Molecular insights on CALX-CBD12 inter-domain dynamics from MD simulations, RDCs and SAXS

Exploration of inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (IP3) regulated dynamics of N-terminal domain of IP3 receptor reveals early phase molecular events during receptor activation

10.1101/404020 ◽

2018 ◽

Author(s):

Aneesh Chandran ◽

Xavier Chee ◽

David L. Prole ◽

Taufiq Rahman

Keyword(s):

Conformational Dynamics ◽

Md Simulations ◽

Receptor Activation ◽

Activation Mechanism ◽

Ip3 Receptor ◽

Dynamic Correlation ◽

Molecular Events ◽

Binding Core ◽

Domain Dynamics ◽

Phosphate Groups

Inositol 1, 4, 5-trisphosphate (IP3) binding at the N-terminus (NT) of IP3 receptor (IP3R) allosterically triggers the opening of a Ca2+-conducting pore located ~ 100 Å away from the IP3-binding core (IBC). However, the precise mechanism of IP3 binding and correlated domain dynamics in the NT that are central to the IP3R activation, remains unknown. Our all-atom molecular dynamics (MD) simulations recapitulate the characteristic twist motion of the suppresser domain (SD) and reveal correlated ‘clam closure’ dynamics of IBC with IP3-binding, complementing existing suggestions on IP3R activation mechanism. Our study further reveals the existence of inter-domain dynamic correlation in the NT and establishes the SD to be critical for the conformational dynamics of IBC. Also, a tripartite interaction involving Glu283-Arg54-Asp444 at the SD – IBC interface seemed critical for IP3R activation. Intriguingly, during the sub-microsecond long simulation, we observed Arg269 undergoing an SD-dependent flipping of hydrogen bonding between the first and fifth phosphate groups of IP3. This seems to play a major role in determining the IP3 binding affinity of IBC in the presence/absence of the SD. Our study thus provides atomistic details of early molecular events occurring within the NT during and following IP3 binding that lead to channel gating.

Download Full-text

Allosteric communications between domains modulate the activity of matrix metalloprotease-1

10.1101/804559 ◽

2019 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Lokender Kumar ◽

Anthony Nash ◽

Chase Harms ◽

Joan Planas-Iglesias ◽

Derek Wright ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Poisson Process ◽

Single Molecule ◽

Md Simulations ◽

Collagen Fibrils ◽

Water Soluble ◽

Coarse Grained ◽

Matrix Metalloprotease ◽

Insoluble Collagen ◽

Domain Dynamics

ABSTRACTAn understanding of the structure-dynamics relationship is essential for understanding how a protein works. Prior research has shown that the activity of a protein correlates with intra-domain dynamics occurring at picosecond to millisecond timescales. However, the correlation between inter-domain dynamics and the function of a protein is poorly understood. Here we show that communications between the catalytic and hemopexin domains of matrix metalloprotease-1 (MMP1) on type-1 collagen fibrils correlate with its activity. Using single-molecule FRET (smFRET), we identified functionally relevant open conformations where the two MMP1 domains are well-separated, which were significantly absent for catalytically inactive point mutant (E219Q) of MMP1 and could be modulated by an inhibitor or an enhancer of activity. The observed relevance of open conformations resolves the debate about the roles of open and closed MMP1 structures in function. A sum of two Gaussians fitted histograms, whereas an exponential fitted autocorrelations of smFRET values. We used a two-state Poisson process to describe the dynamics and used histograms and autocorrelations of conformations to calculate the kinetic rates between the two states. All-atom and coarse-grained simulations reproduced some of the experimental features and revealed substrate-dependent MMP1 dynamics. Our results suggest that an inter-domain separation facilitates opening up the catalytic pocket so that the collagen chains come closer to the MMP1 active site. Coordination of functional conformations at different parts of MMP1 occurs via allosteric communications that can take place via interactions mediated by collagen even if the linker between the domains is absent. Modeling dynamics as a Poisson process enables connecting the picosecond timescales of molecular dynamics simulations with the millisecond timescales of single molecule measurements. Water-soluble MMP1 interacting with water-insoluble collagen fibrils poses challenges for biochemical studies that the single molecule tracking can overcome for other insoluble substrates. Inter-domain communications are likely important for multidomain proteins.Statement of SignificanceIt is often challenging to distinguish functionally important dynamics because proteins are inherently flexible. MMP1 is a model enzyme because both the catalytic and hemopexin domains are necessary to degrade triple-helical type-1 collagen, the highly proteolysis-resistant structural component of the extracellular matrix. We report, for the first time, measurements of MMP1 inter-domain dynamics on type-1 collagen fibrils. We have identified functionally relevant MMP1 conformations where the two domains are far apart. Mutations and ligands can allosterically modulate the dynamics that correlate with activity. The dynamics follow a two-state Poisson process that connects the picosecond timescales of MD simulations with the millisecond timescales of experiments. The two domains can functionally communicate via collagen even when the physical linker is absent.

Download Full-text

Efficient Treatment of Fixed and Induced Dipolar Interactions

MRS Proceedings ◽

10.1557/proc-653-z7.22 ◽

2000 ◽

Vol 653 ◽

Author(s):

Celeste Sagui ◽

Thoma Darden

Keyword(s):

Molecular Dynamics ◽

Md Simulations ◽

Lagrangian Formalism ◽

Dipolar Interactions ◽

Time Step ◽

Efficient Treatment ◽

Particle Mesh Ewald ◽

Fixed Charges ◽

Self Consistency ◽

Induced Dipoles

AbstractFixed and induced point dipoles have been implemented in the Ewald and Particle-Mesh Ewald (PME) formalisms. During molecular dynamics (MD) the induced dipoles can be propagated along with the atomic positions either by interation to self-consistency at each time step, or by a Car-Parrinello (CP) technique using an extended Lagrangian formalism. The use of PME for electrostatics of fixed charges and induced dipoles together with a CP treatment of dipole propagation in MD simulations leads to a cost overhead of only 33% above that of MD simulations using standard PME with fixed charges, allowing the study of polarizability in largemacromolecular systems.

Download Full-text

Spotting Differences in Molecular Dynamic Simulations of Influenza A M2 Protein-Ligand Complexes by Varying M2 construct, Lipid Bilayer and Force Field

10.26434/chemrxiv.11365943.v1 ◽

2019 ◽

Author(s):

Dimitrios Kolokouris ◽

Iris Kalenderoglou ◽

Panagiotis Lagarias ◽

Antonios Kolocouris

Keyword(s):

Molecular Dynamic ◽

Lipid Bilayer ◽

Influenza A ◽

Md Simulations ◽

Membrane Curvature ◽

Buffer Size ◽

M2 Protein ◽

Dynamic Simulations ◽

Amphipathic Helices ◽

Drug Protein Binding

We studied by molecular dynamic (MD) simulations systems including the inwardclosed state of influenza A M2 protein in complex with aminoadamantane drugs in membrane bilayers. We varied the M2 construct and performed MD simulations in M2TM or M2TM with amphipathic helices (M2AH). We also varied the lipid bilayer by changing either the lipid, DMPC or POPC, POPE or POPC/cholesterol (chol), or the lipids buffer size, 10x10 Å2 or 20x20 Å2. We aimed to suggest optimal system conditions for the computational description of this ion channel and related systems. Measures performed include quantities that are available experimentally and include: (a) the position of ligand, waters and chlorine anion inside the M2 pore, (b) the passage of waters from the outward Val27 gate of M2 S31N in complex with an aminoadamantane-aryl head blocker, (c) M2 orientation, (d) the AHs conformation and structure which is affected from interactions with lipids and chol and is important for membrane curvature and virus budding. In several cases we tested OPLS2005, which is routinely applied to describe drug-protein binding, and CHARMM36 which describes reliably protein conformation. We found that for the description of the ligands position inside the M2 pore, a 10x10 Å2 lipids buffer in DMPC is needed when M2TM is used but 20x20 Å2 lipids buffer of the softer POPC; when M2AH is used all 10x10 Å2 lipid buffers with any of the tested lipids can be used. For the passage of waters at least M2AH with a 10x10 Å2 lipid buffer is needed. The folding conformation of AHs which is defined from hydrogen bonding interactions with the bilayer and the complex with chol is described well with a 10x10 Å2 lipids buffer and CHARMM36.

Download Full-text

A Hydrogen Bond Between Linear Tetrapyrrole and Conserved Aspartate Causes the Far-Red Shifted Absorption of Phytochrome Photoreceptors

10.26434/chemrxiv.12278780 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Egle Maximowitsch ◽

Tatiana Domratcheva

Keyword(s):

Hydrogen Bond ◽

Light Adaptation ◽

Positive Charge ◽

Pyrrole Ring ◽

Md Simulations ◽

Spectral Shift ◽

Specific Domain ◽

Study Guides ◽

Rational Engineering ◽

Tuning Mechanism

Photoswitching of phytochrome photoreceptors between red-absorbing (Pr) and far-red absorbing (Pfr) states triggers light adaptation of plants, bacteria and other organisms. Using quantum chemistry, we elucidate the color-tuning mechanism of phytochromes and identify the origin of the Pfr-state red-shifted spectrum. Spectral variations are explained by resonance interactions of the protonated linear tetrapyrrole chromophore. In particular, hydrogen bonding of pyrrole ring D with the strictly conserved aspartate shifts the positive charge towards ring D thereby inducing the red spectral shift. Our MD simulations demonstrate that formation of the ring D–aspartate hydrogen bond depends on interactions between the chromophore binding domain (CBD) and phytochrome specific domain (PHY). Our study guides rational engineering of fluorescent phytochromes with a far-red shifted spectrum.

Download Full-text

Computationally Assisted Design of High Signal-to-Noise Photoinduced Electron Transfer-Based Voltage-Sensitive Dyes

10.26434/chemrxiv.12401753 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Rishikesh Kulkarni ◽

Anneliese Gest ◽

Chun Kei Lam ◽

Benjamin Raliski ◽

Feroz James ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Electron Transfer ◽

Dft Calculations ◽

Photoinduced Electron Transfer ◽

Density Functional ◽

Embryonic Stem ◽

High Sensitivity ◽

Md Simulations ◽

High Signal ◽

Signal To Noise ◽

Green Fluorescent

High signal-to-noise optical voltage indicators will enable simultaneous interrogation of membrane potential in large ensembles of neurons. However, design principles for voltage sensors with high sensitivity and brightness remain elusive, limiting the applicability of voltage imaging. In this paper, we use molecular dynamics (MD) simulations and density functional theory (DFT) calculations to guide the design of a bright and sensitive green-fluorescent voltage-sensitive fluorophore, or VoltageFluor (VF dye), that uses photoinduced electron transfer (PeT) as a voltage-sensing mechanism. MD simulations predict an 11% increase in sensitivity due to membrane orientation, while DFT calculations predict an increase in fluorescence quantum yield, but a decrease in sensitivity due to a decrease in rate of PeT. We confirm these predictions by synthesizing a new VF dye and demonstrating that it displays the expected improvements by doubling the brightness and retaining similar sensitivity to prior VF dyes. Combining theoretical predictions and experimental validation has resulted in the synthesis of the highest signal-to-noise green VF dye to date. We use this new voltage indicator to monitor the electrophysiological maturation of human embryonic stem cell-derived medium spiny neurons.

Download Full-text

Temperature Dependence of the Air/Water Interface Revealed by Polarization Sensitive Sum-Frequency Generation Spectroscopy

10.26434/chemrxiv.5938177.v2 ◽

2018 ◽

Author(s):

Daniel R. Moberg ◽

Shelby C. Straight ◽

Francesco Paesani

Keyword(s):

Temperature Dependence ◽

Low Frequency ◽

Potential Energy Function ◽

Md Simulations ◽

Sum Frequency Generation ◽

Water Molecules ◽

Water Interface ◽

Sum Frequency ◽

Air Water Interface ◽

Frequency Generation

<div> <div> <div> The temperature dependence of the vibrational sum-frequency generation (vSFG) spectra of the the air/water interface is investigated using many-body molecular dynamics (MB-MD) simulations performed with the MB-pol potential energy function. The total vSFG spectra calculated for different polarization combinations are then analyzed in terms of molecular auto-correlation and cross-correlation contributions. To provide molecular-level insights into interfacial hydrogen-bonding topologies, which give rise to specific spectroscopic features, the vSFG spectra are further investigated by separating contributions associated with water molecules donating 0, 1, or 2 hydrogen bonds to neighboring water molecules. This analysis suggests that the low frequency shoulder of the free OH peak which appears at ∼3600 cm−1 is primarily due to intermolecular couplings between both singly and doubly hydrogen-bonded molecules. </div> </div> </div>

Download Full-text

Split the Charge Difference in Two! a Rule of Thumb for Adding Proper Amounts of Ions in MD Simulations

10.26434/chemrxiv.9783155.v2 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Matías R. Machado ◽

Sergio Pantano

Keyword(s):

Molecular Dynamics ◽

Ionic Strength ◽

Molecular Simulations ◽

Md Simulations ◽

Good Practices ◽

Rule Of Thumb ◽

Ionic Concentrations

Despite the relevance of properly setting ionic concentrations in Molecular Dynamics (MD) simulations, methods or practical rules to set ionic strength are scarce and rarely documented. Based on a recently proposed thermodynamics method we provide an accurate rule of thumb to define the electrolytic content in simulation boxes. Extending the use of good practices in setting up MD systems is promptly needed to ensure reproducibility and consistency in molecular simulations.

Download Full-text

Mechanisms of ATP to cAMP Conversion Catalyzed by the Mammalian Adenylyl Cyclase: A Role of Magnesium Coordination Shells and Proton Wires

10.26434/chemrxiv.9209180 ◽

2019 ◽

Author(s):

Bella Grigorenko ◽

Igor Polyakov ◽

Alexander Nemukhin

Keyword(s):

Adenylyl Cyclase ◽

Bond Cleavage ◽

Cyclic Adenosine Monophosphate ◽

Adenosine Monophosphate ◽

Md Simulations ◽

Coordination Shell ◽

Energy Profile ◽

One Step ◽

Type V

We report a mechanism of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) to cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) conversion by the mammalian type V adenylyl cyclase revealed in molecular dynamics (MD) and quantum mechanics/molecular mechanics (QM/MM) simulations. We characterize a set of computationally derived enzyme-substrate (ES) structures showing an important role of coordination shells of magnesium ions in the solvent accessible active site. Several stable six-fold coordination shells of MgA2+ are observed in MD simulations of ES complexes. In the lowest energy ES conformation, the coordination shell of MgA2+ does not include the Oδ1 atom of the conserved Asp440 residue. Starting from this conformation, a one-step reaction mechanism is characterized which includes proton transfer from the ribose O3'H3' group in ATP to Asp440 via a shuttling water molecule and PA-O3A bond cleavage and O3'-PA bond formation. The energy profile of this route is consistent with the observed reaction kinetics. In a higher energy ES conformation, MgA2+ is bound to the Oδ1(Asp440) atom as suggested in the relevant crystal structure of the protein with a substrate analog. The computed energy profile initiated by this ES is characterized by higher energy expenses to complete the reaction. Consistently with experimental data, we show that the Asp440Ala mutant of the enzyme should exhibit a reduced but retained activity. All considered reaction pathways include proton wires from the O3'H3' group via shuttling water molecules.

Download Full-text

Polysaccharide Structures in the Outer Mucilage of Arabidopsis Seeds Visualized by AFM

10.26686/wgtn.12585593.v1 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

MAK Williams ◽

V Cornuault ◽

AH Irani ◽

VV Symonds ◽

J Malmström ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Average Length ◽

American Chemical Society ◽

Md Simulations ◽

Chemical Society ◽

Side Chains ◽

Rhamnogalacturonan I ◽

Afm Imaging ◽

Minor Population ◽

The Stability ◽

A Minor

© 2020 American Chemical Society. Evidence is presented that the polysaccharide rhamnogalacturonan I (RGI) can be biosynthesized in remarkably organized branched configurations and surprisingly long versions and can self-assemble into a plethora of structures. AFM imaging has been applied to study the outer mucilage obtained from wild-type (WT) and mutant (bxl1-3 and cesa5-1) Arabidopsis thaliana seeds. For WT mucilage, ordered, multichain structures of the polysaccharide RGI were observed, with a helical twist visible in favorable circumstances. Molecular dynamics (MD) simulations demonstrated the stability of several possible multichain complexes and the possibility of twisted fibril formation. For bxl1-3 seeds, the imaged polymers clearly showed the presence of side chains. These were surprisingly regular and well organized with an average length of ∼100 nm and a spacing of ∼50 nm. The heights of the side chains imaged were suggestive of single polysaccharide chains, while the backbone was on average 4 times this height and showed regular height variations along its length consistent with models of multichain fibrils examined in MD. Finally, in mucilage extracts from cesa5-1 seeds, a minor population of chains in excess of 30 μm long was observed.

Download Full-text