Grzegorz Rymarczyk

Isoform-specific variation in the intrinsic disorder of the ecdysteroid receptor N-terminal domain.

The Drosophila melanogaster ecdysteroid receptor (EcR) is a member of the nuclear hormone receptor superfamily. EcR controls animal development and metamorphosis by activating or repressing the transcription of target genes. There are three EcR isoforms, EcRA, EcRB1, and EcRB2 that exhibit diverse spatial and temporal distributions within various tissues and reveal essential functional differences. These differences can be attributed to the isoform‐specific N‐terminal domains (NTDs), which differ in length and primary structure. To lay a foundation for understanding of the molecular mechanism underlying functional diversity of the isoforms, we have carried out a comprehensive biochemical and biophysical analysis of purified hexahistidine‐tagged EcRA and EcRB1 NTDs (EcRA‐NTD and EcRB1‐NTD). The results, along with in silico examinations of the primary structures indicate that the EcR NTDs exhibit properties of premolten globule‐like intrinsically disordered proteins. Furthermore, we demonstrate for the first time that NTDs of isoforms of a particular nuclear hormone receptor exhibit distinct structural properties. In silico analysis revealed that the EcRA‐NTD sequence has a bigger tendency for disorder than the EcRB1‐NTD sequence. Accordingly, the circular dichroism experiments demonstrated that EcRA‐NTD has lower regular secondary structure content than EcRB1‐NTD and the size‐exclusion chromatography showed that EcRA‐NTD is less compact than EcRB1‐NTD. Furthermore, the limited proteolysis analysis revealed that the C‐terminal region common to both NTDs is more susceptible to the enzymatic cleavage in EcRA‐NTD than in EcRB1‐NTD. We postulate that unique conformational states of EcRA‐NTD and EcRB1‐NTD might act as the starting points for the functional diversity of EcRA and EcRB1 isoforms. Proteins 2009.

Starmaker exhibits properties of an intrinsically disordered protein.

Fish otoliths composed of calcium carbonate and an organic matrix play a primary role in gravity sensing and the perception of sound. Starmaker (Stm) was the first protein found to be capable of influencing the process of biomineralization of otoliths. Stm dictates the shape, size, and selection of calcium carbonate polymorphs in a concentration-dependent manner. To facilitate exploration of the molecular basis of Stm function, we have developed and optimized a protocol for efficient expression and purification of the homogeneous nontagged Stm. The homogeneous nontagged Stm corresponds to its functional form, which is devoid of a signal peptide. A comprehensive biochemical and biophysical analysis of recombinant Stm, along with in silico examinations, indicate for the first time that Stm exhibits the properties of intrinsically disordered proteins. The functional significance of Stm having intrinsically disordered protein properties and its possible role in controlling the formation of otoliths is discussed.

Purification of Drosophila melanogaster ultraspiracle protein and analysis of its A/B region-dependent dimerization behavior in vitro.

Abstract Two members of the nuclear receptor superfamily, EcR (ecdysteroid receptor protein) and Usp (Ultraspiracle), heterodimerize to form a functional receptor for the steroid hormone 20-hydroxyecdysone and thus enable it to coordinate morphogenetic events during insect metamorphosis. Nterminally Histagged Usp was overexpressed in E. coli cells as a nontruncated protein and purified to homogeneity in two chromatographic steps. It was demonstrated that the recombinant receptor specifically binds the ecdysone response element of the hsp27 gene promoter (hsp27EcRE). Moreover, ahighly synergistically formed heterodimeric complex with the DNA-binding domain of EcR was observed on hsp27EcRE, but not on the native Usp response element from the chorion s15 gene promoter. Recombinant Usp forms homodimers and homotetramers in the absence of DNA, as judged from gel filtration and chemical crosslinking experiments. Truncation of its N-terminal A/B region changes molecular characteristics of Usp, considerably weakening its oligomerization potential under the same experimental conditions. This contrasts with the results obtained previously for the similarly truncated RXR – a vertebrate homolog of Usp.

Intrinsic disorder of Drosophila melanogaster hormone receptor 38 N-terminal domain

Drosophila hormone receptor 38 (dHR38), an ortholog of the vertebrate NR4A subclass of nuclear receptors, responds to ecdysteroids, which mediate developmental transitions during the Drosophila life cycle. However, this response is independent of the ecdysteroid receptor, and it does not involve binding of ecdysteroids to dHR38. It has been suggested that ecdysteroids may indirectly activate dHR38, perhaps by recruiting specific proteins. There have been recent reports pointing out the decisive role that nuclear receptor N‐terminal domains (NTDs) have in protein–protein interactions that are important for regulation of gene expression. It is reasonable to assume that dHR38‐NTD may also be involved in some protein–protein interactions that are critical for the ecdysteroid signaling pathway. To facilitate the exploration of the molecular basis of these interactions, we developed and optimized a protocol for the efficient expression and purification of the recombinant dHR38‐NTD. Using a diverse array of biochemical and biophysical methods, we carried out the first structural characterization of dHR38‐NTD. The results of our study indicate that dHR38‐NTD exhibits a characteristic reminiscent of pre‐molten globule‐like intrinsically disordered proteins existing in a partially unfolded conformation with regions of secondary structures. The dHR38‐NTD structure, which apparently comprises some local, ordered, tertiary structure clusters, is pliable and can adopt more ordered conformations in response to changes in environmental conditions. Thus, dHR38‐NTD, which exhibits the structural and functional characteristic of a pre‐molten globule‐like intrinsically disordered protein, could serve as a platform for multiple protein–protein interactions, possibly including interactions with proteins involved in an unusual ecdysteroid signaling pathway. Proteins 2011.© 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.

Regulatory elements in the juvenile hormone binding protein gene from Galleria mellonella--topography of binding sites for Usp and EcRDBD.

The juvenile hormone binding protein (JHBP) plays a key role in the protection and transport of the hormone to target tissues. In this report the sequence of the jhbp promoter comprising about 2000 bp is characterized. Using a minimized false positive algorithm, six putative regulatory elements, Hunchback, Heat shock factor binding element, Ultrabithorax, Broad-Complex Z3, Elf-1 and Chorion factor 1/ultraspiracle (CF1/Usp) were found in the distal promoter of the jhbp gene. Proteins from nuclear extract of Galleria mellonella fat body form four specific complexes with probe containing TATA box, five complexes with Inr probe and one protein complex with DPE probe. EMSA and footprinting analyses showed that one of the three CF1/Usp elements (starting at -1053) has an exceptionally high affinity to Usp protein. An unknown, high-affinity Usp/EcRDBD-binding element (TCAACA-AAC-TGTTCA), distinct from 20-hydroxyecdysone response elements, was identified in the jhbp gene promoter, based on a footprinting assay. Deletions of jhbp promoter in the regions containing the CF1/Usp elements enhance the transcriptional activity of luciferase reporter gene in the Trichoplusia ni High Five cell line. Obtained data suggest that jhbp promoter is TATA- and Inr-driven, CF1/Usp elements exhibit inhibitory effect on jhbp expression, and an interaction between Usp and DNA relies on recognition of the consensus sequence (GGGTCA) and on ionic interactions of several phosphate groups outside from this element.

Calponin-Like Chd64 Is Partly Disordered

20-hydroxyecdysone (20E) and juvenile hormone (JH) signaling pathways interact to regulate insect development. Recently, two proteins, a calponin-like Chd64 and immunophilin FKBP39 have been found to play a pivotal role in the cross-talk between 20E and JH, although the molecular basis of interaction remains unknown. The aim of this work was to identify the structural features that would provide understanding of the role of Chd64 in multiple and dynamic complex that cross-links the signaling pathways. Here, we demonstrate the results of in silico and in vitro analyses of the structural organization of Chd64 from Drosophila melanogaster and its homologue from Tribolium castaneum. Computational analysis predicted the existence of disordered regions on the termini of both proteins, while the central region appeared to be globular, probably corresponding to the calponin homology (CH) domain. In vitro analyses of the hydrodynamic properties of the proteins from analytical size-exclusion chromatography and analytical ultracentrifugation revealed that DmChd64 and TcChd64 had an asymmetrical, elongated shape, which was further confirmed by small angle X-ray scattering (SAXS). The Kratky plot indicated disorderness in both Chd64 proteins, which could possibly be on the protein termini and which would give rise to specific hydrodynamic properties. Disordered tails are often involved in diverse interactions. Therefore, it is highly possible that there are intrinsically disordered regions (IDRs) on both termini of the Chd64 proteins that serve as platforms for multiple interaction with various partners and constitute the foundation for their regulatory function.

The composite nature of the interaction between nuclear receptors EcR and DHR38

Abstract Ecdysteroids coordinate essential biological processes in Drosophila through a complex of two nuclear receptors, the ecdysteroid receptor (EcR) and the ultraspiracle protein (Usp). Biochemical experiments have shown that, in contrast to Usp, the EcR molecule is characterized by high intramolecular plasticity. To investigate whether this plasticity is sufficient to form EcR complexes with nuclear receptors other than Usp, we studied the interaction of EcR with the DHR38 nuclear receptor. Previous in vitro experiments suggested that DHR38 can form complexes with Usp and thus disrupt Usp-EcR interaction with the specific hsp27pal response element. This article provides the experimental evidence that EcR is able to form complexes with DHR38 as well. The recombinant DNA-binding domains (DBDs) of EcR and DHR38 interact specifically on hsp27pal. However, the interaction between the receptors is not restricted to their isolated DBDs. We pre\xadsent data that indicate that the full-length EcR and DHR38 can also form specific complexes within the nuclei of living cells. This interaction is mediated by the hinge region of EcR, which was recently classified as an intrinsically disordered region. Our results indicate that DHR38 might modulate the activity of the Usp-EcR heterodimer by forming complexes with both of its components.

Conformational changes in the DNA-binding domains of the ecdysteroid receptor during the formation of a complex with the hsp27 response element

The ecdysone receptor (EcR) and the ultraspiracle protein (Usp) form the functional receptor for ecdysteroids that initiates metamorphosis in insects. The Usp and EcR DNA-binding domains (UspDBD and EcRDBD, respectively) form a heterodimer on the natural pseudopalindromic element from the hsp27 gene promoter. The conformational changes in the protein–DNA during the formation of the UspDBD-EcRDBD-hsp27 complex were analyzed. Recombined UspDBD and EcRDBD proteins were purified and fluorescein labeled (FL) using the intein method at the C-ends of both proteins. The changes in the distances from the respective C-ends of EcRDBD and/or UspDBD to the 5′- and/or 3′-end of the response element were measured using fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) methodology. The binding of EcRDBD induced a strong conformational change in UspDBD and caused the C-terminal fragment of the UspDBD molecule to move away from both ends of the regulatory element. UspDBD also induced a significant conformational change in the EcRDBD molecule. The EcRDBD C-terminus moved away from the 5′-end of the regulatory element and moved close to the 3′-end. An analysis was also done on the effect that DHR38DBD, the Drosophila ortholog of the mammalian NGFI-B, had on the interaction of UspDBD and EcRDBD with hsp27. FRET analysis demonstrated that hsp27 bending was induced by DHR38DBD. Fluorescence data revealed that hsp27 had a shorter end-to-end distance both in the presence of EcRDBD as well as in the presence of EcRDBD together with DHR38DBD, with DNA bend angles of about 36.2° and 33.6°, respectively. A model of how DHR38DBD binds to hsp27 in the presence of EcRDBD is presented.

The Molecular Basis of Conformational Instability of the Ecdysone Receptor DNA Binding Domain Studied by In Silico and In Vitro Experiments

The heterodimer of the ecdysone receptor (EcR) and ultraspiracle (Usp), members of the nuclear receptors superfamily, regulates gene expression associated with molting and metamorphosis in insects. The DNA binding domains (DBDs) of the Usp and EcR play an important role in their DNA-dependent heterodimerization. Analysis of the crystal structure of the UspDBD/EcRDBD heterocomplex from Drosophila melanogaster on the hsp27 gene response element, suggested an appreciable similarity between both DBDs. However, the chemical denaturation experiments showed a categorically lower stability for the EcRDBD in contrast to the UspDBD. The aim of our study was an elucidation of the molecular basis of this intriguing instability. Toward this end, we mapped the EcRDBD amino acid sequence positions which have an impact on the stability of the EcRDBD. The computational protein design and in vitro analyses of the EcRDBD mutants indicate that non-conserved residues within the α-helix 2, forming the EcRDBD hydrophobic core, represent a specific structural element that contributes to instability. In particular, the L58 appears to be a key residue which differentiates the hydrophobic cores of UspDBD and EcRDBD and is the main reason for the low stability of the EcRDBD. Our results might serve as a benchmark for further studies of the intricate nature of the EcR molecule.