Stoichiometry of irreversible ligand binding to a one-dimensional lattice

In this paper we investigate the problem of irreversible binding of a ligand that covers several identical binding sites on a macromolecule with a one-dimensional lattice. Due to steric constraints, irreversible binding or binding with slow kinetics results in partial saturation of the binding sites thus impacting the stoichiometry of the interaction. Here we present a recursive formula to calculate the exact fraction of the occupied binding sites for a ligand and macromolecule of arbitrary lengths. We also provide an analytical result for the exact fraction of the occupied sites in case of an infinitely long lattice. We conclude with a simplified empirical formula for the exact fraction of the occupied sites in case of an infinitely long lattice.

Strategies and challenges to improve the performance of tumor-associated active targeting

Schematic of irreversible ligand shielding strategy and reversible ligand shielding strategy.

Complementary Roles for Receptor Clustering and Conformational Change in the Adhesive and Signaling Functions of Integrin αIIbβ3

Integrin αIIbβ3 mediates platelet aggregation and “outside-in” signaling. It is regulated by changes in receptor conformation and affinity and/or by lateral diffusion and receptor clustering. To document the relative contributions of conformation and clustering to αIIbβ3 function, αIIb was fused at its cytoplasmic tail to one or two FKBP12 repeats (FKBP). These modified αIIb subunits were expressed with β3 in CHO cells, and the heterodimers could be clustered into morphologically detectable oligomers upon addition of AP1510, a membrane-permeable, bivalent FKBP ligand. Integrin clustering by AP1510 caused binding of fibrinogen and a multivalent (but not monovalent) fibrinogen-mimetic antibody. However, ligand binding due to clustering was only 25–50% of that observed when αIIbβ3 affinity was increased by an activating antibody or an activating mutation. The effects of integrin clustering and affinity modulation were additive, and clustering promoted irreversible ligand binding. Clustering of αIIbβ3 also promoted cell adhesion to fibrinogen or von Willebrand factor, but not as effectively as affinity modulation. However, clustering was sufficient to trigger fibrinogen-independent tyrosine phosphorylation of pp72Syk and fibrinogen-dependent phosphorylation of pp125FAK, even in non-adherent cells. Thus, receptor clustering and affinity modulation play complementary roles in αIIbβ3 function. Affinity modulation is the predominant regulator of ligand binding and cell adhesion, but clustering increases these responses further and triggers protein tyrosine phosphorylation, even in the absence of affinity modulation. Both affinity modulation and clustering may be needed for optimal function of αIIbβ3 in platelets.