Anthony P. Duff

Low-resolution solution structures of Munc18:Syntaxin protein complexes indicate an open binding mode driven by the Syntaxin N-peptide.

When nerve cells communicate, vesicles from one neuron fuse with the presynaptic membrane releasing chemicals that signal to the next. Similarly, when insulin binds its receptor on adipocytes or muscle, glucose transporter-4 vesicles fuse with the cell membrane, allowing glucose to be imported. These essential processes require the interaction of SNARE proteins on vesicle and cell membranes, as well as the enigmatic protein Munc18 that binds the SNARE protein Syntaxin. Here, we show that in solution the neuronal protein Syntaxin1a interacts with Munc18-1 whether or not the Syntaxin1a N-peptide is present. Conversely, the adipocyte protein Syntaxin4 does not bind its partner Munc18c unless the N-peptide is present. Solution-scattering data for the Munc18-1:Syntaxin1a complex in the absence of the N-peptide indicates that this complex adopts the inhibitory closed binding mode, exemplified by a crystal structure of the complex. However, when the N-peptide is present, the solution-scattering data indicate both Syntaxin1a and Syntaxin4 adopt extended conformations in complexes with their respective Munc18 partners. The low-resolution solution structure of the open Munc18:Syntaxin binding mode was modeled using data from cross-linking/mass spectrometry, small-angle X-ray scattering, and small-angle neutron scattering with contrast variation, indicating significant differences in Munc18:Syntaxin interactions compared with the closed binding mode. Overall, our results indicate that the neuronal Munc18-1:Syntaxin1a proteins can adopt two alternate and functionally distinct binding modes, closed and open, depending on the presence of the N-peptide, whereas Munc18c:Syntaxin4 adopts only the open binding mode.

CLIC proteins, ezrin, radixin, moesin and the coupling of membranes to the actin cytoskeleton: a smoking gun?

The CLIC proteins are a highly conserved family of metazoan proteins with the unusual ability to adopt both soluble and integral membrane forms. The physiological functions of CLIC proteins may include enzymatic activity in the soluble form and anion channel activity in the integral membrane form. CLIC proteins are associated with the ERM proteins: ezrin, radixin and moesin. ERM proteins act as cross-linkers between membranes and the cortical actin cytoskeleton. Both CLIC and ERM proteins are controlled by Rho family small GTPases. CLIC proteins, ERM and Rho GTPases act in a concerted manner to control active membrane processes including the maintenance of microvillar structures, phagocytosis and vesicle trafficking. All of these processes involve the interaction of membranes with the underlying cortical actin cytoskeleton. The relationships between Rho GTPases, CLIC proteins, ERM proteins and the membrane:actin cytoskeleton interface are reviewed. Speculative models are proposed involving the formation of localised multi-protein complexes on the membrane surface that assemble via multiple weak interactions. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled: Reciprocal influences between cell cytoskeleton and membrane channels, receptors and transporters. Guest Editor: Jean Claude Hervé.

Domain-swap polymerization drives the self-assembly of the bacterial flagellar motor

Large protein complexes assemble spontaneously, yet their subunits do not prematurely form unwanted aggregates. This paradox is epitomized in the bacterial flagellar motor, a sophisticated rotary motor and sensory switch consisting of hundreds of subunits. Here we demonstrate that Escherichia coli FliG, one of the earliest-assembling flagellar motor proteins, forms ordered ring structures via domain-swap polymerization, which in other proteins has been associated with uncontrolled and deleterious protein aggregation. Solution structural data, in combination with in vivo biochemical cross-linking experiments and evolutionary covariance analysis, revealed that FliG exists predominantly as a monomer in solution but only as domain-swapped polymers in assembled flagellar motors. We propose a general structural and thermodynamic model for self-assembly, in which a structural template controls assembly and shapes polymer formation into rings.

2017 publication guidelines for structural modelling of small-angle scattering data from biomolecules in solution: An update

Updated guidelines are presented for publishing biomolecular small-angle scattering (SAS) experiments so that readers can independently assess the quality of the data and models presented. The focus is on solution scattering experiments with either X-rays (SAXS) or neutrons (SANS), where the primary goal is the generation and testing of three-dimensional models, particularly in the context of integrative/hybrid structural modelling.

Solid-State NMR Spectroscopy of Functional Amyloid from a Fungal Hydrophobin: A Well-Ordered β-Sheet Core Amidst Structural Heterogeneity†

GrEASy fibrils: Hydrophobins are fungal proteins that assemble into an amphipathic fibrillar monolayer with amyloid properties and a hydrophobic face as water-resistant as Teflon. Solid-state NMR studies on EAS hydrophobin fibrils reveal direct evidence of a partial molecular rearrangement on assembly and an ordered β-sheet-rich core in the context of a whole protein in this functional amyloid.

Binding of transcription factor GabR to DNA requires recognition of DNA shape at a location distinct from its cognate binding site

Mechanisms for transcription factor recognition of specific DNA base sequences are well characterized and recent studies demonstrate that the shape of these cognate binding sites is also important. Here, we uncover a new mechanism where the transcription factor GabR simultaneously recognizes two cognate binding sites and the shape of a 29 bp DNA sequence that bridges these sites. Small-angle X-ray scattering and multi-angle laser light scattering are consistent with a model where the DNA undergoes a conformational change to bend around GabR during binding. In silico predictions suggest that the bridging DNA sequence is likely to be bendable in one direction and kinetic analysis of mutant DNA sequences with biolayer interferometry, allowed the independent quantification of the relative contribution of DNA base and shape recognition in the GabR–DNA interaction. These indicate that the two cognate binding sites as well as the bendability of the DNA sequence in between these sites are required to form a stable complex. The mechanism of GabR–DNA interaction provides an example where the correct shape of DNA, at a clearly distinct location from the cognate binding site, is required for transcription factor binding and has implications for bioinformatics searches for novel binding sites.

Complexes of the copper-containing amine oxidase from Arthrobacter globiformis with the inhibitors benzylhydrazine and tranylcypromine

Complexes of Arthrobacter globiformis amine oxidase (AGAO) with the inhibitors benzylhydrazine and tranylcypromine (an antidepressant drug) have been refined at 1.86 and 1.65 A resolution, respectively. Both inhibitors form covalent adducts with the TPQ cofactor. A tyrosine residue, proposed to act as a gate to the AGAO active site, is in its open conformation.

Selective Inhibition of Human Group IIA-secreted Phospholipase A2 (hGIIA) Signaling Reveals Arachidonic Acid Metabolism Is Associated with Colocalization of hGIIA to Vimentin in Rheumatoid Synoviocytes

Background: Group IIA secreted phospholipase A2 (hGIIA) is a bifunctional protein that regulates arachidonic acid metabolism by both catalysis-dependent and catalysis-independent mechanisms. Results: Selective inhibition of the catalysis-independent signaling function perturbs a hGIIA-vimentin interaction in rheumatoid synoviocytes. Conclusion: The signaling and catalytic functions of hGIIA are pharmacologically separable. Significance: Functionally selective inhibitors of hGIIA may provide new avenues for investigation and treatment of immune-mediated inflammation. Human group IIA secreted phospholipase A2 (hGIIA) promotes tumor growth and inflammation and can act independently of its well described catalytic lipase activity via an alternative poorly understood signaling pathway. With six chemically diverse inhibitors we show that it is possible to selectively inhibit hGIIA signaling over catalysis, and x-ray crystal structures illustrate that signaling involves a pharmacologically distinct surface to the catalytic site. We demonstrate in rheumatoid fibroblast-like synoviocytes that non-catalytic signaling is associated with rapid internalization of the enzyme and colocalization with vimentin. Trafficking of exogenous hGIIA was monitored with immunofluorescence studies, which revealed that vimentin localization is disrupted by inhibitors of signaling that belong to a rare class of small molecule inhibitors that modulate protein-protein interactions. This study provides structural and pharmacological evidence for an association between vimentin, hGIIA, and arachidonic acid metabolism in synovial inflammation, avenues for selective interrogation of hGIIA signaling, and new strategies for therapeutic hGIIA inhibitor design.

The 1.23 Å structure of Pichia pastoris lysyl oxidase reveals a lysine–lysine cross-link

The structure of Pichia pastoris lysyl oxidase (PPLO) in a new crystal form has been refined at 1.23 A resolution. PPLO, a copper amine oxidase (CuAO) with a 2,4,5-trihydroxyphenylalanine quinone (TPQ) cofactor, differs from most other members of the CuAO enzyme family in having the ability to oxidize the side chain of lysine residues in a polypeptide. In the asymmetric unit of the crystals, the structure analysis has located residues 43–779 of the polypeptide chain, seven carbohydrate residues, the active-site Cu atom, an imidazole molecule bound at the active site, two buried Ca2+ ions, five surface Mg2+ ions, five surface Cl− ions and 1045 water molecules. The crystallographic residuals are R = 0.112 and Rfree = 0.146. The TPQ cofactor and several other active-site residues are poorly ordered, in contrast to the surrounding well ordered structure. A covalent cross-link is observed between two lysine residues, Lys778 and Lys66. The cross-link is likely to have been formed by the oxidation of Lys778 followed by a spontaneous reaction with Lys66. The link is modelled as dehydrolysinonorleucine.

Small-angle X-ray scattering of BAMLET at pH 12: a complex of α-lactalbumin and oleic acid.

BAMLET (Bovine Alpha‐lactalbumin Made LEthal to Tumors) is a member of the family of the HAMLET‐like complexes, a novel class of protein‐based anti‐cancer complexes that incorporate oleic acid and deliver it to cancer cells. Small angle X‐ray scattering (SAXS) was performed on the complex at pH 12, examining the high pH structure as a function of oleic acid added. The SAXS data for BAMLET species prepared with a range of oleic acid concentrations indicate extended, irregular, partially unfolded protein conformations that vary with the oleic acid concentration. Increases in oleic acid concentration correlate with increasing radius of gyration without an increase in maximum particle dimension, indicating decreasing protein density. The models for the highest oleic acid content BAMLET indicate an unusual coiled elongated structure that contrasts with apo‐α‐lactalbumin at pH 12, which is an elongated globular molecule, suggesting that oleic acid inhibits the folding or collapse of the protein component of BAMLET to the globular form. Circular dichroism of BAMLET and apo‐α‐lactalbumin was performed and the results suggest that α‐lactalbumin and BAMLET unfold in a continuum of increasing degree of unfolded states. Taken together, these results support a model in which BAMLET retains oleic acid by non‐specific association in the core of partially unfolded protein, and represent a new type of lipoprotein structure. Proteins 2014; 82:1400–1408.