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Hilvert D. Spiers Memorial Lecture: Engineering biocatalysts. Faraday Discuss 2024. [PMID: 39046423 DOI: 10.1039/d4fd00139g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/25/2024]
Abstract
Enzymes are being engineered to catalyze chemical reactions for many practical applications in chemistry and biotechnology. The approaches used are surveyed in this short review, emphasizing methods for accessing reactivities not expressed by native protein scaffolds. The successful generation of completely de novo enzymes that rival the rates and selectivities of their natural counterparts highlights the potential role that designer enzymes may play in the coming years in research, industry, and medicine. Some challenges that need to be addressed to realize this ambitious dream are considered together with possible solutions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Donald Hilvert
- Laboratory of Organic Chemistry, ETH Zürich, 8093 Zürich, Switzerland.
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2
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Schnettler JD, Wang MS, Gantz M, Bunzel HA, Karas C, Hollfelder F, Hecht MH. Selection of a promiscuous minimalist cAMP phosphodiesterase from a library of de novo designed proteins. Nat Chem 2024; 16:1200-1208. [PMID: 38702405 PMCID: PMC11230910 DOI: 10.1038/s41557-024-01490-4] [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: 02/13/2023] [Accepted: 02/27/2024] [Indexed: 05/06/2024]
Abstract
The ability of unevolved amino acid sequences to become biological catalysts was key to the emergence of life on Earth. However, billions of years of evolution separate complex modern enzymes from their simpler early ancestors. To probe how unevolved sequences can develop new functions, we use ultrahigh-throughput droplet microfluidics to screen for phosphoesterase activity amidst a library of more than one million sequences based on a de novo designed 4-helix bundle. Characterization of hits revealed that acquisition of function involved a large jump in sequence space enriching for truncations that removed >40% of the protein chain. Biophysical characterization of a catalytically active truncated protein revealed that it dimerizes into an α-helical structure, with the gain of function accompanied by increased structural dynamics. The identified phosphodiesterase is a manganese-dependent metalloenzyme that hydrolyses a range of phosphodiesters. It is most active towards cyclic AMP, with a rate acceleration of ~109 and a catalytic proficiency of >1014 M-1, comparable to larger enzymes shaped by billions of years of evolution.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Michael S Wang
- Department of Chemistry, Princeton University, Princeton, USA
| | - Maximilian Gantz
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - H Adrian Bunzel
- Department of Biosystems Science and Engineering, ETH Zürich, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Christina Karas
- Department of Molecular Biology, Princeton University, Princeton, USA
| | | | - Michael H Hecht
- Department of Chemistry, Princeton University, Princeton, USA.
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3
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Ornelas MY, Cournoyer JE, Bram S, Mehta AP. Evolution and synthetic biology. Curr Opin Microbiol 2023; 76:102394. [PMID: 37801925 PMCID: PMC10842511 DOI: 10.1016/j.mib.2023.102394] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2023] [Revised: 08/29/2023] [Accepted: 09/08/2023] [Indexed: 10/08/2023]
Abstract
Evolutionary observations have often served as an inspiration for biological design. Decoding of the central dogma of life at a molecular level and understanding of the cellular biochemistry have been elegantly used to engineer various synthetic biology applications, including building genetic circuits in vitro and in cells, building synthetic translational systems, and metabolic engineering in cells to biosynthesize and even bioproduce complex high-value molecules. Here, we review three broad areas of synthetic biology that are inspired by evolutionary observations: (i) combinatorial approaches toward cell-based biomolecular evolution, (ii) engineering interdependencies to establish microbial consortia, and (iii) synthetic immunology. In each of the areas, we will highlight the evolutionary premise that was central toward designing these platforms. These are only a subset of the examples where evolution and natural phenomena directly or indirectly serve as a powerful source of inspiration in shaping synthetic biology and biotechnology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marya Y Ornelas
- Department of Chemistry, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, 600 S Matthews Avenue, Urbana, IL 61801, United States
| | - Jason E Cournoyer
- Department of Chemistry, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, 600 S Matthews Avenue, Urbana, IL 61801, United States
| | - Stanley Bram
- Department of Chemistry, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, 600 S Matthews Avenue, Urbana, IL 61801, United States
| | - Angad P Mehta
- Department of Chemistry, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, 600 S Matthews Avenue, Urbana, IL 61801, United States; Institute for Genomic Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana, Champaign, United States; Cancer Center at Illinois, University of Illinois at Urbana, Champaign, United States.
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4
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Chaturvedi SS, Bím D, Christov CZ, Alexandrova AN. From random to rational: improving enzyme design through electric fields, second coordination sphere interactions, and conformational dynamics. Chem Sci 2023; 14:10997-11011. [PMID: 37860658 PMCID: PMC10583697 DOI: 10.1039/d3sc02982d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2023] [Accepted: 09/11/2023] [Indexed: 10/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Enzymes are versatile and efficient biological catalysts that drive numerous cellular processes, motivating the development of enzyme design approaches to tailor catalysts for diverse applications. In this perspective, we investigate the unique properties of natural, evolved, and designed enzymes, recognizing their strengths and shortcomings. We highlight the challenges and limitations of current enzyme design protocols, with a particular focus on their limited consideration of long-range electrostatic and dynamic effects. We then delve deeper into the impact of the protein environment on enzyme catalysis and explore the roles of preorganized electric fields, second coordination sphere interactions, and protein dynamics for enzyme function. Furthermore, we present several case studies illustrating successful enzyme-design efforts incorporating enzyme strategies mentioned above to achieve improved catalytic properties. Finally, we envision the future of enzyme design research, spotlighting the challenges yet to be overcome and the synergy of intrinsic electric fields, second coordination sphere interactions, and conformational dynamics to push the state-of-the-art boundaries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shobhit S Chaturvedi
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California, Los Angeles California 90095 USA
| | - Daniel Bím
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California, Los Angeles California 90095 USA
| | - Christo Z Christov
- Department of Chemistry, Michigan Technological University Houghton Michigan 49931 USA
| | - Anastassia N Alexandrova
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California, Los Angeles California 90095 USA
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5
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Kurihara K, Umezawa K, Donnelly AE, Sperling B, Liao G, Hecht MH, Arai R. Crystal structure and activity of a de novo enzyme, ferric enterobactin esterase Syn-F4. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2023; 120:e2218281120. [PMID: 37695900 PMCID: PMC10515146 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2218281120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2022] [Accepted: 08/07/2023] [Indexed: 09/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Producing novel enzymes that are catalytically active in vitro and biologically functional in vivo is a key goal of synthetic biology. Previously, we reported Syn-F4, the first de novo protein that meets both criteria. Syn-F4 hydrolyzed the siderophore ferric enterobactin, and expression of Syn-F4 allowed an inviable strain of Escherichia coli (Δfes) to grow in iron-limited medium. Here, we describe the crystal structure of Syn-F4. Syn-F4 forms a dimeric 4-helix bundle. Each monomer comprises two long α-helices, and the loops of the Syn-F4 dimer are on the same end of the bundle (syn topology). Interestingly, there is a penetrated hole in the central region of the Syn-F4 structure. Extensive mutagenesis experiments in a previous study showed that five residues (Glu26, His74, Arg77, Lys78, and Arg85) were essential for enzymatic activity in vivo. All these residues are located around the hole in the central region of the Syn-F4 structure, suggesting a putative active site with a catalytic dyad (Glu26-His74). The complete inactivity of purified proteins with mutations at the five residues supports the putative active site and reaction mechanism. Molecular dynamics and docking simulations of the ferric enterobactin siderophore binding to the Syn-F4 structure demonstrate the dynamic property of the putative active site. The structure and active site of Syn-F4 are completely different from native enterobactin esterase enzymes, thereby demonstrating that proteins designed de novo can provide life-sustaining catalytic activities using structures and mechanisms dramatically different from those that arose in nature.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kodai Kurihara
- Department of Applied Biology, Faculty of Textile Science and Technology, Shinshu University, Ueda, Nagano386-8567, Japan
| | - Koji Umezawa
- Department of Agricultural and Life Sciences, Faculty of Agriculture, Shinshu University, Minami-minowa, Kami-ina, Nagano399-4598, Japan
- Department of Biomolecular Innovation, Institute for Biomedical Sciences, Interdisciplinary Cluster for Cutting Edge Research, Shinshu University, Matsumoto, Nagano390-8621, Japan
| | - Ann E. Donnelly
- Department of Chemistry, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ08544
| | - Brendan Sperling
- Department of Chemistry, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ08544
| | - Guanyu Liao
- Department of Chemistry, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ08544
| | - Michael H. Hecht
- Department of Chemistry, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ08544
| | - Ryoichi Arai
- Department of Applied Biology, Faculty of Textile Science and Technology, Shinshu University, Ueda, Nagano386-8567, Japan
- Department of Biomolecular Innovation, Institute for Biomedical Sciences, Interdisciplinary Cluster for Cutting Edge Research, Shinshu University, Matsumoto, Nagano390-8621, Japan
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6
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Gutierrez-Rus LI, Gamiz-Arco G, Gavira JA, Gaucher EA, Risso VA, Sanchez-Ruiz JM. Protection of catalytic cofactors by polypeptides as a driver for the emergence of primordial enzymes. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.03.14.532612. [PMID: 36993774 PMCID: PMC10055001 DOI: 10.1101/2023.03.14.532612] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
Enzymes catalyze the chemical reactions of life. For nearly half of known enzymes, catalysis requires the binding of small molecules known as cofactors. Polypeptide-cofactor complexes likely formed at a primordial stage and became starting points for the evolution of many efficient enzymes. Yet, evolution has no foresight so the driver for the primordial complex formation is unknown. Here, we use a resurrected ancestral TIM-barrel protein to identify one potential driver. Heme binding at a flexible region of the ancestral structure yields a peroxidation catalyst with enhanced efficiency when compared to free heme. This enhancement, however, does not arise from protein-mediated promotion of catalysis. Rather, it reflects protection of bound heme from common degradation processes and a resulting longer life time and higher effective concentration for the catalyst. Protection of catalytic cofactors by polypeptides emerges as a general mechanism to enhance catalysis and may have plausibly benefited primordial polypeptide-cofactor associations.
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7
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Wang PS, Ma H, Yan S, Lu X, Tang H, Xi XH, Peng XH, Huang Y, Bao YF, Cao MF, Wang H, Huang J, Liu G, Wang X, Ren B. Correlation coefficient-directed label-free characterization of native proteins by surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy. Chem Sci 2022; 13:13829-13835. [PMID: 36544733 PMCID: PMC9710310 DOI: 10.1039/d2sc04775f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2022] [Accepted: 10/30/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Investigation of proteins in their native state is the core of proteomics towards better understanding of their structures and functions. Surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) has shown its unique advantages in protein characterization with fingerprint information and high sensitivity, which makes it a promising tool for proteomics. It is still challenging to obtain SERS spectra of proteins in the native state and evaluate the native degree. Here, we constructed 3D physiological hotspots for a label-free dynamic SERS characterization of a native protein with iodide-modified 140 nm Au nanoparticles. We further introduced the correlation coefficient to quantitatively evaluate the variation of the native degree, whose quantitative nature allows us to explicitly investigate the Hofmeister effect on the protein structure. We realized the classification of a protein of SARS-CoV-2 variants in 15 min, which has not been achieved before. This study offers an effective tool for tracking the dynamic structure of proteins and biomedical research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ping-Shi Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Physical Chemistry of Solid Surfaces, Collaborative Innovation Center of Chemistry for Energy Materials (i-ChEM), Innovation Laboratory for Sciences and Technologies of Energy Materials of Fujian Province (IKKEM), Department of Chemistry, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Xiamen UniversityXiamen 361005China
| | - Hao Ma
- State Key Laboratory of Physical Chemistry of Solid Surfaces, Collaborative Innovation Center of Chemistry for Energy Materials (i-ChEM), Innovation Laboratory for Sciences and Technologies of Energy Materials of Fujian Province (IKKEM), Department of Chemistry, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Xiamen UniversityXiamen 361005China
| | - Sen Yan
- State Key Laboratory of Physical Chemistry of Solid Surfaces, Collaborative Innovation Center of Chemistry for Energy Materials (i-ChEM), Innovation Laboratory for Sciences and Technologies of Energy Materials of Fujian Province (IKKEM), Department of Chemistry, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Xiamen UniversityXiamen 361005China
| | - Xinyu Lu
- State Key Laboratory of Physical Chemistry of Solid Surfaces, Collaborative Innovation Center of Chemistry for Energy Materials (i-ChEM), Innovation Laboratory for Sciences and Technologies of Energy Materials of Fujian Province (IKKEM), Department of Chemistry, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Xiamen UniversityXiamen 361005China
| | - Hui Tang
- State Key Laboratory of Physical Chemistry of Solid Surfaces, Collaborative Innovation Center of Chemistry for Energy Materials (i-ChEM), Innovation Laboratory for Sciences and Technologies of Energy Materials of Fujian Province (IKKEM), Department of Chemistry, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Xiamen UniversityXiamen 361005China
| | - Xiao-Han Xi
- State Key Laboratory of Physical Chemistry of Solid Surfaces, Collaborative Innovation Center of Chemistry for Energy Materials (i-ChEM), Innovation Laboratory for Sciences and Technologies of Energy Materials of Fujian Province (IKKEM), Department of Chemistry, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Xiamen UniversityXiamen 361005China
| | - Xiao-Hui Peng
- State Key Laboratory of Physical Chemistry of Solid Surfaces, Collaborative Innovation Center of Chemistry for Energy Materials (i-ChEM), Innovation Laboratory for Sciences and Technologies of Energy Materials of Fujian Province (IKKEM), Department of Chemistry, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Xiamen UniversityXiamen 361005China
| | - Yajun Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Physical Chemistry of Solid Surfaces, Collaborative Innovation Center of Chemistry for Energy Materials (i-ChEM), Innovation Laboratory for Sciences and Technologies of Energy Materials of Fujian Province (IKKEM), Department of Chemistry, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Xiamen UniversityXiamen 361005China
| | - Yi-Fan Bao
- State Key Laboratory of Physical Chemistry of Solid Surfaces, Collaborative Innovation Center of Chemistry for Energy Materials (i-ChEM), Innovation Laboratory for Sciences and Technologies of Energy Materials of Fujian Province (IKKEM), Department of Chemistry, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Xiamen UniversityXiamen 361005China
| | - Mao-Feng Cao
- State Key Laboratory of Physical Chemistry of Solid Surfaces, Collaborative Innovation Center of Chemistry for Energy Materials (i-ChEM), Innovation Laboratory for Sciences and Technologies of Energy Materials of Fujian Province (IKKEM), Department of Chemistry, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Xiamen UniversityXiamen 361005China
| | - Huimeng Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Physical Chemistry of Solid Surfaces, Collaborative Innovation Center of Chemistry for Energy Materials (i-ChEM), Innovation Laboratory for Sciences and Technologies of Energy Materials of Fujian Province (IKKEM), Department of Chemistry, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Xiamen UniversityXiamen 361005China
| | - Jinglin Huang
- Laser Fusion Research Center, China Academy of Engineering PhysicsMianyang 621900China
| | - Guokun Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Marine Environmental Science, College of the Environment and Ecology, Xiamen UniversityXiamen 361005China
| | - Xiang Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Physical Chemistry of Solid Surfaces, Collaborative Innovation Center of Chemistry for Energy Materials (i-ChEM), Innovation Laboratory for Sciences and Technologies of Energy Materials of Fujian Province (IKKEM), Department of Chemistry, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Xiamen UniversityXiamen 361005China
| | - Bin Ren
- State Key Laboratory of Physical Chemistry of Solid Surfaces, Collaborative Innovation Center of Chemistry for Energy Materials (i-ChEM), Innovation Laboratory for Sciences and Technologies of Energy Materials of Fujian Province (IKKEM), Department of Chemistry, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Xiamen UniversityXiamen 361005China
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8
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Verschoor JA, Kusumawardhani H, Ram AFJ, de Winde JH. Toward Microbial Recycling and Upcycling of Plastics: Prospects and Challenges. Front Microbiol 2022; 13:821629. [PMID: 35401461 PMCID: PMC8985596 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2022.821629] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2021] [Accepted: 02/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Annually, 400 Mt of plastics are produced of which roughly 40% is discarded within a year. Current plastic waste management approaches focus on applying physical, thermal, and chemical treatments of plastic polymers. However, these methods have severe limitations leading to the loss of valuable materials and resources. Another major drawback is the rapid accumulation of plastics into the environment causing one of the biggest environmental threats of the twenty-first century. Therefore, to complement current plastic management approaches novel routes toward plastic degradation and upcycling need to be developed. Enzymatic degradation and conversion of plastics present a promising approach toward sustainable recycling of plastics and plastics building blocks. However, the quest for novel enzymes that efficiently operate in cost-effective, large-scale plastics degradation poses many challenges. To date, a wide range of experimental set-ups has been reported, in many cases lacking a detailed investigation of microbial species exhibiting plastics degrading properties as well as of their corresponding plastics degrading enzymes. The apparent lack of consistent approaches compromises the necessary discovery of a wide range of novel enzymes. In this review, we discuss prospects and possibilities for efficient enzymatic degradation, recycling, and upcycling of plastics, in correlation with their wide diversity and broad utilization. Current methods for the identification and optimization of plastics degrading enzymes are compared and discussed. We present a framework for a standardized workflow, allowing transparent discovery and optimization of novel enzymes for efficient and sustainable plastics degradation in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jo-Anne Verschoor
- Molecular Biotechnology, Institute of Biology, Leiden University, Leiden, Netherlands
| | | | - Arthur F. J. Ram
- Molecular Biotechnology, Institute of Biology, Leiden University, Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Johannes H. de Winde
- Molecular Biotechnology, Institute of Biology, Leiden University, Leiden, Netherlands
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9
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Gu C, Shan F, Zheng L, Zhou Y, Hu J, Chen G. Towards a protein-selective Raman enhancement by a glycopolymer-based composite surface. J Mater Chem B 2022; 10:1434-1441. [PMID: 35168248 DOI: 10.1039/d1tb02746h] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS), which is based on the surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) of noble metal nanostructures, is widely used in the biological field due to its advantages of non-damaging samples and detection up to the molecular level. For biological SERS detection, preparation of substrates with biocompatibility and specific adsorption, leading to selective enhancement of the target biomolecules, are important design strategies. Utilizing the specific interaction between a carbohydrate and protein, a glycopolymer-based composite surface is fabricated to realize specific SERS detection of proteins. Herein, we use N-3,4-dihydroxybenzeneethyl methacrylamide (DMA), 2-deoxy-2-(methacrylamido)glucopyranose (MAG) and methacrylic acid (MAA) as monomers in a sunlight-induced RAFT polymerization to synthesize a dopamine-containing glycopolymer. The glycopolymers are used to prepare a SERS substrate. The composite surface shows specific protein adsorption capacity, and the selective Raman enhancement of specific proteins was successfully achieved between the two different proteins Con A and BSA. This provides a feasible approach to design a SERS surface for protein detection and the study of the interaction between sugar and proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chuan Gu
- Center for Soft Condensed Matter Physics and Interdisciplinary Research, School of Physical Science and Technology, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Thin Films, Soochow University, Suzhou 215006, P. R. China.
| | - Fangjian Shan
- Center for Soft Condensed Matter Physics and Interdisciplinary Research, School of Physical Science and Technology, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Thin Films, Soochow University, Suzhou 215006, P. R. China.
| | - Lifang Zheng
- Center for Soft Condensed Matter Physics and Interdisciplinary Research, School of Physical Science and Technology, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Thin Films, Soochow University, Suzhou 215006, P. R. China.
| | - Yue Zhou
- Center for Soft Condensed Matter Physics and Interdisciplinary Research, School of Physical Science and Technology, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Thin Films, Soochow University, Suzhou 215006, P. R. China.
| | - Jun Hu
- Center for Soft Condensed Matter Physics and Interdisciplinary Research, School of Physical Science and Technology, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Thin Films, Soochow University, Suzhou 215006, P. R. China.
| | - Gaojian Chen
- Center for Soft Condensed Matter Physics and Interdisciplinary Research, School of Physical Science and Technology, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Thin Films, Soochow University, Suzhou 215006, P. R. China.
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10
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Naudin EA, Albanese KI, Smith AJ, Mylemans B, Baker EG, Weiner OD, Andrews DM, Tigue N, Savery NJ, Woolfson DN. From peptides to proteins: coiled-coil tetramers to single-chain 4-helix bundles. Chem Sci 2022; 13:11330-11340. [PMID: 36320580 PMCID: PMC9533478 DOI: 10.1039/d2sc04479j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2022] [Accepted: 08/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The design of completely synthetic proteins from first principles—de novo protein design—is challenging. This is because, despite recent advances in computational protein–structure prediction and design, we do not understand fully the sequence-to-structure relationships for protein folding, assembly, and stabilization. Antiparallel 4-helix bundles are amongst the most studied scaffolds for de novo protein design. We set out to re-examine this target, and to determine clear sequence-to-structure relationships, or design rules, for the structure. Our aim was to determine a common and robust sequence background for designing multiple de novo 4-helix bundles. In turn, this could be used in chemical and synthetic biology to direct protein–protein interactions and as scaffolds for functional protein design. Our approach starts by analyzing known antiparallel 4-helix coiled-coil structures to deduce design rules. In terms of the heptad repeat, abcdefg—i.e., the sequence signature of many helical bundles—the key features that we identify are: a = Leu, d = Ile, e = Ala, g = Gln, and the use of complementary charged residues at b and c. Next, we implement these rules in the rational design of synthetic peptides to form antiparallel homo- and heterotetramers. Finally, we use the sequence of the homotetramer to derive in one step a single-chain 4-helix-bundle protein for recombinant production in E. coli. All of the assembled designs are confirmed in aqueous solution using biophysical methods, and ultimately by determining high-resolution X-ray crystal structures. Our route from peptides to proteins provides an understanding of the role of each residue in each design. Rules for designing 4-helix bundles are defined, tested, and used to generate de novo peptide assemblies and a single-chain protein.![]()
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Affiliation(s)
- Elise A. Naudin
- School of Chemistry, University of Bristol, Cantock's Close, Bristol BS8 1TS, UK
| | - Katherine I. Albanese
- School of Chemistry, University of Bristol, Cantock's Close, Bristol BS8 1TS, UK
- Max Planck-Bristol Centre for Minimal Biology, University of Bristol, Cantock's Close, Bristol BS8 1TS, UK
| | - Abigail J. Smith
- School of Biochemistry, University of Bristol, Medical Sciences Building, University Walk, Bristol BS8 1TD, UK
| | - Bram Mylemans
- School of Chemistry, University of Bristol, Cantock's Close, Bristol BS8 1TS, UK
- Max Planck-Bristol Centre for Minimal Biology, University of Bristol, Cantock's Close, Bristol BS8 1TS, UK
| | - Emily G. Baker
- School of Chemistry, University of Bristol, Cantock's Close, Bristol BS8 1TS, UK
- School of Biochemistry, University of Bristol, Medical Sciences Building, University Walk, Bristol BS8 1TD, UK
| | - Orion D. Weiner
- Cardiovascular Research Institute, Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of California, 555 Mission Bay Blvd. South, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA
| | - David M. Andrews
- Oncology R&D, AstraZeneca, Cambridge Science Park, Darwin Building, Cambridge CB4 0WG, UK
| | - Natalie Tigue
- BioPharmaceuticals R&D, AstraZeneca, Granta Park, Cambridge CB21 6GH, UK
| | - Nigel J. Savery
- School of Biochemistry, University of Bristol, Medical Sciences Building, University Walk, Bristol BS8 1TD, UK
- BrisEngBio, School of Chemistry, University of Bristol, Cantock's Close, Bristol BS8 1TS, UK
| | - Derek N. Woolfson
- School of Chemistry, University of Bristol, Cantock's Close, Bristol BS8 1TS, UK
- Max Planck-Bristol Centre for Minimal Biology, University of Bristol, Cantock's Close, Bristol BS8 1TS, UK
- School of Biochemistry, University of Bristol, Medical Sciences Building, University Walk, Bristol BS8 1TD, UK
- BrisEngBio, School of Chemistry, University of Bristol, Cantock's Close, Bristol BS8 1TS, UK
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11
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Laureanti JA, Su Q, Shaw WJ. A protein scaffold enables hydrogen evolution for a Ni-bisdiphosphine complex. Dalton Trans 2021; 50:15754-15759. [PMID: 34704584 DOI: 10.1039/d1dt03295j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
An artificial metalloenzyme acting as a functional biomimic of hydrogenase enzymes was activated by assembly via covalent attachment of the molecular complex, [Ni(PNglycineP)2]2-, within a structured protein scaffold. Electrocatalytic H2 production was observed from pH 3.0 to 10.0 for the artificial enzyme, while no electrocatalytic activity was observed for similar [Ni(PNP)2]2+ systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph A Laureanti
- Physical and Computational Sciences Directorate, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, Richland, WA 99352, USA.
| | - Qiwen Su
- Physical and Computational Sciences Directorate, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, Richland, WA 99352, USA.
| | - Wendy J Shaw
- Physical and Computational Sciences Directorate, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, Richland, WA 99352, USA.
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12
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Xu Y, Wu Y, Lv X, Sun G, Zhang H, Chen T, Du G, Li J, Liu L. Design and construction of novel biocatalyst for bioprocessing: Recent advances and future outlook. BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY 2021; 332:125071. [PMID: 33826982 DOI: 10.1016/j.biortech.2021.125071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2021] [Revised: 03/19/2021] [Accepted: 03/23/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Bioprocess, a biocatalysis-based technology, is becoming popular in many research fields and widely applied in industrial manufacturing. However, low bioconversion, low productivity, and high costs during industrial processes are usually the limitation in bioprocess. Therefore, many biocatalyst strategies have been developed to meet these challenges in recent years. In this review, we firstly discuss protein engineering strategies, which are emerged for improving the biocatalysis activity of biocatalysts. Then, we summarize metabolic engineering strategies that are promoting the development of microbial cell factories. Next, we illustrate the necessity of using the combining strategy of protein engineering and metabolic engineering for efficient biocatalysts. Lastly, future perspectives about the development and application of novel biocatalyst strategies are discussed. This review provides theoretical guidance for the development of efficient, sustainable, and economical bioprocesses mediated by novel biocatalysts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yameng Xu
- Key Laboratory of Carbohydrate Chemistry and Biotechnology, Ministry of Education, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, PR China; Science Center for Future Foods, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, PR China
| | - Yaokang Wu
- Key Laboratory of Carbohydrate Chemistry and Biotechnology, Ministry of Education, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, PR China; Science Center for Future Foods, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, PR China
| | - Xueqin Lv
- Key Laboratory of Carbohydrate Chemistry and Biotechnology, Ministry of Education, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, PR China; Science Center for Future Foods, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, PR China
| | - Guoyun Sun
- Key Laboratory of Carbohydrate Chemistry and Biotechnology, Ministry of Education, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, PR China; Science Center for Future Foods, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, PR China
| | - Hongzhi Zhang
- Shandong Runde Biotechnology Co., Ltd., Tai'an 271000, PR China
| | - Taichi Chen
- Key Laboratory of Carbohydrate Chemistry and Biotechnology, Ministry of Education, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, PR China; Science Center for Future Foods, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, PR China
| | - Guocheng Du
- Key Laboratory of Carbohydrate Chemistry and Biotechnology, Ministry of Education, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, PR China; Science Center for Future Foods, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, PR China
| | - Jianghua Li
- Key Laboratory of Carbohydrate Chemistry and Biotechnology, Ministry of Education, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, PR China; Science Center for Future Foods, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, PR China
| | - Long Liu
- Key Laboratory of Carbohydrate Chemistry and Biotechnology, Ministry of Education, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, PR China; Science Center for Future Foods, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, PR China.
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13
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Tretyachenko V, Voráček V, Souček R, Fujishima K, Hlouchová K. CoLiDe: Combinatorial Library Design tool for probing protein sequence space. Bioinformatics 2021; 37:482-489. [PMID: 32956450 PMCID: PMC8088326 DOI: 10.1093/bioinformatics/btaa804] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2020] [Revised: 07/28/2020] [Accepted: 09/07/2020] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
MOTIVATION Current techniques of protein engineering focus mostly on re-designing small targeted regions or defined structural scaffolds rather than constructing combinatorial libraries of versatile compositions and lengths. This is a missed opportunity because combinatorial libraries are emerging as a vital source of novel functional proteins and are of interest in diverse research areas. RESULTS Here, we present a computational tool for Combinatorial Library Design (CoLiDe) offering precise control over protein sequence composition, length and diversity. The algorithm uses evolutionary approach to provide solutions to combinatorial libraries of degenerate DNA templates. We demonstrate its performance and precision using four different input alphabet distribution on different sequence lengths. In addition, a model design and experimental pipeline for protein library expression and purification is presented, providing a proof-of-concept that our protocol can be used to prepare purified protein library samples of up to 1011-1012 unique sequences. CoLiDe presents a composition-centric approach to protein design towards different functional phenomena. AVAILABILITYAND IMPLEMENTATION CoLiDe is implemented in Python and freely available at https://github.com/voracva1/CoLiDe. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vyacheslav Tretyachenko
- Department of Cell Biology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Biocev, Prague, Czech Republic.,Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, Charles University, 128 00 Prague 2, Czech Republic
| | - Václav Voráček
- Department of Cybernetics, Center for Machine Perception, Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Czech Technical University in Prague, 166 27 Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Radko Souček
- Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry IOCB Research Centre & Gilead Sciences, Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic, 166 10 Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Kosuke Fujishima
- Earth-Life Science Institute, Tokyo Institute of Technology, Tokyo 1528550, Japan
| | - Klára Hlouchová
- Department of Cell Biology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Biocev, Prague, Czech Republic.,Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry IOCB Research Centre & Gilead Sciences, Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic, 166 10 Prague, Czech Republic
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14
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Mejias SH, López-Martínez E, Fernandez M, Couleaud P, Martin-Lasanta A, Romera D, Sanchez-Iglesias A, Casado S, Osorio MR, Abad JM, González MT, Cortajarena AL. Engineering conductive protein films through nanoscale self-assembly and gold nanoparticles doping. NANOSCALE 2021; 13:6772-6779. [PMID: 33885479 DOI: 10.1039/d1nr00238d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Protein-based materials are usually considered as insulators, although conductivity has been recently shown in proteins. This fact opens the door to develop new biocompatible conductive materials. While there are emerging efforts in this area, there is an open challenge related to the limited conductivity of protein-based systems. This work shows a novel approach to tune the charge transport properties of protein-based materials by using electron-dense AuNPs. Two strategies are combined in a unique way to generate the conductive solid films: (1) the controlled self-assembly of a protein building block; (2) the templating of AuNPs by the engineered building block. This bottom-up approach allows controlling the structure of the films and the distribution of the AuNPs within, leading to enhanced conductivity. This work illustrates a promising strategy for the development of effective hybrid protein-based bioelectrical materials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara H Mejias
- IMDEA Nanociencia, Campus Universitario de Cantoblanco, C\Faraday, 9, 28049 Madrid, Spain.
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15
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Abstract
What were the physico-chemical forces that drove the origins of life? We discuss four major prebiotic ‘discoveries’: persistent sampling of chemical reaction space; sequence-encodable foldable catalysts; assembly of functional pathways; and encapsulation and heritability. We describe how a ‘proteins-first’ world gives plausible mechanisms. We note the importance of hydrophobic and polar compositions of matter in these advances.
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Affiliation(s)
- K A Dill
- Laufer Center for Physical and Quantitative Biology, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY, USA.,Department of Chemistry, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY, USA.,Department Physics and Astronomy, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY, USA
| | - L Agozzino
- Laufer Center for Physical and Quantitative Biology, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY, USA
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16
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Maglio O, Chino M, Vicari C, Pavone V, Louro RO, Lombardi A. Histidine orientation in artificial peroxidase regioisomers as determined by paramagnetic NMR shifts. Chem Commun (Camb) 2021; 57:990-993. [PMID: 33399143 DOI: 10.1039/d0cc06676a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Fe-Mimochrome VI*a is a synthetic peroxidase and peroxygenase, featuring two different peptides that are covalently-linked to deuteroheme. To perform a systematic structure/function correlation, we purposely shortened the distance between the distal peptide and the heme, allowing for the separation and characterization of two regioisomers. They differ in both His axial-ligand orientation, as determined by paramagnetic NMR shifts, and activity. These findings highlight that synthetic metalloenzymes may provide an efficient tool for disentangling the role of axial ligand orientation over peroxidase activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ornella Maglio
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University Federico II of Naples, Via Cintia 21, Naples, 80126, Italy. and IBB-CNR, Via Mezzocannone 16, Naples, 80134, Italy
| | - Marco Chino
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University Federico II of Naples, Via Cintia 21, Naples, 80126, Italy.
| | - Claudia Vicari
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University Federico II of Naples, Via Cintia 21, Naples, 80126, Italy.
| | - Vincenzo Pavone
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University Federico II of Naples, Via Cintia 21, Naples, 80126, Italy.
| | - Ricardo O Louro
- ITQB-UNL, Av. da Republica (EAN), Oeiras 2780-157, Portugal.
| | - Angela Lombardi
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University Federico II of Naples, Via Cintia 21, Naples, 80126, Italy.
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17
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Tong CL, Lee KH, Seelig B. De novo proteins from random sequences through in vitro evolution. Curr Opin Struct Biol 2021; 68:129-134. [PMID: 33517151 DOI: 10.1016/j.sbi.2020.12.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2020] [Accepted: 12/29/2020] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Natural proteins are the result of billions of years of evolution. The earliest predecessors of today's proteins are believed to have emerged from random polypeptides. While we have no means to determine how this process exactly happened, there is great interest in understanding how it reasonably could have happened. We are reviewing how researchers have utilized in vitro selection and molecular evolution methods to investigate plausible scenarios for the emergence of early functional proteins. The studies range from analyzing general properties and structural features of unevolved random polypeptides to isolating de novo proteins with specific functions from synthetic randomized sequence libraries or generating novel proteins by combining evolution with rational design. While the results are exciting, more work is needed to fully unravel the mechanisms that seeded protein-dominated biology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cher Ling Tong
- Department of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, and Biophysics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA; BioTechnology Institute, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, MN, USA
| | - Kun-Hwa Lee
- Department of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, and Biophysics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA; BioTechnology Institute, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, MN, USA
| | - Burckhard Seelig
- Department of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, and Biophysics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA; BioTechnology Institute, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, MN, USA.
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18
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Li WL, Head-Gordon T. Catalytic Principles from Natural Enzymes and Translational Design Strategies for Synthetic Catalysts. ACS CENTRAL SCIENCE 2021; 7:72-80. [PMID: 33532570 PMCID: PMC7844850 DOI: 10.1021/acscentsci.0c01556] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2020] [Indexed: 05/19/2023]
Abstract
As biocatalysts, enzymes are characterized by their high catalytic efficiency and strong specificity but are relatively fragile by requiring narrow and specific reactive conditions for activity. Synthetic catalysts offer an opportunity for more chemical versatility operating over a wider range of conditions but currently do not reach the remarkable performance of natural enzymes. Here we consider some new design strategies based on the contributions of nonlocal electric fields and thermodynamic fluctuations to both improve the catalytic step and turnover for rate acceleration in arbitrary synthetic catalysts through bioinspired studies of natural enzymes. With a focus on the enzyme as a whole catalytic construct, we illustrate the translational impact of natural enzyme principles to synthetic enzymes, supramolecular capsules, and electrocatalytic surfaces.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wan-Lu Li
- Chemical
Sciences Division, Lawrence Berkeley National
Laboratory, Berkeley, California 94720, United States
- Kenneth
S. Pitzer Center for Theoretical Chemistry, University of California Berkeley, Berkeley, California 94720, United States
| | - Teresa Head-Gordon
- Chemical
Sciences Division, Lawrence Berkeley National
Laboratory, Berkeley, California 94720, United States
- Kenneth
S. Pitzer Center for Theoretical Chemistry, University of California Berkeley, Berkeley, California 94720, United States
- Department of Chemistry, Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, and Department of
Bioengineering, University of California
Berkeley, Berkeley, California 94720, United States
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19
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Vornholt T, Christoffel F, Pellizzoni MM, Panke S, Ward TR, Jeschek M. Systematic engineering of artificial metalloenzymes for new-to-nature reactions. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2021; 7:eabe4208. [PMID: 33523952 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.abe4208] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2020] [Accepted: 12/04/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Artificial metalloenzymes (ArMs) catalyzing new-to-nature reactions could play an important role in transitioning toward a sustainable economy. While ArMs have been created for various transformations, attempts at their genetic optimization have been case specific and resulted mostly in modest improvements. To realize their full potential, methods to rapidly discover active ArM variants for ideally any reaction of interest are required. Here, we introduce a reaction-independent, automation-compatible platform, which relies on periplasmic compartmentalization in Escherichia coli to rapidly and reliably engineer ArMs based on the biotin-streptavidin technology. We systematically assess 400 ArM mutants for five bioorthogonal transformations involving different metals, reaction mechanisms, and reactants, which include novel ArMs for gold-catalyzed hydroamination and hydroarylation. Activity enhancements up to 15-fold highlight the potential of the systematic approach. Furthermore, we suggest smart screening strategies and build machine learning models that accurately predict ArM activity from sequence, which has crucial implications for future ArM development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tobias Vornholt
- Department of Biosystems Science and Engineering, ETH Zurich, CH-4058 Basel, Switzerland
- National Centre of Competence in Research (NCCR) Molecular Systems Engineering, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Fadri Christoffel
- National Centre of Competence in Research (NCCR) Molecular Systems Engineering, Basel, Switzerland
- Department of Chemistry, University of Basel, Mattenstrasse 24a, BPR 1096, CH-4002 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Michela M Pellizzoni
- National Centre of Competence in Research (NCCR) Molecular Systems Engineering, Basel, Switzerland
- Department of Chemistry, University of Basel, Mattenstrasse 24a, BPR 1096, CH-4002 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Sven Panke
- Department of Biosystems Science and Engineering, ETH Zurich, CH-4058 Basel, Switzerland
- National Centre of Competence in Research (NCCR) Molecular Systems Engineering, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Thomas R Ward
- National Centre of Competence in Research (NCCR) Molecular Systems Engineering, Basel, Switzerland
- Department of Chemistry, University of Basel, Mattenstrasse 24a, BPR 1096, CH-4002 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Markus Jeschek
- Department of Biosystems Science and Engineering, ETH Zurich, CH-4058 Basel, Switzerland.
- National Centre of Competence in Research (NCCR) Molecular Systems Engineering, Basel, Switzerland
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20
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Wang MS, Hecht MH. A Completely De Novo ATPase from Combinatorial Protein Design. J Am Chem Soc 2020; 142:15230-15234. [PMID: 32833456 DOI: 10.1021/jacs.0c02954] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Our understanding of biological chemistry is shaped by the observation that all life comes from other life-as Pasteur put it, omne vivum ex vivo. A key step in expanding our biochemical vocabulary is to recapitulate biogenic catalysis using non-natural sequences that did not arise from common ancestry. Here we describe an enzyme designed completely de novo that hydrolyzes ATP. This protein was designed to lack β-sheet structure and is competitively inhibited by magnesium, two traits that are unlike natural ATPases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael S Wang
- Department of Chemistry, Princeton University, Princeton, New Jersey 08540, United States
| | - Michael H Hecht
- Department of Chemistry, Princeton University, Princeton, New Jersey 08540, United States
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21
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Mancini JA, Pike DH, Tyryshkin AM, Haramaty L, Wang MS, Poudel S, Hecht M, Nanda V. Design of a Fe 4 S 4 cluster into the core of a de novo four-helix bundle. Biotechnol Appl Biochem 2020; 67:574-585. [PMID: 32770861 DOI: 10.1002/bab.2003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2020] [Accepted: 08/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
We explore the capacity of the de novo protein, S824, to incorporate a multinuclear iron-sulfur cluster within the core of a single-chain four-helix bundle. This topology has a high intrinsic designability because sequences are constrained largely by the pattern of hydrophobic and hydrophilic amino acids, thereby allowing for the extensive substitution of individual side chains. Libraries of novel proteins based on these constraints have surprising functional potential and have been shown to complement the deletion of essential genes in E. coli. Our structure-based design of four first-shell cysteine ligands, one per helix, in S824 resulted in successful incorporation of a cubane Fe4 S4 cluster into the protein core. A number of challenges were encountered during the design and characterization process, including nonspecific metal-induced aggregation and the presence of competing metal-cluster stoichiometries. The introduction of buried iron-sulfur clusters into the helical bundle is an initial step toward converting libraries of designed structures into functional de novo proteins with catalytic or electron-transfer functionalities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joshua A Mancini
- Environmental Biophysics and Molecular Ecology Program, Department of Marine and Coastal Sciences, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ, USA.,Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Robert Wood Johnson Medical School and the Center for Advanced Biotechnology and Medicine, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ, USA
| | - Douglas H Pike
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Robert Wood Johnson Medical School and the Center for Advanced Biotechnology and Medicine, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ, USA
| | - Alexei M Tyryshkin
- Environmental Biophysics and Molecular Ecology Program, Department of Marine and Coastal Sciences, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ, USA
| | - Liti Haramaty
- Environmental Biophysics and Molecular Ecology Program, Department of Marine and Coastal Sciences, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ, USA
| | - Michael S Wang
- Department of Chemistry, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ, USA
| | - Saroj Poudel
- Environmental Biophysics and Molecular Ecology Program, Department of Marine and Coastal Sciences, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ, USA.,Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Robert Wood Johnson Medical School and the Center for Advanced Biotechnology and Medicine, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ, USA
| | - Michael Hecht
- Department of Chemistry, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ, USA
| | - Vikas Nanda
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Robert Wood Johnson Medical School and the Center for Advanced Biotechnology and Medicine, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ, USA
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22
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Jarvis AG. Designer metalloenzymes for synthetic biology: Enzyme hybrids for catalysis. Curr Opin Chem Biol 2020; 58:63-71. [PMID: 32768658 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpa.2020.06.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2020] [Revised: 05/14/2020] [Accepted: 06/11/2020] [Indexed: 02/09/2023]
Abstract
Combining organometallics and biology has generated broad interest from scientists working on applications from in situ drug release to biocatalysis. Engineered enzymes and biohybrid catalysts (also referred to as artificial enzymes) have introduced a wide range of abiotic chemistry into biocatalysis. Predominantly, this work has concentrated on using these catalysts for single step in vitro reactions. However, the promise of using these hybrid catalysts in vivo and combining them with synthetic biology and metabolic engineering is vast. This report will briefly review recent advances in artificial metalloenzyme design, followed by summarising recent studies that have looked at the use of these hybrid catalysts in vivo and in enzymatic cascades, therefore exploring their potential for synthetic biology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amanda G Jarvis
- EaStCHEM School of Chemistry, University of Edinburgh, Joseph Black Building, David Brewster Rd, Edinburgh, EH9 3FJ, UK.
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23
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Martin-Yken H. Yeast-Based Biosensors: Current Applications and New Developments. BIOSENSORS 2020; 10:E51. [PMID: 32413968 PMCID: PMC7277604 DOI: 10.3390/bios10050051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2020] [Revised: 04/17/2020] [Accepted: 04/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Biosensors are regarded as a powerful tool to detect and monitor environmental contaminants, toxins, and, more generally, organic or chemical markers of potential threats to human health. They are basically composed of a sensor part made up of either live cells or biological active molecules coupled to a transducer/reporter technological element. Whole-cells biosensors may be based on animal tissues, bacteria, or eukaryotic microorganisms such as yeasts and microalgae. Although very resistant to adverse environmental conditions, yeasts can sense and respond to a wide variety of stimuli. As eukaryotes, they also constitute excellent cellular models to detect chemicals and organic contaminants that are harmful to animals. For these reasons, combined with their ease of culture and genetic modification, yeasts have been commonly used as biological elements of biosensors since the 1970s. This review aims first at giving a survey on the different types of yeast-based biosensors developed for the environmental and medical domains. We then present the technological developments currently undertaken by academic and corporate scientists to further drive yeasts biosensors into a new era where the biological element is optimized in a tailor-made fashion by in silico design and where the output signals can be recorded or followed on a smartphone.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helene Martin-Yken
- Institut National de Recherche pour l’Agriculture, l’Alimentation et l’Environnement (INRAE), UMR 792 Toulouse Biotechnology Institute (TBI), 31400 Toulouse, France; ; Tel.: +689-89-52-31-88
- Institut de Recherche pour le Développement (IRD), Faa’a, 98702 Tahiti, French Polynesia
- Unite Mixte de Recherche n°241 Ecosystemes Insulaires et Oceaniens, Université de la Polynésie Française, Faa’a, 98702 Tahiti, French Polynesia
- Laboratoire de Recherche sur les Biotoxines Marines, Institut Louis Malardé, Papeete, 98713 Tahiti, French Polynesia
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24
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Vornholt T, Jeschek M. The Quest for Xenobiotic Enzymes: From New Enzymes for Chemistry to a Novel Chemistry of Life. Chembiochem 2020; 21:2241-2249. [PMID: 32294286 DOI: 10.1002/cbic.202000121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2020] [Revised: 04/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Enzyme engineering has made impressive progress in the past decades, paving the way for the widespread use of enzymes for various purposes. In contrast to "classical" enzyme engineering, which focuses on optimizing specific properties of natural enzymes, a more recent trend towards the creation of artificial enzymes that catalyze fundamentally distinct, new-to-nature reactions is observable. While approaches for creating such enzymes differ significantly, they share the common goal of enabling biocatalytic novelty to broaden the range of applications for enzymes. Although most artificial enzymes reported to date are only moderately active and barely function in vivo, they have the potential to endow cells with capabilities that were previously out of reach and thus herald a new wave of "functional xenobiology". Herein, we highlight recent developments in the field of artificial enzymes with a particular focus on challenges and opportunities for their use in xenobiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tobias Vornholt
- Department of Biosystems Science and Engineering ETH Zürich, Mattenstrasse 26, 4058, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Markus Jeschek
- Department of Biosystems Science and Engineering ETH Zürich, Mattenstrasse 26, 4058, Basel, Switzerland
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25
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Wiltschi B, Cernava T, Dennig A, Galindo Casas M, Geier M, Gruber S, Haberbauer M, Heidinger P, Herrero Acero E, Kratzer R, Luley-Goedl C, Müller CA, Pitzer J, Ribitsch D, Sauer M, Schmölzer K, Schnitzhofer W, Sensen CW, Soh J, Steiner K, Winkler CK, Winkler M, Wriessnegger T. Enzymes revolutionize the bioproduction of value-added compounds: From enzyme discovery to special applications. Biotechnol Adv 2020; 40:107520. [DOI: 10.1016/j.biotechadv.2020.107520] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2019] [Revised: 10/18/2019] [Accepted: 01/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
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26
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Kimura N, Mochizuki K, Umezawa K, Hecht MH, Arai R. Hyperstable De Novo Protein with a Dimeric Bisecting Topology. ACS Synth Biol 2020; 9:254-259. [PMID: 31951376 DOI: 10.1021/acssynbio.9b00501] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Recently, we designed and assembled protein nanobuilding blocks (PN-Blocks) from an intermolecularly folded dimeric de novo protein called WA20. Using this dimeric 4-helix bundle, we constructed a series of self-assembling supramolecular nanostructures including polyhedra and chain-type complexes. Here we describe the stabilization of WA20 by designing mutations that stabilize the helices and hydrophobic core. The redesigned proteins denature with substantially higher midpoints, with the most stable variant, called Super WA20 (SUWA), displaying an extremely high midpoint (Tm = 122 °C), much higher than the Tm of WA20 (75 °C). The crystal structure of SUWA reveals an intermolecularly folded dimer with bisecting U topology, similar to the parental WA20 structure, with two long α-helices of a protomer intertwined with the helices of another protomer. Molecular dynamics simulations demonstrate that the redesigned hydrophobic core in the center of SUWA significantly suppresses the deformation of helices observed in the same region of WA20, suggesting this is a critical factor stabilizing the SUWA structure. This hyperstable de novo protein is expected to be useful as nanoscale pillars of PN-Block components in new types of self-assembling nanoarchitectures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naoya Kimura
- Department of Applied Biology, Faculty of Textile Science and Technology, Shinshu University, Ueda, Nagano 386-8567, Japan
| | - Kenji Mochizuki
- Department of Chemistry and Materials, Faculty of Textile Science and Technology, Shinshu University, Ueda, Nagano 386-8567, Japan
- Institute for Fiber Engineering, Shinshu University, Ueda, Nagano 386-8567, Japan
| | - Koji Umezawa
- Institute for Biomedical Sciences, Interdisciplinary Cluster for Cutting Edge Research, Shinshu University, Matsumoto, Nagano 390-8621, Japan
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Graduate School of Science and Technology, Shinshu University, Minamiminowa, Nagano 399-4598, Japan
| | - Michael H. Hecht
- Department of Chemistry, Princeton University, Princeton, New Jersey 08544, United States
| | - Ryoichi Arai
- Department of Biomolecular Innovation, Institute for Biomedical Sciences, Interdisciplinary Cluster for Cutting Edge Research, Shinshu University, Matsumoto, Nagano 390-8621, Japan
- Department of Supramolecular Complexes, Research Center for Fungal and Microbial Dynamism, Shinshu University, Minamiminowa, Nagano 399-4598, Japan
- Department of Applied Biology, Faculty of Textile Science and Technology, Shinshu University, Ueda, Nagano 386-8567, Japan
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27
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Vakirlis N, Acar O, Hsu B, Castilho Coelho N, Van Oss SB, Wacholder A, Medetgul-Ernar K, Bowman RW, Hines CP, Iannotta J, Parikh SB, McLysaght A, Camacho CJ, O'Donnell AF, Ideker T, Carvunis AR. De novo emergence of adaptive membrane proteins from thymine-rich genomic sequences. Nat Commun 2020; 11:781. [PMID: 32034123 PMCID: PMC7005711 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-020-14500-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2019] [Accepted: 12/20/2019] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Recent evidence demonstrates that novel protein-coding genes can arise de novo from non-genic loci. This evolutionary innovation is thought to be facilitated by the pervasive translation of non-genic transcripts, which exposes a reservoir of variable polypeptides to natural selection. Here, we systematically characterize how these de novo emerging coding sequences impact fitness in budding yeast. Disruption of emerging sequences is generally inconsequential for fitness in the laboratory and in natural populations. Overexpression of emerging sequences, however, is enriched in adaptive fitness effects compared to overexpression of established genes. We find that adaptive emerging sequences tend to encode putative transmembrane domains, and that thymine-rich intergenic regions harbor a widespread potential to produce transmembrane domains. These findings, together with in-depth examination of the de novo emerging YBR196C-A locus, suggest a novel evolutionary model whereby adaptive transmembrane polypeptides emerge de novo from thymine-rich non-genic regions and subsequently accumulate changes molded by natural selection. There is increasing evidence that protein-coding genes can emerge de novo from noncoding genomic regions. Vakirlis et al. propose that sequences encoding transmembrane polypeptides can emerge de novo in thymine-rich genomic regions and provide organisms with fitness benefits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nikolaos Vakirlis
- Smurfit Institute of Genetics, Trinity College Dublin, University of Dublin, Dublin, 2, Ireland
| | - Omer Acar
- Department of Computational and Systems Biology, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, 15213, United States.,Pittsburgh Center for Evolutionary Biology and Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, 15213, United States
| | - Brian Hsu
- Department of Medicine, Division of Medical Genetics, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, United States
| | - Nelson Castilho Coelho
- Department of Computational and Systems Biology, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, 15213, United States.,Pittsburgh Center for Evolutionary Biology and Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, 15213, United States
| | - S Branden Van Oss
- Department of Computational and Systems Biology, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, 15213, United States.,Pittsburgh Center for Evolutionary Biology and Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, 15213, United States
| | - Aaron Wacholder
- Department of Computational and Systems Biology, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, 15213, United States.,Pittsburgh Center for Evolutionary Biology and Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, 15213, United States
| | - Kate Medetgul-Ernar
- Department of Medicine, Division of Medical Genetics, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, United States
| | - Ray W Bowman
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, 15260, United States
| | - Cameron P Hines
- Department of Medicine, Division of Medical Genetics, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, United States
| | - John Iannotta
- Department of Computational and Systems Biology, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, 15213, United States.,Pittsburgh Center for Evolutionary Biology and Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, 15213, United States
| | - Saurin Bipin Parikh
- Department of Computational and Systems Biology, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, 15213, United States.,Pittsburgh Center for Evolutionary Biology and Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, 15213, United States
| | - Aoife McLysaght
- Smurfit Institute of Genetics, Trinity College Dublin, University of Dublin, Dublin, 2, Ireland
| | - Carlos J Camacho
- Department of Computational and Systems Biology, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, 15213, United States
| | - Allyson F O'Donnell
- Pittsburgh Center for Evolutionary Biology and Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, 15213, United States. .,Department of Biological Sciences, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, 15260, United States.
| | - Trey Ideker
- Department of Medicine, Division of Medical Genetics, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, United States.
| | - Anne-Ruxandra Carvunis
- Department of Computational and Systems Biology, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, 15213, United States. .,Pittsburgh Center for Evolutionary Biology and Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, 15213, United States.
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28
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A Strategy for Combinatorial Cavity Design in De Novo Proteins. Life (Basel) 2020; 10:life10020009. [PMID: 31979320 PMCID: PMC7175167 DOI: 10.3390/life10020009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2019] [Revised: 01/16/2020] [Accepted: 01/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Protein sequence space is vast; nature uses only an infinitesimal fraction of possible sequences to sustain life. Are there solutions to biological problems other than those provided by nature? Can we create artificial proteins that sustain life? To investigate these questions, we have created combinatorial collections, or libraries, of novel sequences with no homology to those found in living organisms. Previously designed libraries contained numerous functional proteins. However, they often formed dynamic, rather than well-ordered structures, which complicated structural and mechanistic characterization. To address this challenge, we describe the development of new libraries based on the de novo protein S-824, a 4-helix bundle with a very stable 3-dimensional structure. Distinct from previous libraries, we targeted variability to a specific region of the protein, seeking to create potential functional sites. By characterizing variant proteins from this library, we demonstrate that the S-824 scaffold tolerates diverse amino acid substitutions in a putative cavity, including buried polar residues suitable for catalysis. We designed and created a DNA library encoding 1.7 × 106 unique protein sequences. This new library of stable de novo α-helical proteins is well suited for screens and selections for a range of functional activities in vitro and in vivo.
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29
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Abstract
While the bottom-up design of enzymes appears to be an intractably complex problem, a minimal approach that combines elementary, de novo-designed proteins with intrinsically reactive cofactors offers a simple means to rapidly access sophisticated catalytic mechanisms. Not only is this method proven in the reproduction of powerful oxidative chemistry of the natural peroxidase enzymes, but we show here that it extends to the efficient, abiological—and often asymmetric—formation of strained cyclopropane rings, nitrogen–carbon and carbon–carbon bonds, and the ring expansion of a simple cyclic molecule to form a precursor for NAD+, a fundamentally important biological cofactor. That the enzyme also functions in vivo paves the way for its incorporation into engineered biosynthetic pathways within living organisms. By constructing an in vivo-assembled, catalytically proficient peroxidase, C45, we have recently demonstrated the catalytic potential of simple, de novo-designed heme proteins. Here, we show that C45’s enzymatic activity extends to the efficient and stereoselective intermolecular transfer of carbenes to olefins, heterocycles, aldehydes, and amines. Not only is this a report of carbene transferase activity in a completely de novo protein, but also of enzyme-catalyzed ring expansion of aromatic heterocycles via carbene transfer by any enzyme.
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30
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Sinha R, Shukla P. Current Trends in Protein Engineering: Updates and Progress. Curr Protein Pept Sci 2019; 20:398-407. [PMID: 30451109 DOI: 10.2174/1389203720666181119120120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2018] [Revised: 11/09/2018] [Accepted: 11/12/2018] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Proteins are one of the most important and resourceful biomolecules that find applications in health, industry, medicine, research, and biotechnology. Given its tremendous relevance, protein engineering has emerged as significant biotechnological intervention in this area. Strategic utilization of protein engineering methods and approaches has enabled better enzymatic properties, better stability, increased catalytic activity and most importantly, interesting and wide range applicability of proteins. In fact, the commercialization of engineered proteins have manifested in economically beneficial and viable solutions for industry and healthcare sector. Protein engineering has also evolved to become a powerful tool contributing significantly to the developments in both synthetic biology and metabolic engineering. The present review revisits the current trends in protein engineering approaches such as rational design, directed evolution, de novo design, computational approaches etc. and encompasses the recent progresses made in this field over the last few years. The review also throws light on advanced or futuristic protein engineering aspects, which are being explored for design and development of novel proteins with improved properties or advanced applications.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Pratyoosh Shukla
- Enzyme Technology and Protein Bioinformatics Laboratory, Department of Microbiology, Maharshi Dayanand University, Rohtak-124001, Haryana, India
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31
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Grayson KJ, Anderson JLR. Designed for life: biocompatible de novo designed proteins and components. J R Soc Interface 2019; 15:rsif.2018.0472. [PMID: 30158186 PMCID: PMC6127164 DOI: 10.1098/rsif.2018.0472] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2018] [Accepted: 08/01/2018] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
A principal goal of synthetic biology is the de novo design or redesign of biomolecular components. In addition to revealing fundamentally important information regarding natural biomolecular engineering and biochemistry, functional building blocks will ultimately be provided for applications including the manufacture of valuable products and therapeutics. To fully realize this ambitious goal, the designed components must be biocompatible, working in concert with natural biochemical processes and pathways, while not adversely affecting cellular function. For example, de novo protein design has provided us with a wide repertoire of structures and functions, including those that can be assembled and function in vivo. Here we discuss such biocompatible designs, as well as others that have the potential to become biocompatible, including non-protein molecules, and routes to achieving full biological integration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katie J Grayson
- School of Biochemistry, University of Bristol, Biomedical Sciences Building, Bristol BS8 1TD, UK
| | - J L Ross Anderson
- School of Biochemistry, University of Bristol, Biomedical Sciences Building, Bristol BS8 1TD, UK .,BrisSynBio Synthetic Biology Research Centre, University of Bristol, Life Sciences Building, Tyndall Avenue, Bristol BS8 1TQ, UK
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32
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Marshall LR, Zozulia O, Lengyel-Zhand Z, Korendovych IV. Minimalist de novo Design of Protein Catalysts. ACS Catal 2019; 9:9265-9275. [PMID: 34094654 PMCID: PMC8174531 DOI: 10.1021/acscatal.9b02509] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
The field of protein design has grown enormously in the past few decades. In this review we discuss the minimalist approach to design of artificial enzymes, in which protein sequences are created with the minimum number of elements for folding and function. This method relies on identifying starting points in catalytically inert scaffolds for active site installation. The progress of the field from the original helical assemblies of the 1980s to the more complex structures of the present day is discussed, highlighting the variety of catalytic reactions which have been achieved using these methods. We outline the strengths and weaknesses of the minimalist approaches, describe representative design cases and put it in the general context of the de novo design of proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liam R. Marshall
- Department of Chemistry, Syracuse University, 111 College Place, Syracuse, NY 13244, USA
| | - Oleksii Zozulia
- Department of Chemistry, Syracuse University, 111 College Place, Syracuse, NY 13244, USA
| | - Zsofia Lengyel-Zhand
- Department of Chemistry, Syracuse University, 111 College Place, Syracuse, NY 13244, USA
| | - Ivan V. Korendovych
- Department of Chemistry, Syracuse University, 111 College Place, Syracuse, NY 13244, USA
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33
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Towards functional de novo designed proteins. Curr Opin Chem Biol 2019; 52:102-111. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpa.2019.06.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2019] [Revised: 04/25/2019] [Accepted: 06/06/2019] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
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34
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De novo design of symmetric ferredoxins that shuttle electrons in vivo. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2019; 116:14557-14562. [PMID: 31262814 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1905643116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
A symmetric origin for bacterial ferredoxins was first proposed over 50 y ago, yet, to date, no functional symmetric molecule has been constructed. It is hypothesized that extant proteins have drifted from their symmetric roots via gene duplication followed by mutations. Phylogenetic analyses of extant ferredoxins support the independent evolution of N- and C-terminal sequences, thereby allowing consensus-based design of symmetric 4Fe-4S molecules. All designs bind two [4Fe-4S] clusters and exhibit strongly reducing midpoint potentials ranging from -405 to -515 mV. One of these constructs efficiently shuttles electrons through a designed metabolic pathway in Escherichia coli These finding establish that ferredoxins consisting of a symmetric core can be used as a platform to design novel electron transfer carriers for in vivo applications. Outer-shell asymmetry increases sequence space without compromising electron transfer functionality.
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35
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Rhys GG, Wood CW, Beesley JL, Zaccai NR, Burton AJ, Brady RL, Thomson AR, Woolfson DN. Navigating the Structural Landscape of De Novo α-Helical Bundles. J Am Chem Soc 2019; 141:8787-8797. [PMID: 31066556 DOI: 10.1021/jacs.8b13354] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The association of amphipathic α helices in water leads to α-helical-bundle protein structures. However, the driving force for this-the hydrophobic effect-is not specific and does not define the number or the orientation of helices in the associated state. Rather, this is achieved through deeper sequence-to-structure relationships, which are increasingly being discerned. For example, for one structurally extreme but nevertheless ubiquitous class of bundle-the α-helical coiled coils-relationships have been established that discriminate between all-parallel dimers, trimers, and tetramers. Association states above this are known, as are antiparallel and mixed arrangements of the helices. However, these alternative states are less well understood. Here, we describe a synthetic-peptide system that switches between parallel hexamers and various up-down-up-down tetramers in response to single-amino-acid changes and solution conditions. The main accessible states of each peptide variant are characterized fully in solution and, in most cases, to high resolution with X-ray crystal structures. Analysis and inspection of these structures helps rationalize the different states formed. This navigation of the structural landscape of α-helical coiled coils above the dimers and trimers that dominate in nature has allowed us to design rationally a well-defined and hyperstable antiparallel coiled-coil tetramer (apCC-Tet). This robust de novo protein provides another scaffold for further structural and functional designs in protein engineering and synthetic biology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guto G Rhys
- School of Chemistry , University of Bristol , Cantock's Close , Bristol BS8 1TS , United Kingdom
| | - Christopher W Wood
- School of Chemistry , University of Bristol , Cantock's Close , Bristol BS8 1TS , United Kingdom
| | - Joseph L Beesley
- School of Chemistry , University of Bristol , Cantock's Close , Bristol BS8 1TS , United Kingdom
| | - Nathan R Zaccai
- School of Biochemistry , University of Bristol , Medical Sciences Building, University Walk , Bristol BS8 1TD , United Kingdom
| | - Antony J Burton
- School of Chemistry , University of Bristol , Cantock's Close , Bristol BS8 1TS , United Kingdom
- Frick Chemistry Laboratory , Princeton University , Princeton , New Jersey 08544 , United States
| | - R Leo Brady
- School of Biochemistry , University of Bristol , Medical Sciences Building, University Walk , Bristol BS8 1TD , United Kingdom
| | - Andrew R Thomson
- School of Chemistry , University of Bristol , Cantock's Close , Bristol BS8 1TS , United Kingdom
- School of Chemistry , University of Glasgow , Glasgow G12 8QQ , United Kingdom
| | - Derek N Woolfson
- School of Chemistry , University of Bristol , Cantock's Close , Bristol BS8 1TS , United Kingdom
- School of Biochemistry , University of Bristol , Medical Sciences Building, University Walk , Bristol BS8 1TD , United Kingdom
- BrisSynBio , University of Bristol , Life Sciences Building, Tyndall Avenue , Bristol BS8 1TQ , United Kingdom
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36
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Abstract
The origin of novel genes and beneficial functions is of fundamental interest in evolutionary biology. New genes can originate from different mechanisms, including horizontal gene transfer, duplication-divergence, and de novo from noncoding DNA sequences. Comparative genomics has generated strong evidence for de novo emergence of genes in various organisms, but experimental demonstration of this process has been limited to localized randomization in preexisting structural scaffolds. This bypasses the basic requirement of de novo gene emergence, i.e., lack of an ancestral gene. We constructed highly diverse plasmid libraries encoding randomly generated open reading frames and expressed them in Escherichia coli to identify short peptides that could confer a beneficial and selectable phenotype in vivo (in a living cell). Selections on antibiotic-containing agar plates resulted in the identification of three peptides that increased aminoglycoside resistance up to 48-fold. Combining genetic and functional analyses, we show that the peptides are highly hydrophobic, and by inserting into the membrane, they reduce membrane potential, decrease aminoglycoside uptake, and thereby confer high-level resistance. This study demonstrates that randomized DNA sequences can encode peptides that confer selective benefits and illustrates how expression of random sequences could spark the origination of new genes. In addition, our results also show that this question can be addressed experimentally by expression of highly diverse sequence libraries and subsequent selection for specific functions, such as resistance to toxic compounds, the ability to rescue auxotrophic/temperature-sensitive mutants, and growth on normally nonused carbon sources, allowing the exploration of many different phenotypes.IMPORTANCE De novo gene origination from nonfunctional DNA sequences was long assumed to be implausible. However, recent studies have shown that large fractions of genomic noncoding DNA are transcribed and translated, potentially generating new genes. Experimental validation of this process so far has been limited to comparative genomics, in vitro selections, or partial randomizations. Here, we describe selection of novel peptides in vivo using fully random synthetic expression libraries. The peptides confer aminoglycoside resistance by inserting into the bacterial membrane and thereby partly reducing membrane potential and decreasing drug uptake. Our results show that beneficial peptides can be selected from random sequence pools in vivo and support the idea that expression of noncoding sequences could spark the origination of new genes.
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37
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Gutte B, Klauser S. Design of catalytic polypeptides and proteins. Protein Eng Des Sel 2018; 31:457-470. [PMID: 31241746 DOI: 10.1093/protein/gzz009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2019] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The first part of this review article lists examples of complete, empirical de novo design that made important contributions to the development of the field and initiated challenging projects. The second part of this article deals with computational design of novel enzymes in native protein scaffolds; active designs were refined through random and site-directed mutagenesis producing artificial enzymes with nearly native enzyme- like activities against a number of non-natural substrates. Combining aspects of de novo design and biological evolution of nature's enzymes has started and will accelerate the development of novel enzyme activities.
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Affiliation(s)
- B Gutte
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Zürich, Winterthurerstrasse 190, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - S Klauser
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Zürich, Winterthurerstrasse 190, Zürich, Switzerland
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38
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Grayson KJ, Anderson JR. The ascent of man(made oxidoreductases). Curr Opin Struct Biol 2018; 51:149-155. [PMID: 29754103 PMCID: PMC6227378 DOI: 10.1016/j.sbi.2018.04.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2018] [Accepted: 04/24/2018] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Though established 40 years ago, the field of de novo protein design has recently come of age, with new designs exhibiting an unprecedented level of sophistication in structure and function. With respect to catalysis, de novo enzymes promise to revolutionise the industrial production of useful chemicals and materials, while providing new biomolecules as plug-and-play components in the metabolic pathways of living cells. To this end, there are now de novo metalloenzymes that are assembled in vivo, including the recently reported C45 maquette, which can catalyse a variety of substrate oxidations with efficiencies rivalling those of closely related natural enzymes. Here we explore the successful design of this de novo enzyme, which was designed to minimise the undesirable complexity of natural proteins using a minimalistic bottom-up approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katie J Grayson
- School of Biochemistry, Biomedical Sciences Building, University of Bristol, BS8 1TD, UK
| | - Jl Ross Anderson
- School of Biochemistry, Biomedical Sciences Building, University of Bristol, BS8 1TD, UK; BrisSynBio Synthetic Biology Research Centre, Life Sciences Building, University of Bristol, Tyndall Avenue, Bristol BS8 1TQ, UK.
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39
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Kobayashi N, Inano K, Sasahara K, Sato T, Miyazawa K, Fukuma T, Hecht MH, Song C, Murata K, Arai R. Self-Assembling Supramolecular Nanostructures Constructed from de Novo Extender Protein Nanobuilding Blocks. ACS Synth Biol 2018; 7:1381-1394. [PMID: 29690759 DOI: 10.1021/acssynbio.8b00007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
The design of novel proteins that self-assemble into supramolecular complexes is important for development in nanobiotechnology and synthetic biology. Recently, we designed and created a protein nanobuilding block (PN-Block), WA20-foldon, by fusing an intermolecularly folded dimeric de novo WA20 protein and a trimeric foldon domain of T4 phage fibritin (Kobayashi et al., J. Am. Chem. Soc. 2015, 137, 11285). WA20-foldon formed several types of self-assembling nanoarchitectures in multiples of 6-mers, including a barrel-like hexamer and a tetrahedron-like dodecamer. In this study, to construct chain-like polymeric nanostructures, we designed de novo extender protein nanobuilding blocks (ePN-Blocks) by tandemly fusing two de novo binary-patterned WA20 proteins with various linkers. The ePN-Blocks with long helical linkers or flexible linkers were expressed in soluble fractions of Escherichia coli, and the purified ePN-Blocks were analyzed by native PAGE, size exclusion chromatography-multiangle light scattering (SEC-MALS), small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS), and transmission electron microscopy. These results suggest formation of various structural homo-oligomers. Subsequently, we reconstructed hetero-oligomeric complexes from extender and stopper PN-Blocks by denaturation and refolding. The present SEC-MALS and SAXS analyses show that extender and stopper PN-Block (esPN-Block) heterocomplexes formed different types of extended chain-like conformations depending on their linker types. Moreover, atomic force microscopy imaging in liquid suggests that the esPN-Block heterocomplexes with metal ions further self-assembled into supramolecular nanostructures on mica surfaces. Taken together, the present data demonstrate that the design and construction of self-assembling PN-Blocks using de novo proteins is a useful strategy for building polymeric nanoarchitectures of supramolecular protein complexes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naoya Kobayashi
- Exploratory Research Center on Life and Living Systems, National Institutes of Natural Sciences, Okazaki, Aichi 444-8787, Japan
| | | | | | - Takaaki Sato
- Center for Energy and Environmental Science, Interdisciplinary Cluster for Cutting Edge Research, Shinshu University, Nagano, Nagano 380-8553, Japan
| | - Keisuke Miyazawa
- Division of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa, Ishikawa 920-1192, Japan
| | - Takeshi Fukuma
- Division of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa, Ishikawa 920-1192, Japan
| | - Michael H Hecht
- Department of Chemistry, Princeton University, Princeton, New Jersey 08544, United States
| | - Chihong Song
- National Institute for Physiological Sciences, Okazaki, Aichi 444-8585, Japan
| | - Kazuyoshi Murata
- National Institute for Physiological Sciences, Okazaki, Aichi 444-8585, Japan
| | - Ryoichi Arai
- Division of Structural and Synthetic Biology, RIKEN Center for Life Science Technologies, Tsurumi, Yokohama 230-0045, Japan
- Institute for Biomedical Sciences, Interdisciplinary Cluster for Cutting Edge Research, Shinshu University, Matsumoto, Nagano 390-8621, Japan
- Department of Supramolecular Complexes, Research Center for Fungal and Microbial Dynamism, Shinshu University, Minamiminowa, Nagano 399-4598, Japan
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40
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Johansson KE, Winther JR. Hacking an enzyme. Nat Chem Biol 2018; 14:202-204. [DOI: 10.1038/nchembio.2574] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
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