1
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Gelová Z, Ingles-Prieto A, Bohstedt T, Frommelt F, Chi G, Chang YN, Garcia J, Wolf G, Azzollini L, Tremolada S, Scacioc A, Hansen JS, Serrano I, Droce A, Bernal JC, Burgess-Brown NA, Carpenter EP, Dürr KL, Kristensen P, Geertsma ER, Štefanić S, Scarabottolo L, Wiedmer T, Puetter V, Sauer DB, Superti-Furga G. Protein Binder Toolbox for Studies of Solute Carrier Transporters. J Mol Biol 2024; 436:168665. [PMID: 38878854 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmb.2024.168665] [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: 03/05/2024] [Revised: 06/07/2024] [Accepted: 06/10/2024] [Indexed: 07/01/2024]
Abstract
Transporters of the solute carrier superfamily (SLCs) are responsible for the transmembrane traffic of the majority of chemical substances in cells and tissues and are therefore of fundamental biological importance. As is often the case with membrane proteins that can be heavily glycosylated, a lack of reliable high-affinity binders hinders their functional analysis. Purifying and reconstituting transmembrane proteins in their lipidic environments remains challenging and standard approaches to generate binders for multi-transmembrane proteins, such as SLCs, channels or G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) are lacking. While generating protein binders to 27 SLCs, we produced full length protein or cell lines as input material for binder generation by selected binder generation platforms. As a result, we obtained 525 binders for 22 SLCs. We validated the binders with a cell-based validation workflow using immunofluorescent and immunoprecipitation methods to process all obtained binders. Finally, we demonstrated the potential applications of the binders that passed our validation pipeline in structural, biochemical, and biological applications using the exemplary protein SLC12A6, an ion transporter relevant in human disease. With this work, we were able to generate easily renewable and highly specific binders against SLCs, which will greatly facilitate the study of this neglected protein family. We hope that the process will serve as blueprint for the generation of binders against the entire superfamily of SLC transporters.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zuzana Gelová
- CeMM Research Center for Molecular Medicine of the Austrian Academy of Sciences, Vienna, Austria
| | - Alvaro Ingles-Prieto
- CeMM Research Center for Molecular Medicine of the Austrian Academy of Sciences, Vienna, Austria
| | - Tina Bohstedt
- Centre for Medicines Discovery, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Fabian Frommelt
- CeMM Research Center for Molecular Medicine of the Austrian Academy of Sciences, Vienna, Austria
| | - Gamma Chi
- Centre for Medicines Discovery, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | | | - Julio Garcia
- CeMM Research Center for Molecular Medicine of the Austrian Academy of Sciences, Vienna, Austria
| | - Gernot Wolf
- CeMM Research Center for Molecular Medicine of the Austrian Academy of Sciences, Vienna, Austria
| | | | | | - Andreea Scacioc
- Centre for Medicines Discovery, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Jesper S Hansen
- Centre for Medicines Discovery, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Iciar Serrano
- CeMM Research Center for Molecular Medicine of the Austrian Academy of Sciences, Vienna, Austria
| | - Aida Droce
- Department of Chemistry and Bioscience, Aalborg University, Aalborg, Denmark
| | | | - Nicola A Burgess-Brown
- Centre for Medicines Discovery, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Elisabeth P Carpenter
- Centre for Medicines Discovery, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Katharina L Dürr
- Centre for Medicines Discovery, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Peter Kristensen
- Department of Chemistry and Bioscience, Aalborg University, Aalborg, Denmark
| | - Eric R Geertsma
- Max Planck Institute of Molecular Cell Biology and Genetics, Dresden, Germany
| | - Saša Štefanić
- Nanobody Service Facility, University of Zurich, AgroVet-Strickhof, Eschikon, Switzerland
| | | | - Tabea Wiedmer
- CeMM Research Center for Molecular Medicine of the Austrian Academy of Sciences, Vienna, Austria
| | | | - David B Sauer
- Centre for Medicines Discovery, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Giulio Superti-Furga
- CeMM Research Center for Molecular Medicine of the Austrian Academy of Sciences, Vienna, Austria; Center for Physiology and Pharmacology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria.
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2
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Li Y, Guo Y, Bröer A, Dai L, Brӧer S, Yan R. Cryo-EM structure of the human Asc-1 transporter complex. Nat Commun 2024; 15:3036. [PMID: 38589439 PMCID: PMC11001984 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-47468-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2023] [Accepted: 04/02/2024] [Indexed: 04/10/2024] Open
Abstract
The Alanine-Serine-Cysteine transporter 1 (Asc-1 or SLC7A10) forms a crucial heterodimeric transporter complex with 4F2hc (SLC3A2) through a covalent disulfide bridge. This complex enables the sodium-independent transport of small neutral amino acids, including L-Alanine (L-Ala), Glycine (Gly), and D-Serine (D-Ser), within the central nervous system (CNS). D-Ser and Gly are two key endogenous glutamate co-agonists that activate N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA) receptors by binding to the allosteric site. Mice deficient in Asc-1 display severe symptoms such as tremors, ataxia, and seizures, leading to early postnatal death. Despite its physiological importance, the functional mechanism of the Asc-1-4F2hc complex has remained elusive. Here, we present cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM) structures of the human Asc-1-4F2hc complex in its apo state, D-Ser bound state, and L-Ala bound state, resolved at 3.6 Å, 3.5 Å, and 3.4 Å, respectively. Through detailed structural analysis and transport assays, we uncover a comprehensive alternating access mechanism that underlies conformational changes in the complex. In summary, our findings reveal the architecture of the Asc-1 and 4F2hc complex and provide valuable insights into substrate recognition and the functional cycle of this essential transporter complex.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yaning Li
- Department of Biochemistry, Key University Laboratory of Metabolism and Health of Guangdong, School of Medicine, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, Guangdong Province, China
- Institute for Biological Electron Microscopy, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, Guangdong Province, China
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Structural Biology, Tsinghua-Peking Joint Center for Life Sciences, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China
| | - Yingying Guo
- Department of Biochemistry, Key University Laboratory of Metabolism and Health of Guangdong, School of Medicine, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Angelika Bröer
- Research School of Biology, Australian National University, Canberra, ACT, Australia
| | - Lu Dai
- Department of Biochemistry, Key University Laboratory of Metabolism and Health of Guangdong, School of Medicine, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Stefan Brӧer
- Research School of Biology, Australian National University, Canberra, ACT, Australia.
| | - Renhong Yan
- Department of Biochemistry, Key University Laboratory of Metabolism and Health of Guangdong, School of Medicine, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, Guangdong Province, China.
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3
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Pyrris Y, Papadaki GF, Mikros E, Diallinas G. The last two transmembrane helices in the APC-type FurE transporter act as an intramolecular chaperone essential for concentrative ER-exit. MICROBIAL CELL (GRAZ, AUSTRIA) 2024; 11:1-15. [PMID: 38225947 PMCID: PMC10788122 DOI: 10.15698/mic2024.01.811] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2023] [Revised: 10/31/2023] [Accepted: 11/13/2023] [Indexed: 01/17/2024]
Abstract
FurE is a H+ symporter specific for the cellular uptake of uric acid, allantoin, uracil, and toxic nucleobase analogues in the fungus Aspergillus nidulans. Being member of the NCS1 protein family, FurE is structurally related to the APC-superfamily of transporters. APC-type transporters are characterised by a 5+5 inverted repeat fold made of ten transmembrane segments (TMS1-10) and function through the rocking-bundle mechanism. Most APC-type transporters possess two extra C-terminal TMS segments (TMS11-12), the function of which remains elusive. Here we present a systematic mutational analysis of TMS11-12 of FurE and show that two specific aromatic residues in TMS12, Trp473 and Tyr484, are essential for ER-exit and trafficking to the plasma membrane (PM). Molecular modeling shows that Trp473 and Tyr484 might be essential through dynamic interactions with residues in TMS2 (Leu91), TMS3 (Phe111), TMS10 (Val404, Asp406) and other aromatic residues in TMS12. Genetic analysis confirms the essential role of Phe111, Asp406 and TMS12 aromatic residues in FurE ER-exit. We further show that co-expression of FurE-Y484F or FurE-W473A with wild-type FurE leads to a dominant negative phenotype, compatible with the concept that FurE molecules oligomerize or partition in specific microdomains to achieve concentrative ER-exit and traffic to the PM. Importantly, truncated FurE versions lacking TMS11-12 are unable to reproduce a negative effect on the trafficking of co-expressed wild-type FurE. Overall, we show that TMS11-12 acts as an intramolecular chaperone for proper FurE folding, which seems to provide a structural code for FurE partitioning in ER-exit sites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yiannis Pyrris
- Department of Biology, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Panepistimioupolis, Athens, 15784, Greece
| | - Georgia F. Papadaki
- Department of Biology, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Panepistimioupolis, Athens, 15784, Greece
| | - Emmanuel Mikros
- Department of Pharmacy, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Panepistimioupolis, Athens, 15771, Greece
| | - George Diallinas
- Department of Biology, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Panepistimioupolis, Athens, 15784, Greece
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Foundation for Research and Technology, Heraklion, 70013, Greece
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4
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Becker L, Hausmann J, Hartmann AM. Both chloride-binding sites are required for KCC2-mediated transport. J Biol Chem 2023; 299:105190. [PMID: 37625593 PMCID: PMC10518353 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2023.105190] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2023] [Revised: 07/30/2023] [Accepted: 08/01/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
The K+-Cl- cotransporter 2 (KCC2) plays an important role in inhibitory neurotransmission, and its impairment is associated with neurological and psychiatric disorders, including epilepsy, schizophrenia, and autism. Although KCCs transport K+ and Cl- in a 1:1 stoichiometry, two Cl- coordination sites were indicated via cryo-EM. In a comprehensive analysis, we analyzed the consequences of point mutations of residues coordinating Cl- in Cl1 and Cl2. Individual mutations of residues in Cl1 and Cl2 reduce or abolish KCC2WT function, indicating a crucial role of both Cl- coordination sites for KCC2 function. Structural changes in the extracellular loop 2 by inserting a 3xHA tag switches the K+ coordination site to another position. To investigate, whether the extension of the extracellular loop 2 with the 3xHA tag also affects the coordination of the two Cl- coordination sites, we carried out the analogous experiments for both Cl- coordinating sites in the KCC2HA construct. These analyses showed that most of the individual mutation of residues in Cl1 and Cl2 in the KCC2HA construct reduces or abolishes KCC2 function, indicating that the coordination of Cl- remains at the same position. However, the coupling of K+ and Cl- in Cl1 is still apparent in the KCC2HA construct, indicating a mutual dependence of both ions. In addition, the coordination residue Tyr569 in Cl2 shifted in KCC2HA. Thus, conformational changes in the extracellular domain affect K+ and Cl--binding sites. However, the effect on the Cl--binding sites is subtler.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa Becker
- Division of Neurogenetics, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Carl von Ossietzky University Oldenburg, Oldenburg, Germany
| | - Jens Hausmann
- Division of Anatomy, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Carl von Ossietzky University Oldenburg, Oldenburg, Germany
| | - Anna-Maria Hartmann
- Division of Neurogenetics, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Carl von Ossietzky University Oldenburg, Oldenburg, Germany; Research Center for Neurosensory Sciences, Carl von Ossietzky University Oldenburg, Oldenburg, Germany.
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5
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Zantza I, Pyrris Y, Raniolo S, Papadaki GF, Lambrinidis G, Limongelli V, Diallinas G, Mikros E. Uracil/H + Symport by FurE Refines Aspects of the Rocking-bundle Mechanism of APC-type Transporters. J Mol Biol 2023; 435:168226. [PMID: 37544358 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmb.2023.168226] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2023] [Revised: 07/22/2023] [Accepted: 07/31/2023] [Indexed: 08/08/2023]
Abstract
Transporters mediate the uptake of solutes, metabolites and drugs across the cell membrane. The eukaryotic FurE nucleobase/H+ symporter of Aspergillus nidulans has been used as a model protein to address structure-function relationships in the APC transporter superfamily, members of which are characterized by the LeuT-fold and seem to operate by the so-called 'rocking-bundle' mechanism. In this study, we reveal the binding mode, translocation and release pathway of uracil/H+ by FurE using path collective variable, funnel metadynamics and rational mutational analysis. Our study reveals a stepwise, induced-fit, mechanism of ordered sequential transport of proton and uracil, which in turn suggests that FurE, functions as a multi-step gated pore, rather than employing 'rocking' of compact domains, as often proposed for APC transporters. Finally, our work supports that specific residues of the cytoplasmic N-tail are involved in substrate translocation, in line with their essentiality for FurE function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iliana Zantza
- Department of Pharmacy, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Panepistimiopolis, Athens 15771, Greece.
| | - Yiannis Pyrris
- Department of Biology, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Panepistimiopolis, Athens 15781, Greece.
| | - Stefano Raniolo
- Faculty of Biomedical Sciences, Euler Institute, Università della Svizzera italiana (USI), Lugano 6900, Switzerland.
| | - Georgia F Papadaki
- Department of Biology, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Panepistimiopolis, Athens 15781, Greece
| | - George Lambrinidis
- Department of Pharmacy, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Panepistimiopolis, Athens 15771, Greece.
| | - Vittorio Limongelli
- Faculty of Biomedical Sciences, Euler Institute, Università della Svizzera italiana (USI), Lugano 6900, Switzerland; Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples "Federico II", Naples 80131, Italy.
| | - George Diallinas
- Department of Biology, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Panepistimiopolis, Athens 15781, Greece; Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Foundation for Research and Technology, Heraklion 70013, Greece.
| | - Emmanuel Mikros
- Department of Pharmacy, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Panepistimiopolis, Athens 15771, Greece; Athena Research and Innovation Center in Information Communication & Knowledge Technologies, Marousi 15125, Greece.
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6
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Insights into the Transport Cycle of LAT1 and Interaction with the Inhibitor JPH203. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24044042. [PMID: 36835453 PMCID: PMC9965313 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24044042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2022] [Revised: 02/08/2023] [Accepted: 02/15/2023] [Indexed: 02/19/2023] Open
Abstract
The large Amino Acid Transporter 1 (LAT1) is an interesting target in drug discovery since this transporter is overexpressed in several human cancers. Furthermore, due to its location in the blood-brain barrier (BBB), LAT1 is interesting for delivering pro-drugs to the brain. In this work, we focused on defining the transport cycle of LAT1 using an in silico approach. So far, studies of the interaction of LAT1 with substrates and inhibitors have not considered that the transporter must undergo at least four different conformations to complete the transport cycle. We built outward-open and inward-occluded conformations of LAT1 using an optimized homology modelling procedure. We used these 3D models and the cryo-EM structures in outward-occluded and inward-open conformations to define the substrate/protein interaction during the transport cycle. We found that the binding scores for the substrate depend on the conformation, with the occluded states as the crucial steps affecting the substrate affinity. Finally, we analyzed the interaction of JPH203, a high-affinity inhibitor of LAT1. The results indicate that conformational states must be considered for in silico analyses and early-stage drug discovery. The two built models, together with the available cryo-EM 3D structures, provide important information on the LAT1 transport cycle, which could be used to speed up the identification of potential inhibitors through in silico screening.
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7
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Llanos MA, Alberca LN, Ruiz MD, Sbaraglini ML, Miranda C, Pino-Martinez A, Fraccaroli L, Carrillo C, Alba Soto CD, Gavernet L, Talevi A. A combined ligand and target-based virtual screening strategy to repurpose drugs as putrescine uptake inhibitors with trypanocidal activity. J Comput Aided Mol Des 2023; 37:75-90. [PMID: 36494599 DOI: 10.1007/s10822-022-00491-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2022] [Accepted: 11/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Chagas disease, also known as American trypanosomiasis, is a neglected tropical disease caused by the protozoa Trypanosoma cruzi, affecting nearly 7 million people only in the Americas. Polyamines are essential compounds for parasite growth, survival, and differentiation. However, because trypanosomatids are auxotrophic for polyamines, they must be obtained from the host by specific transporters. In this investigation, an ensemble of QSAR classifiers able to identify polyamine analogs with trypanocidal activity was developed. Then, a multi-template homology model of the dimeric polyamine transporter of T. cruzi, TcPAT12, was created with Rosetta, and then refined by enhanced sampling molecular dynamics simulations. Using representative snapshots extracted from the trajectory, a docking model able to discriminate between active and inactive compounds was developed and validated. Both models were applied in a parallel virtual screening campaign to repurpose known drugs as anti-trypanosomal compounds inhibiting polyamine transport in T. cruzi. Montelukast, Quinestrol, Danazol, and Dutasteride were selected for in vitro testing, and all of them inhibited putrescine uptake in biochemical assays, confirming the predictive ability of the computational models. Furthermore, all the confirmed hits proved to inhibit epimastigote proliferation, and Quinestrol and Danazol were able to inhibit, in the low micromolar range, the viability of trypomastigotes and the intracellular growth of amastigotes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manuel A Llanos
- Departamento de Ciencias Biológicas and Laboratorio de Investigación y Desarrollo de Bioactivos (LIDeB), Facultad de Ciencias Exactas, Universidad Nacional de La Plata. La Plata (B1900ADU), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Lucas N Alberca
- Departamento de Ciencias Biológicas and Laboratorio de Investigación y Desarrollo de Bioactivos (LIDeB), Facultad de Ciencias Exactas, Universidad Nacional de La Plata. La Plata (B1900ADU), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - María D Ruiz
- Laboratorio de Biología Molecular y Bioquímica en Trypanosoma cruzi y otros agentes infecciosos, Instituto de Ciencia y Tecnología (ICT) Milstein - Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Tecnológicas (CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - María L Sbaraglini
- Departamento de Ciencias Biológicas and Laboratorio de Investigación y Desarrollo de Bioactivos (LIDeB), Facultad de Ciencias Exactas, Universidad Nacional de La Plata. La Plata (B1900ADU), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Cristian Miranda
- Departamento de Microbiología, Parasitología e Inmunología, Facultad de Medicina, Instituto de Investigaciones en Microbiología y Parasitología Médica (IMPaM, UBA-CONICET), Universidad de Buenos Aires., Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Agustina Pino-Martinez
- Departamento de Microbiología, Parasitología e Inmunología, Facultad de Medicina, Instituto de Investigaciones en Microbiología y Parasitología Médica (IMPaM, UBA-CONICET), Universidad de Buenos Aires., Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Laura Fraccaroli
- Laboratorio de Biología Molecular y Bioquímica en Trypanosoma cruzi y otros agentes infecciosos, Instituto de Ciencia y Tecnología (ICT) Milstein - Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Tecnológicas (CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Carolina Carrillo
- Laboratorio de Biología Molecular y Bioquímica en Trypanosoma cruzi y otros agentes infecciosos, Instituto de Ciencia y Tecnología (ICT) Milstein - Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Tecnológicas (CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Catalina D Alba Soto
- Departamento de Microbiología, Parasitología e Inmunología, Facultad de Medicina, Instituto de Investigaciones en Microbiología y Parasitología Médica (IMPaM, UBA-CONICET), Universidad de Buenos Aires., Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Luciana Gavernet
- Departamento de Ciencias Biológicas and Laboratorio de Investigación y Desarrollo de Bioactivos (LIDeB), Facultad de Ciencias Exactas, Universidad Nacional de La Plata. La Plata (B1900ADU), Buenos Aires, Argentina.
| | - Alan Talevi
- Departamento de Ciencias Biológicas and Laboratorio de Investigación y Desarrollo de Bioactivos (LIDeB), Facultad de Ciencias Exactas, Universidad Nacional de La Plata. La Plata (B1900ADU), Buenos Aires, Argentina
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8
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Zhou Y, Lewis JH, Lu Z. Tracking multiple conformations occurring on angstrom-and-millisecond scales in single amino-acid-transporter molecules. eLife 2023; 12:82175. [PMID: 36800214 PMCID: PMC9937647 DOI: 10.7554/elife.82175] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2022] [Accepted: 01/15/2023] [Indexed: 02/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Most membrane protein molecules undergo conformational changes as they transition from one functional state to another one. An understanding of the mechanism underlying these changes requires the ability to resolve individual conformational states, whose changes often occur on millisecond and angstrom scales. Tracking such changes and acquiring a sufficiently large amount of data remain challenging. Here, we use the amino-acid transporter AdiC as an example to demonstrate the application of a high-resolution fluorescence-polarization-microscopy method in tracking multistate conformational changes of a membrane protein. We have successfully resolved four conformations of AdiC by monitoring the emission-polarization changes of a fluorophore label and quantified their probabilities in the presence of a series of concentrations of its substrate arginine. The acquired data are sufficient for determining all equilibrium constants that fully establish the energetic relations among the four states. The KD values determined for arginine in four individual conformations are statistically comparable to the previously reported overall KD determined using isothermal titration calorimetry. This demonstrated strong resolving power of the present polarization-microscopy method will enable an acquisition of the quantitative information required for understanding the expected complex conformational mechanism underlying the transporter's function, as well as those of other membrane proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yufeng Zhou
- Department of Physiology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of PennsylvaniaPhiladelphiaUnited States
| | - John H Lewis
- Department of Physiology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of PennsylvaniaPhiladelphiaUnited States
| | - Zhe Lu
- Department of Physiology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of PennsylvaniaPhiladelphiaUnited States
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9
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del Alamo D, DeSousa L, Nair RM, Rahman S, Meiler J, Mchaourab HS. Integrated AlphaFold2 and DEER investigation of the conformational dynamics of a pH-dependent APC antiporter. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2022; 119:e2206129119. [PMID: 35969794 PMCID: PMC9407458 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2206129119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2022] [Accepted: 07/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The Amino Acid-Polyamine-Organocation (APC) transporter GadC contributes to the survival of pathogenic bacteria under extreme acid stress by exchanging extracellular glutamate for intracellular γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA). Its structure, determined in an inward-facing conformation at alkaline pH, consists of the canonical LeuT-fold with a conserved five-helix inverted repeat, thereby resembling functionally divergent transporters such as the serotonin transporter SERT and the glucose-sodium symporter SGLT1. However, despite this structural similarity, it is unclear if the conformational dynamics of antiporters such as GadC follow the blueprint of these or other LeuT-fold transporters. Here, we used double electron-electron resonance (DEER) spectroscopy to monitor the conformational dynamics of GadC in lipid bilayers in response to acidification and substrate binding. To guide experimental design and facilitate the interpretation of the DEER data, we generated an ensemble of structural models in multiple conformations using a recently introduced modification of AlphaFold2 . Our experimental results reveal acid-induced conformational changes that dislodge the Cterminus from the permeation pathway coupled with rearrangement of helices that enables isomerization between inward- and outward-facing states. The substrate glutamate, but not GABA, modulates the dynamics of an extracellular thin gate without shifting the equilibrium between inward- and outward-facing conformations. In addition to introducing an integrated methodology for probing transporter conformational dynamics, the congruence of the DEER data with patterns of structural rearrangements deduced from ensembles of AlphaFold2 models illuminates the conformational cycle of GadC underpinning transport and exposes yet another example of the divergence between the dynamics of different families in the LeuT-fold.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diego del Alamo
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37212
- Department of Chemistry, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37212
| | - Lillian DeSousa
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37212
| | - Rahul M. Nair
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37212
| | - Suhaila Rahman
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37212
| | - Jens Meiler
- Department of Chemistry, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37212
- Institute for Drug Discovery, Leipzig University, Leipzig, Germany 04109
| | - Hassane S. Mchaourab
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37212
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10
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Del Alamo D, Meiler J, Mchaourab HS. Principles of Alternating Access in LeuT-fold Transporters: Commonalities and Divergences. J Mol Biol 2022; 434:167746. [PMID: 35843285 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmb.2022.167746] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2022] [Revised: 07/08/2022] [Accepted: 07/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Found in all domains of life, transporters belonging to the LeuT-fold class mediate the import and exchange of hydrophilic and charged compounds such as amino acids, metals, and sugar molecules. Nearly two decades of investigations on the eponymous bacterial transporter LeuT have yielded a library of high-resolution snapshots of its conformational cycle linked by solution-state experimental data obtained from multiple techniques. In parallel, its topology has been observed in symporters and antiporters characterized by a spectrum of substrate specificities and coupled to gradients of distinct ions. Here we review and compare mechanistic models of transport for LeuT, its well-studied homologs, as well as functionally distant members of the fold, emphasizing the commonalities and divergences in alternating access and the corresponding energy landscapes. Our integrated summary illustrates how fold conservation, a hallmark of the LeuT fold, coincides with divergent choreographies of alternating access that nevertheless capitalize on recurrent structural motifs. In addition, it highlights the knowledge gap that hinders the leveraging of the current body of research into detailed mechanisms of transport for this important class of membrane proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diego Del Alamo
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA; Department of Chemistry, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA. https://twitter.com/DdelAlamo
| | - Jens Meiler
- Department of Chemistry, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA; Institute for Drug Discovery, Leipzig University, Leipzig, DE, USA. https://twitter.com/MeilerLab
| | - Hassane S Mchaourab
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA.
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11
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Beckstein O, Naughton F. General principles of secondary active transporter function. BIOPHYSICS REVIEWS 2022; 3:011307. [PMID: 35434715 PMCID: PMC8984959 DOI: 10.1063/5.0047967] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2021] [Accepted: 02/23/2022] [Indexed: 04/13/2023]
Abstract
Transport of ions and small molecules across the cell membrane against electrochemical gradients is catalyzed by integral membrane proteins that use a source of free energy to drive the energetically uphill flux of the transported substrate. Secondary active transporters couple the spontaneous influx of a "driving" ion such as Na+ or H+ to the flux of the substrate. The thermodynamics of such cyclical non-equilibrium systems are well understood, and recent work has focused on the molecular mechanism of secondary active transport. The fact that these transporters change their conformation between an inward-facing and outward-facing conformation in a cyclical fashion, called the alternating access model, is broadly recognized as the molecular framework in which to describe transporter function. However, only with the advent of high resolution crystal structures and detailed computer simulations, it has become possible to recognize common molecular-level principles between disparate transporter families. Inverted repeat symmetry in secondary active transporters has shed light onto how protein structures can encode a bi-stable two-state system. Based on structural data, three broad classes of alternating access transitions have been described as rocker-switch, rocking-bundle, and elevator mechanisms. More detailed analysis indicates that transporters can be understood as gated pores with at least two coupled gates. These gates are not just a convenient cartoon element to illustrate a putative mechanism but map to distinct parts of the transporter protein. Enumerating all distinct gate states naturally includes occluded states in the alternating access picture and also suggests what kind of protein conformations might be observable. By connecting the possible conformational states and ion/substrate bound states in a kinetic model, a unified picture emerges in which the symporter, antiporter, and uniporter functions are extremes in a continuum of functionality. As usual with biological systems, few principles and rules are absolute and exceptions are discussed as well as how biological complexity may be integrated in quantitative kinetic models that may provide a bridge from the structure to function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oliver Beckstein
- Department of Physics, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona 85287, USA
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12
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Parker JL, Deme JC, Kolokouris D, Kuteyi G, Biggin PC, Lea SM, Newstead S. Molecular basis for redox control by the human cystine/glutamate antiporter system xc . Nat Commun 2021; 12:7147. [PMID: 34880232 PMCID: PMC8654953 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-27414-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 78] [Impact Index Per Article: 26.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2021] [Accepted: 11/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Cysteine plays an essential role in cellular redox homoeostasis as a key constituent of the tripeptide glutathione (GSH). A rate limiting step in cellular GSH synthesis is the availability of cysteine. However, circulating cysteine exists in the blood as the oxidised di-peptide cystine, requiring specialised transport systems for its import into the cell. System xc- is a dedicated cystine transporter, importing cystine in exchange for intracellular glutamate. To counteract elevated levels of reactive oxygen species in cancerous cells system xc- is frequently upregulated, making it an attractive target for anticancer therapies. However, the molecular basis for ligand recognition remains elusive, hampering efforts to specifically target this transport system. Here we present the cryo-EM structure of system xc- in both the apo and glutamate bound states. Structural comparisons reveal an allosteric mechanism for ligand discrimination, supported by molecular dynamics and cell-based assays, establishing a mechanism for cystine transport in human cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joanne L Parker
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Oxford, Oxford, OX1 3QU, UK.
| | - Justin C Deme
- Dunn School of Pathology, University of Oxford, Oxford, OX1 3RE, UK
- Central Oxford Structural Molecular Imaging Centre, University of Oxford, South Parks Road, Oxford, OX1 3RE, UK
- Center for Structural Biology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Frederick, MD, 21702, USA
| | | | - Gabriel Kuteyi
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Oxford, Oxford, OX1 3QU, UK
| | - Philip C Biggin
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Oxford, Oxford, OX1 3QU, UK
| | - Susan M Lea
- Dunn School of Pathology, University of Oxford, Oxford, OX1 3RE, UK.
- Central Oxford Structural Molecular Imaging Centre, University of Oxford, South Parks Road, Oxford, OX1 3RE, UK.
- Center for Structural Biology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Frederick, MD, 21702, USA.
| | - Simon Newstead
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Oxford, Oxford, OX1 3QU, UK.
- The Kavli Institute for Nanoscience Discovery, University of Oxford, Oxford, OX1 3QU, UK.
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13
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Portioli C, Ruiz Munevar MJ, De Vivo M, Cancedda L. Cation-coupled chloride cotransporters: chemical insights and disease implications. TRENDS IN CHEMISTRY 2021; 3:832-849. [PMID: 34604727 PMCID: PMC8461084 DOI: 10.1016/j.trechm.2021.05.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Cation-coupled chloride cotransporters (CCCs) modulate the transport of sodium and/or potassium cations coupled with chloride anions across the cell membrane. CCCs thus help regulate intracellular ionic concentration and consequent cell volume homeostasis. This has been largely exploited in the past to develop diuretic drugs that act on CCCs expressed in the kidney. However, a growing wealth of evidence has demonstrated that CCCs are also critically involved in a great variety of other pathologies, motivating most recent drug discovery programs targeting CCCs. Here, we examine the structure–function relationship of CCCs. By linking recent high-resolution cryogenic electron microscopy (cryo-EM) data with older biochemical/functional studies on CCCs, we discuss the mechanistic insights and opportunities to design selective CCC modulators to treat diverse pathologies. The structural topology and function of all cation-coupled chloride cotransporters (CCCs) have been continuously investigated over the past 40 years, with great progress also thanks to the recent cryogenic electron microscopy (cryo-EM) resolution of the structures of five CCCs. In particular, such studies have clarified the structure–function relationship for the Na-K-Cl cotransporter NKCC1 and K-Cl cotransporters KCC1–4. The constantly growing evidence of the crucial involvement of CCCs in physiological and various pathological conditions, as well as the evidence of their wide expression in diverse body tissues, has promoted CCCs as targets for the discovery and development of new, safer, and more selective/effective drugs for a plethora of pathologies. Post-translational modification anchor points on the structure of CCCs may offer alternative strategies for small molecule drug discovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Corinne Portioli
- Brain Development and Disease Laboratory, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia (IIT), Via Morego 30, 16163 Genoa, Italy.,Laboratory of Molecular Modeling and Drug Discovery, IIT, Via Morego, 30 16163 Genoa, Italy
| | | | - Marco De Vivo
- Laboratory of Molecular Modeling and Drug Discovery, IIT, Via Morego, 30 16163 Genoa, Italy
| | - Laura Cancedda
- Brain Development and Disease Laboratory, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia (IIT), Via Morego 30, 16163 Genoa, Italy.,Dulbecco Telethon Institute, Via Varese 16b, 00185 Rome, Italy
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14
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Ilgü H, Jeckelmann JM, Kalbermatter D, Ucurum Z, Lemmin T, Fotiadis D. High-resolution structure of the amino acid transporter AdiC reveals insights into the role of water molecules and networks in oligomerization and substrate binding. BMC Biol 2021; 19:179. [PMID: 34461897 PMCID: PMC8406831 DOI: 10.1186/s12915-021-01102-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2021] [Accepted: 07/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The L-arginine/agmatine transporter AdiC is part of the arginine-dependent extreme acid resistance system of the bacterium Escherichia coli and its pathogenic varieties such as strain E. coli O157:H7. At the present time, there is a lack of knowledge concerning the role of water molecules and networks for the structure and function of AdiC, and solute transporters in general. Results The structure of the L-arginine/agmatine transporter AdiC was determined at 1.7 Å resolution by X-ray crystallography. This high resolution allowed for the identification of numerous water molecules buried in the structure. In combination with molecular dynamics (MD) simulations, we demonstrate that water molecules play an important role for stabilizing the protein and key residues, and act as placeholders for atoms of the AdiC substrates L-arginine and agmatine. MD simulations unveiled flexibility and restrained mobility of gating residues W202 and W293, respectively. Furthermore, a water-filled cavity was identified at the dimer interface of AdiC. The two monomers formed bridging interactions through water-mediated hydrogen bonds. The accessibility and presence of water molecules in this cavity was confirmed with MD simulations. Point mutations disrupting the interfacial water network validated the importance of water molecules for dimer stabilization. Conclusions This work gives new insights into the role and importance of water molecules in the L-arginine/agmatine transporter AdiC for protein stabilization and substrate-binding site shaping and as placeholders of substrate atoms. Furthermore, and based on the observed flexibility and restrained mobility of gating residues, a mechanistic role of the gate flexibility in the transport cycle was proposed. Finally, we identified a water-filled cavity at the dimeric interface that contributes to the stability of the amino acid transporter oligomer. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12915-021-01102-4.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hüseyin Ilgü
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, and Swiss National Centre of Competence in Research (NCCR) TransCure, University of Bern, CH-3012, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Jean-Marc Jeckelmann
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, and Swiss National Centre of Competence in Research (NCCR) TransCure, University of Bern, CH-3012, Bern, Switzerland
| | - David Kalbermatter
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, and Swiss National Centre of Competence in Research (NCCR) TransCure, University of Bern, CH-3012, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Zöhre Ucurum
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, and Swiss National Centre of Competence in Research (NCCR) TransCure, University of Bern, CH-3012, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Thomas Lemmin
- DS3Lab, System Group, Department of Computer Sciences, ETH Zurich, CH-8093, Zürich, Switzerland. .,Trkola Group, Institute for Medical Virology, University of Zurich, CH-8057, Zürich, Switzerland.
| | - Dimitrios Fotiadis
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, and Swiss National Centre of Competence in Research (NCCR) TransCure, University of Bern, CH-3012, Bern, Switzerland.
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15
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Nicolàs-Aragó A, Fort J, Palacín M, Errasti-Murugarren E. Rush Hour of LATs towards Their Transport Cycle. MEMBRANES 2021; 11:602. [PMID: 34436365 PMCID: PMC8399266 DOI: 10.3390/membranes11080602] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2021] [Revised: 08/03/2021] [Accepted: 08/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
The mammalian SLC7 family comprises the L-amino acid transporters (LATs) and the cationic amino acid transporters (CATs). The relevance of these transporters is highlighted by their involvement in several human pathologies, including inherited rare diseases and acquired diseases, such as cancer. In the last four years, several crystal or cryo-EM structures of LATs and CATs have been solved. These structures have started to fill our knowledge gap that previously was based on the structural biology of remote homologs of the amino acid-polyamine-organocation (APC) transporters. This review recovers this structural and functional information to start generating the molecular bases of the transport cycle of LATs. Special attention is given to the known transporter conformations within the transport cycle and the molecular bases for substrate interaction and translocation, including the asymmetric interaction of substrates at both sides of the plasma membrane.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adrià Nicolàs-Aragó
- Laboratory of Amino Acid Transporters and Disease, Institute for Research in Biomedicine (IRB Barcelona), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology (BIST), Baldiri Reixac 10, 08028 Barcelona, Spain; (A.N.-A.); (J.F.)
| | - Joana Fort
- Laboratory of Amino Acid Transporters and Disease, Institute for Research in Biomedicine (IRB Barcelona), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology (BIST), Baldiri Reixac 10, 08028 Barcelona, Spain; (A.N.-A.); (J.F.)
- CIBERER (Centro Español en Red de Biomedicina de Enfermedades Raras), 08028 Barcelona, Spain
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biomedicine, Universitat de Barcelona, 08028 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Manuel Palacín
- Laboratory of Amino Acid Transporters and Disease, Institute for Research in Biomedicine (IRB Barcelona), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology (BIST), Baldiri Reixac 10, 08028 Barcelona, Spain; (A.N.-A.); (J.F.)
- CIBERER (Centro Español en Red de Biomedicina de Enfermedades Raras), 08028 Barcelona, Spain
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biomedicine, Universitat de Barcelona, 08028 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Ekaitz Errasti-Murugarren
- Laboratory of Amino Acid Transporters and Disease, Institute for Research in Biomedicine (IRB Barcelona), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology (BIST), Baldiri Reixac 10, 08028 Barcelona, Spain; (A.N.-A.); (J.F.)
- CIBERER (Centro Español en Red de Biomedicina de Enfermedades Raras), 08028 Barcelona, Spain
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16
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McIlwain BC, Erwin AL, Davis AR, Ben Koff B, Chang L, Bylund T, Chuang GY, Kwong PD, Ohi MD, Lai YT, Stockbridge RB. N-terminal Transmembrane-Helix Epitope Tag for X-ray Crystallography and Electron Microscopy of Small Membrane Proteins. J Mol Biol 2021; 433:166909. [PMID: 33676924 PMCID: PMC8292168 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmb.2021.166909] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2021] [Revised: 02/19/2021] [Accepted: 02/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Structural studies of membrane proteins, especially small membrane proteins, are associated with well-known experimental challenges. Complexation with monoclonal antibody fragments is a common strategy to augment such proteins; however, generating antibody fragments that specifically bind a target protein is not trivial. Here we identify a helical epitope, from the membrane-proximal external region (MPER) of the gp41-transmembrane subunit of the HIV envelope protein, that is recognized by several well-characterized antibodies and that can be fused as a contiguous extension of the N-terminal transmembrane helix of a broad range of membrane proteins. To analyze whether this MPER-epitope tag might aid structural studies of small membrane proteins, we determined an X-ray crystal structure of a membrane protein target that does not crystallize without the aid of crystallization chaperones, the Fluc fluoride channel, fused to the MPER epitope and in complex with antibody. We also demonstrate the utility of this approach for single particle electron microscopy with Fluc and two additional small membrane proteins that represent different membrane protein folds, AdiC and GlpF. These studies show that the MPER epitope provides a structurally defined, rigid docking site for antibody fragments that is transferable among diverse membrane proteins and can be engineered without prior structural information. Antibodies that bind to the MPER epitope serve as effective crystallization chaperones and electron microscopy fiducial markers, enabling structural studies of challenging small membrane proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin C McIlwain
- Department of Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, United States
| | - Amanda L Erwin
- Life Sciences Institute, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, United States; Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48019, United States
| | - Alexander R Davis
- Department of Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, United States
| | - B Ben Koff
- Department of Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, United States
| | - Louise Chang
- Life Sciences Institute, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, United States
| | - Tatsiana Bylund
- Vaccine Research Center, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, United States
| | - Gwo-Yu Chuang
- Vaccine Research Center, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, United States
| | - Peter D Kwong
- Vaccine Research Center, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, United States
| | - Melanie D Ohi
- Life Sciences Institute, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, United States; Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48019, United States.
| | - Yen-Ting Lai
- Vaccine Research Center, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, United States; Moderna Therapeutics, 200 Technology Square, Cambridge, MA 02139, United States.
| | - Randy B Stockbridge
- Department of Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, United States; Program in Biophysics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, United States.
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17
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Ernst M, Robertson JL. The Role of the Membrane in Transporter Folding and Activity. J Mol Biol 2021; 433:167103. [PMID: 34139219 PMCID: PMC8756397 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmb.2021.167103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2021] [Revised: 06/07/2021] [Accepted: 06/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
The synthesis, folding, and function of membrane transport proteins are critical factors for defining cellular physiology. Since the stability of these proteins evolved amidst the lipid bilayer, it is no surprise that we are finding that many of these membrane proteins demonstrate coupling of their structure or activity in some way to the membrane. More and more transporter structures are being determined with some information about the surrounding membrane, and computational modeling is providing further molecular details about these solvation structures. Thus, the field is moving towards identifying which molecular mechanisms - lipid interactions, membrane perturbations, differential solvation, and bulk membrane effects - are involved in linking membrane energetics to transporter stability and function. In this review, we present an overview of these mechanisms and the growing evidence that the lipid bilayer is a major determinant of the fold, form, and function of membrane transport proteins in membranes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melanie Ernst
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics, Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, 660 South Euclid Avenue, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Janice L Robertson
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics, Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, 660 South Euclid Avenue, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA.
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18
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Fairweather SJ, Shah N, Brӧer S. Heteromeric Solute Carriers: Function, Structure, Pathology and Pharmacology. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2021; 21:13-127. [PMID: 33052588 DOI: 10.1007/5584_2020_584] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Solute carriers form one of three major superfamilies of membrane transporters in humans, and include uniporters, exchangers and symporters. Following several decades of molecular characterisation, multiple solute carriers that form obligatory heteromers with unrelated subunits are emerging as a distinctive principle of membrane transporter assembly. Here we comprehensively review experimentally established heteromeric solute carriers: SLC3-SLC7 amino acid exchangers, SLC16 monocarboxylate/H+ symporters and basigin/embigin, SLC4A1 (AE1) and glycophorin A exchanger, SLC51 heteromer Ost α-Ost β uniporter, and SLC6 heteromeric symporters. The review covers the history of the heteromer discovery, transporter physiology, structure, disease associations and pharmacology - all with a focus on the heteromeric assembly. The cellular locations, requirements for complex formation, and the functional role of dimerization are extensively detailed, including analysis of the first complete heteromer structures, the SLC7-SLC3 family transporters LAT1-4F2hc, b0,+AT-rBAT and the SLC6 family heteromer B0AT1-ACE2. We present a systematic analysis of the structural and functional aspects of heteromeric solute carriers and conclude with common principles of their functional roles and structural architecture.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephen J Fairweather
- Research School of Biology, Australian National University, Canberra, ACT, Australia. .,Resarch School of Chemistry, Australian National University, Canberra, ACT, Australia.
| | - Nishank Shah
- Research School of Biology, Australian National University, Canberra, ACT, Australia
| | - Stefan Brӧer
- Research School of Biology, Australian National University, Canberra, ACT, Australia.
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19
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Errasti-Murugarren E, Palacín M. Heteromeric Amino Acid Transporters in Brain: from Physiology to Pathology. Neurochem Res 2021; 47:23-36. [PMID: 33606172 DOI: 10.1007/s11064-021-03261-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2020] [Revised: 01/27/2021] [Accepted: 01/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
In humans, more than 50 transporters are responsible for the traffic and balance of amino acids within and between cells and tissues, and half of them have been associated with disease [1]. Covering all common amino acids, Heteromeric Amino acid Transporters (HATs) are one class of such transporters. This review first highlights structural and functional studies that solved the atomic structure of HATs and revealed molecular clues on substrate interaction. Moreover, this review focuses on HATs that have a role in the central nervous system (CNS) and that are related to neurological diseases, including: (i) LAT1/CD98hc and its role in the uptake of branched chain amino acids trough the blood brain barrier and autism. (ii) LAT2/CD98hc and its potential role in the transport of glutamine between plasma and cerebrospinal fluid. (iii) y+LAT2/CD98hc that is emerging as a key player in hepatic encephalopathy. xCT/CD98hc as a potential therapeutic target in glioblastoma, and (iv) Asc-1/CD98hc as a potential therapeutic target in pathologies with alterations in NMDA glutamate receptors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ekaitz Errasti-Murugarren
- Institute for Research in Biomedicine. Institute of Science and Technology (BIST), 08028, Barcelona, Spain. .,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Raras (CIBERER), 08028, Barcelona, Spain.
| | - Manuel Palacín
- Institute for Research in Biomedicine. Institute of Science and Technology (BIST), 08028, Barcelona, Spain. .,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Raras (CIBERER), 08028, Barcelona, Spain. .,Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biomedicine, Faculty of Biology, University of Barcelona, 08028, Barcelona, Spain.
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20
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Zhang S, Zhou J, Zhang Y, Liu T, Friedel P, Zhuo W, Somasekharan S, Roy K, Zhang L, Liu Y, Meng X, Deng H, Zeng W, Li G, Forbush B, Yang M. The structural basis of function and regulation of neuronal cotransporters NKCC1 and KCC2. Commun Biol 2021; 4:226. [PMID: 33597714 PMCID: PMC7889885 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-021-01750-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2020] [Accepted: 01/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
NKCC and KCC transporters mediate coupled transport of Na++K++Cl- and K++Cl- across the plasma membrane, thus regulating cell Cl- concentration and cell volume and playing critical roles in transepithelial salt and water transport and in neuronal excitability. The function of these transporters has been intensively studied, but a mechanistic understanding has awaited structural studies of the transporters. Here, we present the cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM) structures of the two neuronal cation-chloride cotransporters human NKCC1 (SLC12A2) and mouse KCC2 (SLC12A5), along with computational analysis and functional characterization. These structures highlight essential residues in ion transport and allow us to propose mechanisms by which phosphorylation regulates transport activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sensen Zhang
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Protein Science, Tsinghua-Peking Center for Life Sciences, Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Structural Biology, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Jun Zhou
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Protein Science, Tsinghua-Peking Center for Life Sciences, Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Structural Biology, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Yuebin Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Reaction Dynamics, Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Dalian, China
| | - Tianya Liu
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Protein Science, Tsinghua-Peking Center for Life Sciences, Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Structural Biology, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Perrine Friedel
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Physiology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Wei Zhuo
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Protein Science, Tsinghua-Peking Center for Life Sciences, Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Structural Biology, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Suma Somasekharan
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Physiology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Kasturi Roy
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Physiology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Laixing Zhang
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Protein Science, Tsinghua-Peking Center for Life Sciences, Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Structural Biology, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Yang Liu
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Protein Science, Tsinghua-Peking Center for Life Sciences, Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Structural Biology, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Xianbin Meng
- MOE Key Laboratory of Bioinformatics, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Haiteng Deng
- MOE Key Laboratory of Bioinformatics, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Wenwen Zeng
- Center for Life Sciences, Institute for Immunology and School of Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Guohui Li
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Reaction Dynamics, Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Dalian, China.
| | - Biff Forbush
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Physiology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA.
| | - Maojun Yang
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Protein Science, Tsinghua-Peking Center for Life Sciences, Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Structural Biology, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China.
- School of Pharmacy, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.
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21
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Hartmann AM, Fu L, Ziegler C, Winklhofer M, Nothwang HG. Structural changes in the extracellular loop 2 of the murine KCC2 potassium chloride cotransporter modulate ion transport. J Biol Chem 2021; 296:100793. [PMID: 34019872 PMCID: PMC8191313 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2021.100793] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2020] [Revised: 05/11/2021] [Accepted: 05/14/2021] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
K+-Cl- cotransporters (KCCs) play important roles in physiological processes such as inhibitory neurotransmission and cell-volume regulation. KCCs exhibit significant variations in K+ affinities, yet recent atomic structures demonstrated that K+- and Cl--binding sites are highly conserved, raising the question of whether additional structural elements may contribute to ion coordination. The termini and the large extracellular domain (ECD) of KCCs exhibit only low sequence identity and were already discussed as modulators of transport activity. Here, we used the extracellular loop 2 (EL2) that links transmembrane helices (TMs) 3 and 4, as a mechanism to modulate ECD folding. We compared consequences of point mutations in the K+-binding site on the function of WT KCC2 and in a KCC2 variant, in which EL2 was structurally altered by insertion of a IFYPYDVPDYAGYPYDVPDYAGSYPYDVPDYAAHAAA (3xHA) tag (36 amino acids). In WT KCC2, individual mutations of five residues in the K+-binding site resulted in a 2- to 3-fold decreased transport rate. However, the same mutations in the KCC2 variant with EL2 structurally altered by insertion of a 3xHA tag had no effect on transport activity. Homology models of mouse KCC2 with the 3xHA tag inserted into EL2 using ab initio prediction were generated. The models suggest subtle conformational changes occur in the ECD upon EL2 modification. These data suggest that a conformational change in the ECD, for example, by interaction with EL2, might be an elegant way to modulate the K+ affinity of the different isoforms in the KCC subfamily.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna-Maria Hartmann
- Division of Neurogenetics, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Carl von Ossietzky University Oldenburg, Oldenburg, Germany; Research Center for Neurosensory Sciences, Carl von Ossietzky University Oldenburg, Oldenburg, Germany.
| | - Lifei Fu
- Biophysics II, Biophysics II-Structural Biology, Faculty of Biology and Pre-Clinical Medicine, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Christine Ziegler
- Biophysics II, Biophysics II-Structural Biology, Faculty of Biology and Pre-Clinical Medicine, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Michael Winklhofer
- Institute for Biology and Environmental Sciences IBU, Carl von Ossietzky University of Oldenburg, Oldenburg, Germany
| | - Hans Gerd Nothwang
- Division of Neurogenetics, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Carl von Ossietzky University Oldenburg, Oldenburg, Germany; Research Center for Neurosensory Sciences, Carl von Ossietzky University Oldenburg, Oldenburg, Germany; Center of Excellence Hearing4all, Carl von Ossietzky University Oldenburg, Oldenburg, Germany
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22
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Yan R, Li Y, Shi Y, Zhou J, Lei J, Huang J, Zhou Q. Cryo-EM structure of the human heteromeric amino acid transporter b 0,+AT-rBAT. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2020; 6:eaay6379. [PMID: 32494597 PMCID: PMC7159911 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.aay6379] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2019] [Accepted: 01/22/2020] [Indexed: 05/16/2023]
Abstract
Heteromeric amino acid transporters (HATs) catalyze the transmembrane movement of amino acids, comprising two subunits, a heavy chain and a light chain, linked by a disulfide bridge. The b0,+AT (SLC7A9) is a representative light chain of HATs, forming heterodimer with rBAT, a heavy chain which mediates the membrane trafficking of b0,+AT. The b0,+AT-rBAT complex is an obligatory exchanger, which mediates the influx of cystine and cationic amino acids and the efflux of neutral amino acids in kidney and small intestine. Here, we report the cryo-EM structure of the human b0,+AT-rBAT complex alone and in complex with arginine substrate at resolution of 2.7 and 2.3 Å, respectively. The overall structure of b0,+AT-rBAT exists as a dimer of heterodimer consistent with the previous study. A ligand molecule is bound to the substrate binding pocket, near which an occluded pocket is identified, to which we found that it is important for substrate transport.
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Affiliation(s)
- Renhong Yan
- Key Laboratory of Structural Biology of Zhejiang Province, Institute of Biology, Westlake Institute for Advanced Study, School of Life Sciences, Westlake University, 18 Shilongshan Road, Hangzhou 310024, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Yaning Li
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Structural Biology, Tsinghua-Peking Joint Center for Life Sciences, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Yi Shi
- Key Laboratory of Structural Biology of Zhejiang Province, Institute of Biology, Westlake Institute for Advanced Study, School of Life Sciences, Westlake University, 18 Shilongshan Road, Hangzhou 310024, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Jiayao Zhou
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Structural Biology, Tsinghua-Peking Joint Center for Life Sciences, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Jianlin Lei
- Technology Center for Protein Sciences, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Protein Sciences, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Jing Huang
- Key Laboratory of Structural Biology of Zhejiang Province, Institute of Biology, Westlake Institute for Advanced Study, School of Life Sciences, Westlake University, 18 Shilongshan Road, Hangzhou 310024, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Qiang Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Structural Biology of Zhejiang Province, Institute of Biology, Westlake Institute for Advanced Study, School of Life Sciences, Westlake University, 18 Shilongshan Road, Hangzhou 310024, Zhejiang Province, China
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23
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Asc-1 Transporter (SLC7A10): Homology Models And Molecular Dynamics Insights Into The First Steps Of The Transport Mechanism. Sci Rep 2020; 10:3731. [PMID: 32111919 PMCID: PMC7048771 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-60617-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2019] [Accepted: 02/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
The alanine-serine-cysteine transporter Asc-1 regulates the synaptic availability of d-serine and glycine (the two co-agonists of the NMDA receptor) and is regarded as an important drug target. To shuttle the substrate from the extracellular space to the cytoplasm, this transporter undergoes multiple distinct conformational states. In this work, homology modeling, substrate docking and molecular dynamics simulations were carried out to learn more about the transition between the “outward-open” and “outward-open occluded” states. We identified a transition state involving the highly-conserved unwound TM6 region in which the Phe243 flips close to the d-serine substrate without major movements of TM6. This feature and those of other key residues are proposed to control the binding site and substrate translocation. Competitive inhibitors ACPP, LuAE00527 and SMLC were docked and their binding modes at the substrate binding site corroborated the key role played by Phe243 of TM6. For ACPP and LuAE00527, strong hydrophobic interactions with this residue hinder its mobility and prevent the uptake and the efflux of substrates. As for SMLC, the weaker interactions maintain the flexibility of Phe243 and the efflux process. Overall, we propose a molecular basis for the inhibition of substrate translocation of the Asc-1 transporter that should be valuable for rational drug design.
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24
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Abstract
Rudnick highlights a kinetic analysis of a bacterial Nramp transporter that focuses on how H+ gradients are coupled to metal transport.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gary Rudnick
- Department of Pharmacology, Yale University, New Haven, CT
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25
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Abstract
We review the mechanisms responsible for amino acid homeostasis in Saccharomyces cerevisiae and other fungi. Amino acid homeostasis is essential for cell growth and survival. Hence, the de novo synthesis reactions, metabolic conversions, and transport of amino acids are tightly regulated. Regulation varies from nitrogen pool sensing to control by individual amino acids and takes place at the gene (transcription), protein (posttranslational modification and allostery), and vesicle (trafficking and endocytosis) levels. The pools of amino acids are controlled via import, export, and compartmentalization. In yeast, the majority of the amino acid transporters belong to the APC (amino acid-polyamine-organocation) superfamily, and the proteins couple the uphill transport of amino acids to the electrochemical proton gradient. Although high-resolution structures of yeast amino acid transporters are not available, homology models have been successfully exploited to determine and engineer the catalytic and regulatory functions of the proteins. This has led to a further understanding of the underlying mechanisms of amino acid sensing and subsequent downregulation of transport. Advances in optical microscopy have revealed a new level of regulation of yeast amino acid transporters, which involves membrane domain partitioning. The significance and the interrelationships of the latest discoveries on amino acid homeostasis are put in context.
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26
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Regulation of arginine biosynthesis, catabolism and transport in Escherichia coli. Amino Acids 2019; 51:1103-1127. [DOI: 10.1007/s00726-019-02757-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2019] [Accepted: 06/27/2019] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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27
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Abstract
Cell nutrition, detoxification, signalling, homeostasis and response to drugs, processes related to cell growth, differentiation and survival are all mediated by plasma membrane (PM) proteins called transporters. Despite their distinct fine structures, mechanism of function, energetic requirements, kinetics and substrate specificities, all transporters are characterized by a main hydrophobic body embedded in the PM as a series of tightly packed, often intertwined, α-helices that traverse the lipid bilayer in a zigzag mode, connected with intracellular or extracellular loops and hydrophilic N- and C-termini. Whereas longstanding genetic, biochemical and biophysical evidence suggests that specific transmembrane segments, and also their connecting loops, are responsible for substrate recognition and transport dynamics, emerging evidence also reveals the functional importance of transporter N- and C-termini, in respect to transport catalysis, substrate specificity, subcellular expression, stability and signalling. This review highlights selected prototypic examples of transporters in which their termini play important roles in their functioning.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emmanuel Mikros
- Faculty of Pharmacy, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Panepistimioupolis, 15771 Athens, Greece
| | - George Diallinas
- Department of Biology, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Panepistimioupolis, 15781 Athens, Greece
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28
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Krammer EM, Prévost M. Function and Regulation of Acid Resistance Antiporters. J Membr Biol 2019; 252:465-481. [DOI: 10.1007/s00232-019-00073-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2019] [Accepted: 06/08/2019] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
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29
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30
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Cryo-EM structure of the human L-type amino acid transporter 1 in complex with glycoprotein CD98hc. Nat Struct Mol Biol 2019; 26:510-517. [DOI: 10.1038/s41594-019-0237-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 86] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2019] [Accepted: 04/26/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
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31
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L amino acid transporter structure and molecular bases for the asymmetry of substrate interaction. Nat Commun 2019; 10:1807. [PMID: 31000719 PMCID: PMC6472337 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-019-09837-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2018] [Accepted: 04/02/2019] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
L-amino acid transporters (LATs) play key roles in human physiology and are implicated in several human pathologies. LATs are asymmetric amino acid exchangers where the low apparent affinity cytoplasmic side controls the exchange of substrates with high apparent affinity on the extracellular side. Here, we report the crystal structures of an LAT, the bacterial alanine-serine-cysteine exchanger (BasC), in a non-occluded inward-facing conformation in both apo and substrate-bound states. We crystallized BasC in complex with a nanobody, which blocks the transporter from the intracellular side, thus unveiling the sidedness of the substrate interaction of BasC. Two conserved residues in human LATs, Tyr 236 and Lys 154, are located in equivalent positions to the Na1 and Na2 sites of sodium-dependent APC superfamily transporters. Functional studies and molecular dynamics (MD) calculations reveal that these residues are key for the asymmetric substrate interaction of BasC and in the homologous human transporter Asc-1. L-Amino acid Transporters (LATs) are asymmetric amino acid exchangers. Here the authors determine the crystal structure of a prokaryotic LAT, the alanine-serine-cysteine exchanger (BasC) and identify key residues for asymmetric substrate interaction in both BasC and the homologous human transporter Asc-1 through functional studies.
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32
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Yan R, Zhao X, Lei J, Zhou Q. Structure of the human LAT1-4F2hc heteromeric amino acid transporter complex. Nature 2019; 568:127-130. [PMID: 30867591 DOI: 10.1038/s41586-019-1011-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 193] [Impact Index Per Article: 38.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2018] [Accepted: 02/08/2019] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
The L-type amino acid transporter 1 (LAT1; also known as SLC7A5) catalyses the cross-membrane flux of large neutral amino acids in a sodium- and pH-independent manner1-3. LAT1, an antiporter of the amino acid-polyamine-organocation superfamily, also catalyses the permeation of thyroid hormones, pharmaceutical drugs, and hormone precursors such as L-3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine across membranes2-6. Overexpression of LAT1 has been observed in a wide range of tumour cells, and it is thus a potential target for anti-cancer drugs7-11. LAT1 forms a heteromeric amino acid transporter complex with 4F2 cell-surface antigen heavy chain (4F2hc; also known as SLC3A2)-a type II membrane glycoprotein that is essential for the stability of LAT1 and for its localization to the plasma membrane8,9. Despite extensive cell-based characterization of the LAT1-4F2hc complex and structural determination of its homologues in bacteria, the interactions between LAT1 and 4F2hc and the working mechanism of the complex remain largely unknown12-19. Here we report the cryo-electron microscopy structures of human LAT1-4F2hc alone and in complex with the inhibitor 2-amino-2-norbornanecarboxylic acid at resolutions of 3.3 Å and 3.5 Å, respectively. LAT1 exhibits an inward open conformation. Besides a disulfide bond association, LAT1 also interacts extensively with 4F2hc on the extracellular side, within the membrane, and on the intracellular side. Biochemical analysis reveals that 4F2hc is essential for the transport activity of the complex. Together, our characterizations shed light on the architecture of the LAT1-4F2hc complex, and provide insights into its function and the mechanisms through which it might be associated with disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Renhong Yan
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Structural Biology, Tsinghua-Peking Joint Center for Life Sciences, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Xin Zhao
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Structural Biology, Tsinghua-Peking Joint Center for Life Sciences, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Jianlin Lei
- Technology Center for Protein Sciences, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Protein Sciences, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Qiang Zhou
- Institute of Biology, Westlake Institute for Advanced Study, School of Life Sciences, Westlake University, Hangzhou, China.
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33
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Kwon NY, Kim Y, Lee JO. Structural diversity and flexibility of diabodies. Methods 2019; 154:136-142. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ymeth.2018.09.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2018] [Revised: 09/18/2018] [Accepted: 09/20/2018] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
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34
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Bartoccioni P, Fort J, Zorzano A, Errasti-Murugarren E, Palacín M. Functional characterization of the alanine-serine-cysteine exchanger of Carnobacterium sp AT7. J Gen Physiol 2019; 151:505-517. [PMID: 30696726 PMCID: PMC6445583 DOI: 10.1085/jgp.201812195] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2018] [Revised: 11/16/2018] [Accepted: 01/03/2019] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Proteins of the L-type amino acid transporter (LAT) subfamily take up amino acids from the environment for use in the cell. Bartoccioni et al. show that the bacterial amino acid exchanger BasC is functionally similar to the human LAT Asc1, making BasC a useful model for this class of transporters. Many key cell processes require prior cell uptake of amino acids from the environment, which is facilitated by cell membrane amino acid transporters such as those of the L-type amino acid transporter (LAT) subfamily. Alterations in LAT subfamily amino acid transport are associated with several human diseases, including cancer, aminoacidurias, and neurodegenerative conditions. Therefore, from the perspective of human health, there is considerable interest in obtaining structural information about these transporter proteins. We recently solved the crystal structure of the first LAT transporter, the bacterial alanine-serine-cysteine exchanger of Carnobacterium sp AT7 (BasC). Here, we provide a complete functional characterization of detergent-purified, liposome-reconstituted BasC transporter to allow the extension of the structural insights into mechanistic understanding. BasC is a sodium- and proton-independent small neutral amino acid exchanger whose substrate and inhibitor selectivity are almost identical to those previously described for the human LAT subfamily member Asc-1. Additionally, we show that, like its human counterparts, this transporter has apparent affinity asymmetry for the intra- and extracellular substrate binding sites—a key feature in the physiological role played by these proteins. BasC is an excellent paradigm of human LAT transporters and will contribute to our understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying substrate recognition and translocation at both sides of the plasma membrane.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paola Bartoccioni
- Institute for Research in Biomedicine, Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, Barcelona, Spain.,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Raras, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Joana Fort
- Institute for Research in Biomedicine, Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, Barcelona, Spain.,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Raras, Barcelona, Spain.,Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biomedicine, Faculty of Biology, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Antonio Zorzano
- Institute for Research in Biomedicine, Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, Barcelona, Spain.,Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biomedicine, Faculty of Biology, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Diabetes y Enfermedades Metabólicas Asociadas, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Ekaitz Errasti-Murugarren
- Institute for Research in Biomedicine, Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Manuel Palacín
- Institute for Research in Biomedicine, Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, Barcelona, Spain .,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Raras, Barcelona, Spain.,Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biomedicine, Faculty of Biology, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
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35
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Structural basis for substrate binding and specificity of a sodium-alanine symporter AgcS. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2019; 116:2086-2090. [PMID: 30659158 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1806206116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
The amino acid, polyamine, and organocation (APC) superfamily is the second largest superfamily of membrane proteins forming secondary transporters that move a range of organic molecules across the cell membrane. Each transporter in the APC superfamily is specific for a unique subset of substrates, even if they possess a similar structural fold. The mechanism of substrate selectivity remains, by and large, elusive. Here, we report two crystal structures of an APC member from Methanococcus maripaludis, the alanine or glycine:cation symporter (AgcS), with l- or d-alanine bound. Structural analysis combined with site-directed mutagenesis and functional studies inform on substrate binding, specificity, and modulation of the AgcS family and reveal key structural features that allow this transporter to accommodate glycine and alanine while excluding all other amino acids. Mutation of key residues in the substrate binding site expand the selectivity to include valine and leucine. These studies provide initial insights into substrate selectivity in AgcS symporters.
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36
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Abstract
Transport of solutes across biological membranes is essential for cellular life. This process is mediated by membrane transport proteins which move nutrients, waste products, certain drugs and ions into and out of cells. Secondary active transporters couple the transport of substrates against their concentration gradients with the transport of other solutes down their concentration gradients. The alternating access model of membrane transporters and the coupling mechanism of secondary active transporters are introduced in this book chapter. Structural studies have identified typical protein folds for transporters that we exemplify by the major facilitator superfamily (MFS) and LeuT folds. Finally, substrate binding and substrate translocation of the transporters LacY of the MFS and AdiC of the amino acid-polyamine-organocation (APC) superfamily are described.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrick D Bosshart
- Swiss National Centre of Competence in Research (NCCR) TransCure, Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, University of Bern, Bühlstrasse 28, 3012, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Dimitrios Fotiadis
- Swiss National Centre of Competence in Research (NCCR) TransCure, Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, University of Bern, Bühlstrasse 28, 3012, Bern, Switzerland.
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37
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Pochini L, Galluccio M, Scalise M, Console L, Indiveri C. OCTN: A Small Transporter Subfamily with Great Relevance to Human Pathophysiology, Drug Discovery, and Diagnostics. SLAS DISCOVERY 2018; 24:89-110. [PMID: 30523710 DOI: 10.1177/2472555218812821] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
OCTN is a small subfamily of membrane transport proteins that belongs to the larger SLC22 family. Two of the three members of the subfamily, namely, OCTN2 and OCTN1, are present in humans. OCTN2 plays a crucial role in the absorption of carnitine from diet and in its distribution to tissues, as demonstrated by the occurrence of severe pathologies caused by malfunctioning or altered expression of this transporter. These findings suggest avoiding a strict vegetarian diet during pregnancy and in childhood. Other roles of OCTN2 are related to the traffic of carnitine derivatives in many tissues. The role of OCTN1 is still unclear, despite the identification of some substrates such as ergothioneine, acetylcholine, and choline. Plausibly, the transporter acts on the control of inflammation and oxidative stress, even though knockout mice do not display phenotypes. A clear role of both transporters has been revealed in drug interaction and delivery. The polyspecificity of the OCTNs is at the base of the interactions with drugs. Interestingly, OCTN2 has been recently exploited in the prodrug approach and in diagnostics. A promising application derives from the localization of OCTN2 in exosomes that represent a noninvasive diagnostic tool.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lorena Pochini
- 1 Department DiBEST (Biologia, Ecologia, Scienze della Terra), Unit of Biochemistry and Molecular Biotechnology, University of Calabria, Arcavacata di Rende, Italy
| | - Michele Galluccio
- 1 Department DiBEST (Biologia, Ecologia, Scienze della Terra), Unit of Biochemistry and Molecular Biotechnology, University of Calabria, Arcavacata di Rende, Italy
| | - Mariafrancesca Scalise
- 1 Department DiBEST (Biologia, Ecologia, Scienze della Terra), Unit of Biochemistry and Molecular Biotechnology, University of Calabria, Arcavacata di Rende, Italy
| | - Lara Console
- 1 Department DiBEST (Biologia, Ecologia, Scienze della Terra), Unit of Biochemistry and Molecular Biotechnology, University of Calabria, Arcavacata di Rende, Italy
| | - Cesare Indiveri
- 1 Department DiBEST (Biologia, Ecologia, Scienze della Terra), Unit of Biochemistry and Molecular Biotechnology, University of Calabria, Arcavacata di Rende, Italy.,2 CNR Institute of Biomembranes, Bioenergetics and Molecular Biotechnology, Bari, Italy
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38
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Molecular mechanism of substrate selectivity of the arginine-agmatine Antiporter AdiC. Sci Rep 2018; 8:15607. [PMID: 30353119 PMCID: PMC6199258 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-33963-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2018] [Accepted: 10/08/2018] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
The arginine-agmatine antiporter (AdiC) is a component of an acid resistance system developed by enteric bacteria to resist gastric acidity. In order to avoid neutral proton antiport, the monovalent form of arginine, about as abundant as its divalent form under acidic conditions, should be selectively bound by AdiC for transport into the cytosol. In this study, we shed light on the mechanism through which AdiC distinguishes Arg+ from Arg2+ of arginine by investigating the binding of both forms in addition to that of divalent agmatine, using a combination of molecular dynamics simulations with molecular and quantum mechanics calculations. We show that AdiC indeed preferentially binds Arg+. The weaker binding of divalent compounds results mostly from their greater tendency to remain hydrated than Arg+. Our data suggests that the binding of Arg+ promotes the deprotonation of Glu208, a gating residue, which in turn reinforces its interactions with AdiC, leading to longer residence times of Arg+ in the binding site. Although the total electric charge of the ligand appears to be the determinant factor in the discrimination process, two local interactions formed with Trp293, another gating residue of the binding site, also contribute to the selection mechanism: a cation-π interaction with the guanidinium group of Arg+ and an anion-π interaction involving Glu208.
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39
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Yang L, Yang L, Yu H, Liu L, Zhao X, Huang X. Conformational transitions of uracil transporter UraA from Escherichia coli: a molecular simulation study. J Biomol Struct Dyn 2018; 36:3398-3410. [DOI: 10.1080/07391102.2017.1388288] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Liu Yang
- Laboratory of Theoretical and Computational Chemistry, Institute of Theoretical Chemistry, Jilin University, Changchun 130012, People’s Republic of China
| | - Lianjuan Yang
- The Fungal Reference Laboratory of Shanghai Dermatology Hospital, Shanghai 200050, China
| | - Hui Yu
- Chemistry Teaching Center, College of Chemistry and Biology, Beihai University, Jilin 132013, People’s Republic of China
| | - Lu Liu
- Laboratory of Theoretical and Computational Chemistry, Institute of Theoretical Chemistry, Jilin University, Changchun 130012, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xi Zhao
- Laboratory of Theoretical and Computational Chemistry, Institute of Theoretical Chemistry, Jilin University, Changchun 130012, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xuri Huang
- Laboratory of Theoretical and Computational Chemistry, Institute of Theoretical Chemistry, Jilin University, Changchun 130012, People’s Republic of China
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40
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Luo P, Dai S, Zeng J, Duan J, Shi H, Wang J. Inward-facing conformation of l-ascorbate transporter suggests an elevator mechanism. Cell Discov 2018; 4:35. [PMID: 30038796 PMCID: PMC6048161 DOI: 10.1038/s41421-018-0037-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2018] [Revised: 05/03/2018] [Accepted: 05/08/2018] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Various bacteria can ferment vitamin C (l-ascorbate) under anaerobic conditions via the phosphoenolpyruvate-dependent phosphotransferase system (PTS). The PTSasc system is composed of two soluble energy-coupling proteins (EI and HPr) and an enzyme II complex (EIIA, EIIB, and EIIC) for the anaerobic uptake of ascorbate and its phosphorylation to l-ascorbate 6-phosphate in vivo. Crystal structures of the ascorbate-bound EIIC component from Escherichia coli are available in outward-open and occluded conformations, suggesting a possible elevator mechanism of membrane transport. Despite these advances, it remains unclear how EIIC actually transports the substrate across the membrane and interacts with EIIB, which transfers its phosphate group to the EIIC-embedding ascorbate. Here, we present the crystal structure of the EIICasc component from Pasteurella multocida in the inward-facing conformation. By comparing three conformational states, we confirmed the original proposed model: the ascorbate translocation can be achieved by a rigid-body movement of the substrate-binding core domain relative to the V motif domain, which brings along the transmembrane helices TM2 and TM7 of the V motif domain to undergo a winding at the pivotal positions. Together with an in vivo transport assay, we completed the picture of the transport cycle of the ascorbate superfamily of membrane-spanning EIIC components of the PTS system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ping Luo
- State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Structural Biology, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, 100084 Beijing, China
| | - Shuliu Dai
- State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Structural Biology, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, 100084 Beijing, China
| | - Jianwei Zeng
- State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Structural Biology, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, 100084 Beijing, China
| | - Jinsong Duan
- State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Structural Biology, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, 100084 Beijing, China
| | - Hui Shi
- State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Structural Biology, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, 100084 Beijing, China
| | - Jiawei Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Structural Biology, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, 100084 Beijing, China
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41
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Busto JV, Elting A, Haase D, Spira F, Kuhlman J, Schäfer-Herte M, Wedlich-Söldner R. Lateral plasma membrane compartmentalization links protein function and turnover. EMBO J 2018; 37:embj.201899473. [PMID: 29976762 DOI: 10.15252/embj.201899473] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2018] [Revised: 06/08/2018] [Accepted: 06/08/2018] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Biological membranes organize their proteins and lipids into nano- and microscale patterns. In the yeast plasma membrane (PM), constituents segregate into a large number of distinct domains. However, whether and how this intricate patchwork contributes to biological functions at the PM is still poorly understood. Here, we reveal an elaborate interplay between PM compartmentalization, physiological function, and endocytic turnover. Using the methionine permease Mup1 as model system, we demonstrate that this transporter segregates into PM clusters. Clustering requires sphingolipids, the tetraspanner protein Nce102, and signaling through TORC2. Importantly, we show that during substrate transport, a simple conformational change in Mup1 mediates rapid relocation into a unique disperse network at the PM Clustered Mup1 is protected from turnover, whereas relocated Mup1 actively recruits the endocytic machinery thereby initiating its own turnover. Our findings suggest that lateral compartmentalization provides an important regulatory link between function and turnover of PM proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jon V Busto
- Institute of Cell Dynamics and Imaging, Cells-In-Motion Cluster of Excellence (EXC1003 - CiM), University of Münster, Münster, Germany.,Biofisika Institute (CSIC, UPV/EHU) and Department of Biochemistry, University of the Basque Country, Leioa, Spain
| | - Annegret Elting
- Institute of Cell Dynamics and Imaging, Cells-In-Motion Cluster of Excellence (EXC1003 - CiM), University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Daniel Haase
- Institute of Cell Dynamics and Imaging, Cells-In-Motion Cluster of Excellence (EXC1003 - CiM), University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Felix Spira
- Institute of Cell Dynamics and Imaging, Cells-In-Motion Cluster of Excellence (EXC1003 - CiM), University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Julian Kuhlman
- Institute of Cell Dynamics and Imaging, Cells-In-Motion Cluster of Excellence (EXC1003 - CiM), University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Marco Schäfer-Herte
- Institute of Cell Dynamics and Imaging, Cells-In-Motion Cluster of Excellence (EXC1003 - CiM), University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Roland Wedlich-Söldner
- Institute of Cell Dynamics and Imaging, Cells-In-Motion Cluster of Excellence (EXC1003 - CiM), University of Münster, Münster, Germany
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42
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Scalise M, Galluccio M, Console L, Pochini L, Indiveri C. The Human SLC7A5 (LAT1): The Intriguing Histidine/Large Neutral Amino Acid Transporter and Its Relevance to Human Health. Front Chem 2018; 6:243. [PMID: 29988369 PMCID: PMC6023973 DOI: 10.3389/fchem.2018.00243] [Citation(s) in RCA: 170] [Impact Index Per Article: 28.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2018] [Accepted: 06/06/2018] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
SLC7A5, known as LAT1, belongs to the APC superfamily and forms a heterodimeric amino acid transporter interacting with the glycoprotein CD98 (SLC3A2) through a conserved disulfide. The complex is responsible for uptake of essential amino acids in crucial body districts such as placenta and blood brain barrier. LAT1/CD98 heterodimer has been studied over the years to unravel the transport mechanism and the role of each subunit. Studies conducted in intact cells demonstrated that LAT1/CD98 mediates a Na+ and pH independent antiport of amino acids. Some novel insights into the function of LAT1 derived from studies conducted in proteoliposomes reconstituted with the recombinant human LAT1. Using this experimental tool, it has been demonstrated that the preferred substrate is histidine and that CD98 is not required for transport being, plausibly, involved in routing LAT1 to the plasma membrane. Since a 3D structure of LAT1 is not available, homology models have been built on the basis of the AdiC transporter from E.coli. Crucial residues for substrate recognition and gating have been identified using a combined approach of bioinformatics and site-directed mutagenesis coupled to functional assays. Over the years, the interest around LAT1 increased because this transporter is involved in important human diseases such as neurological disorders and cancer. Therefore, LAT1 became an important pharmacological target together with other nutrient membrane transporters. Moving from knowledge on structure/function relationships, two cysteine residues, lying on the substrate binding site, have been exploited for designing thiol reacting covalent inhibitors. Some lead compounds have been characterized whose efficacy has been tested in a cancer cell line.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariafrancesca Scalise
- Unit of Biochemistry and Molecular Biotechnology, Department DiBEST (Biologia, Ecologia, Scienze della Terra), University of Calabria, Rende, Italy
| | - Michele Galluccio
- Unit of Biochemistry and Molecular Biotechnology, Department DiBEST (Biologia, Ecologia, Scienze della Terra), University of Calabria, Rende, Italy
| | - Lara Console
- Unit of Biochemistry and Molecular Biotechnology, Department DiBEST (Biologia, Ecologia, Scienze della Terra), University of Calabria, Rende, Italy
| | - Lorena Pochini
- Unit of Biochemistry and Molecular Biotechnology, Department DiBEST (Biologia, Ecologia, Scienze della Terra), University of Calabria, Rende, Italy
| | - Cesare Indiveri
- Unit of Biochemistry and Molecular Biotechnology, Department DiBEST (Biologia, Ecologia, Scienze della Terra), University of Calabria, Rende, Italy.,CNR Institute of Biomembranes, Bioenergetics and Molecular Biotechnology, Bari, Italy
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43
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Singh N, Ecker GF. Insights into the Structure, Function, and Ligand Discovery of the Large Neutral Amino Acid Transporter 1, LAT1. Int J Mol Sci 2018; 19:E1278. [PMID: 29695141 PMCID: PMC5983779 DOI: 10.3390/ijms19051278] [Citation(s) in RCA: 85] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2018] [Revised: 04/18/2018] [Accepted: 04/19/2018] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
The large neutral amino acid transporter 1 (LAT1, or SLC7A5) is a sodium- and pH-independent transporter, which supplies essential amino acids (e.g., leucine, phenylalanine) to cells. It plays an important role at the Blood⁻Brain Barrier (BBB) where it facilitates the transport of thyroid hormones, pharmaceuticals (e.g., l-DOPA, gabapentin), and metabolites into the brain. Moreover, its expression is highly upregulated in various types of human cancer that are characterized by an intense demand for amino acids for growth and proliferation. Therefore, LAT1 is believed to be an important drug target for cancer treatment. With the crystallization of the arginine/agmatine antiporter (AdiC) from Escherichia Coli, numerous homology models of LAT1 have been built to elucidate the substrate binding site, ligand⁻transporter interaction, and structure⁻function relationship. The use of these models in combination with molecular docking and experimental testing has identified novel chemotypes of ligands of LAT1. Here, we highlight the structure, function, transport mechanism, and homology modeling of LAT1. Additionally, results from structure⁻function studies performed on LAT1 are addressed, which have enhanced our knowledge of the mechanism of substrate binding and translocation. This is followed by a discussion on ligand- and structure-based approaches, with an emphasis on elucidating the molecular basis of LAT1 inhibition. Finally, we provide an exhaustive summary of different LAT1 inhibitors that have been identified so far, including the recently discovered irreversible covalent inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natesh Singh
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, University of Vienna, Althanstrasse 14, 1090 Wien, Austria.
| | - Gerhard F Ecker
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, University of Vienna, Althanstrasse 14, 1090 Wien, Austria.
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44
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Ilgü H, Jeckelmann JM, Colas C, Ucurum Z, Schlessinger A, Fotiadis D. Effects of Mutations and Ligands on the Thermostability of the l-Arginine/Agmatine Antiporter AdiC and Deduced Insights into Ligand-Binding of Human l-Type Amino Acid Transporters. Int J Mol Sci 2018; 19:ijms19030918. [PMID: 29558430 PMCID: PMC5877779 DOI: 10.3390/ijms19030918] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2018] [Revised: 03/14/2018] [Accepted: 03/15/2018] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
The l-arginine/agmatine transporter AdiC is a prokaryotic member of the SLC7 family, which enables pathogenic enterobacteria to survive the extremely acidic gastric environment. Wild-type AdiC from Escherichia coli, as well as its previously reported point mutants N22A and S26A, were overexpressed homologously and purified to homogeneity. A size-exclusion chromatography-based thermostability assay was used to determine the melting temperatures (Tms) of the purified AdiC variants in the absence and presence of the selected ligands l-arginine (Arg), agmatine, l-arginine methyl ester, and l-arginine amide. The resulting Tms indicated stabilization of AdiC variants upon ligand binding, in which Tms and ligand binding affinities correlated positively. Considering results from this and previous studies, we revisited the role of AdiC residue S26 in Arg binding and proposed interactions of the α-carboxylate group of Arg exclusively with amide groups of the AdiC backbone. In the context of substrate binding in the human SLC7 family member l-type amino acid transporter-1 (LAT1; SLC7A5), an analogous role of S66 in LAT1 to S26 in AdiC is discussed based on homology modeling and amino acid sequence analysis. Finally, we propose a binding mechanism for l-amino acid substrates to LATs from the SLC7 family.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hüseyin Ilgü
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, and Swiss National Centre of Competence in Research (NCCR) TransCure, University of Bern, CH-3012 Bern, Switzerland.
| | - Jean-Marc Jeckelmann
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, and Swiss National Centre of Competence in Research (NCCR) TransCure, University of Bern, CH-3012 Bern, Switzerland.
| | - Claire Colas
- Department of Pharmacological Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA.
| | - Zöhre Ucurum
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, and Swiss National Centre of Competence in Research (NCCR) TransCure, University of Bern, CH-3012 Bern, Switzerland.
| | - Avner Schlessinger
- Department of Pharmacological Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA.
| | - Dimitrios Fotiadis
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, and Swiss National Centre of Competence in Research (NCCR) TransCure, University of Bern, CH-3012 Bern, Switzerland.
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45
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Huynh KW, Jiang J, Abuladze N, Tsirulnikov K, Kao L, Shao X, Newman D, Azimov R, Pushkin A, Zhou ZH, Kurtz I. CryoEM structure of the human SLC4A4 sodium-coupled acid-base transporter NBCe1. Nat Commun 2018; 9:900. [PMID: 29500354 PMCID: PMC5834491 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-018-03271-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2017] [Accepted: 02/01/2018] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Na+-coupled acid-base transporters play essential roles in human biology. Their dysfunction has been linked to cancer, heart, and brain disease. High-resolution structures of mammalian Na+-coupled acid-base transporters are not available. The sodium-bicarbonate cotransporter NBCe1 functions in multiple organs and its mutations cause blindness, abnormal growth and blood chemistry, migraines, and impaired cognitive function. Here, we have determined the structure of the membrane domain dimer of human NBCe1 at 3.9 Å resolution by cryo electron microscopy. Our atomic model and functional mutagenesis revealed the ion accessibility pathway and the ion coordination site, the latter containing residues involved in human disease-causing mutations. We identified a small number of residues within the ion coordination site whose modification transformed NBCe1 into an anion exchanger. Our data suggest that symporters and exchangers utilize comparable transport machinery and that subtle differences in their substrate-binding regions have very significant effects on their transport mode.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin W Huynh
- Department of Medicine, Division of Nephrology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA
- California NanoSystems Institute, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA
| | - Jiansen Jiang
- California NanoSystems Institute, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology & Molecular Genetics, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA
| | - Natalia Abuladze
- Department of Medicine, Division of Nephrology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA
| | - Kirill Tsirulnikov
- Department of Medicine, Division of Nephrology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA
| | - Liyo Kao
- Department of Medicine, Division of Nephrology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA
| | - Xuesi Shao
- Department of Neurobiology, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA
| | - Debra Newman
- Department of Medicine, Division of Nephrology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA
| | - Rustam Azimov
- Department of Medicine, Division of Nephrology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA
| | - Alexander Pushkin
- Department of Medicine, Division of Nephrology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA.
| | - Z Hong Zhou
- California NanoSystems Institute, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA.
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology & Molecular Genetics, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA.
| | - Ira Kurtz
- Department of Medicine, Division of Nephrology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA.
- Brain Research Institute, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA.
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46
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Jungnickel KEJ, Parker JL, Newstead S. Structural basis for amino acid transport by the CAT family of SLC7 transporters. Nat Commun 2018; 9:550. [PMID: 29416041 PMCID: PMC5803215 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-018-03066-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 87] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2017] [Accepted: 01/17/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Amino acids play essential roles in cell biology as regulators of metabolic pathways. Arginine in particular is a major signalling molecule inside the cell, being a precursor for both l-ornithine and nitric oxide (NO) synthesis and a key regulator of the mTORC1 pathway. In mammals, cellular arginine availability is determined by members of the solute carrier (SLC) 7 family of cationic amino acid transporters. Whereas CAT-1 functions to supply cationic amino acids for cellular metabolism, CAT-2A and -2B are required for macrophage activation and play important roles in regulating inflammation. Here, we present the crystal structure of a close homologue of the mammalian CAT transporters that reveals how these proteins specifically recognise arginine. Our structural and functional data provide a model for cationic amino acid transport in mammalian cells and reveals mechanistic insights into proton-coupled, sodium-independent amino acid transport in the wider APC superfamily. Cationic amino acid transporters (CATs) belong to the physiologically important solute carrier (SLC) 7 family. Here, the authors present the structure of the mammalian CAT transporter homologue Geobacillus kaustophilus GkApcT, which reveals how arginine is recognized, and propose a model for proton-coupled amino acid transport.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Joanne L Parker
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Oxford, South Parks Road, Oxford, OX1 3QU, UK
| | - Simon Newstead
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Oxford, South Parks Road, Oxford, OX1 3QU, UK.
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47
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Potent inhibitors of human LAT1 (SLC7A5) transporter based on dithiazole and dithiazine compounds for development of anticancer drugs. Biochem Pharmacol 2017; 143:39-52. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2017.07.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2017] [Accepted: 07/07/2017] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
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48
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Resculpting the binding pocket of APC superfamily LeuT-fold amino acid transporters. Cell Mol Life Sci 2017; 75:921-938. [PMID: 29058016 PMCID: PMC5809530 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-017-2677-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2017] [Revised: 09/14/2017] [Accepted: 10/02/2017] [Indexed: 12/03/2022]
Abstract
Amino acid transporters are essential components of prokaryote and eukaryote cells, possess distinct physiological functions, and differ markedly in substrate specificity. Amino acid transporters can be both drug targets and drug transporters (bioavailability, targeting) with many monogenic disorders resulting from dysfunctional membrane transport. The largest collection of amino acid transporters (including the mammalian SLC6, SLC7, SLC32, SLC36, and SLC38 families), across all kingdoms of life, is within the Amino acid-Polyamine-organoCation (APC) superfamily. The LeuT-fold is a paradigm structure for APC superfamily amino acid transporters and carriers of sugars, neurotransmitters, electrolytes, osmolytes, vitamins, micronutrients, signalling molecules, and organic and fatty acids. Each transporter is specific for a unique sub-set of solutes, specificity being determined by how well a substrate fits into each binding pocket. However, the molecular basis of substrate selectivity remains, by and large, elusive. Using an integrated computational and experimental approach, we demonstrate that a single position within the LeuT-fold can play a crucial role in determining substrate specificity in mammalian and arthropod amino acid transporters within the APC superfamily. Systematic mutation of the amino acid residue occupying the equivalent position to LeuT V104 titrates binding pocket space resulting in dramatic changes in substrate selectivity in exemplar APC amino acid transporters including PAT2 (SLC36A2) and SNAT5 (SLC38A5). Our work demonstrates how a single residue/site within an archetypal structural motif can alter substrate affinity and selectivity within this important superfamily of diverse membrane transporters.
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49
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Novel insights into the transport mechanism of the human amino acid transporter LAT1 (SLC7A5). Probing critical residues for substrate translocation. Biochim Biophys Acta Gen Subj 2017; 1861:727-736. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbagen.2017.01.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2016] [Revised: 12/21/2016] [Accepted: 01/10/2017] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
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50
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Noens EEE, Lolkema JS. Convergent evolution of the arginine deiminase pathway: the ArcD and ArcE arginine/ornithine exchangers. Microbiologyopen 2017; 6:e00412. [PMID: 27804281 PMCID: PMC5300872 DOI: 10.1002/mbo3.412] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2016] [Revised: 08/30/2016] [Accepted: 09/01/2016] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
The arginine deiminase (ADI) pathway converts L-arginine into L-ornithine and yields 1 mol of ATP per mol of L-arginine consumed. The L-arginine/L-ornithine exchanger in the pathway takes up L-arginine and excretes L-ornithine from the cytoplasm. Analysis of the genomes of 1281 bacterial species revealed the presence of 124 arc gene clusters encoding the pathway. About half of the clusters contained the gene encoding the well-studied L-arginine/L-ornithine exchanger ArcD, while the other half contained a gene, termed here arcE, encoding a membrane protein that is not a homolog of ArcD. The arcE gene product of Streptococcus pneumoniae was shown to take up L-arginine and L-ornithine with affinities of 0.6 and 1 μmol/L, respectively, and to catalyze metabolic energy-independent, electroneutral exchange. ArcE of S. pneumoniae could replace ArcD in the ADI pathway of Lactococcus lactis and provided the cells with a growth advantage. In contrast to ArcD, ArcE catalyzed translocation of the pathway intermediate L-citrulline with high efficiency. A short version of the ADI pathway is proposed for L-citrulline catabolism and the presence of the evolutionary unrelated arcD and arcE genes in different organisms is discussed in the context of the evolution of the ADI pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elke E. E. Noens
- Molecular MicrobiologyGroningen Biomolecular Sciences and Biotechnology InstituteUniversity of GroningenGroningenThe Netherlands
| | - Juke S. Lolkema
- Molecular MicrobiologyGroningen Biomolecular Sciences and Biotechnology InstituteUniversity of GroningenGroningenThe Netherlands
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