Membrane-spanning Domains Research Articles

Restoration of NBD1 Thermal Stability Is Necessary and Sufficient to Correct ∆F508 CFTR Folding and Assembly

Cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) (ABCC7), unique among ABC exporters as an ion channel, regulates ion and fluid transport in epithelial tissues. Loss of function due to mutations in the cftr gene causes cystic fibrosis. The most common cystic-fibrosis-causing mutation, the deletion of F508 (ΔF508) from the first nucleotide binding domain (NBD1) of CFTR, results in misfolding of the protein and clearance by cellular quality control systems. The ΔF508 mutation has two major impacts on CFTR: reduced thermal stability of NBD1 and disruption of its interface with membrane-spanning domains (MSDs). It is unknown if these two defects are independent and need to be targeted separately. To address this question, we varied the extent of stabilization of NBD1 using different second-site mutations and NBD1 binding small molecules with or without NBD1/MSD interface mutation. Combinations of different NBD1 changes had additive corrective effects on ∆F508 maturation that correlated with their ability to increase NBD1 thermostability. These effects were much larger than those caused by interface modification alone and accounted for most of the correction achieved by modifying both the domain and the interface. Thus, NBD1 stabilization plays a dominant role in overcoming the ΔF508 defect. Furthermore, the dual target approach resulted in a locked-open ion channel that was constitutively active in the absence of the normally obligatory dependence on phosphorylation by protein kinase A. Thus, simultaneous targeting of both the domain and the interface, as well as being non-essential for correction of biogenesis, may disrupt normal regulation of channel function.

Molecular cloning, tissue distribution and nutritional regulation of a Δ6-fatty acyl desaturase-like enzyme in large yellow croaker (Larimichthys crocea)

In this study, the full-length cDNA of a Δ6-fatty acyl desaturase-like (Δ6-Fad-like) enzyme was first cloned from large yellow croaker, Larmichthys crocea. The cDNA was 2049 bp, with a 107 bp 5′-UTR, a 604 bp 3′-UTR, and an ORF of 1338 that specified a protein of 445 amino acids. It contains two membrane-spanning domains, three histidine-rich regions and a cytochrome b5 domain, which all align perfectly with the same domains located in other recently identified vertebrate Δ5 and Δ6 desaturases. Sequence comparison showed that the predicted protein revealed a high percentage identity (>70%) with Δ6 desaturases from other marine fish species. Tissue distribution analysis revealed that Δ6-Fad-like was expressed at highest level in brain, much lower level in liver and gill, and lowest level in spleen, heart, stomach and intestine. The hepatic mRNA levels of Δ6-Fad-like showed statistically negative relationship relative to increasing dietary n-3LC-PUFA and DHA/EPA (P < 0.05, R > 0.6). Transcription of Δ6-Fad-like in liver of fish fed diets with low and moderate level of n-3LC-PUFA (0.15%, 0.60% and 0.98% dry diet) was significantly increased by more than 20-fold than that with higher n-3LC-PUFA (1.37%, 1.79% and 2.25% dry diet; P < 0.05). The transcriptional levels of Δ6-Fad-like in the liver of fish fed diets with the ratio of 0.61, 1.54 and 2.17 (DHA/EPA) were significantly up-regulated by about 46-fold, 4.8-fold, and 1.2-fold compared with that in the control group (DHA/EPA = 3.88) respectively (P < 0.05). This could contribute to better understanding the process of n-3LC-PUFA biosynthesis in this fish species.

Structure of class C GPCR metabotropic glutamate receptor 5 transmembrane domain.

Metabotropic glutamate receptors are class C G-protein-coupled receptors which respond to the neurotransmitter glutamate. Structural studies have been restricted to the amino-terminal extracellular domain, providing little understanding of the membrane-spanning signal transduction domain. Metabotropic glutamate receptor 5 is of considerable interest as a drug target in the treatment of fragile X syndrome, autism, depression, anxiety, addiction and movement disorders. Here we report the crystal structure of the transmembrane domain of the human receptor in complex with the negative allosteric modulator, mavoglurant. The structure provides detailed insight into the architecture of the transmembrane domain of class C receptors including the precise location of the allosteric binding site within the transmembrane domain and key micro-switches which regulate receptor signalling. This structure also provides a model for all class C G-protein-coupled receptors and may aid in the design of new small-molecule drugs for the treatment of brain disorders.

Co-Expression of Foreign Proteins Tethered to HIV-1 Envelope Glycoprotein on the Cell Surface by Introducing an Intervening Second Membrane-Spanning Domain

The envelope glycoprotein (Env) of human immunodeficiency virus type I (HIV-1) mediates membrane fusion. To analyze the mechanism of HIV-1 Env-mediated membrane fusion, it is desirable to determine the expression level of Env on the cell surface. However, the quantification of Env by immunological staining is often hampered by the diversity of HIV-1 Env and limited availability of universal antibodies that recognize different Envs with equal efficiency. To overcome this problem, here we linked a tag protein called HaloTag at the C-terminus of HIV-1 Env. To relocate HaloTag to the cell surface, we introduced a second membrane-spanning domain (MSD) between Env and HaloTag. The MSD of transmembrane protease serine 11D, a type II transmembrane protein, successfully relocated HaloTag to the cell surface. The surface level of Env can be estimated indirectly by staining HaloTag with a specific membrane-impermeable fluorescent ligand. This tagging did not compromise the fusogenicity of Env drastically. Furthermore, fusogenicity of Env was preserved even after the labeling with the ligands. We have also found that an additional foreign peptide or protein such as C34 or neutralizing single-chain variable fragment (scFv) can be linked to the C-terminus of the HaloTag protein. Using these constructs, we were able to determine the required length of C34 and critical residues of neutralizing scFv for blocking membrane fusion, respectively.

Synergy-based small-molecule screen using a human lung epithelial cell line yields ΔF508-CFTR correctors that augment VX-809 maximal efficacy.

The most prevalent cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) mutation causing cystic fibrosis, ΔF508, impairs folding of nucleotide binding domain (NBD) 1 and stability of the interface between NBD1 and the membrane-spanning domains. The interfacial stability defect can be partially corrected by the investigational drug VX-809 (3-[6-[[[1-(2,2-difluoro-1,3-benzodioxol-5-yl)cyclopropyl]carbonyl]amino]-3-methyl-2-pyridinyl]-benzoic acid) or the R1070W mutation. Second-generation ΔF508-CFTR correctors are needed to improve on the modest efficacy of existing cystic fibrosis correctors. We postulated that a second corrector targeting a distinct folding/interfacial defect might act in synergy with VX-809 or the R1070W suppressor mutation. A biochemical screen for ΔF508-CFTR cell surface expression was developed in a human lung epithelium-derived cell line (CFBE41o(-)) by expressing chimeric CFTRs with a horseradish peroxidase (HRP) in the fourth exofacial loop in either the presence or absence of R1070W. Using a luminescence readout of HRP activity, screening of approximately 110,000 small molecules produced nine novel corrector scaffolds that increased cell surface ∆F508-CFTR expression by up to 200% in the presence versus absence of maximal VX-809. Further screening of 1006 analogs of compounds identified from the primary screen produced 15 correctors with an EC50 < 5 µM. Eight chemical scaffolds showed synergy with VX-809 in restoring chloride permeability in ∆F508-expressing A549 cells. An aminothiazole increased chloride conductance in human bronchial epithelial cells from a ΔF508 homozygous subject beyond that of maximal VX-809. Mechanistic studies suggested that NBD2 is required for the aminothiazole rescue. Our results provide proof of concept for synergy screening to identify second-generation correctors, which, when used in combination, may overcome the "therapeutic ceiling" of first-generation correctors.

TaPT2, a high-affinity phosphate transporter gene in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.), is crucial in plant Pi uptake under phosphorus deprivation

Acquisition of inorganic phosphate (Pi) by plant roots is performed by phosphate transporters (PTs) located at the cytoplasmic membranes of epidermal cells and root hairs. A Triticum aestivum PT gene denoted as TaPT2 was functionally characterized in this study. TaPT2 is highly similar to TtPT2 and HvPT2, two PHT1 family genes in T. aestivum/Thinopyrum intermedium and barley, respectively. TaPT2 is 1,802 bp long at the cDNA level; it encodes a 525-amino acid polypeptide with a molecular weight of 57.5 kDa and an isoelectric point of 8.65. TaPT2 contains 12 conserved membrane-spanning domains and is transported to the cytosolic membrane after endoplasmic reticulum sorting. Functional complement analysis revealed that TaPT2 endowed Pi transporter activities in a yeast mutant that is defective in Pi uptake, with high-affinity Pi acquisition. TaPT2 transcripts were specifically detected in the roots. The transcripts were upregulated under Pi deprivation and downregulated under Pi sufficiency. These results suggest that TaPT2 expression is associated with external Pi concentration. Transgene analysis revealed that TaPT2 overexpression or knockdown did not regulate plant dry mass production, Pi acquisition, and photosynthetic capacity under Pi sufficiency. Under Pi deprivation, TaPT2 overexpression increased plant dry mass accumulation, total P content per plant, and photosynthetic efficiencies, whereas TaPT2 downregulation reduced plant dry mass, accumulative P amount, and photosynthetic parameters. These results collectively suggest that TaPT2 is a high-affinity PHT1 member that has important functions in mediating plant Pi uptake under Pi deprivation. TaPT2 can serve as a useful gene resource for the improvement of phosphorus use efficiency in cereals under Pi deprivation.

Identification of Ligand Specificity Determinants in Lantibiotic Bovicin HJ50 and the Receptor BovK, a Multitransmembrane Histidine Kinase

Lantibiotic bovicin HJ50 is produced by Streptococcus bovis HJ50 and acts as the extracellular signal to autoregulate its own biosynthesis through BovK/R two-component system. Bovicin HJ50 shows a linear N-terminal and glubolar C-terminal structure, and the sensor histidine kinase BovK contains eight transmembrane segments lacking any extensive surface-exposed sensory domain. The signal recognition mechanism between bovicin HJ50 and BovK is still unknown. We performed saturated alanine scanning mutagenesis and other amino acid substitutions on bovicin HJ50 using a semi-in vitro biosynthesis. Results of the mutants inducing activities indicated that several charged and hydrophobic amino acids in ring B of bovicin HJ50, as well as two glycines were key residues to recognize BovK. Circular dichroism analyses indicated that both glycines contributed to bovicin HJ50 structural changes in the membrane. Biotin-labeled bovicin HJ50 could interact with the N-terminal sensor of BovK, and several charged residues and a conserved hydrophobic region in the N-terminal portion of BovK sensor domain were important for interacting with the signal bovicin HJ50. By combining the results, we suggested a mechanism of bovicin HJ50 recognizing and activating BovK mainly through electrostatic and hydrophobic interactions.

Distinct adaptor proteins assist exit of Kre2-family proteins from the yeast ER

ABSTRACTThe Svp26 protein of S. cerevisiae is an ER- and Golgi-localized integral membrane protein with 4 potential membrane-spanning domains. It functions as an adaptor protein that facilitates the ER exit of Ktr3, a mannosyltransferase required for biosynthesis of O-linked oligosaccharides, and the ER exit of Mnn2 and Mnn5, mannosyltransferases, which participate in the biosynthesis of N-linked oligosaccharides. Ktr3 belongs to the Kre2 family, which consists of 9 members of type-II membrane proteins sharing sequence similarities. In this report, we examined all Kre2 family members and found that the Golgi localizations of two others, Kre2 and Ktr1, were dependent on Svp26 by immunofluorescence microscopy and cell fractionations in sucrose density gradients. We show that Svp26 functions in facilitating the ER exit of Kre2 and Ktr1 by an in vitro COPII budding assay. Golgi localization of Ktr4 was not dependent on Svp26. Screening null mutants of the genes encoding abundant COPII membrane proteins for those showing mislocalization of Ktr4 in the ER revealed that Erv41 and Erv46 are required for the correct Golgi localization of Ktr4. We provide biochemical evidence that the Erv41-Erv46 complex functions as an adaptor protein for ER exit of Ktr4. This is the first demonstration of the molecular function of this evolutionally conserved protein complex. The domain switching experiments show that the lumenal domain of Ktr4 is responsible for recognition by the Erv41-Erv46 complex. Thus, ER exit of Kre2-family proteins is dependent on distinct adaptor proteins and our results provide new insights into the traffic of Kre2-family mannosyltransferases.

Gain‐of‐function ADCY5 mutations in familial dyskinesia with facial myokymia

To identify the cause of childhood onset involuntary paroxysmal choreiform and dystonic movements in 2 unrelated sporadic cases and to investigate the functional effect of missense mutations in adenylyl cyclase 5 (ADCY5) in sporadic and inherited cases of autosomal dominant familial dyskinesia with facial myokymia (FDFM). Whole exome sequencing was performed on 2 parent-child trios. The effect of mutations in ADCY5 was studied by measurement of cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) accumulation under stimulatory and inhibitory conditions. The same de novo mutation (c.1252C>T, p.R418W) in ADCY5 was found in both studied cases. An inherited missense mutation (c.2176G>A, p.A726T) in ADCY5 was previously reported in a family with FDFM. The significant phenotypic overlap with FDFM was recognized in both cases only after discovery of the molecular link. The inherited mutation in the FDFM family and the recurrent de novo mutation affect residues in different protein domains, the first cytoplasmic domain and the first membrane-spanning domain, respectively. Functional studies revealed a statistically significant increase in β-receptor agonist-stimulated intracellular cAMP consistent with an increase in adenylyl cyclase activity for both mutants relative to wild-type protein, indicative of a gain-of-function effect. FDFM is likely caused by gain-of-function mutations in different domains of ADCY5-the first definitive link between adenylyl cyclase mutation and human disease. We have illustrated the power of hypothesis-free exome sequencing in establishing diagnoses in rare disorders with complex and variable phenotype. Mutations in ADCY5 should be considered in patients with undiagnosed complex movement disorders even in the absence of a family history.

Novel chlorantraniliprole derivatives as potential insecticides and probe to chlorantraniliprole binding site on ryanodine receptor

The lepidopteran pests such as diamondback moth are the regularly harmful pests of crops in the world, which brings enormous losses in crop production. Chlorantraniliprole is an anthranilic diamide insecticide registered for the control of lepidopteran pests with high insecticidal activity, however with uncertain binding site action target of chlorantraniliprole on ryanodine receptor, a series of new chlorantraniliprole derivatives were synthesized and the insecticidal activities of these compounds against diamondback moth were evaluated with chlorantraniliprole and indoxacarb as control. All compounds except 8h, 8p and 8t exhibited varying degree of activities against diamondback moth. Especially, compounds 8c, 8i, 8k and 8l displayed good insecticidal activities against diamondback moth and the activities are even better than that of indoxacarb during 72h period. The Ki values of all synthesized compounds were calculated through autodocking program respectively. The relationship between calculation value of molecular docking and results of insecticidal activities indicated that the proposed specific receptor, the membrane-spanning domain protein of diamondback moth ryanodine receptor in our study might have chlorantraniliprole binding sites.

The gene cluster of aureocyclicin 4185: the first cyclic bacteriocin of Staphylococcus aureus

Staphylococcus aureus 4185 was previously shown to produce at least two bacteriocins. One of them is encoded by pRJ101. To detect the bacteriocin-encoding gene cluster, an ~9160 kb region of pRJ101 was sequenced. In silico analyses identified 10 genes (aclX, aclB, aclI, aclT, aclC, aclD, aclA, aclF, aclG and aclH) that might be involved in the production of a novel cyclic bacteriocin named aureocyclicin 4185. The organization of these genes was quite similar to that of the gene cluster responsible for carnocyclin A production and immunity. Four putative proteins encoded by these genes (AclT, AclC, AclD and AclA) also exhibited similarity to proteins encoded by cyclic bacteriocin gene clusters. Mutants derived from insertion of Tn917-lac into aclC, aclF, aclH and aclX were affected in bacteriocin production and growth. AclX is a 205 aa putative protein not encoded by the gene clusters of other cyclic bacteriocins. AclX exhibits 50 % similarity to a permease and has five putative membrane-spanning domains. Transcription analyses suggested that aclX is part of the aureocyclicin 4185 gene cluster, encoding a protein required for bacteriocin production. The aclA gene is the structural gene of aureocyclicin 4185, which shows 65 % similarity to garvicin ML. AclA is proposed to be cleaved off, generating a mature peptide with a predicted Mr of 5607 Da (60 aa). By homology modelling, AclA presents four α-helices, like carnocyclin A. AclA could not be found at detectable levels in the culture supernatant of a strain carrying only pRJ101. To our knowledge, this is the first report of a cyclic bacteriocin gene cluster in the genus Staphylococcus.

The importance of the hydrophilic region of PsbL for the plastoquinone electron acceptor complex of Photosystem II

The PsbL protein is a 4.5kDa subunit at the monomer–monomer interface of Photosystem II (PS II) consisting of a single membrane-spanning domain and a hydrophilic stretch of ~15 residues facing the cytosolic (or stromal) side of the photosystem. Deletion of conserved residues in the N-terminal region has been used to investigate the importance of this hydrophilic extension. Using Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803, three deletion strains: ∆(N6–N8), ∆(P11–V12) and ∆(E13–N15), have been created. The ∆(N6–N8) and ∆(P11–V12) strains remained photoautotrophic but were more susceptible to photodamage than the wild type; however, the ∆(E13–N15) cells had the most severe phenotype. The Δ(E13–N15) mutant showed decreased photoautotrophic growth, a reduced number of PS II centers, impaired oxygen evolution in the presence of PS II-specific electron acceptors, and was highly susceptible to photodamage. The decay kinetics of chlorophyll a variable fluorescence after a single turnover saturating flash and the sensitivity to low concentrations of PS II-directed herbicides in the Δ(E13–N15) strain indicate that the binding of plastoquinone to the QB-binding site had been altered such that the affinity of QB is reduced. In addition, the PS II-specific electron acceptor 2,5-dimethyl-p-benzoquinone was found to inhibit electron transfer through the quinone-acceptor complex of the ∆(E13–N15) strain. The PsbL Y20A mutant was also investigated and it exhibited increased susceptibility to photodamage and increased herbicide sensitivity. Our data suggest that the N-terminal hydrophilic region of PsbL influences forward electron transfer from QA through indirect interactions with the D–E loop of the D1 reaction center protein. Our results further indicate that disruption of interactions between the N-terminal region of PsbL and other PS II subunits or lipids destabilizes PS II dimer formation. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled: Photosynthesis Research for Sustainability: Keys to Produce Clean Energy.

Defining membrane spanning domains and crucial membrane-localized acidic amino acid residues for K+ transport of a Kup/HAK/KT-type Escherichia coli potassium transporter

Potassium (K(+))-uptake transport proteins present in prokaryote and eukaryote cells are categorized into two classes; Trk/Ktr/HKT, K(+) channel, and Kdp belong to the same superfamily, whereas the remaining K(+)-uptake family, Kup/HAK/KT has no homology to the others, and neither its membrane topology nor crucial residues for K(+) uptake have been identified. We examined the topology of Kup from Escherichia coli. Results from the reporter fusion and cysteine labeling assays support a model with 12 membrane-spanning domains. A model for proton-coupled K(+) uptake mediated by Kup has been proposed. However, this study did not show any stimulation of Kup activity at low pH and any evidence of involvement of the three His in Kup-mediated K(+) uptake. Moreover, replacement of all four cysteines of Kup with serine did not abolish K(+) transport activity. To gain insight on crucial residues of Kup-mediated K(+) uptake activity, we focused on acidic residues in the predicted external and transmembrane regions, and identified four residues in the membrane regions required for K(+) uptake activity. This is different from no membrane-localized acidic residues essential for Trk/Ktr/HKTs, K(+) channels and Kdp. Taken together, these results demonstrate that Kup belongs to a distinct type of K(+) transport system.

Overexpression of VP, a vacuolar H+-pyrophosphatase gene in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.), improves tobacco plant growth under Pi and N deprivation, high salinity, and drought.

Establishing crop cultivars with strong tolerance to P and N deprivation, high salinity, and drought is an effective way to improve crop yield and promote sustainable agriculture worldwide. A vacuolar H+-pyrophosphatase (V-H+-PPase) gene in wheat (TaVP) was functionally characterized in this study. TaVP cDNA is 2586-bp long and encodes a 775-amino-acid polypeptide that contains 10 conserved membrane-spanning domains. Transcription of TaVP was upregulated by inorganic phosphate (Pi) and N deprivation, high salinity, and drought. Transgene analysis revealed that TaVP overexpression improved plant growth under normal conditions and specifically under Pi and N deprivation stresses, high salinity, and drought. The improvement of growth of the transgenic plants was found to be closely related to elevated V-H+-PPase activities in their tonoplasts and enlarged root systems, which possibly resulted from elevated expression of auxin transport-associated genes. TaVP-overexpressing plants showed high dry mass, photosynthetic efficiencies, antioxidant enzyme activities, and P, N, and soluble carbohydrate concentrations under various growth conditions, particularly under the stress conditions. The transcription of phosphate and nitrate transporter genes was not altered in TaVP-overexpressing plants compared with the wild type, suggesting that high P and N concentrations regulated by TaVP were caused by increased root absorption area instead of alteration of Pi and NO3 − acquisition kinetics. TaVP is important in the tolerance of multiple stresses and can serve as a useful genetic resource to improve plant P- and N-use efficiencies and to increase tolerance to high salinity and drought.

P.Arg75Gln, a CFTR variant involved in the risk of CFTR-related disorders?

c.224G>A, p.Arg75Gln (R75Q) presumably leads to an amino-acid change from arginine to glutamine in the membrane-spanning domain of the CFTR protein. Initially reported as a benign sequence variation, p.Arg75Gln was shown to be associated with a high risk of pancreatitis, a risk that was strikingly higher when p.Arg75Gln was combined with a SPINK1 variant. In addition, it was shown that p.Arg75Gln alters bicarbonate but not chloride conductance and that the mutation also induces exon 3 skipping. To investigate the role of p.Arg75Gln in idiopathic chronic pancreatitis (ICP), we performed genotyping of the CFTR gene in 880 patients with ICP, 198 patients with idiopathic bronchiectasis (IB), 74 patients with classical cystic fibrosis (CF), 48 patients with congenital bilateral absence of the vas deferens (CBAVD) and 148 healthy controls. p.Arg75Gln variant was identified in 3.3% (29/880) of patients with ICP, 3.3% (9/272) patients with a pulmonary disease, 2.1% (1/48) of patients with CBAVD and 4.7% (7/148) of healthy controls. It was frequently associated with the c.[1210-12T[7];1408A>G] (T7-p.Val470) allele and this CFTR genetic background could not explain the putative pathogenicity of this variant. To assess whether CFTR and SPINK1 mutations are co-inherited in pancreatitis, we sequenced SPINK1 gene exon 3 in the 46 patients who were previously identified to be heterozygous for p.Arg75Gln. Two SPINK1 pancreatitis-associated variants, p.Asn34Ser and p.Pro55Ser, were found in 6 patients: 4 of 29 (13.8%) patients with ICP (3 p.Asn34Ser and 1 p.Pro55Ser), 1 of 7 (14.3%) healthy controls (p.Asn34Ser) and 1 of 9 (11.1%) patients with IB (p.Pro55Ser). Our study does not confirm that the CFTR p.Arg75Gln mutation confers a significant risk of pancreatitis both when considered individually and with a concurrent SPINK1 mutation, suggesting the role of other genetic and environmental factors.

Characterization of the water defect at the HIV-1 gp41 membrane spanning domain in bilayers with and without cholesterol using molecular simulations

The membrane spanning domain (MSD) of human immunodeficiency virus 1 (HIV-1) envelope glycoprotein gp41 is important for fusion and infection. We used molecular dynamics (MD) simulations (3.4μs total) to relate membrane and peptide properties that lead to water solvation of the α-helical gp41 MSD's midspan arginine in pure dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine (DPPC) and in 50/50 DPPC/cholesterol membranes. We find that the midspan arginine is solvated by water that penetrates the inner leaflet, leading to a so-called water defect. The water defect is surprisingly robust across initial conditions and membrane compositions, but the presence of cholesterol modulates its behavior in several key ways. In the cholesterol-containing membranes, fluctuations in membrane thickness and water penetration depth are localized near the midspan arginine, and the MSD helices display a tightly regulated tilt angle. In the cholesterol-free membranes, thickness fluctuations are not as strongly correlated to the peptide position and tilt angles vary significantly depending on protein position relative to boundaries between domains of differing thickness. Cholesterol in an HIV-1 viral membrane is required for infection. Therefore, this work suggests that the colocalized water defect and membrane thickness fluctuations in cholesterol-containing viral membranes play an important role in fusion by bringing the membrane closer to a stability limit that must be crossed for fusion to occur.

Structural Dynamics of the Human MRP1 Drug Transporter Revealed by Fluorescence Resonance Energy Transfer

Multidrug resistance protein 1 (MRP1/ABCC1) effluxes a wide variety of drugs as well as conjugated and unconjugated organic anions across the plasma membrane. MRP1 has two nucleotide binding domains (NBDs) and three membrane spanning domains (MSDs). Substrate translocation through the MSDs is coupled to the catalytic activity at the cytoplasmic NBDs. In this study, we investigated the structural dynamics of the MRP1 transporter. A 2-color MRP1 construct was engineered by fusing GFP and tag-RFP at the C-terminal of NBD1 and NBD2 respectively. Immunoblot analysis showed an expected single band at ∼250 kDa size and the recombinant protein trafficked properly to the plasma membrane as determined by fluorescence microscopy. Cells expressing 2-color MRP1 showed no doxorubicin accumulation whereas untransfected cells retained high levels of this drug indicating that the MRP1 protein is functional. Using fluorescence recovery after photobleach (FRAP) we also demonstrated that the 2-color MRP1 is freely diffusible within the plasma membrane. 2-color MRP1 exhibited dynamic FRET changes in response to ATP and ATP + substrate but not by substrate alone. FRET changes were quantified as an index of MRP1 conformational changes. These FRET changes correlate well with the available crystal structures which show close interaction of NBDs in the presence of ATP. Furthermore, we showed that ATP increased FRET in a concentration dependent manner with an apparent affinity of 107 µM. The data suggested that the relative affinity of MRP1 for nucleotides was ATP > ADP >> AMP. Finally, interactions of ATP analogs (ATPγS, AMP-PNP, AMP-PCP) with MRP1 revealed their lower affinity compared to ATP, since much higher amounts were required to induce the NBD closure. Our results provide insight into the structural dynamics of the MRP1 tranporter.

Cloning and Expression Analysis of Sugarcane Alkaline/Neutral Invertase Gene SoNIN1

Neutral/alkaline invertase irreversibly catalyzes sucrose into glucose and fructose, and plays an important regulating role in plant growth and development. In the present study, the whole length of neutral/alkaline invertase gene cDNA was cloned and sequenced from leaf of sugarcane variety GT28 using RT-PCR(reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction) and RACE(rapid amplification of cDNA ends), and named as SoNIN1. The gene consists of 2289 bp with an ORF(open reading frame) of 1812 bp encoding a polypeptide of 603 amino acids with calculated protein molecular weight of 67.79 kD, and an isoelectric point of pH 6.41. SoNIN1 gene encodes a protein that is close to that of Zea mays, Oryza sativa, and Lolium perenne, belonging to the same evolutionary branch. The putative protein contains the conserved domain of alkaline/neutral invertase, and no membrane-spanning domain and signal peptide at N-end. The gene promoter sequence was cloned by using genome walking, which contains the basic components of CAAT-boxes and TATA-boxes, as well as specific acting elements such as cis-regulatory element involved in meristem activation, methyl jasmonate response and circadian rhythm, plus drought-induced MYB binding sites, abscisic acid response element, gibberellin response element, etc. Real-time PCR results showed that expression of SoNIN1 could be detected in the roots, stalks, leaves, flowers and buds, among which the highest was found in leaves, the medium in buds, and the lowest in internode +1(enrolled by the top visible dewlap leaf). The expression of SoNIN1 gene in roots and leaves of sugarcane seedling was induced by PEG and NaCl.

Investigating Tom40 Structure and Function Relationship using Single Channel Analysis

Nearly all mitochondrial proteins are coded by nuclear genome and must be transported across mitochondrial membranes to their final functional locations. This translocation of partially folded proteins is accomplished by several multi-protein complexes in the mitochondrial outer and inner membranes. Tom40 is the central pore-forming subunit of the multi-protein translocase complex in the mitochondrial outer membrane (TOM). Although much is known regarding the general organization of the TOM complex, the molecular basis of Tom40's ability to translocate both acidic pre-sequences of matrix proteins and hydrophobic membrane proteins remains unclear. Here we have functionally investigated the role of structural domains of Tom40. Fungal Tom40 is predicted to be comprised of a membrane-spanning beta-barrel domain with strongly conserved alpha-helical domains at N- and C-termini. We have refolded and purified a full-length (FL) fungal Tom40 and N-terminal truncation mutant (Tom40-319), and characterized their electrophysiological behavior in planar lipid membranes. Our results demonstrate that recombinant Tom40 forms cation-selective channels with four well-defined conductive states, thus reconciling conflicting reports in literature regarding conductance of the channel. High cation selectivity of all conducting sublevels of Tom40 suggests the presence of a constriction zone within the channel lumen. Tom40-319 has a lower selectivity for cations, suggesting that the N-terminal alpha-helix is located in the channel lumen. Both Tom40-FL and the 319 mutant interact with specific polycationic precursor peptide of the F1β subunit of ATP synthase in a concentration- and voltage-dependent manner. However, Tom40-319 has a lower apparent affinity for pF1β than FL, which also suggests that the N-terminal alpha-helix is located inside the channel lumen. Furthermore, both Tom40 FL and the 319 mutant do not show interactions with SynB2, a synthetic peptide of similar length and charge as pF1β, thus confirming Tom40 specificity for the presequence peptide.

Structural Plasticity in the Topology of Membrane-Spanning Domain of HIV-1 gp41

We use a number of computational and experimental approaches to investigate the mem-brane topology of the Membrane-Spanning Domain of the HIV-1 gp41 ectodomain. Several new putative transmembrane regions are identified using hydrophobicity analysis based on Wimley-White scales, including the membrane-proximal external region (MPER). The MPER region is an important target for neutralizing anti-HIV monoclonal antibodies and is believed to have an interfacial topology in the membrane. To assess the possibility of a transmembrane topology of MPER we examined the membrane interactions of a peptide corresponding to a 22 residue long stretch of MPER sequence (residues 662-683) using fluo-rescence spectroscopy and oriented circular dichroism. In addition to the previously report-ed interfacial location, we identify a stable transmembrane conformation of the peptide in synthetic lipid bilayers. All-atom molecular dynamics simulations of the MPER-derived peptide in a lipid bilayer demonstrate a stable helical structure with an average tilt of 24 de-grees with the five tryptophan residues sampling different environments inside bilayer's hy-drocarbon core, consistent with spectral properties of intrinsic fluorescence. The degree of lipid bilayer penetration obtained by computer simulation was verified using depth-dependent fluorescence quenching of selectively attached fluorescence probe. Our overall data indicate that the MPER sequence can have at least two stable conformations in the lipid bilayer, interfacial and transmembrane, and suggest a possibility that external perturbations can switch the topology during physiological functioning. Supported by NIH GM069783.