Protein Binding Interactions Research Articles

RUNX1, but not its familial platelet disorder mutants, synergistically activates PF4gene expression in combination with ETS family proteins

Familial platelet disorder (FPD) is a rare autosomal dominant disease characterized by thrombocytopenia and abnormal platelet function. Causal mutations have been identified in the gene encoding runt-related transcription factor 1 (RUNX1) of FPD patients. To elucidate the role of RUNX1 in the regulation of expression of platelet factor 4 (PF4) and to propose a plausible mechanism underlying RUNX1-mediated induction of the FPD phenotype. We assessed whether RUNX1 and its mutants, in combination with E26 transformation-specific-1 (ETS-1), Core-binding factor subunit beta (CBFβ), and Friend leukemia virus integration 1 (FLI-1), cooperatively regulate PF4 expression during megakaryocytic differentiation. In an embryonic stem cell differentiation system, expression levels of endogenous and exogenous RUNX1 and PF4 were determined by real-time RT-PCR. Promoter activation by the transcription factors were evaluated by reporter gene assays with HepG2 cells. DNA binding activity and protein interaction were analyzed by electrophoretic mobility shift assay and immunoprecipitation assay with Cos-7 cells, respectively. Protein localization was analyzed by immunocytochemistry and Western blotting with Cos-7 cells. We demonstrated that RUNX1 activates endogenous PF4 expression in megakaryocytic differentiation. RUNX1, but not its mutants, in combination with ETS-1 and CBFβ, or FLI-1, synergistically activated the PF4 promoter. Each RUNX1 mutant harbors various functional abnormalities, including loss of DNA-binding activity, abnormal subcellular localization, and/or alterations of binding affinities for ETS-1, CBFβ, and FLI-1. RUNX1, but not its mutants, strongly and synergistically activates PF4 expression along with ETS family proteins. Furthermore, loss of the RUNX1 transcriptional activation function is induced by various functional abnormalities.

Ligands Raise the Constraint That Limits Constitutive Activation in G Protein-coupled Opioid Receptors

Using a cell-free bioluminescence resonance energy transfer strategy we compared the levels of spontaneous and ligand-induced receptor-G protein coupling in δ (DOP) and μ (MOP) opioid receptors. In this assay GDP can suppress spontaneous coupling, thus allowing its quantification. The level of constitutive activity was 4-5 times greater at the DOP than at the MOP receptor. A series of opioid analogues with a common peptidomimetic scaffold displayed remarkable inversions of efficacy in the two receptors. Agonists that enhanced coupling above the low intrinsic level of the MOP receptor were inverse agonists in reducing the greater level of constitutive coupling of the DOP receptor. Yet the intrinsic activities of such ligands are identical when scaled over the GDP base line of both receptors. This pattern is in conflict with the predictions of the ternary complex model and the "two state" extensions. According to this theory, the order of spontaneous and ligand-induced coupling cannot be reversed if a shift of the equilibrium between active and inactive forms raises constitutive activation in one receptor type. We propose that constitutive activation results from a lessened intrinsic barrier that restrains spontaneous coupling. Any ligand, regardless of its efficacy, must enhance this constraint to stabilize the ligand-bound complexed form.

Glycan Masking of Plasmodium vivax Duffy Binding Protein for Probing Protein Binding Function and Vaccine Development

Glycan masking is an emerging vaccine design strategy to focus antibody responses to specific epitopes, but it has mostly been evaluated on the already heavily glycosylated HIV gp120 envelope glycoprotein. Here this approach was used to investigate the binding interaction of Plasmodium vivax Duffy Binding Protein (PvDBP) and the Duffy Antigen Receptor for Chemokines (DARC) and to evaluate if glycan-masked PvDBPII immunogens would focus the antibody response on key interaction surfaces. Four variants of PVDBPII were generated and probed for function and immunogenicity. Whereas two PvDBPII glycosylation variants with increased glycan surface coverage distant from predicted interaction sites had equivalent binding activity to wild-type protein, one of them elicited slightly better DARC-binding-inhibitory activity than wild-type immunogen. Conversely, the addition of an N-glycosylation site adjacent to a predicted PvDBP interaction site both abolished its interaction with DARC and resulted in weaker inhibitory antibody responses. PvDBP is composed of three subdomains and is thought to function as a dimer; a meta-analysis of published PvDBP mutants and the new DBPII glycosylation variants indicates that critical DARC binding residues are concentrated at the dimer interface and along a relatively flat surface spanning portions of two subdomains. Our findings suggest that DARC-binding-inhibitory antibody epitope(s) lie close to the predicted DARC interaction site, and that addition of N-glycan sites distant from this site may augment inhibitory antibodies. Thus, glycan resurfacing is an attractive and feasible tool to investigate protein structure-function, and glycan-masked PvDBPII immunogens might contribute to P. vivax vaccine development.

Bioactive Dimeric Carbazole Alkaloids fromMurraya koenigii

Phytochemical studies on the CHCl3 extract of the fruit pulp of Murraya koenigii afforded three new dimeric carbazole alkaloids, bisgerayafolines A-C (1-3). Bisgerayafolines A-C (1-3) are structurally unique dimeric carbazole alkaloids comprising geranyl moieties incorporated in their structures. Compounds 1-3 exhibited various levels of antioxidant, anti-α-glucosidase, DNA binding, and cytotoxic activities and protein interactions.

A phase I first-in-human study of PRI-724 in patients (pts) with advanced solid tumors.

2501 Background: PRI-724 is a first-in-class modulator of Wnt signaling that inhibits the CREB binding protein and β-catenin interaction. In pre-clinical models, PRI-724 (active metabolite C82) increases p300/β-catenin binding and promotes stem cell differentiation thereby eliminating tumor initiating cells and increasing sensitivity to cytotoxic or targeted drugs. Methods: PRI-724 was given as a continuous infusion X 7 days q 2 wks. There was an initial accelerated dose escalation with one pt per dose level and a plan to revert to a 3+3 escalation after 640 mg/m2 unless a dose limiting toxicity (DLT) or 2 moderate toxicities occurred earlier. Eligibility criteria: adequate bone marrow function, AST/ALT <5XULN, total bilirubin<1.5 mg/dL. Survivin/BIRC5 expression was measured by immunomagnetic RT-PCR on circulating tumor cells (CTC). Results: 18 pts treated; median age: 53 years (38-71); 12 (67%) males; median number of prior therapies: 3 (1-5). There was one DLT of grade 3 hyperbilirubinemia. Grade 3 AEs were limited to hyperbilirubinemia in 2 pts, one of which did not meet DLT criteria. Grade 2 AEs were: diarrhea (2pts; 11%), bilirubin elevation (2 pts; 11%), hypophosphatemia (2pts; 11%), nausea (1pt; 6%), fatigue (1pt; 6%), anorexia (1pt; 6%), thrombocytopenia (1 pt; 6%) and alkaline phosphatase elevation (1pt; 6%). There was no MTD at the doses tested. The recommended phase 2 dose was 905 mg/m2 based on the incidence of AEs at 1280 mg/m2 and the plateau in pK parameters. The median Cmax and AUC 0-t for C-82 at 905 mg/m2/day were 887 ng/mL and 262787 h*ng/mL. Median elimination T ½ was 7.35 h. 3 pts with colon cancer had stable disease for 8, 10 and 12 weeks. Survivin expression in CTCs decreased in 72% of pts on C1D8 and 61% on C2D8. There was an inverse relationship between C82 plasma concentration and survivin expression on C1D8 (Spearman correlation coefficient r = -0.72; p=0.001). Conclusions: PRI-724 had an acceptable toxicity profile. Downregulation of survivin expression in CTCs may serve as a pharmacodynamic marker of drug-on-target effect. Studies combining PRI-724 with chemotherapy are ongoing. Clinical trial information: NCT01302405. [Table: see text]

Probing the Interaction of Brain Fatty Acid Binding Protein (B-FABP) with Model Membranes

Brain fatty acid-binding protein (B-FABP) interacts with biological membranes and delivers polyunsaturated fatty acids (FAs) via a collisional mechanism. The binding of FAs in the protein and the interaction with membranes involve a motif called “portal region”, formed by two small α-helices, A1 and A2, connected by a loop. We used a combination of site-directed mutagenesis and electron spin resonance to probe the changes in the protein and in the membrane model induced by their interaction. Spin labeled B-FABP mutants and lipidic spin probes incorporated into a membrane model confirmed that B-FABP interacts with micelles through the portal region and led to structural changes in the protein as well in the micelles. These changes were greater in the presence of LPG when compared to the LPC models. ESR spectra of B-FABP labeled mutants showed the presence of two groups of residues that responded to the presence of micelles in opposite ways. In the presence of lysophospholipids, group I of residues, whose side chains point outwards from the contact region between the helices, had their mobility decreased in an environment of lower polarity when compared to the same residues in solution. The second group, composed by residues with side chains situated at the interface between the α-helices, experienced an increase in mobility in the presence of the model membranes. These modifications in the ESR spectra of B-FABP mutants are compatible with a less ordered structure of the portal region inner residues (group II) that is likely to facilitate the delivery of FAs to target membranes. On the other hand, residues in group I and micelle components have their mobilities decreased probably as a result of the formation of a collisional complex. Our results bring new insights for the understanding of the gating and delivery mechanisms of FABPs.

Neoproteoglycans in tissue engineering

Proteoglycans, comprised of a core protein to which glycosaminoglycan chains are covalently linked, are an important structural and functional family of macromolecules found in the extracellular matrix. Advances in our understanding of biological interactions have lead to a greater appreciation for the need to design tissue engineering scaffolds that incorporate mimetics of key extracellular matrix components. A variety of synthetic and semisynthetic molecules and polymers have been examined by tissue engineers that serve as structural, chemical and biological replacements for proteoglycans. These proteoglycan mimetics have been referred to as neoproteoglycans and serve as functional and therapeutic replacements for natural proteoglycans that are often unavailable for tissue engineering studies. Although neoproteoglycans have important limitations, such as limited signaling ability and biocompatibility, they have shown promise in replacing the natural activity of proteoglycans through cell and protein binding interactions. This review focuses on the recent invivo and invitro tissue engineering applications of three basic types of neoproteoglycan structures, protein-glycosaminoglycan conjugates, nano-glycosaminoglycan composites and polymer-glycosaminoglycan complexes.

Interaction of streptococcal plasminogen binding proteins with the host fibrinolytic system

The ability to take advantage of plasminogen and its activated form plasmin is a common mechanism used by commensal as well as pathogenic bacteria in interaction with their respective host. Hence, a huge variety of plasminogen binding proteins and activation mechanisms exist. This review solely focuses on the genus Streptococcus and, in particular, on the so-called non-activating plasminogen binding proteins. Based on structural and functional differences, as well as on their mode of surface linkaging, three groups can be assigned: M-(like) proteins, surface displayed cytoplasmatic proteins with enzymatic activities (“moonlighting proteins”) and other surface proteins. Here, the plasminogen binding sites and the interaction mechanisms are compared. Recent findings on the functional consequences of these interactions on tissue degradation and immune evasion are summarized.

1E03 AFMを用いたアクチンフィラメントとアクチン結合タンパク質の相互作用測定法の開発(GS2-1:生体分子のバイオメカニクス(1))

1E03 AFMを用いたアクチンフィラメントとアクチン結合タンパク質の相互作用測定法の開発(GS2-1:生体分子のバイオメカニクス(1))

Chapter Three - Membrane Protein Dynamics and Functional Implications in Mammalian Cells

The organization of the plasma membrane is both highly complex and highly dynamic. One manifestation of this dynamic complexity is the lateral mobility of proteins within the plane of the membrane, which is often an important determinant of intermolecular protein-binding interactions, downstream signal transduction, and local membrane mechanics. The mode of membrane protein mobility can range from random Brownian motion to immobility and from confined or restricted motion to actively directed motion. Several methods can be used to distinguish among the various modes of protein mobility, including fluorescence recovery after photobleaching, single-particle tracking, fluorescence correlation spectroscopy, and variations of these techniques. Here, we present both a brief overview of these methods and examples of their use to elucidate the dynamics of membrane proteins in mammalian cells-first in erythrocytes, then in erythroblasts and other cells in the hematopoietic lineage, and finally in non-hematopoietic cells. This multisystem analysis shows that the cytoskeleton frequently governs modes of membrane protein motion by stably anchoring the proteins through direct-binding interactions, by restricting protein diffusion through steric interactions, or by facilitating directed protein motion. Together, these studies have begun to delineate mechanisms by which membrane protein dynamics influence signaling sequelae and membrane mechanical properties, which, in turn, govern cell function.

TATA Binding Proteins Can Recognize Nontraditional DNA Sequences

We demonstrate an accurate, quantitative, and label-free optical technology for high-throughput studies of receptor-ligand interactions, and apply it to TATA binding protein (TBP) interactions with oligonucleotides. We present a simple method to prepare single-stranded and double-stranded DNA microarrays with comparable surface density, ensuring an accurate comparison of TBP activity with both types of DNA. In particular, we find that TBP binds tightly to single-stranded DNA, especially to stretches of polythymine (poly-T), as well as to the traditional TATA box. We further investigate the correlation of TBP activity with various lengths of DNA and find that the number of TBPs bound to DNA increases >7-fold as the oligomer length increases from 9 to 40. Finally, we perform a full human genome analysis and discover that 35.5% of human promoters have poly-T stretches. In summary, we report, for the first time to our knowledge, the activity of TBP with poly-T stretches by presenting an elegant stepwise analysis of multiple techniques: discovery by a novel quantitative detection of microarrays, confirmation by a traditional gel electrophoresis, and a full genome prediction with computational analyses.

Ultrasound-Assisted Extraction Combined with HPLC-UV for Fast Determination of Sulfamethazine and Its N4-Acetyl Metabolite in Plasma and Phosphate Buffer

A simple and cost effective HPLC-UV method for fast determination of sulfamethazine (SMZ) and its N4-acetyl metabolite, N4-acetyl sulfamethazine (AcSMZ), in plasma and phosphate buffer was developed and validated. The sample treatment was performed by ultrasound-assisted extraction with 1 mL ethyl acetate twice, each time 5 min. Moreover, there was no need for centrifugation and further clean-up, which shortened the measurement time. The total analysis time was less than 30 min. The method proved to be a selective and accurate tool for detection of SMZ and AcSMZ in plasma and phosphate buffer with satisfactory recoveries (85.43–99.29%) and little matrix effects (0.86–0.99). The proposed approach was also applied to the evaluation of pharmacokinetic and drug-metabolite protein binding interaction studies. The results show that SMZ and AcSMZ are non-concentration-dependent, and the metabolite does not bind competitively with the drug to the plasma protein.

Mapping oxidative modifications of PTEN

The oxidation of certain amino acids in proteins can cause many effects including aggregation and fragmentation, as well as affecting the function such catalytic activity and protein interactions. Therefore, it is not surprising that oxidative modification of proteins is predicted to be involved in the development of many pathologies, including neurodegeneration and cancer. Hence, the development of methods to detect oxidative damage is of significant medical relevance. Our research focuses on developing mass spectrometric techniques including precursor ion scanning, neutral loss, targeted MS, high mass accuracy MS and multiple reaction monitoring to determine accurately the presence and localization of oxidative modifications. Our initial work focuses on PTEN (phosphatase and tensin homolog on chromosome 10), a phosphatase that is sensitive to oxidation involved in the control of apoptosis by negatively regulating the Akt pathway. Using mass spectrometry we have successfully detected several modified residues in PTEN after treatment with hypochlorous acid (HOCl) and 3-morpholinosydnonimine (SIN-1, a peroxynitrite donor), including hydroxytyrosine, chlorotyrosine and nitrotyrosine. These modifications map to a number of regions in PTEN including the putative protein interaction binding domains and near to the PTEN active site. We have also detected oxidation products of a cysteine residue involved in the redox regulation of PTEN. We are correlating these modifications with changes in PTEN activity and protein interactions to begin to understand better how oxidative modifications can alter protein function and affect cellular signalling. Acknowledgements This Project is funded by the EPSRC (EP/I07887) and Aston University.

Modular Dispensability of Dysferlin C2 Domains Reveals Rational Design for Mini-dysferlin Molecules

Dysferlin is a large transmembrane protein composed of a C-terminal transmembrane domain, two DysF domains, and seven C2 domains that mediate lipid- and protein-binding interactions. Recessive loss-of-function mutations in dysferlin lead to muscular dystrophies, for which no treatment is currently available. The large size of dysferlin precludes its encapsulation into an adeno-associated virus (AAV), the vector of choice for gene delivery to muscle. To design mini-dysferlin molecules suitable for AAV-mediated gene transfer, we tested internally truncated dysferlin constructs, each lacking one of the seven C2 domains, for their ability to localize to the plasma membrane and to repair laser-induced plasmalemmal wounds in dysferlin-deficient human myoblasts. We demonstrate that the dysferlin C2B, C2C, C2D, and C2E domains are dispensable for correct plasmalemmal localization. Furthermore, we show that the C2B, C2C, and C2E domains and, to a lesser extent, the C2D domain are dispensable for dysferlin membrane repair function. On the basis of these results, we designed small dysferlin molecules that can localize to the plasma membrane and reseal laser-induced plasmalemmal injuries and that are small enough to be incorporated into AAV. These results lay the groundwork for AAV-mediated gene therapy experiments in dysferlin-deficient mouse models.

Transcripts with in silico predicted RNA structure are enriched everywhere in the mouse brain

BackgroundPost-transcriptional control of gene expression is mostly conducted by specific elements in untranslated regions (UTRs) of mRNAs, in collaboration with specific binding proteins and RNAs. In several well characterized cases, these RNA elements are known to form stable secondary structures. RNA secondary structures also may have major functional implications for long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs). Recent transcriptional data has indicated the importance of lncRNAs in brain development and function. However, no methodical efforts to investigate this have been undertaken. Here, we aim to systematically analyze the potential for RNA structure in brain-expressed transcripts.ResultsBy comprehensive spatial expression analysis of the adult mouse in situ hybridization data of the Allen Mouse Brain Atlas, we show that transcripts (coding as well as non-coding) associated with in silico predicted structured probes are highly and significantly enriched in almost all analyzed brain regions. Functional implications of these RNA structures and their role in the brain are discussed in detail along with specific examples. We observe that mRNAs with a structure prediction in their UTRs are enriched for binding, transport and localization gene ontology categories. In addition, after manual examination we observe agreement between RNA binding protein interaction sites near the 3’ UTR structures and correlated expression patterns.ConclusionsOur results show a potential use for RNA structures in expressed coding as well as noncoding transcripts in the adult mouse brain, and describe the role of structured RNAs in the context of intracellular signaling pathways and regulatory networks. Based on this data we hypothesize that RNA structure is widely involved in transcriptional and translational regulatory mechanisms in the brain and ultimately plays a role in brain function.

Analysis of selective, high protein–protein binding interaction of cohesin–dockerin complex using biosensing methods

Optical biosensors that use fluorescence are promising tools for the analysis of target materials such as protein, DNA and other biomaterial. To analyze the binding properties of a protein–protein interaction, we constructed fluorescent biomarkers based on the cohesin–dockerin interaction, which coordinates the assembly of cellulolytic enzymes and scaffolding proteins to produce a cell surface multiprotein complex known as the “cellulosome” in some anaerobic bacteria. Our 2D-PAGE results displayed diverse binding profiles to the dockerin containing cellulosomal proteins produced by Clostridium cellulovorans grown on different carbon sources, such as Avicel, xylan and AXP (Avicel:xylan:pectin (3:1:1)). Fluorescence intensity analysis indicated that EngE and EngH bound more efficiently to Coh6 than to Coh2 or Coh9 (2-fold to 6-fold and 1.5-fold to 5-fold, respectively), while others cellulosomal proteins displayed similar results. In addition, both an enzyme-linked interaction assay (ELIA) and surface plasmon resonance (SPR) analyses demonstrated that both EngE and EngH preferentially bound cohesin6 versus the other two cohesin molecules. This work demonstrated the analysis of the binding patterns between interacting proteins using fluorescent biomarkers. We also illustrated the potential of this sensitive approach to quantify specific target analytical materials via the example of the cohesin–dockerin interaction.

Characterizing Phospholamban to Sarco(endo)plasmic Reticulum Ca2+-ATPase 2a (SERCA2a) Protein Binding Interactions in Human Cardiac Sarcoplasmic Reticulum Vesicles Using Chemical Cross-linking

Chemical cross-linking was used to study protein binding interactions between native phospholamban (PLB) and SERCA2a in sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) vesicles prepared from normal and failed human hearts. Lys(27) of PLB was cross-linked to the Ca(2+) pump at the cytoplasmic extension of M4 (at or near Lys(328)) with the homobifunctional cross-linker, disuccinimidyl glutarate (7.7 Å). Cross-linking was augmented by ATP but abolished by Ca(2+) or thapsigargin, confirming in native SR vesicles that PLB binds preferentially to E2 (low Ca(2+) affinity conformation of the Ca(2+)-ATPase) stabilized by ATP. To assess the functional effects of PLB binding on SERCA2a activity, the anti-PLB antibody, 2D12, was used to disrupt the physical interactions between PLB and SERCA2a in SR vesicles. We observed a tight correlation between 2D12-induced inhibition of PLB cross-linking to SERCA2a and 2D12 stimulation of Ca(2+)-ATPase activity and Ca(2+) transport. The results suggest that the inhibitory effect of PLB on Ca(2+)-ATPase activity in SR vesicles results from mutually exclusive binding of PLB and Ca(2+) to the Ca(2+) pump, requiring PLB dissociation for catalytic activation. Importantly, the same result was obtained with SR vesicles prepared from normal and failed human hearts; therefore, we conclude that PLB binding interactions with the Ca(2+) pump are largely unchanged in failing myocardium.

Quantitative Analysis of Multisite Protein–Ligand Interactions by NMR: Binding of Intrinsically Disordered p53 Transactivation Subdomains with the TAZ2 Domain of CBP

Determination of affinities and binding sites involved in protein-ligand interactions is essential for understanding molecular mechanisms in biological systems. Here we combine singular value decomposition and global analysis of NMR chemical shift perturbations caused by protein-protein interactions to determine the number and location of binding sites on the protein surface and to measure the binding affinities. Using this method we show that the isolated AD1 and AD2 binding motifs, derived from the intrinsically disordered N-terminal transactivation domain of the tumor suppressor p53, both interact with the TAZ2 domain of the transcriptional coactivator CBP at two binding sites. Simulations of titration curves and line shapes show that a primary dissociation constant as small as 1-10 nM can be accurately estimated by NMR titration methods, provided that the primary and secondary binding processes are coupled. Unexpectedly, the site of binding of AD2 on the hydrophobic surface of TAZ2 overlaps with the binding site for AD1, but AD2 binds TAZ2 more tightly. The results highlight the complexity of interactions between intrinsically disordered proteins and their targets. Furthermore, the association rate of AD2 to TAZ2 is estimated to be 1.7 × 10(10) M(-1) s(-1), approaching the diffusion-controlled limit and indicating that intrinsic disorder plus complementary electrostatics can significantly accelerate protein binding interactions.

CaBP1 and Calmodulin Compete in Regulating Calcium-Dependent Inactivation of CaV1.2

CaV1.2 is an L-type calcium channel from a family of voltage dependent calcium channels (VDCC) distributed mainly in cardiac and smooth muscle, endocrine cells and neurons, which produce calcium influx in response to membrane depolarization. Interaction of calcium binding protein 1 (CaBP1) and calmodulin (CaM) with the C-terminus (CT) of the L-type CaV1.2 channel is crucial for calcium-dependent inactivation (CDI); CaBP1 has an opposite effect on VDCCs compared to CaM: while CaM promotes CDI, CaBP1 prolongs and facilitates calcium currents and does not support CDI. CaBP1 and CaM are also bind to the N-terminus (NT), but the role of this interactions and the effect of these proteins on each other are unknown. We characterized the interaction of CaBP1 with NT peptides of alpha-1C using pull down assay. This binding site of CaBP1 is between a.a. 95-120 and does not overlap the CaM binding site; the binding is not calcium dependent. Coexpression of CaBP1 with CaV1.2 in Xenopus oocytes eliminated the CaM-dependent CDI. Inversely, titrated expression of fluorescently tagged CaM and CaBP1 showed that CaM removed the effect of CaBP1 at a molar ratio of ∼a 1:1 in the cell. Alanine mutagenesis of the CaM binding site and deletion of the NT binding site of CaBP1 did not remove the effect of CaBP1 on the inactivation. Thus, NT does not appear to be the important anchoring site for the action CaBP1, and the role of the interaction of CaBP1 with the CaV1.2 NT remains to be determined.

Revealing the Interaction of Binding Protein with ABC Transporter by Fluorescence Correlation Spectroscopy

ATP binding cassette (ABC) transporters can be found in all organism form bacteria to man. Dysfunction of these transporters is often associated with diseases, like multi drug-resistance in cancer cells. These transporters translocate substances across the cellular plasma membrane under the expense of ATP, consist of dimers of ATPase subunits known as the ATP binding cassette and of two transmembrane domains (TMDs).The histidine permease (HisQMP2) of S. typhimirium is a well characterised classic canonical ABC importer. For substrate translocation HisJ (binding protein (BP) with specificity for histidine) or LAO (BP with specificity for lysine/arginine/ornithine) are required. The BP interacts with the extracellular loops of the TMD and the binding constants for both proteins were found to be in a micro molar range. To assess the conformational dynamics of BP-TMD complexation during the catalytic cycle of substrate translocation, a Fluorescense Correlation Spectroscopy based binding assay is designed to investigate the dependency of this interaction on the catalytic state of the transporter. HisQMP2 is functionally reconstituted into large unilamellar vesicles and a monocysteine variant of the BP is chemically labelled with Alexa Fluor 488. By trapping the transporter in different steps of ATP hydrolysis, the change in diffusion rates of the fluorescent BP is supposed to reveal the dynamics of the BP association during substrate translocation.