Conformational changes of P-glycoprotein by nucleotide binding

Cross-linking, DEER-spectroscopy and molecular dynamics confirm the inward facing state of P-glycoprotein in a lipid membrane

The drug efflux pump P-glycoprotein (P-gp) displays a complex transport mechanism involving multiple drug binding sites and two centres for nucleotide hydrolysis. Elucidating the molecular mechanism of transport remains elusive and the availability of P-gp structures in distinct natural and ligand trapped conformations will accelerate our understanding. The present investigation sought to provide biochemical data to validate specific features of these structures; with particular focus on the transmembrane domain that provides the transport conduit. Hence our focus was on transmembrane helices six and twelve (TM6/TM12), which are believed to participate in drug binding, as they line the central transport conduit and provide a direct link to the catalytic centres. A series of P-gp mutants were generated with a single cysteine in both TM6 and TM12 to facilitate measurement of inter-helical distances using cross-linking and DEER strategies. Experimental results were compared to published structures per se and those refined by MD simulations. This analysis revealed that the refined inward-facing murine structure (4M1M) of P-gp provides a good representation of the proximity, topography and relative motions of TM6 and TM12 in reconstituted human P-gp.

Mapping discontinuous epitopes for MRK-16, UIC2 and 4E3 antibodies to extracellular loops 1 and 4 of human P-glycoprotein

P-glycoprotein (P-gp), an ATP-dependent efflux pump, is associated with the development of multidrug resistance in cancer cells. Antibody-mediated blockade of human P-gp activity has been shown to overcome drug resistance by re-sensitizing resistant cancer cells to anticancer drugs. Despite the potential clinical application of this finding, the epitopes of the three human P-gp-specific monoclonal antibodies MRK-16, UIC2 and 4E3, which bind to the extracellular loops (ECLs) have not yet been mapped. By generating human-mouse P-gp chimeras, we mapped the epitopes of these antibodies to ECLs 1 and 4. We then identified key amino acids in these regions by replacing mouse residues with homologous human P-gp residues to recover binding of antibodies to the mouse P-gp. We found that changing a total of ten residues, five each in ECL1 and ECL4, was sufficient to recover binding of both MRK-16 and 4E3 antibodies, suggesting a common epitope. However, recovery of the conformation-sensitive UIC2 epitope required replacement of thirteen residues in ECL1 and the same five residues replaced in the ECL4 for MRK-16 and 4E3 binding. These results demonstrate that discontinuous epitopes for MRK-16, UIC2 and 4E3 are located in the same regions of ECL1 and 4 of the multidrug transporter.

The conformation and dynamics of P-glycoprotein in a lipid bilayer investigated by atomic force microscopy

The membrane-bound P-glycoprotein (Pgp) transporter plays a major role in human disease and drug disposition because of its ability to efflux a chemically diverse range of drugs through ATP hydrolysis and ligand-induced conformational changes. Deciphering these structural changes is key to understanding the molecular basis of transport and to developing molecules that can modulate efflux. Here, atomic force microscopy (AFM) is used to directly image individual Pgp transporter molecules in a lipid bilayer under physiological pH and ambient temperature. Analysis of the Pgp AFM images revealed "small" and "large" protrusions from the lipid bilayer with significant differences in protrusion height and volume. The geometry of these "small" and "large" protrusions correlated to the predicted extracellular (EC) and cytosolic (C) domains of the Pgp X-ray crystal structure, respectively. To assign these protrusions, simulated AFM images were produced from the Pgp X-ray crystal structures with membrane planes defined by three computational approaches, and a simulated 80 Å AFM cantilever tip. The theoretical AFM images of the EC and C domains had similar heights and volumes to the "small" and "large" protrusions in the experimental AFM images, respectively. The assignment of the protrusions in the AFM images to the EC and C domains was confirmed by changes in protrusion volume by Pgp-specific antibodies. The Pgp domains showed a considerable degree of conformational dynamics in time resolved AFM images. With this information, a model of Pgp conformational dynamics in a lipid bilayer is proposed within the context of the known Pgp X-ray crystal structures.

Substrate-induced conformational changes in the nucleotide-binding domains of lipid bilayer-associated P-glycoprotein during ATP hydrolysis

P-glycoprotein (Pgp) is an efflux pump important in multidrug resistance of cancer cells and in determining drug pharmacokinetics. Pgp is a prototype ATP-binding cassette transporter with two nucleotide-binding domains (NBDs) that bind and hydrolyze ATP. Conformational changes at the NBDs (the Pgp engines) lead to changes across Pgp transmembrane domains that result in substrate translocation. According to current alternating access models (substrate-binding pocket accessible only to one side of the membrane at a time), binding of ATP promotes NBD dimerization, resulting in external accessibility of the drug-binding site (outward-facing, closed NBD conformation), and ATP hydrolysis leads to dissociation of the NBDs with the subsequent return of the accessibility of the binding site to the cytoplasmic side (inward-facing, open NBD conformation). However, previous work has not investigated these events under near-physiological conditions in a lipid bilayer and in the presence of transport substrate. Here, we used luminescence resonance energy transfer (LRET) to measure the distances between the two Pgp NBDs. Pgp was labeled with LRET probes, reconstituted in lipid nanodiscs, and the distance between the NBDs was measured at 37 °C. In the presence of verapamil, a substrate that activates ATP hydrolysis, the NBDs of Pgp reconstituted in nanodiscs were never far apart during the hydrolysis cycle, and we never observed the NBD-NBD distances of tens of Å that have previously been reported. However, we found two main conformations that coexist in a dynamic equilibrium under all conditions studied. Our observations highlight the importance of performing studies of efflux pumps under near-physiological conditions, in a lipid bilayer, at 37 °C, and during substrate-stimulated hydrolysis.

Elevated and secreted phospholipase A₂ activities as new potential therapeutic targets in human epithelial ovarian cancer

Ascites in epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) promotes tumor development by mechanisms that are incompletely understood. Lysophosphatidic acid (LPA), a major tumor-promoting factor in EOC ascites, is an enzymatic product of autotaxin (ATX) and phospholipase A(2) (PLA(2))enzymes. The contribution of PLA(2) activities to ovarian tumorigenesis was investigated. The quantitative measurement of PLA(2) activities in ascites and tissues, as well as assay conditions selective for PLA(2) subtypes, were optimized and validated. PLA(2) activities correlated with tumor-promoting activates in cell-based and in vivo assays. High activities consistent with both cytosolic and calcium-independent PLA(2) were found in human EOC ascites for the first time. Elevated PLA(2) and ATX activities were also observed in EOC compared to benign tumors and normal tissues. Cell-free and vesicle-free (S4) human EOC ascites potently promoted proliferation, migration, and invasion of human EOC cells in a PLA(2)-dependent manner. LPA mediated a significant part of the cell-stimulating effects of ascites. S4 ascites stimulated tumorigenesis/metastasis in vivo, and methyl arachidonyl fluorophosphonate was highly effective in inhibiting EOC metastasis in mouse xenograft models. PLA(2) activity was found in conditioned media from both EOC cells and macrophages. Collectively, our work implies that PLA(2) activity is a potential marker and therapeutic target in EOC.

Functional role of the linker region in purified human P-glycoprotein

Human P-glycoprotein (P-gp), which conveys multidrug resistance, is an ATP-dependent drug efflux pump that transports a wide variety of structurally unrelated compounds out of cells. P-gp possesses a 'linker region' of approximately 75 amino acids that connects two homologous halves, each of which contain a transmembrane domain followed by a nucleotide-binding domain. To investigate the role of the linker region, purified human P-gp was cleaved by proteases at the linker region and then compared with native P-gp. Based on a verapamil-stimulated ATP hydrolase assay, size-exclusion chromatography analysis and a thermo-stability assay, cleavage of the P-gp linker did not directly affect the preservation of the overall structure or the catalytic process in ATP hydrolysis. However, linker cleavage increased the k(cat) values both with substrate (k(sub)) and without substrate (k(basal)), but decreased the k(sub)/k(basal) values of all 10 tested substrates. The former result indicates that cleaving the linker activates P-gp, while the latter result suggests that the linker region maintains the tightness of coupling between the ATP hydrolase reaction and substrate recognition. Inspection of structures of the P-gp homolog, MsbA, suggests that linker-cleaved P-gp has increased ATP hydrolase activity because the linker interferes with a conformational change that accompanies the ATP hydrolase reaction. Moreover, linker cleavage affected the specificity constants [k(sub)/K(m(D))] for some substrates (i.e. linker cleavage probably shifts the substrate specificity profile of P-gp). Thus, this result also suggests that the linker region regulates the inherent substrate specificity of P-gp.

Conformational and functional characterization of trapped complexes of the P-glycoprotein multidrug transporter

The Pgp (P-glycoprotein) multidrug transporter couples ATP hydrolysis at two cytoplasmic NBDs (nucleotide-binding domains) to the transport of hydrophobic compounds. Orthovanadate (V(i)) and fluoroaluminate (AlF(x)) trap nucleotide in one NBD by forming stable catalytically inactive complexes (Pgp-M2+-ADP-X), which are proposed to resemble the catalytic transition state, whereas the complex formed by beryllium fluoride (BeF(x)) is proposed to resemble the ground state. We studied the trapped complexes formed via incubation of Pgp with ATP (catalytically forward) or ADP (reverse) and V(i), BeF(x) or AlF(x) using Mg2+ or Co2+ as the bivalent cation. Quenching of intrinsic Pgp tryptophan fluorescence by acrylamide, iodide and caesium indicated that conformational changes took place upon formation of the trapped complexes. Trapping with V(i) and ATP led to a 6-fold increase in the acrylamide quenching constant, K(SV), suggesting that large conformational changes take place in the Pgp transmembrane regions on trapping in the forward direction. Trapping with V(i) and ADP gave only a small change in quenching, indicating that the forward- and reverse-trapped complexes are different. TNP (trinitrophenyl)-ATP/TNP-ADP interacted with all of the trapped complexes, however, the fluorescence enhancement differed for the trapped states, suggesting a change in polarity in the nucleotide-binding sites. The nucleotide-binding site of the BeF(x)-trapped complex was much more polar than that of the V(i) and AlF(x) complexes. Functionally, all the trapped complexes were able to bind drugs and TNP-nucleotides with unchanged affinity compared with native Pgp.

Role of GSH in estrone sulfate binding and translocation by the multidrug resistance protein 1 (MRP1/ABCC1)

Multidrug resistance protein 1 (MRP1/ABCC1) is an ATP-dependent efflux pump that can confer resistance to multiple anticancer drugs and transport conjugated organic anions. Unusually, transport of several MRP1 substrates requires glutathione (GSH). For example, estrone sulfate transport by MRP1 is stimulated by GSH, vincristine is co-transported with GSH, or GSH can be transported alone. In the present study, radioligand binding assays were developed to investigate the mechanistic details of GSH-stimulated transport of estrone sulfate by MRP1. We have established that estrone sulfate binding to MRP1 requires GSH, or its non-reducing analogue S-methyl GSH (S-mGSH), and further that the affinity (Kd) of MRP1 for estrone sulfate is 2.5-fold higher in the presence of S-mGSH than GSH itself. Association kinetics show that GSH binds to MRP1 first, and we propose that GSH binding induces a conformational change, which makes the estrone sulfate binding site accessible. Binding of non-hydrolyzable ATP analogues to MRP1 decreases the affinity for estrone sulfate. However, GSH (or S-mGSH) is still required for estrone sulfate binding, and the affinity for GSH is unchanged. Estrone sulfate affinity remains low following hydrolysis of ATP. The affinity for GSH also appears to decrease in the post-hydrolytic state. Our results indicate ATP binding is sufficient for reconfiguration of the estrone sulfate binding site to lower affinity and argue for the presence of a modulatory GSH binding site not associated with transport of this tripeptide. A model for the mechanism of GSH-stimulated estrone sulfate transport is proposed.

Allosteric modulation of the human P-glycoprotein involves conformational changes mimicking catalytic transition intermediates

The drug transport function of human P-glycoprotein (Pgp, ABCB1) can be inhibited by a number of pharmacological agents collectively referred to as modulators or reversing agents. In this study, we demonstrate that certain thioxanthene-based Pgp modulators with an allosteric mode of action induce a distinct conformational change in the cytosolic domain of Pgp, which alters susceptibility to proteolytic digestion. Both cis and trans-isomers of the Pgp modulator flupentixol confer considerable protection of an 80 kDa Pgp fragment against trypsin digestion, that is recognized by a polyclonal antibody specific for the NH(2)-terminal half to Pgp. The protection by flupentixol is abolished in the Pgp F983A mutant that is impaired in modulation by flupentixols, indicating involvement of the allosteric site in generating the conformational change. A similar protection to an 80 kDa fragment is conferred by ATP, its nonhydrolyzable analog ATPgammaS, and by trapping of ADP-vanadate at the catalytic domain, but not by transport substrate vinblastine or by the competitive modulator cyclosporin A, suggesting different outcomes from modulator interaction at the allosteric site and at the substrate site. In summary, we demonstrate that allosteric interaction of flupentixols with Pgp generates conformational changes that mimic catalytic transition intermediates induced by nucleotide binding and hydrolysis, which may play a crucial role in allosteric inhibition of Pgp-mediated drug transport.

Allosteric modulation bypasses the requirement for ATP hydrolysis in regenerating low affinity transition state conformation of human P-glycoprotein

ATP-dependent drug transport by human P-glycoprotein (Pgp, ABCB1) involves a coordinated communication between its drug-binding site (substrate site) and the nucleotide binding/hydrolysis domain (ATP sites). It has been demonstrated that the two ATP sites of Pgp play distinct roles within a single catalytic turnover; whereas ATP binding or/and hydrolysis by one drives substrate translocation and dissociation, the hydrolytic activity of the other resets the transporter for the subsequent cycle (Sauna, Z. E., and Ambudkar, S. V. (2000) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U. S. A. 97, 2515-2520; Sauna, Z. E., and Ambudkar, S. V. (2001) J. Biol. Chem. 276, 11653-11661). Trapping of ADP (or 8-azido-ADP) and vanadate (ADP.Vi or 8-azido-ADP.Vi) at the catalytic site, following nucleotide hydrolysis, markedly reduces the affinity of Pgp for its transport substrate [125I]iodoarylazidoprazosin ([125I]IAAP), resulting in dissociation of the latter. Regeneration of the [125I]IAAP site requires an additional round of nucleotide hydrolysis. In this study, we demonstrate that certain thioxanthene-based allosteric modulators, such as cis-(Z)-flupentixol and its closely related analogs, induce regeneration of [125I]IAAP binding to vanadate-trapped (or fluoroaluminate-trapped) Pgp without any further nucleotide hydrolysis. Regeneration was facilitated by dissociation of the trapped nucleotide and vanadate. Once regenerated, the substrate site remains accessible to [125I]IAAP even after removal of the modulator from the medium, suggesting a modulator-induced relaxation of a constrained transition state conformation. Consistent with this, limited trypsin digestion of vanadate-trapped Pgp shows protection by cis-(Z)-flupentixol of two Pgp fragments (approximately 60 kDa) recognizable by a polyclonal antiserum specific for the NH2-terminal half. No regeneration was observed in the Pgp mutant F983A that is impaired in modulation by flupentixols, indicating involvement of the allosteric modulator site in the phenomenon. In summary, the data demonstrate that in the nucleotide-trapped low affinity state of Pgp, the allosteric site remains accessible and responsive to modulation by flupentixol (and its closely related analogs), which can reset the high affinity state for [125I]IAAP binding without any further nucleotide hydrolysis.

The translocation mechanism of P-glycoprotein

Multidrug transporters are involved in mediating the failure of chemotherapy in treating several serious diseases. The archetypal multidrug transporter P-glycoprotein (P-gp) confers resistance to a large number of chemically and functionally unrelated anti-cancer drugs by mediating efflux from cancer cells. The ability to efflux such a large number of drugs remains a biological enigma and the lack of mechanistic understanding of the translocation pathway used by P-gp prevents rational design of compounds to inhibit its function. The translocation pathway is critically dependent on ATP hydrolysis and drug interaction with P-gp is possible at one of a multitude of allosterically linked binding sites. However, aspects such as coupling stoichiometry, molecular properties of binding sites and the nature of conformational changes remain unresolved or the centre of considerable controversy. The present review attempts to utilise the available data to generate a detailed sequence of events in the translocation pathway for this dexterous protein.

ATP induces conformational changes of periplasmic loop regions of the maltose ATP-binding cassette transporter

We have studied cofactor-induced conformational changes of the maltose ATP-binding cassette transporter by employing limited proteolysis in detergent solution. The transport complex consists of one copy each of the transmembrane subunits, MalF and MalG, and of two copies of the nucleotide-binding subunit, MalK. Transport activity further requires the periplasmic maltose-binding protein, MalE. Binding of ATP to the MalK subunits increased the susceptibility of two tryptic cleavage sites in the periplasmic loops P2 of MalF and P1 of MalG, respectively. Lys(262) of MalF and Arg(73) of MalG were identified as probable cleavage sites, resulting in two N-terminal peptide fragments of 29 and 8 kDa, respectively. Trapping the complex in the transition state by vanadate further stabilized the fragments. In contrast, the tryptic cleavage profile of MalK remained largely unchanged. ATP-induced conformational changes of MalF-P2 and MalG-P1 were supported by fluorescence spectroscopy of complex variants labeled with 2-(4'-maleimidoanilino)naphthalene-6-sulfonic acid. Limited proteolysis was subsequently used as a tool to study the consequences of mutations on the transport cycle. The results suggest that complex variants exhibiting a binding protein-independent phenotype (MalF500) or containing a mutation that affects the "catalytic carboxylate" (MalKE159Q) reside in a transition state-like conformation. A similar conclusion was drawn for a complex containing a replacement of MalKQ140 in the signature sequence by leucine, whereas substitution of lysine for Gln(140) appears to lock the transport complex in the ground state. Together, our data provide the first evidence for conformational changes of the transmembrane subunits of an ATP-binding cassette import system upon binding of ATP.

The Q-loop Disengages from the First Intracellular Loop during the Catalytic Cycle of the Multidrug ABC Transporter BmrA

The ATP-binding cassette is the most abundant family of transporters including many medically relevant members and gathers both importers and exporters involved in the transport of a wide variety of substrates. Although three high resolution three-dimensional structures have been obtained for a prototypic exporter, MsbA, two have been subjected to much criticism. Here, conformational changes of BmrA, a multidrug bacterial transporter structurally related to MsbA, have been studied. A three-dimensional model of BmrA, based on the "open" conformation of Escherichia coli MsbA, was probed by simultaneously introducing two cysteine residues, one in the first intracellular loop of the transmembrane domain and the other in the Q-loop of the nucleotide-binding domain (NBD). Intramolecular disulfide bonds could be created in the absence of any effectors, which prevented both drug transport and ATPase activity. Interestingly, addition of ATP/Mg plus vanadate strongly prevented this bond formation in a cysteine double mutant, whereas ATP/Mg alone was sufficient when the ATPase-inactive E504Q mutation was also introduced, in agreement with additional BmrA models where the ATP-binding sites are positioned at the NBD/NBD interface. Furthermore, cross-linking between the two cysteine residues could still be achieved in the presence of ATP/Mg plus vanadate when homobifunctional cross-linkers separated by more than 13 Angstrom were added. Altogether, these results give support to the existence, in the resting state, of a monomeric conformation of BmrA similar to that found within the open MsbA dimer and show that a large motion is required between intracellular loop 1 and the nucleotide-binding domain for the proper functioning of a multidrug ATP-binding cassette transporter.

GSH Inhibits Trypsinization of the C-terminal Half of Human MRP1

MRP1 is a 190-kDa membrane glycoprotein that confers multidrug resistance to tumor cells. The accumulated evidence has proved that GSH interacts with MRP1 and stimulates drug transport. However, the mechanism of GSH-dependent drug transport by MRP1 remains unclear. In this study, we used limited tryptic digestion of MRP1 in isolated membrane vesicles, in the presence and absence of GSH, to investigate the influence of GSH on MRP1 conformation. We found that GSH inhibited the generation of an approximately 35-kDa C-terminal tryptic fragment (including a C-terminal His tag) termed C2 from MRP1. This effect of GSH was not because of direct inhibition of trypsin activity, and agosterol A enhanced the inhibitory effect of GSH. The main cleavage site in MRP1 for the generation of the C2 fragment by trypsin resided between TMD2 and NBD2 of MRP1. Limited tryptic digestion of membrane vesicles expressing various truncated and co-expressed MRP1 fragments in the presence and absence of GSH revealed that GSH inhibited the production of the C2 fragment only in the presence of the L(0) region of MRP1. Thus the L(0) region is required for the inhibition of trypsinization of the C-terminal half of MRP1 by GSH. These findings, together with previous reports, suggest that GSH induces a conformational change at a site within the MRP1 that is indispensable for the interaction of MRP1 with its substrates.

Three-dimensional structure of P-glycoprotein: the transmembrane regions adopt an asymmetric configuration in the nucleotide-bound state

Multidrug resistance of cancer cells and pathogens is a serious clinical problem. A major factor contributing to drug resistance in cancer is the over-expression of P-glycoprotein, a plasma membrane ATP-binding cassette (ABC) drug efflux pump. Three-dimensional structural data with a resolution limit of approximately 8 A have been obtained from two-dimensional crystals of P-glycoprotein trapped in the nucleotide-bound state. Each of the two transmembrane domains of P-glycoprotein consists of six long alpha-helical segments. Five of the alpha-helices from each transmembrane domain are related by a pseudo-2-fold symmetry, whereas the sixth breaks the symmetry. The two alpha-helices positioned closest to the (pseudo-) symmetry axis at the center of the molecule appear to be kinked. A large loop of density at the extracellular surface of the transporter is likely to correspond to the glycosylated first extracellular loop, whereas two globular densities at the cytoplasmic side correspond to the hydrophilic, nucleotide-binding domains. This is the first three-dimensional structure for an intact eukaryotic ABC transporter. Comparison with the structures of two prokaryotic ABC transporters suggests significant differences in the packing of the transmembrane alpha-helices within this protein family.

Maltose-binding protein is open in the catalytic transition state for ATP hydrolysis during maltose transport

The maltose transport complex of Escherichia coli, a member of the ATP-binding cassette superfamily, mediates the high affinity uptake of maltose at the expense of ATP. The membrane-associated transporter consists of two transmembrane subunits, MalF and MalG, and two copies of the cytoplasmic ATP-binding cassette subunit, MalK. Maltose-binding protein (MBP), a soluble periplasmic protein, delivers maltose to the MalFGK(2) transporter and stimulates hydrolysis by the transporter. Site-directed spin labeling electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy is used to monitor binding of MBP to MalFGK(2) and conformational changes in MBP as it interacts with MalFGK(2). Cysteine residues and spin labels have been introduced into the two lobes of MBP so that spin-spin interaction will report on ligand-induced closure of the protein (Hall, J. A., Thorgeirsson, T. E., Liu, J., Shin, Y. K., and Nikaido, H. (1997) J. Biol. Chem. 272, 17610-17614). At least two different modes of interaction between MBP and MalFGK(2) were detected. Binding of MBP to MalFGK(2) in the absence of ATP resulted in a decrease in motion of spin label at position 41 in the C-terminal domain of MBP. In a vanadate-trapped transition state intermediate, all free MBP became tightly bound to MalFGK(2), spin label in both lobes became completely immobilized, and spin-spin interactions were lost, suggesting that MBP was in an open conformation. Binding of non-hydrolyzable MgATP analogs or ATP in the absence of Mg is sufficient to stabilize a complex of open MBP and MalFGK(2). Taken together, these data suggest that closure of the MalK dimer interface coincides with opening of MBP and maltose release to the transporter.

The nucleotide-binding domains of P-glycoprotein. Functional symmetry in the isolated domain demonstrated by N-ethylmaleimide labelling

The two nucleotide-binding domains (NBDs) of a number of ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporters have been shown to be functionally dissimilar, playing different roles in the transport process. A high degree of co-operativity has been determined for the NBDs of the human multidrug transporter, P-glycoprotein. However, the issue of functional symmetry in P-glycoprotein remains contentious. To address this, the NBDs of P-glycoprotein were expressed and purified to 95% homogeneity, as fusions to maltose-binding protein. The NBDs were engineered to contain a single cysteine residue in the Walker-A homology motif. Reactivity of this cysteine residue was demonstrated by specific, time-dependent, covalent labelling with N-ethylmaleimide. No differences in the rates of labelling of the two NBDs were observed. The relative affinity of binding to each NBD was determined for a number of nucleotides by measuring their ability to effect a reduction in N-ethylmaleimide labelling. In general, nucleotides bound identically to the two NBDs, suggesting that there is little asymmetry in the initial step of the transport cycle, namely the recognition and binding of nucleotide. Any observed functional asymmetry in the intact transporter presumably reflects different rates of hydrolysis at the two NBDs or interdomain communications.

Three-dimensional structures of the mammalian multidrug resistance P-glycoprotein demonstrate major conformational changes in the transmembrane domains upon nucleotide binding

P-glycoprotein is an ATP-binding cassette transporter that is associated with multidrug resistance and the failure of chemotherapy in human patients. We have previously shown, based on two-dimensional projection maps, that P-glycoprotein undergoes conformational changes upon binding of nucleotide to the intracellular nucleotide binding domains. Here we present the three-dimensional structures of P-glycoprotein in the presence and absence of nucleotide, at a resolution limit of approximately 2 nm, determined by electron crystallography of negatively stained crystals. The data reveal a major reorganization of the transmembrane domains throughout the entire depth of the membrane upon binding of nucleotide. In the absence of nucleotide, the two transmembrane domains form a single barrel 5-6 nm in diameter and about 5 nm deep with a central pore that is open to the extracellular surface and spans much of the membrane depth. Upon binding nucleotide, the transmembrane domains reorganize into three compact domains that are each 2-3 nm in diameter and 5-6 nm deep. This reorganization opens the central pore along its length in a manner that could allow access of hydrophobic drugs (transport substrates) directly from the lipid bilayer to the central pore of the transporter.

Intermediate structural states involved in MRP1-mediated drug transport. Role of glutathione

Human multidrug resistance protein 1 (MRP1) is a member of the ATP-binding cassette transporter family and transports chemotherapeutic drugs as well as diverse organic anions such as leukotriene LTC(4). The transport of chemotherapeutic drugs requires the presence of reduced GSH. By using hydrogen/deuterium exchange kinetics and limited trypsin digestion, the structural changes associated with each step of the drug transport process are analyzed. Purified MRP1 is reconstituted into lipid vesicles with an inside-out orientation, exposing its cytoplasmic region to the external medium. The resulting proteoliposomes have been shown previously to exhibit both ATP-dependent drug transport and drug-stimulated ATPase activity. Our results show that during GSH-dependent drug transport, MRP1 does not undergo secondary structure changes but only modifications in its accessibility toward the external environment. Drug binding induces a restructuring of MRP1 membrane-embedded domains that does not affect the cytosolic domains, including the nucleotide binding domains, responsible for ATP hydrolysis. This demonstrates that drug binding to MRP1 is not sufficient to propagate an allosteric signal between the membrane and the cytosolic domains. On the other hand, GSH binding induces a conformational change that affects the structural organization of the cytosolic domains and enhances ATP binding and/or hydrolysis suggesting that GSH-mediated conformational changes are required for the coupling between drug transport and ATP hydrolysis. Following ATP binding, the protein adopts a conformation characterized by a decreased stability and/or an increased accessibility toward the aqueous medium. No additional change in the accessibility toward the solvent and/or the stability of this specific conformational state and no change of the transmembrane helices orientation are observed upon ATP hydrolysis. Binding of a non-transported drug affects the dynamic changes occurring during ATP binding and hydrolysis and restricts the movement of the drug and its release.

Structural and functional consequences of mutating cysteine residues in the amino terminus of human multidrug resistance-associated protein 1

Multidrug resistance-associated protein 1 (MRP1) is a member of the ATP-binding cassette membrane transport superfamily and is responsible for multidrug resistance in cancer cells. Currently, there are nine known human MRPs. Distinct from many other members of the ATP-binding cassette superfamily, human MRP1 and four other MRPs have an additional membrane-spanning domain (MSD) with a putative extracellular amino terminus. The functional significance of this additional MSD (MSD1) is currently unknown. To understand the role of MSD1 in human MRP1 structure and function, we studied the amino-terminal 33 amino acids. We found that the amino terminus of human MRP1 has two cysteine residues (Cys(7) and Cys(32)) that are conserved among the five human MRPs that have MSD1. Mutation analyses of the two cysteines in human MRP1 revealed that the Cys(7) residue is critical for the MRP1-mediated drug resistance and leukotriene C(4) transport activity. On the other hand, mutation of Cys(32) reduced only moderately the MRP1 function. The effect of Cys(7) mutation on MRP1 activity appears to be due to the 5-7-fold decrease in the maximal transport rate V(max). We also found that mutation of Cys(7) changed the amino-terminal conformation of MRP1. This conformational change is likely responsible for the decrease in V(max) of LTC(4) transport mediated by the mutant MRP1. Based on these studies, we conclude that the amino terminus of human MRP1 is important and that the Cys(7) residue plays a critical role in maintaining the proper structure and function of human MRP1.

Proteolytic Cleavage of the Linker Region of the Human P-glycoprotein Modulates Its ATPase Function

P-glycoprotein (Pgp), an anticancer drug-translocating ATPase, is responsible for multidrug resistance in cancer. We have previously shown (Nuti, S. L., Mehdi, A., and Rao, U. S. (2000) Biochemistry 39, 3424-3432) that tryptic cleavage of Pgp results in the activation of basal and drug-stimulated ATPase functions of Pgp. To understand this phenomenon, we determined the sites cleaved by trypsin and further examined whether the modulation of Pgp function is trypsin-specific or the result of proteolysis in general. The effects of chymotrypsin and proteinase K on Pgp ATPase function were studied. The results show that proteolysis of Pgp irrespective of the protease employed resulted in the activation of basal ATPase activity. However, drug-stimulated ATPase activities were differentially modulated. Immunoblot analysis of proteolytic digests indicated that, irrespective of the protease employed, Pgp was predominantly cleaved in the middle of the molecule. N-terminal amino acid sequencing of Pgp tryptic and chymotryptic peptides indicated Arg(680) and Leu(682) as the sites of cleavage, respectively. These two cleavage sites are part of the predicted linker region that joins the two halves of Pgp. Together, these results suggest that the linker region in Pgp is primarily accessible to protease action and that cleavage of this region modulates Pgp ATPase function.

Nucleotide-induced conformational changes of PMP70, an ATP binding cassette transporter on rat liver peroxisomal membranes

Nucleotide-induced conformational changes of the 70-kDa peroxisomal membrane protein (PMP70) were investigated by means of limited-trypsin digestion. Rat liver peroxisomes preincubated with various nucleotides were subsequently digested by trypsin. The digestion products were subjected to immunoblot analysis with an anti-PMP70 antibody that recognizes the carboxyl-terminal 15 amino acids of the protein. PMP70 was initially cleaved in the boundary region between the transmembrane and nucleotide-binding domains and a carboxyl-terminal 30-kDa fragment resulted. The fragment in turn was progressively digested at the helical domain between the Walker A and B motifs. The fragment, however, could be stabilized with MgATP or MgADP. In contrast to MgATP, MgATP-gammaS protected whole PMP70 as well as the fragment. The 30-kDa fragment processed by trypsin was recovered in the post-peroxisomal fraction as a complex with a molecular mass of about 60 kDa irrespective of the presence of MgATP. These results suggest that PMP70 exists as a dimer on the peroxisomal membranes and the binding and hydrolysis of ATP induce conformational changes in PMP70 close to the boundary between the transmembrane and nucleotide binding domains and the helical domain between the Walker A and B motifs.

Structural and functional asymmetry of the nucleotide-binding domains of P-glycoprotein investigated by attenuated total reflection Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy

The dynamic changes occurring during the catalytic cycle of MDR3 P-glycoprotein (Pgp) and the role of each nucleotide-binding domain (NBD) in the transport process were investigated using attenuated total reflection Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. For this purpose, wild-type Pgp and two mutations of homologous residues in each NBD were studied. On the one hand, we demonstrate here that, during its catalytic cycle, Pgp does not undergo secondary structure changes, but only modifications in its stability and accessibility to the external environment. On the other hand, amide H/D exchange kinetics demonstrate that homologous mutations in the two NBDs affect, in a different way, the dynamic properties of Pgp and also the dynamic changes occurring during ATP hydrolysis. These observations led to the conclusion that the NBDs have an asymmetric structure and different functions in the catalytic cycle of Pgp. Our data suggest that the release of drug from the membrane into the extracellular environment is due to decreased stability and/or increased accessibility to the external medium of the membrane-embedded drug-binding site(s). NBD1 would play an important role in this first restructuring of the membrane-embedded domains. NBD2 would be directly implicated in the subsequent restructuring of the membrane-embedded binding sites by which they recover their initial stability and accessibility to the membrane. It is proposed that this restructuring step would allow the binding and transport of another molecule of substrate.

Repacking of the transmembrane domains of P-glycoprotein during the transport ATPase cycle

P-glycoprotein (P-gp) is an ABC (ATP-binding cassette) transporter, which hydrolyses ATP and extrudes cytotoxic drugs from mammalian cells. P-gp consists of two transmembrane domains (TMDs) that span the membrane multiple times, and two cytoplasmic nucleotide-binding domains (NBDs). We have determined projection structures of P-gp trapped at different steps of the transport cycle and correlated these structures with function. In the absence of nucleotide, an approximately 10 A resolution structure was determined by electron cryo-microscopy of two-dimensional crystals. The TMDs form a chamber within the membrane that appears to be open to the extracellular milieu, and may also be accessible from the lipid phase at the interfaces between the two TMDs. Nucleotide binding causes a repacking of the TMDs and reduction in drug binding affinity. Thus, ATP binding, not hydrolysis, drives the major conformational change associated with solute translocation. A third distinct conformation of the protein was observed in the post-hydrolytic transition state prior to release of ADP/P(i). Biochemical data suggest that these rearrangements may involve rotation of transmembrane alpha-helices. A mechanism for transport is suggested.

The multi-structural feature of the multidrug resistance gene product P-glycoprotein: implications for its mechanism of action (hypothesis)

P-glycoprotein is a member of the ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transport superfamily. It plays an important role in the development of multidrug resistance in cancers by effluxing a wide variety of anticancer drugs. A large amount of information on the structure and function of P-glycoprotein has been accumulated over recent years from studies using molecular, biochemical, and biophysical approaches. It remains unclear, however, how this protein folds in membranes and how it transports such a wide variety of hydrophobic compounds. This paper highlights the recent progress in the structural and biogenesis aspects of P-glycoprotein. A model mechanism of P-glycoprotein action is proposed as a hypothesis that is based on recent progress in studying the topological folding of P-glycoprotein.

Nucleotide-induced conformational changes in the human multidrug resistance protein MRP1 are related to the capacity of chemotherapeutic drugs to accumulate or not in resistant cells

Intracellular accumulation of anthracycline derivatives was measured in a human embryonic kidney cell line (HEK) and a resistant subline (HEK/multidrug resistance protein (MRP1)) overexpressing MRP1 at the plasma membrane surface. Two compounds (daunorubicin and doxorubicin) were rejected outside the multidrug-resistant cells. On the contrary, three compounds (4'-deoxy-4'-iodo-doxorubicin, 4-demethoxy-daunorubicin and 3'-(3-methoxymorpholino)doxorubicin) accumulated equally within sensitive HEK cells and resistant HEK/MRP1 cells. Our main objective here was to characterize the MRP1 conformational changes mediated by the binding of these anthracycline derivatives and to determine whether these conformational changes are related to MRP1-mediated drug transport. MRP1 was reconstituted in lipid vesicles as previously described [Manciu, L., Chang, X.B., Riordan, J.R. and Ruysschaert, J.-M. (2000) Biochemistry 39, 13026-13033]. The reconstituted protein was shown to conserve its ATPase and drug transport activity. Acrylamide quenching of Trp fluorescence was used to monitor drug-dependent conformational changes. Binding of drugs (4-demethoxy-daunorubicin and 3'-(3-methoxymorpholino)doxorubicin) which accumulate in resistant cells immobilizes MRP1 in a conformational state that is insensitive to ATP binding whereas drugs rejected outside the resistant cells (daunorubicin, doxorubicin) favor a conformational change which may be a required step in the transport process.

Distinct functional properties of the TAP subunits coordinate the nucleotide-dependent transport cycle

BACKGROUND

The transporter associated with antigen processing (TAP) consists of two polypeptides, TAP1 and TAP2. TAP delivers peptides into the ER and forms a "loading complex" with MHC class I molecules and accessory proteins. Our previous experiments indicated that nucleotide binding to TAP plays a critical role in the uptake of peptide and the release of assembled class I molecules. To investigate whether the conserved nucleotide binding domains (NBDs) of TAP1 and TAP2 are functionally equivalent, we created TAP variants in which only one of the two ATP binding sites was mutated.

RESULTS

Mutations in the NBDs had no apparent effect on the formation of the loading complex. However, both NBDs had to be functional for peptide uptake and transport. TAP1 binds ATP much more efficiently than does TAP2, while the binding of ADP by the two chains is essentially equivalent. Peptide-mediated release of MHC class I molecules from TAP was blocked only when the NBD of TAP1 was disrupted. A different NBD mutation that does not affect nucleotide binding has strikingly different effects on peptide transport activity depending on whether it is present in TAP1 or TAP2.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings indicate that ATP binding to TAP1 is the initial step in energizing the transport process and support the view that ATP hydrolysis at one TAP chain induces ATP binding at the other chain; this leads to an alternating and interdependent catalysis of both NBDs. Furthermore, our data suggest that the peptide-mediated undocking of MHC class I is linked to the transport cycle of TAP by conformational signals arising predominantly from TAP1.

Regulation of CFTR Cl- channel gating by ATP binding and hydrolysis

Opening and closing of the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) Cl(-) channel is regulated by the interaction of ATP with its two cytoplasmic nucleotide-binding domains (NBD). Although ATP hydrolysis by the NBDs is required for normal gating, the influence of ATP binding versus hydrolysis on specific steps in the gating cycle remains uncertain. Earlier work showed that the absence of Mg(2+) prevents hydrolysis. We found that even in the absence of Mg(2+), ATP could support channel activity, albeit at a reduced level compared with the presence of Mg(2+). Application of ATP with a divalent cation, including the poorly hydrolyzed CaATP complex, increased the rate of opening. Moreover, in CFTR variants with mutations that disrupt hydrolysis, ATP alone opened the channel and Mg(2+) further enhanced ATP-dependent opening. These data suggest that ATP alone can open the channel and that divalent cations increase ATP binding. Consistent with this conclusion, when we mutated an aspartate thought to bind Mg(2+), divalent cations failed to increase activity compared with ATP alone. Two observations suggested that divalent cations also stabilize the open state. In wild-type CFTR, CaATP generated a long duration open state, whereas ATP alone did not. With a CFTR variant in which hydrolysis was disrupted, MgATP, but not ATP alone, produced long openings. These results suggest a gating cycle for CFTR in which ATP binding opens the channel and either hydrolysis or dissociation leads to channel closure. In addition, the data suggest that ATP binding and hydrolysis by either NBD can gate the channel.

Secondary and tertiary structure changes of reconstituted LmrA induced by nucleotide binding or hydrolysis. A fourier transform attenuated total reflection infrared spectroscopy and tryptophan fluorescence quenching analysis

LmrA, a membrane protein of Lactococcus lactis, extrudes amphiphilic compounds from the inner leaflet of the cytoplasmic membrane, using energy derived from ATP hydrolysis. A combination of total reflection Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, (2)H/H exchange, and fluorescence quenching experiments was used to investigate the effect of nucleotide binding and/or hydrolysis on the structure of LmrA reconstituted into proteoliposomes. These measurements allowed us to describe secondary structure changes of LmrA during the catalytic cycle. The structure of LmrA is enriched in beta-sheet after ATP binding, and the protein recovers its initial secondary structure after ATP hydrolysis, when P(i) has been released. (2)H/H exchange and fluorescence quenching studies indicate that the protein undergoes two distinct tertiary structure changes during the hydrolysis process. Indeed, the protein alone is poorly accessible to the aqueous medium but adopts a more accessible conformation when ATP hydrolysis takes place. After ATP hydrolysis, but when P(i) is still associated with the protein, the accessibility is intermediate between these two states.

The effect of glutathione on the ATPase activity of MRP1 in its natural membranes

The transport mechanism by which the multidrug resistance protein 1 (MRP1) effluxes cytotoxic agents out of cells is still not completely understood. However, the cellular antioxidant glutathione (GSH) has been shown to have an important role in MRP1-mediated drug transport. In this study we show that GSH stimulates the ATPase activity of MRP1 in a natural plasma membrane environment. This stimulation was dose-dependent up to 5 mM. The MRP1 substrates vincristine and daunorubicin do not induce MRP1 ATPase activity. In addition, the effect of GSH on the MRP1 ATPase activity is not increased by daunorubicin or by vincristine. In contrast, a GSH conjugate of daunorubicin (WP811) does induce the ATPase activity of MRP1. In the presence of GSH the effect of WP811 was not significantly increased. Finally, (iso)flavonoid-induced MRP1 ATPase activity is not synergistically increased by the presence of GSH. In conclusion, we show that GSH has no apparent influence on the ATPase reaction induced by several MRP1 substrates and/or modulators. The subclasses of molecules had different effects on the MRP1 ATPase activity, which supports the existence of different drug binding sites.

The transmembrane domain 10 of the yeast Pdr5p ABC antifungal efflux pump determines both substrate specificity and inhibitor susceptibility

We have previously shown that a S1360F mutation in transmembrane domain 10 (TMD10) of the Pdr5p ABC transporter modulates substrate specificity and simultaneously leads to a loss of FK506 inhibition. In this study, we have constructed and characterized the S1360F/A/T and T1364F/A/S mutations located in the hydrophilic face of the amphipatic Pdr5p TMD10. A T1364F mutation leads to a reduction in Pdr5p-mediated azole and rhodamine 6G resistance. Like S1360F, the T1364F and T1364A mutants were nearly non-responsive to FK506 inhibition. Most remarkably, however, the S1360A mutation increases FK506 inhibitor susceptibility, because Pdr5p-S1360A is hypersensitive to FK506 inhibition when compared with either wild-type Pdr5p or the non-responsive S1360F variant. Hence, the Pdr5p TMD10 determines both azole substrate specificity and susceptibility to reversal agents. This is the first demonstration of a eukaryotic ABC transporter where a single residue change causes either a loss or a gain in inhibitor susceptibility, depending on the nature of the mutational change. These results have important implications for the design of efficient reversal agents that could be used to overcome multidrug resistance mediated by ABC transporter overexpression.

Analysis of the tangled relationships between P-glycoprotein-mediated multidrug resistance and the lipid phase of the cell membrane

P-glycoprotein (Pgp), the so-called multidrug transporter, is a plasma membrane glycoprotein often involved in the resistance of cancer cells towards multiple anticancer agents in the multidrug-resistant (MDR) phenotype. It has long been recognized that the lipid phase of the plasma membrane plays an important role with respect to multidrug resistance and Pgp because: the compounds involved in the MDR phenotype are hydrophobic and diffuse passively through the membrane; Pgp domains involved in drug binding are located within the putative transmembrane segments; Pgp activity is highly sensitive to its lipid environment; and Pgp may be involved in lipid trafficking and metabolism. Unraveling the different roles played by the membrane lipid phase in MDR is relevant, not only to the evaluation of the precise role of Pgp, but also to the understanding of the mechanism of action and function of Pgp. With this aim, I review the data from different fields (cancer research, medicinal chemistry, membrane biophysics, pharmaceutical research) concerning drug-membrane, as well as Pgp-membrane, interactions. It is emphasized that the lipid phase of the membrane cannot be overlooked while investigating the MDR phenotype. Taking into account these aspects should be useful in the search of ways to obviate MDR and could also be relevant to the study of other multidrug transporters.

Domain exchangeability between the multidrug transporter (MDR1) and phosphatidylcholine flippase (MDR2)

Multidrug resistance (MDR) mediated by P-glycoprotein (MDR1) is clinically significant. Understanding how MDR1 substrate specificity is determined will help to overcome MDR to improve cancer treatment. One potential approach to achieve this goal is to study chimeras of MDR1 and its homolog MDR2 (also called MDR3), which has been identified as a phosphatidylcholine flippase. With an approach involving exchanging homologous segments of MDR1 and MDR2 and site-directed mutagenesis, we previously demonstrated MDR1 residues Q330, V331, and L332 in transmembrane domain 6 (TM6) are essential for multidrug transport activity; substituting these residues allows the N-terminal transmembrane region of MDR2 to support MDR1 activity. To further determine the exchangeability between MDR1 and MDR2, we constructed additional MDR1/MDR2 chimeras. We found that the N-terminal half of MDR1 and MDR2 was mostly exchangeable except for a few residues in TM6. However, this degree of exchangeability was not found in the C-terminal half of MDR1 and MDR2. In addition, with substitution of MDR1 residues 318-332 (TM6) and 937-994 (TM11-12), MDR2 had relatively normal affinity for MDR1 substrates, but it did not have multidrug transporter activity. These results suggest that the inability of MDR2 to transport most MDR1 drugs efficiently may be due to failure of those drugs to stimulate ATPase and activate transport as well as to decreased drug binding.

Nucleotide binding by TAP mediates association with peptide and release of assembled MHC class I molecules

BACKGROUND

Newly synthesised peptide-receptive major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I molecules form a transient loading complex in the endoplasmic reticulum with the transporter associated with antigen processing (TAP) and a set of accessory proteins. Binding of peptide to the MHC class I molecule is necessary for dissociation of the MHC class I molecule from the complex with TAP, but other components of the complex might also be involved. To investigate the role of TAP in this process, mutations that block nucleotide binding were introduced into the ATP-binding site of TAP.

RESULTS

Mutant TAP formed apparently normal loading complexes with MHC class I molecules and accessory components, but had no nucleotide-binding or peptide-transport activity. Nevertheless, whereas wild-type loading complexes in detergent lysates could be dissociated by addition of peptides that bind MHC class I molecules, mutant complexes could not be dissociated in this way. Depletion of nucleotide diphosphates or triphosphates from wild-type lysates blocked peptide-mediated dissociation of MHC class I molecules, which could be reversed by readdition of nucleotide diphosphates or triphosphates. Complexes between mutant TAP and MHC class I molecules remained associated in vivo until they were degraded. Disruption of nucleotide binding also eliminated TAP's peptide-binding activity.

CONCLUSIONS

Peptide-mediated dissociation of the MHC class I molecule from the loading complex depends on conformational signals arising from TAP. Integrity of the nucleotide-binding site is required not only for transmission of this conformational signal to the loading complex, but also for binding of peptide to TAP. Thus, the dynamic activity of the loading complex is synchronised with the nucleotide-mediated peptide-binding and transport cycle of TAP.

Membrane orientation of carboxyl-terminal half P-glycoprotein: topogenesis of transmembrane segments

Multiple topological orientations of the carboxyl-terminal half of P-glycoprotein have been observed. One orientation is consistent with the hydropathy-predicted model and contains six transmembrane (TM)-spanning regions. In another orientation, the cytoplasmic-predicted loop between TM8 and TM9 is extracellular and glycosylated. In support of this "alternative" topology, TM8 was previously established to function as a signal-anchor sequence to insert with its amino-terminal end in the cytoplasm and the carboxyl-terminal end in the extracytoplasmic space. However, it is unclear how downstream TM segments fold in the membrane when TM8 functions as a signal-anchor sequence. Here, we created several chimeric Pgp molecules to examine the membrane insertion of TM segments 9 and 10 using a cell-free system. We found that TM9 functions as a stop-transfer sequence when following the signal-anchor sequence, TM8. However, the stop-transfer activity of TM9 depends on the presence of TM10. In the absence of TM10, TM9 partially translocated across the membrane into the endoplasmic reticulum lumen. In contrast, TM9 efficiently stopped the translocation event of the nascent chain in the presence of TM10. Our results suggest that the membrane insertion of TM8 and TM9 establishes the extracellular loop between TM8 and TM9. Formation of this loop apparently involves the interactions between Pgp TM segments, which facilitate proper folding of the Pgp carboxyl-terminal half.

The extracellular loop between TM5 and TM6 of P-glycoprotein is required for reactivity with monoclonal antibody UIC2

P-glycoprotein (P-gp), encoded by the MDR1 gene, is a plasma membrane transporter which confers resistance to many chemotherapeutic drugs. Monoclonal antibodies raised against P-gp have been used as tools to study P-gp topology and activity. Monoclonal antibody UIC2 recognizes a functional conformation of P-gp on the cell surface and blocks P-gp-mediated drug transport. Knowledge about the UIC2 epitope and the mechanism of its inhibitory effects may be helpful for understanding P-gp structure and developing P-gp inhibitors. In the present work, using several chimeras of MDR1 and MDR2, we found that the native sequence of the predicted extracellular loop between transmembrane domains (TM) 5 and 6 of P-gp is necessary, but not sufficient, for UIC2 reactivity. In addition, UIC2 reactivity is also affected by mutations in TM6, a region known to be involved in interactions of P-gp with substrates. These observations suggest that residues in the extracellular loop between TM5 and TM6 are directly involved in the display of the UIC2 epitope. Since TM6 has been shown to be actively involved in drug transport process, the proximity of this region to TM6 may help to explain why UIC2 binding is sensitive to the functional state of P-gp and why binding of UIC2 inhibits P-gp-mediated drug transport.

Ligand-mediated tertiary structure changes of reconstituted P-glycoprotein. A tryptophan fluorescence quenching analysis

Ligand-dependent changes in accessibility of purified P-glycoprotein, functionally reconstituted in liposomes, were investigated by fluorescence measurements. Trp quenching experiments provided evidence that P-glycoprotein adopts different tertiary structures upon binding of drug substrates in the absence and presence of MgATP and its nonhydrolyzable analog, MgATPgammaS. Five anthracycline derivatives were tested as drug substrates: daunorubicin, 4'-epi-doxorubicin, iododoxorubicin, 4-demethoxy-daunorubicin, and methoxy-morpholino-doxorubicin. Among them, daunorubicin and 4'-epi-doxorubicin have been shown to be rejected outside the multidrug-resistant cells, whereas the three others have been shown to accumulate in multidrug-resistant cells overexpressing P-glycoprotein and therefore retain their cytotoxic activity. A small conformational change was associated with nucleotide binding and amplified after nucleotide hydrolysis. Different conformational states were adopted by P-glycoprotein upon the addition of the anthracycline derivatives in the absence and presence of MgATP or MgATPgammaS. These conformational changes are shown to be related to the nature of the antitumor agents and more precisely to their capacity to accumulate in resistant cells. These data also suggest that the cytotoxicity of iododoxorubicin and 4-demethoxy-daunorubicin is related to the fact they are not transported by P-glycoprotein. On the contrary, methoxy-morpholino-doxorubicin cytotoxicity may be explained in terms of its rapid reincorporation into the plasma membrane after being transported by P-glycoprotein.

Dissection of de novo membrane insertion activities of internal transmembrane segments of ATP-binding-cassette transporters: toward understanding topological rules for membrane assembly of polytopic membrane proteins

The membrane assembly of polytopic membrane proteins is a complicated process. Using Chinese hamster P-glycoprotein (Pgp) as a model protein, we investigated this process previously and found that Pgp expresses more than one topology. One of the variations occurs at the transmembrane (TM) domain including TM3 and TM4: TM4 inserts into membranes in an N(in)-C(out) rather than the predicted N(out)-C(in) orientation, and TM3 is in cytoplasm rather than the predicted N(in)-C(out) orientation in the membrane. It is possible that TM4 has a strong activity to initiate the N(in)-C(out) membrane insertion, leaving TM3 out of the membrane. Here, we tested this hypothesis by expressing TM3 and TM4 in isolated conditions. Our results show that TM3 of Pgp does not have de novo N(in)-C(out) membrane insertion activity whereas TM4 initiates the N(in)-C(out) membrane insertion regardless of the presence of TM3. In contrast, TM3 and TM4 of another polytopic membrane protein, cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR), have a similar level of de novo Nin-Cout membrane insertion activity and TM4 of CFTR functions only as a stop-transfer sequence in the presence of TM3. Based on these findings, we propose that 1) the membrane insertion of TM3 and TM4 of Pgp does not follow the sequential model, which predicts that TM3 initiates N(in)-C(out) membrane insertion whereas TM4 stops the insertion event; and 2) "leaving one TM segment out of the membrane" may be an important folding mechanism for polytopic membrane proteins, and it is regulated by the N(in)-C(out) membrane insertion activities of the TM segments.