1
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Rothman AMK, Florentin A, Zink F, Quigley C, Bonneau O, Hemmig R, Hachey A, Rejtar T, Thaker M, Jain R, Huang SM, Sutton D, Roger J, Zhang JH, Weiler S, Cotesta S, Ottl J, Srivastava S, Kordonsky A, Avishid R, Yariv E, Rathi R, Khvalevsky O, Troxler T, Binmahfooz SK, Kleifeld O, Morrell NW, Humbert M, Thomas MJ, Jarai G, Beckwith REJ, Cobb JS, Smith N, Ostermann N, Tallarico J, Shaw D, Guth-Gundel S, Prag G, Rowlands DJ. Therapeutic potential of allosteric HECT E3 ligase inhibition. Cell 2025; 188:2603-2620.e18. [PMID: 40179885 PMCID: PMC12087876 DOI: 10.1016/j.cell.2025.03.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2023] [Revised: 12/03/2024] [Accepted: 03/03/2025] [Indexed: 04/05/2025]
Abstract
Targeting ubiquitin E3 ligases is therapeutically attractive; however, the absence of an active-site pocket impedes computational approaches for identifying inhibitors. In a large, unbiased biochemical screen, we discover inhibitors that bind a cryptic cavity distant from the catalytic cysteine of the homologous to E6-associated protein C terminus domain (HECT) E3 ligase, SMAD ubiquitin regulatory factor 1 (SMURF1). Structural and biochemical analyses and engineered escape mutants revealed that these inhibitors restrict an essential catalytic motion by extending an α helix over a conserved glycine hinge. SMURF1 levels are increased in pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH), a disease caused by mutation of bone morphogenetic protein receptor-2 (BMPR2). We demonstrated that SMURF1 inhibition prevented BMPR2 ubiquitylation, normalized bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) signaling, restored pulmonary vascular cell homeostasis, and reversed pathology in established experimental PAH. Leveraging this deep mechanistic understanding, we undertook an in silico machine-learning-based screen to identify inhibitors of the prototypic HECT E6AP and confirmed glycine-hinge-dependent allosteric activity in vitro. Inhibiting HECTs and other glycine-hinge proteins opens a new druggable space.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander M K Rothman
- University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK; Novartis BioMedical Research (NBR), Cambridge, MA, USA.
| | - Amir Florentin
- School of Neurobiology, Biochemistry and Biophysics, The Life Sciences Faculty, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Florence Zink
- Novartis BioMedical Research (NBR), Basel, Switzerland
| | | | | | - Rene Hemmig
- Novartis BioMedical Research (NBR), Basel, Switzerland
| | - Amanda Hachey
- Novartis BioMedical Research (NBR), Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Tomas Rejtar
- Novartis BioMedical Research (NBR), Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Maulik Thaker
- Novartis BioMedical Research (NBR), Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Rishi Jain
- Novartis BioMedical Research (NBR), Cambridge, MA, USA
| | | | - Daniel Sutton
- Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research (NIBR), Horsham, UK
| | - Jan Roger
- Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research (NIBR), Horsham, UK
| | - Ji-Hu Zhang
- Novartis BioMedical Research (NBR), Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Sven Weiler
- Novartis BioMedical Research (NBR), Cambridge, MA, USA
| | | | - Johannes Ottl
- Novartis BioMedical Research (NBR), Basel, Switzerland
| | | | - Alina Kordonsky
- School of Neurobiology, Biochemistry and Biophysics, The Life Sciences Faculty, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Reut Avishid
- School of Neurobiology, Biochemistry and Biophysics, The Life Sciences Faculty, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Elon Yariv
- School of Neurobiology, Biochemistry and Biophysics, The Life Sciences Faculty, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Ritu Rathi
- School of Neurobiology, Biochemistry and Biophysics, The Life Sciences Faculty, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Oshrit Khvalevsky
- School of Neurobiology, Biochemistry and Biophysics, The Life Sciences Faculty, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Thomas Troxler
- School of Neurobiology, Biochemistry and Biophysics, The Life Sciences Faculty, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel; Novartis BioMedical Research (NBR), Basel, Switzerland
| | - Sarah K Binmahfooz
- University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK; Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Oded Kleifeld
- Faculty of Biology, Technion-Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa 32000, Israel
| | - Nicholas W Morrell
- Department of Medicine, School of Clinical Medicine, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Marc Humbert
- Université Paris-Saclay, INSERM UMR_S 999 (HPPIT), Service de Pneumologie et Soins Intensifs Respiratoires, Hôpital Bicêtre (Assistance Publique Hôpitaux de Paris), Le Kremlin Bicêtre, France
| | | | - Gabor Jarai
- Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research (NIBR), Horsham, UK
| | | | | | - Nichola Smith
- Novartis BioMedical Research (NBR), Cambridge, MA, USA
| | | | | | - Duncan Shaw
- Novartis BioMedical Research (NBR), Cambridge, MA, USA
| | | | - Gali Prag
- School of Neurobiology, Biochemistry and Biophysics, The Life Sciences Faculty, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel; Sagol School of Neuroscience, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel.
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Huang LY, Wang TT, Shi PT, Song ZY, Chen WF, Liu NN, Ai X, Li HH, Hou XM, Wang LB, Chen KM, Rety S, Xi XG. NAL1 forms a molecular cage to regulate FZP phase separation. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2025; 122:e2419961122. [PMID: 40203040 PMCID: PMC12012508 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2419961122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2024] [Accepted: 02/27/2025] [Indexed: 04/11/2025] Open
Abstract
NARROW LEAF 1 (NAL1), originally identified for its role in shaping leaf morphology, plant architecture, and various agronomic traits in rice, has remained enigmatic in terms of the molecular mechanisms governing its multifaceted functions. In this study, we present a comprehensive structural analysis of NAL1 proteins, shedding light on how NAL1 regulates the phase separation of its physiological substrate, FRIZZY PANICLE (FZP), a transcription factor. We determined that NAL1 assembles as a hexamer and forms a molecular cage with a wide central channel and three narrower lateral channels, which could discriminate its different substrates into the catalytic sites. Most notably, our investigation unveils that FZP readily forms molecular condensates via phase separation both in vitro and in vivo. NAL1 fine-tunes FZP condensation, maintaining optimal concentrations to enhance transcriptional activity. While phase separation roles include sequestration and suppression of transcriptional or enzymatic activity, our study highlights its context-dependent contribution to transcriptional regulation. NAL1 assumes a pivotal role in regulating the states of these molecular condensates through its proteolytic activity, subsequently enhancing transcriptional cascades. Our findings offer insights into comprehending the molecular mechanisms underpinning NAL1's diverse functions, with far-reaching implications for the field of plant biology. Additionally, these insights provide valuable guidance for the development of rational breeding strategies aimed at enhancing crop productivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ling-Yun Huang
- Department of Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi712100, China
- Department of Forestry, College of Forestry, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi712100, China
| | - Ting-Ting Wang
- Department of Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi712100, China
| | - Peng-Tao Shi
- Department of Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi712100, China
- National Key Laboratory of Crop Improvement for Stress Tolerance and Production, College of Life Sciences, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi712100, China
| | - Ze-Yu Song
- Department of Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi712100, China
| | - Wei-Fei Chen
- Department of Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi712100, China
| | - Na-Nv Liu
- Department of Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi712100, China
| | - Xia Ai
- Department of Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi712100, China
| | - Hai-Hong Li
- Department of Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi712100, China
| | - Xi-Miao Hou
- Department of Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi712100, China
| | - Li-Bing Wang
- Department of Forestry, College of Forestry, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi712100, China
| | - Kun-Ming Chen
- Department of Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi712100, China
- National Key Laboratory of Crop Improvement for Stress Tolerance and Production, College of Life Sciences, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi712100, China
| | - Stephane Rety
- Laboratoire de Biologie et Modelisation de la Cellule, Ecole Normale Superieure de Lyon, CNRS, UMR 5239, Inserm, U1293, Universite Claude Bernard Lyon 1, Lyon69364, France
| | - Xu-Guang Xi
- Department of Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi712100, China
- Laboratoire de Biologie et Pharmacologie Appliquée, CNRS UMR8113, Gif-sur-Yvette91190, France
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Kuna K, Ganta S, C. Akkiraju P, Dokuparthi SK, Hussain S, Enaganti S. Molecular dynamics simulation analysis of a modelled spermidine synthase from Yersinia pseudotuberculosis docked with cyclohexylamine. Bioinformation 2025; 21:210-219. [PMID: 40322713 PMCID: PMC12044185 DOI: 10.6026/973206300210210] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2025] [Revised: 02/28/2025] [Accepted: 02/28/2025] [Indexed: 05/08/2025] Open
Abstract
The gram-negative bacterium Yersinia pestis is the causative agent of plague 1 and has been responsible for major pandemics in the past. Therefore, it is of interest to document the molecular docking and simulation analysis of spermidine synthase from Yersinia pseudotuberculosis with cyclohexylamine. The sequence and structure analysis showed an abundance of Leu, Val, Gly, Glu and Ala, the least presence of Trp and Cys, higher negatively charged residues and a GRAVY score of -0.125, suggesting the stability of the protein. The cyclohexylamine conformer 4-fluorocyclohexan-1-amine (CID 21027526) showed optimal binding features (-4.7 kcal/mol). Moreover, molecular dynamics simulation confirmed the stability of the ligand binding pocket for further validation and consideration in drug design and development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Krishna Kuna
- Department of Chemistry, University College of Science, Saifabad, Osmania University, Hyderabad-500004, Telangana, India
| | - Srinivas Ganta
- Department of RNA Therapeutic, SciGen Pharmaceutical Inc., Hauppauge, NewYork-11788, United States of America
| | - Pavan C. Akkiraju
- Department of Biotechnology, School of Allied Healthcare Sciences, Malla Reddy University, Hyderabad-500043, Telangana State, India
| | | | - Sardar Hussain
- Department of Biotechnology, Maharani's Science College for Women, Mysuru 570005, Karnataka, India
| | - Sreenivas Enaganti
- Department of Bioinformatics Averinbiotech Laboratories, No 208, 2nd Floor, Windsor Plaza, Nallakunta, Hyderabad-500044, Telangana, India
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Argandoña Y, Olivos A, Obando P, Imas F, Pohl E, Quatrini R, Arenas-Salinas M. Novel metal sites revealed by spectroscopic and structural characterization of the ferric uptake regulator from Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans. Comput Struct Biotechnol J 2025; 27:765-777. [PMID: 40092661 PMCID: PMC11910503 DOI: 10.1016/j.csbj.2025.02.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2024] [Revised: 02/17/2025] [Accepted: 02/17/2025] [Indexed: 03/19/2025] Open
Abstract
Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans (Af.) is a microorganism of significant biotechnological interest that thrives in acidic environments with very high concentrations of soluble iron. Understanding the molecular mechanisms that enable its survival in these extreme conditions is of great scientific relevance and practical importance for bioleaching of precious metals. Central to its metabolism is the Ferric Uptake Regulator (Fur), a protein that regulates iron homeostasis and responses to oxidative stress in bacteria. Using a combination of bioinformatics, experimental, and spectroscopic methodologies, this study identified and characterized the metal binding sites and cofactors relevant to AfFur´s function. Three metal-binding sites became evident, two of which are very similar to those found in other members of the superfamily. The third site, formed by four cysteine residues in a configuration CX2C-Xn-CX8C, stably binds an iron-sulfur cluster. Site-directed mutagenesis coupled with Electrophoretic Mobility Shift Assays underscored the essentiality of these cysteines for AfFur's functionality, particularly in DNA binding. Altogether, the findings from this research suggest the presence of an iron-sulfur cluster, which may play a role in fine-tuning iron sensing, particularly adapted to the unique environment of Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yerko Argandoña
- Centro de Bioinformática, Simulación y Modelado (CBSM). Facultad de Ingeniería. Universidad de Talca, Talca 346 5548, Chile
| | - Andrea Olivos
- Centro de Bioinformática, Simulación y Modelado (CBSM). Facultad de Ingeniería. Universidad de Talca, Talca 346 5548, Chile
| | - Patricia Obando
- Centro de Bioinformática, Simulación y Modelado (CBSM). Facultad de Ingeniería. Universidad de Talca, Talca 346 5548, Chile
| | - Francisco Imas
- Centro de Bioinformática, Simulación y Modelado (CBSM). Facultad de Ingeniería. Universidad de Talca, Talca 346 5548, Chile
| | - Ehmke Pohl
- Department of Chemistry & School of Biological and Biomedical Sciences, Biophysical Sciences Institute, Durham University, Durham DH1 3LE, UK
| | - Raquel Quatrini
- Centro Científico y Tecnológico de Excelencia Ciencia & Vida, Santiago, Chile
- Facultad de Medicina y Ciencia, Universidad San Sebastián, Providencia, Santiago 7510157, Chile
| | - Mauricio Arenas-Salinas
- Centro de Bioinformática, Simulación y Modelado (CBSM). Facultad de Ingeniería. Universidad de Talca, Talca 346 5548, Chile
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5
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Pektaş AN, Korkmaz EM. Novel antimicrobial defensin peptides from different coleopteran insects (Coleoptera: Insecta): identification, characterisation and antimicrobial properties. JOURNAL OF ASIAN NATURAL PRODUCTS RESEARCH 2025:1-15. [PMID: 39786793 DOI: 10.1080/10286020.2024.2448011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2024] [Revised: 12/24/2024] [Accepted: 12/24/2024] [Indexed: 01/12/2025]
Abstract
Antimicrobial peptides are crucial components of the immune systems of both vertebrates and invertebrates. Here, defensins, the most studied class of antimicrobial molecules in arthropods were investigated in four coleopteran insect species: Harpalus rufipes (DeGeer, 1774), Mylabris quadripunctata (Linnaeus, 1767), Sphaeridium marginatum (Linnaeus, 1758), and Ocypus mus (Brullé, 1832). The peptides synthesized with over 95% purity and their antimicrobial activities were evaluated by MIC test method. As a result, it was determined that Mylabris quadripunctata defensin (MqDef) showed high antimicrobial activity against Staphylococcus aureus and MRSA, whereas Sphaeridium marginatum (SmDef) and Harpalus rufipes (HrDef) defensins against Candida tropicalis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ayşe Nur Pektaş
- Advanced Technology Research Centre (CUTAM), Sivas Cumhuriyet University, Sivas, Turkey
| | - Ertan Mahir Korkmaz
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Faculty of Science, Sivas Cumhuriyet University, Sivas, Turkey
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Verma A, Chinnasamy HV, Biswas B, Singh A, Matheshwaran S. Biochemical and steady-state kinetic analyses of arsenate reductases from an arsenic-tolerant strain of Citrobacter youngae IITK SM2. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2024; 739:150936. [PMID: 39541923 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2024.150936] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2024] [Revised: 10/18/2024] [Accepted: 10/30/2024] [Indexed: 11/17/2024]
Abstract
Arsenic (As) poisoning in aquifers is a serious problem worldwide, especially in the middle-Gangetic Plain (MGP) of India. Microbially-mediated As speciation in such aquifers is governed by the arsenate-reductase enzyme, ArsC, encoded by the arsC gene of As-metabolizing bacteria. In this study, ArsC1 (119 aa) and ArsC2 (141 aa) of a highly resistant strain to arsenic, Citrobacter youngae IITK SM2 (CyIITKSM2), isolated from a mixed-oxic MGP groundwater were biochemically characterized. Coupled-arsenate-reductase assay and IC-ICP-MS analysis confirmed that ArsC2 showed higher As(V) reduction than ArsC1 in the dissolved phase, which was consistent with the prominent structural changes in ArsC2 as identified through circular dichroism spectroscopy. Furthermore, the two ArsCs were able to mobilize arsenic from solid-bound arsenate [As(V)-loaded goethite, AsG] predominantly as As(III). However, the total arsenic released in the presence of ArsC2 was ∼38 % and ∼88 % higher, respectively, as compared to the ArsC1-containing and ArsC-free conditions. A process-based model that considered ArsC-mediated As(V) reduction to As(III) in the dissolved phase, and surface complexation of As(V) and As(III) on goethite, suggested that the extent of arsenate binding with ArsC was not affected by whether As(V) was dissolved or was sorbed. However, the catalytic reduction rate was at least an order of magnitude lower in sorbed As(V) than in dissolved As(V). Mutants of ArsC2 exhibited variable but reduced efficiencies compared to the wild-type ArsC2. This reduction may be attributed to the C-terminal loop observed in the AlphaFold predicted structure of ArsC2, which was absent in ArsC1. This comprehensive biochemical and biophysical analysis of the arsenate reductases in Citrobacter youngae could enhance our understanding of the role these microbes play in arsenic mobilization within MGP aquifers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Akshat Verma
- Department of Civil Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur, India; Environmental Geochemistry Laboratory, Centre for Environmental Science and Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur, India; Zachry Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, USA
| | - Hariharan Vedi Chinnasamy
- Microbial Adapdation and Chromatin Remodelling Laboratory, Department of Biological Sciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur, India
| | - Bhumika Biswas
- Microbial Adapdation and Chromatin Remodelling Laboratory, Department of Biological Sciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur, India
| | - Abhas Singh
- Department of Civil Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur, India; Environmental Geochemistry Laboratory, Centre for Environmental Science and Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur, India; Zachry Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, USA.
| | - Saravanan Matheshwaran
- Microbial Adapdation and Chromatin Remodelling Laboratory, Department of Biological Sciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur, India; Environmental Microbiology Laboratory, Center for Environmental Science and Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur, India; Kotak School of Sustainability, Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur, India.
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7
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Jangra J, Bajad NG, Singh R, Kumar A, Singh SK. Identification of novel potential cathepsin-B inhibitors through pharmacophore-based virtual screening, molecular docking, and dynamics simulation studies for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease. Mol Divers 2024; 28:4381-4401. [PMID: 38517648 DOI: 10.1007/s11030-024-10821-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2023] [Accepted: 02/03/2024] [Indexed: 03/24/2024]
Abstract
Cathepsin B is a cysteine protease lysosomal enzyme involved in several physiological functions. Overexpression of the enzyme enhances its proteolytic activity and causes the breakdown of amyloid precursor protein (APP) into neurotoxic amyloid β (Aβ), a characteristic hallmark of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Therefore, inhibition of the enzyme is a crucial therapeutic aspect for treating the disease. Combined structure and ligand-based drug design strategies were employed in the current study to identify the novel potential cathepsin B inhibitors. Five different pharmacophore models were developed and used for the screening of the ZINC-15 database. The obtained hits were analyzed for the presence of duplicates, interfering PAINS moieties, and structural similarities based on Tanimoto's coefficient. The molecular docking study was performed to screen hits with better target binding affinity. The top seven hits were selected and were further evaluated based on their predicted ADME properties. The resulting best hits, ZINC827855702, ZINC123282431, and ZINC95386847, were finally subjected to molecular dynamics simulation studies to determine the stability of the protein-ligand complex during the run. ZINC123282431 was obtained as the virtual lead compound for cathepsin B inhibition and may be a promising novel anti-Alzheimer agent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jatin Jangra
- Pharmaceutical Chemistry Research Laboratory-I, Department of Pharmaceutical Engineering & Technology, Indian Institute of Technology (Banaras Hindu University), Varanasi, 221005, India
| | - Nilesh Gajanan Bajad
- Pharmaceutical Chemistry Research Laboratory-I, Department of Pharmaceutical Engineering & Technology, Indian Institute of Technology (Banaras Hindu University), Varanasi, 221005, India
| | - Ravi Singh
- Pharmaceutical Chemistry Research Laboratory-I, Department of Pharmaceutical Engineering & Technology, Indian Institute of Technology (Banaras Hindu University), Varanasi, 221005, India
| | - Ashok Kumar
- Pharmaceutical Chemistry Research Laboratory-I, Department of Pharmaceutical Engineering & Technology, Indian Institute of Technology (Banaras Hindu University), Varanasi, 221005, India
| | - Sushil Kumar Singh
- Pharmaceutical Chemistry Research Laboratory-I, Department of Pharmaceutical Engineering & Technology, Indian Institute of Technology (Banaras Hindu University), Varanasi, 221005, India.
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Kaur M, Agrawal P, Singh G, Kumar GS, Barnwal RP. Deciphering significant interaction between Clp1 (CF IA) and Ssu72 (CPF) in pre-mRNA processing via in silico approaches. J Biomol Struct Dyn 2024:1-16. [PMID: 39522172 DOI: 10.1080/07391102.2024.2426757] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2023] [Accepted: 04/15/2024] [Indexed: 11/16/2024]
Abstract
The cleavage and polyadenylation step are indispensable for pre-mRNA processing in eukaryotes. Defective 3'- end maturation of precursor mRNA has catastrophic effects, leading to several diseases in humans. This processing is orchestrated by a complex machinery comprising more than 20 proteins in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Endonucleolytic cleavage followed by the addition of poly(A) tail at the 3'-end of the precursor mRNA requires CPF, CF IA and CF IB proteins. Clp1, a protein factor of the CF IA sub-unit is indispensable for the functioning of this machinery. Based on in silico analysis including molecular docking via different docking servers and molecular dynamics (MD) simulations, the current study provides key evidence of the Clp1 N-terminal (1-100 amino acids) domain's interaction with Ssu72. MD simulations consolidate this binding between Clp1 and Ssu72. Our study presents strong evidence of a model where Clp1 (CF IA) associates with Ssu72 (CPF) and both the proteins are vital for tethering the complex for mediating cleavage and polyadenylation reaction during the key events of pre-mRNA 3'-end processing. These findings may pave the way to decipher the individual roles of Clp1 and Ssu72 during pre-mRNA maturation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mandeep Kaur
- Department of Biophysics, Panjab University, Chandigarh, India
| | - Prakhar Agrawal
- Integrative Structural Biology Laboratory, National Institute of Immunology, New Delhi, India
| | - Gurpal Singh
- University Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Panjab University, Chandigarh, India
| | - Ganesan Senthil Kumar
- Integrative Structural Biology Laboratory, National Institute of Immunology, New Delhi, India
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Maryam A, Siddiqi AR, Chaitanya Vedithi S, Ece A, Khalid RR. Identification of selective inhibitors for phosphodiesterase 5A using e-pharmacophore modelling and large-scale virtual screening-based structure guided drug discovery approaches. J Biomol Struct Dyn 2024; 42:7812-7827. [PMID: 37545162 DOI: 10.1080/07391102.2023.2242491] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2023] [Accepted: 07/23/2023] [Indexed: 08/08/2023]
Abstract
The inhibition of Phosphodiesterase 5A (PDEA5) has the potential to modulate pulmonary arterial hypertension and cardiovascular diseases. Exploring the cross-reactivity of clinically available PDE5A therapeutics with PDE6A is intriguing in order to develop highly selective PDE5A compounds in cardiovascular arena. In the current study, we leveraged e-pharmacophore based screening and molecular dynamics (MD) simulation to discover more selective PDE5A inhibitors as compared to the PDE6A catalytic domain. e-Pharmacophore based mapping of the CoCoCo database (7 million compounds: ∼ 150,000,000 conformers), followed by Glide docking, MM-GBSA, and protein-inhibitor interaction analysis, revealed 1536427, 4832637 and 6788240 as stable, tight binders of PDE5A instead of PDE6A. These compounds adhere to Lipinski Rule of Five (RO5) and ADME/Tox criteria. MD simulations analysis showed that 1536427 stays stable and tightly binds to catalytic (Q-region) core of PDE5A catalytic domain as compared to sildenafil. Pronounced inward motions of the hydrophobic (H-region) and Lid region indicate the closure of PDE5A-1536427 complex, whereas this region in PDE6A-1536427 is more open. Significant differences in the interactions, stability, and dynamics of 1536427 were observed in the catalytic domain of PDE6A, demonstrating less specificity for PDE6A in comparison to PDE5A. After lead optimization and therapeutic interventions, this proposed lead may emerge as a promising PDE5A selective inhibitor.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arooma Maryam
- Department of Biosciences, COMSATS University Islamabad (CUI), Islamabad, Pakistan
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biotechnology, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Biruni University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Abdul Rauf Siddiqi
- Department of Biosciences, COMSATS University Islamabad (CUI), Islamabad, Pakistan
| | | | - Abdulilah Ece
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Biruni University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Rana Rehan Khalid
- National Center for Bioinformatics, Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad, Pakistan
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Sahu D, Gupta C, Yennamalli RM, Sharma S, Roy S, Hasan S, Gupta P, Sharma VK, Kashyap S, Kumar S, Dwivedi VP, Zhao X, Panda AK, Das HR, Liu CJ. Novel peptide inhibitor of human tumor necrosis factor-α has antiarthritic activity. Sci Rep 2024; 14:12935. [PMID: 38839973 PMCID: PMC11153517 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-63790-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2023] [Accepted: 06/03/2024] [Indexed: 06/07/2024] Open
Abstract
The inhibition of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α trimer formation renders it inactive for binding to its receptors, thus mitigating the vicious cycle of inflammation. We designed a peptide (PIYLGGVFQ) that simulates a sequence strand of human TNFα monomer using a series of in silico methods, such as active site finding (Acsite), protein-protein interaction (PPI), docking studies (GOLD and Flex-X) followed by molecular dynamics (MD) simulation studies. The MD studies confirmed the intermolecular interaction of the peptide with the TNFα. Fluorescence-activated cell sorting and fluorescence microscopy revealed that the peptide effectively inhibited the binding of TNF to the cell surface receptors. The cell culture assays showed that the peptide significantly inhibited the TNFα-mediated cell death. In addition, the nuclear translocation of the nuclear factor kappa B (NFκB) was significantly suppressed in the peptide-treated A549 cells, as observed in immunofluorescence and gel mobility-shift assays. Furthermore, the peptide protected against joint damage in the collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) mouse model, as revealed in the micro focal-CT scans. In conclusion, this TNFα antagonist would be helpful for the prevention and repair of inflammatory bone destruction and subsequent loss in the mouse model of CIA as well as human rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients. This calls upon further clinical investigation to utilize its potential effect as an antiarthritic drug.
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Affiliation(s)
- Debasis Sahu
- Product Development Cell, National Institute of Immunology, New Delhi, India.
- Department of Orthopedics Surgery, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA.
- Science Habitat, Ubioquitos Inc, London, ON, Canada.
| | - Charu Gupta
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Galgotias University, Greater Noida, UP, India
- CSIR-Institute of Genomics and Integrative Biology, Delhi, India
| | - Ragothaman M Yennamalli
- Department of Bioinformatics, School of Chemical and Biotechnology, SASTRA Deemed to Be University, Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Shikha Sharma
- Amity Institute of Forensic Sciences, Amity University, Noida, Uttar Pradesh, India
- Science Habitat, Ubioquitos Inc, London, ON, Canada
| | - Saugata Roy
- CSIR-Institute of Genomics and Integrative Biology, Delhi, India
| | - Sadaf Hasan
- Department of Orthopedics Surgery, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Pawan Gupta
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Shri Vile Parle Kelavani Mandal's Institute of Pharmacy, Dhule, Maharashtra, India
| | - Vishnu Kumar Sharma
- Department of Pharmacoinformatics, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER), Mohali, Punjab, India
| | - Sujit Kashyap
- Division of Pediatric Rheumatology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Department of Genetics, University of Delhi, Delhi, India
| | - Santosh Kumar
- Immunobiology Group, International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB), New Delhi, India
| | - Ved Prakash Dwivedi
- Immunobiology Group, International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB), New Delhi, India
| | - Xiangli Zhao
- Department of Orthopedics Surgery, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Orthopaedics and Rehabilitation, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Amulya Kumar Panda
- Product Development Cell, National Institute of Immunology, New Delhi, India
| | - Hasi Rani Das
- CSIR-Institute of Genomics and Integrative Biology, Delhi, India
| | - Chuan-Ju Liu
- Department of Orthopedics Surgery, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Orthopaedics and Rehabilitation, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
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11
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Zhao Q, Li X, Jiao Y, Chen Y, Yan Y, Wang Y, Hamiaux C, Wang Y, Ma F, Atkinson RG, Li P. Identification of two key genes involved in flavonoid catabolism and their different roles in apple resistance to biotic stresses. THE NEW PHYTOLOGIST 2024; 242:1238-1256. [PMID: 38426393 DOI: 10.1111/nph.19644] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2023] [Accepted: 02/05/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024]
Abstract
Biosynthesis of flavonoid aglycones and glycosides is well established. However, key genes involved in their catabolism are poorly understood, even though the products of hydrolysis and oxidation play important roles in plant resistance to biotic stress. Here, we report on catabolism of dihydrochalcones (DHCs), the most abundant flavonoids in domesticated apple and wild Malus. Two key genes, BGLU13.1 and PPO05, were identified by activity-directed protein purification. BGLU13.1-A hydrolyzed phlorizin, (the most abundant DHC in domesticated apple) to produce phloretin which was then oxidized by PPO05. The process differed in some wild Malus, where trilobatin (a positional isomer of phlorizin) was mainly oxidized by PPO05. The effects of DHC catabolism on apple resistance to biotic stresses was investigated using transgenic plants. Either directly or indirectly, phlorizin hydrolysis affected resistance to the phytophagous pest two-spotted spider mite, while oxidation of trilobatin was involved in resistance to the biotrophic fungus Podosphaera leucotricha. DHC catabolism did not affect apple resistance to necrotrophic pathogens Valsa mali and Erwinia amylovara. These results suggest that different DHC catabolism pathways play different roles in apple resistance to biotic stresses. The role of DHC catabolism on apple resistance appeared closely related to the mode of invasion/damage used by pathogen/pest.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qian Zhao
- State Key Laboratory for Crop Stress Resistance and High-Efficiency Production/Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Apple, College of Horticulture, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, 712100, China
| | - Xiaoning Li
- State Key Laboratory for Crop Stress Resistance and High-Efficiency Production/Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Apple, College of Horticulture, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, 712100, China
| | - Yu Jiao
- State Key Laboratory for Crop Stress Resistance and High-Efficiency Production/Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Apple, College of Horticulture, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, 712100, China
| | - Ying Chen
- State Key Laboratory for Crop Stress Resistance and High-Efficiency Production/Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Apple, College of Horticulture, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, 712100, China
| | - Yanfang Yan
- State Key Laboratory for Crop Stress Resistance and High-Efficiency Production/Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Apple, College of Horticulture, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, 712100, China
| | - Yuzhu Wang
- State Key Laboratory for Crop Stress Resistance and High-Efficiency Production/Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Apple, College of Horticulture, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, 712100, China
| | - Cyril Hamiaux
- The New Zealand Institute for Plant and Food Research Ltd, Auckland, 1142, New Zealand
| | - Yule Wang
- State Key Laboratory for Crop Stress Resistance and High-Efficiency Production/Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Apple, College of Horticulture, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, 712100, China
| | - Fengwang Ma
- State Key Laboratory for Crop Stress Resistance and High-Efficiency Production/Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Apple, College of Horticulture, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, 712100, China
| | - Ross G Atkinson
- The New Zealand Institute for Plant and Food Research Ltd, Auckland, 1142, New Zealand
| | - Pengmin Li
- State Key Laboratory for Crop Stress Resistance and High-Efficiency Production/Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Apple, College of Horticulture, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, 712100, China
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12
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Rahmat Ullah S, Irum S, Mahnoor I, Ismatullah H, Mumtaz M, Andleeb S, Rahman A, Jamal M. Exploring the resistome, virulome, and mobilome of multidrug-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae isolates: deciphering the molecular basis of carbapenem resistance. BMC Genomics 2024; 25:408. [PMID: 38664636 PMCID: PMC11044325 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-024-10139-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2023] [Accepted: 02/19/2024] [Indexed: 04/29/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Klebsiella pneumoniae, a notorious pathogen for causing nosocomial infections has become a major cause of neonatal septicemia, leading to high morbidity and mortality worldwide. This opportunistic bacterium has become highly resistant to antibiotics due to the widespread acquisition of genes encoding a variety of enzymes such as extended-spectrum beta-lactamases (ESBLs) and carbapenemases. We collected Klebsiella pneumoniae isolates from a local tertiary care hospital from February 2019-February 2021. To gain molecular insight into the resistome, virulome, and genetic environment of significant genes of multidrug-resistant K. pneumoniae isolates, we performed the short-read whole-genome sequencing of 10 K. pneumoniae isolates recovered from adult patients, neonates, and hospital tap water samples. RESULTS The draft genomes of the isolates varied in size, ranging from 5.48 to 5.96 Mbp suggesting the genome plasticity of this pathogen. Various genes conferring resistance to different classes of antibiotics e.g., aminoglycosides, quinolones, sulfonamides, tetracycline, and trimethoprim were identified in all sequenced isolates. The highest resistance was observed towards carbapenems, which has been putatively linked to the presence of both class B and class D carbapenemases, blaNDM, and blaOXA, respectively. Moreover, the biocide resistance gene qacEdelta1 was found in 6/10 of the sequenced strains. The sequenced isolates exhibited a broad range of sequence types and capsular types. The significant antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) were bracketed by a variety of mobile genetic elements (MGEs). Various spontaneous mutations in genes other than the acquired antibiotic-resistance genes were observed, which play an indirect role in making these bugs resistant to antibiotics. Loss or deficiency of outer membrane porins, combined with ESBL production, played a significant role in carbapenem resistance in our sequenced isolates. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that the study isolates exhibited evolutionary relationships with strains from China, India, and the USA suggesting a shared evolutionary history and potential dissemination of similar genes amongst the isolates of different origins. CONCLUSIONS This study provides valuable insight into the presence of multiple mechanisms of carbapenem resistance in K. pneumoniae strains including the acquisition of multiple antibiotic-resistance genes through mobile genetic elements. Identification of rich mobilome yielded insightful information regarding the crucial role of insertion sequences, transposons, and integrons in shaping the genome of bacteria for the transmission of various resistance-associated genes. Multi-drug resistant isolates that had the fewest resistance genes exhibited a significant number of mutations. K. pneumoniae isolate from water source displayed comparable antibiotic resistance determinants to clinical isolates and the highest number of virulence-associated genes suggesting the possible interplay of ARGs amongst bacteria from different sources.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sidra Rahmat Ullah
- Atta-ur-Rahman School of Applied Biosciences (ASAB), National University of Sciences and Technology, Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Sidra Irum
- Atta-ur-Rahman School of Applied Biosciences (ASAB), National University of Sciences and Technology, Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Iqra Mahnoor
- Atta-ur-Rahman School of Applied Biosciences (ASAB), National University of Sciences and Technology, Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Humaira Ismatullah
- Research Centre for Modelling & Simulation (RCMS), National University of Sciences and Technology, Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Mariam Mumtaz
- Atta-ur-Rahman School of Applied Biosciences (ASAB), National University of Sciences and Technology, Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Saadia Andleeb
- Atta-ur-Rahman School of Applied Biosciences (ASAB), National University of Sciences and Technology, Islamabad, Pakistan.
| | - Abdur Rahman
- Atta-ur-Rahman School of Applied Biosciences (ASAB), National University of Sciences and Technology, Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Muhsin Jamal
- Department of Microbiology, Abdul Wali Khan University, Mardan, Pakistan
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13
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Eirich P, Nesterov P, Shityakov S, Skorb EV, Sander B, Broscheit J, Dandekar T, Jones NG, Engstler M. The release of host-derived antibodies bound to the variant surface glycoprotein (VSG) of Trypanosoma brucei cannot be explained by pH-dependent conformational changes of the VSG dimer. OPEN RESEARCH EUROPE 2024; 4:87. [PMID: 38903703 PMCID: PMC11187536 DOI: 10.12688/openreseurope.16783.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/26/2024] [Indexed: 06/22/2024]
Abstract
Background Trypanosoma brucei is a protozoan parasite that evades the mammalian host's adaptive immune response by antigenic variation of the highly immunogenic variant surface glycoprotein (VSG). VSGs form a dense surface coat that is constantly recycled through the endosomal system. Bound antibodies are separated in the endosome from the VSG and destroyed in the lysosome. For VSGs it has been hypothesized that pH-dependent structural changes of the VSG could occur in the more acidic environment of the endosome and hence, facilitate the separation of the antibody from the VSG. Methods We used size exclusion chromatography, where molecules are separated according to their hydrodynamic radius to see if the VSG is present as a homodimer at both pH values. To gain information about the structural integrity of the protein we used circular dichroism spectroscopy by exposing the VSG in solution to a mixture of right- and left-circularly polarized light and analysing the absorbed UV spectra. Evaluation of protein stability and molecular dynamics simulations at different pH values was performed using different computational methods. Results We show, for an A2-type VSG, that the dimer size is only slightly larger at pH 5.2 than at pH 7.4. Moreover, the dimer was marginally more stable at lower pH due to the higher affinity (ΔG = 353.37 kcal/mol) between the monomers. Due to the larger size, the predicted epitopes were more exposed to the solvent at low pH. Moderate conformational changes (ΔRMSD = 0.35 nm) in VSG were detected between the dimers at pH 5.2 and pH 7.4 in molecular dynamics simulations, and no significant differences in the protein secondary structure were observed by circular dichroism spectroscopy. Conclusions Thus, the dissociation of anti-VSG-antibodies in endosomes cannot be explained by changes in pH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrick Eirich
- Department of Cell & Developmental Biology, Biocentre, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Bavaria, 97074, Germany
- Department of Anaesthesiology, Intensive Care, Emergency and Pain Medicine, Würzburg University Hospital, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Bavaria, 97080, Germany
| | - Pavel Nesterov
- Infochemistry Scientific Center, Laboratory of Chemoinformatics, ITMO University, Saint Petersburg, Saint Petersburg, 191002, Russian Federation
| | - Sergey Shityakov
- Department of Anaesthesiology, Intensive Care, Emergency and Pain Medicine, Würzburg University Hospital, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Bavaria, 97080, Germany
- Infochemistry Scientific Center, Laboratory of Chemoinformatics, ITMO University, Saint Petersburg, Saint Petersburg, 191002, Russian Federation
- Department of Bioinformatics, Biocentre, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Bavaria, 97074, Germany
| | - Ekaterina V. Skorb
- Infochemistry Scientific Center, Laboratory of Chemoinformatics, ITMO University, Saint Petersburg, Saint Petersburg, 191002, Russian Federation
| | - Bodo Sander
- Rudolf Virchow Center for Experimental Biomedicine, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Bavaria, 97080, Germany
| | - Jens Broscheit
- Department of Anaesthesiology, Intensive Care, Emergency and Pain Medicine, Würzburg University Hospital, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Bavaria, 97080, Germany
| | - Thomas Dandekar
- Department of Bioinformatics, Biocentre, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Bavaria, 97074, Germany
| | - Nicola G. Jones
- Department of Cell & Developmental Biology, Biocentre, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Bavaria, 97074, Germany
| | - Markus Engstler
- Department of Cell & Developmental Biology, Biocentre, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Bavaria, 97074, Germany
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14
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Křístková B, Martínková L, Rucká L, Kotik M, Kulik N, Rädisch R, Winkler M, Pátek M. Immobilization of aldoxime dehydratases on metal affinity resins and use of the immobilized catalysts for the synthesis of nitriles important in fragrance industry. J Biotechnol 2024; 384:12-19. [PMID: 38373531 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbiotec.2024.02.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2024] [Revised: 02/12/2024] [Accepted: 02/16/2024] [Indexed: 02/21/2024]
Abstract
Nitriles have a wide range of uses as building blocks, solvents, and alternative fuels, but also as intermediates and components of flavors and fragrances. The enzymatic synthesis of nitriles by aldoxime dehydratase (Oxd) is an emerging process with significant advantages over conventional approaches. Here we focus on the immobilization of His-tagged Oxds on metal affinity resins, an approach that has not been used previously for these enzymes. The potential of the immobilized Oxd was demonstrated for the synthesis of phenylacetonitrile (PAN) and E-cinnamonitrile, compounds applicable in the fragrance industry. A comparison of Talon and Ni-NTA resins showed that Ni-NTA with its higher binding capacity was more suitable for the immobilization of Oxd. Immobilized Oxds were prepared from purified enzymes (OxdFv from Fusarium vanettenii and OxdBr1 from Bradyrhizobium sp.) or the corresponding cell-free extracts. The immobilization of cell-free extracts reduced time and cost of the catalyst production. The immobilized OxdBr1 was superior in terms of recyclability (22 cycles) in the synthesis of PAN from 15 mM E/Z-phenylacetaldoxime at pH 7.0 and 30 °C (100% conversion, 61% isolated yield after product purification). The volumetric and catalyst productivity was 10.5 g/L/h and 48.3 g/g of immobilized protein, respectively.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barbora Křístková
- Institute of Microbiology of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Vídeňská 1083, Prague CZ-142 00, Czech Republic; Faculty of Food and Biochemical Technology, University of Chemistry and Technology, Prague, Technická 5, Prague CZ-166 28, Czech Republic
| | - Ludmila Martínková
- Institute of Microbiology of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Vídeňská 1083, Prague CZ-142 00, Czech Republic.
| | - Lenka Rucká
- Institute of Microbiology of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Vídeňská 1083, Prague CZ-142 00, Czech Republic
| | - Michael Kotik
- Institute of Microbiology of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Vídeňská 1083, Prague CZ-142 00, Czech Republic
| | - Natalia Kulik
- Laboratory of Photosynthesis, Centre Algatech, Institute of Microbiology of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Novohradská 237, Třeboň CZ-37981, Czech Republic
| | - Robert Rädisch
- Institute of Microbiology of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Vídeňská 1083, Prague CZ-142 00, Czech Republic; Department of Genetics and Microbiology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Viničná 5, Prague CZ-128 44, Czech Republic
| | - Margit Winkler
- Institute of Molecular Biotechnology, Faculty of Technical Chemistry, Chemical and Process Engineering, Biotechnology, Graz University of Technology, Petersgasse 14, Graz A-8010, Austria; Austrian Center of Industrial Biotechnology GmbH, Krenngasse 37, Graz A-8010, Austria
| | - Miroslav Pátek
- Institute of Microbiology of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Vídeňská 1083, Prague CZ-142 00, Czech Republic
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15
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Palumbo R, Knutson B. Remote homology identification of the Drosophila melanogaster ortholog of the RNA Polymerase I subunit Rpa34/POLR1G. MICROPUBLICATION BIOLOGY 2024; 2024:10.17912/micropub.biology.001107. [PMID: 38287926 PMCID: PMC10823793 DOI: 10.17912/micropub.biology.001107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2023] [Revised: 01/08/2024] [Accepted: 01/11/2024] [Indexed: 01/31/2024]
Abstract
Highly conserved orthologous proteins are easily identified by sequence homology alone, whereas poorly conserved orthologs require additional structural information to be identified. All Drosophila orthologs of RNA polymerase I, II, and III subunits-except one-have been identified by sequence homology. Here, we identified CG11076 as the missing Rpa34/POLR1G ortholog in Drosophila . Remote homology detection and secondary structure analysis showed that CG11076 is predicted to have high structural conservation with Rpa34/POLR1G, and phylogenetic analysis demonstrated that these proteins are closely related. Our work underscores the importance of utilizing both sequence and structure to identify highly divergent orthologous proteins in different species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryan Palumbo
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, SUNY Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, New York, United States
| | - Bruce Knutson
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, SUNY Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, New York, United States
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16
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Palumbo RJ, Yang Y, Feigon J, Hanes SD. Catalytic activity of the Bin3/MePCE methyltransferase domain is dispensable for 7SK snRNP function in Drosophila melanogaster. Genetics 2024; 226:iyad203. [PMID: 37982586 PMCID: PMC10763541 DOI: 10.1093/genetics/iyad203] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2023] [Revised: 10/27/2023] [Accepted: 11/13/2023] [Indexed: 11/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Methylphosphate Capping Enzyme (MePCE) monomethylates the gamma phosphate at the 5' end of the 7SK noncoding RNA, a modification thought to protect 7SK from degradation. 7SK serves as a scaffold for assembly of a snRNP complex that inhibits transcription by sequestering the positive elongation factor P-TEFb. While much is known about the biochemical activity of MePCE in vitro, little is known about its functions in vivo, or what roles-if any-there are for regions outside the conserved methyltransferase domain. Here, we investigated the role of Bin3, the Drosophila ortholog of MePCE, and its conserved functional domains in Drosophila development. We found that bin3 mutant females had strongly reduced rates of egg-laying, which was rescued by genetic reduction of P-TEFb activity, suggesting that Bin3 promotes fecundity by repressing P-TEFb. bin3 mutants also exhibited neuromuscular defects, analogous to a patient with MePCE haploinsufficiency. These defects were also rescued by genetic reduction of P-TEFb activity, suggesting that Bin3 and MePCE have conserved roles in promoting neuromuscular function by repressing P-TEFb. Unexpectedly, we found that a Bin3 catalytic mutant (Bin3Y795A) could still bind and stabilize 7SK and rescue all bin3 mutant phenotypes, indicating that Bin3 catalytic activity is dispensable for 7SK stability and snRNP function in vivo. Finally, we identified a metazoan-specific motif (MSM) outside of the methyltransferase domain and generated mutant flies lacking this motif (Bin3ΔMSM). Bin3ΔMSM mutant flies exhibited some-but not all-bin3 mutant phenotypes, suggesting that the MSM is required for a 7SK-independent, tissue-specific function of Bin3.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryan J Palumbo
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, SUNY Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, NY 13210, USA
| | - Yuan Yang
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Juli Feigon
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Steven D Hanes
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, SUNY Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, NY 13210, USA
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17
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Mahnoor I, Shabbir H, Nawaz S, Aziz K, Aziz U, Khalid K, Irum S, Andleeb S. Characterization of exclusively non-commensal Neisseria gonorrhoeae pangenome to prioritize globally conserved and thermodynamically stable vaccine candidates using immune-molecular dynamic simulations. Microb Pathog 2023; 185:106439. [PMID: 37944674 DOI: 10.1016/j.micpath.2023.106439] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2023] [Revised: 10/19/2023] [Accepted: 11/02/2023] [Indexed: 11/12/2023]
Abstract
Neisseria gonorrhoeae (Ngo) has emerged as a global threat leading to one of the most common sexually transmitted diseases in the world. It has also become one of the leading antimicrobial resistant organisms, resulting in fewer treatment options and an increased morbidity. Therefore, in recent years, there has been an increased focus on the development of new treatments and preventive strategies to combat its infection. In this study, we have combined the most conserved epitopes from the completely assembled strains of Ngo to develop a universal and a thermodynamically stable vaccine candidate. For our vaccine design, the epitopes were selected for their high immunogenicity, non-allergenicity and non-cytotoxicity, making them the ideal candidates for vaccine development. For the screening process, several reverse vaccinology tools were employed to rigorously extract non-homologous and immunogenic epitopes from the selected proteins. Consequently, a total number of 3 B-cell epitopes and 6 T-cell epitopes were selected and joined by multiple immune-modulating adjuvants and linkers to generate a promiscuous immune response. Additionally, the stability and flexible nature of the vaccine construct was confirmed using various molecular dynamic simulation tools. Overall, the vaccine candidate showed promising binding affinity to various HLA alleles and TLR receptors; however, further studies are needed to assess its efficacy in-vivo. In this way, we have designed a multi-subunit vaccine candidate to potentially combat and control the spread of N. gonorrhoeae.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iqra Mahnoor
- Atta-ur-Rehman School of Biosciences, National University of Science and Technology, Islamabad, Pakistan.
| | - Hamna Shabbir
- Atta-ur-Rehman School of Biosciences, National University of Science and Technology, Islamabad, Pakistan.
| | - Shabana Nawaz
- Atta-ur-Rehman School of Biosciences, National University of Science and Technology, Islamabad, Pakistan.
| | - Kinza Aziz
- Atta-ur-Rehman School of Biosciences, National University of Science and Technology, Islamabad, Pakistan.
| | - Ubair Aziz
- School of Interdisciplinary Engineering & Sciences National University of Science and Technology, Islamabad, Pakistan.
| | - Kashaf Khalid
- Atta-ur-Rehman School of Biosciences, National University of Science and Technology, Islamabad, Pakistan.
| | - Sidra Irum
- Atta-ur-Rehman School of Biosciences, National University of Science and Technology, Islamabad, Pakistan.
| | - Saadia Andleeb
- Atta-ur-Rehman School of Biosciences, National University of Science and Technology, Islamabad, Pakistan.
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18
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Ochoa R, Fox T. Assessing the fast prediction of peptide conformers and the impact of non-natural modifications. J Mol Graph Model 2023; 125:108608. [PMID: 37659134 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmgm.2023.108608] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2023] [Revised: 08/17/2023] [Accepted: 08/18/2023] [Indexed: 09/04/2023]
Abstract
We present an assessment of different approaches to predict peptide structures using modeling tools. Several small molecule, protein, and peptide-focused methodologies were used for the fast prediction of conformers for peptides shorter than 30 amino acids. We assessed the effect of including restraints based on annotated or predicted secondary structure motifs. A number of peptides in bound conformations and in solution were collected to compare the tools. In addition, we studied the impact of changing single amino acids to non-natural residues using molecular dynamics simulations. Deep learning methods such as AlphaFold2, or the combination of physics-based approaches with secondary structure information, produce the most accurate results for natural sequences. In the case of peptides with non-natural modifications, modeling the peptide containing natural amino acids first and then modifying and simulating the peptide using benchmarked force fields is a recommended pipeline. The results can guide the modeling of oligopeptides for drug discovery projects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rodrigo Ochoa
- Medicinal Chemistry, Boehringer Ingelheim Pharma GmbH & Co KG, 88397 Biberach/Riss, Germany.
| | - Thomas Fox
- Medicinal Chemistry, Boehringer Ingelheim Pharma GmbH & Co KG, 88397 Biberach/Riss, Germany
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Bastolla U, Abia D, Piette O. PC_ali: a tool for improved multiple alignments and evolutionary inference based on a hybrid protein sequence and structure similarity score. Bioinformatics 2023; 39:btad630. [PMID: 37847775 PMCID: PMC10628387 DOI: 10.1093/bioinformatics/btad630] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2022] [Revised: 08/01/2023] [Accepted: 10/17/2023] [Indexed: 10/19/2023] Open
Abstract
MOTIVATION Evolutionary inference depends crucially on the quality of multiple sequence alignments (MSA), which is problematic for distantly related proteins. Since protein structure is more conserved than sequence, it seems natural to use structure alignments for distant homologs. However, structure alignments may not be suitable for inferring evolutionary relationships. RESULTS Here we examined four protein similarity measures that depend on sequence and structure (fraction of aligned residues, sequence identity, fraction of superimposed residues, and contact overlap), finding that they are intimately correlated but none of them provides a complete and unbiased picture of conservation in proteins. Therefore, we propose the new hybrid protein sequence and structure similarity score PC_sim based on their main principal component. The corresponding divergence measure PC_div shows the strongest correlation with divergences obtained from individual similarities, suggesting that it infers accurate evolutionary divergences. We developed the program PC_ali that constructs protein MSAs either de novo or modifying an input MSA, using a similarity matrix based on PC_sim. The program constructs a starting MSA based on the maximal cliques of the graph of these PAs and it refines it through progressive alignments along the tree reconstructed with PC_div. Compared with eight state-of-the-art multiple structure or sequence alignment tools, PC_ali achieves higher or equal aligned fraction and structural scores, sequence identity higher than structure aligners although lower than sequence aligners, highest score PC_sim, and highest similarity with the MSAs produced by other tools and with the reference MSA Balibase. AVAILABILITY AND IMPLEMENTATION https://github.com/ugobas/PC_ali.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ugo Bastolla
- Centro de Biologia Molecular “Severo Ochoa” (CBMSO), CSIC-UAM Cantoblanco, 28049 Madrid, Spain
| | - David Abia
- Bioinformatics Facility CBMSO, CSIC-UAM Cantoblanco, 28049 Madrid, Spain
| | - Oscar Piette
- Centro de Biologia Molecular “Severo Ochoa” (CBMSO), CSIC-UAM Cantoblanco, 28049 Madrid, Spain
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20
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Silva MA, Nascimento Júnior JCD, Thomaz DV, Maia RT, Costa Amador V, Tommaso G, Coelho GD. Comparative homology of Pleurotus ostreatus laccase enzyme: Swiss model or Modeller? J Biomol Struct Dyn 2023; 41:8927-8940. [PMID: 36310115 DOI: 10.1080/07391102.2022.2138975] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2022] [Accepted: 10/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
Laccases stand out in the industrial context due to their versatile biotechnological applications. Although these enzymes are frequently investigated, currently, Pleurotus ostreatus laccase structural model is unknown. Therefore, this research aims to predict and validate a P. ostreatus laccase theoretical model by means of comparative homology. The laccase target's primary structure (AOM73725.1) was obtained from the NCBI database, the model was predicted from homologous structures obtained from the PDB (PDB-ID: 5A7E, 2HRG, 4JHU, 1GYC) using the Swiss-Model and Modeller, and was refined in GalaxyRefine. The models were validated using PROCHECK, VERIFY 3D, ERRAT, PROVE and QMEAN Z-score servers. Moreover, molecular docking between the laccase model (Lacc4MN) and ABTS was performed on AutoDock Vina. The models that were generated by the Modeller showed superior stereochemical and structural characteristics to those predicted by the Swiss Model. The refinement made it difficult to stabilize the copper atoms which are typical of laccases. The Lacc4MN model showed the interactions between the amino acids in the active site of the laccase and the copper atoms, thereby hinting the stabilization of the metal through electrostatic interactions with histidine and cysteine. The molecular docking between Lacc4MN and ABTS showed negative free energy and the formation of two hydrogen bonds involving the amino acids ASP 208 and GLY 268, and a Pi-sulfur bond between residue HIS 458 and ABTS, which demonstrates the typical catalytic functionality of laccases. Furthermore, the theoretical model Lacc4MN presented stereochemical and structural characteristics that allow its use in silico tests.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco Antonio Silva
- Laboratory of Environmental Biotechnology, Faculty of Animal Science and Food Engineering, University of São Paulo, Pirassununga, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - José Cordeiro do Nascimento Júnior
- Center for Water Resources and Environmental Studies, São Carlos School of Engineering, University of São Paulo, São Carlos, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Douglas Vieira Thomaz
- National Enterprise for nanoScience and nanoTechnology (NEST), Istituto Nanoscienze-CNR and Scuola Normale Superiore, Pisa, Italy
| | - Rafael Trindade Maia
- Academic Unit of Rural Education; Center for Sustainable Development of the Semi-Arid, Federal University of Campina Grande, Sumé, Paraiba, Brazil
| | - Vinícius Costa Amador
- Bioscience Center, Genetics Department, Federal University of Pernambuco, Recife, Brazil
| | - Giovana Tommaso
- Laboratory of Environmental Biotechnology, Faculty of Animal Science and Food Engineering, University of São Paulo, Pirassununga, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Glauciane Danusa Coelho
- Academic Unit of Biotechnology Engineering; Center for Sustainable Development of the Semi-Arid, Federal University of Campina Grande, Sumé, Paraiba, Brazil
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21
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Huang B, Kong L, Wang C, Ju F, Zhang Q, Zhu J, Gong T, Zhang H, Yu C, Zheng WM, Bu D. Protein Structure Prediction: Challenges, Advances, and the Shift of Research Paradigms. GENOMICS, PROTEOMICS & BIOINFORMATICS 2023; 21:913-925. [PMID: 37001856 PMCID: PMC10928435 DOI: 10.1016/j.gpb.2022.11.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2022] [Revised: 11/23/2022] [Accepted: 11/30/2022] [Indexed: 03/31/2023]
Abstract
Protein structure prediction is an interdisciplinary research topic that has attracted researchers from multiple fields, including biochemistry, medicine, physics, mathematics, and computer science. These researchers adopt various research paradigms to attack the same structure prediction problem: biochemists and physicists attempt to reveal the principles governing protein folding; mathematicians, especially statisticians, usually start from assuming a probability distribution of protein structures given a target sequence and then find the most likely structure, while computer scientists formulate protein structure prediction as an optimization problem - finding the structural conformation with the lowest energy or minimizing the difference between predicted structure and native structure. These research paradigms fall into the two statistical modeling cultures proposed by Leo Breiman, namely, data modeling and algorithmic modeling. Recently, we have also witnessed the great success of deep learning in protein structure prediction. In this review, we present a survey of the efforts for protein structure prediction. We compare the research paradigms adopted by researchers from different fields, with an emphasis on the shift of research paradigms in the era of deep learning. In short, the algorithmic modeling techniques, especially deep neural networks, have considerably improved the accuracy of protein structure prediction; however, theories interpreting the neural networks and knowledge on protein folding are still highly desired.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bin Huang
- Key Laboratory of Intelligent Information Processing, Institute of Computing Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Lupeng Kong
- Key Laboratory of Intelligent Information Processing, Institute of Computing Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China; Changping Laboratory, Beijing 102206, China
| | - Chao Wang
- Key Laboratory of Intelligent Information Processing, Institute of Computing Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China
| | - Fusong Ju
- Microsoft Research AI4Science, Beijing 100080, China
| | - Qi Zhang
- Huawei Noah's Ark Lab, Wuhan 430206, China
| | - Jianwei Zhu
- Microsoft Research AI4Science, Beijing 100080, China
| | - Tiansu Gong
- Key Laboratory of Intelligent Information Processing, Institute of Computing Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Haicang Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Intelligent Information Processing, Institute of Computing Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China; Zhongke Big Data Academy, Zhengzhou 450046, China.
| | - Chungong Yu
- Key Laboratory of Intelligent Information Processing, Institute of Computing Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China; Zhongke Big Data Academy, Zhengzhou 450046, China.
| | - Wei-Mou Zheng
- Institute of Theoretical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China.
| | - Dongbo Bu
- Key Laboratory of Intelligent Information Processing, Institute of Computing Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China; Zhongke Big Data Academy, Zhengzhou 450046, China.
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22
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Guerra-Guimarães L, Pinheiro C, Oliveira ASF, Mira-Jover A, Valverde J, Guedes FADF, Azevedo H, Várzea V, Muñoz Pajares AJ. The chloroplast protein HCF164 is predicted to be associated with Coffea S H9 resistance factor against Hemileia vastatrix. Sci Rep 2023; 13:16019. [PMID: 37749157 PMCID: PMC10520047 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-41950-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2023] [Accepted: 09/04/2023] [Indexed: 09/27/2023] Open
Abstract
To explore the connection between chloroplast and coffee resistance factors, designated as SH1 to SH9, whole genomic DNA of 42 coffee genotypes was sequenced, and entire chloroplast genomes were de novo assembled. The chloroplast phylogenetic haplotype network clustered individuals per species instead of SH factors. However, for the first time, it allowed the molecular validation of Coffea arabica as the maternal parent of the spontaneous hybrid "Híbrido de Timor". Individual reads were also aligned on the C. arabica reference genome to relate SH factors with chloroplast metabolism, and an in-silico analysis of selected nuclear-encoded chloroplast proteins (132 proteins) was performed. The nuclear-encoded thioredoxin-like membrane protein HCF164 enabled the discrimination of individuals with and without the SH9 factor, due to specific DNA variants linked to chromosome 7c (from C. canephora-derived sub-genome). The absence of both the thioredoxin domain and redox-active disulphide center in the HCF164 protein, observed in SH9 individuals, raises the possibility of potential implications on redox regulation. For the first time, the identification of specific DNA variants of chloroplast proteins allows discriminating individuals according to the SH profile. This study introduces an unexplored strategy for identifying protein/genes associated with SH factors and candidate targets of H. vastatrix effectors, thereby creating new perspectives for coffee breeding programs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leonor Guerra-Guimarães
- CIFC - Centro de Investigação das Ferrugens do Cafeeiro, Instituto Superior de Agronomia, Universidade de Lisboa, Tapada da Ajuda, 1349-017, Lisboa, Portugal.
- LEAF - Linking Landscape, Environment, Agriculture and Food Research Center, Associated Laboratory TERRA, Instituto Superior de Agronomia, Universidade de Lisboa, Tapada da Ajuda, 1349-017, Lisboa, Portugal.
| | - Carla Pinheiro
- UCIBIO Applied Molecular Biosciences Unit, Department of Life Sciences, NOVA School of Science and Technology, Universidade NOVA de Lisboa, 2829-516, Caparica, Portugal.
- Associate Laboratory i4HB Institute for Health and Bioeconomy, NOVA School of Science and Technology, Universidade NOVA de Lisboa, 2829-516, Caparica, Portugal.
| | - Ana Sofia F Oliveira
- Center for Computational Chemistry, School of Chemistry, University of Bristol, University Walk, Bristol, BS8 1TS, UK
| | - Andrea Mira-Jover
- Departamento de Genética, Universidad de Granada, 18071, Granada, Spain
- Área de Ecología, Departamento de Biología Aplicada, Universidad Miguel Hernández, Elche, Spain
| | - Javier Valverde
- CIBIO, Centro de Investigação em Biodiversidade e Recursos Genéticos, InBIO Laboratório Associado, Universidade do Porto, Campus de Vairão, 4485-661, Vairão, Portugal
- Estación Biológica de Doñana, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), Avda. Américo Vespucio 26, 41092, Sevilla, Spain
| | - Fernanda A de F Guedes
- CIBIO, Centro de Investigação em Biodiversidade e Recursos Genéticos, InBIO Laboratório Associado, Universidade do Porto, Campus de Vairão, 4485-661, Vairão, Portugal
| | - Herlander Azevedo
- CIBIO, Centro de Investigação em Biodiversidade e Recursos Genéticos, InBIO Laboratório Associado, Universidade do Porto, Campus de Vairão, 4485-661, Vairão, Portugal
- BIOPOLIS Program in Genomics, Biodiversity and Land Planning, CIBIO, Campus de Vairão, 4485-661, Vairão, Portugal
- Departamento de Biologia, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade Do Porto, 4099-002, Porto, Portugal
| | - Vitor Várzea
- CIFC - Centro de Investigação das Ferrugens do Cafeeiro, Instituto Superior de Agronomia, Universidade de Lisboa, Tapada da Ajuda, 1349-017, Lisboa, Portugal
- LEAF - Linking Landscape, Environment, Agriculture and Food Research Center, Associated Laboratory TERRA, Instituto Superior de Agronomia, Universidade de Lisboa, Tapada da Ajuda, 1349-017, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Antonio Jesús Muñoz Pajares
- Departamento de Genética, Universidad de Granada, 18071, Granada, Spain.
- CIBIO, Centro de Investigação em Biodiversidade e Recursos Genéticos, InBIO Laboratório Associado, Universidade do Porto, Campus de Vairão, 4485-661, Vairão, Portugal.
- Research Unit Modeling Nature, Universidad de Granada, 18071, Granada, Spain.
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23
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Ochoa R, Brown JB, Fox T. pyPept: a python library to generate atomistic 2D and 3D representations of peptides. J Cheminform 2023; 15:79. [PMID: 37700347 PMCID: PMC10498622 DOI: 10.1186/s13321-023-00748-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2023] [Accepted: 08/23/2023] [Indexed: 09/14/2023] Open
Abstract
We present pyPept, a set of executables and underlying python-language classes to easily create, manipulate, and analyze peptide molecules using the FASTA, HELM, or recently-developed BILN notations. The framework enables the analysis of both pure proteinogenic peptides as well as those with non-natural amino acids, including support to assemble a customizable monomer library, without requiring programming. From line notations, a peptide is transformed into a molecular graph for 2D depiction tasks, the calculation of physicochemical properties, and other systematic analyses or processing pipelines. The package includes a module to rapidly generate approximate peptide conformers by incorporating secondary structure restraints either given by the user or predicted via pyPept, and a wrapper tool is also provided to automate the generation and output of 2D and 3D representations of a peptide directly from the line notation. HELM and BILN notations that include circular, branched, or stapled peptides are fully supported, eliminating errors in structure creation that are prone during manual drawing and connecting. The framework and common workflows followed in pyPept are described together with illustrative examples. pyPept has been released at: https://github.com/Boehringer-Ingelheim/pyPept .
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Affiliation(s)
- Rodrigo Ochoa
- Medicinal Chemistry, Boehringer Ingelheim Pharma GmbH & Co KG, 88397, Biberach/Riss, Germany
| | - J B Brown
- Medicinal Chemistry, Boehringer Ingelheim Pharma GmbH & Co KG, 88397, Biberach/Riss, Germany
| | - Thomas Fox
- Medicinal Chemistry, Boehringer Ingelheim Pharma GmbH & Co KG, 88397, Biberach/Riss, Germany.
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24
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Kumar Pal S, Kumar S. Indole-based LpxC (UDP-3-O-(R-3-hydroxyacyl)-N-acetylglucosaminedeacetylase) inhibitors for Salmonella typhi: rational drug discovery through in silico screening. 3 Biotech 2023; 13:281. [PMID: 37496977 PMCID: PMC10366066 DOI: 10.1007/s13205-023-03699-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2023] [Accepted: 07/10/2023] [Indexed: 07/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Salmonella typhi is an infectious bacteria that causes typhoid fever and poses a significant risk to human health. The emergence of antibiotic resistance has become a growing concern in the management of this disease. In this work, a structure-based drug design approach was used to identify inhibitors for zinc-dependent metalloamidase LpxC, the enzyme responsible for the biosynthesis of lipid A. Using an in silico approach (virtual screening, docking, and molecular dynamics (MD) simulations), from a library of 59,000 indole derivatives, we were able to identify promising lead molecules with high binding affinity to the LpxC. Of these, five molecules (compound 435 (CID: 12253558), compound 436 (CID: 122514279), compound 1812 (CID: 90797680), compound 2584 (CID: 57056726), and compound 2545 (CID: 59897361)) have passed all the filtering criteria. This finding was verified by molecular dynamics (MD) simulation as well as post-dynamics free energy calculations. The five compounds that have been identified have shown the most promise compared to other compounds that are already recognized. To further validate the positive outcome of this study, experimental validation and optimization are necessary. These lead compounds may help to develop new antibiotics for antibiotic-resistant Salmonella typhi and improve typhoid fever treatment. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s13205-023-03699-5.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sudhir Kumar Pal
- Centre for Bioseparation Technology (CBST), Vellore Institute of Technology (VIT), Vellore, 632014 Tamil Nadu India
| | - Sanjit Kumar
- Centre for Bioseparation Technology (CBST), Vellore Institute of Technology (VIT), Vellore, 632014 Tamil Nadu India
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25
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Palumbo RJ, Hanes SD. Catalytic activity of the Bin3/MEPCE methyltransferase domain is dispensable for 7SK snRNP function in Drosophila melanogaster. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.06.01.543302. [PMID: 37333392 PMCID: PMC10274667 DOI: 10.1101/2023.06.01.543302] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/20/2023]
Abstract
Methylphosphate Capping Enzyme (MEPCE) monomethylates the gamma phosphate at the 5' end of the 7SK noncoding RNA, a modification thought to protect 7SK from degradation. 7SK serves as a scaffold for assembly of a snRNP complex that inhibits transcription by sequestering the positive elongation factor P-TEFb. While much is known about the biochemical activity of MEPCE in vitro, little is known about its functions in vivo, or what roles- if any-there are for regions outside the conserved methyltransferase domain. Here, we investigated the role of Bin3, the Drosophila ortholog of MEPCE, and its conserved functional domains in Drosophila development. We found that bin3 mutant females had strongly reduced rates of egg-laying, which was rescued by genetic reduction of P-TEFb activity, suggesting that Bin3 promotes fecundity by repressing P-TEFb. bin3 mutants also exhibited neuromuscular defects, analogous to a patient with MEPCE haploinsufficiency. These defects were also rescued by genetic reduction of P-TEFb activity, suggesting that Bin3 and MEPCE have conserved roles in promoting neuromuscular function by repressing P-TEFb. Unexpectedly, we found that a Bin3 catalytic mutant (Bin3Y795A) could still bind and stabilize 7SK and rescue all bin3 mutant phenotypes, indicating that Bin3 catalytic activity is dispensable for 7SK stability and snRNP function in vivo. Finally, we identified a metazoan-specific motif (MSM) outside of the methyltransferase domain and generated mutant flies lacking this motif (Bin3ΔMSM). Bin3ΔMSM mutant flies exhibited some-but not all-bin3 mutant phenotypes, suggesting that the MSM is required for a 7SK-independent, tissue-specific function of Bin3.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryan J Palumbo
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, SUNY Upstate Medical University 750 East Adams Street, 4283 Weiskotten Hall, Syracuse, New York, 13210
| | - Steven D Hanes
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, SUNY Upstate Medical University 750 East Adams Street, 4283 Weiskotten Hall, Syracuse, New York, 13210
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26
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Li B, Guo J, Hu W, Chen Y. Binding affinity improvement analysis of multiple-mutant Omicron on 2019-nCov to human ACE2 by in silico predictions. J Mol Model 2023; 29:155. [PMID: 37093365 PMCID: PMC10123576 DOI: 10.1007/s00894-023-05536-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2022] [Accepted: 03/01/2023] [Indexed: 04/25/2023]
Abstract
CONTEXT Since the outbreak of COVID-19 in 2019, the 2019-nCov coronavirus has appeared diverse mutational characteristics due to its own flexible conformation. One multiple-mutant strain (Omicron) with surprisingly infective activity outburst, and affected the biological activities of current drugs and vaccines, making the epidemic significantly difficult to prevent and control, and seriously threaten health around the world. Importunately exploration of mutant characteristics for novel coronavirus Omicron can supply strong theoretical guidance for learning binding mechanism of mutant viruses. What's more, full acknowledgement of key mutated-residues on Omicron strain can provide new methodology of the novel pathogenic mechanism to human ACE2 receptor, as well as the subsequent vaccine development. METHODS In this research, 3D structures of 32 single-point mutations of 2019-nCov were firstly constructed, and 32-sites multiple-mutant Omicron were finally obtained based one the wild-type virus by homology modeling method. One total number of 33 2019-nCov/ACE2 complex systems were acquired by protein-protein docking, and optimized by using preliminary molecular dynamic simulations. Binding free energies between each 2019-nCov mutation system and human ACE2 receptor were calculated, and corresponding binding patterns especially the regions adjacent to mutation site were analyzed. The results indicated that one total number of 6 mutated sites on the Omicron strain played crucial role in improving binding capacities from 2019-nCov to ACE2 protein. Subsequently, we performed long-term molecular dynamic simulations and protein-protein binding energy analysis for the selected 6 mutations. 3 infected individuals, the mutants T478K, Q493R and G496S with lower binding energies -66.36, -67.98 and -67.09 kcal/mol also presents the high infectivity. These findings indicated that the 3 mutations T478K, Q493R and G496S play the crucial roles in enhancing binding affinity of Omicron to human ACE2 protein. All these results illuminate important theoretical guidance for future virus detection of the Omicron epidemic, drug research and vaccine development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bo Li
- School of Chemistry and Environmental Engineering, Wuhan Institute of Technology, Wuhan, 430205, China
| | - Jindan Guo
- NHC Key Laboratory of Human Disease Comparative Medicine, Beijing Engineering Research Center for Experimental Animal Models of Human Critical Diseases, Institute of Laboratory Animal Sciences, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100021, China
| | - Wenxiang Hu
- School of Chemistry and Environmental Engineering, Wuhan Institute of Technology, Wuhan, 430205, China.
| | - Yubao Chen
- NHC Key Laboratory of Human Disease Comparative Medicine, Beijing Engineering Research Center for Experimental Animal Models of Human Critical Diseases, Institute of Laboratory Animal Sciences, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100021, China.
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27
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Heinrich F, Thomas CE, Alvarado JJ, Eells R, Thomas A, Doucet M, Whitlatch KN, Aryal M, Lösche M, Smithgall TE. Neutron Reflectometry and Molecular Simulations Demonstrate HIV-1 Nef Homodimer Formation on Model Lipid Bilayers. J Mol Biol 2023; 435:168009. [PMID: 36773691 PMCID: PMC10079580 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmb.2023.168009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2022] [Revised: 01/16/2023] [Accepted: 02/03/2023] [Indexed: 02/12/2023]
Abstract
The HIV-1 Nef protein plays a critical role in viral infectivity, high-titer replication in vivo, and immune escape of HIV-infected cells. Nef lacks intrinsic biochemical activity, functioning instead through interactions with diverse host cell signaling proteins and intracellular trafficking pathways. Previous studies have established an essential role for Nef homodimer formation at the plasma membrane for most if not all its functions. Here we combined neutron reflectometry of full-length myristoylated Nef bound to model lipid bilayers with molecular simulations based on previous X-ray crystal structures of Nef homodimers. This integrated approach provides direct evidence that Nef associates with the membrane as a homodimer with its structured core region displaced from the membrane for partner protein engagement. Parallel studies of a dimerization-defective mutant, Nef-L112D, demonstrate that the helical dimerization interface present in previous crystal structures stabilizes the membrane-bound dimer. X-ray crystallography of the Nef-L112D mutant in complex with the SH3 domain of the Nef-associated host cell kinase Hck revealed a monomeric 1:1 complex instead of the 2:2 dimer complex formed with wild-type Nef. Importantly, the crystal structure of the Nef-L112D core and SH3 interface are virtually identical to the wild-type complex, indicating that this mutation does not affect the overall Nef fold. These findings support the intrinsic capacity of Nef to homodimerize at lipid bilayers using structural features present in X-ray crystal structures of dimeric complexes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frank Heinrich
- Department of Physics, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA; NIST Center for Neutron Research, Gaithersburg, MD 20899, USA
| | - Catherine E Thomas
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15219, USA
| | - John J Alvarado
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15219, USA
| | - Rebecca Eells
- Department of Physics, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
| | - Alyssa Thomas
- Department of Physics, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
| | - Mathieu Doucet
- Neutron Scattering Division, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Oak Ridge, TN 37831, USA
| | - Kindra N Whitlatch
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15219, USA
| | - Manish Aryal
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15219, USA
| | - Mathias Lösche
- Department of Physics, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA; NIST Center for Neutron Research, Gaithersburg, MD 20899, USA
| | - Thomas E Smithgall
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15219, USA.
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28
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Křístková B, Rädisch R, Kulik N, Horvat M, Rucká L, Grulich M, Rudroff F, Kádek A, Pátek M, Winkler M, Martínková L. Scanning aldoxime dehydratase sequence space and characterization of a new aldoxime dehydratase from Fusarium vanettenii. Enzyme Microb Technol 2023; 164:110187. [PMID: 36610228 DOI: 10.1016/j.enzmictec.2022.110187] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2022] [Revised: 11/30/2022] [Accepted: 12/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
The aim of this work was to map the sequence space of aldoxime dehydratases (Oxds) as enzymes with great potential for nitrile synthesis. Microbes contain an abundance of putative Oxds but fewer than ten Oxds were characterized in total and only two in fungi. In this work, we prepared and characterized a new Oxd (protein gb|EEU37245.1 named OxdFv) from Fusarium vanettenii 77-13-4. OxdFv is distant from the characterized Oxds with a maximum of 36% identity. Moreover, the canonical Oxd catalytic triad RSH is replaced by R141-E187-E303 in OxdFv. R141A and E187A mutants did not show significant activities, but mutant E303A showed a comparable activity as the wild-type enzyme. According to native mass spectrometry, OxdFv contained almost 1 mol of heme per 1 mol of protein, and was composed of approximately 88% monomer (41.8 kDa) and 12% dimer. A major advantage of this enzyme is its considerable activity under aerobic conditions (25.0 ± 4.3 U/mg for E,Z-phenylacetaldoxime at pH 9.0 and 55 °C). Addition of sodium dithionite (reducing agent) and Fe2+ was required for this activity. OxdFv favored (aryl)aliphatic aldoximes over aromatic aldoximes. Substrate docking in the homology model of OxdFv showed a similar substrate specificity. We conclude that OxdFv is the first characterized Oxd of the REE type.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barbora Křístková
- Institute of Microbiology of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Vídeňská 1083, CZ-142 20 Prague, Czech Republic; Faculty of Food and Biochemical Technology, University of Chemistry and Technology, Prague, Technická 5, CZ-166 28 Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Robert Rädisch
- Institute of Microbiology of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Vídeňská 1083, CZ-142 20 Prague, Czech Republic; Department of Genetics and Microbiology, Faculty of Sciences, Charles University, Viničná 5, CZ-128 44 Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Natalia Kulik
- Laboratory of Structural Biology and Bioinformatics, Institute of Microbiology of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Zámek 136, CZ-373 33 Nové Hrady, Czech Republic
| | - Melissa Horvat
- Institute of Molecular Biotechnology, Faculty of Technical Chemistry, Chemical and Process Engineering, Biotechnology, Graz University of Technology, Petersgasse 14, A-8010 Graz, Austria
| | - Lenka Rucká
- Institute of Microbiology of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Vídeňská 1083, CZ-142 20 Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Michal Grulich
- Institute of Microbiology of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Vídeňská 1083, CZ-142 20 Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Florian Rudroff
- Institute of Applied Synthetic Chemistry, TU Wien, Getreidemarkt 9/OC-163, A-1060 Vienna, Austria
| | - Alan Kádek
- Laboratory of Structural Biology and Cell Signaling, BIOCEV - Institute of Microbiology, Czech Academy of Sciences, Průmyslová 595, CZ-252 50 Vestec, Czech Republic; Leibniz Institute of Virology (LIV), Martinistraße 52, D-20251 Hamburg, Germany; European XFEL GmbH, Holzkoppel 4, D-22869 Schenefeld, Germany
| | - Miroslav Pátek
- Institute of Microbiology of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Vídeňská 1083, CZ-142 20 Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Margit Winkler
- Institute of Molecular Biotechnology, Faculty of Technical Chemistry, Chemical and Process Engineering, Biotechnology, Graz University of Technology, Petersgasse 14, A-8010 Graz, Austria; Austrian Center of Industrial Biotechnology GmbH, Krenngasse 37, A-8010 Graz, Austria
| | - Ludmila Martínková
- Institute of Microbiology of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Vídeňská 1083, CZ-142 20 Prague, Czech Republic.
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Yariv B, Yariv E, Kessel A, Masrati G, Chorin AB, Martz E, Mayrose I, Pupko T, Ben‐Tal N. Using evolutionary data to make sense of macromolecules with a "face-lifted" ConSurf. Protein Sci 2023; 32:e4582. [PMID: 36718848 PMCID: PMC9942591 DOI: 10.1002/pro.4582] [Citation(s) in RCA: 162] [Impact Index Per Article: 81.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2022] [Revised: 01/21/2023] [Accepted: 01/27/2023] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
The ConSurf web-sever for the analysis of proteins, RNA, and DNA provides a quick and accurate estimate of the per-site evolutionary rate among homologues. The analysis reveals functionally important regions, such as catalytic and ligand-binding sites, which often evolve slowly. Since the last report in 2016, ConSurf has been improved in multiple ways. It now has a user-friendly interface that makes it easier to perform the analysis and to visualize the results. Evolutionary rates are calculated based on a set of homologous sequences, collected using hidden Markov model-based search tools, recently embedded in the pipeline. Using these, and following the removal of redundancy, ConSurf assembles a representative set of effective homologues for protein and nucleic acid queries to enable informative analysis of the evolutionary patterns. The analysis is particularly insightful when the evolutionary rates are mapped on the macromolecule structure. In this respect, the availability of AlphaFold model structures of essentially all UniProt proteins makes ConSurf particularly relevant to the research community. The UniProt ID of a query protein with an available AlphaFold model can now be used to start a calculation. Another important improvement is the Python re-implementation of the entire computational pipeline, making it easier to maintain. This Python pipeline is now available for download as a standalone version. We demonstrate some of ConSurf's key capabilities by the analysis of caveolin-1, the main protein of membrane invaginations called caveolae.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barak Yariv
- George S. Wise Faculty of Life Sciences, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular BiologyTel Aviv UniversityTel AvivIsrael
| | - Elon Yariv
- George S. Wise Faculty of Life Sciences, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular BiologyTel Aviv UniversityTel AvivIsrael
| | - Amit Kessel
- George S. Wise Faculty of Life Sciences, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular BiologyTel Aviv UniversityTel AvivIsrael
| | - Gal Masrati
- George S. Wise Faculty of Life Sciences, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular BiologyTel Aviv UniversityTel AvivIsrael
| | - Adi Ben Chorin
- George S. Wise Faculty of Life Sciences, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular BiologyTel Aviv UniversityTel AvivIsrael
| | - Eric Martz
- Department of MicrobiologyUniversity of MassachusettsAmherstMassachusettsUSA
| | - Itay Mayrose
- George S. Wise Faculty of Life Sciences, School of Plant Sciences and Food SecurityTel Aviv UniversityTel AvivIsrael
| | - Tal Pupko
- George S. Wise Faculty of Life Sciences, The Shmunis School of Biomedicine and Cancer ResearchTel Aviv UniversityTel AvivIsrael
| | - Nir Ben‐Tal
- George S. Wise Faculty of Life Sciences, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular BiologyTel Aviv UniversityTel AvivIsrael
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Daugeron MC, Missoury S, Da Cunha V, Lazar N, Collinet B, van Tilbeurgh H, Basta T. A paralog of Pcc1 is the fifth core subunit of the KEOPS tRNA-modifying complex in Archaea. Nat Commun 2023; 14:526. [PMID: 36720870 PMCID: PMC9889334 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-36210-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2022] [Accepted: 01/20/2023] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
In Archaea and Eukaryotes, the synthesis of a universal tRNA modification, N6-threonyl-carbamoyl adenosine (t6A), is catalyzed by the KEOPS complex composed of Kae1, Bud32, Cgi121, and Pcc1. A fifth subunit, Gon7, is found only in Fungi and Metazoa. Here, we identify and characterize a fifth KEOPS subunit in Archaea. This protein, dubbed Pcc2, is a paralog of Pcc1 and is widely conserved in Archaea. Pcc1 and Pcc2 form a heterodimer in solution, and show modest sequence conservation but very high structural similarity. The five-subunit archaeal KEOPS does not form dimers but retains robust tRNA binding and t6A synthetic activity. Pcc2 can substitute for Pcc1 but the resulting KEOPS complex is inactive, suggesting a distinct function for the two paralogs. Comparative sequence and structure analyses point to a possible evolutionary link between archaeal Pcc2 and eukaryotic Gon7. Our work indicates that Pcc2 regulates the oligomeric state of the KEOPS complex, a feature that seems to be conserved from Archaea to Eukaryotes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marie-Claire Daugeron
- Université Paris-Saclay, CEA, CNRS, Institute for Integrative Biology of the Cell (I2BC), 91198, Gif-sur-Yvette, France
| | - Sophia Missoury
- Université Paris-Saclay, CEA, CNRS, Institute for Integrative Biology of the Cell (I2BC), 91198, Gif-sur-Yvette, France
- Department of structural biology and chemistry, Institut Pasteur, Paris, France
| | - Violette Da Cunha
- Université Paris-Saclay, CEA, CNRS, Institute for Integrative Biology of the Cell (I2BC), 91198, Gif-sur-Yvette, France
- Génomique Métabolique, Genoscope, Institut François Jacob, CEA, CNRS, Univ Evry, Université Paris-Saclay, 91057, Evry, France
| | - Noureddine Lazar
- Université Paris-Saclay, CEA, CNRS, Institute for Integrative Biology of the Cell (I2BC), 91198, Gif-sur-Yvette, France
| | - Bruno Collinet
- Université Paris-Saclay, CEA, CNRS, Institute for Integrative Biology of the Cell (I2BC), 91198, Gif-sur-Yvette, France
- Institut de Minéralogie de Physique des Matériaux et de Cosmochimie (IMPMC), Sorbonne-Université, UMR7590 CNRS, MNHN, Paris, France
| | - Herman van Tilbeurgh
- Université Paris-Saclay, CEA, CNRS, Institute for Integrative Biology of the Cell (I2BC), 91198, Gif-sur-Yvette, France.
| | - Tamara Basta
- Université Paris-Saclay, CEA, CNRS, Institute for Integrative Biology of the Cell (I2BC), 91198, Gif-sur-Yvette, France.
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Rocha REO, Mariano DCB, Almeida TS, CorrêaCosta LS, Fischer PHC, Santos LH, Caffarena ER, da Silveira CH, Lamp LM, Fernandez-Quintero ML, Liedl KR, de Melo-Minardi RC, de Lima LHF. Thermostabilizing mechanisms of canonical single amino acid substitutions at a GH1 β-glucosidase probed by multiple MD and computational approaches. Proteins 2023; 91:218-236. [PMID: 36114781 DOI: 10.1002/prot.26424] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2022] [Revised: 09/01/2022] [Accepted: 09/06/2022] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
β-glucosidases play a pivotal role in second-generation biofuel (2G-biofuel) production. For this application, thermostable enzymes are essential due to the denaturing conditions on the bioreactors. Random amino acid substitutions have originated new thermostable β-glucosidases, but without a clear understanding of their molecular mechanisms. Here, we probe by different molecular dynamics simulation approaches with distinct force fields and submitting the results to various computational analyses, the molecular bases of the thermostabilization of the Paenibacillus polymyxa GH1 β-glucosidase by two-point mutations E96K (TR1) and M416I (TR2). Equilibrium molecular dynamic simulations (eMD) at different temperatures, principal component analysis (PCA), virtual docking, metadynamics (MetaDy), accelerated molecular dynamics (aMD), Poisson-Boltzmann surface analysis, grid inhomogeneous solvation theory and colony method estimation of conformational entropy allow to converge to the idea that the stabilization carried by both substitutions depend on different contributions of three classic mechanisms: (i) electrostatic surface stabilization; (ii) efficient isolation of the hydrophobic core from the solvent, with energetic advantages at the solvation cap; (iii) higher distribution of the protein dynamics at the mobile active site loops than at the protein core, with functional and entropic advantages. Mechanisms i and ii predominate for TR1, while in TR2, mechanism iii is dominant. Loop A integrity and loops A, C, D, and E dynamics play critical roles in such mechanisms. Comparison of the dynamic and topological changes observed between the thermostable mutants and the wildtype protein with amino acid co-evolutive networks and thermostabilizing hotspots from the literature allow inferring that the mechanisms here recovered can be related to the thermostability obtained by different substitutions along the whole family GH1. We hope the results and insights discussed here can be helpful for future rational approaches to the engineering of optimized β-glucosidases for 2G-biofuel production for industry, biotechnology, and science.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rafael Eduardo Oliveira Rocha
- Laboratory of Molecular Modelling and Bioinformatics (LAMMB), Department of Physical and Biological Sciences, Campus Sete Lagoas, Universidade Federal de São João Del Rei, Sete Lagoas, Brazil.,Laboratory of Bioinformatics and Systems (LBS), Department of Computer Science, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil.,Laboratory of Molecular Modeling and Drug Design, Department of Biochemistry and Immunology, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Diego César Batista Mariano
- Laboratory of Bioinformatics and Systems (LBS), Department of Computer Science, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Tiago Silva Almeida
- Laboratory of Molecular Modelling and Bioinformatics (LAMMB), Department of Physical and Biological Sciences, Campus Sete Lagoas, Universidade Federal de São João Del Rei, Sete Lagoas, Brazil
| | - Leon Sulfierry CorrêaCosta
- Laboratory of Molecular Modelling and Bioinformatics (LAMMB), Department of Physical and Biological Sciences, Campus Sete Lagoas, Universidade Federal de São João Del Rei, Sete Lagoas, Brazil.,Computational Modeling Coordination (COMOD), Laboratório Nacional de Computação Científica (LNCC), Petrópolis, Brazil
| | - Pedro Henrique Camargo Fischer
- Laboratory of Molecular Modelling and Bioinformatics (LAMMB), Department of Physical and Biological Sciences, Campus Sete Lagoas, Universidade Federal de São João Del Rei, Sete Lagoas, Brazil
| | - Lucianna Helene Santos
- Laboratory of Bioinformatics and Systems (LBS), Department of Computer Science, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil.,Laboratory of Molecular Modeling and Drug Design, Department of Biochemistry and Immunology, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | | | | | - Leonida M Lamp
- Institute of General, Inorganic and Theoretical Chemistry, and Center for Chemistry and Biomedicine Innsbruck (CCB), University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Monica Lisa Fernandez-Quintero
- Institute of General, Inorganic and Theoretical Chemistry, and Center for Chemistry and Biomedicine Innsbruck (CCB), University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Klaus Roman Liedl
- Institute of General, Inorganic and Theoretical Chemistry, and Center for Chemistry and Biomedicine Innsbruck (CCB), University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Raquel Cardoso de Melo-Minardi
- Laboratory of Bioinformatics and Systems (LBS), Department of Computer Science, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Leonardo Henrique França de Lima
- Laboratory of Molecular Modelling and Bioinformatics (LAMMB), Department of Physical and Biological Sciences, Campus Sete Lagoas, Universidade Federal de São João Del Rei, Sete Lagoas, Brazil.,Institute of General, Inorganic and Theoretical Chemistry, and Center for Chemistry and Biomedicine Innsbruck (CCB), University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
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Kochetkova TO, Maslennikov DN, Tolmacheva ER, Shubina J, Bolshakova AS, Suvorova DI, Degtyareva AV, Orlovskaya IV, Kuznetsova MV, Rachkova AA, Sukhikh GT, Rebrikov DV, Trofimov DY. De Novo Variant in the KCNJ9 Gene as a Possible Cause of Neonatal Seizures. Genes (Basel) 2023; 14:genes14020366. [PMID: 36833293 PMCID: PMC9956824 DOI: 10.3390/genes14020366] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2022] [Revised: 01/16/2023] [Accepted: 01/25/2023] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The reduction in next-generation sequencing (NGS) costs allows for using this method for newborn screening for monogenic diseases (MDs). In this report, we describe a clinical case of a newborn participating in the EXAMEN project (ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT05325749). METHODS The child presented with convulsive syndrome on the third day of life. Generalized convulsive seizures were accompanied by electroencephalographic patterns corresponding to epileptiform activity. Proband WES expanded to trio sequencing was performed. RESULTS A differential diagnosis was made between symptomatic (dysmetabolic, structural, infectious) neonatal seizures and benign neonatal seizures. There were no data in favor of the dysmetabolic, structural, or infectious nature of seizures. Molecular karyotyping and whole exome sequencing were not informative. Trio WES revealed a de novo variant in the KCNJ9 gene (1:160087612T > C, p.Phe326Ser, NM_004983), for which, according to the OMIM database, no association with the disease has been described to date. Three-dimensional modeling was used to predict the structure of the KCNJ9 protein using the known structure of its homologs. According to the predictions, Phe326Ser change possibly disrupts the hydrophobic contacts with the valine side chain. Destabilization of the neighboring structures may undermine the formation of GIRK2/GIRK3 tetramers necessary for their proper functioning. CONCLUSIONS We believe that the identified variant may be the cause of the disease in this patient but further studies, including the search for other patients with the KCNJ9 variants, are needed.
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Nakkala S, Modak C, Bathula R, Lanka G, Somadi G, Sreekanth S, Jain A, Potlapally SR. Identification of new anti-cancer agents against CENTERIN: Structure-based virtual screening, AutoDock and binding free energy studies. J Mol Struct 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.molstruc.2022.133952] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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Soni N, Westra EP, Allegretta G, Araujo ALS, de Pinho CF, Morran S, Lerchl J, Dayan FE, Westra P, Gaines TA. Survey of ACCase and ALS resistance in winter annual grasses identifies target-site and nontarget-site imazamox resistance in Secale cereale. PEST MANAGEMENT SCIENCE 2022; 78:5080-5089. [PMID: 36039692 PMCID: PMC9825914 DOI: 10.1002/ps.7154] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2022] [Revised: 08/16/2022] [Accepted: 08/30/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Early detection of herbicide resistance in weeds is crucial for successful implementation of integrated weed management. We conducted a herbicide resistance survey of the winter annual grasses feral rye (Secale cereale), downy brome (Bromus tectorum), and jointed goatgrass (Aegilops cylindrica) from Colorado winter wheat production areas for resistance to imazamox and quizalofop. RESULTS All samples were susceptible to quizalofop. All downy brome and jointed goatgrass samples were susceptible to imazamox. Out of 314 field collected samples, we identified three feral rye populations (named A, B, and C) that were imazamox resistant. Populations B and C had a target-site mechanism with mutations in the Ser653 residue of the acetolactate synthase (ALS) gene to Asn in B and to Thr in C. Both populations B and C had greatly reduced ALS in vitro enzyme inhibition by imazamox. ALS feral rye protein modeling showed that steric interactions induced by the amino acid substitutions at Ser653 impaired imazamox binding. Individuals from population A had no mutations in the ALS gene. The ALS enzyme from population A was equally sensitive to imazamox as to known susceptible feral rye populations. Imazamox was degraded two times faster in population A compared with a susceptible control. An oxidized imazamox metabolite formed faster in population A and this detoxification reaction was inhibited by malathion. CONCLUSION Population A has a nontarget-site mechanism of enhanced imazamox metabolism that may be conferred by cytochrome P450 enzymes. This is the first report of both target-site and metabolism-based imazamox resistance in feral rye. © 2022 The Authors. Pest Management Science published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neeta Soni
- Department of Agricultural BiologyColorado State UniversityFort CollinsColoradoUSA
| | - Eric P. Westra
- Department of Agricultural BiologyColorado State UniversityFort CollinsColoradoUSA
| | | | - André L. S. Araujo
- Department of Agricultural BiologyColorado State UniversityFort CollinsColoradoUSA
- Department of FitotecniaUniversidade Federal Rural do Rio de JaneiroRio de JaneiroBrazil
| | - Camila F. de Pinho
- Department of FitotecniaUniversidade Federal Rural do Rio de JaneiroRio de JaneiroBrazil
| | - Sarah Morran
- Department of Agricultural BiologyColorado State UniversityFort CollinsColoradoUSA
| | | | - Franck E. Dayan
- Department of Agricultural BiologyColorado State UniversityFort CollinsColoradoUSA
| | - Philip Westra
- Department of Agricultural BiologyColorado State UniversityFort CollinsColoradoUSA
| | - Todd A. Gaines
- Department of Agricultural BiologyColorado State UniversityFort CollinsColoradoUSA
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Saran A, Weerasinghe N, Thibodeaux CJ, Zeytuni N. Purification, crystallization and crystallographic analysis of the PorX response regulator associated with the type IX secretion system. Acta Crystallogr F Struct Biol Commun 2022; 78:354-362. [PMID: 36189719 PMCID: PMC9527653 DOI: 10.1107/s2053230x22008500] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2022] [Accepted: 08/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Pathogenic bacteria utilize specialized macromolecular secretion systems to transport virulence factors across membrane(s) and manipulate their infected host. To date, 11 secretion systems have been identified, including the type IX secretion system (T9SS) associated with human, avian and farmed-fish diseases. As a bacterial secretion system, the T9SS also facilitates gliding motility and the degradation of different macromolecules by the secretion of metabolic enzymes in nonpathogenic bacteria. PorX is a highly conserved protein that regulates the transcription of essential T9SS components and additionally mediates the function of T9SS via direct interaction with PorL, the rotary motor protein of the T9SS. PorX is also a member of a two-component system regulatory cascade, where it serves as the response regulator that relays a signal transduced from a conserved sensor histidine kinase, PorY, to a designated sigma factor. Here, the recombinant expression and purification of PorX homologous proteins from the pathogenic bacterium Porphyromonas gingivalis and the nonpathogenic bacterium Flavobacterium johnsoniae are reported. A bioinformatical characterization of the different domains comprising the PorX protein is also provided, and the crystallization and X-ray analysis of PorX from F. johnsoniae are reported.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anshu Saran
- The Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology and the Department of Biochemistry, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Nuwani Weerasinghe
- The Department of Chemistry, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | | | - Natalie Zeytuni
- The Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology and the Department of Biochemistry, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
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The Possible Mechanism of Amyloid Transformation Based on the Geometrical Parameters of Early-Stage Intermediate in Silico Model for Protein Folding. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23169502. [PMID: 36012765 PMCID: PMC9409474 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23169502] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2022] [Revised: 08/09/2022] [Accepted: 08/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
The specificity of the available experimentally determined structures of amyloid forms is expressed primarily by the two- and not three-dimensional forms of a single polypeptide chain. Such a flat structure is possible due to the β structure, which occurs predominantly. The stabilization of the fibril in this structure is achieved due to the presence of the numerous hydrogen bonds between the adjacent chains. Together with the different forms of twists created by the single R- or L-handed α-helices, they form the hydrogen bond network. The specificity of the arrangement of these hydrogen bonds lies in their joint orientation in a system perpendicular to the plane formed by the chain and parallel to the fibril axis. The present work proposes the possible mechanism for obtaining such a structure based on the geometric characterization of the polypeptide chain constituting the basis of our early intermediate model for protein folding introduced formerly. This model, being the conformational subspace of Ramachandran plot (the ellipse path), was developed on the basis of the backbone conformation, with the side-chain interactions excluded. Our proposal is also based on the results from molecular dynamics available in the literature leading to the unfolding of α-helical sections, resulting in the β-structural forms. Both techniques used provide a similar suggestion in a search for a mechanism of conformational changes leading to a formation of the amyloid form. The potential mechanism of amyloid transformation is presented here using the fragment of the transthyretin as well as amyloid Aβ.
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Engineering a novel immunogenic chimera protein utilizing bacterial infections associated with atherosclerosis to induce a deviation in adaptive immune responses via Immunoinformatics approaches. INFECTION, GENETICS AND EVOLUTION : JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR EPIDEMIOLOGY AND EVOLUTIONARY GENETICS IN INFECTIOUS DISEASES 2022; 102:105290. [PMID: 35568333 DOI: 10.1016/j.meegid.2022.105290] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2021] [Revised: 03/29/2022] [Accepted: 04/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Recent studies have established the role of bacteria including Streptococcus pneumoniae, Helicobacter pylori, Chlamydia pneumonia, Mycobacterium tuberculosis, and Porphyromonas gingivalis in the development of atherosclerosis. These bacteria contribute to plaque formation via promoting Th1 immune responses and speeding up ox-LDL formation. Hence, we employed computational reverse vaccinology (RV) approaches to deviate immune response toward Th2 via engineering a novel immunogenic chimera protein. Prominent atherogenic antigens from related bacteria were identified. Then, machine learning-based servers were employed for predicting CTL and HTL epitopes. We selected epitopes from a wide variety of HLAs. Then, a chimeric protein sequence containing TAT peptide, adjuvant, IL-10 inducer, and linker-separated epitopes was designed. The conformational structure of the vaccine was built via multiple-template homology modelling using MODELLER. The initial structure was refined and validated by Ramachandran plot. The vaccine was also docked with TLR4. After that, molecular dynamics (MD) simulation of the docked vaccine-TLR4 was conducted. Finally, the immune simulation of the vaccine was conducted via the C-ImmSim server. A chimera protein with 629 amino acids was built and, classified as a non-allergenic probable antigen. An improved ERRAT score of 80.95 for the refined structure verified its stability. Additionally, validation via the Ramachandran plot showed 98.09% of the residues were located in the most favorable and permitted regions. MD simulations showed the vaccine-TLR4 complex reached a stable conformation. Also, RMS fluctuations analysis revealed no sign of protein denaturation or unfolding. Finally, immune response simulations indicated a promising response by innate and adaptive immunity. In summary, we built an immunogenic vaccine against atherosclerosis and demonstrated its favorable properties via advanced Immunoinformatics analyses. This study may pave the path for combat against atherosclerosis.
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Zhou Q, Li L, Liu F, Hu J, Cao Y, Qiao S, Zhou Y, Wang B, Jia Y, Chen Y, Xu S, Feng X. Mining and characterization of oxidative stress-related binding proteins of parthenolide in Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae. PEST MANAGEMENT SCIENCE 2022; 78:3345-3355. [PMID: 35491536 DOI: 10.1002/ps.6961] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2022] [Revised: 04/27/2022] [Accepted: 05/01/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Lack of control agents and development of bacterial resistance are emergent problems in the chemical control of rice bacterial blight, therefore novel bactericides against Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae (Xoo, the causal agent of rice bacterial blight) are urgently needed. We previously found that parthenolide (PTL) is a potential lead against Xoo, and PTL inhibits Xoo growth via oxidative stress. However, the mechanism of action of PTL against Xoo needs further elucidation. RESULTS In this study, a biotinylated PTL probe was synthesized, and two important subunits in the respiratory chain (NuoF of complex I and SdhB of complex II) of Xoo were captured with the probe and identified with liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). The binding between them was verified with pull-down and drug affinity responsive target stability technologies. In addition, purified proteins of NuoF and SdhB greatly lowered the antibacterial activity of PTL, and PTL evidently inhibited the enzyme activities of complexes I and II. Moreover, knockout of nuoF and sdhB in Xoo caused elevated reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels and increased sensitivity to PTL. Furthermore, molecular simulations indicated that PTL may form covalent bonds with Cys105 and Cys187 in NuoF and Cys106 in SdhB. CONCLUSION PTL can directly bind to NuoF and SdhB, which impairs the enzyme functions of complexes I and II in the respiratory chain, leading to ROS accumulation in Xoo. This study will provide deep insight into the mechanism of action of PTL against Xoo. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qian Zhou
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for the Research and Utilization of Plant Resources, Institute of Botany, Jiangsu Province and Chinese Academy of Sciences, Nanjing, China
- Jiangsu Province Engineering Research Center of Eco-cultivation and High-Value Utilization of Chinese Medicinal Materials, Institute of Botany, Jiangsu Province and Chinese Academy of Sciences, Nanjing, China
| | - Linwei Li
- The Jiangsu Provincial Platform for Conservation and Utilization of Agricultural Germplasm, Institute of Botany, Jiangsu Province and Chinese Academy of Sciences, Nanjing, China
| | - Fei Liu
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for the Research and Utilization of Plant Resources, Institute of Botany, Jiangsu Province and Chinese Academy of Sciences, Nanjing, China
- Jiangsu Province Engineering Research Center of Eco-cultivation and High-Value Utilization of Chinese Medicinal Materials, Institute of Botany, Jiangsu Province and Chinese Academy of Sciences, Nanjing, China
| | - Jun Hu
- The Jiangsu Provincial Platform for Conservation and Utilization of Agricultural Germplasm, Institute of Botany, Jiangsu Province and Chinese Academy of Sciences, Nanjing, China
| | - Yan Cao
- The Jiangsu Provincial Platform for Conservation and Utilization of Agricultural Germplasm, Institute of Botany, Jiangsu Province and Chinese Academy of Sciences, Nanjing, China
| | - Siwei Qiao
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for the Research and Utilization of Plant Resources, Institute of Botany, Jiangsu Province and Chinese Academy of Sciences, Nanjing, China
- Jiangsu Province Engineering Research Center of Eco-cultivation and High-Value Utilization of Chinese Medicinal Materials, Institute of Botany, Jiangsu Province and Chinese Academy of Sciences, Nanjing, China
- Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Yuxin Zhou
- The Jiangsu Provincial Platform for Conservation and Utilization of Agricultural Germplasm, Institute of Botany, Jiangsu Province and Chinese Academy of Sciences, Nanjing, China
| | - Bi Wang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for the Research and Utilization of Plant Resources, Institute of Botany, Jiangsu Province and Chinese Academy of Sciences, Nanjing, China
- Jiangsu Province Engineering Research Center of Eco-cultivation and High-Value Utilization of Chinese Medicinal Materials, Institute of Botany, Jiangsu Province and Chinese Academy of Sciences, Nanjing, China
| | - Yihe Jia
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines and Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yu Chen
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for the Research and Utilization of Plant Resources, Institute of Botany, Jiangsu Province and Chinese Academy of Sciences, Nanjing, China
- Jiangsu Province Engineering Research Center of Eco-cultivation and High-Value Utilization of Chinese Medicinal Materials, Institute of Botany, Jiangsu Province and Chinese Academy of Sciences, Nanjing, China
| | - Shu Xu
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for the Research and Utilization of Plant Resources, Institute of Botany, Jiangsu Province and Chinese Academy of Sciences, Nanjing, China
- Jiangsu Province Engineering Research Center of Eco-cultivation and High-Value Utilization of Chinese Medicinal Materials, Institute of Botany, Jiangsu Province and Chinese Academy of Sciences, Nanjing, China
| | - Xu Feng
- The Jiangsu Provincial Platform for Conservation and Utilization of Agricultural Germplasm, Institute of Botany, Jiangsu Province and Chinese Academy of Sciences, Nanjing, China
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Nandigrami P, Szczepaniak F, Boughter CT, Dehez F, Chipot C, Roux B. Computational Assessment of Protein-Protein Binding Specificity within a Family of Synaptic Surface Receptors. J Phys Chem B 2022; 126:7510-7527. [PMID: 35787023 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jpcb.2c02173] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Atomic-level information is essential to explain the formation of specific protein complexes in terms of structure and dynamics. The set of Dpr and DIP proteins, which play a key role in the neuromorphogenesis in the nervous system of Drosophila melanogaster, offer a rich paradigm to learn about protein-protein recognition. Many members of the DIP subfamily cross-react with several members of the Dpr family and vice versa. While there exists a total of 231 possible Dpr-DIP heterodimer complexes from the 21 Dpr and 11 DIP proteins, only 57 "cognate" pairs have been detected by surface plasmon resonance (SPR) experiments, suggesting that the remaining 174 pairs have low or unreliable binding affinity. Our goal is to assess the performance of computational approaches to characterize the global set of interactions between Dpr and DIP proteins and identify the specificity of binding between each DIP with their corresponding Dpr binding partners. In addition, we aim to characterize how mutations influence the specificity of the binding interaction. In this work, a wide range of knowledge-based and physics-based approaches are utilized, including mutual information, linear discriminant analysis, homology modeling, molecular dynamics simulations, Poisson-Boltzmann continuum electrostatics calculations, and alchemical free energy perturbation to decipher the origin of binding specificity of the Dpr-DIP complexes examined. Ultimately, the results show that those two broad strategies are complementary, with different strengths and limitations. Biological inter-relations are more clearly revealed through knowledge-based approaches combining evolutionary and structural features, the molecular determinants controlling binding specificity can be predicted accurately with physics-based approaches based on atomic models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Prithviraj Nandigrami
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois 60637, United States
| | - Florence Szczepaniak
- Unité Mixte de Recherche No. 7019, Université de Lorraine, B.P. 70239, 54506 Vandœuvre-lès-Nancy cedex, France
| | - Christopher T Boughter
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois 60637, United States
| | - François Dehez
- Unité Mixte de Recherche No. 7019, Université de Lorraine, B.P. 70239, 54506 Vandœuvre-lès-Nancy cedex, France
| | - Christophe Chipot
- Theoretical and Computational Biophysics Group, NIH Center for Macromolecular Modeling and Bioinformatics, Beckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois 61820, United States.,Laboratoire International Associé Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique et University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Unité Mixte de Recherche No. 7019, Université de Lorraine, B.P. 70239, 54506 Vandœuvre-lès-Nancy cedex, France.,Department of Physics, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois 61820, United States
| | - Benoît Roux
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois 60637, United States
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Reddy Peddi S, Kundenapally R, Kanth Sivan S, Somadi G, Manga V. A pragmatic pharmacophore informatics strategy to discover new potent inhibitors against pim-3. Struct Chem 2022. [DOI: 10.1007/s11224-022-01949-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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41
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Kibria KMK, Faruque MO, Islam MSB, Ullah H, Mahmud S, Miah M, Saleh AA. A conserved subunit vaccine designed against SARS-CoV-2 variants showed evidence in neutralizing the virus. Appl Microbiol Biotechnol 2022; 106:4091-4114. [PMID: 35612630 PMCID: PMC9130996 DOI: 10.1007/s00253-022-11988-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2022] [Revised: 04/16/2022] [Accepted: 05/17/2022] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) leads to coronavirus disease 19 (COVID-19), declared as a pandemic that outbreaks within almost 225 countries worldwide. For the time being, numerous mutations have been reported that led to the generation of numerous variants spread more rapidly. This study aims to establish an efficient multi-epitope subunit vaccine that could elicit both T-cell and B-cell responses sufficient to recognize three confirmed surface proteins of the virus. The sequences of the viral surface proteins, e.g., an envelope protein (E), membrane glycoprotein (M), and S1 and S2 domain of spike surface glycoprotein (S), were analyzed by an immunoinformatic approach. Top immunogenic epitopes have been selected based on the assessment of the affinity with MHC class-I and MHC class-II, population coverage, along with conservancy among wild type and new variants of SARS-CoV-2 genomes. Molecular docking and molecular dynamic simulation suggest that the proposed top peptides have the potential to interact with the highest number of both the MHC class I and MHC class II. The epitopes were assembled by the appropriate linkers to form a multi-epitope vaccine. Epitopes used in the vaccine construct are conserved in all the variants evolved till now. This in silico-designed multi-epitope vaccine is highly immunogenic and induces levels of SARS-CoV2-neutralizing antibodies in mice, which is detected by inhibition of cytopathic effect in Vero cell monolayer. Further studies are required to improve its efficiency in the prevention of virus replication in lung tissue, in addition to safety validation as a step for human application to combat SARS-CoV-2 variants. KEY POINTS: • We discovered five T-cell epitopes from three surface proteins of SARS-CoV-2. • These are conserved in the wild-type virus and variants, e.g., beta, delta, and omicron. • The multi-epitope vaccine can induce IgG in mice that can neutralize the virus.
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Affiliation(s)
- K. M. Kaderi Kibria
- Department of Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering, Faculty of Life Science, Mawlana Bhashani Science and Technology University, Tangail, 1902 Bangladesh
| | - Md. Omar Faruque
- Department of Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering, Faculty of Life Science, Mawlana Bhashani Science and Technology University, Tangail, 1902 Bangladesh
| | - Md. Shaid bin Islam
- Department of Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering, Faculty of Life Science, Mawlana Bhashani Science and Technology University, Tangail, 1902 Bangladesh
| | - Hedayet Ullah
- Department of Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering, Faculty of Life Science, Mawlana Bhashani Science and Technology University, Tangail, 1902 Bangladesh
| | - Shafi Mahmud
- Division of Genome Sciences and Cancer, The John Curtin School of Medical Research, and The Shine-Dalgarno Centre for RNA Innovation, The Australian National University, Canberra, ACT 2601, Australia
| | - Mojnu Miah
- Infectious Diseases Division, International Centre for Diarrhoeal Diseases Research Bangladesh (icddr,b), Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Amani Ali Saleh
- Virology Department, Veterinary Serum and Vaccine Research Institute (VSVRI), Cairo, Egypt
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Yadav J, Singh H, Pal SK, Das S, Srivastava VK, Jyoti A, Sharma V, Kumar S, Kaushik S. Exploring the molecular interaction of Pheniramine with Enterococcus faecalis Homoserine Kinase: In-silico and in vitro studies. J Mol Recognit 2022; 35:e2979. [PMID: 35642097 DOI: 10.1002/jmr.2979] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2021] [Revised: 05/03/2022] [Accepted: 05/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
Infections caused by the bacteria Enterococcus faecalis (also known as E. faecalis) are common in hospitals. This bacterium is resistant to a wide range of medicines and causes a variety of nosocomial infections. An increase in the number of infections caused by multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacteria is causing substantial economic and health issues around the world. Consequently, new therapeutic techniques to tackle the growing threat of E. faecalis infections must be developed as soon as possible. In this regard, we have targeted a protein that is regarded to be critical for the survival of bacteria in this experiment. Homoserine kinase (HSK) is a threonine metabolism enzyme that belongs to the GHMP kinase superfamily. It is a crucial enzyme in threonine metabolism. This enzyme is responsible for a critical step in the threonine biosynthesis pathway. Given the important function that E. faecalis Homoserine Kinase (ESK) plays in bacterial metabolism, we proposed that E. faecalis HSK be cloned, overexpressed, purified, and subjected to structural analyses using homology modelling. In addition, we have reported on the model's molecular docking and Molecular Dynamic Stimulation (MD Stimulation) investigations to validate the results of the docking experiments. The results were promising. In silico investigations came up with the conclusion: pheniramine has good binding affinity for the E. faecalis HSK.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jyoti Yadav
- Amity Institute of Biotechnology, Amity University Rajasthan, Jaipur, India
| | - Harpreet Singh
- Amity Institute of Biotechnology, Amity University Rajasthan, Jaipur, India
| | - Sudhir Kumar Pal
- Centre for Bioseparation Technology, VIT University, Vellore, India
| | - Satyajeet Das
- Amity Institute of Biotechnology, Amity University Rajasthan, Jaipur, India
| | | | - Anupam Jyoti
- Department of Biotechnology, University Institute of Biotechnology, Chandigarh University, Chandigarh, India
| | - Vinay Sharma
- Amity Institute of Biotechnology, Amity University Rajasthan, Jaipur, India
| | - Sanjit Kumar
- Centre for Bioseparation Technology, VIT University, Vellore, India
| | - Sanket Kaushik
- Amity Institute of Biotechnology, Amity University Rajasthan, Jaipur, India
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Barata-Antunes C, Talaia G, Broutzakis G, Ribas D, De Beule P, Casal M, Stefan CJ, Diallinas G, Paiva S. Interactions of cytosolic tails in the Jen1 carboxylate transporter are critical for trafficking and transport activity. J Cell Sci 2022; 135:275079. [PMID: 35437607 DOI: 10.1242/jcs.260059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2022] [Accepted: 04/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Plasma membrane (PM) transporters of the major facilitator superfamily (MFS) are essential for cell metabolism, growth and response to stress or drugs. In Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Jen1 is a monocarboxylate/H+ symporter that provides a model to dissect the molecular details underlying cellular expression, transport mechanism and turnover of MFS transporters. Here, we present evidence revealing novel roles of the cytosolic N- and C-termini of Jen1 in its biogenesis, PM stability and transport activity, using functional analyses of Jen1 truncations and chimeric constructs with UapA, an endocytosis-insensitive transporter of Aspergillus nidulans. Our results show that both N- and C-termini are critical for Jen1 trafficking to the PM, transport activity and endocytosis. Importantly, we provide evidence that Jen1 N- and C-termini undergo transport-dependent dynamic intramolecular interactions, which affect the transport activity and turnover of Jen1. Our results support an emerging concept where the cytoplasmic termini of PM transporters control transporter cell surface stability and function through flexible intramolecular interactions with each other. These findings might be extended to other MFS members to understand conserved and evolving mechanisms underlying transporter structure-function relationships. This article has an associated First Person interview with the first authors of the paper.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cláudia Barata-Antunes
- Centre of Molecular and Environmental Biology, Department of Biology, University of Minho, 4710-057, Braga, Portugal.,Institute of Science and Innovation for Bio-Sustainability (IB-S), University of Minho, 4710-057, Braga, Portugal
| | - Gabriel Talaia
- Centre of Molecular and Environmental Biology, Department of Biology, University of Minho, 4710-057, Braga, Portugal.,Department of Cell Biology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06510, USA
| | - George Broutzakis
- Department of Biology, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Panepistimiopolis 15784, Athens, Greece
| | - David Ribas
- Centre of Molecular and Environmental Biology, Department of Biology, University of Minho, 4710-057, Braga, Portugal
| | - Pieter De Beule
- International Iberian Nanotechnology Laboratory, Avenida Mestre José Veiga s/n, Braga, Portugal
| | - Margarida Casal
- Centre of Molecular and Environmental Biology, Department of Biology, University of Minho, 4710-057, Braga, Portugal.,Institute of Science and Innovation for Bio-Sustainability (IB-S), University of Minho, 4710-057, Braga, Portugal
| | - Christopher J Stefan
- MRC Laboratory for Molecular Cell Biology, University College London, Gower Street, London WC1E 6BT, UK
| | - George Diallinas
- Department of Biology, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Panepistimiopolis 15784, Athens, Greece.,Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Foundation for Research and Technology, 70013, Heraklion, Greece
| | - Sandra Paiva
- Centre of Molecular and Environmental Biology, Department of Biology, University of Minho, 4710-057, Braga, Portugal.,Institute of Science and Innovation for Bio-Sustainability (IB-S), University of Minho, 4710-057, Braga, Portugal
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44
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An insilico study of KLK-14 protein and its inhibition with curcumin and its derivatives. CHEMICAL PAPERS 2022. [DOI: 10.1007/s11696-022-02209-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
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45
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Functional interaction between compound heterozygous TERT mutations causes severe telomere biology disorder. Blood Adv 2022; 6:3779-3791. [PMID: 35477117 DOI: 10.1182/bloodadvances.2022007029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2022] [Accepted: 04/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Telomere biology disorders (TBDs) are a spectrum of multisystem inherited disorders characterized by bone marrow failure, resulting from mutations in genes encoding telomerase or other proteins involved in maintaining telomere length and integrity. Pathogenicity of variants in these genes can be hard to evaluate, since TBD mutations show highly variable penetrance and genetic anticipation due to inheritance of shorter telomeres with each generation. Thus, detailed functional analysis of newly identified variants is often essential. Here we describe a patient with compound heterozygous variants in the TERT gene, which encodes the catalytic subunit of telomerase, hTERT; this patient has the extremely severe Hoyeraal-Hreidarsson form of TBD, although his heterozygous parents are clinically unaffected. Molecular dynamic modeling and detailed biochemical analyses demonstrate that 1 allele (L557P) affects association of hTERT with its cognate RNA component hTR, while the other (K1050E) affects the binding of telomerase to its DNA substrate and enzyme processivity. Unexpectedly, the data demonstrate a functional interaction between the proteins encoded by the 2 alleles, with WT hTERT able to rescue the effect of K1050E on processivity, whereas L557P hTERT cannot. These data contribute to the mechanistic understanding of telomerase, indicating that RNA binding in 1 hTERT molecule affects the processivity of telomere addition by the other molecule. This work emphasizes the importance of functional characterization of TERT variants to reach a definitive molecular diagnosis for TBD patients, and in particular it illustrates the importance of analyzing the effects of compound heterozygous variants in combination to reveal interallelic effects.
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Computational analysis of Elongation Factor 2 (EF-2) of Cryptosporidium parvum for identification of therapeutics. Biologia (Bratisl) 2022. [DOI: 10.1007/s11756-022-01030-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
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47
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Kumar N, Garg P. Probing the Molecular Basis of Cofactor Affinity and Conformational Dynamics of Mycobacterium tuberculosis Elongation Factor Tu: An Integrated Approach Employing Steered Molecular Dynamics and Umbrella Sampling Simulations. J Phys Chem B 2022; 126:1447-1461. [PMID: 35167282 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jpcb.1c09438] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
The emergence of multidrug-resistant and extensively drug-resistant tuberculosis strains is the reason that the infectious tuberculosis pathogen is still the most common cause of death. The quest for new antitubercular drugs that can fit into multidrug regimens, function swiftly, and overcome the ever-increasing prevalence of drug resistance continues. The crucial role of MtbEF-Tu in translation and trans-translation processes makes it an excellent target for antitubercular drug design. In this study, the primary sequence of MtbEF-Tu was used to model the three-dimensional structures of MtbEF-Tu in the presence of GDP ("off" state) and GTP ("on" state). The binding free energy computed using both the molecular mechanics/Poisson-Boltzmann surface area and umbrella sampling approaches shows that GDP binds to MtbEF-Tu with an ∼2-fold affinity compared to GTP. The steered molecular dynamics (SMD) and umbrella sampling simulation also shows that the dissociation of GDP from MtbEF-Tu in the presence of Mg2+ is a thermodynamically intensive process, while in the absence of Mg2+, the destabilized GDP dissociates very easily from the MtbEF-Tu. Naturally, the dissociation of Mg2+ from the MtbEF-Tu is facilitated by the nucleotide exchange factor EF-Ts, and this prior release of magnesium makes the dissociation process of destabilized GDP easy, similar to that observed in the umbrella sampling and SMD study. The MD simulations of MtbEF-Tu's "on" state conformation in the presence of GTP reveal that the secondary structure of switch-I and Mg2+ coordination network remains similar to its template despite the absence of identity in the conserved region of switch-I. On the other hand, the secondary structure in the conserved region of the switch-I of MtbEF-Tu unwinds from a helix to a loop in the presence of GDP. The major conformational changes observed in switch-I and the movement of Thr64 away from Mg2+ mainly reflect essential conformational changes to make the shift of MtbEF-Tu's "on" state to the "off" state in the presence of GDP. These obtained structural and functional insights into MtbEF-Tu are pivotal for a better understanding of structural-functional linkages of MtbEF-Tu, and these findings may serve as a basis for the design and development of MtbEF-Tu-specific inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Navneet Kumar
- Department of Pharmacoinformatics, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER), Sector 67, S.A.S. Nagar 160062, Punjab, India
| | - Prabha Garg
- Department of Pharmacoinformatics, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER), Sector 67, S.A.S. Nagar 160062, Punjab, India
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Lu R, Yan X, Fang G, Zhuang Y, Guo L, Zhang C, Wu X, Xiao P, Cao Y, Yang F, Yu X, Sun JP, Zhou JY. A molecular mechanism of UDCA engagement with GPBAR and subsequent G protein interaction revealed by scattered alanine scanning. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2022; 600:14-21. [PMID: 35182970 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2022.02.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2022] [Accepted: 02/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
As the most known therapeutic component of bear bile acids, ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) is an FDA-approved drug for the treatment of primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC), the dissolution of cholesterol gallstones. UDCA produces many beneficial effects on metabolism and immune responses via its interaction with the membrane G protein-coupled bile acid receptor (GPBAR); however, how UDCA interacts with GPBAR and its selective cellular effects remain elusive. In this study, we delineated the interaction of UDCA with GPBAR and activation mechanism of GPBAR by scattered alanine scanning and molecular docking. Our results indicated that transmembrane helix 2 (TM2), TM3, TM5 and TM6 of GPBAR contribute to the interaction of UDCA in GPBAR binding pocket. Moreover, we predicted that the engagement of the 3-OH of UDCA with phenolic oxygen of Y2406.51 in GPBAR plays a key role in GPBAR activation. Unexpectedly, in addition to the well-known roles of intracellular loop2 (ICL2) residues, we identified that ICL3 residues play an important role in G protein coupling to GPBAR in response to UDCA binding. Our study provides a preliminary molecular mechanism of how GPBAR recognizes UDCA and subsequent activation and G protein interaction, which may facilitate the development of new bile acid derivatives as therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruirui Lu
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, 232 WaiHuan East Road, Guangzhou University Town, Guangzhou, 510006, PR China
| | - Xu Yan
- Key Laboratory Experimental Teratology of the Ministry of Education and Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Shandong University School of Medicine, 44 Wenhua Xi Road, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, China
| | - Guoxing Fang
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, 232 WaiHuan East Road, Guangzhou University Town, Guangzhou, 510006, PR China
| | - Yuming Zhuang
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, 232 WaiHuan East Road, Guangzhou University Town, Guangzhou, 510006, PR China
| | - Lulu Guo
- Key Laboratory Experimental Teratology of the Ministry of Education and Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Shandong University School of Medicine, 44 Wenhua Xi Road, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, China
| | - Chao Zhang
- Key Laboratory Experimental Teratology of the Ministry of Education and Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Shandong University School of Medicine, 44 Wenhua Xi Road, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, China
| | - Xiang Wu
- Key Laboratory Experimental Teratology of the Ministry of Education and Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Shandong University School of Medicine, 44 Wenhua Xi Road, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, China
| | - Peng Xiao
- Key Laboratory Experimental Teratology of the Ministry of Education and Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Shandong University School of Medicine, 44 Wenhua Xi Road, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, China
| | - Yiwen Cao
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, 232 WaiHuan East Road, Guangzhou University Town, Guangzhou, 510006, PR China
| | - Fan Yang
- Key Laboratory Experimental Teratology of the Ministry of Education and Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Shandong University School of Medicine, 44 Wenhua Xi Road, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, China; Advanced Medical Research Institute, Shandong University, No.17923, Jingshi Road, Jinan, Shandong, 250061, China
| | - Xiao Yu
- Key Laboratory Experimental Teratology of the Ministry of Education and Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Shandong University School of Medicine, 44 Wenhua Xi Road, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, China
| | - Jin-Peng Sun
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, 232 WaiHuan East Road, Guangzhou University Town, Guangzhou, 510006, PR China; Key Laboratory Experimental Teratology of the Ministry of Education and Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Shandong University School of Medicine, 44 Wenhua Xi Road, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, China; Advanced Medical Research Institute, Shandong University, No.17923, Jingshi Road, Jinan, Shandong, 250061, China; Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University, Key Laboratory of Molecular Cardiovascular Science, Ministry of Education, Beijing, 100191, China.
| | - Jiu-Yao Zhou
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, 232 WaiHuan East Road, Guangzhou University Town, Guangzhou, 510006, PR China.
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Robin S, Hassine KB, Muthukumaran J, Jurkovic Mlakar S, Krajinovic M, Nava T, Uppugunduri CRS, Ansari M. A potential implication of UDP-glucuronosyltransferase 2B10 in the detoxification of drugs used in pediatric hematopoietic stem cell transplantation setting: an in silico investigation. BMC Mol Cell Biol 2022; 23:5. [PMID: 35062878 PMCID: PMC8781437 DOI: 10.1186/s12860-021-00402-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2021] [Accepted: 12/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Sinusoidal occlusion syndrome (SOS) is a potentially severe complication following hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) in pediatric patients. Treatment related risk factors such as intensity of conditioning, hepatotoxic co-medication and patient related factors such as genetic variants predispose individuals to develop SOS. The variant allele for SNP rs17146905 in UDP-glucuronosyl transferase 2B10 (UGT2B10) gene was correlated with the occurrence of SOS in an exome-wide association study. UGT2B10 is a phase II drug metabolizing enzyme involved in the N-glucuronidation of tertiary amine containing drugs. Methods To shed light on the functionality of UGT2B10 enzyme in the metabolism of drugs used in pediatric HSCT setting, we performed in silico screening against custom based library of putative ligands. First, a list of potential substrates for in silico analysis was prepared using a systematic consensus-based strategy. The list comprised of drugs and their metabolites used in pediatric HSCT setting. The three-dimensional structure of UGT2B10 was not available from the Research Collaboratory Structural Bioinformatics - Protein Data Bank (RCSB - PDB) repository and thus we predicted the first human UGT2B10 3D model by using multiple template homology modeling with MODELLER Version 9.2 and molecular docking calculations with AutoDock Vina Version 1.2 were implemented to quantify the estimated binding affinity between selected putative substrates or ligands and UGT2B10. Finally, we performed molecular dynamics simulations using GROMACS Version 5.1.4 to confirm the potential UGT2B10 ligands prioritized after molecular docking (exhibiting negative free binding energy). Results Four potential ligands for UGT2B10 namely acetaminophen, lorazepam, mycophenolic acid and voriconazole n-oxide intermediate were identified. Other metabolites of voriconazole satisfied the criteria of being possible ligands of UGT2B10. Except for bilirubin and 4-Hydroxy Voriconazole, all the ligands (particularly voriconazole and hydroxy voriconazole) are oriented in substrate binding site close to the co-factor UDP (mean ± SD; 0.72 ± 0.33 nm). Further in vitro screening of the putative ligands prioritized by in silico pipeline is warranted to understand the nature of the ligands either as inhibitors or substrates of UGT2B10. Conclusions These results may indicate the clinical and pharmacological relevance UGT2B10 in pediatric HSCT setting. With this systematic computational methodology, we provide a rational-, time-, and cost-effective way to identify and prioritize the interesting putative substrates or inhibitors of UGT2B10 for further testing in in vitro experiments. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12860-021-00402-5.
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Biochemical and structural characterization of quizalofop-resistant wheat acetyl-CoA carboxylase. Sci Rep 2022; 12:679. [PMID: 35027605 PMCID: PMC8758669 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-04280-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2021] [Accepted: 12/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
A novel nucleotide mutation in ACC1 resulting in an alanine to valine amino acid substitution in acetyl-CoA carboxylase (ACCase) at position 2004 of the Alopecurus myosuroides reference sequence (A2004V) imparts quizalofop resistance in wheat. Genotypes endowed with the homozygous mutation in one or two ACC1 homoeologs are seven- and 68-fold more resistant to quizalofop than a wildtype winter wheat in greenhouse experiments, respectively. In vitro ACCase activities in soluble protein extracts from these varieties are 3.8- and 39.4-fold more resistant to quizalofop with the homozygous mutation in either one or two genomes, relative to the wildtype. The A2004V mutation does not alter the specific activity of wheat ACCase, suggesting that this resistance trait does not affect the catalytic functions of ACCase. Modeling of wildtype and quizalofop-resistant wheat ACCase demonstrates that the A2004V amino acid substitution causes a reduction in the volume of the binding pocket that hinders quizalofop’s interaction with ACCase. Docking studies confirm that the mutation reduces the binding affinity of quizalofop. Interestingly, the models suggest that the A2004V mutation does not affect haloxyfop binding. Follow up in vivo and in vitro experiments reveal that the mutation, in fact, imparts negative cross-resistance to haloxyfop, with quizalofop-resistant varieties exhibiting higher sensitivity to haloxyfop than the wildtype winter wheat line.
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