scholarly journals Controlling the Substrate Specificity of an Enzyme through Structural Flexibility by Varying the Salt-Bridge Density

Molecules ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 26 (18) ◽  
pp. 5693
Author(s):  
Juan Huang ◽  
Qin Xu ◽  
Zhuo Liu ◽  
Nitin Jain ◽  
Madhusudan Tyagi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Large Range ◽  
Salt Bridge ◽  
Md Simulations ◽  
Underlying Mechanism ◽  
Structural Flexibility ◽  
Salt Bridges ◽  
Single Family ◽  
Substrate Specificities ◽  
Access Channel ◽  
Neutron Scattering Experiment

Many enzymes, particularly in one single family, with highly conserved structures and folds exhibit rather distinct substrate specificities. The underlying mechanism remains elusive, the resolution of which is of great importance for biochemistry, biophysics, and bioengineering. Here, we performed a neutron scattering experiment and molecular dynamics (MD) simulations on two structurally similar CYP450 proteins; CYP101 primarily catalyzes one type of ligands, then CYP2C9 can catalyze a large range of substrates. We demonstrated that it is the high density of salt bridges in CYP101 that reduces its structural flexibility, which controls the ligand access channel and the fluctuation of the catalytic pocket, thus restricting its selection on substrates. Moreover, we performed MD simulations on 146 different kinds of CYP450 proteins, spanning distinct biological categories including Fungi, Archaea, Bacteria, Protista, Animalia, and Plantae, and found the above mechanism generally valid. We demonstrated that, by fine changes of chemistry (salt-bridge density), the CYP450 superfamily can vary the structural flexibility of its member proteins among different biological categories, and thus differentiate their substrate specificities to meet the specific biological needs. As this mechanism is well-controllable and easy to be implemented, we expect it to be generally applicable in future enzymatic engineering to develop proteins of desired substrate specificities.

scholarly journals Salt Modulates Oligomerization Properties of hRad51 and hRad52 Proteins

2009 ◽  
Vol 2 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-9 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kamakshi Balakrishnan ◽  
Neeraja M. Krishnan ◽  
Basuthkar J. Rao
Keyword(s):  
Crystal Structure ◽  
Homologous Recombination ◽  
Salt Bridge ◽  
Hydrophobic Surface ◽  
Underlying Mechanism ◽  
Strand Break ◽  
Higher Order ◽  
Salt Bridges ◽  
End Joining ◽  
Salting Out

Human Rad52 (hRad52) and Rad51 (hRad51) proteins are important components of homologous recombination machinery involved in DNA double strand break repair. hRad52 subunits oligomerize to form rings, which are further believed to stack one over another giving rise to higher order structures. Such structures bind the ends of duplex DNA to bring about DNA end joining. hRad51 exists in the native state as oligomeric rings and monomerizes to interact with the DNA. In our current study, we report disruption and solubilization of hRad52 aggregates and higher order aggregation of hRad51 molecules at high salt (KCl) concentration. Computational analysis of the crystal structure available for N-terminal 212 amino acids of hRad52 protein reveal a dense unique distribution of salt bridges, not only between adjacent but also between penultimate subunit neighbors which perhaps contribute to stabilization of hRad52 oligomeric rings. Our results suggest that disruption of inter-subunit salt bridges and thereby perturbation of interaction between individual monomers as the underlying mechanism for salt mediated monomerization of hRad52 protein. The crystal structure of Rad51 on the other hand lacks such dense salt-bridge connectivity suggesting that salt-mediated monomerization is a feature of proteins with dense salt-bridge networks. Salt brings together the hydrophobic surface residues of hRad51 in a process termed as “salting out” resulting in aggregation of hRad51 molecules. Given the functional relevance of oligomeric hRad52 and monomeric hRad51 in homologous recombination mediated repair, our findings imply that salt regulates the oligomerization status of these repair proteins, and thereby, their functions respectively.

scholarly journals Complementary charge-based interaction between the ribosomal-stalk protein L7/12 and IF2 is the key to rapid subunit association

2018 ◽  
Vol 115 (18) ◽  
pp. 4649-4654 ◽  
Author(s):  
Xueliang Ge ◽  
Chandra Sekhar Mandava ◽  
Christoffer Lind ◽  
Johan Åqvist ◽  
Suparna Sanyal
Keyword(s):  
Point Mutations ◽  
Ribosomal Subunit ◽  
Md Simulations ◽  
Underlying Mechanism ◽  
Site Directed Mutagenesis ◽  
Initiation Factor ◽  
Salt Bridges ◽  
Fast Kinetics ◽  
Interaction Sites ◽  
Ribosomal Stalk

The interaction between the ribosomal-stalk protein L7/12 (L12) and initiation factor 2 (IF2) is essential for rapid subunit association, but the underlying mechanism is unknown. Here, we have characterized the L12–IF2 interaction on Escherichia coli ribosomes using site-directed mutagenesis, fast kinetics, and molecular dynamics (MD) simulations. Fifteen individual point mutations were introduced into the C-terminal domain of L12 (L12-CTD) at helices 4 and 5, which constitute the common interaction site for translational GTPases. In parallel, 15 point mutations were also introduced into IF2 between the G4 and G5 motifs, which we hypothesized as the potential L12 interaction sites. The L12 and IF2 mutants were tested in ribosomal subunit association assay in a stopped-flow instrument. Those amino acids that caused defective subunit association upon substitution were identified as the molecular determinants of L12–IF2 interaction. Further, MD simulations of IF2 docked onto the L12-CTD pinpointed the exact interacting partners—all of which were positively charged on L12 and negatively charged on IF2, connected by salt bridges. Lastly, we tested two pairs of charge-reversed mutants of L12 and IF2, which significantly restored the yield and the rate of formation of the 70S initiation complex. We conclude that complementary charge-based interaction between L12-CTD and IF2 is the key for fast subunit association. Considering the homology of the G domain, similar mechanisms may apply for L12 interactions with other translational GTPases.

Salt bridges in model peptides

1988 ◽  
Vol 53 (11) ◽  
pp. 2810-2824 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ilmars Sekacis ◽  
Mark Shenderovich ◽  
Gregory Nikiforovich ◽  
Edvards Liepinš ◽  
Ludmila Polevaya ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Synthetic Peptides ◽  
Salt Bridge ◽  
Peptide Bond ◽  
Space Structure ◽  
Side Chain ◽  
Amino Group ◽  
Salt Bridges ◽  
Ionic Bond ◽  
Theoretical Conformational Analysis ◽  
H Nmr

A group of synthetic peptides including Boc-Lys-Phe-X-Y, X = Ala (I, III) or Thr (II), Y = Pro (I, II) or Ala (III) was studied by means of 1H NMR spectroscopy and theoretical conformational analysis. Compound I in DMSO shows two conformers with the trans- and cis-configuration of the peptide bond Ala-Pro. The salt bridge between the Lys ε-amino group and the C-terminal carboxyl is featured by magnetic nonequivalence of the Lys CεH2 protons. The space structure of I and II was found to possess a salt bridge fixed by an unusual turn in the chain formed by the Lys side chain and the C-terminal dipeptide with the trans-peptide bond X-Pro. Since a stable ionic bond in III and in the cis-conformer of I has not been observed, its contribution to stabilization of the space structure of the peptides in DMSO appears rather small.

scholarly journals Structural Mechanism for Regulation of Bcl-2 protein Noxa by phosphorylation

2015 ◽  
Vol 5 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Christine B. Karim ◽  
L. Michel Espinoza-Fonseca ◽  
Zachary M. James ◽  
Eric A. Hanse ◽  
Jeffrey S. Gaynes ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Md Simulations ◽  
Salt Bridges ◽  
Binding Assays ◽  
Peptide Backbone ◽  
Structural Mechanism ◽  
Binding Partner ◽  
Flexible Loop ◽  
Bh3 Domain ◽  
N Terminus ◽  
Β Sheets

Abstract We showed previously that phosphorylation of Noxa, a 54-residue Bcl-2 protein, at serine 13 (Ser13) inhibited its ability to promote apoptosis through interactions with canonical binding partner, Mcl-1. Using EPR spectroscopy, molecular dynamics (MD) simulations and binding assays, we offer evidence that a structural alteration caused by phosphorylation partially masks Noxa’s BH3 domain, inhibiting the Noxa-Mcl-1 interaction. EPR of unphosphorylated Noxa, with spin-labeled amino acid TOAC incorporated within the BH3 domain, revealed equilibrium between ordered and dynamically disordered states. Mcl-1 further restricted the ordered component for non-phosphorylated Noxa, but left the pSer13 Noxa profile unchanged. Microsecond MD simulations indicated that the BH3 domain of unphosphorylated Noxa is housed within a flexible loop connecting two antiparallel β-sheets, flanked by disordered N- and C-termini and Ser13 phosphorylation creates a network of salt-bridges that facilitate the interaction between the N-terminus and the BH3 domain. EPR showed that a spin label inserted near the N-terminus was weakly immobilized in unphosphorylated Noxa, consistent with a solvent-exposed helix/loop, but strongly constrained in pSer13 Noxa, indicating a more ordered peptide backbone, as predicted by MD simulations. Together these studies reveal a novel mechanism by which phosphorylation of a distal serine inhibits a pro-apoptotic BH3 domain and promotes cell survival.

scholarly journals All-Atom MD Simulations of the HBV Capsid Complexed with AT130 Reveal Secondary and Tertiary Structural Changes and Mechanisms of Allostery

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Carolina Pérez Segura ◽  
Boon Chong Goh ◽  
Jodi A. Hadden-Perilla
Keyword(s):  
Small Molecules ◽  
Drug Target ◽  
Structural Changes ◽  
Salt Bridge ◽  
Md Simulations ◽  
Health Concern ◽  
Protein Dimer ◽  
B Virus ◽  
Flexible Protein ◽  
Dynamics Simulations

AbstractThe hepatitis B virus (HBV) capsid is an attractive drug target, relevant to combating viral hepatitis as a major public health concern. Among small molecules known to interfere with capsid assembly, the phenylpropenamides, including AT130, represent an important anti-viral paradigm based on disrupting the timing of genome encapsulation. Crystallographic studies of AT130-bound complexes have been essential in explaining the effects of the small molecule on HBV capsid structure; however, computational examination reveals that key changes attributed to AT130 were erroneous, likely a consequence of interpreting poor resolution arising from a highly flexible protein. Here, all-atom molecular dynamics simulations of an intact AT130-bound HBV capsid reveal that, rather than damaging spike helicity, AT130 enhances the capsid’s ability to recover it. A new conformational state is identified, which can lead to dramatic opening of the intradimer interface and disruption of communication within the spike tip. A novel salt bridge is also discovered, which can mediate contact between the spike tip and fulcrum even in closed conformations, revealing a mechanism of direct communication across these domains. Combined with dynamical network analysis, results describe a connection between the intra- and interdimer interfaces and enable mapping of allostery traversing the entire capsid protein dimer.

scholarly journals Controlling membrane barrier during bacterial type-III protein secretion

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Svenja Hüsing ◽  
Ulf van Look ◽  
Alina Guse ◽  
Eric J. C. Gálvez ◽  
Emmanuelle Charpentier ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Conformational Changes ◽  
High Speed ◽  
Membrane Integrity ◽  
Salt Bridge ◽  
High Rate ◽  
Salt Bridges ◽  
Secretion Systems ◽  
Bacterial Flagellum ◽  
Type Iii ◽  
Membrane Barrier

Type-III secretion systems (T3SSs) of the bacterial flagellum and the evolutionarily related injectisome are capable of translocating proteins with a remarkable speed of several thousand amino acids per second. Here, we investigated how T3SSs are able to transport proteins at such a high rate while preventing the leakage of small molecules. Our mutational and evolutionary analyses demonstrate that an ensemble of conserved methionine residues at the cytoplasmic side of the T3SS channel create a deformable gasket (M-gasket) around fast-moving substrates undergoing export. The unique physicochemical features of the M-gasket are crucial to preserve the membrane barrier, to accommodate local conformational changes during active secretion, and to maintain stability of the secretion pore in cooperation with a plug domain (R-plug) and a network of salt-bridges. The conservation of the M-gasket, R-plug, and salt-bridge network suggests a universal mechanism by which the membrane integrity is maintained during high-speed protein translocation in all T3SSs.

scholarly journals Pathological turret mutations in the cardiac sodium channel cause long-range pore disruption

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Zaki F Habib ◽  
Manas Kohli ◽  
Samantha C Salvage ◽  
Taufiq Rahman ◽  
Christopher L-H Huang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Sodium Channel ◽  
Salt Bridge ◽  
Complex Salt ◽  
Site Directed Mutagenesis ◽  
Salt Bridges ◽  
Ion Permeability ◽  
Aromatic Residues ◽  
Functional Roles ◽  
Cardiac Sodium Channel ◽  
Channel Structures

AbstractThe voltage-gated sodium channel Nav1.5 initiates the cardiac action potential. Germline mutations that disrupt Nav1.5 activity predispose affected individuals to inherited cardiopathologies. Some of these Nav1.5 mutations alter amino acids in extracellular turret domains DII and DIII. Yet the mechanism is unclear. In the rat Nav1.5 structure determined by cryogenic electron microscopy, the wild-type residues corresponding to these mutants form a complex salt-bridge between the DII and DIII turret interface. Furthermore, adjacent aromatic residues form cation-π interactions with the complex salt-bridge. Here, we examine this region using site-directed mutagenesis, electrophysiology and in silico modeling. We confirm functional roles for the salt-bridges and the aromatic residues. We show that their disruption perturbs the geometry of both the DEKA selectivity ring and the inner pore vestibule that are crucial for sodium ion permeability. Our findings provide insights into a class of pathological mutations occurring not only in Nav1.5 but also in other sodium channel isoforms too. Our work illustrates how the sodium channel structures now being reported can be used to formulate and guide novel functional hypotheses.

scholarly journals Understanding the impacts of self-shuffling approach on structure and function of shuffled endoglucanase enzyme via MD simulations

2020 ◽  
Vol 45 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Aslı Yenenler ◽  
Umut Gerlevik ◽  
Ugur Sezerman
Keyword(s):  
Experimental Studies ◽  
Salt Bridge ◽  
Md Simulations ◽  
Structure And Function ◽  
Computational Approach ◽  
Intramolecular Interactions ◽  
Structural Basis ◽  
Functional Differences ◽  
Structural Differences ◽  
And Function

AbstractObjectiveWe identify the impacts of structural differences on functionality of EG3_S2 endoglucanase enzyme with MD studies. The results of previous experimental studies have been explained in details with computational approach. The objective of this study is to explain the functional differences between shuffled enzyme (EG3_S2) and its native counterpart (EG3_nat) from Trichoderma reseei, via Molecular Dynamics approach.Materials and methodsFor this purpose, we performed MD simulations along 30 ns at three different reaction temperatures collected as NpT ensemble, and then monitored the backbone motion, flexibilities of residues, and intramolecular interactions of EG3_S2 and EG3_nat enzymes.ResultsAccording to MD results, we conclude that EG3_S2 and EG3_nat enzymes have unique RMSD patterns, e.g. RMSD pattern of EG3_S2 is more dynamic than that of EG3_nat at all temperatures. In addition to this dynamicity, EG3_S2 establishes more salt bridge interactions than EG3_nat.ConclusionBy taking these results into an account with the preservation of catalytic Glu residues in a proper manner, we explain the structural basis of differences between shuffled and native enzyme via molecular dynamic studies.

scholarly journals Electrostatics in the stability and misfolding of the prion protein: salt bridges, self energy, and solvationThis paper is one of a selection of papers published in this special issue entitled “Canadian Society of Biochemistry, Molecular & Cellular Biology 52nd Annual Meeting — Protein Folding: Principles and Diseases” and has undergone the Journal's usual peer review process.

2010 ◽  
Vol 88 (2) ◽  
pp. 371-381 ◽  
Author(s):  
Will C. Guest ◽  
Neil R. Cashman ◽  
Steven S. Plotkin
Keyword(s):  
Prion Protein ◽  
Electrostatic Potential ◽  
Peer Review Process ◽  
Salt Bridge ◽  
Salt Bridges ◽  
Self Energy ◽  
Low Dielectric ◽  
The Stability ◽  
Α Helix ◽  
Electrostatic Potential Energy

Using a recently developed mesoscopic theory of protein dielectrics, we have calculated the salt bridge energies, total residue electrostatic potential energies, and transfer energies into a low dielectric amyloid-like phase for 12 species and mutants of the prion protein. Salt bridges and self energies play key roles in stabilizing secondary and tertiary structural elements of the prion protein. The total electrostatic potential energy of each residue was found to be invariably stabilizing. Residues frequently found to be mutated in familial prion disease were among those with the largest electrostatic energies. The large barrier to charged group desolvation imposes regional constraints on involvement of the prion protein in an amyloid aggregate, resulting in an electrostatic amyloid recruitment profile that favours regions of sequence between α helix 1 and β strand 2, the middles of helices 2 and 3, and the region N-terminal to α helix 1. We found that the stabilization due to salt bridges is minimal among the proteins studied for disease-susceptible human mutants of prion protein.

scholarly journals Intra-helical salt bridge contribution to membrane protein insertion

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gerard Duart ◽  
John Lamb ◽  
Arne Elofsson ◽  
Ismael Mingarro
Keyword(s):  
Amino Acids ◽  
Membrane Protein ◽  
Electrostatic Interactions ◽  
Salt Bridge ◽  
Protein Stabilization ◽  
Membrane Insertion ◽  
Salt Bridges ◽  
Protein Insertion

ABSTRACTSalt bridges between negatively (D, E) and positively charged (K, R, H) amino acids play an important role in protein stabilization. This has a more prevalent effect in membrane proteins where polar amino acids are exposed to a very hydrophobic environment. In transmembrane (TM) helices the presence of charged residues can hinder the insertion of the helices into the membrane. This can sometimes be avoided by TM region rearrangements after insertion, but it is also possible that the formation of salt bridges could decrease the cost of membrane integration. However, the presence of intra-helical salt bridges in TM domains and their effect on insertion has not been properly studied yet. In this work, we use an analytical pipeline to study the prevalence of charged pairs of amino acid residues in TM α-helices, which shows that potentially salt-bridge forming pairs are statistically over-represented. We then selected some candidates to experimentally determine the contribution of these electrostatic interactions to the translocon-assisted membrane insertion process. Using both in vitro and in vivo systems, we confirm the presence of intra-helical salt bridges in TM segments during biogenesis and determined that they contribute between 0.5-0.7 kcal/mol to the apparent free energy of membrane insertion (ΔGapp). Our observations suggest that salt bridge interactions can be stabilized during translocon-mediated insertion and thus could be relevant to consider for the future development of membrane protein prediction software.

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