Structural changes in human tear lipocalins associated with lipid binding

Tear Lipocalin and Lipocalin-Interacting Membrane Receptor

Tear lipocalin is a primate protein that was recognized as a lipocalin from the homology of the primary sequence. The protein is most concentrated in tears and produced by lacrimal glands. Tear lipocalin is also produced in the tongue, pituitary, prostate, and the tracheobronchial tree. Tear lipocalin has been assigned a multitude of functions. The functions of tear lipocalin are inexorably linked to structural characteristics that are often shared by the lipocalin family. These characteristics result in the binding and or transport of a wide range of small hydrophobic molecules. The cavity of tear lipocalin is formed by eight strands (A-H) that are arranged in a β-barrel and are joined by loops between the β-strands. Recently, studies of the solution structure of tear lipocalin have unveiled new structural features such as cation-π interactions, which are extant throughout the lipocalin family. Lipocalin has many unique features that affect ligand specificity. These include a capacious and a flexible cavity with mobile and short overhanging loops. Specific features that confer promiscuity for ligand binding in tear lipocalin will be analyzed. The functions of tear lipocalin include the following: antimicrobial activities, scavenger of toxic and tear disruptive compounds, endonuclease activity, and inhibition of cysteine proteases. In addition, tear lipocalin binds and may modulate lipids in the tears. Such actions support roles as an acceptor for phospholipid transfer protein, heteropolymer formation to alter viscosity, and tear surface interactions. The promiscuous lipid-binding properties of tear lipocalin have created opportunities for its use as a drug carrier. Mutant analogs have been created to bind other molecules such as vascular endothelial growth factor for medicinal use. Tear lipocalin has been touted as a useful biomarker for several diseases including breast cancer, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, diabetic retinopathy, and keratoconus. The functional possibilities of tear lipocalin dramatically expanded when a putative receptor, lipocalin-interacting membrane receptor was identified. However, opposing studies claim that lipocalin-interacting membrane receptor is not specific for lipocalin. A recent study even suggests a different function for the membrane protein. This controversy will be reviewed in light of gene expression data, which suggest that tear lipocalin has a different tissue distribution than the putative receptor. But the data show lipocalin-interacting membrane receptor is expressed on ocular surface epithelium and that a receptor function here would be rational.

Into the Labyrinth of the Lipocalin α1-Acid Glycoprotein

α₁-acid glycoprotein (AGP), also known as Orosomucoid (ORM), belongs to the Lipocalin protein family and it is well-known for being a positive acute-phase protein. AGP is mostly found in plasma, with the liver as main contributor, but it is also expressed in other tissues such as the brain or the adipose tissue. Despite the vast literature on AGP, the physiological functions of the protein remain to be elucidated. A large number of activities mostly related to protection and immune system modulation have been described. Recently created AGP-knockout models have suggested novel physiological roles of AGP, including regulation of metabolism. AGP has an outstanding ability to efficiently bind endogenous and exogenous small molecules that together with the complex and variable glycosylation patterns, determine AGP functions. This review summarizes and discusses the recent findings on AGP structure (including glycans), ligand-binding ability, regulation, and physiological functions of AGP. Moreover, this review explores possible molecular and functional connections between AGP and other members of the Lipocalin protein family.

Evidence for Phospholipids on the Surface of Human Tears

Purpose

The structure of tears has been theoretically considered three tiers with lipids at the air interface, aqueous and proteins in the subphase, and anchored mucins on the corneal epithelial surface. While many lipid and protein species have been identified in tears by mass spectrometry, the localization of the major components within the tear film structure remains speculative. The most controversial components are phospholipids. Although surface active, phospholipids have been presumed to be bound entirely to protein in the aqueous portion of tears or reside at the aqueous-lipid interface. Herein, the possibility that phospholipids are adsorbed at the air-surface interface of tears is interrogated.

Methods

Polarization-modulated Fourier transform infrared reflective absorption spectroscopy (PM-IRRAS) was used to study the presence of phosphate signals at the tear surface. In order to constrain the depth of signal detection to the surface, an extreme grazing angle of incident radiation was employed. Nulling ellipsometry was used to confirm the presence of monolayers and surface thicknesses when surface active reagents were added to solutions.

Results

Surface selection of PM-IRRAS was demonstrated by suppression of water and phosphate signals in buffers with monolayers of oleic acid. Phosphate signals were shown to reflect relative concentrations. Absorption peaks attributable to phospholipids were detected by PM-IRRAS on the human tear film surface and were augmented by the addition of phospholipid.

Conclusions

The data provide strong evidence that phospholipids are present at the surface of tears.

Lacritin proteoforms prevent tear film collapse and maintain epithelial homeostasis

Lipids in complex, protein-enriched films at air/liquid interfaces reduce surface tension. In the absence of this benefit, the light refracting and immunoprotective tear film on eyes would collapse. Premature collapse, coupled with chronic inflammation compromising visual acuity, is a hallmark of dry eye disease affecting 7 to 10% of individuals worldwide. Although collapse seems independent of mutation (unlike newborn lung alveoli), selective proteome and possible lipidome changes have been noted. These include elevated tissue transglutaminase and consequent inactivation through C-terminal cross-linking of the tear mitogen lacritin, leading to significant loss of lacritin monomer. Lacritin monomer restores homeostasis via autophagy and mitochondrial fusion and promotes basal tearing. Here, we discover that lacritin monomer C-terminal processing, inclusive of cysteine, serine, and metalloproteinase activity, generates cationic amphipathic α-helical proteoforms. Such proteoforms (using synthetic peptide surrogates) act like alveolar surfactant proteins to rapidly bind and stabilize the tear lipid layer. Immunodepletion of C- but not N-terminal proteoforms nor intact lacritin, from normal human tears promotes loss of stability akin to human dry eye tears. Stability of these and dry eye tears is rescuable with C- but not N-terminal proteoforms. Repeated topical application in rabbits reveals a proteoform turnover time of 7 to 33 h with gradual loss from human tear lipid that retains bioactivity without further processing. Thus, the processed C-terminus of lacritin that is deficient or absent in dry eye tears appears to play a key role in preventing tear film collapse and as a natural slow release mechanism that restores epithelial homeostasis.

Interaction of ceramides and tear lipocalin

The distribution of lipids in tears is critical to their function. Lipids in human tears may retard evaporation by forming a surface barrier at the air interface. Lipids complexed with the major lipid binding protein in tears, tear lipocalin, reside in the bulk (aqueous) and may have functions unrelated to the surface. Many new lipids species have been revealed through recent mass spectrometric studies. Their association with lipid binding proteins has not been studied. Squalene, (O-acyl) omega-hydroxy fatty acids (OAHFA) and ceramides are examples. Even well-known lipids such as wax and cholesteryl esters are only presumed to be unbound because extracts of protein fractions of tears were devoid of these lipids. Our purpose was to determine by direct binding assays if the aforementioned lipids can bind tear lipocalin. Lipids were screened for ability to displace DAUDA from tear lipocalin in a fluorescence displacement assay. Di- and tri-glycerides, squalene, OAHFA, wax and cholesterol esters did not displace DAUDA from tear lipocalin. However, ceramides displaced DAUDA. Apparent dissociation constants for ceramide-tear lipocalin complexes using fluorescent analogs were measured consistently in the submicromolar range with 3 methods, linear spectral summation, high speed centrifugal precipitation and standard fluorescence assays. At the relatively small concentrations in tears, all ceramides were complexed to tear lipocalin. The lack of binding of di- and tri-glycerides, squalene, OAHFA, as well as wax and cholesterol esters to tear lipocalin is consonant with residence of these lipids near the air interface.

The real reason for having a meibomian lipid layer covering the outer surface of the tear film - A review

This review critically evaluates a broad range of literature in order to show the relationship between meibum, tear lipids and the tear film lipid layer (TFLL). The relationship of meibum composition to dry eye syndrome is briefly discussed. The review also explores the interactions between aqueous and the TFLL by examining the correlations between meibomian lipids and lipids extracted from whole tears, and by considering protein adsorption to the TFLL from the aqueous. Although it is clear to the authors that a normal tear film resists evaporation, an emerging idea from the literature is that the main purpose of the TFLL is to allow the spread of the tear film and to prevent its collapse onto the ocular surface, rather than to be an evaporative blanket. Current models on the possible structure of the TFLL are also examined.

Probing tertiary structure of proteins using single Trp mutations with circular dichroism at low temperature

Trp is the most spectroscopically informative aromatic amino acid of proteins. However, the near-UV circular dichroism (CD) spectrum of Trp is complicated because the intensity and sign of ¹L_a and ¹L_b bands vary independently. To resolve vibronic structure and gain site-specific information from complex spectra, deconvolution was combined with cooling and site-directed tryptophan substitution. Low temperature near-UV CD was used to probe the local tertiary structure of a loop and α-helix in tear lipocalin. Upon cooling, the enhancement of the intensities of the near-UV CD was not uniform, but depends on the position of Trp in the protein structure. The most enhanced ¹L_b band was observed for Trp at position 124 in the α-helix segment matching the known increased conformational mobility during ligand binding. Some aspects of the CD spectra of W28 and W130 were successfully linked to specific rotamers of Trp previously obtained from fluorescence lifetime measurements. The discussion was based on a framework that the magnitude of the energy differences in local conformations governs the changes in the CD intensities at low temperature. The Trp CD spectral classification of Strickland was modified to facilitate the recognition of pseudo peaks. Near-UV CD spectra harbor abundant information about the conformation of proteins that site directed Trp CD can report.

Tryptophan rotamer distribution revealed for the α-helix in tear lipocalin by site-directed tryptophan fluorescence

Rotamer libraries are a valuable tool for protein structure determination, modeling, and design. Site-directed tryptophan fluorescence (SDTF) was used in combination with the rotamer model for the fluorescence intensity decays to solve α-helical conformations of proteins in solution. Single Trp mutations located in an α-helical segment of human tear lipocalin were explored for structure assignment. Along with fluorescence λ(max) values, the rotamer model assignment of fluorescence lifetimes fits the backbone conformation. Typically, Trp fluorescence in proteins shows three lifetimes. However, for the α-helix, two lifetimes assigned to t and g(-) rotamers were satisfactory to describe Trp fluorescence intensity decays. The g(+) rotamer is not feasible in the α-helix due to steric restriction. Trp rotamer distributions obtained by fluorescence were compared with the rotamer library derived from X-ray crystallography data of proteins. The Trp rotamer distributions vary for solvent exposed and buried (tertiary interaction) sites. A new strategy using the rotamer distribution with SDTF (RD-SDTF) removes the limitation of regular SDTF and other labeling techniques, in which site-specific differences, e.g., accessibility, are presumed. The RD-SDTF technique does not rely on environmental differences of side chains and is able to detect α-helical structure where all side chains are exposed to solvent. Potentially, this technique is applicable to various proteins including membrane proteins, which are rich in α-helix motif.

Cation-π interactions in lipocalins: structural and functional implications

The cation-π interaction impacts protein folding, structural stability, specificity, and molecular recognition. Cation-π interactions have been overlooked in the lipocalin family. To fill this gap, these interactions were analyzed in the 113 crystal and solution structures from the lipocalin family. The cation-π interactions link previously identified structurally conserved regions and reveal new motifs, which are beyond the reach of a sequence alignment algorithm. Functional and structural significance of the interactions were tested experimentally in human tear lipocalin (TL). TL, a prominent and promiscuous lipocalin, has a key role in lipid binding at the ocular surface. Ligand binding modulation through the loop AB at the "open" end of the barrel has been erroneously attributed solely to electrostatic interactions. Data revealed that the interloop cation-π interaction in the pair Phe28-Lys108 contributes significantly to stabilize the holo-conformation of the loop AB. Numerous energetically significant and conserved cation-π interactions were uncovered in TL and throughout the lipocalin family. Cation-π interactions, such as the highly conserved Trp17-Arg118 pair in TL, were educed in low temperature experiments of mutants with Trp to Tyr substitutions.

Tear lipocalin: structure and function

Lipocalins are a family of diverse low molecular weight proteins that act extracellularly. They use multiple recognition properties that include 1) ligand binding to small hydrophobic molecules, 2) macromolecular complexation with other soluble macromolecules, and 3) binding to specific cell surface receptors to deliver cargo. Tear lipocalin (TLC) is a major protein in tears and has a large ligand-binding cavity that allows the lipocalin to bind an extensive and diverse set of lipophilic molecules. TLC can also bind to macromolecules, including the tear proteins lactoferin and lysozyme. The receptor to which TLC binds is termed tear lipocalin-interacting membrane receptor (LIMR). LIMR appears to work by endocytosis. TLC has a variety of suggested functions in tears, including regulation of tear viscosity, binding and release of lipids, endonuclease inactivation of viral DNA, binding of microbial siderophores (iron chelators used to deliver essential iron to bacteria), serving as a biomarker for dry eye, and possessing anti-inflammatory activity. Additional research is warranted to determine the actual functions of TLC in tears and the presence of its receptor on the ocular surface.

Importance of pH and disulfide bridges on the structural and binding properties of human α₁-acid glycoprotein

Human α(1)-acid glycoprotein (AGP) is an acute phase plasma glycoprotein containing two disulfide bridges. As a member of the lipocalin superfamily, it binds and transports several basic and neutral ligands, but a number of other activities have also been described. Thanks to its binding properties, AGP is also a good candidate for the development of biosensors and affinity chromatography media, and in this context detailed structural information is needed. The structural properties of AGP at different p(2)Hs and under reducing conditions were analysed by FT-IR spectroscopy. The obtained data indicate that AGP, when denatured, does not aggregate at neutral or basic p(2)Hs whilst it does at acidic p(2)Hs. Under reducing conditions the protein is remarkably less thermostable than its oxidized counterpart and presents an enhanced tendency to aggregate, even at neutral p(2)H. A heat-induced molten globule-like state (MG) was detected at 55 °C at p(2)H 7.4 and 5.5. At p(2)H 4.5 the MG occurred at 45 °C with an onset of formation at 40 °C. The MG was not observed under reducing conditions. A lower affinity of chlorpromazine and progesterone for the MG formed at p(2)H 4.5 and 40 °C was observed, suggesting that ligand(s) may be released near the negative surfaces of biological membranes. Furthermore, the reduced AGP displays an enhanced affinity for progesterone, indicating the importance of disulfide bonds for the binding capacity of AGP.

The conserved disulfide bond of human tear lipocalin modulates conformation and lipid binding in a ligand selective manner

The primary aim of this study is the elucidation of the mechanism of disulfide induced alteration of ligand binding in human tear lipocalin (TL). Disulfide bonds may act as dynamic scaffolds to regulate conformational changes that alter protein function including receptor-ligand interactions. A single disulfide bond, (Cys61-Cys153), exists in TL that is highly conserved in the lipocalin superfamily. Circular dichroism and fluorescence spectroscopies were applied to investigate the mechanism by which disulfide bond removal effects protein stability, dynamics and ligand binding properties. Although the secondary structure is not altered by disulfide elimination, TL shows decreased stability against urea denaturation. Free energy change (ΔG(0)) decreases from 4.9±0.2 to 2.1±0.3kcal/mol with removal of the disulfide bond. Furthermore, ligand binding properties of TL without the disulfide vary according to the type of ligand. The binding of a bulky ligand, NBD-cholesterol, has a decreased time constant (from 11.8±0.2 to 3.3s). In contrast, the NBD-labeled phospholipid shows a moderate decrease in the time constant for binding, from 33.2±0.2 to 22.2±0.4s. FRET experiments indicate that the hairpin CD is directly involved in modulation of both ligand binding and flexibility of TL. In TL complexed with palmitic acid (PA-TL), the distance between the residues 62 of strand D and 81 of loop EF is decreased by disulfide bond reduction. Consequently, removal of the disulfide bond boosts flexibility of the protein to reach a CD-EF loop distance (24.3Å, between residues 62 and 81), which is not accessible for the protein with an intact disulfide bond (26.2Å). The results suggest that enhanced flexibility of the protein promotes a faster accommodation of the ligand inside the cavity and an energetically favorable ligand-protein complex.

Excited protein states of human tear lipocalin for low- and high-affinity ligand binding revealed by functional AB loop motion

Human tear lipocalin (TL), a prominent member of lipocalin family, exhibits functional and structural promiscuity. The plasticity of loop regions modulates entry to the ligand pocket at the "open" end of the eight-stranded beta-barrel. Site-directed multi-distance measurements using fluorescence resonance energy transfer between functional loops register two excited protein states for low- and high-affinity ligand binding. At low pH, the longest loop AB adopts the conformation of the low-affinity excited protein state that matches the crystal structure of holo-TL at pH 8. A "crankshaft" like movement is detected for the loop AB in a low pH transition. At pH 7.3 the holo-protein assumes a high-affinity excited protein state, in which the loop AB is more compact (RMS=3.1A). In the apo-holo transition, the reporter Trp 28 moves about 4.5A that reflects a decrease in distance between Glu27 and Lys108. This interaction fixes the loop AB conformation for the high-affinity mode. No such movement is detected at low pH, where Glu27 is protonated. Data strongly indicate that the protonation state of Glu27 modulates the conformation of the loop AB for high- and low-affinity binding.

pH-Dependent conformational changes in tear lipocalin by site-directed tryptophan fluorescence

Tear lipocalin (TL), a major protein of human tears, binds a broad array of endogenous ligands. pH-dependent ligand binding in TL may have functional implications in tears. Previously, conformational selections of the AB and GH loops have been implicated in ligand binding by site-directed tryptophan fluorescence (SDTF). In this study, SDTF was applied to the AB and GH loops to investigate pH-driven conformational changes relevant to ligand binding. Both loops demonstrate significant but distinct conformational rearrangements over a wide pH range. In the low-pH transition, from 7.3 to 3.0, residues of the GH loop exhibit decreased solvent accessibilities. In acrylamide quenching experiments, the average quenching rate constant (k(q), accessibility parameter) of the residues in the GH loop is decreased approximately 38%, from 2.1 x 10(9) to 1.3 x 10(9) M(-1) s(-1). However, despite the significant changes in accessibilities for some residues in the AB loop, the average accessibility per residue remained unchanged (average k(q) = 1.2 M(-1) s(-1)). Accordingly, the low-pH transition induces conformational changes that reshuffle the accessibility profiles of the residues in the AB loop. A significant difference in the titration curves between the holo and apo forms of the W28 mutant suggests that the protonation states of the residues around position 28 modulate conformational switches of the AB loop relevant to ligand binding.

Membrane-induced conformational change of alpha1-acid glycoprotein characterized by vacuum-ultraviolet circular dichroism spectroscopy

The tertiary structure of alpha1-acid glycoprotein (AGP) remains unresolved despite its novel function because AGP is a hard target in X-ray and NMR analyses. To elucidate the membrane-induced conformational change of AGP, the vacuum-ultraviolet circular dichroism (VUVCD) spectra of AGP and its constituent sugars were measured down to 160 nm in the presence or absence of phosphoglyceride liposome using a synchrotron-radiation VUVCD spectrophotometer. The secondary-structure contents and numbers of segments of AGP were estimated from the VUVCD spectra of the protein moiety obtained by subtracting the contributions of the glycan moiety. Further, the positions of secondary structures on the amino acid sequence were predicted by combining the VUVCD data with a neural network algorithm. These comprehensive secondary-structure analyses revealed that AGP consists of 11.4% alpha-helices (3 segments) and 39.9% beta-strands (12 segments) in the absence of liposome (pH 4.5), which are close to the proportions in the secondary structure of native AGP (pH 7.4) predicted by homology modeling, and that it consists of 47.5% alpha-helices (7 segments) and 2.7% beta-strands (2 segments) in the presence of liposome (pH 4.5). Detailed characterization of these alpha-helices of AGP bound to liposome suggested that two alpha-helices (residues 15-27 and 161-175) in the N- and C-terminal regions strongly interact with liposome. Most of the progesterone-binding residues of AGP were involved in the sequences transferring from beta-strands to alpha-helices or unordered structures, which coincided with the large decrease in progesterone-binding capacity of liposome-bound AGP. These results provide the first sequence-level information on the membrane-binding mechanism and structure-function relationship of AGP.

A new crystal form of human tear lipocalin reveals high flexibility in the loop region and induced fit in the ligand cavity

Tear lipocalin (TLC) with the bound artificial ligand 1,4-butanediol has been crystallized in space group P2(1) with four protein molecules in the asymmetric unit and its X-ray structure has been solved at 2.6 A resolution. TLC is a member of the lipocalin family that binds ligands with diverse chemical structures, such as fatty acids, phospholipids and cholesterol as well as microbial siderophores and the antibiotic rifampin. Previous X-ray structural analysis of apo TLC crystallized in space group C2 revealed a rather large bifurcated ligand pocket and a partially disordered loop region at the entrace to the cavity. Analysis of the P2(1) crystal form uncovered major conformational changes (i) in beta-strands B, C and D, (ii) in loops 1, 2 and 4 at the open end of the beta-barrel and (iii) in the extended C-terminal segment, which is attached to the beta-barrel via a disulfide bridge. The structural comparison indicates high conformational plasticity of the loop region as well as of deeper parts of the ligand pocket, thus allowing adaptation to ligands that differ vastly in size and shape. This illustrates a mechanism for promiscuity in ligand recognition which may also be relevant for some other physiologically important members of the lipocalin protein family.

Adsorption of human tear lipocalin to human meibomian lipid films

PURPOSE

Tear lipocalin (Tlc) is a major lipid binding protein in tears and is thought to have an important role in stabilizing the Meibomian lipid layer by transferring lipids to it from the aqueous layer or ocular surface, or by adsorbing to it directly. These possible roles have been investigated in vitro using human Tlc.

METHODS

Tlc was purified from human tears by size exclusion chromatography followed by ion exchange chromatography. Three additional samples of the Tlc were prepared by lipidation, delipidation, and relipidation. The lipids extracted from the purified Tlc were analyzed by HPLC-MS followed by fragmentation. Adsorption of these different forms of Tlc to a human Meibomian lipid film spread on the surface of an artificial tear buffer in a Langmuir trough were observed by recording changes in the pressure with time (Pi-T profile) and monitoring the appearance of the film microscopically. These results were compared with similar experiments using a bovine Meibomian lipid film.

RESULTS

The results indicated that Tlc binds slowly to a human Meibomian lipid film compared with lysozyme or lactoferrin, even at 37 degrees C. The adsorption of Tlc to a human Meibomian lipid film was very different from its adsorption to a bovine Meibomian lipid film, indicating the nature of the lipids in the film is critical to the adsorption process. Similarly, the different forms of Tlc had quite distinct adsorption patterns, as indicated both by changes in Pi-T profiles and the microscopic appearance of the films.

CONCLUSIONS

It was concluded that human Tlc was capable of adsorbing to and penetrating into a Meibomian lipid layer, but this process is very complex and depends on both the types of lipids bound to Tlc and the lipid complement comprising the Meibomian lipid film.

Understanding and analyzing meibomian lipids--a review

PURPOSE

This review is intended to bring to the informed reader the current state of knowledge about meibomian lipids and the art for analyzing them.

METHODS

At the forefront of any endeavor, there are controversies, and these, along with future directions in the field, are brought to the reader's attention.

RESULTS

Function and anatomy of meibomian glands are briefly covered, giving insight into possible mechanisms for secretory controls. Anatomically, some anomalies in meibomian gland distribution of different species, such as whales versus dolphins, are presented, and, for the first time, the structure of the meibomian glands in a selection of marsupials is presented. In attempting to make the literature more accessible, lipid structure and nomenclature are described, and these structures are related to their possible effects on the physicochemical properties of meibomian lipids. The advantages and disadvantages of various collection and storage techniques are described, as well as how gas chromatography and combined HPLC and mass spectrometry coupled with fragmentation are currently enabling us to determine the nature of the lipids in very small samples.

CONCLUSIONS

This review extends to discussing the lipids in tears (as opposed to meibomian gland lipids) and briefly highlights new thoughts about the interactions between proteins of the tear film and meibomian lipids. A model that includes proteins in the outer layer of the tear film is also presented. This model is currently being critically analyzed by the ocular community. It concludes briefly by highlighting possible further areas of research in this area.

Characterization of fluorescence of ANS-tear lipocalin complex: evidence for multiple-binding modes

ANS is widely used as a probe for locating binding sites of proteins and studying structural changes under various external conditions. However, the nature of ANS-binding sites in proteins and the accompanying changes in fluorescence properties are controversial. We examined the steady-state and time-resolved fluorescence of the ANS-protein complexes for tear lipocalin (TL) and its mutants in order to discern the origin of lifetime components via analysis that included the multiexponential decay and the model-free maximum entropy methods. Fluorescence lifetimes of ANS-TL complexes can be grouped into two species, 14.01-17.42 ns and 2.72-4.37 ns. The log-normal analyses of fluorescence spectral shapes reveal the heterogeneous nature of both long- and short-lifetime species. The constructed time-resolved emission, amplitude (TRES) and area normalized (TRANES), and decay-associated spectra are consistent with a model that includes heterogeneous modes of ANS binding with two separate lifetime components. The two lifetime components are not derived from solvent relaxation, but rather may represent different binding modes.

Ligand binding site of tear lipocalin: contribution of a trigonal cluster of charged residues probed by 8-anilino-1-naphthalenesulfonic acid

Human tear lipocalin (TL) exhibits diverse functions, most of which are linked to ligand binding. To map the binding site of TL for some amphiphilic ligands, we capitalized on the hydrophobic and hydrophilic properties of 8-anilino-1-naphthalenesulfonic acid (ANS). In single Trp mutants, resonance energy transfer from Trp to ANS indicates that the naphthalene group of ANS is proximate to Leu105 in the cavity. Binding energies of TL to ANS and its analogues reveal contributions from electrostatic interactions. The sulfonate group of ANS interacts strongly with the nonconserved intracavitary residue Lys114 and less with neighboring residues His84 and Glu34. This trigonal cluster of residues may play a role in the ligand recognition site for some negatively charged ligands. Because many drugs possess sulfonate groups, the trigonal cluster-sulfonate interaction can also be exploited as a lipocalin-based drug delivery mechanism. The binding of lauric acid and its analogues shows that fatty acids assume heterogeneous orientations in the cavity of TL. Predominantly, the hydrocarbon tail is buried in the cavity of TL and the carboxyl group is oriented toward the mouth. However, TL can also interact, albeit relatively weakly, with fatty acids oriented in the opposite direction. As the major lipid binding protein of tears, the ability to accommodate fatty acids in two opposing orientations may have functional implications for TL. At the aqueous-lipid interface, fatty acids whose carboxyl groups are positioned toward the aqueous phase are available for interaction with TL that could augment stability of the tear film.

Site-directed circular dichroism of proteins: 1Lb bands of Trp resolve position-specific features in tear lipocalin

The absorption spectra of N-acetyl-L-tryptophanamide in various solvents were resolved into the sums of the (1)L(a) and (1)L(b) components. The relative intensities of the 0-0 transitions of the (1)L(b) bands correlate linearly with the solvent polarity values (E(T)(N)). A novel strategy that uses a set of the experimental (1)L(b) bands was employed to resolve the near-UV circular dichroism (CD) spectra of tryptophanyl residues. Resolved spectral parameters from the single-tryptophan mutants of tear lipocalin (TL), F99W and Y87W, corroborate the fluorescence and structural data of TL. Analysis of the (1)L(b) bands of the Trp CD spectra in proteins is a valuable tool to obtain the local features. The dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO)-like (1)L(b) band of Trp CD spectra may be used as a "fingerprint" to identify the tryptophanyl side chains in situations where the benzene rings of Trp have van der Waals interactions with the side chains of its nearest neighbor. In addition, the signs and intensities of the components hold information about the side chain conformations and dynamics in proteins. Combined with Trp mutagenesis, this method, which we call site-directed circular dichroism, is broadly applicable to various proteins to obtain the position-specific data.

Evidence for internal and external binding sites on human tear lipocalin

8-anilino-1-naphthalenesulfonic acid (ANS) is widely used as a probe for locating binding sites of proteins. To characterize the binding sites of tear lipocalin (TL), we studied ANS binding to apoTL by steady-state and time-resolved fluorescence. Deconvolution of ANS binding revealed that two lifetime components, 16.99ns and 2.76ns at pH 7.3, have dissociation constants of 0.58muM and 5.7muM, respectively. At pH 3.0, the lifetime components show decreased affinities with dissociation constants of 2.42muM and approximately 21muM, respectively. Selective displacement of ANS molecules from the ANS-apoTL complex by stearic acid discriminates the internal and external binding sites. Dependence of the binding affinity on ionic strength under various conditions provides strong evidence that an electrostatic interaction is involved. Time-resolved fluorescence is a promising tool to segregate multiple binding sites of proteins.

Molten globule state of tear lipocalin: ANS binding restores tertiary interactions

Tear lipocalin (TL) may stabilize the lipid layer of tears through a molten globule state triggered by low pH. EPR spectroscopy with site-directed spin labeling, revealed the side chain mobility of residues on the G-strand of TL in a molten globule state; the G-strand retains beta-sheet structure. All of the side chains of G-strand residues become more loosely packed, especially residues 96-99. In contrast, the highly mobile side chain of residue 95 on the F-G loop, becomes tightly packed. ANS binding to TL in a molten globule state reestablishes tight packing around side chains that are oriented both inside and outside of the barrel. Unlike RBP and BLG; TL has no disulfide bond between G- and H-strands. It is likely that the central beta-sheet in the molten globule state of lipocalins is stabilized by its interactions with the main alpha-helix, rather than the interstrand disulfide bond.

Spectroscopic evaluation of human tear lipids

Infrared and fluorescence spectroscopies were applied to characterize the molecular conformational/structure and dynamics of human meibum (ML) and tear lipids (SSL). ML lipids contained more CC and CH3 moieties than SSL. SSL contained OH groups that were not apparent in the spectra of ML. The CO stretching band observed in the infrared spectra of SSL and ML revealed that the CO groups are not involved in hydrogen bonds. Bands due to the polar moieties CO and PO2- did not change significantly with increasing temperature, suggesting that they may not play an appreciable thermodynamic role in the lipid hydrocarbon chain phase transition. Components in tears bind to SSL and exclude water at the water-lipid boundary where the polar headgroups of phospholipids are located. If similar interactions occur in vivo at the tear film lipid-aqueous interface, they would reduce the rate of evaporation. The results provide a foundation for future studies to assess possible differences with age and sex in tears from normal and dry eye subjects.

Involvement of disulfide bonds and histidine 172 in a unique beta-sheet to alpha-helix transition of alpha 1-acid glycoprotein at the biomembrane interface

Human alpha(1)-acid glycoprotein (AGP), which is comprised of 183 amino acid residues and 5 carbohydrate chains, is a major plasma protein that binds to basic and neutral drugs as well as to steroid hormones. It has a beta-sheet-rich structure in aqueous solution. Our previous findings suggest that AGP forms an alpha-helix structure through an interaction with biomembranes. We report herein on a study of the mechanism of alpha-helix formation in AGP using various modified AGPs. The disulfide reduced AGP (R-AGP) was extensively unfolded, whereas asialylated AGP (A-AGP) maintained the native structure. Intriguingly, reduced and asialylated AGP (RA-AGP) increased the alpha-helix content as observed in the presence of biomembrane models, and showed a significant decrease in ligand binding capacity. This suggests that AGP has an innate tendency to form an alpha-helix structure, and disulfide bonds are a key factor in the conformational transition between the beta-sheet and alpha-helix structures. However, RA-AGP with all histidine residues chemically modified (HRA-AGP) was found to lose the intrinsic ability to form an alpha-helix structure. Furthermore, disulfide reduction of the H172A mutant expressed in Pichia pastoris also caused a similar loss of folding ability. The present results indicate that disulfide bonds and the C-terminal region, including H172 of AGP, play important roles in alpha-helix formation in the interaction of the protein with biomembranes.

Characterization of the Molten Globule of Human Serum Retinol-Binding Protein Using NMR Spectroscopy,

The molten globule state is a partially folded conformer of proteins that has been the focus of intense study for more than two decades. This non-native fluctuating conformation has been linked to protein-folding intermediates, to biological function, and more recently to precursors in amyloid fibril formation. The molten globule state of human serum retinol-binding protein (RBP) has been postulated previously to be involved in the mechanism of ligand release (Ptitsyn, O. B., et al. (1993) FEBS Lett. 317, 181-184). Conserved residues within RBP have been identified and proposed to be key to folding and stability, although a link to a molten globule state has not previously been shown (Greene, L. H., et al. (2003) FEBS Lett. 553, 39-44). In this work, a detailed characterization of the acid-induced molten globule of RBP is presented. Using stopped-flow fluorescence spectroscopy in the presence of 8-anilino-1-naphthalene sulfonic acid (ANS), we show that RBP populates a state with molten-globule-like characteristics early in refolding. To gain insight into the structural features of the molten globule of RBP, we have monitored the denaturant-induced unfolding of this ensemble using NMR spectroscopy. The transition at the level of individual residues is significantly more cooperative than that found previously for the archetypal molten globule, alpha-lactalbumin (alpha-LA); this difference may be due to a predominantly beta-sheet structure present in RBP in contrast to the alpha-helical nature of the alpha-LA molten globule.

MM/PBSA analysis of molecular dynamics simulations of bovine beta-lactoglobulin: free energy gradients in conformational transitions?

The pH-driven opening and closure of beta-lactoglobulin EF loop, acting as a lid and closing the internal cavity of the protein, has been studied by molecular dynamics (MD) simulations and free energy calculations based on molecular mechanics/Poisson-Boltzmann (PB) solvent-accessible surface area (MM/PBSA) methodology. The forms above and below the transition pH differ presumably only in the protonation state of residue Glu89. MM/PBSA calculations are able to reproduce qualitatively the thermodynamics of the transition. The analysis of MD simulations using a combination of MM/PBSA methodology and the colony energy approach is able to highlight the driving forces implied in the transition. The analysis suggests that global rearrangements take place before the equilibrium local conformation is reached. This conclusion may bear general relevance to conformational transitions in all lipocalins and proteins in general.

Human tear viscosity: An interactive role for proteins and lipids

Human tear viscosity is poorly understood. Tears need to remain on the ocular surface for lubrication without causing damage to the surface epithelia due to drag when blinking. Whole tears are shear-thinning (non-Newtonian), which cannot be explained by the amount of mucin present, nor by individual proteins. Whole tears minus lipids become Newtonian. Though no free lipids had previously been found in collected tears, tear lipocalin (TL), a major tear protein, is known to bind lipids. In this study, we aimed to confirm whether there are any free lipids in collected tears, and to clarify the combined contribution of tear proteins to viscosity, including experiments on recombinant TL, both without (apo-TL) and with (holo-TL) bound lipid. We also investigated possible oligomer formation by holo- and apo-TL as a mechanism for viscosity using SDS-PAGE and analytical ultracentrifugation (AU). For comparison, we have included results for beta-lactoglobulin, a well-characterised lipocalin protein. No free lipids were detected in whole tears. Rheology showed that any protein combination that included lysozyme or lactoferrin was shear-thinning, as was apo-TL, though holo-TL was Newtonian (linear). Results from SDS-PAGE and AU showed apo-TL to be entirely monomeric, but holo-TL showed some dimerization. Both apo- and holo-beta-lactoglobulin exhibited a monomer-dimer equilibrium. We conclude that hetero-protein interactions, possibly electrostatic, involving lipid-binding-induced structural changes to TL, significantly contribute to the viscosity of human tears.

Characterization of the molten globule state of retinol-binding protein using a molecular dynamics simulation approach

Retinol-binding protein transports retinol, and circulates in the plasma as a macromolecular complex with the protein transthyretin. Under acidic conditions retinol-binding protein undergoes a transition to the molten globule state, and releases the bound retinol ligand. A biased molecular dynamics simulation method has been used to generate models for the ensemble of conformers populated within this molten globule state. Simulation conformers, with a radius of gyration at least 1.1 A greater than that of the native state, contain on average 37%beta-sheet secondary structure. In these conformers the central regions of the two orthogonal beta-sheets that make up the beta-barrel in the native protein are highly persistent. However, there are sizable fluctuations for residues in the outer regions of the beta-sheets, and large variations in side chain packing even in the protein core. Significant conformational changes are seen in the simulation conformers for residues 85-104 (beta-strands E and F and the E-F loop). These changes give an opening of the retinol-binding site. Comparisons with experimental data suggest that the unfolding in this region may provide a mechanism by which the complex of retinol-binding protein and transthyretin dissociates, and retinol is released at the cell surface.

Cooperative effect of hydrophobic and electrostatic forces on alcohol-induced α-helix formation of α1-acid glycoprotein

Alpha1-acid glycoprotein (AGP) is a serum glycoprotein that mainly binds basic drugs. Previous reports have shown that AGP converts from a beta-sheet to an alpha-helix upon interaction with biomembranes. In the current studies, we found that alkanols, diols, and halogenols all induce this conformational change. Increased length and bulkiness of the hydrocarbon group and the presence of a halogen atom promoted this conversion, whereas the presence of a hydroxyl group inhibited it. Moreover, the effect was dependent on the hydrophobic and electrostatic properties of the alcohols. These results indicate that, in a membrane environment, hydrophobic and electrostatic factors cooperatively induce the transition of AGP from a beta-sheet to an alpha-helix.

The 1.8-Å Crystal Structure of Human Tear Lipocalin Reveals an Extended Branched Cavity with Capacity for Multiple Ligands

In contrast with earlier assumptions, which classified human tear lipocalin (Tlc) as an outlier member of the lipocalin protein family, the 1.8-A resolution crystal structure of the recombinant apoprotein confirms the typical eight-stranded antiparallel beta-barrel architecture with an alpha-helix attached to it. The fold of Tlc most closely resembles the bovine dander allergen Bos d 2, a well characterized prototypic lipocalin, but also reveals similarity with beta-lactoglobulin. However, compared with other lipocalin structures Tlc exhibits an extremely wide ligand pocket, whose entrance is formed by four partially disordered loops. The cavity deeply extends into the beta-barrel structure, where it ends in two distinct lobes. This unusual structural feature explains the known promiscuity of Tlc for various ligands, with chemical structures ranging from lipids and retinoids to the macrocyclic antibiotic rifampin and even to microbial siderophores. Notably, earlier findings of biological activity as a thiol protease inhibitor have no correspondence in the three-dimensional structure of Tlc, rather it appears that its proteolytic fragments could be responsible for this phenomenon. Hence, the present structural analysis sheds new light on the ligand binding activity of this functionally obscure but abundant human lipocalin.

Binding of alpha1-acid glycoprotein to membrane results in a unique structural change and ligand release

Alpha(1)-acid glycoprotein (AGP) consists of 183 amino acid residues and 5 carbohydrate chains and binds to basic and neutral drugs as well as steroid hormones. We investigated the structural properties and ligand-binding capacity of AGP under mild acidic conditions and its interactions with liposomes prepared from neutral or anionic lipids and the neutral drug, progesterone. Interestingly, AGP had a unique structure at pH 4.5, at which the tertiary structure changed, whereas the secondary structure remained intact. Furthermore, the binding capacity of AGP for progesterone did not significantly change under these conditions. It was also observed that AGP was strongly bound to the anionic membrane at pH 4.5, forming an alpha-helix-rich structure from the original beta-sheet-rich structure, which significantly decreased the binding capacity of AGP for progesterone. The structural transitions as well as the membrane binding were suppressed by adding NaCl. These results indicate that AGP has a unique structure on the membrane surface under mild acidic conditions. The conformational change induces binding to the membrane aided by electrostatic interaction, and AGP subsequently takes on a predominantly alpha-helical conformation.

Tear lipocalin: potential for selective delivery of rifampin

The potential of ligand binding proteins as drug carriers and delivery systems has recently sparked great interest. We investigated the potential of tear lipocalin (TL) to bind the antibiotic, rifampin, and the environmental conditions for controlled release. To determine if TL binds rifampin, gel filtration was used to isolate protein fractions of tears. Rifampin was detected by absorbance spectroscopy in the elution fractions containing TL. The bound complex of rifampin-TL generates optical activity at about 360 nm, indicating a unique conformation at the binding site. Rifampin has a higher affinity for TL (Kd=128 microM) than albumin. Rifampin is released from the TL calyx in acidic conditions and is displaced by palmitic acid. Autooxidation of free rifampin begins in minutes but is delayed by at least 3 h in the presence of TL. These properties are conducive to stabilization and delivery of rifampin to tubercles that are acidic and rich in fatty acids. These studies show the potential of TL as a carrier for rifampin with controlled release to a targeted environment.

Lipid, lipase and lipocalin differences between tolerant and intolerant contact lens wearers

PURPOSE

Tear volume is reduced in symptomatic contact lens wearers, evaporation of the ocular tear film may be a cause. In this study we have focussed on symptomatic or intolerant subjects and compared their tear film lipid-related features to those tolerant to soft contact lens wear.

METHOD

Fourteen tolerant and 10 intolerant to lens wear subjects were recruited for this study. Intolerance to lens wear was defined as experiencing dryness symptoms in the first 6 hours of lens wear and consequently not being regular lens wearers. Lipid layer appearance was graded on a 0-5 scale, meibomian gland obstruction was observed, and the McMonnies questionnaire completed. Tears were collected without reflex stimulation. Degraded lipid (tear aldehyde content), secretory phospholipase A2 enzyme (sPLA2) concentration and activity and lipocalin concentration were analysed using spectrophotometry to quantify colour reactions and enzyme linked immunosorbent assays. Statistical results were calculated using non-parametric tests (median +/- interquartile range) or chi-squared test.

RESULTS

Degradation of polyunsaturated fatty acids and related esters leads to the by-products, malondialdehyde and 4-hydroxy-2(E)-nonenal. Intolerant subjects were found to have significantly (p = 0.004) higher concentrations of these by-products in their tears (0.85 +/- 1.0 microM; n = 9) compared to tolerant subjects (0.15 +/- 0.15 microM; n = 10). Intolerant subjects (1.86 +/- 0.05 ng/microl; n = 9) had significantly more (p = 0.047) sPLA2 enzyme in their tears compared with tolerant subjects (1.80 +/- 0.08 ng/microl; n = 12) and significantly more enzyme activity (p = 0.012). Intolerant subjects had significantly higher amounts of lipocalin in their tears (2.40 +/- 1.5 microg/microl; n = 10, p < 0.001) compared to tolerant subjects (0.45 +/- 0.85 microg/microl; n = 13).

CONCLUSION

Changes to the components of the tear film, however small, can disturb the nature and dynamics of the tear film. Increased lipases, degraded lipids and lipocalins in the aqueous tear film potentiates intolerance to contact lens wear and was associated with increased McMonnies dry eye history scores and symptoms scores.

RET and anisotropy measurements establish the proximity of the conserved Trp17 to Ile98 and Phe99 of tear lipocalin

Previous studies suggest that the conserved Trp17 on strand A of TL has a role in lipocalin stability and interacts, directly or indirectly, with Ile98 and Phe99 on strand G to influence ligand binding. Here, we determined the proximity of Trp17 to Ile98 and Phe99. Time-resolved fluorescence experiments showed resonance energy transfer between tryptophans at positions 17 and 98. In addition, an exciton effect was discovered in CD experiments resulting from interactions of the excited states of these tryptophans. Fluorescence anisotropy values of mutants containing two tryptophans (positions 99/17 and 98/17) were lower than expected in the absence of RET, confirming that these residues are proximate in tear lipocalin. The data support a model of tear lipocalin in which Trp17 and Phe99 are close together deep in the cavity and participate in an internal hydrophobic cluster. Ile98 is proximate to Trp17 but faces toward the outside of the cavity and in the model is part of an external hydrophobic patch. Comparison with beta-lactoglobulin suggests that these motifs may have an important influence on protein stability and ligand binding in other members of the lipocalin family.

Human tear lipocalin

Human tear prealbumin, now called tear lipocalin, was originally described as a major protein of human tear fluid, which was thought to be tear specific. However, recent investigations demonstrated that it is identical with lingual von Ebner's gland protein, and is also produced in prostate, nasal mucosa and tracheal mucosa. Homologous proteins have been found in rat, pig and probably dog and horse. Tear lipocalin is an unusual lipocalin member, because of its high promiscuity for relative insoluble lipids and binding characteristics that differ from other members. In addition, it shows inhibitory activity on cysteine proteinases similar to cystatins, a feature unique among lipocalins. Although it acts as the principal lipid binding protein in tear fluid, a more general physiological function has to be proposed due to its wide distribution and properties. It would be ideally suited for scavenging of lipophilic, potentially harmful substances and thus might act as a general protection factor of epithelia.

Functional cavity dimensions of tear lipocalin

PURPOSE

We calibrated the cavity of tear lipocalin with a series of fluorescent labeled lipids of increasing chain length and varying diameter.

METHODS

Cavity length was assessed with competitive fluorescent assays in which DAUDA was displaced from apo-tear lipocalin with ligands of increasing carbon chain lengths from C12-C24. The concentrations of competitors that inhibit 50% of the binding of DAUDA (IC(50)) were compared. Functional diameters of tear lipocalin and beta-lactoglobulin were estimated with fatty acids bearing fluorescent labels of various diameters. The cavity dimensions of other lipocalins were derived from their published crystal structure coordinates.

RESULTS

In tear lipocalin, the binding affinities of fatty acids increased up to a carbon chain length of 18 (22.5 A) but remained constant from C18-C24. The cavity length of other lipocalins in crystal form were similar to tear lipocalin in solution. Tear lipocalin showed decreased binding affinities with progressively increasing ring dimensions of the ligand. In contrast to beta-lactoglobulin and retinol binding protein, tear lipocalin bound DAUDA and cholesterol in the calyx. Neither tear lipocalin nor beta-lactoglobulin bound P646 in their respective cavities. The calculated inter-sheet distances at the mouth of the crystallized lipocalins ranged from 16-22A.

CONCLUSIONS

Tear lipocalin is more promiscuous than beta-lactoglobulin or retinol binding protein because of a greater functional diameter. Differences in ligand specificity of the various lipocalins can not be explained simply by variation in cavity length or the intersheet distances at the calyx mouths as determined by crystal structure. Other factors may influence ligand specificity such as size and/or dynamic motion of loops between the beta strands.

Resolution of ligand positions by site-directed tryptophan fluorescence in tear lipocalin

The lipocalin superfamily of proteins functions in the binding and transport of a variety of important hydrophobic molecules. Tear lipocalin is a promiscuous lipid binding member of the family and serves as a paradigm to study the molecular determinants of ligand binding. Conserved regions in the lipocalins, such as the G strand and the F-G loop, may play an important role in ligand binding and delivery. We studied structural changes in the G strand of holo- and apo-tear lipocalin using spectroscopic methods including circular dichroism analysis and site-directed tryptophan fluorescence. Apo-tear lipocalin shows the same general structural characteristics as holo-tear lipocalin including alternating periodicity of a beta-strand, orientation of amino acid residues 105, 103, 101, and 99 facing the cavity, and progressive depth in the cavity from residues 105 to 99. For amino acid residues facing the internal aspect of cavity, the presence of a ligand is associated with blue shifted spectra. The collisional rate constants indicate that these residues are not less exposed to solvent in holo-tear lipocalin than in apo-tear lipocalin. Rather the spectral blue shifts may be accounted for by a ligand induced rigidity in holo-TL. Amino acid residues 94 and 95 are consistent with positions in the F-G loop and show greater exposure to solvent in the holo- than the apo-proteins. These findings are consistent with the general hypothesis that the F-G loop in the holo-proteins of the lipocalin family is available for receptor interactions and delivery of ligands to specific targets. Site-directed tryptophan fluorescence was used in combination with a nitroxide spin labeled fatty acid analog to elucidate dynamic ligand interactions with specific amino acid residues. Collisional quenching constants of the nitroxide spin label provide evidence that at least three amino acids of the G strand residues interact with the ligand. Stern-Volmer plots are inconsistent with a ligand that is held in a static position in the calyx, but rather suggest that the ligand is in motion. The combination of site-directed tryptophan fluorescence with quenching by nitroxide labeled species has broad applicability in probing specific interactions in the solution structure of proteins and provides dynamic information that is not attainable by X-ray crystallography.

Side chain mobility and ligand interactions of the G strand of tear lipocalins by site-directed spin labeling

Side chain mobility, accessibility, and backbone motion were studied by site-directed spin labeling of sequential cysteine mutants of the G strand in tear lipocalins (TL). A nitroxide scan between residues 98 and 105 revealed the alternating periodicity of mobility and accessibility to NiEDDA and oxygen, characteristic of a beta-strand. Residue 99 was the most inaccessible to NiEDDA and oxygen. EPR spectra with the fast relaxing agent, K(3)Fe(CN)(6), exhibited two nitroxide populations for most residues. The motionally constrained population was relatively less accessible to K(3)Fe(CN)(6) because of dynamic tertiary contact, probably with side chain residues of adjacent strands. With increasing concentrations of sucrose, the spectral contribution of the immobile component was greater, indicating a larger population with tertiary contact. Increased concentrations of sucrose also resulted in a restriction of mobility of spin-labeled fatty acids which were bound within the TL cavity. The data suggest that sucrose enhanced ligand affinity by slowing the backbone motion of the lipocalin. The correlation time of an MTSL derivative (I) attached to F99C resulted in the lack of side chain motion and therefore reflects the overall rotation of the TL complex. The correlation time of F99C in tears (13.5 ns) was the same as that in buffer and indicates that TL exists as a dimer under native conditions. TL-spin-labeled ligand complexes have a shorter correlation time than the protein alone, indicating that the fatty acids are not rigidly anchored in the cavity, but move within the pocket. This segmental motion of the ligand was modulated by protein backbone fluctuations. Accessibility studies with oxygen and NiEDDA were performed to determine the orientation and depth of a series of fatty acid derivatives in the cavity of TL. Fatty acids are oriented with the hydrocarbon tail buried in the cavity and the carboxyl group oriented toward the mouth. In general, the mobility of the nitroxide varied according to position such that nitroxides near the mouth had greater mobility than those located deep in the cavity. Nitroxides positioned up to 16 carbon units from the hydrocarbon tail of the ligand are motionally restricted and inaccessible, indicating the cavity extends to at least this depth. EPR spectra obtained with and without sucrose showed that the intracavitary position of lauric acid in TL is similar to that in beta-lactoglobulin. However, unlike beta-lactoglobulin, TL binds 16-doxyl stearic acid, suggesting less steric hindrance and greater promiscuity for TL.

Effect of heat treatment on bovine beta-lactoglobulin A, B, and C explored using thiol availability and fluorescence

Dilute solutions of beta-lactoglobulin (beta-Lg) A, B, and C were heated at temperatures between about 40 and 94 degrees C for 10 min, cooled, and analyzed using Trp fluorescence and extrinsic fluorescence spectra of the probe 1,8-anilinonaphthalene sulfonate (ANS). Thiol availabilities using 5,5'-dithiobis(2-nitrobenzoic acid) (DTNB) were determined using a separate set of samples. The normalized ANS fluorescence emission intensity and the thiol availability results showed a 1:1 relationship with the loss of nativelike but not SDS-monomeric protein, as determined by PAGE analysis. The normalized Trp emission intensity results did not show a comparable 1:1 relationship with the loss of nativelike protein, indicating that the Trp intensity arose from consequential disulfide bond reorganization and not the initial unfolding reaction. The results were also analyzed in terms of two-state models, and the midpoint temperatures (T(mid)) for the proteins were generally beta-Lg C > beta-Lg A > beta-Lg B, and the slopes at the midpoint temperatures for the A variant were generally less than those for the B and C variants indicating that beta-Lg A may denature by a different mechanism from that of beta-Lg B or beta-Lg C. The T(mid) parameters derived from the ANS fluorescence intensity results were similar to those for thiol availability and both were lower than the T(mid) values for Trp emission intensity showing that creation of an ANS binding site on a beta-Lg molecule was linked to the irreversible exposure of a thiol group and the loss of native beta-Lg but preceded the decrease in Trp(61) fluorescence quenching. These results for the differences between the behavior of the A and B or the C variants involved the creation of a destabilizing cavity by the Val(118)Ala (A --> B) substitution and the changed charge distribution within the CD loop caused by the Asp(64)Gly (A --> B) substitution.

Binding studies of tear lipocalin: the role of the conserved tryptophan in maintaining structure, stability and ligand affinity

The principal lipid binding protein in tears, tear lipocalin (TL), binds acid and the fluorescent fatty acid analogs, DAUDA and 16-AP at one site TL compete for this binding site. A fluorescent competitive binding assay revealed that apo-TL has a high affinity for phospholipids and stearic acid (Ki) of 1.2 microM and 1.3 microM, respectively, and much less affinity for cholesterol (Ki) of 15.9 of the hydrocarbon chain. TL binds most strongly the least soluble lipids permitting these lipids to exceed their maximum solubility in aqueous solution. These data implicate TL in solubilizing and transporting lipids in the tear film. Phenylalanine, tyrosine and cysteine+ were substituted for TRP 17, the only invariant residue throughout the lipocalin superfamily. Cysteine substitution resulted in some loss os secondary structure, relaxation of aromatic side chain rigidity, decreased binding affinity for DAUDA and destabilization of structure. Mutants of TL, W17Y, and W17F showed a higher binding affinity for DAUDA than wild-type TL. Comparison of the results of the tryptophan 17 substitution in lipocalin with those of tryptophan 19 substitution in beta-lactoglobulin revealed important differences in binding characteristics that reflect the functional heterogeneity within the lipocalin family.