NMR spectroscopy in studies of light-induced structural changes in mammalian rhodopsin: applicability of solution (19)F NMR

Fluorine-19 labeling of the tryptophan residues in the G protein-coupled receptor NK1R using the 5-fluoroindole precursor in Pichia pastoris expression

In NMR spectroscopy of biomolecular systems, the use of fluorine-19 probes benefits from a clean background and high sensitivity. Therefore, 19F-labeling procedures are of wide-spread interest. Here, we use 5-fluoroindole as a precursor for cost-effective residue-specific introduction of 5-fluorotryptophan (5F-Trp) into G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) expressed in Pichia pastoris. The method was successfully implemented with the neurokinin 1 receptor (NK1R). The 19F-NMR spectra of 5F-Trp-labeled NK1R showed one well-separated high field-shifted resonance, which was assigned by mutational studies to the "toggle switch tryptophan". Residue-selective labeling thus enables site-specific investigations of this functionally important residue. The method described here is inexpensive, requires minimal genetic manipulation and can be expected to be applicable for yeast expression of GPCRs at large.

Reaction, Recognition, Relay: Anhydride Hydrolysis Reported by Conformationally Responsive Fluorinated Foldamers in Micelles

Natural membrane receptors are proteins that can report on changes in the concentration of external chemical messengers. Messenger binding to a receptor produces conformational changes that are relayed through the membrane into the cell; this information allows cells to adapt to changes in their environment. Artificial membrane receptors (R)-1 and (S)-1 are helical α-aminoisobutyric acid (Aib) foldamers that replicate key parts of this information relay. Solution-phase 19F NMR spectroscopy of zinc(II)-capped receptor 1, either in organic solvent or in membrane-mimetic micelles, showed messenger binding produced an enrichment of either left- or right-handed screw-sense; the chirality of the bound messenger was relayed to the other receptor terminus. Furthermore, in situ production of a chemical messenger in the external aqueous environment could be detected in real-time by a racemic mixture of receptor 1 in micelles. The hydrolysis of insoluble anhydrides produced carboxylate in the aqueous phase, which bound to the receptors and gave a distinct 19F NMR output from inside the hydrophobic region of the micelles.

In-Cell 19F NMR of Proteins: Recent Progress and Future Opportunities

In vitro, 19F NMR methodology is preferably selected as a complementary and straightforward method for unveiling the conformations, dynamics, and interactions of biological molecules. Its effectiveness in vivo has seen continuous improvement, addressing challenges faced by conventional heteronuclear NMR experiments on structured proteins, such as severe line broadening, low signal-to-noise ratio, and background signals. Herein, we summarize the distinctive advantages of 19F NMR, along with recent progress in sample preparation and applications within the realm of in-cell NMR. Additionally, we offer insights into the future directions and prospects of this methodology based on our understanding.

Enlarging the scenario of site directed 19F labeling for NMR spectroscopy of biomolecules

The possibility of using selectively incorporated 19F nuclei for NMR spectroscopic studies has retrieved increasing interest in recent years. The high gyromagnetic ratio of 19F and its absence in native biomolecular systems make this nucleus an interesting alternative to standard 1H NMR spectroscopy. Here we show how we can attach a label, carrying a 19F atom, to protein tyrosines, through the use of a specific three component Mannich-type reaction. To validate the efficacy and the specificity of the approach, we tested it on two selected systems with the aid of ESI MS measurements.

Intermediate-state-trapped mutants pinpoint G protein-coupled receptor conformational allostery

Understanding the roles of intermediate states in signaling is pivotal to unraveling the activation processes of G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs). However, the field is still struggling to define these conformational states with sufficient resolution to study their individual functions. Here, we demonstrate the feasibility of enriching the populations of discrete states via conformation-biased mutants. These mutants adopt distinct distributions among five states that lie along the activation pathway of adenosine A2A receptor (A2AR), a class A GPCR. Our study reveals a structurally conserved cation-π lock between transmembrane helix VI (TM6) and Helix8 that regulates cytoplasmic cavity opening as a "gatekeeper" for G protein penetration. A GPCR activation process based on the well-discerned conformational states is thus proposed, allosterically micro-modulated by the cation-π lock and a previously well-defined ionic interaction between TM3 and TM6. Intermediate-state-trapped mutants will also provide useful information in relation to receptor-G protein signal transduction.

Interdisciplinary biophysical studies of membrane proteins bacteriorhodopsin and rhodopsin

The centenary of the birth of H. Gobind Khorana provides an auspicious opportunity to review the origins and evolution of parallel advances in biophysical methodology and molecular genetics technology used to study membrane proteins. Interdisciplinary work in the Khorana laboratory in the late 1970s and for the next three decades led to productive collaborations and fostered three subsequent scientific generations whose biophysical work on membrane proteins has led to detailed elucidation of the molecular mechanisms of energy transduction by the light-driven proton pump bacteriorhodopsin (bR) and signal transduction by the G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) rhodopsin. This review will highlight the origins and advances of biophysical studies of membrane proteins made possible by the application of molecular genetics approaches to engineer site-specific alterations of membrane protein structures.

Expression systems for bovine rhodopsin: a review of the progress made in the Khorana laboratory

Here I will review the development of gene expression systems for production of bovine rhodopsin in the Khorana laboratory with particular focus on stable mammalian cell lines made using human embryonic kidney cells (HEK293S). The synthesis of a gene encoding bovine rhodopsin was completed in 1986. This gene was expertly designed with the built-in capacity for DNA duplex cassette replacement mutagenesis which made site-directed mutagenesis relatively straightforward. Intense effort was expended over several years in order to identify a gene expression system capable of producing rhodopsin in milligram amounts as required for biophysical studies. Mammalian expression systems, both transient and stable, were found to be the most favourable based on several criteria including receptor expression levels, correct folding and post translational processing, and capacity for purification of fully functional receptor. Transient expression using COS-1 cells was preferred for routine small-scale production of rhodopsin mutants, while HEK293S stable cell lines were used when milligram amounts of rhodopsin mutants were needed; for example, when conducting NMR studies.

Solid-State NMR 19F-1H-15N Correlation Experiments for Resonance Assignment and Distance Measurements of Multifluorinated Proteins

Several solid-state NMR techniques have been introduced recently to measure nanometer distances involving 19F, whose high gyromagnetic ratio makes it a potent nuclear spin for structural investigation. These solid-state NMR techniques either use 19F correlation with 1H or 13C to obtain qualitative interatomic contacts or use the rotational-echo double-resonance (REDOR) pulse sequence to measure quantitative distances. However, no NMR technique is yet available for disambiguating 1H-19F distances in multiply fluorinated proteins and protein-ligand complexes. Here, we introduce a three-dimensional (3D) 19F-15N-1H correlation experiment that resolves the distances of multiple fluorines to their adjacent amide protons. We show that optimal polarization transfer between 1H and 19F spins is achieved using an out-and-back 1H-19F REDOR sequence. We demonstrate this 3D correlation experiment on the model protein GB1 and apply it to the multidrug-resistance transporter, EmrE, complexed to a tetrafluorinated substrate. This technique should be useful for resolving and assigning distance constraints in multiply fluorinated proteins, leading to significant savings of time and precious samples compared to producing several singly fluorinated samples. Moreover, the method enables structural determination of protein-ligand complexes for ligands that contain multiple fluorines.

19F NMR: A promising tool for dynamic conformational studies of G protein-coupled receptors

Advances in X-ray crystallography and cryoelectron microscopy enabled unprecedented insights into the activation processes of G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs). However, these static receptor structures provide limited information about dynamics and conformational transitions that play pivotal roles in mediating signaling diversity through the multifaceted interactions between ligands, receptors, and transducers. Developing NMR approaches to probe the dynamics of conformational transitions will push the frontier of receptor science toward a more comprehensive understanding of these signaling processes. Although much progress has been made during the last decades, it remains challenging to delineate receptor conformational states and interrogate the functions of the individual states at a quantitative level. Here we cover the progress of ¹⁹F NMR applications in GPCR conformational and dynamic studies during the past 20 years. Current challenges and limitations of ¹⁹F NMR for studying GPCR dynamics are also discussed, along with experimental strategies that will drive this field forward.

GPCR structural characterization by NMR spectroscopy in solution

In the human proteome, 826 G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) interact with extracellular stimuli to initiate cascades of intracellular signaling. Determining conformational dynamics and intermolecular interactions are key to understand GPCR function as a basis for drug design. X-ray crystallography and cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM) contribute molecular architectures of GPCRs and GPCR-signaling complexes. NMR spectroscopy is complementary by providing information on the dynamics of GPCR structures at physiological temperature. In this review, several NMR approaches in use to probe GPCR dynamics and intermolecular interactions are discussed. The topics include uniform stable-isotope labeling, amino acid residue-selective stable-isotope labeling, site-specific labeling by genetic engineering, the introduction of ¹⁹F-NMR probes, and the use of paramagnetic nitroxide spin labels. The unique information provided by NMR spectroscopy contributes to our understanding of GPCR biology and thus adds to the foundations for rational drug design.

G Protein-coupled Receptor (GPCR) Reconstitution and Labeling for Solution Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) Studies of the Structural Basis of Transmembrane Signaling

G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) are a large membrane protein family found in higher organisms, including the human body. GPCRs mediate cellular responses to diverse extracellular stimuli and thus control key physiological functions, which makes them important targets for drug design. Signaling by GPCRs is related to the structure and dynamics of these proteins, which are modulated by extrinsic ligands as well as by intracellular binding partners such as G proteins and arrestins. Here, we review some basics of using nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy in solution for the characterization of GPCR conformations and intermolecular interactions that relate to transmembrane signaling.

Small, but powerful and attractive: 19F in biomolecular NMR

Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy is a versatile tool for probing structure, dynamics, folding, and interactions at atomic resolution. While naturally occurring magnetically active isotopes, such as ¹H, ¹³C, or ¹⁵N, are most commonly used in biomolecular NMR, with ¹⁵N and ¹³C isotopic labeling routinely employed at the present time, ¹⁹F is a very attractive and sensitive alternative nucleus, which offers rich information on biomolecules in solution and in the solid state. This perspective summarizes the unique benefits of solution and solid-state ¹⁹F NMR spectroscopy for the study of biological systems. Particular focus is on the most recent studies and on future unique and important potential applications of fluorine NMR methodology.

A Genetically Encoded F-19 NMR Probe Reveals the Allosteric Modulation Mechanism of Cannabinoid Receptor 1

Due to the lack of genetically encoded probes for fluorine-19 nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (19F NMR), its utility for probing eukaryotic membrane protein dynamics is limited. Here we report an efficient method for the genetic incorporation of an unnatural amino acid (UAA), 3'-trifluoromenthyl-phenylalanine (mtfF), into cannabinoid receptor 1 (CB1) in the Baculovirus Expression System. The probe can be inserted at any environmentally sensitive site, while causing minimal structural perturbation to the target protein. Using 19F NMR and X-ray crystallography methods, we discovered that the allosteric modulator Org27569 and agonists synergistically stabilize a previously unrecognized pre-active state. An allosteric modulation model is proposed to explain Org27569's distinct behavior. We demonstrate that our site-specific 19F NMR labeling method is a powerful tool in decoding the mechanism of GPCR allosteric modulation. This new method should be broadly applicable for uncovering conformational states for many important eukaryotic membrane proteins.

Advances in the study of GPCRs by 19F NMR

Crystallography and cryo-electron microscopy have advanced atomic resolution perspectives of inactive and active states of G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs), alone and in complex with G proteins or arrestin. ¹⁹F NMR can play a role in ascertaining activation mechanisms and understanding the complete energy landscape associated with signal transduction. Fluorinated reporters are introduced biosynthetically via fluorinated amino acid analogs or chemically, via thiol-specific fluorinated reporters. The chemical shift sensitivity of these reporters makes it possible to discern details of conformational ensembles. In addition to spectroscopic details, paramagnetic species can be incorporated through orthogonal techniques to obtain distance information on fluorinated reporters, while T₂-and T₁-based relaxation experiments provide details on exchange kinetics in addition to fluctuations within a given state.

The Potential of 19F NMR Application in GPCR Biased Drug Discovery

Although structure-based virtual drug discovery is revolutionizing the conventional high-throughput cell-based screening system, its limitation is obvious, together with other critical challenges. In particular, the resolved static snapshots fail to represent a full free-energy landscape due to homogenization in structural determination processing. The loss of conformational heterogeneity and related functional diversity emphasize the necessity of developing an approach that can fill this space. In this regard, NMR holds undeniable potential. However, outstanding questions regarding the NMR application remain. This review summarizes the limitations of current drug discovery and explores the potential of ¹⁹F NMR in establishing a conformation-guided drug screening system, advancing the cell- and structure-based discovery strategy for G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) biased drug screening.

Capturing Peptide-GPCR Interactions and Their Dynamics

Many biological functions of peptides are mediated through G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs). Upon ligand binding, GPCRs undergo conformational changes that facilitate the binding and activation of multiple effectors. GPCRs regulate nearly all physiological processes and are a favorite pharmacological target. In particular, drugs are sought after that elicit the recruitment of selected effectors only (biased ligands). Understanding how ligands bind to GPCRs and which conformational changes they induce is a fundamental step toward the development of more efficient and specific drugs. Moreover, it is emerging that the dynamic of the ligand–receptor interaction contributes to the specificity of both ligand recognition and effector recruitment, an aspect that is missing in structural snapshots from crystallography. We describe here biochemical and biophysical techniques to address ligand–receptor interactions in their structural and dynamic aspects, which include mutagenesis, crosslinking, spectroscopic techniques, and mass-spectrometry profiling. With a main focus on peptide receptors, we present methods to unveil the ligand–receptor contact interface and methods that address conformational changes both in the ligand and the GPCR. The presented studies highlight a wide structural heterogeneity among peptide receptors, reveal distinct structural changes occurring during ligand binding and a surprisingly high dynamics of the ligand–GPCR complexes.

Dynamic G Protein-Coupled Receptor Signaling Probed by Solution NMR Spectroscopy

Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy is a powerful tool for investigating various dynamic features of G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) signaling. In this Perspective, we focus on NMR techniques to characterize ligand-dependent conformational dynamics of GPCRs as well as the interaction of GPCRs with their environment and ligands. We also describe circumstances under which each technique should be applied, their advantages and disadvantages, and how they can be combined with other strategies to deepen the understanding of GPCR signaling at the molecular level.

19F NMR as a versatile tool to study membrane protein structure and dynamics

To elucidate the structures and dynamics of membrane proteins, highly advanced biophysical methods have been developed that often require significant resources, both for sample preparation and experimental analyses. For very complex systems, such as membrane transporters, ion channels or G-protein coupled receptors (GPCRs), the incorporation of a single reporter at a select site can significantly simplify the observables and the measurement/analysis requirements. Here we present examples using 19F nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy as a powerful, yet relatively straightforward tool to study (membrane) protein structure, dynamics and ligand interactions. We summarize methods to incorporate 19F labels into proteins and discuss the type of information that can be readily obtained for membrane proteins already from relatively simple NMR spectra with a focus on GPCRs as the membrane protein family most extensively studied by this technique. In the future, these approaches may be of particular interest also for many proteins that undergo complex functional dynamics and/or contain unstructured regions and thus are not amenable to X-ray crystallography or cryo electron microscopy (cryoEM) studies.

Conformational plasticity of ligand-bound and ternary GPCR complexes studied by 19F NMR of the β1-adrenergic receptor

G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) are allosteric signaling proteins that transmit an extracellular stimulus across the cell membrane. Using ¹⁹F NMR and site-specific labelling, we investigate the response of the cytoplasmic region of transmembrane helices 6 and 7 of the β₁-adrenergic receptor to agonist stimulation and coupling to a G_s-protein-mimetic nanobody. Agonist binding shows the receptor in equilibrium between two inactive states and a pre-active form, increasingly populated with higher ligand efficacy. Nanobody coupling leads to a fully active ternary receptor complex present in amounts correlating directly with agonist efficacy, consistent with partial agonism. While for different agonists the helix 6 environment in the active-state ternary complexes resides in a well-defined conformation, showing little conformational mobility, the environment of the highly conserved NPxxY motif on helix 7 remains dynamic adopting diverse, agonist-specific conformations, implying a further role of this region in receptor function. An inactive nanobody-coupled ternary receptor form is also observed.

19 F NMR Spectroscopy Tagging and Paramagnetic Relaxation Enhancement-Based Conformation Analysis of Intrinsically Disordered Protein Complexes

The combination of ¹⁹ F NMR spectroscopy tagging and paramagnetic relaxation enhancement (PRE) NMR spectroscopy experiments was evaluated as a versatile method to probe protein-protein interactions and conformational changes of intrinsically disordered proteins upon complex formation. The feasibility of the approach is illustrated with an application to the Myc-Max protein complex; this is an oncogenic transcription factor that binds enhancer box DNA fragments. The single cysteine residue of Myc was tagged with highly fluorinated [¹⁹ F]3,5-bis(trifluoromethyl)benzyl bromide. Structural dynamics of the protein complex were monitored through intermolecular PREs between ¹⁹ F-Myc and paramagnetic (1-oxyl-2,2,5,5-tetramethyl-Δ3-pyrroline-3-methyl)methanethiosulfonate (MTSL)-tagged) Max. The ¹⁹ F R₂ relaxation rates obtained with three differently MTSL-tagged Max mutants revealed novel insights into the differential structural dynamics of Myc-Max bound to DNA and the tumour suppressor breast cancer antigen 1. Given its ease of implementation, fruitful applications of this strategy to structural biology and inhibitor screening can be envisaged.

Simultaneous Ligand and Receptor Tracking through NMR Spectroscopy Enabled by Distinct 19F Labels

To probe ligand-receptor binding at the atomic-level, a frequent approach involves multidimensional nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy experiments relying on ¹³C- and/or ¹⁵N-enrichment alongside ¹H. Alternatively, the lack of fluorine in biomolecules may be exploited through specific incorporation of ¹⁹F nuclei into a sample. The ¹⁹F nucleus is highly sensitive to environmental changes and allows for one-dimensional NMR spectroscopic study, with perturbation to chemical shift and spin dynamics diagnostic of structural change, ligand binding, and modified conformational sampling. This was applied to the apelinergic system, which comprises a rhodopsin-like G protein-coupled receptor (the apelin receptor (AR)/APJ) and two families of cognate ligands, the apelin and apela (ELABELA/toddler) peptides. Specifically, AR fragments consisting of either the N-terminal tail and first transmembrane (TM) α-helix (AR55) or the first three transmembrane α-helices (TM1-3) were prepared with biosynthetic fluorotryptophan incorporation. Interactions of each AR fragment with a high-affinity, 2,4,5-trifluorophenylalanine labeled apelin analogue were compared by ¹⁹F NMR. Distinct ranges of ¹⁹F chemical shifts for ligand and receptor provide unambiguous tracking of both species, with distinct binding behaviour observed for each AR fragment implying that AR55 is not sufficient to recapitulate the physiological binding event. Site-specific perturbation was also apparent for the apelin analogue as a function of substitution site, indicating an orientational binding preference. As a whole, this strategy of distinctive ¹⁹F labelling for ligand and receptor provides a relatively fast (i.e., employing 1D NMR experiments) and highly sensitive method to simultaneously and definitively track binding in both species.

Trimethylsilyl reporter groups for NMR studies of conformational changes in G protein-coupled receptors

Large membrane proteins such as G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) are difficult for NMR study due to severe signal overlaps and unfavorable relaxation properties. We used a trimethylsilyl (TMS) group as a reporter group for ¹ H NMR study of conformational changes in proteins, utilizing high-intensity ¹ H NMR signals near 0 p.p.m. The β₂ -adrenergic receptor was labeled with TMS groups at two cysteines located at the cytoplasmic ends of helices VI and VII. Binding of various ligands led to changes in ¹ H NMR signals, which manifested that helix VI is sensitive to G protein-specific activation, whereas helix VII is sensitive to β-arrestin-specific activation. Thus, the TMS group is a useful reporter group in NMR for studying conformational changes in membrane proteins such as GPCRs.

NMR analysis of GPCR conformational landscapes and dynamics

Understanding the signal transduction mechanism mediated by the G Protein-Coupled Receptors (GPCRs) in eukaryote cells represents one of the main issues in modern biology. At the molecular level, various biophysical approaches have provided important insights on the functional plasticity of these complex allosteric machines. In this context, X-ray crystal structures published during the last decade represent a major breakthrough in GPCR structural biology, delivering important information on the activation process of these receptors through the description of the three-dimensional organization of their active and inactive states. In complement to crystals and cryo-electronic microscopy structures, information on the probability of existence of different GPCR conformations and the dynamic barriers separating those structural sub-states is required to better understand GPCR function. Among the panel of techniques available, nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy represents a powerful tool to characterize both conformational landscapes and dynamics. Here, we will outline the potential of NMR to address such biological questions, and we will illustrate the functional insights that NMR has brought in the field of GPCRs in the recent years.

Expression and Purification of a Functional E. coli 13CH3-Methionine-Labeled Thermostable Neurotensin Receptor 1 Variant for Solution NMR Studies

Escherichia coli (E. coli) is the most widely used expression host for recombinant proteins due to high expression yields and straightforward molecular cloning. Directed evolution of G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) has made several of these difficult to express membrane proteins amenable to prokaryotic expression. Here, we describe a protocol for near complete ¹³CH₃-methionine labeling of a thermostable neurotensin receptor 1 (enNTS₁) variant in E. coli for solution NMR-based dynamics studies. Our expression strategy utilizes methionine biosynthesis pathway inhibition forcing E. coli to incorporate exogenous methionine with 96% efficiency at expression levels of 2.6 mg enNTS₁ per liter of expression culture containing 50 mg of ¹³CH₃-methionine. We also provide a 3-step purification protocol that produces final yields of 0.6 mg of functional Apo-state enNTS₁.

Insight into the chromophore of rhodopsin and its Meta-II photointermediate by 19F solid-state NMR and chemical shift tensor calculations

19F nuclei are useful labels in solid-state NMR studies, since their chemical shift and tensor elements are very sensitive to the electrostatic and space-filling properties of their local environment. In this study we have exploited a fluorine substituent, strategically placed at the C-12-position of 11-cis retinal, the chromophore of visual rhodopsins. This label was used to explore the local environment of the chromophore in the ground state of bovine rhodopsin and its active photo-intermediate Meta II. In addition, the chemical shift and tensor elements of the chromophore in the free state in a membrane environment and the bound state in the protein were determined. Upon binding of the chromophore into rhodopsin and Meta II, the isotropic chemical shift changes in the opposite direction by +9.7 and -8.4 ppm, respectively. An unusually large isotropic shift difference of 35.9 ppm was observed between rhodopsin and Meta II. This partly originates in the light-triggered 11-cis to all-trans isomerization of the chromophore. The other part reflects the local conformational rearrangements in the chromophore and the binding pocket. These NMR data were correlated with the available X-ray structures of rhodopsin and Meta II using bond polarization theory. For this purpose hydrogen atoms have to be inserted and hereto a family of structures were derived that best correlated with the well-established 13C chemical shifts. Based upon these structures, a 12-F derivative was obtained that best corresponded with the experimentally determined 19F chemical shifts and tensor elements. The combined data indicate strong changes in the local environment of the C-12 position and a substantially different interaction pattern with the protein in Meta II as compared to rhodopsin.

A2A adenosine receptor functional states characterized by 19F-NMR

The human proteome contains 826 G protein-coupled receptors (GPCR), which control a wide array of key physiological functions, making them important drug targets. GPCR functions are based on allosteric coupling from the extracellular orthosteric drug binding site across the cell membrane to intracellular binding sites for partners such as G proteins and arrestins. This signaling process is related to dynamic equilibria in conformational ensembles that can be observed by NMR in solution. A previous high-resolution NMR study of the A2A adenosine receptor (A2AAR) resulted in a qualitative characterization of a network of such local polymorphisms. Here, we used 19F-NMR experiments with probes at the A2AAR intracellular surface, which provides the high sensitivity needed for a refined description of different receptor activation states by ensembles of simultaneously populated conformers and the rates of exchange among them. We observed two agonist-stabilized substates that are not measurably populated in apo-A2AAR and one inactive substate that is not seen in complexes with agonists, suggesting that A2AAR activation includes both induced fit and conformational selection mechanisms. Comparison of A2AAR and a constitutively active mutant established relations between the 19F-NMR spectra and signaling activity, which enabled direct assessment of the difference in basal activity between the native protein and its variant.

Solution NMR spectroscopy of GPCRs: Residue-specific labeling strategies with a focus on 13C-methyl methionine labeling of the atypical chemokine receptor ACKR3

The past decade has witnessed remarkable progress in the determination of G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) structures, profoundly expanding our understanding of how GPCRs recognize ligands, become activated, and interact with intracellular signaling components. In recent years, numerous studies have used solution nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy to investigate GPCRs, providing fundamental insights into GPCR conformational changes, allostery, dynamics, and other facets of GPCR function are challenging to study using other structural techniques. Despite these advantages, NMR-based studies of GPCRs are few relative to the number of published structures, due in part to the challenges and limitations of NMR for the characterization of large membrane proteins. Several studies have circumvented these challenges using a variety of isotopic labeling strategies, including side chain derivatization and metabolic incorporation of NMR-active nuclei. In this chapter, we provide an overview of different isotopic labeling strategies and describe an in-depth protocol for the expression, purification, and NMR studies of the chemokine GPCR atypical chemokine receptor 3 (ACKR3) via ¹³CH₃-methionine incorporation. The goal of this chapter is to provide a resource to the GPCR community for those interested in pursuing NMR studies of GPCRs.

GPCR drug discovery: integrating solution NMR data with crystal and cryo-EM structures

The 826 G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) in the human proteome regulate key physiological processes and thus have long been attractive drug targets. With the crystal structures of more than 50 different human GPCRs determined over the past decade, an initial platform for structure-based rational design has been established for drugs that target GPCRs, which is currently being augmented with cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM) structures of higher-order GPCR complexes. Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy in solution is one of the key approaches for expanding this platform with dynamic features, which can be accessed at physiological temperature and with minimal modification of the wild-type GPCR covalent structures. Here, we review strategies for the use of advanced biochemistry and NMR techniques with GPCRs, survey projects in which crystal or cryo-EM structures have been complemented with NMR investigations and discuss the impact of this integrative approach on GPCR biology and drug discovery.

19F NMR as a Tool for Monitoring Individual Differentially Labeled Proteins in Complex Mixtures

The ability to monitor the behavior of individual proteins in complex mixtures has many potential uses, ranging from analysis of protein interactions in highly concentrated solutions, modeling biological fluids or the intracellular environment, to optimizing biopharmaceutical co-formulations. Differential labeling NMR approaches, which traditionally use ¹⁵N or ¹³C isotope incorporation during recombinant expression, are not always practical in cases when endogenous proteins are obtained from an organism, or where the expression system does not allow for efficient labeling, especially for larger proteins. This study proposes differential labeling of proteins by covalent attachment of ¹⁹F groups with distinct chemical shifts, giving each protein a unique spectral signature which can be monitored by ¹⁹F NMR without signal overlap, even in complex mixtures, and without any interfering signals from the buffer or other unlabeled components. Parameters, such as signal intensities, translational diffusion coefficients, and transverse relaxation rates, which report on the behavior of individual proteins in the mixture, can be recorded even for proteins as large as antibodies at a wide range of concentrations.

Phosphorylation-induced conformational changes of photoactivated rhodopsin probed by fluorescent labeling at Cys140 and Cys316

In order to monitor conformational changes following photoactivation and phosphorylation of bovine rhodopsin, the two reactive sulfhydryl groups at Cys¹⁴⁰ and Cys³¹⁶ were specifically labeled with the monobromobimane (mBBr) fluorophore. Although alterations in conformation after light exposure of rhodopsin were not detected by fluorescence excitation scans (300-450 nm) of the mBBr-labeled protein, the fluorescence signal was reduced ∼ 90% in samples containing photoactivated phosphorhodopsin. Predominant labeling at either Cys¹⁴⁰ or Cys³¹⁶ in light-activated and phosphorylated rhodopsin merely generated a decrease of ∼38% and 28%, respectively, in the fluorescence excitation intensity. Thus, neither mBBr-modified Cys¹⁴⁰ nor mBBr-modified Cys³¹⁶ were involved single-handedly in the remarkable fall seen on the signal following phosphorylation of the protein; rather, the incorporation of phosphate groups on the mBBr-labeled light-activated rhodopsin appeared to affect its fluorescence signal in a cooperative or synergistic manner. These findings demonstrated that the phosphorylation of specific hydroxyl groups at the carboxyl terminal tail of rhodopsin causes definite conformational changes in the three-dimensional fold of the protein. Apparently, amino acid residues that are buried in the interior of the inactive protein become accessible following illumination and phosphorylation of rhodopsin, quenching in turn the fluorescence excitation signal of mBBr-modified rhodopsin.

Allosteric Coupling of Drug Binding and Intracellular Signaling in the A2A Adenosine Receptor

Signaling across cellular membranes, the 826 human G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) govern a wide range of vital physiological processes, making GPCRs prominent drug targets. X-ray crystallography provided GPCR molecular architectures, which also revealed the need for additional structural dynamics data to support drug development. Here, nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy with the wild-type-like A2A adenosine receptor (A2AAR) in solution provides a comprehensive characterization of signaling-related structural dynamics. All six tryptophan indole and eight glycine backbone 15N-1H NMR signals in A2AAR were individually assigned. These NMR probes provided insight into the role of Asp522.50 as an allosteric link between the orthosteric drug binding site and the intracellular signaling surface, revealing strong interactions with the toggle switch Trp 2466.48, and delineated the structural response to variable efficacy of bound drugs across A2AAR. The present data support GPCR signaling based on dynamic interactions between two semi-independent subdomains connected by an allosteric switch at Asp522.50.

Solvent-accessibility of discrete residue positions in the polypeptide hormone glucagon by 19F-NMR observation of 4-fluorophenylalanine

The amino acid 4-fluoro-L-phenylalanine (4F-Phe) was introduced at the positions of Phe6 and Phe22 in the 29-residue polypeptide hormone glucagon by expressing glucagon in E. coli in the presence of an excess of 4F-Phe. Glucagon regulates blood glucose homeostasis by interaction with the glucagon receptor (GCGR), a class B GPCR. By referencing to the 4F-Phe chemical shifts at varying D₂O concentrations, the solvent exposure of the two Phe sites along the glucagon sequence was determined, showing that 4F-Phe6 was fully solvent exposed and 4F-Phe22 was only partially exposed. The incorporation of fluorine atoms in polypeptide hormones paves the way for novel studies of their interactions with membrane-spanning receptors, specifically by differentiating between effects on the solvent accessibility, the line shapes, and the chemical shifts from interactions with lipids, detergents and proteins. Studies of interactions of GCGR with ligands in solution is at this point of keen interest, given that recent crystallographic studies revealed that an apparent small molecule antagonist actually binds as an allosteric effector at a distance of ~20 Å from the orthosteric ligand binding site (Jazayeri et al., in Nature 533:274-277, 2016).

Mechanistic insights into GPCR-G protein interactions

G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) respond to extracellular stimuli and interact with several intracellular binding partners to elicit cellular responses, including heterotrimeric G proteins. Recent structural and biophysical studies have highlighted the dynamic nature of GPCRs and G proteins and have identified specific conformational changes important for receptor-mediated nucleotide exchange on Gα. While domain separation within Gα is necessary for GDP release, opening the inter-domain interface is insufficient to stimulate nucleotide exchange. Rather, an activated receptor promotes GDP release by allosterically disrupting the nucleotide-binding site via interactions with the Gα N-termini and C-termini. Highlighting the allosteric nature of GPCRs, recent studies suggest that agonist binding alone poorly stabilizes an active conformation of several receptors. Rather, full stabilization of the receptor in an active state requires formation of the agonist-receptor-G protein ternary complex. In turn, nucleotide-free Gα is able to stabilize conformational changes around the receptor's agonist-binding site to enhance agonist affinity.

Vibrational resonance, allostery, and activation in rhodopsin-like G protein-coupled receptors

G protein-coupled receptors are a large family of membrane proteins activated by a variety of structurally diverse ligands making them highly adaptable signaling molecules. Despite recent advances in the structural biology of this protein family, the mechanism by which ligands induce allosteric changes in protein structure and dynamics for its signaling function remains a mystery. Here, we propose the use of terahertz spectroscopy combined with molecular dynamics simulation and protein evolutionary network modeling to address the mechanism of activation by directly probing the concerted fluctuations of retinal ligand and transmembrane helices in rhodopsin. This approach allows us to examine the role of conformational heterogeneity in the selection and stabilization of specific signaling pathways in the photo-activation of the receptor. We demonstrate that ligand-induced shifts in the conformational equilibrium prompt vibrational resonances in the protein structure that link the dynamics of conserved interactions with fluctuations of the active-state ligand. The connection of vibrational modes creates an allosteric association of coupled fluctuations that forms a coherent signaling pathway from the receptor ligand-binding pocket to the G-protein activation region. Our evolutionary analysis of rhodopsin-like GPCRs suggest that specific allosteric sites play a pivotal role in activating structural fluctuations that allosterically modulate functional signals.

19F labelled glycosaminoglycan probes for solution NMR and non-linear (CARS) microscopy

Studying polysaccharide-protein interactions under physiological conditions by conventional techniques is challenging. Ideally, macromolecules could be followed by both in vitro spectroscopy experiments as well as in tissues using microscopy, to enable a proper comparison of results over these different scales but, often, this is not feasible. The cell surface and extracellular matrix polysaccharides, glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) lack groups that can be detected selectively in the biological milieu. The introduction of ¹⁹F labels into GAG polysaccharides is explored and the interaction of a labelled GAG with the heparin-binding protein, antithrombin, employing ¹⁹F NMR spectroscopy is followed. Furthermore, the ability of ¹⁹F labelled GAGs to be imaged using CARS microscopy is demonstrated. ¹⁹F labelled GAGs enable both ¹⁹F NMR protein-GAG binding studies in solution at the molecular level and non-linear microscopy at a microscopic scale to be conducted on the same material, essentially free of background signals.

Protein-observed (19)F-NMR for fragment screening, affinity quantification and druggability assessment

NMR spectroscopy can be used to quantify the binding affinity between proteins and low-complexity molecules, termed 'fragments'; this versatile screening approach allows researchers to assess the druggability of new protein targets. Protein-observed (19)F-NMR (PrOF NMR) using (19)F-labeled amino acids generates relatively simple spectra that are able to provide dynamic structural information toward understanding protein folding and function. Changes in these spectra upon the addition of fragment molecules can be observed and quantified. This protocol describes the sequence-selective labeling of three proteins (the first bromodomains of Brd4 and BrdT, and the KIX domain of the CREB-binding protein) using commercially available fluorinated aromatic amino acids and fluorinated precursors as example applications of the method developed by our research group. Fragment-screening approaches are discussed, as well as Kd determination, ligand-efficiency calculations and druggability assessment, i.e., the ability to target these proteins using small-molecule ligands. Experiment times on the order of a few minutes and the simplicity of the NMR spectra obtained make this approach well-suited to the investigation of small- to medium-sized proteins, as well as the screening of multiple proteins in the same experiment.

Ring current shifts in (19)F-NMR of membrane proteins

Fluorine-19 NMR markers are attractive reporter groups for use in studies of complex biomacromolecular systems, in particular also for studies of function-related conformational equilibria and rate processes in membrane proteins. Advantages of (19)F-NMR probes include high sensitivity of the (19)F chemical shifts to variations in the non-covalent environment. Nonetheless, in studies of G protein-coupled receptors (GPCR) we encountered situations where (19)F chemical shifts were not responsive to conformational changes that had been implicated by other methods. This prompted us to examine possible effects of aromatic ring current fields on the chemical shifts of (19)F-NMR probes used in GPCRs. Analysis of previously reported (19)F-NMR data on the β2-adrenergic receptor and mammalian rhodopsin showed that all (19)F-labeling sites which manifested conformational changes are located near aromatic residues. Although ring current effects are small when compared to other known non-covalent effects on (19)F chemical shifts, there is thus an indication that their contributions are significant when studying activation processes in GPCRs, since the observed activation-related (19)F-NMR chemical shifts are comparable in size to the calculated ring current shifts. Considering the impact of ring current shifts may thus be helpful in identifying promising indigenous or engineered labeling sites for future (19)F-NMR studies of GPCR activation, and novel information may be obtained on the nature of conformational rearrangements near the (19)F-labels. It will then also be interesting to see if the presently indicated role of ring current shifts in membrane protein studies with (19)F-NMR markers can be substantiated by a more extensive data base resulting from future studies.

Structural Insights into the Dynamic Process of β2-Adrenergic Receptor Signaling

G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) transduce signals from the extracellular environment to intracellular proteins. To gain structural insight into the regulation of receptor cytoplasmic conformations by extracellular ligands during signaling, we examine the structural dynamics of the cytoplasmic domain of the β2-adrenergic receptor (β2AR) using (19)F-fluorine NMR and double electron-electron resonance spectroscopy. These studies show that unliganded and inverse-agonist-bound β2AR exists predominantly in two inactive conformations that exchange within hundreds of microseconds. Although agonists shift the equilibrium toward a conformation capable of engaging cytoplasmic G proteins, they do so incompletely, resulting in increased conformational heterogeneity and the coexistence of inactive, intermediate, and active states. Complete transition to the active conformation requires subsequent interaction with a G protein or an intracellular G protein mimetic. These studies demonstrate a loose allosteric coupling of the agonist-binding site and G-protein-coupling interface that may generally be responsible for the complex signaling behavior observed for many GPCRs.

Conformational Changes Underlying Desensitization of the Pentameric Ligand-Gated Ion Channel ELIC

Structural rearrangements underlying functional transitions of pentameric ligand-gated ion channels (pLGICs) are not fully understood. Using (19)F nuclear magnetic resonance and electron spin resonance spectroscopy, we found that ELIC, a pLGIC from Erwinia chrysanthemi, expanded the extracellular end and contracted the intracellular end of its pore during transition from the resting to an apparent desensitized state. Importantly, the contraction at the intracellular end of the pore likely forms a gate to restrict ion transport in the desensitized state. This gate differs from the hydrophobic gate present in the resting state. Conformational changes of the TM2-TM3 loop were limited to the N-terminal end. The TM4 helices and the TM3-TM4 loop appeared relatively insensitive to agonist-mediated structural rearrangement. These results indicate that conformational changes accompanying functional transitions are not uniform among different ELIC regions. This work also revealed the co-existence of multiple conformations for a given state and suggested asymmetric conformational arrangements in a homomeric pLGIC.

A comparison of chemical shift sensitivity of trifluoromethyl tags: optimizing resolution in ¹⁹F NMR studies of proteins

The elucidation of distinct protein conformers or states by fluorine ((19)F) NMR requires fluorinated moieties whose chemical shifts are most sensitive to subtle changes in the local dielectric and magnetic shielding environment. In this study we evaluate the effective chemical shift dispersion of a number of thiol-reactive trifluoromethyl probes [i.e. 2-bromo-N-(4-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl)acetamide (BTFMA), N-(4-bromo-3-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl)acetamide (3-BTFMA), 3-bromo-1,1,1-trifluoropropan-2-ol (BTFP), 1-bromo-3,3,4,4,4-pentafluorobutan-2-one (BPFB), 3-bromo-1,1,1-trifluoropropan-2-one (BTFA), and 2,2,2-trifluoroethyl-1-thiol (TFET)] under conditions of varying polarity. In considering the sensitivity of the (19)F NMR chemical shift to the local environment, a series of methanol/water mixtures were prepared, ranging from relatively non-polar (MeOH:H2O = 4) to polar (MeOH:H2O = 0.25). (19)F NMR spectra of the tripeptide, glutathione ((2S)-2-amino-4-{[(1R)-1-[(carboxymethyl)carbamoyl]-2-sulfanylethyl]carbamoyl}butanoic acid), conjugated to each of the above trifluoromethyl probes, revealed that the BTFMA tag exhibited a significantly greater range of chemical shift as a function of solvent polarity than did either BTFA or TFET. DFT calculations using the B3LYP hybrid functional and the 6-31G(d,p) basis set, confirmed the observed trend in chemical shift dispersion with solvent polarity.

Large-scale production and protein engineering of G protein-coupled receptors for structural studies

Structural studies of G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) gave insights into molecular mechanisms of their action and contributed significantly to molecular pharmacology. This is primarily due to technical advances in protein engineering, production and crystallization of these important receptor targets. On the other hand, NMR spectroscopy of GPCRs, which can provide information about their dynamics, still remains challenging due to difficulties in preparation of isotopically labeled receptors and their low long-term stabilities. In this review, we discuss methods used for expression and purification of GPCRs for crystallographic and NMR studies. We also summarize protein engineering methods that played a crucial role in obtaining GPCR crystal structures.

Protein-Inhibitor Interaction Studies Using NMR

Solution-state NMR has been widely applied to determine the three-dimensional structure, dynamics, and molecular interactions of proteins. The designs of experiments used in protein NMR differ from those used for small-molecule NMR, primarily because the information available prior to an experiment, such as molecular mass and knowledge of the primary structure, is unique for proteins compared to small molecules. In this review article, protein NMR for structural biology is introduced with comparisons to small-molecule NMR, such as descriptions of labeling strategies and the effects of molecular dynamics on relaxation. Next, applications for protein NMR are reviewed, especially practical aspects for protein-observed ligand-protein interaction studies. Overall, the following topics are described: (1) characteristics of protein NMR, (2) methods to detect protein-ligand interactions by NMR, and (3) practical aspects of carrying out protein-observed inhibitor-protein interaction studies.

Nuts and Bolts of CF3 and CH 3 NMR Toward the Understanding of Conformational Exchange of GPCRs

With the advent of efficient protein expression and functional purification protocols, it is now possible to reconstitute many G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) in detergent micelles at concentrations of 25 μM or more. Such concentrations are sufficient for studies of conformational states and dynamics relating to function and the mechanism of activation of GPCRs, using solution state NMR. In particular, methyl spectroscopy, in the form of one-dimensional (19)F NMR or two-dimensional ((1)H,(13)C) NMR, provides high fidelity spectra which reveal detailed features associated with conformational states and their lifetimes, as a function of ligand. While X-ray crystallography provides exquisitely detailed structures of lowest energy states associated with ligands, G proteins, and other proteins, NMR is able to validate such states, while providing insight into higher energy states that form part of the conformational landscape and are involved in activation. Through relaxation experiments spanning microseconds to seconds, lifetimes of these functional states can often be measured. By determining the effect of ligands on both equilibrium populations and rates of interconversion between states, it becomes possible to understand activation in terms of an ensemble description and in turn relate the ensemble to pharmaceutical phenomena.

Differential dynamics of extracellular and cytoplasmic domains in denatured States of rhodopsin

Rhodopsin is a model system for understanding membrane protein folding. Recently, conditions that allow maximally denaturing rhodopsin without causing aggregation have been determined, opening the door to the first structural characterization of denatured states of rhodopsin by nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy. One-dimensional ¹H NMR spectra confirm a progressive increase in flexibility of resonances in rhodopsin with increasing denaturant concentrations. Two-dimensional ¹H–¹⁵N HSQC spectra of [¹⁵N]-α-lysine-labeled rhodopsin in which signals arise primarily from residues in the cytoplasmic (CP) domain and of [¹⁵N]-α,ε-tryptophan-labeled rhodopsin in which signals arise only from transmembrane (TM) and extracellular (EC) residues indicate qualitatively that EC and CP domains may be differentially affected by denaturation. To obtain residue-specific information, particular residues in EC and CP domains were investigated by site-directed spin labeling. EPR spectra of the spin-labeled samples indicate that the EC residues retain more rigidity in the denatured states than the CP residues. These results support the notion of residual structure in denatured states of rhodopsin.