1
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Kwon S, Andreas MP, Giessen TW. Pore Engineering as a General Strategy to Improve Protein-Based Enzyme Nanoreactor Performance. ACS NANO 2024. [PMID: 39226211 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.4c08186] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/05/2024]
Abstract
Enzyme nanoreactors are nanoscale compartments consisting of encapsulated enzymes and a selectively permeable barrier. Sequestration and colocalization of enzymes can increase catalytic activity, stability, and longevity, highly desirable features for many biotechnological and biomedical applications of enzyme catalysts. One promising strategy to construct enzyme nanoreactors is to repurpose protein nanocages found in nature. However, protein-based enzyme nanoreactors often exhibit decreased catalytic activity, partially caused by a mismatch of protein shell selectivity and the substrate requirements of encapsulated enzymes. No broadly applicable and modular protein-based nanoreactor platform is currently available. Here, we introduce a pore-engineered universal enzyme nanoreactor platform based on encapsulins-microbial self-assembling protein nanocompartments with programmable and selective enzyme packaging capabilities. We structurally characterize our protein shell designs via cryo-electron microscopy and highlight their polymorphic nature. Through fluorescence polarization assays, we show their improved molecular flux behavior and highlight their expanded substrate range via a number of proof-of-concept enzyme nanoreactor designs. This work lays the foundation for utilizing our encapsulin-based nanoreactor platform for diverse future biotechnological and biomedical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seokmu Kwon
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States
| | - Michael P Andreas
- Department of Biological Chemistry, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States
| | - Tobias W Giessen
- Department of Biological Chemistry, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States
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2
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Benisch R, Giessen TW. Structural and biochemical characterization of an encapsulin-associated rhodanese from Acinetobacter baumannii. Protein Sci 2024; 33:e5129. [PMID: 39073218 PMCID: PMC11284452 DOI: 10.1002/pro.5129] [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: 05/06/2024] [Revised: 07/07/2024] [Accepted: 07/14/2024] [Indexed: 07/30/2024]
Abstract
Rhodanese-like domains (RLDs) represent a widespread protein family canonically involved in sulfur transfer reactions between diverse donor and acceptor molecules. RLDs mediate these transsulfuration reactions via a transient persulfide intermediate, created by modifying a conserved cysteine residue in their active sites. RLDs are involved in various aspects of sulfur metabolism, including sulfide oxidation in mitochondria, iron-sulfur cluster biogenesis, and thio-cofactor biosynthesis. However, due to the inherent complexity of sulfur metabolism caused by the intrinsically high nucleophilicity and redox sensitivity of thiol-containing compounds, the physiological functions of many RLDs remain to be explored. Here, we focus on a single domain Acinetobacter baumannii RLD (Ab-RLD) associated with a desulfurase encapsulin which is able to store substantial amounts of sulfur inside its protein shell. We determine the 1.6 Å x-ray crystal structure of Ab-RLD, highlighting a homodimeric structure with a number of unusual features. We show through kinetic analysis that Ab-RLD exhibits thiosulfate sulfurtransferase activity with both cyanide and glutathione acceptors. Using native mass spectrometry and in vitro assays, we provide evidence that Ab-RLD can stably carry a persulfide and thiosulfate modification and may employ a ternary catalytic mechanism. Our results will inform future studies aimed at investigating the functional link between Ab-RLD and the desulfurase encapsulin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert Benisch
- Program in Chemical BiologyUniversity of MichiganAnn ArborMichiganUSA
| | - Tobias W. Giessen
- Program in Chemical BiologyUniversity of MichiganAnn ArborMichiganUSA
- Department of Biological ChemistryUniversity of Michigan Medical SchoolAnn ArborMichiganUSA
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3
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Bhattacharya S, Jenkins MC, Keshavarz-Joud P, Bourque AR, White K, Alvarez Barkane AM, Bryksin AV, Hernandez C, Kopylov M, Finn M. Heterologous Prime-Boost with Immunologically Orthogonal Protein Nanoparticles for Peptide Immunofocusing. ACS NANO 2024; 18:20083-20100. [PMID: 39041587 PMCID: PMC11308774 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.4c00949] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2024] [Revised: 06/27/2024] [Accepted: 06/28/2024] [Indexed: 07/24/2024]
Abstract
Protein nanoparticles are effective platforms for antigen presentation and targeting effector immune cells in vaccine development. Encapsulins are a class of protein-based microbial nanocompartments that self-assemble into icosahedral structures with external diameters ranging from 24 to 42 nm. Encapsulins from Myxococcus xanthus were designed to package bacterial RNA when produced in E. coli and were shown to have immunogenic and self-adjuvanting properties enhanced by this RNA. We genetically incorporated a 20-mer peptide derived from a mutant strain of the SARS-CoV-2 receptor binding domain (RBD) into the encapsulin protomeric coat protein for presentation on the exterior surface of the particle, inducing the formation of several nonicosahedral structures that were characterized by cryogenic electron microscopy. This immunogen elicited conformationally relevant humoral responses to the SARS-CoV-2 RBD. Immunological recognition was enhanced when the same peptide was presented in a heterologous prime/boost vaccination strategy using the engineered encapsulin and a previously reported variant of the PP7 virus-like particle, leading to the development of a selective antibody response against a SARS-CoV-2 RBD point mutant. While generating epitope-focused antibody responses is an interplay between inherent vaccine properties and B/T cells, here we demonstrate the use of orthogonal nanoparticles to fine-tune the control of epitope focusing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sonia Bhattacharya
- School
of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Georgia Institute
of Technology, Atlanta, Georgia 30332, United States
| | - Matthew C. Jenkins
- School
of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Georgia Institute
of Technology, Atlanta, Georgia 30332, United States
| | - Parisa Keshavarz-Joud
- School
of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Georgia Institute
of Technology, Atlanta, Georgia 30332, United States
| | - Alisyn Retos Bourque
- Parker
H. Petit Institute for Bioengineering and Biosciences, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, Georgia 30332, United States
| | - Keiyana White
- School
of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Georgia Institute
of Technology, Atlanta, Georgia 30332, United States
| | - Amina Maria Alvarez Barkane
- Parker
H. Petit Institute for Bioengineering and Biosciences, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, Georgia 30332, United States
| | - Anton V. Bryksin
- Parker
H. Petit Institute for Bioengineering and Biosciences, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, Georgia 30332, United States
| | - Carolina Hernandez
- New
York Structural Biology Center, New York, New York 10027, United States
| | - Mykhailo Kopylov
- New
York Structural Biology Center, New York, New York 10027, United States
| | - M.G. Finn
- School
of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Georgia Institute
of Technology, Atlanta, Georgia 30332, United States
- School
of Biological Sciences, Georgia Institute
of Technology, Atlanta, Georgia 30332, United
States
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4
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Ohno N, Karube F, Fujiyama F. Volume electron microscopy for genetically and molecularly defined neural circuits. Neurosci Res 2024:S0168-0102(24)00074-9. [PMID: 38914208 DOI: 10.1016/j.neures.2024.06.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2024] [Revised: 06/03/2024] [Accepted: 06/09/2024] [Indexed: 06/26/2024]
Abstract
The brain networks responsible for adaptive behavioral changes are based on the physical connections between neurons. Light and electron microscopy have long been used to study neural projections and the physical connections between neurons. Volume electron microscopy has recently expanded its scale of analysis due to methodological advances, resulting in complete wiring maps of neurites in a large volume of brain tissues and even entire nervous systems in a growing number of species. However, structural approaches frequently suffer from inherent limitations in which elements in images are identified solely by morphological criteria. Recently, an increasing number of tools and technologies have been developed to characterize cells and cellular components in the context of molecules and gene expression. These advancements include newly developed probes for visualization in electron microscopic images as well as correlative integration methods for the same elements across multiple microscopic modalities. Such approaches advance our understanding of interactions between specific neurons and circuits and may help to elucidate novel aspects of the basal ganglia network involving dopamine neurons. These advancements are expected to reveal mechanisms for processing adaptive changes in specific neural circuits that modulate brain functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nobuhiko Ohno
- Department of Anatomy, Division of Histology and Cell Biology, Jichi Medical University, Japan; Division of Ultrastructural Research, National Institute for Physiological Sciences, Japan.
| | - Fuyuki Karube
- Laboratory of Histology and Cytology, Faculty of Medicine and Graduate School of Medicine, Hokkaido University, Japan
| | - Fumino Fujiyama
- Laboratory of Histology and Cytology, Faculty of Medicine and Graduate School of Medicine, Hokkaido University, Japan
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5
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Eren E, Watts NR, Montecinos F, Wingfield PT. Encapsulated Ferritin-like Proteins: A Structural Perspective. Biomolecules 2024; 14:624. [PMID: 38927029 PMCID: PMC11202242 DOI: 10.3390/biom14060624] [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: 04/29/2024] [Revised: 05/23/2024] [Accepted: 05/24/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Encapsulins are self-assembling nano-compartments that naturally occur in bacteria and archaea. These nano-compartments encapsulate cargo proteins that bind to the shell's interior through specific recognition sequences and perform various metabolic processes. Encapsulation enables organisms to perform chemical reactions without exposing the rest of the cell to potentially harmful substances while shielding cargo molecules from degradation and other adverse effects of the surrounding environment. One particular type of cargo protein, the ferritin-like protein (FLP), is the focus of this review. Encapsulated FLPs are members of the ferritin-like protein superfamily, and they play a crucial role in converting ferrous iron (Fe+2) to ferric iron (Fe+3), which is then stored inside the encapsulin in mineralized form. As such, FLPs regulate iron homeostasis and protect organisms against oxidative stress. Recent studies have demonstrated that FLPs have tremendous potential as biosensors and bioreactors because of their ability to catalyze the oxidation of ferrous iron with high specificity and efficiency. Moreover, they have been investigated as potential targets for therapeutic intervention in cancer drug development and bacterial pathogenesis. Further research will likely lead to new insights and applications for these remarkable proteins in biomedicine and biotechnology.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Paul T. Wingfield
- Protein Expression Laboratory, National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
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6
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Szyszka TN, Andreas MP, Lie F, Miller LM, Adamson LSR, Fatehi F, Twarock R, Draper BE, Jarrold MF, Giessen TW, Lau YH. Point mutation in a virus-like capsid drives symmetry reduction to form tetrahedral cages. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2024; 121:e2321260121. [PMID: 38722807 PMCID: PMC11098114 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2321260121] [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: 12/06/2023] [Accepted: 03/25/2024] [Indexed: 05/18/2024] Open
Abstract
Protein capsids are a widespread form of compartmentalization in nature. Icosahedral symmetry is ubiquitous in capsids derived from spherical viruses, as this geometry maximizes the internal volume that can be enclosed within. Despite the strong preference for icosahedral symmetry, we show that simple point mutations in a virus-like capsid can drive the assembly of unique symmetry-reduced structures. Starting with the encapsulin from Myxococcus xanthus, a 180-mer bacterial capsid that adopts the well-studied viral HK97 fold, we use mass photometry and native charge detection mass spectrometry to identify a triple histidine point mutant that forms smaller dimorphic assemblies. Using cryoelectron microscopy, we determine the structures of a precedented 60-mer icosahedral assembly and an unexpected 36-mer tetrahedron that features significant geometric rearrangements around a new interaction surface between capsid protomers. We subsequently find that the tetrahedral assembly can be generated by triple-point mutation to various amino acids and that even a single histidine point mutation is sufficient to form tetrahedra. These findings represent a unique example of tetrahedral geometry when surveying all characterized encapsulins, HK97-like capsids, or indeed any virus-derived capsids reported in the Protein Data Bank, revealing the surprising plasticity of capsid self-assembly that can be accessed through minimal changes in the protein sequence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Taylor N. Szyszka
- School of Chemistry, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW2006, Australia
- The University of Sydney Nano Institute, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW2006, Australia
| | - Michael P. Andreas
- Department of Biological Chemistry, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI48109
| | - Felicia Lie
- School of Chemistry, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW2006, Australia
| | - Lohra M. Miller
- Chemistry Department, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN47405
| | | | - Farzad Fatehi
- Department of Mathematics, University of York, YorkYO10 5DD, United Kingdom
- York Cross-Disciplinary Centre for Systems Analysis, University of York, YorkYO10 5DD, United Kingdom
| | - Reidun Twarock
- Department of Mathematics, University of York, YorkYO10 5DD, United Kingdom
- York Cross-Disciplinary Centre for Systems Analysis, University of York, YorkYO10 5DD, United Kingdom
- Department of Biology, University of York, YorkYO10 5DD, United Kingdom
| | | | | | - Tobias W. Giessen
- Department of Biological Chemistry, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI48109
| | - Yu Heng Lau
- School of Chemistry, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW2006, Australia
- The University of Sydney Nano Institute, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW2006, Australia
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7
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Kwon S, Andreas MP, Giessen TW. Pore engineering as a general strategy to improve protein-based enzyme nanoreactor performance. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.05.02.592161. [PMID: 38746127 PMCID: PMC11092584 DOI: 10.1101/2024.05.02.592161] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/16/2024]
Abstract
Enzyme nanoreactors are nanoscale compartments consisting of encapsulated enzymes and a selectively permeable barrier. Sequestration and co-localization of enzymes can increase catalytic activity, stability, and longevity, highly desirable features for many biotechnological and biomedical applications of enzyme catalysts. One promising strategy to construct enzyme nanoreactors is to repurpose protein nanocages found in nature. However, protein-based enzyme nanoreactors often exhibit decreased catalytic activity, partially caused by a mismatch of protein shell selectivity and the substrate requirements of encapsulated enzymes. No broadly applicable and modular protein-based nanoreactor platform is currently available. Here, we introduce a pore-engineered universal enzyme nanoreactor platform based on encapsulins - microbial self-assembling protein nanocompartments with programmable and selective enzyme packaging capabilities. We structurally characterize our protein shell designs via cryo-electron microscopy and highlight their polymorphic nature. Through fluorescence polarization assays, we show their improved molecular flux behavior and highlight their expanded substrate range via a number of proof-of-concept enzyme nanoreactor designs. This work lays the foundation for utilizing our encapsulin-based nanoreactor platform for future biotechnological and biomedical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seokmu Kwon
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Michael P. Andreas
- Department of Biological Chemistry, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Tobias W. Giessen
- Department of Biological Chemistry, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
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8
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Dutcher CA, Andreas MP, Giessen TW. A two-component quasi-icosahedral protein nanocompartment with variable shell composition and irregular tiling. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.04.25.591138. [PMID: 38712103 PMCID: PMC11071501 DOI: 10.1101/2024.04.25.591138] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/08/2024]
Abstract
Protein shells or capsids are a widespread form of compartmentalization in nature. Viruses use protein capsids to protect and transport their genomes while many cellular organisms use protein shells for varied metabolic purposes. These protein-based compartments often exhibit icosahedral symmetry and consist of a small number of structural components with defined roles. Encapsulins are a prevalent protein-based compartmentalization strategy in prokaryotes. All encapsulins studied thus far consist of a single shell protein that adopts the viral HK97-fold. Here, we report the characterization of a Family 2B two-component encapsulin from Streptomyces lydicus. We show the differential assembly behavior of the two shell components and demonstrate their ability to co-assemble into mixed shells with variable shell composition. We determined the structures of both shell proteins using cryo-electron microscopy. Using 3D-classification and crosslinking studies, we highlight the irregular tiling of mixed shells. Our work expands the known assembly modes of HK97-fold proteins and lays the foundation for future functional and engineering studies on two-component encapsulins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cassandra A. Dutcher
- Department of Biological Chemistry, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Michael P. Andreas
- Department of Biological Chemistry, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Tobias W. Giessen
- Department of Biological Chemistry, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
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9
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Andreas MP, Giessen TW. The biosynthesis of the odorant 2-methylisoborneol is compartmentalized inside a protein shell. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.04.23.590730. [PMID: 38712110 PMCID: PMC11071394 DOI: 10.1101/2024.04.23.590730] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/08/2024]
Abstract
Terpenoids are the largest class of natural products, found across all domains of life. One of the most abundant bacterial terpenoids is the volatile odorant 2-methylisoborneol (2-MIB), partially responsible for the earthy smell of soil and musty taste of contaminated water. Many bacterial 2-MIB biosynthetic gene clusters were thought to encode a conserved transcription factor, named EshA in the model soil bacterium Streptomyces griseus . Here, we revise the function of EshA, now referred to as Sg Enc, and show that it is a Family 2B encapsulin shell protein. Using cryo-electron microscopy, we find that Sg Enc forms an icosahedral protein shell and encapsulates 2-methylisoborneol synthase (2-MIBS) as a cargo protein. Sg Enc contains a cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) binding domain (CBD)-fold insertion and a unique metal-binding domain, both displayed on the shell exterior. We show that Sg Enc CBDs do not bind cAMP. We find that 2-MIBS cargo loading is mediated by an N-terminal disordered cargo-loading domain and that 2-MIBS activity and Sg Enc shell structure are not modulated by cAMP. Our work redefines the function of EshA and establishes Family 2B encapsulins as cargo-loaded protein nanocompartments involved in secondary metabolite biosynthesis.
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10
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Jones JA, Andreas MP, Giessen TW. Structural basis for peroxidase encapsulation inside the encapsulin from the Gram-negative pathogen Klebsiella pneumoniae. Nat Commun 2024; 15:2558. [PMID: 38519509 PMCID: PMC10960027 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-46880-x] [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: 09/21/2023] [Accepted: 03/12/2024] [Indexed: 03/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Encapsulins are self-assembling protein nanocompartments capable of selectively encapsulating dedicated cargo proteins, including enzymes involved in iron storage, sulfur metabolism, and stress resistance. They represent a unique compartmentalization strategy used by many pathogens to facilitate specialized metabolic capabilities. Encapsulation is mediated by specific cargo protein motifs known as targeting peptides (TPs), though the structural basis for encapsulation of the largest encapsulin cargo class, dye-decolorizing peroxidases (DyPs), is currently unknown. Here, we characterize a DyP-containing encapsulin from the enterobacterial pathogen Klebsiella pneumoniae. By combining cryo-electron microscopy with TP and TP-binding site mutagenesis, we elucidate the molecular basis for cargo encapsulation. TP binding is mediated by cooperative hydrophobic and ionic interactions as well as shape complementarity. Our results expand the molecular understanding of enzyme encapsulation inside protein nanocompartments and lay the foundation for rationally modulating encapsulin cargo loading for biomedical and biotechnological applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jesse A Jones
- Department of Biological Chemistry, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Michael P Andreas
- Department of Biological Chemistry, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Tobias W Giessen
- Department of Biological Chemistry, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.
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11
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Benisch R, Giessen TW. Structural and biochemical characterization of an encapsulin-associated rhodanese from Acinetobacter baumannii. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.02.19.581022. [PMID: 38464153 PMCID: PMC10925157 DOI: 10.1101/2024.02.19.581022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/12/2024]
Abstract
Rhodanese-like domains (RLDs) represent a widespread protein family canonically involved in sulfur transfer reactions between diverse donor and acceptor molecules. RLDs mediate these transsulfuration reactions via a transient persulfide intermediate, created by modifying a conserved cysteine residue in their active sites. RLDs are involved in various aspects of sulfur metabolism, including sulfide oxidation in mitochondria, iron-sulfur cluster biogenesis, and thio-cofactor biosynthesis. However, due to the inherent complexity of sulfur metabolism caused by the intrinsically high nucleophilicity and redox sensitivity of thiol-containing compounds, the physiological functions of many RLDs remain to be explored. Here, we focus on a single domain Acinetobacter baumannii RLD (Ab-RLD) associated with a desulfurase encapsulin which is able to store substantial amounts of sulfur inside its protein shell. We determine the 1.6 Å x-ray crystal structure of Ab-RLD, highlighting a homodimeric structure with a number of unusual features. We show through kinetic analysis that Ab-RLD exhibits thiosulfate sulfurtransferase activity with both cyanide and glutathione acceptors. Using native mass spectrometry and in vitro assays, we provide evidence that Ab-RLD can stably carry a persulfide and thiosulfate modification and may employ a ternary catalytic mechanism. Our results will inform future studies aimed at investigating the functional link between Ab-RLD and the desulfurase encapsulin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert Benisch
- Program in Chemical Biology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Tobias W. Giessen
- Program in Chemical Biology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
- Department of Biological Chemistry, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
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12
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Monterroso B, Margolin W, Boersma AJ, Rivas G, Poolman B, Zorrilla S. Macromolecular Crowding, Phase Separation, and Homeostasis in the Orchestration of Bacterial Cellular Functions. Chem Rev 2024; 124:1899-1949. [PMID: 38331392 PMCID: PMC10906006 DOI: 10.1021/acs.chemrev.3c00622] [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: 08/31/2023] [Revised: 12/01/2023] [Accepted: 01/10/2024] [Indexed: 02/10/2024]
Abstract
Macromolecular crowding affects the activity of proteins and functional macromolecular complexes in all cells, including bacteria. Crowding, together with physicochemical parameters such as pH, ionic strength, and the energy status, influences the structure of the cytoplasm and thereby indirectly macromolecular function. Notably, crowding also promotes the formation of biomolecular condensates by phase separation, initially identified in eukaryotic cells but more recently discovered to play key functions in bacteria. Bacterial cells require a variety of mechanisms to maintain physicochemical homeostasis, in particular in environments with fluctuating conditions, and the formation of biomolecular condensates is emerging as one such mechanism. In this work, we connect physicochemical homeostasis and macromolecular crowding with the formation and function of biomolecular condensates in the bacterial cell and compare the supramolecular structures found in bacteria with those of eukaryotic cells. We focus on the effects of crowding and phase separation on the control of bacterial chromosome replication, segregation, and cell division, and we discuss the contribution of biomolecular condensates to bacterial cell fitness and adaptation to environmental stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Begoña Monterroso
- Department
of Structural and Chemical Biology, Centro de Investigaciones Biológicas
Margarita Salas, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones
Científicas (CSIC), 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - William Margolin
- Department
of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, McGovern Medical School, UTHealth-Houston, Houston, Texas 77030, United States
| | - Arnold J. Boersma
- Cellular
Protein Chemistry, Bijvoet Centre for Biomolecular Research, Faculty
of Science, Utrecht University, Padualaan 8, 3584 CH Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Germán Rivas
- Department
of Structural and Chemical Biology, Centro de Investigaciones Biológicas
Margarita Salas, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones
Científicas (CSIC), 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Bert Poolman
- Department
of Biochemistry, University of Groningen, Nijenborgh 4, 9747 AG Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Silvia Zorrilla
- Department
of Structural and Chemical Biology, Centro de Investigaciones Biológicas
Margarita Salas, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones
Científicas (CSIC), 28040 Madrid, Spain
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13
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Bhattacharya S, Jenkins MC, Keshavarz-Joud P, Bourque AR, White K, Alvarez Barkane AM, Bryksin AV, Hernandez C, Kopylov M, Finn MG. Heterologous Prime-Boost with Immunologically Orthogonal Protein Nanoparticles for Peptide Immunofocusing. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.02.24.581861. [PMID: 38464232 PMCID: PMC10925081 DOI: 10.1101/2024.02.24.581861] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/12/2024]
Abstract
Protein nanoparticles are effective platforms for antigen presentation and targeting effector immune cells in vaccine development. Encapsulins are a class of protein-based microbial nanocompartments that self-assemble into icosahedral structures with external diameters ranging from 24 to 42 nm. Encapsulins from Mxyococcus xanthus were designed to package bacterial RNA when produced in E. coli and were shown to have immunogenic and self-adjuvanting properties enhanced by this RNA. We genetically incorporated a 20-mer peptide derived from a mutant strain of the SARS-CoV-2 receptor binding domain (RBD) into the encapsulin protomeric coat protein for presentation on the exterior surface of the particle. This immunogen elicited conformationally-relevant humoral responses to the SARS-CoV-2 RBD. Immunological recognition was enhanced when the same peptide was presented in a heterologous prime/boost vaccination strategy using the engineered encapsulin and a previously reported variant of the PP7 virus-like particle, leading to the development of a selective antibody response against a SARS-CoV-2 RBD point mutant. While generating epitope-focused antibody responses is an interplay between inherent vaccine properties and B/T cells, here we demonstrate the use of orthogonal nanoparticles to fine-tune the control of epitope focusing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sonia Bhattacharya
- School of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA 30332, USA
| | - Matthew C Jenkins
- School of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA 30332, USA
| | - Parisa Keshavarz-Joud
- School of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA 30332, USA
| | - Alisyn Retos Bourque
- Parker H. Petit Institute for Bioengineering and Biosciences, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, 30332, USA
| | - Keiyana White
- School of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA 30332, USA
| | - Amina M Alvarez Barkane
- Parker H. Petit Institute for Bioengineering and Biosciences, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, 30332, USA
| | - Anton V Bryksin
- Parker H. Petit Institute for Bioengineering and Biosciences, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, 30332, USA
| | | | - Mykhailo Kopylov
- New York Structural Biology Center, New York, New York, 10027, USA
| | - M G Finn
- School of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA 30332, USA
- School of Biological Sciences, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA 30332, USA
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14
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Szyszka TN, Andreas MP, Lie F, Miller LM, Adamson LSR, Fatehi F, Twarock R, Draper BE, Jarrold MF, Giessen TW, Lau YH. Point mutation in a virus-like capsid drives symmetry reduction to form tetrahedral cages. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.02.05.579038. [PMID: 38370832 PMCID: PMC10871247 DOI: 10.1101/2024.02.05.579038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/20/2024]
Abstract
Protein capsids are a widespread form of compartmentalisation in nature. Icosahedral symmetry is ubiquitous in capsids derived from spherical viruses, as this geometry maximises the internal volume that can be enclosed within. Despite the strong preference for icosahedral symmetry, we show that simple point mutations in a virus-like capsid can drive the assembly of novel symmetry-reduced structures. Starting with the encapsulin from Myxococcus xanthus, a 180-mer bacterial capsid that adopts the well-studied viral HK97 fold, we use mass photometry and native charge detection mass spectrometry to identify a triple histidine point mutant that forms smaller dimorphic assemblies. Using cryo-EM, we determine the structures of a precedented 60-mer icosahedral assembly and an unprecedented 36-mer tetrahedron that features significant geometric rearrangements around a novel interaction surface between capsid protomers. We subsequently find that the tetrahedral assembly can be generated by triple point mutation to various amino acids, and that even a single histidine point mutation is sufficient to form tetrahedra. These findings represent the first example of tetrahedral geometry across all characterised encapsulins, HK97-like capsids, or indeed any virus-derived capsids reported in the Protein Data Bank, revealing the surprising plasticity of capsid self-assembly that can be accessed through minimal changes in protein sequence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Taylor N Szyszka
- School of Chemistry, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW 2006, Australia
- The University of Sydney Nano Institute, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW 2006, Australia
| | - Michael P Andreas
- Department of Biological Chemistry, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Felicia Lie
- School of Chemistry, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW 2006, Australia
| | - Lohra M Miller
- Chemistry Department, Indiana University, 800 E. Kirkwood Avenue, Bloomington, IN 47405, USA
| | - Lachlan S R Adamson
- School of Chemistry, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW 2006, Australia
| | - Farzad Fatehi
- Department of Mathematics, University of York, York, UK
- York Cross-Disciplinary Centre for Systems Analysis, University of York, York, UK
| | - Reidun Twarock
- Department of Mathematics, University of York, York, UK
- York Cross-Disciplinary Centre for Systems Analysis, University of York, York, UK
- Department of Biology, University of York, York, UK
| | - Benjamin E Draper
- Megadalton Solutions Inc., 3750 E Bluebird Ln, Bloomington, IN 47401, USA
| | - Martin F Jarrold
- Chemistry Department, Indiana University, 800 E. Kirkwood Avenue, Bloomington, IN 47405, USA
| | - Tobias W Giessen
- Department of Biological Chemistry, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Yu Heng Lau
- School of Chemistry, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW 2006, Australia
- The University of Sydney Nano Institute, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW 2006, Australia
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15
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Benisch R, Andreas MP, Giessen TW. A widespread bacterial protein compartment sequesters and stores elemental sulfur. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2024; 10:eadk9345. [PMID: 38306423 PMCID: PMC10836720 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.adk9345] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2023] [Accepted: 01/03/2024] [Indexed: 02/04/2024]
Abstract
Subcellular compartments often serve to store nutrients or sequester labile or toxic compounds. As bacteria mostly do not possess membrane-bound organelles, they often have to rely on protein-based compartments. Encapsulins are one of the most prevalent protein-based compartmentalization strategies found in prokaryotes. Here, we show that desulfurase encapsulins can sequester and store large amounts of crystalline elemental sulfur. We determine the 1.78-angstrom cryo-EM structure of a 24-nanometer desulfurase-loaded encapsulin. Elemental sulfur crystals can be formed inside the encapsulin shell in a desulfurase-dependent manner with l-cysteine as the sulfur donor. Sulfur accumulation can be influenced by the concentration and type of sulfur source in growth medium. The selectively permeable protein shell allows the storage of redox-labile elemental sulfur by excluding cellular reducing agents, while encapsulation substantially improves desulfurase activity and stability. These findings represent an example of a protein compartment able to accumulate and store elemental sulfur.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert Benisch
- Program in Chemical Biology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Michael P. Andreas
- Department of Biological Chemistry, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Tobias W. Giessen
- Department of Biological Chemistry, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
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16
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Kalnins G, Bertins M, Viksna A, Tars K. Functionalization of bacterial microcompartment shell interior with cysteine containing peptides enhances the iron and cobalt loading capacity. Biometals 2024; 37:267-274. [PMID: 37728832 DOI: 10.1007/s10534-023-00538-1] [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: 05/15/2023] [Accepted: 09/11/2023] [Indexed: 09/21/2023]
Abstract
Bacterial microcompartments (BMCs) are prokaryotic organelles involved in several biochemical processes in bacterial cells. These cellular substructures consist of an icosahedral shell and an encapsulated enzymatic core. The outer shells of BMCs have been proposed as an attractive platform for the creation of novel nanomaterials, nanocages, and nanoreactors. In this study, we present a method for functionalizing recombinant GRM2-type BMC shell lumens with short cysteine-containing sequences and demonstrate that the iron and cobalt loading capacity of such modified shells is markedly increased. These results also imply that a passive flow of cobalt and iron atoms across the BMC shell could be possible.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gints Kalnins
- Latvian Biomedical Research and Study Centre, Ratsupites street 1, Riga, 1067, Latvia.
| | - Maris Bertins
- University of Latvia, Jelgavas street 1, Riga, 1004, Latvia
| | - Arturs Viksna
- University of Latvia, Jelgavas street 1, Riga, 1004, Latvia
| | - Kaspars Tars
- Latvian Biomedical Research and Study Centre, Ratsupites street 1, Riga, 1067, Latvia
- University of Latvia, Jelgavas street 1, Riga, 1004, Latvia
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17
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Taraska JW. Genetically encoded shape probes for cryogenic electron tomography. Nat Methods 2023; 20:1874-1876. [PMID: 37932396 DOI: 10.1038/s41592-023-02044-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Justin W Taraska
- Biochemistry and Biophysics Center, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA.
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18
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Kwon S, Andreas MP, Giessen TW. Structure and heterogeneity of a highly cargo-loaded encapsulin shell. J Struct Biol 2023; 215:108022. [PMID: 37657675 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsb.2023.108022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2023] [Revised: 08/26/2023] [Accepted: 08/28/2023] [Indexed: 09/03/2023]
Abstract
Encapsulins are self-assembling protein nanocompartments able to selectively encapsulate dedicated cargo enzymes. Encapsulins are widespread across bacterial and archaeal phyla and are involved in oxidative stress resistance, iron storage, and sulfur metabolism. Encapsulin shells exhibit icosahedral geometry and consist of 60, 180, or 240 identical protein subunits. Cargo encapsulation is mediated by the specific interaction of targeting peptides or domains, found in all cargo proteins, with the interior surface of the encapsulin shell during shell self-assembly. Here, we report the 2.53 Å cryo-EM structure of a heterologously produced and highly cargo-loaded T3 encapsulin shell from Myxococcus xanthus and explore the systems' structural heterogeneity. We find that exceedingly high cargo loading results in the formation of substantial amounts of distorted and aberrant shells, likely caused by a combination of unfavorable steric clashes of cargo proteins and shell conformational changes. Based on our cryo-EM structure, we determine and analyze the targeting peptide-shell binding mode. We find that both ionic and hydrophobic interactions mediate targeting peptide binding. Our results will guide future attempts at rationally engineering encapsulins for biomedical and biotechnological applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seokmu Kwon
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Michael P Andreas
- Department of Biological Chemistry, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Tobias W Giessen
- Department of Biological Chemistry, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA.
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19
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Rudd SR, Miranda LS, Curtis HR, Bigot Y, Diaz-Mendoza M, Hice R, Nizet V, Park HW, Blaha G, Federici BA, Bideshi DK. The Parasporal Body of Bacillus thuringiensis subsp. israelensis: A Unique Phage Capsid-Associated Prokaryotic Insecticidal Organelle. BIOLOGY 2023; 12:1421. [PMID: 37998020 PMCID: PMC10669011 DOI: 10.3390/biology12111421] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2023] [Revised: 11/09/2023] [Accepted: 11/09/2023] [Indexed: 11/25/2023]
Abstract
The three most important commercial bacterial insecticides are all derived from subspecies of Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt). Specifically, Bt subsp. kurstaki (Btk) and Bt subsp. aizawai (Bta) are used to control larval lepidopteran pests. The third, Bt subsp. israelensis (Bti), is primarily used to control mosquito and blackfly larvae. All three subspecies produce a parasporal body (PB) during sporulation. The PB is composed of insecticidal proteins that damage the midgut epithelium, initiating a complex process that results in the death of the insect. Among these three subspecies of Bt, Bti is unique as it produces the most complex PB consisting of three compartments. Each compartment is bound by a multilaminar fibrous matrix (MFM). Two compartments contain one protein each, Cry11Aa1 and Cyt1Aa1, while the third contains two, Cry4Aa1/Cry4Ba1. Each compartment is packaged independently before coalescing into the mature spherical PB held together by additional layers of the MFM. This distinctive packaging process is unparalleled among known bacterial organelles, although the underlying molecular biology is yet to be determined. Here, we present structural and molecular evidence that the MFM has a hexagonal pattern to which Bti proteins Bt152 and Bt075 bind. Bt152 binds to a defined spot on the MFM during the development of each compartment, yet its function remains unknown. Bt075 appears to be derived from a bacteriophage major capsid protein (MCP), and though its sequence has markedly diverged, it shares striking 3-D structural similarity to the Escherichia coli phage HK97 Head 1 capsid protein. Both proteins are encoded on Bti's pBtoxis plasmid. Additionally, we have also identified a six-amino acid motif that appears to be part of a novel molecular process responsible for targeting the Cry and Cyt proteins to their cytoplasmic compartments. This paper describes several previously unknown features of the Bti organelle, representing a first step to understanding the biology of a unique process of sorting and packaging of proteins into PBs. The insights from this research suggest a potential for future applications in nanotechnology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah R. Rudd
- Program in Biomedical Sciences, Department of Biological Sciences, California Baptist University, Riverside, CA 92504, USA; (S.R.R.); (L.S.M.); (H.R.C.); (H.-W.P.)
- School of Medicine, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA 92350, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, University of California at San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA;
| | - Leticia Silva Miranda
- Program in Biomedical Sciences, Department of Biological Sciences, California Baptist University, Riverside, CA 92504, USA; (S.R.R.); (L.S.M.); (H.R.C.); (H.-W.P.)
| | - Hannah R. Curtis
- Program in Biomedical Sciences, Department of Biological Sciences, California Baptist University, Riverside, CA 92504, USA; (S.R.R.); (L.S.M.); (H.R.C.); (H.-W.P.)
- School of Medicine, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA 92350, USA
| | - Yves Bigot
- UMR CNRS7247, Centre INRA Val de Loire, 37380 Nouzilly, France;
| | - Mercedes Diaz-Mendoza
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Chemical and Biological Sciences, University Complutense of Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain;
| | - Robert Hice
- Department of Entomology, University of California, Riverside, CA 92521, USA;
| | - Victor Nizet
- Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, University of California at San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA;
| | - Hyun-Woo Park
- Program in Biomedical Sciences, Department of Biological Sciences, California Baptist University, Riverside, CA 92504, USA; (S.R.R.); (L.S.M.); (H.R.C.); (H.-W.P.)
| | - Gregor Blaha
- Department of Biochemistry, University of California, Riverside, CA 92521, USA;
| | - Brian A. Federici
- Department of Entomology, University of California, Riverside, CA 92521, USA;
| | - Dennis K. Bideshi
- Program in Biomedical Sciences, Department of Biological Sciences, California Baptist University, Riverside, CA 92504, USA; (S.R.R.); (L.S.M.); (H.R.C.); (H.-W.P.)
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20
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Gabashvili AN, Chmelyuk NS, Oda VV, Leonova MK, Sarkisova VA, Lazareva PA, Semkina AS, Belyakov NA, Nizamov TR, Nikitin PI. Magnetic and Fluorescent Dual-Labeled Genetically Encoded Targeted Nanoparticles for Malignant Glioma Cell Tracking and Drug Delivery. Pharmaceutics 2023; 15:2422. [PMID: 37896182 PMCID: PMC10609955 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics15102422] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2023] [Revised: 09/21/2023] [Accepted: 09/28/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Human glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is a primary malignant brain tumor, a radically incurable disease characterized by rapid growth resistance to classical therapies, with a median patient survival of about 15 months. For decades, a plethora of approaches have been developed to make GBM therapy more precise and improve the diagnosis of this pathology. Targeted delivery mediated by the use of various molecules (monoclonal antibodies, ligands to overexpressed tumor receptors) is one of the promising methods to achieve this goal. Here we present a novel genetically encoded nanoscale dual-labeled system based on Quasibacillus thermotolerans (Qt) encapsulins exploiting biologically inspired designs with iron-containing nanoparticles as a cargo, conjugated with human fluorescent labeled transferrin (Tf) acting as a vector. It is known that the expression of transferrin receptors (TfR) in glioma cells is significantly higher compared to non-tumor cells, which enables the targeting of the resulting nanocarrier. The selectivity of binding of the obtained nanosystem to glioma cells was studied by qualitative and quantitative assessment of the accumulation of intracellular iron, as well as by magnetic particle quantification method and laser scanning confocal microscopy. Used approaches unambiguously demonstrated that transferrin-conjugated encapsulins were captured by glioma cells much more efficiently than by benign cells. The resulting bioinspired nanoplatform can be supplemented with a chemotherapeutic drug or genotherapeutic agent and used for targeted delivery of a therapeutic agent to malignant glioma cells. Additionally, the observed cell-assisted biosynthesis of magnetic nanoparticles could be an attractive way to achieve a narrow size distribution of particles for various applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna N. Gabashvili
- Prokhorov General Physics Institute of the Russian Academy of Sciences, 38 Vavilov Street, 119991 Moscow, Russia; (A.N.G.)
| | - Nelly S. Chmelyuk
- Laboratory “Biomedical Nanomaterials”, National University of Science and Technology “MISIS”, Leninskiy Prospekt 4, 119049 Moscow, Russia
- Department of Medical Nanobiotechnology, Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University, 1 Ostrovityanova Street, 117997 Moscow, Russia; (P.A.L.)
| | - Vera V. Oda
- MILLAB Group Ltd., 100/2 Dmitrovskoe Highway, 127247 Moscow, Russia
| | - Maria K. Leonova
- Department of Physical Chemistry, National University of Science and Technology “MISIS”, Leninskiy Prospekt 4, 119049 Moscow, Russia
| | - Viktoria A. Sarkisova
- Biology Faculty, Lomonosov Moscow State University, 1 Leninskiy Gory, 119234 Moscow, Russia
- Cell Proliferation Laboratory, Engelhardt Institute of Molecular Biology RAS, 32 Vavilov Street, 119991 Moscow, Russia
| | - Polina A. Lazareva
- Department of Medical Nanobiotechnology, Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University, 1 Ostrovityanova Street, 117997 Moscow, Russia; (P.A.L.)
| | - Alevtina S. Semkina
- Department of Medical Nanobiotechnology, Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University, 1 Ostrovityanova Street, 117997 Moscow, Russia; (P.A.L.)
- Department of Basic and Applied Neurobiology, Serbsky National Medical Research Center for Psychiatry and Narcology, 23 Kropotkinskiy Lane, 119991 Moscow, Russia
| | - Nikolai A. Belyakov
- Prokhorov General Physics Institute of the Russian Academy of Sciences, 38 Vavilov Street, 119991 Moscow, Russia; (A.N.G.)
| | - Timur R. Nizamov
- Laboratory “Biomedical Nanomaterials”, National University of Science and Technology “MISIS”, Leninskiy Prospekt 4, 119049 Moscow, Russia
| | - Petr I. Nikitin
- Prokhorov General Physics Institute of the Russian Academy of Sciences, 38 Vavilov Street, 119991 Moscow, Russia; (A.N.G.)
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21
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Jones JA, Andreas MP, Giessen TW. Structural basis for peroxidase encapsulation in a protein nanocompartment. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.09.18.558302. [PMID: 37790520 PMCID: PMC10542125 DOI: 10.1101/2023.09.18.558302] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/05/2023]
Abstract
Encapsulins are self-assembling protein nanocompartments capable of selectively encapsulating dedicated cargo proteins, including enzymes involved in iron storage, sulfur metabolism, and stress resistance. They represent a unique compartmentalization strategy used by many pathogens to facilitate specialized metabolic capabilities. Encapsulation is mediated by specific cargo protein motifs known as targeting peptides (TPs), though the structural basis for encapsulation of the largest encapsulin cargo class, dye-decolorizing peroxidases (DyPs), is currently unknown. Here, we characterize a DyP-containing encapsulin from the enterobacterial pathogen Klebsiella pneumoniae. By combining cryo-electron microscopy with TP mutagenesis, we elucidate the molecular basis for cargo encapsulation. TP binding is mediated by cooperative hydrophobic and ionic interactions as well as shape complementarity. Our results expand the molecular understanding of enzyme encapsulation inside protein nanocompartments and lay the foundation for rationally modulating encapsulin cargo loading for biomedical and biotechnological applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jesse A. Jones
- Department of Biological Chemistry, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Michael P. Andreas
- Department of Biological Chemistry, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Tobias W. Giessen
- Department of Biological Chemistry, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
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22
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Kwon S, Andreas MP, Giessen TW. Structure and heterogeneity of a highly cargo-loaded encapsulin shell. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.07.26.550694. [PMID: 37546724 PMCID: PMC10402063 DOI: 10.1101/2023.07.26.550694] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/08/2023]
Abstract
Encapsulins are self-assembling protein nanocompartments able to selectively encapsulate dedicated cargo enzymes. Encapsulins are widespread across bacterial and archaeal phyla and are involved in oxidative stress resistance, iron storage, and sulfur metabolism. Encapsulin shells exhibit icosahedral geometry and consist of 60, 180, or 240 identical protein subunits. Cargo encapsulation is mediated by the specific interaction of targeting peptides or domains, found in all cargo proteins, with the interior surface of the encapsulin shell during shell self-assembly. Here, we report the 2.53 Å cryo-EM structure of a heterologously produced and highly cargo-loaded T3 encapsulin shell from Myxococcus xanthus and explore the systems' structural heterogeneity. We find that exceedingly high cargo loading results in the formation of substantial amounts of distorted and aberrant shells, likely caused by a combination of unfavorable steric clashes of cargo proteins and shell conformational changes. Based on our cryo-EM structure, we determine and analyze the targeting peptide-shell binding mode. We find that both ionic and hydrophobic interactions mediate targeting peptide binding. Our results will guide future attempts at rationally engineering encapsulins for biomedical and biotechnological applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seokmu Kwon
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Michael P. Andreas
- Department of Biological Chemistry, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Tobias W. Giessen
- Department of Biological Chemistry, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
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23
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van der Ven AM, Gyamfi H, Suttisansanee U, Ahmad MS, Su Z, Taylor RM, Poole A, Chiorean S, Daub E, Urquhart T, Honek JF. Molecular Engineering of E. coli Bacterioferritin: A Versatile Nanodimensional Protein Cage. Molecules 2023; 28:4663. [PMID: 37375226 DOI: 10.3390/molecules28124663] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2023] [Revised: 05/23/2023] [Accepted: 06/05/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Currently, intense interest is focused on the discovery and application of new multisubunit cage proteins and spherical virus capsids to the fields of bionanotechnology, drug delivery, and diagnostic imaging as their internal cavities can serve as hosts for fluorophores or bioactive molecular cargo. Bacterioferritin is unusual in the ferritin protein superfamily of iron-storage cage proteins in that it contains twelve heme cofactors and is homomeric. The goal of the present study is to expand the capabilities of ferritins by developing new approaches to molecular cargo encapsulation employing bacterioferritin. Two strategies were explored to control the encapsulation of a diverse range of molecular guests compared to random entrapment, a predominant strategy employed in this area. The first was the inclusion of histidine-tag peptide fusion sequences within the internal cavity of bacterioferritin. This approach allowed for the successful and controlled encapsulation of a fluorescent dye, a protein (fluorescently labeled streptavidin), or a 5 nm gold nanoparticle. The second strategy, termed the heme-dependent cassette strategy, involved the substitution of the native heme with heme analogs attached to (i) fluorescent dyes or (ii) nickel-nitrilotriacetate (NTA) groups (which allowed for controllable encapsulation of a histidine-tagged green fluorescent protein). An in silico docking approach identified several small molecules able to replace the heme and capable of controlling the quaternary structure of the protein. A transglutaminase-based chemoenzymatic approach to surface modification of this cage protein was also accomplished, allowing for future nanoparticle targeting. This research presents novel strategies to control a diverse set of molecular encapsulations and adds a further level of sophistication to internal protein cavity engineering.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anton M van der Ven
- Department of Chemistry, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, ON N2L 3G1, Canada
| | - Hawa Gyamfi
- Department of Chemistry, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, ON N2L 3G1, Canada
| | | | - Muhammad S Ahmad
- Department of Chemistry, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, ON N2L 3G1, Canada
| | - Zhengding Su
- Department of Chemistry, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, ON N2L 3G1, Canada
| | - Robert M Taylor
- Department of Chemistry, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, ON N2L 3G1, Canada
| | - Amanda Poole
- Department of Chemistry, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, ON N2L 3G1, Canada
| | - Sorina Chiorean
- Department of Chemistry, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, ON N2L 3G1, Canada
| | - Elisabeth Daub
- Department of Chemistry, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, ON N2L 3G1, Canada
| | - Taylor Urquhart
- Department of Chemistry, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, ON N2L 3G1, Canada
| | - John F Honek
- Department of Chemistry, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, ON N2L 3G1, Canada
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24
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Abstract
Encapsulins are a recently discovered class of prokaryotic self-assembling icosahedral protein nanocompartments measuring between 24 and 42 nm in diameter, capable of selectively encapsulating dedicated cargo proteins in vivo. They have been classified into four families based on sequence identity and operon structure, and thousands of encapsulin systems have recently been computationally identified across a wide range of bacterial and archaeal phyla. Cargo encapsulation is mediated by the presence of specific targeting motifs found in all native cargo proteins that interact with the interior surface of the encapsulin shell during self-assembly. Short C-terminal targeting peptides (TPs) are well documented in Family 1 encapsulins, while more recently, larger N-terminal targeting domains (TDs) have been discovered in Family 2. The modular nature of TPs and their facile genetic fusion to non-native cargo proteins of interest has made cargo encapsulation, both in vivo and in vitro, readily exploitable and has therefore resulted in a range of rationally engineered nano-compartmentalization systems. This review summarizes current knowledge on cargo protein encapsulation within encapsulins and highlights select studies that utilize TP fusions to non-native cargo in creative and useful ways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jesse A Jones
- Department of Biological Chemistry, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.
| | - Robert Benisch
- Program in Chemical Biology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Tobias W Giessen
- Department of Biological Chemistry, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.
- Program in Chemical Biology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
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25
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Babar TK, Glare TR, Hampton JG, Hurst MRH, Narciso J, Sheen CR, Koch B. Linocin M18 protein from the insect pathogenic bacterium Brevibacillus laterosporus isolates. Appl Microbiol Biotechnol 2023:10.1007/s00253-023-12563-8. [PMID: 37204448 DOI: 10.1007/s00253-023-12563-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2022] [Revised: 04/19/2023] [Accepted: 04/29/2023] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
Brevibacillus laterosporus (Bl) is a Gram-positive and spore-forming bacterium. Insect pathogenic strains have been characterised in New Zealand, and two isolates, Bl 1821L and Bl 1951, are under development for use in biopesticides. However, growth in culture is sometimes disrupted, affecting mass production. Based on previous work, it was hypothesised that Tectiviridae phages might be implicated. While investigating the cause of the disrupted growth, electron micrographs of crude lysates showed structural components of putative phages including capsid and tail-like structures. Sucrose density gradient purification yielded a putative self-killing protein of ~30 kDa. N-terminal sequencing of the ~30 kDa protein identified matches to a predicted 25 kDa hypothetical and a 31.4 kDa putative encapsulating protein homologs, with the genes encoding each protein adjacent in the genomes. BLASTp analysis of the homologs of 31.4 kDa amino acid sequences shared 98.6% amino acid identity to the Linocin M18 bacteriocin family protein of Brevibacterium sp. JNUCC-42. Bioinformatic tools including AMPA and CellPPD defined that the bactericidal potential originated from a putative encapsulating protein. Antagonistic activity of the ~30 kDa encapsulating protein of Bl 1821L and Bl 1951during growth in broth exhibited bacterial autolytic activity. LIVE/DEAD staining of Bl 1821L cells after treatment with the ~30 kDa encapsulating protein of Bl 1821L substantiated the findings by showing 58.8% cells with the compromised cell membranes as compared to 37.5% cells in the control. Furthermore, antibacterial activity of the identified proteins of Bl 1821L was validated through gene expression in a Gram-positive bacterium Bacillus subtilis WB800N. KEY POINTS: • Gene encoding the 31.4 kDa antibacterial Linocin M18 protein was identified • It defined the autocidal activity of Linocin M18 (encapsulating) protein • Identified the possible killing mechanism of the encapsulins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tauseef K Babar
- Bio-Protection Research Centre, Lincoln University, Lincoln, Canterbury, 7647, New Zealand.
- Department of Entomology, Faculty of Agricultural Sciences and Technology, Bahauddin Zakariya University, Multan, 60000, Pakistan.
| | - Travis R Glare
- Bio-Protection Research Centre, Lincoln University, Lincoln, Canterbury, 7647, New Zealand
- Faculty of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Lincoln University, Lincoln, Canterbury, 7647, New Zealand
| | - John G Hampton
- Bio-Protection Research Centre, Lincoln University, Lincoln, Canterbury, 7647, New Zealand
- Faculty of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Lincoln University, Lincoln, Canterbury, 7647, New Zealand
| | - Mark R H Hurst
- Resilient Agriculture, AgResearch, Lincoln Research Centre, Christchurch, New Zealand
| | - Josefina Narciso
- Bio-Protection Research Centre, Lincoln University, Lincoln, Canterbury, 7647, New Zealand
- Faculty of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Lincoln University, Lincoln, Canterbury, 7647, New Zealand
| | - Campbell R Sheen
- Protein Science and Engineering, Callaghan Innovation, Christchurch, New Zealand
| | - Barbara Koch
- Protein Science and Engineering, Callaghan Innovation, Christchurch, New Zealand
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26
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Wang R, Liu X, Lv B, Sun W, Li C. Designing Intracellular Compartments for Efficient Engineered Microbial Cell Factories. ACS Synth Biol 2023; 12:1378-1395. [PMID: 37083286 DOI: 10.1021/acssynbio.2c00671] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/22/2023]
Abstract
With the rapid development of synthetic biology, various kinds of microbial cell factories (MCFs) have been successfully constructed to produce high-value-added compounds. However, the complexity of metabolic regulation and pathway crosstalk always cause issues such as intermediate metabolite accumulation, byproduct generation, and metabolic burden in MCFs, resulting in low efficiencies and low yields of industrial biomanufacturing. Such issues could be solved by spatially rearranging the pathways using intracellular compartments. In this review, design strategies are summarized and discussed based on the types and characteristics of natural and artificial subcellular compartments. This review systematically presents information for the construction of efficient MCFs with intracellular compartments in terms of four aspects of design strategy goals: (1) improving local reactant concentration; (2) intercepting and isolating competing pathways; (3) providing specific reaction substances and environments; and (4) storing and accumulating products.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruwen Wang
- Key Laboratory of Medical Molecule Science and Pharmaceutical Engineering, Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, Institute of Biochemical Engineering, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing, 100081, PR China
| | - Xin Liu
- Key Lab for Industrial Biocatalysis, Ministry of Education, Department of Chemical Engineering, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, PR China
| | - Bo Lv
- Key Laboratory of Medical Molecule Science and Pharmaceutical Engineering, Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, Institute of Biochemical Engineering, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing, 100081, PR China
| | - Wentao Sun
- Key Lab for Industrial Biocatalysis, Ministry of Education, Department of Chemical Engineering, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, PR China
| | - Chun Li
- Key Laboratory of Medical Molecule Science and Pharmaceutical Engineering, Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, Institute of Biochemical Engineering, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing, 100081, PR China
- Key Lab for Industrial Biocatalysis, Ministry of Education, Department of Chemical Engineering, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, PR China
- Center for Synthetic and System Biology, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, PR China
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27
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Jones JA, Andreas MP, Giessen TW. Exploring the Extreme Acid Tolerance of a Dynamic Protein Nanocage. Biomacromolecules 2023; 24:1388-1399. [PMID: 36796007 DOI: 10.1021/acs.biomac.2c01424] [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: 02/18/2023]
Abstract
Encapsulins are microbial protein nanocages capable of efficient self-assembly and cargo enzyme encapsulation. Due to their favorable properties, including high thermostability, protease resistance, and robust heterologous expression, encapsulins have become popular bioengineering tools for applications in medicine, catalysis, and nanotechnology. Resistance against physicochemical extremes like high temperature and low pH is a highly desirable feature for many biotechnological applications. However, no systematic search for acid-stable encapsulins has been carried out, while the influence of pH on encapsulin shells has so far not been thoroughly explored. Here, we report on a newly identified encapsulin nanocage from the acid-tolerant bacterium Acidipropionibacterium acidipropionici. Using transmission electron microscopy, dynamic light scattering, and proteolytic assays, we demonstrate its extreme acid tolerance and resilience against proteases. We structurally characterize the novel nanocage using cryo-electron microscopy, revealing a dynamic five-fold pore that displays distinct "closed" and "open" states at neutral pH but only a singular "closed" state under strongly acidic conditions. Further, the "open" state exhibits the largest pore in an encapsulin shell reported to date. Non-native protein encapsulation capabilities are demonstrated, and the influence of external pH on internalized cargo is explored. Our results expand the biotechnological application range of encapsulin nanocages toward potential uses under strongly acidic conditions and highlight pH-responsive encapsulin pore dynamics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jesse A Jones
- Department of Biological Chemistry, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109-0624, United States
| | - Michael P Andreas
- Department of Biological Chemistry, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109-0624, United States
| | - Tobias W Giessen
- Department of Biological Chemistry, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109-0624, United States
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109-1382, United States
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28
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Ebensperger P, Zmyslia M, Lohner P, Braunreuther J, Deuringer B, Becherer A, Süss R, Fischer A, Jessen-Trefzer C. A Dual-Metal-Catalyzed Sequential Cascade Reaction in an Engineered Protein Cage. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2023; 62:e202218413. [PMID: 36799770 DOI: 10.1002/anie.202218413] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2022] [Revised: 02/15/2023] [Accepted: 02/17/2023] [Indexed: 02/18/2023]
Abstract
Herein, we describe the creation of an artificial protein cage housing a dual-metal-tagged guest protein that catalyzes a linear, two-step sequential cascade reaction. The guest protein consists of a fusion protein of HaloTag and monomeric rhizavidin. Inside the protein capsid, we established a ruthenium-catalyzed allylcarbamate deprotection reaction followed by a gold-catalyzed ring-closing hydroamination reaction that led to indoles and phenanthridines with an overall yield of up to 66 % in aqueous solutions. Furthermore, we show that the encapsulation stabilizes the metal catalysts against deactivation by air, proteins and cell lysate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul Ebensperger
- Institute of Organic Chemistry, University of Freiburg, Alberstrasse 21, 79104, Freiburg i. Br., Germany
| | - Mariia Zmyslia
- Institute of Organic Chemistry, University of Freiburg, Alberstrasse 21, 79104, Freiburg i. Br., Germany
| | - Philipp Lohner
- Institute of Organic Chemistry, University of Freiburg, Alberstrasse 21, 79104, Freiburg i. Br., Germany
| | - Judith Braunreuther
- Institute of Organic Chemistry, University of Freiburg, Alberstrasse 21, 79104, Freiburg i. Br., Germany
| | - Benedikt Deuringer
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Science, University of Freiburg, Sonnenstrasse 5, 79104, Freiburg i. Br., Germany
| | - Anita Becherer
- Institute of Inorganic and Analytical Chemistry, University of Freiburg, Alberstrasse 21, 79104, Freiburg i. Br., Germany
| | - Regine Süss
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Science, University of Freiburg, Sonnenstrasse 5, 79104, Freiburg i. Br., Germany
| | - Anna Fischer
- Institute of Inorganic and Analytical Chemistry, University of Freiburg, Alberstrasse 21, 79104, Freiburg i. Br., Germany
| | - Claudia Jessen-Trefzer
- Institute of Organic Chemistry, University of Freiburg, Alberstrasse 21, 79104, Freiburg i. Br., Germany
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29
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Kwon S, Giessen TW. Engineered Protein Nanocages for Concurrent RNA and Protein Packaging In Vivo. ACS Synth Biol 2022; 11:3504-3515. [PMID: 36170610 PMCID: PMC9944510 DOI: 10.1021/acssynbio.2c00391] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
Protein nanocages have emerged as an important engineering platform for biotechnological and biomedical applications. Among naturally occurring protein cages, encapsulin nanocompartments have recently gained prominence due to their favorable physico-chemical properties, ease of shell modification, and highly efficient and selective intrinsic protein packaging capabilities. Here, we expand encapsulin function by designing and characterizing encapsulins for concurrent RNA and protein encapsulation in vivo. Our strategy is based on modifying encapsulin shells with nucleic acid-binding peptides without disrupting the native protein packaging mechanism. We show that our engineered encapsulins reliably self-assemble in vivo, are capable of efficient size-selective in vivo RNA packaging, can simultaneously load multiple functional RNAs, and can be used for concurrent in vivo packaging of RNA and protein. Our engineered encapsulation platform has potential for codelivery of therapeutic RNAs and proteins to elicit synergistic effects and as a modular tool for other biotechnological applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seokmu Kwon
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States
| | - Tobias W. Giessen
- Department of Biological Chemistry and Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States
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30
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Andreas MP, Giessen TW. Heterologous expression and purification of encapsulins in Streptomyces coelicolor. MethodsX 2022; 9:101787. [PMID: 35898614 PMCID: PMC9309400 DOI: 10.1016/j.mex.2022.101787] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2022] [Accepted: 07/11/2022] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
In recent years a large number of encapsulin nanocompartment-encoding operons have been identified in bacterial and archaeal genomes. Encapsulin-encoding genes and operons from GC-rich Gram-positive bacteria, particularly of the phylum Actinobacteria, are often difficult to overexpress and purify in a soluble form using standard Escherichia coli expression systems. Here, we present a protocol to heterologously overexpress encapsulin nanocompartments and encapsulin-containing operons in Streptomyces coelicolor. Successful encapsulin production begins with the transfer of a Streptomyces expression plasmid, encoding the gene(s) of interest, via conjugation to the model actinobacterium S. coelicolor. After growing the conjugated S. coelicolor culture to the optimal optical density, protein production is induced by the addition of the inducer thiostrepton, followed by expression in liquid culture for 1-3 days. Cells are lysed and encapsulin proteins purified using ammonium sulfate precipitation and size exclusion chromatography. The method outlined in this protocol can be utilized to improve cargo loading and overall soluble expression of encapsulin systems when compared to expression in E. coli.•Clone an encapsulin-encoding gene or operon into a Streptomyces expression vector.•Transfer the Streptomyces expression vector to S. coelicolor via conjugation.•Heterologously express and purify empty or cargo-loaded encapsulins from S. coelicolor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael P. Andreas
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Tobias W. Giessen
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, USA,Department of Biological Chemistry, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, USA,Corresponding author at: Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.
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