P-site Binding Research Articles

Optimization of TEAD P-Site Binding Fragment Hit into In Vivo Active Lead MSC-4106.

The dysregulated Hippo pathway and, consequently, hyperactivity of the transcriptional YAP/TAZ-TEAD complexes is associated with diseases such as cancer. Prevention of YAP/TAZ-TEAD triggered gene transcription is an attractive strategy for therapeutic intervention. The deeply buried and conserved lipidation pocket (P-site) of the TEAD transcription factors is druggable. The discovery and optimization of a P-site binding fragment (1) are described. Utilizing structure-based design, enhancement in target potency was engineered into the hit, capitalizing on the established X-ray structure of TEAD1. The efforts culminated in the optimized in vivo tool MSC-4106, which exhibited desirable potency, mouse pharmacokinetic properties, and in vivo efficacy. In close correlation to compound exposure, the time- and dose-dependent downregulation of a proximal biomarker could be shown.

Is the cellular initiation of translation an exclusive property of the initiator tRNAs?

Translation of mRNAs is the primary function of the ribosomal machinery. Although cells allow for a certain level of translational errors/mistranslation (which may well be a strategic need), maintenance of the fidelity of translation is vital for the cellular function and fitness. The P-site bound initiator tRNA selects the start codon in an mRNA and specifies the reading frame. A direct P-site binding of the initiator tRNA is a function of its special structural features, ribosomal elements, and the initiation factors. A highly conserved feature of the 3 consecutive G:C base pairs (3GC pairs) in the anticodon stem of the initiator tRNAs is vital in directing it to the P-site. Mutations in the 3GC pairs diminish/abolish initiation under normal physiological conditions. Using molecular genetics approaches, we have identified conditions that allow initiation with the mutant tRNAs in Escherichia coli. During our studies, we have uncovered a novel phenomenon of in vivo initiation by elongator tRNAs. Here, we recapitulate how the cellular abundance of the initiator tRNA, and nucleoside modifications in rRNA are connected with the tRNA selection in the P-site. We then discuss our recent finding of how a conserved feature in the mRNA, the Shine-Dalgarno sequence, influences tRNA selection in the P-site.

Protein S3 fragments neighboring mRNA during elongation and termination of translation on the human ribosome

Protein S3 fragments were determined that crosslink to modified mRNA analogues in positions +5 to +12 relative to the first nucleotide in the P-site binding codon in model complexes mimicking states of ribosomes at the elongation and translation termination steps. The mRNA analogues contained a Phe codon UUU/UUC at the 5'-termini that could predetermine the position of the tRNA(Phe) on the ribosome by the location of P-site binding and perfluorophenylazidobenzoyl group at a nucleotide in various positions 3' of the UUU/UUC codon. The crosslinked S3 protein was isolated from 80S ribosomal complexes irradiated with mild UV light and subjected to cyanogen bromide-induced cleavage at methionine residues with subsequent identification of the crosslinked oligopeptides. An analysis of the positions of modified oligopeptides resulting from the cleavage showed that, in dependence on the positions of modified nucleotides in the mRNA analogue, the crosslinking sites were found in the N-terminal half of the protein (fragment 2-127) and/or in the C-terminal fragment 190-236; the latter reflects a new peculiarity in the structure of the mRNA binding center in the ribosome, unknown to date. The results of crosslinking did not depend on the type of A-site codon or on the presence of translation termination factor eRF1.

A Model Study of Interactions Between TcAChE Peripheral Site Segment Tyr70Val71 and Loop 1 of Fasciculin 2

The continuous chain of residues (Thr7 to Ala12) of Loopl of Fas2 (F1) and its interaction with the peripheral binding sites (Tyr70-Val71) of AChE (P1) has been studied. Our results suggest that the flexibility of Loopl might be caused by either the partially protonated guanidine group of Arg11 under experimental conditions or by the interaction with the negatively charged center of substrates. The binding energy of F1-P1 is predicted to be −16.6 kcal/mol at the B3LYP/6–311G(d,p) level, which is assumed to originate from one isolated O7…HN10 H-bond, one possible O10…HC71 unconventional O…HC type H-bonding, and the improved π-bonding cooperativity around the peptide group of the AChE segment Tyr70-Val71. The classical Kitaura-Morokuma energy decomposition analysis, the NPA charge analysis, and the AIM analysis consistently reveal that the peptide group in segment P1 is more polarizable, which might play the key role in the interactions between F1 and P1. The PCM solvent effect corrected results reveal decrease of the interaction energy of the considered model. The importance of Thr8 of Fas2 in the P-site binding of AChE is also concluded. Site-directed mutations on either the Fas2 residue of Thr8 or the AChE residue of Tyr70 are expected to alter the binding behavior of the Loop1 of Fas2 with AChE.

Specific, efficient, and selective inhibition of prokaryotic translation initiation by a novel peptide antibiotic

Many known antibiotics target the translational apparatus, but none of them can selectively inhibit initiation of protein synthesis and/or is prokaryotic-specific. This article describes the properties of GE81112, an effective and prokaryotic-specific initiation inhibitor. GE81112 is a natural tetrapeptide produced by a Streptomyces sp. identified by an in vitro high-throughput screening test developed to find inhibitors of the prokaryotic translational apparatus preferentially acting on steps other than elongation. In vivo GE81112 inhibits protein synthesis but not other cell functions such as DNA duplication, transcription, and cell wall synthesis. In vitro GE81112 was found to target the 30S ribosomal subunit and to interfere with both coded and noncoded P-site binding of fMet-tRNA, thereby selectively inhibiting formation of the 30S initiation complex.

(21) Measuring carbamoylation and decarbamoylation rate constants by continuous assay of AChE

The active site gorge of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) contains two distinct sites of ligand interaction: an acylation site (A-site) at the base of the gorge and a peripheral site (P-site) near the mouth of the gorge at the enzyme surface. While the role of the P-site in catalysis has been elusive, our recent studies have shown that it serves as an intermediate binding site for cationic ligands as they proceed to the A-site. P-site binding also can lead to allosteric activation of the acylation step and/or to steric blockade, defined as an equal reduction in the association and dissociation rate constants for the binding of a second ligand to the A-site when the P-site is occupied. Compelling evidence that allosteric activation occurs at the acylation step came from examination of the hydrolysis of a close substrate analog of acetylcholine, the acetanilide ATMA [J.L. Johnson, B. Cusack, M.P. Davies, A. Fauq, T.L. Rosenberry, Biochemistry 42 (2003) 5438–5452]. The acylation step in the AChE hydrolysis of ATMA can be isolated because of the slow cleavage of the anilide bond, revealing the positive deviation from Michealis-Menten kinetics that defines substrate activation. However, not all substrates that bind to the P-site show allosteric activation of acylation. In fact, the only substrates that we have identified thus far are ATMA and, to a lesser extent, acetylthiocholine. Carbamates are also poor substrates of AChE, but they differ from ATMA in that both the formation and hydrolysis of the intermediate acyl enzyme are slow. Thus, the hydrolysis of carbamates by AChE can be resolved into two distinct catalytic steps, carbamoylation and decarbamoylation. The ability to kinetically isolate these two catalytic steps also allows us to investigate which step, if any, is subject to allosteric activation.

The Translation Initiation Functions of IF2: Targets for Thiostrepton Inhibition

Bacterial translation initiation factor IF2 was localized on the ribosome by rRNA cleavage using free Cu(II):1,10-orthophenanthroline. The results indicated proximity of IF2 to helix 89, to the sarcin–ricin loop and to helices 43 and 44, which constitute the “L11/thiostrepton” stem-loops of 23S rRNA. These findings prompted an investigation of the L11 contribution to IF2 activity and a re-examination of the controversial issue of the effect on IF2 functions of thiostrepton, a peptide antibiotic known primarily as a powerful inhibitor of translocation. Ribosomes lacking L11 were found to have wild-type capacity to bind IF2 but a strongly reduced ability to elicit its GTPase activity. We found that thiostrepton caused a faster recycling of this factor on and off the 70S ribosomes and 50S subunits, which in turn resulted in an increased rate of the multiple turnover IF2-dependent GTPase. Although thiostrepton did not inhibit the P-site binding of fMet-tRNA, the A-site binding of the EF-Tu-GTP-Phe-tRNA or the activity of the ribosomal peptidyl transferase center (as measured by the formation of fMet-puromycin), it severely inhibited IF2-dependent initiation dipeptide formation. This inhibition can probably be traced back to a thiostrepton-induced distortion of the ribosomal-binding site of IF2, which leads to a non-productive interaction between the ribosome and the aminoacyl-tRNA substrates of the peptidyl transferase reaction. Overall, our data indicate that the translation initiation function of IF2 is as sensitive as the translocation function of EF-G to thiostrepton inhibition.

Conformational change in the 16S rRNA in the Escherichia coli 70S ribosome induced by P/P- and P/E-site tRNAPhe binding.

The effects of P/P- and P/E-site tRNA(Phe) binding on the 16S rRNA structure in the Escherichia coli 70S ribosome were investigated using UV cross-linking. The identity and frequency of 16S rRNA intramolecular cross-links were determined in the presence of deacyl-tRNA(Phe) or N-acetyl-Phe-tRNA(Phe) using poly(U) or an mRNA analogue containing a single Phe codon. For N-acetyl-Phe-tRNA(Phe) with either poly(U) or the mRNA analogue, the frequency of an intramolecular cross-link C967 x C1400 in the 16S rRNA was decreased in proportion to the binding stoichiometry of the tRNA. A proportional effect was true also for deacyl-tRNA(Phe) with poly(U), but the decrease in the C967 x C1400 frequency was less than the tRNA binding stoichiometry with the mRNA analogue. The inhibition of the C967 x C1400 cross-link was similar in buffers with, or without, polyamines. The exclusive participation of C967 with C1400 in the cross-link was confirmed by RNA sequencing. One intermolecular cross-link, 16S rRNA (C1400) to tRNA(Phe)(U33), was made with either poly(U) or the mRNA analogue. These results indicate a limited structural change in the small subunit around C967 and C1400 during tRNA P-site binding sensitive to the type of mRNA that is used. The absence of the C967 x C1400 cross-link in 70S ribosome complexes with tRNA is consistent with the 30S and 70S crystal structures, which contain tRNA or tRNA analogues; the occurrence of the cross-link indicates an alternative arrangement in this region in empty ribosomes.

Hydroxamate based inhibitors of adenylyl cyclase. Part 2: The effect of cyclic linkers on P-site binding

The adenylyl cyclases (ACs) are a family of enzymes that are key elements of signal transduction by virtue of their ability to convert ATP to cAMP. The catalytic mechanism of this transformation proceeds through initial binding of ATP to the purine binding site (P-site) followed by metal mediated cyclization with loss of pyrophosphate. Previous work in our group identified novel inhibitors which possess an adenine ring joined to a metal-coordinating hydroxamic acid through flexible linkers. Considering the spatial positioning of the metals with respect to the adenine binding site coupled with potentially favorable entropic factors, conformational restriction of the tether through a stereochemistry based SAR employing a rigid cyclic scaffold was explored.

Hydroxamate based inhibitors of adenylyl cyclase. Part 1: The effect of acyclic linkers on P-site binding

The adenylyl cyclases (ACs) are a family of enzymes that are key elements of signal transduction by virtue of their ability to convert ATP to cAMP. The catalytic mechanism of this transformation proceeds through initial binding of ATP to the purine binding site (P-site) followed by metal mediated cyclization with loss of pyrophosphate. Crystallographic analysis of ACs with known inhibitors reveals the presence of two metals in the active site. Presently, nine isoforms of adenylyl cyclase are known and unique isoform combinations are expressed in a tissue specific manner. The development of isoform specific inhibitors of adenylyl cyclase may prove to be a useful strategy toward the design of novel therapeutic agents. In order to develop novel AC inhibitors, we have chosen a design approach utilizing molecules with the adenine ring system joined to a metal-coordinating hydroxamic acid via flexible acyclic linkers. The designed inhibitors were assayed against type V AC with the size and heteroatom content of the linkers varied to probe the interaction of the nucleotide and metal binding sites within the enzyme.

Ribosomal protein L2 is involved in the association of the ribosomal subunits, tRNA binding to A and P sites and peptidyl transfer.

Ribosomal proteins L2, L3 and L4, together with the 23S RNA, are the main candidates for catalyzing peptide bond formation on the 50S subunit. That L2 is evolutionarily highly conserved led us to perform a thorough functional analysis with reconstituted 50S particles either lacking L2 or harboring a mutated L2. L2 does not play a dominant role in the assembly of the 50S subunit or in the fixation of the 3'-ends of the tRNAs at the peptidyl-transferase center. However, it is absolutely required for the association of 30S and 50S subunits and is strongly involved in tRNA binding to both A and P sites, possibly at the elbow region of the tRNAs. Furthermore, while the conserved histidyl residue 229 is extremely important for peptidyl-transferase activity, it is apparently not involved in other measured functions. None of the other mutagenized amino acids (H14, D83, S177, D228, H231) showed this strong and exclusive participation in peptide bond formation. These results are used to examine critically the proposed direct involvement of His229 in catalysis of peptide synthesis.

Yeast ribosomal protein L24 affects the kinetics of protein synthesis and ribosomal protein L39 improves translational accuracy, while mutants lacking both remain viable.

Four mutant strains from Saccharomyces cerevisiae were used to study ribosome structure and function. They included a strain carrying deletions of the two genes encoding ribosomal protein L24, a strain carrying a mutation spb2 in the gene for ribosomal protein L39, a strain carrying a deletion of the gene for L39, and a mutant lacking both L24 and L39. The mutant lacking only L24 showed just 25% of the normal polyphenylalanine-synthesizing activity followed by a decrease in P-site binding, suggesting the possibility that protein L24 is involved in the kinetics of translation. Each of the two L39 mutants displayed a 4-fold increase of their error frequencies over the wild type. This was accompanied by a substantial increase in A-site binding, typical of error-prone mutants. The absence of L39 also increased sensitivity to paromomycin, decreased the ribosomal subunit ratio, and caused a cold-sensitive phenotype. Mutant cells lacking both ribosomal proteins remained viable. Their ribosomes showed reduced initial rates caused by the absence of L24 but a normal extent of polyphenylalanine synthesis and a substantial in vivo reduction in the amount of 80S ribosomes compared to wild type. Moreover, this mutant displayed decreased translational accuracy, hypersensitivity to the antibiotic paromomycin, and a cold-sensitive phenotype, all caused mainly by the deletion of L39. Protein L39 is the first protein of the 60S ribosomal subunit implicated in translational accuracy.

Orientation of the tRNA anticodon in the ribosomal P-site: quantitative footprinting with U33-modified, anticodon stem and loop domains.

Binding of transfer RNA (tRNA) to the ribosome involves crucial tRNA-ribosomal RNA (rRNA) interactions. To better understand these interactions, U33-substituted yeast tRNA(Phe) anticodon stem and loop domains (ASLs) were used as probes of anticodon orientation on the ribosome. Orientation of the anticodon in the ribosomal P-site was assessed with a quantitative chemical footprinting method in which protection constants (Kp) quantify protection afforded to individual 16S rRNA P-site nucleosides by tRNA or synthetic ASLs. Chemical footprints of native yeast tRNA(Phe), ASL-U33, as well as ASLs containing 3-methyluridine, cytidine, or deoxyuridine at position 33 (ASL-m3U33, ASL-C33, and ASL-dU33, respectively) were compared. Yeast tRNAPhe and the ASL-U33 protected individual 16S rRNA P-site nucleosides differentially. Ribosomal binding of yeast tRNA(Phe) enhanced protection of C1400, but the ASL-U33 and U33-substituted ASLs did not. Two residues, G926 and G1338 with KpS approximately 50-60 nM, were afforded significantly greater protection by both yeast tRNA(Phe) and the ASL-U33 than other residues, such as A532, A794, C795, and A1339 (KpS approximately 100-200 nM). In contrast, protections of G926 and G1338 were greatly and differentially reduced in quantitative footprints of U33-substituted ASLs as compared with that of the ASL-U33. ASL-m3U33 and ASL-C33 protected G530, A532, A794, C795, and A1339 as well as the ASL-U33. However, protection of G926 and G1338 (KpS between 70 and 340 nM) was significantly reduced in comparison to that of the ASL-U33 (43 and 61 nM, respectively). Though protections of all P-site nucleosides by ASL-dU33 were reduced as compared to that of the ASL-U33, a proportionally greater reduction of G926 and G1338 protections was observed (KpS = 242 and 347 nM, respectively). Thus, G926 and G1338 are important to efficient P-site binding of tRNA. More importantly, when tRNA is bound in the ribosomal P-site, G926 and G1338 of 16S rRNA and the invariant U33 of tRNA are positioned close to each other.

Ribosomal proteins neighboring 23 S rRNA nucleotides 803-811 within the 50 S subunit.

We report the synthesis of a radioactive, photolabile oligodeoxyribonucleotide probe and its exploitation in identifying 50 S ribosomal subunit components neighboring its target site, nucleotides 803-811 in 23 S rRNA. Photolysis of the complex formed between the probe and 50 S subunits leads to site-specific probe photoincorporation into proteins L15, L17, and L20, labeled to greater extents, and L13 and L21, labeled to lesser extents. Portions of each of these proteins thus lie within 23 A of nucleotide U803. These results lead us to conclude that nucleotides 803-811 fall on the side of the L13-L17-L20-L21 protein cluster [Walleczek et al. (1988) EMBO J. 7, 3571-3576] that points from the back of the 50 S particle toward the peptidyl transferase center within the 50 S subunit. Such placement is consistent with the observation that an oligoDNA probe directed to nucleotides 803-811 decreases P-site binding of tRNA [Hill et al. (1990) Biochim. Biophys. Acta 1050, 45-50].

Identification of specific Rp-phosphate oxygens in the tRNA anticodon loop required for ribosomal P-site binding.

tRNA binding to the ribosomal P site is dependent not only on correct codon-anticodon interaction but also involves identification of structural elements of tRNA by the ribosome. By using a phosphorothioate substitution-interference approach, we identified specific nonbridging Rp-phosphate oxygens in the anticodon loop of tRNA(Phe) from Escherichia coli which are required for P-site binding. Stereospecific involvement of phosphate oxygens at these positions was confirmed by using synthetic anticodon arm analogues at which single Rp- or Sp-phosphorothioates were incorporated. Identical interference results with yeast tRNA(Phe) and E. coli tRNA(fMet) indicate a common backbone conformation or common recognition elements in the anticodon loop of tRNAs. N-ethyl-N-nitrosourea modification-interference experiments with natural tRNAs point to the importance of the same phosphates in the loop. Guided by the crystal structure of tRNA(Phe), we propose that specific Rp-phosphate oxygens are required for anticodon loop ("U-turn") stabilization or are involved in interactions with the ribosome on correct tRNA-mRNA complex formation.

Ribosomal Binding Site of Release Factors RF1 and RF2: A NEW TRANSLATIONAL TERMINATION ASSAY IN VITRO

We have established a new in vitro assay for translational termination. It consists of 70 S ribosomes bound to a synthetic RNA minimessenger via interaction with P-site binding fMet-tRNAfMet. If the A-site codon is a stop signal, release activity can be measured by quantifying hydrolyzed formylmethionine. Characteristics of this assay in terms of reaction time, ion concentration, release factor RF1 and RF2 concentration, and competition with A-site-decoding tRNA are discussed. The new assay shows that polypeptide chain release activity is directly dependent on the presence of a stop codon in the ribosomal A-site.

Dissociation rates of peptidyl-tRNA from the P-site of E.coli ribosomes.

We studied the dissociation rates of peptidyl-tRNA from the P-site of poly(U)-programmed wild-type Escherichia coli ribosomes, hyperaccurate variants altered in S12 (SmD, SmP) and error-prone variants (Ram) altered in S4 or S5. The experiments were carried out in the presence and absence of streptomycin, and the effects of neomycin were tested in the wild-type ribosomes. Binding of peptidyl-tRNA to the P-site of wild-type ribosomes is much stronger than to their A-site. Addition of streptomycin dramatically reduces its affinity for the P-site. The S12 alternations make the P-site binding of peptidyl-tRNA much tighter, and the S4, S5 alterations make it weaker than in the case of the wild-type. We find that when binding of peptidyl-tRNA to the A-site is weak, then the affinity for the P-site is stronger, and vice versa. From these results, we formulate a hypothesis for the actions of streptomycin and neomycin based on deformations of the 16S rRNA tertiary structure. The results are also used to interpret some in vivo experiments on translational processivity.

TRNA-ribosome interactions.

Direct measurements of the rates of dissociation of dipeptidyl-tRNA from the ribosome show that hyperaccurate SmP and SmD ribosomes have unstable A-site binding of peptidyl-tRNA, while P-site binding is extremely stable in relation to the wild type. Error-prone Ram ribosomes, on the other hand, have stable A-site and unstable P-site binding of peptidyl-tRNA. At least for these mutant ribosomes, we conclude that stabilization of peptidyl-tRNA in one site destabilizes binding in the other. Elongation factor Tu (EF-Tu) undergoes a dramatic structural transition from its GDP-bound form to its active GTP-bound form, in which it binds aa-tRNA (aminoacyl-tRNA) in ternary complex. The effects of substitution mutations at three sites in domain I of EF-Tu, Gln124, Leu120, and Tyr160, all of which point into the domain I-domain III interface in both the GTP and GDP conformations of EF-Tu, were examined. Mutations at each position cause large reductions in aa-tRNA binding. An attractive possibility is that the mutations alter the domain I-domain III interface such that the switching of EF-Tu between different conformations is altered, decreasing the probability of aa-tRNA binding. We have previously found that two GTPs are hydrolyzed per peptide bond on EF-Tu, the implication being that two molecules of EF-Tu may interact on the ribosome to catalyze the binding of a single aa-tRNA to the A-site. More recently we found that ribosomes programmed with mRNA constructs other than poly(U), including the sequence AUGUUUACG, invariably use two GTPs per peptide bond in EF-Tu function. Other experiments measuring the protection of aa-tRNA from deacylation or from RNAse A attack show that protection requires two molecules of EF-Tu, suggesting an extended ternary complex. To remove remaining ambiguities in the interpretion of these experiments, we are making direct molecular weight determinations with neutron scattering and sedimentation-diffusion techniques.

Functional effects of base changes which further define the decoding center of Escherichia coli 16S ribosomal RNA: mutation of C1404, G1405, C1496, G1497, and U1498.

The existence and functional importance of the tertiary base pair G1401:C1501, which brings together two universally present and highly sequence-conserved single-stranded segments of small subunit ribosomal RNA, was proven recently by mutational analysis [Cunningham, P. R., Nurse, K., Bakin, A., Weitzmann, C. J., Pflumm, M., & Ofengand, J. (1992) Biochemistry 31, 12012-12022]. Here we show that the additional nearby tertiary base pairs C1404:G1497 and G1405:C1496 also exist and are functionally important for tRNA binding to the ribosomal A and P sites. Breakage of the base pairs in turn led to a loss of activity at both A and P sites, whereas restoration in the reverse orientation led to recovery of activity. Recovery was incomplete, indicating that base pairing alone is insufficient for full restoration of function. Mutation of U1498 to G created the potential for the tertiary base pair C1403:G1498, which could stack on the aforementioned double base pair, creating a more stable helix longer by one residue. This mutation did not affect subunit association, A- and P-site binding of tRNA to 70S, fMet-tRNA binding to 30S, or poly(Phe) synthesis but did block formation of the first peptide bond, fMet-Val. Mutation of U1498 to A or C did not show this effect. Since the G1498 mutant could make both the 70S initiation complex and the peptide bond, as shown by its ability to form fMet-puromycin, the block in fMet-Val synthesis appears to involve some aspect of A-site function.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Kinetics of "P"-site-mediated inhibition of adenylyl cyclase and the requirements for substrate.

The kinetics of "P"-site-mediated inhibition of adenylyl cyclase was studied with the detergent-solubilized enzyme from rat brain. Mn2(+)-activated adenylyl cyclase exhibited typical noncompetitive inhibition by 2'-d3'-AMP or 2',5'-dideoxyadenosine (2',5'-ddAdo). However, enzyme that was preactivated with guanosine 5'-O-(3-thiotriphosphate) (GTP gamma S) or proteolytically with ninhibin (+ GTP gamma S) exhibited apparently uncompetitive inhibition with either 2'-d3'-AMP or 2',5'-ddAdo and with either MgATP or MgApp(NH)p (adenosine 5'-(beta gamma-imino)triphosphate) as substrate. Inhibition increased with increasing substrate concentration, consistent with distinct domains for catalysis and the P-site and the formation of a 2'-d3'-AMP.C.MgATP complex. This conclusion was supported by the kinetics of product inhibition. For both cAMP and inorganic pyrophosphate (MgPPi) inhibition was mixed, suggesting that product release is likely random sequential. Although MgPPi enhanced inhibition in the presence of P-site agonist, it did not affect the dissociation constant for P-site agonist. The uncompetitive character of P-site-mediated inhibition and the independence of inhibition by MgPPi and P-site agonist imply that the P-site binding domain is distinct from the substrate binding domain. Given the structural requirements for catalysis and for P-site-mediated inhibition, these domains would be expected to be homologous. Sensitivity to P-site-mediated inhibition was also dependent on the structure of ATP, with the following IC50 values for 2'-d3'-AMP: ATP approximately 2'-dATP (approximately 1 microM); adenosine 5'-O-(3-thiotriphosphate) (approximately 5 microM); App(NH)p (approximately 30 microM); adenosine 5'-(beta gamma-methylene)triphosphate (approximately 300 microM). The differing effectiveness of the ATP analogs to support P-site inhibition was not due to their binding at the P-site. This effect of substrate was also observed with the platelet enzyme and was independent of the means by which the enzyme was activated, whether by Mn2+ or proteolytically by ninhibin/GTP gamma S, suggesting it is a general characteristic of P-site-mediated inhibition. The data suggest a structure for activated adenylyl cyclase such that one nucleotide binding domain, selective for ATP vis-à-vis other ATP analogs, allosterically modulates a proximate P-site domain.