scholarly journals Cryo-EM structure of an elusive pre-transport intermediate of the multidrug transporter BmrCD reveals modes of asymmetric drug binding

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tarjani M Thaker ◽  
Smriti Mishra ◽  
Wenchang Zhou ◽  
Jose Faraldo-Gomez ◽  
Hassane Mchaourab ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Conformational Changes ◽  
Abc Transporters ◽  
Rational Design ◽  
Transmembrane Domain ◽  
Atp Hydrolysis ◽  
Domain Architecture ◽  
Drug Binding ◽  
Design And Optimization ◽  
Dynamics Simulations ◽  
Double Electron Electron Resonance

Vectorial substrate efflux by ATP binding cassette (ABC) transporters, which play a major role in multidrug resistance, entails the ATP-powered interconversion of the transporter between stable intermediates. Despite recent progress in structure elucidation of ABC transporters, a number of such intermediates have yet to be visualized and mechanistically interpreted. Here, we combine single particle cryo-EM, Double Electron Electron Resonance (DEER) spectroscopy with Molecular Dynamics simulations to profile and mechanistically frame the conformation of a hitherto unobserved intermediate in the context of BmrCD, a heterodimeric multidrug ABC exporter from Bacillus subtilis. In our cryo-EM structure, BmrCD adopts an inward facing architecture bound to both ATP and the substrate Hoechst-33342 and is capped by an extracellular domain which undergoes ATP-dependent conformational changes. A striking feature of the structure is a symmetric arrangement of the nucleotide-binding domain (NBD) in the presence of ATP whereas binding of Hoechst at two distinct sites in an acidic pocket stabilizes an asymmetric arrangement of the transmembrane domain architecture (TMD). Mutation of residues coordinating Hoechst in the structure abrogates the cooperative stimulation of ATP hydrolysis. In conjunction with previous studies, our findings suggest a mechanistic role for symmetry mismatch between NBDs and TMDs in the conformational cycle of ABC transporters. Moreover, the resolved structures of bimodally-bound drugs are of notable importance for future rational design and optimization of molecules for targeted transport inhibition of ABC transporters.

scholarly journals Cryo-electron Microscopy Structure and Transport Mechanism of a Wall Teichoic Acid ABC Transporter

mBio ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 11 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Li Chen ◽  
Wen-Tao Hou ◽  
Tao Fan ◽  
Banghui Liu ◽  
Ting Pan ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Abc Transporter ◽  
Conformational Changes ◽  
Abc Transporters ◽  
Rational Design ◽  
Teichoic Acid ◽  
Inhibitory Mechanism ◽  
Wall Teichoic Acid ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Design And Optimization ◽  
Cryo Electron Microscopy

ABSTRACT The wall teichoic acid (WTA) is a major cell wall component of Gram-positive bacteria, such as methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), a common cause of fatal clinical infections in humans. Thus, the indispensable ABC transporter TarGH, which flips WTA from cytoplasm to extracellular space, becomes a promising target of anti-MRSA drugs. Here, we report the 3.9-Å cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM) structure of a 50% sequence-identical homolog of TarGH from Alicyclobacillus herbarius at an ATP-free and inward-facing conformation. Structural analysis combined with activity assays enables us to clearly decode the binding site and inhibitory mechanism of the anti-MRSA inhibitor Targocil, which targets TarGH. Moreover, we propose a “crankshaft conrod” mechanism utilized by TarGH, which can be applied to similar ABC transporters that translocate a rather big substrate through relatively subtle conformational changes. These findings provide a structural basis for the rational design and optimization of antibiotics against MRSA. IMPORTANCE The wall teichoic acid (WTA) is a major component of cell wall and a pathogenic factor in methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). The ABC transporter TarGH is indispensable for flipping WTA precursor from cytoplasm to the extracellular space, thus making it a promising drug target for anti-MRSA agents. The 3.9-Å cryo-EM structure of a TarGH homolog helps us to decode the binding site and inhibitory mechanism of a recently reported inhibitor, Targocil, and provides a structural platform for rational design and optimization of potential antibiotics. Moreover, we propose a “crankshaft conrod” mechanism to explain how a big substrate is translocated through subtle conformational changes of type II exporters. These findings advance our understanding of anti-MRSA drug design and ABC transporters.

scholarly journals ATP hydrolysis and nucleotide exit enhance maltose translocation in the MalFGK2E importer

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Bárbara Abreu ◽  
Carlos Cruz ◽  
A. Sofia F. Oliveira ◽  
Cláudio M. Soares
Keyword(s):  
Conformational Changes ◽  
Abc Transporters ◽  
Atp Hydrolysis ◽  
Binding Pocket ◽  
Potential Of Mean Force ◽  
Type I ◽  
Concomitant Increase ◽  
Transport Cycle ◽  
Dynamics Simulations ◽  
Key Residues

AbstractATP binding cassette (ABC) transporters employ ATP hydrolysis to harness substrate translocation across membranes. The Escherichia coli MalFGK2E maltose importer is an example of a type I ABC importer and a model system for this class of ABC transporters. The MalFGK2E importer is responsible for the intake of malto-oligossacharides in E.coli. Despite being extensively studied, little is known about the effect of ATP hydrolysis and nucleotide exit on substrate transport. In this work, we studied this phenomenon using extensive molecular dynamics simulations (MD) along with potential of mean force calculations of maltose transport across the pore, in the pre-hydrolysis, post-hydrolysis and nucleotide-free states. We concluded that ATP hydrolysis and nucleotide exit trigger conformational changes that result in the decrease of energetic barriers to maltose translocation towards the cytoplasm, with a concomitant increase of the energy barrier in the periplasmic side of the pore, contributing for the irreversibility of the process. We also identified key residues that aid in positioning and orientation of maltose, as well as a novel binding pocket for maltose in MalG. Additionally, ATP hydrolysis leads to conformations similar to the nucleotide-free state. This study shows the contribution of ATP hydrolysis and nucleotide exit in the transport cycle, shedding light on ABC type I importer mechanisms.

scholarly journals Unravelling the complex drug–drug interactions of the cardiovascular drugs, verapamil and digoxin, with P-glycoprotein

2016 ◽  
Vol 36 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Kaitlyn V. Ledwitch ◽  
Robert W. Barnes ◽  
Arthur G. Roberts
Keyword(s):  
Drug Interactions ◽  
Conformational Changes ◽  
Atp Hydrolysis ◽  
Mechanistic Model ◽  
Cardiovascular Drugs ◽  
Drug Binding ◽  
P Glycoprotein ◽  
Complex Drug

P-glycoprotein (Pgp) plays a major role in promoting drug–drug interactions (DDIs) with verapamil and digoxin. In the present study, we present a comprehensive molecular and mechanistic model of Pgp DDIs encompassing drug binding, ATP hydrolysis, transport and conformational changes.

scholarly journals A chimeric prokaryotic pentameric ligand–gated channel reveals distinct pathways of activation

2015 ◽  
Vol 146 (4) ◽  
pp. 323-340 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nicolaus Schmandt ◽  
Phanindra Velisetty ◽  
Sreevatsa V. Chalamalasetti ◽  
Richard A. Stein ◽  
Ross Bonner ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Ion Channel ◽  
Conformational Changes ◽  
Transmembrane Domain ◽  
Conformational Dynamics ◽  
Primary Amines ◽  
Molecular Architecture ◽  
X Ray Crystallography ◽  
Gated Channel ◽  
Activation Mechanisms ◽  
Double Electron Electron Resonance

Recent high resolution structures of several pentameric ligand–gated ion channels have provided unprecedented details of their molecular architecture. However, the conformational dynamics and structural rearrangements that underlie gating and allosteric modulation remain poorly understood. We used a combination of electrophysiology, double electron–electron resonance (DEER) spectroscopy, and x-ray crystallography to investigate activation mechanisms in a novel functional chimera with the extracellular domain (ECD) of amine-gated Erwinia chrysanthemi ligand–gated ion channel, which is activated by primary amines, and the transmembrane domain of Gloeobacter violaceus ligand–gated ion channel, which is activated by protons. We found that the chimera was independently gated by primary amines and by protons. The crystal structure of the chimera in its resting state, at pH 7.0 and in the absence of primary amines, revealed a closed-pore conformation and an ECD that is twisted with respect to the transmembrane region. Amine- and pH-induced conformational changes measured by DEER spectroscopy showed that the chimera exhibits a dual mode of gating that preserves the distinct conformational changes of the parent channels. Collectively, our findings shed light on both conserved and divergent features of gating mechanisms in this class of channels, and will facilitate the design of better allosteric modulators.

scholarly journals Insect ATP-Binding Cassette (ABC) Transporters: Roles in Xenobiotic Detoxification and Bt Insecticidal Activity

2019 ◽  
Vol 20 (11) ◽  
pp. 2829 ◽  
Author(s):  
Chao Wu ◽  
Swapan Chakrabarty ◽  
Minghui Jin ◽  
Kaiyu Liu ◽  
Yutao Xiao
Keyword(s):  
Abc Transporter ◽  
Conformational Changes ◽  
Abc Transporters ◽  
Insecticidal Activity ◽  
Atp Hydrolysis ◽  
Atp Binding ◽  
Bt Toxin ◽  
Xenobiotic Detoxification ◽  
Binding Domains ◽  
Atp Binding Cassette

ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporters, a large class of transmembrane proteins, are widely found in organisms and play an important role in the transport of xenobiotics. Insect ABC transporters are involved in insecticide detoxification and Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) toxin perforation. The complete ABC transporter is composed of two hydrophobic transmembrane domains (TMDs) and two nucleotide binding domains (NBDs). Conformational changes that are needed for their action are mediated by ATP hydrolysis. According to the similarity among their sequences and organization of conserved ATP-binding cassette domains, insect ABC transporters have been divided into eight subfamilies (ABCA–ABCH). This review describes the functions and mechanisms of ABC transporters in insecticide detoxification, plant toxic secondary metabolites transport and insecticidal activity of Bt toxin. With improved understanding of the role and mechanisms of ABC transporter in resistance to insecticides and Bt toxins, we can identify valuable target sites for developing new strategies to control pests and manage resistance and achieve green pest control.

scholarly journals Molecular Dynamics Simulations of a Catalytic Multivalent Peptide–Nanoparticle Complex

2021 ◽  
Vol 22 (7) ◽  
pp. 3624
Author(s):  
Sutapa Dutta ◽  
Stefano Corni ◽  
Giorgia Brancolini
Keyword(s):  
Molecular Dynamics ◽  
Molecular Dynamics Simulations ◽  
Conformational Changes ◽  
Self Assembly ◽  
Brownian Dynamics ◽  
Rational Design ◽  
Complex Structure ◽  
Gold Nanocluster ◽  
Field Development ◽  
Dynamics Simulations

Molecular modeling of a supramolecular catalytic system is conducted resulting from the assembling between a small peptide and the surface of cationic self-assembled monolayers on gold nanoparticles, through a multiscale iterative approach including atomistic force field development, flexible docking with Brownian Dynamics and µs-long Molecular Dynamics simulations. Self-assembly is a prerequisite for the catalysis, since the catalytic peptides do not display any activity in the absence of the gold nanocluster. Atomistic simulations reveal details of the association dynamics as regulated by defined conformational changes of the peptide due to peptide length and sequence. Our results show the importance of a rational design of the peptide to enhance the catalytic activity of peptide–nanoparticle conjugates and present a viable computational approach toward the design of enzyme mimics having a complex structure–function relationship, for technological and nanomedical applications.

scholarly journals Molecular insights into the human ABCB6 transporter

2021 ◽  
Vol 7 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Guangyuan Song ◽  
Sensen Zhang ◽  
Mengqi Tian ◽  
Laixing Zhang ◽  
Runyu Guo ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Conformational Changes ◽  
Transmembrane Domain ◽  
Atp Hydrolysis ◽  
Toxic Metal ◽  
Bound State ◽  
Metal Resistance ◽  
Blood Group System ◽  
Cryo Electron Microscopy ◽  
Binding Pockets ◽  
Energy Dependent

AbstractABCB6 plays a crucial role in energy-dependent porphyrin transport, drug resistance, toxic metal resistance, porphyrin biosynthesis, protection against stress, and encoding a blood group system Langereis antigen. However, the mechanism underlying porphyrin transport is still unclear. Here, we determined the cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM) structures of nanodisc-reconstituted human ABCB6 trapped in an apo-state and an ATP-bound state at resolutions of 3.6 and 3.5 Å, respectively. Our structures reveal a unique loop in the transmembrane domain (TMD) of ABCB6, which divides the TMD into two cavities. It restrains the access of substrates in the inward-facing state and is removed by ATP-driven conformational change. No ligand cavities were observed in the nucleotide-bound state, indicating a state following substrate release but prior to ATP hydrolysis. Structural analyses and functional characterizations suggest an “ATP-switch” model and further reveal the conformational changes of the substrate-binding pockets triggered by the ATP-driven regulation.

scholarly journals HIV-1 Env gp41 Transmembrane Domain Dynamics are Modulated by Lipid, Water, and Ion Interactions

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
L.R. Hollingsworth ◽  
J.A. Lemkul ◽  
D.R. Bevan ◽  
A.M. Brown
Keyword(s):  
Host Cell ◽  
Conformational Changes ◽  
Electrostatic Interactions ◽  
Transmembrane Domain ◽  
Chloride Ions ◽  
Viral Envelope ◽  
Membrane Properties ◽  
Viral Fusion ◽  
Network Of Hydrogen Bonds ◽  
Dynamics Simulations

AbstractThe gp41 transmembrane domain (TMD) of the envelope glycoprotein (Env) of the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) modulates the conformation of the viral envelope spike, the only druggable target on the surface of the virion. Understanding of TMD dynamics is needed to better probe and target Env with small molecule and antibody therapies. However, little is known about TMD dynamics due to difficulties in describing native membrane properties. Here, we performed atomistic molecular dynamics simulations of a trimeric, prefusion TMD in a model, asymmetric viral membrane that mimics the native viral envelope. We found that water and chloride ions permeated the membrane and interacted with the highly conserved arginine bundle, (R696)3, at the center of the membrane and influenced TMD stability by creating a network of hydrogen bonds and electrostatic interactions. We propose that this (R696)3- water - anion network plays an important role in viral fusion with the host cell by modulating protein conformational changes within the membrane. Additionally, R683 and R707 at the exofacial and cytofacial membrane-water interfaces, respectively, are anchored in the lipid headgroup region and serve as a junction point for stabilization of the termini. The membrane thins as a result of the tilting of the TMD trimer, with nearby lipids increasing in volume, leading to an entropic driving force for TMD conformational change. These results provide additional detail and perspective on the influence of certain lipid types on TMD dynamics and rationale for targeting key residues of the TMD for therapeutic design. These insights into the molecular details of TMD membrane anchoring will build towards a greater understanding of dynamics that lead to viral fusion with the host cell.

scholarly journals Computational Insights into Allosteric Conformational Modulation of P-Glycoprotein by Substrate and Inhibitor Binding

Molecules ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 25 (24) ◽  
pp. 6006
Author(s):  
Juan Xing ◽  
Shuheng Huang ◽  
Yu Heng ◽  
Hu Mei ◽  
Xianchao Pan
Keyword(s):  
Conformational Changes ◽  
Atp Hydrolysis ◽  
Molecular Design ◽  
Conformational Dynamics ◽  
Water Environment ◽  
Inhibitor Binding ◽  
Binding Domains ◽  
Allosteric Communication ◽  
P Glycoprotein ◽  
Dynamics Simulations

The ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporter P-glycoprotein (P-gp) is a physiologically essential membrane protein that protects many tissues against xenobiotic molecules, but limits the access of chemotherapeutics into tumor cells, thus contributing to multidrug resistance. The atomic-level mechanism of how substrates and inhibitors differentially affect the ATP hydrolysis by P-gp remains to be elucidated. In this work, atomistic molecular dynamics simulations in an explicit membrane/water environment were performed to explore the effects of substrate and inhibitor binding on the conformational dynamics of P-gp. Distinct differences in conformational changes that mainly occurred in the nucleotide-binding domains (NBDs) were observed from the substrate- and inhibitor-bound simulations. The binding of rhodamine-123 can increase the probability of the formation of an intermediate conformation, in which the NBDs were closer and better aligned, suggesting that substrate binding may prime the transporter for ATP hydrolysis. By contrast, the inhibitor QZ-Leu stabilized NBDs in a much more separated and misaligned conformation, which may result in the deficiency of ATP hydrolysis. The significant differences in conformational modulation of P-gp by substrate and inhibitor binding provided a molecular explanation of how these small molecules exert opposite effects on the ATPase activity. A further structural analysis suggested that the allosteric communication between transmembrane domains (TMDs) and NBDs was primarily mediated by two intracellular coupling helices. Our computational simulations provide not only valuable insights into the transport mechanism of P-gp substrates, but also for the molecular design of P-gp inhibitors.

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