1
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Rajput S, Panigrahy S, Nayar D. In Silico View of Crowding: Biomolecular Processes to Nanomaterial Design. ACS OMEGA 2024; 9:29953-29965. [PMID: 39035939 PMCID: PMC11256109 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.4c03344] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2024] [Revised: 06/18/2024] [Accepted: 06/19/2024] [Indexed: 07/23/2024]
Abstract
It is widely accepted that deciphering biomolecular structure and function requires going beyond the single-molecule or single-complex paradigm. The densely packed macromolecules, cosolutes, and metabolites in the living cell impose crowding effects on the biomolecular structure and dynamics that need to be accounted for. Molecular simulations have proven to be a powerful tool to advance the current molecular-level understanding of such a highly concentrated, complex milieu. This Mini-Review focuses on summarizing the understanding achieved so far for the effects of crowding on biomolecular processes using computational methods, along with highlighting a new direction in employing crowding as a tool for tunable nanomaterial design. The two schools of thought that form the pillars of the current understanding of crowding effects are discussed. The investigation of crowded solutions using physics-based models that encompass different time and length scales to mimic the intracellular environment are described. The limitations and challenges faced by the current models and simulation methods are addressed, highlighting the gaps to be filled for better agreement with experiments. Crowding can also act as an effective tool to modulate the structure-property-function relationships of nanomaterials, leading to the development of novel functional materials. A few recent studies, mostly experimental, have been summarized in this direction. The Mini-Review concludes with an outlook for future developments in this field in order to enable accurate mimicking of the intracellular environment using simulations and to bridge the gap between biological processes and nanomaterial design.
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Affiliation(s)
- Satyendra Rajput
- Department of Materials Science
and Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology
Delhi, New Delhi 110016, India
| | - Sibasankar Panigrahy
- Department of Materials Science
and Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology
Delhi, New Delhi 110016, India
| | - Divya Nayar
- Department of Materials Science
and Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology
Delhi, New Delhi 110016, India
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2
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Kobayashi R, Nabika H. Liquid-liquid phase separation induced by crowding condition affects amyloid-β aggregation mechanism. SOFT MATTER 2024; 20:5331-5342. [PMID: 38847095 DOI: 10.1039/d4sm00470a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/11/2024]
Abstract
Liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS) is common in the aggregation of proteins associated with neurodegenerative diseases. Many efforts have been made to reproduce crowded conditions with artificial polymeric materials to understand the effect of LLPS in physiological conditions with significantly highly concentrated proteins, such as intrinsically disordered proteins. Although the possibility that LLPS is involved in intracellular amyloid-β (Aβ) aggregation, a protein related to the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease, has been investigated, the relationship between LLPS and the aggregation of Aβ is poorly characterized. Thus, in this study, we mimicked the intracellular crowding environment using polyethylene glycol and dextran, used commonly as model polymers, to examine the relationship of Aβ with LLPS and aggregation dynamics in vitro. We confirmed that Aβ undergoes LLPS under specific polymer coexistence conditions. Moreover, the addition of different electrolytes modulated LLPS and fibril formation. These results suggest that hydrophobic and electrostatic interactions are the driving forces for the LLPS of Aβ. Similar to the role of the liposome interface, the interface of droplets induced by LLPS functioned as the site for heterogeneous nucleation. These findings offer valuable insights into the complex mechanisms of Aβ aggregation in vivo and may be useful in establishing therapeutic methods for Alzheimer's disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryuki Kobayashi
- Department of Science, Graduate School of Science and Engineering, Yamagata University, 1-4-12, Kojirakawa, Yamagata 990-8560, Japan
| | - Hideki Nabika
- Faculty of Science, Yamagata University, 1-4-12 Kojirakawa, Yamagata 990-8560, Japan.
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3
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Ghosh S, Prabhu NP. Heterogeneous Macromolecular crowding effect on nucleation-independent fibril formation of Lysozyme: Spectroscopic analysis of Structure, Stability, and fibrillation rate. SPECTROCHIMICA ACTA. PART A, MOLECULAR AND BIOMOLECULAR SPECTROSCOPY 2024; 315:124276. [PMID: 38626673 DOI: 10.1016/j.saa.2024.124276] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2023] [Revised: 04/05/2024] [Accepted: 04/09/2024] [Indexed: 04/18/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- Subhasree Ghosh
- Department of Biotechnology & Bioinformatics, School of Life Sciences, University of Hyderabad, Hyderabad 500046, India
| | - N Prakash Prabhu
- Department of Biotechnology & Bioinformatics, School of Life Sciences, University of Hyderabad, Hyderabad 500046, India.
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4
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Liebau J, Laatsch BF, Rusnak J, Gunderson K, Finke B, Bargender K, Narkiewicz-Jodko A, Weeks K, Williams MT, Shulgina I, Musier-Forsyth K, Bhattacharyya S, Hati S. Polyethylene Glycol Impacts Conformation and Dynamics of Escherichia coli Prolyl-tRNA Synthetase Via Crowding and Confinement Effects. Biochemistry 2024; 63:1621-1635. [PMID: 38607680 PMCID: PMC11223479 DOI: 10.1021/acs.biochem.3c00719] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2023] [Revised: 03/22/2024] [Accepted: 03/27/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024]
Abstract
Polyethylene glycol (PEG) is a flexible, nontoxic polymer commonly used in biological and medical research, and it is generally regarded as biologically inert. PEG molecules of variable sizes are also used as crowding agents to mimic intracellular environments. A recent study with PEG crowders revealed decreased catalytic activity of Escherichia coli prolyl-tRNA synthetase (Ec ProRS), where the smaller molecular weight PEGs had the maximum impact. The molecular mechanism of the crowding effects of PEGs is not clearly understood. PEG may impact protein conformation and dynamics, thus its function. In the present study, the effects of PEG molecules of various molecular weights and concentrations on the conformation and dynamics of Ec ProRS were investigated using a combined experimental and computational approach including intrinsic tryptophan fluorescence spectroscopy, atomic force microscopy, and atomistic molecular dynamic simulations. Results of the present study suggest that lower molecular weight PEGs in the dilute regime have modest effects on the conformational dynamics of Ec ProRS but impact the catalytic function primarily via the excluded volume effect; they form large clusters blocking the active site pocket. In contrast, the larger molecular weight PEGs in dilute to semidilute regimes have a significant impact on the protein's conformational dynamics; they wrap on the protein surface through noncovalent interactions. Thus, lower-molecular-weight PEG molecules impact protein dynamics and function via crowding effects, whereas larger PEGs induce confinement effects. These results have implications for the development of inhibitors for protein targets in a crowded cellular environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica Liebau
- Department
of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University
of Wisconsin-Eau Claire, Eau Claire, Wisconsin 54702, United States
| | - Bethany F. Laatsch
- Department
of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University
of Wisconsin-Eau Claire, Eau Claire, Wisconsin 54702, United States
| | - Joshua Rusnak
- Department
of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University
of Wisconsin-Eau Claire, Eau Claire, Wisconsin 54702, United States
| | - Keegan Gunderson
- Department
of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University
of Wisconsin-Eau Claire, Eau Claire, Wisconsin 54702, United States
| | - Brianna Finke
- Department
of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University
of Wisconsin-Eau Claire, Eau Claire, Wisconsin 54702, United States
| | - Kassandra Bargender
- Department
of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University
of Wisconsin-Eau Claire, Eau Claire, Wisconsin 54702, United States
| | - Alex Narkiewicz-Jodko
- Department
of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University
of Wisconsin-Eau Claire, Eau Claire, Wisconsin 54702, United States
| | - Katelyn Weeks
- Department
of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University
of Wisconsin-Eau Claire, Eau Claire, Wisconsin 54702, United States
| | - Murphi T. Williams
- Department
of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University
of Wisconsin-Eau Claire, Eau Claire, Wisconsin 54702, United States
| | - Irina Shulgina
- Department
of Chemistry and Biochemistry and Center for RNA Biology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio 43210, United States
| | - Karin Musier-Forsyth
- Department
of Chemistry and Biochemistry and Center for RNA Biology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio 43210, United States
| | - Sudeep Bhattacharyya
- Department
of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University
of Wisconsin-Eau Claire, Eau Claire, Wisconsin 54702, United States
| | - Sanchita Hati
- Department
of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University
of Wisconsin-Eau Claire, Eau Claire, Wisconsin 54702, United States
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5
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Raja Venkatesh A, Le KH, Weld DM, Brandman O. Diffusive lensing as a mechanism of intracellular transport and compartmentalization. eLife 2024; 12:RP89794. [PMID: 38896469 PMCID: PMC11186627 DOI: 10.7554/elife.89794] [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] [Indexed: 06/21/2024] Open
Abstract
While inhomogeneous diffusivity has been identified as a ubiquitous feature of the cellular interior, its implications for particle mobility and concentration at different length scales remain largely unexplored. In this work, we use agent-based simulations of diffusion to investigate how heterogeneous diffusivity affects the movement and concentration of diffusing particles. We propose that a nonequilibrium mode of membrane-less compartmentalization arising from the convergence of diffusive trajectories into low-diffusive sinks, which we call 'diffusive lensing,' is relevant for living systems. Our work highlights the phenomenon of diffusive lensing as a potentially key driver of mesoscale dynamics in the cytoplasm, with possible far-reaching implications for biochemical processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Achuthan Raja Venkatesh
- Department of Biochemistry, Stanford UniversityStanfordUnited States
- Department of Biological Sciences, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER) MohaliMohaliIndia
| | - Kathy H Le
- Department of Biochemistry, Stanford UniversityStanfordUnited States
| | - David M Weld
- Department of Physics, University of California, Santa BarbaraSanta BarbaraUnited States
| | - Onn Brandman
- Department of Biochemistry, Stanford UniversityStanfordUnited States
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6
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Uversky VN, Madeira PP, Zaslavsky BY. What Can Be Learned from the Partitioning Behavior of Proteins in Aqueous Two-Phase Systems? Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:6339. [PMID: 38928046 PMCID: PMC11203663 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25126339] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2024] [Revised: 05/31/2024] [Accepted: 06/03/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
This review covers the analytical applications of protein partitioning in aqueous two-phase systems (ATPSs). We review the advancements in the analytical application of protein partitioning in ATPSs that have been achieved over the last two decades. Multiple examples of different applications, such as the quality control of recombinant proteins, analysis of protein misfolding, characterization of structural changes as small as a single-point mutation, conformational changes upon binding of different ligands, detection of protein-protein interactions, and analysis of structurally different isoforms of a protein are presented. The new approach to discovering new drugs for a known target (e.g., a receptor) is described when one or more previous drugs are already available with well-characterized biological efficacy profiles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vladimir N. Uversky
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Byrd Alzheimer’s Research Institute, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL 33612, USA;
| | - Pedro P. Madeira
- Centro de Investigacao em Materiais Ceramicos e Compositos, Department of Chemistry, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal;
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7
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Voce N, Stevenson P. Experimentally Probing the Effect of Confinement Geometry on Lipid Diffusion. J Phys Chem B 2024; 128:4404-4413. [PMID: 38574293 PMCID: PMC11089508 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jpcb.3c07388] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2023] [Revised: 03/18/2024] [Accepted: 03/19/2024] [Indexed: 04/06/2024]
Abstract
The lateral mobility of molecules within the cell membrane is ultimately governed by the local environment of the membrane. Confined regions induced by membrane structures, such as protein aggregates or the actin meshwork, occur over a wide range of length scales and can impede or steer the diffusion of membrane components. However, a detailed picture of the origins and nature of these confinement effects remains elusive. Here, we prepare model lipid systems on substrates patterned with confined domains of varying geometries constructed with different materials to explore the influences of physical boundary conditions and specific molecular interactions on diffusion. We demonstrate a platform that is capable of significantly altering and steering the long-range diffusion of lipids by using simple oxide deposition approaches, enabling us to systematically explore how confinement size and shape impact diffusion over multiple length scales. While we find that a "boundary condition" description of the system captures underlying trends in some cases, we are also able to directly compare our systems to analytical models, revealing the unexpected breakdown of several approximate solutions. Our results highlight the importance of considering the length scale dependence when discussing properties such as diffusion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicole Voce
- Department of Physics, Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, United States
| | - Paul Stevenson
- Department of Physics, Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, United States
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8
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Wang X, Liu J, Mao C, Mao Y. Phase separation-mediated biomolecular condensates and their relationship to tumor. Cell Commun Signal 2024; 22:143. [PMID: 38383403 PMCID: PMC10880379 DOI: 10.1186/s12964-024-01518-9] [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: 09/29/2023] [Accepted: 02/07/2024] [Indexed: 02/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Phase separation is a cellular phenomenon where macromolecules aggregate or segregate, giving rise to biomolecular condensates resembling "droplets" and forming distinct, membrane-free compartments. This process is pervasive in biological cells, contributing to various essential cellular functions. However, when phase separation goes awry, leading to abnormal molecular aggregation, it can become a driving factor in the development of diseases, including tumor. Recent investigations have unveiled the intricate connection between dysregulated phase separation and tumor pathogenesis, highlighting its potential as a novel therapeutic target. This article provides an overview of recent phase separation research, with a particular emphasis on its role in tumor, its therapeutic implications, and outlines avenues for further exploration in this intriguing field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xi Wang
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, The Affiliated Hospital of Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, 212001, China
| | - Jiameng Liu
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, The Affiliated Hospital of Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, 212001, China
| | - Chaoming Mao
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, The Affiliated Hospital of Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, 212001, China.
| | - Yufei Mao
- Department of Ultrasound Medicine, The Affiliated Hospital of Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, 212001, China.
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9
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Foralosso R, Kopiasz RJ, Alexander C, Mantovani G, Stolnik S. Synthetic macromolecular peptide-mimetics with amino acid substructure residues as protein stabilising excipients. J Mater Chem B 2024; 12:1022-1030. [PMID: 38205916 DOI: 10.1039/d3tb02102e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2024]
Abstract
The clinical use of protein and peptide biotherapeutics requires fabrication of stable products. This particularly concerns stability towards aggregation of proteins or peptides. Here, we tested a hypothesis that interactions between a synthetic peptide, which is an aggregation-prone region analogue, and its homologous sequence on a protein of interest, could be exploited to design excipients which stabilise the protein against aggregation. A peptide containing the analogue of lysozyme aggregation-prone region (GILQINSRW) was conjugated to a RAFT agent and used to initiate the polymerisation of N-hydroxyethyl acrylamide, generating a GILQINSRW-HEA90 polymer, which profoundly reduced lysozyme aggregation. Substitution of tryptophan in GILQINSRW with glycine, to form GILQINSRG, revealed that tryptophan is a critical amino acid in the protein stabilisation by GILQINSRW-HEA90. Accordingly, polymeric peptide-mimetics of tryptophan, phenylalanine and isoleucine, which are often present in aggregation-prone regions, were synthesized. These were based on synthetic oligomers of acrylamide derivatives of indole-3 acetic acid (IND), phenylacetic acid (PHEN), or 2-methyl butyric acid (MBA), respectively, conjugated with hydrophilic poly(N-hydroxyethyl acrylamide) blocks to form amphiphilic copolymers denoted as INDm-, PHENm- and MTBm-b-HEAn. These materials were tested as protein stabilisers and it was shown that solution properties and the abilities of these materials to stabilise insulin and the peptide IDR 1018 towards aggregation are dependent on the chemical nature of their side groups. These data suggest a structure-activity relationship, whereby the indole-based INDm-b-HEAn peptide-mimetic displays properties of a potential stabilising excipient for protein formulations.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Rafał Jerzy Kopiasz
- University of Nottingham, School of Pharmacy, NG7 2RD, UK.
- Warsaw University of Technology, Faculty of Chemistry, Noakowskiego 3 St., 00-664, Warsaw, Poland
| | | | | | - Snow Stolnik
- University of Nottingham, School of Pharmacy, NG7 2RD, UK.
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10
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Collette D, Dunlap D, Finzi L. Macromolecular Crowding and DNA: Bridging the Gap between In Vitro and In Vivo. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:17502. [PMID: 38139331 PMCID: PMC10744201 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242417502] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2023] [Revised: 11/29/2023] [Accepted: 12/05/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
The cellular environment is highly crowded, with up to 40% of the volume fraction of the cell occupied by various macromolecules. Most laboratory experiments take place in dilute buffer solutions; by adding various synthetic or organic macromolecules, researchers have begun to bridge the gap between in vitro and in vivo measurements. This is a review of the reported effects of macromolecular crowding on the compaction and extension of DNA, the effect of macromolecular crowding on DNA kinetics, and protein-DNA interactions. Theoretical models related to macromolecular crowding and DNA are briefly reviewed. Gaps in the literature, including the use of biologically relevant crowders, simultaneous use of multi-sized crowders, empirical connections between macromolecular crowding and liquid-liquid phase separation of nucleic materials are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Laura Finzi
- Department of Physics, College of Arts & Sciences, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA; (D.C.); (D.D.)
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11
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Larsen HA, Atkins WM, Nath A. The origins of nonideality exhibited by monoclonal antibodies and Fab fragments in human serum. Protein Sci 2023; 32:e4812. [PMID: 37861473 PMCID: PMC10659951 DOI: 10.1002/pro.4812] [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: 04/30/2023] [Revised: 10/15/2023] [Accepted: 10/17/2023] [Indexed: 10/21/2023]
Abstract
The development of therapeutic antibodies remains challenging, time-consuming, and expensive. A key contributing factor is a lack of understanding of how proteins are affected by complex biological environments such as serum and plasma. Nonideality due to attractive or repulsive interactions with cosolutes can alter the stability, aggregation propensity, and binding interactions of proteins in solution. Fluorescence correlation spectroscopy (FCS) can be used to measure apparent second virial coefficient (B2,app ) values for therapeutic and model monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) that capture the nature and strength of interactions with cosolutes directly in undiluted serum and similar complex biological media. Here, we use FCS-derived B2,app measurements to identify the components of human serum responsible for nonideal interactions with mAbs and Fab fragments. Most mAbs exhibit neutral or slightly attractive interactions with intact serum. Generally, mAbs display repulsive interactions with albumin and mildly attractive interactions with IgGs in the context of whole serum. Crucially, however, these attractive interactions are much stronger with pooled IgGs isolated from other serum components, indicating that the effects of serum nonideality can only be understood by studying the intact medium (rather than isolated components). Moreover, Fab fragments universally exhibited more attractive interactions than their parental mAbs, potentially rendering them more susceptible to nonideality-driven perturbations. FCS-based B2,app measurements have the potential to advance our understanding of how physiological environments impact protein-based therapeutics in general. Furthermore, incorporating such assays into preclinical biologics development may help de-risk molecules and make for a faster and more efficient development process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hayli A. Larsen
- Department of Medicinal ChemistryUniversity of WashingtonSeattleWashingtonUSA
| | - William M. Atkins
- Department of Medicinal ChemistryUniversity of WashingtonSeattleWashingtonUSA
| | - Abhinav Nath
- Department of Medicinal ChemistryUniversity of WashingtonSeattleWashingtonUSA
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12
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Launay H, Avilan L, Gérard C, Parsiegla G, Receveur-Brechot V, Gontero B, Carriere F. Location of the photosynthetic carbon metabolism in microcompartments and separated phases in microalgal cells. FEBS Lett 2023; 597:2853-2878. [PMID: 37827572 DOI: 10.1002/1873-3468.14754] [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: 06/16/2023] [Revised: 09/04/2023] [Accepted: 09/22/2023] [Indexed: 10/14/2023]
Abstract
Carbon acquisition, assimilation and storage in eukaryotic microalgae and cyanobacteria occur in multiple compartments that have been characterised by the location of the enzymes involved in these functions. These compartments can be delimited by bilayer membranes, such as the chloroplast, the lumen, the peroxisome, the mitochondria or monolayer membranes, such as lipid droplets or plastoglobules. They can also originate from liquid-liquid phase separation such as the pyrenoid. Multiple exchanges exist between the intracellular microcompartments, and these are reviewed for the CO2 concentration mechanism, the Calvin-Benson-Bassham cycle, the lipid metabolism and the cellular energetic balance. Progress in microscopy and spectroscopic methods opens new perspectives to characterise the molecular consequences of the location of the proteins involved, including intrinsically disordered proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hélène Launay
- Aix Marseille Univ, CNRS, BIP, UMR7281, Marseille, France
| | - Luisana Avilan
- Aix Marseille Univ, CNRS, BIP, UMR7281, Marseille, France
| | - Cassy Gérard
- Aix Marseille Univ, CNRS, BIP, UMR7281, Marseille, France
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13
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Icso JD, Thompson PR. A phase transition reduces the threshold for nicotinamide mononucleotide-based activation of SARM1, an NAD(P) hydrolase, to physiologically relevant levels. J Biol Chem 2023; 299:105284. [PMID: 37742918 PMCID: PMC10624580 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2023.105284] [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: 07/07/2023] [Revised: 09/04/2023] [Accepted: 09/19/2023] [Indexed: 09/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Axonal degeneration is a hallmark feature of neurodegenerative diseases. Activation of the NAD(P)ase sterile alpha and toll-interleukin receptor motif containing protein 1 (SARM1) is critical for this process. In resting neurons, SARM1 activity is inhibited, but upon damage, SARM1 is activated and catalyzes one of three NAD(P)+ dependent reactions: (1) NAD(P)+ hydrolysis to form ADP-ribose (ADPR[P]) and nicotinamide; (2) the formation of cyclic-ADPR (cADPR[P]); or (3) a base exchange reaction with nicotinic acid (NA) and NADP+ to form NA adenine dinucleotide phosphate. Production of these metabolites triggers axonal death. Two activation mechanisms have been proposed: (1) an increase in the nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN) concentration, which leads to the allosteric activation of SARM1, and (2) a phase transition, which stabilizes the active conformation of the enzyme. However, neither of these mechanisms have been shown to occur at the same time. Using in vitro assay systems, we show that the liquid-to-solid phase transition lowers the NMN concentration required to activate the catalytic activity of SARM1 by up to 140-fold. These results unify the proposed activation mechanisms and show for the first time that a phase transition reduces the threshold for NMN-based SARM1 activation to physiologically relevant levels. These results further our understanding of SARM1 activation and will be important for the future development of therapeutics targeting SARM1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Janneke Doedée Icso
- Program in Chemical Biology, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts, USA; Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biotechnology, University of Massachusetts Chan Medial School, Worcester, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Paul Ryan Thompson
- Program in Chemical Biology, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts, USA; Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biotechnology, University of Massachusetts Chan Medial School, Worcester, Massachusetts, USA.
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14
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Löwe M, Hänsch S, Hachani E, Schmitt L, Weidtkamp-Peters S, Kedrov A. Probing macromolecular crowding at the lipid membrane interface with genetically-encoded sensors. Protein Sci 2023; 32:e4797. [PMID: 37779215 PMCID: PMC10578116 DOI: 10.1002/pro.4797] [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: 05/01/2023] [Revised: 08/25/2023] [Accepted: 09/28/2023] [Indexed: 10/03/2023]
Abstract
Biochemical processes within the living cell occur in a highly crowded environment, where macromolecules, first of all proteins and nucleic acids, occupy up to 30% of the volume. The phenomenon of macromolecular crowding is not an exclusive feature of the cytoplasm and can be observed in the densely protein-packed, nonhomogeneous cellular membranes and at the membrane interfaces. Crowding affects diffusional and conformational dynamics of proteins within the lipid bilayer, alters kinetic and thermodynamic properties of biochemical reactions, and modulates the membrane organization. Despite its importance, the non-invasive quantification of the membrane crowding is not trivial. Here, we developed a genetically-encoded fluorescence-based sensor for probing the macromolecular crowding at the membrane interfaces. Two sensor variants, both composed of fluorescent proteins and a membrane anchor, but differing by flexible linker domains were characterized in vitro, and the procedures for the membrane reconstitution were established. Steric pressure induced by membrane-tethered synthetic and protein crowders altered the sensors' conformation, causing increase in the intramolecular Förster's resonance energy transfer. Notably, the effect of protein crowders only weakly correlated with their molecular weight, suggesting that other factors, such as shape and charge contribute to the crowding via the quinary interactions. Finally, measurements performed in inner membrane vesicles of Escherichia coli validated the crowding-dependent dynamics of the sensors in the physiologically relevant environment. The sensors offer broad opportunities to study interfacial crowding in a complex environment of native membranes, and thus add to the toolbox of methods for studying membrane dynamics and proteostasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maryna Löwe
- Synthetic Membrane Systems, Institute of Biochemistry, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Sebastian Hänsch
- Center for Advanced imaging, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Eymen Hachani
- Institute of Biochemistry, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Lutz Schmitt
- Institute of Biochemistry, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | | | - Alexej Kedrov
- Synthetic Membrane Systems, Institute of Biochemistry, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
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15
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Garnica-Galvez S, Skoufos I, Tzora A, Diakakis N, Prassinos N, Zeugolis DI. Macromolecular crowding in equine bone marrow mesenchymal stromal cell cultures using single and double hyaluronic acid macromolecules. Acta Biomater 2023; 170:111-123. [PMID: 37634833 DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2023.08.042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2023] [Revised: 08/09/2023] [Accepted: 08/21/2023] [Indexed: 08/29/2023]
Abstract
Macromolecular crowding (MMC) enhances and accelerates extracellular matrix (ECM) deposition in eukaryotic cell culture. Single hyaluronic acid (HA) molecules have not induced a notable increase in the amount and rate of deposited ECM. Thus, herein we assessed the physicochemical properties and biological consequences in equine bone marrow mesenchymal stromal cell cultures of single and mixed HA molecules and correlated them to the most widely used MMC agents, the FicollⓇ cocktail (FC) and carrageenan (CR). Dynamic light scattering analysis revealed that all HA cocktails had significantly higher hydrodynamic radius than the FC and CR; the FC and the 0.5 mg/ml 100 kDa and 500 kDa single HA molecules had the highest charge; and, in general, all molecules had high polydispersity index. Biological analyses revealed that none of the MMC agents affected cell morphology and basic cell functions; in general, CR outperformed all other macromolecules in collagen type I and V deposition; FC, the individual HA molecules and the HA cocktails outperformed CR in collagen type III deposition; FC outperformed CR and the individual HA molecules and the HA cocktails outperformed their constituent HA molecules in collagen type IV deposition; FC and certain HA cocktails outperformed CR and constituent HA molecules in collagen type VI deposition; and all individual HA molecules outperformed FC and CR and the HA cocktails outperformed their constituent HA molecules in laminin deposition. With respect to tri-lineage analysis, CR and HA enhanced chondrogenesis and osteogenesis, whilst FC enhanced adipogenesis. This work opens new avenues in mixed MMC in eukaryotic cell culture. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: Mixed macromolecular crowding (MMC) in eukaryotic cell culture is still under-investigated. Herein, single and double hyaluronic acid (HA) macromolecules, along with the traditional MMC agents FicollⓇ cocktail (FC) and carrageenan (CR), were used as MMC agents in equine mesenchymal stromal cell cultures. Biological analysis showed that none of the MMC agents affected cell morphology and basic cell functions. Protein deposition analysis made apparent that CR outperformed all other macromolecules in collagen type I and collagen type V deposition, whilst FC, the individual HA macromolecules and the HA cocktails outperformed CR in collagen type III deposition. Tri-lineage analysis revealed that CR and HA enhanced chondrogenesis and osteogenesis, whilst FC enhanced adipogenesis. These data illustrate that MMC agents are not inert macromolecules.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sergio Garnica-Galvez
- Laboratory of Animal Science, Nutrition and Biotechnology, School of Agriculture, University of Ioannina, Arta, Greece; School of Veterinary Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Ioannis Skoufos
- Laboratory of Animal Science, Nutrition and Biotechnology, School of Agriculture, University of Ioannina, Arta, Greece
| | - Athina Tzora
- Laboratory of Animal Science, Nutrition and Biotechnology, School of Agriculture, University of Ioannina, Arta, Greece
| | - Nikolaos Diakakis
- School of Veterinary Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Nikitas Prassinos
- School of Veterinary Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Dimitrios I Zeugolis
- Regenerative, Modular & Developmental Engineering Laboratory (REMODEL), Charles Institute of Dermatology, Conway Institute of Biomolecular & Biomedical Research and School of Mechanical & Materials Engineering, University College Dublin (UCD), Dublin, Ireland.
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16
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Krebs J, Stealey S, Brown A, Krohn A, Zustiak SP, Case N. Carrageenan-Based Crowding and Confinement Combination Approach to Increase Collagen Deposition for In Vitro Tissue Development. Gels 2023; 9:705. [PMID: 37754385 PMCID: PMC10529090 DOI: 10.3390/gels9090705] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2023] [Revised: 08/25/2023] [Accepted: 08/28/2023] [Indexed: 09/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Connective tissue models grown from cell monolayers can be instrumental in a variety of biomedical fields such as drug screening, wound healing, and regenerative engineering. However, while connective tissues contain abundant fibrillar collagen, achieving a sufficient assembly and retention of fibrillar collagen in vitro is challenging. Unlike the dilute cell culture environment, the body's environment is characterized by a high density of soluble macromolecules (crowding) and macromolecular networks (confinement), which contribute to extracellular matrix (ECM) assembly in vivo. Consequently, macromolecular crowding (MMC) has been successfully used to enhance the processing of type I procollagen, leading to significant increases in fibrillar collagen assembly and accumulation during in vitro culture of a variety of cell types. In this study, we developed a combination approach using a carrageenan hydrogel, which released soluble macromolecules and served as a confinement barrier. We first evaluated the local carrageenan release and then confirmed the effectiveness of this combination approach on collagen accumulation by the human MG-63 bone cell line. Additionally, computational modeling of oxygen and glucose transport within the culture system showed no negative effects of the hydrogel and its releasates on cell viability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph Krebs
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Saint Louis University, Saint Louis, MO 63103, USA (S.P.Z.)
| | - Samuel Stealey
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Saint Louis University, Saint Louis, MO 63103, USA (S.P.Z.)
| | - Alyssa Brown
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Saint Louis University, Saint Louis, MO 63103, USA (S.P.Z.)
| | - Austin Krohn
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Saint Louis University, Saint Louis, MO 63103, USA (S.P.Z.)
| | - Silviya Petrova Zustiak
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Saint Louis University, Saint Louis, MO 63103, USA (S.P.Z.)
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Saint Louis University, Saint Louis, MO 63104, USA
| | - Natasha Case
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Saint Louis University, Saint Louis, MO 63103, USA (S.P.Z.)
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17
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Kusova AM, Rakipov IT, Zuev YF. Effects of Homogeneous and Heterogeneous Crowding on Translational Diffusion of Rigid Bovine Serum Albumin and Disordered Alfa-Casein. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:11148. [PMID: 37446325 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241311148] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2023] [Revised: 06/30/2023] [Accepted: 07/04/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Intracellular environment includes proteins, sugars, and nucleic acids interacting in restricted media. In the cytoplasm, the excluded volume effect takes up to 40% of the volume available for occupation by macromolecules. In this work, we tested several approaches modeling crowded solutions for protein diffusion. We experimentally showed how the protein diffusion deviates from conventional Brownian motion in artificial conditions modeling the alteration of medium viscosity and rigid spatial obstacles. The studied tracer proteins were globular bovine serum albumin and intrinsically disordered α-casein. Using the pulsed field gradient NMR, we investigated the translational diffusion of protein probes of different structures in homogeneous (glycerol) and heterogeneous (PEG 300/PEG 6000/PEG 40,000) solutions as a function of crowder concentration. Our results showed fundamentally different effects of homogeneous and heterogeneous crowded environments on protein self-diffusion. In addition, the applied "tracer on lattice" model showed that smaller crowding obstacles (PEG 300 and PEG 6000) create a dense net of restrictions noticeably hindering diffusing protein probes, whereas the large-sized PEG 40,000 creates a "less restricted" environment for the diffusive motion of protein molecules.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aleksandra M Kusova
- Kazan Institute of Biochemistry and Biophysics, FRC Kazan Scientific Center, Russian Academy of Sciences, Lobachevsky Str. 2/31, Kazan 420111, Russia
| | - Ilnaz T Rakipov
- Institute of Chemistry, Kazan Federal University, Kremlevskaya Str. 18, Kazan 420008, Russia
| | - Yuriy F Zuev
- Kazan Institute of Biochemistry and Biophysics, FRC Kazan Scientific Center, Russian Academy of Sciences, Lobachevsky Str. 2/31, Kazan 420111, Russia
- Institute of Chemistry, Kazan Federal University, Kremlevskaya Str. 18, Kazan 420008, Russia
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18
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Trosel Y, Gregory LP, Booth VK, Yethiraj A. Diffusion NMR and Rheology of a Model Polymer in Bacterial Cell Lysate Crowders. Biomacromolecules 2023. [PMID: 37216308 DOI: 10.1021/acs.biomac.2c01534] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
The intracellular milieu is crowded and heterogeneous, and this can have profound consequences for biomolecule motions and biochemical kinetics. Macromolecular crowding has been traditionally studied in artificial crowders like Ficoll and dextran or globular proteins such as bovine serum albumin. It is, however, not clear if the effects of artificial crowders on such phenomena are the same as the crowding that is experienced in a heterogeneous biological environment. Bacterial cells, for example, are composed of heterogeneous biomolecules with different sizes, shapes, and charges. Using crowders composed of one of three different pretreatments of bacterial cell lysate (unmanipulated, ultracentrifuged, and anion exchanged), we examine the effects of crowding on the diffusivity of a model polymer. We measure the translational diffusivity, via diffusion NMR, of the test polymer polyethylene glycol (PEG) in these bacterial cell lysates. We show that the small (Rg ∼ 5 nm) test polymer shows a modest decrease in self-diffusivity with increasing crowder concentration for all lysate treatments. The corresponding self-diffusivity decrease in the artificial Ficoll crowder is much more pronounced. Moreover, a comparison of the rheological response of biological and artificial crowders shows that while the artificial crowder Ficoll exhibits a Newtonian response even at high concentrations, the bacterial cell lysate is markedly non-Newtonian; it behaves like a shear-thinning fluid with a yield stress. While at any concentration the rheological properties are sensitive to both lysate pretreatment and batch-to-batch variations, the PEG diffusivity is nearly unaffected by the type of lysate pretreatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanitza Trosel
- Department of Physics and Physical Oceanography, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John's, Newfoundland A1B 3X9, Canada
| | - Liam P Gregory
- Department of Biochemistry, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John's, Newfoundland A1B 3X9, Canada
| | - Valerie K Booth
- Department of Physics and Physical Oceanography, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John's, Newfoundland A1B 3X9, Canada
- Department of Biochemistry, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John's, Newfoundland A1B 3X9, Canada
| | - Anand Yethiraj
- Department of Physics and Physical Oceanography, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John's, Newfoundland A1B 3X9, Canada
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19
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Gao C, Mohamed HI, Deng J, Umer M, Anwar N, Chen J, Wu Q, Wang Z, He Y. Effects of Molecular Crowding on the Structure, Stability, and Interaction with Ligands of G-quadruplexes. ACS OMEGA 2023; 8:14342-14348. [PMID: 37125118 PMCID: PMC10134454 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.3c01169] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2023] [Accepted: 04/03/2023] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
G-quadruplexes (G4s) are widely found in cells and have significant biological functions, which makes them a target for screening antitumor and antiviral drugs. Most of the previous research on G4s has been conducted mainly in diluted solutions. However, cells are filled with organelles and many biomolecules, resulting in a constant state of a crowded molecular environment. The conformation and stability of some G4s were found to change significantly in the molecularly crowded environment, and interactions with ligands were disturbed to some extent. The structure of the G4s and their biological functions are correlated, and the effect of the molecularly crowded environment on G4 conformational transitions and interactions with ligands should be considered in drug design targeting G4s. This review discusses the changes in the conformation and stability of G4s in a physiological environment. Moreover, the mechanism of action of the molecularly crowded environment affecting the G4 has been further reviewed based on previous studies. Furthermore, current challenges and future research directions are put forward. This review has implications for the design of drugs targeting G4s.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chao Gao
- National
R&D Center for Se-rich Agricultural Products Processing, Hubei
Engineering Research Center for Deep Processing of Green Se-rich Agricultural
Products, School of Modern Industry for Selenium Science and Engineering, Wuhan Polytechnic University, Wuhan 430023, China
| | - Hany I. Mohamed
- Chemistry
Department, Faculty of Science, Benha University, Benha 13518, Egypt
| | - Jieya Deng
- National
R&D Center for Se-rich Agricultural Products Processing, Hubei
Engineering Research Center for Deep Processing of Green Se-rich Agricultural
Products, School of Modern Industry for Selenium Science and Engineering, Wuhan Polytechnic University, Wuhan 430023, China
| | - Muhammad Umer
- Institute
for Forest Resources and Environment of Guizhou and Forestry College,
Research Center of Forest Ecology, Guizhou
University, Guiyang 550025, China
| | - Naureen Anwar
- Department
of Zoology, University of Narowal, Narowal, Punjab 51600, Pakistan
| | - Jixin Chen
- National
R&D Center for Se-rich Agricultural Products Processing, Hubei
Engineering Research Center for Deep Processing of Green Se-rich Agricultural
Products, School of Modern Industry for Selenium Science and Engineering, Wuhan Polytechnic University, Wuhan 430023, China
| | - Qiao Wu
- Wuhan
Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Science, Wuhan 430074, China
| | - Zhangqian Wang
- National
R&D Center for Se-rich Agricultural Products Processing, Hubei
Engineering Research Center for Deep Processing of Green Se-rich Agricultural
Products, School of Modern Industry for Selenium Science and Engineering, Wuhan Polytechnic University, Wuhan 430023, China
| | - Yi He
- National
R&D Center for Se-rich Agricultural Products Processing, Hubei
Engineering Research Center for Deep Processing of Green Se-rich Agricultural
Products, School of Modern Industry for Selenium Science and Engineering, Wuhan Polytechnic University, Wuhan 430023, China
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20
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Gupta MN, Uversky VN. Moonlighting enzymes: when cellular context defines specificity. Cell Mol Life Sci 2023; 80:130. [PMID: 37093283 PMCID: PMC11073002 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-023-04781-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2023] [Revised: 03/13/2023] [Accepted: 04/15/2023] [Indexed: 04/25/2023]
Abstract
It is not often realized that the absolute protein specificity is an exception rather than a rule. Two major kinds of protein multi-specificities are promiscuity and moonlighting. This review discusses the idea of enzyme specificity and then focusses on moonlighting. Some important examples of protein moonlighting, such as crystallins, ceruloplasmin, metallothioniens, macrophage migration inhibitory factor, and enzymes of carbohydrate metabolism are discussed. How protein plasticity and intrinsic disorder enable the removing the distinction between enzymes and other biologically active proteins are outlined. Finally, information on important roles of moonlighting in human diseases is updated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Munishwar Nath Gupta
- Department of Biochemical Engineering and Biotechnology, Indian Institute of Technology, Hauz Khas, New Delhi, 110016, India
| | - Vladimir N Uversky
- Department of Molecular Medicine and USF Health Byrd Alzheimer's Research Institute, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, 12901 Bruce B. Downs Blvd., MDC07, Tampa, FL, 33612-4799, USA.
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21
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Lee KY, Lee BJ. Dynamics-Based Regulatory Switches of Type II Antitoxins: Insights into New Antimicrobial Discovery. Antibiotics (Basel) 2023; 12:antibiotics12040637. [PMID: 37106997 PMCID: PMC10135005 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics12040637] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2023] [Revised: 03/20/2023] [Accepted: 03/22/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Type II toxin-antitoxin (TA) modules are prevalent in prokaryotes and are involved in cell maintenance and survival under harsh environmental conditions, including nutrient deficiency, antibiotic treatment, and human immune responses. Typically, the type II TA system consists of two protein components: a toxin that inhibits an essential cellular process and an antitoxin that neutralizes its toxicity. Antitoxins of type II TA modules typically contain the structured DNA-binding domain responsible for TA transcription repression and an intrinsically disordered region (IDR) at the C-terminus that directly binds to and neutralizes the toxin. Recently accumulated data have suggested that the antitoxin's IDRs exhibit variable degrees of preexisting helical conformations that stabilize upon binding to the corresponding toxin or operator DNA and function as a central hub in regulatory protein interaction networks of the type II TA system. However, the biological and pathogenic functions of the antitoxin's IDRs have not been well discussed compared with those of IDRs from the eukaryotic proteome. Here, we focus on the current state of knowledge about the versatile roles of IDRs of type II antitoxins in TA regulation and provide insights into the discovery of new antibiotic candidates that induce toxin activation/reactivation and cell death by modulating the regulatory dynamics or allostery of the antitoxin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ki-Young Lee
- College of Pharmacy and Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, CHA University, Pocheon-si 11160, Republic of Korea
| | - Bong-Jin Lee
- College of Pharmacy, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Republic of Korea
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22
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Gupta MN, Uversky VN. Pre-Molten, Wet, and Dry Molten Globules en Route to the Functional State of Proteins. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24032424. [PMID: 36768742 PMCID: PMC9916686 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24032424] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2022] [Revised: 01/23/2023] [Accepted: 01/23/2023] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Transitions between the unfolded and native states of the ordered globular proteins are accompanied by the accumulation of several intermediates, such as pre-molten globules, wet molten globules, and dry molten globules. Structurally equivalent conformations can serve as native functional states of intrinsically disordered proteins. This overview captures the characteristics and importance of these molten globules in both structured and intrinsically disordered proteins. It also discusses examples of engineered molten globules. The formation of these intermediates under conditions of macromolecular crowding and their interactions with nanomaterials are also reviewed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Munishwar Nath Gupta
- Department of Biochemical Engineering and Biotechnology, Indian Institute of Technology, Hauz Khas, New Delhi 110016, India
| | - Vladimir N. Uversky
- Department of Molecular Medicine and USF Health Byrd Alzheimer’s Research Institute, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL 33612, USA
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-813-494-5816
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23
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Li L, Ji J, Song F, Hu J. Intercellular Receptor-ligand Binding: Effect of Protein-membrane Interaction. J Mol Biol 2023; 435:167787. [PMID: 35952805 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmb.2022.167787] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2022] [Revised: 08/03/2022] [Accepted: 08/04/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Gaining insights into the intercellular receptor-ligand binding is of great importance for understanding numerous physiological and pathological processes, and stimulating new strategies in drug design and discovery. In contrast to the in vitro protein interaction in solution, the anchored receptor and ligand molecules interact with membrane in situ, which affects the intercellular receptor-ligand binding. Here, we review theoretical, simulation and experimental works regarding the regulatory effects of protein-membrane interactions on intercellular receptor-ligand binding mainly from the following aspects: membrane fluctuations, membrane curvature, glycocalyx, and lipid raft. In addition, we discuss biomedical significances and possible research directions to advance the field and highlight the importance of understanding of coupling effects of these factors in pharmaceutical development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Long Li
- Kuang Yaming Honors School and Institute for Brain Sciences, Nanjing University, 210023 Nanjing, China; State Key Laboratory of Nonlinear Mechanics and Beijing Key Laboratory of Engineered Construction and Mechanobiology, Institute of Mechanics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 100190 Beijing, China
| | - Jing Ji
- Key Laboratory of Biomechanics and Mechanobiology (Beihang University), Ministry of Education Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Biomedical Engineering School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Beihang University, Beijing 100083, China.
| | - Fan Song
- State Key Laboratory of Nonlinear Mechanics and Beijing Key Laboratory of Engineered Construction and Mechanobiology, Institute of Mechanics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 100190 Beijing, China; School of Engineering Science, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, 100049 Beijing, China
| | - Jinglei Hu
- Kuang Yaming Honors School and Institute for Brain Sciences, Nanjing University, 210023 Nanjing, China.
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24
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Zong W, Shao X, Li J, Chai Y, Hu X, Zhang X. Synthetic Intracellular Environments: From Basic Science to Applications. Anal Chem 2023; 95:535-549. [PMID: 36625127 DOI: 10.1021/acs.analchem.2c04199] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Wei Zong
- College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Qiqihar University, No. 42 Wenhua Street, Qiqihar161006, China
| | - Xiaotong Shao
- College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Qiqihar University, No. 42 Wenhua Street, Qiqihar161006, China
| | - Jinlong Li
- College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Qiqihar University, No. 42 Wenhua Street, Qiqihar161006, China.,Heilongjiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Catalytic Synthesis for Fine Chemicals, Qiqihar University, Qiqihar161006, China
| | - Yunhe Chai
- College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Qiqihar University, No. 42 Wenhua Street, Qiqihar161006, China
| | - Xinyu Hu
- Key Laboratory of Micro-Nano Optoelectronic Devices (Wenzhou), College of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Wenzhou University, Wenzhou325035, China
| | - Xunan Zhang
- College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Qiqihar University, No. 42 Wenhua Street, Qiqihar161006, China
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25
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Bai Q, Liu Z, Chen J, Liang D. Crowded Environment Regulates the Coacervation of Biopolymers via Nonspecific Interactions. Biomacromolecules 2023; 24:283-293. [PMID: 36511362 DOI: 10.1021/acs.biomac.2c01129] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
The membrane-less organelles (MLOs) with subcompartments are formed via liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS) in the crowded cell interior whose background molecules are up to 400 mg/mL. It is still a puzzle how the background molecules regulate the formation, dynamics, and functions of MLOs. Using biphasic coacervate droplets formed by poly(l-lysine) (PLL), quaternized dextran (Q-dextran), and single-stranded oligonucleotides (ss-oligo) as a model of MLO, we online monitored the LLPS process in Bovine Serine Albumin (BSA) solution up to 200.0 mg/mL. Negatively charged BSA is able to form complex or coacervate with positively charged PLL and Q-dextran and thus participates in the LLPS via nonspecific interactions. Results show that BSA effectively regulates the LLPS by controlling the phase distribution, morphologies, and kinetics. With increasing BSA concentration, the spherical biphasic droplets evolve in sequence into phase-inverted flower-like structure, worm-like chains, network structures, and confined coacervates. Each kind of morphology is formed via its own specific growth and fusion pathway. Our work suggests that MLOs could be controlled solely by the crowded environment and provides a further step toward understanding the life process in cell.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qingwen Bai
- Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences, Department of Polymer Science and Engineering and the Key Laboratory of Polymer Chemistry and Physics of the Ministry of Education, College of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, Peking University, Beijing100871, China
| | - Zhijun Liu
- Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences, Department of Polymer Science and Engineering and the Key Laboratory of Polymer Chemistry and Physics of the Ministry of Education, College of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, Peking University, Beijing100871, China
| | - Jiaxin Chen
- Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences, Department of Polymer Science and Engineering and the Key Laboratory of Polymer Chemistry and Physics of the Ministry of Education, College of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, Peking University, Beijing100871, China
| | - Dehai Liang
- Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences, Department of Polymer Science and Engineering and the Key Laboratory of Polymer Chemistry and Physics of the Ministry of Education, College of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, Peking University, Beijing100871, China
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26
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Raina N, Hassan MI, Ahmad F, Islam A, Singh AK. PEG mediated destabilization of holo α-lactalbumin probed by in silico and in vitro studies: deviation from excluded volume effect. J Biomol Struct Dyn 2022; 40:13265-13277. [PMID: 34726117 DOI: 10.1080/07391102.2021.1987990] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Crowded and confined macromolecular milieus surround proteins, and both are stabilizing if the nature of the interaction between crowder and proteins are considered hard-core repulsive interactions. However, non-specific chemical interactions between a protein and its surroundings also play a significant role and the sum effect of both hard-core repulsion and soft interaction balances the overall effect of crowding/confinement. Previous studies showing the effect of polyethylene glycol (PEG) on protein and nucleic acid may be interpreted as either primarily excluded volume effect or, in some cases, chemical effect by changing solvent properties. In case of destabilizing interactions, charge-charge and hydrophobic contact have to gain more attention. For instance, in vitro and in vivo studies using protein as crowding agent revealed the destabilization of proteins induced by charge-charge interactions. To investigate the effect of PEG 10 kDa on holo α-lactalbumin (holo α-LA), structure and thermal stability of the protein were measured at different pH values using several techniques. Structural characterization by Trp-fluorescence, near-UV CD and far-UV measurements at different pH values clearly shows perturbation of tertiary and secondary structure of holo α-LA by PEG 10 kDa. Furthermore, the dynamic light scattering measurement shows that the protein is homogeneous under all experimental conditions. Analysis of the heat-induced denaturation profile in the presence of the crowder shows destabilization of the protein in terms of Tm (midpoint of denaturation) and ΔGD0 (Gibbs free energy change at 25 °C). To evaluate the interaction of PEG 10 kDa with holo α-LA and stability of PEG-α-LA complex, docking and molecular dynamic simulation were carried out for 100 ns.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neha Raina
- Department of Biotechnology, Sharda University, Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh, India.,Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Basic Sciences, Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi, Delhi, India
| | - Md Imtaiyaz Hassan
- Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Basic Sciences, Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi, Delhi, India
| | - Faizan Ahmad
- Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Basic Sciences, Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi, Delhi, India
| | - Asimul Islam
- Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Basic Sciences, Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi, Delhi, India
| | - Amit Kumar Singh
- Department of Biotechnology, Sharda University, Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh, India
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27
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Balu R, Wanasingha N, Mata JP, Rekas A, Barrett S, Dumsday G, Thornton AW, Hill AJ, Roy Choudhury N, Dutta NK. Crowder-directed interactions and conformational dynamics in multistimuli-responsive intrinsically disordered protein. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2022; 8:eabq2202. [PMID: 36542701 PMCID: PMC9770960 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.abq2202] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2022] [Accepted: 11/17/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
The consequences of crowding on the dynamic conformational ensembles of intrinsically disordered proteins (IDPs) remain unresolved because of their ultrafast motion. Here, we report crowder-induced interactions and conformational dynamics of a prototypical multistimuli-responsive IDP, Rec1-resilin. The effects of a range of crowders of varying sizes, forms, topologies, and concentrations were examined using spectroscopic, spectrofluorimetric, and contrast-matching small- and ultrasmall-angle neutron scattering investigation. To achieve sufficient neutron contrast against the crowders, deuterium-labeled Rec1-resilin was biosynthesized successfully. Moreover, the ab initio "shape reconstruction" approach was used to obtain three-dimensional models of the conformational assemblies. The IDP revealed crowder-specific systematic extension and compaction with the level of macromolecular crowding. Last, a robust extension-contraction model has been postulated to capture the fundamental phenomena governing the observed behavior of IDPs. The study provides insights and fresh perspectives for understanding the interactions and structural dynamics of IDPs in crowded states.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rajkamal Balu
- Chemical and Environmental Engineering, School of Engineering, RMIT University, Melbourne, VIC 3000, Australia
| | - Nisal Wanasingha
- Chemical and Environmental Engineering, School of Engineering, RMIT University, Melbourne, VIC 3000, Australia
| | - Jitendra P. Mata
- Australian Center for Neutron Scattering, ANSTO, Lucas Heights, NSW 2234, Australia
| | - Agata Rekas
- National Deuteration Facility, ANSTO, Lucas Heights, NSW 2234, Australia
| | - Susan Barrett
- CSIRO Manufacturing, Bayview Avenue, Clayton, VIC 3168, Australia
| | - Geoff Dumsday
- CSIRO Manufacturing, Bayview Avenue, Clayton, VIC 3168, Australia
| | | | - Anita J. Hill
- CSIRO Manufacturing, Bayview Avenue, Clayton, VIC 3168, Australia
| | - Namita Roy Choudhury
- Chemical and Environmental Engineering, School of Engineering, RMIT University, Melbourne, VIC 3000, Australia
| | - Naba K. Dutta
- Chemical and Environmental Engineering, School of Engineering, RMIT University, Melbourne, VIC 3000, Australia
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Macromolecular crowding amplifies allosteric regulation of T-cell protein tyrosine phosphatase. J Biol Chem 2022; 298:102655. [PMID: 36328244 PMCID: PMC9720572 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2022.102655] [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: 08/10/2022] [Revised: 10/18/2022] [Accepted: 10/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
T-cell protein tyrosine phosphatase (TC-PTP) is a negative regulator of T-cell receptor and oncogenic receptor tyrosine kinase signaling and implicated in cancer and autoimmune disease. TC-PTP activity is modulated by an intrinsically disordered C-terminal region (IDR) and suppressed in cells under basal conditions. In vitro structural studies have shown that the dynamic reorganization of IDR around the catalytic domain, driven by electrostatic interactions, can lead to TC-PTP activity inhibition; however, the process has not been studied in cells. Here, by assessing a mutant (378KRKRPR383 mutated into 378EAAAPE383, called TC45E/A) with impaired tail-PTP domain interaction, we obtained evidence that the downmodulation of TC-PTP enzymatic activity by the IDR occurs in cells. However, we found that the regulation of TC-PTP by the IDR is only recapitulated in vitro when crowding polymers that mimic the intracellular environment are present in kinetic assays using a physiological phosphopeptide. Our FRET-based assays in vitro and in cells confirmed that the effect of the mutant correlates with an impairment of the intramolecular inhibitory remodeling of TC-PTP by the IDR. This work presents an early example of the allosteric regulation of a protein tyrosine phosphatase being controlled by the cellular environment and provides a framework for future studies and targeting of TC-PTP function.
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Meziadi A, Zuberi N, de Haan HW, Gauthier MA. Overcoming PEG─Protein Mutual Repulsion to Improve the Efficiency of PEGylation. Biomacromolecules 2022; 23:4948-4956. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.biomac.2c01192] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Ahlem Meziadi
- Institut National de la Recherche Scientifique (INRS), EMT Research Center, Varennes J3X 1S2, Quebec, Canada
| | - Navid Zuberi
- Institut National de la Recherche Scientifique (INRS), EMT Research Center, Varennes J3X 1S2, Quebec, Canada
| | - Hendrick W. de Haan
- Faculty of Science, University of Ontario Institute of Technology, Oshawa L1H 7K4, Ontario, Canada
| | - Marc A. Gauthier
- Institut National de la Recherche Scientifique (INRS), EMT Research Center, Varennes J3X 1S2, Quebec, Canada
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Laursen L, Inturi R, Østergaard S, Jemth P. Determinants of affinity, specificity, and phase separation in a supramodule from Post-synaptic density protein 95. iScience 2022; 25:105069. [PMID: 36157580 PMCID: PMC9490041 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2022.105069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2022] [Revised: 07/01/2022] [Accepted: 08/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
The post-synaptic density (PSD) is a phase-separated membraneless compartment of proteins including PSD-95 that undergoes morphological alteration in response to synaptic activity. Here, we investigated the interactome of a three-domain supramodule, PDZ3-SH3-GK (PSG) from PSD-95 using bioinformatics to identify potential binding partners, and biophysical methods to characterize the interaction with peptides from these proteins. PSG and the single PDZ3 domain bound similar peptides, but with different specificity. Furthermore, we found that the protein ADGRB1 formed liquid droplets with the PSG supramodule, extending the model for PSD formation. Moreover, certain mutations, introduced outside of the binding pocket in PDZ3, increased the affinity and specificity of the interaction and the size of liquid droplets. Other mutations within the ligand binding pocket lead to a new binding motif specificity. Our results show how the context in terms of supertertiary structure modulates affinity, specificity, and phase separation, and how these properties can evolve by point mutation. Identification of potential binding partners for PSD-95 in the post-synaptic density ADGRB1 and PSD-95 undergo liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS) Single domain PDZ3 cannot induce LLPS and binds weakly to ADGRB1 and SynGap Supertertiary structure alters the affinity, specificity, and phase separation
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Affiliation(s)
- Louise Laursen
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Microbiology, Uppsala University, BMC Box 582, 75123 Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Raviteja Inturi
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Microbiology, Uppsala University, BMC Box 582, 75123 Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Søren Østergaard
- Global Research Technology, Novo Nordisk A/S, Novo Nordisk Research Park, 2760 Maalov, Denmark
| | - Per Jemth
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Microbiology, Uppsala University, BMC Box 582, 75123 Uppsala, Sweden
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31
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Raina N, Khan S, Soundhararajan R, Shahid M, Srinivasan H, Islam A. Understanding the nano colloid-protein interaction in crowded milieu. J Mol Liq 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.molliq.2022.119794] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
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32
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Kusova AM, Sitnitsky AE, Uversky VN, Zuev YF. Effect of Protein–Protein Interactions on Translational Diffusion of Spheroidal Proteins. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23169240. [PMID: 36012504 PMCID: PMC9409276 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23169240] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2022] [Revised: 08/08/2022] [Accepted: 08/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
One of the commonly accepted approaches to estimate protein–protein interactions (PPI) in aqueous solutions is the analysis of their translational diffusion. The present review article observes a phenomenological approach to analyze PPI effects via concentration dependencies of self- and collective translational diffusion coefficient for several spheroidal proteins derived from the pulsed field gradient NMR (PFG NMR) and dynamic light scattering (DLS), respectively. These proteins are rigid globular α-chymotrypsin (ChTr) and human serum albumin (HSA), and partly disordered α-casein (α-CN) and β-lactoglobulin (β-Lg). The PPI analysis enabled us to reveal the dominance of intermolecular repulsion at low ionic strength of solution (0.003–0.01 M) for all studied proteins. The increase in the ionic strength to 0.1–1.0 M leads to the screening of protein charges, resulting in the decrease of the protein electrostatic potential. The increase of the van der Waals potential for ChTr and α-CN characterizes their propensity towards unstable weak attractive interactions. The decrease of van der Waals interactions for β-Lg is probably associated with the formation of stable oligomers by this protein. The PPI, estimated with the help of interaction potential and idealized spherical molecular geometry, are in good agreement with experimental data.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aleksandra M. Kusova
- Kazan Institute of Biochemistry and Biophysics, FRC Kazan Scientific Center, Russian Academy of Sciences, Lobachevsky Str., 2/31, 420111 Kazan, Russia
| | - Aleksandr E. Sitnitsky
- Kazan Institute of Biochemistry and Biophysics, FRC Kazan Scientific Center, Russian Academy of Sciences, Lobachevsky Str., 2/31, 420111 Kazan, Russia
| | - Vladimir N. Uversky
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Byrd Alzheimer’s Research Institute, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, 12901 Bruce B. Downs Blvd., MDC07, Tampa, FL 33612, USA
| | - Yuriy F. Zuev
- Kazan Institute of Biochemistry and Biophysics, FRC Kazan Scientific Center, Russian Academy of Sciences, Lobachevsky Str., 2/31, 420111 Kazan, Russia
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +7-(843)-2319036
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Koehler TJ, Tran T, Weingartner KA, Kavran JM. Kinetic Regulation of the Mammalian Sterile 20-like Kinase 2 (MST2). Biochemistry 2022; 61:1683-1693. [PMID: 35895874 PMCID: PMC10167949 DOI: 10.1021/acs.biochem.2c00022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Canonically, MST1/2 functions as a core kinase of the Hippo pathway and noncanonically during both apoptotic signaling and with RASSFs in T-cells. Faithful signal transduction by MST1/2 relies on both appropriate activation and regulated substrate phosphorylation by the activated kinase. Considerable progress has been made in understanding the molecular mechanisms regulating the activation of MST1/2 and identifying downstream signaling events. Here, we investigated the ability of MST2 to phosphorylate a peptide substrate and how that activity is regulated. Using a steady-state kinetic system, we parse the contribution of different factors to substrate phosphorylation, including the domains of MST2, phosphorylation, caspase cleavage, and complex formation. We found that in the unphosphorylated state, the SARAH domain stabilizes interactions with a peptide substrate and promotes turnover. Phosphorylation drives the activity of MST2, and once activated, MST2 is not further regulated by complex formation with other Hippo pathway components (SAV1, MOB1A, and RASSF5). We also show that the phosphorylated, caspase-cleaved MST2 is as active as the full-length one, suggesting that caspase-stimulated activity arises through noncatalytic mechanisms. The kinetic analysis presented here establishes a framework for interpreting how signaling events and post-translational modifications contribute to the signaling of MST2 in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas J Koehler
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland 21205, United States
| | - Thao Tran
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland 21205, United States
| | - Kyler A Weingartner
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland 21205, United States
| | - Jennifer M Kavran
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland 21205, United States.,Department of Biophysics and Biophysical Chemistry, School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland 21205, United States.,Department of Oncology, School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland 21205, United States
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34
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Chan KWY, Navi M, Kieda J, Moran T, Hammers D, Lee S, Tsai SSH. Phase transition modulation and biophysical characterization of biomolecular condensates using microfluidics. LAB ON A CHIP 2022; 22:2647-2656. [PMID: 35616128 DOI: 10.1039/d2lc00037g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
Membraneless organelles (MLOs) formed through liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS) are becoming increasingly relevant to understanding viral-host interactions, neurodegenerative disease, and cancer. The modulation of LLPS involves many parameters and components. To describe these modulators, typical in vitro studies require laborious, manual sample preparation of different concentrations and costly biological reagents. Here, we introduce a minimal reagent, microfluidic platform to systematically generate samples of different concentrations and trigger phase separation. We demonstrate the platform's utility by constructing phase diagrams describing the modulation of LLPS using an aqueous two-phase system (ATPS) and an MLO-based phase separating system. We also show on-chip biophysical characterization typical of in vitro studies. We expect that this platform will be utilized by scientists to study the growing number of MLOs and inform clinical treatments for pathology related to LLPS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katherine W Y Chan
- Graduate Program in Biomedical Engineering, Ryerson University, Toronto M5B 2K3, Canada.
- Keenan Research Centre for Biomedical Science, St. Michael's Hospital, Toronto M5B 2K3, Canada
- Institute for Biomedical Engineering, Science, and Technology (iBEST) - A partnership between Ryerson University and St. Michael's Hospital, Toronto M5B 1W8, Canada
| | - Maryam Navi
- Graduate Program in Biomedical Engineering, Ryerson University, Toronto M5B 2K3, Canada.
- Keenan Research Centre for Biomedical Science, St. Michael's Hospital, Toronto M5B 2K3, Canada
- Institute for Biomedical Engineering, Science, and Technology (iBEST) - A partnership between Ryerson University and St. Michael's Hospital, Toronto M5B 1W8, Canada
| | - Jennifer Kieda
- Graduate Program in Biomedical Engineering, Ryerson University, Toronto M5B 2K3, Canada.
- Keenan Research Centre for Biomedical Science, St. Michael's Hospital, Toronto M5B 2K3, Canada
- Institute for Biomedical Engineering, Science, and Technology (iBEST) - A partnership between Ryerson University and St. Michael's Hospital, Toronto M5B 1W8, Canada
| | - Thomas Moran
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, Indiana 46556, USA
| | - Daniel Hammers
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, Indiana 46556, USA
- Eck Institute for Global Health, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, Indiana 46556, USA
| | - Shaun Lee
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, Indiana 46556, USA
- Eck Institute for Global Health, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, Indiana 46556, USA
- Institution for Precision Health, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, Indiana 46556, USA
| | - Scott S H Tsai
- Graduate Program in Biomedical Engineering, Ryerson University, Toronto M5B 2K3, Canada.
- Keenan Research Centre for Biomedical Science, St. Michael's Hospital, Toronto M5B 2K3, Canada
- Institute for Biomedical Engineering, Science, and Technology (iBEST) - A partnership between Ryerson University and St. Michael's Hospital, Toronto M5B 1W8, Canada
- Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, Ryerson University, Toronto M5B 2K3, Canada
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35
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Yao Y, Wang W, Chen C. Mechanisms of phase-separation-mediated cGAS activation revealed by dcFCCS. PNAS NEXUS 2022; 1:pgac109. [PMID: 36741445 PMCID: PMC9896928 DOI: 10.1093/pnasnexus/pgac109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2022] [Accepted: 07/02/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Cyclic GMP-AMP synthase (cGAS), as a DNA sensor, plays an important role in cGAS-STING pathway, which further induces expression of type I interferon as the innate immune response. Previous studies reported that liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS) driven by cGAS and long DNA is essential to promote catalytic activity of cGAS to produce a second messenger, cyclic GMP-AMP (cGAMP). However, the molecular mechanism of LLPS promoting cGAS activity is still unclear. Here, we applied dual-color fluorescence cross-correlation spectroscopy (dcFCCS), a highly sensitive and quantitative method, to characterize phase separation driven by cGAS and DNA from miscible individual molecule to micronscale. Thus, we captured nanoscale condensates formed by cGAS at close-to-physiological concentration and quantified their sizes, molecular compositions and binding affinities within condensates. Our results pinpointed that interactions between DNA and cGAS at DNA binding sites A, B, and C and the dimerization of cGAS are the fundamental molecular basis to fully activate cGAS in vitro. Due to weak binding constants of these sites, endogenous cGAS cannot form stable interactions at these sites, leading to no activity in the absence of LLPS. Phase separation of cGAS and DNA enriches cGAS and DNA by 2 to 3 orders of magnitude to facilitate these interactions among cGAS and DNA and to promote cGAS activity as an on/off switch. Our discoveries not only shed lights on the molecular mechanisms of phase-separation-mediated cGAS activation, but also guided us to engineer a cGAS fusion, which can be activated by 15 bp short DNA without LLPS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yirong Yao
- School of Life Sciences, Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Structural Biology, Beijing Frontier Research Center of Biological Structure, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China
| | - Wenjuan Wang
- School of Life Sciences, Technology Center for Protein Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China
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36
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Irukuvajjula SS, Reddy JG, Vadrevu R. Crowding by Poly(ethylene glycol) Destabilizes Chemotaxis Protein Y (CheY). Biochemistry 2022; 61:1431-1443. [PMID: 35796609 DOI: 10.1021/acs.biochem.2c00030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
The prevailing understanding of various aspects of biochemical processes, including folding, stability, intermolecular interactions, and the binding of metals, substrates, and inhibitors, is derived from studies carried out under dilute and homogeneous conditions devoid of a crowding-related environment. The effect of crowding-induced modulation on the structure and stability of native and magnesium-dependent Chemotaxis Y (CheY), a bacterial signaling protein, was probed in the presence and absence of poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG). A combined analysis from circular dichroism, intrinsic and extrinsic fluorescence, and tryptophan fluorescence lifetime changes indicates that PEG perturbs the structure but leaves the thermal stability largely unchanged. Intriguingly, while the stability of the protein is enhanced in the presence of magnesium under dilute buffer conditions, PEG-induced crowding leads to reduced thermal stability in the presence of magnesium. Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) chemical shift perturbations and resonance broadening for a subset of residues indicate that PEG interacts specifically with a subset of hydrophilic and hydrophobic residues found predominantly in α helices, β strands, and in the vicinity of the metal-binding region. Thus, PEG prompted conformational perturbation, presumably provides a different situation for magnesium interaction, thereby perturbing the magnesium-prompted stability. In summary, our results highlight the dominance of enthalpic contributions between PEG and CheY via both hydrophilic and hydrophobic interactions, which can subtly affect the conformation, modulating the metal-protein interaction and stability, implying that in the context of cellular situation, structure, stability, and magnesium binding thermodynamics of CheY may be different from those measured in dilute solution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shivkumar Sharma Irukuvajjula
- Department of Biological Sciences, Birla Institute of Technology & Science─Pilani, Hyderabad Campus, Jawahar Nagar, Shamirpet, Hyderabad 500078, India
| | - Jithender G Reddy
- NMR Division, Department of Analytical & Structural Chemistry, CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Technology, Ministry of Science and Technology, Uppal Road, Tarnaka, Hyderabad 500007, India
| | - Ramakrishna Vadrevu
- Department of Biological Sciences, Birla Institute of Technology & Science─Pilani, Hyderabad Campus, Jawahar Nagar, Shamirpet, Hyderabad 500078, India
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37
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Oliva R, Niccoli M, Castronuovo G. Binding and Stability Properties of PEG2000 to Globular Proteins: the Case of Lysozyme. J Mol Liq 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.molliq.2022.119514] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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38
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Rastogi H, Chowdhury PK. Correlating the Local and Global Dynamics of an Enzyme in the Crowded Milieu. J Phys Chem B 2022; 126:3208-3223. [PMID: 35442681 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jpcb.1c09759] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Enzymes are dynamic biological macromolecules, with their catalytic function(s) being largely influenced by the changes in local fluctuations of amino acid side chains as well as global structural modulations that the enzyme undergoes. Such local and global motions can be highly affected inside the crowded physiological interior of the cell. Here, we have addressed the role of dynamic structural flexibility in affecting the activation energy barrier of a flexible multidomain enzyme adenylate kinase (AK3L1, UniProtKB: Q9UIJ7). Activation energy profiles of both local (at three different sites along the polypeptide backbone) and global dynamics of the enzyme have been monitored using solvation studies on the subnanosecond time scale and tryptophan quenching studies over the temperature range of 278-323 K, respectively, under crowded conditions (Ficoll 70, Dextran 40, Dextran 70, and PEG 8). This study not only provides the site-specific mapping of dynamics but reveals that the activation energies associated with these local motions undergo a significant decrease in the presence of macromolecular crowders, providing new insights into how crowding affects internal protein dynamics. The crowded scenario also aids in enhancing the coupling between the local and global motions of the enzyme. Moreover, select portions/regions of the enzyme when taken together can well mirror the overall dynamics of the biomolecule, showing possible energy hotspots along the polypeptide backbone.
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Affiliation(s)
- Harshita Rastogi
- Department of Chemistry, Indian Institute of Technology Delhi, Hauz Khas, New Delhi, India 110016
| | - Pramit K Chowdhury
- Department of Chemistry, Indian Institute of Technology Delhi, Hauz Khas, New Delhi, India 110016
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39
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Yu X, Zhou L, Wang G, Wang L, Dou H. Hierarchical Structures in Macromolecule-assembled Synthetic Cells. Macromol Rapid Commun 2022; 43:e2100926. [PMID: 35445490 DOI: 10.1002/marc.202100926] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2021] [Revised: 04/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
Various models of synthetic cells have been developed as researchers have sought to explore the origin of life. Based on the fact that structural complexity is the foundation of higher-order functions, this review will focus on hierarchical structures in synthetic cell models that are inspired by living systems, in which macromolecules are the dominant participants. We discuss the underlying advantages and functions provided by biomimetic higher-order structures from four perspectives, including hierarchical structures in membranes, in the composite construction of membrane-coated artificial cytoplasm, in organelle-like subcellular compartments, as well as in synthetic cell-cell assembled synthetic tissues. In parallel, various feasible driving forces and approaches for the fabrication of such higher-order structures are showcased. Furthermore, we highlight both the implemented and potential applications of biomimetic systems, bottom-up biosynthesis, biomedical tissue engineering, and disease therapy. This thriving field is gradually narrowing the gap between fundamental research and applied science. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaolei Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Metal Matrix Composites, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200240, P. R. China
| | - Long Zhou
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, No. 85 Wujin Road, Shanghai, 200080, P. R. China
| | - Gangyang Wang
- Gangyang Wang, Department of Orthopaedics, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, No. 85 Wujin Road, Shanghai, 200080, P. R. China
| | - Lei Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Metal Matrix Composites, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200240, P. R. China
| | - Hongjing Dou
- State Key Laboratory of Metal Matrix Composites, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200240, P. R. China
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Rajendran D, Mitra S, Oikawa H, Madhurima K, Sekhar A, Takahashi S, Naganathan AN. Quantification of Entropic Excluded Volume Effects Driving Crowding-Induced Collapse and Folding of a Disordered Protein. J Phys Chem Lett 2022; 13:3112-3120. [PMID: 35357183 PMCID: PMC7612738 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jpclett.2c00316] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/08/2023]
Abstract
We investigate the conformational properties of the intrinsically disordered DNA-binding domain of CytR in the presence of the polymeric crowder polyethylene glycol (PEG). Integrating circular dichroism, nuclear magnetic resonance, and single-molecule Förster resonance energy transfer measurements, we demonstrate that disordered CytR populates a well-folded minor conformation in its native ensemble, while the unfolded ensemble collapses and folds with an increase in crowder density independent of the crowder size. Employing a statistical-mechanical model, the effective reduction in the accessible conformational space of a residue in the unfolded state is estimated to be 10% at 300 mg/mL PEG8000, relative to dilute conditions. The experimentally consistent PEG-temperature phase diagram thus constructed reveals that entropic effects can stabilize disordered CytR by 10 kJ mol-1, driving the equilibrium toward folded conformations under physiological conditions. Our work highlights the malleable conformational landscape of CytR, the presence of a folded conformation in the disordered ensemble, and proposes a scaling relation for quantifying excluded volume effects on protein stability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Divya Rajendran
- Department of Biotechnology, Bhupat & Jyoti Mehta School of Biosciences, Indian Institute of Technology Madras, Chennai 600036, India
| | - Shrutarshi Mitra
- Institute of Multidisciplinary Research for Advanced Materials, Tohoku University, Katahira 2-1-1, Aoba-ku, Sendai 980-8577, Japan
- Department of Chemistry, Graduate School of Science, Tohoku University, Sendai 980-8578, Japan
| | - Hiroyuki Oikawa
- Institute of Multidisciplinary Research for Advanced Materials, Tohoku University, Katahira 2-1-1, Aoba-ku, Sendai 980-8577, Japan
- Department of Chemistry, Graduate School of Science, Tohoku University, Sendai 980-8578, Japan
| | - Kulkarni Madhurima
- Molecular Biophysics Unit, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore 560012, India
| | - Ashok Sekhar
- Molecular Biophysics Unit, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore 560012, India
| | - Satoshi Takahashi
- Institute of Multidisciplinary Research for Advanced Materials, Tohoku University, Katahira 2-1-1, Aoba-ku, Sendai 980-8577, Japan
- Department of Chemistry, Graduate School of Science, Tohoku University, Sendai 980-8578, Japan
| | - Athi N Naganathan
- Department of Biotechnology, Bhupat & Jyoti Mehta School of Biosciences, Indian Institute of Technology Madras, Chennai 600036, India
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Nagano H, Mannen T, Kikuchi Y, Shiraki K. Solution design to extend the pH range of the pH-responsive precipitation of a CspB fusion protein. Protein Expr Purif 2022; 195-196:106091. [PMID: 35338005 DOI: 10.1016/j.pep.2022.106091] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2021] [Revised: 03/08/2022] [Accepted: 03/18/2022] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Cell surface protein B (CspB) from Corynebacterium glutamicum has been developed as a reversible pH-responsive tag for protein purification. CspB fusion proteins precipitate at acidic pH, after that they completely dissolve at neutral pH. This property has been used in a non-chromatographic protein purification method named pH-responsive Precipitation-Redissolution of CspB tag Purification (pPRCP). However, it is difficult to apply pPRCP to proteins that are unstable under acidic conditions. In an effort to shift the precipitation pH to a milder range, we investigated the solution conditions of CspB-fused Teriparatide (CspB50TEV-Teriparatide) during the process of pH-responsive precipitation using pPRCP. The purified CspB50TEV-Teriparatide in buffer without additives precipitated at pH 5.3. By contrast, CspB50TEV-Teriparatide in buffer with 0.5 M Na2SO4 precipitated at pH 6.6 because of the kosmotropic effect. Interestingly, the pH at which precipitation occurred was independent of the protein concentration. The precipitated CspB50TEV-Teriparatide was fully redissolved at above pH 8.0 in the presence or absence of salt. The discovery that proteins can be precipitated at a mild pH will allow pPRCP to be applied to acid-sensitive proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hayato Nagano
- Research Institute for Bioscience Product & Fine Chemicals, Ajinomoto Co, Inc., 1-1, Suzuki-cho, Kawasaki, 2108681, Japan; Faculty of Pure and Applied Sciences, University of Tsukuba, 1-1-1 Tennodai, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, 305-8573, Japan.
| | - Teruhisa Mannen
- Research Institute for Bioscience Product & Fine Chemicals, Ajinomoto Co, Inc., 1-1, Suzuki-cho, Kawasaki, 2108681, Japan
| | - Yoshimi Kikuchi
- Research Institute for Bioscience Product & Fine Chemicals, Ajinomoto Co, Inc., 1-1, Suzuki-cho, Kawasaki, 2108681, Japan
| | - Kentaro Shiraki
- Faculty of Pure and Applied Sciences, University of Tsukuba, 1-1-1 Tennodai, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, 305-8573, Japan.
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42
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Beltrán HI, Alas-Guardado SJ, González-Pérez PP. Improving coarse-grained models of protein folding through weighting of polar-polar/hydrophobic-hydrophobic interactions into crowded spaces. J Mol Model 2022; 28:87. [PMID: 35262807 DOI: 10.1007/s00894-022-05071-5] [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: 05/26/2021] [Accepted: 02/26/2022] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Herein were tested 7 hydrophobic-polar sequences in two types of 2D-square space lattices, homogeneous and correlated, the latter simulating molecular crowding included as a geometric boundary restriction. Optimization of 2D structures was carried out using a variant of Dill's model, inspired by convex function, taking into account both hydrophobic (Dill's model) and polar interactions, including more structural information to reach better folding solutions. While using correlated networks, degrees of freedom in the folding of sequences were limited; as a result in all cases, more successful structural trials were found in comparison to a homogeneous lattice. The majority of employed sequences were designed by our workgroup, two of them were folded with other approaches, and another is a modified version of a previous sequence, initial forms of the other two have been employed but without taking into account polar-polar contributions. Three of them are newly proposed, intended to test the conjoint hydrophobic-hydrophobic and polar-polar contributions in crowded spaces. One sequence turned out to be the most difficult of the seven folded, this perhaps due to intrinsic (i) degrees of freedom and (ii) motifs of the expected 2D HP structure. Meanwhile two-sequence, although optimal folding was not achieved for neither of the two approaches, folding with correlated network approach not only produced better results than homogeneous space, but for them the best values found with crowding were very close to the expected optimal fitness. In general, five sequences were better folded with medium lattice units for correlated media; instead, another two sequences were better folded with a bit larger degree of lattice unit, revealing that depending on the degrees of freedom and particular folding, motifs in each sequence would require tuned crowding to achieve better folding. Therefore, the main goal herein was to obtain a modified 2D HP lattice model to mimic folding of proteins or secondary structures, like β-sheets, taking into account both hydrophobic-hydrophobic and polar-polar interactions, and fold them in a crowded environment. This simple but enough construction would be conducted to determine the needed information to fold sequences in a sort of a minimal but complete heuristic model. Finally, we claim that all folded sequences into crowded spaces achieve better results than homogeneous ones.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hiram Isaac Beltrán
- Departamento de Ciencias Básicas, Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana, Unidad Azcapotzalco, CDMX 02200, Mexico, Mexico
| | - Salomón J Alas-Guardado
- Departamento de Ciencias Naturales, Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana Unidad Cuajimalpa, CDMX 05300, Mexico, Mexico.
| | - Pedro Pablo González-Pérez
- Departamento de Matemáticas Aplicadas y Sistemas, Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana, Unidad Cuajimalpa, CDMX 05300, Mexico, Mexico.
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43
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Wang Z, Lou J, Zhang H. Essence determines phenomenon: Assaying the material properties of biological condensates. J Biol Chem 2022; 298:101782. [PMID: 35245500 PMCID: PMC8958544 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2022.101782] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2021] [Revised: 02/16/2022] [Accepted: 02/17/2022] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Intracellular spaces are partitioned into separate compartments to ensure that numerous biochemical reactions and cellular functions take place in a spatiotemporally controlled manner. Biomacromolecules including proteins and RNAs undergo liquid–liquid phase separation and subsequent phase transition to form biological condensates with diverse material states. The material/physical properties of biological condensates are crucial for fulfilling their distinct physiological functions, and abnormal material properties can cause deleterious effects under pathological conditions. Here, we review recent studies showing the role of the material properties of biological condensates in their physiological functions. We also summarize several classic methods as well as newly emerging techniques for characterization and/or measurement of the material properties of biological condensates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zheng Wang
- National Laboratory of Biomacromolecules, CAS Center for Excellence in Biomacromolecules, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.
| | - Jizhong Lou
- Key Laboratory of RNA Biology, CAS Center for Excellence in Biomacromolecules, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China; College of Life Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.
| | - Hong Zhang
- National Laboratory of Biomacromolecules, CAS Center for Excellence in Biomacromolecules, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China; Key Laboratory of RNA Biology, CAS Center for Excellence in Biomacromolecules, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.
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44
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Basu M, Mishra PP. Kineto-Mechanistic Investigation of Effect of Macromolecular Crowding on the Breathing of DNA Bubble. J Phys Chem B 2022; 126:1375-1387. [PMID: 35143192 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jpcb.1c08206] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Macromolecular crowding along with hydrogen bonding or stacking interactions and hydration reportedly has enormous repercussions on elementary biochemical processes, such as the folding of proteins or nucleic acids involving the stability of DNA base pairing. By using the mismatch-induced DNA bubble as a mesoscopic model, the complex interplay of macromolecular crowding on the dynamical fluctuations at the bubble region within the thermodynamic limit has been monitored using single-molecule fluorescence resonance energy transfer (sm-FRET). These single-molecule experimental results have been further corroborated using physical models such as "scaled particle theory" (SPT) and "Gaussian cloud model" (GCM), to predict the biological activity of DNA. The two-state fluctuation of the DNA bubble has been visualized as a function of the nature, size, and concentration of the crowder. The influence of crowders on the DNA conformation has been investigated with the help of the m-factor, the eccentricity, and the kinetic and thermodynamic parameters without any prior assumption. The clear effect of crowding on the dynamics of such a simple biomolecular system emphasizes the power of single-molecule methods and the dependency of the radius of gyration of the co-solute as well as the preferential interaction with the crowder on the distinct conformational states adopted by the bubble. This study provides an idea and hypothesizes the preferential propensity of the DNA bubble to adopt a conformation with the single-stranded domains being far apart, independent of the crowder size, that may be beneficial for efficient recognition by proteins for an uninterrupted procession of the biological process of the central dogma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manali Basu
- Single Molecule Biophysics Lab, Chemical Sciences Division, Saha Institute of Nuclear Physics, 1/AF Bidhannagar, Kolkata 700064, India.,Homi Bhaba National Institute, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400094, India
| | - Padmaja Prasad Mishra
- Single Molecule Biophysics Lab, Chemical Sciences Division, Saha Institute of Nuclear Physics, 1/AF Bidhannagar, Kolkata 700064, India.,Homi Bhaba National Institute, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400094, India
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45
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Gupta M, Chowdhury PK. Protein dynamics as a sensor for macromolecular crowding: Insights into mixed crowding. J Mol Liq 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.molliq.2021.117969] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
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46
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Leroux M, Soubry N, Reyes-Lamothe R. Dynamics of Proteins and Macromolecular Machines in Escherichia coli. EcoSal Plus 2021; 9:eESP00112020. [PMID: 34060908 PMCID: PMC11163846 DOI: 10.1128/ecosalplus.esp-0011-2020] [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: 01/25/2021] [Accepted: 03/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Proteins are major contributors to the composition and the functions in the cell. They often assemble into larger structures, macromolecular machines, to carry out intricate essential functions. Although huge progress in understanding how macromolecular machines function has been made by reconstituting them in vitro, the role of the intracellular environment is still emerging. The development of fluorescence microscopy techniques in the last 2 decades has allowed us to obtain an increased understanding of proteins and macromolecular machines in cells. Here, we describe how proteins move by diffusion, how they search for their targets, and how they are affected by the intracellular environment. We also describe how proteins assemble into macromolecular machines and provide examples of how frequent subunit turnover is used for them to function and to respond to changes in the intracellular conditions. This review emphasizes the constant movement of molecules in cells, the stochastic nature of reactions, and the dynamic nature of macromolecular machines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maxime Leroux
- Department of Biology, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Nicolas Soubry
- Department of Biology, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
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47
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Gao Z, Zhang W, Chang R, Zhang S, Yang G, Zhao G. Liquid-Liquid Phase Separation: Unraveling the Enigma of Biomolecular Condensates in Microbial Cells. Front Microbiol 2021; 12:751880. [PMID: 34759902 PMCID: PMC8573418 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2021.751880] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2021] [Accepted: 09/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Numerous examples of microbial phase-separated biomolecular condensates have now been identified following advances in fluorescence imaging and single molecule microscopy technologies. The structure, function, and potential applications of these microbial condensates are currently receiving a great deal of attention. By neatly compartmentalizing proteins and their interactors in membrane-less organizations while maintaining free communication between these macromolecules and the external environment, microbial cells are able to achieve enhanced metabolic efficiency. Typically, these condensates also possess the ability to rapidly adapt to internal and external changes. The biological functions of several phase-separated condensates in small bacterial cells show evolutionary convergence with the biological functions of their eukaryotic paralogs. Artificial microbial membrane-less organelles are being constructed with application prospects in biocatalysis, biosynthesis, and biomedicine. In this review, we provide an overview of currently known biomolecular condensates driven by liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS) in microbial cells, and we elaborate on their biogenesis mechanisms and biological functions. Additionally, we highlight the major challenges and future research prospects in studying microbial LLPS.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Guiwen Yang
- College of Life Science, Shandong Normal University, Jinan, China
| | - Guoyan Zhao
- College of Life Science, Shandong Normal University, Jinan, China
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48
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Benington LR, Rajan G, Locher C, Lim LY. Stabilisation of Recombinant Human Basic Fibroblast Growth Factor (FGF-2) against Stressors Encountered in Medicinal Product Processing and Evaluation. Pharmaceutics 2021; 13:pharmaceutics13111762. [PMID: 34834177 PMCID: PMC8624598 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics13111762] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2021] [Revised: 10/11/2021] [Accepted: 10/19/2021] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Basic fibroblast growth factor (FGF-2) is a highly labile protein with strong potential for tissue engineering. The aim of this study was to develop FGF-2 formulations that are stable against physical stressors encountered in pharmaceutical processing and evaluation. Pharmaceutical excipients, alone or in combination, were added to aqueous FGF-2 (770 ng/mL) solution and the stability of the resulting solutions on storage at 4–37 °C was evaluated. Stability of the solutions to repeated freeze-thaw cycles and lyophilisation was also evaluated, as well as the stability of the lyophilised stabilised protein to storage at −4, 4 and 18 °C for up to 12 months. In all of these experiments FGF-2 was quantified by ELISA assay. The as-received FGF-2, when dissolved in water, was highly unstable, retaining only 50% of baseline protein content after 30 min at 37 °C or 1 h at 25 °C. By contrast, FGF-2 solutions prepared with 0.5% w/v methylcellulose (MC) and 20 mM alanine (formulation F5) or with 0.5% w/v MC and 1 mg/mL human serum albumin (HSA) (formulation F6) were highly stable, having residual FGF-2 content comparable to baseline levels even after 2 h at 37 °C and 5 h at 25 °C. F5 and F6 were also highly stable to repeated freeze-thaw cycles, with >99% of FGF-2 load remaining after the third cycle. In addition, F5 and F6 were stable to lyophilisation, and the lyophilised products could be stored at −4, 4 or 18 °C for at least 12 months, with less than 1% loss in mean FGF-2 content. Thus, FGF-2 solution is effectively stabilised against both thermal and processing stressors in the presence of MC and alanine (F5), or MC and HSA (F6). The resultant FGF-2 solutions may be applied as medicinal products or further processed into more advanced medicinal products, e.g., scaffolds, for wound healing and tissue regeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leah R. Benington
- Division of Pharmacy, School of Allied Health, University of Western Australia, Perth 6009, Australia; (L.R.B.); (C.L.)
| | - Gunesh Rajan
- Otolaryngology, Head & Neck Surgery, Division of Surgery, Medical School, University of Western Australia, Perth 6009, Australia;
- Department of Otolaryngology, Head & Neck Surgery, Luzerner Kantonsspital, 6000 Luzern, Switzerland
| | - Cornelia Locher
- Division of Pharmacy, School of Allied Health, University of Western Australia, Perth 6009, Australia; (L.R.B.); (C.L.)
| | - Lee Yong Lim
- Division of Pharmacy, School of Allied Health, University of Western Australia, Perth 6009, Australia; (L.R.B.); (C.L.)
- Correspondence:
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49
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Vezeau GE, Salis HM. Tuning Cell-Free Composition Controls the Time Delay, Dynamics, and Productivity of TX-TL Expression. ACS Synth Biol 2021; 10:2508-2519. [PMID: 34498860 DOI: 10.1021/acssynbio.1c00136] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
The composition of cell-free expression systems (TX-TL) is adjusted by adding macromolecular crowding agents and salts. However, the effects of these cosolutes on the dynamics of individual gene expression processes have not been quantified. Here, we carry out kinetic mRNA and protein level measurements on libraries of genetic constructs using the common cosolutes PEG-8000, Ficoll-400, and magnesium glutamate. By combining these measurements with biophysical modeling, we show that cosolutes have differing effects on transcription initiation, translation initiation, and translation elongation rates with trade-offs between time delays, expression tunability, and maximum expression productivity. We also confirm that biophysical models can predict translation initiation rates in TX-TL using Escherichia coli lysate. We discuss how cosolute composition can be tuned to maximize performance across different cell-free applications, including biosensing, diagnostics, and biomanufacturing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Grace E. Vezeau
- Department of Biological Engineering, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania 16802, United States
| | - Howard M. Salis
- Department of Biological Engineering, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania 16802, United States
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania 16802, United States
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50
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Köhn B, Schwarz P, Wittung-Stafshede P, Kovermann M. Impact of crowded environments on binding between protein and single-stranded DNA. Sci Rep 2021; 11:17682. [PMID: 34480058 PMCID: PMC8417293 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-97219-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2021] [Accepted: 08/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
The concept of Molecular Crowding depicts the high density of diverse molecules present in the cellular interior. Here, we determine the impact of low molecular weight and larger molecules on binding capacity of single-stranded DNA (ssDNA) to the cold shock protein B (CspB). Whereas structural features of ssDNA-bound CspB are fully conserved in crowded environments as probed by high-resolution NMR spectroscopy, intrinsic fluorescence quenching experiments reveal subtle changes in equilibrium affinity. Kinetic stopped-flow data showed that DNA-to-protein association is significantly retarded independent of choice of the molecule that is added to the solution, but dissociation depends in a nontrivial way on its size and chemical characteristics. Thus, for this DNA-protein interaction, excluded volume effect does not play the dominant role but instead observed effects are dictated by the chemical properties of the crowder. We propose that surrounding molecules are capable of specific modification of the protein's hydration shell via soft interactions that, in turn, tune protein-ligand binding dynamics and affinity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Birgit Köhn
- Department of Chemistry, University of Konstanz, Universitätsstrasse 10, 78457, Konstanz, Germany.,Konstanz Research School Chemical Biology KoRS-CB, University of Konstanz, Universitätsstrasse 10, 78457, Konstanz, Germany
| | - Patricia Schwarz
- Department of Chemistry, University of Konstanz, Universitätsstrasse 10, 78457, Konstanz, Germany
| | - Pernilla Wittung-Stafshede
- Department of Biology and Biological Engineering, Chalmers University of Technology, 41296, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Michael Kovermann
- Department of Chemistry, University of Konstanz, Universitätsstrasse 10, 78457, Konstanz, Germany. .,Konstanz Research School Chemical Biology KoRS-CB, University of Konstanz, Universitätsstrasse 10, 78457, Konstanz, Germany.
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