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Górniak I, Stephens Z, Erramilli SK, Gawda T, Kossiakoff AA, Zimmer J. Structural insights into translocation and tailored synthesis of hyaluronan. Nat Struct Mol Biol 2024:10.1038/s41594-024-01389-1. [PMID: 39322765 DOI: 10.1038/s41594-024-01389-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2024] [Accepted: 08/14/2024] [Indexed: 09/27/2024]
Abstract
Hyaluronan (HA) is an essential component of the vertebrate extracellular matrix. It is a heteropolysaccharide of N-acetylglucosamine (GlcNAc) and glucuronic acid (GlcA) reaching several megadaltons in healthy tissues. HA is synthesized and translocated in a coupled reaction by HA synthase (HAS). Here, structural snapshots of HAS provide insights into HA biosynthesis, from substrate recognition to HA elongation and translocation. We monitor the extension of a GlcNAc primer with GlcA, reveal the coordination of the uridine diphosphate product by a conserved gating loop and capture the opening of a translocation channel to coordinate a translocating HA polymer. Furthermore, we identify channel-lining residues that modulate HA product lengths. Integrating structural and biochemical analyses suggests an avenue for polysaccharide engineering based on finely tuned enzymatic activity and HA coordination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ireneusz Górniak
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biological Physics, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA
| | - Zachery Stephens
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biological Physics, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA
| | - Satchal K Erramilli
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Tomasz Gawda
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Anthony A Kossiakoff
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Jochen Zimmer
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biological Physics, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA.
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Chevy Chase, MD, USA.
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2
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Yang P, Wang W, Hu Y, Wang Y, Xu Z, Liao X. Exploring high hydrostatic pressure effects on anthocyanin binding to serum albumin and food-derived transferrins. Food Chem 2024; 452:139544. [PMID: 38723571 DOI: 10.1016/j.foodchem.2024.139544] [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: 02/18/2024] [Revised: 04/20/2024] [Accepted: 05/01/2024] [Indexed: 06/01/2024]
Abstract
This study investigated the effects of high hydrostatic pressure (HHP) on the binding interactions of cyanindin-3-O-glucoside (C3G) to bovine serum albumin, human serum albumin (HSA), bovine lactoferrin, and ovotransferrin. Fluorescence quenching revealed that HHP reduced C3G-binding affinity to HSA, while having a largely unaffected role for the other proteins. Notably, pretreating HSA at 500 MPa significantly increased its dissociation constant with C3G from 24.7 to 34.3 μM. Spectroscopic techniques suggested that HSA underwent relatively pronounced tertiary structural alterations after HHP treatments. The C3G-HSA binding mechanisms under pressure were further analyzed through molecular dynamics simulation. The localized structural changes in HSA under pressure might weaken its interaction with C3G, particularly polar interactions such as hydrogen bonds and electrostatic forces, consequently leading to a decreased binding affinity. Overall, the importance of pressure-induced structural alterations in proteins influencing their binding with anthocyanins was highlighted, contributing to optimizing HHP processing for anthocyanin-based products.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peiqing Yang
- Beijing Key Laboratory for Food Non-thermal processing, Key Laboratory of Fruit & Vegetable Processing, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, National Engineering Research Center for Fruit & Vegetable Processing, College of Food Science and Nutritional Engineering, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100083, China.
| | - Wenxin Wang
- Beijing Key Laboratory for Food Non-thermal processing, Key Laboratory of Fruit & Vegetable Processing, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, National Engineering Research Center for Fruit & Vegetable Processing, College of Food Science and Nutritional Engineering, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100083, China.
| | - Yichen Hu
- Key Laboratory of Coarse Cereal Processing, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Sichuan Engineering & Technology Research Center of Coarse Cereal Industralization, School of Food and Biological Engineering, Chengdu University, Chengdu 610106, Sichuan, China.
| | - Yongtao Wang
- Beijing Key Laboratory for Food Non-thermal processing, Key Laboratory of Fruit & Vegetable Processing, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, National Engineering Research Center for Fruit & Vegetable Processing, College of Food Science and Nutritional Engineering, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100083, China.
| | - Zhenzhen Xu
- Beijing Key Laboratory for Food Non-thermal processing, Key Laboratory of Fruit & Vegetable Processing, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, National Engineering Research Center for Fruit & Vegetable Processing, College of Food Science and Nutritional Engineering, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100083, China; Institute of Quality Standard & Testing Technology for Agro-Products, Key Laboratory of Agro-food Safety and Quality, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100081, China.
| | - Xiaojun Liao
- Beijing Key Laboratory for Food Non-thermal processing, Key Laboratory of Fruit & Vegetable Processing, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, National Engineering Research Center for Fruit & Vegetable Processing, College of Food Science and Nutritional Engineering, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100083, China.
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3
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Tang W, Shen T, Chen Z. In silico discovery of potential PPI inhibitors for anti-lung cancer activity by targeting the CCND1-CDK4 complex via the P21 inhibition mechanism. Front Chem 2024; 12:1404573. [PMID: 38957406 PMCID: PMC11217521 DOI: 10.3389/fchem.2024.1404573] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2024] [Accepted: 05/31/2024] [Indexed: 07/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC) is a prevalent and deadly form of lung cancer worldwide with a low 5-year survival rate. Current treatments have limitations, particularly for advanced-stage patients. P21, a protein that inhibits the CCND1-CDK4 complex, plays a crucial role in cell proliferation. Computer-Aided Drug Design (CADD) based on pharmacophores can screen and design PPI inhibitors targeting the CCND1-CDK4 complex. By analyzing known inhibitors, key pharmacophores are identified, and computational methods are used to screen potential PPI inhibitors. Molecular docking, pharmacophore matching, and structure-activity relationship studies optimize the inhibitors. This approach accelerates the discovery of CCND1-CDK4 PPI inhibitors for NSCLC treatment. Molecular dynamics simulations of CCND1-CDK4-P21 and CCND1-CDK4 complexes showed stable behavior, comprehensive sampling, and P21's impact on complex stability and hydrogen bond formation. A pharmacophore model facilitated virtual screening, identifying compounds with favorable binding affinities. Further simulations confirmed the stability and interactions of selected compounds, including 513457. This study demonstrates the potential of CADD in optimizing PPI inhibitors targeting the CCND1-CDK4 complex for NSCLC treatment. Extended simulations and experimental validations are necessary to assess their efficacy and safety.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Zhoumiao Chen
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
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4
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Nekulová M, Wyszkowska M, Friedlová N, Uhrík L, Zavadil Kokáš F, Hrabal V, Hernychová L, Vojtěšek B, Hupp TR, Szymański MR. Biochemical evidence for conformational variants in the anti-viral and pro-metastatic protein IFITM1. Biol Chem 2024; 405:311-324. [PMID: 38379409 DOI: 10.1515/hsz-2023-0327] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2023] [Accepted: 01/30/2024] [Indexed: 02/22/2024]
Abstract
Interferon induced transmembrane proteins (IFITMs) play a dual role in the restriction of RNA viruses and in cancer progression, yet the mechanism of their action remains unknown. Currently, there is no data about the basic biochemical features or biophysical properties of the IFITM1 protein. In this work, we report on description and biochemical characterization of three conformational variants/oligomeric species of recombinant IFITM1 protein derived from an Escherichia coli expression system. The protein was extracted from the membrane fraction, affinity purified, and separated by size exclusion chromatography where two distinct oligomeric species were observed in addition to the expected monomer. These species remained stable upon re-chromatography and were designated as "dimer" and "oligomer" according to their estimated molecular weight. The dimer was found to be less stable compared to the oligomer using circular dichroism thermal denaturation and incubation with a reducing agent. A two-site ELISA and HDX mass spectrometry suggested the existence of structural motif within the N-terminal part of IFITM1 which might be significant in oligomer formation. Together, these data show the unusual propensity of recombinant IFITM1 to naturally assemble into very stable oligomeric species whose study might shed light on IFITM1 anti-viral and pro-oncogenic functions in cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta Nekulová
- Research Centre for Applied Molecular Oncology, Masaryk Memorial Cancer Institute, 656 53 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Marta Wyszkowska
- Structural Biology Laboratory, Intercollegiate Faculty of Biotechnology of University of Gdansk and Medical University of Gdansk, University of Gdansk, 80-307 Gdansk, Poland
| | - Nela Friedlová
- Research Centre for Applied Molecular Oncology, Masaryk Memorial Cancer Institute, 656 53 Brno, Czech Republic
- Department of Experimental Biology, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, 625 00 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Lukáš Uhrík
- Research Centre for Applied Molecular Oncology, Masaryk Memorial Cancer Institute, 656 53 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Filip Zavadil Kokáš
- Research Centre for Applied Molecular Oncology, Masaryk Memorial Cancer Institute, 656 53 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Václav Hrabal
- Research Centre for Applied Molecular Oncology, Masaryk Memorial Cancer Institute, 656 53 Brno, Czech Republic
- Department of Experimental Biology, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, 625 00 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Lenka Hernychová
- Research Centre for Applied Molecular Oncology, Masaryk Memorial Cancer Institute, 656 53 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Bořivoj Vojtěšek
- Research Centre for Applied Molecular Oncology, Masaryk Memorial Cancer Institute, 656 53 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Ted R Hupp
- Institute of Genetics and Molecular Medicine, University of Edinburgh, EH4 2XR Edinburgh, UK
| | - Michał R Szymański
- Structural Biology Laboratory, Intercollegiate Faculty of Biotechnology of University of Gdansk and Medical University of Gdansk, University of Gdansk, 80-307 Gdansk, Poland
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Gorostiola González M, Rakers PRJ, Jespers W, IJzerman AP, Heitman LH, van Westen GJP. Computational Characterization of Membrane Proteins as Anticancer Targets: Current Challenges and Opportunities. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:3698. [PMID: 38612509 PMCID: PMC11011372 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25073698] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2024] [Revised: 03/21/2024] [Accepted: 03/21/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Cancer remains a leading cause of mortality worldwide and calls for novel therapeutic targets. Membrane proteins are key players in various cancer types but present unique challenges compared to soluble proteins. The advent of computational drug discovery tools offers a promising approach to address these challenges, allowing for the prioritization of "wet-lab" experiments. In this review, we explore the applications of computational approaches in membrane protein oncological characterization, particularly focusing on three prominent membrane protein families: receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs), G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs), and solute carrier proteins (SLCs). We chose these families due to their varying levels of understanding and research data availability, which leads to distinct challenges and opportunities for computational analysis. We discuss the utilization of multi-omics data, machine learning, and structure-based methods to investigate aberrant protein functionalities associated with cancer progression within each family. Moreover, we highlight the importance of considering the broader cellular context and, in particular, cross-talk between proteins. Despite existing challenges, computational tools hold promise in dissecting membrane protein dysregulation in cancer. With advancing computational capabilities and data resources, these tools are poised to play a pivotal role in identifying and prioritizing membrane proteins as personalized anticancer targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marina Gorostiola González
- Leiden Academic Centre of Drug Research, Leiden University, Einsteinweg 55, 2333 CC Leiden, The Netherlands; (M.G.G.); (P.R.J.R.); (W.J.); (A.P.I.); (L.H.H.)
- Oncode Institute, 2333 CC Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Pepijn R. J. Rakers
- Leiden Academic Centre of Drug Research, Leiden University, Einsteinweg 55, 2333 CC Leiden, The Netherlands; (M.G.G.); (P.R.J.R.); (W.J.); (A.P.I.); (L.H.H.)
| | - Willem Jespers
- Leiden Academic Centre of Drug Research, Leiden University, Einsteinweg 55, 2333 CC Leiden, The Netherlands; (M.G.G.); (P.R.J.R.); (W.J.); (A.P.I.); (L.H.H.)
| | - Adriaan P. IJzerman
- Leiden Academic Centre of Drug Research, Leiden University, Einsteinweg 55, 2333 CC Leiden, The Netherlands; (M.G.G.); (P.R.J.R.); (W.J.); (A.P.I.); (L.H.H.)
| | - Laura H. Heitman
- Leiden Academic Centre of Drug Research, Leiden University, Einsteinweg 55, 2333 CC Leiden, The Netherlands; (M.G.G.); (P.R.J.R.); (W.J.); (A.P.I.); (L.H.H.)
- Oncode Institute, 2333 CC Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Gerard J. P. van Westen
- Leiden Academic Centre of Drug Research, Leiden University, Einsteinweg 55, 2333 CC Leiden, The Netherlands; (M.G.G.); (P.R.J.R.); (W.J.); (A.P.I.); (L.H.H.)
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6
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Yoon S, Park S, Lee J, Kim B, Gwak W. Novel Enhanced Mammalian Cell Transient Expression Vector via Promoter Combination. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:2330. [PMID: 38397006 PMCID: PMC10888961 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25042330] [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: 12/20/2023] [Revised: 02/09/2024] [Accepted: 02/13/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
During the emergence of infectious diseases, evaluating the efficacy of newly developed vaccines requires antigen proteins. Available methods enhance antigen protein productivity; however, structural modifications may occur. Therefore, we aimed to construct a novel transient overexpression vector capable of rapidly producing large quantities of antigenic proteins in mammalian cell lines. This involved expanding beyond the exclusive use of the human cytomegalovirus (CMV) promoter, and was achieved by incorporating a transcriptional enhancer (CMV enhancer), a translational enhancer (woodchuck hepatitis virus post-transcriptional regulatory element), and a promoter based on the CMV promoter. Twenty novel transient expression vectors were constructed, with the vector containing the human elongation factor 1-alpha (EF-1a) promoter showing the highest efficiency in expressing foreign proteins. This vector exhibited an approximately 27-fold higher expression of enhanced green fluorescent protein than the control vector containing only the CMV promoter. It also expressed the highest level of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 receptor-binding domain protein. These observations possibly result from the simultaneous enhancement of the transcriptional activity of the CMV promoter and the human EF-1a promoter by the CMV enhancer. Additionally, the synergistic effect between the CMV and human EF-1a promoters likely contributed to the further enhancement of protein expression.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - WonSeok Gwak
- Division of Clinical Vaccine Research, Center for Vaccine Research, National Institute of Infectious Diseases, National Institute of Health, Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency, Cheongju 28160, Chungcheongbuk-do, Republic of Korea; (S.Y.); (S.P.); (J.L.); (B.K.)
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7
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Ogunbowale A, Georgieva ER. Engineered Chimera Protein Constructs to Facilitate the Production of Heterologous Transmembrane Proteins in E. coli. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:2354. [PMID: 38397029 PMCID: PMC10889703 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25042354] [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: 01/11/2024] [Revised: 02/08/2024] [Accepted: 02/14/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
To delve into the structure-function relationship of transmembrane proteins (TMPs), robust protocols are needed to produce them in a pure, stable, and functional state. Among all hosts that express heterologous TMPs, E. coli has the lowest cost and fastest turnover. However, many of the TMPs expressed in E. coli are misfolded. Several strategies have been developed to either direct the foreign TMPs to E. coli's membrane or retain them in a cytosolic soluble form to overcome this deficiency. Here, we summarize protein engineering methods to produce chimera constructs of the desired TMPs fused to either a signal peptide or precursor maltose binding protein (pMBP) to direct the entire construct to the periplasm, therefore depositing the fused TMP in the plasma membrane. We further describe strategies to produce TMPs in soluble form by utilizing N-terminally fused MBP without a signal peptide. Depending on its N- or C-terminus location, a fusion to apolipoprotein AI can either direct the TMP to the membrane or shield the hydrophobic regions of the TMP, maintaining the soluble form. Strategies to produce G-protein-coupled receptors, TMPs of Mycobacterium tuberculosis, HIV-1 Vpu, and other TMPs are discussed. This knowledge could increase the scope of TMPs' expression in E. coli.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Elka R. Georgieva
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX 79409, USA;
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Gooran N, Kopra K. Fluorescence-Based Protein Stability Monitoring-A Review. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:1764. [PMID: 38339045 PMCID: PMC10855643 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25031764] [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: 12/31/2023] [Revised: 01/26/2024] [Accepted: 01/29/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Proteins are large biomolecules with a specific structure that is composed of one or more long amino acid chains. Correct protein structures are directly linked to their correct function, and many environmental factors can have either positive or negative effects on this structure. Thus, there is a clear need for methods enabling the study of proteins, their correct folding, and components affecting protein stability. There is a significant number of label-free methods to study protein stability. In this review, we provide a general overview of these methods, but the main focus is on fluorescence-based low-instrument and -expertise-demand techniques. Different aspects related to thermal shift assays (TSAs), also called differential scanning fluorimetry (DSF) or ThermoFluor, are introduced and compared to isothermal chemical denaturation (ICD). Finally, we discuss the challenges and comparative aspects related to these methods, as well as future opportunities and assay development directions.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Kari Kopra
- Department of Chemistry, University of Turku, Henrikinkatu 2, 20500 Turku, Finland;
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Mégret-Cavalier M, Pozza A, Cece Q, Bonneté F, Broutin I, Phan G. Starting with an Integral Membrane Protein Project for Structural Biology: Production, Purification, Detergent Quantification, and Buffer Optimization-Case Study of the Exporter CntI from Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Methods Mol Biol 2024; 2715:415-430. [PMID: 37930543 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-3445-5_26] [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] [Indexed: 11/07/2023]
Abstract
Production, extraction, purification, and stabilization of integral membrane proteins are key steps for successful structural biology studies, in particular for X-ray crystallography or single particle microscopy. Here, we present the purification protocol of CntI from Pseudomonas aeruginosa, a new metallophore exporter of the Drug Metabolite Transporter (DMT) family involved in pseudopaline secretion. Subsequent to CntI purification, we optimized the buffer pH, salts, and additives by differential scanning fluorimetry (DSF), also known as Thermofluor Assay (TFA) or fluorescent thermal stability assay (FTSA), with the use of dye 1-AnilinoNaphthalene-8-Sulfonic acid (ANS), a fluorescent molecule compatible with detergents. After the buffer optimization, the purified CntI was analyzed by Size Exclusion Chromatography coupled with Multi-Angle Laser Light Scattering (SEC-MALLS), UV absorbance, and Refractive Index detectors, in order to determine the absolute molar mass of the protein-detergent complex, the detergent amount bound to the protein and the amount of protein-free detergent micelles. Altogether, these biophysical techniques give preliminary and mandatory information about the suitability of the purified membrane protein for further biophysical or structural investigations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maxime Mégret-Cavalier
- Université Paris Cité, CNRS, UMR 8038, Laboratoire CiTCoM (Cibles Thérapeutiques et Conception de Médicaments), Faculté de Pharmacie de Paris, Paris, France
| | - Alexandre Pozza
- Université Paris Cité, CNRS, UMR 7099, Laboratoire de Biologie Physico-Chimique des Protéines Membranaires, Institut de Biologie Physico-Chimique, Paris, France
| | - Quentin Cece
- Université Paris Cité, CNRS, UMR 8038, Laboratoire CiTCoM (Cibles Thérapeutiques et Conception de Médicaments), Faculté de Pharmacie de Paris, Paris, France
| | - Françoise Bonneté
- Université Paris Cité, CNRS, UMR 7099, Laboratoire de Biologie Physico-Chimique des Protéines Membranaires, Institut de Biologie Physico-Chimique, Paris, France
| | - Isabelle Broutin
- Université Paris Cité, CNRS, UMR 8038, Laboratoire CiTCoM (Cibles Thérapeutiques et Conception de Médicaments), Faculté de Pharmacie de Paris, Paris, France.
| | - Gilles Phan
- Université Paris Cité, CNRS, UMR 8038, Laboratoire CiTCoM (Cibles Thérapeutiques et Conception de Médicaments), Faculté de Pharmacie de Paris, Paris, France.
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Bernauer H, Schlör A, Maier J, Bannert N, Hanack K, Ivanusic D. tANCHOR fast and cost-effective cell-based immunization approach with focus on the receptor-binding domain of SARS-CoV-2. Biol Methods Protoc 2023; 8:bpad030. [PMID: 38090673 PMCID: PMC10713279 DOI: 10.1093/biomethods/bpad030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2023] [Revised: 10/22/2023] [Accepted: 11/06/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Successful induction of antibodies in model organisms like mice depends strongly on antigen design and delivery. New antigen designs for immunization are helpful for developing future therapeutic monoclonal antibodies (mAbs). One of the gold standards to induce antibodies in mice is to express and purify the antigen for vaccination. This is especially time-consuming when mAbs are needed rapidly. We closed this gap and used the display technology tetraspanin anchor to develop a reliable immunization technique without the need to purify the antigen. This technique is able to speed up the immunization step enormously and we have demonstrated that we were able to induce antibodies against different proteins with a focus on the receptor-binding domain of SARS-CoV-2 and the extracellular loop of canine cluster of differentiation 20 displayed on the surface of human cells.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Anja Schlör
- new/era/mabs GmbH, Potsdam 14482, Germany
- Institute for Biology and Biochemistry, University of Potsdam, Potsdam 14476, Germany
| | - Josef Maier
- ATG:biosynthetics GmbH, Merzhausen 79249, Germany
| | | | - Katja Hanack
- new/era/mabs GmbH, Potsdam 14482, Germany
- Institute for Biology and Biochemistry, University of Potsdam, Potsdam 14476, Germany
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Sicard F, Yazaydin AO. Biohybrid Membrane Formation by Directed Insertion of Aquaporin into a Solid-State Nanopore. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2022; 14:48029-48036. [PMID: 36244033 PMCID: PMC9614727 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.2c14250] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2022] [Accepted: 10/04/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Biohybrid nanopores combine the durability of solid-state nanopores with the precise structure and function of biological nanopores. Particular care must be taken to control how biological nanopores adapt to their surroundings once they come into contact with the solid-state nanopores. Two major challenges are to precisely control this adaptability under dynamic conditions and provide predesigned functionalities that can be manipulated for engineering applications. In this work, we report on the computational design of a distinctive class of biohybrid active membrane layers, built from the directed-insertion of an aquaporin-incorporated lipid nanodisc into a model alkyl-functionalized silica pore. We show that in an aqueous environment when a pressure difference exists between the two sides of the solid-state nanopore, the preferential interactions between the hydrocarbon tail of the lipid molecules that surround the aquaporin protein and the alkyl group functionalizing the interior surface of the silica nanopore enable the insertion of the aquaporin-incorporated lipid shell into the nanopore by forcing out the water molecules. The same preferential interactions are responsible for the structural stability of the inserted aquaporin-incorporated lipid shell as well as the water sealing properties of the lipid-alkyl interface. We further show that the aquaporin protein stabilized in the alkyl-functionalized silica nanopore preserves its biological structure and function in both pure and saline water, and, remarkably, its water permeability is equal to the one measured in the biological environment. The designed biohybrid membrane could pave the way for the development of durable transformative devices for water filtration.
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Gasińska K, Czop M, Kosior-Jarecka E, Wróbel-Dudzińska D, Kocki J, Żarnowski T. Small Nucleolar RNAs in Pseudoexfoliation Glaucoma. Cells 2022; 11:cells11172738. [PMID: 36078146 PMCID: PMC9454646 DOI: 10.3390/cells11172738] [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: 07/22/2022] [Revised: 08/24/2022] [Accepted: 08/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Small nucleolar RNAs (snoRNAs) are small non-coding regulatory RNAs that have been investigated extensively in recent years. However, the relationship between snoRNA and glaucoma is still unknown. This study aims to analyze the levels of snoRNA expression in the aqueous humor (AH) of patients with pseudoexfoliation glaucoma (PEXG) compared to a control group and identify hypothetical snoRNA-dependent mechanisms contributing to PEXG. The AH was obtained from eighteen Caucasian patients, comprising nine PEXG and nine age-matched control patients. RNA was isolated, and a microarray system was used to determine the snoRNA expression profiles. Functional and enrichment analyses were performed. We identified seven snoRNAs, SNORD73B, SNORD58A, SNORD56, SNORA77, SNORA72, SNORA64, and SNORA32, in the AH of the PEXG and control group patients. Five snoRNAs showed statistically significantly lower expression in the PEXG group, and two snoRNAs had statistically significantly higher expression in the PEXG group compared to the control group. In addition, we identified two factors-CACNB3 for SNORA64 and TMEM63C for SNORA32, similar to PEX-related genes (CACNA1A and TMEM136). The enrichment analysis for four genes targeted by snoRNAs revealed possible mechanisms associated with glaucoma and/or PEX, but the direct role of snoRNAs in these biological processes was not proven.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karolina Gasińska
- Department of Diagnostics and Microsurgery of Glaucoma, Medical University of Lublin, 20-079 Lublin, Poland
| | - Marcin Czop
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Medical University of Lublin, 20-080 Lublin, Poland
| | - Ewa Kosior-Jarecka
- Department of Diagnostics and Microsurgery of Glaucoma, Medical University of Lublin, 20-079 Lublin, Poland
- Correspondence:
| | - Dominika Wróbel-Dudzińska
- Department of Diagnostics and Microsurgery of Glaucoma, Medical University of Lublin, 20-079 Lublin, Poland
| | - Janusz Kocki
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Medical University of Lublin, 20-080 Lublin, Poland
| | - Tomasz Żarnowski
- Department of Diagnostics and Microsurgery of Glaucoma, Medical University of Lublin, 20-079 Lublin, Poland
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Vasilopoulou E, Giannakopoulou A, Kapsalis C, Michou M, Michoglou-Sergiou A, Kolisis FN, Skretas G. Second-Generation Escherichia coli SuptoxR Strains for High-Level Recombinant Membrane Protein Production. ACS Synth Biol 2022; 11:2599-2609. [PMID: 35922033 PMCID: PMC9397408 DOI: 10.1021/acssynbio.1c00598] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Escherichia coli is one of the most widely utilized hosts for recombinant protein production, including that of membrane proteins (MPs). We have recently engineered a specialized E. coli strain for enhanced recombinant MP production, termed SuptoxR. By appropriately co-expressing the effector gene rraA, SuptoxR can suppress the high toxicity, which is frequently observed during the MP-overexpression process, and, at the same time, enhance significantly the cellular accumulation of membrane-incorporated and properly folded recombinant MP. The combination of these two beneficial effects results in dramatically enhanced volumetric yields for various prokaryotic and eukaryotic MPs. Here, we engineered second-generation SuptoxR strains with further improved properties, so that they can achieve even higher levels of recombinant MP production. We searched for naturally occurring RraA variants with similar or improved MP toxicity-suppressing and production-promoting effects to that of the native E. coli RraA of the original SuptoxR strain. We found that the RraA proteins from Proteus mirabilis and Providencia stuartii can be even more potent enhancers of MP productivity than the E. coli RraA. By exploiting these two newly identified RraAs, we constructed two second-generation SuptoxR strains, termed SuptoxR2.1 and SuptoxR2.2, whose MP-production capabilities often surpass those of the original SuptoxR significantly. SuptoxR2.1 and SuptoxR2.2 are expected to become widely useful expression hosts for recombinant MP production in bacteria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eleni Vasilopoulou
- Institute of Chemical Biology, National Hellenic Research Foundation, Athens 11635, Greece.,Department of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, University of Thessaly, Viopolis, Larisa 41500, Greece
| | - Artemis Giannakopoulou
- Institute of Chemical Biology, National Hellenic Research Foundation, Athens 11635, Greece
| | - Charalampos Kapsalis
- Institute of Chemical Biology, National Hellenic Research Foundation, Athens 11635, Greece
| | - Myrsini Michou
- Institute of Chemical Biology, National Hellenic Research Foundation, Athens 11635, Greece.,Department of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, University of Thessaly, Viopolis, Larisa 41500, Greece
| | | | - Fragiskos N Kolisis
- Laboratory of Biotechnology, School of Chemical Engineering, National Technical University of Athens, Athens 15772, Greece
| | - Georgios Skretas
- Institute of Chemical Biology, National Hellenic Research Foundation, Athens 11635, Greece
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14
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Sarkar K, Joedicke L, Westwood M, Burnley R, Wright M, McMillan D, Byrne B. Modulation of PTH1R signaling by an extracellular binding antibody. VITAMINS AND HORMONES 2022; 120:109-132. [PMID: 35953107 DOI: 10.1016/bs.vh.2022.04.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Parathyroid hormone receptor 1 (PTH1R) is a class B G-protein coupled receptor with key roles in bone development. The receptor signals through both the Gs and Gq G-proteins as well as through β-arrestin in a G-protein independent manner. Current treatments for bone disorders, such as osteoporosis, target the PTH1R but are suboptimal in their efficacy. Monoclonal antibodies represent a major growth area in therapeutics as a result of their superior specificity and long serum half-life. Here, we discovered antibodies against the extracellular domain (ECD) of PTH1R from a phage display library. One of these antibodies, ECD-ScFvhFc, binds PTH1R with high affinity and although it has little or no effect on G-protein dependent receptor signaling, it does reduce PTH1R mediated β-arrestin signaling. Hydrogen-deuterium exchange mass spectrometry (HDX-MS) demonstrated that the ECD-ScFvhFc binding site overlapped partially with that of the cognate ligand, PTH. The results of this study demonstrate the suitability of PTH1R as a target for therapeutic antibody development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaushik Sarkar
- Department of Life Sciences, Imperial College, London, United Kingdom; UCB Pharma, Slough, United Kingdom
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Bernadette Byrne
- Department of Life Sciences, Imperial College, London, United Kingdom.
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15
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Zhang Y, Zhu X, Zhang H, Yan J, Xu P, Wu P, Wu S, Bai C. Mechanism Study of Proteins under Membrane Environment. MEMBRANES 2022; 12:membranes12070694. [PMID: 35877897 PMCID: PMC9322369 DOI: 10.3390/membranes12070694] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2022] [Revised: 07/01/2022] [Accepted: 07/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Membrane proteins play crucial roles in various physiological processes, including molecule transport across membranes, cell communication, and signal transduction. Approximately 60% of known drug targets are membrane proteins. There is a significant need to deeply understand the working mechanism of membrane proteins in detail, which is a challenging work due to the lack of available membrane structures and their large spatial scale. Membrane proteins carry out vital physiological functions through conformational changes. In the current study, we utilized a coarse-grained (CG) model to investigate three representative membrane protein systems: the TMEM16A channel, the family C GPCRs mGlu2 receptor, and the P4-ATPase phospholipid transporter. We constructed the reaction pathway of conformational changes between the two-end structures. Energy profiles and energy barriers were calculated. These data could provide reasonable explanations for TMEM16A activation, the mGlu2 receptor activation process, and P4-ATPase phospholipid transport. Although they all belong to the members of membrane proteins, they behave differently in terms of energy. Our work investigated the working mechanism of membrane proteins and could give novel insights into other membrane protein systems of interest.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yue Zhang
- School of Life and Health Sciences, School of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen 518172, China; (Y.Z.); (X.Z.); (H.Z.); (J.Y.); (P.X.)
- School of Chemistry and Materials Science, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230026, China
- Warshel Institute for Computational Biology, Shenzhen 518172, China
| | - Xiaohong Zhu
- School of Life and Health Sciences, School of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen 518172, China; (Y.Z.); (X.Z.); (H.Z.); (J.Y.); (P.X.)
- School of Chemistry and Materials Science, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230026, China
- Warshel Institute for Computational Biology, Shenzhen 518172, China
| | - Honghui Zhang
- School of Life and Health Sciences, School of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen 518172, China; (Y.Z.); (X.Z.); (H.Z.); (J.Y.); (P.X.)
- Warshel Institute for Computational Biology, Shenzhen 518172, China
| | - Junfang Yan
- School of Life and Health Sciences, School of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen 518172, China; (Y.Z.); (X.Z.); (H.Z.); (J.Y.); (P.X.)
- Warshel Institute for Computational Biology, Shenzhen 518172, China
| | - Peiyi Xu
- School of Life and Health Sciences, School of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen 518172, China; (Y.Z.); (X.Z.); (H.Z.); (J.Y.); (P.X.)
- Warshel Institute for Computational Biology, Shenzhen 518172, China
| | - Peng Wu
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Health Science Center, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518055, China;
| | - Song Wu
- South China Hospital, Health Science Center, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518116, China
- Correspondence: (S.W.); (C.B.)
| | - Chen Bai
- School of Life and Health Sciences, School of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen 518172, China; (Y.Z.); (X.Z.); (H.Z.); (J.Y.); (P.X.)
- Warshel Institute for Computational Biology, Shenzhen 518172, China
- Chenzhu Biotechnology Co., Ltd., Hangzhou 310005, China
- Correspondence: (S.W.); (C.B.)
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16
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Biedenbänder T, Aladin V, Saeidpour S, Corzilius B. Dynamic Nuclear Polarization for Sensitivity Enhancement in Biomolecular Solid-State NMR. Chem Rev 2022; 122:9738-9794. [PMID: 35099939 DOI: 10.1021/acs.chemrev.1c00776] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Solid-state NMR with magic-angle spinning (MAS) is an important method in structural biology. While NMR can provide invaluable information about local geometry on an atomic scale even for large biomolecular assemblies lacking long-range order, it is often limited by low sensitivity due to small nuclear spin polarization in thermal equilibrium. Dynamic nuclear polarization (DNP) has evolved during the last decades to become a powerful method capable of increasing this sensitivity by two to three orders of magnitude, thereby reducing the valuable experimental time from weeks or months to just hours or days; in many cases, this allows experiments that would be otherwise completely unfeasible. In this review, we give an overview of the developments that have opened the field for DNP-enhanced biomolecular solid-state NMR including state-of-the-art applications at fast MAS and high magnetic field. We present DNP mechanisms, polarizing agents, and sample constitution methods suitable for biomolecules. A wide field of biomolecular NMR applications is covered including membrane proteins, amyloid fibrils, large biomolecular assemblies, and biomaterials. Finally, we present perspectives and recent developments that may shape the field of biomolecular DNP in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Biedenbänder
- Institute of Chemistry, University of Rostock, Albert-Einstein-Straße 3a, 18059 Rostock, Germany.,Department Life, Light & Matter, University of Rostock, Albert-Einstein-Straße 25, 18059 Rostock, Germany
| | - Victoria Aladin
- Institute of Chemistry, University of Rostock, Albert-Einstein-Straße 3a, 18059 Rostock, Germany.,Department Life, Light & Matter, University of Rostock, Albert-Einstein-Straße 25, 18059 Rostock, Germany
| | - Siavash Saeidpour
- Institute of Chemistry, University of Rostock, Albert-Einstein-Straße 3a, 18059 Rostock, Germany.,Department Life, Light & Matter, University of Rostock, Albert-Einstein-Straße 25, 18059 Rostock, Germany
| | - Björn Corzilius
- Institute of Chemistry, University of Rostock, Albert-Einstein-Straße 3a, 18059 Rostock, Germany.,Department Life, Light & Matter, University of Rostock, Albert-Einstein-Straße 25, 18059 Rostock, Germany
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Bioengineered System for High Throughput Screening of Kv1 Ion Channel Blockers. Bioengineering (Basel) 2021; 8:bioengineering8110187. [PMID: 34821753 PMCID: PMC8614864 DOI: 10.3390/bioengineering8110187] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2021] [Revised: 11/03/2021] [Accepted: 11/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Screening drug candidates for their affinity and selectivity for a certain binding site is a crucial step in developing targeted therapy. Here, we created a screening assay for receptor binding that can be easily scaled up and automated for the high throughput screening of Kv channel blockers. It is based on the expression of the KcsA-Kv1 hybrid channel tagged with a fluorescent protein in the E. coli membrane. In order to make this channel accessible for the soluble compounds, E. coli were transformed into spheroplasts by disruption of the cellular peptidoglycan envelope. The assay was evaluated using a hybrid KcsA-Kv1.3 potassium channel tagged with a red fluorescent protein (TagRFP). The binding of Kv1.3 channel blockers was measured by flow cytometry either by using their fluorescent conjugates or by determining the ability of unconjugated compounds to displace fluorescently labeled blockers with a known affinity. A fraction of the occupied receptor was calculated with a dedicated pipeline available as a Jupyter notebook. Measured binding constants for agitoxin-2, charybdotoxin and kaliotoxin were in firm agreement with the earlier published data. By using a mid-range flow cytometer with manual sample handling, we measured and analyzed up to ten titration curves (eight data points each) in one day. Finally, we considered possibilities for multiplexing, scaling and automation of the assay.
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Abstract
Membrane proteins (MPs) play essential roles in numerous cellular processes. Because around 70% of the currently marketed drugs target MPs, a detailed understanding of their structure, binding properties, and functional dynamics in a physiologically relevant environment is crucial for a more detailed understanding of this important protein class. We here summarize the benefits of using lipid nanodiscs for NMR structural investigations and provide a detailed overview of the currently used lipid nanodisc systems as well as their applications in solution-state NMR. Despite the increasing use of other structural methods for the structure determination of MPs in lipid nanodiscs, solution NMR turns out to be a versatile tool to probe a wide range of MP features, ranging from the structure determination of small to medium-sized MPs to probing ligand and partner protein binding as well as functionally relevant dynamical signatures in a lipid nanodisc setting. We will expand on these topics by discussing recent NMR studies with lipid nanodiscs and work out a key workflow for optimizing the nanodisc incorporation of an MP for subsequent NMR investigations. With this, we hope to provide a comprehensive background to enable an informed assessment of the applicability of lipid nanodiscs for NMR studies of a particular MP of interest.
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Affiliation(s)
- Umut Günsel
- Bavarian NMR Center (BNMRZ) at the Department of Chemistry, Technical University of Munich, Ernst-Otto-Fischer-Strasse 2, 85748 Garching, Germany
| | - Franz Hagn
- Bavarian NMR Center (BNMRZ) at the Department of Chemistry, Technical University of Munich, Ernst-Otto-Fischer-Strasse 2, 85748 Garching, Germany.,Institute of Structural Biology, Helmholtz Zentrum München, Ingolstädter Landstraße 1, 85764 Neuherberg, Germany
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Bialas F, Becker CFW. Biomimetic Silica Encapsulation of Lipid Nanodiscs and β-Sheet-Stabilized Diacylglycerol Kinase. Bioconjug Chem 2021; 32:1742-1752. [PMID: 34288667 PMCID: PMC8382255 DOI: 10.1021/acs.bioconjchem.1c00260] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2021] [Revised: 07/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Integral membrane proteins (IMPs) comprise highly important classes of proteins such as transporters, sensors, and channels, but their investigation and biotechnological application are complicated by the difficulty to stabilize them in solution. We set out to develop a biomimetic procedure to encapsulate functional integral membrane proteins in silica to facilitate their handling under otherwise detrimental conditions and thereby extend their applicability. To this end, we designed and expressed new fusion constructs of the membrane scaffold protein MSP with silica-precipitating peptides based on the R5 sequence from the diatom Cylindrotheca fusiformis. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and atomic force microscopy (AFM) revealed that membrane lipid nanodiscs surrounded by our MSP variants fused to an R5 peptide, so-called nanodiscs, were formed. Exposing them to silicic acid led to silica-encapsulated nanodiscs, a new material for stabilizing membrane structures and a first step toward incorporating membrane proteins in such structures. In an alternative approach, four fusion constructs based on the amphiphilic β-sheet peptide BP-1 and the R5 peptide were generated and successfully employed toward silica encapsulation of functional diacylglycerol kinase (DGK). Silica-encapsulated DGK was significantly more stable against protease exposure and incubation with simulated gastric fluid (SGF) and intestinal fluid (SIF).
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Affiliation(s)
- Friedrich Bialas
- Institute of Biological Chemistry,
Faculty of Chemistry, University of Vienna, Währinger Straße 38, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Christian F. W. Becker
- Institute of Biological Chemistry,
Faculty of Chemistry, University of Vienna, Währinger Straße 38, 1090 Vienna, Austria
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