Konstantinos Tripsianes

Structural basis for dimethylarginine recognition by the Tudor domains of human SMN and SPF30 proteins.

Arginine dimethylation plays critical roles in the assembly of ribonucleoprotein complexes in pre-mRNA splicing and piRNA pathways. We report solution structures of SMN and SPF30 Tudor domains bound to symmetric and asymmetric dimethylated arginine (DMA) that is inherent in the RNP complexes. An aromatic cage in the Tudor domain mediates dimethylarginine recognition by electrostatic stabilization through cation-π interactions. Distinct from extended Tudor domains, dimethylarginine binding by the SMN and SPF30 Tudor domains is independent of proximal residues in the ligand. Yet, enhanced micromolar affinities are obtained by external cooperativity when multiple methylation marks are presented in arginine- and glycine-rich peptide ligands. A hydrogen bond network in the SMN Tudor domain, including Glu134 and a tyrosine hydroxyl of the aromatic cage, enhances cation-π interactions and is impaired by a mutation causing an E134K substitution associated with spinal muscular atrophy. Our structural analysis enables the design of an optimized binding pocket and the prediction of DMA binding properties of Tudor domains.

Structural Basis for Homodimerization of the Src-associated during Mitosis, 68-kDa Protein (Sam68) Qua1 Domain

Sam68 (Src-associated during mitosis, 68 kDa) is a prototypical member of the STAR (signal transducer and activator of RNA) family of RNA-binding proteins. STAR proteins bind mRNA targets and modulate cellular processes such as cell cycle regulation and tissue development in response to extracellular signals. Sam68 has been shown to modulate alternative splicing of the pre-mRNAs of CD44 and Bcl-xL, which are linked to tumor progression and apoptosis. Sam68 and other STAR proteins recognize bipartite RNA sequences and are thought to function as homodimers. However, the structural and functional roles of the self-association are not known. Here, we present the solution structure of the Sam68 Qua1 homodimerization domain. Each monomer consists of two antiparallel α-helices connected by a short loop. The two subunits are arranged perpendicular to each other in an unusual four-helix topology. Mutational analysis of Sam68 in vitro and in a cell-based assay revealed that the Qua1 domain and residues within the dimerization interface are essential for alternative splicing of a CD44 minigene. Together, our results indicate that the Qua1 homodimerization domain is required for regulation of alternative splicing by Sam68.

The multiple Tudor domain-containing protein TDRD1 is a molecular scaffold for mouse Piwi proteins and piRNA biogenesis factors.

Piwi-interacting RNAs (piRNAs) are small noncoding RNAs expressed in the germline of animals. They associate with Argonaute proteins of the Piwi subfamily, forming ribonucleoprotein complexes that are involved in maintaining genome integrity. The N-terminal region of some Piwi proteins contains symmetrically dimethylated arginines. This modification is thought to enable recruitment of Tudor domain-containing proteins (TDRDs), which might serve as platforms mediating interactions between various proteins in the piRNA pathway. We measured the binding affinity of the four individual extended Tudor domains (TDs) of murine TDRD1 protein for three different methylarginine-containing peptides from murine Piwi protein MILI. The results show a preference of TD2 and TD3 for consecutive MILI peptides, whereas TD4 and TD1 have, respectively, lower and very weak affinity for any peptide. The affinity of TD1 for methylarginine peptides can be restored by a single-point mutation back to the consensus aromatic cage sequence. These observations were confirmed by pull-down experiments with endogenous Piwi and Piwi-associated proteins. The crystal structure of TD3 bound to a methylated MILI peptide shows an unexpected orientation of the bound peptide, with additional contacts of nonmethylated residues being made outside of the aromatic cage, consistent with solution NMR titration experiments. Finally, the molecular envelope of the four tandem Tudor domains of TDRD1, derived from small angle scattering data, reveals a flexible, elongated shape for the protein. Overall, the results show that TDRD1 can accommodate different peptides from different proteins, and can therefore act as a scaffold protein for complex assembly in the piRNA pathway.

The redox environment triggers conformational changes and aggregation of hIAPP in Type II Diabetes.

Type II diabetes (T2D) is characterized by diminished insulin production and resistance of cells to insulin. Among others, endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress is a principal factor contributing to T2D and induces a shift towards a more reducing cellular environment. At the same time, peripheral insulin resistance triggers the over-production of regulatory hormones such as insulin and human islet amyloid polypeptide (hIAPP). We show that the differential aggregation of reduced and oxidized hIAPP assists to maintain the redox equilibrium by restoring redox equivalents. Aggregation thus induces redox balancing which can assist initially to counteract ER stress. Failure of the protein degradation machinery might finally result in β-cell disruption and cell death. We further present a structural characterization of hIAPP in solution, demonstrating that the N-terminus of the oxidized peptide has a high propensity to form an α-helical structure which is lacking in the reduced state of hIAPP. In healthy cells, this residual structure prevents the conversion into amyloidogenic aggregates.

Robust and highly accurate automatic NOESY assignment and structure determination with Rosetta

We have developed a novel and robust approach for automatic and unsupervised simultaneous nuclear Overhauser effect (NOE) assignment and structure determination within the CS-Rosetta framework. Starting from unassigned peak lists and chemical shift assignments, autoNOE-Rosetta determines NOE cross-peak assignments and generates structural models. The approach tolerates incomplete and raw NOE peak lists as well as incomplete or partially incorrect chemical shift assignments, and its performance has been tested on 50 protein targets ranging from 50 to 200 residues in size. We find a significantly improved performance compared to established programs, particularly for larger proteins and for NOE data obtained on perdeuterated protein samples. X-ray crystallographic structures allowed comparison of Rosetta and conventional, PDB-deposited, NMR models in 20 of 50 test cases. The unsupervised autoNOE-Rosetta models were often of significantly higher accuracy than the corresponding expert-supervised NMR models deposited in the PDB. We also tested the method with unrefined peak lists and found that performance was nearly as good as for refined peak lists. Finally, demonstrating our method’s remarkable robustness against problematic input data, we provided correct models for an incorrect PDB-deposited NMR solution structure.

Solution Structure and Molecular Interactions of Lamin B Receptor Tudor Domain

Background: Lamin B receptor (LBR) is an integral nuclear envelope protein and contains a Tudor domain. Results: The NMR structure of LBR-Tudor was determined and its interactions with nuclear proteins, histones, and nucleosomes were explored. Conclusion: LBR-Tudor is not involved in recognition of methylated histones and binds free H3. Significance: Tudor domains may act as histone chaperone-like platforms. Lamin B receptor (LBR) is a polytopic protein of the nuclear envelope thought to connect the inner nuclear membrane with the underlying nuclear lamina and peripheral heterochromatin. To better understand the function of this protein, we have examined in detail its nucleoplasmic region, which is predicted to harbor a Tudor domain (LBR-TD). Structural analysis by multidimensional NMR spectroscopy establishes that LBR-TD indeed adopts a classical β-barrel Tudor fold in solution, which, however, features an incomplete aromatic cage. Removal of LBR-TD renders LBR more mobile at the plane of the nuclear envelope, but the isolated module does not bind to nuclear lamins, heterochromatin proteins (MeCP2), and nucleosomes, nor does it associate with methylated Arg/Lys residues through its aromatic cage. Instead, LBR-TD exhibits tight and stoichiometric binding to the “histone-fold” region of unassembled, free histone H3, suggesting an interesting role in histone assembly. Consistent with such a role, robust binding to native nucleosomes is observed when LBR-TD is extended toward its carboxyl terminus, to include an area rich in Ser-Arg residues. The Ser-Arg region, alone or in combination with LBR-TD, binds both unassembled and assembled H3/H4 histones, suggesting that the TD/RS interface may operate as a “histone chaperone-like platform.”

A Crystallin Fold in the Interleukin-4-inducing Principle of Schistosoma mansoni Eggs (IPSE/α-1) Mediates IgE Binding for Antigen-independent Basophil Activation

Background: The interleukin-4-inducing principle from Schistosoma mansoni eggs (IPSE/α-1) triggers basophils to release interleukin-4 and interleukin-13 in an IgE-dependent but antigen-independent way. Results: Structural analysis identified IPSE/α-1 as a new member of the βγ-crystallin superfamily with a unique IgE-binding loop. Conclusion: IPSE/α-1 activates basophils via IgE-binding crystallin folds. Significance: Schistosomes use unique mechanisms to manipulate the hosts immune response. The IL-4-inducing principle from Schistosoma mansoni eggs (IPSE/α-1), the major secretory product of eggs from the parasitic worm S. mansoni, efficiently triggers basophils to release the immunomodulatory key cytokine interleukin-4. Activation by IPSE/α-1 requires the presence of IgE on the basophils, but the detailed molecular mechanism underlying activation is unknown. NMR and crystallographic analysis of IPSEΔNLS, a monomeric IPSE/α-1 mutant, revealed that IPSE/α-1 is a new member of the βγ-crystallin superfamily. We demonstrate that this molecule is a general immunoglobulin-binding factor with highest affinity for IgE. NMR binding studies of IPSEΔNLS with the 180-kDa molecule IgE identified a large positively charged binding surface that includes a flexible loop, which is unique to the IPSE/α-1 crystallin fold. Mutational analysis of amino acids in the binding interface showed that residues contributing to IgE binding are important for IgE-dependent activation of basophils. As IPSE/α-1 is unable to cross-link IgE, we propose that this molecule, by taking advantage of its unique IgE-binding crystallin fold, activates basophils by a novel, cross-linking-independent mechanism.

A Novel Protein-Protein Interaction in the Res (Retention and Splicing) Complex.

Background: The heterotrimeric retention and splicing (RES) complex is conserved from yeast to man. Results: Structural and biochemical analyses show an extended binding interface between the Snu17p RNA recognition motif (RRM) and Bud13p of the RES complex. Conclusion: The Snu17p RRM-Bud13p interaction represents a novel RRM-protein interface. Significance: The Snu17p-Bud13p complex may provide a platform for additional protein and RNA interactions in the RES complex. The retention and splicing (RES) complex is a conserved spliceosome-associated module that was shown to enhance splicing of a subset of transcripts and promote the nuclear retention of unspliced pre-mRNAs in yeast. The heterotrimeric RES complex is organized around the Snu17p protein that binds to both the Bud13p and Pml1p subunits. Snu17p exhibits an RRM domain that resembles a U2AF homology motif (UHM) and Bud13p harbors a Trp residue reminiscent of an UHM-ligand motif (ULM). It has therefore been proposed that the interaction between Snu17p and Bud13p resembles canonical UHM-ULM complexes. Here, we have used biochemical and NMR structural analysis to characterize the structure of the yeast Snu17p-Bud13p complex. Unlike known UHMs that sequester the Trp residue of the ULM ligand in a hydrophobic pocket, Snu17p and Bud13p utilize a large interaction surface formed around the two helices of the Snu17p domain. In total 18 residues of the Bud13p ligand wrap around the Snu17p helical surface in an U-turn-like arrangement. The invariant Trp232 in Bud13p is located in the center of the turn, and contacts surface residues of Snu17p. The structural data are supported by mutational analysis and indicate that Snu17p provides an extended binding surface with Bud13p that is notably distinct from canonical UHM-ULM interactions. Our data highlight structural diversity in RRM-protein interactions, analogous to the one seen for nucleic acid interactions.

Studying weak and dynamic interactions of posttranslationally modified proteins using expressed protein ligation.

Many cellular processes are regulated by posttranslational modifications that are recognized by specific domains in protein binding partners. These interactions are often weak, thus allowing a highly dynamic and combinatorial regulatory network of protein-protein interactions. We report an efficient strategy that overcomes challenges in structural analysis of such a weak transient interaction between the Tudor domain of the Survival of Motor Neuron (SMN) protein and symmetrically dimethylated arginine (sDMA). The posttranslational modification is chemically introduced and covalently linked to the effector module by a one-pot expressed protein ligation (EPL) procedure also enabling segmental incorporation of NMR-active isotopes for structural analysis. Covalent coupling of the two interacting moieties shifts the equilibrium to the bound state, and stoichiometric interactions are formed even for low affinity interactions. Our approach should enable the structural analysis of weak interactions by NMR or X-ray crystallography to better understand the role of posttranslational modifications in dynamic biological processes.

Cloning, expression and purification of the human Islet Amyloid Polypeptide (hIAPP) from Escherichia coli

Type II diabetes is characterized by deposition of the hormone human Islet Amyloid Polypeptide (hIAPP). Formation of hIAPP amyloid fibrils and aggregates is considered to be responsible for pancreatic β-cell losses. Therefore, insight into the structure of hIAPP in the solid-state and in solution is of fundamental importance in order to better understand the action of small molecules, which can potentially dissolve protein aggregates and modulate cell toxicity. So far, no procedure has been described that allows to obtain the native human IAPP peptide at high yields. We present here a cloning, expression and purification protocol that permits the production of 2.5 and 3mg of native peptide per liter of minimal and LB medium, respectively. In the construct, hIAPP is fused to a chitin binding domain (CBD). The CBD is subsequently cleaved off making use of intein splicing reaction which yield amidation of the C-terminus. The N-terminus contains a solubilization domain which is cleaved by V8 protease, avoiding additional residues at the N-terminus. The correct formation of the disulfide bond is achieved by oxidation with H2O2.