Béatrice Golinelli-Pimpaneau

Glutamine Binding Opens the Ammonia Channel and Activates Glucosamine-6P Synthase

Glucosamine-6P synthase catalyzes the synthesis of glucosamine-6P from fructose-6P and glutamine and uses a channel to transfer ammonia from its glutaminase to its synthase active site. X-ray structures of glucosamine-6P synthase have been determined at 2.05 Å resolution in the presence of fructose-6P and at 2.35 Å resolution in the presence of fructose-6P and 6-diazo-5-oxo-l-norleucine, a glutamine affinity analog that covalently modifies the N-terminal catalytic cysteine, therefore mimicking the γ-glutamyl-thioester intermediate formed during hydrolysis of glutamine. The fixation of the glutamine analog activates the enzyme through several major structural changes: 1) the closure of a loop to shield the glutaminase site accompanied by significant domain hinging, 2) the activation of catalytic residues involved in glutamine hydrolysis, i.e. the α-amino group of Cys-1 and Asn-98 that is positioned to form the oxyanion hole, and 3) a 75° rotation of the Trp-74 indole group that opens the ammonia channel.

Structures of Escherichia coli CMP kinase alone and in complex with CDP: a new fold of the nucleoside monophosphate binding domain and insights into cytosine nucleotide specificity

BACKGROUND . Nucleoside monophosphate kinases (NMP kinases) catalyze the reversible transfer of a phosphoryl group from a nucleoside triphosphate to a nucleoside monophosphate. Among them, cytidine monophosphate kinase from Escherichia coli has a striking particularity: it is specific for CMP, whereas in eukaryotes a unique UMP/CMP kinase phosphorylates both CMP and UMP with similar efficiency. RESULTS . The crystal structure of the CMP kinase apoenzyme from E. coli was solved by single isomorphous replacement and refined at 1.75 A resolution. The structure of the enzyme in complex with CDP was determined at 2.0 A resolution. Like other NMP kinases, the protein contains a central parallel beta sheet, the strands of which are connected by alpha helices. The enzyme differs from other NMP kinases in the presence of a 40-residue insert situated in the NMP-binding (NMPbind) domain. This insert contains two domains: one comprising a three-stranded antiparallel beta sheet, the other comprising two alpha helices. CONCLUSIONS . Two features of the CMP kinase from E. coli have no equivalent in other NMP kinases of known structure. Firstly, the large NMPbind insert undergoes a CDP-induced rearrangement: its beta-sheet domain moves away from the substrate, whereas its helical domain comes closer to it in a motion likely to improve the protection of the active site. Secondly, residues involved in CDP recognition are conserved in CMP kinases and have no counterpart in other NMP kinases. The structures presented here are the first of a new family of NMP kinases specific for CMP.

Ordering of C-terminal loop and glutaminase domains of glucosamine-6-phosphate synthase promotes sugar ring opening and formation of the ammonia channel.

Glucosamine-6-phosphate synthase (GlmS) channels ammonia from glutamine at the glutaminase site to fructose 6-phosphate (Fru6P) at the synthase site. Escherichia coli GlmS is composed of two C-terminal synthase domains that form the dimer interface and two N-terminal glutaminase domains at its periphery. We report the crystal structures of GlmS alone and in complex with the glucosamine-6-phosphate product at 2.95 A and 2.9 A resolution, respectively. Surprisingly, although the whole protein is present in this crystal form, no electron density for the glutaminase domain was observed, indicating its mobility. Comparison of the two structures with that of the previously reported GlmS-Fru6P complex shows that, upon sugar binding, the C-terminal loop, which forms the major part of the channel walls, becomes ordered and covers the synthase site. The ordering of the glutaminase domains likely follows Fru6P binding by the anchoring of Trp74, which acts as the gate of the channel, on the closed C-terminal loop. This is accompanied by a major conformational change of the side chain of Lys503# of the neighboring synthase domain that strengthens the interactions of the synthase domain with the C-terminal loop and completely shields the synthase site. The concomitant conformational change of the Lys503#-Gly505# tripeptide places catalytic His504# in the proper position to open the sugar and buries the linear sugar, which is now in the vicinity of the catalytic groups involved in the sugar isomerization reaction. Together with the previously reported structures of GlmS in complex with Fru6P or glucose 6-phosphate and a glutamine analogue, the new structures reveal the structural changes occurring during the whole catalytic cycle.

Acquisition of a bacterial RumA-type tRNA(uracil-54, C5)-methyltransferase by Archaea through an ancient horizontal gene transfer.

The Pyrococcus abyssi genome displays two genes possibly coding for S‐adenosyl‐l‐methionine‐dependent RNA(uracil, C5)‐methyltransferases (PAB0719 and PAB0760). Their amino acid sequences are more closely related to Escherichia coli RumA catalysing the formation of 5‐methyluridine (m5U)‐1939 in 23S rRNA than to E. coli TrmA (tRNA methyltransferase A) methylating uridine‐54 in tRNA. Comparative genomic and phylogenetic analyses show that homologues of PAB0719 and PAB0760 occur only in a few Archaea, these genes having been acquired via a single horizontal gene transfer from a bacterial donor to the common ancestor of Thermococcales and Nanoarchaea. This transfer event was followed by a duplication event in Thermococcales leading to two closely related genes. None of the gene products of the two P. abyssi paralogues catalyses in vitro the formation of m5U in a P. abyssi rRNA fragment homologous to the bacterial RumA substrate. Instead, PAB0719 enzyme (renamed PabTrmU54) displays an identical specificity to TrmA, as it catalyses the in vitro formation of m5U‐54 in tRNA. Thus, during evolution, at least one of the two P. abyssi RumA‐type enzymes has changed of target specificity. This functional shift probably occurred in an ancestor of all Thermococcales. This study also provides new evidence in favour of a close relationship between Thermococcales and Nanoarchaea.

Crystal structure of Thermus thermophilus tRNA m1A58 methyltransferase and biophysical characterization of its interaction with tRNA.

Methyltransferases from the m(1)A(58) tRNA methyltransferase (TrmI) family catalyze the S-adenosyl-l-methionine-dependent N(1)-methylation of tRNA adenosine 58. The crystal structure of Thermus thermophilus TrmI, in complex with S-adenosyl-l-homocysteine, was determined at 1.7 A resolution. This structure is closely related to that of Mycobacterium tuberculosis TrmI, and their comparison enabled us to enlighten two grooves in the TrmI structure that are large enough and electrostatically compatible to accommodate one tRNA per face of TrmI tetramer. We have then conducted a biophysical study based on electrospray ionization mass spectrometry, site-directed mutagenesis, and molecular docking. First, we confirmed the tetrameric oligomerization state of TrmI, and we showed that this protein remains tetrameric upon tRNA binding, with formation of complexes involving one to two molecules of tRNA per TrmI tetramer. Second, three key residues for the methylation reaction were identified: the universally conserved D170 and two conserved aromatic residues Y78 and Y194. We then used molecular docking to position a N(9)-methyladenine in the active site of TrmI. The N(9)-methyladenine snugly fits into the catalytic cleft, where the side chain of D170 acts as a bidentate ligand binding the amino moiety of S-adenosyl-l-methionine and the exocyclic amino group of the adenosine. Y194 interacts with the N(9)-methyladenine ring, whereas Y78 can stabilize the sugar ring. From our results, we propose that the conserved residues that form the catalytic cavity (D170, Y78, and Y194) are essential for fashioning an optimized shape of the catalytic pocket.

Insights into folate/FAD-dependent tRNA methyltransferase mechanism: Role of two highly conserved cysteines in catalysis

Background: The mechanism of uridine 54 methylation in tRNAs catalyzed by folate/FAD-dependent TrmFO in Bacillus subtilis is unknown. Results: Cys-226 forms a covalent complex with 5-fluorouridine-containing mini-RNA. Conclusion: Thus, Cys-226 acts as the nucleophile instead of Cys-53, located near the active site flavin cofactor. Significance: This third type of folate-dependent uridine methylation mechanism differs from that for thymidylate synthases ThyA and ThyX. The flavoprotein TrmFO methylates specifically the C5 carbon of the highly conserved uridine 54 in tRNAs. Contrary to most methyltransferases, the 1- carbon unit transferred by TrmFO derives from 5,10-methylenetetrahydrofolate and not from S-adenosyl-l-methionine. The enzyme also employs the FAD hydroquinone as a reducing agent of the C5 methylene U54-tRNA intermediate in vitro. By analogy with the catalytic mechanism of thymidylate synthase ThyA, a conserved cysteine located near the FAD isoalloxazine ring was proposed to act as a nucleophile during catalysis. Here, we mutated this residue (Cys-53 in Bacillus subtilis TrmFO) to alanine and investigated its functional role. Biophysical characterization of this variant demonstrated the major structural role of Cys-53 in maintaining both the integrity and plasticity of the flavin binding site. Unexpectedly, gel mobility shift assays showed that, like the wild-type enzyme, the inactive C53A variant was capable of forming a covalent complex with a 5-fluorouridine-containing mini-RNA. This result confirms the existence of a covalent intermediate during catalysis but rules out a nucleophilic role for Cys-53. To identify the actual nucleophile, two other strictly conserved cysteines (Cys-192 and Cys-226) that are relatively far from the active site were replaced with alanine, and a double mutant C53A/C226A was generated. Interestingly, only mutations that target Cys-226 impeded TrmFO from forming a covalent complex and methylating tRNA. Altogether, we propose a revised mechanism for the m5U54 modification catalyzed by TrmFO, where Cys-226 attacks the C6 atom of the uridine, and Cys-53 plays the role of the general base abstracting the C5 proton.

The crystal structure of wild-type human brain neuroglobin reveals flexibility of the disulfide bond that regulates oxygen affinity.

Neuroglobin plays an important function in the supply of oxygen in nervous tissues. In human neuroglobin, a cysteine at position 46 in the loop connecting the C and D helices of the globin fold is presumed to form an intramolecular disulfide bond with Cys55. Rupture of this disulfide bridge stabilizes bi-histidyl haem hexacoordination, causing an overall decrease in the affinity for oxygen. Here, the first X-ray structure of wild-type human neuroglobin is reported at 1.74 Å resolution. This structure provides a direct observation of two distinct conformations of the CD region containing the intramolecular disulfide link and highlights internal cavities that could be involved in ligand migration and/or are necessary to enable the conformational transition between the low and high oxygen-affinity states following S-S bond formation.

FAD/Folate-Dependent tRNA Methyltransferase: Flavin as a New Methyl-Transfer Agent

RNAs contain structurally and functionally important modified nucleosides. Methylation, the most frequent RNA modification in all living organisms, mostly relies on SAM (S-adenosylmethionine)-dependent methyltransferases. TrmFO was recently discovered as a unique tRNA methyltransferase using instead methylenetetrahydrofolate and reduced flavin adenine dinucleotide (FAD) as essential cofactors, but its mechanism has remained elusive. Here, we report that TrmFO carries an active tRNA-methylating agent and characterize it as an original enzyme-methylene-FAD covalent adduct by mass spectrometry and a combination of spectroscopic and biochemical methods. Our data support a novel tRNA methylating mechanism.

ubiI, a new gene in Escherichia coli coenzyme Q biosynthesis, is involved in aerobic C5-hydroxylation.

Background: The C5-hydroxylation reaction of coenzyme Q biosynthesis in Escherichia coli is catalyzed by an unknown enzyme. Results: The UbiI protein is responsible for the C5-hydroxylation reaction. Conclusion: The three monooxygenases involved in aerobic Q biosynthesis are now identified. Significance: We report the characterization of a gene of unknown function and the first crystal structure of a monooxygenase involved in Q biosynthesis. Coenzyme Q (ubiquinone or Q) is a redox-active lipid found in organisms ranging from bacteria to mammals in which it plays a crucial role in energy-generating processes. Q biosynthesis is a complex pathway that involves multiple proteins. In this work, we show that the uncharacterized conserved visC gene is involved in Q biosynthesis in Escherichia coli, and we have renamed it ubiI. Based on genetic and biochemical experiments, we establish that the UbiI protein functions in the C5-hydroxylation reaction. A strain deficient in ubiI has a low level of Q and accumulates a compound derived from the Q biosynthetic pathway, which we purified and characterized. We also demonstrate that UbiI is only implicated in aerobic Q biosynthesis and that an alternative enzyme catalyzes the C5-hydroxylation reaction in the absence of oxygen. We have solved the crystal structure of a truncated form of UbiI. This structure shares many features with the canonical FAD-dependent para-hydroxybenzoate hydroxylase and represents the first structural characterization of a monooxygenase involved in Q biosynthesis. Site-directed mutagenesis confirms that residues of the flavin binding pocket of UbiI are important for activity. With our identification of UbiI, the three monooxygenases necessary for aerobic Q biosynthesis in E. coli are known.

THUMP from archaeal tRNA:m22G10 methyltransferase, a genuine autonomously folding domain

The tRNA:m22G10 methyltransferase of Pyrococus abyssi (PAB1283, a member of COG1041) catalyzes the N2,N2-dimethylation of guanosine at position 10 in tRNA. Boundaries of its THUMP (THioUridine synthases, RNA Methyltransferases and Pseudo-uridine synthases)—containing N-terminal domain [1–152] and C-terminal catalytic domain [157–329] were assessed by trypsin limited proteolysis. An inter-domain flexible region of at least six residues was revealed. The N-terminal domain was then produced as a standalone protein (THUMPα) and further characterized. This autonomously folded unit exhibits very low affinity for tRNA. Using protein fold-recognition (FR) methods, we identified the similarity between THUMPα and a putative RNA-recognition module observed in the crystal structure of another THUMP-containing protein (ThiI thiolase of Bacillus anthracis). A comparative model of THUMPα structure was generated, which fulfills experimentally defined restraints, i.e. chemical modification of surface exposed residues assessed by mass spectrometry, and identification of an intramolecular disulfide bridge. A model of the whole PAB1283 enzyme docked onto its tRNAAsp substrate suggests that the THUMP module specifically takes support on the co-axially stacked helices of T-arm and acceptor stem of tRNA and, together with the catalytic domain, screw-clamp structured tRNA. We propose that this mode of interactions may be common to other THUMP-containing enzymes that specifically modify nucleotides in the 3D-core of tRNA.