1
|
Catalano C, Lucier KW, To D, Senko S, Tran NL, Farwell AC, Silva SM, Dip PV, Poweleit N, Scapin G. The CryoEM structure of human serum albumin in complex with ligands. J Struct Biol 2024; 216:108105. [PMID: 38852682 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsb.2024.108105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2024] [Revised: 06/03/2024] [Accepted: 06/04/2024] [Indexed: 06/11/2024]
Abstract
Human serum albumin (HSA) is the most prevalent plasma protein in the human body, accounting for 60 % of the total plasma protein. HSA plays a major pharmacokinetic function, serving as a facilitator in the distribution of endobiotics and xenobiotics within the organism. In this paper we report the cryoEM structures of HSA in the apo form and in complex with two ligands (salicylic acid and teniposide) at a resolution of 3.5, 3.7 and 3.4 Å, respectively. We expand upon previously published work and further demonstrate that sub-4 Å maps of ∼60 kDa proteins can be routinely obtained using a 200 kV microscope, employing standard workflows. Most importantly, these maps allowed for the identification of small molecule ligands, emphasizing the practical applicability of this methodology and providing a starting point for subsequent computational modeling and in silico optimization.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Claudio Catalano
- NanoImaging Services, 4940 Carroll Canyon Road, Suite 115, San Diego, CA 92121, USA.
| | - Kyle W Lucier
- NanoImaging Services, 4940 Carroll Canyon Road, Suite 115, San Diego, CA 92121, USA
| | - Dennis To
- NanoImaging Services, 4940 Carroll Canyon Road, Suite 115, San Diego, CA 92121, USA
| | - Skerdi Senko
- NanoImaging Services, 4940 Carroll Canyon Road, Suite 115, San Diego, CA 92121, USA
| | - Nhi L Tran
- NanoImaging Services, 4940 Carroll Canyon Road, Suite 115, San Diego, CA 92121, USA
| | - Ashlyn C Farwell
- NanoImaging Services, 4940 Carroll Canyon Road, Suite 115, San Diego, CA 92121, USA
| | - Sabrina M Silva
- NanoImaging Services, 4940 Carroll Canyon Road, Suite 115, San Diego, CA 92121, USA
| | - Phat V Dip
- NanoImaging Services, 4940 Carroll Canyon Road, Suite 115, San Diego, CA 92121, USA
| | - Nicole Poweleit
- NanoImaging Services, 4940 Carroll Canyon Road, Suite 115, San Diego, CA 92121, USA
| | - Giovanna Scapin
- NanoImaging Services, 4940 Carroll Canyon Road, Suite 115, San Diego, CA 92121, USA
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Fiorentino F, Fabbrizi E, Mai A, Rotili D. Activation and inhibition of sirtuins: From bench to bedside. Med Res Rev 2024. [PMID: 39215785 DOI: 10.1002/med.22076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2022] [Revised: 07/27/2024] [Accepted: 08/04/2024] [Indexed: 09/04/2024]
Abstract
The sirtuin family comprises seven NAD+-dependent enzymes which catalyze protein lysine deacylation and mono ADP-ribosylation. Sirtuins act as central regulators of genomic stability and gene expression and control key processes, including energetic metabolism, cell cycle, differentiation, apoptosis, and aging. As a result, all sirtuins play critical roles in cellular homeostasis and organism wellness, and their dysregulation has been linked to metabolic, cardiovascular, and neurological diseases. Furthermore, sirtuins have shown dichotomous roles in cancer, acting as context-dependent tumor suppressors or promoters. Given their central role in different cellular processes, sirtuins have attracted increasing research interest aimed at developing both activators and inhibitors. Indeed, sirtuin modulation may have therapeutic effects in many age-related diseases, including diabetes, cardiovascular and neurodegenerative disorders, and cancer. Moreover, isoform selective modulators may increase our knowledge of sirtuin biology and aid to develop better therapies. Through this review, we provide critical insights into sirtuin pharmacology and illustrate their enzymatic activities and biological functions. Furthermore, we outline the most relevant sirtuin modulators in terms of their modes of action, structure-activity relationships, pharmacological effects, and clinical applications.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Fiorentino
- Department of Drug Chemistry and Technologies, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Emanuele Fabbrizi
- Department of Drug Chemistry and Technologies, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Antonello Mai
- Department of Drug Chemistry and Technologies, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
- Pasteur Institute, Cenci-Bolognetti Foundation, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Dante Rotili
- Department of Drug Chemistry and Technologies, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Zhao Q, Hong X, Wang Y, Zhang S, Ding Z, Meng X, Song Q, Hong Q, Jiang W, Shi X, Cai T, Cong Y. An immobilized antibody-based affinity grid strategy for on-grid purification of target proteins enables high-resolution cryo-EM. Commun Biol 2024; 7:715. [PMID: 38858498 PMCID: PMC11164986 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-024-06406-z] [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: 01/17/2024] [Accepted: 05/31/2024] [Indexed: 06/12/2024] Open
Abstract
In cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM), sample preparation poses a critical bottleneck, particularly for rare or fragile macromolecular assemblies and those suffering from denaturation and particle orientation distribution issues related to air-water interface. In this study, we develop and characterize an immobilized antibody-based affinity grid (IAAG) strategy based on the high-affinity PA tag/NZ-1 antibody epitope tag system. We employ Pyr-NHS as a linker to immobilize NZ-1 Fab on the graphene oxide or carbon-covered grid surface. Our results demonstrate that the IAAG grid effectively enriches PA-tagged target proteins and overcomes preferred orientation issues. Furthermore, we demonstrate the utility of our IAAG strategy for on-grid purification of low-abundance target complexes from cell lysates, enabling atomic resolution cryo-EM. This approach greatly streamlines the purification process, reduces the need for large quantities of biological samples, and addresses common challenges encountered in cryo-EM sample preparation. Collectively, our IAAG strategy provides an efficient and robust means for combined sample purification and vitrification, feasible for high-resolution cryo-EM. This approach holds potential for broader applicability in both cryo-EM and cryo-electron tomography (cryo-ET).
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Qiaoyu Zhao
- Key Laboratory of RNA Innovation, Science and Engineering, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, 200031, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiaoyu Hong
- Key Laboratory of RNA Innovation, Science and Engineering, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, 200031, Shanghai, China
| | - Yanxing Wang
- Key Laboratory of RNA Innovation, Science and Engineering, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, 200031, Shanghai, China
| | - Shaoning Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of High Performance Ceramics and Superfine Microstructure, Shanghai Institute of Ceramics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 200050, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhanyu Ding
- Key Laboratory of RNA Innovation, Science and Engineering, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, 200031, Shanghai, China
| | - Xueming Meng
- Key Laboratory of RNA Innovation, Science and Engineering, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, 200031, Shanghai, China
| | - Qianqian Song
- Key Laboratory of RNA Innovation, Science and Engineering, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, 200031, Shanghai, China
| | - Qin Hong
- Key Laboratory of RNA Innovation, Science and Engineering, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, 200031, Shanghai, China
| | - Wanying Jiang
- Key Laboratory of Systems Health Science of Zhejiang Province, School of Life Science, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xiangyi Shi
- Shanghai Nanoport, Thermo Fisher Scientific, Shanghai, China
| | - Tianxun Cai
- State Key Laboratory of High Performance Ceramics and Superfine Microstructure, Shanghai Institute of Ceramics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 200050, Shanghai, China
| | - Yao Cong
- Key Laboratory of RNA Innovation, Science and Engineering, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, 200031, Shanghai, China.
- Key Laboratory of Systems Health Science of Zhejiang Province, School of Life Science, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, China.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Suder DS, Gonen S. Mitigating the Blurring Effect of CryoEM Averaging on a Flexible and Highly Symmetric Protein Complex through Sub-Particle Reconstruction. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:5665. [PMID: 38891853 PMCID: PMC11171969 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25115665] [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: 03/31/2024] [Revised: 05/13/2024] [Accepted: 05/14/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Many macromolecules are inherently flexible as a feature of their structure and function. During single-particle CryoEM processing, flexible protein regions can be detrimental to high-resolution reconstruction as signals from thousands of particles are averaged together. This "blurring" effect can be difficult to overcome and is possibly more pronounced when averaging highly symmetric complexes. Approaches to mitigating flexibility during CryoEM processing are becoming increasingly critical as the technique advances and is applied to more dynamic proteins and complexes. Here, we detail the use of sub-particle averaging and signal subtraction techniques to precisely target and resolve flexible DARPin protein attachments on a designed tetrahedrally symmetric protein scaffold called DARP14. Particles are first aligned as full complexes, and then the symmetry is reduced by alignment and focused refinement of the constituent subunits. The final reconstructions we obtained were vastly improved over the fully symmetric reconstructions, with observable secondary structure and side-chain placement. Additionally, we were also able to reconstruct the core region of the scaffold to 2.7 Å. The data processing protocol outlined here is applicable to other dynamic and symmetric protein complexes, and our improved maps could allow for new structure-guided variant designs of DARP14.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Shane Gonen
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, University of California Irvine, Irvine, CA 92697, USA
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Kung JE, Johnson MC, Jao CC, Arthur CP, Tegunov D, Rohou A, Sudhamsu J. Disulfi de constrained Fabs overcome target size limitation for high-resolution single-particle cryo-EM. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.05.10.593593. [PMID: 38798381 PMCID: PMC11118328 DOI: 10.1101/2024.05.10.593593] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/29/2024]
Abstract
High-resolution structures of proteins are critical to understanding molecular mechanisms of biological processes and in the discovery of therapeutic molecules. Cryo-EM has revolutionized structure determination of large proteins and their complexes1, but a vast majority of proteins that underlie human diseases are small (< 50 kDa) and usually beyond its reach due to low signal-to-noise images and difficulties in particle alignment2. Current strategies to overcome this problem increase the overall size of small protein targets using scaffold proteins that bind to the target, but are limited by inherent flexibility and not being bound to their targets in a rigid manner, resulting in the target being poorly resolved compared to the scaffolds3-11. Here we present an iteratively engineered molecular design for transforming Fabs (antibody fragments), into conformationally rigid scaffolds (Rigid-Fabs) that, when bound to small proteins (~20 kDa), can enable high-resolution structure determination using cryo-EM. This design introduces multiple disulfide bonds at strategic locations, generates a well-folded Fab constrained into a rigid conformation and can be applied to Fabs from various species, isotypes and chimeric Fabs. We present examples of the Rigid Fab design enabling high-resolution (2.3-2.5 Å) structures of small proteins, Ang2 (26 kDa) and KRAS (21 kDa) by cryo-EM. The strategies for designing disulfide constrained Rigid Fabs in our work thus establish a general approach to overcome the target size limitation of single particle cryo-EM.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer E. Kung
- Department of Structural Biology, Genentech Inc., South San Francisco, CA 94080, USA
| | - Matthew C. Johnson
- Department of Structural Biology, Genentech Inc., South San Francisco, CA 94080, USA
| | - Christine C. Jao
- Department of Structural Biology, Genentech Inc., South San Francisco, CA 94080, USA
| | - Christopher P. Arthur
- Department of Structural Biology, Genentech Inc., South San Francisco, CA 94080, USA
| | - Dimitry Tegunov
- Department of Structural Biology, Genentech Inc., South San Francisco, CA 94080, USA
| | - Alexis Rohou
- Department of Structural Biology, Genentech Inc., South San Francisco, CA 94080, USA
| | - Jawahar Sudhamsu
- Department of Structural Biology, Genentech Inc., South San Francisco, CA 94080, USA
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Agdanowski MP, Castells-Graells R, Sawaya MR, Cascio D, Yeates TO, Arbing MA. X-ray crystal structure of a designed rigidified imaging scaffold in the ligand-free conformation. Acta Crystallogr F Struct Biol Commun 2024; 80:107-115. [PMID: 38767964 PMCID: PMC11134730 DOI: 10.1107/s2053230x2400414x] [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: 02/22/2024] [Accepted: 05/06/2024] [Indexed: 05/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Imaging scaffolds composed of designed protein cages fused to designed ankyrin repeat proteins (DARPins) have enabled the structure determination of small proteins by cryogenic electron microscopy (cryo-EM). One particularly well characterized scaffold type is a symmetric tetrahedral assembly composed of 24 subunits, 12 A and 12 B, which has three cargo-binding DARPins positioned on each vertex. Here, the X-ray crystal structure of a representative tetrahedral scaffold in the apo state is reported at 3.8 Å resolution. The X-ray crystal structure complements recent cryo-EM findings on a closely related scaffold, while also suggesting potential utility for crystallographic investigations. As observed in this crystal structure, one of the three DARPins, which serve as modular adaptors for binding diverse `cargo' proteins, present on each of the vertices is oriented towards a large solvent channel. The crystal lattice is unusually porous, suggesting that it may be possible to soak crystals of the scaffold with small (≤30 kDa) protein cargo ligands and subsequently determine cage-cargo structures via X-ray crystallography. The results suggest the possibility that cryo-EM scaffolds may be repurposed for structure determination by X-ray crystallography, thus extending the utility of electron-microscopy scaffold designs for alternative structural biology applications.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Matthew P. Agdanowski
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Roger Castells-Graells
- Department of Biological Chemistry, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
- UCLA–DOE Institute for Genomics and Proteomics, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Michael R. Sawaya
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
- UCLA–DOE Institute for Genomics and Proteomics, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Duilio Cascio
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
- Department of Biological Chemistry, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
- UCLA–DOE Institute for Genomics and Proteomics, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Todd O. Yeates
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
- UCLA–DOE Institute for Genomics and Proteomics, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Mark A. Arbing
- Department of Biological Chemistry, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
- UCLA–DOE Institute for Genomics and Proteomics, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Khoshouei A, Kempf G, Mykhailiuk V, Griessing JM, Honemann MN, Kater L, Cavadini S, Dietz H. Designing Rigid DNA Origami Templates for Molecular Visualization Using Cryo-EM. NANO LETTERS 2024; 24. [PMID: 38602296 PMCID: PMC11057029 DOI: 10.1021/acs.nanolett.4c00915] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2024] [Revised: 04/07/2024] [Accepted: 04/09/2024] [Indexed: 04/12/2024]
Abstract
DNA origami, a method for constructing nanostructures from DNA, offers potential for diverse scientific and technological applications due to its ability to integrate various molecular functionalities in a programmable manner. In this study, we examined the impact of internal crossover distribution and the compositional uniformity of staple strands on the structure of multilayer DNA origami using cryogenic electron microscopy (cryo-EM) single-particle analysis. A refined DNA object was utilized as an alignment framework in a host-guest model, where we successfully resolved an 8 kDa thrombin binding aptamer (TBA) linked to the host object. Our results broaden the spectrum of DNA in structural applications.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ali Khoshouei
- Laboratory
for Biomolecular Nanotechnology, Department of Biosciences, School
of Natural Sciences, Technical University
of Munich, Am Coulombwall 4a, 85748 Garching, Germany
- Munich
Institute of Biomedical Engineering, Technical
University of Munich, Boltzmannstraße 11, 85748 Garching, Germany
| | - Georg Kempf
- Friedrich
Miescher Institute for Biomedical Research, Maulbeerstrasse 66, 4058 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Volodymyr Mykhailiuk
- Laboratory
for Biomolecular Nanotechnology, Department of Biosciences, School
of Natural Sciences, Technical University
of Munich, Am Coulombwall 4a, 85748 Garching, Germany
- Munich
Institute of Biomedical Engineering, Technical
University of Munich, Boltzmannstraße 11, 85748 Garching, Germany
| | - Johanna Mariko Griessing
- Laboratory
for Biomolecular Nanotechnology, Department of Biosciences, School
of Natural Sciences, Technical University
of Munich, Am Coulombwall 4a, 85748 Garching, Germany
- Munich
Institute of Biomedical Engineering, Technical
University of Munich, Boltzmannstraße 11, 85748 Garching, Germany
| | - Maximilian Nicolas Honemann
- Laboratory
for Biomolecular Nanotechnology, Department of Biosciences, School
of Natural Sciences, Technical University
of Munich, Am Coulombwall 4a, 85748 Garching, Germany
- Munich
Institute of Biomedical Engineering, Technical
University of Munich, Boltzmannstraße 11, 85748 Garching, Germany
| | - Lukas Kater
- Friedrich
Miescher Institute for Biomedical Research, Maulbeerstrasse 66, 4058 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Simone Cavadini
- Friedrich
Miescher Institute for Biomedical Research, Maulbeerstrasse 66, 4058 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Hendrik Dietz
- Laboratory
for Biomolecular Nanotechnology, Department of Biosciences, School
of Natural Sciences, Technical University
of Munich, Am Coulombwall 4a, 85748 Garching, Germany
- Munich
Institute of Biomedical Engineering, Technical
University of Munich, Boltzmannstraße 11, 85748 Garching, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Gladkov N, Scott EA, Meador K, Lee EJ, Laganowsky AD, Yeates TO, Castells‐Graells R. Design of a symmetry-broken tetrahedral protein cage by a method of internal steric occlusion. Protein Sci 2024; 33:e4973. [PMID: 38533546 PMCID: PMC10966355 DOI: 10.1002/pro.4973] [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: 11/15/2023] [Revised: 03/05/2024] [Accepted: 03/12/2024] [Indexed: 03/28/2024]
Abstract
Methods in protein design have made it possible to create large and complex, self-assembling protein cages with diverse applications. These have largely been based on highly symmetric forms exemplified by the Platonic solids. Prospective applications of protein cages would be expanded by strategies for breaking the designed symmetry, for example, so that only one or a few (instead of many) copies of an exterior domain or motif might be displayed on their surfaces. Here we demonstrate a straightforward design approach for creating symmetry-broken protein cages able to display singular copies of outward-facing domains. We modify the subunit of an otherwise symmetric protein cage through fusion to a small inward-facing domain, only one copy of which can be accommodated in the cage interior. Using biochemical methods and native mass spectrometry, we show that co-expression of the original subunit and the modified subunit, which is further fused to an outward-facing anti-GFP DARPin domain, leads to self-assembly of a protein cage presenting just one copy of the DARPin protein on its exterior. This strategy of designed occlusion provides a facile route for creating new types of protein cages with unique properties.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nika Gladkov
- Department of Chemistry and BiochemistryUniversity of CaliforniaLos AngelesCaliforniaUSA
| | - Elena A. Scott
- Department of ChemistryTexas A&M UniversityCollege StationTexasUSA
| | - Kyle Meador
- Department of Chemistry and BiochemistryUniversity of CaliforniaLos AngelesCaliforniaUSA
| | - Eric J. Lee
- Department of Chemistry and BiochemistryUniversity of CaliforniaLos AngelesCaliforniaUSA
| | | | - Todd O. Yeates
- Department of Chemistry and BiochemistryUniversity of CaliforniaLos AngelesCaliforniaUSA
- Molecular Biology InstituteUniversity of CaliforniaLos AngelesCaliforniaUSA
- UCLA‐DOE Institute for Genomics and ProteomicsLos AngelesCaliforniaUSA
| | | |
Collapse
|
9
|
de Haas RJ, Brunette N, Goodson A, Dauparas J, Yi SY, Yang EC, Dowling Q, Nguyen H, Kang A, Bera AK, Sankaran B, de Vries R, Baker D, King NP. Rapid and automated design of two-component protein nanomaterials using ProteinMPNN. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2024; 121:e2314646121. [PMID: 38502697 PMCID: PMC10990136 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2314646121] [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: 08/24/2023] [Accepted: 02/20/2024] [Indexed: 03/21/2024] Open
Abstract
The design of protein-protein interfaces using physics-based design methods such as Rosetta requires substantial computational resources and manual refinement by expert structural biologists. Deep learning methods promise to simplify protein-protein interface design and enable its application to a wide variety of problems by researchers from various scientific disciplines. Here, we test the ability of a deep learning method for protein sequence design, ProteinMPNN, to design two-component tetrahedral protein nanomaterials and benchmark its performance against Rosetta. ProteinMPNN had a similar success rate to Rosetta, yielding 13 new experimentally confirmed assemblies, but required orders of magnitude less computation and no manual refinement. The interfaces designed by ProteinMPNN were substantially more polar than those designed by Rosetta, which facilitated in vitro assembly of the designed nanomaterials from independently purified components. Crystal structures of several of the assemblies confirmed the accuracy of the design method at high resolution. Our results showcase the potential of deep learning-based methods to unlock the widespread application of designed protein-protein interfaces and self-assembling protein nanomaterials in biotechnology.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Robbert J. de Haas
- Department of Physical Chemistry and Soft Matter, Wageningen University and Research, Wageningen6078 WE, The Netherlands
| | - Natalie Brunette
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Washington, Seattle, WA98195
- Institute for Protein Design, University of Washington, Seattle, WA98195
| | - Alex Goodson
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Washington, Seattle, WA98195
- Institute for Protein Design, University of Washington, Seattle, WA98195
| | - Justas Dauparas
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Washington, Seattle, WA98195
- Institute for Protein Design, University of Washington, Seattle, WA98195
| | - Sue Y. Yi
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Washington, Seattle, WA98195
- Institute for Protein Design, University of Washington, Seattle, WA98195
| | - Erin C. Yang
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Washington, Seattle, WA98195
- Institute for Protein Design, University of Washington, Seattle, WA98195
| | - Quinton Dowling
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Washington, Seattle, WA98195
- Institute for Protein Design, University of Washington, Seattle, WA98195
| | - Hannah Nguyen
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Washington, Seattle, WA98195
- Institute for Protein Design, University of Washington, Seattle, WA98195
| | - Alex Kang
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Washington, Seattle, WA98195
- Institute for Protein Design, University of Washington, Seattle, WA98195
| | - Asim K. Bera
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Washington, Seattle, WA98195
- Institute for Protein Design, University of Washington, Seattle, WA98195
| | - Banumathi Sankaran
- Molecular Biophysics and Integrated Bioimaging, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, CA94720
| | - Renko de Vries
- Department of Physical Chemistry and Soft Matter, Wageningen University and Research, Wageningen6078 WE, The Netherlands
| | - David Baker
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Washington, Seattle, WA98195
- Institute for Protein Design, University of Washington, Seattle, WA98195
- HHMI, Seattle, WA98195
| | - Neil P. King
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Washington, Seattle, WA98195
- Institute for Protein Design, University of Washington, Seattle, WA98195
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Valli D, Ooi SA, Scattolini G, Chaudhary H, Tietze AA, Maj M. Improving cryo-EM grids for amyloid fibrils using interface-active solutions and spectator proteins. Biophys J 2024; 123:718-729. [PMID: 38368506 PMCID: PMC10995402 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpj.2024.02.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2023] [Revised: 01/28/2024] [Accepted: 02/13/2024] [Indexed: 02/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Preparation of cryoelectron microscopy (cryo-EM) grids for imaging of amyloid fibrils is notoriously challenging. The human islet amyloid polypeptide (hIAPP) serves as a notable example, as the majority of reported structures have relied on the use of nonphysiological pH buffers, N-terminal tags, and seeding. This highlights the need for more efficient, reproducible methodologies that can elucidate amyloid fibril structures formed under diverse conditions. In this work, we demonstrate that the distribution of fibrils on cryo-EM grids is predominantly determined by the solution composition, which is critical for the stability of thin vitreous ice films. We discover that, among physiological pH buffers, HEPES uniquely enhances the distribution of fibrils on cryo-EM grids and improves the stability of ice layers. This improvement is attributed to direct interactions between HEPES molecules and hIAPP, effectively minimizing the tendency of hIAPP to form dense clusters in solutions and preventing ice nucleation. Furthermore, we provide additional support for the idea that denatured protein monolayers forming at the interface are also capable of eliciting a surfactant-like effect, leading to improved particle coverage. This phenomenon is illustrated by the addition of nonamyloidogenic rat IAPP (rIAPP) to a solution of preaggregated hIAPP just before the freezing process. The resultant grids, supplemented with this "spectator protein", exhibit notably enhanced coverage and improved ice quality. Unlike conventional surfactants, rIAPP is additionally capable of disentangling the dense clusters formed by hIAPP. By applying the proposed strategies, we have resolved the structure of the dominant hIAPP polymorph, formed in vitro at pH 7.4, to a final resolution of 4 Å. The advances in grid preparation presented in this work hold significant promise for enabling structural determination of amyloid proteins which are particularly resistant to conventional grid preparation techniques.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dylan Valli
- Department of Chemistry - Ångström Laboratory, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Saik Ann Ooi
- Department of Chemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Giorgio Scattolini
- Department of Chemistry - Ångström Laboratory, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Himanshu Chaudhary
- Department of Chemistry - Ångström Laboratory, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Alesia A Tietze
- Department of Chemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Michał Maj
- Department of Chemistry - Ångström Laboratory, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden.
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Cebi E, Lee J, Subramani VK, Bak N, Oh C, Kim KK. Cryo-electron microscopy-based drug design. Front Mol Biosci 2024; 11:1342179. [PMID: 38501110 PMCID: PMC10945328 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2024.1342179] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2023] [Accepted: 01/31/2024] [Indexed: 03/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Structure-based drug design (SBDD) has gained popularity owing to its ability to develop more potent drugs compared to conventional drug-discovery methods. The success of SBDD relies heavily on obtaining the three-dimensional structures of drug targets. X-ray crystallography is the primary method used for solving structures and aiding the SBDD workflow; however, it is not suitable for all targets. With the resolution revolution, enabling routine high-resolution reconstruction of structures, cryogenic electron microscopy (cryo-EM) has emerged as a promising alternative and has attracted increasing attention in SBDD. Cryo-EM offers various advantages over X-ray crystallography and can potentially replace X-ray crystallography in SBDD. To fully utilize cryo-EM in drug discovery, understanding the strengths and weaknesses of this technique and noting the key advancements in the field are crucial. This review provides an overview of the general workflow of cryo-EM in SBDD and highlights technical innovations that enable its application in drug design. Furthermore, the most recent achievements in the cryo-EM methodology for drug discovery are discussed, demonstrating the potential of this technique for advancing drug development. By understanding the capabilities and advancements of cryo-EM, researchers can leverage the benefits of designing more effective drugs. This review concludes with a discussion of the future perspectives of cryo-EM-based SBDD, emphasizing the role of this technique in driving innovations in drug discovery and development. The integration of cryo-EM into the drug design process holds great promise for accelerating the discovery of new and improved therapeutic agents to combat various diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Changsuk Oh
- Department of Precision Medicine, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Suwon, Republic of Korea
| | - Kyeong Kyu Kim
- Department of Precision Medicine, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Suwon, Republic of Korea
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Gee M, Atai K, Coller HA, Yeates TO, Castells-Graells R. Designed fluorescent protein cages as fiducial markers for targeted cell imaging. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.02.28.582585. [PMID: 38464160 PMCID: PMC10925312 DOI: 10.1101/2024.02.28.582585] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/12/2024]
Abstract
Understanding how proteins function within their cellular environments is essential for cellular biology and biomedical research. However, current imaging techniques exhibit limitations, particularly in the study of small complexes and individual proteins within cells. Previously, protein cages have been employed as imaging scaffolds to study purified small proteins using cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM). Here we demonstrate an approach to deliver designed protein cages - endowed with fluorescence and targeted binding properties - into cells, thereby serving as fiducial markers for cellular imaging. We used protein cages with anti-GFP DARPin domains to target a mitochondrial protein (MFN1) expressed in mammalian cells, which was genetically fused to GFP. We demonstrate that the protein cages can penetrate cells, are directed to specific subcellular locations, and are detectable with confocal microscopy. This innovation represents a milestone in developing tools for in-depth cellular exploration, especially in conjunction with methods such as cryo-correlative light and electron microscopy (cryo-CLEM).
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Morgan Gee
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA 90095
| | - Kaiser Atai
- Molecular Biology Interdepartmental Doctoral Program, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA 90095
- Department of Molecular, Cell and Developmental Biology, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA 90095
- Department of Biological Chemistry, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA 90095
| | - Hilary A Coller
- Department of Molecular, Cell and Developmental Biology, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA 90095
- Department of Biological Chemistry, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA 90095
- Molecular Biology Institute, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA 90095
| | - Todd O Yeates
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA 90095
- Molecular Biology Institute, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA 90095
- UCLA-DOE Institute for Genomics and Proteomics, Los Angeles, CA, USA 90095
| | | |
Collapse
|
13
|
Lee EJ, Gladkov N, Miller JE, Yeates TO. Design of Ligand-Operable Protein-Cages That Open Upon Specific Protein Binding. ACS Synth Biol 2024; 13:157-167. [PMID: 38133598 DOI: 10.1021/acssynbio.3c00383] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2023]
Abstract
Protein nanocages have diverse applications in medicine and biotechnology, including molecular delivery. However, although numerous studies have demonstrated the ability of protein nanocages to encapsulate various molecular species, limited methods are available for subsequently opening a nanocage for cargo release under specific conditions. A modular platform with a specific protein-target-based mechanism of nanocage opening is notably lacking. To address this important technology gap, we present a new class of designed protein cages, the Ligand-Operable Cage (LOC). LOCs primarily comprise a protein nanocage core and a fused surface binding adaptor. The geometry of the LOC is designed so that binding of a target protein ligand (or multiple copies thereof) to the surface binder is sterically incompatible with retention of the assembled state of the cage. Therefore, the tight binding of a target ligand drives cage disassembly by mass action, subsequently exposing the encapsulated cargo. LOCs are modular; direct substitution of the surface binder sequence can reprogram the nanocage to open in response to any target protein ligand of interest. We demonstrate these design principles using both a natural and a designed protein cage as the core, with different proteins acting as the triggering ligand and with different reporter readouts─fluorescence unquenching and luminescence─for cage disassembly. These developments advance the critical problem of targeted molecular delivery and detection.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Eric J Lee
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, UCLA, Los Angeles, California 90095, United States
| | - Nika Gladkov
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, UCLA, Los Angeles, California 90095, United States
| | - Justin E Miller
- Molecular Biology Institute, UCLA, Los Angeles, California 90095, United States
| | - Todd O Yeates
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, UCLA, Los Angeles, California 90095, United States
- Molecular Biology Institute, UCLA, Los Angeles, California 90095, United States
- UCLA-DOE Institute for Genomics and Proteomics, UCLA, Los Angeles, California 90095, United States
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Ellis D, Dosey A, Boyoglu-Barnum S, Park YJ, Gillespie R, Syeda H, Hutchinson GB, Tsybovsky Y, Murphy M, Pettie D, Matheson N, Chan S, Ueda G, Fallas JA, Carter L, Graham BS, Veesler D, Kanekiyo M, King NP. Antigen spacing on protein nanoparticles influences antibody responses to vaccination. Cell Rep 2023; 42:113552. [PMID: 38096058 PMCID: PMC10801709 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2023.113552] [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: 06/20/2023] [Revised: 09/28/2023] [Accepted: 11/20/2023] [Indexed: 12/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Immunogen design approaches aim to control the specificity and quality of antibody responses elicited by next-generation vaccines. Here, we use computational protein design to generate a nanoparticle vaccine platform based on the receptor-binding domain (RBD) of influenza hemagglutinin (HA) that enables precise control of antigen conformation and spacing. HA RBDs are presented as either monomers or native-like closed trimers that are connected to the underlying nanoparticle by a rigid linker that is modularly extended to precisely control antigen spacing. Nanoparticle immunogens with decreased spacing between trimeric RBDs elicit antibodies with improved hemagglutination inhibition and neutralization potency as well as binding breadth across diverse H1 HAs. Our "trihead" nanoparticle immunogen platform provides insights into anti-HA immunity, establishes antigen spacing as an important parameter in structure-based vaccine design, and embodies several design features that could be used in next-generation vaccines against influenza and other viruses.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Ellis
- Institute for Protein Design, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA; Department of Biochemistry, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA; Graduate Program in Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Annie Dosey
- Institute for Protein Design, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA; Department of Biochemistry, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Seyhan Boyoglu-Barnum
- Vaccine Research Center, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Young-Jun Park
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA; Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Rebecca Gillespie
- Vaccine Research Center, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Hubza Syeda
- Vaccine Research Center, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Geoffrey B Hutchinson
- Vaccine Research Center, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Yaroslav Tsybovsky
- Vaccine Research Center Electron Microscopy Unit, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Frederick, MD 21701, USA
| | - Michael Murphy
- Institute for Protein Design, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA; Department of Biochemistry, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Deleah Pettie
- Institute for Protein Design, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA; Department of Biochemistry, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Nick Matheson
- Institute for Protein Design, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA; Department of Biochemistry, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Sidney Chan
- Institute for Protein Design, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA; Department of Biochemistry, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - George Ueda
- Institute for Protein Design, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA; Department of Biochemistry, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Jorge A Fallas
- Institute for Protein Design, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA; Department of Biochemistry, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Lauren Carter
- Institute for Protein Design, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA; Department of Biochemistry, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Barney S Graham
- Vaccine Research Center, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - David Veesler
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA; Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Masaru Kanekiyo
- Vaccine Research Center, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Neil P King
- Institute for Protein Design, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA; Department of Biochemistry, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Langeberg CJ, Kieft JS. A generalizable scaffold-based approach for structure determination of RNAs by cryo-EM. Nucleic Acids Res 2023; 51:e100. [PMID: 37791881 PMCID: PMC10639074 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkad784] [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: 03/20/2023] [Revised: 08/31/2023] [Accepted: 09/24/2023] [Indexed: 10/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Single-particle cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM) can reveal the structures of large and often dynamic molecules, but smaller biomolecules (≤50 kDa) remain challenging targets due to their intrinsic low signal to noise ratio. Methods to help resolve small proteins have been applied but development of similar approaches to aid in structural determination of small, structured RNA elements have lagged. Here, we present a scaffold-based approach that we used to recover maps of sub-25 kDa RNA domains to 4.5-5.0 Å. While lacking the detail of true high-resolution maps, these maps are suitable for model building and preliminary structure determination. We demonstrate this method helped faithfully recover the structure of several RNA elements of known structure, and that it promises to be generalized to other RNAs without disturbing their native fold. This approach may streamline the sample preparation process and reduce the optimization required for data collection. This first-generation scaffold approach provides a robust system to aid in RNA structure determination by cryo-EM and lays the groundwork for further scaffold optimization to achieve higher resolution.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Conner J Langeberg
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
| | - Jeffrey S Kieft
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
- RNA BioScience Initiative, University of Colorado Denver School of Medicine, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
- New York Structural Biology Center, New York, NY 10027, USA
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Gladkov N, Scott EA, Meador K, Lee EJ, Laganowsky AD, Yeates TO, Castells-Graells R. Design of a symmetry-broken tetrahedral protein cage by a method of internal steric occlusion. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.11.08.566319. [PMID: 37986890 PMCID: PMC10659388 DOI: 10.1101/2023.11.08.566319] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2023]
Abstract
Methods in protein design have made it possible to create large and complex, self-assembling protein cages with diverse applications. These have largely been based on highly symmetric forms exemplified by the Platonic solids. Prospective applications of protein cages would be expanded by strategies for breaking the designed symmetry, e.g., so that only one or a few (instead of many) copies of an exterior domain or motif might be displayed on their surfaces. Here we demonstrate a straightforward design approach for creating symmetry-broken protein cages able to display singular copies of outward-facing domains. We modify the subunit of an otherwise symmetric protein cage through fusion to a small inward-facing domain, only one copy of which can be accommodated in the cage interior. Using biochemical methods and native mass spectrometry, we show that co-expression of the original subunit and the modified subunit, which is further fused to an outward-facing anti-GFP DARPin domain, leads to self-assembly of a protein cage presenting just one copy of the DARPin protein on its exterior. This strategy of designed occlusion provides a facile route for creating new types of protein cages with unique properties.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nika Gladkov
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095, United States of America
| | - Elena A. Scott
- Department of Chemistry, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, United States of America
| | - Kyle Meador
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095, United States of America
| | - Eric J. Lee
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095, United States of America
| | - Arthur D. Laganowsky
- Department of Chemistry, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, United States of America
| | - Todd O. Yeates
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095, United States of America
- Molecular Biology Institute, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095, United States of America
- UCLA-DOE Institute for Genomics and Proteomics, Los Angeles, CA 90095, United States of America
| | - Roger Castells-Graells
- UCLA-DOE Institute for Genomics and Proteomics, Los Angeles, CA 90095, United States of America
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Khmelinskaia A, Bethel NP, Fatehi F, Antanasijevic A, Borst AJ, Lai SH, Wang JYJ, Mallik BB, Miranda MC, Watkins AM, Ogohara C, Caldwell S, Wu M, Heck AJR, Veesler D, Ward AB, Baker D, Twarock R, King NP. Local structural flexibility drives oligomorphism in computationally designed protein assemblies. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.10.18.562842. [PMID: 37905007 PMCID: PMC10614843 DOI: 10.1101/2023.10.18.562842] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/02/2023]
Abstract
Many naturally occurring protein assemblies have dynamic structures that allow them to perform specialized functions. For example, clathrin coats adopt a wide variety of architectures to adapt to vesicular cargos of various sizes. Although computational methods for designing novel self-assembling proteins have advanced substantially over the past decade, most existing methods focus on designing static structures with high accuracy. Here we characterize the structures of three distinct computationally designed protein assemblies that each form multiple unanticipated architectures, and identify flexibility in specific regions of the subunits of each assembly as the source of structural diversity. Cryo-EM single-particle reconstructions and native mass spectrometry showed that only two distinct architectures were observed in two of the three cases, while we obtained six cryo-EM reconstructions that likely represent a subset of the architectures present in solution in the third case. Structural modeling and molecular dynamics simulations indicated that the surprising observation of a defined range of architectures, instead of non-specific aggregation, can be explained by constrained flexibility within the building blocks. Our results suggest that deliberate use of structural flexibility as a design principle will allow exploration of previously inaccessible structural and functional space in designed protein assemblies.
Collapse
|
18
|
Fiorentino F, Mai A, Rotili D. The role of structural biology in the design of sirtuin activators. Curr Opin Struct Biol 2023; 82:102666. [PMID: 37542908 DOI: 10.1016/j.sbi.2023.102666] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2023] [Revised: 06/09/2023] [Accepted: 07/10/2023] [Indexed: 08/07/2023]
Abstract
Sirtuins are NAD+-dependent protein lysine deacylases and mono-ADP-ribosylases whose activity regulates different pathways, including DNA damage repair, cell survival and metabolism, reactive oxygen species (ROS) detoxification, inflammation, cardiac function, and neuronal signaling. Considering the beneficial effects of specific sirtuin isoforms on health and lifespan, the past two decades have seen a mounting interest in the development of sirtuin activators. The availability of enzyme-activator co-crystal structures has proven significant throughout the years for elucidating the mechanisms of action of activators and designing more potent and selective molecules. In this review, we highlight the most interesting examples of sirtuin activators and provide comprehensive coverage of the role that structural biology played in their discovery and characterization.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Fiorentino
- Department of Drug Chemistry and Technologies, Sapienza University of Rome, P.le A. Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Antonello Mai
- Department of Drug Chemistry and Technologies, Sapienza University of Rome, P.le A. Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy; Pasteur Institute, Cenci-Bolognetti Foundation, Sapienza University of Rome, P. le A. Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy.
| | - Dante Rotili
- Department of Drug Chemistry and Technologies, Sapienza University of Rome, P.le A. Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy.
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Castells-Graells R, Meador K, Arbing MA, Sawaya MR, Gee M, Cascio D, Gleave E, Debreczeni JÉ, Breed J, Leopold K, Patel A, Jahagirdar D, Lyons B, Subramaniam S, Phillips C, Yeates TO. Cryo-EM structure determination of small therapeutic protein targets at 3 Å-resolution using a rigid imaging scaffold. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2023; 120:e2305494120. [PMID: 37669364 PMCID: PMC10500258 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2305494120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2023] [Accepted: 07/14/2023] [Indexed: 09/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Cryoelectron microscopy (Cryo-EM) has enabled structural determination of proteins larger than about 50 kDa, including many intractable by any other method, but it has largely failed for smaller proteins. Here, we obtain structures of small proteins by binding them to a rigid molecular scaffold based on a designed protein cage, revealing atomic details at resolutions reaching 2.9 Å. We apply this system to the key cancer signaling protein KRAS (19 kDa in size), obtaining four structures of oncogenic mutational variants by cryo-EM. Importantly, a structure for the key G12C mutant bound to an inhibitor drug (AMG510) reveals significant conformational differences compared to prior data in the crystalline state. The findings highlight the promise of cryo-EM scaffolds for advancing the design of drug molecules against small therapeutic protein targets in cancer and other human diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Roger Castells-Graells
- Department of Energy, Institute for Genomics and Proteomics, University of California, Los Angeles, CA90095
| | - Kyle Meador
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California, Los Angeles, CA90095
| | - Mark A. Arbing
- Department of Energy, Institute for Genomics and Proteomics, University of California, Los Angeles, CA90095
| | - Michael R. Sawaya
- Department of Energy, Institute for Genomics and Proteomics, University of California, Los Angeles, CA90095
| | - Morgan Gee
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California, Los Angeles, CA90095
| | - Duilio Cascio
- Department of Energy, Institute for Genomics and Proteomics, University of California, Los Angeles, CA90095
| | - Emma Gleave
- Discovery Sciences, R&D, AstraZeneca, CambridgeCB2 0AA, United Kingdom
| | | | - Jason Breed
- Discovery Sciences, R&D, AstraZeneca, CambridgeCB2 0AA, United Kingdom
| | - Karoline Leopold
- Gandeeva Therapeutics, Inc., Burnaby, British ColumbiaV5C 6N5, Canada
| | - Ankoor Patel
- Gandeeva Therapeutics, Inc., Burnaby, British ColumbiaV5C 6N5, Canada
| | | | - Bronwyn Lyons
- Gandeeva Therapeutics, Inc., Burnaby, British ColumbiaV5C 6N5, Canada
| | - Sriram Subramaniam
- Gandeeva Therapeutics, Inc., Burnaby, British ColumbiaV5C 6N5, Canada
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z3, Canada
| | - Chris Phillips
- Discovery Sciences, R&D, AstraZeneca, CambridgeCB2 0AA, United Kingdom
| | - Todd O. Yeates
- Department of Energy, Institute for Genomics and Proteomics, University of California, Los Angeles, CA90095
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California, Los Angeles, CA90095
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
de Haas RJ, Brunette N, Goodson A, Dauparas J, Yi SY, Yang EC, Dowling Q, Nguyen H, Kang A, Bera AK, Sankaran B, de Vries R, Baker D, King NP. Rapid and automated design of two-component protein nanomaterials using ProteinMPNN. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.08.04.551935. [PMID: 37577478 PMCID: PMC10418170 DOI: 10.1101/2023.08.04.551935] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/15/2023]
Abstract
The design of novel protein-protein interfaces using physics-based design methods such as Rosetta requires substantial computational resources and manual refinement by expert structural biologists. A new generation of deep learning methods promises to simplify protein-protein interface design and enable its application to a wide variety of problems by researchers from various scientific disciplines. Here we test the ability of a deep learning method for protein sequence design, ProteinMPNN, to design two-component tetrahedral protein nanomaterials and benchmark its performance against Rosetta. ProteinMPNN had a similar success rate to Rosetta, yielding 13 new experimentally confirmed assemblies, but required orders of magnitude less computation and no manual refinement. The interfaces designed by ProteinMPNN were substantially more polar than those designed by Rosetta, which facilitated in vitro assembly of the designed nanomaterials from independently purified components. Crystal structures of several of the assemblies confirmed the accuracy of the design method at high resolution. Our results showcase the potential of deep learning-based methods to unlock the widespread application of designed protein-protein interfaces and self-assembling protein nanomaterials in biotechnology.
Collapse
|
21
|
Weng Z, Zheng J, Zhou Y, Lu Z, Wu Y, Xu D, Li H, Liang H, Liu Y. Structural and mechanistic insights into the MCM8/9 helicase complex. eLife 2023; 12:RP87468. [PMID: 37535404 PMCID: PMC10400076 DOI: 10.7554/elife.87468] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/04/2023] Open
Abstract
MCM8 and MCM9 form a functional helicase complex (MCM8/9) that plays an essential role in DNA homologous recombination repair for DNA double-strand break. However, the structural characterization of MCM8/9 for DNA binding/unwinding remains unclear. Here, we report structures of the MCM8/9 complex using cryo-electron microscopy single particle analysis. The structures reveal that MCM8/9 is arranged into a heterohexamer through a threefold symmetry axis, creating a central channel that accommodates DNA. Multiple characteristic hairpins from the N-terminal oligosaccharide/oligonucleotide (OB) domains of MCM8/9 protrude into the central channel and serve to unwind the duplex DNA. When activated by HROB, the structure of MCM8/9's N-tier ring converts its symmetry from C3 to C1 with a conformational change that expands the MCM8/9's trimer interface. Moreover, our structural dynamic analyses revealed that the flexible C-tier ring exhibited rotary motions relative to the N-tier ring, which is required for the unwinding ability of MCM8/9. In summary, our structural and biochemistry study provides a basis for understanding the DNA unwinding mechanism of MCM8/9 helicase in homologous recombination.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zhuangfeng Weng
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory for Systems Medicine in Inflammatory Diseases, School of Medicine, Shenzhen Campus of Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Jiefu Zheng
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory for Systems Medicine in Inflammatory Diseases, School of Medicine, Shenzhen Campus of Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Yiyi Zhou
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory for Systems Medicine in Inflammatory Diseases, School of Medicine, Shenzhen Campus of Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Zuer Lu
- State Key Laboratory of Protein and Plant Gene Research, School of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Yixi Wu
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory for Systems Medicine in Inflammatory Diseases, School of Medicine, Shenzhen Campus of Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Dongyi Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Protein and Plant Gene Research, School of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Huanhuan Li
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Institute of Gastroenterology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Colorectal and Pelvic Floor Diseases, Guangzhou, China
| | - Huanhuan Liang
- Pharmaceutical Sciences (Shenzhen), Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Yingfang Liu
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory for Systems Medicine in Inflammatory Diseases, School of Medicine, Shenzhen Campus of Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, China
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Institute of Gastroenterology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Colorectal and Pelvic Floor Diseases, Guangzhou, China
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Mallik BB, Stanislaw J, Alawathurage TM, Khmelinskaia A. De Novo Design of Polyhedral Protein Assemblies: Before and After the AI Revolution. Chembiochem 2023; 24:e202300117. [PMID: 37014094 DOI: 10.1002/cbic.202300117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2023] [Revised: 04/03/2023] [Accepted: 04/03/2023] [Indexed: 04/05/2023]
Abstract
Self-assembling polyhedral protein biomaterials have gained attention as engineering targets owing to their naturally evolved sophisticated functions, ranging from protecting macromolecules from the environment to spatially controlling biochemical reactions. Precise computational design of de novo protein polyhedra is possible through two main types of approaches: methods from first principles, using physical and geometrical rules, and more recent data-driven methods based on artificial intelligence (AI), including deep learning (DL). Here, we retrospect first principle- and AI-based approaches for designing finite polyhedral protein assemblies, as well as advances in the structure prediction of such assemblies. We further highlight the possible applications of these materials and explore how the presented approaches can be combined to overcome current challenges and to advance the design of functional protein-based biomaterials.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bhoomika Basu Mallik
- Transdisciplinary Research Area, "Building Blocks of Matter and Fundamental Interactions (TRA Matter)", University of Bonn, 53121, Bonn, Germany
- Life and Medical Sciences Institute, University of Bonn, 53115, Bonn, Germany
| | - Jenna Stanislaw
- Transdisciplinary Research Area, "Building Blocks of Matter and Fundamental Interactions (TRA Matter)", University of Bonn, 53121, Bonn, Germany
- Life and Medical Sciences Institute, University of Bonn, 53115, Bonn, Germany
| | - Tharindu Madhusankha Alawathurage
- Transdisciplinary Research Area, "Building Blocks of Matter and Fundamental Interactions (TRA Matter)", University of Bonn, 53121, Bonn, Germany
- Life and Medical Sciences Institute, University of Bonn, 53115, Bonn, Germany
| | - Alena Khmelinskaia
- Transdisciplinary Research Area, "Building Blocks of Matter and Fundamental Interactions (TRA Matter)", University of Bonn, 53121, Bonn, Germany
- Life and Medical Sciences Institute, University of Bonn, 53115, Bonn, Germany
- Current address: Department of Chemistry, Ludwig Maximillian University, 80539, Munich, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Miller JE, Castells-Graells R, Arbing MA, Munoz A, Jiang YX, Espinoza CT, Nguyen B, Moroz P, Yeates TO. Design of Beta-2 Microglobulin Adsorbent Protein Nanoparticles. Biomolecules 2023; 13:1122. [PMID: 37509158 PMCID: PMC10377675 DOI: 10.3390/biom13071122] [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: 06/04/2023] [Revised: 07/05/2023] [Accepted: 07/12/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Beta-2 microglobulin (B2M) is an immune system protein that is found on the surface of all nucleated human cells. B2M is naturally shed from cell surfaces into the plasma, followed by renal excretion. In patients with impaired renal function, B2M will accumulate in organs and tissues leading to significantly reduced life expectancy and quality of life. While current hemodialysis methods have been successful in managing electrolyte as well as small and large molecule disturbances arising in chronic renal failure, they have shown only modest success in managing plasma levels of B2M and similar sized proteins, while sparing important proteins such as albumin. We describe a systematic protein design effort aimed at adding the ability to selectively remove specific, undesired waste proteins such as B2M from the plasma of chronic renal failure patients. A novel nanoparticle built using a tetrahedral protein assembly as a scaffold that presents 12 copies of a B2M-binding nanobody is described. The designed nanoparticle binds specifically to B2M through protein-protein interactions with nanomolar binding affinity (~4.2 nM). Notably, binding to the nanoparticle increases the effective size of B2M by over 50-fold, offering a potential selective avenue for separation based on size. We present data to support the potential utility of such a nanoparticle for removing B2M from plasma by either size-based filtration or by polyvalent binding to a stationary matrix under blood flow conditions. Such applications could address current shortcomings in the management of problematic mid-sized proteins in chronic renal failure patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Justin E. Miller
- Molecular Biology Institute, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | | | - Mark A. Arbing
- UCLA-DOE Institute for Genomics and Proteomics, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Aldo Munoz
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Yi-Xiao Jiang
- Molecular Biology Institute, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Charlize T. Espinoza
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Brian Nguyen
- Molecular Biology Institute, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Paul Moroz
- School of Medicine, Curtin University, Perth, WA 6845, Australia
| | - Todd O. Yeates
- Molecular Biology Institute, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
- UCLA-DOE Institute for Genomics and Proteomics, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Langeberg CJ, Kieft JS. A Generalizable Scaffold-Based Approach for Structure Determination of RNAs by Cryo-EM. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.07.06.547879. [PMID: 37461535 PMCID: PMC10350027 DOI: 10.1101/2023.07.06.547879] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/17/2023]
Abstract
Single-particle cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM) can reveal the structures of large and often dynamic molecules, but smaller biomolecules remain challenging targets due to their intrinsic low signal to noise ratio. Methods to resolve small proteins have been applied but development of similar approaches for small structured RNA elements have lagged. Here, we present a scaffold-based approach that we used to recover maps of sub-25 kDa RNA domains to 4.5 - 5.0 Å. While lacking the detail of true high-resolution maps, these are suitable for model building and preliminary structure determination. We demonstrate this method faithfully recovers the structure of several RNA elements of known structure, and it promises to be generalized to other RNAs without disturbing their native fold. This approach may streamline the sample preparation process and reduce the optimization required for data collection. This first-generation scaffold approach provides a system for RNA structure determination by cryo-EM and lays the groundwork for further scaffold optimization to achieve higher resolution.
Collapse
|
25
|
Dowling QM, Park YJ, Gerstenmaier N, Yang EC, Wargacki A, Hsia Y, Fries CN, Ravichandran R, Walkey C, Burrell A, Veesler D, Baker D, King NP. Hierarchical design of pseudosymmetric protein nanoparticles. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.06.16.545393. [PMID: 37398374 PMCID: PMC10312784 DOI: 10.1101/2023.06.16.545393] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/04/2023]
Abstract
Discrete protein assemblies ranging from hundreds of kilodaltons to hundreds of megadaltons in size are a ubiquitous feature of biological systems and perform highly specialized functions 1-3. Despite remarkable recent progress in accurately designing new self-assembling proteins, the size and complexity of these assemblies has been limited by a reliance on strict symmetry 4,5. Inspired by the pseudosymmetry observed in bacterial microcompartments and viral capsids, we developed a hierarchical computational method for designing large pseudosymmetric self-assembling protein nanomaterials. We computationally designed pseudosymmetric heterooligomeric components and used them to create discrete, cage-like protein assemblies with icosahedral symmetry containing 240, 540, and 960 subunits. At 49, 71, and 96 nm diameter, these nanoparticles are the largest bounded computationally designed protein assemblies generated to date. More broadly, by moving beyond strict symmetry, our work represents an important step towards the accurate design of arbitrary self-assembling nanoscale protein objects.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Quinton M Dowling
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
- Institute for Protein Design, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Young-Jun Park
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Neil Gerstenmaier
- Institute for Protein Design, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Erin C Yang
- Institute for Protein Design, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Adam Wargacki
- Institute for Protein Design, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Yang Hsia
- Institute for Protein Design, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Chelsea N Fries
- Institute for Protein Design, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Rashmi Ravichandran
- Institute for Protein Design, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Carl Walkey
- Institute for Protein Design, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Anika Burrell
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - David Veesler
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - David Baker
- Institute for Protein Design, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Neil P King
- Institute for Protein Design, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Ellis D, Dosey A, Boyoglu-Barnum S, Park YJ, Gillespie R, Syeda H, Tsybovsky Y, Murphy M, Pettie D, Matheson N, Chan S, Ueda G, Fallas JA, Carter L, Graham BS, Veesler D, Kanekiyo M, King NP. Antigen spacing on protein nanoparticles influences antibody responses to vaccination. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.05.23.541980. [PMID: 37292995 PMCID: PMC10245855 DOI: 10.1101/2023.05.23.541980] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Immunogen design approaches aim to control the specificity and quality of antibody responses to enable the creation of next-generation vaccines with improved potency and breadth. However, our understanding of the relationship between immunogen structure and immunogenicity is limited. Here we use computational protein design to generate a self-assembling nanoparticle vaccine platform based on the head domain of influenza hemagglutinin (HA) that enables precise control of antigen conformation, flexibility, and spacing on the nanoparticle exterior. Domain-based HA head antigens were presented either as monomers or in a native-like closed trimeric conformation that prevents exposure of trimer interface epitopes. These antigens were connected to the underlying nanoparticle by a rigid linker that was modularly extended to precisely control antigen spacing. We found that nanoparticle immunogens with decreased spacing between closed trimeric head antigens elicited antibodies with improved hemagglutination inhibition (HAI) and neutralization potency as well as binding breadth across diverse HAs within a subtype. Our "trihead" nanoparticle immunogen platform thus enables new insights into anti-HA immunity, establishes antigen spacing as an important parameter in structure-based vaccine design, and embodies several design features that could be used to generate next-generation vaccines against influenza and other viruses.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Ellis
- Institute for Protein Design, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
- Graduate Program in Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
- These authors contributed equally: Daniel Ellis and Annie Dosey
| | - Annie Dosey
- Institute for Protein Design, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
- These authors contributed equally: Daniel Ellis and Annie Dosey
| | - Seyhan Boyoglu-Barnum
- Vaccine Research Center, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Young-Jun Park
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Rebecca Gillespie
- Vaccine Research Center, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Hubza Syeda
- Vaccine Research Center, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Yaroslav Tsybovsky
- Vaccine Research Center Electron Microscopy Unit, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Frederick, MD 21701, USA
| | - Michael Murphy
- Institute for Protein Design, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Deleah Pettie
- Institute for Protein Design, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Nick Matheson
- Institute for Protein Design, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Sidney Chan
- Institute for Protein Design, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - George Ueda
- Institute for Protein Design, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Jorge A. Fallas
- Institute for Protein Design, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Lauren Carter
- Institute for Protein Design, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Barney S. Graham
- Vaccine Research Center, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - David Veesler
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Masaru Kanekiyo
- Vaccine Research Center, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Neil P. King
- Institute for Protein Design, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Mons E, Kim RQ, Mulder MPC. Technologies for Direct Detection of Covalent Protein-Drug Adducts. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2023; 16:547. [PMID: 37111304 PMCID: PMC10146396 DOI: 10.3390/ph16040547] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2023] [Revised: 03/29/2023] [Accepted: 04/03/2023] [Indexed: 04/08/2023] Open
Abstract
In the past two decades, drug candidates with a covalent binding mode have gained the interest of medicinal chemists, as several covalent anticancer drugs have successfully reached the clinic. As a covalent binding mode changes the relevant parameters to rank inhibitor potency and investigate structure-activity relationship (SAR), it is important to gather experimental evidence on the existence of a covalent protein-drug adduct. In this work, we review established methods and technologies for the direct detection of a covalent protein-drug adduct, illustrated with examples from (recent) drug development endeavors. These technologies include subjecting covalent drug candidates to mass spectrometric (MS) analysis, protein crystallography, or monitoring intrinsic spectroscopic properties of the ligand upon covalent adduct formation. Alternatively, chemical modification of the covalent ligand is required to detect covalent adducts by NMR analysis or activity-based protein profiling (ABPP). Some techniques are more informative than others and can also elucidate the modified amino acid residue or bond layout. We will discuss the compatibility of these techniques with reversible covalent binding modes and the possibilities to evaluate reversibility or obtain kinetic parameters. Finally, we expand upon current challenges and future applications. Overall, these analytical techniques present an integral part of covalent drug development in this exciting new era of drug discovery.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Elma Mons
- Department of Cell and Chemical Biology, Leiden University Medical Center, 2300 RC Leiden, The Netherlands; (E.M.)
- Institute of Biology Leiden, Leiden University, 2333 BE Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Robbert Q. Kim
- Department of Cell and Chemical Biology, Leiden University Medical Center, 2300 RC Leiden, The Netherlands; (E.M.)
| | - Monique P. C. Mulder
- Department of Cell and Chemical Biology, Leiden University Medical Center, 2300 RC Leiden, The Netherlands; (E.M.)
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Kumar R. Cryo-EM technique and its application: Structure of steroid hormone receptors. VITAMINS AND HORMONES 2023; 123:385-397. [PMID: 37717991 DOI: 10.1016/bs.vh.2023.02.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/12/2023]
Abstract
In recent years, cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM) has become one of the most powerful tools to solve the 3-D structure of macromolecules. Unlike X-ray crystallography, the cryo-EM method has advantage of providing an in-depth insight into the dynamic behavior of macromolecules, which is particularly useful to determine 3-D structural analyses of large protein complexes. Due to recent technical advancements, cryo-EM has become the method of choice for the determination of protein structures. Among other proteins, solving 3-D structure of steroid hormone receptors (SHRs) complexed with DNA and coactivators has been a challenge for decades. The limitations with X-ray crystallography and NMR to solve SHR protein structures prompted investigators to move towards cryo-EM technique. The cryo-EM structural analyses have been successful in revealing structural dynamics of several SHRs in recent years. Though, limited by low-resolution, the structural analyses of these SHRs may be useful in understanding many receptor functions as well as provide a platform to refine high-resolution structural analyses in future. This review article discusses the cryo-EM technique in general as well as structural information gained for SHRs using cryo-EM.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Raj Kumar
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Sciences, Touro College of Pharmacy, New York, NY, United States.
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Majeed S, Adetuyi O, Borbat PP, Majharul Islam M, Ishola O, Zhao B, Georgieva ER. Insights into the oligomeric structure of the HIV-1 Vpu protein. J Struct Biol 2023; 215:107943. [PMID: 36796461 PMCID: PMC10257199 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsb.2023.107943] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2022] [Revised: 02/10/2023] [Accepted: 02/11/2023] [Indexed: 02/16/2023]
Abstract
The HIV-1-encoded protein Vpu forms an oligomeric ion channel/pore in membranes and interacts with host proteins to support the virus lifecycle. However, Vpu molecular mechanisms are currently not well understood. Here, we report on the Vpu oligomeric organization under membrane and aqueous conditions and provide insights into how the Vpu environment affects the oligomer formation. For these studies, we designed a maltose-binding protein (MBP)-Vpu chimera protein and produced it in E. coli in soluble form. We analyzed this protein using analytical size-exclusion chromatography (SEC), negative staining electron microscopy (nsEM), and electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy. Surprisingly, we found that MBP-Vpu formed stable oligomers in solution, seemingly driven by Vpu transmembrane domain self-association. A coarse modeling of nsEM data as well as SEC and EPR data suggests that these oligomers most likely are pentamers, similar to what was reported regarding membrane-bound Vpu. We also noticed reduced MBP-Vpu oligomer stability upon reconstitution of the protein in β-DDM detergent and mixtures of lyso-PC/PG or DHPC/DHPG. In these cases, we observed greater oligomer heterogeneity, with MBP-Vpu oligomeric order generally lower than in solution; however, larger oligomers were also present. Notably, we found that in lyso-PC/PG, above a certain protein concentration, MBP-Vpu assembles into extended structures, which had not been reported for Vpu. Therefore, we captured various Vpu oligomeric forms, which can shed light on Vpu quaternary organization. Our findings could be useful in understanding Vpu organization and function in cellular membranes and could provide information regarding the biophysical properties of single-pass transmembrane proteins.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Saman Majeed
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX 79409, United States
| | - Oluwatosin Adetuyi
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX 79409, United States
| | - Peter P Borbat
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology and ACERT, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, United States
| | - Md Majharul Islam
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX 79409, United States
| | - Olamide Ishola
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX 79409, United States
| | - Bo Zhao
- College of Arts & Sciences Microscopy (CASM), Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX 79409, United States
| | - Elka R Georgieva
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX 79409, United States.
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Cui W, Niu Y, Chen L. The Protein Fusion Strategy Facilitates the Structure Determination of Small Membrane Proteins by Cryo-EM. Biochemistry 2023; 62:196-200. [PMID: 35909370 DOI: 10.1021/acs.biochem.2c00319] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
Despite the resolution revolution of cryo-EM, structures of small membrane proteins (<80 kDa) are still understudied. These proteins are notoriously reluctant to structure determination by single-particle cryo-EM. Protein fusion might represent a plausible strategy to overcome such difficulties. This Perspective enumerates recent exemplary progress and discusses the future potential of the protein fusion strategy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wenhao Cui
- State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, College of Future Technology, Institute of Molecular Medicine, Peking University, Beijing Key Laboratory of Cardiometabolic Molecular Medicine, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Yange Niu
- State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, College of Future Technology, Institute of Molecular Medicine, Peking University, Beijing Key Laboratory of Cardiometabolic Molecular Medicine, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Lei Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, College of Future Technology, Institute of Molecular Medicine, Peking University, Beijing Key Laboratory of Cardiometabolic Molecular Medicine, Beijing 100871, China.,Peking-Tsinghua Center for Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
Wentinck K, Gogou C, Meijer DH. Putting on molecular weight: Enabling cryo-EM structure determination of sub-100-kDa proteins. Curr Res Struct Biol 2022; 4:332-337. [PMID: 36248264 PMCID: PMC9562432 DOI: 10.1016/j.crstbi.2022.09.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2022] [Revised: 09/22/2022] [Accepted: 09/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Significant advances in the past decade have enabled high-resolution structure determination of a vast variety of proteins by cryogenic electron microscopy single particle analysis. Despite improved sample preparation, next-generation imaging hardware, and advanced single particle analysis algorithms, small proteins remain elusive for reconstruction due to low signal-to-noise and lack of distinctive structural features. Multiple efforts have therefore been directed at the development of size-increase techniques for small proteins. Here we review the latest methods for increasing effective molecular weight of proteins <100 kDa through target protein binding or target protein fusion - specifically by using nanobody-based assemblies, fusion tags, and symmetric scaffolds. Finally, we summarize these state-of-the-art techniques into a decision-tree to facilitate the design of tailored future approaches, and thus for further exploration of ever-smaller proteins that make up the largest part of the human genome.
Collapse
Key Words
- BRIL, cytochromeb562 RIL
- DARPin, Design Ankyrin Repeat Protein
- Fab, antigen binding fragment
- GFP, Green Fluorecent Protein
- GPCR, G protein-coupled receptor
- MW, molecular weight
- Mb, megabody
- Nb, nanobody
- SNR, signal-to-noise ratio
- SPA, single particle analysis
- TM, transmembrane
- cryo-EM, cryogenic electron microscopy
- kDa, kiloDalton
- κOR ICL3, κ-opiod receptor intracellular loop 3
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Dimphna H. Meijer
- Department of Bionanoscience, Kavli Institute of Nanoscience Delft, Delft University of Technology, van der Maasweg 9, 2629HZ, Delft, the Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
Qing R, Hao S, Smorodina E, Jin D, Zalevsky A, Zhang S. Protein Design: From the Aspect of Water Solubility and Stability. Chem Rev 2022; 122:14085-14179. [PMID: 35921495 PMCID: PMC9523718 DOI: 10.1021/acs.chemrev.1c00757] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 28.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Water solubility and structural stability are key merits for proteins defined by the primary sequence and 3D-conformation. Their manipulation represents important aspects of the protein design field that relies on the accurate placement of amino acids and molecular interactions, guided by underlying physiochemical principles. Emulated designer proteins with well-defined properties both fuel the knowledge-base for more precise computational design models and are used in various biomedical and nanotechnological applications. The continuous developments in protein science, increasing computing power, new algorithms, and characterization techniques provide sophisticated toolkits for solubility design beyond guess work. In this review, we summarize recent advances in the protein design field with respect to water solubility and structural stability. After introducing fundamental design rules, we discuss the transmembrane protein solubilization and de novo transmembrane protein design. Traditional strategies to enhance protein solubility and structural stability are introduced. The designs of stable protein complexes and high-order assemblies are covered. Computational methodologies behind these endeavors, including structure prediction programs, machine learning algorithms, and specialty software dedicated to the evaluation of protein solubility and aggregation, are discussed. The findings and opportunities for Cryo-EM are presented. This review provides an overview of significant progress and prospects in accurate protein design for solubility and stability.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rui Qing
- State
Key Laboratory of Microbial Metabolism, School of Life Sciences and
Biotechnology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
- Media
Lab, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 77 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, United States
- The
David H. Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 77 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, United States
| | - Shilei Hao
- Media
Lab, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 77 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, United States
- Key
Laboratory of Biorheological Science and Technology, Ministry of Education, College of Bioengineering, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400030, China
| | - Eva Smorodina
- Department
of Immunology, University of Oslo and Oslo
University Hospital, Oslo 0424, Norway
| | - David Jin
- Avalon GloboCare
Corp., Freehold, New Jersey 07728, United States
| | - Arthur Zalevsky
- Laboratory
of Bioinformatics Approaches in Combinatorial Chemistry and Biology, Shemyakin−Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic
Chemistry RAS, Moscow 117997, Russia
| | - Shuguang Zhang
- Media
Lab, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 77 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, United States
| |
Collapse
|
33
|
Miller JE, Srinivasan Y, Dharmaraj NP, Liu A, Nguyen PL, Taylor SD, Yeates TO. Designing Protease-Triggered Protein Cages. J Am Chem Soc 2022; 144:12681-12689. [PMID: 35802879 DOI: 10.1021/jacs.2c02165] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Proteins that self-assemble into enclosed polyhedral cages, both naturally and by design, are garnering attention for their prospective utility in the fields of medicine and biotechnology. Notably, their potential for encapsulation and surface display are attractive for experiments that require protection and targeted delivery of cargo. The ability to control their opening or disassembly would greatly advance the development of protein nanocages into widespread molecular tools. Toward the development of protein cages that disassemble in a systematic manner and in response to biologically relevant stimuli, here we demonstrate a modular protein cage system that is opened by highly sequence-specific proteases, based on sequence insertions at strategically chosen loop positions in the protein cage subunits. We probed the generality of the approach in the context of protein cages built using the two prevailing methods of construction: genetic fusion between oligomeric components and (non-covalent) computational interface design between oligomeric components. Our results suggest that the former type of cage may be more amenable than the latter for endowing proteolytically controlled disassembly. We show that a successfully designed cage system, based on oligomeric fusion, is modular with regard to its triggering protease. One version of the cage is targeted by an asparagine protease implicated in cancer and Alzheimer's disease, whereas the second version is responsive to the blood-clotting protease, thrombin. The approach demonstrated here should guide future efforts to develop therapeutic vectors to treat disease states where protease induction or mis-regulation occurs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Justin E Miller
- UCLA Molecular Biology Institute, 611 Charles E. Young Drive East, Los Angeles, California 90095-1570, United States.,UCLA-DOE Institute for Genomics and Proteomics, 611 Charles E. Young Drive East, Los Angeles, California 90095-1570, United States
| | - Yashes Srinivasan
- UCLA Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, 611 Charles E. Young Drive East, Los Angeles, California 90095, United States
| | - Nithin P Dharmaraj
- UCLA Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, 611 Charles E. Young Drive East, Los Angeles, California 90095, United States
| | - Andrew Liu
- UCLA Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, 611 Charles E. Young Drive East, Los Angeles, California 90095, United States
| | - Phillip L Nguyen
- UCLA Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, 611 Charles E. Young Drive East, Los Angeles, California 90095, United States
| | - Scott D Taylor
- UCLA Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, 611 Charles E. Young Drive East, Los Angeles, California 90095, United States
| | - Todd O Yeates
- UCLA Molecular Biology Institute, 611 Charles E. Young Drive East, Los Angeles, California 90095-1570, United States.,UCLA-DOE Institute for Genomics and Proteomics, 611 Charles E. Young Drive East, Los Angeles, California 90095-1570, United States.,UCLA Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, 611 Charles E. Young Drive East, Los Angeles, California 90095, United States
| |
Collapse
|
34
|
Precision materials: Computational design methods of accurate protein materials. Curr Opin Struct Biol 2022; 74:102367. [DOI: 10.1016/j.sbi.2022.102367] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2021] [Revised: 02/22/2022] [Accepted: 02/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
|
35
|
Yang K, Wang C, White KI, Pfuetzner RA, Esquivies L, Brunger AT. Structural conservation among variants of the SARS-CoV-2 spike postfusion bundle. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2022; 119:e2119467119. [PMID: 35363556 PMCID: PMC9169775 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2119467119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2021] [Accepted: 02/22/2022] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Variants of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) challenge currently available COVID-19 vaccines and monoclonal antibody therapies due to structural and dynamic changes of the viral spike glycoprotein (S). The heptad repeat 1 (HR1) and heptad repeat 2 (HR2) domains of S drive virus–host membrane fusion by assembly into a six-helix bundle, resulting in delivery of viral RNA into the host cell. We surveyed mutations of currently reported SARS-CoV-2 variants and selected eight mutations, including Q954H, N969K, and L981F from the Omicron variant, in the postfusion HR1HR2 bundle for functional and structural studies. We designed a molecular scaffold to determine cryogenic electron microscopy (cryo-EM) structures of HR1HR2 at 2.2–3.8 Å resolution by linking the trimeric N termini of four HR1 fragments to four trimeric C termini of the Dps4 dodecamer from Nostoc punctiforme. This molecular scaffold enables efficient sample preparation and structure determination of the HR1HR2 bundle and its mutants by single-particle cryo-EM. Our structure of the wild-type HR1HR2 bundle resolves uncertainties in previously determined structures. The mutant structures reveal side-chain positions of the mutations and their primarily local effects on the interactions between HR1 and HR2. These mutations do not alter the global architecture of the postfusion HR1HR2 bundle, suggesting that the interfaces between HR1 and HR2 are good targets for developing antiviral inhibitors that should be efficacious against all known variants of SARS-CoV-2 to date. We also note that this work paves the way for similar studies in more distantly related viruses.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kailu Yang
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Physiology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305
- Department of Neurology and Neurological Sciences, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305
- Department of Structural Biology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305
- Department of Photon Science, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305
- HHMI, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305
| | - Chuchu Wang
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Physiology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305
- Department of Neurology and Neurological Sciences, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305
- Department of Structural Biology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305
- Department of Photon Science, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305
- HHMI, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305
| | - K. Ian White
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Physiology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305
- Department of Neurology and Neurological Sciences, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305
- Department of Structural Biology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305
- Department of Photon Science, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305
- HHMI, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305
| | - Richard A. Pfuetzner
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Physiology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305
- Department of Neurology and Neurological Sciences, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305
- Department of Structural Biology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305
- Department of Photon Science, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305
- HHMI, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305
| | - Luis Esquivies
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Physiology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305
- Department of Neurology and Neurological Sciences, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305
- Department of Structural Biology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305
- Department of Photon Science, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305
- HHMI, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305
| | - Axel T. Brunger
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Physiology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305
- Department of Neurology and Neurological Sciences, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305
- Department of Structural Biology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305
- Department of Photon Science, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305
- HHMI, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305
| |
Collapse
|
36
|
Edwardson TGW, Levasseur MD, Tetter S, Steinauer A, Hori M, Hilvert D. Protein Cages: From Fundamentals to Advanced Applications. Chem Rev 2022; 122:9145-9197. [PMID: 35394752 DOI: 10.1021/acs.chemrev.1c00877] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Proteins that self-assemble into polyhedral shell-like structures are useful molecular containers both in nature and in the laboratory. Here we review efforts to repurpose diverse protein cages, including viral capsids, ferritins, bacterial microcompartments, and designed capsules, as vaccines, drug delivery vehicles, targeted imaging agents, nanoreactors, templates for controlled materials synthesis, building blocks for higher-order architectures, and more. A deep understanding of the principles underlying the construction, function, and evolution of natural systems has been key to tailoring selective cargo encapsulation and interactions with both biological systems and synthetic materials through protein engineering and directed evolution. The ability to adapt and design increasingly sophisticated capsid structures and functions stands to benefit the fields of catalysis, materials science, and medicine.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Stephan Tetter
- Laboratory of Organic Chemistry, ETH Zurich, 8093 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Angela Steinauer
- Laboratory of Organic Chemistry, ETH Zurich, 8093 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Mao Hori
- Laboratory of Organic Chemistry, ETH Zurich, 8093 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Donald Hilvert
- Laboratory of Organic Chemistry, ETH Zurich, 8093 Zurich, Switzerland
| |
Collapse
|
37
|
Nawarathnage S, Soleimani S, Mathis MH, Bezzant BD, Ramírez DT, Gajjar P, Bunn DR, Stewart C, Smith T, Pedroza Romo MJ, Brown S, Doukov T, Moody JD. Crystals of TELSAM-target protein fusions that exhibit minimal crystal contacts and lack direct inter-TELSAM contacts. Open Biol 2022; 12:210271. [PMID: 35232248 PMCID: PMC8889177 DOI: 10.1098/rsob.210271] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2021] [Accepted: 01/05/2022] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
While conducting pilot studies into the usefulness of fusion to TELSAM polymers as a potential protein crystallization strategy, we observed novel properties in crystals of two TELSAM-target protein fusions, as follows. (i) A TELSAM-target protein fusion can crystallize more rapidly and with greater propensity than the same target protein alone. (ii) TELSAM-target protein fusions can be crystallized at low protein concentrations. This unprecedented observation suggests a route to crystallize proteins that can only be produced in microgram amounts. (iii) The TELSAM polymers themselves need not directly contact one another in the crystal lattice in order to form well-diffracting crystals. This novel observation is important because it suggests that TELSAM may be able to crystallize target proteins too large to allow direct inter-polymer contacts. (iv) Flexible TELSAM-target protein linkers can allow target proteins to find productive binding modes against the TELSAM polymer. (v) TELSAM polymers can adjust their helical rise to allow fused target proteins to make productive crystal contacts. (vi). Fusion to TELSAM polymers can stabilize weak inter-target protein crystal contacts. We report features of these TELSAM-target protein crystal structures and outline future work needed to validate TELSAM as a crystallization chaperone and determine best practices for its use.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Sara Soleimani
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Brigham Young University, Provo, UT, USA
| | - Moriah H. Mathis
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Brigham Young University, Provo, UT, USA
| | - Braydan D. Bezzant
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Brigham Young University, Provo, UT, USA
| | - Diana T. Ramírez
- Department of Natural Sciences, California State University Chico, Chico, CA, USA
| | - Parag Gajjar
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Brigham Young University, Provo, UT, USA
| | - Derick R. Bunn
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Brigham Young University, Provo, UT, USA
| | - Cameron Stewart
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Brigham Young University, Provo, UT, USA
| | - Tobin Smith
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Brigham Young University, Provo, UT, USA
| | | | - Seth Brown
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Brigham Young University, Provo, UT, USA
| | - Tzanko Doukov
- Macromolecular Crystallography Group, Structural Molecular Biology Resource, Stanford Synchrotron Radiation Lightsource, Menlo Park, CA, USA
| | - James D. Moody
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Brigham Young University, Provo, UT, USA
| |
Collapse
|
38
|
Bloch JS, Sequeira JM, Ramírez AS, Quadros EV, Locher KP. Generation of nanobodies targeting the human, transcobalamin-mediated vitamin B 12 uptake route. FASEB J 2022; 36:e22222. [PMID: 35218573 DOI: 10.1096/fj.202101376rr] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2021] [Revised: 02/04/2022] [Accepted: 02/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Cellular uptake of vitamin B12 in humans is mediated by the endocytosis of the B12 carrier protein transcobalamin (TC) via its cognate cell surface receptor TCblR, encoded by the CD320 gene. Because CD320 expression is associated with the cell cycle and upregulated in highly proliferating cells including cancer cells, this uptake route is a potential target for cancer therapy. We developed and characterized four camelid nanobodies that bind holo-TC (TC in complex with B12 ) or the interface of the human holo-TC:TCblR complex with nanomolar affinities. We determined X-ray crystal structures of these nanobodies bound to holo-TC:TCblR, which enabled us to map their binding epitopes. When conjugated to the model toxin saporin, three of our nanobodies caused growth inhibition of HEK293T cells and therefore have the potential to inhibit the growth of human cancer cells. We visualized the cellular binding and endocytic uptake of the most potent nanobody (TC-Nb4) using fluorescent light microscopy. The co-crystal structure of holo-TC:TCblR with another nanobody (TC-Nb34) revealed novel features of the interface of TC and the LDLR-A1 domain of TCblR, rationalizing the decrease in the affinity of TC-B12 binding caused by the Δ88 mutation in CD320.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Joël S Bloch
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Biophysics, ETH Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Jeffrey M Sequeira
- Department of Medicine, SUNY-Downstate Medical Center, Brooklyn, New York, USA
| | - Ana S Ramírez
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Biophysics, ETH Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Edward V Quadros
- Department of Medicine, SUNY-Downstate Medical Center, Brooklyn, New York, USA
| | - Kaspar P Locher
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Biophysics, ETH Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland
| |
Collapse
|
39
|
Zhang K, Horikoshi N, Li S, Powers AS, Hameedi MA, Pintilie GD, Chae HD, Khan YA, Suomivuori CM, Dror RO, Sakamoto KM, Chiu W, Wakatsuki S. Cryo-EM, Protein Engineering, and Simulation Enable the Development of Peptide Therapeutics against Acute Myeloid Leukemia. ACS CENTRAL SCIENCE 2022; 8:214-222. [PMID: 35233453 PMCID: PMC8875425 DOI: 10.1021/acscentsci.1c01090] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Cryogenic electron microscopy (cryo-EM) has emerged as a viable structural tool for molecular therapeutics development against human diseases. However, it remains a challenge to determine structures of proteins that are flexible and smaller than 30 kDa. The 11 kDa KIX domain of CREB-binding protein (CBP), a potential therapeutic target for acute myeloid leukemia and other cancers, is a protein which has defied structure-based inhibitor design. Here, we develop an experimental approach to overcome the size limitation by engineering a protein double-shell to sandwich the KIX domain between apoferritin as the inner shell and maltose-binding protein as the outer shell. To assist homogeneous orientations of the target, disulfide bonds are introduced at the target-apoferritin interface, resulting in a cryo-EM structure at 2.6 Å resolution. We used molecular dynamics simulations to design peptides that block the interaction of the KIX domain of CBP with the intrinsically disordered pKID domain of CREB. The double-shell design allows for fluorescence polarization assays confirming the binding between the KIX domain in the double-shell and these interacting peptides. Further cryo-EM analysis reveals a helix-helix interaction between a single KIX helix and the best peptide, providing a possible strategy for developments of next-generation inhibitors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kaiming Zhang
- MOE
Key Laboratory for Cellular Dynamics and Division of Life Sciences
and Medicine, University of Science and
Technology of China, Hefei 230027, China
- Department
of Bioengineering, Stanford University, Stanford, California 94305, United States
| | - Naoki Horikoshi
- Life
Science Center for Survival Dynamics, University
of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8577, Japan
- Department
of Structural Biology, Stanford University, Stanford, California 94305, United States
| | - Shanshan Li
- MOE
Key Laboratory for Cellular Dynamics and Division of Life Sciences
and Medicine, University of Science and
Technology of China, Hefei 230027, China
- Department
of Bioengineering, Stanford University, Stanford, California 94305, United States
| | - Alexander S. Powers
- Department
of Chemistry, Stanford University, Stanford, California 94305, United States
- Department
of Computer Science, Stanford University, Stanford, California 94305, United States
| | - Mikhail A. Hameedi
- Department
of Structural Biology, Stanford University, Stanford, California 94305, United States
- Biosciences
Division, SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory, Stanford University, Menlo
Park, California 94025, United States
| | - Grigore D. Pintilie
- Department
of Bioengineering, Stanford University, Stanford, California 94305, United States
| | - Hee-Don Chae
- Department
of Pediatrics, Stanford University School
of Medicine, Stanford, California 94305, United States
| | - Yousuf A. Khan
- Department
of Computer Science, Stanford University, Stanford, California 94305, United States
- Department
of Molecular and Cellular Physiology, Stanford
University School of Medicine, Stanford, California 94305, United States
| | - Carl-Mikael Suomivuori
- Department
of Computer Science, Stanford University, Stanford, California 94305, United States
| | - Ron O. Dror
- Department
of Computer Science, Stanford University, Stanford, California 94305, United States
| | - Kathleen M. Sakamoto
- Department
of Pediatrics, Stanford University School
of Medicine, Stanford, California 94305, United States
| | - Wah Chiu
- Department
of Bioengineering, Stanford University, Stanford, California 94305, United States
- CryoEM
and Bioimaging Division, Stanford Synchrotron Radiation Lightsource,
SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory, Stanford
University, Menlo
Park, California 94025, United States
| | - Soichi Wakatsuki
- Department
of Structural Biology, Stanford University, Stanford, California 94305, United States
- Biosciences
Division, SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory, Stanford University, Menlo
Park, California 94025, United States
| |
Collapse
|
40
|
Zhu J, Avakyan N, Kakkis AA, Hoffnagle AM, Han K, Li Y, Zhang Z, Choi TS, Na Y, Yu CJ, Tezcan FA. Protein Assembly by Design. Chem Rev 2021; 121:13701-13796. [PMID: 34405992 PMCID: PMC9148388 DOI: 10.1021/acs.chemrev.1c00308] [Citation(s) in RCA: 107] [Impact Index Per Article: 35.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Proteins are nature's primary building blocks for the construction of sophisticated molecular machines and dynamic materials, ranging from protein complexes such as photosystem II and nitrogenase that drive biogeochemical cycles to cytoskeletal assemblies and muscle fibers for motion. Such natural systems have inspired extensive efforts in the rational design of artificial protein assemblies in the last two decades. As molecular building blocks, proteins are highly complex, in terms of both their three-dimensional structures and chemical compositions. To enable control over the self-assembly of such complex molecules, scientists have devised many creative strategies by combining tools and principles of experimental and computational biophysics, supramolecular chemistry, inorganic chemistry, materials science, and polymer chemistry, among others. Owing to these innovative strategies, what started as a purely structure-building exercise two decades ago has, in short order, led to artificial protein assemblies with unprecedented structures and functions and protein-based materials with unusual properties. Our goal in this review is to give an overview of this exciting and highly interdisciplinary area of research, first outlining the design strategies and tools that have been devised for controlling protein self-assembly, then describing the diverse structures of artificial protein assemblies, and finally highlighting the emergent properties and functions of these assemblies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Albert A. Kakkis
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California, San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, California 92093-0340, United States
| | - Alexander M. Hoffnagle
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California, San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, California 92093-0340, United States
| | - Kenneth Han
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California, San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, California 92093-0340, United States
| | - Yiying Li
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California, San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, California 92093-0340, United States
| | - Zhiyin Zhang
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California, San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, California 92093-0340, United States
| | - Tae Su Choi
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California, San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, California 92093-0340, United States
| | - Youjeong Na
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California, San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, California 92093-0340, United States
| | - Chung-Jui Yu
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California, San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, California 92093-0340, United States
| | - F. Akif Tezcan
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California, San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, California 92093-0340, United States
| |
Collapse
|
41
|
Pachetti M, D'Amico F, Pascolo L, Pucciarelli S, Gessini A, Parisse P, Vaccari L, Masciovecchio C. UV Resonance Raman explores protein structural modification upon fibrillation and ligand interaction. Biophys J 2021; 120:4575-4589. [PMID: 34474016 PMCID: PMC8553600 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpj.2021.08.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2020] [Revised: 06/28/2021] [Accepted: 08/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Amyloids are proteinaceous deposits considered an underlying pathological hallmark of several degenerative diseases. The mechanism of amyloid formation and its inhibition still represent challenging issues, especially when protein structure cannot be investigated by classical biophysical techniques as for the intrinsically disordered proteins (IDPs). In this view, the need to find an alternative way for providing molecular and structural information regarding IDPs prompted us to set a novel, to our knowledge, approach focused on UV Resonance Raman (UVRR) spectroscopy. To test its applicability, we study the fibrillation of hen-egg white lysozyme (HEWL) and insulin as well as their interaction with resveratrol, employing also intrinsic fluorescence spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, and atomic force microscopy (AFM). The increasing of the β-sheet structure content at the end of protein fibrillation probed by FTIR occurs simultaneously with a major solvent exposure of tryptophan (Trp) and tyrosine (Tyr) residues of HEWL and insulin, respectively, as revealed by UVRR and intrinsic fluorescence spectroscopy. However, because the latter technique is successfully used when proteins naturally contain Trp residues, it shows poor performances in the case of insulin, and the information regarding its tertiary structure is exclusively provided by UVRR spectroscopy. The presence of an increased concentration of resveratrol induces mild changes in the secondary structure of both protein fibrils while remodeling HEWL fibril length and promoting the formation of amorphous aggregates in the case of insulin. Although the intrinsic fluorescence spectra of proteins are hidden by resveratrol signal, UVRR Trp and Tyr bands are resonantly enhanced, showing a good sensitivity to the presence of resveratrol and marking a modification in the noncovalent interactions in which they are involved. Our findings demonstrate that UVRR is successfully employed in the study of aggregation-prone proteins and of their interaction with ligands, especially in the case of Trp-lacking proteins.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maria Pachetti
- Elettra - Sincrotrone Trieste, Trieste, Italy; Department of Physics, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy; Institute for Maternal and Child Health, IRCCS Burlo Garofolo, Trieste, Italy.
| | | | - Lorella Pascolo
- Institute for Maternal and Child Health, IRCCS Burlo Garofolo, Trieste, Italy
| | - Stefania Pucciarelli
- University of Camerino, School of Biosciences and Veterinary Medicine, Camerino, Italy
| | | | - Pietro Parisse
- Elettra - Sincrotrone Trieste, Trieste, Italy; Istituto Officina dei Materiali - CNR (IOM-CNR), Trieste, Italy
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
42
|
Cryo-EM structure determination of small proteins by nanobody-binding scaffolds (Legobodies). Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2021; 118:2115001118. [PMID: 34620716 PMCID: PMC8521671 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2115001118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
We describe a general method that allows structure determination of small proteins by single-particle cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM). The method is based on the availability of a target-binding nanobody, which is then rigidly attached to two scaffolds: 1) a Fab fragment of an antibody directed against the nanobody and 2) a nanobody-binding protein A fragment fused to maltose binding protein and Fab-binding domains. The overall ensemble of ∼120 kDa, called Legobody, does not perturb the nanobody-target interaction, is easily recognizable in EM images due to its unique shape, and facilitates particle alignment in cryo-EM image processing. The utility of the method is demonstrated for the KDEL receptor, a 23-kDa membrane protein, resulting in a map at 3.2-Å overall resolution with density sufficient for de novo model building, and for the 22-kDa receptor-binding domain (RBD) of SARS-CoV-2 spike protein, resulting in a map at 3.6-Å resolution that allows analysis of the binding interface to the nanobody. The Legobody approach thus overcomes the current size limitations of cryo-EM analysis.
Collapse
|
43
|
Collu G, Bierig T, Krebs AS, Engilberge S, Varma N, Guixà-González R, Sharpe T, Deupi X, Olieric V, Poghosyan E, Benoit RM. Chimeric single α-helical domains as rigid fusion protein connections for protein nanotechnology and structural biology. Structure 2021; 30:95-106.e7. [PMID: 34587504 DOI: 10.1016/j.str.2021.09.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2021] [Revised: 06/17/2021] [Accepted: 09/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Chimeric fusion proteins are essential tools for protein nanotechnology. Non-optimized protein-protein connections are usually flexible and therefore unsuitable as structural building blocks. Here we show that the ER/K motif, a single α-helical domain (SAH), can be seamlessly fused to terminal helices of proteins, forming an extended, partially free-standing rigid helix. This enables the connection of two domains at a defined distance and orientation. We designed three constructs termed YFPnano, T4Lnano, and MoStoNano. Analysis of experimentally determined structures and molecular dynamics simulations reveals a certain degree of plasticity in the connections that allows the adaptation to crystal contact opportunities. Our data show that SAHs can be stably integrated into designed structural elements, enabling new possibilities for protein nanotechnology, for example, to improve the exposure of epitopes on nanoparticles (structural vaccinology), to engineer crystal contacts with minimal impact on construct flexibility (for the study of protein dynamics), and to design novel biomaterials.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gabriella Collu
- Laboratory of Nanoscale Biology, Division of Biology and Chemistry, Paul Scherrer Institute, 5232 Villigen PSI, Switzerland; Department of Biology, ETH Zürich, 8093 Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Tobias Bierig
- Laboratory of Nanoscale Biology, Division of Biology and Chemistry, Paul Scherrer Institute, 5232 Villigen PSI, Switzerland; Department of Biology, ETH Zürich, 8093 Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Anna-Sophia Krebs
- Laboratory of Nanoscale Biology, Division of Biology and Chemistry, Paul Scherrer Institute, 5232 Villigen PSI, Switzerland
| | - Sylvain Engilberge
- Swiss Light Source, Paul Scherrer Institute, 5232 Villigen PSI, Switzerland
| | - Niveditha Varma
- Laboratory of Nanoscale Biology, Division of Biology and Chemistry, Paul Scherrer Institute, 5232 Villigen PSI, Switzerland
| | - Ramon Guixà-González
- Condensed Matter Theory Group, Paul Scherrer Institute, 5232 Villigen PSI, Switzerland
| | - Timothy Sharpe
- Biophysics Core Facility, Biozentrum, University of Basel, 4056 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Xavier Deupi
- Laboratory of Biomolecular Research, Division of Biology and Chemistry, Paul Scherrer Institute, 5232 Villigen PSI, Switzerland; Condensed Matter Theory Group, Paul Scherrer Institute, 5232 Villigen PSI, Switzerland
| | - Vincent Olieric
- Swiss Light Source, Paul Scherrer Institute, 5232 Villigen PSI, Switzerland
| | - Emiliya Poghosyan
- Laboratory of Nanoscale Biology, Division of Biology and Chemistry, Paul Scherrer Institute, 5232 Villigen PSI, Switzerland
| | - Roger M Benoit
- Laboratory of Nanoscale Biology, Division of Biology and Chemistry, Paul Scherrer Institute, 5232 Villigen PSI, Switzerland.
| |
Collapse
|
44
|
Yasui N, Nakamura K, Yamashita A. A sweet protein monellin as a non-antibody scaffold for synthetic binding proteins. J Biochem 2021; 169:585-599. [PMID: 33386843 DOI: 10.1093/jb/mvaa147] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2020] [Accepted: 12/07/2020] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Synthetic binding proteins that have the ability to bind with molecules can be generated using various protein domains as non-antibody scaffolds. These designer proteins have been used widely in research studies, as their properties overcome the disadvantages of using antibodies. Here, we describe the first application of a phage display to generate synthetic binding proteins using a sweet protein, monellin, as a non-antibody scaffold. Single-chain monellin (scMonellin), in which two polypeptide chains of natural monellin are connected by a short linker, has two loops on one side of the molecule. We constructed phage display libraries of scMonellin, in which the amino acid sequence of the two loops is diversified. To validate the performance of these libraries, we sorted them against the folding mutant of the green fluorescent protein variant (GFPuv) and yeast small ubiquitin-related modifier. We successfully obtained scMonellin variants exhibiting moderate but significant affinities for these target proteins. Crystal structures of one of the GFPuv-binding variants in complex with GFPuv revealed that the two diversified loops were involved in target recognition. scMonellin, therefore, represents a promising non-antibody scaffold in the design and generation of synthetic binding proteins. We termed the scMonellin-derived synthetic binding proteins 'SWEEPins'.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Norihisa Yasui
- Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University, 1-1-1, Tsushima-naka, Kita-ku, Okayama 700-8530, Japan
| | - Kazuaki Nakamura
- Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University, 1-1-1, Tsushima-naka, Kita-ku, Okayama 700-8530, Japan
| | - Atsuko Yamashita
- Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University, 1-1-1, Tsushima-naka, Kita-ku, Okayama 700-8530, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
45
|
Chou LYT. Design Verification as Foundation for Advancing DNA Nanotechnology Applications. ACS NANO 2021; 15:9222-9228. [PMID: 34124882 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.1c04304] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Advances in the field of structural DNA nanotechnology have produced a growing number of nanostructures that are now being developed for diverse applications. Often, these nanostructures contain not only nucleic acids but also a myriad of other classes of molecules and materials such as proteins, lipids, sugars, and synthetic polymers. Increasing structural and compositional complexity promises new functional capabilities, but also demands new tools for design verification. Systematically verifying the design of DNA-scaffolded nanomaterials is necessary to identify and to refine their design rules, and to enable the field to progress toward "real world" applications. In this issue of ACS Nano, Bertosin et al. used single-particle cryo-electron microscopy to characterize the structure of multilayer DNA origamis following coating with oligolysine-based polymers, a class of material which has previously been shown to stabilize DNA nanostructures in physiological environments for use in biological applications. This Perspective summarizes their findings, discusses the broader challenges of verifying the design of DNA nanotechnologies incorporating complex materials, and highlights future directions for advancing their applications.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Leo Y T Chou
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario M5S 3G9, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
46
|
Generation of ordered protein assemblies using rigid three-body fusion. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2021; 118:2015037118. [PMID: 34074752 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2015037118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Protein nanomaterial design is an emerging discipline with applications in medicine and beyond. A long-standing design approach uses genetic fusion to join protein homo-oligomer subunits via α-helical linkers to form more complex symmetric assemblies, but this method is hampered by linker flexibility and a dearth of geometric solutions. Here, we describe a general computational method for rigidly fusing homo-oligomer and spacer building blocks to generate user-defined architectures that generates far more geometric solutions than previous approaches. The fusion junctions are then optimized using Rosetta to minimize flexibility. We apply this method to design and test 92 dihedral symmetric protein assemblies using a set of designed homodimers and repeat protein building blocks. Experimental validation by native mass spectrometry, small-angle X-ray scattering, and negative-stain single-particle electron microscopy confirms the assembly states for 11 designs. Most of these assemblies are constructed from designed ankyrin repeat proteins (DARPins), held in place on one end by α-helical fusion and on the other by a designed homodimer interface, and we explored their use for cryogenic electron microscopy (cryo-EM) structure determination by incorporating DARPin variants selected to bind targets of interest. Although the target resolution was limited by preferred orientation effects and small scaffold size, we found that the dual anchoring strategy reduced the flexibility of the target-DARPIN complex with respect to the overall assembly, suggesting that multipoint anchoring of binding domains could contribute to cryo-EM structure determination of small proteins.
Collapse
|
47
|
Chiu YH, Ko KT, Yang TJ, Wu KP, Ho MR, Draczkowski P, Hsu STD. Direct Visualization of a 26 kDa Protein by Cryo-Electron Microscopy Aided by a Small Scaffold Protein. Biochemistry 2021; 60:1075-1079. [PMID: 33719392 DOI: 10.1021/acs.biochem.0c00961] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM)-based structure determination of small proteins is hindered by the technical challenges associated with low signal-to-noise ratios of their particle images in intrinsically noisy micrographs. One solution is to attach the target protein to a large protein scaffold to increase its apparent size and, therefore, image contrast. Here we report a novel scaffold design based on a trimeric helical protein, E. coli ornithine transcarbamylase (OTC), fused to human ubiquitin. As a proof of principle, we demonstrated the ability to resolve a cryo-EM map of a 26 kDa human ubiquitin C-terminal hydrolase (UCHL1) attached to the C-terminus of ubiquitin as part of the trimeric assembly. The results revealed conformational changes in UCHL1 upon binding to ubiquitin, namely, a significant displacement of α-helix 2, which was also observed by X-ray crystallography. Our findings demonstrated the potential of the trimeric OTC scaffold design for studying a large number of ubiquitin interacting proteins by cryo-EM.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yi-Hsiang Chiu
- Institute of Biological Chemistry, Academia Sinica, Taipei 11529, Taiwan
- Institute of Biochemical Sciences, National Taiwan University, Taipei 10617, Taiwan
| | - Kuang-Ting Ko
- Institute of Biological Chemistry, Academia Sinica, Taipei 11529, Taiwan
| | - Tzu-Jing Yang
- Institute of Biological Chemistry, Academia Sinica, Taipei 11529, Taiwan
- Institute of Biochemical Sciences, National Taiwan University, Taipei 10617, Taiwan
| | - Kuen-Phon Wu
- Institute of Biological Chemistry, Academia Sinica, Taipei 11529, Taiwan
- Institute of Biochemical Sciences, National Taiwan University, Taipei 10617, Taiwan
| | - Meng-Ru Ho
- Institute of Biological Chemistry, Academia Sinica, Taipei 11529, Taiwan
| | - Piotr Draczkowski
- Institute of Biological Chemistry, Academia Sinica, Taipei 11529, Taiwan
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Medical University of Lublin, ul. W. Chodzki 4a, 20-093 Lublin, Poland
| | - Shang-Te Danny Hsu
- Institute of Biological Chemistry, Academia Sinica, Taipei 11529, Taiwan
- Institute of Biochemical Sciences, National Taiwan University, Taipei 10617, Taiwan
| |
Collapse
|
48
|
Khmelinskaia A, Wargacki A, King NP. Structure-based design of novel polyhedral protein nanomaterials. Curr Opin Microbiol 2021; 61:51-57. [PMID: 33784513 DOI: 10.1016/j.mib.2021.03.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2020] [Revised: 03/05/2021] [Accepted: 03/11/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Organizing matter at the atomic scale is a central goal of nanotechnology. Bottom-up approaches, in which molecular building blocks are programmed to assemble via supramolecular interactions, are a proven and versatile route to new and useful nanomaterials. Although a wide variety of molecules have been used as building blocks, proteins have several intrinsic features that present unique opportunities for designing nanomaterials with sophisticated functions. There has been tremendous recent progress in designing proteins to fold and assemble to highly ordered structures. Here we review the leading approaches to the design of closed polyhedral protein assemblies, highlight the importance of considering the assembly process itself, and discuss various applications and future directions for the field. We emphasize throughout the exciting opportunities presented by recent advances as well as challenges that remain.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alena Khmelinskaia
- Department of Biochemistry and Institute for Protein Design, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Adam Wargacki
- Department of Biochemistry and Institute for Protein Design, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Neil P King
- Department of Biochemistry and Institute for Protein Design, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
49
|
Laniado J, Cannon KA, Miller JE, Sawaya MR, McNamara DE, Yeates TO. Geometric Lessons and Design Strategies for Nanoscale Protein Cages. ACS NANO 2021; 15:4277-4286. [PMID: 33683103 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.0c07167] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Protein molecules bring a rich functionality to the field of designed nanoscale architectures. High-symmetry protein cages are rapidly finding diverse applications in biomedicine, nanotechnology, and imaging, but methods for their reliable and predictable construction remain challenging. In this study we introduce an approach for designing protein assemblies that combines ideas and favorable elements adapted from recent work. Cubically symmetric cages can be created by combining two simpler symmetries, following recently established principles. Here, two different oligomeric protein components are brought together in a geometrically specific arrangement by their separate genetic fusion to individual components of a heterodimeric coiled-coil polypeptide motif of known structure. Fusions between components are made by continuous α-helices to limit flexibility. After a computational design, we tested 10 different protein cage constructions experimentally, two of which formed larger assemblies. One produced the intended octahedral cage, ∼26 nm in diameter, while the other appeared to produce the intended tetrahedral cage as a minor component, crystallizing instead in an alternate form representing a collapsed structure of lower stoichiometry and symmetry. Geometric distinctions between the two characterized designs help explain the different degrees of success, leading to clearer principles and improved prospects for the routine creation of nanoscale protein architectures using diverse methods.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Joshua Laniado
- Molecular Biology Institute, UCLA, Los Angeles, California 90095, United States
| | - Kevin A Cannon
- Institute for Genomics and Proteomics, UCLA-DOE, Los Angeles, California 90095, United States
| | - Justin E Miller
- Molecular Biology Institute, UCLA, Los Angeles, California 90095, United States
| | - Michael R Sawaya
- Institute for Genomics and Proteomics, UCLA-DOE, Los Angeles, California 90095, United States
| | - Dan E McNamara
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, UCLA, Los Angeles, California 90095, United States
| | - Todd O Yeates
- Molecular Biology Institute, UCLA, Los Angeles, California 90095, United States
- Institute for Genomics and Proteomics, UCLA-DOE, Los Angeles, California 90095, United States
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, UCLA, Los Angeles, California 90095, United States
| |
Collapse
|
50
|
Laniado J, Meador K, Yeates TO. A fragment-based protein interface design algorithm for symmetric assemblies. Protein Eng Des Sel 2021; 34:gzab008. [PMID: 33955480 PMCID: PMC8101011 DOI: 10.1093/protein/gzab008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2021] [Accepted: 03/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Theoretical and experimental advances in protein engineering have led to the creation of precisely defined, novel protein assemblies of great size and complexity, with diverse applications. One powerful approach involves designing a new attachment or binding interface between two simpler symmetric oligomeric protein components. The required methods of design, which present both similarities and key differences compared to problems in protein docking, remain challenging and are not yet routine. With the aim of more fully enabling this emerging area of protein material engineering, we developed a computer program, nanohedra, to introduce two key advances. First, we encoded in the program the construction rules (i.e. the search space parameters) that underlie all possible symmetric material constructions. Second, we developed algorithms for rapidly identifying favorable docking/interface arrangements based on tabulations of empirical patterns of known protein fragment-pair associations. As a result, the candidate poses that nanohedra generates for subsequent amino acid interface design appear highly native-like (at the protein backbone level), while simultaneously conforming to the exacting requirements for symmetry-based assembly. A retrospective computational analysis of successful vs failed experimental studies supports the expectation that this should improve the success rate for this challenging area of protein engineering.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Joshua Laniado
- UCLA Molecular Biology Institute, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Kyle Meador
- UCLA Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Todd O Yeates
- UCLA Molecular Biology Institute, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
- UCLA Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
- UCLA DOE Institute for Genomics and Proteomics, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| |
Collapse
|