scholarly journals Broad Specificity of Amino Acid Chemoreceptor CtaA of Pseudomonas fluorescens Is Afforded by Plasticity of Its Amphipathic Ligand-Binding Pocket

2020 ◽  
Vol 33 (4) ◽  
pp. 612-623 ◽  
Author(s):  
Abu I. M. S. Ud-Din ◽  
Mohammad F. Khan ◽  
Anna Roujeinikova
Keyword(s):  
Amino Acids ◽  
Amino Acid ◽  
Ligand Binding ◽  
Pseudomonas Fluorescens ◽  
Binding Pocket ◽  
Signaling Mechanism ◽  
Ligand Binding Pocket ◽  
Plant Growth Promoting ◽  
Chemotaxis Receptors ◽  
Broad Specificity

Motile bacteria follow gradients of nutrients or other environmental cues. Many bacterial chemoreceptors that sense exogenous amino acids contain a double Cache (dCache; calcium channels and chemotaxis receptors) ligand-binding domain (LBD). A growing number of studies suggest that broad-specificity dCache-type receptors that sense more than one amino acid are common. Here, we present an investigation into the mechanism by which the dCache LBD of the chemoreceptor CtaA from a plant growth–promoting rhizobacterium, Pseudomonas fluorescens, recognizes several chemically distinct amino acids. We established that amino acids that signal by directly binding to the CtaA LBD include ones with aliphatic (l-alanine, l-proline, l-leucine, l-isoleucine, l-valine), small polar (l-serine), and large charged (l-arginine) side chains. We determined the structure of CtaA LBD in complex with different amino acids, revealing that its ability to recognize a range of structurally and chemically distinct amino acids is afforded by its easily accessible plastic pocket, which can expand or contract according to the size of the ligand side chain. The amphipathic character of the pocket enables promiscuous interactions with both polar and nonpolar amino acids. The results not only clarify the means by which various amino acids are recognized by CtaA but also reveal that a conserved mobile lid over the ligand-binding pocket adopts the same conformation in all complexes, consistent with this being an important and invariant part of the signaling mechanism.

scholarly journals Four Amino Acid Changes in HIV-2 Protease Confer Class-Wide Sensitivity to Protease Inhibitors

2015 ◽  
Vol 90 (2) ◽  
pp. 1062-1069 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dana N. Raugi ◽  
Robert A. Smith ◽  
Geoffrey S. Gottlieb ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Amino Acids ◽  
Amino Acid ◽  
Ligand Binding ◽  
Protease Inhibitors ◽  
Binding Pocket ◽  
Wild Type ◽  
Ligand Binding Pocket ◽  
Crystallographic Structures ◽  
Retroviral Replication ◽  
Hiv 1

ABSTRACTProtease is essential for retroviral replication, and protease inhibitors (PI) are important for treating HIV infection. HIV-2 exhibits intrinsic resistance to most FDA-approved HIV-1 PI, retaining clinically useful susceptibility only to lopinavir, darunavir, and saquinavir. The mechanisms for this resistance are unclear; although HIV-1 and HIV-2 proteases share just 38 to 49% sequence identity, all critical structural features of proteases are conserved. Structural studies have implicated four amino acids in the ligand-binding pocket (positions 32, 47, 76, and 82). We constructed HIV-2ROD9molecular clones encoding the corresponding wild-type HIV-1 amino acids (I32V, V47I, M76L, and I82V) either individually or together (clone PRΔ4) and compared the phenotypic sensitivities (50% effective concentration [EC50]) of mutant and wild-type viruses to nine FDA-approved PI. Single amino acid replacements I32V, V47I, and M76L increased the susceptibility of HIV-2 to multiple PI, but no single change conferred class-wide sensitivity. In contrast, clone PRΔ4 showed PI susceptibility equivalent to or greater than that of HIV-1 for all PI. We also compared crystallographic structures of wild-type HIV-1 and HIV-2 proteases complexed with amprenavir and darunavir to models of the PRΔ4 enzyme. These models suggest that the amprenavir sensitivity of PRΔ4 is attributable to stabilizing enzyme-inhibitor interactions in the P2 and P2′ pockets of the protease dimer. Together, our results show that the combination of four amino acid changes in HIV-2 protease confer a pattern of PI susceptibility comparable to that of HIV-1, providing a structural rationale for intrinsic HIV-2 PI resistance and resolving long-standing questions regarding the determinants of differential PI susceptibility in HIV-1 and HIV-2.IMPORTANCEProteases are essential for retroviral replication, and HIV-1 and HIV-2 proteases share a great deal of structural similarity. However, only three of nine FDA-approved HIV-1 protease inhibitors (PI) are active against HIV-2. The underlying reasons for intrinsic PI resistance in HIV-2 are not known. We examined the contributions of four amino acids in the ligand-binding pocket of the enzyme that differ between HIV-1 and HIV-2 by constructing HIV-2 clones encoding the corresponding HIV-1 amino acids and testing the PI susceptibilities of the resulting viruses. We found that the HIV-2 clone containing all four changes (PRΔ4) was as susceptible as HIV-1 to all nine PI. We also modeled the PRΔ4 enzyme structure and compared it to existing crystallographic structures of HIV-1 and HIV-2 proteases complexed with amprenavir and darunavir. Our findings demonstrate that four positions in the ligand-binding cleft of protease are the primary cause of HIV-2 PI resistance.

scholarly journals SUN-LB138 Dynamic Structural Model of Testosterone Entry Into the Unliganded Androgen Receptor

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Irina Krylova ◽  
Fred J Schaufele ◽  
Christophe Guilbert
Keyword(s):  
Amino Acids ◽  
Androgen Receptor ◽  
Ligand Binding ◽  
Nuclear Receptors ◽  
Nuclear Receptor ◽  
Binding Pocket ◽  
Binding Domain ◽  
Receptor Ligand ◽  
Ligand Binding Pocket ◽  
Crystallographic Structures

Abstract Background: Crystallographic structures of nuclear receptor ligand binding domains provide a static model of a receptor stably wrapped around an internalized ligand. Understanding the dynamics of a receptor at different stages of ligand binding has been hampered by the paucity of crystal structures for unliganded nuclear receptors. Molecular dynamic models have been constructed for some nuclear receptors to fill that void. Methods: The molecular simulation docking program MORDOR (MOlecular Recognition with a Driven dynamics OptimizeR)(1) was used to study the structural dynamics of the androgen receptor ligand binding domain (AR LBD) modeled from the static structure of the AR LBD bound to testosterone (T) (PDB ID: 2AM9). The goals of the study were to understand a) the dynamic interaction of the T in its binding pocket, b) AR LBD structural flexibilities that permit T entry/exit from the binding pocket and c) a model of the unliganded AR LBD. Results: Modeling AR LBD structure flexibility over time revealed possible alternative dynamic structures, including those without ligand, overlaid against the canonical nuclear receptor structure. The model dynamically tracks the structural changes as a ligand enters into the ligand binding domain and nestles into the ligand binding pocket. The model predicted the appearance of alpha helices within the AR LBD that transiently fold/unfold during the ligand entry phases. Once in the pocket, the ligand itself remains very dynamic in a still flexible pocket. The model predicted also AR LBD amino acids that sequentially interact with the ligand during its dynamic entry into the AR LBD. Intriguingly, those AR amino acids include those mutated in castration-resistant prostate tumors that continue to grow during androgen suppression therapy. Functional studies showed those mutant ARs had a primary consequence of enhancing response to lower level T, and other androgens, consistent with their role in creating a higher affinity AR that can scavenge low-level androgens in an androgen-suppressed patient. Conclusions: The molecular model of T binding to the AR LBD suggests a degree of structural dynamism not evident in the crystallographic structures commonly associated with nuclear receptors. Some AR mutations activating prostate tumor growth may do so by impacting androgen entry/exit, rather than by altering androgen fit into the ligand binding pocket. Reference: (1) Guilbert C, James TL (2008) J Chem Inf Model. 2008 48(6): 1257-1268. doi: 10.1021/ci8000327

Structural Coupling of 11-cis-7-Methyl-retinal and Amino Acids at the Ligand Binding Pocket of Rhodopsin

2009 ◽  
Vol 85 (2) ◽  
pp. 485-493 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mònica Aguilà ◽  
Darwin Toledo ◽  
Margarita Morillo ◽  
Marta Dominguez ◽  
Belén Vaz ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Amino Acids ◽  
Ligand Binding ◽  
Binding Pocket ◽  
Structural Coupling ◽  
Ligand Binding Pocket

Differential Mapping of the Amino Acids Mediating Agonist and Antagonist Coordination with the Human Thromboxane A2 Receptor Protein.

Blood ◽  
2005 ◽  
Vol 106 (11) ◽  
pp. 3571-3571
Author(s):  
Fadi T. Khasawneh ◽  
Jin-Sheng Huang ◽  
Joseph W. Turek ◽  
Guy C. Le Breton
Keyword(s):  
Amino Acids ◽  
Ligand Binding ◽  
Functional Response ◽  
Transmembrane Domain ◽  
Thromboxane A2 ◽  
Binding Pocket ◽  
Receptor Protein ◽  
Ligand Binding Pocket ◽  
Thromboxane A2 Receptor ◽  
Ligand Coordination

Abstract Despite the well-documented involvement of thromboxane A2 receptor (TPR) signaling in the pathogenesis of thrombotic diseases, there are currently no rationally-designed antagonists available for clinical use. To a large extent this derives from a lack of knowledge regarding the topography of the TPR ligand binding pocket. On this basis, the purpose of the current study was to identify the specific amino acid residues in the TPR protein which regulate ligand coordination and binding. The sites selected for mutation reside within or in close proximity to a region we previously defined as a TPR ligand binding site, i.e., the C-terminus of the second extracellular loop and the leading edge of the fifth transmembrane domain. Mutation of these residues caused varying effects on the TPR-ligand coordination process. Specifically, the D193A mutant lacked both SQ29,548 (antagonist) binding and U46619 (agonist)-induced calcium mobilization. Three other mutants, F184Y, T186A and S191T, discriminated between SQ29,548 binding and the U46619-mediated functional response. Furthermore, these mutants also revealed a divergence in the binding of two structurally different antagonists, SQ29,548 and BM13.505. Conversely, two separate mutants which exhibited SQ29,548 binding activity yielded either a normal (F196Y) or reduced (S201T) U46619 response. Finally, mutation of other residues directly adjacent to those described above, e.g., E190A and F200A, produced no detectable effects on either SQ29,548 binding or the U46619-induced functional response. In summary, these results identify key amino acids involved in TPR ligand coordination and demonstrate that TPR-specific ligands do not necessarily interact with the same residues in the ligand-binding pocket.

scholarly journals Determinants of spironolactone binding specificity in the mineralocorticoid receptor

2003 ◽  
Vol 31 (3) ◽  
pp. 573-582 ◽  
Author(s):  
FM Rogerson ◽  
YZ Yao ◽  
BJ Smith ◽  
N Dimopoulos ◽  
PJ Fuller
Keyword(s):  
Crystal Structure ◽  
Experimental Data ◽  
Amino Acids ◽  
Ligand Binding ◽  
Mineralocorticoid Receptor ◽  
Binding Specificity ◽  
Binding Pocket ◽  
Clinical Use ◽  
Ligand Binding Pocket ◽  
Binding Domains

Spironolactone is a mineralocorticoid receptor (MR) antagonist in clinical use. The compound has a very low affinity for the glucocorticoid receptor (GR). Determinants of binding specificity of spironolactone to the MR were investigated using chimeras created between the ligand-binding domains (LBDs) of the MR and the GR. These chimeras had previously been used to investigate aldosterone binding specificity to the MR. Spironolactone was able to compete strongly for [(3)H]-aldosterone and [(3)H]-dexamethasone binding to a chimera containing amino acids 804-874 of the MR, and weakly for [(3)H]-dexamethasone binding to a chimera containing amino acids 672-803 of the MR. Amino acids 804-874 were also critical for aldosterone binding specificity. Models of the MR LBD bound to aldosterone and spironolactone were created based on the crystal structure of the progesterone receptor LBD. The ligand-binding pocket of the MR LBD model consisted of 23 amino acids and was predominantly hydrophobic in nature. Analysis of this model in light of the experimental data suggested that spironolactone binding specificity is not governed by amino acids in the ligand-binding pocket.

scholarly journals Dormant spores sense amino acids through the B subunits of their germination receptors

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Lior Artzi ◽  
Assaf Alon ◽  
Kelly P. Brock ◽  
Anna G. Green ◽  
Amy Tam ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Amino Acids ◽  
Bacillus Subtilis ◽  
Amino Acid ◽  
Binding Pocket ◽  
Nutrient Sensing ◽  
Membrane Receptors ◽  
Variation Analysis ◽  
Family Function ◽  
Ligand Binding Pocket ◽  
B Subunits

AbstractBacteria from the orders Bacillales and Clostridiales differentiate into stress-resistant spores that can remain dormant for years, yet rapidly germinate upon nutrient sensing. How spores monitor nutrients is poorly understood but in most cases requires putative membrane receptors. The prototypical receptor from Bacillus subtilis consists of three proteins (GerAA, GerAB, GerAC) required for germination in response to L-alanine. GerAB belongs to the Amino Acid-Polyamine-Organocation superfamily of transporters. Using evolutionary co-variation analysis, we provide evidence that GerAB adopts a structure similar to an L-alanine transporter from this superfamily. We show that mutations in gerAB predicted to disrupt the ligand-binding pocket impair germination, while mutations predicted to function in L-alanine recognition enable spores to respond to L-leucine or L-serine. Finally, substitutions of bulkier residues at these positions cause constitutive germination. These data suggest that GerAB is the L-alanine sensor and that B subunits in this broadly conserved family function in nutrient detection.

scholarly journals Identification of Binding Regions of Bilirubin in the Ligand-Binding Pocket of the Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptor-A (PPARalpha)

Molecules ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 26 (10) ◽  
pp. 2975
Author(s):  
Darren M. Gordon ◽  
Stephen H. Hong ◽  
Zachary A. Kipp ◽  
Terry D. Hinds
Keyword(s):  
Amino Acids ◽  
Ligand Binding ◽  
Mutational Analysis ◽  
Binding Pocket ◽  
Peroxisome Proliferator ◽  
Fluorescent Properties ◽  
Binding Studies ◽  
Peroxisome Proliferator Activated Receptor ◽  
Ligand Binding Pocket ◽  
Bilirubin Binding

Recent work has shown that bilirubin has a hormonal function by binding to the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-α (PPARα), a nuclear receptor that drives the transcription of genes to control adiposity. Our previous in silico work predicted three potential amino acids that bilirubin may interact with by hydrogen bonding in the PPARα ligand-binding domain (LBD), which could be responsible for the ligand-induced function. To further reveal the amino acids that bilirubin interacts with in the PPARα LBD, we harnessed bilirubin’s known fluorescent properties when bound to proteins such as albumin. Our work here revealed that bilirubin interacts with threonine 283 (T283) and alanine 333 (A333) for ligand binding. Mutational analysis of T283 and A333 showed significantly reduced bilirubin binding, reductions of 11.4% and 17.0%, respectively. Fenofibrate competitive binding studies for the PPARα LBD showed that bilirubin and fenofibrate possibly interact with different amino acid residues. Furthermore, bilirubin showed no interaction with PPARγ. This is the first study to reveal the amino acids responsible for bilirubin binding in the ligand-binding pocket of PPARα. Our work offers new insight into the mechanistic actions of a well-known molecule, bilirubin, and new fronts into its mechanisms.

Molecular Docking Analysis of Flavonoid Compounds with Matrix Metalloproteinase-8 for the Identification of Potential Effective Inhibitors

2020 ◽  
Vol 17 ◽  
Author(s):  
Amir Taherkhani ◽  
Athena Orangi ◽  
Shirin Moradkhani ◽  
Zahra Khamverdi
Keyword(s):  
Amino Acids ◽  
Molecular Docking ◽  
Amino Acid ◽  
Matrix Metalloproteinase ◽  
Ligand Binding ◽  
Chronic Inflammation ◽  
Cancer Progression ◽  
Dimensional Structure ◽  
Control Test ◽  
Therapeutic Procedures

Background: Matrix metalloproteinase-8 (MMP-8) participates in degradation of different types of collagens in the extracellular matrix and basement membrane. Up-regulation of the MMP-8 has been demonstrated in many of disorders including cancer development, tooth caries, periodontal/peri-implant soft and hard tissue degeneration, and acute/chronic inflammation. Therefore, MMP-8 has become an encouraging target for therapeutic procedures for scientists. We carried out molecular docking approach to study the binding affinity of 29 flavonoids, as drug candidates, with the MMP-8. Pharmacokinetic and toxicological properties of the compounds were also studied. Moreover, it was attempted to identify the most important amino acids participating in ligand binding based on degree of each of the amino acids in the ligand-amino acid interaction network for MMP-8. Methods: Three-dimensional structure of the protein was gained from the RCSB database (PDB ID: 4QKZ). AutoDock version 4.0 and Cytoscape 3.7.2 were used for molecular docking and network analysis, respectively. Notably, the inhibitor of the protein in the crystalline structure of the 4QKZ was considered as a control test. Pharmacokinetic and toxicological features of compounds were predicted using bioinformatic web tools. Post-docking analyses were performed using BIOVIA Discovery Studio Visualizer version 19.1.0.18287. Results and Discussions: According to results, 24 of the studied compounds considered to be top potential inhibitors for MMP-8 based on their salient estimated free energy of binding and inhibition constant as compared with the control test: Apigenin-7-glucoside, nicotiflorin, luteolin, glabridin, taxifolin, apigenin, licochalcone A, quercetin, isorhamnetin, myricetin, herbacetin, kaemferol, epicatechin, chrysin, amentoflavone, rutin, orientin, epiafzelechin, quercetin-3-rhamnoside, formononetin, isoliquiritigenin, vitexin, catechine, isoquercitrin. Moreover, His-197 was found to be the most important amino acid involved in the ligand binding for the enzyme. Conclusion: The results of the current study could be used in the prevention and therapeutic procedures of a number of disorders such as cancer progression and invasion, oral diseases, and acute/chronic inflammation. Although, in vitro and in vivo tests are inevitable in the future.

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