Cooperative interactions between the amino- and carboxyl-terminal lobes contribute to the unique iron-binding stability of lactoferrin

A conserved asparagine residue stabilizes iron binding in Manduca sexta transferrin-1

Transferrin 1 (Tsf1) is an insect-specific iron-binding protein that is abundant in hemolymph and other extracellular fluids. It binds iron tightly at neutral pH and releases iron under acidic conditions. Tsf1 influences the distribution of iron in the body and protects against infection. Elucidating the mechanisms by which Tsf1 achieves these functions will require an understanding of how Tsf1 binds and releases iron. Previously, crystallized Tsf1 from Manduca sexta was shown to have a novel type of iron coordination that involves four iron-binding ligands: two tyrosine residues (Tyr90 and Tyr204), a buried carbonate anion, and a solvent-exposed carbonate anion. The solvent-exposed carbonate anion was bound by a single amino acid residue, a highly conserved asparagine at position 121 (Asn121); thus, we predicted that Asn121 would be essential for high-affinity iron binding. To test this hypothesis, we analyzed the iron-binding and -release properties of five forms of recombinant Tsf1: wild-type, a Y90F/Y204F double mutant (negative control), and three Asn121 mutants (N121A, N121D and N121S). Each of the Asn121 mutants exhibited altered spectral properties, confirming that Asn121 contributes to iron coordination. The N121D and N121S mutations resulted in slightly lower affinity for iron, especially at acidic pH, while iron binding and release by the N121A mutant was indistinguishable from that of the wild-type protein. The surprisingly minor consequences of mutating Asn121, despite its high degree of conservation in diverse insect species, suggest that Asn121 may play a role that is essential in vivo but non-essential for high affinity iron binding in vitro.

Lactoferrin: from the structure to the functional orchestration of iron homeostasis

Iron is by far the most widespread and essential transition metal, possessing crucial biological functions for living systems. Despite chemical advantages, iron biology has forced organisms to face with some issues: ferric iron insolubility and ferrous-driven formation of toxic radicals. For these reasons, acquisition and transport of iron constitutes a formidable challenge for cells and organisms, which need to maintain adequate iron concentrations within a narrow range, allowing biological processes without triggering toxic effects. Higher organisms have evolved extracellular carrier proteins to acquire, transport and manage iron. In recent years, a renewed interest in iron biology has highlighted the role of iron-proteins dysregulation in the onset and/or exacerbation of different pathological conditions. However, to date, no resolutive therapy for iron disorders has been found. In this review, we outline the efficacy of Lactoferrin, a member of the transferrin family mainly secreted by exocrine glands and neutrophils, as a new emerging orchestrator of iron metabolism and homeostasis, able to counteract iron disorders associated to different pathologies, including iron deficiency and anemia of inflammation in blood, Parkinson and Alzheimer diseases in the brain and cystic fibrosis in the lung.

Iron binding and release properties of transferrin-1 from Drosophila melanogaster and Manduca sexta: Implications for insect iron homeostasis

Transferrins belong to an ancient family of extracellular proteins. The best-characterized transferrins are mammalian proteins that function in iron sequestration or iron transport; they accomplish these functions by having a high-affinity iron-binding site in each of their two homologous lobes. Insect hemolymph transferrins (Tsf1s) also function in iron sequestration and transport; however, sequence-based predictions of their iron-binding residues have suggested that most Tsf1s have a single, lower-affinity iron-binding site. To reconcile the apparent contradiction between the known physiological functions and predicted biochemical properties of Tsf1s, we purified and characterized the iron-binding properties of Drosophila melanogaster Tsf1 (DmTsf1), Manduca sexta Tsf1 (MsTsf1), and the amino-lobe of DmTsf1 (DmTsf1_N). Using UV-Vis spectroscopy, we found that these proteins bind iron, but they exhibit shifts in their spectra compared to mammalian transferrins. Through equilibrium dialysis experiments, we determined that DmTsf1 and MsTsf1 bind only one ferric ion; their affinity for iron is high (log K' = 18), but less than that of the well-characterized mammalian transferrins (log K' ~ 20); and they release iron under moderately acidic conditions (pH₅₀ = 5.5). Iron release analysis of DmTsf1_N suggested that iron binding in the amino-lobe is stabilized by the carboxyl-lobe. These findings will be critical for elucidating the mechanisms of Tsf1 function in iron sequestration and transport in insects.

Lactoferrin, a Pleiotropic Protein in Health and Disease

SIGNIFICANCE

Lactoferrin (Lf) is a nonheme iron-binding glycoprotein strongly expressed in human and bovine milk and it plays many functions during infancy such as iron homeostasis and defense against microorganisms. In humans, Lf is mainly expressed in mucosal epithelial and immune cells. Growing evidence suggests multiple physiological roles for Lf after weaning.

RECENT ADVANCES

The aim of this review is to highlight the recent advances concerning multifunctional Lf activities.

CRITICAL ISSUES

First, we will provide an overview of the mechanisms related to Lf intrinsic synthesis or intestinal absorption as well as its interaction with a wide spectrum of mammalian receptors and distribution in organs and cell types. Second, we will discuss the large variety of its physiological functions such as iron homeostasis, transportation, immune regulation, oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis while specifying the mechanisms of action. Third, we will focus on its recent physiopathology implication in metabolic disorders, including obesity, type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases. Additional efforts are necessary before suggesting the potential use of Lf as a diagnostic marker or as a therapeutic tool.

FUTURE DIRECTIONS

The main sources of Lf in human cardiometabolic disorders should be clarified to identify new perspectives for future research and develop new strategies using Lf in therapeutics. Antioxid. Redox Signal. 24, 813-836.

In vitro heme and non-heme iron capture from hemoglobin, myoglobin and ferritin by bovine lactoferrin and implications for suppression of reactive oxygen species in vivo

Lactoferrin (Lf), present in colostrum and milk is a member of the transferrin family of iron-binding glyco-proteins, with stronger binding capacity to ferric iron than hemoglobin, myoglobin or transferrin. Unlike hemoglobin and myoglobin, iron-bound Lf is reasonably stable to gastric and duodenal digestive conditions. Unlike ferrous iron, ferric iron is not directly reactive with oxygen supporting the capacity of Lf capture of heme iron to suppress reactive oxygen species (ROS) production. We therefore hypothesized that bovine Lf could capture and thereby terminate the cycle of ROS production by heme iron. The transfer of heme iron from either intact or digested forms of hemoglobin and myoglobin and from intact ferritin was demonstrated by in vitro methods, monitoring Fe-saturation status of Lf by changes in absorptivity at 465 nm. The results are discussed in the context of new proposed opportunities for orally administered Lf to regulate oxidative damage associated with heme iron. In addition to potentially suppressing oxidative heme-iron-mediated tissue damage in the lumen, Lf is expected to also reverse the overload of ferritin-bound iron, that accompanies chronic inflammation and aging. These new proposed uses of Lf are additional to known host defense functions that include anti-microbial, anti-viral properties, immune and cancer cell growth regulation. The findings and interpretations presented require clinical substantiation and may support important additional protective and therapeutic uses for Lf in the future.

Evaluation of different methods for determination of the iron saturation level in bovine lactoferrin

Lactoferrin (Lf) samples with ca. 25%, 50%, 75%, 85% and 100% iron saturation were prepared for the purpose of evaluating Chromametry, Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) and Circular Dichroism (CD) spectropolarimetry for their suitability in determining the iron saturation level. Numerical values for colour from Chromametry, enthalpy change of denaturation (ΔHcal) from DSC and molar ellipticities from CD were statistically analysed to evaluate their correlation with the level of iron saturation in Lf. Linear regression analysis of colour coordinates Chroma (C(∗)) and hue (h°) angle on percentage iron saturation level of Lf showed that the values can be used to estimate the iron saturation level. The ΔHcal for the iron saturated peak and the CD ellipticities in the 310-340 nm region provided reliable data for the estimation of iron saturation level of Lf up to 75%. Mono- and di-saturated Lf displayed the same thermal stability and very similar tertiary structures.

A structural perspective on lactoferrin function1This article is part of a Special Issue entitled Lactoferrin and has undergone the Journal's usual peer review process

The 3-D structure of human lactoferrin was first solved in atomic detail in 1987. Since that time, a variety of proven and postulated activities have been added to the original annotation of lactoferrin as an iron-binding protein. Structural studies have also expanded to include iron-bound and iron-free (apo) forms, mutants, and the lactoferrins of different species. In this review, we take the current information on both structure and function and show that the 3-D structure provides a useful framework for understanding some activities and also points to productive research directions that could help elucidate other reported functions. Some functions relate to iron binding where the role of lactoferrin is to scavenge and retain iron across a wide pH range. We specifically focus on functions that depend on the surface structure of the molecule, identifying features that may determine the many other protective properties of this multifunctional protein.

Antiviral properties of lactoferrin--a natural immunity molecule

Lactoferrin, a multifunctional iron binding glycoprotein, plays an important role in immune regulation and defence mechanisms against bacteria, fungi and viruses. Lactoferrin’s iron withholding ability is related to inhibition of microbial growth as well as to modulation of motility, aggregation and biofilm formation of pathogenic bacteria. Independently of iron binding capability, lactoferrin interacts with microbial, viral and cell surfaces thus inhibiting microbial and viral adhesion and entry into host cells. Lactoferrin can be considered not only a primary defense factor against mucosal infections, but also a polyvalent regulator which interacts in viral infectious processes. Its antiviral activity, demonstrated against both enveloped and naked viruses, lies in the early phase of infection, thus preventing entry of virus in the host cell. This activity is exerted by binding to heparan sulphate glycosaminoglycan cell receptors, or viral particles or both. Despite the antiviral effect of lactoferrin, widely demonstrated in vitro studies, few clinical trials have been carried out and the related mechanism of action is still under debate. The nuclear localization of lactoferrin in different epithelial human cells suggests that lactoferrin exerts its antiviral effect not only in the early phase of surface interaction virus-cell, but also intracellularly. The capability of lactoferrin to exert a potent antiviral activity, through its binding to host cells and/or viral particles, and its nuclear localization strengthens the idea that lactoferrin is an important brick in the mucosal wall, effective against viral attacks and it could be usefully applied as novel strategy for treatment of viral infections.

Bovine lactoferrin region responsible for binding to bifidobacterial cell surface proteins

Bovine lactoferrin promotes bifidobacterial growth. Its binding to bifidobacteria is thought to be responsible for such action. After separating the bovine lactoferrin half molecule and extraction of surface proteins from bifidobacteria, binding profiles were observed by immunoblotting. No binding appeared when lactoferrin C-lobe was reacted with the cell surface proteins on a polyvinylidene difluoride membrane. Conversely, a 50-kDa band appeared when the surface proteins were reacted with either intact or nicked bovine lactoferrin. This result strongly suggests that the binding region could be lactoferrin N-lobe. Interestingly, despite the absence of binding, C-lobe enhanced bifidobacterial growth.

A structural comparison of human serum transferrin and human lactoferrin

The transferrins are a family of proteins that bind free iron in the blood and bodily fluids. Serum transferrins function to deliver iron to cells via a receptor-mediated endocytotic process as well as to remove toxic free iron from the blood and to provide an anti-bacterial, low-iron environment. Lactoferrins (found in bodily secretions such as milk) are only known to have an anti-bacterial function, via their ability to tightly bind free iron even at low pH, and have no known transport function. Though these proteins keep the level of free iron low, pathogenic bacteria are able to thrive by obtaining iron from their host via expression of outer membrane proteins that can bind to and remove iron from host proteins, including both serum transferrin and lactoferrin. Furthermore, even though human serum transferrin and lactoferrin are quite similar in sequence and structure, and coordinate iron in the same manner, they differ in their affinities for iron as well as their receptor binding properties: the human transferrin receptor only binds serum transferrin, and two distinct bacterial transport systems are used to capture iron from serum transferrin and lactoferrin. Comparison of the recently solved crystal structure of iron-free human serum transferrin to that of human lactoferrin provides insight into these differences.

Lactoferrin expression in the horse endometrium: Relevance in persisting mating-induced endometritis

Lactoferrin (LF) is an estrogen-regulated glycoprotein with well-described antibacterial and immunomodulatory properties. The present study is the first report on LF expression in horse endometrial specimens. Mares chosen for the study were either resistant or susceptible for persisting mating-induced endometritis (PMIE) during the natural ovulatory cycle and in early pregnancy. Our investigations included immunostaining for LF protein and CD18, a leukocyte marker, as neutrophils are a possible source for LF in the endometrium. Quantification of LF mRNA was performed by use of real-time RT-PCR. This study demonstrated that LF protein in equine endometrium was expressed in glandular and luminal epithelium and in neutrophils. Similar to other mammalian species, the level of endometrial LF transcription in the mare was modulated according to the stage of the estrus cycle and was 5500-fold higher during estrus compared with diestrus and early pregnancy. The endometria from mares susceptible for PMIE and delayed uterine clearance exhibited an increased LF transcription during all stages of the estrus cycle that reached statistical significance in proestrus. In the endometria of mares susceptible for PMIE the upregulated LF mRNA expression was not associated with a higher number of CD18 positive leukocytes but correlated with the number of uterine glands. Enhanced LF transcription within the endometrial epithelium might therefore be a response to recurrent persisting inflammation following insemination in mares with delayed uterine clearance.

The crystal structure of iron-free human serum transferrin provides insight into inter-lobe communication and receptor binding

Serum transferrin reversibly binds iron in each of two lobes and delivers it to cells by a receptor-mediated, pH-dependent process. The binding and release of iron result in a large conformational change in which two subdomains in each lobe close or open with a rigid twisting motion around a hinge. We report the structure of human serum transferrin (hTF) lacking iron (apo-hTF), which was independently determined by two methods: 1) the crystal structure of recombinant non-glycosylated apo-hTF was solved at 2.7-A resolution using a multiple wavelength anomalous dispersion phasing strategy, by substituting the nine methionines in hTF with selenomethionine and 2) the structure of glycosylated apo-hTF (isolated from serum) was determined to a resolution of 2.7A by molecular replacement using the human apo-N-lobe and the rabbit holo-C1-subdomain as search models. These two crystal structures are essentially identical. They represent the first published model for full-length human transferrin and reveal that, in contrast to family members (human lactoferrin and hen ovotransferrin), both lobes are almost equally open: 59.4 degrees and 49.5 degrees rotations are required to open the N- and C-lobes, respectively (compared with closed pig TF). Availability of this structure is critical to a complete understanding of the metal binding properties of each lobe of hTF; the apo-hTF structure suggests that differences in the hinge regions of the N- and C-lobes may influence the rates of iron binding and release. In addition, we evaluate potential interactions between apo-hTF and the human transferrin receptor.

Evolution of the transferrin family: Conservation of residues associated with iron and anion binding

The transferrin family spans both vertebrates and invertebrates. It includes serum transferrin, ovotransferrin, lactoferrin, melanotransferrin, inhibitor of carbonic anhydrase, saxiphilin, the major yolk protein in sea urchins, the crayfish protein, pacifastin, and a protein from green algae. Most (but not all) contain two domains of around 340 residues, thought to have evolved from an ancient duplication event. For serum transferrin, ovotransferrin and lactoferrin each of the duplicated lobes binds one atom of Fe (III) and one carbonate anion. With a few notable exceptions each iron atom is coordinated to four conserved amino acid residues: an aspartic acid, two tyrosines, and a histidine, while anion binding is associated with an arginine and a threonine in close proximity. These six residues in each lobe were examined for their evolutionary conservation in the homologous N- and C-lobes of 82 complete transferrin sequences from 61 different species. Of the ligands in the N-lobe, the histidine ligand shows the most variability in sequence. Also, of note, four of the twelve insect transferrins have glutamic acid substituted for aspartic acid in the N-lobe (as seen in the bacterial ferric binding proteins). In addition, there is a wide spread substitution of lysine for the anion binding arginine in the N-lobe in many organisms including all of the fish, the sea squirt and many of the unusual family members i.e., saxiphilin and the green alga protein. It is hoped that this short analysis will provide the impetus to establish the true function of some of the TF family members that clearly lack the ability to bind iron in one or both lobes and additionally clarify the evolutionary history of this important family of proteins.

A transferrin-like protein that does not bind iron is induced by iron deficiency in the alga Dunaliella salina

Iron deficiency induces two major transferrin-like proteins in the plasma membrane (Pm) of the halotolerant alga Dunaliella salina. TTf, a 150-kDa protein, previously identified as a salt-induced triplicated transferrin, having iron-binding characteristics resembling animal transferrins, and a 100-kDa protein designated idi-100 (for iron-deficiency-induced 100 kDa protein). According to the predicted amino acid sequence of idi-100, it is only 30% identical to TTf and differs from it in having two, rather than three, homologous internal repeats and in a lower conservation of canonical iron/bicarbonate binding residues. Both are localized in the outer surface of the membrane; however, TTf can be dissociated from the membrane by treatment with EDTA, whereas release of idi-100 requires detergents. The accumulation of idi-100 under iron deficiency lags behind that of TTf and in contrast to TTf, it is not induced by high salinity, suggesting that induction of idi-100 requires lower Fe threshold levels than that of TTf. In contrast to TTf, idi-100 does not bind Fe; however, there are indications for interactions with bicarbonate ions. These results suggest that despite their common resemblance to transferrins, their similar subcellular localization and their induction by iron deficiency, idi-100 and TTf fulfill different functions.

Dealing with iron: common structural principles in proteins that transport iron and heme

Iron is essential to life, but poses severe problems because of its toxicity and the insolubility of hydrated ferric ions at neutral pH. In animals, a family of proteins called transferrins are responsible for the sequestration, transport, and distribution of free iron. Comparison of the structure and function of transferrins with a completely unrelated protein hemopexin, which carries out the same function for heme, identifies molecular features that contribute to a successful protein system for iron acquisition, transport, and release. These include a two-domain protein structure with flexible hinges that allow these domains to enclose the bound ligand and provide suitable chemistry for stable binding and an appropriate trigger for release.

Expression, characterization, and biologic activity of recombinant human lactoferrin in rice

BACKGROUND

Lactoferrin has been suggested to have many biologic activities, such as facilitating iron absorption and having antimicrobial and antiinflammatory effects. In humans, several of these activities are likely to only be facilitated by human lactoferrin because they depend on the binding of human lactoferrin to specific receptors. Rice may be a useful vehicle to introduce recombinant human lactoferrin to infant foods because it has low allergenicity and is likely to be safer than using microorganisms or transgenic animals.

METHODS

Recombinant human lactoferrin was expressed in the rice cell culture system, and its biologic activity was assessed by iron-binding and -releasing properties, antimicrobial activity, and binding and uptake to Caco-2 cells. The authors also compared the stability of recombinant and native human lactoferrins against heat, low pH, and in vitro digestion.

RESULTS

Biologic activity of rice-expressed recombinant human lactoferrin was similar to that of native human lactoferrin. Heat-treated proteins retained their functional activities except with severe treatment at 100 degrees C for 8 seconds, which disturbed the iron-binding capacity of recombinant human lactoferrin. Both types of proteins retained their functional activities between pH 2 and 7.4. After in vitro digestion, 50% of both proteins were detectable by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay. The remaining native and recombinant lactoferrins retained antimicrobial and Caco-2 binding and uptake activities.

CONCLUSIONS

The results indicate recombinant human lactoferrin has stability similar to native human lactoferrin when exposed to thermal treatment, pH treatment, and in vitro digestion, suggesting it may be active when added to infant formula.

Differential expression and estrogen response of lactoferrin gene in the female reproductive tract of mouse, rat, and hamster

Lactoferrin, an iron-binding glycoprotein, kills bacteria and modulates inflammatory and immune responses. Presence of lactoferrin in the female reproductive tract suggests that the protein may be part of the mucosal immune system and act as the first line of defense against pathogenic organisms. We have discovered that lactoferrin is a major estrogen-inducible protein in the uterus of immature mice and is up-regulated by physiological levels of estrogen during proestrous in mature mice. In the present study, we examined lactoferrin gene expression and its response to estrogen stimulation in the female reproductive tract of several strains of immature mouse, rat, and hamster. The lactoferrin expression in the cycling adult female rat was also evaluated. Lactoferrin gene polymorphism exists among the different mouse strains. In the three inbred mouse strains studied, lactoferrin gene expression is stimulated by estrogen in the immature uterus, although it is less robust than in the outbred CD-1 mouse. We found that the lactoferrin gene is constitutively expressed in the epithelium of the vagina and the isthmus oviduct; however, it is estrogen inducible in the uterus of immature mice and rats. Furthermore, lactoferrin is elevated in the uterine epithelium of the mature rat during the proestrous and estrous stages of the estrous cycle. Estrogen stimulation of lactoferrin gene expression in the reproductive tract of an immature hamster is limited to the vaginal epithelium. The present study demonstrates differential expression and estrogen responsiveness of the lactoferrin gene in different regions of the female rodent reproductive tract and variation among the rodent species studied.

Lactoferrin and host defense

Lactoferrin is a multifunctional member of the transferrin family of nonheme iron-binding glycoproteins. Lactoferrin is found at the mucosal surface where it functions as a prominent component of the first line of host defense against infection and inflammation. The protein is also an abundant component of the specific granules of neutrophils and can be released into the serum upon neutrophil degranulation. While the iron-binding properties were originally believed to be solely responsible for the host defense properties ascribed to lactoferrin, it is now known that other mechanisms contribute to the broad spectrum anti-infective and anti-inflammatory roles of this protein. In this article, current information on the functions and mechanism of action of lactoferrin are reviewed, with particular emphasis on the activities that contribute to this protein's role in host defense. In addition, studies demonstrating that lactoferrin inhibits allergen-induced skin inflammation in both mice and humans, most likely secondary to TNF-alpha (tumor necrosis factor alpha) production, are summarized. Collectively, these results suggest that lactoferrin functions as a key component of mammalian host defense at the mucosal surface.

Occurrence, structure, biochemical properties and technological characteristics of lactoferrin

The structure of the iron-binding glycoprotein lactoferrin, present in milk and other exocrine secretions, has been elucidated in great detail, both the three-dimensional protein structure and the attached N-glycans. Structure-function relationships are being established. From these studies a function for lactoferrin in host defence and modulation of iron metabolism emerges. This paper describes in some detail how iron and other cations may be bound by lactoferrins from human or bovine sources and elucidates parts of the molecule that are critical for interactions with cells and biomolecules. Furthermore, the technological aspects, more specifically the heat-sensitivity, of bovine lactoferrin in different matrices are described.

Transferrins: iron release from lactoferrin

Iron loss in vitro by the iron scavenger bovine lactoferrin was investigated in acidic media in the presence of three different monoanions (NO(3)(-), Cl(-) and Br(-)) and one dianion (SO(4)(2-)). Holo and monoferric C-site lactoferrins lose iron in acidic media (pH< or =3.5) by a four-step mechanism. The first two steps describe modifications in the conformation affecting the whole protein, which occur also with apolactoferrin. These two processes are independent of iron load and are followed by a third step consisting of the gain of two protons. This third step is kinetically controlled by the interaction with two Cl(-), Br(-) and NO(3)(-) or one SO(4)(2-). In the fourth step, iron loss is under the kinetic control of a slow gain of two protons; third-order rate-constants k(2), 4.3(+/-0.2)x10(3), 3.4(+/-0.5)x10(3), 3.3(+/-0.5)x10(3) and 1.5(+/-0.5)x10(3) M(-2) s(-1) when the protein is in interaction with SO(4)(2-), NO(3)(-), Cl(-) or Br(-), respectively. This step is accompanied by the loss of the interaction with the anions; equilibrium constant K(2), 20+/-5 mM, 1.0(+/-0.2)x10(-1), 1.5(+/-0.5)x10(-1) and 1.0(+/-0.3)x10(-1) M(2), for SO(4)(-), NO(3)(-), Cl(-) and Br(-), respectively. This mechanism is very different from that determined in mildly acidic media at low ionic strength (micro<0.5) for the iron transport proteins, serum transferrin and ovotransferrin, with which no prior change in conformation or interaction with anions is required. These differences may result from the fact that in the transport proteins, the interdomain hydrogen bonds that consolidate the closed conformation of the iron-binding cleft occur between amino acid side-chain residues that can protonate in mildly acidic media. With bovine lactoferrin, most of the interdomain hydrogen bonds involved in the C-site and one of those involved in the N-site occur between amino acid side-chain residues that cannot protonate. The breaking of the interdomain H-bond upon protonation can trigger the opening of the iron cleft, facilitating iron loss in serum transferrin and ovotransferrin. This situation is, however, different in lactoferrin, where iron loss requires a prior change in conformation. This can explain why lactoferrin does not lose its iron load in acidic media and why it is not involved in iron transport in acidic endosomes.

Crystal structure of hen apo-ovotransferrin. Both lobes adopt an open conformation upon loss of iron

The three-dimensional crystal structure of hen apo-ovotransferrin has been solved by molecular replacement and refined by simulated annealing and restrained least squares to a 3.0-A resolution. The final model, which comprises 5312 protein atoms (residues 1 to 686) and 28 carbohydrate atoms (from two monosaccharides attached to Asn(473)), gives an R-factor of 0.231 for the 11,989 observed reflections between 20.0- and 3.0-A resolution. In the structure, both empty iron binding clefts are in the open conformation, lending weight to the theory that Fe(3+) binding or release in transferrin proceeds via a mechanism that involves domain opening and closure. Upon opening, the domains rotate essentially as rigid bodies. The two domains of the N-lobe rotate away from one another by 53 degrees, whereas the C-lobe domains rotate away each another by 35 degrees. These rotations take place about an axis that passes through the two beta-strands, linking the domains. The domains of each lobe make different contacts with one another in the open and closed forms. These contacts form two interdomain interfaces on either side of the rotation axis, and domain opening or closing produces a see-saw motion between these two alternative close-packed interfaces. The interdomain disulfide bridge (Cys(478)-Cys(671)), found only in the C-lobe, may restrict domain opening but does not completely prevent it.

Mutagenesis of the aspartic acid ligands in human serum transferrin: lobe-lobe interaction and conformation as revealed by antibody, receptor-binding and iron-release studies

Recombinant non-glycosylated human serum transferrin and mutants in which the liganding aspartic acid (D) in one or both lobes was changed to a serine residue (S) were produced in a mammalian cell system and purified from the tissue culture media. Significant downfield shifts of 20, 30, and 45 nm in the absorption maxima were found for the D63S-hTF, D392S-hTF and the double mutant, D63S/D392S-hTF when compared to wild-type hTF. A monoclonal antibody to a sequential epitope in the C-lobe of hTF reported affinity differences between the apo- and iron-forms of each mutant and the control. Cell-binding studies performed under the same buffer conditions used for the antibody work clearly showed that the mutated lobe(s) had an open cleft. It is not clear whether the receptor itself may play a role in promoting the open conformation or whether the iron remains in the cleft.

Expression and characterization of recombinant murine lactoferrin

Lactoferrin (Mw=78 kDa) is a member of the transferrin family of iron-binding glycoproteins. Previous studies carried out primarily in vitro indicate that the protein has multifunctional properties and may be involved in regulation of iron homeostasis, inhibition of bacterial growth and regulation of immune responses. However, the significance and species specificity of these proposed functions in vivo have not been adequately addressed due to lack of sufficient purified homospecies lactoferrin for analysis in small animal models. We previously reported the successful production of biologically active recombinant human lactoferrin using an Aspergillus expression system. In the present study, we report the production of recombinant murine lactoferrin using a similar expression strategy. Recombinant murine lactoferrin was purified to homogeneity and was similar in size and immunoreactivity to native murine milk lactoferrin. The recombinant protein was correctly processed at its N-terminus and was glycosylated. Interestingly, while both human and murine lactoferrin bind iron in a 2:1 molar ratio, iron bound to recombinant murine lactoferrin was more acid labile than human lactoferrin, demonstrating species-specific variation in the stability of iron-binding to this protein. Finally, the availability of recombinant murine lactoferrin will now facilitate the study of the species specificity of lactoferrin action in a mouse model system.

Three-dimensional structure of diferric bovine lactoferrin at 2.8 A resolution

The three-dimensional structure of diferric bovine lactoferrin (bLf) has been determined by X-ray crystallography in order to investigate the factors that influence iron binding and release by transferrins. The structure was solved by molecular replacement, using the coordinates of diferric human lactoferrin (hLf) as a search model, and was refined with data to 2.8 A resolution by simulated annealing (X-PLOR) and restrained least squares (TNT). The final model comprises 5310 protein atoms (residues 5 to 689), 124 carbohydrate atoms (from ten monosaccharide units, in three glycan chains), 2 Fe3+, 2 CO32- and 50 water molecules. This model gives an R-factor of 0.232 for 21440 reflections in the resolution range 30.0 to 2.8 A. The folding of the bLf molecule is essentially the same as that of hLf, but bLf differs in the extent of closure of the two domains of each lobe, and in the relative orientations of the two lobes. Differences in domain closure are attributed to amino acid changes in the interface, and differences in lobe orientations to slightly altered packing of two hydrophobic patches between the lobes. Changed interdomain interactions may explain the lesser iron affinity of bLf, compared with hLf, and two lysine residues behind the N-lobe iron site of bLf offer new insights into the "dilysine trigger" mechanism proposed for iron release by transferrins. The bLf structure is also notable for several well-defined oligosaccharide units which demonstrate the structural factors that stabilise carbohydrate structure. One glycan chain, attached to Asn545, appears to contribute to interdomain interactions and may modulate iron release from the C-lobe.