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Dworakowska B, Nurowska E, Dołowy K. Hydrocortisone inhibition of wild-type and αD200Q nicotinic acetylcholine receptors. Chem Biol Drug Des 2018; 92:1610-1617. [DOI: 10.1111/cbdd.13325] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2017] [Revised: 03/23/2018] [Accepted: 04/23/2018] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Beata Dworakowska
- Department of Biophysics; Warsaw University of Life Sciences-SGGW; Warsaw Poland
| | - Ewa Nurowska
- Laboratory of Physiology and Pathophysiology; Centre for Preclinical Research and Technology (CePT); Medical University of Warsaw; Warsaw Poland
| | - Krzysztof Dołowy
- Department of Biophysics; Warsaw University of Life Sciences-SGGW; Warsaw Poland
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2
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Rothert M, Rönfeldt D, Beitz E. Electrostatic attraction of weak monoacid anions increases probability for protonation and passage through aquaporins. J Biol Chem 2017; 292:9358-9364. [PMID: 28360107 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m117.782516] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2017] [Revised: 03/28/2017] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
A positive electrostatic field emanating from the center of the aquaporin (AQP) water and solute channel is responsible for the repulsion of cations. At the same time, however, a positive field will attract anions. In this regard, l-lactate/lactic acid permeability has been shown for various isoforms of the otherwise highly water and neutral substrate selective AQP family. The structural requirements rendering certain AQPs permeable for weak monoacids and the mechanism of conduction have remained unclear. Here, we show by profiling pH-dependent substrate permeability, measurements of media alkalization, and proton decoupling that AQP9 acts as a channel for the protonated, neutral monocarboxylic acid species. Intriguingly, the obtained permeability rates indicate an up to 10 times higher probability of passage via AQP9 than given by the fraction of the protonated acid substrate at a certain pH. We generated AQP9 point mutants showing that this effect is independent from properties of the channel interior but caused by the protein surface electrostatics. Monocarboxylic acid-conducting AQPs thus employ a mechanism similar to the family of formate-nitrite transporters for weak monoacids. On a more general basis, our data illustrate semiquantitatively the contribution of surface electrostatics to the interaction of charged molecule substrates or ligands with target proteins, such as channels, transporters, enzymes, or receptors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monja Rothert
- From the Department of Pharmaceutical and Medicinal Chemistry, Christian-Albrechts-University of Kiel, 24118 Kiel, Germany
| | - Deike Rönfeldt
- From the Department of Pharmaceutical and Medicinal Chemistry, Christian-Albrechts-University of Kiel, 24118 Kiel, Germany
| | - Eric Beitz
- From the Department of Pharmaceutical and Medicinal Chemistry, Christian-Albrechts-University of Kiel, 24118 Kiel, Germany
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3
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Impellizzeri AAR, Pappalardo M, Basile L, Manfra O, Andressen KW, Krobert KA, Messina A, Levy FO, Guccione S. Identification of essential residues for binding and activation in the human 5-HT7(a) serotonin receptor by molecular modeling and site-directed mutagenesis. Front Behav Neurosci 2015; 9:92. [PMID: 26005408 PMCID: PMC4424842 DOI: 10.3389/fnbeh.2015.00092] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2015] [Accepted: 03/31/2015] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The human 5-HT7 receptor is expressed in both the central nervous system and peripheral tissues and is a potential drug target in behavioral and psychiatric disorders. We examined molecular determinants of ligand binding and G protein activation by the human 5-HT7(a) receptor. The role of several key residues in the 7th transmembrane domain (TMD) and helix 8 were elucidated combining in silico and experimental mutagenesis. Several single and two double point mutations of the 5-HT7(a) wild type receptor were made (W7.33V, E7.35T, E7.35R, E7.35D, E7.35A, R7.36V, Y7.43A, Y7.43F, Y7.43T, R8.52D, D8.53K; E7.35T-R7.36V, R8.52D-D8.53K), and their effects upon ligand binding were assessed by radioligand binding using a potent agonist (5-CT) and a potent antagonist (SB269970). In addition, the ability of the mutated 5-HT7(a) receptors to activate G protein after 5-HT-stimulation was determined through activation of adenylyl cyclase. In silico investigation on mutated receptors substantiated the predicted importance of TM7 and showed critical roles of residues E7.35, W7.33, R7.36 and Y7.43 in agonist and antagonist binding and conformational changes of receptor structure affecting adenylyl cyclase activation. Experimental data showed that mutants E7.35T and E7.35R were incapable of ligand binding and adenylyl cyclase activation, consistent with a requirement for a negatively charged residue at this position. The mutant R8.52D was unable to activate adenylyl cyclase, despite unaffected ligand binding, consistent with the R8.52 residue playing an important role in the receptor-G protein interface. The mutants Y7.43A and Y7.43T displayed reduced agonist binding and AC agonist potency, not seen in Y7.43F, consistent with a requirement for an aromatic residue at this position. Knowledge of the molecular interactions important in h5-HT7 receptor ligand binding and G protein activation will aid the design of selective h5-HT7 receptor ligands for potential pharmacological use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Agata Antonina Rita Impellizzeri
- Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo and Oslo University Hospital Oslo, Norway ; K.G. Jebsen Cardiac Research Centre and Center for Heart Failure Research, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo Oslo, Norway ; Section of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Department of Biological, Geological and Environmental Sciences, University of Catania Catania, Italy
| | - Matteo Pappalardo
- Department of Drug Sciences, University of Catania Catania, Italy ; Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Catania Catania, Italy
| | - Livia Basile
- Department of Drug Sciences, University of Catania Catania, Italy
| | - Ornella Manfra
- Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo and Oslo University Hospital Oslo, Norway ; K.G. Jebsen Cardiac Research Centre and Center for Heart Failure Research, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo Oslo, Norway
| | - Kjetil Wessel Andressen
- Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo and Oslo University Hospital Oslo, Norway ; K.G. Jebsen Cardiac Research Centre and Center for Heart Failure Research, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo Oslo, Norway
| | - Kurt Allen Krobert
- Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo and Oslo University Hospital Oslo, Norway ; K.G. Jebsen Cardiac Research Centre and Center for Heart Failure Research, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo Oslo, Norway
| | - Angela Messina
- Section of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Department of Biological, Geological and Environmental Sciences, University of Catania Catania, Italy ; Section of Catania, National Institute of Biostructures and Biosystems Catania, Italy
| | - Finn Olav Levy
- Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo and Oslo University Hospital Oslo, Norway ; K.G. Jebsen Cardiac Research Centre and Center for Heart Failure Research, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo Oslo, Norway
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4
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Tada N, Horibe T, Haramoto M, Ohara K, Kohno M, Kawakami K. A single replacement of histidine to arginine in EGFR-lytic hybrid peptide demonstrates the improved anticancer activity. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2011; 407:383-8. [PMID: 21396910 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2011.03.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2011] [Accepted: 03/05/2011] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
We previously reported that novel targeted "hybrid peptide" in which epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) binding peptide was conjugated with lytic-type peptide had selective cytotoxic activity to EGFR expressing cancer cell lines, and in vivo analysis revealed that this EGFR-lytic peptide displayed significant antitumor activity in a xenograft model of human breast cancer which was resistant to tyrosine kinase inhibitor drugs. As an attempt to improve the selective anticancer activity of EGFR-lytic peptide, we modified the EGFR-binding peptide through introducing the mutation of amino acid according to biophysical analysis by biomolecular interaction and circular dichroism (CD) spectra. When cytotoxic activity of EGFR-lytic or EGFR(2R)-lytic hybrid peptides was investigated in various human cancer and normal cell lines, it was demonstrated that EGFR(2R)-lytic, in which second histidine (H) of EGFR-binding peptide was replaced to arginine (R) had 1.2-1.9-fold higher cytotoxic activity than that of original EGFR-lytic peptide. In vivo analysis also revealed that this modified peptide displayed significant antitumor activity at as low as 1 mg/kg dosage. These results suggest that mutated arginine on EGFR-lytic peptide produces higher binding ability to EGFR on cancer cells, and thereby the improved anticancer activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noriko Tada
- Department of Pharmacoepidemiology, Graduate School of Medicine and Public Health, Kyoto University, Yoshidakonoe-cho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606-8501, Japan
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5
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Kalamida D, Poulas K, Avramopoulou V, Fostieri E, Lagoumintzis G, Lazaridis K, Sideri A, Zouridakis M, Tzartos SJ. Muscle and neuronal nicotinic acetylcholine receptors. FEBS J 2007; 274:3799-845. [PMID: 17651090 DOI: 10.1111/j.1742-4658.2007.05935.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 216] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) are integral membrane proteins and prototypic members of the ligand-gated ion-channel superfamily, which has precursors in the prokaryotic world. They are formed by the assembly of five transmembrane subunits, selected from a pool of 17 homologous polypeptides (alpha1-10, beta1-4, gamma, delta, and epsilon). There are many nAChR subtypes, each consisting of a specific combination of subunits, which mediate diverse physiological functions. They are widely expressed in the central nervous system, while, in the periphery, they mediate synaptic transmission at the neuromuscular junction and ganglia. nAChRs are also found in non-neuronal/nonmuscle cells (keratinocytes, epithelia, macrophages, etc.). Extensive research has determined the specific function of several nAChR subtypes. nAChRs are now important therapeutic targets for various diseases, including myasthenia gravis, Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases, and schizophrenia, as well as for the cessation of smoking. However, knowledge is still incomplete, largely because of a lack of high-resolution X-ray structures for these molecules. Nevertheless, electron microscopy studies on 2D crystals of nAChR from fish electric organs and the determination of the high-resolution X-ray structure of the acetylcholine binding protein (AChBP) from snails, a homolog of the extracellular domain of the nAChR, have been major steps forward and the data obtained have important implications for the design of subtype-specific drugs. Here, we review some of the latest advances in our understanding of nAChRs and their involvement in physiology and pathology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dimitra Kalamida
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Patras, Rio Patras, Greece
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6
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Celie PHN, van Rossum-Fikkert SE, van Dijk WJ, Brejc K, Smit AB, Sixma TK. Nicotine and carbamylcholine binding to nicotinic acetylcholine receptors as studied in AChBP crystal structures. Neuron 2004; 41:907-14. [PMID: 15046723 DOI: 10.1016/s0896-6273(04)00115-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 646] [Impact Index Per Article: 32.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2003] [Revised: 12/19/2003] [Accepted: 01/29/2004] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Nicotinic acetylcholine receptors are prototypes for the pharmaceutically important family of pentameric ligand-gated ion channels. Here we present atomic resolution structures of nicotine and carbamylcholine binding to AChBP, a water-soluble homolog of the ligand binding domain of nicotinic receptors and their family members, GABAA, GABAC, 5HT3 serotonin, and glycine receptors. Ligand binding is driven by enthalpy and is accompanied by conformational changes in the ligand binding site. Residues in the binding site contract around the ligand, with the largest movement in the C loop. As expected, the binding is characterized by substantial aromatic and hydrophobic contributions, but additionally there are close contacts between protein oxygens and positively charged groups in the ligands. The higher affinity of nicotine is due to a main chain hydrogen bond with the B loop and a closer packing of the aromatic groups. These structures will be useful tools for the development of new drugs involving nicotinic acetylcholine receptor-associated diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrick H N Celie
- Division of Molecular Carcinogenesis, Netherlands Cancer Institute, Plesmanlaan 121, 1066 CX Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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7
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Costa V, Nistri A, Cavalli A, Carloni P. A structural model of agonist binding to the alpha3beta4 neuronal nicotinic receptor. Br J Pharmacol 2003; 140:921-31. [PMID: 14504134 PMCID: PMC1574092 DOI: 10.1038/sj.bjp.0705498] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
(alpha3)2(beta4)3 is the most abundant type of neuronal nicotinic ACh receptor (nAChR) mediating cholinergic actions on the autonomic nervous system. Studies to refine or devise drugs selectively acting on (alpha3)2(beta4)3 receptors would benefit from a detailed description of the hitherto unclear agonist-binding domain. The present study reports a three-dimensional model for the ligand-binding domain (LBD) of this receptor either in its unoccupied or agonist-bound conformation. The receptor model was based on the structure of the acetylcholine-binding protein (AChBP), and was obtained using molecular modelling techniques. ACh, nicotine and cytisine (full agonists), muscarine (a selective agonist of muscarinic ACh receptors) and the allosteric modulator eserine were docked into the binding pockets of the receptor model. Simulated agonist-receptor complexes were compared with the agonist-binding complex of the AChBP, as well as of the (alpha4)2(beta2)3 type of nAChR, which is the commonest in the brain. Agonist docking identified discrete amino-acid residues of the beta subunits important for pharmacological selectivity of nAChRs. The predicted affinity of muscarine for the nAChR was low, suggesting the present model to be suitable for effective discrimination of nicotinic agonist binding versus nonselective cholinergic binding. Furthermore, the current model outlined a potential binding site for the allosteric modulator eserine, the site of action of which has remained elusive. The present LBD model of the receptor in its free state provides a novel structural framework to interpret experimental observations and a useful template for future investigations to develop (alpha3)2(beta4)3-selective ligands.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valeria Costa
- Sector of Biophysics, International School for Advanced Studies (SISSA), Via Beirut 4, Trieste 34104, Italy
- INFM-DEMOCRITOS Center for Numerical Simulation, Via Beirut 4, Trieste 34104, Italy
| | - Andrea Nistri
- Sector of Biophysics, International School for Advanced Studies (SISSA), Via Beirut 4, Trieste 34104, Italy
- INFM Unit, International School for Advanced Studies (SISSA), Via Beirut 4, Trieste 34104, Italy
- Author for correspondence:
| | - Andrea Cavalli
- Department of Pharmaceutical Science, University of Bologna, Via Belmeloro 6, Bologna 40126, Italy
| | - Paolo Carloni
- INFM-DEMOCRITOS Center for Numerical Simulation, Via Beirut 4, Trieste 34104, Italy
- Sector of Statistical and Biological Physics, International School for Advanced Studies (SISSA), Via Beirut 4, Trieste 34104, Italy
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8
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Sullivan D, Chiara DC, Cohen JB. Mapping the agonist binding site of the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor by cysteine scanning mutagenesis: antagonist footprint and secondary structure prediction. Mol Pharmacol 2002; 61:463-72. [PMID: 11809872 DOI: 10.1124/mol.61.2.463] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
To further define the surface of the Torpedo californica nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) contributing to the agonist binding site structure, we used the substituted Cys accessibility method to identify novel residues and determined the "footprint" of residues protected from modification by the reversible competitive antagonist d-tubocurarine (dTC). nAChRs containing single Cys substitutions within regions of the alpha- or gamma-subunit primary structure known to contribute to the agonist binding site were expressed in Xenopus laevis oocytes. Cys substitutions in binding site segments A (alphaTyr-93 and alphaAsn-94), C (alphaTyr-198), and D (gammaGlu-57) had been shown previously to be accessible for modification. We now introduced cysteines from alphaAsp-195 to alphaIle-201 and from gammaAla-106 to gammaAsp-113 and identified positions accessible for modification in segments C (alphaAsp-195, alphaThr-196, alphaPro-197, alphaAsp-200, and alphaIle-201) and E (gammaAsn-107 and gammaLeu-109). dTC protected against alkylation in segments D (gammaGlu-57) and E (gammaLeu-109) but not in segment A (alphaTyr-93 and alphaAsn-94). In segment C, dTC protection experiments revealed a pattern in which every other residue (alpha196, alpha198, and alpha200, but not alpha197 or alpha201) was protected from alkylation. This pattern of protection provides evidence that bound dTC is near amino acids in segments C, D, and E but not in segment A, and identifies a beta-strand surface within segment C contributing to the binding site. These results are discussed in terms of a homology model, based on the molluscan acetylcholine binding protein crystal structure, of the T. californica nAChR agonist binding site.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deirdre Sullivan
- Department of Neurobiology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, USA
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9
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Abstract
The conversion of acetylcholine binding into ion conduction across the membrane is becoming more clearly understood in terms of the structure of the receptor and its transitions. A high-resolution structure of a protein that is homologous to the extracellular domain of the receptor has revealed the binding sites and subunit interfaces in great detail. Although the structures of the membrane and cytoplasmic domains are less well determined, the channel lining and the determinants of selectivity have been mapped. The location and structure of the gates, and the coupling between binding sites and gates, remain to be established.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arthur Karlin
- Center for Molecular Recognition, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics, Columbia University, New York, New York 10032, USA.
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10
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Wilson G, Karlin A. Acetylcholine receptor channel structure in the resting, open, and desensitized states probed with the substituted-cysteine-accessibility method. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2001; 98:1241-8. [PMID: 11158624 PMCID: PMC14739 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.98.3.1241] [Citation(s) in RCA: 104] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The nicotinic acetylcholine (ACh) receptors cycle among classes of nonconducting resting states, conducting open states, and nonconducting desensitized states. We previously probed the structure of the mouse-muscle ACh receptor channel in the resting state obtained in the absence of agonist and in the open states obtained after brief exposure to ACh. We now have probed the structure in the stable desensitized state obtained after many minutes of exposure to ACh. Muscle-type receptor has the subunit composition alpha(2)betagammadelta. Each subunit has four membrane-spanning segments, M1-M4. The channel lumen in the membrane domain is lined largely by M2 and to a lesser extent by M1 from each of the subunits. We determined the rates of reaction of a small, sulfhydryl-specific, charged reagent, 2-aminoethyl methanethiosulfonate with cysteines substituted for residues in alphaM2 and the alphaM1-M2 loop in the desensitized state and compared these rates to rates previously obtained in the resting and open states. The reaction rates of the substituted cysteines are different in the three functional states of the receptor, indicating significant structural differences. By comparing the rates of reaction of extracellularly and intracellularly added 2-aminoethyl methanethiosulfonate, we previously located the closed gate in the resting state between alphaG240 and alphaT244, in the predicted M1-M2 loop at the intracellular end of M2. Now, we have located the closed gate in the stable desensitized state between alphaG240 and alphaL251. The gate in the desensitized state includes the resting state gate and an extension further into M2.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Wilson
- Center for Molecular Recognition, Columbia University, 630 West 168th Street, New York, NY 10032, USA
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11
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Acetylcholine receptor channel structure in the resting, open, and desensitized states probed with the substituted-cysteine-accessibility method. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2001. [PMID: 11158624 PMCID: PMC14739 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.031567798] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The nicotinic acetylcholine (ACh) receptors cycle among classes of nonconducting resting states, conducting open states, and nonconducting desensitized states. We previously probed the structure of the mouse-muscle ACh receptor channel in the resting state obtained in the absence of agonist and in the open states obtained after brief exposure to ACh. We now have probed the structure in the stable desensitized state obtained after many minutes of exposure to ACh. Muscle-type receptor has the subunit composition alpha(2)betagammadelta. Each subunit has four membrane-spanning segments, M1-M4. The channel lumen in the membrane domain is lined largely by M2 and to a lesser extent by M1 from each of the subunits. We determined the rates of reaction of a small, sulfhydryl-specific, charged reagent, 2-aminoethyl methanethiosulfonate with cysteines substituted for residues in alphaM2 and the alphaM1-M2 loop in the desensitized state and compared these rates to rates previously obtained in the resting and open states. The reaction rates of the substituted cysteines are different in the three functional states of the receptor, indicating significant structural differences. By comparing the rates of reaction of extracellularly and intracellularly added 2-aminoethyl methanethiosulfonate, we previously located the closed gate in the resting state between alphaG240 and alphaT244, in the predicted M1-M2 loop at the intracellular end of M2. Now, we have located the closed gate in the stable desensitized state between alphaG240 and alphaL251. The gate in the desensitized state includes the resting state gate and an extension further into M2.
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12
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Xie Y, Cohen JB. Contributions of Torpedo nicotinic acetylcholine receptor gamma Trp-55 and delta Trp-57 to agonist and competitive antagonist function. J Biol Chem 2001; 276:2417-26. [PMID: 11056174 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m009085200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Results of affinity-labeling studies and mutational analyses provide evidence that the agonist binding sites of the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) are located at the alpha-gamma and alpha-delta subunit interfaces. For Torpedo nAChR, photoaffinity-labeling studies with the competitive antagonist d-[(3)H]tubocurarine (dTC) identified two tryptophans, gammaTrp-55 and deltaTrp-57, as the primary sites of photolabeling in the non-alpha subunits. To characterize the importance of gammaTrp-55 and deltaTrp-57 to the interactions of agonists and antagonists, Torpedo nAChRs were expressed in Xenopus oocytes, and equilibrium binding assays and electrophysiological recordings were used to examine the functional consequences when either or both tryptophans were mutated to leucine. Neither substitution altered the equilibrium binding of dTC. However, the deltaW57L and gammaW55L mutations decreased acetylcholine (ACh) binding affinity by 20- and 7,000-fold respectively. For the wild-type, gammaW55L, and deltaW57L nAChRs, the concentration dependence of channel activation was characterized by Hill coefficients of 1.8, 1.1, and 1.7. For the gammaW55L mutant, dTC binding at the alpha-gamma site acts not as a competitive antagonist but as a coactivator or partial agonist. These results establish that interactions with gamma Trp-55 of the Torpedo nAChR play a crucial role in agonist binding and in the agonist-induced conformational changes that lead to channel opening.
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Affiliation(s)
- Y Xie
- Department of Neurobiology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, USA
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13
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Metzler DE, Metzler CM, Sauke DJ. Chemical Communication Between Cells. Biochemistry 2001. [DOI: 10.1016/b978-012492543-4/50033-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
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14
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Arias HR. Localization of agonist and competitive antagonist binding sites on nicotinic acetylcholine receptors. Neurochem Int 2000; 36:595-645. [PMID: 10771117 DOI: 10.1016/s0197-0186(99)00154-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 156] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Identification of all residues involved in the recognition and binding of cholinergic ligands (e.g. agonists, competitive antagonists, and noncompetitive agonists) is a primary objective to understand which structural components are related to the physiological function of the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (AChR). The picture for the localization of the agonist/competitive antagonist binding sites is now clearer in the light of newer and better experimental evidence. These sites are located mainly on both alpha subunits in a pocket approximately 30-35 A above the surface membrane. Since both alpha subunits are identical, the observed high and low affinity for different ligands on the receptor is conditioned by the interaction of the alpha subunit with other non-alpha subunits. This molecular interaction takes place at the interface formed by the different subunits. For example, the high-affinity acetylcholine (ACh) binding site of the muscle-type AChR is located on the alphadelta subunit interface, whereas the low-affinity ACh binding site is located on the alphagamma subunit interface. Regarding homomeric AChRs (e.g. alpha7, alpha8, and alpha9), up to five binding sites may be located on the alphaalpha subunit interfaces. From the point of view of subunit arrangement, the gamma subunit is in between both alpha subunits and the delta subunit follows the alpha aligned in a clockwise manner from the gamma. Although some competitive antagonists such as lophotoxin and alpha-bungarotoxin bind to the same high- and low-affinity sites as ACh, other cholinergic drugs may bind with opposite specificity. For instance, the location of the high- and the low-affinity binding site for curare-related drugs as well as for agonists such as the alkaloid nicotine and the potent analgesic epibatidine (only when the AChR is in the desensitized state) is determined by the alphagamma and the alphadelta subunit interface, respectively. The case of alpha-conotoxins (alpha-CoTxs) is unique since each alpha-CoTx from different species is recognized by a specific AChR type. In addition, the specificity of alpha-CoTxs for each subunit interface is species-dependent. In general terms we may state that both alpha subunits carry the principal component for the agonist/competitive antagonist binding sites, whereas the non-alpha subunits bear the complementary component. Concerning homomeric AChRs, both the principal and the complementary component exist on the alpha subunit. The principal component on the muscle-type AChR involves three loops-forming binding domains (loops A-C). Loop A (from mouse sequence) is mainly formed by residue Y(93), loop B is molded by amino acids W(149), Y(152), and probably G(153), while loop C is shaped by residues Y(190), C(192), C(193), and Y(198). The complementary component corresponding to each non-alpha subunit probably contributes with at least four loops. More specifically, the loops at the gamma subunit are: loop D which is formed by residue K(34), loop E that is designed by W(55) and E(57), loop F which is built by a stretch of amino acids comprising L(109), S(111), C(115), I(116), and Y(117), and finally loop G that is shaped by F(172) and by the negatively-charged amino acids D(174) and E(183). The complementary component on the delta subunit, which corresponds to the high-affinity ACh binding site, is formed by homologous loops. Regarding alpha-neurotoxins, several snake and alpha-CoTxs bear specific residues that are energetically coupled with their corresponding pairs on the AChR binding site. The principal component for snake alpha-neurotoxins is located on the residue sequence alpha1W(184)-D(200), which includes loop C. In addition, amino acid sequence 55-74 from the alpha1 subunit (which includes loop E), and residues gammaL(119) (close to loop F) and gammaE(176) (close to loop G) at the low-affinity binding site, or deltaL(121) (close to the homologous region of loop G) at the high-affinity binding site, are i
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Affiliation(s)
- H R Arias
- Instituto de Matemática de Bahía Blanca, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET) and Universidad Nacional del Sur, Av. Alem 1253, 8000 Bahía Blanca, Argentina.
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Sullivan DA, Cohen JB. Mapping the agonist binding site of the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor. Orientation requirements for activation by covalent agonist. J Biol Chem 2000; 275:12651-60. [PMID: 10777557 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.275.17.12651] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
To characterize the structural requirements for ligand orientation compatible with activation of the Torpedo nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR), we used Cys mutagenesis in conjunction with sulfhydryl-reactive reagents to tether primary or quaternary amines at defined positions within the agonist binding site of nAChRs containing mutant alpha- or gamma-subunits expressed in Xenopus oocytes. 4-(N-Maleimido)benzyltrimethylammonium and 2-aminoethylmethanethiosulfonate acted as irreversible antagonists when tethered at alphaY93C, alphaY198C, or gammaE57C, as well as at alphaN94C (2-aminoethylmethanethiosulfonate only). [2-(Trimethylammonium)-ethyl]-methanethiosulfonate (MTSET), which attaches thiocholine to binding site Cys, also acted as an irreversible antagonist when tethered at alphaY93C, alphaN94C, or gammaE57C. However, MTSET modification of alphaY198C resulted in prolonged activation of the nAChR not reversible by washing but inhibitable by subsequent exposure to non-competitive antagonists. Modification of alphaY198C (or any of the other positions tested) by [(trimethylammonium)methyl]methanethiosulfonate resulted only in irreversible inhibition, while modification of alphaY198C by [3-(trimethylammonium)propyl]methanethiosulfonate resulted in irreversible activation of nAChR, but at lower efficacy than by MTSET. Thus changing the length of the tethering arm by less than 1 A in either direction markedly effects the ability of the covalent trimethylammonium to activate the nAChR, and agonist activation depends on a very selective orientation of the quaternary ammonium within the agonist binding site.
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Affiliation(s)
- D A Sullivan
- Department of Neurobiology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, USA
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Osaka H, Malany S, Molles BE, Sine SM, Taylor P. Pairwise electrostatic interactions between alpha-neurotoxins and gamma, delta, and epsilon subunits of the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor. J Biol Chem 2000; 275:5478-84. [PMID: 10681526 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.275.8.5478] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
alpha-Neurotoxins bind with high affinity to alpha-gamma and alpha-delta subunit interfaces of the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor. Since this high affinity complex likely involves a van der Waals surface area of approximately 1200 A(2) and 25-35 residues on the receptor surface, analysis of side chains should delineate major interactions and the orientation of bound alpha-neurotoxin. Three distinct regions on the gamma subunit, defined by Trp(55), Leu(119), Asp(174), and Glu(176), contribute to alpha-toxin affinity. Of six charge reversal mutations on the three loops of Naja mossambica mossambica alpha-toxin, Lys(27) --> Glu, Arg(33) --> Glu, and Arg(36) --> Glu in loop II reduce binding energy substantially, while mutations in loops I and III have little effect. Paired residues were analyzed by thermodynamic mutant cycles to delineate electrostatic linkages between the six alpha-toxin charge reversal mutations and three key residues on the gamma subunit. Large coupling energies were found between Arg(33) at the tip of loop II and gammaLeu(119) (-5.7 kcal/mol) and between Lys(27) and gammaGlu(176) (-5.9 kcal/mol). gammaTrp(55) couples strongly to both Arg(33) and Lys(27), whereas gammaAsp(174) couples minimally to charged alpha-toxin residues. Arg(36), despite strong energetic contributions, does not partner with any gamma subunit residues, perhaps indicating its proximity to the alpha subunit. By analyzing cationic, neutral and anionic residues in the mutant cycles, interactions at gamma176 and gamma119 can be distinguished from those at gamma55.
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Affiliation(s)
- H Osaka
- Department of Pharmacology, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California 92093, USA
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Krupenko SA, Wagner C. Aspartate 142 is involved in both hydrolase and dehydrogenase catalytic centers of 10-formyltetrahydrofolate dehydrogenase. J Biol Chem 1999; 274:35777-84. [PMID: 10585460 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.274.50.35777] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
The enzyme 10-formyltetrahydrofolate dehydrogenase (FDH) catalyzes conversion of 10-formyltetrahydrofolate to tetrahydrofolate in either a dehydrogenase or hydrolase reaction. The hydrolase reaction occurs in a 310-residue amino-terminal domain of FDH (N(t)-FDH), whereas the dehydrogenase reaction requires the full-length enzyme. N(t)-FDH shares some sequence identity with several 10-formyltetrahydrofolate-utilizing enzymes. All these enzymes have a strictly conserved aspartate, which is Asp(142) in the case of N(t)-FDH. Replacement of the aspartate with alanine, asparagine, glutamate, or glutamine in N(t)-FDH resulted in complete loss of hydrolase activity. All the mutants, however, were able to bind folate, although with lower affinity than wild-type N(t)-FDH. Six other aspartate residues located near the conserved Asp(142) were substituted with an alanine, and these substitutions did not result in any significant changes in the hydrolase activity. The expressed D142A mutant of the full-length enzyme completely lost both hydrolase and dehydrogenase activities. This study shows that Asp(142) is an essential residue in the enzyme mechanism for both the hydrolase and dehydrogenase reactions of FDH, suggesting that either the two catalytic centers of FDH are overlapped or the dehydrogenase reaction occurs within the hydrolase catalytic center.
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Affiliation(s)
- S A Krupenko
- Department of Biochemistry, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, Tennessee 37232, USA.
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Tsetlin V. Snake venom alpha-neurotoxins and other 'three-finger' proteins. EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF BIOCHEMISTRY 1999; 264:281-6. [PMID: 10491072 DOI: 10.1046/j.1432-1327.1999.00623.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 220] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
The review is mainly devoted to snake venom alpha-neurotoxins which target different muscle-type and neuronal nicotinic acetylcholine receptors. The primary and spatial structures of other snake venom proteins as well as mammalian proteins of the Ly-6 family, which structurally resemble the 'three-finger' snake proteins, are also briefly discussed. The main emphasis is placed on recent data characterizing the alpha-neurotoxin interactions with nicotinic acetylcholine receptors.
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Affiliation(s)
- V Tsetlin
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia.
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Osaka H, Malany S, Kanter JR, Sine SM, Taylor P. Subunit interface selectivity of the alpha-neurotoxins for the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor. J Biol Chem 1999; 274:9581-6. [PMID: 10092644 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.274.14.9581] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Peptide toxins selective for particular subunit interfaces of the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor have proven invaluable in assigning candidate residues located in the two binding sites and for determining probable orientations of the bound peptide. We report here on a short alpha-neurotoxin from Naja mossambica mossambica (NmmI) that, similar to other alpha-neurotoxins, binds with high affinity to alphagamma and alphadelta subunit interfaces (KD approximately 100 pM) but binds with markedly reduced affinity to the alphaepsilon interface (KD approximately 100 nM). By constructing chimeras composed of portions of the gamma and epsilon subunits and coexpressing them with wild type alpha, beta, and delta subunits in HEK 293 cells, we identify a region of the subunit sequence responsible for the difference in affinity. Within this region, gammaPro-175 and gammaGlu-176 confer high affinity, whereas Thr and Ala, found at homologous positions in epsilon, confer low affinity. To identify an interaction between gammaGlu-176 and residues in NmmI, we have examined cationic residues in the central loop of the toxin and measured binding of mutant toxin-receptor combinations. The data show strong pairwise interactions or coupling between gammaGlu-176 and Lys-27 of NmmI and progressively weaker interactions with Arg-33 and Arg-36 in loop II of this three-loop toxin. Thus, loop II of NmmI, and in particular the face of this loop closest to loop III, appears to come into close apposition with Glu-176 of the gamma subunit surface of the binding site interface.
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Affiliation(s)
- H Osaka
- Department of Pharmacology 0636, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California 92093, USA
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