Revisiting high-resolution crystal structure of Phormidium rubidum phycocyanin

The crystal structure of phycocyanin (pr-PC) isolated from Phormidium rubidum A09DM (P. rubidum) is described at a resolution of 1.17 Å. Electron density maps derived from crystallographic data showed many clear differences in amino acid sequences when compared with the previously obtained gene-derived sequences. The differences were found in 57 positions (30 in α-subunit and 27 in β-subunit of pr-PC), in which all residues except one (β145Arg) are not interacting with the three phycocyanobilin chromophores. Highly purified pr-PC was then sequenced by mass spectrometry (MS) using LC-MS/MS. The MS data were analyzed using two independent proteomic search engines. As a result of this analysis, complete agreement between the polypeptide sequences and the electron density maps was obtained. We attribute the difference to multiple genes in the bacterium encoding the phycocyanin apoproteins and that the gene sequencing sequenced the wrong ones. We are not implying that protein sequencing by mass spectrometry is more accurate than that of gene sequencing. The final 1.17 Å structure of pr-PC allows the chromophore interactions with the protein to be described with high accuracy.

An improved crystal structure of C-phycoerythrin from the marine cyanobacterium Phormidium sp. A09DM

C-Phycoerythrin (PE) from Phormidium sp. A09DM has been crystallized using different conditions and its structure determined to atomic resolution (1.14 Å). In order for the pigment present, phycoerythrobilin (PEB), to function as an efficient light-harvesting molecule it must be held rigidly (Kupka and Scheer in Biochim Biophys Acta 1777:94-103, 2008) and, moreover, the different PEB molecules in PE must be arranged, relative to each other, so as to promote efficient energy transfer between them. This improved structure has allowed us to define in great detail the structure of the PEBs and their binding sites. These precise structural details will facilitate theoretical calculations of each PEB's spectroscopic properties. It was possible, however, to suggest a model for which chromophores contribute to the different regions of absorption spectrum and propose a tentative scheme for energy transfer. We show that some subtle differences in one of these PEB binding sites in two of the 12 subunits are caused by crystal contacts between neighboring hexamers in the crystal lattice. This explains some of the differences seen in previous lower resolution structures determined at two different pH values (Kumar et al. in Photosyn Res 129:17-28, 2016).

Characterisation of a pucBA deletion mutant from Rhodopseudomonas palustris lacking all but the pucBAd genes

Rhodopseudomonas palustris is a species of purple photosynthetic bacteria that has a multigene family of puc genes that encode the alpha and beta apoproteins, which form the LH2 complexes. A genetic dissection strategy has been adopted in order to try and understand which spectroscopic form of LH2 these different genes produce. This paper presents a characterisation of one of the deletion mutants generated in this program, the pucBAd only mutant. This mutant produces an unusual spectroscopic form of LH2 that only has a single large NIR absorption band at 800 nm. Spectroscopic and pigment analyses on this complex suggest that it has basically a similar overall structure as that of the wild-type HL LH2 complex. The mutant has the unique phenotype where the mutant LH2 complex is only produced when cells are grown at LL. At HL the mutant only produces the LH1-RC core complex.

Structure of the bacterial plant-ferredoxin receptor FusA

Iron is a limiting nutrient in bacterial infection putting it at the centre of an evolutionary arms race between host and pathogen. Gram-negative bacteria utilize TonB-dependent outer membrane receptors to obtain iron during infection. These receptors acquire iron either in concert with soluble iron-scavenging siderophores or through direct interaction and extraction from host proteins. Characterization of these receptors provides invaluable insight into pathogenesis. However, only a subset of virulence-related TonB-dependent receptors have been currently described. Here we report the discovery of FusA, a new class of TonB-dependent receptor, which is utilized by phytopathogenic Pectobacterium spp. to obtain iron from plant ferredoxin. Through the crystal structure of FusA we show that binding of ferredoxin occurs through specialized extracellular loops that form extensive interactions with ferredoxin. The function of FusA and the presence of homologues in clinically important pathogens suggests that small iron-containing proteins represent an iron source for bacterial pathogens.

Many bacteria use TonB-dependent outer membrane receptors to scavenge iron from their host during infection. Here, the authors report on the structure and function of FusA, which is a bacterial receptor that is used to obtain iron from plants.

Structures of the Ultra-High-Affinity Protein-Protein Complexes of Pyocins S2 and AP41 and Their Cognate Immunity Proteins from Pseudomonas aeruginosa

How ultra-high-affinity protein–protein interactions retain high specificity is still poorly understood. The interaction between colicin DNase domains and their inhibitory immunity (Im) proteins is an ultra-high-affinity interaction that is essential for the neutralisation of endogenous DNase catalytic activity and for protection against exogenous DNase bacteriocins. The colicin DNase–Im interaction is a model system for the study of high-affinity protein–protein interactions. However, despite the fact that closely related colicin-like bacteriocins are widely produced by Gram-negative bacteria, this interaction has only been studied using colicins from Escherichia coli. In this work, we present the first crystal structures of two pyocin DNase–Im complexes from Pseudomonas aeruginosa, pyocin S2 DNase–ImS2 and pyocin AP41 DNase–ImAP41. These structures represent divergent DNase–Im subfamilies and are important in extending our understanding of protein–protein interactions for this important class of high-affinity protein complex. A key finding of this work is that mutations within the immunity protein binding energy hotspot, helix III, are tolerated by complementary substitutions at the DNase–Immunity protein binding interface. Im helix III is strictly conserved in colicins where an Asp forms polar interactions with the DNase backbone. ImAP41 contains an Asp-to-Gly substitution in helix III and our structures show the role of a co-evolved substitution where Pro in DNase loop 4 occupies the volume vacated and removes the unfulfilled hydrogen bond. We observe the co-evolved mutations in other DNase–Immunity pairs that appear to underpin the split of this family into two distinct groups.

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We have identified two different bacteriocin DNase–Im subfamilies.

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First structures of pyocin DNase domains in complex with neutralising Im proteins.

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The subfamilies are characterised by distinct Im helix III motifs.

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ImAP41 lacks the key Asp in Im helix III and one of the conserved interfacial waters.

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New DNase–Im family expands the region that governs bacteriocin selectivity.

Structure of protease-cleaved Escherichia coli α-2-macroglobulin reveals a putative mechanism of conformational activation for protease entrapment

Bacterial α-2-macroglobulins have been suggested to function in defence as broad-spectrum inhibitors of host proteases that breach the outer membrane. Here, the X-ray structure of protease-cleaved Escherichia coli α-2-macroglobulin is described, which reveals a putative mechanism of activation and conformational change essential for protease inhibition. In this competitive mechanism, protease cleavage of the bait-region domain results in the untethering of an intrinsically disordered region of this domain which disrupts native interdomain interactions that maintain E. coli α-2-macroglobulin in the inactivated form. The resulting global conformational change results in entrapment of the protease and activation of the thioester bond that covalently links to the attacking protease. Owing to the similarity in structure and domain architecture of Escherichia coli α-2-macroglobulin and human α-2-macroglobulin, this protease-activation mechanism is likely to operate across the diverse members of this group.

Structure of the atypical bacteriocin pectocin M2 implies a novel mechanism of protein uptake

The colicin-like bacteriocins are potent protein antibiotics that have evolved to efficiently cross the outer membrane of Gram-negative bacteria by parasitizing nutrient uptake systems. We have structurally characterized the colicin M-like bacteriocin, pectocin M2, which is active against strains of Pectobacterium spp. This unusual bacteriocin lacks the intrinsically unstructured translocation domain that usually mediates translocation of these bacteriocins across the outer membrane, containing only a single globular ferredoxin domain connected to its cytotoxic domain by a flexible α-helix, which allows it to adopt two distinct conformations in solution. The ferredoxin domain of pectocin M2 is homologous to plant ferredoxins and allows pectocin M2 to parasitize a system utilized by Pectobacterium to obtain iron during infection of plants. Furthermore, we identify a novel ferredoxin-containing bacteriocin pectocin P, which possesses a cytotoxic domain homologous to lysozyme, illustrating that the ferredoxin domain acts as a generic delivery module for cytotoxic domains in Pectobacterium.

Crystallization and preliminary X-ray diffraction analysis of the peripheral light-harvesting complex LH2 from Marichromatium purpuratum

LH2 from the purple photosynthetic bacterium Marichromatium (formerly known as Chromatium) purpuratum is an integral membrane pigment-protein complex that is involved in harvesting light energy and transferring it to the LH1-RC `core' complex. The purified LH2 complex was crystallized using the sitting-drop vapour-diffusion method at 294 K. The crystals diffracted to a resolution of 6 Å using synchrotron radiation and belonged to the tetragonal space group I4, with unit-cell parameters a=b=109.36, c=80.45 Å. The data appeared to be twinned, producing apparent diffraction symmetry I422. The tetragonal symmetry of the unit cell and diffraction for the crystals of the LH2 complex from this species reveal that this complex is an octamer.

Lectin-like bacteriocins from Pseudomonas spp. utilise D-rhamnose containing lipopolysaccharide as a cellular receptor

Lectin-like bacteriocins consist of tandem monocot mannose-binding domains and display a genus-specific killing activity. Here we show that pyocin L1, a novel member of this family from Pseudomonas aeruginosa, targets susceptible strains of this species through recognition of the common polysaccharide antigen (CPA) of P. aeruginosa lipopolysaccharide that is predominantly a homopolymer of d-rhamnose. Structural and biophysical analyses show that recognition of CPA occurs through the C-terminal carbohydrate-binding domain of pyocin L1 and that this interaction is a prerequisite for bactericidal activity. Further to this, we show that the previously described lectin-like bacteriocin putidacin L1 shows a similar carbohydrate-binding specificity, indicating that oligosaccharides containing d-rhamnose and not d-mannose, as was previously thought, are the physiologically relevant ligands for this group of bacteriocins. The widespread inclusion of d-rhamnose in the lipopolysaccharide of members of the genus Pseudomonas explains the unusual genus-specific activity of the lectin-like bacteriocins.

Due to rapidly increasing rates of antibiotic resistance observed among Gram-negative pathogens, such as Pseudomonas aeruginosa, there is an urgent requirement for novel approaches to the treatment of bacterial infections. Lectin-like bacteriocins are highly potent protein antibiotics that display an unusual ability to kill a select group of bacteria within a specific genus. In this work, we show how the lectin-like protein antibiotic, pyocin L1, can kill Pseudomonas aeruginosa with extraordinary potency through specific binding to the common polysaccharide antigen (CPA) of P. aeruginosa lipopolysaccharide. The CPA is predominantly a homopolymer of the sugar d-rhamnose that although generally rare in nature is found frequently as a component of the lipopolysaccharide of members of the genus Pseudomonas. The targeting of d-rhamnose containing polysaccharides by pyocin L1 and a related lectin-like protein antibiotic, putidacin L1, explains the unusual genus- specific killing activity of the lectin-like bacteriocins. As we learn more about the link between changes to the microbiome and a range of chronic diseases there is a growing realisation that the ability to target specific bacterial pathogens while maintaining the normal gut flora is a desirable property for next generation antibiotics.

The crystal structure of the lipid II-degrading bacteriocin syringacin M suggests unexpected evolutionary relationships between colicin M-like bacteriocins

Colicin-like bacteriocins show potential as next generation antibiotics with clinical and agricultural applications. Key to these potential applications is their high potency and species specificity that enables a single pathogenic species to be targeted with minimal disturbance of the wider microbial community. Here we present the structure and function of the colicin M-like bacteriocin, syringacin M from Pseudomonas syringae pv. tomato DC3000. Syringacin M kills susceptible cells through a highly specific phosphatase activity that targets lipid II, ultimately inhibiting peptidoglycan synthesis. Comparison of the structures of syringacin M and colicin M reveals that, in addition to the expected similarity between the homologous C-terminal catalytic domains, the receptor binding domains of these proteins, which share no discernible sequence homology, share a striking structural similarity. This indicates that the generation of the novel receptor binding and species specificities of these bacteriocins has been driven by diversifying selection rather than diversifying recombination as suggested previously. Additionally, the structure of syringacin M reveals the presence of an active site calcium ion that is coordinated by a conserved aspartic acid side chain and is essential for catalytic activity. We show that mutation of this residue to alanine inactivates syringacin M and that the metal ion is absent from the structure of the mutant protein. Consistent with the presence of Ca(2+) in the active site, we show that syringacin M activity is supported by Ca(2+), along with Mg(2+) and Mn(2+), and the protein is catalytically inactive in the absence of these ions.

Crystal structure of reduced and of oxidized peroxiredoxin IV enzyme reveals a stable oxidized decamer and a non-disulfide-bonded intermediate in the catalytic cycle

Peroxiredoxin IV (PrxIV) is an endoplasmic reticulum-localized enzyme that metabolizes the hydrogen peroxide produced by endoplasmic reticulum oxidase 1 (Ero1). It has been shown to play a role in de novo disulfide formation, oxidizing members of the protein disulfide isomerase family of enzymes, and is a member of the typical 2-Cys peroxiredoxin family. We have determined the crystal structure of both reduced and disulfide-bonded, as well as a resolving cysteine mutant of human PrxIV. We show that PrxIV has a similar structure to other typical 2-Cys peroxiredoxins and undergoes a conformational change from a fully folded to a locally unfolded form following the formation of a disulfide between the peroxidatic and resolving cysteine residues. Unlike other mammalian typical 2-Cys peroxiredoxins, we show that human PrxIV forms a stable decameric structure even in its disulfide-bonded state. In addition, the structure of a resolving cysteine mutant reveals an intermediate in the reaction cycle that adopts the locally unfolded conformation. Interestingly the peroxidatic cysteine in the crystal structure is sulfenylated rather than sulfinylated or sulfonylated. In addition, the peroxidatic cysteine in the resolving cysteine mutant is resistant to hyper-oxidation following incubation with high concentrations of hydrogen peroxide. These results highlight some unique properties of PrxIV and suggest that the equilibrium between the fully folded and locally unfolded forms favors the locally unfolded conformation upon sulfenylation of the peroxidatic cysteine residue.

Bovine mitochondrial peroxiredoxin III forms a two-ring catenane

A crystal structure is reported for the C168S mutant of a typical 2-Cys peroxiredoxin III (Prx III) from bovine mitochondria at a resolution of 3.3 A. Prx III is present as a two-ring catenane comprising two interlocking dodecameric toroids that are assembled from basic dimeric units. Each ring has an external diameter of 150 A and encompasses a central cavity that is 70 A in width. The concatenated dodecamers are inclined at an angle of 55 degrees, which provides a large contact surface between the rings. Dimer-dimer contacts involved in toroid formation are hydrophobic in nature, whereas the 12 areas of contact between interlocked rings arise from polar interactions. These two major modes of subunit interaction provide important insights into possible mechanisms of catenane formation.

Crystallization and preliminary X-ray diffraction analysis of P30, the transmembrane domain of pertactin, an autotransporter from Bordetella pertussis

P30, the 32 kDa transmembrane C-terminal domain of pertactin from Bordetella pertussis, is supposed to form a beta-barrel inserted into the outer membrane for the translocation of the passenger domain. P30 was cloned and expressed in inclusion bodies in Escherichia coli. After refolding and purification, the protein was crystallized using the sitting-drop vapour-diffusion method at 292 K. The crystals diffract to a resolution limit of 3.5 A using synchrotron radiation and belong to the hexagonal space group P6(1)22, with unit-cell parameters a = b = 123.27, c = 134.43 A.

Brominated lipids identify lipid binding sites on the surface of the reaction center from Rhodobacter sphaeroides

This study describes the use of brominated phospholipids to distinguish between lipid and detergent binding sites on the surface of a typical alpha-helical membrane protein. Reaction centers isolated from Rhodobacter sphaeroides were cocrystallized with added brominated phospholipids. X-ray structural analysis of these crystals has revealed the presence of two lipid binding sites from the characteristic strong X-ray scattering from the bromine atoms. These results demonstrate the usefulness of this approach to mapping lipid binding sites at the surface of membrane proteins.

Structure of myelin P2 protein from equine spinal cord

Equine P2 protein has been isolated from horse spinal cord and its structure determined to 2.1 A. Since equine myelin is a viable alternative to bovine tissue for large-scale preparations, characterization of the proteins from equine spinal cord myelin has been initiated. There is an unusually high amount of P2 protein in equine CNS myelin compared with other species. The structure was determined by molecular replacement and subsequently refined to an R value of 0.187 (Rfree=0.233). The structure contains a molecule of the detergent LDAO and HEPES buffer in the binding cavity and is otherwise analogous to other cellular retinol-binding proteins.

Local Electrostatic Field Induced by the Carotenoid Bound to the Reaction Center of the Purple Photosynthetic Bacterium Rhodobacter Sphaeroides

Electroabsorption (EA) spectra were recorded in the region of the reaction center (RC) Qy absorption bands of bacteriochlorophyll (Bchl) and bacteriopheophytin, to investigate the effect of carotenoid (Car) on the electrostatic environment of the RCs of the purple bacterium Rhodobacter (Rb.) sphaeroides. Two different RCs were prepared from Rb. sphaeroides strain R26.1 (R26.1-RC); R26.1 RC lacking Car and a reconstituted RC (R26.1-RC+ Car) prepared by incorporating a synthetic Car (3,4-dihydrospheroidene). Although there were no detectable differences between these two RCs in their near infrared (NIR) absorption spectra at 79 and 293 K, or in their EA spectra at 79 K, significant differences were detected in their EA spectra at 293 K. Three nonlinear optical parameters of each RC were determined in order to evaluate quantitatively these differences; transition dipole-moment polarizability and hyperpolarizability (D factor), the change in polarizability upon photoexcitation (Deltaalpha), and the change in dipole-moment upon photoexcitation (Deltamu). The value of D or Deltaalpha determined for each absorption band of the two RC samples showed similar values at 77 or 293 K. However, the Deltamu values of the special pair Bchls (P) and the monomer Bchls absorption bands showed significant differences between the two RCs at 293 K. X-ray crystallography of the two RCs has revealed that a single molecule of the solubilizing detergent LDAO occupies part of the carotenoid binding site in the absence of a carotenoid. The difference in the value of Deltamu therefore represents the differential effect of the detergent LDAO and the carotenoid on P. The change of electrostatic field around P induced by the presence of Car was determined to be 1.7 x 10(5) [V/cm], corresponding to a approximately 10% change in the electrostatic field around P.

The structure and function of bacterial light-harvesting complexes

The harvesting of solar radiation by purple photosynthetic bacteria is achieved by circular, integral membrane pigment-protein complexes. There are two main types of light-harvesting complex, termed LH2 and LH1, that function to absorb light energy and to transfer that energy rapidly and efficiently to the photochemical reaction centres where it is trapped. This mini-review describes our present understanding of the structure and function of the purple bacterial light-harvesting complexes.

Protein Regulation of Carotenoid Binding

X-ray diffraction was used to determine high-resolution structures of the reaction center (RC) complex from the carotenoidless mutant, Rb. sphaeroides R-26.1, without or reconstituted with carotenoids. The results are compared with the structure of the RC from a semiaerobically grown Rb. sphaeroides strain 2.4.1. The investigation reveals the structure of the carotenoid in the different protein preparations, the nature of its binding site, and a plausible mechanism by which the carotenoid is incorporated unidirectionally in its characteristic geometric configuration. The structural data suggest that the accessibility of the carotenoid to the binding site is controlled by a specific "gatekeeper" residue which allows the carotenoid to approach the binding site from only one direction. Carotenoid binding to the protein is secured by hydrogen bonding to a separate "locking" amino acid. The study reveals the specific molecular interactions that control how the carotenoid protects the photosynthetic apparatus against photo-induced oxidative destruction.

Rings, ellipses and horseshoes: how purple bacteria harvest solar energy

This Review summarises the current state of research on the structure and function of light-harvesting apparatus in purple photosynthetic bacteria. Particular emphasis is placed on the major open questions still outstanding in this field in addition to what is already known.

(1R,4S,5R)-3-Fluoro-1,4,5-trihydroxy-2-cyclohexene-1-carboxylic acid: the fluoro analogue of the enolate intermediate in the reaction catalyzed by type II dehydroquinases

The fluoro analogue of the enolate intermediate in the reaction catalyzed by type II dehydroquinases has been prepared from naturally occurring (-)-quinic acid over seven steps and has been shown to be the most potent inhibitor reported to date of the type II enzyme from Mycobacterium tuberculosis.

Crystal structure of the RC-LH1 core complex from Rhodopseudomonas palustris

The crystal structure at 4.8 angstrom resolution of the reaction center-light harvesting 1 (RC-LH1) core complex from Rhodopseudomonas palustris shows the reaction center surrounded by an oval LH1 complex that consists of 15 pairs of transmembrane helical alpha- and beta-apoproteins and their coordinated bacteriochlorophylls. Complete closure of the RC by the LH1 is prevented by a single transmembrane helix, out of register with the array of inner LH1 alpha-apoproteins. This break, located next to the binding site in the reaction center for the secondary electron acceptor ubiquinone (UQB), may provide a portal through which UQB can transfer electrons to cytochrome b/c1.

Experiences with the shikimate-pathway enzymes as targets for rational drug design

The background and current context of work on the shikimate-pathway enzymes as potential targets for anti-bacterial, anti-fungal and anti-parasitic drugs is reviewed. Recent work on the third enzyme of the pathway, dehydroquinase, which occurs in two structurally and mechanistically distinct forms, is used to illustrate the present state of studies into rational drug design.

Structures of shikimate dehydrogenase AroE and its Paralog YdiB. A common structural framework for different activities

Shikimate dehydrogenase catalyzes the fourth step of the shikimate pathway, the essential route for the biosynthesis of aromatic compounds in plants and microorganisms. Absent in metazoans, this pathway is an attractive target for nontoxic herbicides and drugs. Escherichia coli expresses two shikimate dehydrogenase paralogs, the NADP-specific AroE and a putative enzyme YdiB. Here we characterize YdiB as a dual specificity quinate/shikimate dehydrogenase that utilizes either NAD or NADP as a cofactor. Structures of AroE and YdiB with bound cofactors were determined at 1.5 and 2.5 A resolution, respectively. Both enzymes display a similar architecture with two alpha/beta domains separated by a wide cleft. Comparison of their dinucleotide-binding domains reveals the molecular basis for cofactor specificity. Independent molecules display conformational flexibility suggesting that a switch between open and closed conformations occurs upon substrate binding. Sequence analysis and structural comparison led us to propose the catalytic machinery and a model for 3-dehydroshikimate recognition. Furthermore, we discuss the evolutionary and metabolic implications of the presence of two shikimate dehydrogenases in E. coli and other organisms.

Specificity of substrate recognition by type II dehydroquinases as revealed by binding of polyanions

The interactions between the polyanionic ligands phosphate and sulphate and the type II dehydroquinases from Streptomyces coelicolor and Mycobacterium tuberculosis have been characterised using a combination of structural and kinetic methods. From both approaches, it is clear that interactions are more complex in the case of the latter enzyme. The data provide new insights into the differences between the two enzymes in terms of substrate recognition and catalytic efficiency and may also explain the relative potencies of rationally designed inhibitors. An improved route to the synthesis of the substrate 3-dehydroquinic acid (dehydroquinate) is described.

Protein-lipid interactions in the purple bacterial reaction centre

The purple bacterial reaction centre uses the energy of sunlight to power energy-requiring reactions such as the synthesis of ATP. During the last 20 years, a combination of X-ray crystallography, spectroscopy and mutagenesis has provided a detailed insight into the mechanism of light energy transduction in the bacterial reaction centre. In recent years, structural techniques including X-ray crystallography and neutron scattering have also been used to examine the environment of the reaction centre. This mini-review focuses on recent studies of the surface of the reaction centre, and briefly discusses the importance of the specific protein-lipid interactions that have been resolved for integral membrane proteins.

High-throughput screens for postgenomics: studies of protein crystallization using microsystems technology

This paper describes the fabrication of a micromachined miniaturized array of chambers in a 2-mm-thick single crystal (100) silicon substrate for the combinatorial screening of the conditions required for protein crystallization screening (including both temperature and the concentration of crystallization agent). The device was fabricated using standard photolithography techniques, reactive ion etching (RIE) and anisotropic silicon wet etching to produce an array of 10 x 10 microchambers, with each element having a volume of 5 microL. A custom-built temperature controller was used to drive two peltier elements in order to maintain a temperature gradient (between 12 and 40 degrees C) across the device. The performance of the microsystem was illustrated by studying the crystallization of a model protein, hen egg white lysozyme. The crystals obtained were studied using X-ray diffraction at room temperature and exhibited 1.78 A resolution. The problems of delivering a robust crystallization protocol, including issues of device fabrication, delivery of a reproducible temperature gradient, and overcoming evaporation are described.

Tuning of the optical and electrochemical properties of the primary donor bacteriochlorophylls in the reaction centre from Rhodobacter sphaeroides: spectroscopy and structure

A series of mutations have been introduced at residue 168 of the L-subunit of the reaction centre from Rhodobacter sphaeroides. In the wild-type reaction centre, residue His L168 donates a strong hydrogen bond to the acetyl carbonyl group of one of the pair of bacteriochlorophylls (BChl) that constitutes the primary donor of electrons. Mutation of His L168 to Phe or Leu causes a large decrease in the mid-point redox potential of the primary electron donor, consistent with removal of this strong hydrogen bond. Mutations to Lys, Asp and Arg cause smaller decreases in redox potential, indicative of the presence of weak hydrogen bond and/or an electrostatic effect of the polar residue. A spectroscopic analysis of the mutant complexes suggests that replacement of the wild-type His residue causes a decrease in the strength of the coupling between the two primary donor bacteriochlorophylls. The X-ray crystal structure of the mutant in which His L168 has been replaced by Phe (HL168F) was determined to a resolution of 2.5 A, and the structural model of the HL168F mutant was compared with that of the wild-type complex. The mutation causes a shift in the position of the primary donor bacteriochlorophyll that is adjacent to residue L168, and also affects the conformation of the acetyl carbonyl group of this bacteriochlorophyll. This conformational change constitutes an approximately 27 degrees through-plane rotation, rather than the large into-plane rotation that has been widely discussed in the context of the HL168F mutation. The possible structural basis of the altered spectroscopic properties of the HL168F mutant reaction centre is discussed, as is the relevance of the X-ray crystal structure of the HL168F mutant to the possible structures of the remaining mutant complexes.

The structure and mechanism of the type II dehydroquinase from Streptomyces coelicolor

The structure of the type II DHQase from Streptomyces coelicolor has been solved and refined to high resolution in complexes with a number of ligands, including dehydroshikimate and a rationally designed transition state analogue, 2,3-anhydro-quinic acid. These structures define the active site of the enzyme and the role of key amino acid residues and provide snap shots of the catalytic cycle. The resolution of the flexible lid domain (residues 21-31) shows that the invariant residues Arg23 and Tyr28 close over the active site cleft. The tyrosine acts as the base in the initial proton abstraction, and evidence is provided that the reaction proceeds via an enol intermediate. The active site of the structure of DHQase in complex with the transition state analog also includes molecules of tartrate and glycerol, which provide a basis for further inhibitor design.

Probing the interface between membrane proteins and membrane lipids by X-ray crystallography

Biological membranes are composed of a complex mixture of lipids and proteins, and the membrane lipids support several key biophysical functions, in addition to their obvious structural role. Recent results from X-ray crystallography are shedding new light on the precise molecular details of the protein-lipid interface.

Structure of rabbit liver fructose 1,6-bisphosphatase at 2.3 A resolution

The three-dimensional structure of the R form of rabbit liver fructose 1,6-bisphosphatase (Fru-1,6-Pase; E.C. 3.1.3.11) has been determined by a combination of heavy-atom and molecular-replacement methods. A model, which includes 2394 protein atoms and 86 water molecules, has been refined at 2.3 A resolution to a crystallographic R factor of 0.177. The root-mean-square deviations of bond distances and angles from standard geometry are 0.012 A and 1.7 degrees, respectively. This structural result, in conjunction with recently redetermined amino-acid sequence data, unequivocally establishes that the rabbit liver enzyme is not an aberrant bisphosphatase as once believed, but is indeed homologous to other Fru-1,6-Pases. The root-mean-square deviation of the Calpha atoms in the rabbit liver structure from the homologous atoms in the pig kidney structure complexed with the product, fructose 6-phosphate, is 0.7 A. Fru-1,6-Pases are homotetramers, and the rabbit liver protein crystallizes in space group I222 with one monomer in the asymmetric unit. The structure contains a single endogenous Mg2+ ion coordinated by Glu97, Asp118, Asp121 and Glu280 at the site designated metal site 1 in pig kidney Fru-1,6-Pase R-form complexes. In addition, two sulfate ions, which are found at the positions normally occupied by the 6-phosphate group of the substrate, as well as the phosphate of the allosteric inhibitor AMP appear to provide stability. Met177, which has hydrophobic contacts with the adenine moiety of AMP in pig kidney T-form complexes, is replaced by glycine. Binding of a non-hydrolyzable substrate analog, beta-methyl-fructose 1,6-bisphosphate, at the catalytic site is also examined.

Three 18-Electron Tantalum(I) Compounds, TaCl(CO)(2)(dppe)(2), [TaCl(CO)(2)(dppe)(2)](2x), and TaCl(CO)(4)(dppe) (dppe = 1,2-Bis(diphenylphosphino)ethane), Which Exhibit Low Levels of Paramagnetism

Reductive carbonylation of TaCl(5) in the presence of 1,2-bis(diphenylphosphino)ethane (dppe) under the appropriate conditions results in the formation of TaCl(CO)(2)(dppe)(2) (1), as the major product, and the possibly cyclic oligomer [TaCl(CO)(2)(dppe)(2)](2)(x)() (2, 2x >/= 4) as a minor product. Carbonylation of 1 (1 atm) results in the rapid but reversible formation of TaCl(CO)(4)(dppe) (3). Solutions of all three compounds exhibit low levels of paramagnetism, possibly attributable to thermal population of low-lying triplet excited states. Crystal data for the toluene solvate of 1, C(68)H(64)ClO(2)P(4)Ta: triclinic, P&onemacr; (No. 2), a = 13.937(12) Å, b = 14.811(7) Å, c = 14.929(9) Å, alpha = 102.30(5) degrees, beta = 95.60(7) degrees, gamma = 98.41(5) degrees, Z = 2.

Structure – activity relationships in antagonist and inverse agonist ligands for the benzodiazepine receptor

The X-ray crystal and molecular structures of the three benzodiazepine (BZD) receptor ligands are presented and the electronic character of inverse agonist ligands is probed through molecular orbital calculations. Two of the ligands have a 6-benzylamino substituent: 6-benzylamino-β-carboline-3-carboxylic acid methyl ester, 1, which is a high affinity antagonist with IC50 = 10 nM, and 6-benzylamino-β-carboline, 2, which is a moderate affinity inverse agonist with IC50 = 106 nM. The third compound, 3-ethoxy-β-carboline hydrochloride, 3, displays partial inverse agonist activity with an IC50of 24 nM. Intermolecular interactions, including extensive hydrogen bonding involving both the pyridyl nitrogen atom and the indole N—H as well as π stacking of aromatic rings, are characteristic of β-carbolines and are found in these three structures. In addition, two of these compounds are protonated in the crystalline state, thereby providing a model for interactions in the absence of the 3-carboxylic acid ester function. Electronic calculations show that (1) the partial inverse agonist ligand has the highest charge on the N(2) atom and (2) high affinity β-carbolines possess two neighboring sites that have high electrostatic attraction for a hydrogen atom in an intermolecular interaction. These findings suggest that modifications to the 3-position side chain to enhance the charge on the pyridyl N atom and provide a hydrogen bond acceptor site will facilitate the development of partial inverse agonist ligands. Keywords: β-carbolines, benzodiazepine receptor, crystallography, structure–activity relationships.

Structural studies of thiophilic N-chloroazasteroids

N-Chloroazasteroids form covalent S-N bonds with thiol groups and so are of interest as chemoselective irreversible binding agents for the active sites of steroid receptors and enzymes. The solid-state structures of N-chloro-3-methoxy-17-aza-D-homo-1,3,5(10)-estratrien-16-one (1), N-chloro-3-methoxy-17-aza-D-homo-1,3,5(10)-estratrien-17a-on e (2) and N-chloro-3-methoxy-16-aza-1,3,5(10)-estratrien-17-one (3) were determined to obtain information about the spatial arrangement of the N-Cl groups. Crystal data: (1) C19H24ClNO2, Mr = 333.84, orthorhombic, P2l2l2l, a = 8.0190 (3), b = 12.7175 (5), c = 16.5047 (9) A, V = 1683.2 (1) A3, Z = 4, Dx = 1.317 g cm-3, lambda(Cu K alpha) = 1.54178 A, mu = 20.9 cm-1, F(000) = 712, T = 295 K, R = 0.045 for 1786 observed reflections; (2) C19H24ClNO2, Mr = 333.84, orthorhombic, P2l2l2l, a = 10.9853 (7), b = 11.8216 (5), c = 12.9851 (9) A, V = 1686.3 (2) A3, Z = 4, Dx = 1.315 g cm-3, lambda(Cu K alpha) = 1.54178 A, mu = 20.9 cm-1, F(000) = 712, T = 295 K, R = 0.035 for 1891 observed reflections; (3) C18H22ClNO2, Mr = 319.81, monoclinic, P2l, a = 13.246 (2), b = 7.972 (2), c = 7.696 (3) A, beta = 90.24 (2) degrees, V = 812.7 (4) A3, Z = 2, Dx = 1.307 g cm-3, lambda(Cu K alpha) = 1.54178 A, mu = 21.4 cm-1, F(000) = 340, T = 295 K, R = 0.045 for 1636 observed reflections.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Structural requirements for the binding of dexamethasone to nuclear envelopes and plasma membranes

The specificity of dexamethasone binding sites on nuclear envelopes (NE) and plasma membranes (PM) was determined in competition studies with natural and synthetic steroids. The binding affinities for nuclear envelopes and plasma membranes were then correlated with the three-dimensional structures of the ligands. Three major factors are implicated in the ability of the steroid to bind to the membrane sites: (1) the separation between the terminal oxygen atoms substituted at atoms C3 and C17, or attached to the substituent at C17, is found to be longer than 10 A for the medium and high affinity steroids; (2) the beta-orientation of the oxygen atom in the C17-substituent to the D-ring is favored over alpha-orientation; and (3) bulky substituents and nontypical configurations are not accepted by the binding sites. A nearly linear correlation between the O3...O (substituted at C17) distance and the binding affinity of the tested steroids is observed; explanations for the lack of linear correlation of some steroids are given. A preliminary model for the interaction of steroids with these membrane sites is proposed which requires two hydrogen bonding regions that interact with the 2 oxygen atoms and some steric restriction sites that prevent the binding of steroids with large substituents. The hydrophobicities of the steroids do not correlate with binding affinities to the dexamethasone binding sites; hydrophobicity seems to play a minor role in these steroid-membrane interactions. Comparisons of the specificity of the dexamethasone binding sites on membranes to the specificity of various steroid receptors are also presented.

Structure of 5 beta-dihydrotestosterone

17 beta-Hydroxy-5 beta-androstan-3-one, C19H30O2, Mr = 290.45, orthorhombic, P2(1)2(1)2(1), a = 11.7821 (6), b = 21.2184 (8), c = 6.5322 (2) A, V = 1633.0 (2) A3, Z = 4, D chi = 1.181 Mg m-3, lambda(Cu K alpha) = 1.54178 A, mu = 0.58 mm-1, F(000) = 640, T = 293 K, R = 0.033 for 1849 unique observed reflections. The molecular conformation of 5 beta-dihydrotestosterone shows the strong bending typical of 5 beta-steroids: the bowing angle of the A ring, relative to the remainder of the steroid, is 65.1 degrees. Bowing shortens the distance between the terminal O atoms, O(3) and O(17), to 9.824 (2) A which is ca 1 A shorter than was observed in 5 alpha-dihydrotestosterone and testosterone. The effects of both the bowing and the shorter separation between O(3) and O(17) may explain a difference in the affinity of 5 beta-dihydrotestosterone for the dexamethasone binding site on membranes compared to that of the other two compounds. A unique conformational feature of 5 beta-dihydrotestosterone is the flattening of the A ring on the side containing the C(3)--C(4) bond; this may be due to the combination of the 3-oxo substitution and the 5 beta-configuration.

Structure-activity studies of β-carbolines. 4. Crystal and molecular structures of t-butyl β-carboline-3-carboxylate and 2-(methoxycarbonyl)canthine-6-one

The crystal and molecular structures of two ligands for the benzodiazepine (BZ) receptor, t-butyl β-carboline-3-carboxylate, I (C16H16N2O2), and 2-(methoxycarbonyl)canthin-6-one, II (C16H10N2O3), are reported. The t-butyl β-carboline compound has high affinity for the receptor and is an antagonist; in contrast, the canthin-6-one has a 10-fold lower affinity for the receptor and no determinable in vivo activity. The space group for I is P21/c with a = 11.756(1), b = 11.2324(8), c = 11.964(1) Å, and β = 105.99(1)°. For II, the space group is also P21/c with a = 9.317(1), b = 7.964(1), c = 17.180(3) Å, and β = 104.173(7)°. The orientation of the alkyl-carboxylate side chain is different in the two molecules and may be related to the difference in affinity and in vivo activity of the ligands. In addition, the packing arrangements in the two structures are dominated by π-stacking interactions; and, in the case of the t-butyl compound, by hydrogen bonding.