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Wallerstein J, Han X, Levkovets M, Lesovoy D, Malmodin D, Mirabello C, Wallner B, Sun R, Sandalova T, Agback P, Karlsson G, Achour A, Agback T, Orekhov V. Insights into mechanisms of MALT1 allostery from NMR and AlphaFold dynamic analyses. Commun Biol 2024; 7:868. [PMID: 39014105 PMCID: PMC11252132 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-024-06558-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2024] [Accepted: 07/05/2024] [Indexed: 07/18/2024] Open
Abstract
Mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue lymphoma-translocation protein 1 (MALT1) is an attractive target for the development of modulatory compounds in the treatment of lymphoma and other cancers. While the three-dimensional structure of MALT1 has been previously determined through X-ray analysis, its dynamic behaviour in solution has remained unexplored. We present here dynamic analyses of the apo MALT1 form along with the E549A mutation. This investigation used NMR 15N relaxation and NOE measurements between side-chain methyl groups. Our findings confirm that MALT1 exists as a monomer in solution, and demonstrate that the domains display semi-independent movements in relation to each other. Our dynamic study, covering multiple time scales, along with the assessment of conformational populations by Molecular Dynamic simulations, Alpha Fold modelling and PCA analysis, put the side chain of residue W580 in an inward position, shedding light at potential mechanisms underlying the allosteric regulation of this enzyme.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johan Wallerstein
- Department of Chemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Gothenburg, Box 465, SE-40530, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Xiao Han
- Science for Life Laboratory, Department of Medicine, Solna, Karolinska Institute, SE-17165, Solna, Sweden
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Karolinska University Hospital, SE‑171 76, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Maria Levkovets
- Swedish NMR Centre, University of Gothenburg, Box 465, SE-40530, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Dmitry Lesovoy
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry RAS, 117997, Moscow, Russia
| | - Daniel Malmodin
- Swedish NMR Centre, University of Gothenburg, Box 465, SE-40530, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Claudio Mirabello
- Dept of Physics, Chemistry and Biology, Linköping University, 581 83, Linköping, Sweden
- National Bioinformatics Infrastructure Sweden, Science for Life Laboratory, Solna, Sweden
| | - Björn Wallner
- National Bioinformatics Infrastructure Sweden, Science for Life Laboratory, Solna, Sweden
| | - Renhua Sun
- Science for Life Laboratory, Department of Medicine, Solna, Karolinska Institute, SE-17165, Solna, Sweden
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Karolinska University Hospital, SE‑171 76, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Tatyana Sandalova
- Science for Life Laboratory, Department of Medicine, Solna, Karolinska Institute, SE-17165, Solna, Sweden
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Karolinska University Hospital, SE‑171 76, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Peter Agback
- Department of Molecular Sciences, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, PO Box 7015, SE-750 07, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Göran Karlsson
- Department of Chemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Gothenburg, Box 465, SE-40530, Gothenburg, Sweden
- Swedish NMR Centre, University of Gothenburg, Box 465, SE-40530, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Adnane Achour
- Science for Life Laboratory, Department of Medicine, Solna, Karolinska Institute, SE-17165, Solna, Sweden
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Karolinska University Hospital, SE‑171 76, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Tatiana Agback
- Department of Molecular Sciences, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, PO Box 7015, SE-750 07, Uppsala, Sweden.
| | - Vladislav Orekhov
- Department of Chemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Gothenburg, Box 465, SE-40530, Gothenburg, Sweden.
- Swedish NMR Centre, University of Gothenburg, Box 465, SE-40530, Gothenburg, Sweden.
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2
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Gampp O, Kadavath H, Riek R. NMR tools to detect protein allostery. Curr Opin Struct Biol 2024; 86:102792. [PMID: 38428364 DOI: 10.1016/j.sbi.2024.102792] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2023] [Revised: 02/06/2024] [Accepted: 02/14/2024] [Indexed: 03/03/2024]
Abstract
Allostery is a fundamental mechanism of cellular homeostasis by intra-protein communication between distinct functional sites. It is an internal process of proteins to steer interactions not only with each other but also with other biomolecules such as ligands, lipids, and nucleic acids. In addition, allosteric regulation is particularly important in enzymatic activities. A major challenge in structural and molecular biology today is unraveling allosteric sites in proteins, to elucidate the detailed mechanism of allostery and the development of allosteric drugs. Here we summarize the recently developed tools and approaches which enable the elucidation of regulatory hotspots and correlated motion in biomolecules, focusing primarily on solution-state nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (NMR). These tools open an avenue towards a rational understanding of the mechanism of allostery and provide essential information for the design of allosteric drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olivia Gampp
- Laboratory of Physical Chemistry, ETH Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Harindranath Kadavath
- Laboratory of Physical Chemistry, ETH Zurich, Switzerland; St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, 38105 Memphis, Tennessee, USA. https://twitter.com/harijik
| | - Roland Riek
- Laboratory of Physical Chemistry, ETH Zurich, Switzerland.
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3
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Clarisse D, Van Moortel L, Van Leene C, Gevaert K, De Bosscher K. Glucocorticoid receptor signaling: intricacies and therapeutic opportunities. Trends Biochem Sci 2024; 49:431-444. [PMID: 38429217 DOI: 10.1016/j.tibs.2024.01.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2023] [Revised: 01/10/2024] [Accepted: 01/31/2024] [Indexed: 03/03/2024]
Abstract
The glucocorticoid receptor (GR) is a major nuclear receptor (NR) drug target for the treatment of inflammatory disorders and several cancers. Despite the effectiveness of GR ligands, their systemic action triggers a plethora of side effects, limiting long-term use. Here, we discuss new concepts of and insights into GR mechanisms of action to assist in the identification of routes toward enhanced therapeutic benefits. We zoom in on the communication between different GR domains and how this is influenced by different ligands. We detail findings on the interaction between GR and chromatin, and highlight how condensate formation and coregulator confinement can perturb GR transcriptional responses. Last, we discuss the potential of novel ligands and the therapeutic exploitation of crosstalk with other NRs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dorien Clarisse
- VIB Center for Medical Biotechnology, Ghent, Belgium; Department of Biomolecular Medicine, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium; Cancer Research Institute Ghent, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Laura Van Moortel
- VIB Center for Medical Biotechnology, Ghent, Belgium; Department of Biomolecular Medicine, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium; Cancer Research Institute Ghent, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Chloé Van Leene
- VIB Center for Medical Biotechnology, Ghent, Belgium; Department of Biomolecular Medicine, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium; Cancer Research Institute Ghent, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Kris Gevaert
- VIB Center for Medical Biotechnology, Ghent, Belgium; Department of Biomolecular Medicine, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium; Cancer Research Institute Ghent, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Karolien De Bosscher
- VIB Center for Medical Biotechnology, Ghent, Belgium; Department of Biomolecular Medicine, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium; Cancer Research Institute Ghent, Ghent, Belgium.
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4
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Deng J, Yuan Y, Cui Q. Modulation of Allostery with Multiple Mechanisms by Hotspot Mutations in TetR. J Am Chem Soc 2024; 146:2757-2768. [PMID: 38231868 PMCID: PMC10843641 DOI: 10.1021/jacs.3c12494] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2024]
Abstract
Modulating allosteric coupling offers unique opportunities for biomedical applications. Such efforts can benefit from efficient prediction and evaluation of allostery hotspot residues that dictate the degree of cooperativity between distant sites. We demonstrate that effects of allostery hotspot mutations can be evaluated qualitatively and semiquantitatively by molecular dynamics simulations in a bacterial tetracycline repressor (TetR). The simulations recapitulate the effects of these mutations on abolishing the induction function of TetR and provide a rationale for the different rescuabilities observed to restore allosteric coupling of the hotspot mutations. We demonstrate that the same noninducible phenotype could be the result of perturbations in distinct structural and energetic properties of TetR. Our work underscores the value of explicitly computing the functional free energy landscapes to effectively evaluate and rank hotspot mutations despite the prevalence of compensatory interactions and therefore provides quantitative guidance to allostery modulation for therapeutic and engineering applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiahua Deng
- Department of Chemistry, Boston University, 590 Commonwealth Avenue, Boston, Massachusetts 02215, United States
| | - Yuchen Yuan
- Department of Chemistry, Boston University, 590 Commonwealth Avenue, Boston, Massachusetts 02215, United States
| | - Qiang Cui
- Department of Chemistry, Boston University, 590 Commonwealth Avenue, Boston, Massachusetts 02215, United States
- Department of Physics, Boston University, 590 Commonwealth Avenue, Boston, Massachusetts 02215, United States
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Boston University, 44 Cummington Mall, Boston, Massachusetts 02215, United States
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5
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Widmalm G. Glycan Shape, Motions, and Interactions Explored by NMR Spectroscopy. JACS AU 2024; 4:20-39. [PMID: 38274261 PMCID: PMC10807006 DOI: 10.1021/jacsau.3c00639] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2023] [Revised: 12/06/2023] [Accepted: 12/07/2023] [Indexed: 01/27/2024]
Abstract
Glycans in the form of oligosaccharides, polysaccharides, and glycoconjugates are ubiquitous in nature, and their structures range from linear assemblies to highly branched and decorated constructs. Solution state NMR spectroscopy facilitates elucidation of preferred conformations and shapes of the saccharides, motions, and dynamic aspects related to processes over time as well as the study of transient interactions with proteins. Identification of intermolecular networks at the atomic level of detail in recognition events by carbohydrate-binding proteins known as lectins, unraveling interactions with antibodies, and revealing substrate scope and action of glycosyl transferases employed for synthesis of oligo- and polysaccharides may efficiently be analyzed by NMR spectroscopy. By utilizing NMR active nuclei present in glycans and derivatives thereof, including isotopically enriched compounds, highly detailed information can be obtained by the experiments. Subsequent analysis may be aided by quantum chemical calculations of NMR parameters, machine learning-based methodologies and artificial intelligence. Interpretation of the results from NMR experiments can be complemented by extensive molecular dynamics simulations to obtain three-dimensional dynamic models, thereby clarifying molecular recognition processes involving the glycans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Göran Widmalm
- Department of Organic Chemistry,
Arrhenius Laboratory, Stockholm University, S-106 91 Stockholm, Sweden
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6
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Deng J, Yuan Y, Cui Q. Modulation of Allostery with Multiple Mechanisms by Hotspot Mutations in TetR. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.08.29.555381. [PMID: 37905112 PMCID: PMC10614727 DOI: 10.1101/2023.08.29.555381] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/02/2023]
Abstract
Modulating allosteric coupling offers unique opportunities for biomedical applications. Such efforts can benefit from efficient prediction and evaluation of allostery hotspot residues that dictate the degree of co-operativity between distant sites. We demonstrate that effects of allostery hotspot mutations can be evaluated qualitatively and semi-quantitatively by molecular dynamics simulations in a bacterial tetracycline repressor (TetR). The simulations recapitulate the effects of these mutations on abolishing the induction function of TetR and provide a rationale for the different degrees of rescuability observed to restore allosteric coupling of the hotspot mutations. We demonstrate that the same non-inducible phenotype could be the result of perturbations in distinct structural and energetic properties of TetR. Our work underscore the value of explicitly computing the functional free energy landscapes to effectively evaluate and rank hotspot mutations despite the prevalence of compensatory interactions, and therefore provide quantitative guidance to allostery modulation for therapeutic and engineering applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiahua Deng
- Department of Chemistry, Boston University, 590 Commonwealth Avenue, Boston, Massachusetts 02215, United States
| | - Yuchen Yuan
- Department of Chemistry, Boston University, 590 Commonwealth Avenue, Boston, Massachusetts 02215, United States
| | - Qiang Cui
- Department of Chemistry, Boston University, 590 Commonwealth Avenue, Boston, Massachusetts 02215, United States
- Department of Physics, Boston University, 590 Commonwealth Avenue, Boston, Massachusetts 02215, United States
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Boston University, 44 Cummington Mall, Boston, Massachusetts 02215, United States
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7
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Shukla VK, Heller GT, Hansen DF. Biomolecular NMR spectroscopy in the era of artificial intelligence. Structure 2023; 31:1360-1374. [PMID: 37848030 DOI: 10.1016/j.str.2023.09.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2023] [Revised: 09/15/2023] [Accepted: 09/21/2023] [Indexed: 10/19/2023]
Abstract
Biomolecular nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy and artificial intelligence (AI) have a burgeoning synergy. Deep learning-based structural predictors have forever changed structural biology, yet these tools currently face limitations in accurately characterizing protein dynamics, allostery, and conformational heterogeneity. We begin by highlighting the unique abilities of biomolecular NMR spectroscopy to complement AI-based structural predictions toward addressing these knowledge gaps. We then highlight the direct integration of deep learning approaches into biomolecular NMR methods. AI-based tools can dramatically improve the acquisition and analysis of NMR spectra, enhancing the accuracy and reliability of NMR measurements, thus streamlining experimental processes. Additionally, deep learning enables the development of novel types of NMR experiments that were previously unattainable, expanding the scope and potential of biomolecular NMR spectroscopy. Ultimately, a combination of AI and NMR promises to further revolutionize structural biology on several levels, advance our understanding of complex biomolecular systems, and accelerate drug discovery efforts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vaibhav Kumar Shukla
- Department of Structural and Molecular Biology, Division of Biosciences, University College London, London WC1E 6BT, UK
| | - Gabriella T Heller
- Department of Structural and Molecular Biology, Division of Biosciences, University College London, London WC1E 6BT, UK.
| | - D Flemming Hansen
- Department of Structural and Molecular Biology, Division of Biosciences, University College London, London WC1E 6BT, UK.
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8
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Nussinov R, Liu Y, Zhang W, Jang H. Protein conformational ensembles in function: roles and mechanisms. RSC Chem Biol 2023; 4:850-864. [PMID: 37920394 PMCID: PMC10619138 DOI: 10.1039/d3cb00114h] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2023] [Accepted: 09/02/2023] [Indexed: 11/04/2023] Open
Abstract
The sequence-structure-function paradigm has dominated twentieth century molecular biology. The paradigm tacitly stipulated that for each sequence there exists a single, well-organized protein structure. Yet, to sustain cell life, function requires (i) that there be more than a single structure, (ii) that there be switching between the structures, and (iii) that the structures be incompletely organized. These fundamental tenets called for an updated sequence-conformational ensemble-function paradigm. The powerful energy landscape idea, which is the foundation of modernized molecular biology, imported the conformational ensemble framework from physics and chemistry. This framework embraces the recognition that proteins are dynamic and are always interconverting between conformational states with varying energies. The more stable the conformation the more populated it is. The changes in the populations of the states are required for cell life. As an example, in vivo, under physiological conditions, wild type kinases commonly populate their more stable "closed", inactive, conformations. However, there are minor populations of the "open", ligand-free states. Upon their stabilization, e.g., by high affinity interactions or mutations, their ensembles shift to occupy the active states. Here we discuss the role of conformational propensities in function. We provide multiple examples of diverse systems, including protein kinases, lipid kinases, and Ras GTPases, discuss diverse conformational mechanisms, and provide a broad outlook on protein ensembles in the cell. We propose that the number of molecules in the active state (inactive for repressors), determine protein function, and that the dynamic, relative conformational propensities, rather than the rigid structures, are the hallmark of cell life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruth Nussinov
- Computational Structural Biology Section, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research Frederick MD 21702 USA
- Department of Human Molecular Genetics and Biochemistry, Sackler School of Medicine, Tel Aviv University Tel Aviv 69978 Israel
- Cancer Innovation Laboratory, National Cancer Institute Frederick MD 21702 USA
| | - Yonglan Liu
- Cancer Innovation Laboratory, National Cancer Institute Frederick MD 21702 USA
| | - Wengang Zhang
- Cancer Innovation Laboratory, National Cancer Institute Frederick MD 21702 USA
| | - Hyunbum Jang
- Computational Structural Biology Section, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research Frederick MD 21702 USA
- Cancer Innovation Laboratory, National Cancer Institute Frederick MD 21702 USA
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9
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Mao L, Wei W, Chen J. Biased regulation of glucocorticoid receptors signaling. Biomed Pharmacother 2023; 165:115145. [PMID: 37454592 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2023.115145] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2023] [Revised: 07/03/2023] [Accepted: 07/07/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Glucocorticoids (GCs), steroid hormones that depend on glucocorticoid receptor (GR) binding for their action, are essential for regulating numerous homeostatic functions in the body.GR signals are biased, that is, GR signals are various in different tissue cells, disease states and ligands. This biased regulation of GR signaling appears to depend on ligand-induced metameric regulation, protein post-translational modifications, assembly at response elements, context-specific assembly (recruitment of co-regulators) and intercellular differences. Based on the bias regulation of GR, selective GR agonists and modulators (SEGRAMs) were developed to bias therapeutic outcomes toward expected outcomes (e.g., anti-inflammation and immunoregulation) by influencing GR-mediated gene expression. This paper provides a review of the bias regulation and mechanism of GR and the research progress of drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lijuan Mao
- Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Anhui Medical University, Key Laboratory of Anti-inflammatory and Immune Medicine of Education Ministry, Anhui Cooperative Innovation Center for Anti-inflammatory Immune Drugs, Center of Rheumatoid Arthritis of Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China
| | - Wei Wei
- Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Anhui Medical University, Key Laboratory of Anti-inflammatory and Immune Medicine of Education Ministry, Anhui Cooperative Innovation Center for Anti-inflammatory Immune Drugs, Center of Rheumatoid Arthritis of Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China.
| | - Jingyu Chen
- Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Anhui Medical University, Key Laboratory of Anti-inflammatory and Immune Medicine of Education Ministry, Anhui Cooperative Innovation Center for Anti-inflammatory Immune Drugs, Center of Rheumatoid Arthritis of Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China.
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10
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La Sala G, Pfleger C, Käck H, Wissler L, Nevin P, Böhm K, Janet JP, Schimpl M, Stubbs CJ, De Vivo M, Tyrchan C, Hogner A, Gohlke H, Frolov AI. Combining structural and coevolution information to unveil allosteric sites. Chem Sci 2023; 14:7057-7067. [PMID: 37389247 PMCID: PMC10306073 DOI: 10.1039/d2sc06272k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2022] [Accepted: 06/02/2023] [Indexed: 07/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Understanding allosteric regulation in biomolecules is of great interest to pharmaceutical research and computational methods emerged during the last decades to characterize allosteric coupling. However, the prediction of allosteric sites in a protein structure remains a challenging task. Here, we integrate local binding site information, coevolutionary information, and information on dynamic allostery into a structure-based three-parameter model to identify potentially hidden allosteric sites in ensembles of protein structures with orthosteric ligands. When tested on five allosteric proteins (LFA-1, p38-α, GR, MAT2A, and BCKDK), the model successfully ranked all known allosteric pockets in the top three positions. Finally, we identified a novel druggable site in MAT2A confirmed by X-ray crystallography and SPR and a hitherto unknown druggable allosteric site in BCKDK validated by biochemical and X-ray crystallography analyses. Our model can be applied in drug discovery to identify allosteric pockets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giuseppina La Sala
- Medicinal Chemistry, Research and Early Development, Cardiovascular, Renal and Metabolism (CVRM), BioPharmaceuticals R&D, AstraZeneca Gothenburg Sweden
| | - Christopher Pfleger
- Mathematisch-Naturwissenschaftliche Fakultät, Institut für Pharmazeutische und Medizinische Chemie, Heinrich-Heine-Universität Düsseldorf 40225 Düsseldorf Germany
| | - Helena Käck
- Mechanistic and Structural Biology, Discovery Sciences, BioPharmaceuticals R&D, AstraZeneca Gothenburg Sweden
| | - Lisa Wissler
- Mechanistic and Structural Biology, Discovery Sciences, BioPharmaceuticals R&D, AstraZeneca Gothenburg Sweden
| | - Philip Nevin
- Discovery Biology, Discovery Sciences, BioPharmaceuticals R&D, AstraZeneca Gothenburg Sweden
| | - Kerstin Böhm
- Discovery Biology, Discovery Sciences, BioPharmaceuticals R&D, AstraZeneca Gothenburg Sweden
| | - Jon Paul Janet
- Medicinal Chemistry, Research and Early Development, Cardiovascular, Renal and Metabolism (CVRM), BioPharmaceuticals R&D, AstraZeneca Gothenburg Sweden
| | - Marianne Schimpl
- Mechanistic and Structural Biology, Discovery Sciences, BioPharmaceuticals R&D, AstraZeneca Cambridge UK
| | - Christopher J Stubbs
- Mechanistic and Structural Biology, Discovery Sciences, BioPharmaceuticals R&D, AstraZeneca Cambridge UK
| | - Marco De Vivo
- Laboratory of Molecular Modeling and Drug Design, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia Via Morego 30 16163 Genoa Italy
| | - Christian Tyrchan
- Medicinal Chemistry, Research and Early Development, Respiratory & Immunology (R&I), BioPharmaceuticals R&D, AstraZeneca Gothenburg Sweden
| | - Anders Hogner
- Medicinal Chemistry, Research and Early Development, Cardiovascular, Renal and Metabolism (CVRM), BioPharmaceuticals R&D, AstraZeneca Gothenburg Sweden
| | - Holger Gohlke
- Mathematisch-Naturwissenschaftliche Fakultät, Institut für Pharmazeutische und Medizinische Chemie, Heinrich-Heine-Universität Düsseldorf 40225 Düsseldorf Germany
- John von Neumann Institute for Computing (NIC), Jülich Supercomputing Centre (JSC), Institute of Biological Information Processing (IBI-7: Structural Biochemistry), Institute of Bio- and Geosciences (IBG-4: Bioinformatics) Forschungszentrum Jülich GmbH 52425 Jülich Germany
| | - Andrey I Frolov
- Medicinal Chemistry, Research and Early Development, Cardiovascular, Renal and Metabolism (CVRM), BioPharmaceuticals R&D, AstraZeneca Gothenburg Sweden
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11
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Deploey N, Van Moortel L, Rogatsky I, Peelman F, De Bosscher K. The Biologist's Guide to the Glucocorticoid Receptor's Structure. Cells 2023; 12:1636. [PMID: 37371105 PMCID: PMC10297449 DOI: 10.3390/cells12121636] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2023] [Revised: 06/07/2023] [Accepted: 06/09/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The glucocorticoid receptor α (GRα) is a member of the nuclear receptor superfamily and functions as a glucocorticoid (GC)-responsive transcription factor. GR can halt inflammation and kill off cancer cells, thus explaining the widespread use of glucocorticoids in the clinic. However, side effects and therapy resistance limit GR's therapeutic potential, emphasizing the importance of resolving all of GR's context-specific action mechanisms. Fortunately, the understanding of GR structure, conformation, and stoichiometry in the different GR-controlled biological pathways is now gradually increasing. This information will be crucial to close knowledge gaps on GR function. In this review, we focus on the various domains and mechanisms of action of GR, all from a structural perspective.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nick Deploey
- VIB Center for Medical Biotechnology, VIB, 9052 Ghent, Belgium; (N.D.); (L.V.M.); (F.P.)
- Department of Biomolecular Medicine, Ghent University, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
- Translational Nuclear Receptor Research (TNRR) Laboratory, VIB, 9052 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Laura Van Moortel
- VIB Center for Medical Biotechnology, VIB, 9052 Ghent, Belgium; (N.D.); (L.V.M.); (F.P.)
- Department of Biomolecular Medicine, Ghent University, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
- Translational Nuclear Receptor Research (TNRR) Laboratory, VIB, 9052 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Inez Rogatsky
- Hospital for Special Surgery Research Institute, The David Z. Rosensweig Genomics Center, New York, NY 10021, USA;
- Graduate Program in Immunology and Microbial Pathogenesis, Weill Cornell Graduate School of Medical Sciences, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Frank Peelman
- VIB Center for Medical Biotechnology, VIB, 9052 Ghent, Belgium; (N.D.); (L.V.M.); (F.P.)
- Department of Biomolecular Medicine, Ghent University, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Karolien De Bosscher
- VIB Center for Medical Biotechnology, VIB, 9052 Ghent, Belgium; (N.D.); (L.V.M.); (F.P.)
- Department of Biomolecular Medicine, Ghent University, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
- Translational Nuclear Receptor Research (TNRR) Laboratory, VIB, 9052 Ghent, Belgium
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12
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Agajanian S, Alshahrani M, Bai F, Tao P, Verkhivker GM. Exploring and Learning the Universe of Protein Allostery Using Artificial Intelligence Augmented Biophysical and Computational Approaches. J Chem Inf Model 2023; 63:1413-1428. [PMID: 36827465 PMCID: PMC11162550 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jcim.2c01634] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/26/2023]
Abstract
Allosteric mechanisms are commonly employed regulatory tools used by proteins to orchestrate complex biochemical processes and control communications in cells. The quantitative understanding and characterization of allosteric molecular events are among major challenges in modern biology and require integration of innovative computational experimental approaches to obtain atomistic-level knowledge of the allosteric states, interactions, and dynamic conformational landscapes. The growing body of computational and experimental studies empowered by emerging artificial intelligence (AI) technologies has opened up new paradigms for exploring and learning the universe of protein allostery from first principles. In this review we analyze recent developments in high-throughput deep mutational scanning of allosteric protein functions; applications and latest adaptations of Alpha-fold structural prediction methods for studies of protein dynamics and allostery; new frontiers in integrating machine learning and enhanced sampling techniques for characterization of allostery; and recent advances in structural biology approaches for studies of allosteric systems. We also highlight recent computational and experimental studies of the SARS-CoV-2 spike (S) proteins revealing an important and often hidden role of allosteric regulation driving functional conformational changes, binding interactions with the host receptor, and mutational escape mechanisms of S proteins which are critical for viral infection. We conclude with a summary and outlook of future directions suggesting that AI-augmented biophysical and computer simulation approaches are beginning to transform studies of protein allostery toward systematic characterization of allosteric landscapes, hidden allosteric states, and mechanisms which may bring about a new revolution in molecular biology and drug discovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steve Agajanian
- Keck Center for Science and Engineering, Graduate Program in Computational and Data Sciences, Schmid College of Science and Technology, Chapman University, Orange, California 92866, United States
| | - Mohammed Alshahrani
- Keck Center for Science and Engineering, Graduate Program in Computational and Data Sciences, Schmid College of Science and Technology, Chapman University, Orange, California 92866, United States
| | - Fang Bai
- Shanghai Institute for Advanced Immunochemical Studies, School of Life Science and Technology and Information Science and Technology, Shanghai Tech University, 393 Middle Huaxia Road, Shanghai 201210, China
| | - Peng Tao
- Department of Chemistry, Center for Research Computing, Center for Drug Discovery, Design, and Delivery (CD4), Southern Methodist University, Dallas, Texas 75205, United States
| | - Gennady M Verkhivker
- Keck Center for Science and Engineering, Graduate Program in Computational and Data Sciences, Schmid College of Science and Technology, Chapman University, Orange, California 92866, United States
- Department of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chapman University School of Pharmacy, Irvine, California 92618, United States
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13
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Postel S, Wissler L, Johansson CA, Gunnarsson A, Gordon E, Collins B, Castaldo M, Köhler C, Öling D, Johansson P, Fröderberg Roth L, Beinsteiner B, Dainty I, Delaney S, Klaholz BP, Billas IML, Edman K. Quaternary glucocorticoid receptor structure highlights allosteric interdomain communication. Nat Struct Mol Biol 2023; 30:286-295. [PMID: 36747092 DOI: 10.1038/s41594-022-00914-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2022] [Accepted: 12/15/2022] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
The glucocorticoid receptor (GR) is a ligand-activated transcription factor that binds DNA and assembles co-regulator complexes to regulate gene transcription. GR agonists are widely prescribed to people with inflammatory and autoimmune diseases. Here we present high-resolution, multidomain structures of GR in complex with ligand, DNA and co-regulator peptide. The structures reveal how the receptor forms an asymmetric dimer on the DNA and provide a detailed view of the domain interactions within and across the two monomers. Hydrogen-deuterium exchange and DNA-binding experiments demonstrate that ligand-dependent structural changes are communicated across the different domains in the full-length receptor. This study demonstrates how GR forms a distinct architecture on DNA and how signal transmission can be modulated by the ligand pharmacophore, provides a platform to build a new level of understanding of how receptor modifications can drive disease progression and offers key insight for future drug design.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandra Postel
- Mechanistic & Structural Biology, Discovery Sciences, R&D, AstraZeneca, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Lisa Wissler
- Mechanistic & Structural Biology, Discovery Sciences, R&D, AstraZeneca, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Carina A Johansson
- Mechanistic & Structural Biology, Discovery Sciences, R&D, AstraZeneca, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Anders Gunnarsson
- Mechanistic & Structural Biology, Discovery Sciences, R&D, AstraZeneca, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Euan Gordon
- Discovery Biology, Discovery Sciences, R&D, AstraZeneca, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Barry Collins
- Bioscience COPD/IPF, Research and Early Development, Respiratory and Immunology (R&I), BioPharmaceuticals R&D, AstraZeneca, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Marie Castaldo
- Discovery Biology, Discovery Sciences, R&D, AstraZeneca, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Christian Köhler
- Bioscience COPD/IPF, Research and Early Development, Respiratory and Immunology (R&I), BioPharmaceuticals R&D, AstraZeneca, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - David Öling
- Discovery Biology, Discovery Sciences, R&D, AstraZeneca, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Patrik Johansson
- Mechanistic & Structural Biology, Discovery Sciences, R&D, AstraZeneca, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | | | - Brice Beinsteiner
- Centre for Integrative Biology (CBI), Department of Integrated Structural Biology, Institute of Genetics and of Molecular and Cellular Biology (IGBMC), Illkirch, France
- Université de Strasbourg, Illkirch, France
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (INSERM), Illkirch, France
- Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS) UMR 7104, Illkirch, France
| | - Ian Dainty
- Bioscience COPD/IPF, Research and Early Development, Respiratory and Immunology (R&I), BioPharmaceuticals R&D, AstraZeneca, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Stephen Delaney
- Bioscience COPD/IPF, Research and Early Development, Respiratory and Immunology (R&I), BioPharmaceuticals R&D, AstraZeneca, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Bruno P Klaholz
- Centre for Integrative Biology (CBI), Department of Integrated Structural Biology, Institute of Genetics and of Molecular and Cellular Biology (IGBMC), Illkirch, France
- Université de Strasbourg, Illkirch, France
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (INSERM), Illkirch, France
- Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS) UMR 7104, Illkirch, France
| | - Isabelle M L Billas
- Centre for Integrative Biology (CBI), Department of Integrated Structural Biology, Institute of Genetics and of Molecular and Cellular Biology (IGBMC), Illkirch, France
- Université de Strasbourg, Illkirch, France
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (INSERM), Illkirch, France
- Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS) UMR 7104, Illkirch, France
| | - Karl Edman
- Mechanistic & Structural Biology, Discovery Sciences, R&D, AstraZeneca, Gothenburg, Sweden.
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14
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Jeanneteau F, Meijer OC, Moisan MP. Structural basis of glucocorticoid receptor signaling bias. J Neuroendocrinol 2023; 35:e13203. [PMID: 36221223 DOI: 10.1111/jne.13203] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2022] [Revised: 09/15/2022] [Accepted: 09/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Dissociation between the healthy and toxic effects of cortisol, a major stress-responding hormone has been a widely used strategy to develop anti-inflammatory glucocorticoids with fewer side effects. Such strategy falls short when treating brain disorders as timing and activity state within large-scale neuronal networks determine the physiological and behavioral specificity of cortisol response. Advances in structural molecular dynamics posit the bases for engineering glucocorticoids with precision bias for select downstream signaling pathways. Design of allosteric and/or cooperative control for the glucocorticoid receptor could help promote the beneficial and reduce the deleterious effects of cortisol on brain and behavior in disease conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Freddy Jeanneteau
- Institut de génomique fonctionnelle, Université de Montpellier, INSERM, CNRS, Montpellier, France
| | - Onno C Meijer
- Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
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15
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Krishnan K, Tian H, Tao P, Verkhivker GM. Probing conformational landscapes and mechanisms of allosteric communication in the functional states of the ABL kinase domain using multiscale simulations and network-based mutational profiling of allosteric residue potentials. J Chem Phys 2022; 157:245101. [PMID: 36586979 PMCID: PMC11184971 DOI: 10.1063/5.0133826] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2022] [Accepted: 12/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
In the current study, multiscale simulation approaches and dynamic network methods are employed to examine the dynamic and energetic details of conformational landscapes and allosteric interactions in the ABL kinase domain that determine the kinase functions. Using a plethora of synergistic computational approaches, we elucidate how conformational transitions between the active and inactive ABL states can employ allosteric regulatory switches to modulate intramolecular communication networks between the ATP site, the substrate binding region, and the allosteric binding pocket. A perturbation-based network approach that implements mutational profiling of allosteric residue propensities and communications in the ABL states is proposed. Consistent with biophysical experiments, the results reveal functionally significant shifts of the allosteric interaction networks in which preferential communication paths between the ATP binding site and substrate regions in the active ABL state become suppressed in the closed inactive ABL form, which in turn features favorable allosteric coupling between the ATP site and the allosteric binding pocket. By integrating the results of atomistic simulations with dimensionality reduction methods and Markov state models, we analyze the mechanistic role of macrostates and characterize kinetic transitions between the ABL conformational states. Using network-based mutational scanning of allosteric residue propensities, this study provides a comprehensive computational analysis of long-range communications in the ABL kinase domain and identifies conserved regulatory hotspots that modulate kinase activity and allosteric crosstalk between the allosteric pocket, ATP binding site, and substrate binding regions.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Hao Tian
- Department of Chemistry, Center for Research Computing, Center for Drug Discovery, Design, and Delivery (CD4), Southern Methodist University, Dallas, Texas 75205, USA
| | - Peng Tao
- Department of Chemistry, Center for Research Computing, Center for Drug Discovery, Design, and Delivery (CD4), Southern Methodist University, Dallas, Texas 75205, USA
| | - Gennady M. Verkhivker
- Author to whom correspondence should be addressed: . Telephone: 714-516-4586. Fax: 714-532-6048
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16
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Interactions governing transcriptional activity of nuclear receptors. Biochem Soc Trans 2022; 50:1941-1952. [DOI: 10.1042/bst20220338] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2022] [Revised: 11/29/2022] [Accepted: 12/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
The key players in transcriptional regulation are transcription factors (TFs), proteins that bind specific DNA sequences. Several mechanisms exist to turn TFs ‘on’ and ‘off’, including ligand binding which induces conformational changes within TFs, subsequently influencing multiple inter- and intramolecular interactions to drive transcriptional responses. Nuclear receptors are a specific family of ligand-regulated TFs whose activity relies on interactions with DNA, coregulator proteins and other receptors. These multidomain proteins also undergo interdomain interactions on multiple levels, further modulating transcriptional outputs. Cooperation between these distinct interactions is critical for appropriate transcription and remains an intense area of investigation. In this review, we report and summarize recent findings that continue to advance our mechanistic understanding of how interactions between nuclear receptors and diverse partners influence transcription.
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17
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Bai X, Bai A, Tomasicchio M, Hagman JR, Buckle AM, Gupta A, Kadiyala V, Bevers S, Serban KA, Kim K, Feng Z, Spendier K, Hagen G, Fornis L, Griffith DE, Dzieciatkowska M, Sandhaus RA, Gerber AN, Chan ED. α1-Antitrypsin Binds to the Glucocorticoid Receptor with Anti-Inflammatory and Antimycobacterial Significance in Macrophages. JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY (BALTIMORE, MD. : 1950) 2022; 209:1746-1759. [PMID: 36162872 PMCID: PMC10829398 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.2200227] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2022] [Accepted: 08/23/2022] [Indexed: 01/13/2024]
Abstract
α1-Antitrypsin (AAT), a serine protease inhibitor, is the third most abundant protein in plasma. Although the best-known function of AAT is irreversible inhibition of elastase, AAT is an acute-phase reactant and is increasingly recognized to have a panoply of other functions, including as an anti-inflammatory mediator and a host-protective molecule against various pathogens. Although a canonical receptor for AAT has not been identified, AAT can be internalized into the cytoplasm and is known to affect gene regulation. Because AAT has anti-inflammatory properties, we examined whether AAT binds the cytoplasmic glucocorticoid receptor (GR) in human macrophages. We report the finding that AAT binds to GR using several approaches, including coimmunoprecipitation, mass spectrometry, and microscale thermophoresis. We also performed in silico molecular modeling and found that binding between AAT and GR has a plausible stereochemical basis. The significance of this interaction in macrophages is evinced by AAT inhibition of LPS-induced NF-κB activation and IL-8 production as well as AAT induction of angiopoietin-like 4 protein, which are, in part, dependent on GR. Furthermore, this AAT-GR interaction contributes to a host-protective role against mycobacteria in macrophages. In summary, this study identifies a new mechanism for the gene regulation, anti-inflammatory, and host-defense properties of AAT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiyuan Bai
- Department of Medicine, Rocky Mountain Regional Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Denver, CO;
- Department of Academic Affairs, National Jewish Health, Denver, CO
- Division of Pulmonary Sciences and Critical Care Medicine, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO
| | - An Bai
- Department of Academic Affairs, National Jewish Health, Denver, CO
| | - Michele Tomasicchio
- Centre for Lung Infection and Immunity, Division of Pulmonology, Department of Medicine, UCT Lung Institute and the MRC Centre for the Study of Antimicrobial Resistance, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - James R Hagman
- Department of Immunology and Genomic Medicine, National Jewish Health, Denver, CO
| | - Ashley M Buckle
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
- PTNG Bio, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Arnav Gupta
- Division of Pulmonary Sciences and Critical Care Medicine, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO
- Department of Medicine, National Jewish Health, Denver, CO
| | | | - Shaun Bevers
- Biophysics Core Facility, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO
| | | | - Kevin Kim
- Department of Academic Affairs, National Jewish Health, Denver, CO
| | - Zhihong Feng
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Kathrin Spendier
- Department of Physics & Energy Science, University of Colorado, Colorado Springs, CO
- BioFrontiers Center, University of Colorado, Colorado Springs, CO; and
| | - Guy Hagen
- Department of Physics & Energy Science, University of Colorado, Colorado Springs, CO
- BioFrontiers Center, University of Colorado, Colorado Springs, CO; and
| | | | | | - Monika Dzieciatkowska
- Proteomic Mass Spectrometry Facility, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO
| | | | - Anthony N Gerber
- Department of Immunology and Genomic Medicine, National Jewish Health, Denver, CO
- Department of Medicine, National Jewish Health, Denver, CO
| | - Edward D Chan
- Department of Medicine, Rocky Mountain Regional Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Denver, CO;
- Department of Academic Affairs, National Jewish Health, Denver, CO
- Division of Pulmonary Sciences and Critical Care Medicine, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO
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18
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Shi Y, Cao S, Ni D, Fan J, Lu S, Xue M. The Role of Conformational Dynamics and Allostery in the Control of Distinct Efficacies of Agonists to the Glucocorticoid Receptor. Front Mol Biosci 2022; 9:933676. [PMID: 35874618 PMCID: PMC9300934 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2022.933676] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2022] [Accepted: 05/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Glucocorticoid receptor (GR) regulates various cellular functions. Given its broad influence on metabolic activities, it has been the target of drug discovery for decades. However, how drugs induce conformational changes in GR has remained elusive. Herein, we used five GR agonists (dex, AZ938, pred, cor, and dibC) with different efficacies to investigate which aspect of the ligand induced the differences in efficacy. We performed molecular dynamics simulations on the five systems (dex-, AZ938-, pred-, cor-, and dibC-bound systems) and observed a distinct discrepancy in the conformation of the cofactor TIF2. Moreover, we discovered ligand-induced differences regarding the level of conformational changes posed by the binding of cofactor TIF2 and identified a pair of essential residues D590 and T39. We further found a positive correlation between the efficacies of ligands and the interaction of the two binding pockets’ domains, where D590 and T739 were involved, implying their significance in the participation of allosteric communication. Using community network analysis, two essential communities containing D590 and T739 were identified with their connectivity correlating to the efficacy of ligands. The potential communication pathways between these two residues were revealed. These results revealed the underlying mechanism of allosteric communication between the ligand-binding and cofactor-binding pockets and identified a pair of important residues in the allosteric communication pathway, which can serve as a guide for future drug discovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuxin Shi
- Department of Pathophysiology, Key Laboratory of Cell Differentiation and Apoptosis of Chinese Ministry of Education, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Medicinal Chemistry and Bioinformatics Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Shu Cao
- Department of Urology, Ezhou Central Hospital, Hubei, China
| | - Duan Ni
- The Charles Perkins Centre, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Jigang Fan
- Department of Pathophysiology, Key Laboratory of Cell Differentiation and Apoptosis of Chinese Ministry of Education, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Shaoyong Lu
- Department of Pathophysiology, Key Laboratory of Cell Differentiation and Apoptosis of Chinese Ministry of Education, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Medicinal Chemistry and Bioinformatics Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- *Correspondence: Shaoyong Lu, ; Mintao Xue,
| | - Mintao Xue
- Department of Orthopedics, Second Affiliated Hospital of Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China
- *Correspondence: Shaoyong Lu, ; Mintao Xue,
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19
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Hu X, Pang J, Chen C, Jiang D, Shen C, Chai X, Yang L, Zhang X, Xu L, Cui S, Hou T, Li D. Discovery of novel non-steroidal selective glucocorticoid receptor modulators by structure- and IGN-based virtual screening, structural optimization, and biological evaluation. Eur J Med Chem 2022; 237:114382. [PMID: 35483323 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2022.114382] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2021] [Revised: 04/09/2022] [Accepted: 04/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
Glucocorticoids (GCs) are the most commonly used anti-inflammatory drugs. However, their excellent therapeutic effects are often accompanied by undesirable side effects. To discover selective glucocorticoid receptor modulators (SGRMs) that preferentially induce transrepression with little or no transactivation activity, a structure-based virtual screening by combining molecular docking and InteractionGraphNet (IGN) rescoring was performed, and compound HP210 was identified. HP210 did not induce the transactivation functions of GR while still acted on the NF-κB mediated tethered transrepression function (IC50 = 2.32 μM), and suppressed the secretion of pro-inflammation cytokines IL-1β and IL-6. Compared with dexamethasone, HP210 showed no cross activities with phylogenetically related mineralcorticoid receptor and progesterone receptor and no significant effect on osteoprotegerin, exhibiting a reduced side-effect profile. Then, guided by the molecular dynamics simulations and binding free energy calculations, compound HP210_b4 with over two-fold higher transrepression activity (IC50 = 0.99 μM) was discovered. This study reported a group of non-steroidal new-scaffold SGRMs, providing valuable clues for the development of novel anti-inflammatory drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xueping Hu
- Hangzhou Institute of Innovative Medicine, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310058, China; State Key Lab of CAD&CG, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310058, China
| | - Jinping Pang
- Hangzhou Institute of Innovative Medicine, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310058, China
| | - Changwei Chen
- Institute of Drug Discovery and Design, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, Zhejiang, China
| | - Dejun Jiang
- Hangzhou Institute of Innovative Medicine, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310058, China
| | - Chao Shen
- Hangzhou Institute of Innovative Medicine, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310058, China
| | - Xin Chai
- Hangzhou Institute of Innovative Medicine, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310058, China
| | - Liu Yang
- Hangzhou Institute of Innovative Medicine, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310058, China
| | - Xujun Zhang
- Hangzhou Institute of Innovative Medicine, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310058, China
| | - Lei Xu
- Institute of Bioinformatics and Medical Engineering, School of Electrical and Information Engineering, Jiangsu University of Technology, Changzhou, 213001, China
| | - Sunliang Cui
- Institute of Drug Discovery and Design, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, Zhejiang, China
| | - Tingjun Hou
- Hangzhou Institute of Innovative Medicine, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310058, China; State Key Lab of CAD&CG, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310058, China
| | - Dan Li
- Hangzhou Institute of Innovative Medicine, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310058, China.
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20
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Chen J, Vishweshwaraiah YL, Dokholyan NV. Design and engineering of allosteric communications in proteins. Curr Opin Struct Biol 2022; 73:102334. [PMID: 35180676 PMCID: PMC8957532 DOI: 10.1016/j.sbi.2022.102334] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2021] [Revised: 12/30/2021] [Accepted: 01/05/2022] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
Allostery in proteins plays an important role in regulating protein activities and influencing many biological processes such as gene expression, enzyme catalysis, and cell signaling. The process of allostery takes place when a signal detected at a site on a protein is transmitted via a mechanical pathway to a functional site and, thus, influences its activity. The pathway of allosteric communication consists of amino acids that form a network with covalent and non-covalent bonds. By mutating residues in this allosteric network, protein engineers have successfully established novel allosteric pathways to achieve desired properties in the target protein. In this review, we highlight the most recent and state-of-the-art techniques for allosteric communication engineering. We also discuss the challenges that need to be overcome and future directions for engineering protein allostery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiaxing Chen
- Department of Pharmacology, Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey, PA, 17033-0850, USA. https://twitter.com/JiaxingChen18
| | - Yashavantha L Vishweshwaraiah
- Department of Pharmacology, Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey, PA, 17033-0850, USA. https://twitter.com/IAmYashHegde
| | - Nikolay V Dokholyan
- Department of Pharmacology, Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey, PA, 17033-0850, USA; Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey, PA, 17033-0850, USA; Department of Chemistry, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, 16802, USA; Department of Biomedical Engineering, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, 16802, USA.
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21
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Hu X, Pang J, Zhang J, Shen C, Chai X, Wang E, Chen H, Wang X, Duan M, Fu W, Xu L, Kang Y, Li D, Xia H, Hou T. Discovery of Novel GR Ligands toward Druggable GR Antagonist Conformations Identified by MD Simulations and Markov State Model Analysis. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2022; 9:e2102435. [PMID: 34825505 PMCID: PMC8787434 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202102435] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2021] [Revised: 10/30/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Binding of different ligands to glucocorticoid receptor (GR) may induce different conformational changes and even trigger completely opposite biological functions. To understand the allosteric communication within the GR ligand binding domain, the folding pathway of helix 12 (H12) induced by the binding of the agonist dexamethasone (DEX), antagonist RU486, and modulator AZD9567 are explored by molecular dynamics simulations and Markov state model analysis. The ligands can regulate the volume of the activation function-2 through the residues Phe737 and Gln738. Without ligand or with agonist binding, H12 swings from inward to outward to visit different folding positions. However, the binding of RU486 or AZD9567 perturbs the structural state, and the passive antagonist state appears more stable. Structure-based virtual screening and in vitro bioassays are used to discover novel GR ligands that bias the conformation equilibria toward the passive antagonist state. HP-19 exhibits the best anti-inflammatory activity (IC50 = 0.041 ± 0.011 µm) in nuclear factor-kappa B signaling pathway, which is comparable to that of DEX. HP-19 also does not induce adverse effect-related transactivation functions of GR. The novel ligands discovered here may serve as promising starting points for the development of GR modulators.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xueping Hu
- Innovation Institute for Artificial Intelligence in Medicine of Zhejiang UniversityCollege of Pharmaceutical SciencesZhejiang UniversityHangzhouZhejiang310058China
- State Key Lab of CAD&CGZhejiang UniversityHangzhouZhejiang310058China
| | - Jinping Pang
- Innovation Institute for Artificial Intelligence in Medicine of Zhejiang UniversityCollege of Pharmaceutical SciencesZhejiang UniversityHangzhouZhejiang310058China
| | - Jintu Zhang
- Innovation Institute for Artificial Intelligence in Medicine of Zhejiang UniversityCollege of Pharmaceutical SciencesZhejiang UniversityHangzhouZhejiang310058China
| | - Chao Shen
- Innovation Institute for Artificial Intelligence in Medicine of Zhejiang UniversityCollege of Pharmaceutical SciencesZhejiang UniversityHangzhouZhejiang310058China
| | - Xin Chai
- Innovation Institute for Artificial Intelligence in Medicine of Zhejiang UniversityCollege of Pharmaceutical SciencesZhejiang UniversityHangzhouZhejiang310058China
| | - Ercheng Wang
- Innovation Institute for Artificial Intelligence in Medicine of Zhejiang UniversityCollege of Pharmaceutical SciencesZhejiang UniversityHangzhouZhejiang310058China
| | - Haiyi Chen
- Innovation Institute for Artificial Intelligence in Medicine of Zhejiang UniversityCollege of Pharmaceutical SciencesZhejiang UniversityHangzhouZhejiang310058China
| | - Xuwen Wang
- Innovation Institute for Artificial Intelligence in Medicine of Zhejiang UniversityCollege of Pharmaceutical SciencesZhejiang UniversityHangzhouZhejiang310058China
| | - Mojie Duan
- Key Laboratory of magnetic Resonance in Biological SystemsState Key Laboratory of Magnetic Resonance and Atomic and Molecular PhysicsNational Center for Magnetic Resonance in WuhanWuhan Institute of Physics and MathematicsChinese Academy of SciencesWuhanHubei430071China
| | - Weitao Fu
- Innovation Institute for Artificial Intelligence in Medicine of Zhejiang UniversityCollege of Pharmaceutical SciencesZhejiang UniversityHangzhouZhejiang310058China
| | - Lei Xu
- Institute of Bioinformatics and Medical EngineeringSchool of Electrical and Information EngineeringJiangsu University of TechnologyChangzhou213001China
| | - Yu Kang
- Innovation Institute for Artificial Intelligence in Medicine of Zhejiang UniversityCollege of Pharmaceutical SciencesZhejiang UniversityHangzhouZhejiang310058China
| | - Dan Li
- Innovation Institute for Artificial Intelligence in Medicine of Zhejiang UniversityCollege of Pharmaceutical SciencesZhejiang UniversityHangzhouZhejiang310058China
| | - Hongguang Xia
- Department of Biochemistry and Research Center of Clinical Pharmacy of The First Affiliated HospitalZhejiang University School of MedicineHangzhouZhejiang310058China
| | - Tingjun Hou
- Innovation Institute for Artificial Intelligence in Medicine of Zhejiang UniversityCollege of Pharmaceutical SciencesZhejiang UniversityHangzhouZhejiang310058China
- State Key Lab of CAD&CGZhejiang UniversityHangzhouZhejiang310058China
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22
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de Vink PJ, Koops AA, D'Arrigo G, Cruciani G, Spyrakis F, Brunsveld L. Cooperativity as quantification and optimization paradigm for nuclear receptor modulators. Chem Sci 2022; 13:2744-2752. [PMID: 35340861 PMCID: PMC8890100 DOI: 10.1039/d1sc06426f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2021] [Accepted: 01/19/2022] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
A cooperativity framework describes the formation of nuclear receptor ternary complexes and deconvolutes ligand and cofactor binding into intrinsic affinities and a cooperativity factor, providing a conceptually new understanding of NR modulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pim J. de Vink
- Laboratory of Chemical Biology, Department of Biomedical Engineering and Institute for Complex Molecular Systems, Eindhoven University of Technology, P. O. Box 513, 5600MB Eindhoven, The Netherlands
| | - Auke A. Koops
- Laboratory of Chemical Biology, Department of Biomedical Engineering and Institute for Complex Molecular Systems, Eindhoven University of Technology, P. O. Box 513, 5600MB Eindhoven, The Netherlands
| | - Giulia D'Arrigo
- Laboratory of Chemical Biology, Department of Biomedical Engineering and Institute for Complex Molecular Systems, Eindhoven University of Technology, P. O. Box 513, 5600MB Eindhoven, The Netherlands
- Department of Drug Science and Technology, University of Turin, via Giuria 9, 10125 Turin, Italy
| | - Gabriele Cruciani
- Department of Chemistry, Biology and Biotechnology, University of Perugia, Via Elce di Sotto 8, 06123, Perugia, Italy
| | - Francesca Spyrakis
- Department of Drug Science and Technology, University of Turin, via Giuria 9, 10125 Turin, Italy
| | - Luc Brunsveld
- Laboratory of Chemical Biology, Department of Biomedical Engineering and Institute for Complex Molecular Systems, Eindhoven University of Technology, P. O. Box 513, 5600MB Eindhoven, The Netherlands
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23
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Lopez A, Dahiya V, Delhommel F, Freiburger L, Stehle R, Asami S, Rutz D, Blair L, Buchner J, Sattler M. Client binding shifts the populations of dynamic Hsp90 conformations through an allosteric network. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2021; 7:eabl7295. [PMID: 34919431 PMCID: PMC8682993 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.abl7295] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2021] [Accepted: 11/01/2021] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
Hsp90 is a molecular chaperone that interacts with a specific set of client proteins and assists their folding. The underlying molecular mechanisms, involving dynamic transitions between open and closed conformations, are still enigmatic. Combining nuclear magnetic resonance, small-angle x-ray scattering, and biochemical experiments, we have identified a key intermediate state of Hsp90 induced by adenosine triphosphate (ATP) binding, in which rotation of the Hsp90 N-terminal domain (NTD) yields a domain arrangement poised for closing. This ATP-stabilized NTD rotation is allosterically communicated across the full Hsp90 dimer, affecting distant client sites. By analyzing the interactions of four distinct clients, i.e., steroid hormone receptors (glucocorticoid receptor and mineralocorticoid receptor), p53, and Tau, we show that client-specific interactions with Hsp90 select and enhance the NTD-rotated state and promote closing of the full-length Hsp90 dimer. The p23 co-chaperone shifts the population of Hsp90 toward the closed state, thereby enhancing client interaction and processing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abraham Lopez
- Institute of Structural Biology, Helmholtz Zentrum München, Ingolstädter Landstrasse 1, 85764 Neuherberg, Germany
- Department Chemie, Technische Universität München, Lichtenbergstrasse 4, 85747 Garching, Germany
| | - Vinay Dahiya
- Department Chemie, Technische Universität München, Lichtenbergstrasse 4, 85747 Garching, Germany
| | - Florent Delhommel
- Institute of Structural Biology, Helmholtz Zentrum München, Ingolstädter Landstrasse 1, 85764 Neuherberg, Germany
- Department Chemie, Technische Universität München, Lichtenbergstrasse 4, 85747 Garching, Germany
| | - Lee Freiburger
- Institute of Structural Biology, Helmholtz Zentrum München, Ingolstädter Landstrasse 1, 85764 Neuherberg, Germany
- Department Chemie, Technische Universität München, Lichtenbergstrasse 4, 85747 Garching, Germany
| | - Ralf Stehle
- Department Chemie, Technische Universität München, Lichtenbergstrasse 4, 85747 Garching, Germany
| | - Sam Asami
- Department Chemie, Technische Universität München, Lichtenbergstrasse 4, 85747 Garching, Germany
| | - Daniel Rutz
- Department Chemie, Technische Universität München, Lichtenbergstrasse 4, 85747 Garching, Germany
- Roche Diagnostics GmbH, Nonnenwald 2, 82377 Penzberg, Germany
| | - Laura Blair
- USF Health Byrd Institute, Department of Molecular Medicine, College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, USA
| | - Johannes Buchner
- Department Chemie, Technische Universität München, Lichtenbergstrasse 4, 85747 Garching, Germany
| | - Michael Sattler
- Institute of Structural Biology, Helmholtz Zentrum München, Ingolstädter Landstrasse 1, 85764 Neuherberg, Germany
- Department Chemie, Technische Universität München, Lichtenbergstrasse 4, 85747 Garching, Germany
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24
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Naganathan AN, Dani R, Gopi S, Aranganathan A, Narayan A. Folding Intermediates, Heterogeneous Native Ensembles and Protein Function. J Mol Biol 2021; 433:167325. [PMID: 34695380 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmb.2021.167325] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2021] [Revised: 10/17/2021] [Accepted: 10/18/2021] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Single domain proteins fold via diverse mechanisms emphasizing the intricate relationship between energetics and structure, which is a direct consequence of functional constraints and demands imposed at the level of sequence. On the other hand, elucidating the interplay between folding mechanisms and function is challenging in large proteins, given the inherent shortcomings in identifying metastable states experimentally and the sampling limitations associated with computational methods. Here, we show that free energy profiles and surfaces of large systems (>150 residues), as predicted by a statistical mechanical model, display a wide array of folding mechanisms with ubiquitous folding intermediates and heterogeneous native ensembles. Importantly, residues around the ligand binding or enzyme active site display a larger tendency to partially unfold and this manifests as intermediates or excited states along the folding coordinate in ligand binding domains, transcription repressors, and representative enzymes from all the six classes, including the SARS-CoV-2 receptor binding domain (RBD) of the spike protein and the protease Mpro. It thus appears that it is relatively easier to distill the imprints of function on the folding landscape of larger proteins as opposed to smaller systems. We discuss how an understanding of energetic-entropic features in ordered proteins can pinpoint specific avenues through which folding mechanisms, populations of partially structured states and function can be engineered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Athi N Naganathan
- Department of Biotechnology, Bhupat & Jyoti Mehta School of Biosciences, Indian Institute of Technology Madras, Chennai 600036, India.
| | - Rahul Dani
- Department of Biotechnology, Bhupat & Jyoti Mehta School of Biosciences, Indian Institute of Technology Madras, Chennai 600036, India
| | - Soundhararajan Gopi
- Department of Biotechnology, Bhupat & Jyoti Mehta School of Biosciences, Indian Institute of Technology Madras, Chennai 600036, India. https://twitter.com/Soundha
| | - Akashnathan Aranganathan
- Department of Biotechnology, Bhupat & Jyoti Mehta School of Biosciences, Indian Institute of Technology Madras, Chennai 600036, India
| | - Abhishek Narayan
- Department of Physics, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2E1, Canada
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25
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Nussinov R, Tsai CJ, Jang H. Signaling in the crowded cell. Curr Opin Struct Biol 2021; 71:43-50. [PMID: 34218161 PMCID: PMC8648894 DOI: 10.1016/j.sbi.2021.05.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2021] [Revised: 05/05/2021] [Accepted: 05/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
High-resolution technologies have clarified some of the principles underlying cellular actions. However, understanding how cells receive, communicate, and respond to signals is still challenging. Questions include how efficient regulation of assemblies, which execute cell actions at the nanoscales, transmits productively at micrometer scales, especially considering the crowded environment, and how the cell organization makes it happen. Here, we describe how cells can navigate long-range diffusion-controlled signaling via association/dissociation of spatially proximal entities. Dynamic clusters can span the cell, engaging in most signaling steps. Effective local concentration, allostery, scaffolding, affinities, and the chemical and mechanical properties of the macromolecules and the environment play key roles. Signaling strength and duration matter, for example, deciding if a mutation promotes cancer or developmental syndromes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruth Nussinov
- Computational Structural Biology Section, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research in the Laboratory of Cancer Immunometabolism, National Cancer Institute, Frederick, MD 21702, USA; Department of Human Molecular Genetics and Biochemistry, Sackler School of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 69978, Israel.
| | - Chung-Jung Tsai
- Computational Structural Biology Section, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research in the Laboratory of Cancer Immunometabolism, National Cancer Institute, Frederick, MD 21702, USA
| | - Hyunbum Jang
- Computational Structural Biology Section, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research in the Laboratory of Cancer Immunometabolism, National Cancer Institute, Frederick, MD 21702, USA
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26
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Naganathan AN, Kannan A. A hierarchy of coupling free energies underlie the thermodynamic and functional architecture of protein structures. Curr Res Struct Biol 2021; 3:257-267. [PMID: 34704074 PMCID: PMC8526763 DOI: 10.1016/j.crstbi.2021.09.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2021] [Revised: 09/08/2021] [Accepted: 09/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Protein sequences and structures evolve by satisfying varied physical and biochemical constraints. This multi-level selection is enabled not just by the patterning of amino acids on the sequence, but also via coupling between residues in the native structure. Here, we employ an energetically detailed statistical mechanical model with millions of microstates to extract such long-range structural correlations, i.e. thermodynamic coupling free energies, from a diverse family of protein structures. We find that despite the intricate and anisotropic distribution of coupling patterns, the majority of residues (>70%) are only marginally coupled contributing to functional motions and catalysis. Physical origins of ‘sectors’, determinants of native ensemble heterogeneity in extant, ancient and designed proteins, and the basis for allostery emerge naturally from coupling free energies. The statistical framework highlights how evolutionary selection and optimization occur at the level of global interaction network for a given protein fold impacting folding, function, and allosteric outputs. Evolution of protein structures occurs at the level of global interaction network. More than 70% of the protein residues are weakly or marginally coupled. Functional ‘sector’ regions are a manifestation of marginal coupling. Coupling indices vary across the entire proteins in extant-ancient and natural-designed pairs. The proposed methodology can be used to understand allostery and epistasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Athi N Naganathan
- Department of Biotechnology, Bhupat & Jyoti Mehta School of Biosciences, Indian Institute of Technology Madras, Chennai, 600036, India
| | - Adithi Kannan
- Department of Biotechnology, Bhupat & Jyoti Mehta School of Biosciences, Indian Institute of Technology Madras, Chennai, 600036, India
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27
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La Sala G, Gunnarsson A, Edman K, Tyrchan C, Hogner A, Frolov AI. Unraveling the Allosteric Cross-Talk between the Coactivator Peptide and the Ligand-Binding Site in the Glucocorticoid Receptor. J Chem Inf Model 2021; 61:3667-3680. [PMID: 34156843 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jcim.1c00323] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
The glucocorticoid receptor (GR) is a nuclear receptor that controls critical biological processes by regulating the transcription of specific genes. There is a known allosteric cross-talk between the ligand and coregulator binding sites within the GR ligand-binding domain that is crucial for the control of the functional response. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying such an allosteric control remain elusive. Here, molecular dynamics (MD) simulations, bioinformatic analysis, and biophysical measurements are integrated to capture the structural and dynamic features of the allosteric cross-talk within the GR. We identified a network of evolutionarily conserved residues that enables the allosteric signal transduction, in agreement with experimental data. MD simulations clarify how such a network is dynamically interconnected and offer a mechanistic explanation of how different peptides affect the intensity of the allosteric signal. This study provides useful insights to elucidate the GR allosteric regulation, ultimately providing a foundation for designing novel drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giuseppina La Sala
- Medicinal Chemistry, Research and Early Development, Cardiovascular, Renal and Metabolism (CVRM), BioPharmaceuticals R&D, AstraZeneca, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Anders Gunnarsson
- Discovery Science, BioPharmaceuticals R&D, AstraZeneca, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Karl Edman
- Discovery Science, BioPharmaceuticals R&D, AstraZeneca, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Christian Tyrchan
- Medicinal Chemistry, Research and Early Development, Respiratory & Immunology, BioPharmaceuticals R&D, AstraZeneca, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Anders Hogner
- Medicinal Chemistry, Research and Early Development, Cardiovascular, Renal and Metabolism (CVRM), BioPharmaceuticals R&D, AstraZeneca, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Andrey I Frolov
- Medicinal Chemistry, Research and Early Development, Cardiovascular, Renal and Metabolism (CVRM), BioPharmaceuticals R&D, AstraZeneca, Gothenburg, Sweden
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28
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Gopi S, Lukose B, Naganathan AN. Diverse Native Ensembles Dictate the Differential Functional Responses of Nuclear Receptor Ligand-Binding Domains. J Phys Chem B 2021; 125:3546-3555. [PMID: 33818099 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jpcb.1c00972] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Native states of folded proteins are characterized by a large ensemble of conformations whose relative populations and interconversion dynamics determine the functional output. This is more apparent in transcription factors that have evolved to be inherently sensitive to small perturbations, thus fine-tuning gene expression. To explore the extent to which such functional features are imprinted on the folding landscape of transcription factor ligand-binding domains (LBDs), we characterize paralogous LBDs of the nuclear receptor (NR) family employing an energetically detailed and ensemble-based Ising-like statistical mechanical model. We find that the native ensembles of the LBDs from glucocorticoid receptor, PPAγ, and thyroid hormone receptor display a remarkable diversity in the width of the native wells, the number and nature of partially structured states, and hence the degree of conformational order. Monte Carlo simulations employing the full state representation of the ensemble highlight that many of the functional conformations coexist in equilibrium, whose relative populations are sensitive to both temperature and the strength of ligand binding. Allosteric modulation of the degree of structure at a coregulator binding site on ligand binding is shown to arise via a redistribution of populations in the native ensembles of glucocorticoid and PPAγ LBDs. Our results illustrate how functional requirements can drive the evolution of conformationally diverse native ensembles in paralogs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Soundhararajan Gopi
- Department of Biotechnology, Bhupat & Jyoti Mehta School of Biosciences, Indian Institute of Technology Madras, Chennai 600036, India
| | - Bincy Lukose
- Department of Biotechnology, Bhupat & Jyoti Mehta School of Biosciences, Indian Institute of Technology Madras, Chennai 600036, India
| | - Athi N Naganathan
- Department of Biotechnology, Bhupat & Jyoti Mehta School of Biosciences, Indian Institute of Technology Madras, Chennai 600036, India
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29
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Shang J, Kojetin DJ. Structural mechanism underlying ligand binding and activation of PPARγ. Structure 2021; 29:940-950.e4. [PMID: 33713599 DOI: 10.1016/j.str.2021.02.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2020] [Revised: 01/27/2021] [Accepted: 02/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Ligands bind to an occluded orthosteric ligand-binding pocket within the nuclear receptor ligand-binding domain. Molecular simulations have revealed theoretical ligand entry/exit pathways to the orthosteric pocket; however, it remains unclear whether ligand binding proceeds through induced fit or conformational selection mechanisms. Here, using nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, isothermal titration calorimetry, and surface plasmon resonance analysis, we provide evidence that structurally distinct agonists bind peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ (PPARγ) via a two-step induced fit mechanism involving an initial fast kinetic step followed by a slow conformational change. The agonist encounter complex binding pose is suggested in crystal structures where ligands bind to a surface pore suggested as a ligand entry site in molecular simulations. Our findings suggest an activation mechanism for PPARγ whereby agonist binding occurs through an initial encounter complex followed by a transition of the ligand into the final binding pose within the orthosteric pocket, inducing a transcriptionally active conformation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinsai Shang
- Department of Integrative Structural and Computational Biology, The Scripps Research Institute, Jupiter, FL 33458, USA
| | - Douglas J Kojetin
- Department of Integrative Structural and Computational Biology, The Scripps Research Institute, Jupiter, FL 33458, USA; Department of Molecular Medicine, The Scripps Research Institute, Jupiter, FL 33458, USA.
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30
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Chashmniam S, Teixeira JMC, Paniagua JC, Pons M. A Methionine Chemical Shift Based Order Parameter Characterizing Global Protein Dynamics. Chembiochem 2020; 22:1001-1004. [PMID: 33166021 DOI: 10.1002/cbic.202000701] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2020] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
Coupling of side chain dynamics over long distances is an important component of allostery. Methionine side chains show the largest intrinsic flexibility among methyl-containing residues but the actual degree of conformational averaging depends on the proximity and mobility of neighboring residues. The 13 C NMR chemical shifts of the methyl groups of methionine residues located at long distances in the same protein show a similar scaling with respect to the values predicted from the static X-ray structure by quantum methods. This results in a good linear correlation between calculated and observed chemical shifts. The slope is protein dependent and ranges from zero for the highly flexible calmodulin to 0.7 for the much more rigid calcineurin catalytic domain. The linear correlation is indicative of a similar level of side-chain conformational averaging over long distances, and the slope of the correlation line can be interpreted as an order parameter of the global side-chain flexibility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saeed Chashmniam
- Department of Inorganic and Organic Chemistry, University of Barcelona, Baldiri Reixac 10-12, 08028, Barcelona, Spain.,Department of Chemistry, Sharif University of Technology, Azadi Avenue, Tehran, Iran
| | - João M C Teixeira
- Department of Inorganic and Organic Chemistry, University of Barcelona, Baldiri Reixac 10-12, 08028, Barcelona, Spain.,Program in Molecular Medicine, Hospital for Sick Children, 686 Bay Street, ON M5G0A4, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Juan Carlos Paniagua
- Department of Materials Science and Physical Chemistry and Institute of Theoretical and Computational Chemistry (IQTCUB), University of Barcelona, Martí i Franquès, 1-11, 08028, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Miquel Pons
- Department of Inorganic and Organic Chemistry, University of Barcelona, Baldiri Reixac 10-12, 08028, Barcelona, Spain
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