshua L Wort
- EaStCHEM School of Chemistry, Biomedical Sciences Research Complex, and Centre of Magnetic Resonance, University of St Andrews North Haugh, St Andrews KY16 9ST, UK.
| | - Katrin Ackermann
- EaStCHEM School of Chemistry, Biomedical Sciences Research Complex, and Centre of Magnetic Resonance, University of St Andrews North Haugh, St Andrews KY16 9ST, UK.
| | - David G Norman
- School of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, Medical Sciences Institute, Dundee, DD1 5EH, UK
| | - Bela E Bode
- EaStCHEM School of Chemistry, Biomedical Sciences Research Complex, and Centre of Magnetic Resonance, University of St Andrews North Haugh, St Andrews KY16 9ST, UK.
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9
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Affiliation(s)
- Katrin Ackermann
- Biomedical Sciences Research Complex, Centre of Magnetic Resonance and EaStCHEM School of Chemistry, University of St Andrews, St Andrews, KY16 9ST, Scotland
| | - Bela E. Bode
- Biomedical Sciences Research Complex, Centre of Magnetic Resonance and EaStCHEM School of Chemistry, University of St Andrews, St Andrews, KY16 9ST, Scotland
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10
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Ackermann K, Pliotas C, Valera S, Naismith JH, Bode BE. Sparse Labeling PELDOR Spectroscopy on Multimeric Mechanosensitive Membrane Channels. Biophys J 2017; 113:1968-1978. [PMID: 29117521 PMCID: PMC5685675 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpj.2017.09.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2017] [Revised: 08/31/2017] [Accepted: 09/05/2017] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Pulse electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) is being applied to ever more complex biological systems comprising multiple subunits. Membrane channel proteins are of great interest as pulse EPR reports on functionally significant but distinct conformational states in a native environment without the need for crystallization. Pulse EPR, in the form of pulsed electron-electron double resonance (PELDOR), using site-directed spin labeling, is most commonly employed to accurately determine distances (in the nanometer range) between different regions of the structure. However, PELDOR data analysis is more challenging in systems containing more than two spins (e.g., homomultimers) due to distorting multispin effects. Without suppression of these effects, much of the information contained in PELDOR data cannot be reliably retrieved. Thus, it is of utmost importance for future PELDOR applications in structural biology to develop suitable approaches that can overcome the multispin problem. Here, two different approaches for suppressing multispin effects in PELDOR, sparse labeling of the protein (reducing the labeling efficiency f) and reducing the excitation probability of spins (λ), are compared on two distinct bacterial mechanosensitive channels. For both the pentameric channel of large conductance (MscL) and the heptameric channel of small conductance (MscS) of Escherichia coli, mutants containing a spin label in the cytosolic or the transmembrane region were tested. Data demonstrate that distance distributions can be significantly improved with either approach compared to the standard PELDOR measurement, and confirm that λ < 1/(n−1) is needed to sufficiently suppress multispin effects (with n being the number of spins in the system). A clear advantage of the sparse labeling approach is demonstrated for the cytosolic mutants due to a significantly smaller loss in sensitivity. For the transmembrane mutants, this advantage is less pronounced but still useful for MscS, but performance is inferior for MscL possibly due to structural perturbations by the bulkier diamagnetic spin label analog.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katrin Ackermann
- Centre of Magnetic Resonance, University of St Andrews, North Haugh, St Andrews, Fife, United Kingdom; Biomedical Sciences Research Complex and EaStCHEM School of Chemistry, University of St Andrews, North Haugh, St Andrews, Fife, United Kingdom
| | - Christos Pliotas
- Centre of Magnetic Resonance, University of St Andrews, North Haugh, St Andrews, Fife, United Kingdom; Biomedical Sciences Research Complex and EaStCHEM School of Chemistry, University of St Andrews, North Haugh, St Andrews, Fife, United Kingdom
| | - Silvia Valera
- Centre of Magnetic Resonance, University of St Andrews, North Haugh, St Andrews, Fife, United Kingdom; Biomedical Sciences Research Complex and EaStCHEM School of Chemistry, University of St Andrews, North Haugh, St Andrews, Fife, United Kingdom
| | - James H Naismith
- Biomedical Sciences Research Complex and EaStCHEM School of Chemistry, University of St Andrews, North Haugh, St Andrews, Fife, United Kingdom
| | - Bela E Bode
- Centre of Magnetic Resonance, University of St Andrews, North Haugh, St Andrews, Fife, United Kingdom; Biomedical Sciences Research Complex and EaStCHEM School of Chemistry, University of St Andrews, North Haugh, St Andrews, Fife, United Kingdom.
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11
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Studies on the X-Ray and Solution Structure of FeoB from Escherichia coli BL21. Biophys J 2017; 110:2642-2650. [PMID: 27332122 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpj.2016.05.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2016] [Revised: 04/15/2016] [Accepted: 05/06/2016] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The ferrous iron transporter FeoB is an important factor in the iron metabolism of many bacteria. Although several structural studies have been performed on its cytosolic GTPase domain (NFeoB), the full-length structure of FeoB remains elusive. Based on a crystal packing analysis that was performed on crystals of NFeoB, a trimeric structure of the FeoB channel was proposed, where the transport pore runs along the trimer axis. Because this trimer has not been observed in some subsequently solved structures of NFeoB homologs, it remains unclear whether or not the trimer is indeed functionally relevant. Here, pulsed electron-electron double resonance spectroscopy, negative stain electron microscopy, and native mass spectrometry are used to analyze the oligomeric state of different soluble and full-length FeoB constructs. The results show that the full-length protein is predominantly monomeric, whereas dimers and trimers are formed to a small percentage. Furthermore, the solution structure of the switch I region is analyzed by pulsed electron-electron double resonance spectroscopy and a new, to our knowledge, crystal structure of NFeoB from Escherichia coli BL21 is presented.
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12
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A Second RNA-Binding Site in the NS1 Protein of Influenza B Virus. Structure 2016; 24:1562-72. [PMID: 27545620 DOI: 10.1016/j.str.2016.07.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2016] [Revised: 05/25/2016] [Accepted: 06/21/2016] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Influenza viruses cause a highly contagious respiratory disease in humans. The NS1 proteins of influenza A and B viruses (NS1A and NS1B proteins, respectively) are composed of two domains, a dimeric N-terminal domain and a C-terminal domain, connected by a flexible polypeptide linker. Here we report the 2.0-Å X-ray crystal structure and nuclear magnetic resonance studies of the NS1B C-terminal domain, which reveal a novel and unexpected basic RNA-binding site that is not present in the NS1A protein. We demonstrate that single-site alanine replacements of basic residues in this site lead to reduced RNA-binding activity, and that recombinant influenza B viruses expressing these mutant NS1B proteins are severely attenuated in replication. This novel RNA-binding site of NS1B is required for optimal influenza B virus replication. Most importantly, this study reveals an unexpected RNA-binding function in the C-terminal domain of NS1B, a novel function that distinguishes influenza B viruses from influenza A viruses.
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13
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Cunningham TF, Pornsuwan S, Horne WS, Saxena S. Rotameric preferences of a protein spin label at edge-strand β-sheet sites. Protein Sci 2016; 25:1049-60. [PMID: 26948069 DOI: 10.1002/pro.2918] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2015] [Revised: 03/01/2016] [Accepted: 03/03/2016] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Protein spin labeling to yield the nitroxide-based R1 side chain is a powerful method to measure protein dynamics and structure by electron spin resonance. However, R1 measurements are complicated by the flexibility of the side chain. While analysis approaches for solvent-exposed α-helical environment have been developed to partially account for flexibility, similar work in β-sheets is lacking. The goal of this study is to provide the first essential steps for understanding the conformational preferences of R1 within edge β-strands using X-ray crystallography and double electron electron resonance (DEER) distance measurements. Crystal structures yielded seven rotamers for a non-hydrogen-bonded site and three rotamers for a hydrogen-bonded site. The observed rotamers indicate contextual differences in R1 conformational preferences compared to other solvent-exposed environments. For the DEER measurements, each strand site was paired with the same α-helical site elsewhere on the protein. The most probable distance observed by DEER is rationalized based on the rotamers observed in the crystal structure. Additionally, the appropriateness of common molecular modeling methods that account for R1 conformational preferences are assessed for the β-sheet environment. These results show that interpretation of R1 behavior in β-sheets is difficult and indicate further development is needed for these computational methods to correctly relate DEER distances to protein structure at edge β-strand sites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Timothy F Cunningham
- Department of Chemistry, University of Pittsburgh, 219 Parkman Ave, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, 15260
| | - Soraya Pornsuwan
- Department of Chemistry, University of Pittsburgh, 219 Parkman Ave, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, 15260
| | - W Seth Horne
- Department of Chemistry, University of Pittsburgh, 219 Parkman Ave, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, 15260
| | - Sunil Saxena
- Department of Chemistry, University of Pittsburgh, 219 Parkman Ave, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, 15260
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14
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Ackermann K, Giannoulis A, Cordes DB, Slawin AMZ, Bode BE. Assessing dimerisation degree and cooperativity in a biomimetic small-molecule model by pulsed EPR. Chem Commun (Camb) 2016; 51:5257-60. [PMID: 25587579 DOI: 10.1039/c4cc08656b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Pulsed electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy is gaining increasing importance as a complementary biophysical technique in structural biology. Here, we describe the synthesis, optimisation, and EPR titration studies of a spin-labelled terpyridine Zn(II) complex serving as a small-molecule model system for tuneable dimerisation.
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Affiliation(s)
- K Ackermann
- EaStCHEM School of Chemistry, Biomedical Sciences Research Complex and Centre of Magnetic Resonance, University of St Andrews, North Haugh, St Andrews KY16 9ST, UK.
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