Affinity-Enhanced Multimeric VEGF (Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor) and PlGF (Placental Growth Factor) Variants for Specific Adsorption of sFlt-1 to Restore Angiogenic Balance in Preeclampsia

Preeclampsia is a potentially life-threatening multisystem disease affecting 4% to 8% of pregnant women after the 20th week of gestation. An excess of placental expressed antiangiogenic soluble VEGF (vascular endothelial growth factor)-receptor 1 (soluble FMS-like tyrosine kinase 1) scavenges VEGF and PlGF (placental growth factor), causing generalized endothelial dysfunction. Interventions to restore the angiogenic balance in preeclamptic pregnancies are intensively studied and improve maternal and neonatal outcomes. Especially extracorporeal strategies to remove sFlt-1 are promising in human pregnancy. However, available apheresis systems adsorb sFlt-1 unspecifically and with low efficiency. Affinity-enhanced ligands are needed to improve performance and compatibility of apheresis treatments. Using computerized molecular modeling, we developed multimeric VEGF molecules comprised of single-chain VEGF(165)dimers (scVEGF(165)). A short peptide linker hampers intrachain dimerization to induce assembly preferably as tetrameric molecules as visualized in negative staining electron microscopy. scVEGF(165)multimers possess 1.2-fold higher affinity for sFlt-1 as compared to the available antibodies or monomeric VEGF. Consequently, scVEGF multimers have the ability to competitively release sFlt-1 bound PlGF and, in particular, VEGF. In ex vivo adsorption experiments using serum samples from patients with preeclampsia, scVEGF multimers reduce sFlt-1 levels by 85% and increase PlGF and VEGF levels by 20- and 9-fold, respectively. Finally, performance and stability of sFlt-1 capturing scVEGF(165)multimers were scrutinized on different matrices of which biocompatible agarose matrix yielded optimal results. We introduce the first VEGF-based highly efficient sFlt-1 apheresis system that is directly applicable in vivo due to utilization of inert agarose matrix, using a homomultimeric form of VEGF(165)to restore the angiogenic balance in preeclampsia

Evidence for self-association of a miniaturized version of agrin from hydrodynamic and small-angle X-ray scattering measurements

Hydrodynamic studies of miniagrin indicate a molar mass that is 20% larger than the value calculated from the sequence of this genetically engineered protein. Consistent with this finding is the negative sign and also the magnitude of the second virial coefficient obtained from small-angle X-ray scattering measurements. The inference that miniagrin reversibly self-associates is confirmed by a sedimentation equilibrium study that yields an equilibrium constant of 0.24 L/g for a putative monomer-dimer interaction. Finally, Guinier analysis of the small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) results yields concentration-dependent values for the radius of gyration that may be described by the monomer-dimer model and respective R values of 40 and 105 Å for the monomeric and dimeric miniagrin species. Although intermolecular protein interactions are endemic in the events leading to acetylcholine receptor aggregation by agrin, the matrix proteoglycan of which miniagrin is a miniaturized model, this investigation raises the possibility that agrin may itself self-associate

Homogenous overexpression of the extracellular matrix protein Netrin-1 in a hollow fiber bioreactor

The production of recombinant proteins for functional and biophysical studies, especially in the field of structural determination, still represents a challenge as high quality and quantities are needed to adequately perform experiments. This is in part solved by optimizing protein constructs and expression conditions to maximize the yields in regular flask expression systems. Still, work flow and effort can be substantial with no guarantee to obtain improvements. This study presents a combination of workflows that can be used to dramatically increase protein production and improve processing results, specifically for the extracellular matrix protein Netrin-1. This proteoglycan is an axon guidance cue which interacts with various receptors to initiate downstream signaling cascades affecting cell differentiation, proliferation, metabolism, and survival. We were able to produce large glycoprotein quantities in mammalian cells, which were engineered for protein overexpression and secretion into the media using the controlled environment provided by a hollow fiber bioreactor. Close monitoring of the internal bioreactor conditions allowed for stable production over an extended period of time. In addition to this, Netrin-1 concentrations were monitored in expression media through biolayer interferometry which allowed us to increase Netrin-1 media concentrations tenfold over our current flask systems while preserving excellent protein quality and in solution behavior. Our particular combination of genetic engineering, cell culture system, protein purification, and biophysical characterization permitted us to establish an efficient and continuous production of high-quality protein suitable for structural biology studies that can be translated to various biological systems

Heparins mediate the multimer assembly of secreted Noggin

Extracellular matrix proteins are most often defined by their direct function that involves receptor binding and subsequent downstream signaling. However, these proteins often contain structural binding regions that allow for the proper localization in the extracellular space which guides its correct function in a local and temporal manner. The regions that serve a structural function, although often associated with disease, tend to have a limited understanding. An example of this is the extracellular matrix protein Noggin; as part of the bone morphogenetic protein inhibitor family, Noggin serves a crucial regulatory function in mammalian developmental stages and later periods of life. Noggin's regular function, after its expression and extracellular release, is mediated by its retention in close proximity to the cellular surface by glycosaminoglycans, specifically heparin and heparan sulfate. Using a biophysical hybrid method approach, we present a close examination of the Noggin heparin binding interface, study its dynamic binding behaviors and observe supramolecular Noggin assemblies mediated by heparin ligands. This confirms previously suggested models of non-covalent protein assemblies mediated through glycosaminoglycans that exist in the extracellular matrix. Further, structural analyses through molecular dynamics simulations allowed us to determine contribution energies for each protein residue involved in ligand binding and correlate this to disease associated mutation data. Our combination of various biophysical and computational methods that characterize the heparin binding interface on Noggin and its protein dynamics expands on the functional understanding of Noggin and can readily be applied to other protein systems

Biophysical Characterization of G-Quadruplex Recognition in the PITX1 mRNA by the Specificity Domain of the Helicase RHAU.

Nucleic acids rich in guanine are able to fold into unique structures known as G-quadruplexes. G-quadruplexes consist of four tracts of guanylates arranged in parallel or antiparallel strands that are aligned in stacked G-quartet planes. The structure is further stabilized by Hoogsteen hydrogen bonds and monovalent cations centered between the planes. RHAU (RNA helicase associated with AU-rich element) is a member of the ATP-dependent DExH/D family of RNA helicases and can bind and resolve G-quadruplexes. RHAU contains a core helicase domain with an N-terminal extension that enables recognition and full binding affinity to RNA and DNA G-quadruplexes. PITX1, a member of the bicoid class of homeobox proteins, is a transcriptional activator active during development of vertebrates, chiefly in the anterior pituitary gland and several other organs. We have previously demonstrated that RHAU regulates PITX1 levels through interaction with G-quadruplexes at the 3'-end of the PITX1 mRNA. To understand the structural basis of G-quadruplex recognition by RHAU, we characterize a purified minimal PITX1 G-quadruplex using a variety of biophysical techniques including electrophoretic mobility shift assays, UV-VIS spectroscopy, circular dichroism, dynamic light scattering, small angle X-ray scattering and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. Our biophysical analysis provides evidence that the RNA G-quadruplex, but not its DNA counterpart, can adopt a parallel orientation, and that only the RNA can interact with N-terminal domain of RHAU via the tetrad face of the G-quadruplex. This work extends our insight into how the N-terminal region of RHAU recognizes parallel G-quadruplexes

Amyloidogenicity assessment of transthyretin gene variants

Objective: Hereditary transthyretin-mediated amyloidosis is a treatable condition caused by amyloidogenic variants in the transthyretin-gene resulting in severe peripheral neuropathy or cardiomyopathy. Only about a third of over 130 known variants are clearly pathogenic, most are classified as variants of uncertain significance. A clear delineation of these into pathogenic or non-pathogenic is highly desirable but hampered by low frequency and penetrance. We thus sought to characterize their amylogenic potential by an unbiased in vitro approach. Methods: Thioflavin T and turbidity assays were used to compare the potential of mammalian cell expressed wt-transthyretin and 12 variant proteins (either variants of uncertain significance, benign, pathogenic) to aggregate and produce amyloid fibrils in vitro. As proof of principle, the assays were applied to transthyretin-Ala65Val, a variant that was newly detected in a family with peripheral neuropathy and amyloid deposits in biopsies. In silico analysis was performed to compare the position of the benign and pathogenic variants. Results: Transthyretin-Ala65Val showed a significantly higher amyloidogenic potential than wt-transthyretin, in both turbidity- and Thioflavin T-assays, comparable to known pathogenic variants. The other eight tested variants did not show an increased amyloidogenic potential. In silico structural analysis further confirmed differences between pathogenic and benign variants in position and interactions. Interpretation: We propose a biochemical approach to assess amyloidogenic potential of transthyretin variants. As exemplified by transthyretin-Ala65Val, data of three assays together with histopathology clearly demonstrates its amyloidogenicity

Q2RNA and its DNA counterpart adopt G4 structures.

<p>(A) Far-UV CD spectra of Q2RNA and Q2DNA obtained in 10 mM Tris, pH 7.5, 100 mM KCl, 1 mM EDTA buffer of Q2RNA at 20°C (closed circles) and at 80°C (open circles) as well as of Q2DNA at 20°C (closed triangles) and at 80°C (closed squares). (B) CD melting curves of Q2RNA (<b>——</b>) and Q2DNA (<b>------</b>) monitored by spectropolarimetry at 264 nm in the same buffer.</p

RHAU_53-105 forms a complex with Q2RNA.

<p>(A) Electrophoretic mobility shift assays (EMSA) were performed using a constant 150 nM concentration of Q2RNA or Q2DNA and a variable concentration from 0–700 nM of RHAU_53-105 or full-length RHAU. The 12% native Tris borate-EDTA (TBE) polyacrylamide gels were stained with SYBR Gold for visualization. (B) Microscale thermophoresis measurements performed using 3’-FAM Q2RNA (25 nM) in complex with RHAU_53-105 at several concentrations (0.6–250 nM). Reverse T-Jump signals from the traces were fit as described in the Materials & Methods.</p