Purification and crystallization of the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR)

Functional Consequences of CFTR Interactions in Cystic Fibrosis

Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a fatal autosomal recessive disorder caused by the loss of function mutations within a single gene for the Cystic Fibrosis Transmembrane Conductance Regulator (CFTR). CFTR is a chloride channel that regulates ion and fluid transport across various epithelia. The discovery of CFTR as the CF gene and its cloning in 1989, coupled with extensive research that went into the understanding of the underlying biological mechanisms of CF, have led to the development of revolutionary therapies in CF that we see today. The highly effective modulator therapies have increased the survival rates of CF patients and shifted the epidemiological landscape and disease prognosis. However, the differential effect of modulators among CF patients and the presence of non-responders and ineligible patients underscore the need to develop specialized and customized therapies for a significant number of patients. Recent advances in the understanding of the CFTR structure, its expression, and defined cellular compositions will aid in developing more precise therapies. As the lifespan of CF patients continues to increase, it is becoming critical to clinically address the extra-pulmonary manifestations of CF disease to improve the quality of life of the patients. In-depth analysis of the molecular signature of different CF organs at the transcriptional and post-transcriptional levels is rapidly advancing and will help address the etiological causes and variability of CF among patients and develop precision medicine in CF. In this review, we will provide an overview of CF disease, leading to the discovery and characterization of CFTR and the development of CFTR modulators. The later sections of the review will delve into the key findings derived from single-molecule and single-cell-level analyses of CFTR, followed by an exploration of disease-relevant protein complexes of CFTR that may ultimately define the etiological course of CF disease.

Comparing ATPase activity of ATP-binding cassette subfamily C member 4, lamprey CFTR, and human CFTR using an antimony-phosphomolybdate assay

Introduction: ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporters use the hydrolysis of ATP to power the active transport of molecules, but paradoxically the cystic fibrosis transmembrane regulator (CFTR, ABCC7) forms an ion channel. We previously showed that ATP-binding cassette subfamily C member 4 (ABCC4) is the closest mammalian paralog to CFTR, compared to other ABC transporters. In addition, Lamprey CFTR (Lp-CFTR) is the oldest known CFTR ortholog and has unique structural and functional features compared to human CFTR (hCFTR). The availability of these evolutionarily distant orthologs gives us the opportunity to study the changes in ATPase activity that may be related to their disparate functions. Methods: We utilized the baculovirus expression system with Sf9 insect cells and made use of the highly sensitive antimony-phosphomolybdate assay for testing the ATPase activity of human ABCC4 (hABCC4), Lp-CFTR, and hCFTR under similar experimental conditions. This assay measures the production of inorganic phosphate (Pi) in the nanomolar range. Results: Crude plasma membranes were purified, and protein concentration, determined semi-quantitatively, of hABCC4, Lp-CFTR, and hCFTR ranged from 0.01 to 0.36 μg/μL. No significant difference in expression level was found although hABCC4 trended toward the highest level. hABCC4 was activated by ATP with the equilibrium constant (Kd) 0.55 ± 0.28 mM (n = 8). Estimated maximum ATPase rate (Vmax) for hABCC4 was about 0.2 nmol/μg/min when the protein was activated with 1 mM ATP at 37°C (n = 7). Estimated maximum ATPase rate for PKA-phosphorylated Lp-CFTR reached about half of hCFTR levels in the same conditions. Vmax for both Lp-CFTR and hCFTR were significantly increased in high PKA conditions compared to low PKA conditions. Maximum intrinsic ATPase rate of hABCC4 in the absence of substrate was twice that of hCFTR when activated in 1 mM ATP. Conclusion: The findings here suggest that while both ABCC4 and hCFTR bear one consensus and one degenerate ATPase site, the hCFTR exhibited a reduced intrinsic ATPase activity. In addition, ATPase activity in the CFTR lineage increased from Lp-CFTR to hCFTR. Finally, the studies pave the way to purify hABCC4, Lp-CFTR, and hCFTR from Sf9 cells for their structural investigation, including by cryo-EM, and for studies of evolution in the ABC transporter superfamily.

The molecular evolution of function in the CFTR chloride channel

The ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporter superfamily includes many proteins of clinical relevance, with genes expressed in all domains of life. Although most members use the energy of ATP binding and hydrolysis to accomplish the active import or export of various substrates across membranes, the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) is the only known animal ABC transporter that functions primarily as an ion channel. Defects in CFTR, which is closely related to ABCC subfamily members that bear function as bona fide transporters, underlie the lethal genetic disease cystic fibrosis. This article seeks to integrate structural, functional, and genomic data to begin to answer the critical question of how the function of CFTR evolved to exhibit regulated channel activity. We highlight several examples wherein preexisting features in ABCC transporters were functionally leveraged as is, or altered by molecular evolution, to ultimately support channel function. This includes features that may underlie (1) construction of an anionic channel pore from an anionic substrate transport pathway, (2) establishment and tuning of phosphoregulation, and (3) optimization of channel function by specialized ligand–channel interactions. We also discuss how divergence and conservation may help elucidate the pharmacology of important CFTR modulators.

Cystic Fibrosis-Related Diabetes: Pathophysiology and Therapeutic Challenges

Cystic fibrosis–related diabetes (CFRD) is among the most common extrapulmonary co-morbidity associated with cystic fibrosis (CF), affecting an estimated 50% of adults with the condition. Cystic fibrosis is prevalent in 1 in every 2500 Caucasian live births and is caused by a mutation in the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) gene. Mutated CFTR leads to dehydrated epithelial surfaces and a build-up of mucus in a variety of tissues including the lungs and pancreas. The leading cause of mortality in CF is repeated respiratory bacterial infections, which prompts a decline in lung function. Co-morbid diabetes promotes bacterial colonisation of the airways and exacerbates the deterioration in respiratory health. Cystic fibrosis–related diabetes is associated with a 6-fold higher mortality rate compared with those with CF alone. The management of CFRD adds a further burden for the patient and creates new therapeutic challenges for the clinical team. Several proposed hypotheses on how CFRD develops have emerged, including exocrine-driven fibrosis and destruction of the entire pancreas and contrasting theories on the direct or indirect impact of CFTR mutation on islet function. The current review outlines recent data on the impact of CFTR on endocrine pancreatic function and discusses the use of conventional diabetic therapies and new CFTR-correcting drugs on the treatment of CFRD.

ATP-Dependent Signaling in Simulations of a Revised Model of Cystic Fibrosis Transmembrane Conductance Regulator (CFTR)

Cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) is a member of the ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporter superfamily that has uniquely evolved to function as a chloride channel. It binds and hydrolyzes ATP at its nucleotide binding domains to form a pore providing a diffusive pathway within its transmembrane domains. CFTR is the only known protein from the ABC superfamily with channel activity, and its dysfunction causes the disease cystic fibrosis. While much is known about the functional aspects of CFTR, significant gaps remain, such as the structure-function relationship underlying signaling of ATP binding. In the present work, we refined an existing homology model using an intermediate-resolution (9 Å) published cryo-electron microscopy map. The newly derived models have been simulated in equilibrium molecular dynamics simulations for a total of 2.5 μs in multiple ATP-occupancy states. Putative conformational movements connecting ATP binding with pore formation are elucidated and quantified. Additionally, new interdomain interactions between E543, K968, and K1292 have been identified and confirmed experimentally; these interactions may be relevant for signaling ATP binding and hydrolysis to the transmembrane domains and induction of pore opening.

Sites associated with Kalydeco binding on human Cystic Fibrosis Transmembrane Conductance Regulator revealed by Hydrogen/Deuterium Exchange

Cystic Fibrosis (CF) is caused by mutations in the Cystic Fibrosis Transmembrane Conductance Regulator (CFTR). Mutations associated with CF cause loss-of-function in CFTR leading to salt imbalance in epithelial tissues. Kalydeco (also called VX-770 or ivacaftor) was approved for CF treatment in 2012 but little is known regarding the compound’s interactions with CFTR including the site of binding or mechanisms of action. In this study we use hydrogen/deuterium exchange (HDX) coupled with mass spectrometry to assess the conformational dynamics of a thermostabilized form of CFTR in apo and ligand-bound states. We observe HDX protection at a known binding site for AMPPNP and significant protection for several regions of CFTR in the presence of Kalydeco. The ligand-induced changes of CFTR in the presence of Kalydeco suggest a potential binding site.

Molecular modelling and molecular dynamics of CFTR

The cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) protein is a member of the ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporter superfamily that functions as an ATP-gated channel. Considerable progress has been made over the last years in the understanding of the molecular basis of the CFTR functions, as well as dysfunctions causing the common genetic disease cystic fibrosis (CF). This review provides a global overview of the theoretical studies that have been performed so far, especially molecular modelling and molecular dynamics (MD) simulations. A special emphasis is placed on the CFTR-specific evolution of an ABC transporter framework towards a channel function, as well as on the understanding of the effects of disease-causing mutations and their specific modulation. This in silico work should help structure-based drug discovery and design, with a view to develop CFTR-specific pharmacotherapeutic approaches for the treatment of CF in the context of precision medicine.

New drug developments in the management of cystic fibrosis lung disease

INTRODUCTION

Therapies for cystic fibrosis (CF) pulmonary disease have, until recently, all targeted downstream manifestations rather than the root cause of the disease. A step-change in our approach has been achieved in the last few years, with novel small-molecule CFTR modulating drugs entering the clinic.

AREAS COVERED

In this article, we will discuss the field of drug development for CF lung disease. The case will be made for the potential benefits of basic defect-targeted strategies, which will be described in detail. Novel therapies directed at the downstream pulmonary manifestations of CF - infection, inflammation, and mucus impaction - will be reviewed. Finally, we will speculate on future directions and challenges.

EXPERT OPINION

CF drug development is in an exciting phase, catalysed by the impressive results seen in patients with ivacaftor-responsive CFTR mutations. The research field is active with trials of novel therapies targeting the basic defect, alongside drugs targeting downstream effects. In order to detect potentially small improvements due to novel therapies, especially in the context of treating young patients with early disease, sensitive outcome measures and the coordinated efforts of collaborative research networks are crucial.

On the mechanism of gating defects caused by the R117H mutation in cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator

KEY POINTS

Two functional abnormalities of cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR), a 25% reduction of the single-channel conductance (g) and a ∼13-fold lower open probability (Po ), were found with the R117H mutation that is associated with mild forms of cystic fibrosis. Characterizations of the gating defects of R117H-CFTR led to the conclusion that the mutation decreases Po by perturbing the gating conformational changes in CFTR's transmembrane domains (TMDs) without altering the function of the nucleotide binding domains (NBDs). Nonetheless, gating of the R117H-CFTR can be improved by a variety of pharmacological reagents supposedly acting on NBDs such as ATP analogues, or TMDs (e.g. VX-770 or nitrate). These reagents potentiate synergistically R117H-CFTR gating to a level that allows accurate assessments of its gating deficits. Our studies not only elucidate the mechanism underpinning gating dysfunction of R117H-CFTR, but also provide a mechanistic understanding of how VX-770 ameliorates the gating defects in the R117H mutant.

ABSTRACT

Cystic fibrosis (CF) is caused by loss-of-function mutations of the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) gene encoding a phosphorylation-activated, but ATP-gated chloride channel. In the current study, we investigated the mechanism responsible for the gating defects manifested in R117H-CFTR, an arginine-to-histidine substitution at position 117 of CFTR that is associated with mild forms of CF. We confirmed previous findings of a 25% decrease of the single-channel conductance (g) in R117H-CFTR, but found a ∼13-fold lower open probability (Po ). This dramatic gating deficit is not due to dysfunctional nucleotide binding domains (NBDs) as the mutation does not alter the apparent affinity for ATP, and the mutant channels respond to ATP analogues in a similar manner as wild-type CFTR. Furthermore, once ATP hydrolysis is abolished, the R117H mutant can be trapped in a prolonged 'burst opening' conformation that is proposed to be equipped with a stable NBD dimer. On the other hand, our results support the conclusion that the R117H mutation decreases Po by perturbing the gating conformational changes in CFTR's transmembrane domains as even when NBDs are kept at a dimerized configuration, Po is reduced by ∼10-fold. Moreover, our data demonstrate that a synergistic improvement of R117H-CFTR function can be accomplished with a combined regiment of VX-770 (Ivacaftor), nitrate ion (NO3 (-) ) and N(6) -(2-phenylethyl)-2'-deoxy-ATP (d-PATP), which almost completely rectifies the gating defect of R117H-CFTR. Clinical implications of our results are discussed.

Characterizing diverse orthologues of the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator protein for structural studies

As an ion channel, the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) protein occupies a unique niche within the ABC family. Orthologues of CFTR are extant throughout the animal kingdom from sharks to platypods to sheep, where the osmoregulatory function of the protein has been applied to differing lifestyles and diverse organ systems. In humans, loss-of-function mutations to CFTR cause the disease cystic fibrosis, which is a significant health burden in populations of white European descent. Orthologue screening has proved fruitful in the pursuit of high-resolution structural data for several membrane proteins, and we have applied some of the princples developed in previous studies to the expression and purification of CFTR. We have overexpressed this protein, along with evolutionarily diverse orthologues, in Saccharomyces cerevisiae and developed a purification to isolate it in quantities sufficient for structural and functional studies.

Thermal stability of purified and reconstituted CFTR in a locked open channel conformation

CFTR is unique among ABC transporters as the only one functioning as an ion channel and from a human health perspective because mutations in its gene cause cystic fibrosis. Although considerable advances have been made towards understanding CFTR's mechanism of action and the impact of mutations, the lack of a high-resolution 3D structure has hindered progress. The large multi-domain membrane glycoprotein is normally present at low copy number and when over expressed at high levels it aggregates strongly, limiting the production of stable mono-disperse preparations. While the reasons for the strong self-association are not fully understood, its relatively low thermal stability seems likely to be one. The major CF causing mutation, ΔF508, renders the protein very thermally unstable and therefore a great deal of attention has been paid to this property of CFTR. Multiple second site mutations of CFTR in NBD1 where F508 normally resides and small molecule binders of the domain increase the thermal stability of the mutant. These manipulations also stabilize the wild-type protein. Here we have applied ΔF508-stabilizing changes and other modifications to generate wild-type constructs that express at much higher levels in scaled-up suspension cultures of mammalian cells. After purification and reconstitution into liposomes these proteins are active in a locked-open conformation at temperatures as high as 50 °C and remain monodisperse at 4 °C in detergent or lipid for at least a week. The availability of adequate amounts of these and related stable active preparations of homogeneous CFTR will enable stalled structural and ligand binding studies to proceed.

Crystal structures of a polypeptide processing and secretion transporter

Bacteria secrete peptides and proteins to communicate, to poison competitors, and to manipulate host cells. Among the various protein-translocation machineries, the peptidase-containing ATP-binding cassette transporters (PCATs) are appealingly simple. Each PCAT contains two peptidase domains that cleave the secretion signal from the substrate, two transmembrane domains that form a translocation pathway, and two nucleotide-binding domains that hydrolyse ATP. In Gram-positive bacteria, PCATs function both as maturation proteases and exporters for quorum-sensing or antimicrobial polypeptides. In Gram-negative bacteria, PCATs interact with two other membrane proteins to form the type 1 secretion system. Here we present crystal structures of PCAT1 from Clostridium thermocellum in two different conformations. These structures, accompanied by biochemical data, show that the translocation pathway is a large α-helical barrel sufficient to accommodate small folded proteins. ATP binding alternates access to the transmembrane pathway and also regulates the protease activity, thereby coupling substrate processing to translocation.

Involvement of the heterodimeric interface region of the nucleotide binding domain-2 (NBD2) in the CFTR quaternary structure and membrane stability

The cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) is the only member of the ATP-binding cassette (ABC) superfamily that functions as a chloride channel. The predicted structure of CFTR protein contains two membrane-spanning domains (MSDs), each followed by a nucleotide binding domain (NBD1 and NBD2). The opening of the Cl- channel is directly linked to ATP-driven tight dimerization of CFTR's NBD1 and NBD2 domains. The presence of a heterodimeric interfaces (HI) region in NBD1 and NBD2 generated a head to tail orientation necessary for channel activity. This process was also suggested to promote important conformational changes in the associated transmembrane domains of CFTR, which may impact the CFTR plasma membrane stability. To better understand the role of the individual HI region in this process, we generated recombinant CFTR protein with suppressed HI-NBD1 and HI-NBD2. Our results indicate that HI-NBD2 deletion leads to the loss of the dimerization profile of CFTR that affect its plasma membrane stability. We conclude that, in addition to its role in Cl- transport, HI-NBD2 domain confers membrane stability of CFTR by consolidating its quaternary structure through interactions with HI-NBD1 region.

A stable human-cell system overexpressing cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator recombinant protein at the cell surface

Recent human clinical trials results demonstrated successful treatment for certain genetic forms of cystic fibrosis (CF). To extend treatment opportunities to those afflicted with other genetic forms of CF disease, structural and biophysical characterization of CF transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) is urgently needed. In this study, CFTR was modified with various tags, including a His10 purification tag, the SUMOstar (SUMO*) domain, an extracellular FLAG epitope, and an enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP), each alone or in various combinations. Expressed in HEK293 cells, recombinant CFTR proteins underwent complex glycosylation, compartmentalized with the plasma membrane, and exhibited regulated chloride-channel activity with only modest alterations in channel conductance and gating kinetics. Surface CFTR expression level was enhanced by the presence of SUMO* on the N-terminus. Quantitative mass-spectrometric analysis indicated approximately 10% of the total recombinant CFTR (SUMO*-CFTR(FLAG)-EGFP) localized to the plasma membrane. Trial purification using dodecylmaltoside for membrane protein extraction reproducibly recovered 178 ± 56 μg SUMO*-CFTR(FLAG)-EGFP per billion cells at 80% purity. Fluorescence size-exclusion chromatography indicated purified CFTR was monodisperse. These findings demonstrate a stable mammalian cell expression system capable of producing human CFTR of sufficient quality and quantity to augment future CF drug discovery efforts, including biophysical and structural studies.

Functional and pharmacological induced structural changes of the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator in the membrane solved using SAXS

The cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) chloride channel is a membrane-integral protein that belongs to the ATP-binding cassette superfamily. Mutations in the CFTR gene cause cystic fibrosis in which salt, water, and protein transports are defective in various tissues. To investigate the conformation of the CFTR in the membrane, we applied the small-angle x-ray scattering (SAXS) technique on microsomal membranes extracted from NIH/3T3 cells permanentely transfected with wild-type (WT) CFTR and with CFTR carrying the ΔF508 mutation. The electronic density profile of the membranes was calculated from the SAXS data, assuming the lipid bilayer electronic density to be composed by a series of Gaussian shells. The data indicate that membranes in the microsome vesicles, that contain mostly endoplasmic reticulum membranes, are oriented in the outside-out conformation. Phosphorylation does not change significantly the electronic density profile, while dephosphorylation produces a significant modification in the inner side of the profile. Thus, we conclude that the CFTR and its associated protein complex in microsomes are mostly phosphorylated. The electronic density profile of the ΔF508-CFTR microsomes is completely different from WT, suggesting a different assemblage of the proteins in the membranes. Low-temperature treatment of cells rescues the ΔF508-CFTR protein, resulting in a conformation that resembles the WT. Differently, treatment with the corrector VX-809 modifies the electronic profile of ΔF508-CFTR membrane, but does not recover completely the WT conformation. To our knowledge, this is the first report of a direct physical measurement of the structure of membranes containing CFTR in its native environment and in different functional and pharmacological conditions.

Functional reconstitution and channel activity measurements of purified wildtype and mutant CFTR protein

The Cystic Fibrosis Transmembrane Conductance Regulator (CFTR) is a unique channel-forming member of the ATP Binding Cassette (ABC) superfamily of transporters. The phosphorylation and nucleotide dependent chloride channel activity of CFTR has been frequently studied in whole cell systems and as single channels in excised membrane patches. Many Cystic Fibrosis-causing mutations have been shown to alter this activity. While a small number of purification protocols have been published, a fast reconstitution method that retains channel activity and a suitable method for studying population channel activity in a purified system have been lacking. Here rapid methods are described for purification and functional reconstitution of the full-length CFTR protein into proteoliposomes of defined lipid composition that retains activity as a regulated halide channel. This reconstitution method together with a novel flux-based assay of channel activity is a suitable system for studying the population channel properties of wild type CFTR and the disease-causing mutants F508del- and G551D-CFTR. Specifically, the method has utility in studying the direct effects of phosphorylation, nucleotides and small molecules such as potentiators and inhibitors on CFTR channel activity. The methods are also amenable to the study of other membrane channels/transporters for anionic substrates.

Missense variants in CFTR nucleotide-binding domains predict quantitative phenotypes associated with cystic fibrosis disease severity

Predicting the impact of genetic variation on human health remains an important and difficult challenge. Often, algorithmic classifiers are tasked with predicting binary traits (e.g. positive or negative for a disease) from missense variation. Though useful, this arrangement is limiting and contrived, because human diseases often comprise a spectrum of severities, rather than a discrete partitioning of patient populations. Furthermore, labeling variants as causal or benign can be error prone, which is problematic for training supervised learning algorithms (the so-called garbage in, garbage out phenomenon). We explore the potential value of training classifiers using continuous-valued quantitative measurements, rather than binary traits. Using 20 variants from cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) nucleotide-binding domains and six quantitative measures of cystic fibrosis (CF) severity, we trained classifiers to predict CF severity from CFTR variants. Employing cross validation, classifier prediction and measured clinical/functional values were significantly correlated for four of six quantitative traits (correlation P-values from 1.35 × 10(-4) to 4.15 × 10(-3)). Classifiers were also able to stratify variants by three clinically relevant risk categories with 85-100% accuracy, depending on which of the six quantitative traits was used for training. Finally, we characterized 11 additional CFTR variants using clinical sweat chloride testing, two functional assays, or all three diagnostics, and validated our classifier using blind prediction. Predictions were within the measured sweat chloride range for seven of eight variants, and captured the differential impact of specific variants on the two functional assays. This work demonstrates a promising and novel framework for assessing the impact of genetic variation.

A survey of detergents for the purification of stable, active human cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR)

Structural knowledge of the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) requires developing methods to purify and stabilize this aggregation-prone membrane protein above 1mg/ml. Starting with green fluorescent protein- and epitope-tagged human CFTR produced in mammalian cells known to properly fold and process CFTR, we devised a rapid tandem affinity purification scheme to minimize CFTR exposure to detergent in order to preserve its ATPase function. We compared a panel of detergents, including widely used detergents (maltosides, neopentyl glycols (MNG), C12E8, lysolipids, Chaps) and innovative detergents (branched alkylmaltosides, facial amphiphiles) for CFTR purification, function, monodispersity and stability. ATPase activity after reconstitution into proteoliposomes was 2-3 times higher when CFTR was purified using facial amphiphiles. ATPase activity was also demonstrated in purified CFTR samples without detergent removal using a novel lipid supplementation assay. By electron microscopy, negatively stained CFTR samples were monodisperse at low concentration, and size exclusion chromatography showed a predominance of monomer even after CFTR concentration above 1mg/ml. Rates of CFTR aggregation quantified in an electrophoretic mobility shift assay showed that detergents which best preserved reconstituted ATPase activity also supported the greatest stability, with CFTR monomer half-lives of 6-9days in MNG or Chaps, and 12-17days in facial amphiphile. Cryoelectron microscopy of concentrated CFTR in MNG or facial amphiphile confirmed mostly monomeric protein, producing low resolution reconstructions in conformity with similar proteins. These protocols can be used to generate samples of pure, functional, stable CFTR at concentrations amenable to biophysical characterization.

Purification of the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator protein expressed in Saccharomyces cerevisiae

Defects in the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) protein cause cystic fibrosis (CF), an autosomal recessive disease that currently limits the average life expectancy of sufferers to <40 years of age. The development of novel drug molecules to restore the activity of CFTR is an important goal in the treatment CF, and the isolation of functionally active CFTR is a useful step towards achieving this goal.

We describe two methods for the purification of CFTR from a eukaryotic heterologous expression system, S. cerevisiae. Like prokaryotic systems, S. cerevisiae can be rapidly grown in the lab at low cost, but can also traffic and posttranslationally modify large membrane proteins. The selection of detergents for solubilization and purification is a critical step in the purification of any membrane protein. Having screened for the solubility of CFTR in several detergents, we have chosen two contrasting detergents for use in the purification that allow the final CFTR preparation to be tailored to the subsequently planned experiments.

In this method, we provide comparison of the purification of CFTR in dodecyl-β-D-maltoside (DDM) and 1-tetradecanoyl-sn-glycero-3-phospho-(1'-rac-glycerol) (LPG-14). Protein purified in DDM by this method shows ATPase activity in functional assays. Protein purified in LPG-14 shows high purity and yield, can be employed to study post-translational modifications, and can be used for structural methods such as small-angle X-ray scattering and electron microscopy. However it displays significantly lower ATPase activity.

Understanding how cystic fibrosis mutations disrupt CFTR function: from single molecules to animal models

Defective epithelial ion transport is the hallmark of the life-limiting genetic disease cystic fibrosis (CF). This abnormality is caused by mutations in the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR), the ATP-binding cassette transporter that functions as a ligand-gated anion channel. Since the identification of the CFTR gene, almost 2000 disease-causing mutations associated with a spectrum of clinical phenotypes have been reported, but the majority remain poorly characterised. Studies of a small number of mutations including the most common, F508del-CFTR, have identified six general mechanisms of CFTR dysfunction. Here, we review selectively progress to understand how CF mutations disrupt CFTR processing, stability and function. We explore CFTR structure and function to explain the molecular mechanisms of CFTR dysfunction and highlight new knowledge of disease pathophysiology emerging from large animal models of CF. Understanding CFTR dysfunction is crucial to the development of transformational therapies for CF patients.

CFTR structure and cystic fibrosis

CFTR (cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator) is a member of the ATP-binding cassette family of membrane proteins. Although almost all members of this family are transporters, CFTR functions as a channel with specificity for anions, in particular chloride and bicarbonate. In this review we look at what is known about CFTR structure and function within the context of the ATP-binding cassette family. We also review current strategies aimed at obtaining the high resolution structure of the protein.

On the structural organization of the intracellular domains of CFTR

The cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) is a multidomain membrane protein forming an anion selective channel. Mutations in the gene encoding CFTR cause cystic fibrosis (CF). The intracellular side of CFTR constitutes about 80% of the total mass of the protein. This region includes domains involved in ATP-dependent gating and regulatory protein kinase-A phosphorylation sites. The high-resolution molecular structure of CFTR has not yet been solved. However, a range of lower resolution structural data, as well as functional biochemical and electrophysiological data, are now available. This information has enabled the proposition of a working model for the structural architecture of the intracellular domains of the CFTR protein.

Functional architecture of the CFTR chloride channel

Cystic fibrosis is caused by mutations in the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR), a member of the ATP-binding cassette (ABC) family of membrane transport proteins. CFTR is unique among ABC proteins in that it functions not as an active transporter but as an ATP-gated Cl(-) channel. As an ion channel, the function of the CFTR transmembrane channel pore that mediates Cl(-) movement has been studied in great detail. On the other hand, only low resolution structural data is available on the transmembrane parts of the protein. The structure of the channel pore has, however, been modeled on the known structure of active transporter ABC proteins. Currently, significant barriers exist to building a unified view of CFTR pore structure and function. Reconciling functional data on the channel with indirect structural data based on other proteins with very different transport functions and substrates has proven problematic. This review summarizes current structural and functional models of the CFTR Cl(-) channel pore, including a comprehensive review of previous electrophysiological investigations of channel structure and function. In addition, functional data on the three-dimensional arrangement of pore-lining helices, as well as contemporary hypotheses concerning conformational changes in the pore that occur during channel opening and closing, are discussed. Important similarities and differences between different models of the pore highlight current gaps in our knowledge of CFTR structure and function. In order to fill these gaps, structural and functional models of the membrane-spanning pore need to become better integrated.

CFTR inhibitors

The cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) protein is a cAMP-regulated Cl- channel whose major function is to facilitate epithelial fluid secretion. Loss-of-function mutations in CFTR cause the genetic disease cystic fibrosis. CFTR is required for transepithelial fluid transport in certain secretory diarrheas, such as cholera, and for cyst expansion in autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease. High-throughput screening has yielded CFTR inhibitors of the thiazolidinone, glycine hydrazide and quinoxalinedione chemical classes. The glycine hydrazides target the extracellular CFTR pore, whereas the thiazolidinones and quinoxalinediones act at the cytoplasmic surface. These inhibitors have been widely used in cystic fibrosis research to study CFTR function at the cell and organ levels. The most potent CFTR inhibitor has IC50 of approximately 4 nM. Studies in animal models support the development of CFTR inhibitors for antisecretory therapy of enterotoxin-mediated diarrheas and polycystic kidney disease.

Dynamics intrinsic to cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator function and stability

The cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) requires dynamic fluctuations between states in its gating cycle for proper channel function, including changes in the interactions between the nucleotide-binding domains (NBDs) and between the intracellular domain (ICD) coupling helices and NBDs. Such motions are also linked with fluctuating phosphorylation-dependent binding of CFTR's disordered regulatory (R) region to the NBDs and partners. Folding of CFTR is highly inefficient, with the marginally stable NBD1 sampling excited states or folding intermediates that are aggregation-prone. The severe CF-causing F508del mutation exacerbates the folding inefficiency of CFTR and leads to impaired channel regulation and function, partly as a result of perturbed NBD1-ICD interactions and enhanced sampling of these NBD1 excited states. Increased knowledge of the dynamics within CFTR will expand our understanding of the regulated channel gating of the protein as well as of the F508del defects in folding and function.

Cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (ABCC7) structure

Structural studies of the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) are reviewed. Like many membrane proteins, full-length CFTR has proven to be difficult to express and purify, hence much of the structural data available is for the more tractable, independently expressed soluble domains. Therefore, this chapter covers structural data for individual CFTR domains in addition to the sparser data available for the full-length protein. To set the context for these studies, we will start by reviewing structural information on model proteins from the ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporter superfamily, to which CFTR belongs.

Development of CFTR Structure

Cystic fibrosis is a lethal genetic disease caused by lack of functional cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) proteins at the apical surface of secretory epithelia. CFTR is a multidomain protein, containing five domains, and its functional structure is attained in a hierarchical folding process. Most CF-causing mutations in CFTR, including the most common mutation, a deletion of phenylalanine at position 508 (ΔF508), are unable to properly fold into this functional native three dimensional structure. Currently, no high-resolution structural information about full length CFTR exists. However, insight has been gained through examining homologous ABC transporter structures, molecular modeling, and high-resolution structures of individual, isolated CFTR domains. Taken together, these studies indicate that the prevalent ΔF508 mutation disrupts two essential steps during the development of the native structure: folding of the first nucleotide binding domain (NBD1) and its later association with the fourth intracellular loop (ICL4) in the second transmembrane domain (TMD2). Therapeutics to rescue ΔF508 and other mutants in CFTR can be targeted to correct defects that occur during the complex folding process. This article reviews the structural relationships between CFTR and ABC transporters and current knowledge about how CFTR attains its structure–with a focus on how this process is altered by CF-causing mutations in a manner targetable by therapeutics.

Expression and purification of the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator protein in Saccharomyces cerevisiae

The cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) is a chloride channel, that when mutated, can give rise to cystic fibrosis in humans.There is therefore considerable interest in this protein, but efforts to study its structure and activity have been hampered by the difficulty of expressing and purifying sufficient amounts of the protein^1-3. Like many 'difficult' eukaryotic membrane proteins, expression in a fast-growing organism is desirable, but challenging, and in the yeast S. cerevisiae, so far low amounts were obtained and rapid degradation of the recombinant protein was observed ^4-9. Proteins involved in the processing of recombinant CFTR in yeast have been described^6-9 .In this report we describe a methodology for expression of CFTR in yeast and its purification in significant amounts. The protocol describes how the earlier proteolysis problems can be overcome and how expression levels of CFTR can be greatly improved by modifying the cell growth conditions and by controlling the induction conditions, in particular the time period prior to cell harvesting. The reagants associated with this protocol (murine CFTR-expressing yeast cells or yeast plasmids) will be distributed via the US Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, which has sponsored the research. An article describing the design and synthesis of the CFTR construct employed in this report will be published separately (Urbatsch, I.; Thibodeau, P. et al., unpublished). In this article we will explain our method beginning with the transformation of the yeast cells with the CFTR construct - containing yeast plasmid (Fig. 1). The construct has a green fluorescent protein (GFP) sequence fused to CFTR at its C-terminus and follows the system developed by Drew et al. (2008)¹⁰. The GFP allows the expression and purification of CFTR to be followed relatively easily. The JoVE visualized protocol finishes after the preparation of microsomes from the yeast cells, although we include some suggestions for purification of the protein from the microsomes. Readers may wish to add their own modifications to the microsome purification procedure, dependent on the final experiments to be carried out with the protein and the local equipment available to them. The yeast-expressed CFTR protein can be partially purified using metal ion affinity chromatography, using an intrinsic polyhistidine purification tag. Subsequent size-exclusion chromatography yields a protein that appears to be >90% pure, as judged by SDS-PAGE and Coomassie-staining of the gel.

Insights into the mechanisms underlying CFTR channel activity, the molecular basis for cystic fibrosis and strategies for therapy

Mutations in the CFTR (cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator) cause CF (cystic fibrosis), a fatal genetic disease commonly leading to airway obstruction with recurrent airway inflammation and infection. Pulmonary obstruction in CF has been linked to the loss of CFTR function as a regulated Cl- channel on the lumen-facing membrane of the epithelium lining the airways. We have learned much about the molecular basis for nucleotide- and phosphorylation-dependent regulation of channel activity of the normal (wild-type) version of the CFTR protein through electrophysiological studies. The major CF-causing mutation, F508del-CFTR, causes the protein to misfold and be retained in the ER (endoplasmic reticulum). Importantly, recent studies in cell culture have shown that retention in the ER can be 'corrected' through the application of certain small-molecule modulators and, once at the surface, the altered channel function of the major mutant can be 'potentiated', pharmacologically. Importantly, two such small molecules, a 'corrector' (VX-809) and a 'potentiator' (VX-770) compound are undergoing clinical trial for the treatment of CF. In this chapter, we describe recent discoveries regarding the wild-type CFTR and F508del-CFTR protein, in the context of molecular models based on X-ray structures of prokaryotic ABC (ATP-binding cassette) proteins. Finally, we discuss the promise of small-molecule modulators to probe the relationship between structure and function in the wild-type protein, the molecular defects caused by the most common mutation and the structural changes required to correct these defects.

Purification of CFTR for mass spectrometry analysis: identification of palmitoylation and other post-translational modifications

Post-translational modifications (PTMs) play a crucial role during biogenesis of many transmembrane proteins. Previously, it had not been possible to evaluate PTMs in cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR), the epithelial ion channel responsible for cystic fibrosis, because of difficulty obtaining sufficient amounts of purified protein. We recently used an inducible overexpression strategy to generate recombinant CFTR protein at levels suitable for purification and detailed analysis. Using liquid chromatography (LC) tandem and multiple reaction ion monitoring (MRM) mass spectrometry, we identified specific sites of PTMs, including palmitoylation, phosphorylation, methylation and possible ubiquitination. Many of these covalent CFTR modifications have not been described previously, but are likely to influence key and clinically important molecular processes including protein maturation, gating and the mechanisms underlying certain mutations associated with disease.

Divergent CFTR orthologs respond differently to the channel inhibitors CFTRinh-172, glibenclamide, and GlyH-101

Comparison of diverse orthologs is a powerful tool to study the structure and function of channel proteins. We investigated the response of human, killifish, pig, and shark cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) to specific inhibitors of the channel: CFTR(inh)-172, glibenclamide, and GlyH-101. In three systems, including organ perfusion of the shark rectal gland, primary cultures of shark rectal gland tubules, and expression studies of each ortholog in cRNA microinjected Xenopus laevis oocytes, we observed fundamental differences in the sensitivity to inhibition by these channel blockers. In organ perfusion studies, shark CFTR was insensitive to inhibition by CFTR(inh)-172. This insensitivity was also seen in short-circuit current experiments with cultured rectal gland tubular epithelial cells (maximum inhibition 4 ± 1.3%). In oocyte expression studies, shark CFTR was again insensitive to CFTR(inh)-172 (maximum inhibition 10.3 ± 2.5% at 25 μM), pig CFTR was insensitive to glibenclamide (maximum inhibition 18.4 ± 4.4% at 250 μM), and all orthologs were sensitive to GlyH-101. The amino acid residues considered responsible by previous site-directed mutagenesis for binding of the three inhibitors are conserved in the four CFTR isoforms studied. These experiments demonstrate a profound difference in the sensitivity of different orthologs of CFTR proteins to inhibition by CFTR blockers that cannot be explained by mutagenesis of single amino acids. We believe that the potency of the inhibitors CFTR(inh)-172, glibenclamide, and GlyH-101 on the CFTR chloride channel protein is likely dictated by the local environment and the three-dimensional structure of additional residues that form the vestibules, the chloride pore, and regulatory regions of the channel.

The cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR): three-dimensional structure and localization of a channel gate

Cystic fibrosis affects about 1 in 2500 live births and involves loss of transmembrane chloride flux due to a lack of a membrane protein channel termed the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR). We have studied CFTR structure by electron crystallography. The data were compared with existing structures of other ATP-binding cassette transporters. The protein was crystallized in the outward facing state and resembled the well characterized Sav1866 transporter. We identified regions in the CFTR map, not accounted for by Sav1866, which were potential locations for the regulatory region as well as the channel gate. In this analysis, we were aided by the fact that the unit cell was composed of two molecules not related by crystallographic symmetry. We also identified regions in the fitted Sav1866 model that were missing from the map, hence regions that were either disordered in CFTR or differently organized compared with Sav1866. Apart from the N and C termini, this indicated that in CFTR, the cytoplasmic end of transmembrane helix 5/11 and its associated loop could be partly disordered (or alternatively located).

ATP hydrolysis-dependent asymmetry of the conformation of CFTR channel pore

Despite substantial efforts, the entire cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) protein proved to be difficult for structural analysis at high resolution, and little is still known about the actual dimensions of the anion-transporting pathway of CFTR channel. In the present study, we therefore gauged geometrical features of the CFTR Cl(-) channel pore by a nonelectrolyte exclusion technique. Polyethylene glycols with a hydrodynamic radius (R (h)) smaller than 0.95 nm (PEG 300-1,000) added from the intracellular side greatly suppressed the inward unitary anionic conductance, whereas only molecules with R (h) ≤ 0.62 nm (PEG 200-400) applied extracellularly were able to affect the outward unitary anionic currents. Larger molecules with R (h) = 1.16-1.84 nm (PEG 1,540-3,400) added from either side were completely excluded from the pore and had no significant effect on the single-channel conductance. The cut-off radius of the inner entrance of CFTR channel pore was assessed to be 1.19 ± 0.02 nm. The outer entrance was narrower with its cut-off radius of 0.70 ± 0.16 nm and was dilated to 0.93 ± 0.23 nm when a non-hydrolyzable ATP analog, 5'-adenylylimidodiphosphate (AMP-PNP), was added to the intracellular solution. Thus, it is concluded that the structure of CFTR channel pore is highly asymmetric with a narrower extracellular entrance and that a dilating conformational change of the extracellular entrance is associated with the channel transition to a non-hydrolytic, locked-open state.

Small-angle X-ray scattering study of the ATP modulation of the structural features of the nucleotide binding domains of the CFTR in solution

Nucleotide binding domains (NBD1 and NBD2) of the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance (CFTR), the defective protein in cystic fibrosis, are responsible for controlling the gating of the chloride channel and are the putative binding site for several candidate drugs in the disease treatment. We studied the structural properties of recombinant NBD1, NBD2, and an equimolar NBD1/NBD2 mixture in solution by small-angle X-ray scattering. We demonstrated that NBD1 or NBD2 alone have an overall structure similar to that observed for crystals. Application of 2 mM ATP induces a dimerization of NBD1 but does not modify the NBD2 monomeric conformation. An equimolar mixture of NBD1/NBD2 in solution shows a dimeric conformation, and the application of ATP to the solution causes a conformational change in the NBD1/NBD2 complex into a tight heterodimer. We hypothesize that a similar conformation change occurs in situ and that transition is part of the gating mechanism. To our knowledge, this is the first direct observation of a conformational change of the NBD1/NBD2 interaction by ATP. This information may be useful to understand the physiopathology of cystic fibrosis.

NMR spectroscopy to study the dynamics and interactions of CFTR

The cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) is a multi-domain membrane chloride channel whose activity is regulated by ATP at two nucleotide-binding domains (NBD1 and NBD2) and by phosphorylation of the regulatory (R) region. The NBDs and the R region have functionally relevant motions that are critical for channel gating. Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy is a highly useful technique for obtaining information on the structure and interactions of CFTR and is extremely powerful for probing dynamics. NMR approaches for studying CFTR are reviewed, using our previous NBD1 and the R region results to provide examples. These NMR data are yielding insights into the dynamic properties and interactions that facilitate normal CFTR regulation as well as pathological effects of mutations, including the most common disease mutant, deletion of F508 in NBD1.

CFTR three-dimensional structure

CFTR is a member of the ATP-binding cassette family of membrane proteins. This is one of the best characterised membrane protein families in terms of structure and function. CFTR operates as an ion channel, unlike nearly all other family members which are active transporters. Here, we discuss methods that have allowed such data to be obtained for CFTR.

Introduction to section IV: biophysical methods to approach CFTR structure

Inefficient folding of CFTR into a functional three-dimensional structure is the basic pathophysiologic mechanism leading to most cases of cystic fibrosis. Knowledge of the structure of CFTR and placement of these mutations into a structural context would provide information key for developing targeted therapeutic approaches for cystic fibrosis. As a large polytopic membrane protein containing disordered regions, intact CFTR has been refractory to efforts to solve a high-resolution structure using X-ray crystallography. The following chapters summarize current efforts to circumvent these obstacles by utilizing NMR, electron microscopy, and computational methodologies and by development of experimental models of the relevant domains of CFTR.

Folding and rescue of a cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator trafficking mutant identified using human-murine chimeric proteins

Impairment of the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) Cl(-) channel causes cystic fibrosis, a fatal genetic disease. Here, to gain insight into CFTR structure and function, we exploited interspecies differences between CFTR homologues using human (h)-murine (m) CFTR chimeras containing murine nucleotide-binding domains (NBDs) or regulatory domain on an hCFTR backbone. Among 15 hmCFTR chimeras analyzed, all but two were correctly processed, one containing part of mNBD1 and another containing part of mNBD2. Based on physicochemical distance analysis of divergent residues between human and murine CFTR in the two misprocessed hmCFTR chimeras, we generated point mutations for analysis of respective CFTR processing and functional properties. We identified one amino acid substitution (K584E-CFTR) that disrupts CFTR processing in NBD1. No single mutation was identified in NBD2 that disrupts protein processing. However, a number of NBD2 mutants altered channel function. Analysis of structural models of CFTR identified that although Lys(584) interacts with residue Leu(581) in human CFTR Glu(584) interacts with Phe(581) in mouse CFTR. Introduction of the murine residue (Phe(581)) in cis with K584E in human CFTR rescued the processing and trafficking defects of K584E-CFTR. Our data demonstrate that human-murine CFTR chimeras may be used to validate structural models of full-length CFTR. We also conclude that hmCFTR chimeras are a valuable tool to elucidate interactions between different domains of CFTR.

Domain location within the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator protein investigated by electron microscopy and gold labelling

The domain organisation of the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) protein was studied using electron microscopy of detergent-solubilised dimeric complexes. Ni-NTA nanogold labelling data suggest that in the nonphosphorylated, nucleotide-free state, the C-terminus is intimately associated with the cytoplasmic ATP-binding regions, whilst part of the regulatory domain occupies a position close to the cytoplasmic surface of the lipid membrane. Removal of the entire second nucleotide binding domain (NBD2) results in a deficit in the CFTR structure that is consistent with the size and shape of a single NBD. The data suggest that NBD2 lies closer to the C2 symmetry axis than the first nucleotide binding domain (NBD1) and that NBD2 from one CFTR monomer also contacts NBD1 from the opposing one. These data suggest that current homology models for CFTR based on other ATP-binding cassette proteins appear to be reasonable, at least to low resolution. We also find that Ni-NTA nanogold labelling of an internal hexa-Histidine sequence is a valuable approach to locate individual protein domains.

Changes in accessibility of cytoplasmic substances to the pore associated with activation of the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator chloride channel

Opening of the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator Cl(-) channel is dependent both on phosphorylation and on ATP binding and hydrolysis. However, the mechanisms by which these cytoplasmic regulatory factors open the Cl(-) channel pore are not known. We have used patch clamp recording to investigate the accessibility of cytoplasmically applied cysteine-reactive reagents to cysteines introduced along the length of the pore-lining sixth transmembrane region (TM6) of a cysteine-less variant of cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator. We find that methanethiosulfonate (MTS) reagents modify irreversibly cysteines substituted for TM6 residues Phe-337, Thr-338, Ser-341, Ile-344, Val-345, Met-348, Ala-349, Arg-352, and Gln-353 when applied to the cytoplasmic side of open channels. However, the apparent rate of modification by internal [2-sulfonatoethyl] methanethiosulfonate (MTSES), a negatively charged MTS reagent, is dependent on the activation state of the channels. In particular, cysteines introduced far along the axis of TM6 from the inside (T338C, S341C, I344C) showed no evidence of significant modification even after prolonged pretreatment of non-activated channels with internal MTSES. In contrast, cysteines introduced closer to the inside of TM6 (V345C, M348C) were readily modified in both activated and non-activated channels. Access of a permeant anion, Au(CN)(2)(-), to T338C was similarly dependent upon channel activation state. The pattern of MTS modification we observe allows us to designate different pore-lining amino acid side chains to distinct functional regions of the channel pore. One logical interpretation of these findings is that cytoplasmic access to residues at the narrowest region of the pore changes concomitant with activation.

The ATPase activities of sulfonylurea receptor 2A and sulfonylurea receptor 2B are influenced by the C-terminal 42 amino acids

Unusually among ATP-binding cassette proteins, the sulfonylurea receptor (SUR) acts as a channel regulator. ATP-sensitive potassium channels are octameric complexes composed of four pore-forming Kir6.2 subunits and four regulatory SUR subunits. Two different genes encode SUR1 (ABCC8) and SUR2 (ABCC9), with the latter being differentially spliced to give SUR2A and SUR2B, which differ only in their C-terminal 42 amino acids. ATP-sensitive potassium channels containing these different SUR2 isoforms are differentially modulated by MgATP, with Kir6.2/SUR2B being activated more than Kir6.2/SUR2A. We show here that purified SUR2B has a lower ATPase activity and a 10-fold lower K(m) for MgATP than SUR2A. Similarly, the isolated nucleotide-binding domain (NBD) 2 of SUR2B was less active than that of SUR2A. We further found that the NBDs of SUR2B interact, and that the activity of full-length SUR cannot be predicted from that of either the isolated NBDs or NBD mixtures. Notably, deletion of the last 42 amino acids from NBD2 of SUR2 resulted in ATPase activity resembling that of NBD2 of SUR2A rather than that of NBD2 of SUR2B: this might indicate that these amino acids are responsible for the lower ATPase activity of SUR2B and the isolated NBD2 of SUR2B. We suggest that the lower ATPase activity of SUR2B may result in enhanced duration of the MgADP-bound state, leading to channel activation.

Therapeutic potential of cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) inhibitors in polycystic kidney disease

In the common genetic disorder autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD), kidney function is disrupted by multiple fluid-filled epithelial cysts. Cyst growth in ADPKD involves fluid accumulation within the cyst lumen driven by cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR)-mediated transepithelial Cl- secretion. This suggests that inhibitors of the CFTR Cl- channel might retard cyst growth. This review considers how knowledge of CFTR structure and function and its role in transepithelial salt and water movements provides insight into the mechanism of action of CFTR inhibitors. Some small molecules, termed open-channel blockers, inhibit directly the CFTR Cl- channel by physically obstructing the CFTR pore and preventing Cl- flow. By contrast, other small molecules, termed allosteric inhibitors, bind to CFTR at a site remote from the channel pore and interfere with conformational changes that open the pore. The application of high-throughput screening to CFTR drug discovery has led to the identification of new inhibitors of the CFTR Cl- channel including the thiazolidinone CFTR(inh)-172 and the glycine hydrazide GlyH-101. The demonstration that CFTR inhibitors retard cyst expansion and kidney enlargement in mouse models of ADPKD provides proof of concept for the use of small-molecule CFTR inhibitors in the treatment of ADPKD.

Cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator interacts with multiple immunoglobulin domains of filamin A

Mutations of the chloride channel cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) that impair its apical localization and function cause cystic fibrosis. A previous report has shown that filamin A (FLNa), an actin-cross-linking and -scaffolding protein, interacts directly with the cytoplasmic N terminus of CFTR and that this interaction is necessary for stability and confinement of the channel to apical membranes. Here, we report that the CFTR N terminus has sequence similarity to known FLNa-binding partner-binding sites. FLNa has 24 Ig (IgFLNa) repeats, and a CFTR peptide pulled down repeats 9, 12, 17, 19, 21, and 23, which share sequence similarity yet differ from the other FLNa Ig domains. Using known structures of IgFLNa.partner complexes as templates, we generated in silico models of IgFLNa.CFTR peptide complexes. Point and deletion mutants of IgFLNa and CFTR informed by the models, including disease-causing mutations L15P and W19C, disrupted the binding interaction. The model predicted that a P5L CFTR mutation should not affect binding, but a synthetic P5L mutant peptide had reduced solubility, suggesting a different disease-causing mechanism. Taken together with the fact that FLNa dimers are elongated ( approximately 160 nm) strands, whereas CFTR is compact (6 approximately 8 nm), we propose that a single FLNa molecule can scaffold multiple CFTR partners. Unlike previously defined dimeric FLNa.partner complexes, the FLNa-monomeric CFTR interaction is relatively weak, presumptively facilitating dynamic clustering of CFTR at cell membranes. Finally, we show that deletion of all CFTR interacting domains from FLNa suppresses the surface expression of CFTR on baby hamster kidney cells.

The human breast cancer resistance protein (BCRP/ABCG2) shows conformational changes with mitoxantrone

BCRP/ABCG2 mediates efflux of drugs and xenobiotics. BCRP was expressed in Pichia pastoris, purified to > 90% homogeneity, and subjected to two-dimensional (2D) crystallization. The 2D crystals showed a p12(1) symmetry and projection maps were determined at 5 A resolution by cryo-electron microscopy. Two crystal forms with and without mitoxantrone were observed with unit cell dimensions of a = 55.4 A, b = 81.4 A, gamma = 89.8 degrees , and a = 57.3 A, b = 88.0 A, gamma = 89.7 degrees , respectively. The projection map without mitoxantrone revealed an asymmetric structure with ring-shaped density features probably corresponding to a bundle of transmembrane alpha helices, and appeared more open and less symmetric than the map with mitroxantrone. The open and closed inward-facing forms of BCRP were generated by homology modeling, representing the substrate-free and substrate-bound conformations in the absence of nucleotide, respectively. These models are consistent with the experimentally observed conformational change upon substrate binding.