GTPase Assays Research Articles

Quantification of GTPase Cycling Rates of GTPases and GTPase:Effector Mixtures Using GTPase Glo Assays.

In different cellular activities such as signal transduction, cell division, and intracellular transportation, small guanosine triphosphatases (GTPases) take on a vital role. Their function involves hydrolysis of guanosine triphosphate (GTP) to guanosine diphosphate (GDP). In this article, we explain the application of a commercially available GTPase assay-the GTPase Glo assay by Promega-for investigation of GTPase-effector interactions. We provide experimental protocols together with an analysis model and software to obtain GTPase cycling rates of GTPases and GTPase:effector mixtures. GTPase cycling rates refer to the rates by which a GTPase completes an entire GTPase cycle. These rates enable quantification of the strength of GTPase effectors in a concentration-dependent fashion, as well as quantification of the combined effect of two effectors, independent of which GTPase cycle step they are affecting. © 2024 The Authors. Current Protocols published by Wiley Periodicals LLC. Basic Protocol: Conducting GTPase Glo assays Support Protocol 1: Analyzing GTPase assays to correlate luminescence with remaining GTP Support Protocol 2: Fitting GTPase assay data to obtain GTPase cycling rates.

In-depth analysis of Gαs protein activity by probing different fluorescently labeled guanine nucleotides.

G proteins are interacting partners of G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) in eukaryotic cells. Upon G protein activation, the ability of the Gα subunit to exchange GDP for GTP determines the intracellular signal transduction. Although various studies have successfully shown that both Gαs and Gαi have an opposite effect on the intracellular cAMP production, with the latter being commonly described as "more active", the functional analysis of Gαs is a comparably more complicated matter. Additionally, the thorough investigation of the ubiquitously expressed variants of Gαs, Gαs(short) and Gαs(long), is still pending. Since the previous experimental evaluation of the activity and function of the Gαs isoforms is not consistent, the focus was laid on structural investigations to understand the GTPase activity. Herein, we examined recombinant human Gαs by applying an established methodological setup developed for Gαi characterization. The ability for GTP binding was evaluated with fluorescence and fluorescence anisotropy assays, whereas the intrinsic hydrolytic activity of the isoforms was determined by a GTPase assay. Among different nucleotide probes, BODIPY FL GTPγS exhibited the highest binding affinity towards the Gαs subunit. This work provides a deeper understanding of the Gαs subunit and provides novel information concerning the differences between the two protein variants.

The Arabidopsis thaliana chloroplast division protein FtsZ1 counterbalances FtsZ2 filament stability in vitro

Bacterial cell and chloroplast division are driven by a contractile “Z ring” composed of the tubulin-like cytoskeletal GTPase FtsZ. Unlike bacterial Z rings, which consist of a single FtsZ, the chloroplast Z ring in plants is composed of two FtsZ proteins, FtsZ1 and FtsZ2. Both are required for chloroplast division in vivo, but their biochemical relationship is poorly understood. We used GTPase assays, light scattering, transmission electron microscopy, and sedimentation assays to investigate the assembly behavior of purified Arabidopsis thaliana (At) FtsZ1 and AtFtsZ2 both individually and together. Both proteins exhibited GTPase activity. AtFtsZ2 assembled relatively quickly, forming protofilament bundles that were exceptionally stable, as indicated by their sustained assembly and slow disassembly. AtFtsZ1 did not form detectable protofilaments on its own. When mixed with AtFtsZ2, AtFtsZ1 reduced the extent and rate of AtFtsZ2 assembly, consistent with its previously demonstrated ability to promote protofilament subunit turnover in living cells. Mixing the two FtsZ proteins did not increase the overall GTPase activity, indicating that the effect of AtFtsZ1 on AtFtsZ2 assembly was not due to a stimulation of GTPase activity. However, the GTPase activity of AtFtsZ1 was required to reduce AtFtsZ2 assembly. Truncated forms of AtFtsZ1 and AtFtsZ2 consisting of only their conserved core regions largely recapitulated the behaviors of the full-length proteins. Our in vitro findings provide evidence that FtsZ1 counterbalances the stability of FtsZ2 filaments in the regulation of chloroplast Z-ring dynamics and suggest that restraining FtsZ2 self-assembly is a critical function of FtsZ1 in chloroplasts.

Abstract A04: Biophysical and biochemical characterization of Src-phosphorylated KRas

Abstract Tyrosine phosphorylation of several small GTPase proteins including Ras has been reported; however, investigations to understand the biologic role of tyrosine phosphorylated small GTPases have been limited. We will present the detailed characterization of the impact of tyrosyl phosphorylation of KRas on each stage of the GTPase cycle, and on the binding to the RBD of BRaf. Using NMR and MS analysis we demonstrate that a catalytic amount of Src (1 mole of Src into 250 moles of KRas) specifically phosphorylates KRas at two of the eight tyrosine residues (Y32 and Y64) in vitro. In HEK293 cells, ectopic expression of Src with KRas results in tyrosyl phosphorylation of the same sites in KRas. Tyrosyl phosphorylation of KRas perturbs the chemical shifts of residues in the two switch regions. Using our real-time NMR-based small GTPase assay, we illustrate that tyrosyl phosphorylation alters regulation of the KRas GTPase cycle by guanine exchange factor (SOScat) and GTPase activating protein (p120GAP), rendering KRas resistant to both activities. Furthermore, using an Octet BLI binding assay, we demonstrated that tyrosyl phosphorylation of KRas strongly impairs BRaf-RBD binding. In vitro, Src-phosphorylated KRas can be completely dephosphorylated by the phosphatase SHP2. In cells, we were able to detect endogenous tyrosyl phosphorylated Ras upon SHP2 CRISPR knockout. Together, our findings demonstrate that the GTPase cycle and effector binding affinity of KRas can be regulated by the balance of Src and SHP2 activities. Citation Format: Teklab Gebregiworgis, Christopher B. Marshall, Yoshihito Kano, Michael Ohh, Mitsuhiko Ikura. Biophysical and biochemical characterization of Src-phosphorylated KRas [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Special Conference on Targeting RAS-Driven Cancers; 2018 Dec 9-12; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Mol Cancer Res 2020;18(5_Suppl):Abstract nr A04.

Abstract 1544: Cell penetrating single domain antibody (sdAb) SBT-100 binds KRAS and inhibits growth of human cancers with KRAS activating mutations

Abstract Background: Despite nearly fourth years of research, scientists have failed to develop a clinically viable therapy against KRAS, one of the deadliest families of cancer-causing proteins. Mutations in KRAS are prevalent amongst the top three most deadly cancer types in the United States: pancreatic (95%), colorectal (45%), and lung (35%). KRAS has been thought to be undruggable due to: 1) its intracellular location and lack of binding pockets for small molecules; 2) the high (pM) affinity of RAS for GTP precludes direct targeting of the nucleotide binding pocket; 3) high intracellular concentrations of GTP (uM) inhibits competition for the nucleotide-binding pocket by small molecules; and 4) possible toxicity. Mutations of KRAS result in it being perpetually turned on to propagate signal down the MAPK pathway. This results in constant production of P-ERK and plays an important role in malignant development. To overcome these challenges, Singh Biotechnology has developed SBT-100 a first in class & best in class novel sdAb that penetrates the cell membrane to bind KRAS to inhibit its GTPase activity. Methods: Human cancer cell lines were purchased from ATCC. BIAcore affinity studies were conducted by Precision Antibody. KRAS GTPase assay was purchased from Promega. Levels of P-ERK were determined using western blots. In vitro cell growth suppression was tested with MTT assay. Athymic nude mice for xenograft studies were purchased from Envigo. Results: SBT-100 binds KRAS with KD=10-9 and KRAS(G12D) with KD=10-7 as demonstrated by BIAcore affinity assay. Both SBT-100 and SBT-102 significantly inhibit KRAS GTPase activity in vitro and inhibition is comparable to polyclonal antibody to KRAS. Growth of MDA-MB-231 cells with KRAS(G13D) mutation and PANC-1 cells with KRAS(G12D) mutation are significantly decreased in the MTT assay when incubated with SBT-100. Additionally, same cell lines have significantly decreased P-ERK expression when cultured with SBT-100. Xenograft studies demonstrate significant growth suppression of MDA-MB-231 and PANC-1 when treated with SBT-100 in vivo. Conclusion: SBT-100, crosses the cell membrane, binds to KRAS intracellularly and its most common mutant with nanomolar affinity, inhibits KRAS GTPase activity, downregulates P-ERK signaling, and suppresses the growth of cancers cells in vitro and in vivo without showing any toxic effects. Citation Format: Sunanda Singh, Genoveva Murillo, Avani Singh, Samara Singh, Meenakshi Parihar, Anjali Singh, Rajendra Mehta, Ashutosh Parihar. Cell penetrating single domain antibody (sdAb) SBT-100 binds KRAS and inhibits growth of human cancers with KRAS activating mutations [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2019; 2019 Mar 29-Apr 3; Atlanta, GA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2019;79(13 Suppl):Abstract nr 1544.

Abstract 3464: CBAP: A novel rheostat molecule for regulation of TSC GAP activity and mTORC1 signaling in cancer cells

Abstract The PI3K-mTOR signaling pathway is one of the most frequently dysregulated signaling cascades in cancer. Understanding the molecular wiring of the PI3K-mTOR signaling network and its activation in cancer will improve our understanding of their contribution to cancer pathology and provide novel therapeutic strategies by targeting this network. Our previous works demonstrated that Common receptor Beta chain Associated Protein (CBAP) is required for Jurkat cell leukemogenesis and regulates Akt-dependent TSC2 phosphorylation and lysosomal dissociation of TSC complexes, and in turn enhances mTORC1 signalling and expression of c-MYC and HIF-1a in Jurkat T-ALL leukemic cells. In this report, we tackle the question how TSC/Rheb/mTORC1 pathway is regulated by CBAP via cell-based functional assay, immunoprecipitation and in vitro GTPase assay. Our data revealed that CBAP interacted with TSC2 via tuberin-binding domain and could compete for TSC2 binding with TSC1 and suppressed the GTPase activation activity of TSC1/2 complexes. Akt could also associate with TSC2 complexes and CBAP in both Jurkat and CBAP-knockout Jurkat cells, except that TSC1 could be detected within the complexes only in the absence of CBAP. Moreover, the Rheb-GAP activity of this Akt-associated TSC2 complexes was sensitive to the presence of CBAP and TSC1/2 GAP activity was strongly suppressed by recombinant CBAP proteins in the in vitro reconstituted assay. Finally, a peptide domain of CBAP interacting with TSC2 was mapped and disruption of CBAP-TSC2 interaction by overexpressing this peptide inhibits the Akt/Rheb signal axis and suppresses leukemia cell growth. In summary, our data revealed an important role of the interaction between CBAP and TSC2 proteins in promoting Rheb/mTORC1 signaling activity, and suggested a crucial role of overexpression of CBAP protein in tumor cell proliferation. Citation Format: Jong-Young J. Yen, Yun-Jung Chiang, Wei-Ting Liao, Shih-Hao Wang, Hsin-Fang Yang-Yen. CBAP: A novel rheostat molecule for regulation of TSC GAP activity and mTORC1 signaling in cancer cells [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2019; 2019 Mar 29-Apr 3; Atlanta, GA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2019;79(13 Suppl):Abstract nr 3464.

SCREENING OF POTENTIAL INHIBITOR FOR FTSZ GTPASE ACTIVITY FROM PLANTS COLLECTED IN CENTRAL OF VIETNAM

Background: FtsZ is conserved in almost all bacteria and is an essential protein for bacterial cell division. The cell division is prevented by the inhibitors against FtsZ’s functions. Thus, FtsZ is known as an attractive, and underexploited novel antibacterial target protein. The aim of this research is searching for new antibacterial agents from 72 plants collected in Central Vietnam. Materials and methods: The plant samples were collected in Central Vietnam. The extracts were tested for FtsZ inhibitory effect by FtsZ GTPase assay. Results and conclusions: Three samples displayed considerable FtsZ’s inhibitory activity among 72 extracts from the plants collected in Central of Vietnam. There are extracts of Annona glabria L., Grevillea robusta A. Cunn. Ex R. Br. and Sarcosperma affinis Gagnep inhibit FtsZ GTPase activity at 55.76 ± 4.20, 64.43 ± 5.55 and 88.36 ± 6.50 %, tested concentration 500 μg/mL, respectively. The results suggest that further researches should be conducted for discovery antibacterial chemical components. Key words: FtsZ’s inhibitory activity, antibacterial, Annona glabra, Grevillea robusta, Sarcosperma affinis

Characterization of the Assembly Dynamics of Streptococcus Pneumoniae FtsZ using Intrinsic Tryptophan Fluorescence

FtsZ is a prokaryotic cytoskeletal protein, which assembles into the Z‐ring at the division site and orchestrates the cell division process in bacteria. FtsZ has GTPase activity and self‐assembles to form polymers. We investigated the assembly characteristics of FtsZ from the pathogenic organism, Streptococcus pneumoniae. The critical concentration for FtsZ polymerization was found to be 2.4 ± 0.1 and 2.2 ± 0.2 μM measured using sedimentation assay and GTPase assay, respectively. The results indicated that the GTPase activity and assembly are closely linked to each other. We identified that FtsZ from Streptococcus species contains two native tryptophan (Trp) residues unique to this genus. Interestingly, we observed that during polymerization, the tryptophan fluorescence of FtsZ increases showing that the assembly of FtsZ can be monitored using the native tryptophan fluorescence. Using tryptophan fluorescence along with light scattering, sedimentation assay and electron microscopy we examined the effects of divalent cations, calcium and magnesium, on FtsZ assembly. Divalent magnesium enhanced the tryptophan fluorescence change during FtsZ assembly showing that it promoted the longitudinal assembly of FtsZ. Divalent calcium induced the bundling of FtsZ filaments thereby affecting the lateral interactions of FtsZ polymers but did not enhance the tryptophan fluorescence, showing the sensitivity of tryptophan fluorescence to longitudinal assembly. Next, we sought to investigate the contribution of individual tryptophan residues to fluorescence of FtsZ and use them for understanding the assembly of FtsZ. A homology model for FtsZ from Streptococcus pneumoniae showed that the two tryptophan residues were present at the C‐terminal of the protein – one at the 298th position of FtsZ near the T7 loop and the other at 378th position in the C‐terminal tail region. We used site‐directed mutagenesis to introduce point mutations to FtsZ at these positions to mutate individual tryptophan residues to cysteine or phenylalanine residues to create W294C/F and W378C/F mutant proteins. W378C/F mutants showed a similar change in tryptophan fluorescence during polymerization as of wild‐type, while W294C/F mutants did not show any change. This indicated that the Trp at the 294th position is responsible for the change in fluorescence during polymerization. This further suggested that the environment around 294W changes during the polymerization while the local environment around the 378W does not change. The two tryptophan residues in the protein allow us to use the intrinsic tryptophan fluorescence to gain new insights into FtsZ assembly. Further, it would be interesting to explore the use of these mutant proteins in following the domain movements and conformational changes occurring during the assembly and disassembly of FtsZ.Support or Funding InformationThe work is supported by a grant from Department of Science and Technology (DST, India) to D.P.This abstract is from the Experimental Biology 2019 Meeting. There is no full text article associated with this abstract published in The FASEB Journal.

Multiplexed Real-Time NMR GTPase Assay for Simultaneous Monitoring of Multiple Guanine Nucleotide Exchange Factor Activities from Human Cancer Cells and Organoids.

Small GTPases (sGTPases) are critical switch-like regulators that mediate several important cellular functions and are often mutated in human cancers. They are activated by guanine nucleotide exchange factors (GEFs), which specifically catalyze the exchange of GTP for GDP. GEFs coordinate signaling networks in normal cells, and are frequently deregulated in cancers. sGTPase signaling pathways are complex and interconnected; however, most GEF assays do not reveal such complexity. In this Communication, we describe the development of a unique real-time NMR-based multiplexed GEF assay that employs distinct isotopic labeling schemes for each sGTPase protein to enable simultaneous observation of six proteins of interest. We monitor nucleotide exchange of KRas, Rheb, RalB, RhoA, Cdc42 and Rac1 in a single system, and assayed the activities of GEFs in lysates of cultured human cells and 3D organoids derived from pancreatic cancer patients. We observed potent activation of RhoA by lysates of HEK293a cells transfected with GEF-H1, along with weak stimulation of Rac1, which we showed is indirect. Our functional analyses of pancreatic cancer-derived organoids revealed higher GEF activity for RhoA than other sGTPases, in line with RNA-seq data indicating high expression of RhoA-specific GEFs.

Chloroplast division protein ARC3 acts on FtsZ2 by preventing filament bundling and enhancing GTPase activity.

Chloroplasts evolved from cyanobacterial endosymbiotic ancestors and their division is a complex process initiated by the assembly of cytoskeletal FtsZ (Filamentous temperature sensitive Z) proteins into a ring structure at the division site (Z-ring). The cyanobacterial Z-ring positioning system (MinCDE proteins) is also conserved in chloroplasts, except that MinC was lost and replaced by the eukaryotic ARC3 (accumulation and replication of chloroplasts). Both MinC and ARC3 act as negative regulators of FtsZ assembly, but ARC3 bears little sequence similarity with MinC. Here, light scattering assays, co-sedimentation, GTPase assay and transmission electron microscopy in conjunction with single-particle analysis have been used to elucidate the structure of ARC3 and its effect on its main target in chloroplast division, FtsZ2. Analysis of FtsZ2 in vitro assembly reactions in the presence and absence of GMPCPP showed that ARC3 promotes FtsZ2 debundling and disassembly of existing filaments in a concentration-dependent manner and requires GTP hydrolysis. Three-dimensional reconstruction of ARC3 revealed an almost circular molecule in which the FtsZ-binding N-terminus and the C-terminal PARC6 (paralog of ARC6)-binding MORN (Membrane Occupation and Recognition Nexus) domain are in close proximity and suggest a model for PARC6-enabled binding of ARC3 to FtsZ2. The latter is corroborated by in vivo data.

High-Throughput Assay for RhoGEFs Based on the Transcreener® GDP Assay.

We describe a high-throughput screening (HTS)-compatible method for detecting GTPase exchange factor (GEF) activity based on stimulation of GDP formation by Rho GTPases. The method is based on the fact that GDP dissociation is the rate-limiting step in the Rho GTPase catalytic cycle, so by accelerating its release a GEF causes an increase in the steady-state rate of GDP formation. The Transcreener® GDP GTPase Assay, a fluorescence polarization immunoassay (FPIA), is used to detect GDP formation in a homogeneous format.

Pharmacological Characterization of Human Histamine Receptors and Histamine Receptor Mutants in the Sf9 Cell Expression System.

A large problem of histamine receptor research is data heterogeneity. Various experimental approaches, the complex signaling pathways of mammalian cells, and the use of different species orthologues render it difficult to compare and interpret the published results. Thus, the four human histamine receptor subtypes were analyzed side-by-side in the Sf9 insect cell expression system, using radioligand binding assays as well as functional readouts proximal to the receptor activation event (steady-state GTPase assays and [35S]GTPγS assays). The human H1R was co-expressed with the regulators of G protein signaling RGS4 or GAIP, which unmasked a productive interaction between hH1R and insect cell Gαq. By contrast, functional expression of the hH2R required the generation of an hH2R-Gsα fusion protein to ensure close proximity of G protein and receptor. Fusion of hH2R to the long (GsαL) or short (GsαS) splice variant of Gαs resulted in comparable constitutive hH2R activity, although both G protein variants show different GDP affinities. Medicinal chemistry studies revealed profound species differences between hH1R/hH2R and their guinea pig orthologues gpH1R/gpH2R. The causes for these differences were analyzed by molecular modeling in combination with mutational studies. Co-expression of the hH3R with Gαi1, Gαi2, Gαi3, and Gαi/o in Sf9 cells revealed high constitutive activity and comparable interaction efficiency with all G protein isoforms. A comparison of various cations (Li+, Na+, K+) and anions (Cl−, Br−, I−) revealed that anions with large radii most efficiently stabilize the inactive hH3R state. Potential sodium binding sites in the hH3R protein were analyzed by expressing specific hH3R mutants in Sf9 cells. In contrast to the hH3R, the hH4R preferentially couples to co-expressed Gαi2 in Sf9 cells. Its high constitutive activity is resistant to NaCl or GTPγS. The hH4R shows structural instability and adopts a G protein-independent high-affinity state. A detailed characterization of affinity and activity of a series of hH4R antagonists/inverse agonists allowed first conclusions about structure/activity relationships for inverse agonists at hH4R. In summary, the Sf9 cell system permitted a successful side-by-side comparison of all four human histamine receptor subtypes. This chapter summarizes the results of pharmacological as well as medicinal chemistry/molecular modeling approaches and demonstrates that these data are not only important for a deeper understanding of HxR pharmacology, but also have significant implications for the molecular pharmacology of GPCRs in general.

Label-free versus conventional cellular assays: Functional investigations on the human histamine H1 receptor

A set of histamine H1 receptor (H1R) agonists and antagonists was characterized in functional assays, using dynamic mass redistribution (DMR), electric cell-substrate impedance sensing (ECIS) and various signaling pathway specific readouts (Fura-2 and aequorin calcium assays, arrestin recruitment (luciferase fragment complementation) assay, luciferase gene reporter assay). Data were gained from genetically engineered HEK293T cells and compared with reference data from GTPase assays and radioligand binding. Histamine and the other H1R agonists gave different assay-related pEC50 values, however, the order of potency was maintained. In the luciferase fragment complementation assay, the H1R preferred β-arrestin2 over β-arrestin1. The calcium and the impedimetric assay depended on Gq coupling of the H1R, as demonstrated by complete inhibition of the histamine-induced signals in the presence of the Gq inhibitor FR900359 (UBO-QIC). Whereas partial inhibition by FR900359 was observed in DMR and the gene reporter assay, pertussis toxin substantially decreased the response in DMR, but increased the luciferase signal, reflecting the contribution of both, Gq and Gi, to signaling in these assays. For antagonists, the results from DMR were essentially compatible with those from conventional readouts, whereas the impedance-based data revealed a trend towards higher pKb values. ECIS and calcium assays apparently only reflect Gq signaling, whereas DMR and gene reporter assays appear to integrate both, Gq and Gi mediated signaling. The results confirm the value of the label-free methods, DMR and ECIS, for the characterization of H1R ligands. Both noninvasive techniques are complementary to each other, but cannot fully replace reductionist signaling pathway focused assays.

Biochemical Classification of Disease-associated Mutants of RAS-like Protein Expressed in Many Tissues (RIT1)

RAS-like protein expressed in many tissues 1 (RIT1) is a disease-associated RAS subfamily small guanosine triphosphatase (GTPase). Recent studies revealed that germ-line and somatic RIT1 mutations can cause Noonan syndrome (NS), and drive proliferation of lung adenocarcinomas, respectively, akin to RAS mutations in these diseases. However, the locations of these RIT1 mutations differ significantly from those found in RAS, and do not affect the three mutational "hot spots" of RAS. Moreover, few studies have characterized the GTPase cycle of RIT1 and its disease-associated mutants. Here we developed a real-time NMR-based GTPase assay for RIT1 and investigated the effect of disease-associated mutations on GTPase cycle. RIT1 exhibits an intrinsic GTP hydrolysis rate similar to that of H-RAS, but its intrinsic nucleotide exchange rate is ∼4-fold faster, likely as a result of divergent residues near the nucleotide binding site. All of the disease-associated mutations investigated increased the GTP-loaded, activated state of RIT1 in vitro, but they could be classified into two groups with different intrinsic GTPase properties. The S35T, A57G, and Y89H mutants exhibited more rapid nucleotide exchange, whereas F82V and T83P impaired GTP hydrolysis. A RAS-binding domain pulldown assay indicated that RIT1 A57G and Y89H were highly activated in HEK293T cells, whereas T83P and F82V exhibited more modest activation. All five mutations are associated with NS, whereas two (A57G and F82V) have also been identified in urinary tract cancers and myeloid malignancies. Characterization of the effects on the GTPase cycle of RIT1 disease-associated mutations should enable better understanding of their role in disease processes.

Conformational Restriction and Enantioseparation Increase Potency and Selectivity of Cyanoguanidine-Type Histamine H4 Receptor Agonists.

2-Cyano-1-[4-(1H-imidazol-4-yl)butyl]-3-[2-(phenylsulfanyl)ethyl]guanidine (UR-PI376, 1) is a potent and selective agonist of the human histamine H4 receptor (hH4R). To gain information on the active conformation, we synthesized analogues of 1 with a cyclopentane-1,3-diyl linker. Affinities and functional activities were determined at recombinant hHxR (x: 1-4) subtypes on Sf9 cell membranes (radioligand binding, [(35)S]GTPγS, or GTPase assays) and in part in luciferase assays on human or mouse H4R (HEK-293 cells). The most potent H4R agonists among 14 racemates were separated by chiral HPLC, yielding eight enantiomerically pure compounds. Configurations were assigned based on X-ray structures of intermediates and a stereocontrolled synthetic pathway. (+)-2-Cyano-1-{[trans-(1S,3S)-3-(1H-imidazol-4-yl)cyclopentyl]methyl}-3-[2-(phenylsulfanyl)ethyl]guanidine ((1S,3S)-UR-RG98, 39a) was the most potent H4R agonist in this series (EC50 11 nM; H4R vs H3R, >100-fold selectivity; H1R, H2R, negligible activities), whereas the optical antipode proved to be an H4R antagonist ([(35)S]GTPγS assay). MD simulations confirmed differential stabilization of the active and inactive H4R state by the enantiomers.

Targeting an Essential GTPase Obg for the Development of Broad-Spectrum Antibiotics.

A promising new drug target for the development of novel broad-spectrum antibiotics is the highly conserved small GTPase Obg (YhbZ, CgtA), a protein essential for the survival of all bacteria including Neisseria gonorrhoeae (GC). GC is the agent of gonorrhea, a prevalent sexually transmitted disease resulting in serious consequences on reproductive and neonatal health. A preventive anti-gonorrhea vaccine does not exist, and options for effective antibiotic treatments are increasingly limited. To address the dire need for alternative antimicrobial strategies, we have designed and optimized a 384-well GTPase assay to identify inhibitors of Obg using as a model Obg protein from GC, ObgGC. The assay was validated with a pilot screen of 40,000 compounds and achieved an average Z’ value of 0.58 ± 0.02, which suggests a robust assay amenable to high-throughput screening. We developed secondary assessments for identified lead compounds that utilize the interaction between ObgGC and fluorescent guanine nucleotide analogs, mant-GTP and mant-GDP, and an ObgGC variant with multiple alterations in the G-domains that prevent nucleotide binding. To evaluate the broad-spectrum potential of ObgGC inhibitors, Obg proteins of Klebsiella pneumoniae and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus were assessed using the colorimetric and fluorescence-based activity assays. These approaches can be useful in identifying broad-spectrum Obg inhibitors and advancing the therapeutic battle against multidrug resistant bacteria.

Mitochondrial Recruitment of Drp1 by Mff is Opposed by the Variable Domain

Mitochondria are critical cellular components and form a dynamically interconnected network that responds to several stimuli such as energy demands, apoptotic stimuli, and mitochondrial quality control. Concomitantly, the processes of mitochondrial fission and fusion are highly regulated in order to maintain a population of healthy organelles, and disruption of either process leads to mitochondrial dysfunction. In fact, a detailed mechanistic understanding of the fission process is not known. Dynamin related protein 1 (Drp1) is known to be the master regulator of mitochondrial fission. This large cytosolic protein is comprised of several domains, including the GTPase, middle, variable, and GTPase effector domains (GED). The role of the variable domain is largely uncharacterized and inherently disordered. Recently, the variable domain has been implicated in interactions between Drp1 and mitochondrial lipids, and we have shown that it regulates Drp1 self-assembly. This oligomerization forms a larger complex capable of generating mechanical force using energy from GTP hydrolysis. At the surface of mitochondria, Drp1 is recruited by various partner proteins anchored in the outer membrane. Mitochondrial fission factor (Mff) is a small protein with a C-terminal transmembrane helix that is critical for recruitment of Drp1 and subsequent mitochondrial fission. The direct Mff-Drp1 interaction has been investigated using transmission electron microscopy, a novel lipid scaffold, GTPase assays, and various biophysical methods. Interestingly, the variable domain of Drp1 limits its interaction with Mff. Removal of this domain allows for formation of a stable Drp1-Mff complex, and results in elevated Drp1 GTPase activity in the presence of Mff. Further characterization of Drp1, Mff, and various mutants of these proteins in MEFs lacking the endogenous protein will build on our current knowledge to refine the role of the variable domain and oligomerization in Drp1 interactions with Mff.

ID: 187: Allelic variations in the interferon-induced human MxA protein affect its antiviral activity against influenza A virus

Human myxovirus resistance protein A (MxA) is an interferon-induced GTPase and part of the host cell defense against influenza viruses. It has a three-domain architecture with an amino-terminal GTPase (G) domain and a carboxy-terminal stalk responsible for oligomerization and viral target recognition. The MX1 gene, encoding MxA, is highly conserved and only a few single nucleotide polymorphisms are described in the human population. In this study we investigate whether and how allelic variations in MxA influence its antiviral function. Two rare nucleotide changes identified in the MX1 gene of healthy individuals result in amino acid exchanges at positions 255 and 268 in the G domain. GTPase and Minireplicon assays revealed that the V268M exchange showed some reduction in GTP hydrolysis, but only a slightly reduced antiviral activity against influenza A virus. However, the G255E exchange caused a complete loss of GTPase and antiviral activity of MxA. Further biochemical analyses of this naturally occurring mutation revealed the central role of GTP binding and hydrolysis for the antiviral mechanism of MxA. Using bioinformatics tools we are currently identifying additional allelic variations in MxA. Their characterization will answer the question how polymorphisms in the MX1 gene influence the antiviral capacity of MxA and whether these are enriched in patients suffering from severe influenza as has been described recently for IFITM3, another interferon-induced antiviral restriction factor.

Positive and negative regulation by SLP-76/ADAP and Pyk2 of chemokine-stimulated T-lymphocyte adhesion mediated by integrin α4β1.

Stimulation by chemokines of integrin α4β1-dependent T-lymphocyte adhesion is a crucial step for lymphocyte trafficking. The adaptor Vav1 is required for chemokine-activated T-cell adhesion mediated by α4β1. Conceivably, proteins associating with Vav1 could potentially modulate this adhesion. Correlating with activation by the chemokine CXCL12 of T-lymphocyte attachment to α4β1 ligands, a transient stimulation in the association of Vav1 with SLP-76, Pyk2, and ADAP was observed. Using T-cells depleted for SLP-76, ADAP, or Pyk2, or expressing Pyk2 kinase-inactive forms, we show that SLP-76 and ADAP stimulate chemokine-activated, α4β1-mediated adhesion, whereas Pyk2 opposes T-cell attachment. While CXCL12-promoted generation of high-affinity α4β1 is independent of SLP-76, ADAP, and Pyk2, the strength of α4β1-VCAM-1 interaction and cell spreading on VCAM-1 are targets of regulation by these three proteins. GTPase assays, expression of activated or dominant-negative Rac1, or combined ADAP and Pyk2 silencing indicated that Rac1 activation by CXCL12 is a common mediator response in SLP-76-, ADAP-, and Pyk2-regulated cell adhesion involving α4β1. Our data strongly suggest that chemokine-stimulated associations between Vav1, SLP-76, and ADAP facilitate Rac1 activation and α4β1-mediated adhesion, whereas Pyk2 opposes this adhesion by limiting Rac1 activation.

Integration of Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy, Fluorescence Spectroscopy, Steady-state Kinetics and Molecular Dynamics Simulations of Gαi1 Distinguishes between the GTP Hydrolysis and GDP Release Mechanism

Gα subunits are central molecular switches in cells. They are activated by G protein-coupled receptors that exchange GDP for GTP, similar to small GTPase activation mechanisms. Gα subunits are turned off by GTP hydrolysis. For the first time we employed time-resolved FTIR difference spectroscopy to investigate the molecular reaction mechanisms of Gαi1. FTIR spectroscopy is a powerful tool that monitors reactions label free with high spatio-temporal resolution. In contrast to common multiple turnover assays, FTIR spectroscopy depicts the single turnover GTPase reaction without nucleotide exchange/Mg(2+) binding bias. Global fit analysis resulted in one apparent rate constant of 0.02 s(-1) at 15 °C. Isotopic labeling was applied to assign the individual phosphate vibrations for α-, β-, and γ-GTP (1243, 1224, and 1156 cm(-1), respectively), α- and β-GDP (1214 and 1134/1103 cm(-1), respectively), and free phosphate (1078/991 cm(-1)). In contrast to Ras · GAP catalysis, the bond breakage of the β-γ-phosphate but not the Pi release is rate-limiting in the GTPase reaction. Complementary common GTPase assays were used. Reversed phase HPLC provided multiple turnover rates and tryptophan fluorescence provided nucleotide exchange rates. Experiments were complemented by molecular dynamics simulations. This broad approach provided detailed insights at atomic resolution and allows now to identify key residues of Gαi1 in GTP hydrolysis and nucleotide exchange. Mutants of the intrinsic arginine finger (Gαi1-R178S) affected exclusively the hydrolysis reaction. The effect of nucleotide binding (Gαi1-D272N) and Ras-like/all-α interface coordination (Gαi1-D229N/Gαi1-D231N) on the nucleotide exchange reaction was furthermore elucidated.