The complement regulator C4b-binding protein analyzed by molecular modeling, bioinformatics and computer-aided experimental design

Abstract

Molecular modeling and bioinformatics have gained recognition as scientific disciplines of importance in the field of biomedical research. Molecular modeling not only allows to predict the three-dimensional structure of a protein but also helps to define its function. Careful incorporation of the experimental findings in the structural/theoretical data provides means to understand molecular mechanisms for highly complex biological systems. C4b-binding protein (C4BP) is composed of one β-chain and seven α-chains essentially built from three- and eight-complement control protein (CCP) modules, respectively, followed by a non-repeat carboxy-terminal region involved in polymerization of the chains. C4BP is involved in the regulation of the complement system and interacts with many molecules such as C4b, Arp, protein S and heparin. Here, we report experimental and computer data obtained for C4BP. Protein modeling together with site directed mutagenesis indicate that R39, R64 and R66 from the C4BP α-chain form a key binding site for heparin, suggesting that this region could be of major importance for interaction with C4b. We also propose that the first CCP of the C4BP β-chain displays a key hydrophobic surface of major importance for the interaction with the coagulation cofactor protein S.