Magdalena Makowska-Grzyska

New LIC vectors for production of proteins from genes containing rare codons

In the effort to produce proteins coded by diverse genomes, structural genomics projects often must express genes containing codons that are rare in the production strain. To address this problem, genes expressing tRNAs corresponding to those codons are typically coexpressed from a second plasmid in the host strain, or from genes incorporated into production plasmids. Here we describe the modification of a series of LIC pMCSG vectors currently used in the high-throughput (HTP) production of proteins to include crucial tRNA genes covering rare codons for Arg (AGG/AGA) and Ile (AUA). We also present variants of these new vectors that allow analysis of ligand binding or co-expression of multiple proteins introduced through two independent LIC steps. Additionally, to accommodate the cloning of multiple large proteins, the size of the plasmids was reduced by approximately one kilobase through the removal of non-essential DNA from the base vector. Production of proteins from core vectors of this series validated the desired enhanced capabilities: higher yields of proteins expressed from genes with rare codons occurred in most cases, biotinylated derivatives enabled detailed automated ligand binding analysis, and multiple proteins introduced by dual LIC cloning were expressed successfully and in near balanced stoichiometry, allowing tandem purification of interacting proteins.

Synthesis, in vitro evaluation and cocrystal structure of 4-oxo-[1]benzopyrano[4,3-c]pyrazole Cryptosporidium parvum inosine 5'-monophosphate dehydrogenase (CpIMPDH) inhibitors.

Cryptosporidium inosine 5′-monophosphate dehydrogenase (CpIMPDH) has emerged as a therapeutic target for treating Cryptosporidium parasites because it catalyzes a critical step in guanine nucleotide biosynthesis. A 4-oxo-[1]benzopyrano[4,3-c]pyrazole derivative was identified as a moderately potent (IC50 = 1.5 μM) inhibitor of CpIMPDH. We report a SAR study for this compound series resulting in 8k (IC50 = 20 ± 4 nM). In addition, an X-ray crystal structure of CpIMPDH·IMP·8k is also presented.

A Novel Cofactor-binding Mode in Bacterial IMP Dehydrogenases Explains Inhibitor Selectivity

Background: IMP dehydrogenase (IMPDH) is an important drug target because of its role in de novo purine nucleotide biosynthesis. Results: First substrate/cofactor- and substrate/inhibitor-bound complexes of bacterial IMPDHs are determined. Conclusion: A new distinct binding mode of the cofactor adenosine moiety is revealed. Significance: This work offers new insights for the design of more potent and selective inhibitors and the evolution of the active site. The steadily rising frequency of emerging diseases and antibiotic resistance creates an urgent need for new drugs and targets. Inosine 5′-monophosphate dehydrogenase (IMP dehydrogenase or IMPDH) is a promising target for the development of new antimicrobial agents. IMPDH catalyzes the oxidation of IMP to XMP with the concomitant reduction of NAD+, which is the pivotal step in the biosynthesis of guanine nucleotides. Potent inhibitors of bacterial IMPDHs have been identified that bind in a structurally distinct pocket that is absent in eukaryotic IMPDHs. The physiological role of this pocket was not understood. Here, we report the structures of complexes with different classes of inhibitors of Bacillus anthracis, Campylobacter jejuni, and Clostridium perfringens IMPDHs. These structures in combination with inhibition studies provide important insights into the interactions that modulate selectivity and potency. We also present two structures of the Vibrio cholerae IMPDH in complex with IMP/NAD+ and XMP/NAD+. In both structures, the cofactor assumes a dramatically different conformation than reported previously for eukaryotic IMPDHs and other dehydrogenases, with the major change observed for the position of the NAD+ adenosine moiety. More importantly, this new NAD+-binding site involves the same pocket that is utilized by the inhibitors. Thus, the bacterial IMPDH-specific NAD+-binding mode helps to rationalize the conformation adopted by several classes of prokaryotic IMPDH inhibitors. These findings offer a potential strategy for further ligand optimization.

Protein Production for Structural Genomics Using E. coli Expression

The goal of structural biology is to reveal details of the molecular structure of proteins in order to understand their function and mechanism. X-ray crystallography and NMR are the two best methods for atomic level structure determination. However, these methods require milligram quantities of proteins. In this chapter a reproducible methodology for large-scale protein production applicable to a diverse set of proteins is described. The approach is based on protein expression in E. coli as a fusion with a cleavable affinity tag that was tested on over 20,000 proteins. Specifically, a protocol for fermentation of large quantities of native proteins in disposable culture vessels is presented. A modified protocol that allows for the production of selenium-labeled proteins in defined media is also offered. Finally, a method for the purification of His6-tagged proteins on immobilized metal affinity chromatography columns that generates high-purity material is described in detail.

Synthesis and structure of a nitrogen/sulfur-ligated zinc hydroxide complex

Using a novel secondary amine-appended nitrogen/sulfur ligand, the first example of a nitrogen/sulfur-ligated zinc hydroxide complex, a species relevant to the active forms of several zinc-containing metalloenzymes, has been prepared and structurally characterized.

Mycobacterium tuberculosis IMPDH in complexes with substrates, products and antitubercular compounds

Tuberculosis (TB) remains a worldwide problem and the need for new drugs is increasingly more urgent with the emergence of multidrug- and extensively-drug resistant TB. Inosine 5’-monophosphate dehydrogenase 2 (IMPDH2) from Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) is an attractive drug target. The enzyme catalyzes the conversion of inosine 5’-monophosphate into xanthosine 5’-monophosphate with the concomitant reduction of NAD+ to NADH. This reaction controls flux into the guanine nucleotide pool. We report seventeen selective IMPDH inhibitors with antitubercular activity. The crystal structures of a deletion mutant of MtbIMPDH2 in the apo form and in complex with the product XMP and substrate NAD+ are determined. We also report the structures of complexes with IMP and three structurally distinct inhibitors, including two with antitubercular activity. These structures will greatly facilitate the development of MtbIMPDH2-targeted antibiotics.

Inhibition of the dapE-Encoded N-Succinyl-l,l-diaminopimelic Acid Desuccinylase from Neisseria meningitidis by l-Captopril

Binding of the competitive inhibitor L-captopril to the dapE-encoded N-succinyl-L,L-diaminopimelic acid desuccinylase from Neisseria meningitidis (NmDapE) was examined by kinetic, spectroscopic, and crystallographic methods. L-Captopril, an angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor, was previously shown to be a potent inhibitor of the DapE from Haemophilus influenzae (HiDapE) with an IC50 of 3.3 μM and a measured Ki of 1.8 μM and displayed a dose-responsive antibiotic activity toward Escherichia coli. L-Captopril is also a competitive inhibitor of NmDapE with a Ki of 2.8 μM. To examine the nature of the interaction of L-captopril with the dinuclear active site of DapE, we have obtained electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) and magnetic circular dichroism (MCD) data for the enzymatically hyperactive Co(II)-substituted forms of both HiDapE and NmDapE. EPR and MCD data indicate that the two Co(II) ions in DapE are antiferromagnetically coupled, yielding an S = 0 ground state, and suggest a thiolate bridge between the two metal ions. Verification of a thiolate-bridged dinuclear complex was obtained by determining the three-dimensional X-ray crystal structure of NmDapE in complex with L-captopril at 1.8 Å resolution. Combination of these data provides new insights into binding of L-captopril to the active site of DapE enzymes as well as important inhibitor-active site residue interactions. Such information is critical for the design of new, potent inhibitors of DapE enzymes.

The Dimerization Domain in DapE Enzymes Is required for Catalysis.

The emergence of antibiotic-resistant bacterial strains underscores the importance of identifying new drug targets and developing new antimicrobial compounds. Lysine and meso-diaminopimelic acid are essential for protein production and bacterial peptidoglycan cell wall remodeling and are synthesized in bacteria by enzymes encoded within dap operon. Therefore dap enzymes may serve as excellent targets for developing a new class of antimicrobial agents. The dapE-encoded N-succinyl-L,L-diaminopimelic acid desuccinylase (DapE) converts N-succinyl-L,L-diaminopimelic acid to L,L-diaminopimelic acid and succinate. The enzyme is composed of catalytic and dimerization domains, and belongs to the M20 peptidase family. To understand the specific role of each domain of the enzyme we engineered dimerization domain deletion mutants of DapEs from Haemophilus influenzae and Vibrio cholerae, and characterized these proteins structurally and biochemically. No activity was observed for all deletion mutants. Structural comparisons of wild-type, inactive monomeric DapE enzymes with other M20 peptidases suggest that the dimerization domain is essential for DapE enzymatic activity. Structural analysis and molecular dynamics simulations indicate that removal of the dimerization domain increased the flexibility of a conserved active site loop that may provide critical interactions with the substrate.

Sensor domain of histidine kinase KinB of Pseudomonas: a helix-swapped dimer.

Background: The sensor domain (SD) of histidine kinase (HK) KinB (KinB-SD) receives signals from the environment and induces a transduction cascade. Results: Structures of the KinB-SD were obtained in ligand-free, phosphate-bound, and mutant forms. Conclusion: The unique helix-swapped KinB-SD structure forms a ligand-binding cavity on the dimer interface. Significance: KinB-SD studies provide insights into the signal transduction and identity of potential signaling molecules. The overproduction of polysaccharide alginate is responsible for the formation of mucus in the lungs of cystic fibrosis patients. Histidine kinase KinB of the KinB-AlgB two-component system in Pseudomonas aeruginosa acts as a negative regulator of alginate biosynthesis. The modular architecture of KinB is similar to other histidine kinases. However, its periplasmic signal sensor domain is unique and is found only in the Pseudomonas genus. Here, we present the first crystal structures of the KinB sensor domain. The domain is a dimer in solution, and in the crystal it shows an atypical dimer of a helix-swapped four-helix bundle. A positively charged cavity is formed on the dimer interface and involves several strictly conserved residues, including Arg-60. A phosphate anion is bound asymmetrically in one of the structures. In silico docking identified several monophosphorylated sugars, including β-d-fructose 6-phosphate and β-d-mannose 6-phosphate, a precursor and an intermediate of alginate synthesis, respectively, as potential KinB ligands. Ligand binding was confirmed experimentally. Conformational transition from a symmetric to an asymmetric structure and decreasing dimer stability caused by ligand binding may be a part of the signal transduction mechanism of the KinB-AlgB two-component system.

Structure of Cryptosporidium IMP dehydrogenase bound to an inhibitor with in vivo antiparasitic activity

Compound P131 displays antiparasitic activity in a mouse model of Cryptosporidium infection, validating IMP dehydrogenase (IMPDH) as a drug target. Here, the structure of the enzyme–substrate–P131 complex is reported at 2.05 Å resolution. The structure is an important step to further refine the design of IMPDH inhibitors.