Structure of the monomeric actin-myosin head complex as revealed by X-ray solution scattering

Myosin and Other Energy-Transducing ATPases: Structural Dynamics Studied by Electron Paramagnetic Resonance

The objective of this article was to document the energy-transducing and regulatory interactions in supramolecular complexes such as motor, pump, and clock ATPases. The dynamics and structural features were characterized by motion and distance measurements using spin-labeling electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy. In particular, we focused on myosin ATPase with actin-troponin-tropomyosin, neural kinesin ATPase with microtubule, P-type ion-motive ATPase, and cyanobacterial clock ATPase. Finally, we have described the relationships or common principles among the molecular mechanisms of various energy-transducing systems and how the large-scale thermal structural transition of flexible elements from one state to the other precedes the subsequent irreversible chemical reactions.

Difference in hydration structures between F-actin and myosin subfragment-1 detected by small-angle X-ray and neutron scattering

Hydration structures around F-actin and myosin subfragment-1 (S1), which play central roles as counterparts in muscle contraction, were investigated by small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) and small-angle neutron scattering (SANS). The radius of gyration of chymotryptic S1 was evaluated to be 41.3±1.1 Å for SAXS, 40.1±3.0 Å for SANS in H₂O, and 37.8±0.8 Å for SANS in D₂O, respectively. The values of the cross-sectional radius of gyration of F-actin were 25.4±0.03 Å for SAXS, 23.4±2.4 Å for SANS in H₂O, and 22.6 ± 0.6 Å for SANS in D₂O, respectively. These differences arise from different contributions of the hydration shell to the scattering curves. Analysis by model calculations showed that the hydration shell of S1 has the average density 10–15% higher than bulk water, being the typical hydration shell. On the other hand, the hydration shell of F-actin has the average density more than 19% higher than bulk water, indicating that F-actin has a denser, unusual hydration structure. The results indicate a difference in the hydration structures around F-actin and S1. The unusual hydration structure around F-actin may have the structural property of so-called “hyper-mobile water” around F-actin.