Structural characterization of a low density lipoprotein receptor-active apolipoprotein E peptide, ApoE3-(126-183)

Preparation and Characterization of Reconstituted Lipid-Synthetic Polymer Discoidal Particles

Discoidal high-density lipoproteins generated by the apolipoprotein-mediated solubilization of membrane lipids in vivo can be reconstituted with phospholipids and apolipoproteins in vitro. Recently, it has been reported that such particles can be prepared using the hydrolyzed acid form of styrene-maleic anhydride copolymer (SMAaf) instead of apolipoproteins, but characterization of its physicochemical properties has remained less elucidated. In the present study, with the aim of applying SMAaf-based lipid nanoparticles as novel delivery vehicles of drugs and/or imaging agents, we investigated the preparation conditions and evaluated the physicochemical properties of lipid-SMAaf complexes. SMAaf induced spontaneous turbidity clearance of dimyristoylphosphatidylcholine (DMPC) vesicles accompanied by the formation of smaller particles not only at the phase transition temperature of DMPC but also above it. Such reductions in the turbidity were not observed with some other amphiphilic synthetic polymers tested under the same experimental conditions. Size exclusion chromatography analyses showed that homogeneously sized particles were prepared at lipid to SMAaf weight ratios of less than 1/1.5. Dynamic light scattering and transmission electron microscopy revealed that gel-filtered DMPC-SMAaf complexes were approximately 8-10 nm in diameter and discoidal in shape. The DMPC-SMAaf complexes were relatively stable even after lyophilization but were sensitive to pH changes. Fluorescence techniques demonstrated that the gel to liquid-crystalline phase transition temperature of DMPC in the discoidal complexes broadened significantly relative to that of liposomes, despite their common bilayer structure, which is a typical feature of discoidal lipid nanoparticles. These results provide fundamental insights into discoidal SMAaf-based lipid nanoparticles for the development of novel delivery vehicles.

Solid-state NMR of the Yersinia pestis outer membrane protein Ail in lipid bilayer nanodiscs sedimented by ultracentrifugation

Solid-state NMR studies of sedimented soluble proteins has been developed recently as an attractive approach for overcoming the size limitations of solution NMR spectroscopy while bypassing the need for sample crystallization or precipitation (Bertini et al. Proc Natl Acad Sci USA 108(26):10396-10399, 2011). Inspired by the potential benefits of this method, we have investigated the ability to sediment lipid bilayer nanodiscs reconstituted with a membrane protein. In this study, we show that nanodiscs containing the outer membrane protein Ail from Yersinia pestis can be sedimented for solid-state NMR structural studies, without the need for precipitation or lyophilization. Optimized preparations of Ail in phospholipid nanodiscs support both the structure and the fibronectin binding activity of the protein. The same sample can be used for solution NMR, solid-state NMR and activity assays, facilitating structure-activity correlation experiments across a wide range of timescales.

Apolipoprotein E mimetics and cholesterol-lowering properties

Apolipoprotein E (apoE) is a ligand for clearance of lipoprotein remnants such as chylomicrons and very low-density lipoproteins. It has anti-atherogenic and anti-inflammatory properties. Therefore, there is extensive ongoing research to create peptides that can mimic properties of apoE. A number of synthetic peptides that encompass different regions of apoE have been studied for inhibiting inflammatory states, including Alzheimer disease. However, peptides that clear atherogenic lipoproteins, analogous to apoE, via enhanced hepatic uptake have not been previously reviewed. Toward this end, we describe the design and studies of a dual-domain apoE mimetic peptide, Ac-hE18A-NH(2). This peptide consists of residues 141-150, the putative receptor-binding region of human apoE, covalently linked to a well characterized class A amphipathic helix, 18A, which has no sequence homology to any other exchangeable apolipoprotein sequences. It demonstrates dramatic effects in reducing plasma cholesterol levels in dyslipidemic mouse and rabbit models. We discuss the scientific rationale and review the literature for the design and efficacy of the peptide. Analogous to apoE, this peptide bypasses the low-density lipoprotein receptor for the hepatic uptake of atherogenic lipoproteins via heparan sulfate proteoglycan (HSPG). ApoE mimetics such as Ac-hE18A-NH(2) may therefore restore or replace ligands in genetically induced hyperlipidemias to enable reduction in atherogenic lipoproteins via HSPG even in the absence of functional low-density lipoprotein receptors. Therefore, this and similar peptides may be useful in the treatment of dyslipidemic disorders such as familial hyperlipidemia and atherosclerosis.

Peptide- and aptamer-functionalized nanovectors for targeted delivery of therapeutics

Targeted delivery of therapeutics is an area of vigorous research, and peptide- and aptamer-functionalized nanovectors are a promising class of targeted delivery vehicles. Both peptide- and aptamer-targeting ligands can be readily designed to bind a target selectively with high affinity, and more importantly are molecules accessible by chemical synthesis and relatively compact compared with antibodies and full proteins. The multitude of peptide ligands that have been used for targeted delivery are covered in this review, with discussion of binding selectivity and targeting performance for these peptide sequences where possible. Aptamers are RNA or DNA strands evolutionarily engineered to specifically bind a chosen target. Although use of aptamers in targeted delivery is a relatively new avenue of research, the current state of the field is covered and promises of future advances in this area are highlighted. Liposomes, the classic drug delivery vector, and polymeric nanovectors functionalized with peptide or aptamer binding ligands will be discussed in this review, with the exclusion of other drug delivery vehicles. Targeted delivery of therapeutics, from DNA to classic small molecule drugs to protein therapeutics, by these targeted nanovectors is reviewed with coverage of both in vitro and in vivo deliveries. This is an exciting and dynamic area of research and this review seeks to discuss its broad scope.

Semisynthesis and segmental isotope labeling of the apoE3 N-terminal domain using expressed protein ligation

Apolipoprotein E (apoE) is an exchangeable apolipoprotein that functions as a ligand for members of the LDL receptor family, promoting lipoprotein clearance from the circulation. Productive receptor binding requires that apoE adopt an LDL receptor-active conformation through lipid association, and studies have shown that the 22 kDa N-terminal (NT) domain (residues 1-183) of apoE is both necessary and sufficient for receptor interaction. Using intein-mediated expressed protein ligation (EPL), a semisynthetic apoE3 NT has been generated for use in structure-function studies designed to probe the nature of the lipid-associated conformation of the protein. Circular dichroism spectroscopy of EPL-generated apoE3 NT revealed a secondary structure content similar to wild-type apoE3 NT. Likewise, lipid and LDL receptor binding studies revealed that EPL-generated apoE3 NT is functional. Subsequently, EPL was used to construct an apoE3 NT enriched with 15N solely and specifically in residues 112-183. 1H-15N heteronuclear single quantum correlation spectroscopy experiments revealed that the ligation product is correctly folded in solution, adopting a conformation similar to wild-type apoE3-NT. The results indicate that segmental isotope labeling can be used to define the lipid bound conformation of the receptor binding element of apoE as well as molecular details of its interaction with the LDL receptor.

Relationship between Apolipoprotein E polymorphism and nephropathy in type-2 diabetic patients

Twenty to forty percent of type-2 diabetic patients (DM2) present nephropathy. Genetic polymorphism of Apolipoprotein E (Apo E) has been proposed as a risk factor in the development and progression of diabetic nephropathy. The purpose of the study was to evaluate the relationship between Apo E polymorphism and presence of nephropathy in DM2 patients. We studied 85 DM2 patients with a similar nutritional state, environmental and socioeconomic condition and more than 10 years of evolution. They were grouped in DM2 patients with kidney complications (n=56) and without kidney complications (n=29; control group). Apo E genotype was determined by restriction fragment-length polymorphism analysis. A plasmatic biochemical characterization was performed on all the subjects studied. The 85 DM2 patients had arterial hypertension in treatment. The nephropathy diabetic group showed differences (p<0.001) in BMI, systolic blood pressure, glycemia, cholesterol (total, HDL and LDL), HbA1c and creatinine. The e4 allelic frequency was 8% in the nephropathy group versus 25.9% in the control group. Apo e3 allele and E3/3 genotype frequency were higher and E3/4 genotype was lower in the nephropathy group than in controls. These groups also showed differences in total, HDL and LDL cholesterol. DM2 patients without nephropathy presented a higher frequency of e4 allele. These results could suggest a protective role of e4 allele in the development and progression of diabetic nephropathy.

Anionic phospholipids inhibit apolipoprotein E--low-density lipoprotein receptor interactions

Apolipoprotein E (apoE) is a ligand for members of the low-density lipoprotein receptor (LDLR) family. Lipid-free apoE is not recognized by LDLR, yet interaction with lipid confers receptor recognition properties. Although lipid interaction is known to induce a conformational change in apoE, it is not known if the lipid composition of the resulting complex influences binding. Using reconstituted lipoprotein particles of apoE3 N-terminal (NT) domain and dimyristoylphosphatidylcholine (DMPC), maximal LDLR binding was observed at DMPC:apoE3-NT ratios >2.5:1 (w/w). ApoE3-NT lipid particles prepared with egg sphingomyelin were functional as LDLR ligands while complexes formed with the anionic phospholipids dimyristoylphosphatidylglycerol or dimyristoylphosphatidylserine (DMPS) were not. In the case of apoE3-NT, lipid particles comprised of a mixture of DMPC and DMPS, a DMPS concentration dependent inhibition of LDLR binding activity was observed. Thus, in addition to affecting apoE conformational status, the lipid composition of ligand particles can modulate LDLR binding activity.

Lipid-induced extension of apolipoprotein E helix 4 correlates with low density lipoprotein receptor binding ability

Apolipoprotein E (apoE) serves as a ligand for the low density lipoprotein receptor (LDLR) only when bound to lipid. The N-terminal domain of lipid-free apoE exists as globular 4-helix bundle that is conferred with LDLR recognition ability after undergoing a lipid binding-induced conformational change. To investigate the structural basis for this phenomenon, site-directed spin label electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy experiments were conducted, focusing on the region near the C-terminal end of helix 4 (Ala-164). Using C112S apoE-N-terminal as template, a series of single cysteine substitution variants (at sequence positions 161, 165, 169, 173, 176, and 181) were produced, isolated, and labeled with the nitroxide probe, methane thiosulfonate. Electron paramagnetic resonance analysis revealed that lipid association induced fixed secondary structure in a region of the molecule known to exist as random coil in the lipid-free state. In a complementary approach, site-directed fluorescence analysis using an environmentally sensitive probe indicated that the lipid-induced transition of this region of the protein to alpha helix was accompanied by relocation to a more hydrophobic environment. In studies with full-length apoE single Cys variants, a similar random coil to stable backbone transition was observed, consistent with the concept that lipid interaction induced an extension of helix 4 beyond the boundary defining its lipid-free conformation. This structural transition likely represents a key conformational change necessary for manifestation of the LDLR recognition properties of apoE.

An Apolipoprotein E-Derived Peptide Mediates Uptake of Sterically Stabilized Liposomes into Brain Capillary Endothelial Cells

A promising strategy to solve the problems of insufficient membrane penetration of drugs and low target specificity is the localization of targeting and uptake-facilitating ligands on the surface of drug-carrier systems. This study investigated the role of a peptide derived from the LDL receptor (LDLr)-binding domain of apolipoprotein E (apoE) in initiating endocytosis in brain capillary endothelial cells. The highly cationic tandem dimer of apoE residues (141-150) was coupled covalently onto poly(ethylene glycol)-derivatized liposomes. Membrane binding and cellular uptake was monitored qualitatively by confocal-laser-scanning microscopy as well as quantitatively using a fluorescence assay. The peptide mediated an efficient, energy-dependent translocation of liposomes across the membrane of brain capillary endothelial cells. Liposomes without surface-located peptides displayed neither membrane accumulation nor cellular uptake. Low peptide affinity to LDLr and internalization of the complex into fibroblasts with up- and down-regulated receptor expression levels, as well as complex translocation into cells incubated with an antibody against the LDLr, pointed to a dominating role of an LDLr-independent transport route. Enzymatic digestion of heparan sulfate proteoglycan (HSPG) with heparinase I and addition of heparin and poly-l-lysin as competitors of HSPG and HSPG ligands, respectively, resulted in a significant loss in liposome internalization. The results suggested that HSPG played a major role in the apoE-peptide-mediated uptake of liposomes into endothelial cells of brain microvessels.

Apolipoprotein E-low density lipoprotein receptor binding: Study of protein-protein interaction in rationally selected docked complexes

Apolipoprotein E (apoE) is an important protein involved in lipid metabolism due to its interaction with members of the low-density lipoprotein receptor (LDLR) family. To further understand the molecular basis for this receptor-binding activity, an apoE fragment containing the receptor binding region (residues 135-151) was docked onto the fifth LDLR ligand binding repeat (LR5) by computational methods. A subset of structures generated by the docking was rationally selected on the grounds of experimental data combined with modeling and was used for further analysis. The application and comparison of two different experimental structures for the apoE fragment underlines the local structural changes occurring in apoE when switching from a receptor-inactive to a receptor-active conformation. The body of interactions occurring at the interface between the two proteins is in very good agreement with the biochemical data available for both apoE and LDLR. Charged residues are involved in numerous ionic interactions and might therefore be important for the specificity of the interaction between apoE and LR5. In addition, the interface also features a tryptophan and a stacking of histidine residues, revealing that the association between the two proteins is not entirely governed by ionic interactions. In particular, the presence of histidine residues in the interface gives a structural basis for the pH-regulated release mechanism of apoE in the endosomes. The proposed molecular basis for apoE binding to LDLR could aid the design of strategies for targeting alterations in lipid transport and metabolism.

Lipid-bound structure of an apolipoprotein E-derived peptide

Apolipoprotein (apo) E regulates plasma lipid homeostasis through its ability to interact with the low density lipoprotein (LDL) receptor family. Whereas apoE is not a ligand for receptor binding in buffer alone, interaction with lipid confers receptor recognition properties. To investigate the nature of proposed lipid binding-induced conformational changes in apoE, we employed multidimensional heteronuclear NMR spectroscopy to determine the structure of an LDL receptor-active, 58-residue peptide comprising residues 126-183 of apoE in association with the micelle-forming lipid dodecylphosphocholine (DPC). In the presence of 34 mm DPC the peptide forms a continuous amphipathic helix from Glu131 to Arg178. NMR relaxation studies of DPC-bound apoE-(126-183), in contrast to apoE-(126-183) in the presence of TFE, are consistent with an isotropically tumbling peptide in solution giving a global correlation time of approximately 12.5 ns. These data indicate that the helical peptide is curved and constrained by a lipid micelle consisting of approximately 48 DPC molecules. Although the peptide behaves as if it were tumbling isotropically, spectral density analysis reveals that residues 150-183 have more motional freedom than residues 134-149. These molecular and dynamic features are discussed further to provide insight into the structural basis for the interaction between apoE and the ligand binding repeats of the LDL receptor.

Structure-guided protein engineering modulates helix bundle exchangeable apolipoprotein properties

Apolipoprotein (apo) E plays a major role in lipid metabolism by mediating cellular uptake of lipoprotein particles through interaction with members of the low density lipoprotein (LDL) receptor family. The primary region of apoE responsible for receptor binding has been limited to a cluster of basic amino acids between residues 134 and 150, located in the fourth helix of the N-terminal domain globular helix bundle structure. To investigate structural and functional requirements of this "receptor binding region" we engineered an apolipoprotein chimera wherein residues 131-151 of human apoE were substituted for residues 146-166 (helix 5) of Manduca sexta apolipophorin III (apoLp-III). Recombinant hybrid apolipoprotein was expressed in Escherichia coli, isolated, and characterized. Hybrid apolipoprotein and apoE3-N-terminal, but not apoLp-III, bound to heparin-Sepharose. Far UV circular dichroism spectroscopy revealed the presence of predominantly alpha-helix secondary structure, and stability studies revealed a urea denaturation midpoint of 1.05 m, similar to wild-type apoLp-III. Hybrid apolipoprotein-induced dimyristoylphosphatidylcholine (DMPC) bilayer vesicle solubilization activity was significantly enhanced compared with either parent protein, consistent with detection of solvent-exposed hydrophobic regions on the protein in fluorescent dye binding experiments. Unlike wild-type apoLp-III.DMPC complexes, disc particles bearing the hybrid apolipoprotein competed with 125ILDL for binding to the LDL receptor on cultured human skin fibroblasts. We conclude that a hybrid apolipoprotein containing a key receptor recognition element of apoE preserves the structural integrity of the parent protein while conferring a new biological activity, illustrating the potential of helix swapping to introduce desirable biological properties into unrelated or engineered apolipoproteins.

NMR structure and dynamics of a receptor-active apolipoprotein E peptide

Apolipoprotein E (apoE) is important in lipid metabolism due to its interaction with members of the low density lipoprotein (LDL) receptor family. ApoE is able to interact with the LDL receptor only when it is bound to lipid particles. To address structural aspects of this phenomenon, a receptor-active apoE peptide, encompassing the receptor-binding region of the protein, was studied by NMR in the presence of the lipid-mimicking agent trifluoroethanol. In 50% trifluoroethanol, apoE-(126-183) forms a continuous amphipathic alpha-helix over residues Thr(130)-Glu(179). Detailed NMR relaxation analysis indicates a high degree of plasticity for the residues surrounding 149-159. This intrinsic flexibility imposes a curvature to the peptide that may be important in terms of interaction of apoE with various sized lipid particles and the LDL receptor. Residues 165-179 of apoE may act as a molecular switch whereby these residues are unstructured in the absence of lipids and prevent interaction with the LDL receptor. In the presence of lipids, these residues become helical resulting in a receptor-active conformation of the protein. Furthermore, the electrostatic characteristics and geometric features of apoE-(126-183) suggest that apoE binds to the LDL receptor by interacting with more than one of the receptor ligand-binding repeats.

Modulation of the lipid binding properties of the N-terminal domain of human apolipoprotein E3

Apolipoprotein E (apoE) plays a critical role in plasma lipid homeostasis through its function as a ligand for the low-density lipoprotein (LDL) receptor family. Receptor recognition is mediated by residues 130-150 in the independently folded, 22-kDa N-terminal (NT) domain. This elongated globular four-helix bundle undergoes a conformational change upon interaction with an appropriate lipid surface. Unlike other apolipoproteins, apoE3 NT failed to fully protect human LDL from aggregation induced by treatment with phospholipase C. Likewise, in dimyristoylglycerophosphocholine (Myr2Gro-PCho) vesicle transformation assays, 100 microg apoE3 NT induced only 15% reduction in vesicle (250 microg) light scattering intensity after 30 min. ApoE3 NT interaction with modified lipoprotein particles or Myr2Gro-PCho vesicles was concentration-dependent whereas the vesicle transformation reaction was unaffected by buffer ionic strength. In studies with the anionic phospholipid dimyristoylglycerophosphoglycerol, apoE3 NT-mediated vesicle transformation rates were enhanced > 10-fold compared with Myr2Gro-PCho and activity decreased with increasing buffer ionic strength. Solution pH had a dramatic effect on the kinetics of apoE3 NT-mediated Myr2Gro-PCho vesicle transformation with increased rates observed as a function of decreasing pH. Fluorescence studies with a single tryptophan containing apoE3 NT mutant (L155W) revealed increased solvent exposure of the protein interior at pH values below 4.0. Similarly, fluorescent dye binding experiments with 8-anilino-1-naphthalene sulfonate revealed increased exposure of apoE3 NT hydrophobic interior as a function of decreasing pH. These studies indicate that apoE3 NT lipid binding activity is modulated by lipid surface properties and protein tertiary structure.