1
|
Yasuda T, Morita R, Shigeta Y, Harada R. Ribosome Tunnel Environment Drives the Formation of α-Helix during Cotranslational Folding. J Chem Inf Model 2024; 64:6610-6622. [PMID: 39150098 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jcim.4c00901] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/17/2024]
Abstract
Protein conformations in cells are not solely determined by amino acid sequences; they also depend on cellular environments. For instance, the ribosome tunnel induces its specific α-helix formation during cotranslational folding. Owing to the link between these temporally α-helix and biological functions, the mechanism of α-helix formation inside the ribosome tunnel has been previously explored. Consequently, the conformational restrictions of the tunnel were considered one of the driving forces of α-helix formation. Conversely, the ribosomal tunnel environment, including its chemical properties, appears to influence the α-helix formation. However, a comprehensive analysis of the ribosome tunnel environment's impact on the α-helix formation has not been conducted yet due to challenges in experimentally controlling it. Therefore, as a new computational approach, we proposed a ribosome environment-mimicking model (REMM) based on the radius and components of the experimentally determined ribosome tunnel structures. Using REMM, we assessed the impact of the ribosome tunnel environment on α-helix formation. Herein, we employed carbon nanotubes (CNT) as a reference model alongside REMM because CNT reproduce conformational restrictions rather than the ribosome tunnel environment. Quantitatively, the ability to reproduce the α-helix of nascent peptides in the experimental structure was compared between the CNT and REMM using enhanced all-atom molecular dynamics simulations. Consequently, the REMM more accurately reproduced the α-helix of the nascent peptides than the CNT, highlighting the significance of the ribosome tunnel environment in α-helix formation. Additionally, we analyzed the properties of the peptide inside each model to reveal the mechanism of ribosome tunnel-specific α-helix formation. Consequently, we revealed that the chemical diversities of the tunnel are essential for the formation of backbone-to-backbone hydrogen bonds in the peptides. In conclusion, the ribosome tunnel environment, with the diverse chemical properties, drives its specific α-helix formation. By proposing REMM, we newly provide the technical basis for investigating the protein conformations in various cellular environments.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Takunori Yasuda
- Doctoral Program in Biology, University of Tsukuba, 1-1-1, Tennodai, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8572, Japan
| | - Rikuri Morita
- Center for Computational Sciences, University of Tsukuba, 1-1-1 Tennodai, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8577, Japan
| | - Yasuteru Shigeta
- Center for Computational Sciences, University of Tsukuba, 1-1-1 Tennodai, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8577, Japan
| | - Ryuhei Harada
- Center for Computational Sciences, University of Tsukuba, 1-1-1 Tennodai, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8577, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Gao J, Zhang YW. The Pathway of a Transmembrane Helix Insertion into the Membrane Assisted by Sec61α Channel. LANGMUIR : THE ACS JOURNAL OF SURFACES AND COLLOIDS 2024; 40:16454-16462. [PMID: 39046853 DOI: 10.1021/acs.langmuir.4c01776] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/27/2024]
Abstract
The significant inconsistency between the experimental and simulation results of the free energy for the translocon-assisted insertion of the transmembrane helix (TMH) has not been reasonably explained. Understanding the mechanism of TMH insertion through the translocon is the key to solving this problem. In this study, we performed a series of coarse-grained molecular dynamics simulations and calculated the potential mean forces (PMFs) for three insertion processes of a hydrophobic TMH. The simulations reveal the pathway of the TMH insertion assisted by a translocon. The results indicate that the TMH contacts the top of the lateral gate first and then inserts down the lateral gate, which agrees with the sliding model. The TMH begins to transfer laterally to the bilayer when it is blocked by the plug and reaches the exit of the lateral gate, where there is a free energy minimum point. We also found that the connecting section between TM2 and TM3 of Sec61α prevented TMH from leaving the lateral gate and directly transitioning to the surface-bound state. These findings provide insight into the mechanism of the insertion of TMH through the translocon.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jian Gao
- School of Grain Science and Technology, Jiangsu University of Science and Technology, Zhenjiang 212100, People's Republic of China
- Jiangsu Provincial Engineering Research Center of Grain Bioprocessing, Zhenjiang 212100, People's Republic of China
| | - Ye-Wang Zhang
- School of Pharmacy, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212013, People's Republic of China
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
White SH. Fifty Years of Biophysics at the Membrane Frontier. Annu Rev Biophys 2023; 52:21-67. [PMID: 36791747 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-biophys-051622-112341] [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: 02/17/2023]
Abstract
The author first describes his childhood in the South and the ways in which it fostered the values he has espoused throughout his life, his development of a keen fascination with science, and the influences that supported his progress toward higher education. His experiences in ROTC as a student, followed by two years in the US Army during the Vietnam War, honed his leadership skills. The bulk of the autobiography is a chronological journey through his scientific career, beginning with arrival at the University of California, Irvine in 1972, with an emphasis on the postdoctoral students and colleagues who have contributed substantially to each phase of his lab's progress. White's fundamental findings played a key role in the development of membrane biophysics, helping establish it as fertile ground for research. A story gradually unfolds that reveals the deeply collaborative and painstakingly executed work necessary for a successful career in science.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Stephen H White
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, School of Medicine, University of California, Irvine, California, USA;
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Sobakinskaya E, Krobath H, Renger T, Müh F. Structural determinants of a permeation barrier of the SecYEG translocon in the active state. Phys Chem Chem Phys 2021; 23:25830-25840. [PMID: 34762087 PMCID: PMC8612361 DOI: 10.1039/d1cp02702f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2021] [Accepted: 11/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
The SecYEG translocon is a channel in bacteria, which provides a passage for secretory proteins across as well as integration of membrane proteins into the plasma membrane. The molecular mechanism, by which SecYEG manages protein transport while preventing water and ion leakage through the membrane, is still controversial. We employed molecular dynamics simulations to assess the contribution of the major structural elements - the plug and the pore ring (PR) - to the sealing of SecYEG in the active state, i.e., with a signal sequence helix occupying the lateral gate. We found, that the PR alone can provide a very tight seal for the wild-type translocon in the active state for both water and ions. Simulations of the mutant I403N, in which one of the PR-defining isoleucine residues is replaced with asparagine, suggest that hydrophobic interactions within the PR and between the PR and the plug are important for maintaining a tight conformation of the wild-type channel around the PR. Disruption of these interactions results in strong fluctuations of helix TM7 and water leakage of the translocon.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ekaterina Sobakinskaya
- Institute for Theoretical Physics, Johannes Kepler University Linz, Altenberger Strasse 69, A-4040 Linz, Austria.
| | - Heinrich Krobath
- Institute for Theoretical Physics, Johannes Kepler University Linz, Altenberger Strasse 69, A-4040 Linz, Austria.
| | - Thomas Renger
- Institute for Theoretical Physics, Johannes Kepler University Linz, Altenberger Strasse 69, A-4040 Linz, Austria.
| | - Frank Müh
- Institute for Theoretical Physics, Johannes Kepler University Linz, Altenberger Strasse 69, A-4040 Linz, Austria.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Pal S, Chattopadhyay A. Hydration Dynamics in Biological Membranes: Emerging Applications of Terahertz Spectroscopy. J Phys Chem Lett 2021; 12:9697-9709. [PMID: 34590862 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jpclett.1c02576] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Water drives the spontaneous self-assembly of lipids and proteins into quasi two-dimensional biological membranes that act as catalytic scaffolds for numerous processes central to life. However, the functional relevance of hydration in membrane biology is only beginning to be addressed, predominantly because of challenges associated with direct measurements of hydration microstructure and dynamics in a biological milieu. Our recent work on the novel interplay of membrane electrostatics and crowding in shaping membrane hydration dynamics utilizing terahertz (THz) spectroscopy represents an important step in this context. In this Perspective, we provide a glimpse into the ever-broadening functional landscape of hydration dynamics in biological membranes in the backdrop of the unique physical chemistry of water molecules. We further highlight the immense (and largely untapped) potential of the THz toolbox in addressing contemporary problems in membrane biology, while emphasizing the adaptability of the analytical framework reported recently by us to such studies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sreetama Pal
- CSIR-Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology, Uppal Road, Hyderabad 500 007, India
| | | |
Collapse
|
6
|
Bhadra P, Helms V. Molecular Modeling of Signal Peptide Recognition by Eukaryotic Sec Complexes. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:10705. [PMID: 34639046 PMCID: PMC8509349 DOI: 10.3390/ijms221910705] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2021] [Revised: 09/17/2021] [Accepted: 09/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Here, we review recent molecular modelling and simulation studies of the Sec translocon, the primary component/channel of protein translocation into the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and bacterial periplasm, respectively. Our focus is placed on the eukaryotic Sec61, but we also mention modelling studies on prokaryotic SecY since both systems operate in related ways. Cryo-EM structures are now available for different conformational states of the Sec61 complex, ranging from the idle or closed state over an inhibited state with the inhibitor mycolactone bound near the lateral gate, up to a translocating state with bound substrate peptide in the translocation pore. For all these states, computational studies have addressed the conformational dynamics of the translocon with respect to the pore ring, the plug region, and the lateral gate. Also, molecular simulations are addressing mechanistic issues of insertion into the ER membrane vs. translocation into the ER, how signal-peptides are recognised at all in the translocation pore, and how accessory proteins affect the Sec61 conformation in the co- and post-translational pathways.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Volkhard Helms
- Center for Bioinformatics, Saarland Informatics Campus, Saarland University, Postfach 15 11 50, 66041 Saarbruecken, Germany;
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Hariharan P, Guan L. Cooperative binding ensures the obligatory melibiose/Na+ cotransport in MelB. J Gen Physiol 2021; 153:212278. [PMID: 34110360 PMCID: PMC8200842 DOI: 10.1085/jgp.202012710] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2020] [Revised: 04/07/2021] [Accepted: 05/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
MelB catalyzes the obligatory cotransport of melibiose with Na+, Li+, or H+. Crystal structure determination of the Salmonella typhimurium MelB (MelBSt) has revealed a typical major facilitator superfamily (MFS) fold at a periplasmic open conformation. Cooperative binding of Na+ and melibiose has been previously established. To determine why cotranslocation of sugar solute and cation is obligatory, we analyzed each binding in the thermodynamic cycle using three independent methods, including the determination of melting temperature by circular dichroism spectroscopy, heat capacity change (ΔCp), and regulatory phosphotransferase EIIAGlc binding with isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC). We found that MelBSt thermostability is increased by either substrate (Na+ or melibiose) and observed a cooperative effect of both substrates. ITC measurements showed that either binary formation yields a positive sign in the ΔCp, suggesting MelBSt hydration and a likely widening of the periplasmic cavity. Conversely, formation of a ternary complex yields negative values in ΔCp, suggesting MelBSt dehydration and cavity closure. Lastly, we observed that EIIAGlc, which has been suggested to trap MelBSt at an outward-open state, readily binds to the MelBSt apo state at an affinity similar to MelBSt/Na+. However, it has a suboptimal binding to the ternary state, implying that MelBSt in the ternary complex may be conformationally distant from the EIIAGlc-preferred outward-facing conformation. Our results consistently support the notion that binding of one substrate (Na+ or melibiose) favors MelBSt at open states, whereas the cooperative binding of both substrates triggers the alternating-access process, thus suggesting this conformational regulation could ensure the obligatory cotransport.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Parameswaran Hariharan
- Department of Cell Physiology and Molecular Biophysics, Center for Membrane Protein Research, School of Medicine, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX
| | - Lan Guan
- Department of Cell Physiology and Molecular Biophysics, Center for Membrane Protein Research, School of Medicine, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Characterization of the Features of Water Inside the SecY Translocon. J Membr Biol 2021; 254:133-139. [PMID: 33811496 DOI: 10.1007/s00232-021-00178-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2020] [Accepted: 03/23/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Despite extended experimental and computational studies, the mechanism regulating membrane protein folding and stability in cell membranes is not fully understood. In this review, I will provide a personal and partial account of the scientific efforts undertaken by Dr. Stephen White to shed light on this topic. After briefly describing the role of water and the hydrophobic effect on cellular processes, I will discuss the physical chemistry of water confined inside the SecY translocon pore. I conclude with a review of recent literature that attempts to answer fundamental questions on the pathway and energetics of translocon-guided membrane protein insertion.
Collapse
|
9
|
Gelenter MD, Mandala VS, Niesen MJM, Sharon DA, Dregni AJ, Willard AP, Hong M. Water orientation and dynamics in the closed and open influenza B virus M2 proton channels. Commun Biol 2021; 4:338. [PMID: 33712696 PMCID: PMC7955094 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-021-01847-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2020] [Accepted: 02/11/2021] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
The influenza B M2 protein forms a water-filled tetrameric channel to conduct protons across the lipid membrane. To understand how channel water mediates proton transport, we have investigated the water orientation and dynamics using solid-state NMR spectroscopy and molecular dynamics (MD) simulations. 13C-detected water 1H NMR relaxation times indicate that water has faster rotational motion in the low-pH open channel than in the high-pH closed channel. Despite this faster dynamics, the open-channel water shows higher orientational order, as manifested by larger motionally-averaged 1H chemical shift anisotropies. MD simulations indicate that this order is induced by the cationic proton-selective histidine at low pH. Furthermore, the water network has fewer hydrogen-bonding bottlenecks in the open state than in the closed state. Thus, faster dynamics and higher orientational order of water molecules in the open channel establish the water network structure that is necessary for proton hopping.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Martin D Gelenter
- Department of Chemistry, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Venkata S Mandala
- Department of Chemistry, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Michiel J M Niesen
- Department of Chemistry, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Dina A Sharon
- Department of Chemistry, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Aurelio J Dregni
- Department of Chemistry, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Adam P Willard
- Department of Chemistry, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Mei Hong
- Department of Chemistry, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Marx DC, Fleming KG. Local Bilayer Hydrophobicity Modulates Membrane Protein Stability. J Am Chem Soc 2021; 143:764-772. [DOI: 10.1021/jacs.0c09412] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Dagan C. Marx
- Thomas C. Jenkins Department of Biophysics, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland 21218, United States
| | - Karen G. Fleming
- Thomas C. Jenkins Department of Biophysics, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland 21218, United States
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Letter to the Editor: Distanced Inspiration from the Career of Stephen H. White. J Membr Biol 2020; 254:1-3. [PMID: 33097980 DOI: 10.1007/s00232-020-00146-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2020] [Accepted: 10/10/2020] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
|
12
|
Lessen HJ, Majumdar A, Fleming KG. Backbone Hydrogen Bond Energies in Membrane Proteins Are Insensitive to Large Changes in Local Water Concentration. J Am Chem Soc 2020; 142:6227-6235. [PMID: 32134659 PMCID: PMC7610216 DOI: 10.1021/jacs.0c00290] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
A hallmark feature of biological lipid bilayer structure is a depth-dependent polarity gradient largely resulting from the change in water concentration over the angstrom length scale. This gradient is particularly steep as it crosses the membrane interfacial regions where the water concentration drops at least a million-fold along the direction of the bilayer normal. Although local water content is often assumed to be a major determinant of membrane protein stability, the effect of the water-induced polarity gradient upon backbone hydrogen bond strength has not been systematically investigated. We addressed this question by measuring the free energy change for a number of backbone hydrogen bonds in the transmembrane protein OmpW. These values were obtained at 33 backbone amides from hydrogen/deuterium fractionation factors by nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. We surprisingly found that OmpW backbone hydrogen bond energies do not vary over a wide range of water concentrations that are characteristic of the solvation environment in the bilayer interfacial region. We validated the interpretation of our results by determining the hydrodynamic and solvation properties of our OmpW-micelle complex using analytical ultracentrifugation and molecular dynamics simulations. The magnitudes of the backbone hydrogen bond free energy changes in our study are comparable to those observed in water-soluble proteins, the H-segment of the leader peptidase helix used in the von Heijne and White biological scale experiments, and several interfacial peptides. Our results agree with those reported for the transmembrane α-helical portion of the amyloid precursor protein after the latter values were adjusted for kinetic isotope effects. Overall, our work suggests that backbone hydrogen bonds provide modest thermodynamic stability to membrane protein structures and that many amides are unaffected by dehydration within the bilayer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Henry J Lessen
- T.C. Jenkins Department of Biophysics, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland 21218, United States
| | - Ananya Majumdar
- The Johns Hopkins University Biomolecular NMR Center, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland 21218, United States
| | - Karen G Fleming
- T.C. Jenkins Department of Biophysics, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland 21218, United States
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Niesen MJM, Zimmer MH, Miller TF. Dynamics of Co-translational Membrane Protein Integration and Translocation via the Sec Translocon. J Am Chem Soc 2020; 142:5449-5460. [PMID: 32130863 PMCID: PMC7338273 DOI: 10.1021/jacs.9b07820] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
An important aspect of cellular function is the correct targeting and delivery of newly synthesized proteins. Central to this task is the machinery of the Sec translocon, a transmembrane channel that is involved in both the translocation of nascent proteins across cell membranes and the integration of proteins into the membrane. Considerable experimental and computational effort has focused on the Sec translocon and its role in nascent protein biosynthesis, including the correct folding and expression of integral membrane proteins. However, the use of molecular simulation methods to explore Sec-facilitated protein biosynthesis is hindered by the large system sizes and long (i.e., minute) time scales involved. In this work, we describe the development and application of a coarse-grained simulation approach that addresses these challenges and allows for direct comparison with both in vivo and in vitro experiments. The method reproduces a wide range of experimental observations, providing new insights into the underlying molecular mechanisms, predictions for new experiments, and a strategy for the rational enhancement of membrane protein expression levels.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Michiel J M Niesen
- Department of Chemistry & Chemical Engineering, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, California 91125, United States
| | - Matthew H Zimmer
- Department of Chemistry & Chemical Engineering, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, California 91125, United States
| | - Thomas F Miller
- Department of Chemistry & Chemical Engineering, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, California 91125, United States
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Goblirsch BR, Wiener MC. Ste24: An Integral Membrane Protein Zinc Metalloprotease with Provocative Structure and Emergent Biology. J Mol Biol 2020; 432:5079-5090. [PMID: 32199981 PMCID: PMC7172729 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmb.2020.03.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2019] [Revised: 03/06/2020] [Accepted: 03/12/2020] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
Ste24, an integral membrane protein zinc metalloprotease, is found in every kingdom of eukaryotes. It was discovered approximately 20 years ago by yeast genetic screens identifying it as a factor responsible for processing the yeast mating a-factor pheromone. In animals, Ste24 processes prelamin A, a component of the nuclear lamina; mutations in the human ortholog of Ste24 diminish its activity, giving rise to genetic diseases of accelerated aging (progerias). Additionally, lipodystrophy, acquired from the standard highly active antiretroviral therapy used to treat AIDS patients, likely results from off-target interactions of HIV (aspartyl) protease inhibitor drugs with Ste24. Ste24 possesses a novel “α-barrel” structure, consisting of a ring of seven transmembrane α-helices enclosing a large (> 12,000 Å3) interior volume that contains the active-site and substrate-binding region; this “membrane-interior reaction chamber” is unprecedented in integral membrane protein structures. Additionally, the surface of the membrane-interior reaction chamber possesses a strikingly large negative electrostatic surface potential, adding additional “functional mystery.” Recent publications implicate Ste24 as a key factor in several endoplasmic reticulum processes, including the unfolded protein response, a cellular stress response of the endoplasmic reticulum, and removal of misfolded proteins from the translocon. Ste24, with its provocative structure, enigmatic mechanism, and recently emergent new biological roles including “translocon unclogger” and (non-enyzmatic) broad-spectrum viral restriction factor, presents far differently than before 2016, when it was viewed as a “CAAX protease” responsible for cleavage of prenylated (farnesylated or geranylgeranylated) substrates. The emphasis of this review is on Ste24 of the “Post-CAAX-Protease Era.” Ste24 is a eukaryotic integral membrane protein of novel structure. Ste24 is a gluzincin ZMP whose structure/function relationships are poorly explored. ZMP core, ZMP accessory, and “ɑ-barrel modules form the Ste24 tripartite architecture. Emergent biology of Ste24 includes roles as a translocon unclogger and a viral restriction factor.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Brandon R Goblirsch
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biological Physics, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22908, USA
| | - Michael C Wiener
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biological Physics, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22908, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Tarun OB, Eremchev MY, Radenovic A, Roke S. Spatiotemporal Imaging of Water in Operating Voltage-Gated Ion Channels Reveals the Slow Motion of Interfacial Ions. NANO LETTERS 2019; 19:7608-7613. [PMID: 31580677 DOI: 10.1021/acs.nanolett.9b02024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Ion channels are responsible for numerous physiological functions ranging from transport to chemical and electrical signaling. Although static ion channel structure has been studied following a structural biology approach, spatiotemporal investigation of the dynamic molecular mechanisms of operational ion channels has not been achieved experimentally. In particular, the role of water remains elusive. Here, we perform label-free spatiotemporal second harmonic (SH) imaging and capacitance measurements of operational voltage-gated alamethicin ion channels in freestanding lipid membranes surrounded by aqueous solution on either side. We observe changes in SH intensity upon channel activation that are traced back to changes in the orientational distribution of water molecules that reorient along the field lines of transported ions. Of the transported ions, a fraction of 10-4 arrives at the hydrated membrane interface, leading to interfacial electrostatic changes on the time scale of a second. The time scale of these interfacial changes is influenced by the density of ion channels and is subject to a crowding mechanism. Ion transport along cell membranes is often associated with the propagation of electrical signals in neurons. As our study shows that this process is taking place over seconds, a more complex mechanism is likely responsible for the propagation of neuronal electrical signals than just the millisecond movement of ions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Orly B Tarun
- Laboratory for Fundamental BioPhotonics (LBP), Institute of Bioengineering (IBI), and Institute of Materials Science (IMX), School of Engineering (STI), and Lausanne Centre for Ultrafast Science (LACUS) , École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL) , CH-1015 Lausanne , Switzerland
| | - Maksim Yu Eremchev
- Laboratory for Fundamental BioPhotonics (LBP), Institute of Bioengineering (IBI), and Institute of Materials Science (IMX), School of Engineering (STI), and Lausanne Centre for Ultrafast Science (LACUS) , École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL) , CH-1015 Lausanne , Switzerland
| | - Aleksandra Radenovic
- Laboratory of Nanoscale Biology, Institute of Bioengineering (IBI), School of Engineering (STI) , EPFL , CH-1015 Lausanne , Switzerland
| | - Sylvie Roke
- Laboratory for Fundamental BioPhotonics (LBP), Institute of Bioengineering (IBI), and Institute of Materials Science (IMX), School of Engineering (STI), and Lausanne Centre for Ultrafast Science (LACUS) , École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL) , CH-1015 Lausanne , Switzerland
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Muller MP, Jiang T, Sun C, Lihan M, Pant S, Mahinthichaichan P, Trifan A, Tajkhorshid E. Characterization of Lipid-Protein Interactions and Lipid-Mediated Modulation of Membrane Protein Function through Molecular Simulation. Chem Rev 2019; 119:6086-6161. [PMID: 30978005 PMCID: PMC6506392 DOI: 10.1021/acs.chemrev.8b00608] [Citation(s) in RCA: 153] [Impact Index Per Article: 30.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
The cellular membrane constitutes one of the most fundamental compartments of a living cell, where key processes such as selective transport of material and exchange of information between the cell and its environment are mediated by proteins that are closely associated with the membrane. The heterogeneity of lipid composition of biological membranes and the effect of lipid molecules on the structure, dynamics, and function of membrane proteins are now widely recognized. Characterization of these functionally important lipid-protein interactions with experimental techniques is however still prohibitively challenging. Molecular dynamics (MD) simulations offer a powerful complementary approach with sufficient temporal and spatial resolutions to gain atomic-level structural information and energetics on lipid-protein interactions. In this review, we aim to provide a broad survey of MD simulations focusing on exploring lipid-protein interactions and characterizing lipid-modulated protein structure and dynamics that have been successful in providing novel insight into the mechanism of membrane protein function.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Melanie P. Muller
- NIH Center for Macromolecular Modeling and Bioinformatics, Beckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology
- Department of Biochemistry
- Center for Biophysics and Quantitative Biology
- College of Medicine
- University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA
| | - Tao Jiang
- NIH Center for Macromolecular Modeling and Bioinformatics, Beckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology
- Department of Biochemistry
- Center for Biophysics and Quantitative Biology
- University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA
| | - Chang Sun
- NIH Center for Macromolecular Modeling and Bioinformatics, Beckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology
- Department of Biochemistry
- University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA
| | - Muyun Lihan
- NIH Center for Macromolecular Modeling and Bioinformatics, Beckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology
- Department of Biochemistry
- Center for Biophysics and Quantitative Biology
- University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA
| | - Shashank Pant
- NIH Center for Macromolecular Modeling and Bioinformatics, Beckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology
- Department of Biochemistry
- Center for Biophysics and Quantitative Biology
- University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA
| | - Paween Mahinthichaichan
- NIH Center for Macromolecular Modeling and Bioinformatics, Beckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology
- Department of Biochemistry
- University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA
| | - Anda Trifan
- NIH Center for Macromolecular Modeling and Bioinformatics, Beckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology
- Department of Biochemistry
- Center for Biophysics and Quantitative Biology
- University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA
| | - Emad Tajkhorshid
- NIH Center for Macromolecular Modeling and Bioinformatics, Beckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology
- Department of Biochemistry
- Center for Biophysics and Quantitative Biology
- College of Medicine
- University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Dropping Out and Other Fates of Transmembrane Segments Inserted by the SecA ATPase. J Mol Biol 2019; 431:2006-2019. [PMID: 30914293 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmb.2019.03.021] [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: 02/07/2019] [Revised: 03/18/2019] [Accepted: 03/19/2019] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Type II single-span membrane proteins, such as CadC or RodZ, lacking a signal sequence and having a far-downstream hydrophobic segment, require the SecA secretion motor for insertion into the inner membrane of Escherichia coli. Using two chimeric single-span proteins containing a designed hydrophobic segment H, we have determined the requirements for SecA-mediated secretion, the molecular distinction between TM domains and signal peptides, and the propensity for hydrophobic H-segments to remain embedded within the bilayer after targeting. By means of engineered H-segments and a strategically placed SPase I cleavage site, we determined how targeting and stability of the chimeric proteins are affected by the length and hydrophobicity of the H-segment. Very hydrophobic segments (e.g., 16 Leu) are stably incorporated into the inner membrane, resulting in a C-terminal anchored membrane protein, while a 24L construct was not targeted to the membrane by SecA and remained in the cytoplasm. However, a construct carrying preMalE at the N-terminus led to SecA targeting to SecYEG via the native signal sequence and stable insertion of the downstream 24L H-segment. We show that the RseP intramembrane protease degrades weakly stable H-segments and is a useful tool for investigating the borderline between stable and unstable TM segments. Using RseP- cells, we find that moderately hydrophobic sequences (e.g., 5Leu + 11Ala) are targeted to SecYEG by SecA and inserted, but subsequently drop out of the membrane into the cytoplasm. Therefore, the free energy of transfer from translocon to bilayer is different from the transfer free energy from membrane to water.
Collapse
|
18
|
Karathanou K, Bondar AN. Using Graphs of Dynamic Hydrogen-Bond Networks To Dissect Conformational Coupling in a Protein Motor. J Chem Inf Model 2019; 59:1882-1896. [PMID: 31038944 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jcim.8b00979] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
DExD/H-box proteins are soluble enzymes that couple binding and hydrolysis of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) with reactions involving RNA metabolism or bind and push newly synthesized proteins across bacterial cell membranes. Knowledge of the reaction mechanism of these enzymes could help the development of new therapeutics. In order to explore the mechanism of long-distance conformational coupling in SecA, the DEAD-box motor of the Sec protein secretion in bacteria, we implemented algorithms that provide simplified graph representations of the protein's dynamic hydrogen-bond networks. We find that mutations near the nucleotide-binding site or changes of the nucleotide-binding state of SecA associate with altered dynamics at the preprotein binding domain and identify extended networks of hydrogen bonds that connect the active site of SecA to the region where SecA binds newly synthesized secretory proteins. Water molecules participate in hydrogen-bonded water chains that bridge functional domains of SecA and could contribute to long-distance conformational coupling.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Konstantina Karathanou
- Freie Universität Berlin , Department of Physics, Theoretical Molecular Biophysics Group , Arnimallee 14 , D-14195 Berlin , Germany
| | - Ana-Nicoleta Bondar
- Freie Universität Berlin , Department of Physics, Theoretical Molecular Biophysics Group , Arnimallee 14 , D-14195 Berlin , Germany
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Cui F, Chen W, Kong X, Liu L, Shi C, Li Y. Anomalous Dynamics of Water in Polyamide Matrix. J Phys Chem B 2019; 123:3086-3095. [PMID: 30879304 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jpcb.9b01491] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Water in polymer matrixes is likely to show anomalous dynamics, a problem that has not been well understood yet. Here, we performed atomistic molecular dynamics simulations to study the water dynamics in a polyamide (PA) matrix, the bulk phase of well-known reverse osmosis membranes. For time-dependent ensemble average, water molecules experienced ballistic diffusion at a shorter time scale, followed by a crossover from subdiffusion to Brownian diffusion at a time scale ∼10 ns, and non-Gaussian diffusion, an indication of anomalous dynamics, sticks on even in the Brownian diffusion region. The anomalous dynamics mainly originates from two distinct motions including small-step continuous diffusion and jumping diffusion. The jumping motion has a mean length of 3.08 ± 0.31 Å and characteristic relaxation time of 0.218 ± 0.040 ns, which dominates the water diffusion in a fully hydrated PA matrix. It comprised low- and high-frequency jumps; the former is almost unchanged, and the latter remarkably increases with the increase of the hydration level. Surrounding neighbors of water strongly affect the jumping frequency, which exponentially or linearly decays with the increase in the number of atoms from the PA matrix. Although the PA matrix is flexible, associated with the water dynamics, the translocation of water is mainly through either tracing the position of neighboring water or jumping into the adjacent accommodation space.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Fengchao Cui
- Key Laboratory of High-Performance Synthetic Rubber and Its Composite Materials , Changchun Institute of Applied Chemistry (CIAC), Chinese Academy of Sciences , Changchun 130022 , P. R. China
| | - Wenduo Chen
- Key Laboratory of High-Performance Synthetic Rubber and Its Composite Materials , Changchun Institute of Applied Chemistry (CIAC), Chinese Academy of Sciences , Changchun 130022 , P. R. China.,School of Materials , Sun Yat-Sen University , 135 Xingang West , Guangzhou 510275 , P. R. China
| | - Xiangxin Kong
- Key Laboratory of High-Performance Synthetic Rubber and Its Composite Materials , Changchun Institute of Applied Chemistry (CIAC), Chinese Academy of Sciences , Changchun 130022 , P. R. China
| | - Lunyang Liu
- Key Laboratory of High-Performance Synthetic Rubber and Its Composite Materials , Changchun Institute of Applied Chemistry (CIAC), Chinese Academy of Sciences , Changchun 130022 , P. R. China
| | - Ce Shi
- Key Laboratory of High-Performance Synthetic Rubber and Its Composite Materials , Changchun Institute of Applied Chemistry (CIAC), Chinese Academy of Sciences , Changchun 130022 , P. R. China
| | - Yunqi Li
- Key Laboratory of High-Performance Synthetic Rubber and Its Composite Materials , Changchun Institute of Applied Chemistry (CIAC), Chinese Academy of Sciences , Changchun 130022 , P. R. China
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Abstract
Of all the macromolecular assemblies of life, the least understood is the biomembrane. This is especially true in regard to its atomic structure. Ideas on biomembranes, developed in the last 200 years, culminated in the fluid mosaic model of the membrane. In this essay, I provide a historical outline of how we arrived at our current understanding of biomembranes and the models we use to describe them. A selection of direct experimental findings on the nano-scale structure of biomembranes is taken up to discuss their physical nature, and special emphasis is put on the surprising insights that arise from atomic scale descriptions.
Collapse
|
21
|
Corey RA, Ahdash Z, Shah A, Pyle E, Allen WJ, Fessl T, Lovett JE, Politis A, Collinson I. ATP-induced asymmetric pre-protein folding as a driver of protein translocation through the Sec machinery. eLife 2019; 8:41803. [PMID: 30601115 PMCID: PMC6335059 DOI: 10.7554/elife.41803] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2018] [Accepted: 01/01/2019] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Transport of proteins across membranes is a fundamental process, achieved in every cell by the 'Sec' translocon. In prokaryotes, SecYEG associates with the motor ATPase SecA to carry out translocation for pre-protein secretion. Previously, we proposed a Brownian ratchet model for transport, whereby the free energy of ATP-turnover favours the directional diffusion of the polypeptide (Allen et al., 2016). Here, we show that ATP enhances this process by modulating secondary structure formation within the translocating protein. A combination of molecular simulation with hydrogendeuterium-exchange mass spectrometry and electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy reveal an asymmetry across the membrane: ATP-induced conformational changes in the cytosolic cavity promote unfolded pre-protein structure, while the exterior cavity favours its formation. This ability to exploit structure within a pre-protein is an unexplored area of protein transport, which may apply to other protein transporters, such as those of the endoplasmic reticulum and mitochondria.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Robin A Corey
- School of Biochemistry, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom
| | - Zainab Ahdash
- Department of Chemistry, King's College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Anokhi Shah
- SUPA School of Physics and Astronomy and BSRC, University of St Andrews, Scotland, United Kingdom
| | - Euan Pyle
- Department of Chemistry, King's College London, London, United Kingdom.,Department of Chemistry, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - William J Allen
- School of Biochemistry, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom
| | - Tomas Fessl
- University of South Bohemia in Ceske Budejovice, České Budějovice, Czech Republic
| | - Janet E Lovett
- SUPA School of Physics and Astronomy and BSRC, University of St Andrews, Scotland, United Kingdom
| | - Argyris Politis
- Department of Chemistry, King's College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Ian Collinson
- School of Biochemistry, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Capponi S, White SH, Tobias DJ, Heyden M. Structural Relaxation Processes and Collective Dynamics of Water in Biomolecular Environments. J Phys Chem B 2019; 123:480-486. [PMID: 30566356 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jpcb.8b12052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
In this simulation study, we investigate the influence of biomolecular confinement on dynamical processes in water. We compare water confined in a membrane protein nanopore at room temperature to pure liquid water at low temperatures with respect to structural relaxations, intermolecular vibrations, and the propagation of collective modes. We observe distinct potential energy landscapes experienced by water molecules in the two environments, which nevertheless result in comparable hydrogen bond lifetimes and sound propagation velocities. Hence, we show that a viscoelastic argument that links slow rearrangements of the water-hydrogen bond network to ice-like collective properties applies to both, the pure liquid and biologically confined water, irrespective of differences in the microscopic structure.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Matthias Heyden
- School of Molecular Sciences , Arizona State University , Tempe , Arizona 85287-1604 , United States
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Gumbart JC, Ulmschneider MB, Hazel A, White SH, Ulmschneider JP. Computed Free Energies of Peptide Insertion into Bilayers are Independent of Computational Method. J Membr Biol 2018; 251:345-356. [PMID: 29520628 PMCID: PMC6030508 DOI: 10.1007/s00232-018-0026-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2017] [Accepted: 02/27/2018] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
We show that the free energy of inserting hydrophobic peptides into lipid bilayer membranes from surface-aligned to transmembrane inserted states can be reliably calculated using atomistic models. We use two entirely different computational methods: high temperature spontaneous peptide insertion calculations as well as umbrella sampling potential-of-mean-force (PMF) calculations, both yielding the same energetic profiles. The insertion free energies were calculated using two different protein and lipid force fields (OPLS protein/united-atom lipids and CHARMM36 protein/all-atom lipids) and found to be independent of the simulation parameters. In addition, the free energy of insertion is found to be independent of temperature for both force fields. However, we find major difference in the partitioning kinetics between OPLS and CHARMM36, likely due to the difference in roughness of the underlying free energy surfaces. Our results demonstrate not only a reliable method to calculate insertion free energies for peptides, but also represent a rare case where equilibrium simulations and PMF calculations can be directly compared.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Stephen H White
- Department of Physiology & Biophysics, University of California at Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA
| | - Jakob P Ulmschneider
- Department of Physics and the Institute of Natural Sciences, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200240, China.
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Knyazev DG, Kuttner R, Zimmermann M, Sobakinskaya E, Pohl P. Driving Forces of Translocation Through Bacterial Translocon SecYEG. J Membr Biol 2018; 251:329-343. [PMID: 29330604 PMCID: PMC6028853 DOI: 10.1007/s00232-017-0012-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2017] [Accepted: 12/22/2017] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
This review focusses on the energetics of protein translocation via the Sec translocation machinery. First we complement structural data about SecYEG's conformational rearrangements by insight obtained from functional assays. These include measurements of SecYEG permeability that allow assessment of channel gating by ligand binding and membrane voltage. Second we will discuss the power stroke and Brownian ratcheting models of substrate translocation and the role that the two models assign to the putative driving forces: (i) ATP (SecA) and GTP (ribosome) hydrolysis, (ii) interaction with accessory proteins, (iii) membrane partitioning and folding, (iv) proton motive force (PMF), and (v) entropic contributions. Our analysis underlines how important energized membranes are for unravelling the translocation mechanism in future experiments.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Denis G Knyazev
- Johannes Kepler University Linz, Institute of Biophysics, Linz, Austria.
| | - Roland Kuttner
- Johannes Kepler University Linz, Institute of Biophysics, Linz, Austria
| | - Mirjam Zimmermann
- Johannes Kepler University Linz, Institute of Biophysics, Linz, Austria
| | | | - Peter Pohl
- Johannes Kepler University Linz, Institute of Biophysics, Linz, Austria
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Chong SH, Ham S. Dynamics of Hydration Water Plays a Key Role in Determining the Binding Thermodynamics of Protein Complexes. Sci Rep 2017; 7:8744. [PMID: 28821854 PMCID: PMC5562873 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-09466-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2017] [Accepted: 07/25/2017] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Interfacial waters are considered to play a crucial role in protein–protein interactions, but in what sense and why are they important? Here, using molecular dynamics simulations and statistical thermodynamic analyses, we demonstrate distinctive dynamic characteristics of the interfacial water and investigate their implications for the binding thermodynamics. We identify the presence of extraordinarily slow (~1,000 times slower than in bulk water) hydrogen-bond rearrangements in interfacial water. We rationalize the slow rearrangements by introducing the “trapping” free energies, characterizing how strongly individual hydration waters are captured by the biomolecular surface, whose magnitude is then traced back to the number of water–protein hydrogen bonds and the strong electrostatic field produced at the binding interface. We also discuss the impact of the slow interfacial waters on the binding thermodynamics. We find that, as expected from their slow dynamics, the conventional approach to the water-mediated interaction, which assumes rapid equilibration of the waters’ degrees of freedom, is inadequate. We show instead that an explicit treatment of the extremely slow interfacial waters is critical. Our results shed new light on the role of water in protein–protein interactions, highlighting the need to consider its dynamics to improve our understanding of biomolecular bindings.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Song-Ho Chong
- Department of Chemistry, Sookmyung Women's University, Cheongpa-ro 47-gil 100, Yongsan-Ku, Seoul, 04310, Korea
| | - Sihyun Ham
- Department of Chemistry, Sookmyung Women's University, Cheongpa-ro 47-gil 100, Yongsan-Ku, Seoul, 04310, Korea.
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Fleming PJ, Patel DS, Wu EL, Qi Y, Yeom MS, Sousa MC, Fleming KG, Im W. BamA POTRA Domain Interacts with a Native Lipid Membrane Surface. Biophys J 2017; 110:2698-2709. [PMID: 27332128 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpj.2016.05.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2016] [Revised: 04/18/2016] [Accepted: 05/09/2016] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
The outer membrane of Gram-negative bacteria is an asymmetric membrane with lipopolysaccharides on the external leaflet and phospholipids on the periplasmic leaflet. This outer membrane contains mainly β-barrel transmembrane proteins and lipidated periplasmic proteins (lipoproteins). The multisubunit protein β-barrel assembly machine (BAM) catalyzes the insertion and folding of the β-barrel proteins into this membrane. In Escherichia coli, the BAM complex consists of five subunits, a core transmembrane β-barrel with a long periplasmic domain (BamA) and four lipoproteins (BamB/C/D/E). The BamA periplasmic domain is composed of five globular subdomains in tandem called POTRA motifs that are key to BAM complex formation and interaction with the substrate β-barrel proteins. The BAM complex is believed to undergo conformational cycling while facilitating insertion of client proteins into the outer membrane. Reports describing variable conformations and dynamics of the periplasmic POTRA domain have been published. Therefore, elucidation of the conformational dynamics of the POTRA domain in full-length BamA is important to understand the function of this molecular complex. Using molecular dynamics simulations, we present evidence that the conformational flexibility of the POTRA domain is modulated by binding to the periplasmic surface of a native lipid membrane. Furthermore, membrane binding of the POTRA domain is compatible with both BamB and BamD binding, suggesting that conformational selection of different POTRA domain conformations may be involved in the mechanism of BAM-facilitated insertion of outer membrane β-barrel proteins.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Patrick J Fleming
- T. C. Jenkins Department of Biophysics, John Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Dhilon S Patel
- Department of Molecular Biosciences and Center for Computational Biology, The University of Kansas, Lawrence, Kansas
| | - Emilia L Wu
- Department of Molecular Biosciences and Center for Computational Biology, The University of Kansas, Lawrence, Kansas
| | - Yifei Qi
- Department of Molecular Biosciences and Center for Computational Biology, The University of Kansas, Lawrence, Kansas
| | - Min Sun Yeom
- Korean Institute of Science and Technology Information, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon, Korea
| | - Marcelo Carlos Sousa
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, Colorado
| | - Karen G Fleming
- T. C. Jenkins Department of Biophysics, John Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Wonpil Im
- Department of Molecular Biosciences and Center for Computational Biology, The University of Kansas, Lawrence, Kansas.
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Transmembrane helices containing a charged arginine are thermodynamically stable. EUROPEAN BIOPHYSICS JOURNAL: EBJ 2017; 46:627-637. [PMID: 28409218 DOI: 10.1007/s00249-017-1206-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2017] [Revised: 03/25/2017] [Accepted: 03/30/2017] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
Hydrophobic amino acids are abundant in transmembrane (TM) helices of membrane proteins. Charged residues are sparse, apparently due to the unfavorable energetic cost of partitioning charges into nonpolar phases. Nevertheless, conserved arginine residues within TM helices regulate vital functions, such as ion channel voltage gating and integrin receptor inactivation. The energetic cost of arginine in various positions along hydrophobic helices has been controversial. Potential of mean force (PMF) calculations from atomistic molecular dynamics simulations predict very large energetic penalties, while in vitro experiments with Sec61 translocons indicate much smaller penalties, even for arginine in the center of hydrophobic TM helices. Resolution of this conflict has proved difficult, because the in vitro assay utilizes the complex Sec61 translocon, while the PMF calculations rely on the choice of simulation system and reaction coordinate. Here we present the results of computational and experimental studies that permit direct comparison with the Sec61 translocon results. We find that the Sec61 translocon mediates less efficient membrane insertion of Arg-containing TM helices compared with our computational and experimental bilayer-insertion results. In the simulations, a combination of arginine snorkeling, bilayer deformation, and peptide tilting is sufficient to lower the penalty of Arg insertion to an extent such that a hydrophobic TM helix with a central Arg residue readily inserts into a model membrane. Less favorable insertion by the translocon may be due to the decreased fluidity of the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) membrane compared with pure palmitoyloleoyl-phosphocholine (POPC). Nevertheless, our results provide an explanation for the differences between PMF- and experiment-based penalties for Arg burial.
Collapse
|
28
|
Niesen MJM, Wang CY, Van Lehn RC, Miller TF. Structurally detailed coarse-grained model for Sec-facilitated co-translational protein translocation and membrane integration. PLoS Comput Biol 2017; 13:e1005427. [PMID: 28328943 PMCID: PMC5381951 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pcbi.1005427] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2016] [Revised: 04/05/2017] [Accepted: 02/28/2017] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
We present a coarse-grained simulation model that is capable of simulating the minute-timescale dynamics of protein translocation and membrane integration via the Sec translocon, while retaining sufficient chemical and structural detail to capture many of the sequence-specific interactions that drive these processes. The model includes accurate geometric representations of the ribosome and Sec translocon, obtained directly from experimental structures, and interactions parameterized from nearly 200 μs of residue-based coarse-grained molecular dynamics simulations. A protocol for mapping amino-acid sequences to coarse-grained beads enables the direct simulation of trajectories for the co-translational insertion of arbitrary polypeptide sequences into the Sec translocon. The model reproduces experimentally observed features of membrane protein integration, including the efficiency with which polypeptide domains integrate into the membrane, the variation in integration efficiency upon single amino-acid mutations, and the orientation of transmembrane domains. The central advantage of the model is that it connects sequence-level protein features to biological observables and timescales, enabling direct simulation for the mechanistic analysis of co-translational integration and for the engineering of membrane proteins with enhanced membrane integration efficiency.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Michiel J. M. Niesen
- Division of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, California, United States of America
| | - Connie Y. Wang
- Division of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, California, United States of America
| | - Reid C. Van Lehn
- Division of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, California, United States of America
| | - Thomas F. Miller
- Division of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, California, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Hariharan P, Andersson M, Jiang X, Pardon E, Steyaert J, Kaback HR, Guan L. Thermodynamics of Nanobody Binding to Lactose Permease. Biochemistry 2016; 55:5917-5926. [PMID: 27686537 DOI: 10.1021/acs.biochem.6b00826] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Camelid nanobodies (Nbs) raised against the outward-facing conformer of a double-Trp mutant of the lactose permease of Escherichia coli (LacY) stabilize the permease in outward-facing conformations. Isothermal titration calorimetry is applied herein to dissect the binding thermodynamics of two Nbs, one that markedly improves access to the sugar-binding site and another that dramatically increases the affinity for galactoside. The findings presented here show that both enthalpy and entropy contribute favorably to binding of the Nbs to wild-type (WT) LacY and that binding of Nb to double-Trp mutant G46W/G262W is driven by a greater enthalpy at an entropic penalty. Thermodynamic analyses support the interpretation that WT LacY is stabilized in outward-facing conformations like the double-Trp mutant with closure of the water-filled cytoplasmic cavity through conformational selection. The LacY conformational transition required for ligand binding is reflected by a favorable entropy increase. Molecular dynamics simulations further suggest that the entropy increase likely stems from release of immobilized water molecules primarily from the cytoplasmic cavity upon closure.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Parameswaran Hariharan
- Department of Cell Physiology and Molecular Biophysics, Center for Membrane Protein Research, School of Medicine, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center , Lubbock, Texas 79430, United States
| | - Magnus Andersson
- Department of Theoretical Physics and Swedish e-Science Research Center, Science for Life Laboratory, KTH Royal Institute of Technology , SE-171 21 Solna, Sweden
| | - Xiaoxu Jiang
- Department of Physiology, University of California , Los Angeles, California 90095, United States
| | - Els Pardon
- VIB Center for Structural Biology Research, VIB , 1050 Brussel, Belgium.,Structural Biology Brussels, Vrije Universiteit Brussel , Pleinlaan 2, 1050 Brussel, Belgium
| | - Jan Steyaert
- VIB Center for Structural Biology Research, VIB , 1050 Brussel, Belgium.,Structural Biology Brussels, Vrije Universiteit Brussel , Pleinlaan 2, 1050 Brussel, Belgium
| | - H Ronald Kaback
- Department of Physiology, University of California , Los Angeles, California 90095, United States
| | - Lan Guan
- Department of Cell Physiology and Molecular Biophysics, Center for Membrane Protein Research, School of Medicine, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center , Lubbock, Texas 79430, United States
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Stone TA, Schiller N, Workewych N, von Heijne G, Deber CM. Hydrophobic Clusters Raise the Threshold Hydrophilicity for Insertion of Transmembrane Sequences in Vivo. Biochemistry 2016; 55:5772-5779. [PMID: 27620701 DOI: 10.1021/acs.biochem.6b00650] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Insertion of a nascent membrane protein segment by the translocon channel into the bilayer is naturally promoted by high segmental hydrophobicity, but its selection as a transmembrane (TM) segment is complicated by the diverse environments (aqueous vs lipidic) the protein encounters and by the fact that most TM segments contain a substantial amount (∼30%) of polar residues, as required for protein structural stabilization and/or function. To examine the contributions of these factors systematically, we designed and synthesized a peptide library consisting of pairs of compositionally identical, but sequentially different, peptides with 19-residue core sequences varying (i) in Leu positioning (with five or seven Leu residues clustered into a contiguous "block" in the middle of the segment or "scrambled" throughout the sequence) and (ii) in Ser content (0-6 residues). The library was analyzed by a combination of biophysical and biological techniques, including HPLC retention times, circular dichroism measurements of helicity in micelle and phospholipid bilayer media, and relative blue shifts in Trp fluorescence maxima, as well as by the extent of membrane insertion in a translocon-mediated assay using microsomal membranes from dog pancreas endoplasmic reticulum. We found that local blocks of high hydrophobicity heighten the translocon's propensity to insert moderately hydrophilic sequences, until a "threshold hydrophilicity" is surpassed whereby segments no longer insert even in the presence of Leu blocks. This study codifies the prerequisites of apolar/polar content and residue positioning that define nascent TM segments, illustrates the accuracy in their prediction, and highlights how a single disease-causing mutation can tip the balance toward anomalous translocation/insertion.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tracy A Stone
- Division of Molecular Structure & Function, Research Institute, Hospital for Sick Children , Toronto M5G 0A4, Ontario, Canada.,Department of Biochemistry, University of Toronto , Toronto M5S 1A8, Ontario, Canada
| | - Nina Schiller
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Stockholm University , SE-106 91 Stockholm, Sweden.,Science for Life Laboratory, Stockholm University , Box 1031, SE-171 21 Solna, Sweden
| | - Natalie Workewych
- Division of Molecular Structure & Function, Research Institute, Hospital for Sick Children , Toronto M5G 0A4, Ontario, Canada
| | - Gunnar von Heijne
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Stockholm University , SE-106 91 Stockholm, Sweden.,Science for Life Laboratory, Stockholm University , Box 1031, SE-171 21 Solna, Sweden
| | - Charles M Deber
- Division of Molecular Structure & Function, Research Institute, Hospital for Sick Children , Toronto M5G 0A4, Ontario, Canada.,Department of Biochemistry, University of Toronto , Toronto M5S 1A8, Ontario, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
McDonald SK, Fleming KG. Aromatic Side Chain Water-to-Lipid Transfer Free Energies Show a Depth Dependence across the Membrane Normal. J Am Chem Soc 2016; 138:7946-50. [PMID: 27254476 DOI: 10.1021/jacs.6b03460] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Quantitating and understanding the physical forces responsible for the interactions of biomolecules are fundamental to the biological sciences. This is especially challenging for membrane proteins because they are embedded within cellular bilayers that provide a unique medium in which hydrophobic sequences must fold. Knowledge of the energetics of protein-lipid interactions is thus vital to understand cellular processes involving membrane proteins. Here we used a host-guest mutational strategy to calculate the Gibbs free energy changes of water-to-lipid transfer for the aromatic side chains Trp, Tyr, and Phe as a function of depth in the membrane. This work reveals an energetic gradient in the transfer free energies for Trp and Tyr, where transfer was most favorable to the membrane interfacial region and comparatively less favorable into the bilayer center. The transfer energetics follows the concentration gradient of polar atoms across the bilayer normal that naturally occurs in biological membranes. Additional measurements revealed nearest-neighbor coupling in the data set are influenced by a network of aromatic side chains in the host protein. Taken together, these results show that aromatic side chains contribute significantly to membrane protein stability through either aromatic-aromatic interactions or placement at the membrane interface.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sarah K McDonald
- T.C. Jenkins Department of Biophysics, Johns Hopkins University , Baltimore, Maryland 21218, United States
| | - Karen G Fleming
- T.C. Jenkins Department of Biophysics, Johns Hopkins University , Baltimore, Maryland 21218, United States
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
Junne T, Spiess M. Integration of transmembrane domains is regulated by their downstream sequences. J Cell Sci 2016; 130:372-381. [DOI: 10.1242/jcs.194472] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2016] [Accepted: 11/10/2016] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
The Sec61 translocon catalyzes translocation of proteins into the endoplasmic reticulum and the lateral integration of transmembrane segments into the lipid bilayer. Integration is mediated by the hydrophobicity of a polypeptide segment consistent with thermodynamic equilibration between the translocon and the lipid membrane. Integration efficiency of a generic series of increasingly hydrophobic sequences (H-segments) was found to diverge significantly in different reporter constructs as a function of the ∼100 residues carboxyterminal of the H-segments. The hydrophobicity threshold of integration was considerably lowered by insertion of generic ∼20-residue peptides either made of flexible glycine-serine repeats, containing multiple negative charges, or consisting of an oligo-proline stretch. A highly flexible, 100-residue glycine-serine stretch maximally enhanced this effect. The apparent free energy of integration was found to be changed by more than 3 kcal/mol with the downstream sequences tested. The C-terminal sequences could also be shown to affect integration of natural mildly hydrophobic sequences. The results suggest that the conformation of the nascent polypeptide in the protected cavity between ribosome and translocon significantly influences the release of the H-segment into the bilayer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tina Junne
- Biozentrum, University of Basel, Klingelbergstrasse 70, CH-4056 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Martin Spiess
- Biozentrum, University of Basel, Klingelbergstrasse 70, CH-4056 Basel, Switzerland
| |
Collapse
|
33
|
Lorch S, Capponi S, Pieront F, Bondar AN. Dynamic Carboxylate/Water Networks on the Surface of the PsbO Subunit of Photosystem II. J Phys Chem B 2015; 119:12172-81. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.jpcb.5b06594] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Sebastian Lorch
- Theoretical
Molecular Biophysics, Department of Physics, Freie Universität Berlin, Arnimallee 14, D-14195 Berlin, Germany
| | - Sara Capponi
- Department
of Physiology and Biophysics, University of California at Irvine, Medical Sciences I, Irvine, California 92697, United States
| | - Florian Pieront
- Theoretical
Molecular Biophysics, Department of Physics, Freie Universität Berlin, Arnimallee 14, D-14195 Berlin, Germany
| | - Ana-Nicoleta Bondar
- Theoretical
Molecular Biophysics, Department of Physics, Freie Universität Berlin, Arnimallee 14, D-14195 Berlin, Germany
| |
Collapse
|