1
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Iwaï H, Beyer HM, Johansson JEM, Li M, Wlodawer A. The three-dimensional structure of the Vint domain from Tetrahymena thermophila suggests a ligand-regulated cleavage mechanism by the HINT fold. FEBS Lett 2024; 598:864-874. [PMID: 38351630 DOI: 10.1002/1873-3468.14817] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2023] [Revised: 12/13/2023] [Accepted: 01/03/2024] [Indexed: 04/23/2024]
Abstract
Vint proteins have been identified in unicellular metazoans as a novel hedgehog-related gene family, merging the von Willebrand factor type A domain and the Hedgehog/INTein (HINT) domains. We present the first three-dimensional structure of the Vint domain from Tetrahymena thermophila corresponding to the auto-processing domain of hedgehog proteins, shedding light on the unique features, including an adduct recognition region (ARR). Our results suggest a potential binding between the ARR and sulfated glycosaminoglycans like heparin sulfate. Moreover, we uncover a possible regulatory role of the ARR in the auto-processing by Vint domains, expanding our understanding of the HINT domain evolution and their use in biotechnological applications. Vint domains might have played a crucial role in the transition from unicellular to multicellular organisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hideo Iwaï
- Institute of Biotechnology, University of Helsinki, Finland
| | - Hannes M Beyer
- Institute of Biotechnology, University of Helsinki, Finland
| | | | - Mi Li
- Center for Structural Biology, National Cancer Institute, Frederick, MD, USA
- Basic Science Program, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, MD, USA
| | - Alexander Wlodawer
- Center for Structural Biology, National Cancer Institute, Frederick, MD, USA
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2
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McDonald A, Wijnholds J. Retinal Ciliopathies and Potential Gene Therapies: A Focus on Human iPSC-Derived Organoid Models. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:2887. [PMID: 38474133 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25052887] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2024] [Revised: 02/26/2024] [Accepted: 02/27/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
The human photoreceptor function is dependent on a highly specialised cilium. Perturbation of cilial function can often lead to death of the photoreceptor and loss of vision. Retinal ciliopathies are a genetically diverse range of inherited retinal disorders affecting aspects of the photoreceptor cilium. Despite advances in the understanding of retinal ciliopathies utilising animal disease models, they can often lack the ability to accurately mimic the observed patient phenotype, possibly due to structural and functional deviations from the human retina. Human-induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) can be utilised to generate an alternative disease model, the 3D retinal organoid, which contains all major retinal cell types including photoreceptors complete with cilial structures. These retinal organoids facilitate the study of disease mechanisms and potential therapies in a human-derived system. Three-dimensional retinal organoids are still a developing technology, and despite impressive progress, several limitations remain. This review will discuss the state of hiPSC-derived retinal organoid technology for accurately modelling prominent retinal ciliopathies related to genes, including RPGR, CEP290, MYO7A, and USH2A. Additionally, we will discuss the development of novel gene therapy approaches targeting retinal ciliopathies, including the delivery of large genes and gene-editing techniques.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew McDonald
- Department of Ophthalmology, Leiden University Medical Center (LUMC), 2333 ZC Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Jan Wijnholds
- Department of Ophthalmology, Leiden University Medical Center (LUMC), 2333 ZC Leiden, The Netherlands
- Netherlands Institute of Neuroscience, Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences (KNAW), 1105 BA Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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3
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Ramanujam V, Crawford T, Cristofori‐Armstrong B, Deuis JR, Jia X, Maxwell MJ, Jami S, Ma L, Vetter I, Mobli M. Structural Basis of the Bivalency of the TRPV1 Agonist DkTx. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2024; 63:e202314621. [PMID: 37953402 PMCID: PMC10952689 DOI: 10.1002/anie.202314621] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2023] [Revised: 11/08/2023] [Accepted: 11/10/2023] [Indexed: 11/14/2023]
Abstract
Bivalency is a prevalent natural mechanism to enhance receptor avidity. Various two-domain disulfide-rich peptides exhibiting bivalent action have been identified from animal venoms. A unique characteristic of these peptides is that they induce a pharmacological response different from that provoked by any of the constituent domains. The enhanced potency and avidity of such peptides is therefore a consequence of their domain fusion by a peptide linker. The role of the linker itself, beyond conjugation, remains unclear. Here, we investigate how the linker affects the bivalency of the capsaicin receptor (TRPV1) agonist DkTx. We recombinantly produced isotope labelled DkTx using a protein splicing approach, to solve the high-resolution solution structure of DkTx, revealing residual linker order stabilised by linker-domain interactions leading to biased domain orientations. The significance of this was studied using a combination of mutagenesis, spin relaxation studies and electrophysiology measurements. Our results reveal that disrupting the pre-organisation of the domains of DkTx is accompanied by reductions in potency and onset of avidity. Our findings support a model of pre-configured two-domain binding, in favour of the previously suggested sequential binding model. This highlights the significance of ordered elements in linker design and the natural evolution of these in bivalent toxins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Venkatraman Ramanujam
- Australian Institute for Bioengineering and NanotechnologyThe University of QueenslandSt Lucia4072QueenslandAustralia
| | - Theo Crawford
- Australian Institute for Bioengineering and NanotechnologyThe University of QueenslandSt Lucia4072QueenslandAustralia
| | - Ben Cristofori‐Armstrong
- Australian Institute for Bioengineering and NanotechnologyThe University of QueenslandSt Lucia4072QueenslandAustralia
| | - Jennifer R. Deuis
- Institute for Molecular BiosciencesSchool of PharmacyThe University of QueenslandSt Lucia4072QueenslandAustralia
| | - Xinying Jia
- Australian Institute for Bioengineering and NanotechnologyThe University of QueenslandSt Lucia4072QueenslandAustralia
| | - Michael J. Maxwell
- Australian Institute for Bioengineering and NanotechnologyThe University of QueenslandSt Lucia4072QueenslandAustralia
| | - Sina Jami
- Institute for Molecular BiosciencesSchool of PharmacyThe University of QueenslandSt Lucia4072QueenslandAustralia
| | - Linlin Ma
- Griffith Institute for Drug DiscoverySchool of Environment and ScienceGriffith UniversityNathan4111QueenslandAustralia
| | - Irina Vetter
- Institute for Molecular BiosciencesSchool of PharmacyThe University of QueenslandSt Lucia4072QueenslandAustralia
| | - Mehdi Mobli
- Australian Institute for Bioengineering and NanotechnologyThe University of QueenslandSt Lucia4072QueenslandAustralia
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4
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Rabaan AA, Al Fares MA, Almaghaslah M, Alpakistany T, Al Kaabi NA, Alshamrani SA, Alshehri AA, Almazni IA, Saif A, Hakami AR, Khamis F, Alfaresi M, Alsalem Z, Alsoliabi ZA, Al Amri KAS, Hassoueh AK, Mohapatra RK, Arteaga-Livias K, Alissa M. Application of CRISPR-Cas System to Mitigate Superbug Infections. Microorganisms 2023; 11:2404. [PMID: 37894063 PMCID: PMC10609045 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms11102404] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2023] [Revised: 09/15/2023] [Accepted: 09/18/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Multidrug resistance in bacterial strains known as superbugs is estimated to cause fatal infections worldwide. Migration and urbanization have resulted in overcrowding and inadequate sanitation, contributing to a high risk of superbug infections within and between different communities. The CRISPR-Cas system, mainly type II, has been projected as a robust tool to precisely edit drug-resistant bacterial genomes to combat antibiotic-resistant bacterial strains effectively. To entirely opt for its potential, advanced development in the CRISPR-Cas system is needed to reduce toxicity and promote efficacy in gene-editing applications. This might involve base-editing techniques used to produce point mutations. These methods employ designed Cas9 variations, such as the adenine base editor (ABE) and the cytidine base editor (CBE), to directly edit single base pairs without causing DSBs. The CBE and ABE could change a target base pair into a different one (for example, G-C to A-T or C-G to A-T). In this review, we addressed the limitations of the CRISPR/Cas system and explored strategies for circumventing these limitations by applying diverse base-editing techniques. Furthermore, we also discussed recent research showcasing the ability of base editors to eliminate drug-resistant microbes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali A Rabaan
- Molecular Diagnostic Laboratory, Johns Hopkins Aramco Healthcare, Dhahran 31311, Saudi Arabia
- College of Medicine, Alfaisal University, Riyadh 11533, Saudi Arabia
- Department of Public Health and Nutrition, The University of Haripur, Haripur 22610, Pakistan
| | - Mona A Al Fares
- Department of Internal Medicine, King Abdulaziz University Hospital, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia
| | - Manar Almaghaslah
- Infectious Disease Division, Department of Internal Medicine, Dammam Medical Complex, Dammam 32245, Saudi Arabia
| | - Tariq Alpakistany
- Bacteriology Department, Public Health Laboratory, Taif 26521, Saudi Arabia
| | - Nawal A Al Kaabi
- College of Medicine and Health Science, Khalifa University, Abu Dhabi 127788, United Arab Emirates
- Sheikh Khalifa Medical City, Abu Dhabi Health Services Company (SEHA), Abu Dhabi 51900, United Arab Emirates
| | - Saleh A Alshamrani
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Sciences, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Najran University, Najran 61441, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ahmad A Alshehri
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Sciences, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Najran University, Najran 61441, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ibrahim Abdullah Almazni
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Sciences, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Najran University, Najran 61441, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ahmed Saif
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Sciences, College of Applied Medical Sciences, King Khalid University, Abha 62223, Saudi Arabia
| | - Abdulrahim R Hakami
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Sciences, College of Applied Medical Sciences, King Khalid University, Abha 62223, Saudi Arabia
| | - Faryal Khamis
- Infection Diseases Unit, Department of Internal Medicine, Royal Hospital, Muscat 1331, Oman
| | - Mubarak Alfaresi
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Zayed Military Hospital, Abu Dhabi 3740, United Arab Emirates
- Department of Pathology, College of Medicine, Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dubai 505055, United Arab Emirates
| | - Zainab Alsalem
- Department of Epidemic Diseases Research, Institute for Research and Medical Consultations (IRMC), Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, Dammam 31441, Saudi Arabia
| | | | | | - Amal K Hassoueh
- Pharmacy Department, King Saud Medical City, Riyadh 7790, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ranjan K Mohapatra
- Department of Chemistry, Government College of Engineering, Keonjhar 758002, India
| | - Kovy Arteaga-Livias
- Escuela de Medicina-Filial Ica, Universidad Privada San Juan Bautista, Ica 11000, Peru
- Escuela de Medicina, Universidad Nacional Hermilio Valdizán, Huanuco 10000, Peru
| | - Mohammed Alissa
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Prince Sattam Bin Abdulaziz University, Al-Kharj 11942, Saudi Arabia
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5
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Okuda A, Shimizu M, Inoue R, Urade R, Sugiyama M. Efficient Multiple Domain Ligation for Proteins Using Asparaginyl Endopeptidase by Selection of Appropriate Ligation Sites Based on Steric Hindrance. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2023; 62:e202214412. [PMID: 36347766 DOI: 10.1002/anie.202214412] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
Three domain fragments of a multi-domain protein, ER-60, were ligated in two short linker regions using asparaginyl endopeptidase not involving denaturation. To identify appropriate ligation sites, by selecting several potential ligation sites with fewer mutations around two short linker regions, their ligation efficiencies and the functions of the ligated ER-60s were examined experimentally. To evaluate the dependence of ligation efficiencies on the ligation sites computationally, steric hinderances around the sites for the ligation were calculated through molecular dynamics simulations. Utilizing the steric hindrance, a site-dependent ligation potential index was introduced as reproducing the experimental ligation efficiency. Referring to this index, the reconstruction of ER-60 was succeeded by the ligation of the three domains for the first time. In addition, the new ligation potential index well-worked for application to other domain ligations. Therefore, the index may serve as a more time-effective tool for multi-site ligations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aya Okuda
- Institute for Integrated Radiation and Nuclear Science, Kyoto University, Kumatori, Sennan-gun, Osaka 590-0494, Japan
| | - Masahiro Shimizu
- Institute for Integrated Radiation and Nuclear Science, Kyoto University, Kumatori, Sennan-gun, Osaka 590-0494, Japan
| | - Rintaro Inoue
- Institute for Integrated Radiation and Nuclear Science, Kyoto University, Kumatori, Sennan-gun, Osaka 590-0494, Japan
| | - Reiko Urade
- Institute for Integrated Radiation and Nuclear Science, Kyoto University, Kumatori, Sennan-gun, Osaka 590-0494, Japan
| | - Masaaki Sugiyama
- Institute for Integrated Radiation and Nuclear Science, Kyoto University, Kumatori, Sennan-gun, Osaka 590-0494, Japan
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6
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Su X, Zhang L, Zhao L, Pan B, Chen B, Chen J, Zhai C, Li B. Efficient Protein–Protein Couplings Mediated by Small Molecules under Mild Conditions. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2022; 61:e202205597. [DOI: 10.1002/anie.202205597] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Xun‐Cheng Su
- State Key Laboratory of Elemento-organic Chemistry College of Chemistry Nankai University Tianjin 300071 China
| | - Ling‐Yang Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Elemento-organic Chemistry College of Chemistry Nankai University Tianjin 300071 China
| | - Li‐Na Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Elemento-organic Chemistry College of Chemistry Nankai University Tianjin 300071 China
| | - Bin‐Bin Pan
- State Key Laboratory of Elemento-organic Chemistry College of Chemistry Nankai University Tianjin 300071 China
| | - Ben‐Guang Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Elemento-organic Chemistry College of Chemistry Nankai University Tianjin 300071 China
| | - Jia‐Liang Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Elemento-organic Chemistry College of Chemistry Nankai University Tianjin 300071 China
| | - Cheng‐Liang Zhai
- State Key Laboratory of Elemento-organic Chemistry College of Chemistry Nankai University Tianjin 300071 China
| | - Bin Li
- State Key Laboratory of Elemento-organic Chemistry College of Chemistry Nankai University Tianjin 300071 China
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7
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Wu WH, Guo J, Zhang L, Zhang WB, Gao W. Peptide/protein-based macrocycles: from biological synthesis to biomedical applications. RSC Chem Biol 2022; 3:815-829. [PMID: 35866174 PMCID: PMC9257627 DOI: 10.1039/d1cb00246e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2021] [Accepted: 06/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Living organisms have evolved cyclic or multicyclic peptides and proteins with enhanced stability and high bioactivity superior to their linear counterparts for diverse purposes. Herein, we review recent progress in applying this concept to artificial peptides and proteins to exploit the functional benefits of these macrocycles. Not only have simple cyclic forms been prepared, numerous macrocycle variants, such as knots and links, have also been developed. The chemical tools and synthetic strategies are summarized for the biological synthesis of these macrocycles, demonstrating it as a powerful alternative to chemical synthesis. Its further application to therapeutic peptides/proteins has led to biomedicines with profoundly improved pharmaceutical performances. Finally, we present our perspectives on the field and its future developments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wen-Hao Wu
- Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences, Key Laboratory of Polymer Chemistry & Physics of Ministry of Education, Center for Soft Matter Science and Engineering, College of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, Peking University Beijing 100871 P. R. China
| | - Jianwen Guo
- Department of Geriatric Dentistry, Beijing Laboratory of Biomedical Materials, Peking University School and Hospital of Stomatology Beijing 100081 P. R. China
- Biomedical Engineering Department, Peking University Beijing 100191 P. R. China
| | - Longshuai Zhang
- Department of Geriatric Dentistry, Beijing Laboratory of Biomedical Materials, Peking University School and Hospital of Stomatology Beijing 100081 P. R. China
- Biomedical Engineering Department, Peking University Beijing 100191 P. R. China
| | - Wen-Bin Zhang
- Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences, Key Laboratory of Polymer Chemistry & Physics of Ministry of Education, Center for Soft Matter Science and Engineering, College of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, Peking University Beijing 100871 P. R. China
| | - Weiping Gao
- Department of Geriatric Dentistry, Beijing Laboratory of Biomedical Materials, Peking University School and Hospital of Stomatology Beijing 100081 P. R. China
- Biomedical Engineering Department, Peking University Beijing 100191 P. R. China
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8
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Su XC, Zhang LY, Zhao LN, Pan BB, Chen BG, Chen JL, Zhai CL, Li B. Efficient Protein‐Protein Couplings Mediated by Small Molecules under Mild Conditions. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2022. [DOI: 10.1002/ange.202205597] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Xun-Cheng Su
- Nankai University College of Chemistry Stat Key Laboratory of Elemento-organic Chemistry Weijing Road 94 300071 Tianjin CHINA
| | | | - Li-Na Zhao
- Nankai University college of chemistry CHINA
| | - Bin-Bin Pan
- Nankai University college of chemistry CHINA
| | | | | | | | - Bin Li
- Nankai University college of chemistry CHINA
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9
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Beyer HM, Iwaï H. Structural Basis for the Propagation of Homing Endonuclease-Associated Inteins. Front Mol Biosci 2022; 9:855511. [PMID: 35372505 PMCID: PMC8966425 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2022.855511] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2022] [Accepted: 02/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Inteins catalyze their removal from a host protein through protein splicing. Inteins that contain an additional site-specific endonuclease domain display genetic mobility via a process termed “homing” and thereby act as selfish DNA elements. We elucidated the crystal structures of two archaeal inteins associated with an active or inactive homing endonuclease domain. This analysis illustrated structural diversity in the accessory domains (ACDs) associated with the homing endonuclease domain. To augment homing endonucleases with highly specific DNA cleaving activity using the intein scaffold, we engineered the ACDs and characterized their homing site recognition. Protein engineering of the ACDs in the inteins illuminated a possible strategy for how inteins could avoid their extinction but spread via the acquisition of a diverse accessory domain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannes M. Beyer
- Institute of Biotechnology, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
- Institute of Synthetic Biology, Heinrich-Heine-University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Hideo Iwaï
- Institute of Biotechnology, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
- *Correspondence: Hideo Iwaï, or,
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10
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Delivoria DC, Skretas G. The Discovery of Peptide Macrocycle Rescuers of Pathogenic Protein Misfolding and Aggregation by Integrating SICLOPPS Technology and Ultrahigh-Throughput Screening in Bacteria. Methods Mol Biol 2022; 2371:215-246. [PMID: 34596851 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-1689-5_12] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
The phenomenon of protein misfolding and aggregation has been widely associated with numerous human diseases, such as Alzheimer's disease, systemic amyloidosis and type 2 diabetes, the vast majority of which remain incurable. To advance early stage drug discovery against these diseases, investigation of molecular libraries with expanded diversities and ultrahigh-throughput screening methodologies that allow deeper investigation of chemical space are urgently required. Toward this, we describe how Escherichia coli can be engineered so as to enable (1) the production of expanded combinatorial libraries of short, drug-like, head-to-tail cyclic peptides and (2) their simultaneous functional screening for identifying effective inhibitors of protein misfolding and aggregation using a genetic assay that links protein folding and misfolding to cell fluorescence. In this manner, cyclic peptides with the ability to inhibit pathogenic protein misfolding and/or aggregation can be readily selected by flow cytometric cell sorting in an ultrahigh-throughput fashion. This biotechnological approach accelerates significantly the identification of hit/lead molecules with potentially therapeutic properties against devastating diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dafni C Delivoria
- Institute of Chemical Biology, National Hellenic Research Foundation, Athens, Greece
| | - Georgios Skretas
- Institute of Chemical Biology, National Hellenic Research Foundation, Athens, Greece.
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11
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Wall DA, Tarrant SP, Wang C, Mills KV, Lennon CW. Intein Inhibitors as Novel Antimicrobials: Protein Splicing in Human Pathogens, Screening Methods, and Off-Target Considerations. Front Mol Biosci 2021; 8:752824. [PMID: 34692773 PMCID: PMC8529194 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2021.752824] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2021] [Accepted: 09/24/2021] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Protein splicing is a post-translational process by which an intervening polypeptide, or intein, catalyzes its own removal from the flanking polypeptides, or exteins, concomitant with extein ligation. Although inteins are highly abundant in the microbial world, including within several human pathogens, they are absent in the genomes of metazoans. As protein splicing is required to permit function of essential proteins within pathogens, inteins represent attractive antimicrobial targets. Here we review key proteins interrupted by inteins in pathogenic mycobacteria and fungi, exciting discoveries that provide proof of concept that intein activity can be inhibited and that this inhibition has an effect on the host organism's fitness, and bioanalytical methods that have been used to screen for intein activity. We also consider potential off-target inhibition of hedgehog signaling, given the similarity in structure and function of inteins and hedgehog autoprocessing domains.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diana A Wall
- Department of Chemistry, College of the Holy Cross, Worcester, MA, United States
| | - Seanan P Tarrant
- Department of Chemistry, College of the Holy Cross, Worcester, MA, United States
| | - Chunyu Wang
- Department of Biological Sciences, Center for Biotechnology and Interdisciplinary Studies, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Troy, NY, United States.,Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Center for Biotechnology and Interdisciplinary Studies, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Troy, NY, United States
| | - Kenneth V Mills
- Department of Chemistry, College of the Holy Cross, Worcester, MA, United States
| | - Christopher W Lennon
- Department of Biological Sciences, Murray State University, Murray, KY, United States
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12
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A Split-Luciferase-Based Cell Fusion Assay for Evaluating the Myogenesis-Promoting Effects of Bioactive Molecules. Methods Mol Biol 2021. [PMID: 34050464 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-1258-3_8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register]
Abstract
A split-luciferase-based cell fusion assay enables high-throughput screening of myogenesis-promoting chemicals in chemical libraries. The assay consists of two C2C12 myoblast-derived cell lines (N- and C-cells), each of which stably expresses either an N- or C-terminal split-firefly luciferase (FLuc) fragment fused to a naturally split DnaE intein (N- and C-probes, respectively). The fusion of N- and C-cells during myogenesis induces bioluminescence (BL) in the cytosol due to a stable reconstitution of the split-FLuc. Thus, the myogenesis-promoting effects of a chemical compound can be determined through the enhanced BL intensity. Here, we describe the preparation of N- and C-cells and determination of the myogenesis-promoting effects of imatinib using a 96-well microplate-based assay.
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13
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Inteins in Science: Evolution to Application. Microorganisms 2020; 8:microorganisms8122004. [PMID: 33339089 PMCID: PMC7765530 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms8122004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2020] [Revised: 12/09/2020] [Accepted: 12/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Inteins are mobile genetic elements that apply standard enzymatic strategies to excise themselves post-translationally from the precursor protein via protein splicing. Since their discovery in the 1990s, recent advances in intein technology allow for them to be implemented as a modern biotechnological contrivance. Radical improvement in the structure and catalytic framework of cis- and trans-splicing inteins devised the development of engineered inteins that contribute to various efficient downstream techniques. Previous literature indicates that implementation of intein-mediated splicing has been extended to in vivo systems. Besides, the homing endonuclease domain also acts as a versatile biotechnological tool involving genetic manipulation and control of monogenic diseases. This review orients the understanding of inteins by sequentially studying the distribution and evolution pattern of intein, thereby highlighting a role in genetic mobility. Further, we include an in-depth summary of specific applications branching from protein purification using self-cleaving tags to protein modification, post-translational processing and labelling, followed by the development of intein-based biosensors. These engineered inteins offer a disruptive approach towards research avenues like biomaterial construction, metabolic engineering and synthetic biology. Therefore, this linear perspective allows for a more comprehensive understanding of intein function and its diverse applications.
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14
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Oeemig JS, Beyer HM, Aranko AS, Mutanen J, Iwaï H. Substrate specificities of inteins investigated by QuickDrop-cassette mutagenesis. FEBS Lett 2020; 594:3338-3355. [PMID: 32805768 DOI: 10.1002/1873-3468.13909] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2020] [Revised: 08/05/2020] [Accepted: 08/10/2020] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
Inteins catalyze self-excision from host precursor proteins while concomitantly ligating the flanking substrates (exteins) with a peptide bond. Noncatalytic extein residues near the splice junctions, such as the residues at the -1 and +2 positions, often strongly influence the protein-splicing efficiency. The substrate specificities of inteins have not been studied for many inteins. We developed a convenient mutagenesis platform termed "QuickDrop"-cassette mutagenesis for investigating the influences of 20 amino acid types at the -1 and +2 positions of different inteins. We elucidated 17 different profiles of the 20 amino acid dependencies across different inteins. The substrate specificities will accelerate our understanding of the structure-function relationship at the splicing junctions for broader applications of inteins in biotechnology and molecular biosciences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jesper S Oeemig
- Institute of Biotechnology, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Hannes M Beyer
- Institute of Biotechnology, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - A Sesilja Aranko
- Institute of Biotechnology, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Justus Mutanen
- Institute of Biotechnology, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Hideo Iwaï
- Institute of Biotechnology, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
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15
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George JT, Azhar M, Aich M, Sinha D, Ambi UB, Maiti S, Chakraborty D, Srivatsan SG. Terminal Uridylyl Transferase Mediated Site-Directed Access to Clickable Chromatin Employing CRISPR-dCas9. J Am Chem Soc 2020; 142:13954-13965. [PMID: 32658470 PMCID: PMC7611130 DOI: 10.1021/jacs.0c06541] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Locus-specific interrogation of target genes employing functional probes such as proteins and small molecules is paramount in decoding the molecular basis of gene function and designing tools to modulate its downstream effects. In this context, CRISPR-based gene editing and targeting technologies have proved tremendously useful, as they can be programmed to target any gene of interest by simply changing the sequence of the single guide RNA (sgRNA). Although these technologies are widely utilized in recruiting genetically encoded functional proteins, display of small molecules using CRISPR system is not well developed due to the lack of adequate techniques. Here, we have devised an innovative technology called sgRNA-Click (sgR-CLK) that harnesses the power of bioorthogonal click chemistry for remodeling guide RNA to display synthetic molecules on target genes. sgR-CLK employs a novel posttranscriptional chemoenzymatic labeling platform wherein a terminal uridylyl transferase (TUTase) was repurposed to generate clickable sgRNA of choice by site-specific tailoring of multiple azide-modified nucleotide analogues at the 3' end. The presence of a minimally invasive azide handle assured that the sgRNAs are indeed functional. Notably, an azide-tailed sgRNA targeting the telomeric repeat served as a Trojan horse on the CRISPR-dCas9 system to guide synthetic tags (biotin) site-specifically on chromatin employing copper-catalyzed or strain-promoted click reactions. Taken together, sgR-CLK presents a significant advancement on the utility of bioorthogonal chemistry, TUTase, and the CRISPR toolbox, which could offer a simplified solution for site-directed display of small molecule probes and diagnostic tools on target genes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jerrin Thomas George
- Department of Chemistry, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER), Pune Dr. Homi Bhabha Road, Pune 411008, India
| | | | | | | | - Uddhav B Ambi
- Department of Chemistry, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER), Pune Dr. Homi Bhabha Road, Pune 411008, India
| | - Souvik Maiti
- Institute of Genomics and Integrative Biology (IGIB)-National Chemical Laboratory (NCL) Joint Center, Council of Scientific and Industrial Research-NCL, Pune 411008, India
| | | | - Seergazhi G Srivatsan
- Department of Chemistry, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER), Pune Dr. Homi Bhabha Road, Pune 411008, India
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16
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Lee H, Kim SJ, Shin H, Kim YP. Collagen-Immobilized Extracellular FRET Reporter for Visualizing Protease Activity Secreted by Living Cells. ACS Sens 2020; 5:655-664. [PMID: 32036648 DOI: 10.1021/acssensors.9b01456] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Despite the diverse roles of cell-secreted proteases in the extracellular matrix (ECM), classical methods to analyze protease activity have not been explored at the cell culture site. Here, we report a stable, matrix-sticky, and protease-sensitive extracellular reporter that comprises a collagen-binding protein and a Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET) coupler of an enhanced green fluorescent protein and a small dye molecule. The extracellular FRET reporter via split intein-mediated protein trans-splicing is able to adhere to collagen matrices, leading to fluorescence changes by matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP2) activity during living cell culture without impeding cell viability. When a proMMP2 mutant (Y581A) with altered protease secretion and activity was transfected into cancer cells, the reporter revealed a dramatic reduction in MMP2 activity in both two- and three-dimensional culture systems, compared with cells transfected with wild-type proMMP2. Our reporter is immediately amenable to monitor protease activity in diverse ECM-resident cells as well as to study protease-related extracellular signaling and tissue remodeling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hawon Lee
- Department of Life Science, BK21 Plus Bio-Defense Research Team, Hanyang University, Seoul 04763, Republic of Korea
| | - Se-jeong Kim
- Department of Bioengineering, BK21 Plus Future Biopharmaceutical Human Resources Training and Research Team, Hanyang University, Seoul 04763, Republic of Korea
| | - Heungsoo Shin
- Department of Bioengineering, BK21 Plus Future Biopharmaceutical Human Resources Training and Research Team, Hanyang University, Seoul 04763, Republic of Korea
- Institute of Nano Science and Technology, Hanyang University, Seoul 04763, Republic of Korea
| | - Young-Pil Kim
- Department of Life Science, BK21 Plus Bio-Defense Research Team, Hanyang University, Seoul 04763, Republic of Korea
- Institute of Nano Science and Technology, Hanyang University, Seoul 04763, Republic of Korea
- Research Institute for Natural Sciences and Research Institute for Convergence of Basic Sciences, Hanyang University, Seoul 04763, Republic of Korea
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17
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Ciragan A, Backlund SM, Mikula KM, Beyer HM, Samuli Ollila OH, Iwaï H. NMR Structure and Dynamics of TonB Investigated by Scar-Less Segmental Isotopic Labeling Using a Salt-Inducible Split Intein. Front Chem 2020; 8:136. [PMID: 32266203 PMCID: PMC7098700 DOI: 10.3389/fchem.2020.00136] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2019] [Accepted: 02/13/2020] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The growing understanding of partially unfolded proteins increasingly points to their biological relevance in allosteric regulation, complex formation, and protein design. However, the structural characterization of disordered proteins remains challenging. NMR methods can access both the dynamics and structures of such proteins, yet suffering from a high degeneracy of NMR signals. Here, we overcame this bottleneck utilizing a salt-inducible split intein to produce segmentally isotope-labeled samples with the native sequence, including the ligation junction. With this technique, we investigated the NMR structure and conformational dynamics of TonB from Helicobacter pylori in the presence of a proline-rich low complexity region. Spin relaxation experiments suggest that the several nano-second time scale dynamics of the C-terminal domain (CTD) is almost independent of the faster pico-to-nanosecond dynamics of the low complexity central region (LCCR). Our results demonstrate the utility of segmental isotopic labeling for proteins with heterogenous dynamics such as TonB and could advance NMR studies of other partially unfolded proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annika Ciragan
- Institute of Biotechnology, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Sofia M Backlund
- Institute of Biotechnology, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Kornelia M Mikula
- Institute of Biotechnology, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Hannes M Beyer
- Institute of Biotechnology, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - O H Samuli Ollila
- Institute of Biotechnology, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Hideo Iwaï
- Institute of Biotechnology, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
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18
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Romero-Casañas A, Gordo V, Castro J, Ribó M. Protein Splicing: From the Foundations to the Development of Biotechnological Applications. Methods Mol Biol 2020; 2133:15-29. [PMID: 32144661 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-0434-2_2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Expressed protein ligation is a simple and powerful method in protein engineering to introduce sequences of unnatural amino acids, posttranslational modifications, and biophysical probes into proteins of any size. This methodology has been developed based on the knowledge obtained from protein splicing. Protein splicing is a multistep biochemical reaction that includes the concomitant cleavage and formation of peptide bonds carried out by self-processing domains named inteins. The natural substrates of protein splicing are essential proteins found in intein-containing organisms; inteins are also functional in nonnative frameworks and can be used to alter nearly any protein's primary amino acid sequence. Accordingly, different reactivity features of inteins have been largely exploited to manipulate proteins in countless methods encompassing fields from biochemical research to the development of biotechnological applications including the study of disease progression and validation of potential drug candidates. Here, we review almost three decades of research to uncover the chemical and biochemical enigmas of protein splicing and the development of inteins as potent protein engineering tools.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alejandro Romero-Casañas
- Laboratori d'Enginyeria de Proteïnes, Departament de Biologia, Facultat de Ciències, Universitat de Girona, Girona, Spain
| | - Verónica Gordo
- Laboratori d'Enginyeria de Proteïnes, Departament de Biologia, Facultat de Ciències, Universitat de Girona, Girona, Spain
| | - Jessica Castro
- Laboratori d'Enginyeria de Proteïnes, Departament de Biologia, Facultat de Ciències, Universitat de Girona, Girona, Spain
| | - Marc Ribó
- Laboratori d'Enginyeria de Proteïnes, Departament de Biologia, Facultat de Ciències, Universitat de Girona, Girona, Spain.
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19
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Beyer HM, Mikula KM, Li M, Wlodawer A, Iwaï H. The crystal structure of the naturally split gp41-1 intein guides the engineering of orthogonal split inteins from cis-splicing inteins. FEBS J 2019; 287:1886-1898. [PMID: 31665813 DOI: 10.1111/febs.15113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2019] [Revised: 10/01/2019] [Accepted: 10/29/2019] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Protein trans-splicing catalyzed by split inteins has increasingly become useful as a protein engineering tool. We solved the 1.0 Å-resolution crystal structure of a fused variant from the naturally split gp41-1 intein, previously identified from environmental metagenomic sequence data. The structure of the 125-residue gp41-1 intein revealed a compact pseudo-C2-symmetry commonly found in the Hedgehog/Intein superfamily with extensive charge-charge interactions between the split N- and C-terminal intein fragments that are common among naturally occurring split inteins. We successfully created orthogonal split inteins by engineering a similar charge network into the same region of a cis-splicing intein. This strategy could be applicable for creating novel natural-like split inteins from other, more prevalent cis-splicing inteins. DATABASE: Structural data are available in the RCSB Protein Data Bank under the accession number 6QAZ.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannes M Beyer
- Research Program in Structural Biology and Biophysics, Helsinki Life Science Institute-Institute of Biotechnology, University of Helsinki, Finland
| | - Kornelia M Mikula
- Research Program in Structural Biology and Biophysics, Helsinki Life Science Institute-Institute of Biotechnology, University of Helsinki, Finland
| | - Mi Li
- Macromolecular Crystallography Laboratory, National Cancer Institute, Frederick, MD, USA.,Basic Science Program, Leidos Biomedical Research, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, MD, USA
| | - Alexander Wlodawer
- Macromolecular Crystallography Laboratory, National Cancer Institute, Frederick, MD, USA
| | - Hideo Iwaï
- Research Program in Structural Biology and Biophysics, Helsinki Life Science Institute-Institute of Biotechnology, University of Helsinki, Finland
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20
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Crystal structures of CDC21-1 inteins from hyperthermophilic archaea reveal the selection mechanism for the highly conserved homing endonuclease insertion site. Extremophiles 2019; 23:669-679. [PMID: 31363851 PMCID: PMC6801210 DOI: 10.1007/s00792-019-01117-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2019] [Accepted: 07/09/2019] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Self-splicing inteins are mobile genetic elements invading host genes via nested homing endonuclease (HEN) domains. All HEN domains residing within inteins are inserted at a highly conserved insertion site. A purifying selection mechanism directing the location of the HEN insertion site has not yet been identified. In this work, we solved the three-dimensional crystal structures of two inteins inserted in the cell division control protein 21 of the hyperthermophilic archaea Pyrococcus abyssi and Pyrococcus horikoshii. A comparison between the structures provides the structural basis for the thermo-stabilization mechanism of inteins that have lost the HEN domain during evolution. The presence of an entire extein domain in the intein structure from Pyrococcus horikoshii suggests the selection mechanism for the highly conserved HEN insertion point.
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21
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Lacabanne D, Fogeron ML, Wiegand T, Cadalbert R, Meier BH, Böckmann A. Protein sample preparation for solid-state NMR investigations. PROGRESS IN NUCLEAR MAGNETIC RESONANCE SPECTROSCOPY 2019; 110:20-33. [PMID: 30803692 DOI: 10.1016/j.pnmrs.2019.01.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2018] [Revised: 01/11/2019] [Accepted: 01/12/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Preparation of a protein sample for solid-state NMR is in many aspects similar to solution-state NMR approaches, mainly with respect to the need for stable isotope labeling. But the possibility of using solid-state NMR to investigate membrane proteins in (native) lipids adds the important requirement of adapted membrane-reconstitution schemes. Also, dynamic nuclear polarization and paramagnetic NMR in solids need specific schemes using metal ions and radicals. Sample sedimentation has enabled structural investigations of objects inaccessible to other structural techniques, but rotor filling using sedimentation has become increasingly complex with smaller and smaller rotors, as needed for higher and higher magic-angle spinning (MAS) frequencies. Furthermore, solid-state NMR can investigate very large proteins and their complexes without the concomitant increase in line widths, motivating the use of selective labeling and unlabeling strategies, as well as segmental labeling, to decongest spectra. The possibility of investigating sub-milligram amounts of protein today using advanced fast MAS techniques enables alternative protein synthesis schemes such as cell-free expression. Here we review these specific aspects of solid-state NMR sample preparation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Denis Lacabanne
- Molecular Microbiology and Structural Biochemistry, Labex Ecofect, UMR 5086 CNRS/Université de Lyon, 69367 Lyon, France; Physical Chemistry, ETH Zurich, 8093 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Marie-Laure Fogeron
- Molecular Microbiology and Structural Biochemistry, Labex Ecofect, UMR 5086 CNRS/Université de Lyon, 69367 Lyon, France
| | - Thomas Wiegand
- Physical Chemistry, ETH Zurich, 8093 Zurich, Switzerland
| | | | - Beat H Meier
- Physical Chemistry, ETH Zurich, 8093 Zurich, Switzerland.
| | - Anja Böckmann
- Molecular Microbiology and Structural Biochemistry, Labex Ecofect, UMR 5086 CNRS/Université de Lyon, 69367 Lyon, France.
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22
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Sarmiento C, Camarero JA. Biotechnological Applications of Protein Splicing. Curr Protein Pept Sci 2019; 20:408-424. [PMID: 30734675 PMCID: PMC7135711 DOI: 10.2174/1389203720666190208110416] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2018] [Revised: 12/22/2018] [Accepted: 12/25/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Protein splicing domains, also called inteins, have become a powerful biotechnological tool for applications involving molecular biology and protein engineering. Early applications of inteins focused on self-cleaving affinity tags, generation of recombinant polypeptide α-thioesters for the production of semisynthetic proteins and backbone cyclized polypeptides. The discovery of naturallyoccurring split-inteins has allowed the development of novel approaches for the selective modification of proteins both in vitro and in vivo. This review gives a general introduction to protein splicing with a focus on their role in expanding the applications of intein-based technologies in protein engineering and chemical biology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Corina Sarmiento
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA9033 USA
| | - Julio A. Camarero
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA9033 USA
- Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA9033 USA
- Department of Chemistry, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California 90089-9121, USA
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23
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Demers JP, Fricke P, Shi C, Chevelkov V, Lange A. Structure determination of supra-molecular assemblies by solid-state NMR: Practical considerations. PROGRESS IN NUCLEAR MAGNETIC RESONANCE SPECTROSCOPY 2018; 109:51-78. [PMID: 30527136 DOI: 10.1016/j.pnmrs.2018.06.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2018] [Revised: 06/15/2018] [Accepted: 06/15/2018] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
In the cellular environment, biomolecules assemble in large complexes which can act as molecular machines. Determining the structure of intact assemblies can reveal conformations and inter-molecular interactions that are only present in the context of the full assembly. Solid-state NMR (ssNMR) spectroscopy is a technique suitable for the study of samples with high molecular weight that allows the atomic structure determination of such large protein assemblies under nearly physiological conditions. This review provides a practical guide for the first steps of studying biological supra-molecular assemblies using ssNMR. The production of isotope-labeled samples is achievable via several means, which include recombinant expression, cell-free protein synthesis, extraction of assemblies directly from cells, or even the study of assemblies in whole cells in situ. Specialized isotope labeling schemes greatly facilitate the assignment of chemical shifts and the collection of structural data. Advanced strategies such as mixed, diluted, or segmental subunit labeling offer the possibility to study inter-molecular interfaces. Detailed and practical considerations are presented with respect to first setting up magic-angle spinning (MAS) ssNMR experiments, including the selection of the ssNMR rotor, different methods to best transfer the sample and prepare the rotor, as well as common and robust procedures for the calibration of the instrument. Diagnostic spectra to evaluate the resolution and sensitivity of the sample are presented. Possible improvements that can reduce sample heterogeneity and improve the quality of ssNMR spectra are reviewed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jean-Philippe Demers
- Department of Molecular Biophysics, Leibniz-Forschungsinstitut für Molekulare Pharmakologie (FMP), 13125 Berlin, Germany; Laboratory of Cell Biology, Center for Cancer Research (CCR), National Cancer Institute (NCI), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Pascal Fricke
- Department of Molecular Biophysics, Leibniz-Forschungsinstitut für Molekulare Pharmakologie (FMP), 13125 Berlin, Germany
| | - Chaowei Shi
- Department of Molecular Biophysics, Leibniz-Forschungsinstitut für Molekulare Pharmakologie (FMP), 13125 Berlin, Germany
| | - Veniamin Chevelkov
- Department of Molecular Biophysics, Leibniz-Forschungsinstitut für Molekulare Pharmakologie (FMP), 13125 Berlin, Germany
| | - Adam Lange
- Department of Molecular Biophysics, Leibniz-Forschungsinstitut für Molekulare Pharmakologie (FMP), 13125 Berlin, Germany; Institut für Biologie, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, 10115 Berlin, Germany.
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24
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Friedel K, Popp MA, Matern JCJ, Gazdag EM, Thiel IV, Volkmann G, Blankenfeldt W, Mootz HD. A functional interplay between intein and extein sequences in protein splicing compensates for the essential block B histidine. Chem Sci 2018; 10:239-251. [PMID: 30713635 PMCID: PMC6333167 DOI: 10.1039/c8sc01074a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2018] [Accepted: 10/03/2018] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Steric bulk can compensate for a catalytically critical histidine in an intein's active site and promote the N–S acyl shift.
Inteins remove themselves from a precursor protein by protein splicing. Due to the concomitant structural changes of the host protein, this self-processing reaction has enabled many applications in protein biotechnology and chemical biology. We show that the evolved M86 mutant of the Ssp DnaB intein displays a significantly improved tolerance towards non-native amino acids at the N-terminally flanking (–1) extein position compared to the parent intein, in the form of both an artificially trans-splicing split intein and the cis-splicing mini-intein. Surprisingly, side chains with increased steric bulk compared to the native Gly(–1) residue, including d-amino acids, were found to compensate for the essential block B histidine in His73Ala mutants in the initial N–S acyl shift of the protein splicing pathway. In the case of the M86 intein, large (–1) side chains can even rescue protein splicing activity as a whole. With the comparison of three crystal structures, namely of the M86 intein as well as of its Gly(–1)Phe and Gly(–1)Phe/His73Ala mutants, our data supports a model in which the intein's active site can exert a strain by varying mechanisms on the different angles of the scissile bond at the extein–intein junction to effect a ground-state destabilization. The compensatory mechanism of the block B histidine is the first example for the direct functional role of an extein residue in protein splicing. It sheds new light on the extein–intein interplay and on possible consequences of their co-evolution as well as on the laboratory engineering of improved inteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristina Friedel
- Institute of Biochemistry , University of Muenster , Wilhelm-Klemm-Str. 2 , 48149 Münster , Germany .
| | - Monika A Popp
- Structure and Function of Proteins , Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research , Inhoffenstraße 7 , 38124 , Braunschweig , Germany
| | - Julian C J Matern
- Institute of Biochemistry , University of Muenster , Wilhelm-Klemm-Str. 2 , 48149 Münster , Germany .
| | - Emerich M Gazdag
- Structure and Function of Proteins , Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research , Inhoffenstraße 7 , 38124 , Braunschweig , Germany
| | - Ilka V Thiel
- Institute of Biochemistry , University of Muenster , Wilhelm-Klemm-Str. 2 , 48149 Münster , Germany .
| | - Gerrit Volkmann
- Institute of Biochemistry , University of Muenster , Wilhelm-Klemm-Str. 2 , 48149 Münster , Germany .
| | - Wulf Blankenfeldt
- Structure and Function of Proteins , Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research , Inhoffenstraße 7 , 38124 , Braunschweig , Germany.,Institute for Biochemistry, Biotechnology and Bioinformatics , Technische Universität Braunschweig , Spielmannstraße 7 , 38106 Braunschweig , Germany
| | - Henning D Mootz
- Institute of Biochemistry , University of Muenster , Wilhelm-Klemm-Str. 2 , 48149 Münster , Germany .
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25
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Lee E, Min K, Chang YT, Kwon Y. Efficient and wash-free labeling of membrane proteins using engineered Npu DnaE split-inteins. Protein Sci 2018; 27:1568-1574. [PMID: 30151847 DOI: 10.1002/pro.3455] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2018] [Revised: 06/08/2018] [Accepted: 06/11/2018] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
An efficient and wash-free method to conjugate a fluorescent tag to a target membrane protein is developed, using engineered Npu DnaE split-inteins. This approach allowed fast labeling while avoiding the strenuous synthesis of a long polypeptide. Two different modes of labeling, namely specific binding and covalent conjugation, are observed. The covalent labeling was monitored within 5 min, without background staining.
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Affiliation(s)
- Euiyeon Lee
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Dongguk University, Seoul, 04620, South Korea
| | - Kyoungmi Min
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Dongguk University, Seoul, 04620, South Korea
| | - Young-Tae Chang
- Center for Self-assembly and Complexity, Institute for Basic Science (IBS), Pohang, 37673, South Korea.,Department of Chemistry, Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH), Pohang, 37673, South Korea
| | - Youngeun Kwon
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Dongguk University, Seoul, 04620, South Korea
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26
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Costello WN, Xiao Y, Frederick KK. DNP-Assisted NMR Investigation of Proteins at Endogenous Levels in Cellular Milieu. Methods Enzymol 2018; 615:373-406. [PMID: 30638534 DOI: 10.1016/bs.mie.2018.08.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Structural investigations of biomolecules are typically confined to in vitro systems under extremely limited conditions. These investigations yield invaluable insights, but such experiments cannot capture important structural features imposed by cellular environments. Structural studies of proteins in their native contexts are not only possible using state-of-the-art sensitivity-enhanced (dynamic nuclear polarization, DNP) solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) techniques, but these studies also demonstrate that the cellular context can and does have a dramatic influence on protein structure. In this chapter, we describe methods to prepare samples of isotopically labeled proteins at endogenous levels in cellular contexts alongside quality control methods to ensure that such samples accurately model important features of the cellular environment.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Yiling Xiao
- UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, United States
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27
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Wiegand T, Cadalbert R, von Schroetter C, Allain FHT, Meier BH. Segmental isotope labelling and solid-state NMR of a 12 × 59 kDa motor protein: identification of structural variability. JOURNAL OF BIOMOLECULAR NMR 2018; 71:237-245. [PMID: 29948439 DOI: 10.1007/s10858-018-0196-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2018] [Accepted: 06/01/2018] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
Segmental isotope labelling enables the NMR study of an individual domain within a multidomain protein, but still in the context of the entire full-length protein. Compared to the fully labelled protein, spectral overlap can be greatly reduced. We here describe segmental labelling of the (double-) hexameric DnaB helicase from Helicobacter pylori using a ligation approach. Solid-state spectra demonstrate that the ligated protein has the same structure and structural order as the directly expressed full-length protein. We uniformly 13C/15N labeled the N-terminal domain (147 residues) of the protein, while the C-terminal domain (311 residues) remained in natural abundance. The reduced signal overlap in solid-state NMR spectra allowed to identify structural "hotspots" for which the structure of the N-terminal domain in the context of the oligomeric full-length protein differs from the one in the isolated form. They are located near the linker between the two domains, in an α-helical hairpin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Wiegand
- Physical Chemistry, ETH Zurich, 8093, Zurich, Switzerland
| | | | | | - Frédéric H-T Allain
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Biophysics, ETH Zurich, 8093, Zurich, Switzerland.
| | - Beat H Meier
- Physical Chemistry, ETH Zurich, 8093, Zurich, Switzerland.
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28
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Gordo V, Aparicio D, Pérez-Luque R, Benito A, Vilanova M, Usón I, Fita I, Ribó M. Structural Insights into Subunits Assembly and the Oxyester Splicing Mechanism of Neq pol Split Intein. Cell Chem Biol 2018; 25:871-879.e2. [PMID: 29754955 DOI: 10.1016/j.chembiol.2018.04.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2017] [Revised: 02/28/2018] [Accepted: 04/08/2018] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Split inteins are expressed as two separated subunits (N-intein and C-intein) fused to the corresponding exteins. The specific association of both intein subunits precedes protein splicing, which results in excision of the intein subunits and in ligation, by a peptide bond, of the concomitant exteins. Catalytically active intein precursors are typically too reactive for crystallization or even isolation. Neq pol is the trans-intein of the B-type DNA polymerase I split gene from hyperthermophile Nanoarchaeum equitans. We have determined the crystal structures of both the isolated NeqN and the complex of NeqN and NeqC subunits carrying the wild-type sequences, including the essential catalytic residues Ser1 and Thr+1, in addition to seven and three residues of the N- and C-exteins, respectively. These structures provide detailed information on the unique oxyester chemistry of the splicing mechanism of Neq pol and of the extensive rearrangements that occur in NeqN during the association step.
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Affiliation(s)
- Verónica Gordo
- Laboratori d'Enginyeria de Proteïnes, Departament de Biologia, Facultat de Ciències, Universitat de Girona, C/ Maria Aurèlia Capmany 40, 17003 Girona, Spain; IdIBGi Hospital Universitari Josep Trueta, Girona, Spain
| | - David Aparicio
- Instituto de Biología Molecular de Barcelona (IBMB-CSIC), Parc Cientific de Barcelona, Baldiri i Reixac 10, 08028 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Rosa Pérez-Luque
- Instituto de Biología Molecular de Barcelona (IBMB-CSIC), Parc Cientific de Barcelona, Baldiri i Reixac 10, 08028 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Antoni Benito
- Laboratori d'Enginyeria de Proteïnes, Departament de Biologia, Facultat de Ciències, Universitat de Girona, C/ Maria Aurèlia Capmany 40, 17003 Girona, Spain; IdIBGi Hospital Universitari Josep Trueta, Girona, Spain
| | - Maria Vilanova
- Laboratori d'Enginyeria de Proteïnes, Departament de Biologia, Facultat de Ciències, Universitat de Girona, C/ Maria Aurèlia Capmany 40, 17003 Girona, Spain; IdIBGi Hospital Universitari Josep Trueta, Girona, Spain
| | - Isabel Usón
- Instituto de Biología Molecular de Barcelona (IBMB-CSIC), Parc Cientific de Barcelona, Baldiri i Reixac 10, 08028 Barcelona, Spain; ICREA Lluís Companys 23, 08003 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Ignacio Fita
- Instituto de Biología Molecular de Barcelona (IBMB-CSIC), Parc Cientific de Barcelona, Baldiri i Reixac 10, 08028 Barcelona, Spain.
| | - Marc Ribó
- Laboratori d'Enginyeria de Proteïnes, Departament de Biologia, Facultat de Ciències, Universitat de Girona, C/ Maria Aurèlia Capmany 40, 17003 Girona, Spain; IdIBGi Hospital Universitari Josep Trueta, Girona, Spain.
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29
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Gupta S, Tycko R. Segmental isotopic labeling of HIV-1 capsid protein assemblies for solid state NMR. JOURNAL OF BIOMOLECULAR NMR 2018; 70:103-114. [PMID: 29464399 PMCID: PMC5832360 DOI: 10.1007/s10858-017-0162-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2017] [Accepted: 12/28/2017] [Indexed: 05/09/2023]
Abstract
Recent studies of noncrystalline HIV-1 capsid protein (CA) assemblies by our laboratory and by Polenova and coworkers (Protein Sci 19:716-730, 2010; J Mol Biol 426:1109-1127, 2014; J Biol Chem 291:13098-13112, 2016; J Am Chem Soc 138:8538-8546, 2016; J Am Chem Soc 138:12029-12032, 2016; J Am Chem Soc 134:6455-6466, 2012; J Am Chem Soc 132:1976-1987, 2010; J Am Chem Soc 135:17793-17803, 2013; Proc Natl Acad Sci USA 112:14617-14622, 2015; J Am Chem Soc 138:14066-14075, 2016) have established the capability of solid state nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) measurements to provide site-specific structural and dynamical information that is not available from other types of measurements. Nonetheless, the relatively high molecular weight of HIV-1 CA leads to congestion of solid state NMR spectra of fully isotopically labeled assemblies that has been an impediment to further progress. Here we describe an efficient protocol for production of segmentally labeled HIV-1 CA samples in which either the N-terminal domain (NTD) or the C-terminal domain (CTD) is uniformly 15N,13C-labeled. Segmental labeling is achieved by trans-splicing, using the DnaE split intein. Comparisons of two-dimensional solid state NMR spectra of fully labeled and segmentally labeled tubular CA assemblies show substantial improvements in spectral resolution. The molecular structure of HIV-1 assemblies is not significantly perturbed by the single Ser-to-Cys substitution that we introduce between NTD and CTD segments, as required for trans-splicing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sebanti Gupta
- Laboratory of Chemical Physics, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, 20892-0520, USA
| | - Robert Tycko
- Laboratory of Chemical Physics, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, 20892-0520, USA.
- National Institutes of Health, Building 5, Room 409, Bethesda, MD, 20892-0520, USA.
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30
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Schubeis T, Nagaraj M, Ritter C. Segmental Isotope Labeling of Insoluble Proteins for Solid-State NMR by Protein Trans-Splicing. Methods Mol Biol 2018; 1495:147-160. [PMID: 27714615 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4939-6451-2_10] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Solid-state NMR spectroscopy (ssNMR) is uniquely suited for atomic-resolution structural investigations of large protein assemblies, which are notoriously difficult to study due to their insoluble and non-crystalline nature. However, assignment ambiguities because of limited resolution and spectral crowding are currently major hurdles that quickly increase with the length of the polypeptide chain. The line widths of ssNMR signals are independent of proteins size, making segmental isotope labeling a powerful approach to overcome this limitation. It allows a scalable reduction of signal overlap, aids the assignment of repetitive amino acid sequences, and can be easily combined with other selective isotope labeling strategies. Here we present a detailed protocol for segmental isotope labeling of insoluble proteins using protein trans-splicing. Our protocol exploits the ability of many insoluble proteins, such as amyloid fibrils, to fold correctly under in vitro conditions. In combination with the robust trans-splicing efficiency of the intein DnaE from Nostoc punctiforme, this allows for high yields of segmentally labeled protein required for ssNMR analysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tobias Schubeis
- Macromolecular Interactions, Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research, Inhoffenstrasse 7, 38124, Braunschweig, Germany.,Centre de RMN à Très Hauts Champs, Institut des Sciences Analytiques, UMR 5280 CNRS/Ecole Normale Supérieure de Lyon/UCBL, University of Lyon, 69100, Villeurbanne, France
| | - Madhu Nagaraj
- Macromolecular Interactions, Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research, Inhoffenstrasse 7, 38124, Braunschweig, Germany.,Leibniz-Institut für Molekulare Pharmakologie, Robert-Rössle-Straße 10, D-13125, Berlin, Germany
| | - Christiane Ritter
- Macromolecular Interactions, Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research, Inhoffenstrasse 7, 38124, Braunschweig, Germany. .,SeNostic GmbH, Feodor-Lynen-Strasse 21, 30625, Hannover, Germany.
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31
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Li Q, Yoshimura H, Komiya M, Tajiri K, Uesugi M, Hata Y, Ozawa T. A robust split-luciferase-based cell fusion screening for discovering myogenesis-promoting molecules. Analyst 2018; 143:3472-3480. [DOI: 10.1039/c8an00285a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Screening by the luciferase complementation-based cell fusion assay discovered two myogenesis-promoting chemicals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiaojing Li
- Department of Chemistry
- School of Science
- The University of Tokyo
- Tokyo 113-0033
- Japan
| | - Hideaki Yoshimura
- Department of Chemistry
- School of Science
- The University of Tokyo
- Tokyo 113-0033
- Japan
| | - Maki Komiya
- Department of Chemistry
- School of Science
- The University of Tokyo
- Tokyo 113-0033
- Japan
| | - Ken Tajiri
- Institute for Integrated Cell-Material Sciences (iCeMS)/Institute for Chemical Research (ICR)
- Kyoto University
- Kyoto 611-0011
- Japan
| | - Motonari Uesugi
- Institute for Integrated Cell-Material Sciences (iCeMS)/Institute for Chemical Research (ICR)
- Kyoto University
- Kyoto 611-0011
- Japan
| | - Yutaka Hata
- Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences
- Tokyo Medical and Dental University
- Tokyo 113-8510
- Japan
| | - Takeaki Ozawa
- Department of Chemistry
- School of Science
- The University of Tokyo
- Tokyo 113-0033
- Japan
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32
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Gallagher C, Burlina F, Offer J, Ramos A. A method for the unbiased and efficient segmental labelling of RNA-binding proteins for structure and biophysics. Sci Rep 2017; 7:14083. [PMID: 29074846 PMCID: PMC5658380 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-13950-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2017] [Accepted: 10/03/2017] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Most eukaryotic RNA regulators recognise their RNA and protein partners by the combinatorial use of several RNA binding domains. Inter-domain dynamics and interactions play a key role in recognition and can be analysed by techniques such as NMR or FRET, provided that the information relative to the individual interactions can be de-convoluted. Segmentally labelling the proteins by ligating labelled and unlabelled peptide chains allows one to filter out unwanted information and observe the labelled moieties only. Several strategies have been implemented to ligate two protein fragments, but multiple ligations, which are necessary to segmentally label proteins of more than two domains, are more challenging and often dependent on the structure and solubility of the domains. Here we report a method to ligate multiple protein segments that allows the fast, high yield labelling of both internal and end domains, depending on the requirements. We use TCEP and mercaptophenylacetic acid (MPAA) in an optimised reaction environment to achieve an efficient ligation of protein domains independently from their structure or solubility. We expect the method will provide a useful tool for the molecular study of combinatorial protein–RNA recognition in RNA regulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher Gallagher
- Institute of Structural and Molecular Biology, University College London, London, WC1E 6XA, UK.,The Francis Crick Institute, London, NW1 1AT, UK
| | - Fabienne Burlina
- Sorbonne Universités, UPMC Univ. Paris 06, École Normale Supérieure, PSL Research University, CNRS, Laboratoire des Biomolécules (LBM), 4 place Jussieu, Paris, 75005, France
| | - John Offer
- The Francis Crick Institute, London, NW1 1AT, UK.
| | - Andres Ramos
- Institute of Structural and Molecular Biology, University College London, London, WC1E 6XA, UK. .,The Francis Crick Institute, London, NW1 1AT, UK.
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33
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Neugebauer M, Böcker JK, Matern JCJ, Pietrokovski S, Mootz HD. Development of a screening system for inteins active in protein splicing based on intein insertion into the LacZα-peptide. Biol Chem 2017; 398:57-67. [PMID: 27632429 DOI: 10.1515/hsz-2016-0229] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2016] [Accepted: 08/23/2016] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Protein splicing by inteins has found diverse applications in biotechnology, protein chemistry and chemical biology. Inteins display a wide range of efficiencies and rates unpredictable from their amino acid sequences. Here, we identified positions T22S and S35 in the LacZα peptide as intein insertion sites that strictly require protein splicing, in contrast to cleavage side-reactions, to allow for complementation of β-galactosidase activity. Both the cis-variant of the M86 mutant of the Ssp DnaB intein and a split form undergoing protein trans-splicing gave rise to formation of blue colonies in the β-galactosidase read-out. Furthermore, we report the two novel, naturally split VidaL T4Lh-1 and VidaL UvsX-2 inteins whose N-terminal fragments consist of only 15 and 16 amino acids, respectively. Initial biochemical characterization with the LacZα host system of these inteins further underlines its utility. Finally, we used the LacZα host system to rapidly identify amino acid substitutions from a small randomized library at the structurally conserved intein position 2 next to the catalytic center, that are tolerated for protein splicing activity of the M86 intein. These findings demonstrate the potential of the system for initial testing and directed evolution of inteins.
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Combining DNP NMR with segmental and specific labeling to study a yeast prion protein strain that is not parallel in-register. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2017; 114:3642-3647. [PMID: 28330994 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1619051114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The yeast prion protein Sup35NM is a self-propagating amyloid. Despite intense study, there is no consensus on the organization of monomers within Sup35NM fibrils. Some studies point to a β-helical arrangement, whereas others suggest a parallel in-register organization. Intermolecular contacts are often determined by experiments that probe long-range heteronuclear contacts for fibrils templated from a 1:1 mixture of 13C- and 15N-labeled monomers. However, for Sup35NM, like many large proteins, chemical shift degeneracy limits the usefulness of this approach. Segmental and specific isotopic labeling reduce degeneracy, but experiments to measure long-range interactions are often too insensitive. To limit degeneracy and increase experimental sensitivity, we combined specific and segmental isotopic labeling schemes with dynamic nuclear polarization (DNP) NMR. Using this combination, we examined an amyloid form of Sup35NM that does not have a parallel in-register structure. The combination of a small number of specific labels with DNP NMR enables determination of architectural information about polymeric protein systems.
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35
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Abstract
Split inteins have emerged as a powerful tool in protein engineering. We describe a reliable in silico method to predict viable split sites for the design of new split inteins. A computational circular permutation (CP) prediction method facilitates the search for internal permissive sites to create artificial circular permutants. In this procedure, the original amino- and carboxyl-termini are connected and new termini are created. The identified new terminal sites are promising candidates for the generation of new split sites with the backbone opening being tolerated by the structural scaffold. Here we show how to integrate the online usage of the CP predictor, CPred, in the search of new split intein sites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi-Zong Lee
- Institute of Bioinformatics and Structural Biology, National Tsing Hua University, 101, Section 2, Kuang-Fu Road, 30013, Hsinchu, Taiwan
| | - Wei-Cheng Lo
- Department of Biological Science and Technology, National Chiao Tung University, Hsinchu, Taiwan.
- Institute of Bioinformatics and Systems Biology, National Chiao Tung University, Hsinchu, Taiwan.
| | - Shih-Che Sue
- Institute of Bioinformatics and Structural Biology, National Tsing Hua University, 101, Section 2, Kuang-Fu Road, 30013, Hsinchu, Taiwan.
- Department of Life Science, National Tsing Hua University, Hsinchu, Taiwan.
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36
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Sonntag T. A Cassette Approach for the Identification of Intein Insertion Sites. Methods Mol Biol 2017; 1495:239-258. [PMID: 27714621 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4939-6451-2_16] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Over the past decade split inteins have established themselves as powerful tools for protein engineering, protein semisynthesis, and protein functional control approaches. Their key advantage lies in the protein trans-splicing (PTS) reaction that enables posttranslational protein assembly from two independent, even synthetic, peptide precursors. However, since most split intein applications deal with fragmentation and modification of proteins, various issues can arise, ranging from reduced stability to impairment of protein folding. In this chapter I address how the usage of DNA encoded intein cassettes can streamline and speed up the identification of functional split intein insertion sites in novel proteins of interest (POI).
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Affiliation(s)
- Tim Sonntag
- Clayton Foundation Laboratories for Peptide Biology, The Salk Institute for Biological Studies, La Jolla, California, 92037, USA.
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37
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Fernandes JAL, Prandini THR, Castro MDCA, Arantes TD, Giacobino J, Bagagli E, Theodoro RC. Evolution and Application of Inteins in Candida species: A Review. Front Microbiol 2016; 7:1585. [PMID: 27777569 PMCID: PMC5056185 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2016.01585] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2016] [Accepted: 09/21/2016] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Inteins are invasive intervening sequences that perform an autocatalytic splicing from their host proteins. Among eukaryotes, these elements are present in many fungal species, including those considered opportunistic or primary pathogens, such as Candida spp. Here we reviewed and updated the list of Candida species containing inteins in the genes VMA, THRRS and GLT1 and pointed out the importance of these elements as molecular markers for molecular epidemiological researches and species-specific diagnosis, since the presence, as well as the size of these inteins, is polymorphic among the different species. Although absent in Candida albicans, these elements are present in different sizes, in some environmental Candida spp. and also in most of the non-albicans Candida spp. considered emergent opportunistic pathogens. Besides, the possible role of these inteins in yeast physiology was also discussed in the light of the recent findings on the importance of these elements as post-translational modulators of gene expression, reinforcing their relevance as alternative therapeutic targets for the treatment of non-albicans Candida infections, because, once the splicing of an intein is inhibited, its host protein, which is usually a housekeeping protein, becomes non-functional.
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Affiliation(s)
- José A L Fernandes
- Institute of Tropical Medicine of Rio Grande do Norte, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte Natal, Brazil
| | - Tâmara H R Prandini
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Biosciences, Universidade Estadual Paulista Julio de Mesquita Filho Botucatu, Brazil
| | - Maria da Conceiçao A Castro
- Institute of Tropical Medicine of Rio Grande do Norte, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte Natal, Brazil
| | - Thales D Arantes
- Institute of Tropical Medicine of Rio Grande do Norte, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do NorteNatal, Brazil; Post-graduation Program in Biochemistry, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do NorteNatal, Brazil
| | - Juliana Giacobino
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Biosciences, Universidade Estadual Paulista Julio de Mesquita Filho Botucatu, Brazil
| | - Eduardo Bagagli
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Biosciences, Universidade Estadual Paulista Julio de Mesquita Filho Botucatu, Brazil
| | - Raquel C Theodoro
- Institute of Tropical Medicine of Rio Grande do Norte, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte Natal, Brazil
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38
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Characterizing Aciniform Silk Repetitive Domain Backbone Dynamics and Hydrodynamic Modularity. Int J Mol Sci 2016; 17:ijms17081305. [PMID: 27517921 PMCID: PMC5000702 DOI: 10.3390/ijms17081305] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2016] [Revised: 08/03/2016] [Accepted: 08/04/2016] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Spider aciniform (wrapping) silk is a remarkable fibrillar biomaterial with outstanding mechanical properties. It is a modular protein consisting, in Argiope trifasciata, of a core repetitive domain of 200 amino acid units (W units). In solution, the W units comprise a globular folded core, with five α-helices, and disordered tails that are linked to form a ~63-residue intrinsically disordered linker in concatemers. Herein, we present nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy-based 15N spin relaxation analysis, allowing characterization of backbone dynamics as a function of residue on the ps–ns timescale in the context of the single W unit (W1) and the two unit concatemer (W2). Unambiguous mapping of backbone dynamics throughout W2 was made possible by segmental NMR active isotope-enrichment through split intein-mediated trans-splicing. Spectral density mapping for W1 and W2 reveals a striking disparity in dynamics between the folded core and the disordered linker and tail regions. These data are also consistent with rotational diffusion behaviour where each globular domain tumbles almost independently of its neighbour. At a localized level, helix 5 exhibits elevated high frequency dynamics relative to the proximal helix 4, supporting a model of fibrillogenesis where this helix unfolds as part of the transition to a mixed α-helix/β-sheet fibre.
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39
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Zhang H, van Ingen H. Isotope-labeling strategies for solution NMR studies of macromolecular assemblies. Curr Opin Struct Biol 2016; 38:75-82. [PMID: 27295425 DOI: 10.1016/j.sbi.2016.05.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2016] [Revised: 05/20/2016] [Accepted: 05/22/2016] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Proteins come together in macromolecular assemblies, recognizing and binding to each other through their structures, and operating on their substrates through their motions. Detailed characterization of these processes is particularly suited to NMR, a high-resolution technique sensitive to structure, dynamics, and interactions. Advances in isotope-labeling have enabled such studies to an ever-increasing range of systems. Here we highlight recent applications and bring to the fore the range of options to produce labeled proteins and to control the specific placement of isotopes. The increased labeling control and affordability, together with the possibility to combine strategies will further deepen and extend the range of protein assembly investigations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heyi Zhang
- Macromolecular Biochemistry, Leiden Institute of Chemistry, Leiden University, Einsteinweg 55, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Hugo van Ingen
- Macromolecular Biochemistry, Leiden Institute of Chemistry, Leiden University, Einsteinweg 55, Leiden, The Netherlands.
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40
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Recognition of the disordered p53 transactivation domain by the transcriptional adapter zinc finger domains of CREB-binding protein. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2016; 113:E1853-62. [PMID: 26976603 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1602487113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
An important component of the activity of p53 as a tumor suppressor is its interaction with the transcriptional coactivators cyclic-AMP response element-binding protein (CREB)-binding protein (CBP) and p300, which activate transcription of p53-regulated stress response genes and stabilize p53 against ubiquitin-mediated degradation. The highest affinity interactions are between the intrinsically disordered N-terminal transactivation domain (TAD) of p53 and the TAZ1 and TAZ2 domains of CBP/p300. The NMR spectra of simple binary complexes of the TAZ1 and TAZ2 domains with the p53TAD suffer from exchange broadening, but innovations in construct design and isotopic labeling have enabled us to obtain high-resolution structures using fusion proteins, uniformly labeled in the case of the TAZ2-p53TAD fusion and segmentally labeled through transintein splicing for the TAZ1-p53TAD fusion. The p53TAD is bipartite, with two interaction motifs, termed AD1 and AD2, which fold to form short amphipathic helices upon binding to TAZ1 and TAZ2 whereas intervening regions of the p53TAD remain flexible. Both the AD1 and AD2 motifs bind to hydrophobic surfaces of the TAZ domains, with AD2 making more extensive hydrophobic contacts consistent with its greater contribution to the binding affinity. Binding of AD1 and AD2 is synergistic, and structural studies performed with isolated motifs can be misleading. The present structures of the full-length p53TAD complexes demonstrate the versatility of the interactions available to an intrinsically disordered domain containing bipartite interaction motifs and provide valuable insights into the structural basis of the affinity changes that occur upon stress-related posttranslational modification.
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41
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Jung D, Sato K, Min K, Shigenaga A, Jung J, Otaka A, Kwon Y. Photo-triggered fluorescent labelling of recombinant proteins in live cells. Chem Commun (Camb) 2016; 51:9670-3. [PMID: 25977944 DOI: 10.1039/c5cc01067e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
A method to photo-chemically trigger fluorescent labelling of proteins in live cells is developed. The approach is based on photo-caged split-intein mediated conditional protein trans-splicing reaction and enabled background-free fluorescent labelling of target proteins with the necessary spatiotemporal control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deokho Jung
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Dongguk University-Seoul, Pildong 3-ga, Seoul, Korea.
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42
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Deller MC, Kong L, Rupp B. Protein stability: a crystallographer's perspective. ACTA CRYSTALLOGRAPHICA SECTION F-STRUCTURAL BIOLOGY COMMUNICATIONS 2016; 72:72-95. [PMID: 26841758 PMCID: PMC4741188 DOI: 10.1107/s2053230x15024619] [Citation(s) in RCA: 140] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2015] [Accepted: 12/21/2015] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Protein stability is a topic of major interest for the biotechnology, pharmaceutical and food industries, in addition to being a daily consideration for academic researchers studying proteins. An understanding of protein stability is essential for optimizing the expression, purification, formulation, storage and structural studies of proteins. In this review, discussion will focus on factors affecting protein stability, on a somewhat practical level, particularly from the view of a protein crystallographer. The differences between protein conformational stability and protein compositional stability will be discussed, along with a brief introduction to key methods useful for analyzing protein stability. Finally, tactics for addressing protein-stability issues during protein expression, purification and crystallization will be discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marc C Deller
- Stanford ChEM-H, Macromolecular Structure Knowledge Center, Stanford University, Shriram Center, 443 Via Ortega, Room 097, MC5082, Stanford, CA 94305-4125, USA
| | - Leopold Kong
- Laboratory of Cell and Molecular Biology, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Building 8, Room 1A03, 8 Center Drive, Bethesda, MD 20814, USA
| | - Bernhard Rupp
- Department of Forensic Crystallography, k.-k. Hofkristallamt, 91 Audrey Place, Vista, CA 92084, USA
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43
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44
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Frederick KK, Michaelis VK, Corzilius B, Ong TC, Jacavone AC, Griffin RG, Lindquist S. Sensitivity-enhanced NMR reveals alterations in protein structure by cellular milieus. Cell 2015; 163:620-8. [PMID: 26456111 PMCID: PMC4621972 DOI: 10.1016/j.cell.2015.09.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 112] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2015] [Revised: 07/03/2015] [Accepted: 08/26/2015] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Biological processes occur in complex environments containing a myriad of potential interactors. Unfortunately, limitations on the sensitivity of biophysical techniques normally restrict structural investigations to purified systems, at concentrations that are orders of magnitude above endogenous levels. Dynamic nuclear polarization (DNP) can dramatically enhance the sensitivity of nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy and enable structural studies in biologically complex environments. Here, we applied DNP NMR to investigate the structure of a protein containing both an environmentally sensitive folding pathway and an intrinsically disordered region, the yeast prion protein Sup35. We added an exogenously prepared isotopically labeled protein to deuterated lysates, rendering the biological environment "invisible" and enabling highly efficient polarization transfer for DNP. In this environment, structural changes occurred in a region known to influence biological activity but intrinsically disordered in purified samples. Thus, DNP makes structural studies of proteins at endogenous levels in biological contexts possible, and such contexts can influence protein structure.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Vladimir K Michaelis
- Department of Chemistry and Francis Bitter Magnet Laboratory, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Björn Corzilius
- Department of Chemistry and Francis Bitter Magnet Laboratory, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Ta-Chung Ong
- Department of Chemistry and Francis Bitter Magnet Laboratory, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Angela C Jacavone
- Department of Chemistry and Francis Bitter Magnet Laboratory, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Robert G Griffin
- Department of Chemistry and Francis Bitter Magnet Laboratory, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Susan Lindquist
- Whitehead Institute for Biomedical Research, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA; Howard Hughes Medical Institute and Department of Biology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA.
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Mehler M, Eckert CE, Busche A, Kulhei J, Michaelis J, Becker-Baldus J, Wachtveitl J, Dötsch V, Glaubitz C. Assembling a Correctly Folded and Functional Heptahelical Membrane Protein by Protein Trans-splicing. J Biol Chem 2015; 290:27712-22. [PMID: 26405032 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m115.681205] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2015] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Protein trans-splicing using split inteins is well established as a useful tool for protein engineering. Here we show, for the first time, that this method can be applied to a membrane protein under native conditions. We provide compelling evidence that the heptahelical proteorhodopsin can be assembled from two separate fragments consisting of helical bundles A and B and C, D, E, F, and G via a splicing site located in the BC loop. The procedure presented here is on the basis of dual expression and ligation in vivo. Global fold, stability, and photodynamics were analyzed in detergent by CD, stationary, as well as time-resolved optical spectroscopy. The fold within lipid bilayers has been probed by high field and dynamic nuclear polarization-enhanced solid-state NMR utilizing a (13)C-labeled retinal cofactor and extensively (13)C-(15)N-labeled protein. Our data show unambiguously that the ligation product is identical to its non-ligated counterpart. Furthermore, our data highlight the effects of BC loop modifications onto the photocycle kinetics of proteorhodopsin. Our data demonstrate that a correctly folded and functionally intact protein can be produced in this artificial way. Our findings are of high relevance for a general understanding of the assembly of membrane proteins for elucidating intramolecular interactions, and they offer the possibility of developing novel labeling schemes for spectroscopic applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michaela Mehler
- From the Institute for Biophysical Chemistry and Centre for Biomolecular Magnetic Resonance and
| | - Carl Elias Eckert
- Institute for Physical and Theoretical Chemistry, Goethe University Frankfurt, 60438 Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Alena Busche
- From the Institute for Biophysical Chemistry and Centre for Biomolecular Magnetic Resonance and
| | - Jennifer Kulhei
- From the Institute for Biophysical Chemistry and Centre for Biomolecular Magnetic Resonance and
| | - Jonas Michaelis
- From the Institute for Biophysical Chemistry and Centre for Biomolecular Magnetic Resonance and
| | - Johanna Becker-Baldus
- From the Institute for Biophysical Chemistry and Centre for Biomolecular Magnetic Resonance and
| | - Josef Wachtveitl
- Institute for Physical and Theoretical Chemistry, Goethe University Frankfurt, 60438 Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Volker Dötsch
- From the Institute for Biophysical Chemistry and Centre for Biomolecular Magnetic Resonance and
| | - Clemens Glaubitz
- From the Institute for Biophysical Chemistry and Centre for Biomolecular Magnetic Resonance and
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Tremblay ML, Xu L, Lefèvre T, Sarker M, Orrell KE, Leclerc J, Meng Q, Pézolet M, Auger M, Liu XQ, Rainey JK. Spider wrapping silk fibre architecture arising from its modular soluble protein precursor. Sci Rep 2015; 5:11502. [PMID: 26112753 PMCID: PMC4481645 DOI: 10.1038/srep11502] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2015] [Accepted: 05/27/2015] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Spiders store spidroins in their silk glands as high concentration aqueous solutions, spinning these dopes into fibres with outstanding mechanical properties. Aciniform (or wrapping) silk is the toughest spider silk and is devoid of the short amino acid sequence motifs characteristic of the other spidroins. Using solution-state NMR spectroscopy, we demonstrate that the 200 amino acid Argiope trifasciata AcSp1 repeat unit contrasts with previously characterized spidroins, adopting a globular 5-helix bundle flanked by intrinsically disordered N- and C-terminal tails. Split-intein-mediated segmental NMR-active isotope-enrichment allowed unambiguous demonstration of modular and malleable "beads-on-a-string" concatemeric behaviour. Concatemers form fibres upon manual drawing with silk-like morphology and mechanical properties, alongside secondary structuring and orientation consistent with native AcSp1 fibres. AcSp1 structural stability varies locally, with the fifth helix denaturing most readily. The structural transition of aciniform spidroin from a mostly α-helical dope to a mixed α-helix/β-sheet-containing fibre can be directly related to spidroin architecture and stability.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Lingling Xu
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada
- Institute of Biological Sciences and Biotechnology, Donghua University, Shanghai, P.R. China
| | - Thierry Lefèvre
- Département de Chimie, Regroupement québécois de recherche sur la fonction, la structure et l'ingénierie des protéines (PROTEO), Centre de recherche sur les matériaux avancés (CERMA) Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada
| | - Muzaddid Sarker
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada
| | - Kathleen E. Orrell
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada
| | - Jérémie Leclerc
- Département de Chimie, Regroupement québécois de recherche sur la fonction, la structure et l'ingénierie des protéines (PROTEO), Centre de recherche sur les matériaux avancés (CERMA) Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada
| | - Qing Meng
- Institute of Biological Sciences and Biotechnology, Donghua University, Shanghai, P.R. China
| | - Michel Pézolet
- Département de Chimie, Regroupement québécois de recherche sur la fonction, la structure et l'ingénierie des protéines (PROTEO), Centre de recherche sur les matériaux avancés (CERMA) Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada
| | - Michèle Auger
- Département de Chimie, Regroupement québécois de recherche sur la fonction, la structure et l'ingénierie des protéines (PROTEO), Centre de recherche sur les matériaux avancés (CERMA) Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada
| | - Xiang-Qin Liu
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada
| | - Jan K. Rainey
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada
- Department of Chemistry, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada
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Abstract
Protein splicing in trans by split inteins has increasingly become a powerful protein-engineering tool for protein ligation, both in vivo and in vitro. Over 100 naturally occurring and artificially engineered split inteins have been reported for protein ligation using protein trans-splicing. Here, we review the current status of the reported split inteins in order to delineate an empirical or rational strategy for constructing new split inteins suitable for various applications in biotechnology and chemical biology.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Sesilja Aranko
- Research Program in Structural Biology and Biophysics, Institute of Biotechnology, University of Helsinki, P.O. Box 65, Helsinki FIN-00014, Finland
| | - Alexander Wlodawer
- Macromolecular Crystallography Laboratory, National Cancer Institute-Frederick, MD 21702, USA
| | - Hideo Iwaï
- Research Program in Structural Biology and Biophysics, Institute of Biotechnology, University of Helsinki, P.O. Box 65, Helsinki FIN-00014, Finland
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Michel E, Allain FHT. Selective Amino Acid Segmental Labeling of Multi-Domain Proteins. Methods Enzymol 2015; 565:389-422. [DOI: 10.1016/bs.mie.2015.05.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
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49
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Aranko AS, Oeemig JS, Zhou D, Kajander T, Wlodawer A, Iwaï H. Structure-based engineering and comparison of novel split inteins for protein ligation. MOLECULAR BIOSYSTEMS 2014; 10:1023-34. [PMID: 24574026 DOI: 10.1039/c4mb00021h] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Protein splicing is an autocatalytic process involving self-excision of an internal protein domain, the intein, and concomitant ligation of the two flanking sequences, the exteins, with a peptide bond. Protein splicing can also take place in trans by naturally split inteins or artificially split inteins, ligating the exteins on two different polypeptide chains into one polypeptide chain. Protein trans-splicing could work in foreign contexts by replacing the native extein sequences with other protein sequences. Protein ligation using protein trans-splicing increasingly becomes a useful tool for biotechnological applications such as semi-synthesis of proteins, segmental isotopic labeling, and in vivo protein engineering. However, only a few split inteins have been successfully applied for protein ligation. Naturally split inteins have been widely used, but they are cross-reactive to each other, limiting their applications to multiple-fragment ligation. Based on the three-dimensional structures including two newly determined intein structures, we derived 21 new split inteins from four highly efficient cis-splicing inteins, in order to develop novel split inteins suitable for protein ligation. We systematically compared trans-splicing of 24 split inteins and tested the cross-activities among them to identify orthogonal split intein fragments that could be used in chemical biology and biotechnological applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Sesilja Aranko
- Research Program in Structural Biology and Biophysics, Institute of Biotechnology, University of Helsinki, P.O. Box 65, Helsinki, FIN-00014, Finland.
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Schubeis T, Lührs T, Ritter C. Unambiguous Assignment of Short- and Long-Range Structural Restraints by Solid-State NMR Spectroscopy with Segmental Isotope Labeling. Chembiochem 2014; 16:51-4. [DOI: 10.1002/cbic.201402446] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2014] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
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