Automated crystal mounting and data collection for protein crystallography

To increase the efficiency of diffraction data collection for protein crystallographic studies, an automated system designed to store frozen protein crystals, mount them sequentially, align them to the X-ray beam, collect complete data sets, and return the crystals to storage has been developed. Advances in X-ray data collection technology including more brilliant X-ray sources, improved focusing optics, and faster-readout detectors have reduced diffraction data acquisition times from days to hours at a typical protein crystallography laboratory [1,2]. In addition, the number of high-brilliance synchrotron X-ray beam lines dedicated to macromolecular crystallography has increased significantly, and data collection times at these facilities can be routinely less than an hour per crystal. Because the number of protein crystals that may be collected in a 24 hr period has substantially increased, unattended X-ray data acquisition, including automated crystal mounting and alignment, is a desirable goal for protein crystallography. The ability to complete X-ray data collection more efficiently should impact a number of fields, including the emerging structural genomics field [3], structure-directed drug design, and the newly developed screening by X-ray crystallography [4], as well as small molecule applications.

Crystal structure and mutagenic analysis of the inhibitor-of-apoptosis protein survivin

The coupling of apoptosis (programmed cell death) to the cell division cycle is essential for homeostasis and genomic integrity. Here, we report the crystal structure of survivin, an inhibitor of apoptosis, which has been implicated in both control of cell death and regulation of cell division. In addition to a conserved N-terminal Zn finger baculovirus IAP repeat, survivin forms a dimer through a symmetric interaction with an intermolecularly bound Zn atom located along the molecular dyad axis. The interaction of the dimer-related C-terminal alpha helices forms an extended surface of approximately 70 A in length. Mutagenesis analysis revealed that survivin dimerization and an extended negatively charged surface surrounding Asp-71 are required to counteract apoptosis and preserve ploidy. These findings may provide a structural basis for a dual role of survivin in inhibition of apoptosis and regulation of cell division.

Crystal structure and mutagenic analysis of the inhibitor-of-apoptosis protein survivin

The coupling of apoptosis (programmed cell death) to the cell division cycle is essential for homeostasis and genomic integrity. Here, we report the crystal structure of survivin, an inhibitor of apoptosis, which has been implicated in both control of cell death and regulation of cell division. In addition to a conserved N-terminal Zn finger baculovirus IAP repeat, survivin forms a dimer through a symmetric interaction with an intermolecularly bound Zn atom located along the molecular dyad axis. The interaction of the dimer-related C-terminal alpha helices forms an extended surface of approximately 70 A in length. Mutagenesis analysis revealed that survivin dimerization and an extended negatively charged surface surrounding Asp-71 are required to counteract apoptosis and preserve ploidy. These findings may provide a structural basis for a dual role of survivin in inhibition of apoptosis and regulation of cell division.

Crystal structure and mutagenic analysis of the inhibitor-of-apoptosis protein survivin

The coupling of apoptosis (programmed cell death) to the cell division cycle is essential for homeostasis and genomic integrity. Here, we report the crystal structure of survivin, an inhibitor of apoptosis, which has been implicated in both control of cell death and regulation of cell division. In addition to a conserved N-terminal Zn finger baculovirus IAP repeat, survivin forms a dimer through a symmetric interaction with an intermolecularly bound Zn atom located along the molecular dyad axis. The interaction of the dimer-related C-terminal alpha helices forms an extended surface of approximately 70 A in length. Mutagenesis analysis revealed that survivin dimerization and an extended negatively charged surface surrounding Asp-71 are required to counteract apoptosis and preserve ploidy. These findings may provide a structural basis for a dual role of survivin in inhibition of apoptosis and regulation of cell division.

Experiences with CCD detectors on a home X-ray source

Charged-coupled device (CCD) detectors have been widely accepted as detectors for collecting X-ray diffraction images. The CCD detector offers a sensitive detection system well suited for diffraction analysis and, compared with other detectors on the market, a relatively rapid system for read-out of the collected image. The two predominant markets for the CCD detector have been those in which relatively short exposure times are used, i.e. small-molecule X-ray diffraction and large-molecule crystallography at high-intensity synchrotron sources. CCD detectors have not been commonly used on rotating-anode X-ray sources for large-molecule crystallography. Comparison of the performance of the CCD detectors with commercially available image-plate detectors shows that the CCD detectors function in a similar fashion to image-plate-based detectors.

Crystal structure of ErmC', an rRNA methyltransferase which mediates antibiotic resistance in bacteria

The prevalent mechanism of bacterial resistance to erythromycin and other antibiotics of the macrolide-lincosamide-streptogramin B group (MLS) is methylation of the 23S rRNA component of the 50S subunit in bacterial ribosomes. This sequence-specific methylation is catalyzed by the Erm group of methyltransferases (MTases). They are found in several strains of pathogenic bacteria, and ErmC is the most studied member of this class. The crystal structure of ErmC' (a naturally occurring variant of ErmC) from Bacillus subtilis has been determined at 3.0 A resolution by multiple anomalous diffraction phasing methods. The structure consists of a conserved alpha/beta amino-terminal domain which binds the cofactor S-adenosyl-l-methionine (SAM), followed by a smaller, alpha-helical RNA-recognition domain. The beta-sheet structure of the SAM-binding domain is well-conserved between the DNA, RNA, and small-molecule MTases. However, the C-terminal nucleic acid binding domain differs from the DNA-binding domains of other MTases and is unlike any previously reported RNA-recognition fold. A large, positively charged, concave surface is found at the interface of the N- and C-terminal domains and is proposed to form part of the protein-RNA interaction surface. ErmC' exhibits the conserved structural motifs previously found in the SAM-binding domain of other methyltransferases. A model of SAM bound to ErmC' is presented which is consistent with the motif conservation among MTases.

Structure of secreted aspartic proteinases from Candida. Implications for the design of antifungal agents

Pathogens of the genus Candida can cause life threatening infections in immuno-compromised patients. The three-dimensional structures of two closely related secreted aspartic proteinases from C. albicans complexed with a potent (Ki = 0.17 nM) inhibitor, and an analogous enzyme from C. tropicalis reveal variations on the classical aspartic proteinase theme that dramatically alter the specificity of this class of enzymes. The novel fungal proteases present: i) an 8 residue insertion near the first disulfide (Cys45-Cys50, pepsin numbering) that results in a broad flap extending towards the active site; ii) a seven residue deletion replacing helix hN2 (Ser110-Tyr114), which enlarges the S3 pocket; iii) a short polar connection between the two rigid body domains that alters their relative orientation and provides certain specificity; and i.v.) an ordered 12 residue addition at the carboxy terminus. The same inhibitor (A-70450) binds in an extended conformation in the two variants of C. albicans protease, and presents a branched structure at the P3 position. However, the conformation of the terminal methylpiperazine ring is different in the two crystals structures. The implications of these findings for the design of potent antifungal agents are discussed.

Identification of a novel regulatory domain in Bcl-X(L) and Bcl-2

Bcl-X(L), a member of the Bcl-2 family, can inhibit many forms of programed cell death. The three-dimensional structure of Bcl-X(L) identified a 60 amino acid loop lacking defined structure. Although amino acid sequence within this region is not conserved among Bcl-2 family members, structural modeling suggested that Bcl-2 also contains a large unstructured region. Compared with the full-length protein, loop deletion mutants of Bcl-X(L) and Bcl-2 displayed an enhanced ability to inhibit apoptosis. Despite enhanced function, the deletion mutants did not have significant alterations in the ability to bind pro-apoptotic proteins such as Bax. The loop deletion mutant of Bcl-2 also displayed a qualitative difference in its ability to inhibit apoptosis. Full-length Bcl-2 was unable to prevent anti-IgM-induced cell death of the immature B cell line WEHI-231. In contrast, the Bcl-2 deletion mutant protected WEHI-231 cells from death. Substantial differences were observed in the ability of WEHI-231 cells to phosphorylate the deletion mutant of Bcl-2 compared with full-length Bcl-2. Bcl-2 phosphorylation was found to be dependent on the presence of an intact loop domain. These results suggest that the loop domain in Bcl-X(L) and Bcl-2 can suppress the anti-apoptotic function of these genes and may be a target for regulatory post-translational modifications.

Bcl-x(L) forms an ion channel in synthetic lipid membranes

Bcl-2-related proteins are critical regulators of cell survival that are localized to the outer mitochondrial, outer nuclear and endoplasmic reticulum membranes. Despite their physiological importance, the biochemical function of Bcl-2-related proteins has remained elusive. The three-dimensional structure of Bcl-xL, an inhibitor of apoptosis, was recently shown to be similar to the structures of the pore-forming domains of bacterial toxins. A key feature of these pore-forming domains is the ability to form ion channels in biological membranes. Here we demonstrate that Bcl-xL shares this functional feature. Like the bacterial toxins, Bcl-xL can insert into either synthetic lipid vesicles or planar lipid bilayers and form an ion-conducting channel. This channel is pH-sensitive and becomes cation-selective at physiological pH. The ion-conducting channel(s) formed by Bcl-xL display multiple conductance states that have identical ion selectivity. Together, these data suggest that Bcl-xL may maintain cell survival by regulating the permeability of the intracellular membranes to which it is distributed.

X-ray and NMR structure of human Bcl-xL, an inhibitor of programmed cell death

THE Bcl-2 family of proteins regulate programmed cell death by an unknown mechanism. Here we describe the crystal and solution structures of a Bcl-2 family member, Bcl-xL (ref. 2). The structures consist of two central, primarily hydrophobic alpha-helices, which are surrounded by amphipathic helices. A 60-residue loop connecting helices alpha1 and alpha2 was found to be flexible and non-essential for anti-apoptotic activity. The three functionally important Bcl-2 homology regions (BH1, BH2 and BH3) are in close spatial proximity and form an elongated hydrophobic cleft that may represent the binding site for other Bcl-2 family members. The arrangement of the alpha-helices in Bcl-xL is reminiscent of the membrane translocation domain of bacterial toxins, in particular diphtheria toxin and the colicins. The structural similarity may provide a clue to the mechanism of action of the Bcl-2 family of proteins.

Structure of a secreted aspartic protease from C. albicans complexed with a potent inhibitor: implications for the design of antifungal agents

The three-dimensional structure of a secreted aspartic protease from Candida albicans complexed with a potent inhibitor reveals variations on the classical aspartic protease theme that dramatically alter the specificity of this class of enzymes. The structure presents: (1) an 8-residue insertion near the first disulfide (Cys 45-Cys 50, pepsin numbering) that results in a broad flap extending toward the active site; (2) a 7-residue deletion replacing helix hN2 (Ser 110-Tyr 114), which enlarges the S3 pocket; (3) a short polar connection between the two rigid body domains that alters their relative orientation and provides certain specificity; and (4) an ordered 11-residue addition at the carboxy terminus. The inhibitor binds in an extended conformation and presents a branched structure at the P3 position. The implications of these findings for the design of potent antifungal agents are discussed.

Crystal structure of the biphenyl-cleaving extradiol dioxygenase from a PCB-degrading pseudomonad

Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) typify a class of stable aromatic pollutants that are targeted by bioremediation strategies. In the aerobic degradation of biphenyl by bacteria, the key step of ring cleavage is catalyzed by an Fe(II)-dependent extradiol dioxygenase. The crystal structure of 2,3-dihydroxybiphenyl 1,2-dioxygenase from a PCB-degrading strain of Pseudomonas cepacia has been determined at 1.9 angstrom resolution. The monomer comprises amino- and carboxyl-terminal domains. Structural homology between and within the domains reveals evolutionary relationships within the extradiol dioxygenase family. The iron atom has five ligands in square pyramidal geometry: one glutamate and two histidine side chains, and two water molecules.

Crystallization of the NAD-dependent malic enzyme from the parasitic nematode Ascaris suum

The malic enzyme from muscle mitochondria of the parasitic nematode Ascaris suum is a tetramer of 65 kDa monomers that catalyzes the oxidative decarboxylation of malate to pyruvate and CO2 with NAD cofactor as oxidant. This malic enzyme is critical to the nematode for muscle function under anaerobic conditions. Unlike mammalian versions of the enzyme such as that found in rat liver, which require NADP as cofactor, the nematode version is an NAD-dependent enzyme. We report the crystallization of samples of the nematode enzyme at room temperature from pH 7.5 solutions of polyethylene glycol 4000 containing magnesium sulfate, NAD and sodium tartronate. Immediately upon mixing of protein and precipitant solutions, a marked precipitation of the protein occurs. Out of this precipitate, crystals appear almost immediately, most commonly in a truncated cube form that can grow to 0.5 to 0.7 mm on a cube edge in two to three days. The crystals are trigonal, space group P3(1)21 or its enantiomer, with a = b = 131.2(7) A, c = 152.6(9) A, and two monomers per asymmetric unit. Fresh crystals diffract X-radiation from a synchrotron source (lambda = 0.95 A) to about 3.0 A resolution. Rotational analysis of Patterson functions indicates that the malic enzyme tetramer has 222 symmetry.

Removal of salt from a salt-induced protein crystal without cross-linking. Preliminary examination of "desalted" crystals of phosphoglucomutase by X-ray crystallography at low temperature

A model procedure for removing salt from relatively fragile salt-induced protein crystals is proposed. The procedure is based on physical principles and is validated by using millimeter-size crystals of rabbit muscle phosphoglucomutase grown from a 2.1 M solution of ammonium sulfate. Three types of operations are included in the procedure: initial transfer to salt solutions of reduced concentration; transfer to the organic-rich phase of an equilibrium biphasic mixture obtained with aqueous solutions of polyoxyethylene and the salt; and addition of various replacement cosolutes in aqueous solutions of polyoxyethylene to reduce osmotic stress on the crystal as the remaining salt is removed. A critical feature of the overall procedure is maintenance of near equilibrium throughout by using a large number of steps involving small changes in solute concentration. The conditions used in the actual transfer were adjusted to eliminate the fracturing of crystals by visually distinguishing between two opposing types of fracture patterns: those produced by osmotic crushing as opposed to osmotic expansion. Basic requirements for a successful procedure with other protein crystals are a high permeability toward small solutes and a relatively slow dissolution rate at salt concentrations for which biphasic mixtures can be obtained. Desalted crystals of phosphoglucomutase have no visible fractures, are stable in the final solution for at least a week, and exhibit no noticeable change in the resolution of their X-ray diffraction pattern. In fact, desalted crystals can be rapidly cooled to 160 K, whereas untreated crystals are almost completely disordered by the same cooling procedure. The component of the desalting mixture whose presence is crucial to the success of the cooling process is polyoxyethylene, which apparently impedes the formation of ice within the protein crystal. Diffraction data obtained with an area-detector diffractometer did not differ significantly, either in terms of quality or resolution range, between crystals in 2.3 M ammonium sulfate at room temperature and crystals at 160 K in which ammonium sulfate had been replaced by glycine. The successful use of the following replacement solutes, instead of glycine, also is documented: sucrose, glycerol, and a low molecular weight poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG-400).

The crystal structure of a lysine 49 phospholipase A2 from the venom of the cottonmouth snake at 2.0-A resolution

The crystal structure of a lysine 49 variant phospholipase A2 (K49 PLA2) has been determined at 2.0-A resolution. This particular phospholipase A2, purified from the venom of the eastern cottonmouth (Agkistrodon piscivorus piscivorus), a North American pit viper, differs significantly from others studied crystallographically because of replacement of the aspartate residue at position 49, whose side chain is important in calcium binding, by lysine. The crystallographic analysis of K49 PLA2 was undertaken to assess the structural ramifications of this substitution, particularly as they affect the binding mechanism of both the calcium cofactor and the phospholipid substrate. The protein crystals are tetragonal, space group P4(1)2(1)2, with unit cell dimensions of a = b = 71.7 (1) and c = 57.8 (3) A. Preliminary phases were obtained by molecular replacement techniques with a search model derived from the refined 2.5-A structure of a rattle-snake venom phospholipase A2 (Brunie, S., Bolin, J., Gewirth, D., and Sigler, P. B. (1985) J. Biol. Chem. 260, 9742-9749). The starting model gave an initial crystallographic RF of 0.526 (RF = sigma parallel to Fo /-/ Fc parallel to /sigma/Fo/). The structure was refined against all data to 2.0-A resolution. The final RF is 0.158. The final model includes 150 discrete water molecules. The K49 PLA2 model is composed primarily of alpha-helices joined by loops, some of which are quite extensive. Although dissimilarities are observed in the loop regions, the helical portions are very similar to those in other known phospholipase A2 structures. The proposed catalytic center (His48, Tyr73, and Asp99) is also structurally conserved. The region in K49 PLA2 corresponding to the calcium-binding site in other phospholipases A2 is occupied by the epsilon-amino group of lysine 49.

Crystal structure of recombinant human interleukin-1 beta at 2.0 A resolution

The crystal structure of recombinant human interleukin-1 beta (IL-1 beta) has been determined at 2.0 A resolution and refined to a crystallographic R-factor of 0.19. Three heavy-atom derivatives were identified and used for multiple isomorphous replacement phasing. Interpretation of the resulting electron density map revealed a structure in which there are 12 antiparallel beta-strands and no alpha-helix. The single 153-residue polypeptide chain is folded into a six-stranded beta-barrel similar in architecture to the Kunitz-type trypsin inhibitor found in soybeans. The molecule displays approximate 3-fold symmetry about the axis of the beta-barrel. Each successive pair of component strands of the barrel brackets an extensive sequence outside the barrel that includes an additional pair of beta-strands and a prominent loop. Together, these three external segments conceal much of the perimeter and one end of the barrel, leaving only the end supporting the chain termini fully exposed. The structure can be used to identify portions of the polypeptide chain that are exposed on the surface of the molecule, some of which must be epitopes recognized by interleukin-1 beta receptors.

Synthesis and antiarrhythmic properties of novel 3-selena-7-azabicyclo[3.3.1]nonanes and derivatives. Single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis of 7-benzyl-3-selena-7-azabicyclo[3.3.1]nonan-9-one and 7-benzyl-3-selena-7-azabicyclo[3.3.1]nonane hydroperchlorate

Several members of the heterocyclic family 3-selena-7-azabicyclo[3.3.1]nonane have been synthesized and characterized via IR, 1H, 13C, 15N, and 77Se NMR spectroscopy and, in some cases, by X-ray diffraction analysis. Select members, namely the hydroperchlorates of the amines, were examined for antiarrhythmic properties in anesthetized dogs in which myocardial infarctions were induced by techniques previously described. In the predrug, or control state, sustained ventricular tachycardia were induced by ventricular paced beats at rates above 300/min. When 7-benzyl-3-selena-7-azabicyclo[3.3.1]nonane hydroperchlorate was administered at 3 and 6 mg/kg, the sustained ventricular tachycardia could no longer be induced. Similar doses of lidocaine, a commonly used antiarrhythmic, caused slowing of the sustained ventricular tachycardia below 300/min but did not abolish their inducibility. In addition, select members of the hydroperchlorates caused a moderate 10-20% increase in mean blood pressure whereas lidocaine caused either no change in or slightly reduced mean blood pressure. Some general conclusions are delineated concerning the structural requirements that appear to be necessary for activity in this family of heterocycles and that have not been reported previously.