Phospholipase D (PLD) is an enzyme useful for the enzymatic modification of phospholipids. In the presence of primary alcohols, the enzyme catalyses transphosphatidylation of the head group of phospholipid substrates to synthesize a modified phospholipid product. However, the enzyme is specific for primary alcohols and thus the limitation of the molecular size of the acceptor compounds has restricted the type of phospholipid species that can be synthesised. An engineered variant of PLD from Streptomyces antibioticus termed TNYR SaPLD was developed capable of synthesizing 1-phosphatidylinositol with positional specificity of up to 98%. To gain a better understanding of the substrate binding features of the TNYR SaPLD, crystal structures have been determined for the free enzyme and its complexes with phosphate, phosphatidic acid and 1-inositol phosphate. Comparisons of these structures with the wild-type SaPLD show a larger binding site able to accommodate a bulkier secondary alcohol substrate as well as changes to the position of a flexible surface loop proposed to be involved in substrate recognition. The complex of the active TNYR SaPLD with 1-inositol phosphate reveals a covalent intermediate adduct with the ligand bound to H442 rather than to H168, the proposed nucleophile in the wild type enzyme. This structural feature suggests that the enzyme exhibits plasticity of the catalytic mechanism different from what has been reported to date for PLDs. These structural studies provide insights into the underlying mechanism that governs the recognition of myo -inositol by TNYR SaPLD, and an important foundation for further studies of the catalytic mechanism.

Asf1 is a highly conserved histone chaperone that regulates tightly coupled nucleosome assembly/disassembly process. We observed that Plasmodium falciparum Asf1 (PfAsf1) is ubiquitously expressed in different stages of the life cycle of the parasite. To gain further insight into its biological activity, we solved the structure of N-terminal histone chaperone domain of PfAsf1 (1–159 amino acids) by X-ray crystallography to a resolution of 2.4 Å. The structure is composed of two beta-sheet to form a beta-sandwich, which resembles an immunoglobulin-like fold. The surface-charge distribution of PfAsf1 is distinct from yAsf1 and hAsf1 although the core-structure shows significant similarity. The crystal-structure indicated that PfAsf1 may exist in a dimeric-state which was further confirmed by solution cross-linking experiment. PfAsf1 was found to specifically interact with Plasmodium histone H3 and H4 and was able to deposit H3/H4 dimer onto DNA-template to form disomes, showing its characteristic histone chaperone activity. We mapped the critical residues of PfAsf1 involved in histone H3/H4 interaction and confirmed by site-directed mutagenesis. Further analysis indicates that histone interacting surface of Asf1 is highly conserved while the dimerization interface is variable. Our results identify the role of PfAsf1 as a mediator of chromatin assembly in Plasmodium falciparum, which is the causative agent of malignant malaria in humans.

The APPL ( a daptor proteins containing p leckstrin homology domain, p hosphotyrosine binding domain and a l eucine zipper motif) family consists of two isoforms, APPL1 and APPL2. By binding to curved plasma membrane, these adaptor proteins associate with multiple transmembrane receptors and recruit various downstream signaling components. They are involved in the regulation of signaling pathways evoked by a variety of extracellular stimuli, such as adiponectin, insulin, FSH (follicle stimulating hormone), EGF (epidermal growth factor). And they play important roles in cell proliferation, apoptosis, glucose uptake, insulin secretion and sensitivity. However, emerging evidence suggests that APPL1 and APPL2 perform different or even opposite functions and the underlying mechanism remains unclear. As APPL proteins can either homodimerize or heterodimerize in vivo , we hypothesized that heterodimerization of APPL proteins might account for the mechanism. By solving the crystal structure of APPL1–APPL2 BAR-PH heterodimer, we find that the overall structure is crescent-shaped with a longer curvature radius of 76 Å, compared with 55 Å of the APPL1 BAR-PH homodimer. However, there is no significant difference of the curvature between APPL BAR-PH heterodimer and APPL2 homodimer. The data suggest that the APPL1 BAR-PH homodimer, APPL2 BAR-PH homodimer and APPL1/APPL2 BAR-PH heterodimer may bind to endosomes of different sizes. Different positive charge distribution is observed on the concave surface of APPL BAR-PH heterodimer than the homodimers, which may change the affinity of membrane association and subcellular localization. Collectively, APPL2 may regulate APPL1 function through altering the preference of endosome binding by heterodimerization.

Leptospirosis is the most common zoonotic disease caused by pathogenic Leptospira , which is classified into three groups according to virulence. Its pathogenic and intermediate species contain leucine-rich repeat (LRR) proteins that are rarely expressed in non-pathogenic strains. In this study, we presented the crystal structure of LSS_11580 (rLRR20) from pathogenic L. santarosai serovar Shermani. X-ray diffraction at a resolution of 1.99 Å revealed a horseshoe-shaped structure containing seven α-helices and five β-sheets. Affinity assays indicated that rLRR20 interacts with E-cadherin on the cell surface. Interestingly, its binds to the extracellular (EC) 1 domain in human epithelial (E)-cadherin, which is responsible for binding to another E-cadherin molecule in neighboring cells. Several charged residues on the concave face of LRR20 were predicted to interact with EC1 domain. In the affinity assays, these charged residues were replaced by alanine, and their affinities to E-cadherin were measured. Three vital residues and mutation variants of LRR20, namely D56A, E59A, and E123A, demonstrated significantly reduced affinity to E-cadherin compared with the control. Besides, we also demonstrated that rLRR20 induced the expression of neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL) in HK2 cells. The low ability of the three mutation variants to induce NGAL expression further demonstrates this induction. The present findings indicate that LRR20 from pathogenic Leptospira binds to E-cadherin and interacts with its EC1 domain. In addition, its induction of NGAL expression in HK2 cells is associated with acute kidney injury in human.

Post-translational modifications play important roles in mediating protein functions in a wide variety of cellular events in vivo . HEMK2–TRMT112 heterodimer has been reported to be responsible for both histone lysine methylation and eukaryotic release factor 1 (eRF1) glutamine methylation. However, how HEMK2–TRMT112 complex recognizes and catalyzes eRF1 glutamine methylation is largely unknown. Here, we present two structures of HEMK2–TRMT112, with one bound to SAM and the other bound with SAH and methylglutamine (Qme). Structural analyses of the post-catalytic complex, complemented by mass spectrometry experiments, indicate that the HEMK2 utilizes a specific pocket to accommodate the substrate glutamine and catalyzes the subsequent methylation. Therefore, our work not only throws light on the protein glutamine methylation mechanism, but also reveals the dual activity of HEMK2 by catalyzing the methylation of both Lys and Gln residues.

DHX8 is a crucial DEAH-box RNA helicase involved in splicing and required for the release of mature mRNA from the spliceosome. Here, we report the biochemical characterisation of full-length human DHX8 and the catalytically active helicase core DHX8Δ547, alongside crystal structures of DHX8Δ547 bound to ADP and a structure of DHX8Δ547 bound to poly(A) 6 single-strand RNA. Our results reveal that DHX8 has an in vitro binding preference for adenine-rich RNA and that RNA binding triggers the release of ADP through significant conformational flexibility in the conserved DEAH-, P-loop and hook-turn motifs. We demonstrate the importance of R620 and both the hook-turn and hook-loop regions for DHX8 helicase activity and propose that the hook-turn acts as a gatekeeper to regulate the directional movement of the 3′ end of RNA through the RNA-binding channel. This study provides an in-depth understanding of the activity of DHX8 and contributes insights into the RNA-unwinding mechanisms of the DEAH-box helicase family.

Ferritins are a large family of intracellular proteins that protect the cell from oxidative stress by catalytically converting Fe(II) into less toxic Fe(III) and storing iron minerals within their core. Encapsulated ferritins (EncFtn) are a sub-family of ferritin-like proteins, which are widely distributed in all bacterial and archaeal phyla. The recently characterized Rhodospirillum rubrum EncFtn displays an unusual structure when compared with classical ferritins, with an open decameric structure that is enzymatically active, but unable to store iron. This EncFtn must be associated with an encapsulin nanocage in order to act as an iron store. Given the wide distribution of the EncFtn family in organisms with diverse environmental niches, a question arises as to whether this unusual structure is conserved across the family. Here, we characterize EncFtn proteins from the halophile Haliangium ochraceum and the thermophile Pyrococcus furiosus , which show the conserved annular pentamer of dimers topology. Key structural differences are apparent between the homologues, particularly in the centre of the ring and the secondary metal-binding site, which is not conserved across the homologues. Solution and native mass spectrometry analyses highlight that the stability of the protein quaternary structure differs between EncFtn proteins from different species. The ferroxidase activity of EncFtn proteins was confirmed, and we show that while the quaternary structure around the ferroxidase centre is distinct from classical ferritins, the ferroxidase activity is still inhibited by Zn(II). Our results highlight the common structural organization and activity of EncFtn proteins, despite diverse host environments and contexts within encapsulins.

Signaling molecule phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate is produced primarily by phosphatidylinositol 4-phosphate 5-kinase (PIP5K). PIP5K is essential for the development of the human neuronal system, which has been exemplified by a recessive genetic disorder, lethal congenital contractural syndrome type 3, caused by a single aspartate-to-asparagine mutation in the kinase domain of PIP5Kγ. So far, the exact role of this aspartate residue has yet to be elucidated. In this work, we conducted structural, functional and computational studies on a zebrafish PIP5Kα variant with a mutation at the same site. Compared with the structure of the wild-type (WT) protein in the ATP-bound state, the ATP-associating glycine-rich loop of the mutant protein was severely disordered and the temperature factor of ATP was significantly higher. Both observations suggest a greater degree of disorder of the bound ATP, whereas neither the structure of the catalytic site nor the K m toward ATP was substantially affected by the mutation. Microsecond molecular dynamics simulation revealed that negative charge elimination caused by the mutation destabilized the involved hydrogen bonds and affected key electrostatic interactions in the close proximity of ATP. Taken together, our data indicated that the disease-related aspartate residue is a key node in the interaction network crucial for effective ATP binding. This work provides a paradigm of how a subtle but critical structural perturbation caused by a single mutation at the ATP-binding site abolishes the kinase activity, emphasizing that stabilizing substrate in a productive conformational state is crucial for catalysis.

Kindlins co-activate integrins alongside talin. They possess, like talin, a FERM domain (4.1-erythrin–radixin–moiesin domain) comprising F0–F3 subdomains, but with a pleckstrin homology (PH) domain inserted in the F2 subdomain that enables membrane association. We present the crystal structure of murine kindlin-3 PH domain determined at a resolution of 2.23 Å and characterise its lipid binding using biophysical and computational approaches. Molecular dynamics simulations suggest flexibility in the PH domain loops connecting β-strands forming the putative phosphatidylinositol phosphate (PtdInsP)-binding site. Simulations with PtdInsP-containing bilayers reveal that the PH domain associates with PtdInsP molecules mainly via the positively charged surface presented by the β1–β2 loop and that it binds with somewhat higher affinity to PtdIns(3,4,5)P 3 compared with PtdIns(4,5)P 2 . Surface plasmon resonance (SPR) with lipid headgroups immobilised and the PH domain as an analyte indicate affinities of 300 µM for PtdIns(3,4,5)P 3 and 1 mM for PtdIns(4,5)P 2 . In contrast, SPR studies with an immobilised PH domain and lipid nanodiscs as the analyte show affinities of 0.40 µM for PtdIns(3,4,5)P 3 and no affinity for PtdIns(4,5)P 2 when the inositol phosphate constitutes 5% of the total lipids (∼5 molecules per nanodisc). Reducing the PtdIns(3,4,5)P 3 composition to 1% abolishes nanodisc binding to the PH domain, as does site-directed mutagenesis of two lysines within the β1–β2 loop. Binding of PtdIns(3,4,5)P 3 by a canonical PH domain, Grp1, is not similarly influenced by SPR experimental design. These data suggest a role for PtdIns(3,4,5)P 3 clustering in the binding of some PH domains and not others, highlighting the importance of lipid mobility and clustering for the biophysical assessment of protein–membrane interactions.

Carbonic anhydrases (CAs, EC 4.2.1.1) catalyse the interconversion between CO 2 and bicarbonate as well as other hydrolytic reactions. Among the six genetic families known to date, the α-, β-, γ-, δ-, ζ- and η-CAs, detailed kinetic and X-ray crystallographic studies have allowed a deep understanding of the structure–function relationship in this superfamily of proteins. A metal hydroxide nucleophilic species of the enzyme, and a unique active site architecture, with half of it hydrophilic and the opposing part hydrophobic, allow these enzymes to act as some of the most effective catalysts known in Nature. The CA activation and inhibition mechanisms are also known in detail, with a large number of new inhibitor classes being described in the last years. Apart from the zinc binders, some classes of inhibitors anchor to the metal ion coordinated nucleophile, others occlude the entrance of the active site cavity and more recently, compounds binding outside the active site were described. CA inhibition has therapeutic applications for drugs acting as diuretics, antiepileptics, antiglaucoma, antiobesity and antitumour agents. Targeting such enzymes from pathogens may lead to novel anti-infectives. Successful structure-based drug design campaigns allowed the discovery of highly isoform selective CA inhibitors (CAIs), which may lead to a new generation of drugs targeting these widespread enzymes. The use of CAs in CO 2 capture processes for mitigating the global temperature rise has also been investigated more recently.

Bone morphogenetic protein 2 (BMP-2) is a member of the transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) signalling family and has a very broad biological role in development. Its signalling is regulated by many effectors: transmembrane proteins, membrane-attached proteins and soluble secreted antagonists such as Gremlin-1. Very little is known about the molecular mechanism by which Gremlin-1 and other DAN (differential screening-selected gene aberrative in neuroblastoma) family proteins inhibit BMP signalling. We analysed the interaction of Gremlin-1 with BMP-2 using a range of biophysical techniques, and used mutagenesis to map the binding site on BMP-2. We have also determined the crystal structure of Gremlin-1, revealing a similar conserved dimeric structure to that seen in other DAN family inhibitors. Measurements using biolayer interferometry (BLI) indicate that Gremlin-1 and BMP-2 can form larger complexes, beyond the expected 1:1 stoichiometry of dimers, forming oligomers that assemble in alternating fashion. These results suggest that inhibition of BMP-2 by Gremlin-1 occurs by a mechanism that is distinct from other known inhibitors such as Noggin and Chordin and we propose a novel model of BMP-2–Gremlin-1 interaction yet not seen among any BMP antagonists, and cannot rule out that several different oligomeric states could be found, depending on the concentration of the two proteins.

The DJ-1/ThiJ/ Pf pI superfamily is a group of proteins found in diverse organisms. This superfamily includes versatile proteins, such as proteases, chaperones, heat-shock proteins and human Parkinson's disease protein. Most members of the DJ-1/ThiJ/ Pf pI superfamily are oligomers and are classified into subfamilies depending on discriminating quaternary structures (DJ-1, YhbO and Hsp types). SAV1875, a conserved protein from Staphylococcus aureus , is a member of the YhbO-type subfamily. However, its structure and function remain unknown. Thus, to understand the function and activity mechanism of this protein, the crystal structure of SAV1875 from S. aureus was determined. The overall fold of SAV1875 is similar to that observed for the DJ-1/ThiJ/ Pf pI superfamily. The cysteine residue located in the dimeric interface (Cys 105 ) forms a catalytic triad with His 106 and Asp 77 , and it is spontaneously oxidized to Cys 105 -SO 2 H in the crystal structure. To study the oxidative propensity of Cys 105 and the corresponding functional differences with changes in cysteine oxidation state, the crystal structures of SAV1875 variants E17N, E17D and C105D, and over-oxidized SAV1875 were determined. We identified SAV1875 as a novel member of the YhbO-type subfamily exhibiting chaperone function. However, if SAV1875 is over-oxidized further with H 2 O 2 , its chaperone activity is eliminated. On the basis of our study, we suggest that SAV1875 functions as a chaperone and the redox state of Cys 105 may play an important role.

AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) is an αβγ heterotrimer that is important in regulating energy metabolism in all eukaryotes. The β-subunit exists in two isoforms (β1 and β2) and contains a carbohydrate-binding module (CBM) that interacts with glycogen. The two CBM isoforms (β1- and β2-CBM) are near identical in sequence and structure, yet show differences in carbohydrate-binding affinity. β2-CBM binds linear carbohydrates with 4-fold greater affinity than β1-CBM and binds single α1,6-branched carbohydrates up to 30-fold tighter. To understand these affinity differences, especially for branched carbohydrates, we determined the NMR solution structure of β2-CBM in complex with the single α1,6-branched carbohydrate glucosyl-β-cyclodextrin (gBCD) which supported the dynamic nature of the binding site, but resonance broadening prevented defining where the α1,6 branch bound. We therefore solved the X-ray crystal structures of β1- and β2-CBM, in complex with gBCD, to 1.7 and 2.0 Å (1 Å=0.1 nm) respectively. The additional threonine (Thr 101 ) of β2-CBM expands the size of the surrounding loop, creating a pocket that accommodates the α1,6 branch. Hydrogen bonds are formed between the α1,6 branch and the backbone of Trp 99 and Lys 102 side chain of β2-CBM. In contrast, the α1,6 branch could not be observed in the β1-CBM structure, suggesting that it does not form a specific interaction. The orientation of gBCD bound to β1- and β2-CBM is supported by thermodynamic and kinetic data obtained through isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC) and NMR. These results suggest that AMPK containing the muscle-specific β2-isoform may have greater affinity for partially degraded glycogen.

The Notch pathway is a fundamental signalling system in most multicellular animals. We have determined the X-ray crystal structure of the extracellular domain of the Notch ligand delta-like ligand-1 (Dll-1). The structure incorporates the N-terminal C2 domain, receptor-binding DSL domain and the first six (of eight) EGF (epidermal growth factor)-like repeats, which form a highly extended conformation, confirmed by analytical ultracentrifugation. Comparison of our structure with a fragment of Jagged1 ligand allows us to dissect the similarities and differences between the ligand families. Differences in the C2 domains of Dll-1 and Jagged1 suggest their lipid-binding properties are likely to differ. A conserved hydrophobic patch on the surface of both Dll-1 and Jagged1 provides a likely receptor-interaction site that is common to both ligands. We also explore the binding affinity of Dll-1 for a fragment of Notch1 using different techniques. Apparent binding affinities vary when different techniques are used, explaining discrepancies in the literature. Using analytical ultracentrifugation, we perform for the first time binding analyses where both receptor and ligand are in solution, which confirms a K d of 10 μM for this interaction.

The aao So gene from Streptococcus oligofermentans encodes a 43 kDa flavoprotein, aminoacetone oxidase (SoAAO), which was reported to possess a low catalytic activity against several different L -amino acids; accordingly, it was classified as an L -amino acid oxidase. Subsequently, SoAAO was demonstrated to oxidize aminoacetone (a pro-oxidant metabolite), with an activity ~25-fold higher than the activity displayed on L -lysine, thus lending support to the assumption of aminoacetone as the preferred substrate. In the present study, we have characterized the SoAAO structure–function relationship. SoAAO is an FAD-containing enzyme that does not possess the classical properties of the oxidase/dehydrogenase class of flavoproteins (i.e. no flavin semiquinone formation is observed during anaerobic photoreduction as well as no reaction with sulfite) and does not show a true L -amino acid oxidase activity. From a structural point of view, SoAAO belongs to a novel protein family composed of three domains: an α/β domain corresponding to the FAD-binding domain, a β-domain partially modulating accessibility to the coenzyme, and an additional α-domain. Analysis of the reaction products of SoAAO on aminoacetone showed 2,5-dimethylpyrazine as the main product; we propose that condensation of two aminoacetone molecules yields 3,6-dimethyl-2,5-dihydropyrazine that is subsequently oxidized to 2,5-dimethylpyrazine. The ability of SoAAO to bind two molecules of the substrate analogue O -methylglycine ligand is thought to facilitate the condensation reaction. A specialized role for SoAAO in the microbial defence mechanism related to aminoacetone catabolism through a pathway yielding dimethylpyrazine derivatives instead of methylglyoxal can be proposed.

The four-component polypeptides of the 2-oxoacid dehydrogenase complex from the thermophilic archaeon Thermoplasma acidophilum assemble to give an active multienzyme complex possessing activity with the branched-chain 2-oxoacids derived from leucine, isoleucine and valine, and with pyruvate. The dihydrolipoyl acyl-transferase (E2) core of the complex is composed of identical trimer-forming units that assemble into a novel 42-mer structure comprising octahedral and icosahedral geometric aspects. From our previously determined structure of this catalytic core, the inter-trimer interactions involve a tyrosine residue near the C-terminus secured in a hydrophobic pocket of an adjacent trimer like a ball-and-socket joint. In the present study, we have deleted the five C-terminal amino acids of the E2 polypeptide (IIYEI) and shown by equilibrium centrifugation that it now only assembles into a trimeric enzyme. This was confirmed by SAXS analysis, although this technique showed the presence of approximately 20% hexamers. The crystal structure of the trimeric truncated E2 core has been determined and shown to be virtually identical with the ones observed in the 42-mer, demonstrating that removal of the C-terminal anchor does not significantly affect the individual monomer or trimer structures. The truncated E2 is still able to bind both 2-oxoacid decarboxylase (E1) and dihydrolipoamide dehydrogenase (E3) components to give an active complex with catalytic activity similar to the native multienzyme complex. This is the first report of an active mini-complex for this enzyme, and raises the question of why all 2-oxoacid dehydrogenase complexes assemble into such large structures.

Tryptophan is an important precursor for chemical entities that ultimately support the biosynthesis of key metabolites. The second stage of tryptophan catabolism is catalysed by kynurenine formamidase, an enzyme that is different between eukaryotes and prokaryotes. In the present study, we characterize the catalytic properties and present the crystal structures of three bacterial kynurenine formamidases. The structures reveal a new amidase protein fold, a highly organized and distinctive binuclear Zn 2+ catalytic centre in a confined, hydrophobic and relatively rigid active site. The structure of a complex with 2-aminoacetophenone delineates aspects of molecular recognition extending to the observation that the substrate itself may be conformationally restricted to assist binding in the confined space of the active site and for subsequent processing. The cations occupy a crowded environment, and, unlike most Zn 2+ -dependent enzymes, there is little scope to increase co-ordination number during catalysis. We propose that the presence of a bridging water/hydroxide ligand in conjunction with the placement of an active site histidine supports a distinctive amidation mechanism.

Structural, biochemical and computational studies to study substrate binding and the role of the conserved residues of the DHQ1 (type I dehydroquinase) enzyme active site are reported in the present paper. The crystal structure of DHQ1 from Salmonella typhi in complex with (2 R )-2-methyl-3-dehydroquinic acid, a substrate analogue, was solved at 1.5 Å. The present study reveals a previously unknown key role for conserved Glu 46 , Phe 145 and Met 205 and Gln 236 , Pro 234 and Ala 233 residues, with the latter three being located in the flexible substrate-covering loop. Gln 236 was shown to be responsible for the folding of this loop and for the dramatic reduction of its flexibility, which triggers active site closure. Glu 46 was found to be key in bringing the substrate close to the lysine/histidine catalytic pocket to initiate catalysis. The present study could be useful in the rational design of inhibitors of this challenging and recognized target for the development of novel herbicides and antimicrobial agents.

Chitosanase is able to specifically cleave β-1,4-glycosidic bond linkages in chitosan to produce a chito-oligomer product, which has found a variety of applications in many areas, including functional food and cancer therapy. Although several structures for chitosanase have been determined, the substrate-binding mechanism for this enzyme has not been fully elucidated because of the lack of a high-resolution structure of the chitosanase–substrate complex. In the present study we show the crystal structure of a novel chitosanase OU01 from Microbacterium sp. in complex with its substrate hexa-glucosamine (GlcN) 6 , which belongs to the GH46 (glycoside hydrolyase 46) family in the Carbohydrate Active Enzymes database ( http://www.cazy.org/ ). This structure allows precise determination of the substrate-binding mechanism for the first time. The chitosanase–(GlcN) 6 complex structure demonstrates that, from the −2 to +1 position of the (GlcN) 6 substrate, the pyranose rings form extensive interactions with the chitosanase-binding cleft. Several residues (Ser 27 , Tyr 37 , Arg 45 , Thr 58 , Asp 60 , His 203 and Asp 235 ) in the binding cleft are found to form important interactions required to bind the substrate. Site-directed mutagenesis of these residues showed that mutations of Y37F and H203A abolish catalytic activity. In contrast, the mutations T58A and D235A only lead to a moderate loss of catalytic activity, whereas the S27A mutation retains ~80% of the enzymatic activity. In combination with previous mutagenesis studies, these results suggest that the −2, −1 and +1 subsites play a dominant role in substrate binding and catalysis. DSF (differential scanning fluorimetry) assays confirmed that these mutations had no significant effect on protein stability. Taken together, we present the first mechanistic interpretation for the substrate (GlcN) 6 binding to chitosanase, which is critical for the design of novel chitosanase used for biomass conversion.

α-Ketoacid dehydrogenases are large multi-enzyme machineries that orchestrate the oxidative decarboxylation of α-ketoacids with the concomitant production of acyl-CoA and NADH. The first reaction, catalysed by α-ketoacid decarboxylases (E1 enzymes), needs a thiamine diphosphate cofactor and represents the overall rate-limiting step. Although the catalytic cycles of E1 from the pyruvate dehydrogenase (E1p) and branched-chain α-ketoacid dehydrogenase (E1b) complexes have been elucidated, little structural information is available on E1o, the first component of the α-ketoglutarate dehydrogenase complex, despite the central role of this complex at the branching point between the TCA (tricarboxylic acid) cycle and glutamate metabolism. In the present study, we provide structural evidence that Ms KGD, the E1o (α-ketoglutarate decarboxylase) from Mycobacterium smegmatis , shows two conformations of the post-decarboxylation intermediate, each one associated with a distinct enzyme state. We also provide an overall picture of the catalytic cycle, reconstructed by either crystallographic snapshots or modelling. The results of the present study show that the conformational change leading the enzyme from the initial (early) to the late state, although not required for decarboxylation, plays an essential role in catalysis and possibly in the regulation of mycobacterial E1o.

Water transport across cellular membranes is mediated by a family of membrane proteins known as AQPs (aquaporins). AQPs were first discovered on the basis of their ability to be inhibited by mercurial compounds, an experiment which has followed the AQP field ever since. Although mercury inhibition is most common, many AQPs are mercury insensitive. In plants, regulation of AQPs is important in order to cope with environmental changes. Plant plasma membrane AQPs are known to be gated by phosphorylation, pH and Ca 2+ . We have previously solved the structure of the spinach AQP SoPIP2;1 ( Spinacia oleracea plasma membrane intrinsic protein 2;1) in closed and open conformations and proposed a mechanism for how this gating can be achieved. To study the effect of mercury on SoPIP2;1 we solved the structure of the SoPIP2;1–mercury complex and characterized the water transport ability using proteoliposomes. The structure revealed mercury binding to three out of four cysteine residues. In contrast to what is normally seen for AQPs, mercury increased the water transport rate of SoPIP2;1, an effect which could not be attributed to any of the cysteine residues. This indicates that other factors might influence the effect of mercury on SoPIP2;1, one of which could be the properties of the lipid bilayer.

Selective autophagy is mediated by the interaction of autophagy modifiers and autophagy receptors that also bind to ubiquitinated cargo. Optineurin is an autophagy receptor that plays a role in the clearance of cytosolic Salmonella . The interaction between receptors and modifiers is often relatively weak, with typical values for the dissociation constant in the low micromolar range. The interaction of optineurin with autophagy modifiers is even weaker, but can be significantly enhanced through phosphorylation by the TBK1 {TANK [TRAF (tumour-necrosis-factor-receptor-associated factor)-associated nuclear factor κB activator]-binding kinase 1}. In the present study we describe the NMR and crystal structures of the autophagy modifier LC3B (microtubule-associated protein light chain 3 beta) in complex with the LC3 interaction region of optineurin either phosphorylated or bearing phospho-mimicking mutations. The structures show that the negative charge induced by phosphorylation is recognized by the side chains of Arg 11 and Lys 51 in LC3B. Further mutational analysis suggests that the replacement of the canonical tryptophan residue side chain of autophagy receptors with the smaller phenylalanine side chain in optineurin significantly weakens its interaction with the autophagy modifier LC3B. Through phosphorylation of serine residues directly N-terminally located to the phenylalanine residue, the affinity is increased to the level normally seen for receptor–modifier interactions. Phosphorylation, therefore, acts as a switch for optineurin-based selective autophagy.

Asthma is a debilitating chronic inflammatory disease of the airways that results in shortness of breath, wheezing and coughing, often triggered by inhalation of common allergens. The prevalence and severity of asthma has increased dramatically over the last several decades to the point where several hundred million people worldwide are affected and each year tens of thousands of individuals die prematurely from asthma symptoms. The rise in disease prevalence is particularly evident in the developed world, where childhood exposure to bacteria and viruses has decreased dramatically, while the use of antibiotics, especially early in life, and births by Caesarean section have increased significantly; correlations that support the hygiene hypothesis. Central to the pathogenesis of asthma are the roles of T H 2-type cytokines, including IL (interleukin)-4, IL-5, IL-9 and IL-13, in stimulating and perpetuating an inflammatory cascade that drives detrimental changes in airway structure and function. IL-4 and IL-13, in particular, have been targets of therapeutic development because, together, they specifically promote nearly all of the clinical features of asthma. Their inflammatory functions are highly complementary, but not identical, in large part because they share cell-surface receptors and transcription factors through which they stimulate cell signalling. In this issue of the Biochemical Journal , Redpath et al. have taken advantage of the shared receptor nature of the IL-4- and IL-13-mediated inflammatory responses to generate a novel antibody to the third ectodomain (D3) of IL-13Rα1 (IL-13 receptor α1), which forms a requisite binding site for both interleukins. This antibody potently neutralizes both IL-4 and IL-13 activities in vitro . Using X-ray crystallography complemented by molecular interaction and functional analyses, they clearly define its mechanism of dual cytokine neutralization as one of molecular mimicry of the interleukin–receptor interaction. Considering the complexity of the cytokine-mediated inflammatory cascade that defines asthma pathogenesis, such therapeutics that can effectively and simultaneously neutralize the actions of multiple cytokines and may play a significantly expanded role in the treatment and prevention of asthma in the future.

TRAP (thrombospondin-related anonymous protein), localized in the micronemes and on the surface of sporozoites of the notorious malaria parasite Plasmodium , is a key molecule upon infection of mammalian host hepatocytes and invasion of mosquito salivary glands. TRAP contains two adhesive domains responsible for host cell recognition and invasion, and is known to be essential for infectivity. In the present paper, we report high-resolution crystal structures of the A domain of Plasmodium falciparum TRAP with and without bound Mg 2+ . The structure reveals a vWA (von Willebrand factor A)-like fold and a functional MIDAS (metal-ion-dependent adhesion site), as well as a potential heparan sulfate-binding site. Site-directed mutagenesis and cell-attachment assays were used to investigate the functional roles of the surface epitopes discovered. The reported structures are the first determined for a complete vWA domain of parasitic origin, highlighting unique features among homologous domains from other proteins characterized hitherto. Some of these are conserved among Plasmodiae exclusively, whereas others may be common to apicomplexan organisms in general.

The Type VII protein translocation/secretion system, unique to Gram-positive bacteria, is a key virulence determinant in Staphylococcus aureus . We aim to characterize the architecture of this secretion machinery and now describe the present study of S. aureus EssB, a 52 kDa bitopic membrane protein essential for secretion of the ESAT-6 (early secretory antigenic target of 6 kDa) family of proteins, the prototypic substrate of Type VII secretion. Full-length EssB was heterologously expressed in Escherichia coli , solubilized from the bacterial membrane, purified to homogeneity and shown to be dimeric. A C-terminal truncation, EssB∆C, and two soluble fragments termed EssB-N and EssB-C, predicted to occur on either side of the cytoplasmic membrane, have been successfully purified in a recombinant form, characterized and, together with the full-length protein, used in crystallization trials. EssB-N, the 25 kDa N-terminal cytoplasmic fragment, gave well-ordered crystals and we report the structure, determined by SAD (single-wavelength anomalous diffraction) targeting an SeMet (selenomethionine) derivative, refined to atomic (1.05 Å; 1 Å=0.1 nm) resolution. EssB-N is dimeric in solution, but crystallizes as a monomer and displays a fold comprised of two globular domains separated by a cleft. The structure is related to that of serine/threonine protein kinases and the present study identifies that the Type VII secretion system exploits and re-uses a stable modular entity and fold that has evolved to participate in protein–protein interactions in a similar fashion to the catalytically inert pseudokinases.

Lipoylation, the covalent attachment of lipoic acid to 2-oxoacid dehydrogenase multi-enzyme complexes, is essential for metabolism in aerobic bacteria and eukarya. In Escherichia coli , lipoylation is catalysed by LplA (lipoate protein ligase) or by LipA (lipoic acid synthetase) and LipB [lipoyl(octanoyl) transferase] combined. Whereas bacterial and eukaryotic LplAs comprise a single two-domain protein, archaeal LplA function typically involves two proteins, LplA-N and LplA-C. In the thermophilic archaeon Thermoplasma acidophilum , LplA-N and LplA-C are encoded by overlapping genes in inverted orientation ( lpla-c is upstream of lpla-n ). The T. acidophilum LplA-N structure is known, but the LplA-C structure is unknown and LplA-C's role in lipoylation is unclear. In the present study, we have determined the structures of the substrate-free LplA-N–LplA-C complex and E2lipD (dihydrolipoyl acyltransferase lipoyl domain) that is lipoylated by LplA-N–LplA-C, and carried out biochemical analyses of this archaeal lipoylation system. Our data reveal the following: (i) LplA-C is disordered but folds upon association with LplA-N; (ii) LplA-C induces a conformational change in LplA-N involving substantial shortening of a loop that could repress catalytic activity of isolated LplA-N; (iii) the adenylate-binding region of LplA-N–LplA-C includes two helices rather than the purely loop structure of varying order observed in other LplA structures; (iv) LplAN–LplA-C and E2lipD do not interact in the absence of substrate; (v) LplA-N–LplA-C undergoes a conformational change (the details of which are currently undetermined) during lipoylation; and (vi) LplA-N–LplA-C can utilize octanoic acid as well as lipoic acid as substrate. The elucidated functional inter-dependence of LplA-N and LplA-C is consistent with their evolutionary co-retention in archaeal genomes.

Erlotinib and gefitinib, tyrosine kinase inhibitors used to block EGFR (epidermal growth factor receptor) signalling in cancer, are thought to bind only the active conformation of the EGFR-TKD (tyrosine kinase domain). Through parallel computational and crystallographic studies, we show in the present study that erlotinib also binds the inactive EGFR-TKD conformation, which may have significant implications for its use in EGFR-mutated cancers.

To investigate the range of autoinhibitory mechanisms used by TKDs (tyrosine kinase domains) from the insulin receptor family of RTKs (receptor tyrosine kinases), we determined crystal structures of TKDs from TrkA (tropomyosin receptor kinase A, a nerve growth factor receptor) and Ror2 (receptor tyrosine kinase-like orphan receptor 2, an unconventional Wnt receptor). TrkA autoinhibition closely resembles that seen for the insulin receptor, relying on projection of an activation loop tyrosine residue into the substrate-binding site and occlusion of the ATP-binding site by the activation loop. Ror2 employs similar mechanisms, but the unusual replacement of the phenylalanine residue in its Asp-Phe-Gly motif with leucine necessitates occlusion of the ATP-binding site by other means. The unusual Asp-Leu-Gly motif in Ror2 is displaced compared with other inactive kinases, allowing the activation loop to interact directly with the TKD's αC helix, in another mode of autoinhibition that is characteristic of the other extreme of this receptor family: ALK (anaplastic lymphoma kinase) and Met. These findings provide insight into the expected range of activating mutations in these TKDs in cancer. We also describe symmetrical dimers of the inactive TrkA TKD resembling those found in other RTKs, possibly reflecting an arrangement of kinase domains in a pre-formed TrkA dimer.

The ubiquitin–proteasome system targets selected proteins for degradation by the 26S proteasome. Rpn12 is an essential component of the 19S regulatory particle and plays a role in recruiting the extrinsic ubiquitin receptor Rpn10. In the present paper we report the crystal structure of Rpn12, a proteasomal PCI-domain-containing protein. The structure helps to define a core structural motif for the PCI domain and identifies potential sites through which Rpn12 might form protein–protein interactions. We demonstrate that mutating residues at one of these sites impairs Rpn12 binding to Rpn10 in vitro and reduces Rpn10 incorporation into proteasomes in vivo.

Calpains are a family of complex multi-domain intracellular enzymes that share a calcium-dependent cysteine protease core. These are not degradative enzymes, but instead carry out limited cleavage of target proteins in response to calcium signalling. Selective cutting of cytoskeletal proteins to facilitate cell migration is one such function. The two most abundant and extensively studied members of this family in mammals, calpains 1 and 2, are heterodimers of an isoform-specific 80 kDa large subunit and a common 28 kDa small subunit. Structures of calpain-2, both Ca 2+ -free and bound to calpastatin in the activated Ca 2+ -bound state, have provided a wealth of information about the enzyme's structure–function relationships and activation. The main association between the subunits is the pairing of their C-terminal penta-EF-hand domains through extensive intimate hydrophobic contacts. A lesser contact is made between the N-terminal anchor helix of the large subunit and the penta-EF-hand domain of the small subunit. Up to ten Ca 2+ ions are co-operatively bound during activation. The anchor helix is released and individual domains change their positions relative to each other to properly align the active site. Because calpains 1 and 2 require ~30 and ~350 μM Ca 2+ ions for half-maximal activation respectively, it has long been argued that autoproteolysis, subunit dissociation, post-translational modifications or auxiliary proteins are needed to activate the enzymes in the cell, where Ca 2+ levels are in the nanomolar range. In the absence of robust support for these mechanisms, it is possible that under normal conditions calpains are transiently activated by high Ca 2+ concentrations in the microenvironment of a Ca 2+ influx, and then return to an inactive state ready for reactivation.

The chitinase-like proteins YKL-39 (chitinase 3-like-2) and YKL-40 (chitinase 3-like-1) are highly expressed in a number of human cells independent of their origin (mesenchymal, epithelial or haemapoietic). Elevated serum levels of YKL-40 have been associated with a negative outcome in a number of diseases ranging from cancer to inflammation and asthma. YKL-39 expression has been associated with osteoarthritis. However, despite the reported association with disease, the physiological or pathological role of these proteins is still very poorly understood. Although YKL-39 is homologous to the two family 18 chitinases in the human genome, it has been reported to lack any chitinase activity. In the present study, we show that human YKL-39 possesses a chitinase-like fold, but lacks key active-site residues required for catalysis. A glycan screen identified oligomers of N -acetylglucosamine as preferred binding partners. YKL-39 binds chitooligosaccharides and a newly synthesized derivative of the bisdionin chitinase-inhibitor class with micromolar affinity, through a number of conserved tryptophan residues. Strikingly, the chitinase activity of YKL-39 was recovered by reverting two non-conservative substitutions in the active site to those found in the active enzymes, suggesting that YKL-39 is a pseudo-chitinase with retention of chitinase-like ligand-binding properties.

The differing composition of LH2 (peripheral light-harvesting) complexes present in Rhodopseudomonas palustris 2.1.6 have been investigated when cells are grown under progressively decreasing light intensity. Detailed analysis of their absorption spectra reveals that there must be more than two types of LH2 complexes present. Purified HL (high-light) and LL (low-light) LH2 complexes have mixed apoprotein compositions. The HL complexes contain PucAB a and PucAB b apoproteins. The LL complexes contain PucAB a , PucAB d and PucB b -only apoproteins. This mixed apoprotein composition can explain their resonance Raman spectra. Crystallographic studies and molecular sieve chromatography suggest that both the HL and the LL complexes are nonameric. Furthermore, the electron-density maps do not support the existence of an additional Bchl (bacteriochlorophyll) molecule; rather the density is attributed to the N-termini of the α-polypeptide.

Mips (macrophage infectivity potentiators) are a subset of immunophilins associated with virulence in a range of micro-organisms. These proteins possess peptidylprolyl isomerase activity and are inhibited by drugs including rapamycin and tacrolimus. We determined the structure of the Mip homologue [BpML1 ( Burkholderia pseudomallei Mip-like protein 1)] from the human pathogen and biowarfare threat B. pseudomallei by NMR and X-ray crystallography. The crystal structure suggests that key catalytic residues in the BpML1 active site have unexpected conformational flexibility consistent with a role in catalysis. The structure further revealed BpML1 binding to a helical peptide, in a manner resembling the physiological interaction of human TGFβRI (transforming growth factor β receptor I) with the human immunophilin FKBP12 (FK506-binding protein 12). Furthermore, the structure of BpML1 bound to the class inhibitor cycloheximide N -ethylethanoate showed that this inhibitor mimics such a helical peptide, in contrast with the extended prolyl-peptide mimicking shown by inhibitors such as tacrolimus. We suggest that Mips, and potentially other bacterial immunophilins, participate in protein–protein interactions in addition to their peptidylprolyl isomerase activity, and that some roles of Mip proteins in virulence are independent of their peptidylprolyl isomerase activity.

Inositol dehydrogenase from Bacillus subtilis (BsIDH) is a NAD + -dependent enzyme that catalyses the oxidation of the axial hydroxy group of myo -inositol to form scyllo -inosose. We have determined the crystal structures of wild-type BsIDH and of the inactive K97V mutant in apo-, holo- and ternary complexes with inositol and inosose. BsIDH is a tetramer, with a novel arrangement consisting of two long continuous β-sheets, formed from all four monomers, in which the two central strands are crossed over to form the core of the tetramer. Each subunit in the tetramer consists of two domains: an N-terminal Rossmann fold domain containing the cofactor-binding site, and a C-terminal domain containing the inositol-binding site. Structural analysis allowed us to determine residues important in cofactor and substrate binding. Lys 97 , Asp 172 and His 176 are the catalytic triad involved in the catalytic mechanism of BsIDH, similar to what has been proposed for related enzymes and short-chain dehydrogenases. Furthermore, a conformational change in the nicotinamide ring was observed in some ternary complexes, suggesting hydride transfer to the si -face of NAD + . Finally, comparison of the structure and sequence of BsIDH with other putative inositol dehydrogenases allowed us to differentiate these enzymes into four subfamilies based on six consensus sequence motifs defining the cofactor- and substrate-binding sites.

Human ACE (angiotensin-converting enzyme) (EC 3.4.15.1) is an important drug target because of its role in the regulation of blood pressure via the renin–angiotensin–aldosterone system. Somatic ACE comprises two homologous domains, the differing substrate preferences of which present a new avenue for domain-selective inhibitor design. We have co-crystallized lisW-S, a C-domain-selective derivative of the drug lisinopril, with human testis ACE and determined a structure using X-ray crystallography to a resolution of 2.30 Å (1 Å=0.1 nm). In this structure, lisW-S is seen to have a similar binding mode to its parent compound lisinopril, but the P 2 ′ tryptophan moiety takes a different conformation to that seen in other inhibitors having a tryptophan residue in this position. We have examined further the domain-specific interactions of this inhibitor by mutating C-domain-specific active-site residues to their N domain equivalents, then assessing the effect of the mutation on inhibition by lisW-S using a fluorescence-based assay. Kinetics analysis shows a 258-fold domain-selectivity that is largely due to the co-operative effect of C-domain-specific residues in the S 2 ′ subsite. The high affinity and selectivity of this inhibitor make it a good lead candidate for cardiovascular drug development.

Current drug therapies against Trypanosoma cruzi , the causative agent of Chagas disease, have limited effectiveness and are highly toxic. T. cruzi -specific metabolic pathways that utilize trypanothione for the reduction of peroxides are being explored as potential novel therapeutic targets. In the present study we solved the X-ray crystal structure of one of the T. cruzi enzymes involved in peroxide reduction, the glutathione peroxidase-like enzyme TcGPXI ( T. cruzi glutathione peroxidase-like enzyme I). We also characterized the wild-type, C48G and C96G variants of TcGPXI by NMR spectroscopy and biochemical assays. Our results show that residues Cys 48 and Cys 96 are required for catalytic activity. In solution, the TcGPXI molecule readily forms a Cys 48 –Cys 96 disulfide bridge and the polypeptide segment containing Cys 96 lacks regular secondary structure. NMR spectra of the reduced TcGPXI are indicative of a protein that undergoes widespread conformational exchange on an intermediate time scale. Despite the absence of the disulfide bond, the active site mutant proteins acquired an oxidized-like conformation as judged from their NMR spectra. The protein that was used for crystallization was pre-oxidized by t -butyl hydroperoxide; however, the electron density maps clearly showed that the active site cysteine residues are in the reduced thiol form, indicative of X-ray-induced reduction. Our crystallographic and solution studies suggest a level of structural plasticity in TcGPXI consistent with the requirement of the atypical two-cysteine (2-Cys) peroxiredoxin-like mechanism implied by the behaviour of the Cys 48 and Cys 96 mutant proteins.

Multinuclear Cu(I) clusters are common in nature, but little is known about their formation or transfer between proteins. CopZ and CopA from Bacillus subtilis , which are involved in a copper-efflux pathway, both readily accommodate multinuclear Cu(I) clusters. Using the luminescence properties of a multinuclear Cu(I)-bound form of the two N-terminal soluble domains of CopA (CopAab) we have investigated the thermodynamic and kinetic properties of cluster formation and loss. We demonstrate that Cu(I)-bound forms of dimeric CopZ containing more than one Cu(I) per CopZ monomer can transfer Cu(I) to apo-CopAab, leading to the formation of luminescent dimeric CopAab. Kinetic studies demonstrated that transfer is a first-order process and that the rate-determining steps for transfer from CopZ to CopAab and vice versa are different processes. The rate of formation of luminescent CopAab via transfer of Cu(I) from CopZ was more rapid than that observed when Cu(I) was added ‘directly’ from solution or in complex with a cysteine variant of CopZ, indicating that transfer occurs via a transient protein–protein complex. Such a complex would probably require the interaction of at least one domain of CopAab with the CopZ dimer. Insight into how such a complex might form is provided by the high resolution crystal structure of Cu 3 (CopZ) 3 , a thus far unique trimeric form of CopZ containing a trinuclear Cu(I) cluster. Modelling studies showed that one of the CopZ monomers can be substituted for either domain of CopAab, resulting in a heterotrimer, thus providing a model for a ‘trapped’ copper exchange complex.

hBChE [human BChE (butyrylcholinesterase)] naturally scavenges OPs (organophosphates). This bioscavenger is currently in Clinical Phase I for pretreatment of OP intoxication. Phosphylated ChEs (cholinesterases) can undergo a spontaneous time-dependent process called ‘aging’ during which the conjugate is dealkylated, leading to creation of an enzyme that cannot be reactivated. hBChE inhibited by phosphoramidates such as tabun displays a peculiar resistance to oxime-mediated reactivation. We investigated the basis of oxime resistance of phosphoramidyl–BChE conjugates by determining the kinetics of inhibition, reactivation (obidoxime {1,1′-(oxybis-methylene) bis[4-(hydroxyimino) methyl] pyridinium dichloride}, TMB-4 [1,3-trimethylene-bis(4-hydroxyiminomethylpyridinium) dibromide], HLö 7 {1-[[[4-(aminocarbonyl) pyridinio]methoxy]methyl]-2,4-bis-[(hydroxyimino)methyl] pyridinium dimethanesulfonate)}, HI-6 {1-[[[4-(aminocarbonyl) pyridinio] methoxy] methyl]-2-[(hydroxyimino)methyl]pyridinium dichloride monohydrate} and aging, and the crystal structures of hBChE inhibited by different N-monoalkyl and N , N -dialkyl tabun analogues. The refined structures of aged hBChE conjugates show that aging proceeds through O-dealkylation of the P(R) enantiomer of N , N -diethyl and N -propyl analogues, with subsequent formation of a salt bridge preventing reactivation, similarly to a previous observation made on tabun–ChE conjugates. Interestingly, the N-methyl analogue projects its amino group towards the choline-binding pocket, so that aging proceeds through deamination. This orientation results from a preference of hBChE's acyl-binding pocket for larger than 2-atoms linear substituents. The correlation between the inhibitory potency and the N-monoalkyl chain length is related to increasingly optimized interactions with the acyl-binding pocket as shown by the X-ray structures. These kinetics and X-ray data lead to a structure–activity relationship that highlights steric and electronic effects of the amino substituent of phosphoramidate. This study provides the structural basis to design new oximes capable of reactivating phosphoramidyl-hBChE conjugates after intoxication, notably when hBChE is used as pretreatment, or to design BChE-based catalytic bioscavengers.

Although N-glycosylation has been known to increase the stability of glycoproteins, it is difficult to assess the structural importance of glycans in the stabilization of glycoproteins. APA ( Antheraea pernyi arylphorin) is an insect hexamerin that has two N-glycosylations at Asn 196 and Asn 344 respectively. The glycosylation of Asn 344 is critical for the folding process; however, glycosylation of Asn 196 is not. Interestingly, the N196-glycan (glycosylation of Asn 196 ) remains in an immature form (Glc 1 Man 9 GlcNAc 2 ). The mutation of Asn 196 to glutamine does not change the ecdysone-binding activity relative to that of the wild-type. In the present study, we determined the crystal structure of APA, and all sugar moieties of the N196-glycan were clearly observed in the electron-density map. Although the sugar moieties of the glycan generally have high structural flexibility, most sugar moieties of the N196-glycan were well organized in the deep cleft of the subunit interface and mediated many inter- and intrasubunit hydrogen bonds. Analytical ultracentrifugation and GdmCl (guanidinium chloride) unfolding experiments revealed that the presence of the N196-glycan was important for stabilizing the hexameric state and overall stability of APA respectively. Our results could provide a structural basis for studying not only other glycoproteins that carry an immature N-glycan, but also the structural role of N-glycans that are located in the deep cleft of a protein.

Aspergillus fumigatus is the causative agent of aspergillosis, a frequently invasive colonization of the lungs of immunocompromised patients. GNA1 ( D -glucosamine-6-phosphate N -acetyltransferase) catalyses the acetylation of GlcN-6P (glucosamine-6-phosphate) to GlcNAc-6P ( N -acetylglucosamine-6-phosphate), a key intermediate in the UDP-GlcNAc biosynthetic pathway. Gene disruption of gna1 in yeast and Candida albicans has provided genetic validation of the enzyme as a potential target. An understanding of potential active site differences between the human and A. fumigatus enzymes is required to enable further work aimed at identifying selective inhibitors for the fungal enzyme. In the present study, we describe crystal structures of both human and A. fumigatus GNA1, as well as their kinetic characterization. The structures show significant differences in the sugar-binding site with, in particular, several non-conservative substitutions near the phosphate-binding pocket. Mutagenesis targeting these differences revealed drastic effects on steady-state kinetics, suggesting that the differences could be exploitable with small-molecule inhibitors.

The thiol–disulfide oxidoreductase ResA from Bacillus subtilis fulfils a reductive role in cytochrome c maturation. The p K a values for the CEPC (one-letter code) active-site cysteine residues of ResA are unusual for thioredoxin-like proteins in that they are both high (>8) and within 0.5 unit of each other. To determine the contribution of the inter-cysteine dipeptide of ResA to its redox and acid–base properties, three variants (CPPC, CEHC and CPHC) were generated representing a stepwise conversion into the active-site sequence of the high-potential DsbA protein from Escherichia coli . The substitutions resulted in large decreases in the p K a values of both the active-site cysteine residues: in CPHC (DsbA-type) ResA, Δp K a values of −2.5 were measured for both cysteine residues. Increases in midpoint reduction potentials were also observed, although these were comparatively small: CPHC (DsbA-type) ResA exhibited an increase of +40 mV compared with the wild-type protein. Unfolding studies revealed that, despite the observed differences in the properties of the reduced proteins, changes in stability were largely confined to the oxidized state. High-resolution structures of two of the variants (CEHC and CPHC ResA) in their reduced states were determined and are discussed in terms of the observed changes in properties. Finally, the in vivo functional properties of CEHC ResA are shown to be significantly affected compared with those of the wild-type protein.

Proximal Cys 172 and Cys 192 in the large subunit of the photosynthetic enzyme Rubisco (ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase; EC 4.1.1.39) are evolutionarily conserved among cyanobacteria, algae and higher plants. Mutation of Cys 172 has been shown to affect the redox properties of Rubisco in vitro and to delay the degradation of the enzyme in vivo under stress conditions. Here, we report the effect of the replacement of Cys 172 and Cys 192 by serine on the catalytic properties, thermostability and three-dimensional structure of Chlamydomonas reinhardtii Rubisco. The most striking effect of the C172S substitution was an 11% increase in the specificity factor when compared with the wild-type enzyme. The specificity factor of C192S Rubisco was not altered. The V c ( V max for carboxylation) was similar to that of wild-type Rubisco in the case of the C172S enzyme, but approx. 30% lower for the C192S Rubisco. In contrast, the K m for CO 2 and O 2 was similar for C192S and wild-type enzymes, but distinctly higher (approximately double) for the C172S enzyme. C172S Rubisco showed a critical denaturation temperature approx. 2 °C lower than wild-type Rubisco and a distinctly higher denaturation rate at 55 °C, whereas C192S Rubisco was only slightly more sensitive to temperature denaturation than the wild-type enzyme. X-ray crystal structures reveal that the C172S mutation causes a shift of the main-chain backbone atoms of β-strand 1 of the α/β-barrel affecting a number of amino acid side chains. This may cause the exceptional catalytic features of C172S. In contrast, the C192S mutation does not produce similar structural perturbations.

QCs (glutaminyl cyclases; glutaminyl-peptide cyclotransferases, EC 2.3.2.5) catalyse N-terminal pyroglutamate formation in numerous bioactive peptides and proteins. The enzymes were reported to be involved in several pathological conditions such as amyloidotic disease, osteoporosis, rheumatoid arthritis and melanoma. The crystal structure of human QC revealed an unusual H-bond (hydrogen-bond) network in the active site, formed by several highly conserved residues (Ser 160 , Glu 201 , Asp 248 , Asp 305 and His 319 ), within which Glu 201 and Asp 248 were found to bind to substrate. In the present study we combined steady-state enzyme kinetic and X-ray structural analyses of 11 single-mutation human QCs to investigate the roles of the H-bond network in catalysis. Our results showed that disrupting one or both of the central H-bonds, i.e., Glu 201 ···Asp 305 and Asp 248 ···Asp 305 , reduced the steady-state catalysis dramatically. The roles of these two COOH···COOH bonds on catalysis could be partly replaced by COOH···water bonds, but not by COOH···CONH 2 bonds, reminiscent of the low-barrier Asp···Asp H-bond in the active site of pepsin-like aspartic peptidases. Mutations on Asp 305 , a residue located at the centre of the H-bond network, raised the K m value of the enzyme by 4.4–19-fold, but decreased the k cat value by 79–2842-fold, indicating that Asp 305 primarily plays a catalytic role. In addition, results from mutational studies on Ser 160 and His 319 suggest that these two residues might help to stabilize the conformations of Asp 248 and Asp 305 respectively. These data allow us to propose an essential proton transfer between Glu 201 , Asp 305 and Asp 248 during the catalysis by animal QCs.

Lipocalins are extracellular proteins (17–25 kDa) that bind and transport small lipophilic molecules. The three-dimensional structure of the first lipocalin from a metatherian has been determined at different values of pH both with and without bound ligands. Trichosurin, a protein from the milk whey of the common brushtail possum, Trichosurus vulpecula , has been recombinantly expressed in Escherichia coli , refolded from inclusion bodies, purified and crystallized at two different pH values. The three-dimensional structure of trichosurin was solved by X-ray crystallography in two different crystal forms to 1.9 Å (1 Å=0.1 nm) and 2.6 Å resolution, from crystals grown at low and high pH values respectively. Trichosurin has the typical lipocalin fold, an eight-stranded anti-parallel β-barrel but dimerizes in an orientation that has not been seen previously. The putative binding pocket in the centre of the β-barrel is well-defined in both high and low pH structures and is occupied by water molecules along with isopropanol molecules from the crystallization medium. Trichosurin was also co-crystallized with a number of small molecule ligands and structures were determined with 2-naphthol and 4-ethylphenol bound in the centre of the β-barrel. The binding of phenolic compounds by trichosurin provides clues to the function of this important marsupial milk protein, which is highly conserved across metatherians.

TAB1 [TAK1 (transforming growth factor-β-activated kinase 1)-binding protein 1] is one of the regulatory subunits of TAK1, a protein kinase that lies at the head of three pro-inflammatory kinase cascades. In the current study we report the crystal structure of the N-terminal domain of TAB1. Surprisingly, TAB1 possesses a fold closely related to that of the PPM (Mg 2+ - or Mn 2+ -dependent protein phosphatase) family as demonstrated by the close structural similarity with protein phosphatase 2Cα. However, we were unable to detect any phosphatase activity for TAB1 using a phosphopeptide or p -nitrophenyl phosphate as substrate. Although the overall protein phosphatase 2Cα fold is conserved in TAB1, detailed structural analyses and mutagenesis studies show that several key residues required for dual metal-binding and catalysis are not present in TAB1, although binding of a single metal is supported by soaking experiments with manganese and isothermal titration calorimetry. Thus, it appears that TAB1 is a ‘pseudophosphatase’, possibly binding to and regulating accessibility of phosphorylated residues on substrates downstream of TAK1 or on the TAK1 complex itself.

HTP (human thymidine phosphorylase), also known as PD-ECGF (platelet-derived endothelial cell growth factor) or gliostatin, has an important role in nucleoside metabolism. HTP is implicated in angiogenesis and apoptosis and therefore is a prime target for drug design, including antitumour therapies. An HTP structure in a closed conformation complexed with an inhibitor has previously been solved. Earlier kinetic studies revealed an ordered release of thymine followed by ribose phosphate and product inhibition by both ligands. We have determined the structure of HTP from crystals grown in the presence of thymidine, which, surprisingly, resulted in bound thymine with HTP in a closed dead-end com-plex. Thus thymine appears to be able to reassociate with HTP after its initial ordered release before ribose phosphate and induces the closed conformation, hence explaining the mechanism of non-competitive product inhibition. In the active site in one of the four HTP molecules within the crystal asymmetric unit, additional electron density is present. This density has not been previously seen in any pyrimidine nucleoside phosphorylase and it defines a subsite that may be exploitable in drug design. Finally, because our crystals did not require proteolysed HTP to grow, the structure reveals a loop (residues 406–415), disordered in the previous HTP structure. This loop extends across the active-site cleft and appears to stabilize the dimer interface and the closed conformation by hydrogen-bonding. The present study will assist in the design of HTP inhibitors that could lead to drugs for anti-angiogenesis as well as for the potentiation of other nucleoside drugs.

Cellobiose phosphorylase, a member of the glycoside hydrolase family 94, catalyses the reversible phosphorolysis of cellobiose into α- D -glucose 1-phosphate and D -glucose with inversion of the anomeric configuration. The substrate specificity and reaction mechanism of cellobiose phosphorylase from Cellvibrio gilvus have been investigated in detail. We have determined the crystal structure of the glucose-sulphate and glucose-phosphate complexes of this enzyme at a maximal resolution of 2.0 Å (1 Å=0.1 nm). The phosphate ion is strongly held through several hydrogen bonds, and the configuration appears to be suitable for direct nucleophilic attack to an anomeric centre. Structural features around the sugar-donor and sugar-acceptor sites were consistent with the results of extensive kinetic studies. When we compared this structure with that of homologous chitobiose phosphorylase, we identified key residues for substrate discrimination between glucose and N -acetylglucosamine in both the sugar-donor and sugar-acceptor sites. We found that the active site pocket of cellobiose phosphorylase was covered by an additional loop, indicating that some conformational change is required upon substrate binding. Information on the three-dimensional structure of cellobiose phosphorylase will facilitate engineering of this enzyme, the application of which to practical oligosaccharide synthesis has already been established.

Siglecs (sialic acid binding Ig-like lectins) are transmembrane receptors for sialylated glycoconjugates that modulate cellular interactions and signalling events in the haematopoietic, immune and nervous systems. Siglec-7 is a structural prototype for the recently described family of immune inhibitory CD33-related siglecs and is predominantly expressed on natural killer cells and monocytes, as well as subsets of CD8 T-cells. Siglec-specific inhibitors are desired for the detection of masked and unmasked forms of siglecs, to aid in dissection of signalling pathways and as tools to investigate siglecs as potential therapeutic targets. As a first step towards this end, we present the crystal structure of siglec-7 in complex with a sialylated ligand, the ganglioside analogue DSLc4 [α(2,3)/α(2,6) disialyl lactotetraosyl 2-(trimethylsilyl)ethyl], which allows for a detailed description of the binding site, required for structure-guided inhibitor design. Mutagenesis and binding assays were used to demonstrate a key structural role for Lys 131 , a residue that changes conformation upon sialic acid binding. Differences between the binding sites of siglec family members were then exploited using α-methyl Neu5Ac ( N -acetylneuraminic acid) as a basic scaffold. A co-crystal of siglec-7 in complex with the sialoside inhibitor, oxamido-Neu5Ac [methyl α-9-(amino-oxalyl-amino)-9-deoxy-Neu5Ac] and inhibition data for the sialosides gives clear leads for future inhibitor design.

Penicillin-binding proteins (PBPs), which are the lethal targets of β-lactam antibiotics, catalyse the final stages of peptidoglycan biosynthesis of the bacterial cell wall. PBP 5 of Escherichia coli is a D -alanine CPase (carboxypeptidase) that has served as a useful model to elucidate the catalytic mechanism of low-molecular-mass PBPs. Previous studies have shown that modification of Cys 115 with a variety of reagents results in a loss of CPase activity and a large decrease in the rate of deacylation of the penicilloyl–PBP 5 complex [Tamura, Imae and Strominger (1976) J. Biol. Chem. 251 , 414–423; Curtis and Strominger (1978) J. Biol. Chem. 253 , 2584–2588]. The crystal structure of wild-type PBP 5 in which Cys 115 fortuitously had formed a covalent adduct with 2-mercaptoethanol was solved at 2.0 Å (0.2 nm) resolution, and these results provide a structural rationale for how thiol-directed reagents lower the rate of deacylation. When compared with the structure of the unmodified wild-type enzyme, a major change in the architecture of the active site is observed. The two largest differences are the disordering of a loop comprising residues 74–90 and a shift in residues 106–111, which results in the displacement of Ser 110 of the SXN active-site motif. These results support the developing hypothesis that the SXN motif of PBP 5, and especially Ser 110 , is intimately involved in the catalytic mechanism of deacylation.

HIV-1 protease is an effective target for the design of drugs against AIDS. To help this process of drug design, three-dimensional structures have been determined of complexes between HIV-1 protease and a variety of transition-state analogue inhibitors. The true transition state, however, has not been structurally characterized. The crystal structure of the C95M/C1095A HIV-1 protease tethered dimer shows a distinctive feature in which the two flaps of the enzyme are in a ‘closed conformation’ even in the unliganded state. This unique feature has been utilized here to study the structure of HIV-1 protease complexed to an oligopeptide substrate of amino acid sequence His-Lys-Ala-Arg-Val-Leu*NPhe-Glu-Ala-Nle-Ser (where* denotes the cleavage site, and NPhe and Nle denote p -nitrophenylalanine and norleucine residues respectively). The X-ray structure of the complex refined against 2.03 Å (0.203 nm) resolution synchrotron data shows that the substrate is trapped as a tetrahedral reaction intermediate in the crystal. The hydrogen-bonding interactions between the reaction intermediate and the catalytic aspartates are different from those observed previously using transition-state analogues. The reaction intermediate did not dissociate to release the products, possibly due to the inflexibility introduced in the flaps when the enzyme is packed inside crystals.