Kringle 2 Research Articles

Structure and Function Characterization of the a1a2 Motifs of Streptococcus pyogenes M Protein in Human Plasminogen Binding

Plasminogen (Plg)-binding M protein (PAM) is a group A streptococcal cell surface receptor that is crucial for bacterial virulence. Previous studies revealed that, by binding to the kringle 2 (KR2) domain of host Plg, the pathogen attains a proteolytic microenvironment on the cell surface that facilitates its dissemination from the primary infection site. Each of the PAM molecules in their dimeric assembly consists of two Plg binding motifs (called the a1 and a2 repeats). To date, the molecular interactions between the a1 repeat and KR2 have been structurally characterized, whereas the role of the a2 repeat is less well defined. Here, we report the 1.7-Å x-ray crystal structure of KR2 in complex with a monomeric PAM peptide that contains both the a1 and a2 motifs. The structure reveals how the PAM peptide forms key interactions simultaneously with two KR2 via the high-affinity lysine isosteres within the a1a2 motifs. Further studies, through combined mutagenesis and functional characterization, show that a2 is a stronger KR2 binder than a1, suggesting that these two motifs may play discrete roles in mediating the final PAM-Plg assembly.

Expression of a novel chimeric-truncated tPA in Pichia pastoris with improved biochemical properties.

Thrombolytic therapy by plasminogen activators (PAs) has been a main goal in the treatment of acute myocardial infarction. Despite improved outcomes of currently available thrombolytic therapies, all these agents have different drawbacks that may result in less than optimal outcomes. In order to make tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) more potent, while being more resistant to plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1) and having a higher affinity to fibrin, a new chimeric-truncated form of tPA (CT tPA) was designed and expressed in Pichia pastoris. This novel variant consists of a finger domain of Desmoteplase, an epidermal growth factor (EGF) domain, a kringle 1 (K1) domain, a kringle 2 (K2) domain, in which the lysine binding site (LBS) was deleted, and a protease domain, where the four amino acids lysine 296, arginine 298, arginine 299, and arginine 304 were substituted by aspartic acid. The chimera CT tPA showed 14-fold increase in its activity in the presence of fibrin compared to the absence of fibrin. Furthermore, CT tPA showed about 10-fold more potency than commercially available full-length tPA (Actylase(®)) and provided 1.2-fold greater affinity to fibrin. A residual activity of only 68% was observed after incubation of Actylase(®) with PAI-1, however, 91% activity remained for CT tPA. These promising findings suggest that the novel CT tPA variant might be an acceptable PA with superior characteristics and properties.

Christmas out of season: who is Kris Kringle and what has he wrought?

Santa Claus is sometimes referred to as Kris Kringle, a name most likely derived from Christ Kindel (Christ-child). The German name of the Christ Child is Christkind, commonly used in its diminutive form Christkindel. The Dutch– German protestant reform movement brought in the idea that the Christchild should be the standard bearer for Christmas. Traditionally, an image used for his messenger was a young child with a golden crown who holds a tiny “Tree of Light” and brings the gifts of the Christ Child. We currently enjoy July, not Christmas. However, could it be that Kringle has brought us a present out of season? Wound repair, regeneration of ischemic tissues, and the new discipline of “tissue engineering” all require improved vascularization of the regenerating tissues. Recent advances in understanding the process of blood vessel growth have offered significant tools for therapeutic neovascularization [1]. Several angiogenic growth factors including vascular endothelial cell growth factor (VEGF) and basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) have been used for the vascularization of regenerating and ischemic tissues in animal models. Three approaches have been used for vascularization of bioengineered tissue: incorporation of angiogenic factors in the bioengineered tissue, seeding endothelial cells with other cell types, and prevascularization of matrices prior to cell seeding [1]. One approach is to rationally design matrices that provide specific adhesion molecules such as a receptor for alpha v beta 3-integrin expressed on angiogenic endothelial cells that are able to store and release angiogenic growth factors such as bFGF that target cell type-specific responses [2]. Moreover, these matrices can be modified to release complexed plasmid DNA or other molecules that transfect surrounding cells and improve angiogenesis. During wound healing, cells infiltrate into the scaffold and degrade it, thereby releasing entrapped growth factors. The scaffold is completely removed when tissue healing is achieved. In this issue, Zhao et al. [3] demonstrate improved neovascularization and wound repair by targeting human bFGF to fibrin. bFGF is a potent mitogen for numerous cell types of mesodermal origin including fibroblasts, vascular endothelial cells, and vascular smooth muscle cells and therefore holds great promise as an agent to promote wound healing. bFGF can be produced recombinantly and therefore should be readily available therapeutically. The problem resides in bFGF delivery. Exogenous bolus injection seems to work as studies involving the heart and ischemic limb have shown. However, the bFGF diffuses rapidly from the injection site and bFGF delivery with a sustained site-targeting result has been elusive. Zhao et al.[3] fused bFGF to a kringle repeat in the plasminogen molecule termed kringle 1 (K1). They thereby constructed a fusion protein (K1-bFGF) that has a high tendency to bind to fibrin. Plasma clots of course develop at the sites of wound injury. However, the authors also developed a fibrin-scaffold/K1-bFGF construct. This system successfully induced neovascularization by delivering K1-bFGF in a sustained fashion. The result was a microenvironment that promoted cell growth, angiogenesis, and tissue regeneration. J Mol Med (2008) 86:1081–1083 DOI 10.1007/s00109-008-0389-0

Improved neovascularization and wound repair by targeting human basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) to fibrin

Targeted therapy is a new generation of therapeutics, where two critical factors are involved. One is the particular molecular target, and the other is the specific target-binding drug. In this work, the fibrin, a main component of plasma clot at wound sites, was used as the target for human bFGF, aiming to improve therapeutic neovascularization and wound repair. To endow bFGF with fibrin-targeting ability, a fibrin-binding peptide Kringle1 (K1), derived from human plasminogen, was fused to human bFGF. The recombinant K1bFGF showed high fibrin and plasma-clot-binding ability. When applied to the wound sites with plasma clots, K1bFGF induced robust neovascularization and improved wound healing. To extend the application of K1bFGF to other cases where no plasma clots exist, we developed a fibrin-scaffold/K1bFGF system. This system could induce localized neovascularization by delivery of K1bFGF in a sustained and site-targeting manner, and provide a microenvironment promoting cell growth and tissue regeneration. In summary, we successfully used the pathologic environment fibrin clot as the target for bFGF, and based on which bFGF was designed into a targeting agent by introduction of a fibrin-binding peptide. This provides a potential approach to improve therapeutic neovascularization and wound repair.

Toward Safer Thrombolytic Agents in Stroke: Molecular Requirements for NMDA Receptor-Mediated Neurotoxicity

Current thrombolytic therapy for acute ischemic stroke with tissue-type plasminogen activator (tPA) has clear global benefits. Nevertheless, evidences argue that in addition to its prohemorrhagic effect, tPA might enhance excitotoxic necrosis. In the brain parenchyma, tPA, by binding to and then cleaving the amino-terminal domain (ATD) of the NR1 subunit of N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) glutamate receptors, increases calcium influx to toxic levels. We show here that tPA binds the ATD of the NR1 subunit by a two-sites system (K(D)=24 nmol/L). Although tenecteplase (TNK) and reteplase also display two-sites binding profiles, the catalytically inactive mutant TNKS478A displays a one-site binding profile and desmoteplase (DSPA), a kringle 2 (K2) domain-free plasminogen activator derived from vampire bat, does not interact with NR1. Moreover, we show that in contrast to tPA, DSPA does not promote excitotoxicity. These findings, together with three-dimensional (3D) modeling, show that a critical step for interaction of tPA with NR1 is the binding of its K2 domain, followed by the binding of its catalytic domain, which in turn cleaves the NR1 subunit at its ATD, leading to a subsequent potentiation of NMDA-induced calcium influx and neurotoxicity. This could help design safer new generation thrombolytic agents for stroke treatment.

The Lack of Binding of VEK-30, an Internal Peptide from the Group A Streptococcal M-like Protein, PAM, to Murine Plasminogen Is due to Two Amino Acid Replacements in the Plasminogen Kringle-2 Domain

VEK-30, a 30-amino acid internal peptide present within a streptococcal M-like plasminogen (Pg)-binding protein (PAM) from Gram-positive group-A streptococci (GAS), represents an epitope within PAM that shows high affinity for the lysine binding site (LBS) of the kringle-2 (K2) domain of human (h)Pg. VEK-30 does not interact with this same region of mouse (m)Pg, despite the high conservation of the mK2- and hK2-LBS. To identify the molecular basis for the species specificity of this interaction, hPg and mPg variants were generated, including an hPg chimera with the mK2 sequence and an mPg chimera containing the hK2 sequence. The binding of synthetic VEK-30 to these variants was studied by surface plasmon resonance. The data revealed that, in otherwise intact Pg, the species specificity of VEK-30 binding in these two cases is entirely dictated by two K2 residues that are different between hPg and mPg, namely, Arg-220 of hPg, which is a Gly in mPg, and Leu-222 of hPg, which is a Pro in mPg, neither of which are members of the canonical K2-LBS. Neither the activation of hPg, nor the enzymatic activity of its activated product, plasmin (hPm), are compromised by replacing these two amino acids by their murine counterparts. It is also demonstrated that hPg is more susceptible to activation to hPm after complexation with VEK-30 and that this property is greatly reduced as a result of the R220G and L222P replacements in hPg. These mechanisms for accumulation of protease activity on GAS likely contribute to the virulence of PAM(+)-GAS strains and identify targets for new therapeutic interventions.

X-ray Crystallographic Structure of the Angiogenesis Inhibitor, Angiostatin, Bound to a Peptide from the Group A Streptococcal Surface Protein PAM,

The crystal structure of the human Pg-derived angiogenesis inhibitor, angiostatin, complexed to VEK-30, a peptide from the group A streptococcal surface protein, PAM, was determined and refined to 2.3 A resolution. This is the first structure of angiostatin bound to a ligand and provides a model of the interaction between Pg and streptococcal-derived pathogenic proteins. VEK-30 contains a "through-space isostere" for C-terminal lysine, wherein Arg and Glu side chains, separated by one helical turn, bind within the bipolar angiostatin kringle 2 (K2) domain lysine-binding site. VEK-30 also makes several contacts with K2 residues that exist outside of the canonical LBS and are not conserved among the other Pg kringles, thus providing a molecular basis for the selectivity of VEK-30 for K2. The structure also shows that Pg kringle domains undergo significant structural rearrangement relative to one another and reveals dimerization between two molecules of angiostatin and VEK-30 related by crystallographic symmetry. This dimerization, which exists only in the crystal structure, is consistent with the parallel coiled-coil full-length PAM dimer expected from sequence similarities and homology modeling.

Solution structure and dynamics of the plasminogen kringle 2-AMCHA complex: 3(1)-helix in homologous domains.

The kringle 2 (K2) module of human plasminogen (Pgn) binds L-lysine and analogous zwitterionic compounds, such as the antifibronolytic agent trans-(aminomethyl)cyclohexanecarboxylic acid (AMCHA). Far-UV CD and NMR spectra reveal little conformational change in K2 upon ligand binding. However, retarded (1)H-(2)H isotope exchange kinetics induced by AMCHA indicate stabilization of the K2 conformation by the ligand. Assessment of secondary structure content from CD spectra yields approximately 26% beta-STRAND, approximately 13% beta-TURN, approximately 15% 3(1)-HELIX, and approximately 6% 3(10)-HELIX. The NMR solution conformation of the K2 domain complexed to AMCHA has been determined [heavy atom rmsd = 0.49 +/- 0.09A (BACKBONE) AND 1.02+/- 0.08 (ALL)]. The K2 molecule has overall dimensions of approximately 34.5A times approximately 33.4A times approximately 22.7A . Analogous with the polypeptide outline of homologous domains, K2 contains three short antiparallel beta-sheets (paired strands 15-16/20-21, 24-25/48-49, and 62-64/72-74) and four defined beta-turns (residues 6-9, 16-19, 53-56, AND 67-70). Consistent with the CD analysis, albeit novel in the context of kringle folding, the NMR structure reveals an unpaired beta-strand structured by residues 30-32, a turn of 3(10)-helix compromising residues 38-41, and a 3(1)-helix for residues 21-24 and 74-79. We also identify alignable 3(1)-helices in previously reported homologous kringle structures. Rather high order parameter S(2) values (<S(2)>= approximately 0.85 +/- 0.04) characterize the K2 backbone dynamics. The lowest flexibility is observed for the two inner loop segments of residues 51-63 AND 63-75 (<S(2)>= approximately 0.86-0.87 +/- 0.03). Overhauser connectivities reveal close hydrophobic contacts of the ligand ring with side chains of Tyr(36), Trp(62), Phe(64), Trp(72), AND Leu(74). In most K2 structures, the N atom of AMCHA places itself approximately 3.9 and 4.4A from the anionic groups of Glu(57) and Asp(55), respectively, while its carboxylate group, H-bonded to the Tyr(36) side chain OH(eta), ion-pairs the Arg(71) guanidinium group. Consistent with the preference of K2 for binding 5-aminopentanoic acid over 6-aminohexanoic acid, the positions of the ionic centers within the K2 binding site approach each other approximately 1A closer relative to what is observed in lysine binding sites of homologous Pgn modules.

Functional and biophysical characterization of recombinant human hepatocyte growth factor isoforms produced in Escherichia coli.

Hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) is a pluripotent secreted protein that stimulates a wide array of cellular targets, including hepatocytes and other epithelial cells, melanocytes, endothelial and haematopoietic cells. Multiple mRNA species transcribed from a single HGF gene encode at least three distinct proteins: the full-length HGF protein and two truncated HGF isoforms that encompass the N-terminal (N) domain through kringle 1 (NK1) or through kringle 2 (NK2). We report the high-level expression in Escherichia coli of NK1 and NK2, as well as the individual kringle 1 (K1) and N domains of HGF. All proteins accumulated as insoluble aggregates that were solubilized, folded and purified in high yield using a simple procedure that included two gel-filtration steps. Characterization of the purified proteins indicated chemical and physical homogeneity, and analysis by CD suggested native conformations. Although the K1 and N-terminal domains of HGF have limited biological activity, spectroscopic evidence indicated that the conformation of each matched that observed when the domains were components of biologically active NK1. Both NK1 and NK2 produced in bacteria were functionally equivalent to proteins generated by eukaryotic systems, as indicated by mitogenicity, cell scatter, and receptor binding and activation assays. These data indicate that all four bacterially produced HGF derivatives are well suited for detailed structural analysis.

Ligand preferences of kringle 2 and homologous domains of human plasminogen: canvassing weak, intermediate, and high-affinity binding sites by 1H-NMR.

The interaction of various small aliphatic and aromatic ionic ligands with the human plasminogen (HPg) recombinant kringle 2 (r-K2) domain has been investigated by 1H-NMR spectroscopy at 500 MHz. The results are compared against ligand-binding properties of the homologous, lysine-binding HPg kringle 1 (K1), kringle 4 (K4), and kringle 5 (K5). The investigated ligands include the omega-aminocarboxylic acids 4-aminobutyric acid (4-ABA), 5-aminopentanoic acid (5-APA), 6-aminohexanoic acid (6-AHA), 7-aminoheptanoic acid (7-AHA), lysine and arginine derivatives with free and blocked alpha-amino and/or carboxylate groups, and a number of cyclic analogs, zwitterions of similar size such as trans-(aminomethyl)cyclohexanecarboxylic acid (AMCHA) and p-benzylaminesulfonic acid (BASA), and the nonzwitterions benzylamine and benzamidine. Equilibrium association constant (Ka) values were determined from 1H-NMR ligand titration profiles. Among the aliphatic linear ligands, 5-APA (Ka approximately 3.4 mM-1) shows the strongest interaction with r-K2 followed by 6-AHA (Ka approximately 2.3 mM-1), 7-AHA (Ka approximately 0.45 mM-1), and 4-ABA (Ka approximately 0.22 mM-1). In contrast, r-K1, K4, and K5 exhibit a preference for 6-AHA (Ka approximately 74.2, 21.0, and 10.6 mM-1, respectively), a ligand approximately 1.14 A longer than 5-APA. Mutations R220G and E221D increase the affinity of r-K2 for these ligands but leave the selectivity profile essentially unaffected: 5-APA > 6-AHA > 7-AHA > 4-ABA (Ka approximately 6.5, 3.9, 1.8, and 0.74 mM-1, respectively). We find that, while r-K2 definitely interacts with Nalpha-acetyl-L-lysine and L-lysine (Ka approximately 0.96 and 0.68 mM-1, respectively), the affinity for analogs carrying a blocked carboxylate group is relatively weak (Ka approximately 0.1 mM-1). We also investigated the interaction of r-K2 with L-arginine (Ka approximately 0.31 mM-1) and its derivatives Nalpha-acetyl-L-arginine (Ka approximately 0.55 mM-1), Nalpha-acetyl-L-arginine methyl ester (Ka approximately 0.07 mM-1), and L-arginine methyl ester (Ka approximately 0.03 mM-1). Zwitterionic gamma-guanidinobutyric acid, containing one less methylene group than arginine, exhibits a Ka of approximately 0.28 mM-1. The affinity of r-K2 for lysine and arginine derivatives suggests that K2 could play a role in intermolecular as well as intramolecular interactions of HPg. As is the case for the HPg K1, K4, and K5, among the tested ligands, AMCHA is the one which interacts most firmly with r-K2 (Ka approximately 7.3 mM-1) while the aromatic ligands BASA, benzylamine, and benzamidine exhibit Ka values of approximately 4.0, approximately 0.04, and approximately 0.03 mM-1, respectively. The relative stability of these interactions indicates a strict requirement for both cationic and anionic polar groups in the ligand, whereas the presence of a lipophilic aromatic group seems to be of lesser consequence. Ligand-induced shifts of r-K2 (1)H-NMR signals and two-dimensional nuclear Overhauser effect (NOESY) experiments in the presence of 6-AHA reveal direct involvement of residues Tyr36, Trp62, Phe64, and Trp72 (kringle residue numbering convention) in ligand binding. Starting from the X-ray crystallographic structure of HPg K4 and the intermolecular 1H-NMR NOE data, two models of the K2 lysine binding site complexed to 6-AHA have been derived which differ mainly in the extent of electrostatic pairing between the K2 Arg56 and Glu57 side chains. Competition between these two conformations in equilibrium may account for the relatively lesser affinity of the K2 domain for zwitterionic lysine-type ligands.

High-level secretion in Pichia pastoris and biochemical characterization of the recombinant kringle 2 domain of tissue-type plasminogen activator.

The kringle 2 (K2) domain of tissue-type plasminogen activator (tPA) has been expressed in Pichia pastoris cell lines GSI 15 and KM71. This construct contained a hexahistidine sequence at the C-terminus of the kringle to aid in purification by immobilized metalion-affinity chromatography. The exact amino acid sequence of the isolated kringle was EAEAYV-[K2tPA]SR(H)6, where [K2tPA] represents amino acid sequence residues C1-C82 of the kringle domain (residues 180-261 of tPA). The clones of the yeast transformants provided large amounts of the recombinant (r)-[K2tPA]-containing polypeptide at levels that allowed ready purification of several hundred mg from shake flasks and near-gram levels from a high-biomass fermenter. Purification of the kringle domain directly from cell-conditioned media was accomplished in a single step by either immobilized Ni(+)-affinity chromatography or lysine-Sepharose affinity chromatography. N-linked glycans were present on approx. 30% of this yeast-expressed material, at N5 of the kringle (corresponds to N11 of the particular construct, N184 of full-length tPA). The expressed recombinant kringle recognized a conformation-specific monoclonal antibody generated against tPA that is directed to the K2 domain of the protein, interacted properly with various omega-amino acid ligands, and showed signature conformational properties when studied by differential scanning calorimetry and high-resolution 1H-NMR. The results demonstrate that the P. pastoris system can be employed to obtain large amounts of secreted and properly folded kringle domains.

Production and characterization of a novel tissue-type plasminogen activator derivative in Escherichia coli.

We have created a novel thrombolytic agent by the combination of mutation with partial deletion of tissue-type plasminogen activator (t-PA). We constructed Escherichia coli expression vectors for (i) native t-PA (nt-PA) and its derivatives; (ii) K1K2P, consisting of kringle 1 (K1), kringle 2 (K2), and protease (P) domains; (iii) K2P, consisting of K2 and P domains; (iv) D-nt-PA; (v) D-K1K2P; and (vi) D-K2P. The latter three are point mutants of nt-PA, K1K2P, and K2P, respectively, in which Arg275 (number corresponds to that of nt-PA) has been mutated to Asp. The production of nt-PA and its derivatives was remarkably improved by (i) removal of the 3' noncoding region of nt-PA cDNA from expression vectors and (ii) expression in mutant E. coli derived from E. coli HB101, which is insensitive to heat-shock inductions. The proteins produced were precipitated as insoluble aggregates in the cells and were renatured to active forms by extraction with 8 M urea followed by dialysis against a redox buffer containing GSH and GSSG. The renaturation yield depended on the pH of the buffer and the number of disulfide bonds of the proteins (nt-PA << K1K2P < K2P). The mutation of Arg275 (the plasmin cleavage site) caused an increase in the catalytic enhancement by fibrin and a decrease of the interaction with plasminogen activator inhibitors.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

The specific roles of finger and kringle 2 domains of tissue-type plasminogen activator during in vitro fibrinolysis.

The specific roles of the finger (F) and kringle 2 (K2) domains of tissue-type plasminogen activator (t-PA) were quantified with regard to fibrin binding and kinetic parameters for plasminogen activation by employing domain-deletion variants. On an intact fibrin clot, active site-blocked 125I-t-PA has a dissociation constant (Kd) of 0.36 +/- 0.08 microM and a single binding site per fibrin monomer (n = 1.1 +/- 0.1). Deletion of the K2 domain results in a 3-fold increase of the Kd (1.1 +/- 0.2 microM) and a 2-fold increase of the binding sites per fibrin monomer (n = 2.0 +/- 0.3). Deletion of the F domain results in nonsaturable binding with high Kd (3.2 +/- 0.6 microM). These results indicate that the high affinity binding of t-PA to intact fibrin is the resultant of the cooperation of two low affinity binding sites assembled on intact t-PA. Furthermore, fibrin clot lysis experiments were performed, using polymerized fibrin and plasminogen. Enzymatic activity of t-PA (variants) was assessed by following the decrease in turbidity of the polymerized fibrin. Intact recombinant t-PA exhibited a Michaelis constant for plasminogen activation (Km) of 37 +/- 2 nM. Deletion of either the K2 or F domain results in an increase of the Km for plasminogen of 4- and 16-fold, respectively. We interpret these kinetic parameters in terms of the ternary complex model: binding of t-PA to fibrin, mediated simultaneously by both the F and K2 domain, is essential for a correct orientation of the enzyme on the fibrin polymer to yield the optimal "Km-driven" stimulation of fibrin on the activation of plasminogen. The different potencies of various deletion mutants in a plasma clot are explained by decreased affinity of the enzymes both for fibrin and for the substrate plasminogen.

Role of the strictly conserved tryptophan-25 residue in the stabilization of the structure and in the ligand binding properties of the kringle 2 domain of tissue-type plasminogen activator.

The involvement of the strictly conserved tryptophan-25 (W25) residue in the structural stability and omega-amino acid ligand binding properties of the recombinant (r) kringle 2 (K2) domain of tissue-type plasminogen activator (tPA) has been investigated. Two conservative mutants were constructed and expressed that contained W25-->F and W25-->Y substitutions. The binding (dissociation) constants (Kd) for three ligands, viz., 6-aminohexanoic acid (EACA), 7-aminoheptanoic acid (7-AHpA), and L-lysine (Lys), to these polypeptides were determined by intrinsic fluorescence titrations. In the case of r-[K2tPA/W25F], the Kd values for these ligands were found to be 37, 16, and 89 microM for EACA, 7-AHpA, and Lys, respectively. For r-[K2tPA/W25Y], the Kd values for these same ligands were 64, 9, and 115 microM, respectively. The wild-type (wt) kringle domain possessed Kd values of 43, 6, and 85 microM for EACA, 7-AHpA, and Lys, respectively. The effect of these mutations on the stability of the r-[K2tPA] domain has been examined by differential scanning colorimetry. The temperature of maximum heat capacity (Tm) of wt-r-[K2tPA] (75.6 degrees C) was dramatically reduced to 50.8 and 58.0 degrees C for r-[K2tPA/W25F] and r-[K2tPA/W25Y], respectively. In the presence of EACA, the Tm values were increased to 86.1, 61.7, and 68.7 degrees C, respectively, indicating that EACA does interact with the r-[K2tPA] mutants and stabilizes their native conformations, similar to the case with wt-r-[K2tPA].(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

The structure of recombinant plasminogen kringle 1 and the fibrin binding site.

The structure of recombinant (Hoover et al. Biochemistry, 1993; 32:10936-10944) plasminogen (PG) kringle 1 (K1) has been determined and refined at 2.48 A resolution to a crystallographic R value of 0.159. In addition, 71 water molecules and two chloride ions have been located. The folding of PGK1 is very similar to that of PGK4. The lysine/fibrin binding site, however, differs from that of both PGK4 and tissue-type PG activator (t-PA) K2 at the cationic centre. Although PGK1 can potentially have a doubly charged cationic centre utilizing Arg34 and Arg71, the side chain of Arg34 is outside of Arg71 in a solvent region and its guanidino group is flexibly disordered. Moreover, site specific mutagenesis studies show unequivocally that Arg34 can be changed to glutamine without affecting the binding ability of PGK1. Thus, PGK1 only has Arg71 at the cationic site, PGK4 has Lys35/Arg71 and t-PAK2 has only Lys33. The cationic site differences may result in subtle responses in the binding affinities of the kringles. The two chloride ions are located in the lysine binding site and effectively compensate the positive charges of the region. They also appear to be involved intermolecularly in a complex way in the crystal structure. Such intermolecular anionic interactions are also found in PGK4 and t-PAK2.

The Role of the Finger Domain of Tissue-type Plasminogen Activator (t-PA) and Plasminogen Activator Inhibitor 1 (PAI-1) in Initiation and Progression of Thrombolysis

We further investigated the role of the finger (F) and the kringle-2 (K2) domains of tissue-type plasminogen activator (t-PA) in fibrin-stimulated plasminogen activation. To that end, the action of purified (wt) t-PA or of variants lacking F (del.F) or K2 (del.K2) was assessed either in a static, human whole blood clot-lysis system or in whole blood thrombi generated in the "Chandler loop". In both clot-lysis systems, significant differences were observed for the initiation of thrombolysis with equimolar concentrations of the t-PA variants. A relatively minor "lag phase" occurred in thrombolysis mediated by wt t-PA, whereas a 6.4-fold and 1.6-fold extension is found for del.F and del.K2, respectively. We observed identical lag-times, characteristic for each t-PA variant, in platelet-rich heads and in platelet-poor tails of thrombi. Since plasminogen activator inhibitor 1 (PAI-1) is preferentially retained in the platelet-rich heads, we conclude that the inhibitor does not interfere with the initial stage of thrombolysis but exerts its action in later stages, resulting in a reduction of the rate of clot lysis. A complementation clot-lysis assay was devised to study a potential interplay of del.F and del.K2. Accordingly, clot lysis was determined with combinations of del.F and del.K2 that were inversely varied in relation to equipotent dosage to distinguish between additive, antagonistic or synergistic effects of these variants. The isobole for combinations of del.F and del.K2 shows an independent, additive action of del.F and del.K2 in clot lysis.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Characterization of human tissuetype plasminogen activator variants with amino acid mutations in the kringle 1 domain

Recombinant variants of tissue-type plasminogen activator (t-PA) were constructed by site-directed mutagenesis and expressed in Chinese hamster ovary cells. Five variants were designed to improve the function of t-PA by mutagenesis in the kringle 1 (K1) domain. The amino acids were replaced with the corresponding residues present in the kringle 2 (K2) domain of native t-PA. The t-PA mutants expressed were as follows: variant E94V.D95G with point mutations in Glu94----Val and Asp95----Gly; variant N115P.S119M, Asn115----Pro and Ser119----Met; variant P125A.R129Q.R13OS, Pro125----Ala, Arg129----Gln and Arg130----Ser; variant G161R.K162R.-S165W, Gly161----Arg, Lys162----Arg and Ser165----Trp; and variant N115P, Asn115----Pro, respectively. The half-life following intravenous bolus injection in rabbits was prolonged in all variants except P125A.R130S. This was particularly true for N115P.S119M. The kinetic parameters for plasminogen activation were improved in t-PA G161R.K162R.S165W which showed a 0.6-fold decrease in Km, and a 1.8-fold increase in Vmax, thus promoting a 2.7-fold increase in kcat/Km compared to native t-PA. For a similar degree of thrombolysis in the rabbit jugular vein thrombosis model, the thrombolytic activity of G161R.K162R.S165W, at the dose tested, was four-fold greater than that of native t-PA. Thus, the substitution of the amino acids in the K1 domain with those corresponding in the K2 domain significantly enhanced the enzymatic activity of t-PA and improved the plasma survival.

Characterization of human tissuetype plasminogen activator variants with amino acid mutations in the kringle 1 domain

Recombinant variants of tissue-type plasminogen activator (t-PA) were constructed by site-directed mutagenesis and expressed in Chinese hamster ovary cells. Five variants were designed to improve the function of t-PA by mutagenesis in the kringle 1 (K1) domain. The amino acids were replaced with the corresponding residues present in the kringle 2 (K2) domain of native t-PA. The t-PA mutants expressed were as follows: variant E94V.D95G with point mutations in Glu94→Val and Asp95→Gly; variant N115P.S119M, Asn115→Pro and Ser119→Met; variant P125A.R129Q.R13OS, Pro125→Ala, Arg129→Gln and Arg130→Ser; variant G161R.K162R. S165W, Gly161→Arg, Lys162→Arg and Ser165→Trp; and variant N115P, Asn115→Pro, respectively. The half-life following intravenous bolus injection in rabbits was prolonged in all variants except P125A.R129Q.R130S. This was particularly true for N115P.S119M. The kinetic parameters for plasminogen activation were improved in t-PA G161R.K162R.S165W which showed a 0.6-fold decrease inKm, and a 1.8-fold increase inVmax, thus promoting a 2.7-fold increase inkcat/Km compared to native t-PA. For a similar degree of thrombolysis in the rabbit jugular vein thrombosis model, the thrombolytic activity of G161R.K162R.S165W, at the dose tested, was four-fold greater than that of native t-PA. Thus, the substitution of the amino acids in the K1 domain with those corresponding in the K2 domain significantly enhanced the enzymatic activity of t-PA and improved the plasma survival.

Random PCR mutagenesis screening of secreted proteins by direct expression in mammalian cells.

We have developed a general method for screening randomly mutagenized expression libraries in mammalian cells by using fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS). The cDNA sequence of a secreted protein is randomly mutagenized by PCR under conditions of reduced Taq polymerase fidelity. The mutated DNA is inserted into an expression vector encoding the membrane glycophospholipid anchor sequence of decay-accelerating factor (DAF) fused to the C terminus of the secreted protein. This results in expression of the protein on the cell surface in transiently transfected mammalian cells, which can then be screened by FACS. This method was used to isolate mutants in the kringle 1 (K1) domain of tissue plasminogen activator (t-PA) that would no longer be recognized by a specific monoclonal antibody (mAb387) that inhibits binding of t-PA to its clearance receptor. DNA sequence analysis of the mutants and localization of the mutated residues on a three-dimensional model of the K1 domain identified three key discontinuous amino acid residues that are essential for mAb387 binding. Mutants with changes in any of these three residues were found to have reduced binding to the t-PA receptor on human hepatoma HepG2 cells but to retain full clot lysis activity.

Construction, expression, and purification of recombinant kringle 1 of human plasminogen and analysis of its interaction with .omega.-amino acids

An Escherichia coli expression vector, containing the alkaline phosphatase promoter and the stII heat-stable enterotoxin signal sequence, along with the cDNA of the kringle 1 (K1) region of human plasminogen (HPg), has been employed to express into the periplasmic space amino acid residues 82-163 (E163----D) of HPg. This region of the molecule contains the entire K1 domain (residues C84-C162) of HPg, as well as two non-kringle amino-terminal amino acids (S82-E83) that are present in their normal locations in HPg and a carboxyl-terminal amino acid, D163, that results from mutation of the E163, normally present at this location in the HPg amino acid sequence. After purification of r-K1 by chromatographic techniques, we have investigated its omega-amino acid binding properties by titration calorimetry, intrinsic fluorescence, and differential scanning microcalorimetry (DSC). The antifibrinolytic agent, epsilon-aminocaproic acid (EACA), possesses a single binding site for r-K1. The thermodynamic properties of this interaction, studied by calorimetric titrations of the heats of binding with this ligand, reveal a Kd of 12 +/- 2 microM at 25 degrees C and pH 7.4, a corresponding delta G of -6.7 +/- 0.1 kcal/mol, a delta H of -3.6 +/- 0.1 kcal/mol, and a delta S of 10.5 +/- 0.8 eu. The intrinsic fluorescence of r-K1 decreases by approximately 44% when its binding site is saturated with EACA, and titrations of this perturbation with EACA lead to calculation of a Kd of approximately 13 microM, a value in good agreement with that obtained from titration calorimetric analysis. EACA represents the strongest binding ligand of a variety of simple aliphatic omega-amino acids examined. A cyclic analogue of EACA, trans-4-(aminomethyl)cyclohexanecarboxylic acid, interacts with r-K1 with an approximate 12-fold tighter Kd (1.0 +/- 0.2 microM). Investigations by DSC, at pH 7.4, demonstrate that a significant stabilization of the r-K1 structure occurs when EACA binds to this domain. The temperature of maximum heat capacity change (Tm) in the thermal denaturation of r-K1 increases from approximately 340.8 to 359.1 K as a consequence of EACA binding. These studies demonstrate that a fully functional EACA-binding kringle from HPg can be expressed and secreted in E. coli, purified by techniques that do not require refolding, and investigated as an independent structural unit.