scholarly journals Disulfide reduction allosterically destabilizes the β-ladder sub-domain assembly within the NS1 dimer of ZIKV

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
P Roy ◽  
S Roy ◽  
N Sengupta
Keyword(s):  
Disulfide Bonds ◽  
Viral Pathogenesis ◽  
Interfacial Region ◽  
High Symmetry ◽  
Ns1 Protein ◽  
Unperturbed State ◽  
Dynamical Heterogeneity ◽  
Drug Molecules ◽  
Model Free ◽  
Protein Dimer

AbstractThe Zika virus (ZIKV) was responsible for a recent debilitating epidemic that till date has no cure. A potential way to reduce ZIKV virulence is to limit the action of the non-structural proteins involved in its viral replication. One such protein, NS1, encoded as a monomer by the viral genome, plays a major role via symmetric oligomerization. We examine the homodimeric structure of the dominant β-ladder segment of NS1 with extensive all atom molecular dynamics. We find it stably bounded by two spatially separated interaction clusters (C1 and C2) with significant differences in the nature of their interactions. Four pairs of distal, intra-monomeric disulfide bonds are found to be coupled to the stability, local structure, and wettability of the interfacial region. Symmetric reduction of the intra-monomeric disulfides triggers marked dynamical heterogeneity, interfacial wettability and asymmetric salt bridging propensity. Harnessing the model-free Lipari-Szabo based formalism for estimation of conformational entropy (Sconf), we find clear signatures of heterogeneity in the monomeric conformational entropies. The observed asymmetry, very small in the unperturbed state, expands significantly in the reduced states. This allosteric effect is most noticeable in the electrostatically bound C2 cluster that underlies the greatest stability in the unperturbed state. Allosteric induction of conformational and thermodynamic asymmetry is expected to affect the pathways leading to symmetric higher ordered oligomerization, and thereby affect crucial replication pathways.Statement of significanceControlling viral pathogenesis remains a challenge in the face of modern-day epidemics. Though cumbersome and fraught with misleads, most therapeutic endeavors lean towards the design of drug molecules targeting specific proteins involved in viral pathogenesis. This work demonstrates an alternative approach, namely the usage of allosteric intervention to disrupt the binding integrity of the primary domain of the non-structural NS1 protein dimer crucially important in ZIKV virulence. The intervention, triggered by symmetric reduction of the internal monomeric disulfide bonds, results in weakening and distortion of the distal binding interfaces. It further introduces marked structural and entropic asymmetry within the homooligomeric unit, precluding the formation of higher ordered oligomers of high symmetry. The results have important ramifications for consolidated efforts at limiting ZIKV virulence.

Differential Pathogenesis of Bernard-Soulier Syndrome-Associated Mutations In the Platelet Glycoprotein Ibβ Ectodomain

Blood ◽  
2010 ◽  
Vol 116 (21) ◽  
pp. 3202-3202
Author(s):  
Wenjun Yang ◽  
P.A McEwan ◽  
Xi Mo ◽  
Jonas Emsley ◽  
Renhao Li
Keyword(s):  
Cho Cells ◽  
Disulfide Bonds ◽  
Surface Expression ◽  
Full Length ◽  
Platelet Glycoprotein ◽  
Interfacial Region ◽  
Support Surface ◽  
Wild Type ◽  
Platelet Surface ◽  
Bernard Soulier Syndrome

Abstract Abstract 3202 Eight missense mutations in the ectodomain of glycoprotein (GP)Ibβ have been identified in patients with Bernard-Soulier syndrome (BSS) that is characterized by the deficiency of functional GPIb-IX complex on the platelet surface, clearly highlighting the importance of GPIbβ ectodomain in assembly of the GPIb-IX complex. To understand the molecular pathogenesis of these mutations, we have characterized their effects on the expression, secretion, folding of the isolated GPIbβ ectodomain as well as its interaction with GPIX ectodomain in the context of full-length complex. Each of the 8 mutations — C5Y, R17C, P29L, N64T, P74R, Y88C, P96S, and A108P — was constructed into genes encoding HA-tagged GPIbβ ectodomain or full-length GPIbβ subunit, and the mutant gene transfected transiently, along with GPIba and GPIX genes if desired, into Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells. Flow cytometry and Western blot analysis indicated that while all 8 mutations impeded formation of the disulfide bonds between GPIba and GPIbβ and significantly decreased the surface expression level of GPIb-IX complex comparing to the wild-type, the extent of disruption varies with each mutation. Further characterization in the context of isolated GPIbβ ectodomain revealed that the majority of 8 mutations — C5Y, R17C, P29L, N64T, Y88C, P96S — are detrimental to proper folding of the GPIbβ ectodomain, resulting in secretion defects and/or domain misfolding. In contrast, two mutations, P74R and A108P, preserved structural integrity of the GPIbβ ectodomain since the mutant ectodomains exhibited wild-type-like secretion levels and formed no inter-molecular disulfide bonds. However, neither of the two mutations, in the context of full-length GPIbβ, were able to support surface expression of GPIX in transfected CHO cells as the wild-type, indicating that P74R and A108P disrupt the interaction between GPIbβ and GPIX ectodomains. Thus, our results demonstrated although all 8 BSS mutations in GPIbβ share the same phenotype, they impair expression of the GPIb-IX complex by two different mechanisms — disrupting folding of the GPIbβ ectodomain or disrupting interactions between GPIb-IX subunits. Furthermore, our results suggest that Pro74 and Ala108 may be located in the interfacial region between GPIbβ and GPIX ectodomains, helping to shed light on the structure of GPIb-IX complex. Disclosures: No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.

scholarly journals Influenza Virus NS1 Protein Induces Apoptosis in Cultured Cells

2001 ◽  
Vol 75 (17) ◽  
pp. 7875-7881 ◽  
Author(s):  
Stacey Schultz-Cherry ◽  
Naomi Dybdahl-Sissoko ◽  
Gabriele Neumann ◽  
Yoshihiro Kawaoka ◽  
Virginia S. Hinshaw
Keyword(s):  
Influenza A ◽  
Cultured Cells ◽  
Domestic Animals ◽  
Viral Pathogenesis ◽  
Cellular Level ◽  
Influenza Viruses ◽  
Ns1 Protein ◽  
Cell Type ◽  
Ns Gene ◽  
Viral Genes

ABSTRACT The importance of influenza viruses as worldwide pathogens in humans, domestic animals, and poultry is well recognized. Discerning how influenza viruses interact with the host at a cellular level is crucial for a better understanding of viral pathogenesis. Influenza viruses induce apoptosis through mechanisms involving the interplay of cellular and viral factors that may depend on the cell type. However, it is unclear which viral genes induce apoptosis. In these studies, we show that the expression of the nonstructural (NS) gene of influenza A virus is sufficient to induce apoptosis in MDCK and HeLa cells. Further studies showed that the multimerization domain of the NS1 protein but not the effector domain is required for apoptosis. However, this mutation is not sufficient to inhibit apoptosis using whole virus.

Representation, abstraction, and simple-minded sophisticates

2020 ◽  
Vol 43 ◽  
Author(s):  
Peter Dayan
Keyword(s):  
Decision Theory ◽  
Predictive Coding ◽  
Bayesian Decision Theory ◽  
Bayesian Decision ◽  
Model Based ◽  
Model Free

Abstract Bayesian decision theory provides a simple formal elucidation of some of the ways that representation and representational abstraction are involved with, and exploit, both prediction and its rather distant cousin, predictive coding. Both model-free and model-based methods are involved.

The influence of heat treatment on the fiber/matrix interface in a SiC-reinforced glassceramic

1988 ◽  
Vol 46 ◽  
pp. 742-743
Author(s):  
E. Bischoff ◽  
O. Sbaizero
Keyword(s):  
Heat Treatment ◽  
Aluminum Silicate ◽  
Lithium Aluminum ◽  
Interfacial Region ◽  
Specimen Preparation ◽  
Crack Wake ◽  
Pull Out ◽  
Annealed Material ◽  
Ultrasonic Drilling ◽  
Fiber Matrix Interface

Fiber or whisker reinforced ceramics show improved toughness and strength. Bridging by intact fibers in the crack wake and fiber pull-out after failure contribute to the additional toughness. These processes are strongly influenced by the sliding and debonding resistance of the interfacial region. The present study examines the interface in a laminated 0/90 composite consisting of SiC (Nicalon) fibers in a lithium-aluminum-silicate (LAS) glass-ceramic matrix. The material shows systematic changes in sliding resistance upon heat treatment.As-processed samples were annealed in air at 800 °C for 2, 4, 8, 16 and 100 h, and for comparison, in helium at 800 °C for 4 h. TEM specimen preparation of as processed and annealed material was performed with special care by cutting along directions having the fibers normal and parallel to the section plane, ultrasonic drilling, dimpling to 100 pm and final ionthinning. The specimen were lightly coated with Carbon and examined in an analytical TEM operated at 200 kV.

Preparation of Electron Transparent Metal-Matrix Composites

1968 ◽  
Vol 26 ◽  
pp. 334-335 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. R. Pinnel ◽  
A. Lawley
Keyword(s):  
Stainless Steel ◽  
Load Transfer ◽  
Volume Fraction ◽  
Steel Wire ◽  
Initial Step ◽  
Interfacial Region ◽  
Matrix Composites ◽  
Specific Test ◽  
The Matrix ◽  
The One

Numerous phenomenological descriptions of the mechanical behavior of composite materials have been developed. There is now an urgent need to study and interpret deformation behavior, load transfer, and strain distribution, in terms of micromechanisms at the atomic level. One approach is to characterize dislocation substructure resulting from specific test conditions by the various techniques of transmission electron microscopy. The present paper describes a technique for the preparation of electron transparent composites of aluminum-stainless steel, such that examination of the matrix-fiber (wire), or interfacial region is possible. Dislocation substructures are currently under examination following tensile, compressive, and creep loading. The technique complements and extends the one other study in this area by Hancock.The composite examined was hot-pressed (argon atmosphere) 99.99% aluminum reinforced with 15% volume fraction stainless steel wire (0.006″ dia.).Foils were prepared so that the stainless steel wires run longitudinally in the plane of the specimen i.e. the electron beam is perpendicular to the axes of the wires. The initial step involves cutting slices ∼0.040″ in thickness on a diamond slitting wheel.

Cryo-electron microscopy of two-dimensional crystals of reduced type B botulinum neurotoxin

1992 ◽  
Vol 50 (1) ◽  
pp. 530-531
Author(s):  
P. F. Flicker ◽  
V.S. Kulkarni ◽  
J. P. Robinson ◽  
G. Stubbs ◽  
B. R. DasGupta
Keyword(s):  
Disulfide Bonds ◽  
Clostridium Botulinum ◽  
Structural Changes ◽  
Two Dimensional ◽  
Type B ◽  
Single Chain ◽  
Muscle Paralysis ◽  
Cryo Electron Microscopy ◽  
Disulfide Linkages ◽  
Intracellular Action

Botulinum toxin is a potent neurotoxin produced by Clostridium botulinum. The toxin inhibits release of neurotransmitter, causing muscle paralysis. There are several serotypes, A to G, all of molecular weight about 150,000. The protein exists as a single chain or or as two chains, with two disulfide linkages. In a recent investigation on intracellular action of neurotoxins it was reported that type B neurotoxin can inhibit the release of Ca++-activated [3H] norepinephrine only if the disulfide bonds are reduced. In order to investigate possible structural changes in the toxin upon reduction of the disulfide bonds, we have prepared two-dimensional crystals of reduced type B neurotoxin. These two-dimensional crystals will be compared with those of the native (unreduced) type B toxin.

The usefulness of high index low symmetry zone axes for holz line analysis

1987 ◽  
Vol 45 ◽  
pp. 384-385
Author(s):  
C. M. Sung ◽  
D. B. Williams
Keyword(s):  
Lattice Parameter ◽  
High Order ◽  
Zone Axis ◽  
High Index ◽  
High Symmetry ◽  
Second Phases ◽  
Line Patterns ◽  
Low Symmetry ◽  
Line Analysis

Researchers have tended to use high symmetry zone axes (e.g. <111> <114>) for High Order Laue Zone (HOLZ) line analysis since Jones et al reported the origin of HOLZ lines and described some of their applications. But it is not always easy to find HOLZ lines from a specific high symmetry zone axis during microscope operation, especially from second phases on a scale of tens of nanometers. Therefore it would be very convenient if we can use HOLZ lines from low symmetry zone axes and simulate these patterns in order to measure lattice parameter changes through HOLZ line shifts. HOLZ patterns of high index low symmetry zone axes are shown in Fig. 1, which were obtained from pure Al at -186°C using a double tilt cooling holder. Their corresponding simulated HOLZ line patterns are shown along with ten other low symmetry orientations in Fig. 2. The simulations were based upon kinematical diffraction conditions.

A TEM study of the interface between organic matrix and aragonite in a biological hard tissue, nacre

1992 ◽  
Vol 50 (2) ◽  
pp. 1024-1025
Author(s):  
Jun Liu ◽  
Katie E. Gunnison ◽  
Mehmet Sarikaya ◽  
Ilhan A. Aksay
Keyword(s):  
Mechanical Properties ◽  
Ion Beam ◽  
Laminated Composite ◽  
Organic Matrix ◽  
Pearl Oyster ◽  
Interfacial Structure ◽  
Interfacial Region ◽  
Thin Sections ◽  
Organic Layers ◽  
Transmission Electron

The interfacial structure between the organic and inorganic phases in biological hard tissues plays an important role in controlling the growth and the mechanical properties of these materials. The objective of this work was to investigate these interfaces in nacre by transmission electron microscopy. The nacreous section of several different seashells -- abalone, pearl oyster, and nautilus -- were studied. Nacre is a laminated composite material consisting of CaCO3 platelets (constituting > 90 vol.% of the overall composite) separated by a thin organic matrix. Nacre is of interest to biomimetics because of its highly ordered structure and a good combination of mechanical properties. In this study, electron transparent thin sections were prepared by a low-temperature ion-beam milling procedure and by ultramicrotomy. To reveal structures in the organic layers as well as in the interfacial region, samples were further subjected to chemical fixation and labeling, or chemical etching. All experiments were performed with a Philips 430T TEM/STEM at 300 keV with a liquid Nitrogen sample holder.

Systematic zone-Axis orientation of NM-scale particles for microdiffraction

1990 ◽  
Vol 48 (4) ◽  
pp. 262-263
Author(s):  
E D Boyes ◽  
L Hanna
Keyword(s):  
Real Space ◽  
Dark Field ◽  
Zone Axis ◽  
High Symmetry ◽  
Lattice Imaging ◽  
Cell Level ◽  
Bright Field ◽  
Axis Orientation ◽  
Annular Dark Field ◽  
Target Designation

A VG HB501 FEG STEM has been modified to provide track whilst tilt [TWIT] facilities for controllably tilting selected and initially randomly aligned nanometer-sized particles into the high symmetry zone-axis orientations required for microdiffraction, lattice imaging and chemical microanalysis at the unit cell level. New electronics display in alternate TV fields and effectively in parallel on split [+VTR] or adjacent externally synchronized screens, the micro-diffraction pattern from a selected area down to <1nm2 in size, together with the bright field and high angle annular dark field [HADF] STEM images of a much wider [˜1μm] area centered on the same spot. The new system makes it possible to tilt each selected and initially randomly aligned small particle into a zone axis orientation for microdiffraction, or away from it to minimize orientation effects in chemical microanalysis. Tracking of the inevitable specimen movement with tilt is controlled by the operator, with realtime [60Hz] update of the target designation in real space and the diffraction data in reciprocal space. The spot mode micro-DP and images of the surrounding area are displayed continuously. The regular motorized goniometer stage for the HB501STEM is a top entry design but the new control facilities are almost equivalent to having a stage which is eucentric with nanometric precision about both tilt axes.

Using crystallographic symmetry in diffraction and contrast analysis

1989 ◽  
Vol 47 ◽  
pp. 504-505
Author(s):  
U. Dahmen ◽  
K.H. Westmacott
Keyword(s):  
Electron Microscopy ◽  
High Symmetry ◽  
Two Phase ◽  
Tem Analysis ◽  
Crystallographic Symmetry ◽  
The Matrix ◽  
Contrast Analysis ◽  
Practical Tool ◽  
Convergent Beam ◽  
Beam Diffraction

Despite the increased use of convergent beam diffraction, symmetry concepts in their more general form are not commonly applied as a practical tool in electron microscopy. Crystal symmetry provides an abundance of information that can be used to facilitate and improve the TEM analysis of crystalline solids. This paper draws attention to some aspects of symmetry that can be put to practical use in the analysis of structures and morphologies of two-phase materials.It has been shown that the symmetry of the matrix that relates different variants of a precipitate can be used to determine the axis of needle- or lath-shaped precipitates or the habit plane of plate-shaped precipitates. By tilting to a special high symmetry orientation of the matrix and by measuring angles between symmetry-related variants of the precipitate it is possible to find their habit from a single micrograph.

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