DEAD Motor Research Articles

Molecular movie of nucleotide binding to a motor protein

BackgroundThe SecA DEAD (Asp-Glu-Ala-Asp) motor protein uses binding and hydrolysis of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) to push secretory proteins across the plasma membrane of bacteria. The reaction coordinate of nucleotide exchange is unclear at the atomic level of detail. MethodsWe performed multiple atomistic computations of the DEAD motor domain of SecA with different occupancies of the nucleotide and magnesium ion sites, for a total of ~1.7 μs simulation time. To characterize dynamics at the active site we analyzed hydrogen-bond networks. ResultsATP and ADP can bind spontaneously at the interface between the nucleotide binding domains, albeit at an intermediate binding site distinct from the native site. Binding of the nucleotide is facilitated by the presence of a magnesium ion close to the glutamic group of the conserved DEAD motif. In the absence of the magnesium ion, protein interactions of the ADP molecule are perturbed. ConclusionsA protein hydrogen-bond network whose dynamics couples to the occupancy of the magnesium ion site helps guide the nucleotide along the nucleotide exchange path. In SecA, release of magnesium might be required to destabilize the ADP binding site prior to release of the nucleotide. General significanceWe identified dynamic hydrogen-bond networks that help control nucleotide exchange in SecA, and stabilize ADP at an intermediate site that could explain slow release. The reaction coordinate of the protein motor involves complex rearrangements of a hydrogen-bond network at the active site, with perturbation of the magnesium ion site likely occurring prior to the release of ADP.

An alternate mode of oligomerization for E. coli SecA

SecA is the ATPase of preprotein translocase. SecA is a dimer in solution and changes in its oligomeric state may function in preprotein translocation. The SecA-N68 construct, in which the C-terminal helical domains of SecA are deleted, was used to investigate the mechanism of SecA oligomerization. SecA-N68 is in equilibrium between monomers, dimers, and tetramers. Subunit interactions in the SecA-N68 tetramer are mediated entirely by unstructured regions at its N- and C-termini: when the termini are deleted to yield SecA-N68∆NC, the construct is completely monomeric. This monomeric construct yielded crystals diffracting to 2.6 Å that were used to solve the structure of SecA-N68, including the “preprotein crosslinking domain” (PPXD) that was missing from previous E. coli SecA structures. The SecA-N68 structure was combined with small angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) data to construct a model of the SecA-N68 tetramer that is consistent with the essential roles of the extreme N- and C-termini in oligomerization. This mode of oligomerization, which depends on binding of the extreme N-terminus to the DEAD motor domains, NBD1 and NBD2, was used to model a novel parallel and flexible SecA solution dimer that agrees well with SAXS data.

Renewal of Cell Metabolism: A Possible End of Paraplegia

I propose that the renewed metabolism of the cell’s mitochondria in both the motor neurons and muscles of a paraplegic is the key to the person walking again. Based on Dorland’s Medical Dictionary definition of ATP, I believe that the dead motor neurons of a person’s severed spinal cord and inactive muscle state are like the cells of a person as a corpse which also lacks the use of ATP from the cell’s mitochondria. In more specific terms, I propose that the element phosphorous as a source of metabolism combined with oxygen as a source of respiration occurs from an oxygen tank. So, both of these elements revive the latent mitochondria and release ATP into the motor neurons of the severed spinal cord and into the muscles below the waist.

The Variable Subdomain of Escherichia coli SecA Functions To Regulate SecA ATPase Activity and ADP Release

Bacterial SecA proteins can be categorized by the presence or absence of a variable subdomain (VAR) located within nucleotide-binding domain II of the SecA DEAD motor. Here we show that VAR is dispensable for SecA function, since the VAR deletion mutant secAΔ519-547 displayed a wild-type rate of cellular growth and protein export. Loss or gain of VAR is extremely rare in the history of bacterial evolution, indicating that it appears to contribute to secA function within the relevant species in their natural environments. VAR removal also results in additional secA phenotypes: azide resistance (Azi(r)) and suppression of signal sequence defects (PrlD). The SecAΔ(519-547) protein was found to be modestly hyperactive for SecA ATPase activities and displayed an accelerated rate of ADP release, consistent with the biochemical basis of azide resistance. Based on our findings, we discuss models whereby VAR allosterically regulates SecA DEAD motor function at SecYEG.

Analysis of the Isolated SecA DEAD Motor Suggests a Mechanism for Chemical–Mechanical Coupling

The preprotein cross-linking domain and C-terminal domains of Escherichia coli SecA were removed to create a minimal DEAD motor, SecA-DM. SecA-DM hydrolyzes ATP and has the same affinity for ADP as full-length SecA. The crystal structure of SecA-DM in complex with ADP was solved and shows the DEAD motor in a closed conformation. Comparison with the structure of the E. coli DEAD motor in an open conformation (Protein Data Bank ID 2FSI) indicates main-chain conformational changes in two critical sequences corresponding to Motif III and Motif V of the DEAD helicase family. The structures that the Motif III and Motif V sequences adopt in the DEAD motor open conformation are incompatible with the closed conformation. Therefore, when the DEAD motor makes the transition from open to closed, Motif III and Motif V are forced to change their conformations, which likely functions to regulate passage through the transition state for ATP hydrolysis. The transition state for ATP hydrolysis for the SecA DEAD motor was modeled based on the conformation of the Vasa helicase in complex with adenylyl imidodiphosphate and RNA (Protein Data Bank ID 2DB3). A mechanism for chemical–mechanical coupling emerges, where passage through the transition state for ATP hydrolysis is hindered by the conformational changes required in Motif III and Motif V, and may be promoted by binding interactions with the preprotein substrate and/or other translocase domains and subunits.

T cells in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis

The inflammatory process in ALS involves infiltration of T cells and activation of antigen presenting cells co-localizing with motor neuron damage in the brain and spinal cord. The role of T cells in the pathogenic process is not settled. T cells may damage motor neurons by cell-cell contact or cytokine secretion, or contribute indirectly to motor neuron damage through activation of microglia and macrophages. Alternatively, T cell infiltration may be an epiphenomenon related to clearance of dead motor neurons. Lessons from animal models of neuroinflammation and neurodegeneration have shown that T cell responses can be neuroprotective or even enhance neurogenesis. Therefore, it is possible that T cells can be induced to slow motor neuron destruction and facilitate repair in ALS. The T cell modulating drug glatiramer acetate has shown promising results in animal models, and is being currently investigated in a phase II trial in ALS. This paper reviews the evidence for T cells as pathogenic players and therapeutic targets in ALS.

Structure of Dimeric SecA, the Escherichia coli Preprotein Translocase Motor

SecA is the preprotein translocase ATPase subunit and a superfamily 2 (SF2) RNA helicase. Here we present the 2 Å crystal structures of the Escherichia coli SecA homodimer in the apo form and in complex with ATP, ADP and adenosine 5′-[β,γ-imido]triphosphate (AMP-PNP). Each monomer contains the SF2 ATPase core (DEAD motor) built of two domains (nucleotide binding domain, NBD and intramolecular regulator of ATPase 2, IRA2), the preprotein binding domain (PBD), which is inserted in NBD and a carboxy-terminal domain (C-domain) linked to IRA2. The structures of the nucleotide complexes of SecA identify an interfacial nucleotide-binding cleft located between the two DEAD motor domains and residues critical for ATP catalysis. The dimer comprises two virtually identical protomers associating in an antiparallel fashion. Dimerization is mediated solely through extensive contacts of the DEAD motor domains leaving the C-domain facing outwards from the dimerization core. This dimerization mode explains the effect of functionally important mutations and is completely different from the dimerization models proposed for other SecA structures. The repercussion of these findings on translocase assembly and catalysis is discussed.

Identification of the Preprotein Binding Domain of SecA

SecA, the preprotein translocase ATPase, has a helicase DEAD motor. To catalyze protein translocation, SecA possesses two additional flexible domains absent from other helicases. Here we demonstrate that one of these "specificity domains" is a preprotein binding domain (PBD). PBD is essential for viability and protein translocation. PBD mutations do not abrogate the basal enzymatic properties of SecA (nucleotide binding and hydrolysis), nor do they prevent SecA binding to the SecYEG protein conducting channel. However, SecA PBD mutants fail to load preproteins onto SecYEG, and their translocation ATPase activity does not become stimulated by preproteins. Bulb and Stem, the two sterically proximal PBD substructures, are physically separable and have distinct roles. Stem binds signal peptides, whereas the Bulb binds mature preprotein regions as short as 25 amino acids. Binding of signal or mature region peptides or full-length preproteins causes distinct conformational changes to PBD and to the DEAD motor. We propose that (a) PBD is a preprotein receptor and a physical bridge connecting bound preproteins to the DEAD motor, and (b) preproteins control the ATPase cycle via PBD.

Helicase Motif III in SecA is essential for coupling preprotein binding to translocation ATPase.

The SecA ATPase is a protein translocase motor and a superfamily 2 (SF2) RNA helicase. The ATPase catalytic core ('DEAD motor') contains the seven conserved SF2 motifs. Here, we demonstrate that Motif III is essential for SecA-mediated protein translocation and viability. SecA Motif III mutants can bind ligands (nucleotide, the SecYEG translocase 'channel', signal and mature preprotein domains), can catalyse basal and SecYEG-stimulated ATP hydrolysis and can be activated for catalysis. However, Motif III mutation specifically blocks the preprotein-stimulated 'translocation ATPase' at a step of the reaction pathway that lies downstream of ligand binding. A functional Motif III is required for optimal ligand-driven conformational changes and kinetic parameters that underlie optimal preprotein-modulated nucleotide cycling at the SecA DEAD motor. We propose that helicase Motif III couples preprotein binding to the SecA translocation ATPase and that catalytic activation of SF2 enzymes through Motif-III-mediated action is essential for both polypeptide and nucleic-acid substrates.

Global Co-ordination of Protein Translocation by the SecA IRA1 Switch

SecA, the dimeric ATPase subunit of protein translocase, contains a DEAD helicase catalytic core that binds to a regulatory C-terminal domain. We now demonstrate that IRA1, a conserved helix-loop-helix structure in the C-domain, controls C-domain conformation through direct interdomain contacts. C-domain conformational changes are transmitted to the DEAD motor and alter its conformation. These interactions establish DEAD motor/C-domain conformational cross-talk that requires a functional IRA1. IRA1-controlled binding/release cycles of the C-domain to the DEAD motor couple this cross-talk to protein translocation chemistries, i.e. DEAD motor affinities for ligands (nucleotides, preprotein signal peptides, and SecYEG, the integral membrane component of translocase) and ATP turnover. IRA1-mediated global co-ordination of SecA catalysis is essential for protein translocation.

Stem Cell Therapy for ALS: Hope and RealityA discussion paper from the Executive of the European ALS Consortium

BackgroundAll are agreed that there is pressing need for an effective treatment for Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS; MND). Such treatment may derive from a combination of therapeutic strategies aimed at different aspects of the disorder, and might include drugs directed at the initial, intermediate or terminal cascade of events leading to cell death, as well as the use of stem cells to replace dead motor neurons, or to protect those that remain.The attraction of cell implantation or transplantation is that it might help to overcome the inability of the CNS to replace lost neurons. It is also clear that neural implantation will yield little benefit if the donor cells fail to integrate functionally into the recipient CNS circuitry. In this respect, ALS poses an especially difficult problem.The recent breakthroughs in stem cell research might nevertheless provide possibilities for neural implantation and cell replacement therapy for patients with ALS. The potential impact of these new approaches to neurodegenerative diseases has been emphasised by the many experiments using human foetal cell grafts in patients affected by Parkinson's and Huntington's disease. Clinical benefits in Parkinson's disease seem to be associated with integration of the donor cells into the recipient brain. Despite promising results, however, significant constraints have hampered the use of foetal cells for neural implantation and transplantation. Besides ethical concerns, the viability, purity, and final destiny of the foetal tissue have not been completely defined. Foetal cells are, in addition, post‐mitotic and cannot be expanded or stored for long periods, necessitating close synchronisation of tissue donation and neurosurgery.

Allosteric Communication between Signal Peptides and the SecA Protein DEAD Motor ATPase Domain

SecA, the preprotein translocase ATPase is built of an amino-terminal DEAD helicase motor domain bound to a regulatory C-domain. SecA recognizes mature and signal peptide preprotein regions. We now demonstrate that the amino-terminal 263 residues of the ATPase subdomain of the DEAD motor are necessary and sufficient for high affinity signal peptide binding. Binding is abrogated by deletion of residues 219-244 that lie within SSD, a novel substrate specificity element of the ATPase subdomain. SSD is essential for protein translocation, is unique to SecA, and is absent from other DEAD proteins. Signal peptide binding to the DEAD motor is controlled in trans by the C-terminal intramolecular regulator of ATPase (IRA1) switch. IRA1 mutations that activate the DEAD motor ATPase also enhance signal peptide affinity. This mechanism coordinates signal peptide binding with ATPase activation. Signal peptide binding causes widespread conformational changes to the ATPase subdomain and inhibits the DEAD motor ATPase. This involves an allosteric mechanism, since binding occurs at sites that are distinct from the catalytic ATPase determinants. Our data reveal the physical determinants and sophisticated intramolecular regulation that allow signal peptides to act as allosteric effectors of the SecA motor.

Cross-talk between catalytic and regulatory elements in a DEAD motor domain is essential for SecA function.

SecA, the motor subunit of bacterial polypeptide translocase, is an RNA helicase. SecA comprises a dimerization C-terminal domain fused to an ATPase N-terminal domain containing conserved DEAD helicase motifs. We show that the N-terminal domain is organized like the motor core of DEAD proteins, encompassing two subdomains, NBD1 and IRA2. NBD1, a rigid nucleotide-binding domain, contains the minimal ATPase catalytic machinery. IRA2 binds to NBD1 and acts as an intramolecular regulator of ATP hydrolysis by controlling ADP release and optimal ATP catalysis at NBD1. IRA2 is flexible and can undergo changes in its alpha-helical content. The C-terminal domain associates with NBD1 and IRA2 and restricts IRA2 activator function. Thus, cytoplasmic SecA is maintained in the thermally stabilized ADP-bound state and unnecessary ATP hydrolysis cycles are prevented. Two DEAD family motifs in IRA2 are essential for IRA2-NBD1 binding, optimal nucleotide turnover and polypeptide translocation. We propose that translocation ligands alleviate C-terminal domain suppression, allowing IRA2 to stimulate nucleotide turnover at NBD1. DEAD motors may employ similar mechanisms to translocate different enzymes along chemically unrelated biopolymers.