Efficient and economic protein labeling for NMR in mammalian expression systems: Application to a preT-cell and T-cell receptor protein

Protein nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy relies on the ability to isotopically label polypeptides, which is achieved through heterologous expression in various host organisms. Most commonly, Escherichia coli is employed by leveraging isotopically substituted ammonium and glucose to uniformly label proteins with 15N and 13C, respectively. Moreover, E. coli can grow and express proteins in uniformly deuterium-substituted water (D2O), a strategy useful for experiments targeting high molecular weight proteins. Unfortunately, many proteins, particularly those requiring specific posttranslational modifications like disulfide bonding or glycosylation for proper folding and/or function, cannot be readily expressed in their functional forms using E. coli-based expression systems. One such class of proteins includes T-cell receptors and their related preT-cell receptors. In this study, we present an expression system for isotopic labeling of proteins using a nonadherent human embryonic kidney cell line, Expi293F, and a specially designed media. We demonstrate the application of this platform to the β subunit common to both receptors. In addition, we show that this expression system and media can be used to specifically label amino acids Phe, Ile, Val, and Leu in this system, utilizing an amino acid-specific labeling protocol that allows targeted incorporation at high efficiency without significant isotopic scrambling. We demonstrate that this system can also be used to express proteins with fluorinated amino acids. We were routinely able to obtain an NMR sample with a concentration of 200 μM from 30 mL of culture media, utilizing less than 20 mg of the labeled amino acids.

Asymmetric framework motion of TCRαβ controls load-dependent peptide discrimination

Mechanical force is critical for the interaction between an αβ T cell receptor (TCR) and a peptide-bound major histocompatibility complex (pMHC) molecule to initiate productive T-cell activation. However, the underlying mechanism remains unclear. We use all-atom molecular dynamics simulations to examine the A6 TCR bound to HLA-A*02:01 presenting agonist or antagonist peptides under different extensions to simulate the effects of applied load on the complex, elucidating their divergent biological responses. We found that TCR α and β chains move asymmetrically, which impacts the interface with pMHC, in particular the peptide-sensing CDR3 loops. For the wild-type agonist, the complex stabilizes in a load-dependent manner while antagonists destabilize it. Simulations of the Cβ FG-loop deletion, which reduces the catch bond response, and simulations with in silico mutant peptides further support the observed behaviors. The present results highlight the combined role of interdomain motion, fluctuating forces, and interfacial contacts in determining the mechanical response and fine peptide discrimination by a TCR, thereby resolving the conundrum of nearly identical crystal structures of TCRαβ-pMHC agonist and antagonist complexes.

Parsing digital or analogue TCR performance through piconewton forces

αβ T-cell receptors (TCRs) recognize aberrant peptides bound to major histocompatibility complex molecules (pMHCs) on unhealthy cells, amplifying specificity and sensitivity through physical load placed on the TCR-pMHC bond during immunosurveillance. To understand this mechanobiology, TCRs stimulated by abundantly and sparsely arrayed epitopes (NP 366-374 /D b and PA 224-233 /D b , respectively) following in vivo influenza A virus infection were studied with optical tweezers. While certain NP repertoire CD8 T lymphocytes require many ligands for activation, others are digital, needing just few. Conversely, all PA TCRs perform digitally, exhibiting pronounced bond lifetime increases through sustained, energizing volleys of structural transitioning. Optimal digital performance is superior in vivo, correlating with ERK phosphorylation, CD3 loss, and activation marker upregulation in vitro . Given neoantigen array paucity, digital TCRs are likely critical for immunotherapies.

One Sentence Summary

Quality of ligand recognition in a T-cell repertoire is revealed through application of physical load on clonal T-cell receptor (TCR)-pMHC bonds.

Asymmetric framework motion of TCRαβ controls load-dependent peptide discrimination

Mechanical force is critical for the interaction between an αβT cell receptor (TCR) and a peptide-bound major histocompatibility complex (pMHC) molecule to initiate productive T-cell activation. However, the underlying mechanism remains unclear. We use all-atom molecular dynamics simulations to examine the A6 TCR bound to HLA-A*02:01 presenting agonist or antagonist peptides under different extensions to simulate the effects of applied load on the complex, elucidating their divergent biological responses. We found that TCR α and β chains move asymmetrically, which impacts the interface with pMHC, in particular the peptide-sensing CDR3 loops. For the wild-type agonist, the complex stabilizes in a load-dependent manner while antagonists destabilize it. Simulations of the Cβ FG-loop deletion, which reduces the catch bond response, and simulations with in silico mutant peptides further support the observed behaviors. The present results highlight the combined role of interdomain motion, fluctuating forces, and interfacial contacts in determining the mechanical response and fine peptide discrimination by a TCR, thereby resolving the conundrum of nearly identical crystal structures of TCRαβ-pMHC agonist and antagonist complexes.

Characterizing Biophysical Parameters of Single TCR-pMHC Interactions Using Optical Tweezers

αβ T cells are mechanosensors that leverage bioforces during immune surveillance for highly sensitive and specific antigen discrimination. Single-molecule studies are used to profile the initial TCRαβ-pMHC binding event, and various biophysical parameters can be identified. Isolating purified TCRαβ and pMHC molecules on a coverslip allows for direct measurements of the kinetics and conformational changes in the system and removes cellular components along the load pathway that may interfere with or mask subtle changes. Optical tweezers provide high resolution position and force information that map the bonding profile, including catch bond, and the ability to measure distinct conformational changes driven by forces. The present method describes the single-molecule optical tweezers assay setup, considerations, and execution. This model can be used for various TCR-pMHC pairs or expanded to measure a wide variety of receptor-ligand interactions operative in multiple biological systems.

Measuring αβ T-Cell Receptor-Mediated Mechanosensing Using Optical Tweezers Combined with Fluorescence Imaging

T-cell antigen receptors (TCRs) are mechanosensors, which initiate a signaling cascade upon ligand recognition resulting in T-cell differentiation, homeostasis, effector and regulatory functions. An optical trap combined with fluorescence permits direct monitoring of T-cell triggering in response to force application at various concentrations of peptide-bound major histocompatibility complex molecules (pMHC). The technique mimics physiological shear forces applied as cells crawl across antigen-presenting surfaces during immune surveillance. True single molecule studies performed on single cells profile force-bond lifetime, typically seen as a catch bond, and conformational change at the TCR-pMHC bond on the surface of the cell upon force loading. Together, activation and single molecule single cell studies provide chemical and physical triggering thresholds as well as insight into catch bond formation and quaternary structural changes of single TCRs. The present methods detail assay design, preparation, and execution, as well as data analysis. These methods may be applied to a wide range of pMHC-TCR interactions and have potential for adaptation to other receptor-ligand systems.

A general chemical crosslinking strategy for structural analyses of weakly interacting proteins applied to preTCR-pMHC complexes

T lymphocytes discriminate between healthy and infected or cancerous cells via T-cell receptor-mediated recognition of peptides bound and presented by cell-surface-expressed major histocompatibility complex molecules (MHCs). Pre-T-cell receptors (preTCRs) on thymocytes foster development of αβT lymphocytes through their β chain interaction with MHC displaying self-peptides on thymic epithelia. The specific binding of a preTCR with a peptide-MHC complex (pMHC) has been identified previously as forming a weak affinity complex with a distinct interface from that of mature αβTCR. However, a lack of appropriate tools has limited prior efforts to investigate this unique interface. Here we designed a small-scale linkage screening protocol using bismaleimide linkers for determining residue-specific distance constraints between transiently interacting protein pairs in solution. Employing linkage distance restraint-guided molecular modeling, we report the oriented solution docking geometry of a preTCRβ-pMHC interaction. The linkage model of preTCRβ-pMHC complex was independently verified with paramagnetic pseudocontact chemical shift (PCS) NMR of the unlinked protein mixtures. Using linkage screens, we show that the preTCR binds with differing affinities to peptides presented by MHC in solution. Moreover, the C-terminal peptide segment is a key determinant in preTCR-pMHC recognition. We also describe the process for future large-scale production and purification of the linked constructs for NMR, X-ray crystallography, and single-molecule electron microscopy studies.

Pre-T cell receptors topologically sample self-ligands during thymocyte β-selection

Self-discrimination, a critical but ill-defined molecular process programmed during thymocyte development, requires myriad pre-T cell receptors (preTCRs) and αβTCRs. Using x-ray crystallography, we show how a preTCR applies the concave β-sheet surface of its single variable domain (Vβ) to "horizontally" grab the protruding MHC α2-helix. By contrast, αβTCRs purpose all six complementarity-determining region (CDR) loops of their paired VαVβ module to recognize peptides bound to major histocompatibility complex molecules (pMHCs) in "vertical" head-to-head binding. The preTCR topological fit ensures that CDR3β reaches the peptide's featured C-terminal segment for pMHC sampling, establishing the subsequent αβTCR canonical docking mode. "Horizontal" docking precludes germline CDR1β- and CDR2β-MHC binding to broaden β-chain repertoire diversification before αβTCR-mediated selection refinement. Thus, one subunit successively attunes the recognition logic of related multicomponent receptors.

NMR: an essential structural tool for integrative studies of T cell development, pMHC ligand recognition and TCR mechanobiology

Early studies of T cell structural biology using X-ray crystallography, surface plasmon resonance (SPR) and isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC) focused on a picture of the αβT cell receptor (αβTCR) component domains and their cognate ligands (peptides bound to MHC molecules, i.e. pMHCs) as static interaction partners. Moving forward requires integrating this corpus of data with dynamic technologies such as NMR, molecular dynamics (MD) simulations and real-time single molecule (SM) studies exemplified by optical tweezers (OT). NMR bridges relevant timescales and provides the potential for an all-atom dynamic description of αβTCR components prior to and during interactions with binding partners. SM techniques have opened up vistas in understanding the non-equilibrium nature of T cell signaling through the introduction of force-mediated binding measurements into the paradigm for T cell function. In this regard, bioforces consequent to T-lineage cell motility are now perceived as placing piconewton (pN)-level loads on single receptor-pMHC bonds to impact structural change and αβT-lineage biology, including peptide discrimination, cellular activation, and developmental progression. We discuss herein essential NMR technologies in illuminating the role of ligand binding in the preT cell receptor (preTCR), the αβTCR developmental precursor, and convergence of NMR, SM and MD data in advancing our comprehension of T cell development. More broadly we review the central hypothesis that the αβTCR is a mechanosensor, fostered by breakthrough NMR-based structural insights. Collectively, elucidating dynamic aspects through the integrative use of NMR, SM, and MD shall advance fundamental appreciation of the mechanism of T cell signaling as well as inform translational efforts in αβTCR and chimeric T cell (CAR-T) immunotherapies and T cell vaccinology.

NMR-directed design of pre-TCRβ and pMHC molecules implies a distinct geometry for pre-TCR relative to αβTCR recognition of pMHC

The pre-T cell receptor (pre-TCR) guides early thymocytes through maturation processes within the thymus via interaction with self-ligands displayed on thymic epithelial cells. The pre-TCR is a disulfide-linked heterodimer composed of an invariant pre-TCR α (pTα) subunit and a variable β subunit, the latter of which is incorporated into the mature TCR in subsequent developmental progression. This interaction of pre-TCR with peptide-major histocompatibility complex (pMHC) molecules has recently been shown to drive robust pre-TCR signaling and thymocyte maturation. Although the native sequences of β are properly folded and suitable for NMR studies in isolation, a tendency to self-associate rendered binding studies with physiological ligands difficult to interpret. Consequently, to structurally define this critical interaction, we have re-engineered the extracellular regions of β, designated as β-c1, for prokaryotic production to be used in NMR spectroscopy. Given the large size of the full extracellular domain of class I MHC molecules such as H-K^b, we produced a truncated form termed K^b-t harboring properties favorable for NMR measurements. This system has enabled robust measurement of a pre-TCR-pMHC interaction directly analogous to that of TCRαβ-pMHC. Binding surface analysis identified a contact surface comparable in size to that of the TCRαβ-pMHC but potentially with a rather distinct binding orientation. A tilting of the pre-TCRβ when bound to the pMHC ligand recognition surface versus the upright orientation of TCRαβ would alter the direction of force application between pre-TCR and TCR mechanosensors, impacting signal initiation.

Pre-T Cell Receptors (Pre-TCRs) Leverage Vβ Complementarity Determining Regions (CDRs) and Hydrophobic Patch in Mechanosensing Thymic Self-ligands

The pre-T cell receptor (pre-TCR) is a pTα-β heterodimer functioning in early αβ T cell development. Although once thought to be ligand-autonomous, recent studies show that pre-TCRs participate in thymic repertoire formation through recognition of peptides bound to major histocompatibility molecules (pMHC). Using optical tweezers, we probe pre-TCR bonding with pMHC at the single molecule level. Like the αβTCR, the pre-TCR is a mechanosensor undergoing force-based structural transitions that dynamically enhance bond lifetimes and exploiting allosteric control regulated via the Cβ FG loop region. The pre-TCR structural transitions exhibit greater reversibility than TCRαβ and ordered force-bond lifetime curves. Higher piconewton force requires binding through both complementarity determining region loops and hydrophobic Vβ patch apposition. This patch functions in the pre-TCR as a surrogate Vα domain, fostering ligand promiscuity to favor development of β chains with self-reactivity but is occluded by α subunit replacement of pTα upon αβTCR formation. At the double negative 3 thymocyte stage where the pre-TCR is first expressed, pre-TCR interaction with self-pMHC ligands imparts growth and survival advantages as revealed in thymic stromal cultures, imprinting fundamental self-reactivity in the T cell repertoire. Collectively, our data imply the existence of sequential mechanosensor αβTCR repertoire tuning via the pre-TCR.

Backbone resonance assignment of N15, N30 and D10 T cell receptor β subunits

The αβT Cell receptor (TCR) governs T cell immunity through its interaction with peptide bound to major histocompatibility complex molecules (pMHC). Previously, soluble ectodomain constructs have been used to elucidate the binding mode of the TCR for the MHC. However, the full heterodimeric αβTCR has proven difficult to produce reproducibly in recombinant systems to the extent seen in the routine production of novel antibodies. Particularly, the route of production in E. coli, which is most convenient for isotopic labeling of proteins, is challenging for a wide range of αβTCR, including N15αβ, N30αβ, but not D10αβ. With the aim of understanding the TCR-pMHC interaction through the use of dynamic binding measurements, we set out to produce TCRβ subunits with which we could investigate binding with pMHC. The TCRβ constructs are more readily produced and refolded than their αβ counterparts and have proven to be an effective model of preTCR in pMHC binding studies. As a first step towards characterizing potential interactions with protein ligands, we have assigned the backbone resonances of three TCRβ subunits, N15β, N30β and D10β.

Structural Features of the αβTCR Mechanotransduction Apparatus That Promote pMHC Discrimination

The αβTCR was recently revealed to function as a mechanoreceptor. That is, it leverages mechanical energy generated during immune surveillance and at the immunological synapse to drive biochemical signaling following ligation by a specific foreign peptide–MHC complex (pMHC). Here, we review the structural features that optimize this transmembrane (TM) receptor for mechanotransduction. Specialized adaptations include (1) the CβFG loop region positioned between Vβ and Cβ domains that allosterically gates both dynamic T cell receptor (TCR)–pMHC bond formation and lifetime; (2) the rigid super β-sheet amalgams of heterodimeric CD3εγ and CD3εδ ectodomain components of the αβTCR complex; (3) the αβTCR subunit connecting peptides linking the extracellular and TM segments, particularly the oxidized CxxC motif in each CD3 heterodimeric subunit that facilitates force transfer through the TM segments and surrounding lipid, impacting cytoplasmic tail conformation; and (4) quaternary changes in the αβTCR complex that accompany pMHC ligation under load. How bioforces foster specific αβTCR-based pMHC discrimination and why dynamic bond formation is a primary basis for kinetic proofreading are discussed. We suggest that the details of the molecular rearrangements of individual αβTCR subunit components can be analyzed utilizing a combination of structural biology, single-molecule FRET, optical tweezers, and nanobiology, guided by insightful atomistic molecular dynamic studies. Finally, we review very recent data showing that the pre-TCR complex employs a similar mechanobiology to that of the αβTCR to interact with self-pMHC ligands, impacting early thymic repertoire selection prior to the CD4⁺CD8⁺ double positive thymocyte stage of development.

Constitutively oxidized CXXC motifs within the CD3 heterodimeric ectodomains of the T cell receptor complex enforce the conformation of juxtaposed segments

The CD3ϵγ and CD3ϵδ heterodimers along with the CD3ζζ homodimer are the signaling components of the T cell receptor (TCR). These invariant dimers are non-covalently associated on the T cell plasma membrane with a clone-specific (i.e. clonotypic) αβ heterodimer that binds its cognate ligand, a complex between a particular antigenic peptide, and an MHC molecule (pMHC). These four TCR dimers exist in a 1:1:1:1 stoichiometry. At the junction between the extracellular and transmembrane domains of each mammalian CD3ϵ, CD3γ, and CD3δ subunit is a highly conserved CXXC motif previously found to be important for thymocyte and T cell activation. The redox state of each CXXC motif is presently unknown. Here we show using LC-MS and a biotin switch assay that these CXXC segments are constitutively oxidized on resting and activated T cells, consistent with their measured reduction potential. NMR chemical shift perturbation experiments comparing a native oxidized CD3δ CXXC-containing segment with that of a mutant SXXS-containing CD3δ segment in LPPG (1-palmitoyl-sn-glycero-3-phospho-(1'-rac-glycerol) (sodium salt)) micelles show extensive chemical shift differences in residues within the membrane-proximal motif as well as throughout the transmembrane and cytoplasmic domains as a result of the elimination of the native disulfide. Likewise, direct comparison of the native CD3δ segment in oxidizing and reducing conditions reveals numerous spectral differences. The oxidized CXXC maintains the structure within the membrane-proximal stalk region as well as that of its contiguous transmembrane and cytoplasmic domain, inclusive of the ITAM (immunoreceptor tyrosine-based activation motif) involved in signaling. These results suggest that preservation of the CD3 CXXC oxidized state may be essential for TCR mechanotransduction.

TCR Mechanobiology: Torques and Tunable Structures Linked to Early T Cell Signaling

Mechanotransduction is a basis for receptor signaling in many biological systems. Recent data based upon optical tweezer experiments suggest that the TCR is an anisotropic mechanosensor, converting mechanical energy into biochemical signals upon specific peptide-MHC complex (pMHC) ligation. Tangential force applied along the pseudo-twofold symmetry axis of the TCR complex post-ligation results in the αβ heterodimer exerting torque on the CD3 heterodimers as a consequence of molecular movement at the T cell–APC interface. Accompanying TCR quaternary change likely fosters signaling via the lipid bilayer predicated on the magnitude and direction of the TCR–pMHC force. TCR glycans may modulate quaternary change, thereby altering signaling outcome as might the redox state of the CxxC motifs located proximal to the TM segments in the heterodimeric CD3 subunits. Predicted alterations in TCR TM segments and surrounding lipid will convert ectodomain ligation into the earliest intracellular signaling events.

A conserved hydrophobic patch on Vβ domains revealed by TCRβ chain crystal structures: Implications for pre-TCR dimerization

The αβ T cell receptor (TCR) is a multimeric complex whose β chain plays a crucial role in thymocyte development as well as antigen recognition by mature T lymphocytes. We report here crystal structures of individual β subunits, termed N15β (Vβ5.2Dβ2Jβ2.6Cβ2) and N30β (Vβ13Dβ1Jβ1.1Cβ2), derived from two αβ TCRs specific for the immunodominant vesicular stomatitis virus octapeptide (VSV-8) bound to the murine H-2K^b MHC class I molecule. The crystal packing of the N15β structure reveals a homodimer formed through two Vβ domains. The Vβ/Vβ module is topologically very similar to the Vα/Vβ module in the N15αβ heterodimer. By contrast, in the N30β structure, the Vβ domain’s external hydrophobic CFG face is covered by the neighboring molecule’s Cβ domain. In conjunction with systematic investigation of previously published TCR single-subunit structures, we identified several conserved residues forming a concave hydrophobic patch at the center of the CFG outer face of the Vβ and other V-type Ig-like domains. This hydrophobic patch is shielded from solvent exposure in the crystal packing, implying that it is unlikely to be thermodynamically stable if exposed on the thymocyte surface. Accordingly, we propose a dimeric pre-TCR model distinct from those suggested previously by others and discuss its functional and structural implications.

Immunodominant-peptide recognition: beta testing TCRalphabeta

In this issue, Ishizuka et al. (2008) define human T cell-receptor recognition of an immunodominant influenza A matrix peptide bound to human leukocyte antigen HLA-A*0201 in atomic detail, raising provocative questions about beta chain function.

CTL Recognition of a Protective Immunodominant Influenza A Virus Nucleoprotein Epitope Utilizes a Highly Restricted Vβ but Diverse Vα Repertoire: Functional and Structural Implications

To investigate protective immunity conferred by CTL against viral pathogens, we have analyzed CD8(+) T cell responses to the immunodominant nucleoprotein epitope (NP(366-374)) of influenza A virus in B6 mice during primary and secondary infections in vivo. Unlike the highly biased TCR Vbeta repertoire, the associated Valpha repertoire specific for the NP(366-374)/D(b) ligand is quite diverse. Nonetheless, certain public and conserved CDR3alpha clonotypes with distinct molecular signatures were identified. Pairing of public Valpha and Vbeta domains creates an alphabeta TCR heterodimer that binds efficiently to the NP(366-374)/D(b) ligand and stimulates T cell activation. In contrast, private TCRs, each comprising a distinct alpha chain paired with the same public beta chain, interact very differently. Molecular dynamics simulation reveals that the conformation and mobility of the shared Vbeta CDR loops are governed largely by the associated Valpha domains. These results provide insight into molecular principles regarding public versus private TCRs linked to immune surveillance after infection with influenza A virus.

Structural characterization of a proline-driven conformational switch within the Itk SH2 domain

Interleukin-2 tyrosine kinase (Itk) is a T cell-specific kinase required for a proper immune response following T cell receptor engagement. In addition to the kinase domain, Itk is composed of several noncatalytic regulatory domains, including a Src homology 2 (SH2) domain that contains a conformationally heterogeneous Pro residue. Cis-trans isomerization of a single prolyl imide bond within the SH2 domain mediates conformer-specific ligand recognition that may have functional implications in T cell signaling. To better understand the mechanism by which a proline switch regulates ligand binding, we have used NMR spectroscopy to determine two structures of Itk SH2 corresponding to the cis and trans imide bond-containing conformers. The structures indicate that the heterogeneous Pro residue acts as a hinge that modulates ligand recognition by controlling the relative orientation of protein-binding surfaces.

Irreversible thiol oxidation in carbonic anhydrase III: protection by S-glutathiolation and detection in aging rats

Proteins with reactive sulfhydryls are central to many important metabolic reactions and also contribute to a variety of signal transduction systems. In this report, we examine the mechanisms of oxidative damage to the two reactive sulfhydryls of carbonic anhydrase III. Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), peroxy radicals, or hypochlorous acid (HOCl) produced irreversibly oxidized forms, primarily cysteine sulfinic acid or cysteic acid, of carbonic anhydrase III if glutathione (GSH) was not present. When GSH was approximately equimolar to protein thiols, irreversible oxidation was prevented. H202 and peroxyl radicals both generated S-glutathiolated carbonic anhydrase III via partially oxidized protein sulfhydryl intermediates, while HOCl did not cause S-glutathiolation. Thus, oxidative damage from H202 or AAPH was prevented by protein S-glutathiolation, while a direct reaction between GSH and oxidant likely prevents HOCl-mediated protein damage. In cultured rat hepatocytes, carbonic anhydrase III was rapidly S-glutathiolated by menadione. When hepatocyte glutathione was depleted, menadione instead caused irreversible oxidation. We hypothesized that normal depletion of glutathione in aged animals might also lead to an increase in irreversible oxidation. Indeed, both total protein extracts and carbonic anhydrase III contained significantly more cysteine sulfinic acid in older rats compared to young animals. These experiments show that, in the absence of sufficient GSH, oxidation reactions lead to irreversible protein sulfhydryl damage in purified proteins, cellular systems, and whole animals.

Regulation of the tyrosine kinase Itk by the peptidyl-prolyl isomerase cyclophilin A

Interleukin-2 tyrosine kinase (Itk) is a nonreceptor protein tyrosine kinase of the Tec family that participates in the intracellular signaling events leading to T cell activation. Tec family members contain the conserved SH3, SH2, and catalytic domains common to many kinase families, but they are distinguished by unique sequences outside of this region. The mechanism by which Itk and related Tec kinases are regulated is not well understood. Our studies indicate that Itk catalytic activity is inhibited by the peptidyl prolyl isomerase activity of cyclophilin A (CypA). NMR structural studies combined with mutational analysis show that a proline-dependent conformational switch within the Itk SH2 domain regulates substrate recognition and mediates regulatory interactions with the active site of CypA. CypA and Itk form a stable complex in Jurkat T cells that is disrupted by treatment with cyclosporin A. Moreover, the phosphorylation levels of Itk and a downstream substrate of Itk, PLCgamma1, are increased in Jurkat T cells that have been treated with cyclosporin A. These findings support a novel mode of tyrosine kinase regulation for a Tec family member and provide a molecular basis for understanding a cellular function of the ubiquitous peptidyl prolyl isomerase, CypA.

Aging and oxidation of reactive protein sulfhydryls

Protein sulfhydryls are potential sites of reversible oxidative modification by S-glutathiolation, and S-nitrosylation, but they are also susceptible to irreversible damage by oxidative conditions. In the absence of adequate antioxidant protection, these reactive sites may become useless because of this irreversible damage. It has recently become possible to directly access the nature and amount of irreversibly oxidized protein sulfhydryls by both gel-based methods and direct amino acid analysis. Results are in keeping with the concept that irreversible oxidation of protein sulfhydryls is more extensive in aged tissue samples. It is proposed that an adequate pool of glutathione is essential to prevent this increase in sulfhdryl oxidation. The increased amount of protein sulfhydryl damage may be critically important to the function of signal-transduction and transcription events that utilize proteins containing these reactive sites.

Oxidative modification of H-ras: S-thiolation and S-nitrosylation of reactive cysteines

The reactive cysteines in H-ras are subject to oxidative modifications that potentially alter the cellular function of this protein. In this study, purified H-ras was modified by thiol oxidants such as hydrogen peroxide (H(2)O(2)), S-nitrosoglutathione, diamide, glutathione disulphide (GSSG) and cystamine, producing as many as four charge-isomeric forms of the protein. These results suggest that all four reactive cysteines of H-ras are potential sites of regulatory modification reactions. S-nitrosylated and S-glutathiolated forms of H-ras were identified by protocols that depend on separation of alkylated proteins on electrofocusing gels. S-nitrosoglutathione could S-nitrosylate H-ras on four cysteine residues, while reduced glutathione (GSH) and H(2)O(2) mediate S-glutathiolation on at least one cysteine of H-ras. Either GSSG or diamide S-glutathiolated at least two cysteine residues of purified H-ras. Iodoacetic acid reacts with three cysteine residues. In intact NIH-3T3 cells, wild-type H-ras was S-glutathiolated by diamide. Similarly, cells expressing a C118S mutant or a C181S/C184S double mutant of H-ras were S-glutathiolated by diamide. These results suggest that H-ras can be S-glutathiolated on multiple thiols in vivo and that at least one of these thiols is normally lipid-modified. In cells treated with S-nitrosocysteine, evidence for both S-nitrosylated and S-glutathiolated H-ras was obtained and S-nitrosylation was the predominant modification. These results show that oxidative modification of H-ras can be extensive in vivo, that both S-nitrosylated and S-glutathiolated forms may be important, and that oxidation may occur on reactive cysteines that are normally targeted for lipid-modification reactions.

Effect of S-nitrosothiols on cellular glutathione and reactive protein sulfhydryls

S-Nitrosothiols may cause many of the biological effects of NO and cellular effects have been attributed to S-nitrosylation of reactive protein sulfhydryls. This report examines the effect of S-nitrosothiols on the low-molecular-weight thiols and protein thiols in NIH/3T3 cells. A low concentration of S-nitrosocysteine increased the cysteine content of the cells, with no evidence of either low-molecular-weight thiol or protein S-nitrosylation. Millimolar amounts of S-nitrosocysteine produced S-nitrosoglutathione (GSNO), cysteinyl glutathione, cysteine, and glutathione disulfide. Large amounts of protein S-nitrosylation and lesser amounts of protein S-glutathiolation and S-cysteylation were also observed. GSNO and S-nitroso-N-acetylpenicillamine (SNAP) were much less effective than S-nitrosocysteine, but a combination of cysteine and GSNO produced S-nitrosocysteine-like effects. In cultured hepatocytes, millimolar S-nitrosocysteine was significantly less effective since the cells contained three times more glutathione than NIH/3T3 cells. Results suggest that S-nitrosocysteine enters cells intact, and low concentrations do not significantly increase cellular pools of S-nitrosothiol or S-nitrosylated protein. Millimolar concentrations of S-nitrosocysteine generate S-nitrosylated, S-glutathiolated, and S-cysteylated proteins, as well as a variety of low-molecular-weight disulfides and S-nitrosothiols.

Crystal structure of S-glutathiolated carbonic anhydrase III

S-Glutathiolation of carbonic anhydrase III (CAIII) occurs rapidly in hepatocytes under oxidative stress. The crystal structure of the S-glutathiolated CAIII from rat liver reveals covalent adducts on cysteines 183 and 188. Electrostatic charge and steric contacts at each modification site inversely correlate with the relative rates of reactivity of these cysteines toward glutathione (GSH). Diffuse electron density associated with the GSH adducts suggests a lack of preferred bonding interactions between CAIII and the glutathionyl moieties. Hence, the GSH adducts are available for binding by a protein capable of reducing this mixed disulfide. These properties are consistent with the participation of CAIII in the protection/recovery from the damaging effects of oxidative agents.

Cryopreservation of rooster semen in thirteen and sixteen percent glycerol

Semen from Barred Plymouth Rock roosters was cryopreserved with glycerol concentrations of 13 and 16% in a microprocessor-controlled freezer. Thawing and deglycerolation were facilitated by the use of an improved microprocessor-controlled thawing device and high speed dialyzer. Deglycerolated semen (100 mu L; 192 and 154 million sperm, respectively, for the 13 and 16% glycerol concentration) was inseminated into Single Comb white Leghorn hens. Three inseminations were done at 4-d intervals. Eggs were collected for 10 d starting 1 d after the first insemination, and incubated for 4th d. Fertility was determined by candling after the 4th d. Fertility measurements of 62.4 and 65% were obtained from the sperm frozen in 13 and 16% glycerol concentrations, respectively, for the 10-d period.