The Solution Structure, Binding Properties, and Dynamics of the Bacterial Siderophore-binding Protein FepB

The periplasmic binding protein (PBP) FepB plays a key role in transporting the catecholate siderophore ferric enterobactin from the outer to the inner membrane in Gram-negative bacteria. The solution structures of the 34-kDa apo- and holo-FepB from Escherichia coli, solved by NMR, represent the first solution structures determined for the type III class of PBPs. Unlike type I and II PBPs, which undergo large "Venus flytrap" conformational changes upon ligand binding, both forms of FepB maintain similar overall folds; however, binding of the ligand is accompanied by significant loop movements. Reverse methyl cross-saturation experiments corroborated chemical shift perturbation results and uniquely defined the binding pocket for gallium enterobactin (GaEnt). NMR relaxation experiments indicated that a flexible loop (residues 225-250) adopted a more rigid and extended conformation upon ligand binding, which positioned residues for optimal interactions with the ligand and the cytoplasmic membrane ABC transporter (FepCD), respectively. In conclusion, this work highlights the pivotal role that structural dynamics plays in ligand binding and transporter interactions in type III PBPs

NMR chemical shift data and ab initio shielding calculations: emerging tools for protein structure determination

In this tutorial review, we discuss the utilization of chemical shift information as well as ab initio calculations of nuclear shieldings for protein structure determination. Both the empirical and computational aspects of the chemical shift are reviewed and the role of molecular dynamics and the accuracy of different computational methods are discussed. It is anticipated that incorporating theoretical information on chemical shifts will increase the accuracy of protein structures, in the solid and liquid state alike, and extend the applicability of NMR spectroscopy to ever larger systems.

There is diversity in disorder - "In all chaos there is a cosmos, in all disorder a secret order"

The protein universe consists of a continuum of structures ranging from full order to complete disorder. As the structured part of the proteome has been intensively studied, stably folded proteins are increasingly well documented and understood. However, proteins that are fully, or in large part, disordered are much less well characterized. Here we collected NMR chemical shifts in a small database for 117 protein sequences that are known to contain disorder. We demonstrate that NMR chemical shift data can be brought to bear as an exquisite judge of protein disorder at the residue level, and help in validation. With the help of secondary chemical shift analysis we demonstrate that the proteins in the database span the full spectrum of disorder, but still, largely segregate into two classes, disordered with small segments of order scattered along the sequence, and structured with small segments of disorder inserted between the different structured regions. A detailed analysis reveals that the distribution of order/disorder along the sequence shows a complex and asymmetric distribution, that is highly protein-dependent. Access to ratified training data further suggests an avenue to improving prediction of disorder from sequence

pKa Values for the Unfolded State under Native Conditions Explain the pH-Dependent Stability of PGB1

Understanding the role of electrostatics in protein stability requires knowledge of these interactions in both the folded and unfolded states. Electrostatic interactions can be probed experimentally by characterizing ionization equilibria of titrating groups, parameterized as pKa values. However, pKa values of the unfolded state are rarely accessible under native conditions, where the unfolded state has a very low population. Here, we report pKa values under nondenaturing conditions for two unfolded fragments of the protein G B1 domain that mimic the unfolded state of the intact protein. pKa values were determined for carboxyl groups by monitoring their pH-dependent 13C chemical shifts. Monte Carlo simulations using a Gaussian chain model provide corrections for changes in electrostatic interactions that arise from fragmentation of the protein. Most pKa values for the unfolded state agree well with model values, but some residues show significant perturbations that can be rationalized by local electrostatic interactions. The pH-dependent stability was calculated from the experimental pKa values of the folded and unfolded states and compared to experimental stability data. The use of experimental pKa values for the unfolded state results in significantly improved agreement with experimental data, as compared to calculations based on model data alone