Computational Reconstruction of Multidomain Proteins Using Atomic Force Microscopy Data

SummaryClassical structural biology techniques face a great challenge to determine the structure at the atomic level of large and flexible macromolecules. We present a novel methodology that combines high-resolution AFM topographic images with atomic coordinates of proteins to assemble very large macromolecules or particles. Our method uses a two-step protocol: atomic coordinates of individual domains are docked beneath the molecular surface of the large macromolecule, and then each domain is assembled using a combinatorial search. The protocol was validated on three test cases: a simulated system of antibody structures; and two experimentally based test cases: Tobacco mosaic virus, a rod-shaped virus; and Aquaporin Z, a bacterial membrane protein. We have shown that AFM-intermediate resolution topography and partial surface data are useful constraints for building macromolecular assemblies. The protocol is applicable to multicomponent structures connected in the polypeptide chain or as disjoint molecules. The approach effectively increases the resolution of AFM beyond topographical information down to atomic-detail structures

Metal-Free ALS Variants of Dimeric Human Cu,Zn-Superoxide Dismutase Have Enhanced Populations of Monomeric Species

Amino acid replacements at dozens of positions in the dimeric protein human, Cu,Zn superoxide dismutase (SOD1) can cause amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Although it has long been hypothesized that these mutations might enhance the populations of marginally-stable aggregation-prone species responsible for cellular toxicity, there has been little quantitative evidence to support this notion. Perturbations of the folding free energy landscapes of metal-free versions of five ALS-inducing variants, A4V, L38V, G93A, L106V and S134N SOD1, were determined with a global analysis of kinetic and thermodynamic folding data for dimeric and stable monomeric versions of these variants. Utilizing this global analysis approach, the perturbations on the global stability in response to mutation can be partitioned between the monomer folding and association steps, and the effects of mutation on the populations of the folded and unfolded monomeric states can be determined. The 2- to 10-fold increase in the population of the folded monomeric state for A4V, L38V and L106V and the 80- to 480-fold increase in the population of the unfolded monomeric states for all but S134N would dramatically increase their propensity for aggregation through high-order nucleation reactions. The wild-type-like populations of these states for the metal-binding region S134N variant suggest that even wild-type SOD1 may also be prone to aggregation in the absence of metals

Laue diffraction protein crystallography at the National Synchrotron Light Source

A new facility for the study of protein crystal structure using Laue diffraction has been established at the X26 beam line of the National Synchrotron Light Source (NSLS) at Brookhaven National Laboratory. The characteristics of the beam line and diffraction apparatus are described. Selected results of some of the initial experiments are discussed briefly by beam line users to illustrate the scope of the experimental program. Because the Laue method permits the recording of large data sets in a single shot, one goal in establishing this facility has been to develop the means to study time-resolved structures within protein crystals. Systems being studied include: the reactions catalyzed by trypsin; photolysis of carbonmonoxy myoglobin; and the photocycle of photoactive yellow protein

Recognition and interactions controlling the assemblies of beta barrel domains.

We present a qualitative computer graphics approach to the characterization of forces important to the assembly of beta domains that should have general utility for examining protein interactions and assembly. In our approach, the nature of the molecular surface buried by the domain contacts, the specificity of the residue-to-residue interactions, and the identity of electrostatic, hydrophobic, and hydrophilic interactions are elucidated. These techniques are applied to the beta barrel domains of Cu, Zn superoxide dismutase (SOD), immunoglobulin Fab, and tomato bushy stunt virus coat protein (TBSV), a plant viral capsid protein. By looking at a set of proteins having different numbers of interacting beta domains, we have been able to see some of the variety and also some of the patterns common to these assembled domains. Strong beta domain interactions (identified by their biochemical integrity) are apparently due to chemical, electrostatic, and shape complementarity of the molecular surfaces buried from interaction with solvent molecules. Although the amount of hydrophobic buried surface area appears to correlate with the strength of the interaction, electrostatic forces appear to be important in both stabilizing and destabilizing specific contacts. In TBSV, analysis of electrostatic interactions may help explain mechanisms of subunit accommodation to different environments, particle expansion, and pathways of assembly. The possible molecular basis for observed differences in the stability and flexibility of the domain complexes is discussed

Singlehydrogen bond donation from flavin N5 to proximal asparagine ensures FAD reduction in DNA photolyase

The spread of the absorbance of the stable FADH• radical (300–700 nm) allows CPD photolyase to highly efficiently form FADH–, making it functional for DNA repair. In this study, FTIR spectroscopy detected a strong hydrogen bond, from FAD N5–H to the carbonyl group of the Asn378 side chain, that is modulated by the redox state of FAD. The observed characteristic frequency shifts were reproduced in quantum-mechanical models of the flavin binding site, which were then employed to elucidate redox tuning governed by Asn378. We demonstrate that enhanced hydrogen bonding of the Asn378 side chain with the FADH• radical increases thermodynamic stabilization of the radical state, and further ensures kinetic stabilization and accumulation of the fully reduced FADH– state

Gonococcal pilus: genetics and structure

Antigenic variation is a means by which many infectious organisms evade the host immune response. This phenomenon has been observed in animal viruses (e.g., influenza virus), parasites (e.g., Trypanosoma brucei), and bacteria (e.g., Borrelia recurrentis). Recent work has shown that two surface proteins of Neisseria gonorrhoeae undergo antigenic variation as well. These two virulence factors are the pilus and the opacity (PII) proteins, both of which promote gonococcal binding to host (human) epithelial cells (BUCHANAN and PIERCE 1976; SWANSON 1973). In this chapter, we shall emphasize the work done on the pilus system. We present evidence that phase and antigenic variation are closely linked phenomena; that the regulation of pilus expression is reminiscent of yeast mating type interconversion and of immunoglobulin gene rearrangement; and that the gonococcal pilin belongs to a class or family of bacterial pilins with a common subunit structure