Avidin related protein 2 shows unique structural and functional features among the avidin protein family

BACKGROUND: The chicken avidin gene family consists of avidin and several avidin related genes (AVRs). Of these gene products, avidin is the best characterized and is known for its extremely high affinity for D-biotin, a property that is utilized in numerous modern life science applications. Recently, the AVR genes have been expressed as recombinant proteins, which have shown different biotin-binding properties as compared to avidin. RESULTS: In the present study, we have employed multiple biochemical methods to better understand the structure-function relationship of AVR proteins focusing on AVR2. Firstly, we have solved the high-resolution crystal structure of AVR2 in complex with a bound ligand, D-biotin. The AVR2 structure reveals an overall fold similar to the previously determined structures of avidin and AVR4. Major differences are seen, especially at the 1–3 subunit interface, which is stabilized mainly by polar interactions in the case of AVR2 but by hydrophobic interactions in the case of AVR4 and avidin, and in the vicinity of the biotin binding pocket. Secondly, mutagenesis, competitive dissociation analysis and differential scanning calorimetry were used to compare and study the biotin-binding properties as well as the thermal stability of AVRs and avidin. These analyses pinpointed the importance of residue 109 for biotin binding and stability of AVRs. The I109K mutation increased the biotin-binding affinity of AVR2, whereas the K109I mutation decreased the biotin-binding affinity of AVR4. Furthermore, the thermal stability of AVR2(I109K) increased in comparison to the wild-type protein and the K109I mutation led to a decrease in the thermal stability of AVR4. CONCLUSION: Altogether, this study broadens our understanding of the structural features determining the ligand-binding affinities and stability as well as the molecular evolution within the protein family. This novel information can be applied to further develop and improve the tools already widely used in avidin-biotin technology

VTT-006, an anti-mitotic compound, binds to the Ndc80 complex and suppresses cancer cell growth <i>in vitro</i>.

Hec1 (Highly expressed in cancer 1) resides in the outer kinetochore where it works to facilitate proper kinetochore-microtubule interactions during mitosis. Hec1 is overexpressed in various cancers and its expression shows correlation with high tumour grade and poor patient prognosis. Chemical perturbation of Hec1 is anticipated to impair kinetochore-microtubule binding, activate the spindle assembly checkpoint (spindle checkpoint) and thereby suppress cell proliferation. In this study, we performed high-throughput screen to identify novel small molecules that target the Hec1 calponin homology domain (CHD), which is needed for normal microtubule attachments. 4 million compounds were first virtually fitted against the CHD, and the best hit molecules were evaluated in vitro. These approaches led to the identification of VTT-006, a 1,2-disubstituted-tetrahydro-beta-carboline derivative, which showed binding to recombinant Ndc80 complex and modulated Hec1 association with microtubules in vitro. VTT-006 treatment resulted in chromosome congression defects, reduced chromosome oscillations and induced loss of inter-kinetochore tension. Cells remained arrested in mitosis with an active spindle checkpoint for several hours before undergoing cell death. VTT-006 suppressed the growth of several cancer cell lines and enhanced the sensitivity of HeLa cells to Taxol. Our findings propose that VTT-006 is a potential anti-mitotic compound that disrupts M phase, impairs kinetochore-microtubule interactions, and activates the spindle checkpoint

Stereo images of the 1–3 subunit interface of (A) AVR2-b, (B) AVR4 PDB:1Y52 38, and of (C) avidin expressed in PDB:1VYO (Airenne, Hytönen unpublished) are shown

<p><b>Copyright information:</b></p><p>Taken from "Avidin related protein 2 shows unique structural and functional features among the avidin protein family"</p><p>BMC Biotechnology 2005;5():28-28.</p><p>Published online 7 Oct 2005</p><p>PMCID:PMC1282572.</p><p>Copyright © 2005 Hytönen et al; licensee BioMed Central Ltd.</p> Lys-94 of AVR2 exists in two alternate conformations, which can form a hydrogen bond with the side-chain oxygen atom of Asn-115 or with the main-chain oxygen atom of Val-113, both from an adjacent subunit. Putative hydrogen bonds are shown by dashed lines. The carbon atoms of subunits 1 and 3 are coloured white and cyan, respectively

Priorities in Parkinson's disease research.

International audienceThe loss of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra pars compacta leads to the characteristic motor symptoms of Parkinson's disease: bradykinesia, rigidity and resting tremors. Although these symptoms can be improved using currently available dopamine replacement strategies, there is still a need to improve current strategies of treating these symptoms, together with a need to alleviate non-motor symptoms of the disease. Moreover, treatments that provide neuroprotection and/or disease-modifying effects remain an urgent unmet clinical need. This Review describes the most promising biological targets and therapeutic agents that are currently being assessed to address these treatment goals. Progress will rely on understanding genetic mutations or susceptibility factors that lead to Parkinson's disease, better translation between preclinical animal models and clinical research, and improving the design of future clinical trials