Ectodomain Constructs Research Articles

Microsecond dynamics control the HIV-1 Envelope conformation.

The HIV-1 Envelope (Env) glycoprotein facilitates host cell fusion through a complex series of receptor-induced structural changes. Although remarkable progress has been made in understanding the structures of various Env conformations, microsecond timescale dynamics have not been studied experimentally. Here, we used time-resolved, temperature-jump small-angle x-ray scattering to monitor structural rearrangements in an HIV-1 Env SOSIP ectodomain construct with microsecond precision. In two distinct Env variants, we detected a transition that correlated with known Env structure rearrangements with a time constant in the hundreds of microseconds range. A previously unknown structural transition was also observed, which occurred with a time constant below 10 μs, and involved an order-to-disorder transition in the trimer apex. Using this information, we engineered an Env SOSIP construct that locks the trimer in the prefusion closed state by connecting adjacent protomers via disulfides. Our findings show that the microsecond timescale structural dynamics play an essential role in controlling the Env conformation with impacts on vaccine design.

Quantitative similarity of HIV gp160 V513E-dominant reduction of fusion and infection with fusion by the gp41 ectodomain hairpin supports an important fusion role for the final trimer-of-hairpins structure.

The V513E mutation of the gp41 subunit of HIV gp160 has been known for thirty years to dominantly reduce HIV fusion and infection, which has been important to estimate the number of trimers needed for efficient infection. This mutation is at the N-terminus of the fusion peptide (Fp) region of gp41 that binds the target membrane. The structural basis for V513E-dominant reduction is not yet well-understood. In this study, mixtures of WT and V513E proteins of a large HIV gp41 ectodomain construct with final trimer-of-hairpins structure exhibit V513E-dominant reduction of vesicle fusion that is quantitatively-similar to that for gp160 fusion and infection. The gp41 ectodomain also exhibits V513E-dominant reduction of hairpin helicity. Global fitting of the gp41 ectodomain and gp160 data supports a requirement of six gp41/two trimers for most efficient fusion and infection. The data support a model in which the ∼25 kcal/mole free energy for close membrane apposition prior to membrane fusion is compensated by the thermostable hairpin in between Fp in target membrane and proximal and transmembrane domains in virus membrane. The Fp's are hypothesized to form an antiparallel β sheet with interleaved strands from two trimers. Relative to WT, sheets with V513E strands are longer because of salt bridges/hydrogen bonds between E2 and charged/polar residues near the Fp C-terminus. The longer V513E sheet results in shorter hairpin with consequent larger inter-membrane distance during initial apposition prior to membrane fusion. This increased distance is the hypothesized reason for reduced fusion and infection. Overall, these data support an important role for the final hairpin structure in membrane fusion.

A large HIV gp41 construct with trimer-of-hairpins structure exhibits V2E mutation-dominant attenuation of vesicle fusion and helicity very similar to V2E attenuation of HIV fusion and infection and supports: (1) hairpin stabilization of membrane apposition with larger distance for V2E; and (2) V2E dominance by an antiparallel β sheet with interleaved fusion peptide strands from two gp41 trimers

There is complete attenuation of fusion and infection mediated by HIV gp160 with gp41 subunit with V2E mutation, and also V2E dominance with WT/V2E mixtures. V2E is at the N-terminus of the ∼25-residue fusion peptide (Fp) which likely binds the target membrane. In this study, large V2E attenuation and dominance were observed for vesicle fusion induced by FP_HM, a large gp41 ectodomain construct with Fp followed by hyperthermostable hairpin with N- and C-helices, and membrane-proximal external region (Mper). FP_HM is a trimer-of-hairpins, the final gp41 structure during fusion. Vesicle fusion and helicity were measured for FP_HM using trimers with different fractions (f's) of WT and V2E proteins. Reductions in FP_HM fusion and helicity vs. fV2E were quantitatively-similar to those for gp160-mediated fusion and infection. Global fitting of all V2E data supports 6 WT gp41 (2 trimers) required for fusion. These data are understood by a model in which the ∼25 kcal/mol free energy for initial membrane apposition is compensated by the thermostable hairpin between the Fp in target membrane and Mper/transmembrane domain in virus membrane. The data support a structural model for V2E dominance with a membrane-bound Fp with antiparallel β sheet and interleaved strands from the two trimers. Relative to fV2E = 0, a longer Fp sheet is stabilized with small fV2E because of salt-bridge and/or hydrogen bonds between E2 on one strand and C-terminal Fp residues on adjacent strands, like R22. A longer Fp sheet results in shorter N- and C-helices, and larger separation during membrane apposition which hinders fusion.

Recombinant protein subunit SARS-CoV-2 vaccines formulated with CoVaccine HT™ adjuvant induce broad, Th1 biased, humoral and cellular immune responses in mice

The speed at which several COVID-19 vaccines went from conception to receiving FDA and EMA approval for emergency use is an achievement unrivaled in the history of vaccine development. Mass vaccination efforts using the highly effective vaccines are currently underway to generate sufficient herd immunity and reduce transmission of the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Despite the most advanced vaccine technology, global recipient coverage, especially in resource-poor areas remains a challenge as genetic drift in naïve population pockets threatens overall vaccine efficacy. In this study, we described the production of insect-cell expressed SARS-CoV-2 spike protein ectodomain constructs and examined their immunogenicity in mice. We demonstrated that, when formulated with CoVaccine HTTM adjuvant, an oil-in-water nanoemulsion compatible with lyophilization, our vaccine candidates elicit a broad-spectrum IgG response, high neutralizing antibody (NtAb) titers against SARS-CoV-2 prototype and variants of concern, specifically B.1.351 (Beta) and P.1. (Gamma), and an antigen-specific IFN-γ secreting response in outbred mice. Of note, different ectodomain constructs yielded variations in NtAb titers against the prototype strain and some VOC. Dose response experiments indicated that NtAb titers increased with antigen dose, but not adjuvant dose, and may be higher with a lower adjuvant dose. Our findings lay the immunological foundation for the development of a dry-thermostabilized vaccine that is deployable without refrigeration.

Cold sensitivity of the SARS-CoV-2 spike ectodomain.

The SARS-CoV-2 spike (S) protein, a primary target for COVID-19 vaccine development, presents its Receptor Binding Domain in two conformations, receptor-accessible “up” or receptor-inaccessible “down” states. Here we report that the commonly used stabilized S ectodomain construct “2P” is sensitive to cold temperature, and this cold sensitivity is abrogated in a “down” state–stabilized ectodomain. Our findings will impact structural, functional and vaccine studies that use SARS-CoV-2 S ectodomain.

D614G Mutation Alters SARS-CoV-2 Spike Conformation and Enhances Protease Cleavage at the S1/S2 Junction

The severe acute respiratory coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) spike (S) protein is the target of vaccine design efforts to end the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Despite a low mutation rate, isolates with the D614G substitution in the S protein appeared early during the pandemic and are now the dominant form worldwide. Here, we explore S conformational changes and the effects of the D614G mutation on a soluble S ectodomain construct. Cryoelectron microscopy (cryo-EM) structures reveal altered receptor binding domain (RBD) disposition; antigenicity and proteolysis experiments reveal structural changes and enhanced furin cleavage efficiency of the G614 variant. Furthermore, furin cleavage alters the up/down ratio of the RBDs in the G614 S ectodomain, demonstrating an allosteric effect on RBD positioning triggered by changes in the SD2 region, which harbors residue 614 and the furin cleavage site. Our results elucidate SARS-CoV-2 S conformational landscape and allostery and have implications for vaccine design.

Molecular architecture and domain arrangement of the placental malaria protein VAR2CSA suggests a model for carbohydrate binding

VAR2CSA is the placental-malaria–specific member of the antigenically variant Plasmodium falciparum erythrocyte membrane protein 1 (PfEMP1) family. It is expressed on the surface of Plasmodium falciparum-infected host red blood cells and binds to specific chondroitin-4-sulfate chains of the placental proteoglycan receptor. The functional ∼310 kDa ectodomain of VAR2CSA is a multidomain protein that requires a minimum 12-mer chondroitin-4-sulfate molecule for specific, high affinity receptor binding. However, it is not known how the individual domains are organized and interact to create the receptor-binding surface, limiting efforts to exploit its potential as an effective vaccine or drug target. Using small angle X-ray scattering and single particle reconstruction from negative-stained electron micrographs of the ectodomain and multidomain constructs, we have determined the structural architecture of VAR2CSA. The relative locations of the domains creates two distinct pores that can each accommodate the 12-mer of chondroitin-4-sulfate, suggesting a model for receptor binding. This model has important implications for understanding cytoadherence of infected red blood cells and potentially provides a starting point for developing novel strategies to prevent and/or treat placental malaria.

Controlling the SARS-CoV-2 spike glycoprotein conformation.

The coronavirus (CoV) spike (S) protein, involved in viral–host cell fusion, is the primary immunogenic target for virus neutralization and the current focus of many vaccine design efforts. The highly flexible S-protein, with its mobile domains, presents a moving target to the immune system. Here, to better understand S-protein mobility, we implemented a structure-based vector analysis of available β-CoV S-protein structures. Despite overall similarity in domain organization, we found that S-proteins from different β-CoV display distinct configurations. Based on this analysis, we developed two soluble ectodomain constructs for SARS-CoV-2 S-protein in which the highly immunogenic and mobile receptor binding domain (RBD) is either locked in the all-RBDs ‘down’ position or adopts ‘up’ state conformations more readily than wild-type S-protein. These results demonstrate that the conformation of the S-protein can be controlled via rational design and provide a framework for the development of engineered coronavirus spike proteins for vaccine applications.

Accumulation of Neurofascin at Nodes of Ranvier Is Regulated by a Paranodal Switch.

The paranodal junctions flank mature nodes of Ranvier and provide a barrier between ion channels at the nodes and juxtaparanodes. These junctions also promote node assembly and maintenance by mechanisms that are poorly understood. Here, we examine their role in the accumulation of NF186, a key adhesion molecule of PNS and CNS nodes. We previously showed that NF186 is initially targeted/accumulates via its ectodomain to forming PNS (hemi)nodes by diffusion trapping, whereas it is later targeted to mature nodes by a transport-dependent mechanism mediated by its cytoplasmic segment. To address the role of the paranodes in this switch, we compared accumulation of NF186 ectodomain and cytoplasmic domain constructs in WT versus paranode defective (i.e., Caspr-null) mice. Both pathways are affected in the paranodal mutants. In the PNS of Caspr-null mice, diffusion trapping mediated by the NF186 ectodomain aberrantly persists into adulthood, whereas the cytoplasmic domain/transport-dependent targeting is impaired. In contrast, accumulation of NF186 at CNS nodes does not undergo a switch; it is predominantly targeted to both forming and mature CNS nodes via its cytoplasmic domain and requires intact paranodes. Fluorescence recovery after photobleaching analysis indicates that the paranodes provide a membrane diffusion barrier that normally precludes diffusion of NF186 to nodes. Linkage of paranodal proteins to the underlying cytoskeleton likely contributes to this diffusion barrier based on 4.1B and βII spectrin expression in Caspr-null mice. Together, these results implicate the paranodes as membrane diffusion barriers that regulate targeting to nodes and highlight differences in the assembly of PNS and CNS nodes.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Nodes of Ranvier are essential for effective saltatory conduction along myelinated axons. A major question is how the various axonal proteins that comprise the multimeric nodal complex accumulate at this site. Here we examine how targeting of NF186, a key nodal adhesion molecule, is regulated by the flanking paranodal junctions. We show that the transition from diffusion-trapping to transport-dependent accumulation of NF186 requires the paranodal junctions. We also demonstrate that these junctions are a barrier to diffusion of axonal proteins into the node and highlight differences in PNS and CNS node assembly. These results provide new insights into the mechanism of node assembly and the pathophysiology of neurologic disorders in which impaired paranodal function contributes to clinical disability.

Expression and Purification of Adeno-associated Virus Virus-like Particles in a Baculovirus System and AAVR Ectodomain Constructs in E. coli.

Adeno-associated virus (AAV) is a promising gene therapy vector and the biophysical characterization of its interactions with host proteins is a critical foundation for engineering tissue targeting and immune escape. Presented here are protocols for the production of: (a) the outer protein shells (virus-like particles or VLPs) for serotype 2 (AAV-2) and (b) two fragments from the binding ectodomain of AAV's cellular receptor, AAVR. His6PKD1-2 comprises the first two polycystic kidney disease (PKD) domains, the minimal required for efficient binding of AAV, expressed with an N-terminal histidine tag. MBP-PKD1-5 is a fusion of the maltose binding protein with all five of the PKD domains of the AAVR receptor. Presented are the expression and purification of milligram quantities, ample for in vitro analyses. For AAV-2, the protocol offers an alternative to the use of (infectious) wild-type virus or transducing vectors. One of the methods for producing transducing vector is in Sf9 cells, and the production of VLPs is based on this. For AAVR, the protocols enable biochemical and biophysical characterization of virus-binding. The minimal two-domain construct allows more saturated binding to symmetry-equivalent sites on the virus, while the larger construct might be better expected to reflect the native receptor.

Abstract 5154: Semaphorin 6A attenuates the migration capability of lung cancer cells via the NRF2/HMOX1 axis

Abstract Cell migration is a fundamental feature of cancer recurrence. Since recurrence is correlated with high mortality in lung cancer, it follows that reducing cell migration would decrease recurrence and increase survival rates. The goal of this study was to determine the role of SEMA6A in cell migration. Semaphorin 6A (SEMA6A), a protein initially known as a regulator of axonal guidance, is down-regulated in lung cancer tissue, and low levels of SEMA6A are associated with cancer recurrence. Thus, we hypothesized that SEMA6A could suppress cancer cell migration. In this study, we found that the migration capability of H1299 lung cancer cells decreased with SEMA6A overexpression, while it increased with SEMA6A silencing. Reduction in migration was observed only with the full length protein and not with the extracellular ectodomain construct, suggesting that a reverse signaling mechanism is used to mediate the effects of SEMA6A on migration. Moreover, silencing of the cellular homeostasis protein HMOX1 and/or the transcription factor NRF2 reversed the migration-suppressing effect of SEMA6A and the SEMA6A-driven alterations in expression of PLAU and IGFBP3, both downstream effectors of HMOX1. Taken together, these results demonstrate that SEMA6A is a potential suppressor of migration that functions through the NRF2/HMOX1 axis. Our results explain why low SEMA6A is linked to high recurrence in the clinical setting and suggest that SEMA6A could be useful as a biomarker or target in lung cancer therapy. Citation Format: Li-Han Chen, Che-Yu Liao, Eric Y. Chuang, Mong-Hsun Tsai. Semaphorin 6A attenuates the migration capability of lung cancer cells via the NRF2/HMOX1 axis [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2018; 2018 Apr 14-18; Chicago, IL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2018;78(13 Suppl):Abstract nr 5154.

Mapping of Adenovirus of serotype 3 fibre interaction to desmoglein 2 revealed a novel \u2018non-classical\u2019 mechanism of viral receptor engagement

High-affinity binding of the trimeric fibre protein to a cell surface primary receptor is a common feature shared by all adenovirus serotypes. Recently, a long elusive species B adenovirus receptor has been identified. Desmoglein 2 (DSG2) a component of desmosomal junction, has been reported to interact at high affinity with Human adenoviruses HAd3, HAd7, HAd11 and HAd14. Little is known with respect to the molecular interactions of adenovirus fibre with the DSG2 ectodomain. By using different DSG2 ectodomain constructs and biochemical and biophysical experiments, we report that the third extracellular cadherin domain (EC3) of DSG2 is critical for HAd3 fibre binding. Unexpectedly, stoichiometry studies using multi-angle laser light scattering (MALLS) and analytical ultra-centrifugation (AUC) revealed a non-classical 1:1 interaction (one DSG2 per trimeric fibre), thus differentiating ‘DSG2-interacting’ adenoviruses from other protein receptor interacting adenoviruses in their infection strategy.

478. An Essential and Ubiquitous Protein Receptor for AAV; Glycans as Attachment Receptors

Motivated by unsuccessful attempts to observe physical binding between AAV-2 and heterologously expressed domains of previously reported co-receptors, we set out to identify novel protein receptor(s) for AAV2 through an unbiased genome-wide knockout screen in human cells. Using an mCherry AAV vector, resistant cells were iteratively selected by FACS for gene trap screening in a library of mutagenized haploid cells. Upon deep sequencing, refractory cells had significantly high frequencies of mutation in genes encoding glycan synthesis and retrograde transport, but most significantly in a hitherto poorly characterized transmembrane protein, now termed AAVR. Genetic confirmation of AAVR's role in the entry of multiple AAV serotypes has come through CRISPR-Cas9 knockouts in multiple cell lines then restoration of susceptibility through complementation; infection of poorly permissive cells following AAVR transduction; and creation of a mouse knockout with greatly diminished susceptibility.Various AAVR ectodomain constructs have been heterologously expressed and purified as fusion proteins, and these have been shown to inhibit in vitro viral transduction at concentrations consistent with effective nM binding constants (between AAV & AAVR) measured by surface plasmon resonance (SPR). Pre-incubation with antibodies to AAVR also inhibits infection or transduction. AAVR is transiently expressed on the plasma membrane. Expression of chimeric constructs suggests that AAV takes advantage of its trafficking to the perinuclear trans Golgi network as the dominant, but non-exclusive, entry pathway. Identification of AAVR and its apparently ubiquitous use has interesting implications for AAV's cell specificity. Progress towards structure of complexes will be reported.AAVR exhibits the classic characteristics of a viral receptor, casting the roles ascribed to glycan “primary” receptors in new light. Electron microscopy has been used to visualize AAV-DJ in complex with various heparin analogs at increasingly high resolution. A structure at 2.8 A resolution, as a pentasaccharide complex, shows some disorder in the glycan, but the side chains of viral amino acids are clearly resolved and in different conformations from those seen in a sucrose octasulfate complex. With little change to the backbone, the binding site accommodates diverse glycan sequences through adjustments to side chains, consistent with SPR binding assays of AAV-2 to a library of heparanoids. This, together with comparisons of heparan and AAVR cell knock-outs, indicates a more accessory role for glycans than is implied by the term “primary”. As for several other viruses, in AAV-2 at least, the glycan is an attachment receptor that likely elevates the AAV concentration proximal to the membrane, improving the efficiency with which the virus then binds to AAVR.

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.

Conditional trimerization and lytic activity of HIV-1 gp41 variants containing the membrane-associated segments.

Fusion of host and viral membranes is a critical step during infection by membrane-bound viruses. The HIV-1 glycoproteins gp120 (surface subunit) and gp41 (fusion subunit) represent the prototypic system for studying this process; in the prevailing model, the gp41 ectodomain forms a trimeric six-helix bundle that constitutes a critical intermediate and provides the energetic driving force for overcoming barriers associated with membrane fusion. However, most structural studies of gp41 variants have been performed either on ectodomain constructs lacking one or more of the membrane-associated segments (the fusion peptide, FP, the membrane-proximal external region, MPER, and the transmembrane domain, TM) or on variants consisting of these isolated segments alone without the ectodomain. Several recent reports have suggested that the HIV-1 ectodomain, as well as larger construct containing the membrane-bound segments, dissociates from a trimer to a monomer in detergent micelles. Here we compare the properties of a series of gp41 variants to delineate the roles of the ectodomain, FP, and MPER and TM, all in membrane-mimicking environments. We find that these proteins are prone to formation of a monomer in detergent micelles. In one case, we observed exclusive monomer formation at pH 4 but conditional trimerization at pH 7 even at low micromolar (∼5 μM) protein concentrations. Liposome release assays demonstrate that these gp41-related proteins have the capacity to induce content leakage but that this activity is also strongly modulated by pH with much higher activity at pH 4. Circular dichroism, nuclear magnetic resonance, and binding assays with antibodies specific to the MPER provide insight into the structural and functional roles of the FP, MPER, and TM and their effect on structure within the larger context of the fusion subunit.

Matrix Metalloproteinase-14 Both Sheds Cell Surface Neuronal Glial Antigen 2 (NG2) Proteoglycan on Macrophages and Governs the Response to Peripheral Nerve Injury

Neuronal glial antigen 2 (NG2) is an integral membrane chondroitin sulfate proteoglycan expressed by vascular pericytes, macrophages (NG2-Mφ), and progenitor glia of the nervous system. Herein, we revealed that NG2 shedding and axonal growth, either independently or jointly, depended on the pericellular remodeling events executed by membrane-type 1 matrix metalloproteinase (MT1-MMP/MMP-14). Using purified NG2 ectodomain constructs, individual MMPs, and primary NG2-Mφ cultures, we demonstrated for the first time that MMP-14 performed as an efficient and unconventional NG2 sheddase and that NG2-Mφ infiltrated into the damaged peripheral nervous system. We then characterized the spatiotemporal relationships among MMP-14, MMP-2, and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases-2 in sciatic nerve. Tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases-2-free MMP-14 was observed in the primary Schwann cell cultures using the inhibitory hydroxamate warhead-based MP-3653 fluorescent reporter. In teased nerve fibers, MMP-14 translocated postinjury toward the nodes of Ranvier and its substrates, laminin and NG2. Inhibition of MMP-14 activity using the selective, function-blocking DX2400 human monoclonal antibody increased the levels of regeneration-associated factors, including laminin, growth-associated protein 43, and cAMP-dependent transcription factor 3, thereby promoting sensory axon regeneration after nerve crush. Concomitantly, DX2400 therapy attenuated mechanical hypersensitivity associated with nerve crush in rats. Together, our findings describe a new model in which MMP-14 proteolysis regulates the extracellular milieu and presents a novel therapeutic target in the damaged peripheral nervous system and neuropathic pain.

Folded monomers and hexamers of the ectodomain of the HIV gp41 membrane fusion protein: potential roles in fusion and synergy between the fusion peptide, hairpin, and membrane-proximal external region.

HIV is an enveloped virus and fusion between the HIV and host cell membranes is catalyzed by the ectodomain of the HIV gp41 membrane protein. Both the N-terminal fusion peptide (FP) and C-terminal membrane-proximal external region (MPER) are critical for fusion and are postulated to bind to the host cell and HIV membranes, respectively. Prior to fusion, the gp41 on the virion is a trimer in noncovalent complex with larger gp120 subunits. The gp120 bind host cell receptors and move away or dissociate from gp41 which subsequently catalyzes fusion. In the present work, large gp41 ectodomain constructs were produced and biophysically and structurally characterized. One significant finding is observation of synergy between the FP, hairpin, and MPER in vesicle fusion. The ectodomain-induced fusion can be very efficient with only ∼15 gp41 per vesicle, which is comparable to the number of gp41 on a virion. Conditions are found with predominant monomer or hexamer but not trimer and these may be oligomeric states during fusion. Monomer gp41 ectodomain is hyperthermostable and has helical hairpin structure. A new HIV fusion model is presented where (1) hemifusion is catalyzed by folding of gp41 ectodomain monomers into hairpins and (2) subsequent fusion steps are catalyzed by assembly into a hexamer with FPs in an antiparallel β sheet. There is also significant interest in the gp41 MPER because it is the epitope of several broadly neutralizing antibodies. Two of these antibodies bind our gp41 ectodomain constructs and support investigation of the gp41 ectodomain as an immunogen in HIV vaccine development.

Capturing Glimpses of an Elusive HIV Gp41 Prehairpin Fusion Intermediate

Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) studies on an HIV gp41 construct reported by Lakomek and colleagues inthis issue of Structure have revealed the conformational dynamics of a possible trimeric prehairpin fusion intermediate and its interactions with lipids. Two alternative fusion pathways are compared based on this work and a previous NMR structure of a monomeric lipid-bound gp41 ectodomain construct.

PH-dependent vesicle fusion induced by the ectodomain of the human immunodeficiency virus membrane fusion protein gp41: Two kinetically distinct processes and fully-membrane-associated gp41 with predominant β sheet fusion peptide conformation

The gp41 protein of the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) catalyzes fusion between HIV and host cell membranes. The ~180-residue ectodomain of gp41 is outside the virion and is the most important gp41 region for membrane fusion. The ectodomain consists of an apolar fusion peptide (FP) region hypothesized to bind to the host cell membrane followed by N-heptad repeat (NHR), loop, and C-heptad repeat (CHR) regions. The present study focuses on the large gp41 ectodomain constructs “Hairpin” (HP) containing NHR+loop+CHR and “FP–Hairpin” (FP–HP) containing FP+NHR+loop+CHR. Both proteins induce rapid and extensive fusion of anionic vesicles at pH4 where the protein is positively-charged but do not induce fusion at pH7 where the protein is negatively charged. This observation, along with lack of fusion of neutral vesicles at either pH supports the significance of attractive protein/membrane electrostatics in fusion. There are two kinetically distinct fusion processes at pH4: (1) a faster ~100ms−1 process with rate strongly positively correlated with vesicle charge; and (2) a slower ~5ms−1 process with extent strongly inversely correlated with this charge. The slower process may be more physiologically relevant because HIV/host cell fusion occurs at physiologic pH with gp41 restricted to the narrow region between the two membranes. Previous solid-state NMR (SSNMR) of membrane-associated FP–HP has supported protein oligomers with FP's in an intermolecular antiparallel sheet. There was an additional population of molecules with α helical FPs and the samples likely contained a mixture of membrane-bound and -unbound proteins. For the present study, samples were prepared with fully membrane-bound FP–HP and subsequent SSNMR showed dominant β FP conformation at both low and neutral pH. SSNMR also showed close contact of the FP with the lipid headgroups at both low and neutral pH whereas the NHR+CHR regions had contact at low pH and were more distant at neutral pH, consistent with the protein/membrane electrostatics. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled:NMR Spectroscopy for Atomistic Views of Biomembranes and Cell Surfaces. Guest Editors: Lynette Cegelski and David P. Weliky.

Myocilin Mediates Myelination in the Peripheral Nervous System through ErbB2/3 Signaling

The glaucoma-associated gene, myocilin, is expressed in ocular and non-ocular tissues including the peripheral nervous system, but its functions in these tissues remain poorly understood. We demonstrate that in sciatic nerve, myocilin is expressed in Schwann cells with high concentrations at the nodes of Ranvier. There, myocilin interacts with gliomedin, neurofascin, and NrCAM, which are essential for node formation and function. Treatment of isolated dorsal root ganglion cultures with myocilin stimulates clustering of the nodal proteins neurofascin and sodium channel Nav1.2. Sciatic nerves of myocilin null mice express reduced levels of several myelin-associated and basal membrane proteins compared with those of wild-type littermates. They also demonstrate reduced myelin sheath thickness and partial disorganization of the nodes. Myocilin signaling through ErbB2/3 receptors may contribute to these observed effects. Myocilin binds to ErbB2/ErbB3, activates these receptors, and affects the downstream PI3K-AKT signaling pathway. These data implicate a role for myocilin in the development and/or maintenance of myelination and nodes of Ranvier in sciatic nerve.