Andrew R. Pickford

Structural Basis of Integrin Activation by Talin

Regulation of integrin affinity (activation) is essential for metazoan development and for many pathological processes. Binding of the talin phosphotyrosine-binding (PTB) domain to integrin beta subunit cytoplasmic domains (tails) causes activation, whereas numerous other PTB-domain-containing proteins bind integrins without activating them. Here we define the structure of a complex between talin and the membrane-proximal integrin beta3 cytoplasmic domain and identify specific contacts between talin and the integrin tail required for activation. We used structure-based mutagenesis to engineer talin and beta3 variants that interact with comparable affinity to the wild-type proteins but inhibit integrin activation by competing with endogenous talin. These results reveal the structural basis of talins unique ability to activate integrins, identify an interaction that could aid in the design of therapeutics to block integrin activation, and enable engineering of cells with defects in the activation of multiple classes of integrins.

Pathogenic bacteria attach to human fibronectin through a tandem beta-zipper.

Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus pyogenes, two important human pathogens, target host fibronectin (Fn) in their adhesion to and invasion of host cells. Fibronectin-binding proteins (FnBPs), anchored in the bacterial cell wall, have multiple Fn-binding repeats in an unfolded region of the protein. The bacterium-binding site in the amino-terminal domain (1–5F1) of Fn contains five sequential Fn type 1 (F1) modules. Here we show the structure of a streptococcal (S. dysgalactiae) FnBP peptide (B3) in complex with the module pair 1F12F1. This identifies 1F1- and 2F1-binding motifs in B3 that form additional antiparallel β-strands on sequential F1 modules—the first example of a tandem β-zipper. Sequence analyses of larger regions of FnBPs from S. pyogenes and S. aureus reveal a repeating pattern of F1-binding motifs that match the pattern of F1 modules in 1–5F1 of Fn. In the process of Fn-mediated invasion of host cells, therefore, the bacterial proteins seem to exploit the modular structure of Fn by forming extended tandem β-zippers. This work is a vital step forward in explaining the full mechanism of the integrin-dependent FnBP-mediated invasion of host cells.

Design and structure of stapled peptides binding to estrogen receptors

Synthetic peptides that specifically bind nuclear hormone receptors offer an alternative approach to small molecules for the modulation of receptor signaling and subsequent gene expression. Here we describe the design of a series of novel stapled peptides that bind the coactivator peptide site of estrogen receptors. Using a number of biophysical techniques, including crystal structure analysis of receptor-stapled peptide complexes, we describe in detail the molecular interactions and demonstrate that all-hydrocarbon staples modulate molecular recognition events. The findings have implications for the design of stapled peptides in general.

Solution structure of a type 2 module from fibronectin: Implications for the structure and function of the gelatin-binding domain

BACKGROUND Fibronectin is an extracellular matrix glycoprotein involved in cell adhesion and migration events in a range of important physiological processes. Aberrant adhesion of cells to the matrix may contribute to the breakdown of normal tissue function associated with various diseases. The adhesive properties of fibronectin may be mediated by its interaction with collagen, the most abundant extracellular matrix protein. The collagen-binding activity of fibronectin has been localized to a 42 kDa proteolytic fragment on the basis of this fragments affinity for denatured collagen (gelatin). This gelatin-binding domain contains the only type 2 (F2) modules found in the protein. The F2 modules of the matrix metalloproteinases MMP2 and MMP9 are responsible for the affinity of these proteins for gelatin. Knowledge of the structure of fibronectin will provide insights into its interactions with other proteins, and will contribute to our understanding of the structure and function of the extracellular matrix, in both normal and disease-altered tissues. RESULTS We have determined the solution structure of the first F2 (1F2) module from human fibronectin by two-dimensional NMR spectroscopy. The tertiary structure of the 1F2 module is similar to that of a shorter F2 module, PDC-109b, from the bovine seminal plasma protein PDC-109. The 1F2 module has two double-stranded antiparallel beta sheets oriented approximately perpendicular to each other, and enclosing a cluster of highly conserved aromatic residues, five of which form a solvent-exposed hydrophobic surface. The N-terminal extension in 1F2 brings the N and C termini of the module into close proximity. CONCLUSIONS The close proximity of the N and C termini in 1F2 allows for interactions between non-contiguous modules in the gelatin-binding domain. Thus, instead of forming an extended, linear chain of modules, the domain may have a more compact, globular structure. A pocket in the modules solvent-exposed hydrophobic surface may bind nonpolar residues in the putative fibronectin-binding site of the extracellular matrix component type I collagen.

The hairpin structure of the 6F11F22F2 fragment from human fibronectin enhances gelatin binding

The solution structure of the 6F11F22F2 fragment from the gelatin‐binding region of fibronectin has been determined (Protein Data Bank entry codes 1e88 and 1e8b). The structure reveals an extensive hydrophobic interface between the non‐contiguous 6F1 and 2F2 modules. The buried surface area between 6F1 and 2F2 (∼870 Å2) is the largest intermodule interface seen in fibronectin to date. The dissection of 6F11F22F2 into the 6F11F2 pair and 2F2 results in near‐complete loss of gelatin‐binding activity. The hairpin topology of 6F11F22F2 may facilitate intramolecular contact between the matrix assembly regions flanking the gelatin‐binding domain. This is the first high‐resolution study to reveal a compact, globular arrangement of modules in fibronectin. This arrangement is not consistent with the view that fibronectin is simply a linear ‘string of beads’.

Isotopic Labeling of Recombinant Proteins from the Methylotrophic Yeast Pichia pastoris

The methylotrophic yeast Pichia pastoris is now an established expression system for the production of recombinant protein for nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) studies. It is capable of expressing high levels of heterologous proteins and possesses the ability to perform many of the posttranslational modifications of higher eukaryotes. Here, we describe efficient methods for the production of uniformly 13C,15N-labeled proteins in shake flasks and of uniformly 13C,15N-labeled and 2H,13C,15N-labeled proteins in fermenters. We also provide details of two chromatographic procedures, cation exchange and concanavalin A lectin affinity, that have proved useful in purifying P. pastoris-expressed proteins for NMR studies.

The Interface between Catalytic and Hemopexin Domains in Matrix Metalloproteinase-1 Conceals a Collagen Binding Exosite

Background: The precise role of the hemopexin domain of matrix metalloproteinase-1 (MMP-1) in collagenolysis is unknown. Results: The hemopexin domain collagen binding site is on β-propeller blades 1 and 2, and includes a Phe that is buried in the interface with the catalytic domain in the MMP-1 crystal structure. Conclusion: Domain dislocation is required for exosite exposure. Significance: MMP-1 may undergo significant domain rearrangements during collagenolysis. Matrix metalloproteinase-1 (MMP-1) is an instigator of collagenolysis, the catabolism of triple helical collagen. Previous studies have implicated its hemopexin (HPX) domain in binding and possibly destabilizing the collagen substrate in preparation for hydrolysis of the polypeptide backbone by the catalytic (CAT) domain. Here, we use biophysical methods to study the complex formed between the MMP-1 HPX domain and a synthetic triple helical peptide (THP) that encompasses the MMP-1 cleavage site of the collagen α1(I) chain. The two components interact with 1:1 stoichiometry and micromolar affinity via a binding site within blades 1 and 2 of the four-bladed HPX domain propeller. Subsequent site-directed mutagenesis and assay implicates blade 1 residues Phe301, Val319, and Asp338 in collagen binding. Intriguingly, Phe301 is partially masked by the CAT domain in the crystal structure of full-length MMP-1 implying that transient separation of the domains is important in collagen recognition. However, mutation of this residue in the intact enzyme disrupts the CAT-HPX interface resulting in a drastic decrease in binding activity. Thus, a balanced equilibrium between these compact and dislocated states may be an essential feature of MMP-1 collagenase activity.

The Role of the Fibronectin IGD Motif in Stimulating Fibroblast Migration

The motogenic activity of migration-stimulating factor, a truncated isoform of fibronectin (FN), has been attributed to the IGD motifs present in its FN type 1 modules. The structure-function relationship of various recombinant IGD-containing FN fragments is now investigated. Their structure is assessed by solution state NMR and their motogenic ability tested on fibroblasts. Even conservative mutations in the IGD motif are inactive or have severely reduced potency, while the structure remains essentially the same. A fragment with two IGD motifs is 100 times more active than a fragment with one and up to 106 times more than synthetic tetrapeptides. The wide range of potency in different contexts is discussed in terms of cryptic FN sites and cooperativity. These results give new insight into the stimulation of fibroblast migration by IGD motifs in FN.

Implications for collagen binding from the crystallographic structure of fibronectin 6FnI1-2FnII7FnI

Collagen and fibronectin (FN) are two abundant and essential components of the vertebrate extracellular matrix; they interact directly with cellular receptors and affect cell adhesion and migration. Past studies identified a FN fragment comprising six modules, 6FnI1–2FnII7–9FnI, and termed the gelatin binding domain (GBD) as responsible for collagen interaction. Recently, we showed that the GBD binds tightly to a specific site within type I collagen and determined the structure of domains 8–9FnI in complex with a peptide from that site. Here, we present the crystallographic structure of domains 6FnI1–2FnII7FnI, which form a compact, globular unit through interdomain interactions. Analysis of NMR titrations with single-stranded collagen peptides reveals a dominant collagen interaction surface on domains 2FnII and 7FnI; a similar surface appears involved in interactions with triple-helical peptides. Models of the complete GBD, based on the new structure and the 8–9FnI·collagen complex show a continuous putative collagen binding surface. We explore the implications of this model using long collagen peptides and discuss our findings in the context of FN interactions with collagen fibrils.

Gelatin binding to the 8F19F1 module pair of human fibronectin requires site-specific N-glycosylation

The gelatin (denatured collagen) binding domain of the extracellular matrix protein fibronectin contains three potential N‐glycosylation sites. Complete deglycosylation of this domain is known to reduce the thermal stability of the eighth type 1 (8F1) module. We have conducted a site‐specific analysis of the structural and functional consequences of N‐linked glycosylation in the 8F19F1 module pair. Three glycoforms have been identified by mass spectrometry and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. Chemical shift differences between the glycoforms have revealed an intimate interaction between one N‐linked sugar and the polypeptide that is critical for gelatin binding, as shown by affinity chromatography.