A structural analysis of asymmetry required for catalytic activity of an ABC-ATPase domain dimer

The Evolution of ABC Importers

I am an Associate Professor in the Department of Molecular Biosciences at Northwestern University. My research program investigates the structure, function, and regulation of membrane proteins, with a particular emphasis on ATP-binding cassette (ABC) importers. ABC transporters are a highly conserved superfamily of transmembrane proteins found across all organisms. These proteins utilize the energy from ATP binding and hydrolysis to transport of a broad array of substrates- including metabolites, lipids, peptides and drugs- across cellular membranes. In this perspective, I discuss how structural and biophysical characterization of ABC importers have significantly advanced our understanding of the mechanisms underlying their transport function. I also highlight the challenges in developing a unified mechanistic model and propose that the remarkable diversity of ABC transporters may necessitate multiple transport mechanisms for a complete picture of how these critical proteins function.

The Alternating Access Mechanism in Mammalian Multidrug Resistance Transporters and Their Bacterial Homologs

Multidrug resistance (MDR) proteins belonging to the ATP-Binding Cassette (ABC) transporter group play a crucial role in the export of cytotoxic drugs across cell membranes. These proteins are particularly fascinating due to their ability to confer drug resistance, which subsequently leads to the failure of therapeutic interventions and hinders successful treatments. One key mechanism by which multidrug resistance (MDR) proteins carry out their transport function is through alternating access. This mechanism involves intricate conformational changes that enable the binding and transport of substrates across cellular membranes. In this extensive review, we provide an overview of ABC transporters, including their classifications and structural similarities. We focus specifically on well-known mammalian multidrug resistance proteins such as MRP1 and Pgp (MDR1), as well as bacterial counterparts such as Sav1866 and lipid flippase MsbA. By exploring the structural and functional features of these MDR proteins, we shed light on the roles of their nucleotide-binding domains (NBDs) and transmembrane domains (TMDs) in the transport process. Notably, while the structures of NBDs in prokaryotic ABC proteins, such as Sav1866, MsbA, and mammalian Pgp, are identical, MRP1 exhibits distinct characteristics in its NBDs. Our review also emphasizes the importance of two ATP molecules for the formation of an interface between the two binding sites of NBD domains across all these transporters. ATP hydrolysis occurs following substrate transport and is vital for recycling the transporters in subsequent cycles of substrate transportation. Specifically, among the studied transporters, only NBD2 in MRP1 possesses the ability to hydrolyze ATP, while both NBDs of Pgp, Sav1866, and MsbA are capable of carrying out this reaction. Furthermore, we highlight recent advancements in the study of MDR proteins and the alternating access mechanism. We discuss the experimental and computational approaches utilized to investigate the structure and dynamics of MDR proteins, providing valuable insights into their conformational changes and substrate transport. This review not only contributes to an enhanced understanding of multidrug resistance proteins but also holds immense potential for guiding future research and facilitating the development of effective strategies to overcome multidrug resistance, thus improving therapeutic interventions.

Solid-State NMR Reveals Asymmetric ATP Hydrolysis in the Multidrug ABC Transporter BmrA

The detailed mechanism of ATP hydrolysis in ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporters is still not fully understood. Here, we employed ³¹P solid-state NMR to probe the conformational changes and dynamics during the catalytic cycle by locking the multidrug ABC transporter BmrA in prehydrolytic, transition, and posthydrolytic states, using a combination of mutants and ATP analogues. The ³¹P spectra reveal that ATP binds strongly in the prehydrolytic state to both ATP-binding sites as inferred from the analysis of the nonhydrolytic E504A mutant. In the transition state of wild-type BmrA, the symmetry of the dimer is broken and only a single site is tightly bound to ADP:Mg²⁺:vanadate, while the second site is more ‘open’ allowing exchange with the nucleotides in the solvent. In the posthydrolytic state, weak binding, as characterized by chemical exchange with free ADP and by asymmetric ³¹P–³¹P two-dimensional (2D) correlation spectra, is observed for both sites. Revisiting the ¹³C spectra in light of these findings confirms the conformational nonequivalence of the two nucleotide-binding sites in the transition state. Our results show that following ATP binding, the symmetry of the ATP-binding sites of BmrA is lost in the ATP-hydrolysis step, but is then recovered in the posthydrolytic ADP-bound state.

Structure, Assembly, and Function of Tripartite Efflux and Type 1 Secretion Systems in Gram-Negative Bacteria

Tripartite efflux pumps and the related type 1 secretion systems (T1SSs) in Gram-negative organisms are diverse in function, energization, and structural organization. They form continuous conduits spanning both the inner and the outer membrane and are composed of three principal components-the energized inner membrane transporters (belonging to ABC, RND, and MFS families), the outer membrane factor channel-like proteins, and linking the two, the periplasmic adaptor proteins (PAPs), also known as the membrane fusion proteins (MFPs). In this review we summarize the recent advances in understanding of structural biology, function, and regulation of these systems, highlighting the previously undescribed role of PAPs in providing a common architectural scaffold across diverse families of transporters. Despite being built from a limited number of basic structural domains, these complexes present a staggering variety of architectures. While key insights have been derived from the RND transporter systems, a closer inspection of the operation and structural organization of different tripartite systems reveals unexpected analogies between them, including those formed around MFS- and ATP-driven transporters, suggesting that they operate around basic common principles. Based on that we are proposing a new integrated model of PAP-mediated communication within the conformational cycling of tripartite systems, which could be expanded to other types of assemblies.

Quantitative real-time analysis of the efflux by the MacAB-TolC tripartite efflux pump clarifies the role of ATP hydrolysis within mechanotransmission mechanism

Tripartite efflux pumps built around ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporters are membrane protein machineries that perform vectorial export of a large variety of drugs and virulence factors from Gram negative bacteria, using ATP-hydrolysis as energy source. Determining the number of ATP molecules consumed per transport cycle is essential to understanding the efficiency of substrate transport. Using a reconstituted pump in a membrane mimic environment, we show that MacAB-TolC from Escherichia coli couples substrate transport to ATP-hydrolysis with high efficiency. Contrary to the predictions of the currently prevailing "molecular bellows" model of MacB-operation, which assigns the power stroke to the ATP-binding by the nucleotide binding domains of the transporter, by utilizing a novel assay, we report clear synchronization of the substrate transfer with ATP-hydrolysis, suggesting that at least some of the power stroke for the substrate efflux is provided by ATP-hydrolysis. Our findings narrow down the window for energy consumption step that results in substrate transition into the TolC-channel, expanding the current understanding of the efflux cycle of the MacB-based tripartite assemblies. Based on that we propose a modified model of the MacB cycle within the context of tripartite complex assembly.

Structure and Function of Hepatobiliary ATP Binding Cassette Transporters

The liver is beyond any doubt the most important metabolic organ of the human body. This function requires an intensive crosstalk within liver cellular structures, but also with other organs. Membrane transport proteins are therefore of upmost importance as they represent the sensors and mediators that shuttle signals from outside to the inside of liver cells and/or vice versa. In this review, we summarize the known literature of liver transport proteins with a clear emphasis on functional and structural information on ATP binding cassette (ABC) transporters, which are expressed in the human liver. These primary active membrane transporters form one of the largest families of membrane proteins. In the liver, they play an essential role in for example bile formation or xenobiotic export. Our review provides a state of the art and comprehensive summary of the current knowledge of hepatobiliary ABC transporters. Clearly, our knowledge has improved with a breath-taking speed over the last few years and will expand further. Thus, this review will provide the status quo and will lay the foundation for new and exciting avenues in liver membrane transporter research.

Characterization of the nucleotide-binding domain NsrF from the BceAB-type ABC-transporter NsrFP from the human pathogen Streptococcus agalactiae

Treatment of bacterial infections is a great challenge of our era due to the various resistance mechanisms against antibiotics. Antimicrobial peptides are considered to be potential novel compound as antibiotic treatment. However, some bacteria, especially many human pathogens, are inherently resistant to these compounds, due to the expression of BceAB-type ABC transporters. This rather new transporter family is not very well studied. Here, we report the first full characterization of the nucleotide binding domain of a BceAB type transporter from Streptococcus agalactiae, namely SaNsrF of the transporter SaNsrFP, which confers resistance against nisin and gallidermin. We determined the NTP hydrolysis kinetics and used molecular modeling and simulations in combination with small angle X-ray scattering to obtain structural models of the SaNsrF monomer and dimer. The fact that the SaNsrF_H202A variant displayed no ATPase activity was rationalized in terms of changes of the structural dynamics of the dimeric interface. Kinetic data show a clear preference for ATP as a substrate, and the prediction of binding modes allowed us to explain this selectivity over other NTPs.

The ATPase mechanism of UvrA2 reveals the distinct roles of proximal and distal ATPase sites in nucleotide excision repair

The UvrA₂ dimer finds lesions in DNA and initiates nucleotide excision repair. Each UvrA monomer contains two essential ATPase sites: proximal (P) and distal (D). The manner whereby their activities enable UvrA₂ damage sensing and response remains to be clarified. We report three key findings from the first pre-steady state kinetic analysis of each site. Absent DNA, a P_2ATP-D_2ADP species accumulates when the low-affinity proximal sites bind ATP and enable rapid ATP hydrolysis and phosphate release by the high-affinity distal sites, and ADP release limits catalytic turnover. Native DNA stimulates ATP hydrolysis by all four sites, causing UvrA₂ to transition through a different species, P_2ADP-D_2ADP. Lesion-containing DNA changes the mechanism again, suppressing ATP hydrolysis by the proximal sites while distal sites cycle through hydrolysis and ADP release, to populate proximal ATP-bound species, P_2ATP-D_empty and P_2ATP-D_2ATP. Thus, damaged and native DNA trigger distinct ATPase site activities, which could explain why UvrA₂ forms stable complexes with UvrB on damaged DNA compared with weaker, more dynamic complexes on native DNA. Such specific coupling between the DNA substrate and the ATPase mechanism of each site provides new insights into how UvrA₂ utilizes ATP for lesion search, recognition and repair.

Rise and rise of the ABC transporter families

This review will inevitably be influenced by my personal experience and personal view of the progression of this amazing family of proteins. This has generated a huge literature in over nearly five decades, some ideas have bloomed and faded while others have persisted, other contributions simply become redundant, overtaken by better techniques. At the outset, the pioneers had no idea of the magnitude of the topic they were working on, then a very rough idea of the significance emerged and, progressively, the picture becomes sharper and finally extraordinary. I have tried to produce at least an outline of that progression. My apologies for the also inevitable omissions, especially relating to the mass of biochemical and spectroscopy and genetical studies. I decided to prioritise structural biology because structures when successful are definitive and of course provide a 'visual' image. However, I tried to limit the structural aspects to the proteins that reflected the main advances.

Application of antihelix antibodies in protein structure determination

Antibodies are indispensable tools in protein engineering and structural biology. Antibodies suitable for structural studies should recognize the 3-dimensional (3D) conformations of target proteins. Generating such antibodies and characterizing their complexes with antigens take a significant amount of time and effort. Here, we show that we can expand the application of well-characterized antibodies by "transplanting" the epitopes that they recognize to proteins with completely different structures and sequences. Previously, several antibodies have been shown to recognize the alpha-helical conformation of antigenic peptides. We demonstrate that these antibodies can be made to bind to a variety of unrelated "off-target" proteins by modifying amino acids in the preexisting alpha helices of such proteins. Using X-ray crystallography, we determined the structures of the engineered protein-antibody complexes. All of the antibodies bound to the epitope-transplanted proteins, forming accurately predictable structures. Furthermore, we showed that binding of these antihelix antibodies to the engineered target proteins can modulate their catalytic activities by trapping them in selected functional states. Our method is simple and efficient, and it will have applications in protein X-ray crystallography, electron microscopy, and nanotechnology.

Conformation space of a heterodimeric ABC exporter under turnover conditions

Cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM) has the capacity to capture molecular machines in action^1–3. ATP-binding cassette (ABC) exporters are highly dynamic membrane proteins that extrude a wide range of substances from the cytosol^4–6 and thereby contribute to essential cellular processes, adaptive immunity, and multidrug resistance^7,8. Despite their vital importance, the coupling of nucleotide binding, hydrolysis, and release to the conformational dynamics remains poorly resolved, especially for heterodimeric/asymmetric ABC exporters that abound in humans. Here, we present eight high-resolution cryo-EM structures that delineate the full functional cycle of an asymmetric ABC exporter in lipid environment. Cryo-EM analysis under active turnover conditions reveals distinct inward-facing (IF) conformations, one of them with bound peptide substrate, and previously undescribed asymmetric post-hydrolysis states with dimerized nucleotide-binding domains (NBDs) and a closed extracellular gate. Capturing an outward-facing (OF) open conformation requires a slow-down in ATP hydrolysis, indicating the transient nature of this state vulnerable to substrate re-entry. ATP-bound pre-hydrolysis and vanadate-trapped states are conformationally equivalent and both comprise co-existing OF conformations with open and closed extracelluar gates. In contrast, the post-hydrolysis states from the turnover experiment exhibit asymmetric ADP/ATP occlusion after phosphate release from the canonical site and display a progressive separation of the nucleotide-binding domains and unlocking of the intracellular gate. Our findings reveal that phosphate release, not ATP hydrolysis, triggers the return of the exporter to the IF conformation. By mapping the conformational landscape during active turnover, aided by mutational and chemical modulation of kinetic rates to trap the key intermediates, we resolved fundamental and so-far hidden steps of the substrate translocation cycle of asymmetric ABC transporters.

Functional Reconstitution of HlyB, a Type I Secretion ABC Transporter, in Saposin-A Nanoparticles

Type I secretion systems (T1SS) are ubiquitous transport machineries in Gram-negative bacteria. They comprise a relatively simple assembly of three membrane-localised proteins: an inner-membrane complex composed of an ABC transporter and a membrane fusion protein, and a TolC-like outer membrane component. T1SS transport a wide variety of substrates with broad functional diversity. The ABC transporter hemolysin B (HlyB), for example, is part of the hemolysin A-T1SS in Escherichia coli. In contrast to canonical ABC transporters, an accessory domain, a C39 peptidase-like domain (CLD), is located at the N-terminus of HlyB and is essential for secretion. In this study, we have established an optimised purification protocol for HlyB and the subsequent reconstitution employing the saposin-nanoparticle system. We point out the negative influence of free detergent on the basal ATPase activity of HlyB, studied the influence of a lysolipid or lipid matrix on activity and present functional studies with the full-length substrate proHlyA in its folded and unfolded states, which both have a stimulatory effect on the ATPase activity.

The extracellular gate shapes the energy profile of an ABC exporter

ABC exporters harness the energy of ATP to pump substrates across membranes. Extracellular gate opening and closure are key steps of the transport cycle, but the underlying mechanism is poorly understood. Here, we generated a synthetic single domain antibody (sybody) that recognizes the heterodimeric ABC exporter TM287/288 exclusively in the presence of ATP, which was essential to solve a 3.2 Å crystal structure of the outward-facing transporter. The sybody binds to an extracellular wing and strongly inhibits ATPase activity by shifting the transporter's conformational equilibrium towards the outward-facing state, as shown by double electron-electron resonance (DEER). Mutations that facilitate extracellular gate opening result in a comparable equilibrium shift and strongly reduce ATPase activity and drug transport. Using the sybody as conformational probe, we demonstrate that efficient extracellular gate closure is required to dissociate the NBD dimer after ATP hydrolysis to reset the transporter back to its inward-facing state.

Type I Secretion Systems-One Mechanism for All?

Type I secretion systems (T1SS) are widespread in Gram-negative bacteria, especially in pathogenic bacteria, and they secrete adhesins, iron-scavenger proteins, lipases, proteases, or pore-forming toxins in the unfolded state in one step across two membranes without any periplasmic intermediate into the extracellular space. The substrates of T1SS are in general characterized by a C-terminal secretion sequence and nonapeptide repeats, so-called GG repeats, located N terminal to the secretion sequence. These GG repeats bind Ca2+ ions in the extracellular space, which triggers folding of the entire protein. Here we summarize our current knowledge of how Gram-negative bacteria secrete these substrates, which can possess a molecular mass of up to 1,500 kDa. We also describe recent findings that demonstrate that the absence of periplasmic intermediates, the "classic" mode of action, does not hold true for all T1SS and that we are beginning to realize modifications of a common theme.

Structure of Outward-Facing PglK and Molecular Dynamics of Lipid-Linked Oligosaccharide Recognition and Translocation

PglK is a lipid-linked oligosaccharide (LLO) flippase essential for asparagine-linked protein glycosylation in Campylobacter jejuni. Previously we have proposed a non-alternating-access LLO translocation mechanism, where postulated outward-facing states play a primary role. To investigate this unusual mechanistic proposal, we have determined a high-resolution structure of PglK that displays an outward semi-occluded state with the two nucleotide binding domains forming an asymmetric closed dimer with two bound ATPγS molecules. Based on this structure, we performed extensive molecular dynamics simulations to investigate LLO recognition and flipping. Our results suggest that PglK may employ a "substrate-hunting" mechanism to locally increase the LLO concentration and facilitate its jump into the translocation pathway, for which sugars from the LLO head group are essential. We further conclude that the release of LLO to the outside occurs before ATP hydrolysis and is followed by the closing of the periplasmic cavity of PglK.

Cryo-EM structures of a human ABCG2 mutant trapped in ATP-bound and substrate-bound states

ABCG2 is a multidrug ATP-binding cassette transporter expressed in the plasma membranes of various tissues and tissue barrier [1–4]. It translocates endogenous substrates, affects the pharmacokinetics of many drugs, and has a protective role against a wide array of xenobiotics, including anti-cancer drugs [5–12]. Previous studies have revealed the architecture of ABCG2 and the structural basis of small-molecule and antibody inhibition [13, 14], but the mechanism of substrate recognition and ATP-driven transport are currently unknown. Here we present high-resolution cryo-EM structures of human ABCG2 in two key states, a substrate-bound pre-translocation state and an ATP-bound post-translocation state. For both structures, a mutant containing a glutamine replacing the catalytic glutamate (ABCG2_EQ) was used, which resulted in reduced ATPase and transport rates and facilitated conformational trapping for structural studies. In the substrate-bound state, a single molecule of estrone-3-sulphate (E₁S) is bound in a central, hydrophobic, and cytoplasm-facing cavity about halfway across the membrane. Only one molecule of E₁S can bind in the observed binding mode. In the ATP-boundstate, the substrate-binding cavity has completely collapsed while an external cavity has opened to the extracellular side of the membrane. The ATP-induced conformational changes include rigid-body shifts of the transmembrane domains (TMDs), pivoting of the nucleotide-binding domains (NBDs), and a change in the relative orientation of the NBD subdomains. Mutagenesis of residues contacting bound E₁S or in the translocation pathway, followed by in vitro characterization of transport and ATPase activities, demonstrated their roles in substrate recognition and revealed the importance of a leucine residue forming a ‘plug’ between the two cavities. Our results reveal how ABCG2 harnesses the energy of ATP binding to extrude E₁S and other substrates and suggest that the size and binding affinity of compounds are important parameters in distinguishing substrates from inhibitors.

Mapping Free Energy Pathways for ATP Hydrolysis in the E. coli ABC Transporter HlyB by the String Method

HlyB functions as an adenosine triphosphate (ATP)-binding cassette (ABC) transporter that enables bacteria to secrete toxins at the expense of ATP hydrolysis. Our previous work, based on potential energy profiles from combined quantum mechanical and molecular mechanical (QM/MM) calculations, has suggested that the highly conserved H-loop His residue H662 in the nucleotide binding domain (NBD) of E. coli HlyB may catalyze the hydrolysis of ATP through proton relay. To further test this hypothesis when entropic contributions are taken into account, we obtained QM/MM minimum free energy paths (MFEPs) for the HlyB reaction, making use of the string method in collective variables. The free energy profiles along the MFEPs confirm the direct participation of H662 in catalysis. The MFEP simulations of HlyB also reveal an intimate coupling between the chemical steps and a local protein conformational change involving the signature-loop residue S607, which may serve a catalytic role similar to an Arg-finger motif in many ATPases and GTPases in stabilizing the phosphoryl-transfer transition state.

Allosteric Role of Substrate Occupancy Toward the Alignment of P-glycoprotein Nucleotide Binding Domains

P-glycoprotein (Pgp) is an ATP-binding cassette transporter that eliminates toxins from the cell but causes multidrug resistance in chemotherapies. The crystal structures of Pgp revealed drug-like compounds bound to an inward-facing conformation in which the energy-harnessing nucleotide binding domains (NBDs) were widely separated with no interfacial interaction. Following drug binding, inward-facing Pgp must transition to an NBD dimer conformation to achieve ATP binding and hydrolysis at canonical sites defined by both halves of the interface. However, given the high degree of flexibility shown for this transporter, it is difficult to envision how NBDs overcome entropic considerations for achieving proper alignment in order to form the canonical ATP binding site. We explored the hypothesis that substrate occupancy of the polyspecific drug-binding cavity plays a role in the proper alignment of NBDs using computational approaches. We conducted twelve atomistic molecular dynamics (MD) simulations (100-300 ns) on inward-facing Pgp in a lipid bilayer with and without small molecule substrates to ascertain effects of drug occupancy on NBD dimerization. Both apo- and drug-occupied simulations showed NBDs approaching each other compared to the crystal structures. Apo-Pgp reached a pseudo-dimerization in which NBD signature motifs for ATP binding exhibited a significant misalignment during closure. In contrast, occupancy of three established substrates positioned by molecular docking achieved NBD alignment that was much more compatible with a canonical NBD dimerization trajectory. Additionally, aromatic amino acids, known to confer the polyspecific drug-binding characteristic of the internal pocket, may also govern polyspecific drug access to the cavity. The enrichment of aromatics comprising the TM4-TM6 portal suggested a preferential pathway over the aromatic-poor TM10-TM12 for lateral drug entry from the lipid bilayer. Our study also suggested that drug polyspecificity is enhanced due to a synergism between multiple drug-domain interactions involving 36 residues identified in TM1, 5, 6, 7, 11 and 12.

Conformational changes in a multidrug resistance ABC transporter DrrAB: Fluorescence-based approaches to study substrate binding

Bacterial multidrug transporter DrrAB exhibits overlapping substrate specificity with mammalian P-glycoprotein. DrrA hydrolyzes ATP, and the energy is transduced to carrier DrrB resulting in export of drugs. Previous studies suggested that DrrB contains a large and flexible drug-binding pocket made of aromatic residues contributed by several transmembrane helices with different drugs binding to both specific and shared residues in this pocket. However, direct binding of drugs to DrrAB or the mechanism of substrate-induced conformational changes between DrrA and DrrB has so far not been investigated. We used two fluorescence-based approaches to determine substrate binding to purified DrrAB. Our analysis shows that DrrB binds drugs with variable affinities and contains multiple drug binding sites. This work also provides evidence for two asymmetric nucleotide binding sites in DrrA with strikingly different binding affinities. Using targeted fluorescence labeling, we provide clear evidence of long-range conformational changes occurring between DrrA and DrrB. It is proposed that the transduction pathway from the nucleotide-binding DrrA subunit to the substrate binding DrrB subunit includes Q-loop and CREEM motifs in DrrA and EAA-like motif in DrrB. This study lays a solid groundwork for examining roles of various conserved regions of DrrA and DrrB in transduction of conformational changes.

Molecular modeling and in silico characterization of GmABCC5: a phytate transporter and potential target for low-phytate crops

Designing low-phytate crops without affecting the developmental process in plants had led to the identification of ABCC5 gene in soybean. The GmABCC5 gene was identified and a partial gene sequence was cloned from popular Indian soybean genotype Pusa16. Conserved domains and motifs unique to ABC transporters were identified in the 30 homologous sequences retrieved by BLASTP analysis. The homologs were analyzed for their evolutionary relationship and physiochemical properties. Conserved domains, transmembrane architecture and secondary structure of GmABCC5 were predicted with the aid of computational tools. Analysis identified 53 alpha helices and 31 beta strands, predicting 60% residues in alpha conformation. A three-dimensional (3D) model for GmABCC5 was developed based on 5twv.1.B (Homo sapiens) template homology to gain better insight into its molecular mechanism of transport and sequestration. Spatio-temporal real-time PCR analysis identified mid-to-late seed developmental stages as the time window for the maximum GmABCC5 gene expression, a potential target stage for phytate reduction. Results of this study provide valuable insights into the structural and functional characteristics of GmABCC5, which may be further utilized for the development of nutritionally enriched low-phytate soybean with improved mineral bioavailability.

Allosteric effects of ATP binding on the nucleotide-binding domain of a heterodimeric ATP-binding cassette transporter

ATP-binding cassette (ABC) exporters mediate vital transport of a variety of molecules across the lipid bilayer in all organisms. To explore the allosteric effect of ATP binding at the asymmetric ATPase sites, molecular dynamics simulations were performed on the nucleotide-binding domains (NBDs) of a heterodimeric exporter TM287/288 in 4 different ATP-bound states. The results showed that ATP bound at the degenerate site can maintain a semi-open conformation of NBD1-NBD2, which may be defective in ATP hydrolysis. By contrast, when bound at the consensus site, ATP can induce an intra-domain rotation of the α-helical subdomain towards the RecA-like subdomain of NBD2 at the degenerate site. The rotation of the α-helical subdomain rearranged the hydrogen bond networks at the NBD1-NBD2 interface, induced a significant conformational change in the D-loop at the degenerate site and inter- and intra-domain communications at both sites, and eventually elicited dimerization of NBD1-NBD2. These findings indicate that the asymmetric ATPase sites of the heterodimeric exporter are structurally and functionally distinct.

Structural Basis for the Serratia marcescens Lipase Secretion System: Crystal Structures of the Membrane Fusion Protein and Nucleotide-Binding Domain

Serratia marcescens secretes a lipase, LipA, through a type I secretion system (T1SS). The T1SS for LipA, the Lip system, is composed of an inner membrane ABC transporter with its nucleotide-binding domains (NBD), LipB, a membrane fusion protein, LipC, and an outer membrane channel protein, LipD. Passenger protein secreted by this system has been functionally and structurally characterized well, but relatively little information about the transporter complex is available. Here, we report the crystallographic studies of LipC without the membrane anchor region, LipC-, and the NBD of LipB (LipB-NBD). LipC- crystallographic analysis has led to the determination of the structure of the long α-helical and lipoyl domains, but not the area where it interacts with LipB, suggesting that the region is flexible without LipB. The long α-helical domain has three α-helices, which interacts with LipD in the periplasm. LipB-NBD has the common overall architecture and ATP hydrolysis activity of ABC transporter NBDs. Using the predicted models of full-length LipB and LipD, the overall structural insight into the Lip system is discussed.

Mechanistic diversity in ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporters

ABC transporters catalyze transport reactions, such as the high-affinity uptake of micronutrients into bacteria and the export of cytotoxic compounds from mammalian cells. Crystal structures of ABC domains and full transporters have provided a framework for formulating reaction mechanisms of ATP-driven substrate transport, but recent studies have suggested remarkable mechanistic diversity within this protein family. This review evaluates the differing mechanistic proposals and outlines future directions for the exploration of ABC-transporter-catalyzed reactions.

Rad50 ATPase activity is regulated by DNA ends and requires coordination of both active sites

The Mre11-Rad50-Nbs1(Xrs2) (MRN/X) complex is critical for the repair and signaling of DNA double strand breaks. The catalytic core of MRN/X comprised of the Mre11 nuclease and Rad50 adenosine triphosphatase (ATPase) active sites dimerizes through association between the Rad50 ATPase catalytic domains and undergoes extensive conformational changes upon ATP binding. This ATP-bound 'closed' state promotes binding to DNA, tethering DNA ends and ATM activation, but prevents nucleolytic processing of DNA ends, while ATP hydrolysis is essential for Mre11 endonuclease activity at blocked DNA ends. Here we investigate the regulation of ATP hydrolysis as well as the interdependence of the two functional active sites. We find that double-stranded DNA stimulates ATP hydrolysis by hMRN over ∼20-fold in an end-dependent manner. Using catalytic site mutants to create Rad50 dimers with only one functional ATPase site, we find that both ATPase sites are required for the stimulation by DNA. MRN-mediated endonucleolytic cleavage of DNA at sites of protein adducts requires ATP hydrolysis at both sites, as does the stimulation of ATM kinase activity. These observations suggest that symmetrical engagement of the Rad50 catalytic head domains with ATP bound at both sites is important for MRN functions in eukaryotic cells.

Type I Protein Secretion-Deceptively Simple yet with a Wide Range of Mechanistic Variability across the Family

A very large type I polypeptide begins to reel out from a ribosome; minutes later, the still unidentifiable polypeptide, largely lacking secondary structure, is now in some cases a thousand or more residues longer. Synthesis of the final hundred C-terminal residues commences. This includes the identity code, the secretion signal within the last 50 amino acids, designed to dock with a waiting ATP binding cassette (ABC) transporter. What happens next is the subject of this review, with the main, but not the only focus on hemolysin HlyA, an RTX protein toxin secreted by the type I system. Transport substrates range from small peptides to giant proteins produced by many pathogens. These molecules, without detectable cellular chaperones, overcome enormous barriers, crossing two membranes before final folding on the cell surface, involving a unique autocatalytic process.Unfolded HlyA is extruded posttranslationally, C-terminal first. The transenvelope "tunnel" is formed by HlyB (ABC transporter), HlyD (membrane fusion protein) straddling the inner membrane and periplasm and TolC (outer membrane). We present a new evaluation of the C-terminal secretion code, and the structure function of HlyD and HlyB at the heart of this nanomachine. Surprisingly, key details of the secretion mechanism are remarkably variable in the many type I secretion system subtypes. These include alternative folding processes, an apparently distinctive secretion code for each type I subfamily, and alternative forms of the ABC transporter; most remarkably, the ABC protein probably transports peptides or polypeptides by quite different mechanisms. Finally, we suggest a putative structure for the Hly-translocon, HlyB, the multijointed HlyD, and the TolC exit.

Toward Determining ATPase Mechanism in ABC Transporters: Development of the Reaction Path-Force Matching QM/MM Method

Adenosine triphosphate (ATP)-binding cassette (ABC) transporters are ubiquitous ATP-dependent membrane proteins involved in translocations of a wide variety of substrates across cellular membranes. To understand the chemomechanical coupling mechanism as well as functional asymmetry in these systems, a quantitative description of how ABC transporters hydrolyze ATP is needed. Complementary to experimental approaches, computer simulations based on combined quantum mechanical and molecular mechanical (QM/MM) potentials have provided new insights into the catalytic mechanism in ABC transporters. Quantitatively reliable determination of the free energy requirement for enzymatic ATP hydrolysis, however, requires substantial statistical sampling on QM/MM potential. A case study shows that brute force sampling of ab initio QM/MM (AI/MM) potential energy surfaces is computationally impractical for enzyme simulations of ABC transporters. On the other hand, existing semiempirical QM/MM (SE/MM) methods, although affordable for free energy sampling, are unreliable for studying ATP hydrolysis. To close this gap, a multiscale QM/MM approach named reaction path-force matching (RP-FM) has been developed. In RP-FM, specific reaction parameters for a selected SE method are optimized against AI reference data along reaction paths by employing the force matching technique. The feasibility of the method is demonstrated for a proton transfer reaction in the gas phase and in solution. The RP-FM method may offer a general tool for simulating complex enzyme systems such as ABC transporters.

Structure and mechanism of an active lipid-linked oligosaccharide flippase

The flipping of membrane-embedded lipids containing large, polar head groups is slow and energetically unfavourable, and is therefore catalysed by flippases, the mechanisms of which are unknown. A prominent example of a flipping reaction is the translocation of lipid-linked oligosaccharides that serve as donors in N-linked protein glycosylation. In Campylobacter jejuni, this process is catalysed by the ABC transporter PglK. Here we present a mechanism of PglK-catalysed lipid-linked oligosaccharide flipping based on crystal structures in distinct states, a newly devised in vitro flipping assay, and in vivo studies. PglK can adopt inward- and outward-facing conformations in vitro, but only outward-facing states are required for flipping. While the pyrophosphate-oligosaccharide head group of lipid-linked oligosaccharides enters the translocation cavity and interacts with positively charged side chains, the lipidic polyprenyl tail binds and activates the transporter but remains exposed to the lipid bilayer during the reaction. The proposed mechanism is distinct from the classical alternating-access model applied to other transporters.

Crystal structures of a polypeptide processing and secretion transporter

Bacteria secrete peptides and proteins to communicate, to poison competitors, and to manipulate host cells. Among the various protein-translocation machineries, the peptidase-containing ATP-binding cassette transporters (PCATs) are appealingly simple. Each PCAT contains two peptidase domains that cleave the secretion signal from the substrate, two transmembrane domains that form a translocation pathway, and two nucleotide-binding domains that hydrolyse ATP. In Gram-positive bacteria, PCATs function both as maturation proteases and exporters for quorum-sensing or antimicrobial polypeptides. In Gram-negative bacteria, PCATs interact with two other membrane proteins to form the type 1 secretion system. Here we present crystal structures of PCAT1 from Clostridium thermocellum in two different conformations. These structures, accompanied by biochemical data, show that the translocation pathway is a large α-helical barrel sufficient to accommodate small folded proteins. ATP binding alternates access to the transmembrane pathway and also regulates the protease activity, thereby coupling substrate processing to translocation.

ATP-Binding Cassette Transporter Structure Changes Detected by Intramolecular Fluorescence Energy Transfer for High-Throughput Screening

Multidrug resistance protein 1 (MRP1) actively transports a wide variety of drugs out of cells. To quantify MRP1 structural dynamics, we engineered a "two-color MRP1" construct by fusing green fluorescent protein (GFP) and TagRFP to MRP1 nucleotide-binding domains NBD1 and NBD2, respectively. The recombinant MRP1 protein expressed and trafficked normally to the plasma membrane. Two-color MRP1 transport activity was normal, as shown by vesicular transport of [(3)H]17β-estradiol-17-β-(D-glucuronide) and doxorubicin efflux in AAV-293 cells. We quantified fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) from GFP to TagRFP as an index of NBD conformational changes. Our results show that ATP binding induces a large-amplitude conformational change that brings the NBDs into closer proximity. FRET was further increased by substrate in the presence of ATP but not by substrate alone. The data suggest that substrate binding is required to achieve a fully closed and compact structure. ATP analogs bind MRP1 with reduced apparent affinity, inducing a partially closed conformation. The results demonstrate the utility of the two-color MRP1 construct for investigating ATP-binding cassette transporter structural dynamics, and it holds great promise for high-throughput screening of chemical libraries for unknown activators, inhibitors, or transportable substrates of MRP1.

Solution NMR studies of periplasmic binding proteins and their interaction partners

Periplasmic binding proteins (PBPs) are a crucial part of ATP-binding cassette import systems in Gram-negative bacteria. Central to their function is the ability to undergo a large-scale conformational rearrangement from open-unliganded to closed-liganded, which signals the presence of substrate and starts its translocation. Over the years, PBPs have been extensively studied not only owing to their essential role in nutrient uptake but also because they serve as excellent models for both practical applications (e.g., biosensor technology) and basic research (e.g., allosteric mechanisms). Although much of our knowledge at atomic level has been inferred from the detailed, static pictures afforded by crystallographic studies, nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) has been able to fill certain gaps in such body of work, particularly with regard to dynamic processes. Here, we review NMR studies on PBPs, and their unique insights on conformation, dynamics, energetics, substrate binding, and interactions with related transport proteins. Based on the analysis of recent paramagnetic NMR results, as well as crystallographic and functional observations, we propose a mechanism that could explain the ability of certain PBPs to achieve a closed conformation in absence of ligand while others seem to remain open until ligand-mediated closure.

A Transporter Motor Taken Apart: Flexibility in the Nucleotide Binding Domains of a Heterodimeric ABC Exporter

ABC exporters are ubiquitous multidomain transport proteins that couple ATP hydrolysis at a pair of nucleotide binding domains to substrate transport across the lipid bilayer mediated by two transmembrane domains. Recently, the crystal structure of the heterodimeric ABC exporter TM287/288 was determined. One of its asymmetric ATP binding sites is called the degenerate site; it binds nucleotides tightly but is impaired in terms of ATP hydrolysis. Here we report the crystal structures of both isolated motor domains of TM287/288. Unexpectedly, structural elements constituting the degenerate ATP binding site are disordered in these crystals and become structured only in the context of the full-length transporter. In addition, hydrogen bonding patterns of key residues, including those of the catalytically important Walker B and the switch loop motifs, are fundamentally different in the solitary NBDs compared to those in the intact transport protein. The structures reveal crucial interdomain contacts that need to be established for the proper assembly of the functional transporter complex.

Equilibrated atomic models of outward-facing P-glycoprotein and effect of ATP binding on structural dynamics

P-glycoprotein (Pgp) is an ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporter that alternates between inward- and outward-facing conformations to capture and force substrates out of cells like a peristaltic pump. The high degree of similarity in outward-facing structures across evolution of ABC transporters allowed construction of a high-confidence outward-facing Pgp atomic model based on crystal structures of outward-facing Sav1866 and inward-facing Pgp. The model adhered to previous experimentally determined secondary- and tertiary- configurations during all-atom molecular dynamics simulations in the presence or absence of MgATP. Three long lasting (>100 ns) meta-stable states were apparent in the presence of MgATP revealing new insights into alternating access. The two ATP-binding pockets are highly asymmetric resulting in differential control of overall structural dynamics and allosteric regulation of the drug-binding pocket. Equilibrated Pgp has a considerably different electrostatic profile compared to Sav1866 that implicates significant kinetic and thermodynamic differences in transport mechanisms.

Structural characterization of the putative ABC-type 2 transporter from Thermotoga maritima MSB8

This study describes the structure of the putative ABC-type 2 transporter TM0543 from Thermotoga maritima MSB8 determined at a resolution of 2.3 Å. In comparative sequence-clustering analysis, TM0543 displays similarity to NatAB-like proteins, which are components of the ABC-type Na(+) efflux pump permease. However, the overall structure fold of the predicted nucleotide-binding domain reveals that it is different from any known structure of ABC-type efflux transporters solved to date. The structure of the putative TM0543 domain also exhibits different dimer architecture and topology of its presumed ATP binding pocket, which may indicate that it does not bind nucleotide at all. Structural analysis of calcium ion binding sites found at the interface between TM0543 dimer subunits suggests that protein may be involved in ion-transporting activity. A detailed analysis of the protein sequence and structure is presented and discussed.

The C-terminus of nisin is important for the ABC transporter NisFEG to confer immunity in Lactococcus lactis

The lantibiotic nisin is a small 3.4 kDa antimicrobial peptide, which acts against Gram-positive bacteria in the nmol/L range. Nisin is produced and secreted by several Lactococcus lactis strains to ensure advantages against other bacteria in their habitat. Nisin contains five specific lanthionine rings of which the first two are important for Lipid II binding and the last two are crucial for the pore formation in the membrane. To gain immunity against nisin, the producing strain is expressing an ABC transporter called NisFEG, which expels nisin from the membrane. As a result six to eightfold more nisin is needed to affect the cells. The hydrolysis of ATP by NisFEG is required for this immunity as shown by a mutant, where the ATP hydrolysis is disrupted (NisF_H181AEG). Furthermore, NisFEG recognizes the C-terminus of nisin, since deletion of the last six amino acids as well as of the last ring lowered the fold of immunity displayed by NisFEG.

Successful development and use of a thermodynamic stability screen for optimizing the yield of nucleotide binding domains

ATP sensitive potassium (KATP) channels consist of four copies of a pore-forming inward rectifying potassium channel (Kir6.1 or Kir6.2) and four copies of a sulfonylurea receptor (SUR1, SUR2A, or SUR2B). SUR proteins are members of the ATP-binding cassette superfamily of proteins. Binding of ATP to the Kir6.x subunit mediates channel inhibition, whereas MgATP binding and hydrolysis at the SUR NBDs results in channel opening. Mutations in SUR1 and SUR2A NBDs cause diseases of insulin secretion and cardiac disorders, respectively, underlying the importance of studying the NBDs. Although purification of SUR2A NBD1 in a soluble form is possible, the lack of long-term sample stability of the protein in a concentrated form has precluded detailed studies of the protein aimed at gaining a molecular-level understanding of how SUR mutations cause disease. Here we use a convenient and cost-effective thermodynamic screening method to probe stabilizing conditions for SUR2A NBD1. Results from the screen are used to alter the purification protocol to allow for significantly increased yields of the purified protein. In addition, the screen provides strategies for long-term storage of NBD1 and generating NBD1 samples at high concentrations suitable for NMR studies. NMR spectra of NBD1 with MgAMP-PNP are of higher quality compared to using MgATP, indicating that MgAMP-PNP be used as the ligand in future NMR studies. The screen presented here can be expanded to using different additives and can be employed to enhance purification yields, sample life times, and storage of other low stability nucleotide binding domains, such as GTPases.

Structural basis for allosteric cross-talk between the asymmetric nucleotide binding sites of a heterodimeric ABC exporter

ATP binding cassette (ABC) transporters mediate vital transport processes in every living cell. ATP hydrolysis, which fuels transport, displays positive cooperativity in numerous ABC transporters. In particular, heterodimeric ABC exporters exhibit pronounced allosteric coupling between a catalytically impaired degenerate site, where nucleotides bind tightly, and a consensus site, at which ATP is hydrolyzed in every transport cycle. Whereas the functional phenomenon of cooperativity is well described, its structural basis remains poorly understood. Here, we present the apo structure of the heterodimeric ABC exporter TM287/288 and compare it to the previously solved structure with adenosine 5'-(β,γ-imido)triphosphate (AMP-PNP) bound at the degenerate site. In contrast to other ABC exporter structures, the nucleotide binding domains (NBDs) of TM287/288 remain in molecular contact even in the absence of nucleotides, and the arrangement of the transmembrane domains (TMDs) is not influenced by AMP-PNP binding, a notion confirmed by double electron-electron resonance (DEER) measurements. Nucleotide binding at the degenerate site results in structural rearrangements, which are transmitted to the consensus site via two D-loops located at the NBD interface. These loops owe their name from a highly conserved aspartate and are directly connected to the catalytically important Walker B motif. The D-loop at the degenerate site ties the NBDs together even in the absence of nucleotides and substitution of its aspartate by alanine is well-tolerated. By contrast, the D-loop of the consensus site is flexible and the aspartate to alanine mutation and conformational restriction by cross-linking strongly reduces ATP hydrolysis and substrate transport.

Structure and mechanism of ATP-dependent phospholipid transporters

BACKGROUND

ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporters and P4-ATPases are two large and seemingly unrelated families of primary active pumps involved in moving phospholipids from one leaflet of a biological membrane to the other.

SCOPE OF REVIEW

This review aims to identify common mechanistic features in the way phospholipid flipping is carried out by two evolutionarily unrelated families of transporters.

MAJOR CONCLUSIONS

Both protein families hydrolyze ATP, although they employ different mechanisms to use it, and have a comparable size with twelve transmembrane segments in the functional unit. Further, despite differences in overall architecture, both appear to operate by an alternating access mechanism and during transport they might allow access of phospholipids to the internal part of the transmembrane domain. The latter feature is obvious for ABC transporters, but phospholipids and other hydrophobic molecules have also been found embedded in P-type ATPase crystal structures. Taken together, in two diverse groups of pumps, nature appears to have evolved quite similar ways of flipping phospholipids.

GENERAL SIGNIFICANCE

Our understanding of the structural basis for phospholipid flipping is still limited but it seems plausible that a general mechanism for phospholipid flipping exists in nature. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled Structural biochemistry and biophysics of membrane proteins.

Decoupling catalytic activity from biological function of the ATPase that powers lipopolysaccharide transport

The cell surface of Gram-negative bacteria contains lipopolysaccharides (LPS), which provide a barrier against the entry of many antibiotics. LPS assembly involves a multiprotein LPS transport (Lpt) complex that spans from the cytoplasm to the outer membrane. In this complex, an unusual ATP-binding cassette transporter is thought to power the extraction of LPS from the outer leaflet of the cytoplasmic membrane and its transport across the cell envelope. We introduce changes into the nucleotide-binding domain, LptB, that inactivate transporter function in vivo. We characterize these residues using biochemical experiments combined with high-resolution crystal structures of LptB pre- and post-ATP hydrolysis and suggest a role for an active site residue in phosphate exit. We also identify a conserved residue that is not required for ATPase activity but is essential for interaction with the transmembrane components. Our studies establish the essentiality of ATP hydrolysis by LptB to power LPS transport in cells and suggest strategies to inhibit transporter function away from the LptB active site.

Asymmetric perturbations of signalling oligomers

This review focuses on rapid and reversible noncovalent interactions for symmetric oligomers of signalling proteins. Symmetry mismatch, transient symmetry breaking and asymmetric perturbations via chemical (ligand binding) and physical (electric or mechanic) effects can initiate the signalling events. Advanced biophysical methods can reveal not only structural symmetries of stable membrane-bound signalling proteins but also asymmetric functional transition states. Relevant techniques amenable to distinguish between symmetric and asymmetric architectures are discussed including those with the capability of capturing low-populated transient conformational states. Typical examples of signalling proteins are overviewed for symmetry breaking in dimers (GPCRs, growth factor receptors, transcription factors); trimers (acid-sensing ion channels); tetramers (voltage-gated cation channels, ionotropic glutamate receptor, CNG and CHN channels); pentameric ligand-gated and mechanosensitive channels; higher order oligomers (gap junction channel, chaperonins, proteasome, virus capsid); as well as primary and secondary transporters. In conclusion, asymmetric perturbations seem to play important functional roles in a broad range of communicating networks.

NSR from Streptococcus agalactiae confers resistance against nisin and is encoded by a conserved nsr operon

Nisin is a lantibiotic produced by Lactococcus lactis (L. lactis), which is active against many Gram-positive bacteria. However, in various pathogenic and nonpathogenic bacteria, the presence of a nisin resistance protein (NSR) confers resistance against nisin. Here, we show that NSR from Streptococcus agalactiae (SaNSR) confers 20-fold resistance when expressed in L. lactis. We also show that SaNSR is encoded by an operon structure comprising of a lipoprotein and an ATP-binding cassette transporter as well as a two-component system that is putatively involved in expression and regulation. This organization of the operon is conserved in several (non)pathogenic strains that do not produce nisin themselves.

Molecular insights into type I secretion systems

Type 1 secretion systems are one of the main machineries in Gram-negative bacteria involved in the secretion of a wide range of substrates from the cytoplasm across the inner and outer membrane in one step to the extracellular space. The range of substrates varies from small proteins up to large surface layer proteins of about 900 kDa. Most of the substrates have a non-cleavable C-terminal secretion signal and so-called GG repeats that are able to bind calcium ions. The translocator complex is composed of a trimeric outer membrane protein that provides a pore in the outer membrane. A multimeric membrane fusion protein spans the periplasm and forms a continuous channel connecting the outer membrane protein with a dimeric ATP-binding cassette transporter in the inner membrane. The ATP-binding cassette-transporter is thought to form a channel through the inner membrane and energizes the transport process. This review will provide a detailed view of the components of the translocator and will summarize structural as well as functional data.

Analyses of conformational states of the transporter associated with antigen processing (TAP) protein in a native cellular membrane environment

The transporter associated with antigen processing (TAP) plays a critical role in the MHC class I antigen presentation pathway. TAP translocates cellular peptides across the endoplasmic reticulum membrane in an ATP hydrolysis-dependent manner. We used FRET spectroscopy in permeabilized cells to delineate different conformational states of TAP in a native subcellular membrane environment. For these studies, we tagged the TAP1 and TAP2 subunits with enhanced cyan fluorescent protein and enhanced yellow fluorescent protein, respectively, C-terminally to their nucleotide binding domains (NBDs), and measured FRET efficiencies under different conditions. Our data indicate that both ATP and ADP enhance the FRET efficiencies but that neither induces a maximally closed NBD conformation. Additionally, peptide binding induces a large and significant increase in NBD proximity with a concentration dependence that is reflective of individual peptide affinities for TAP, revealing the underlying mechanism of peptide-stimulated ATPase activity of TAP. Maximal NBD closure is induced by the combination of peptide and non-hydrolysable ATP analogs. Thus, TAP1-TAP2 NBD dimers are not fully stabilized by nucleotides alone, and substrate binding plays a key role in inducing the transition state conformations of the NBD. Taken together, these findings show that at least three steps are involved in the transport of peptides across the endoplasmic reticulum membrane for antigen presentation, corresponding to three dynamically and structurally distinct conformational states of TAP. Our studies elucidate structural changes in the TAP NBD in response to nucleotides and substrate, providing new insights into the mechanism of ATP-binding cassette transporter function.

The Type 1 secretion pathway - the hemolysin system and beyond

Type 1 secretion systems (T1SS) are wide-spread among Gram-negative bacteria. An important example is the secretion of the hemolytic toxin HlyA from uropathogenic strains. Secretion is achieved in a single step directly from the cytosol to the extracellular space. The translocation machinery is composed of three indispensable membrane proteins, two in the inner membrane, and the third in the outer membrane. The inner membrane proteins belong to the ABC transporter and membrane fusion protein families (MFPs), respectively, while the outer membrane component is a porin-like protein. Assembly of the three proteins is triggered by accumulation of the transport substrate (HlyA) in the cytoplasm, to form a continuous channel from the inner membrane, bridging the periplasm and finally to the exterior. Interestingly, the majority of substrates of T1SS contain all the information necessary for targeting the polypeptide to the translocation channel - a specific sequence at the extreme C-terminus. Here, we summarize our current knowledge of regulation, channel assembly, translocation of substrates, and in the case of the HlyA toxin, its interaction with host membranes. We try to provide a complete picture of structure function of the components of the translocation channel and their interaction with the substrate. Although we will place the emphasis on the paradigm of Type 1 secretion systems, the hemolysin A secretion machinery from E. coli, we also cover as completely as possible current knowledge of other examples of these fascinating translocation systems. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled: Protein trafficking and secretion in bacteria. Guest Editors: Anastassios Economou and Ross Dalbey.

H-loop histidine catalyzes ATP hydrolysis in the E. coli ABC-transporter HlyB

Adenosine triphosphate (ATP)-binding cassette (ABC) transporters form a family of molecular motor proteins that couple ATP hydrolysis to substrate translocation across cell membranes. Each nucleotide binding domain of ABC-transporters contains a highly conserved H-loop histidine residue, whose precise mechanistic role in motor functions has remained elusive. By using combined quantum mechanical and molecular mechanical (QM/MM) calculations, we showed that the conserved H-loop residue H662 in E. coli HlyB, a bacterial ABC-transporter, can act first as a general acid and then as a general base to facilitate proton transfer in ATP hydrolysis. Without the assistance of H662, direct proton transfer from the lytic water to ATP results in a substantially higher barrier height. Our findings suggest that the essential function of the H-loop residue H662 is to provide a "chemical linchpin" that shuttles protons between reactants through a relay mechanism, thereby catalyzing ATP hydrolysis in HlyB.

Boundary of the nucleotide-binding domain of Streptococcus ComA based on functional and structural analysis

The ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporter ComA is a key molecule essential for the first step of the quorum-sensing system of Streptococcus. The nucleotide binding domains (NBD) of Streptococcus mutans ComA with different N termini, NBD1 (amino acid residues 495-760), NBD2 (517-760), and NBD3 (528-760), were expressed, purified, and characterized. The shortest NBD3 corresponds to the region commonly defined as NBD in the database searches of ABC transporters. A kinetic analysis showed that the extra N-terminal region conferred a significantly higher ATP hydrolytic activity on the NBD at a neutral pH. Gel-filtration, X-ray crystallography, and mutational analyses suggest that at least four to five residues beyond the N-terminal boundary of NBD3 indeed participate in stabilizing the protein scaffold of the domain structure, thereby facilitating the ATP-dependent dimerization of NBD which is a prerequisite to the catalysis. These findings, together with the presence of a highly conserved glycine residue in this region, support the redefinition of the N-terminal boundary of the NBD of these types of ABC exporters.

An asymmetric post-hydrolysis state of the ABC transporter ATPase dimer

ABC transporters are a superfamily of enzyme pumps that hydrolyse ATP in exchange for translocation of substrates across cellular membranes. Architecturally, ABC transporters are a dimer of transmembrane domains coupled to a dimer of nucleotide binding domains (NBDs): the NBD dimer contains two ATP-binding sites at the intersubunit interface. A current controversy is whether the protomers of the NBD dimer separate during ATP hydrolysis cycling, or remain in constant contact. In order to investigate the ABC ATPase catalytic mechanism, MD simulations using the recent structure of the ADP+Pi-bound MJ0796 isolated NBD dimer were performed. In three independent simulations of the ADP+Pi/apo state, comprising a total of >0.5 µs, significant opening of the apo (empty) active site was observed; occurring by way of intrasubunit rotations between the core and helical subdomains within both NBD monomers. In contrast, in three equivalent simulations of the ATP/apo state, the NBD dimer remained close to the crystal structure, and no opening of either active site occurred. The results thus showed allosteric coupling between the active sites, mediated by intrasubunit conformational changes. Opening of the apo site is exquisitely tuned to the nature of the ligand, and thus to the stage of the reaction cycle, in the opposite site. In addition to this, in also showing how one active site can open, sufficient to bind nucleotide, while the opposite site remains occluded and bound to the hydrolysis products ADP+Pi, the results are consistent with a Constant Contact Model. Conversely, they show how there may be no requirement for the NBD protomers to separate to complete the catalytic cycle.