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Principles to recover copper-conducting CTR proteins for the purpose of structural and functional studies. Protein Expr Purif 2023; 203:106213. [PMID: 36509382 DOI: 10.1016/j.pep.2022.106213] [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: 10/21/2022] [Revised: 12/02/2022] [Accepted: 12/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Transition metals such as copper and zinc are essential elements required for the survival of most organisms, from bacteria to humans. Yet, elevated levels of these elements are highly toxic. The Copper TRansporter protein family (CTRs) represents the only identified copper uptake proteins in eukaryotes and hence serves as key components for the maintenance of appropriate levels of the metal. Moreover, CTRs have been proposed to serve as an entry point into cells of certain cancer drugs and to constitute attractive drug-targets for novel antifungals. Nevertheless, the structure, function, and regulation of the CTRs remain elusive, limiting valuable information also for applied sciences. To this end, here we report procedures to isolate a range of CTR members using Saccharomyces cerevisiae as a production host, focusing on three homologs, human CTR1, human CTR2, and Candida albicans CTR. Using forms C-terminally-linked to a protease cleavage sequence, Green Fluorescent Protein (GFP), and a His-tag, assessment of the localization, quantification and purification was facilitated. Cellular accumulation of the proteins was investigated via live-cell imaging. Detergents compatible with acceptable solubilization yields were identified and fluorescence-detection size-exclusion-chromatography (F-SEC) revealed preferred membrane extraction conditions for the targets. For purification purposes, the solubilized CTR members were subjected to affinity chromatography and SEC, reaching near homogeneity. The quality and quantity of the CTRs studied will permit downstream efforts to uncover imperative biophysical aspects of these proteins, paving the way for subsequent drug-discovery studies.
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Groszmann M, De Rosa A, Chen W, Qiu J, McGaughey SA, Byrt CS, Evans JR. A high-throughput yeast approach to characterize aquaporin permeabilities: Profiling the Arabidopsis PIP aquaporin sub-family. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2023; 14:1078220. [PMID: 36760647 PMCID: PMC9907170 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2023.1078220] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2022] [Accepted: 01/04/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Engineering membrane transporters to achieve desired functionality is reliant on availability of experimental data informing structure-function relationships and intelligent design. Plant aquaporin (AQP) isoforms are capable of transporting diverse substrates such as signaling molecules, nutrients, metalloids, and gases, as well as water. AQPs can act as multifunctional channels and their transport function is reliant on many factors, with few studies having assessed transport function of specific isoforms for multiple substrates. METHODS High-throughput yeast assays were developed to screen for transport function of plant AQPs, providing a platform for fast data generation and cataloguing of substrate transport profiles. We applied our high-throughput growth-based yeast assays to screen all 13 Arabidopsis PIPs (AtPIPs) for transport of water and several neutral solutes: hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), boric acid (BA), and urea. Sodium (Na+) transport was assessed using elemental analysis techniques. RESULTS All AtPIPs facilitated water and H2O2 transport, although their growth phenotypes varied, and none were candidates for urea transport. For BA and Na+ transport, AtPIP2;2 and AtPIP2;7 were the top candidates, with yeast expressing these isoforms having the most pronounced toxicity response to BA exposure and accumulating the highest amounts of Na+. Linking putative AtPIP isoform substrate transport profiles with phylogenetics and gene expression data, enabled us to align possible substrate preferences with known and hypothesized biological roles of AtPIPs. DISCUSSION This testing framework enables efficient cataloguing of putative transport functionality of diverse AQPs at a scale that can help accelerate our understanding of AQP biology through big data approaches (e.g. association studies). The principles of the individual assays could be further adapted to test additional substrates. Data generated from this framework could inform future testing of AQP physiological roles, and address knowledge gaps in structure-function relationships to improve engineering efforts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Groszmann
- Australian Research Council (ARC) Centre of Excellence for Translational Photosynthesis, Research School of Biology, Australian National University, Canberra, ACT, Australia
| | - Annamaria De Rosa
- Australian Research Council (ARC) Centre of Excellence for Translational Photosynthesis, Research School of Biology, Australian National University, Canberra, ACT, Australia
| | - Weihua Chen
- Australian Research Council (ARC) Centre of Excellence for Translational Photosynthesis, Research School of Biology, Australian National University, Canberra, ACT, Australia
| | - Jiaen Qiu
- Australian Research Council (ARC) Centre of Excellence in Plant Energy Biology, School of Agriculture, Food and Wine, University of Adelaide, Glen Osmond, SA, Australia
| | - Samantha A. McGaughey
- Australian Research Council (ARC) Centre of Excellence for Translational Photosynthesis, Research School of Biology, Australian National University, Canberra, ACT, Australia
| | - Caitlin S. Byrt
- Australian Research Council (ARC) Centre of Excellence for Translational Photosynthesis, Research School of Biology, Australian National University, Canberra, ACT, Australia
| | - John R. Evans
- Australian Research Council (ARC) Centre of Excellence for Translational Photosynthesis, Research School of Biology, Australian National University, Canberra, ACT, Australia
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Dieudonné T, Jaxel C, Lejeune M, Lenoir G, Montigny C. Expression in Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Purification of a Human Phospholipid Flippase. Methods Mol Biol 2023; 2652:231-246. [PMID: 37093479 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-3147-8_13] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/25/2023]
Abstract
Membrane proteins (MPs) are challenging to study from a biochemical standpoint owing to the difficulties associated with the isolation of these proteins from the membranes they are embedded in. Even for the expression of closely-related homologues, protocols often require to be adjusted. Prominently, the solubilization step and the stabilization of recombinant proteins during the purification process are key issues, and remain a serious bottleneck. Here, we present a method for the expression and the purification of the human ATP8B1/CDC50A lipid flippase complex. Selection of the right Saccharomyces cerevisiae strain proved to be a critical step for the successful purification of this complex. Likewise, the use of cholesteryl hemisuccinate, a cholesterol analogue, contributed to significantly increase the yield of purification. We hope that the simple method described here can help researchers to succeed in the expression of other mammalian difficult-to-express lipid flippases and, by extension, help in the production of other membrane proteins whose isolation has so far proven difficult.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thibaud Dieudonné
- Université Paris-Saclay, CEA, CNRS, Institute for Integrative Biology of the Cell (I2BC), Gif-sur-Yvette, France.
- DANDRITE, Nordic EMBL Partnership for Molecular Medicine, Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark.
| | - Christine Jaxel
- Université Paris-Saclay, CEA, CNRS, Institute for Integrative Biology of the Cell (I2BC), Gif-sur-Yvette, France
| | - Maylis Lejeune
- Université Paris-Saclay, CEA, CNRS, Institute for Integrative Biology of the Cell (I2BC), Gif-sur-Yvette, France
- Institut Pasteur, Université de Paris, CNRS UMR3528, Structural Bioinformatics Unit, Paris, France
| | - Guillaume Lenoir
- Université Paris-Saclay, CEA, CNRS, Institute for Integrative Biology of the Cell (I2BC), Gif-sur-Yvette, France.
| | - Cédric Montigny
- Université Paris-Saclay, CEA, CNRS, Institute for Integrative Biology of the Cell (I2BC), Gif-sur-Yvette, France.
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4
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Heterologous (Over) Expression of Human SoLute Carrier (SLC) in Yeast: A Well-Recognized Tool for Human Transporter Function/Structure Studies. LIFE (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 12:life12081206. [PMID: 36013385 PMCID: PMC9410066 DOI: 10.3390/life12081206] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2022] [Revised: 08/02/2022] [Accepted: 08/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
For more than 20 years, yeast has been a widely used system for the expression of human membrane transporters. Among them, more than 400 are members of the largest transporter family, the SLC superfamily. SLCs play critical roles in maintaining cellular homeostasis by transporting nutrients, ions, and waste products. Based on their involvement in drug absorption and in several human diseases, they are considered emerging therapeutic targets. Despite their critical role in human health, a large part of SLCs' is 'orphans' for substrate specificity or function. Moreover, very few data are available concerning their 3D structure. On the basis of the human health benefits of filling these knowledge gaps, an understanding of protein expression in systems that allow functional production of these proteins is essential. Among the 500 known yeast species, S. cerevisiae and P. pastoris represent those most employed for this purpose. This review aims to provide a comprehensive state-of-the-art on the attempts of human SLC expression performed by exploiting yeast. The collected data will hopefully be useful for guiding new attempts in SLCs expression with the aim to reveal new fundamental data that could lead to potential effects on human health.
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5
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Zhang L, Wang K, Ning S, Pedersen PA, Duelli AS, Gourdon PE. Isolation and Crystallization of the D156C form of Optogenetic ChR2. Cells 2022; 11:cells11050895. [PMID: 35269517 PMCID: PMC8909857 DOI: 10.3390/cells11050895] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2022] [Revised: 03/02/2022] [Accepted: 03/03/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Channelrhodopsins (ChRs) are light-gated ion channels that are receiving increasing attention as optogenetic tools. Despite extensive efforts to gain understanding of how these channels function, the molecular events linking light absorption of the retinal cofactor to channel opening remain elusive. While dark-state structures of ChR2 or chimeric proteins have demonstrated the architecture of non-conducting states, there is a need for open- and desensitized-state structures to uncover the mechanistic principles underlying channel activity. To facilitate comprehensive structural studies of ChR2 in non-closed states, we report a production and purification procedure of the D156C form of ChR2, which displays prolonged channel opening compared to the wild type. We demonstrate considerable yields (0.45 mg/g fermenter cell culture) of recombinantly produced protein using S. cerevisiae, which is purified to high homogeneity both as opsin (retinal-free) and as functional ChR2 with added retinal. We also develop conditions that enable the growth of ChR2 crystals that scatter X-rays to 6 Å, and identify a molecular replacement solution that suggests that the packing is different from published structures. Consequently, our cost-effective production and purification pipeline opens the way for downstream structural studies of different ChR2 states, which may provide a foundation for further adaptation of this protein for optogenetic applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liying Zhang
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Nørre Allé 14, DK-2200 Copenhagen, Denmark; (L.Z.); (K.W.); (A.S.D.)
| | - Kaituo Wang
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Nørre Allé 14, DK-2200 Copenhagen, Denmark; (L.Z.); (K.W.); (A.S.D.)
| | - Shuo Ning
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine and Biotherapy, School of Life Science, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing 100081, China;
| | - Per Amstrup Pedersen
- Department of Biology, University of Copenhagen, Universitetsparken 13, DK-2100 Copenhagen, Denmark;
| | - Annette Susanne Duelli
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Nørre Allé 14, DK-2200 Copenhagen, Denmark; (L.Z.); (K.W.); (A.S.D.)
| | - Pontus Emanuel Gourdon
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Nørre Allé 14, DK-2200 Copenhagen, Denmark; (L.Z.); (K.W.); (A.S.D.)
- Department of Experimental Medical Science, Lund University, Sölvegatan 19, SE-221 84 Lund, Sweden
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +45-50339990
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Virolainen MS, Søltoft CL, Pedersen PA, Ellgaard L. Production of an Active, Human Membrane Protein in Saccharomyces cerevisiae: Full-Length FICD. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23052458. [PMID: 35269596 PMCID: PMC8910494 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23052458] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2022] [Revised: 02/15/2022] [Accepted: 02/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/10/2022] Open
Abstract
The human Fic domain-containing protein (FICD) is a type II endoplasmic reticulum (ER) membrane protein that is important for the maintenance of ER proteostasis. Structural and in vitro biochemical characterisation of FICD AMPylase and deAMPylase activity have been restricted to the soluble ER-luminal domain produced in Escherichia coli. Information about potentially important features, such as structural motifs, modulator binding sites or other regulatory elements, is therefore missing for the approximately 100 N-terminal residues including the transmembrane region of FICD. Expressing and purifying the required quantity and quality of membrane proteins is demanding because of the low yields and poor stability often observed. Here, we produce full-length FICD by combining a Saccharomyces cerevisiae-based platform with green fluorescent protein (GFP) tagging to optimise the conditions for expression, solubilisation and purification. We subsequently employ these conditions to purify milligram quantities of His-tagged FICD per litre of culture, and show that the purified, detergent-solubilised membrane protein is an active deAMPylating enzyme. Our work provides a straightforward methodology for producing not only full-length FICD, but also other membrane proteins in S. cerevisiae for structural and biochemical characterisation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Minttu S. Virolainen
- Linderstrøm-Lang Centre for Protein Science, Department of Biology, University of Copenhagen, Ole Maaløes Vej 5, DK-2200 Copenhagen, Denmark; (M.S.V.); (C.L.S.)
| | - Cecilie L. Søltoft
- Linderstrøm-Lang Centre for Protein Science, Department of Biology, University of Copenhagen, Ole Maaløes Vej 5, DK-2200 Copenhagen, Denmark; (M.S.V.); (C.L.S.)
| | - Per A. Pedersen
- Department of Biology, University of Copenhagen, Universitetsparken 15, DK-2200 Copenhagen, Denmark
- Correspondence: (P.A.P.); (L.E.)
| | - Lars Ellgaard
- Linderstrøm-Lang Centre for Protein Science, Department of Biology, University of Copenhagen, Ole Maaløes Vej 5, DK-2200 Copenhagen, Denmark; (M.S.V.); (C.L.S.)
- Correspondence: (P.A.P.); (L.E.)
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7
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Abstract
In human cells, P5B-ATPases execute the active export of physiologically important polyamines such as spermine from lysosomes to the cytosol, a function linked to a palette of disorders. Yet, the overall shape of P5B-ATPases and the mechanisms of polyamine recognition, uptake and transport remain elusive. Here we describe a series of cryo-electron microscopy structures of a yeast homolog of human ATP13A2-5, Ypk9, determined at resolutions reaching 3.4 Å, and depicting three separate transport cycle intermediates, including spermine-bound conformations. Surprisingly, in the absence of cargo, Ypk9 rests in a phosphorylated conformation auto-inhibited by the N-terminus. Spermine uptake is accomplished through an electronegative cleft lined by transmembrane segments 2, 4 and 6. Despite the dramatically different nature of the transported cargo, these findings pinpoint shared principles of transport and regulation among the evolutionary related P4-, P5A- and P5B-ATPases. The data also provide a framework for analysis of associated maladies, such as Parkinson’s disease. In human cells, P5B‐ATPases execute export of spermine from lysosomes to the cytosol, but the mechanisms of spermine recognition, uptake and transport remain elusive. Here the authors present cryo‐EM structures of a yeast homolog of human ATP13A2‐5, Ypk9, which depict three separate transport cycle intermediates, including spermine‐bound conformations
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8
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Preisler SS, Wiuf AD, Friis M, Kjaergaard L, Hurd M, Becares ER, Nurup CN, Bjoerkskov FB, Szathmáry Z, Gourdon PE, Calloe K, Klaerke DA, Gotfryd K, Pedersen PA. Saccharomyces cerevisiae as a superior host for overproduction of prokaryotic integral membrane proteins. Curr Res Struct Biol 2021; 3:51-71. [PMID: 34235486 PMCID: PMC8244417 DOI: 10.1016/j.crstbi.2021.02.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2020] [Revised: 02/09/2021] [Accepted: 02/10/2021] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Integral membrane proteins (IMPs) constitute ~30% of all proteins encoded by the genome of any organism and Escherichia coli remains the first-choice host for recombinant production of prokaryotic IMPs. However, the expression levels of prokaryotic IMPs delivered by this bacterium are often low and overproduced targets often accumulate in inclusion bodies. The targets are therefore often discarded to avoid an additional and inconvenient refolding step in the purification protocol. Here we compared expression of five prokaryotic (bacterial and archaeal) IMP families in E. coli and Saccharomyces cerevisiae. We demonstrate that our S. cerevisiae-based production platform is superior in expression of four investigated IMPs, overall being able to deliver high quantities of active target proteins. Surprisingly, in case of the family of zinc transporters (Zrt/Irt-like proteins, ZIPs), S. cerevisiae rescued protein expression that was undetectable in E. coli. We also demonstrate the effect of localization of the fusion tag on expression yield and sample quality in detergent micelles. Lastly, we present a road map to achieve the most efficient expression of prokaryotic IMPs in our yeast platform. Our findings demonstrate the great potential of S. cerevisiae as host for high-throughput recombinant overproduction of bacterial and archaeal IMPs for downstream biophysical characterization. S. cerevisiae is superior to E. coli in expressing correctly folded and active IMPs. S. cerevisiae completely rescues the expression of the family of zinc transporters. Localization of the fusion tag affects expression yields and protein quality. We provide a roadmap to efficient expression of prokaryotic IMPs in S. cerevisiae.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Spruce Preisler
- Department of Biology, University of Copenhagen, Universitetsparken 13, DK-2100, Copenhagen, OE, Denmark
| | - Anders Drabaek Wiuf
- Membrane Protein Structural Biology Group, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Maersk Tower 7-9, DK 2200, Copenhagen N, Denmark
| | - Marc Friis
- Department of Biology, University of Copenhagen, Universitetsparken 13, DK-2100, Copenhagen, OE, Denmark
| | - Lasse Kjaergaard
- Department of Biology, University of Copenhagen, Universitetsparken 13, DK-2100, Copenhagen, OE, Denmark
| | - Molly Hurd
- University of Copenhagen, Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Dyrlaegevej 100, Frederiksberg, DK, 1870, Denmark
| | - Eva Ramos Becares
- Membrane Protein Structural Biology Group, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Maersk Tower 7-9, DK 2200, Copenhagen N, Denmark
| | - Casper Normann Nurup
- Department of Biology, University of Copenhagen, Universitetsparken 13, DK-2100, Copenhagen, OE, Denmark
| | | | - Zsófia Szathmáry
- Department of Biology, University of Copenhagen, Universitetsparken 13, DK-2100, Copenhagen, OE, Denmark
| | - Pontus Emanuel Gourdon
- Membrane Protein Structural Biology Group, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Maersk Tower 7-9, DK 2200, Copenhagen N, Denmark
| | - Kirstine Calloe
- University of Copenhagen, Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Dyrlaegevej 100, Frederiksberg, DK, 1870, Denmark
| | - Dan A Klaerke
- University of Copenhagen, Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Dyrlaegevej 100, Frederiksberg, DK, 1870, Denmark
| | - Kamil Gotfryd
- Membrane Protein Structural Biology Group, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Maersk Tower 7-9, DK 2200, Copenhagen N, Denmark
| | - Per Amstrup Pedersen
- Department of Biology, University of Copenhagen, Universitetsparken 13, DK-2100, Copenhagen, OE, Denmark
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9
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Callewaert G, D'hooge P, Ma TY, Del Vecchio M, Van Eyck V, Franssens V, Winderickx J. Decreased Vacuolar Ca 2+ Storage and Disrupted Vesicle Trafficking Underlie Alpha-Synuclein-Induced Ca 2+ Dysregulation in S. cerevisiae. Front Genet 2020; 11:266. [PMID: 32457789 PMCID: PMC7225347 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2020.00266] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2019] [Accepted: 03/05/2020] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae is a powerful model to study the molecular mechanisms underlying α-synuclein (α-syn) cytotoxicity. This is due to the high degree of conservation of cellular processes with higher eukaryotes and the fact that yeast does not endogenously express α-synuclein. In this work, we focused specifically on the interplay between α-syn and intracellular Ca2+ homeostasis. Using temperature-sensitive SEC4 mutants and deletion strains for the vacuolar Ca2+ transporters Pmc1 and Vcx1, together with aequorin-based Ca2+ recordings, we show that overexpression of α-syn shifts the predominant temporal pattern of organellar Ca2+ release from a biphasic to a quasi-monophasic response. Fragmentation and vesiculation of vacuolar membranes in α-syn expressing cells can account for the faster release of vacuolar Ca2+. α-Syn further significantly reduced Ca2+ storage resulting in increased resting cytosolic Ca2+ levels. Overexpression of the vacuolar Ca2+ ATPase Pmc1 in wild-type cells prevented the α-syn-induced increase in resting Ca2+ and was able to restore growth. We propose that α-syn-induced disruptions in Ca2+ signaling might be an important step in initiating cell death.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Tien-Yang Ma
- The Yeast Hub Lab, KU Leuven, Kortrijk, Belgium.,Functional Biology, Department of Biology, KU Leuven, Heverlee, Belgium
| | - Mara Del Vecchio
- Functional Biology, Department of Biology, KU Leuven, Heverlee, Belgium
| | | | - Vanessa Franssens
- Functional Biology, Department of Biology, KU Leuven, Heverlee, Belgium
| | - Joris Winderickx
- Functional Biology, Department of Biology, KU Leuven, Heverlee, Belgium
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10
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Kassem N, Kassem MM, Pedersen SF, Pedersen PA, Kragelund BB. Yeast recombinant production of intact human membrane proteins with long intrinsically disordered intracellular regions for structural studies. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-BIOMEMBRANES 2020; 1862:183272. [PMID: 32169592 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbamem.2020.183272] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2019] [Revised: 03/08/2020] [Accepted: 03/09/2020] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Membrane proteins exist in lipid bilayers and mediate solute transport, signal transduction, cell-cell communication and energy conversion. Their activities are fundamental for life, which make them prominent subjects of study, but access to only a limited number of high-resolution structures complicates their mechanistic understanding. The absence of such structures relates mainly to difficulties in expressing and purifying high quality membrane protein samples in large quantities. An additional layer of complexity stems from the presence of intra- and/or extra-cellular domains constituted by unstructured intrinsically disordered regions (IDR), which can be hundreds of residues long. Although IDRs form key interaction hubs that facilitate biological processes, these are regularly removed to enable structural studies. To advance mechanistic insight into intact intrinsically disordered membrane proteins, we have developed a protocol for their purification. Using engineered yeast cells for optimized expression and purification, we have purified to homogeneity two very different human membrane proteins each with >300 residues long IDRs; the sodium proton exchanger 1 and the growth hormone receptor. Subsequent to their purification we have further explored their incorporation into membrane scaffolding protein nanodiscs, which will enable future structural studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noah Kassem
- Structural Biology and NMR Laboratory, Department of Biology, University of Copenhagen, Ole Maaloes Vej 5, DK-2200 Copenhagen N, Denmark
| | - Maher M Kassem
- Machine Learning, Department of Computer Science, University of Copenhagen, Universitetsparken 5, DK-2100, Copenhagen Ø, Denmark
| | - Stine F Pedersen
- Cell Biology and Physiology, Department of Biology, University of Copenhagen, Universitetsparken 13, DK-2100 Copenhagen Ø, Denmark
| | - Per Amstrup Pedersen
- Cell Biology and Physiology, Department of Biology, University of Copenhagen, Universitetsparken 13, DK-2100 Copenhagen Ø, Denmark.
| | - Birthe B Kragelund
- Structural Biology and NMR Laboratory, Department of Biology, University of Copenhagen, Ole Maaloes Vej 5, DK-2200 Copenhagen N, Denmark.
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11
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Pedersen PA, Bjørkskov FB, Alvisse S, Hélix-Nielsen C. From channel proteins to industrial biomimetic membrane technology. Faraday Discuss 2019; 209:287-301. [PMID: 29974098 DOI: 10.1039/c8fd00061a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Biomimetic membrane technology, based on the use of nano-scale functional additives in the form of channel proteins or artificially made channel structures, represents an attractive way of optimizing membrane separation technology. However, the nano-scale nature of the additives inherently points to the challenge in up-scaling the membranes to square meter areas. Thus, the ability to up-scale the processes involved in manufacturing will be crucial for translating the protein/nano-science into technology. Here we discuss how highly selective aquaporin proteins can be used to enhance the performance of the classical thin film composite membrane, and how this can be used in relevant membrane elements and module form factors. A particular up-scaling challenge lies in securing large scale membrane protein production. We demonstrate our framework for making batch amounts which are compatible with the large scale production of biomimetic membranes for water purification based on the use of the E. coli expression system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Per Amstrup Pedersen
- Department of Biology, Cell Biology and Physiology, University of Copenhagen, DK 2200 Copenhagen, Denmark
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12
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Purification of Functional Human TRP Channels Recombinantly Produced in Yeast. Cells 2019; 8:cells8020148. [PMID: 30754715 PMCID: PMC6406451 DOI: 10.3390/cells8020148] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2019] [Revised: 01/27/2019] [Accepted: 02/03/2019] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
(1) Background: Human transient receptor potential (TRP) channels constitute a large family of ion-conducting membrane proteins that allow the sensation of environmental cues. As the dysfunction of TRP channels contributes to the pathogenesis of many widespread diseases, including cardiac disorders, these proteins also represent important pharmacological targets. TRP channels are typically produced using expensive and laborious mammalian or insect cell-based systems. (2) Methods: We demonstrate an alternative platform exploiting the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae capable of delivering high yields of functional human TRP channels. We produce 11 full-length human TRP members originating from four different subfamilies, purify a selected subset of these to a high homogeneity and confirm retained functionality using TRPM8 as a model target. (3) Results: Our findings demonstrate the potential of the described production system for future functional, structural and pharmacological studies of human TRP channels.
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13
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Klaerke DA, Tejada MDLA, Christensen VG, Lassen M, Pedersen PA, Calloe K. Reconstitution and Electrophysiological Characterization of Ion Channels in Lipid Bilayers. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2018; 81:e37. [PMID: 29927074 DOI: 10.1002/cpph.37] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Detergent-solubilized purified ion channels can be reconstituted into lipid bilayers for electrophysiological analysis. Traditionally, ion channels were inserted into vesicles and subsequently fused with planar "black lipid membranes" formed from lipids dissolved in a hydrophobic solvent such as decane. Provided in this article is a step-by-step guide to reconstitute purified ion channel proteins into giant unilamellar vesicles (GUVs). This procedure results in the formation of proteoliposomes that can be used for planar bilayer formation and electrophysiological characterization of single-channel currents. By using preformed GUVs it is possible to omit the membrane solvent. Compared to traditional preparations, the lipid bilayers formed from GUVs provide an environment that more closely resembles the native cell membrane. Also described is an alternate protocol that entails the production of planar lipid bilayers from GUVs onto which proteins in detergent are added. © 2018 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dan A Klaerke
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Section for Anatomy, Biochemistry, and Physiology, University of Copenhagen, Frederiksberg, Denmark
| | - Maria de Los Angeles Tejada
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Section for Anatomy, Biochemistry, and Physiology, University of Copenhagen, Frederiksberg, Denmark
| | - Vibeke Grøsfjeld Christensen
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Section for Anatomy, Biochemistry, and Physiology, University of Copenhagen, Frederiksberg, Denmark
| | - Mette Lassen
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Section for Anatomy, Biochemistry, and Physiology, University of Copenhagen, Frederiksberg, Denmark
| | - Per Amstrup Pedersen
- Department of Biology, Cell Biology and Physiology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Kirstine Calloe
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Section for Anatomy, Biochemistry, and Physiology, University of Copenhagen, Frederiksberg, Denmark
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14
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Purification and functional comparison of nine human Aquaporins produced in Saccharomyces cerevisiae for the purpose of biophysical characterization. Sci Rep 2017; 7:16899. [PMID: 29203835 PMCID: PMC5715081 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-17095-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2017] [Accepted: 11/20/2017] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
The sparse number of high-resolution human membrane protein structures severely restricts our comprehension of molecular physiology and ability to exploit rational drug design. In the search for a standardized, cheap and easily handled human membrane protein production platform, we thoroughly investigated the capacity of S. cerevisiae to deliver high yields of prime quality human AQPs, focusing on poorly characterized members including some previously shown to be difficult to isolate. Exploiting GFP labeled forms we comprehensively optimized production and purification procedures resulting in satisfactory yields of all nine AQP targets. We applied the obtained knowledge to successfully upscale purification of histidine tagged human AQP10 produced in large bioreactors. Glycosylation analysis revealed that AQP7 and 12 were O-glycosylated, AQP10 was N-glycosylated while the other AQPs were not glycosylated. We furthermore performed functional characterization and found that AQP 2, 6 and 8 allowed flux of water whereas AQP3, 7, 9, 10, 11 and 12 also facilitated a glycerol flux. In conclusion, our S. cerevisiae platform emerges as a powerful tool for isolation of functional, difficult-to-express human membrane proteins suitable for biophysical characterization.
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15
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Wu P, Li Y, Cheng J, Chen L, Zeng M, Wu Y, Wang J, Zhang J, Chu W. Transcriptome Analysis and Postprandial Expression of Amino Acid Transporter Genes in the Fast Muscles and Gut of Chinese Perch (Siniperca chuatsi). PLoS One 2016; 11:e0159533. [PMID: 27463683 PMCID: PMC4963124 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0159533] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2016] [Accepted: 07/04/2016] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
The characterization of the expression and regulation of growth-related genes in the muscles of Chinese perch is of great interest to aquaculturists because of the commercial value of the species. The transcriptome annotation of the skeletal muscles is a crucial step in muscle growth-related gene analysis. In this study, we generated 52 504 230 reads of mRNA sequence data from the fast muscles of the Chinese perch by using Solexa/Illumina RNA-seq. Twenty-one amino acid transporter genes were annotated by searching protein and gene ontology databases, and postprandial changes in their transcript abundance were assayed after administering a single satiating meal to Chinese perch juveniles (body mass, approximately 100 g), following fasting for 1 week. The gut content of the Chinese perch increased significantly after 1 h and remained high for 6 h following the meal and emptied within 48-96 h. Expression of eight amino acid transporter genes was assayed in the fast muscles through quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction at 0, 1, 3, 6, 12, 24, 48, and 96 h. Among the genes, five transporter transcripts were markedly up-regulated within 1 h of refeeding, indicating that they may be potential candidate genes involved in the rapid-response signaling system regulating fish myotomal muscle growth. These genes display coordinated regulation favoring the resumption of myogenesis responding to feeding.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ping Wu
- Department of Bioengneering and Environmental Science, Changsha University, Changsha, 410003, China
- Collaborative Innovation Center for Efficient and Health Production of Fisheries in Hunan Province, Changde, 415000, China
| | - Yulong Li
- Department of Bioengneering and Environmental Science, Changsha University, Changsha, 410003, China
| | - Jia Cheng
- Department of Bioengneering and Environmental Science, Changsha University, Changsha, 410003, China
| | - Lin Chen
- Department of Bioengneering and Environmental Science, Changsha University, Changsha, 410003, China
| | - Ming Zeng
- Institute of Hunan Aquaculture and Fishes, Changsha, 410005, China
| | - Yuanan Wu
- Institute of Hunan Aquaculture and Fishes, Changsha, 410005, China
| | - Jianhua Wang
- Department of Bioengneering and Environmental Science, Changsha University, Changsha, 410003, China
| | - Jianshe Zhang
- Department of Bioengneering and Environmental Science, Changsha University, Changsha, 410003, China
- Collaborative Innovation Center for Efficient and Health Production of Fisheries in Hunan Province, Changde, 415000, China
- * E-mail: (JSZ); (WYC)
| | - Wuying Chu
- Department of Bioengneering and Environmental Science, Changsha University, Changsha, 410003, China
- Collaborative Innovation Center for Efficient and Health Production of Fisheries in Hunan Province, Changde, 415000, China
- * E-mail: (JSZ); (WYC)
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16
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Kukk K, Samel N. Enhanced expression of human prostaglandin H synthase-2 in the yeast Pichia pastoris and removal of the C-terminal tag with bovine carboxypeptidase A. J Biotechnol 2016; 231:224-231. [PMID: 27316830 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbiotec.2016.06.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2016] [Revised: 06/09/2016] [Accepted: 06/13/2016] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Vertebrate prostaglandin H synthases (PGHSs) are membrane-bound disulphide-containing hemoglycoproteins. Therefore, eukaryotic expression systems are required for the production of recombinant PGHSs. Recently we announced the expression of human PGHS-2 (hPGHS-2) in the yeast Pichia pastoris. Here we report improved production of hPGHS-2 in P. pastoris and a convenient method for the purification and de-tagging of the protein. An affinity tag comprised of a proline, a glycine and eight histidines was introduced into the C-terminal end of hPGHS-2. The tagged hPGHS-2 was expressed intracellularly in P. pastoris under the control of a constitutive or methanol-inducible promoter. Compared to constitutive expression, methanol-induced expression yielded approximately four times more protein. The analysis of high and low gene copy number recombinants revealed a positive correlation between the gene copy number and the expression level of hPGHS-2. The recombinant hPGHS-2 was purified using immobilised metal ion affinity chromatography. A novel elution method, treatment of the affinity resin with bovine carboxypeptidase A, was employed. The yield of pure de-tagged hPGHS-2 from 1l of yeast culture was approximately 3mg. The protein purification process with simultaneous removal of the C-terminal polyhistidine tag could be easily applied for the affinity purification of other proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaia Kukk
- Department of Chemistry, Tallinn University of Technology, Akadeemia tee 15, 12618 Tallinn, Estonia
| | - Nigulas Samel
- Department of Chemistry, Tallinn University of Technology, Akadeemia tee 15, 12618 Tallinn, Estonia.
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17
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Bird LE, Nettleship JE, Järvinen V, Rada H, Verma A, Owens RJ. Expression Screening of Integral Membrane Proteins by Fusion to Fluorescent Reporters. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2016; 922:1-11. [DOI: 10.1007/978-3-319-35072-1_1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
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18
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Molbaek K, Scharff-Poulsen P, Helix-Nielsen C, Klaerke DA, Pedersen PA. High yield purification of full-length functional hERG K+ channels produced in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Microb Cell Fact 2015; 14:15. [PMID: 25656388 PMCID: PMC4341239 DOI: 10.1186/s12934-015-0193-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2014] [Accepted: 12/11/2014] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The hERG potassium channel is essential for repolarization of the cardiac action potential. Due to this vital function, absence of unintended and potentially life-threatening interactions with hERG is required for approval of new drugs. The structure of hERG is therefore one of the most sought-after. To provide purified hERG for structural studies and new hERG biomimetic platforms for detection of undesirable interactions, we have developed a hERG expression platform generating unprecedented amounts of purified and functional hERG channels. Full-length hERG, with or without a C-terminally fused green fluorescent protein (GFP) His 8-tag was produced from a codon-optimized hERG cDNA in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Both constructs complemented the high potassium requirement of a knock-out Saccharomyces cerevisiae strain, indicating correct tetramer assembly in vivo. Functionality was further demonstrated by Astemizole binding to membrane embedded hERG-GFP-His 8 with a stoichiometry corresponding to tetramer assembly. The 156 kDa hERG-GFP protein accumulated to a membrane density of 1.6%. Fluorescence size exclusion chromatography of hERG-GFP-His 8 solubilized in Fos-Choline-12 supplemented with cholesteryl-hemisuccinate and Astemizole resulted in a monodisperse elution profile demonstrating a high quality of the hERG channels. hERG-GFP-His 8 purified by Ni-affinity chromatography maintained the ability to bind Astemizole with the correct stoichiometry indicating that the native, tetrameric structure was preserved. To our knowledge this is the first reported high-yield production and purification of full length, tetrameric and functional hERG. This significant breakthrough will be paramount in obtaining hERG crystal structures, and in establishment of new high-throughput hERG drug safety screening assays.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karen Molbaek
- Department of Veterinary and Clinical Animal Science, University of Copenhagen, Dyrlaegevej 100, Frederiksberg, DK-1870, Denmark.
| | - Peter Scharff-Poulsen
- Department of Biology, University of Copenhagen, Universitetsparken 13, Copenhagen OE, DK- 2100, Denmark.
| | - Claus Helix-Nielsen
- Department of Environmental Engineering, Technical University of Denmark, Miljoevej building 113, Kgs Lyngby, 24105, Denmark. .,Aquaporin A/S, Ole Maaloesvej 3, Copenhagen N, DK-2200, Denmark. .,Laboratory for Water Biophysics and Membrane Technology, University of Maribor, Smetanova ulica 17, Maribor, SL-2000, Slovenia.
| | - Dan A Klaerke
- Department of Veterinary and Clinical Animal Science, University of Copenhagen, Dyrlaegevej 100, Frederiksberg, DK-1870, Denmark.
| | - Per Amstrup Pedersen
- Department of Biology, University of Copenhagen, Universitetsparken 13, Copenhagen OE, DK- 2100, Denmark.
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19
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Emmerstorfer A, Wriessnegger T, Hirz M, Pichler H. Overexpression of membrane proteins from higher eukaryotes in yeasts. Appl Microbiol Biotechnol 2014; 98:7671-98. [PMID: 25070595 DOI: 10.1007/s00253-014-5948-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2014] [Revised: 07/08/2014] [Accepted: 07/09/2014] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Heterologous expression and characterisation of the membrane proteins of higher eukaryotes is of paramount interest in fundamental and applied research. Due to the rather simple and well-established methods for their genetic modification and cultivation, yeast cells are attractive host systems for recombinant protein production. This review provides an overview on the remarkable progress, and discusses pitfalls, in applying various yeast host strains for high-level expression of eukaryotic membrane proteins. In contrast to the cell lines of higher eukaryotes, yeasts permit efficient library screening methods. Modified yeasts are used as high-throughput screening tools for heterologous membrane protein functions or as benchmark for analysing drug-target relationships, e.g., by using yeasts as sensors. Furthermore, yeasts are powerful hosts for revealing interactions stabilising and/or activating membrane proteins. We also discuss the stress responses of yeasts upon heterologous expression of membrane proteins. Through co-expression of chaperones and/or optimising yeast cultivation and expression strategies, yield-optimised hosts have been created for membrane protein crystallography or efficient whole-cell production of fine chemicals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anita Emmerstorfer
- ACIB-Austrian Centre of Industrial Biotechnology, Petersgasse 14, 8010, Graz, Austria
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