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The poliovirus type I IRES is able to recruit ribosomal machinery only in the presence of host factor PCBP2 that binds to stem–loop IV of the IRES. When PCBP2 is cleaved in its linker region by viral proteinase 3CD, translation initiation ceases allowing the next stage of replication to commence. Here, we investigate the interaction of PCBP2 with the apical region of stem–loop IV (SLIVm) of poliovirus RNA in its full-length and truncated form. CryoEM structure reconstruction of the full-length PCBP2 in complex with SLIVm solved to 6.1 Å resolution reveals a compact globular complex of PCBP2 interacting with the cruciform RNA via KH domains and featuring a prominent GNRA tetraloop. SEC-SAXS, SHAPE and hydroxyl-radical cleavage establish that PCBP2 stabilizes the SLIVm structure, but upon cleavage in the linker domain the complex becomes more flexible and base accessible. Limited proteolysis and REMSA demonstrate the accessibility of the linker region in the PCBP2/SLIVm complex and consequent loss of affinity of PCBP2 for the SLIVm upon cleavage. Together this study sheds light on the structural features of the PCBP2/SLIV complex vital for ribosomal docking, and the way in which this key functional interaction is regulated following translation of the poliovirus genome.

Here, we report the design, synthesis, and evaluation of a series of inhibitors of Staphylococcus aureus BPL (SaBPL), where the central acyl phosphate of the natural intermediate biotinyl-5′-AMP (1) is replaced by a sulfonamide isostere. Acylsulfamide (6) and amino sulfonylurea (7) showed potent in vitro inhibitory activity (Ki = 0.007 ± 0.003 and 0.065 ± 0.03 μM, respectively) and antibacterial activity against S. aureus ATCC49775 with minimum inhibitory concentrations of 0.25 and 4 μg/mL, respectively. Additionally, the bimolecular interactions between the BPL and inhibitors 6 and 7 were defined by X-ray crystallography and molecular dynamics simulations. The high acidity of the sulfonamide linkers of 6 and 7 likely contributes to the enhanced in vitro inhibitory activities by promoting interaction with SaBPL Lys187. Analogues with alkylsulfamide (8), β-ketosulfonamide (9), and β-hydroxysulfonamide (10) isosteres were devoid of significant activity. Binding free energy estimation using computational methods suggests deprotonated 6 and 7 to be the best binders, which is consistent with enzyme assay results. Compound 6 was unstable in whole blood, leading to poor pharmacokinetics. Importantly, 7 has a vastly improved pharmacokinetic profile compared to that of 6 presumably due to the enhanced metabolic stability of the sulfonamide linker moiety. Refereed/Peer-reviewed

TIA-1 is an RNA-binding protein that sequesters target RNA into stress granules under conditions of cellular stress. Promotion of stress granule formation by TIA-1 depends upon self-association of its prion-like domain that facilitates liquid-liquid phase separation and is thought to be enhanced via RNA binding. However, the mechanisms underlying the influence of RNA on TIA-1 self-association have not been previously demonstrated. Here we have investigated the self-associating properties of full-length TIA-1 in the presence of designed and native TIA-1 nucleic acid binding sites in vitro, monitoring phase separation, fibril formation and shape. We show that single stranded RNA and DNA induce liquid-liquid phase separation of TIA-1 in a multisite, sequence-specific manner and also efficiently promote formation of amyloid-like fibrils. Although RNA binding to a single site induces a small conformational change in TIA-1, this alone does not enhance phase separation of TIA-1. Tandem binding sites are required to enhance phase separation of TIA-1 and this is finely tuned by the protein:binding site stoichiometry rather than nucleic acid length. Native tandem TIA-1 binding sites within the 3′ UTR of p53 mRNA also efficiently enhance phase separation of TIA-1 and thus may potentially act as potent nucleation sites for stress granule assembly., Graphical Abstract Graphical AbstractSelf-association of TIA-1 is induced by tandem (specific or promiscuous) RNA binding sites in a manner that is finely tuned by the protein:RNA binding site ratio rather than RNA length.

Ovarian-derived inhibin A and inhibin B (heterodimers of common α- and differing β-subunits) are secreted throughout the menstrual cycle in a discordant pattern, with smaller follicles producing inhibin B, whereas the dominant follicle and corpus luteum produce inhibin A. The classical function for endocrine inhibins is to block signalling by activins (homodimers of β-subunits) in gonadotrope cells of the anterior pituitary and, thereby, inhibit the synthesis of FSH. Whether inhibin A and inhibin B have additional physiological functions is unknown, primarily because producing sufficient quantities of purified inhibins, in the absence of contaminating activins, for preclinical studies has proven extremely difficult. Here, we describe novel methodology to enhance inhibin A and inhibin B activity and to produce these ligands free of contaminating activins. Using computational modeling and targeted mutagenesis, we identified a point mutation in the activin β A-subunit, A347H, which completely disrupted activin dimerization and activity. Importantly, this β A-subunit mutation had minimal effect on inhibin A bioactivity. Mutation of the corresponding residue in the inhibin β B-subunit, G329E, similarly disrupted activin B synthesis/activity without affecting inhibin B production. Subsequently, we enhanced inhibin A potency by modifying the binding site for its co-receptor, betaglycan. Introducing a point mutation into the α-subunit (S344I) increased inhibin A potency ~12-fold. This study has identified a means to eliminate activin A/B interference during inhibin A/B production, and has facilitated the generation of potent inhibin A and inhibin B agonists for physiological exploration.

RIG-I (retinoic acid inducible gene-I) is a cytosolic innate immune protein that senses viral dsRNA with a 5′-triphosphate overhang. Upon interaction with dsRNA a de-repression of the RIG-I CARD domains takes place that ultimately leads to the production of type I interferons and pro-inflammatory cytokines. Here we investigate the RIG-I conformational rearrangement upon interaction with an activating 5′-triphosphate-10-base pair dsRNA hairpin loop (10bp) compared with a less active 5′-triphosphate-8-base pair dsRNA hairpin loop (8bp). We use size-exclusion chromatography–coupled small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) and limited tryptic digest experiments to show that that upon binding to 10 bp, but not 8 bp, RIG-I becomes extended and shows greater flexibility, reflecting the release of its CARDs. We also examined the effect of different ATP analogues on the conformational changes of RIG-I/dsRNA complexes. Of the analogues tested, the addition of ATP transition state analogue ADP-AlFx further assisted in the complete activation of RIG-I in complex with 10bp and also to some extent RIG-I bound to 8bp. Together these data provide solution-based evidence for the molecular mechanism of innate immune signaling by RIG-I as stimulated by short hairpin RNA and ATP.

Grb7 is a signaling protein with critical roles in tumor cell proliferation and migration and an established cancer therapeutic target. Here we explore chemical space to develop a new bicyclic peptide inhibitor, incorporating thioether and lactam linkers that binds with affinity (KD = 1.1 μM) and specificity to the Grb7–SH2 domain. Structural analysis of the Grb7–SH2/peptide complex revealed an unexpected binding orientation underlying the binding selectivity by this new scaffold. We further incorporated carboxymethylphenylalanine and carboxyphenylalanine phosphotyrosine mimetics and arrived at an optimized inhibitor that potently binds Grb7–SH2 (KD = 0.13 μM) under physiological conditions. X-ray crystal structures of these Grb7–SH2/peptide complexes reveal the structural basis for the most potent and specific inhibitors of Grb7 developed to date. Finally, we demonstrate that cell permeable versions of these peptides successfully block Grb7 mediated interactions in a breast cancer cell line, establishing...

Macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) exerts multiple effects on immune cells, as well as having functions outside the immune system. MIF can promote inflammation through the induction of other cytokines, including TNF, IL-6, and IL-1 family cytokines. Here, we show that inhibition of MIF regulates the release of IL-1α, IL-1β, and IL-18, not by affecting transcription or translation of these cytokines, but via activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome. MIF is required for the interaction between NLRP3 and the intermediate filament protein vimentin, which is critical for NLRP3 activation. Further, we demonstrate that MIF interacts with NLRP3, indicating a role for MIF in inflammasome activation independent of its role as a cytokine. These data advance our understanding of how MIF regulates inflammation and identify it as a factor critical for NLRP3 inflammasome activation., MIF is a cytokine best known for its modulatory effect on expression of proinflammatory cytokines. Here the authors show that MIF facilitates the NLRP3–vimentin interaction, resulting in Nlrp3 inflammasome activation.

We report the synthesis and evaluation of 5-halogenated-1,2,3-Triazoles as inhibitors of biotin protein ligase from Staphylococcus aureus. The halogenated compounds exhibit significantly improved antibacterial activity over their nonhalogenated counterparts. Importantly, the 5-fluoro-1,2,3-Triazole compound 4c displays antibacterial activity against S. aureus ATCC49775 with a minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 8 μg/mL. Refereed/Peer-reviewed

Rotation of the bacterial flagellum is powered by a proton influx through the peptidoglycan (PG)-tethered stator ring MotA/B. MotA and MotB form an inner-membrane complex that does not conduct protons and does not bind to PG until it is inserted into the flagellar motor. The opening of the proton channel involves association of the plug helices in the periplasmic region of the MotB dimer into a parallel coiled coil. Here, we have characterised the structure of a soluble variant of full-length Helicobacter pylori MotB in which the plug helix was engineered to be locked in a parallel coiled coil state, mimicking the open state of the stator. Fluorescence resonance energy transfer measurements, combined with PG-binding assays and fitting of the crystal structures of MotB fragments to the small angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) data revealed that the protein’s C-terminal domain has a PG-binding-competent conformation. Molecular modelling against the SAXS data suggested that the linker in H. pylori MotB forms a subdomain between the plug and the C-terminal domain, that ‘clamps’ the coiled coil of the plug, thus stabilising the activated form of the protein. Based on these results, we present a pseudo-atomic model structure of full-length MotB in its activated form.

The Grb7 adaptor protein is a therapeutic target for both TNBC and HER2+ breast cancer. A nonphosphorylated cyclic peptide 1 (known as G7-18NATE) inhibits Grb7 via targeting the Grb7-SH2 domain, but requires the presence of phosphate ions for both affinity and specificity. Here we report the discovery of malonate bound in the phosphotyrosine binding pocket of the apo-Grb7-SH2 structure. Based on this, we carried out the rational design and synthesis of two analogues of peptide 1 that incorporate carboxymethylphenylalanine (cmF) and carboxyphenylalanine (cF) as mimics of phosphotyrosine (pY). Binding studies using SPR confirmed that affinity for Grb7-SH2 domain is improved up to 9-fold over peptide 1 under physiological phosphate conditions (KD = 2.1-5.7 μM) and that binding is specific for Grb7-SH2 over closely related domains (low or no detectable binding to Grb2-SH2 and Grb10-SH2). X-ray crystallographic structural analysis of the analogue bearing a cmF moiety in complex with Grb7-SH2 has identified the precise contacts conferred by the pY mimic that underpin this improved molecular interaction. Together this study identifies and characterizes the tightest specific inhibitor of Grb7 to date, representing a significant development toward a new Grb7-targeted therapeutic.

Both RNA-binding proteins (RBP) and miRNA play important roles in the regulation of mRNA expression, often acting together to regulate a target mRNA. In some cases the RBP and miRNA have been reported to act competitively, but in other instances they function cooperatively. Here, we investigated HuR function as an enhancer of let-7-mediated translational repression of c-Myc despite the separation of their binding sites. Using an in vitro system, we determined that a let-7 mimic, consisting of single-stranded (ss)DNA complementary to the let-7 binding site, enhanced the affinity of HuR for a 122-nt MYC RNA encompassing both binding sites. This finding supports the biophysical principle of cooperative binding by an RBP and miRNA purely through interactions at distal mRNA binding sites.

In this article, we describe the engineering and X-ray crystal structure of Thermal Green Protein (TGP), an extremely stable, highly soluble, non-aggregating green fluorescent protein. TGP is a soluble variant of the fluorescent protein eCGP123, which despite being highly stable, has proven to be aggregation-prone. The X-ray crystal structure of eCGP123, also determined within the context of this paper, was used to carry out rational surface engineering to improve its solubility, leading to TGP. The approach involved simultaneously eliminating crystal lattice contacts while increasing the overall negative charge of the protein. Despite intentional disruption of lattice contacts and introduction of high entropy glutamate side chains, TGP crystallized readily in a number of different conditions and the X-ray crystal structure of TGP was determined to 1.9 A resolution. The structural reasons for the enhanced stability of TGP and eCGP123 are discussed. We demonstrate the utility of using TGP as a fusion partner in various assays and significantly, in amyloid assays in which the standard fluorescent protein, EGFP, is undesirable because of aberrant oligomerization.

Dethiobiotin synthetase (DTBS) plays a crucial role in biotin biosynthesis in microorganisms, fungi, and plants. Due to its importance in bacterial pathogenesis, and the absence of a human homologue, DTBS is a promising target for the development of new antibacterials desperately needed to combat antibiotic resistance. Here we report the first X-ray structure of DTBS from Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MtDTBS) bound to a nucleotide triphosphate (CTP). The nucleoside base is stabilized in its pocket through hydrogen-bonding interactions with the protein backbone, rather than amino acid side chains. This resulted in the unexpected finding that MtDTBS could utilise ATP, CTP, GTP, ITP, TTP, or UTP with similar Kmand kcatvalues, although the enzyme had the highest affinity for CTP in competitive binding and surface plasmon resonance assays. This is in contrast to other DTBS homologues that preferentially bind ATP primarily through hydrogen-bonds between the purine base and the carboxamide side chain of a key asparagine. Mutational analysis performed alongside in silico experiments revealed a gate-keeper role for Asn175 in Escherichia coli DTBS that excludes binding of other nucleotide triphosphates. Here we provide evidence to show that MtDTBS has a broad nucleotide specificity due to the absence of the gate-keeper residue. Refereed/Peer-reviewed

The engagement of natural killer cell immunoglobulin-like receptors (KIRs) with their target ligands, human leukocyte antigen (HLA) molecules, is a critical component of innate immunity. Structurally, KIRs typically have either two (D1-D2) or three (D0-D1-D2) extracellular immunoglobulin domains, with the D1 and D2 domain recognizing the α1 and α2 helices of HLA, respectively, whereas the D0 domain of the KIR3DLs binds a loop region flanking the α1 helix of the HLA molecule. KIR2DL4 is distinct from other KIRs (except KIR2DL5) in that it does not contain a D1 domain and instead has a D0-D2 arrangement. Functionally, KIR2DL4 is also atypical in that, unlike all other KIRs, KIR2DL4 has both activating and inhibitory signaling domains. Here, we determined the 2.8 Å crystal structure of the extracellular domains of KIR2DL4. Structurally, KIR2DL4 is reminiscent of other KIR2DL receptors, with the D0 and D2 adopting the C2-type immunoglobulin fold arranged with an acute elbow angle. However, KIR2DL4 self-associated via the D0 domain in a concentration-dependent manner and was observed as a tetramer in the crystal lattice by size exclusion chromatography, dynamic light scattering, analytical ultracentrifugation, and small angle x-ray scattering experiments. The assignment of residues in the D0 domain to forming the KIR2DL4 tetramer precludes an interaction with HLA akin to that observed for KIR3DL1. Accordingly, no interaction was observed to HLA by direct binding studies. Our data suggest that the unique functional properties of KIR2DL4 may be mediated by self-association of the receptor.

The transfer of antibiotic resistance between bacteria is mediated by mobile genetic elements such as plasmids and transposons. TnpX is a member of the large serine recombinase subgroup of site-specific recombinases and is responsible for the excision and insertion of mobile genetic elements that encode chloramphenicol resistance in the pathogens Clostridium perfringens and Clostridium difficile. TnpX consists of three structural domains: domain I contains the catalytic site, whereas domains II and III contain DNA-binding motifs. We have solved the solution structure of residues 1–120 of the catalytic domain I of TnpX. The TnpX catalytic domain shares the same overall fold as other serine recombinases; however, differences are evident in the identity of the proposed hydrogen donor and in the size, amino acid composition, conformation, and dynamics of the TnpX active site loops. To obtain the interaction surface of TnpX1–120, we titrated a DNA oligonucleotide containing the circular intermediate joint attCI recombination site into 15N-labeled TnpX1–120 and observed progressive nuclear magnetic resonance chemical shift perturbations using 15N HSQC spectra. Perturbations were largely confined to a region surrounding the catalytic serine and encompassed residues of the active site loops. Utilizing the perturbation map and the data-driven docking program, HADDOCK, we have generated a model of the DNA interaction complex for the TnpX catalytic domain. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Stress granule (SG) formation is a primary mechanism through which gene expression is rapidly modulated when the eukaryotic cell undergoes cellular stresses (including heat, oxidative, viral infection, starvation). In particular, the sequestration of specifically targeted translationally stalled mRNAs into SGs limits the expression of a subset of genes, but allows the expression of heatshock proteins that have a protective effect in the cell. The importance of SGs is seen in several disease states in which SG function is disrupted. Fundamental to SG formation are the T cell restricted intracellular antigen (TIA) proteins (TIA-1 and TIA-1 related protein (TIAR)), that both directly bind to target RNA and self-associate to seed the formation of SGs. Here a summary is provided of the current understanding of the way in which TIA proteins target specific mRNA, and how TIA self-association is triggered under conditions of cellular stress.

Human growth factor receptor-bound protein 7 (Grb7) is an adapter protein involved in cell growth, migration and proliferation. It is now recognized that Grb7 is an emerging therapeutic target in specific cancer subtypes. Recently, the discovery of a bicyclic peptide inhibitor that targets the Grb7 SH2 domain, named G7-B1, was reported. In an attempt to probe the foundation of its interaction with Grb7, the crystallization and preliminary data collection of both the apo and G7-B1-bound forms of the Grb7 SH2 domain are reported here. Diffraction-quality crystals were obtained using the hanging-drop vapour-diffusion method. After several rounds of microseeding, crystals of the apo Grb7 SH2 domain were obtained that diffracted to 1.8 Å resolution, while those of the G7-B1–Grb7 SH2 domain complex diffracted to 2.2 Å resolution. The apo Grb7 SH2 domain crystallized in the trigonal space group P63, whereas the G7-B1–Grb7 SH2 domain complex crystallized in the monoclinic space group P21. The experimental aspects of crystallization, crystal optimization and data collection and the preliminary data are reported.

TIA-1 (T-cell restricted intracellular antigen-1) is an RNA-binding protein involved in splicing and translational repression. It mainly interacts with RNA via its second and third RNA recognition motifs (RRMs), with specificity for U-rich sequences directed by RRM2. It has recently been shown that RRM3 also contributes to binding, with preferential binding for C-rich sequences. Here we designed UC-rich and CU-rich 10-nt sequences for engagement of both RRM2 and RRM3 and demonstrated that the TIA-1 RRM23 construct preferentially binds the UC-rich RNA ligand (5΄-UUUUUACUCC-3΄). Interestingly, this binding depends on the presence of Lys274 that is C-terminal to RRM3 and binding to equivalent DNA sequences occurs with similar affinity. Small-angle X-ray scattering was used to demonstrate that, upon complex formation with target RNA or DNA, TIA-1 RRM23 adopts a compact structure, showing that both RRMs engage with the target 10-nt sequences to form the complex. We also report the crystal structure of TIA-1 RRM2 in complex with DNA to 2.3 Å resolution providing the first atomic resolution structure of any TIA protein RRM in complex with oligonucleotide. Together our data support a specific mode of TIA-1 RRM23 interaction with target oligonucleotides consistent with the role of TIA-1 in binding RNA to regulate gene expression.

The essential metabolic enzyme biotin protein ligase (BPL) is a potential target for the development of new antibiotics required to combat drug-resistant pathogens. Staphylococcus aureus BPL (SaBPL) is a bifunctional protein, possessing both biotin ligase and transcription repressor activities. This positions BPL as a key regulator of several important metabolic pathways. Here, we report the structural analysis of both holo- and apo-forms of SaBPL using X-ray crystallography. We also present small-angle X-ray scattering data of SaBPL in complex with its biotin-carboxyl carrier protein substrate as well as the SaBPL:DNA complex that underlies repression. This has revealed the molecular basis of ligand (biotinyl-5′-AMP) binding and conformational changes associated with catalysis and repressor function. These data provide new information to better understand the bifunctional activities of SaBPL and to inform future strategies for antibiotic discovery.

The RNA-binding protein TIAR is an mRNA-binding protein that acts as a translational repressor, particularly important under conditions of cellular stress. It binds to target mRNA and DNA via its RNA recognition motif (RRM) domains and is involved in both splicing regulation and translational repression via the formation of "stress granules." TIAR has also been shown to bind ssDNA and play a role in the regulation of transcription. Here we show, using surface plasmon resonance and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, specific roles of individual TIAR domains for high-affinity binding to RNA and DNA targets. We confirm that RRM2 of TIAR is the major RNA- and DNA-binding domain. However, the strong nanomolar affinity binding to U-rich RNA and T-rich DNA depends on the presence of the six amino acid residues found in the linker region C-terminal to RRM2. On its own, RRM1 shows preferred binding to DNA over RNA. We further characterize the interaction between RRM2 with the C-terminal extension and an AU-rich target RNA sequence using NMR spectroscopy to identify the amino acid residues involved in binding. We demonstrate that TIAR RRM2, together with its C-terminal extension, is the major contributor for the high-affinity (nM) interactions of TIAR with target RNA sequences.

Thioredoxin-interacting protein (TXNIP) is one of the six known α-arrestins and has recently received considerable attention owing to its involvement in redox signalling and metabolism. Various stress stimuli such as high glucose, heat shock, UV, H2O2 and mechanical stress among others robustly induce the expression of TXNIP, resulting in the sequestration and inactivation of thioredoxin, which in turn leads to cellular oxidative stress. While TXNIP is the only α-arrestin known to bind thioredoxin, TXNIP and two other α-arrestins, Arrdc4 and Arrdc3, have been implicated in metabolism. Furthermore, owing to its roles in the pathologies of diabetes and cardiovascular disease, TXNIP is considered to be a promising drug target. Based on their amino-acid sequences, TXNIP and the other α-arrestins are remotely related to β-arrestins. Here, the crystal structure of the N-terminal domain of TXNIP is reported. It provides the first structural information on any of the α-arrestins and reveals that although TXNIP adopts a β-arrestin fold as predicted, it is structurally more similar to Vps26 proteins than to β-arrestins, while sharing below 15% pairwise sequence identity with either.

The retinoic acid inducible gene-I (RIG-I)-like family of receptors is positioned at the front line of our innate cellular defence system. RIG-I detects and binds to foreign duplex RNA in the cytoplasm of both immune and non-immune cells, and initiates the induction of type I interferons and pro-inflammatory cytokines. The mechanism of RIG-I activation by double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) involves a molecular rearrangement proposed to expose the N-terminal pair of caspase activation recruitment domains, enabling an interaction with interferon-beta promoter stimulator 1 (IPS-1) and thereby initiating downstream signalling. dsRNA is particularly stimulatory when longer than 20 bp, potentially through allowing binding of more than one RIG-I molecule. Here, we characterize full-length RIG-I and RIG-I subdomains combined with a stimulatory 29mer dsRNA using multi-angle light scattering and size-exclusion chromatography–coupled small-angle X-ray scattering, to build up a molecular model of RIG-I before and after the formation of a 2:1 protein:dsRNA assembly. We report the small-angle X-ray scattering–derived solution structure of the human apo-RIG-I and observe that on binding of RIG-I to dsRNA in a 2:1 ratio, the complex becomes highly extended and flexible. Hence, here we present the first model of the fully activated oligomeric RIG-I.

Careful control of the reaction stoichiometry and conditions enables the synthesis of both LiTCNQF(4) and Li(2)TCNQF(4) to be achieved. Reaction of LiI with TCNQF(4), in a 4:1 molar ratio, in boiling acetonitrile yields Li(2)TCNQF(4). However, deviation from this ratio or the reaction temperature gives either LiTCNQF(4) or a mixture of Li(2)TCNQF(4) and LiTCNQF(4). This is the first report of the large-scale chemical synthesis of Li(2)TCNQF(4). Attempts to prepare a single crystal of Li(2)TCNQF(4) have been unsuccessful, although air-stable (Pr(4)N)(2)TCNQF(4) was obtained by mixing Pr(4)NBr with Li(2)TCNQF(4) in aqueous solution. Pr(4)NTCNQF(4) was also obtained by reaction of LiTCNQF(4) with Pr(4)NBr in water. Li(2)TCNQF(4), (Pr(4)N)(2)TCNQF(4), and Pr(4)NTCNQF(4) have been characterized by UV-vis, FT-IR, Raman, and NMR spectroscopy, high resolution electrospray ionization mass spectrometry, and electrochemistry. The structures of single crystals of (Pr(4)N)(2)TCNQF(4) and Pr(4)NTCNQF(4) have been determined by X-ray crystallography. These TCNQF(4)(2-) salts will provide useful precursors for the synthesis of derivatives of the dianions.

The design of potent and specific peptide inhibitors to therapeutic targets is of enormous utility for both proof-of-concept studies and for the development of potential new therapeutics. Grb7 is a key signaling molecule in the progression of HER2 positive and triple negative breast cancers. Here we report the crystal structure of a stapled bicyclic peptide inhibitor G7-B1 in complex with the Grb7-SH2 domain. This revealed an unexpected binding mode of the peptide, in which the staple forms an alternative contact with the surface of the target protein. Based on this structural information, we designed a new series of bicyclic G7 peptides that progressively constrain the starting peptide, to arrive at the G7-B4 peptide that binds with an approximately 2-fold enhanced affinity to the Grb7-SH2 domain (KD = 0.83 μM) compared to G7-B1 and shows low affinity binding to Grb2-, Grb10- and Grb14-SH2 domains (KD > 100 μM). Furthermore, we determined the structure of the G7-B4 bicyclic peptide in complex with the Grb7-SH2 domain, both before and after ring closing metathesis to show that the closed staple is essential to the target interaction. The G7-B4 peptide represents an advance in the development of Grb7 inhibitors and is a classical example of structure aided inhibitor development.

Phenol and its derivatives are common pollutants that are present in industrial discharge and are major xenobiotics that lead to water pollution. To monitor as well as improve water quality, attempts have been made in the past to engineer bacterial in vivo biosensors. However, due to the paucity of structural information, there is insufficiency in gauging the factors that lead to high sensitivity and selectivity, thereby impeding development. Here, we present the crystal structure of the sensor domain of MopR (MopR(AB)) from Acinetobacter calcoaceticus in complex with phenol and its derivatives to a maximum resolution of 2.5 angstrom. The structure reveals that the N-terminal residues 2147 possess a unique fold, which are involved in stabilization of the biological dimer, and the central ligand binding domain belongs to the nitric oxide signaling and golgi transport fold, commonly present in eukaryotic proteins that bind long-chain fatty acids. In addition, MopR(AB) nests a zinc atom within a novel zinc binding motif, crucial for maintaining structural integrity. We propose that this motif is crucial for orchestrated motions associated with the formation of the effector binding pocket. Our studies reveal that residues W134 and H106 play an important role in ligand binding and are the key selectivity determinants. Furthermore, comparative analysis of MopR with XylR and DmpR sensor domains enabled the design of a MopR binding pocket that is competent in binding DmpR-specific ligands. Collectively, these findings pave way towards development of specific/broad based biosensors, which can act as useful tools for detection of this class of pollutants.

Experimental and theoretical data indicate that, for α-fluoroamides, the F-C-C(O)-N(H) moiety adopts an antiperiplanar conformation. In addition, a gauche conformation is favoured between the vicinal C-F and C-N(CO) bonds in N-β-fluoroethylamides. This study details the synthesis of a series of fluorinated β-peptides (1-8) designed to use these stereoelectronic effects to control the conformation of β-peptide bonds. X-ray crystal structures of these compounds revealed the expected conformations: with fluorine β to a nitrogen adopting a gauche conformation, and fluorine α to a C=O group adopting an antiperiplanar conformation. Thus, the strategic placement of fluorine can control the conformation of a β-peptide bond, with the possibility of directing the secondary structures of β-peptides.

Src-homology (SH2) domains are an attractive target for the inhibition of specific signalling pathways but pose the challenge of developing a truly specific inhibitor. The G7-18NATE cyclic peptide is reported to specifically inhibit the growth factor receptor bound protein 7 (Grb7) adapter protein, implicated in the progression of several cancer types, via interactions with its SH2 domain. G7-18NATE effectively inhibits the interaction of Grb7 with ErbB3 and focal adhesion kinase in cell lysates and, with the addition of a cell permeability sequence, inhibits the growth and migration of a number of breast cancer cell lines. It is thus a promising lead in the development of therapeutics targeted to Grb7. Here we investigate the degree to which G7-18NATE is specific for the Grb7-SH2 domain compared with closely related SH2 domains including those of Grb10, Grb14, and Grb2 using surface plasmon resonance. We demonstrate that G7-18NATE binds with micromolar binding affinity to Grb7-SH2 domain (KD = 4–6 μm) compared with 50–200 times lower affinity for Grb10, Grb14, and Grb2 but that this specificity depends critically on the presence of phosphate in millimolar concentrations. Other differences in buffer composition, including use of Tris or 2-(N-Morpholino)ethanesulfonic acid or varying the pH, do not impact on the interaction. This suggests that under cellular conditions, G7-18NATE binds with highest affinity to Grb7. In addition, our findings demonstrate that the basis of specificity of G7-18NATE binding to the Grb7-SH2 domain is via other than intrinsic structural features of the protein, representing an unexpected mode of molecular recognition. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Acetyl-CoA carboxylase (ACC) catalyses the first committed step in fatty acid biosynthesis: a metabolic pathway required for several important biological processes including the synthesis and maintenance of cellular membranes. ACC employs a covalently attached biotin moiety to bind a carboxyl anion and then transfer it to acetyl-CoA, yielding malonyl-CoA. These activities occur at two different subsites: the biotin carboxylase (BC) and carboxyltransferase (CT). Structural biology, together with small molecule inhibitor studies, has provided new insights into the molecular mechanisms that govern ACC catalysis, specifically the BC and CT subunits. Here, we review these recent findings and highlight key differences between the bacterial and eukaryotic isozymes with a view to establish those features that provide an opportunity for selective inhibition. Especially important are examples of highly selective small molecule inhibitors capable of differentiating between ACCs from different phyla. The implications for early stage antibiotic discovery projects, stemming from these studies, are discussed. Refereed/Peer-reviewed

Grb7 is an adapter protein that is involved in signalling pathways that mediate eukaryotic cell proliferation and migration. Its overexpression in several cancer types has implicated it in cancer progression and led to the development of the G7-18NATE cyclic peptide inhibitor. Here, the preparation of crystals of G7-­18NATE in complex with its Grb7 SH2 domain target is reported. Crystals of the complex were grown by the hanging-drop vapour-diffusion method using PEG 3350 as the precipitant at room temperature. X-ray diffraction data were collected from crystals to 2.4 A resolution using synchrotron X-ray radiation at 100 K. The diffraction was consistent with space group P21, with unit-cell parameters a = 52.7, b = 79.1, c = 54.7 A, α = γ = 90.0, β = 104.4°. The structure of the G7-18NATE peptide in complex with its target will facilitate the rational development of Grb7-targeted cancer therapeutics.

Surface plasmon resonance (SPR) is a useful biosensor technique for the study of biomolecular interactions, with the potential for high-throughput screening of ligand interactions with drug targets. The key to its successful use, however, is in the appropriate design of the experiment, including the mode of immobilization to the biosensor chip. We report an investigation of the use of SPR for measuring the affinity of the G7-18NATE peptide ligand for its Grb7-SH2 domain target involved in the migratory and proliferative potential of cancer cells. Previous studies have shown that the cyclic non-phosphorylated peptide, G7-18NATE, inhibits Grb7 interactions with upstream binding partners and is able to inhibit both cell migration and proliferation of cancer cells. We report the synthesis of a biotinylated G7-18NATE covalently attached to a linker (G7-18NATE-ASASASK-Biotin) and compare its interaction with the Grb7-SH2 domain by SPR using three different immobilization strategies; immobilisation of the peptide via streptavidin, immobilization of glutathione S-transferase (GST)-Grb7-SH2 domain via anti-GST antibody, and immobilization of biotinylated Grb7-SH2 domain via streptavidin. This revealed that sensorgrams free from non-specific binding and displaying simple kinetics were most readily achieved by immobilising the protein rather than the peptide, in spite of the lower response associated with this method. KD values of ~300 μM were determined for both strategies at pH 7.4. This compared with a KD value of 4.4 μM at pH 6 demonstrating the importance of pH on this interaction. Overall, the immobilised protein systems are most suitable for future comparative screening efforts using SPR.

The b-site APP cleaving enzyme (BACE1) is responsible for the first step in the production of the b-amyloid protein of Alzheimer’s disease. BACE1 is synthesized as a partially active zymogen (proBACE1). We previously showed that the glycosaminoglycan (GAG) heparin can increase the enzyme activity of proBACE1. In this study, the structural requirements and the mechanism for the GAG-induced activation were examined. The effect of heparin on proBACE1 was influenced by the degree of sulfation and carboxylation of the GAG, as well as by the length of the sugar. Although low molecular weight heparin fragments did not strongly stimulate proBACE1, they inhibited heparin-induced activation of the enzyme. The structure of the zymogen was modeled using the known X-ray structures of the BACE1 catalytic domain and the homologous prodomain of porcine pepsinogen. The modeled structure suggested that a heparin-binding domain may reside close to the prodomain, and that movement of a loop region between residues 46–65, lying adjacent to the prodomain, may be needed to accommodate heparin binding. The presence of the loop domain adjacent to the active site may account for the lower activity of the zymogen relative to the mature enzyme. Movement of the loop region upon heparin binding could expose the active site region to allow for increased substrate binding. The results suggest a model in which conformational changes close to the prodomain may be involved in the mechanism of heparin-induced activation of proBACE1.

SummaryMany pathogenic bacteria have sophisticated mechanisms to interfere with the mammalian immune response. These include the disruption of host extracellular ATP levels that, in humans, is tightly regulated by the nucleoside triphosphate diphosphohydrolase family (NTPDases). NTPDases are found almost exclusively in eukaryotes, the notable exception being their presence in some pathogenic prokaryotes. To address the function of bacterial NTPDases, we describe the structures of an NTPDase from the pathogen Legionella pneumophila (Lpg1905/Lp1NTPDase) in its apo state and in complex with the ATP analog AMPPNP and the subtype-specific NTPDase inhibitor ARL 67156. Lp1NTPDase is structurally and catalytically related to eukaryotic NTPDases and the structure provides a basis for NTPDase-specific inhibition. Furthermore, we demonstrate that the activity of Lp1NTPDase correlates directly with intracellular replication of Legionella within macrophages. Collectively, these findings provide insight into the mechanism of this enzyme and highlight its role in host-pathogen interactions.

Glutathione S-transferases (GSTs) are dimeric proteins that play an important role in cellular detoxification. Four GSTs from the mosquito Anopheles dirus species B (Ad), an important malaria vector in South East Asia, are produced by alternate splicing of a single transcription product and were previously shown to have detoxifying activity towards pesticides such as DDT. We have determined the crystal structures for two of these alternatively spliced proteins, AdGST1-3 (complexed with glutathione) and AdGST1-4 (apo form), at 1.75 and 2.45 A resolution, respectively. These GST isozymes show differences from the related GST from the Australian sheep blowfly Lucilia cuprina; in particular, the presence of a C-terminal helix forming part of the active site. This helix causes the active site of the Anopheles GSTs to be enclosed. The glutathione-binding helix alpha2 and flanking residues are disordered in the AdGST1-4 (apo) structure, yet ordered in the AdGST1-3 (GSH-bound) structure, suggesting that insect GSTs operate with an induced fit mechanism similar to that found in the plant phi- and human pi-class GSTs. Despite the high overall sequence identities, the active site residues of AdGST1-4 and AdGST1-3 have different conformations.

Spirochetes of the genus Leptospira cause leptospirosis in humans and animals worldwide. Proteins exposed on the bacterial cell surface are implicated in the pathogenesis of leptospirosis. However, the biological role of the majority of these proteins is unknown; this is principally due to the lack of genetic systems for investigating Leptospira and the absence of any structural information on leptospiral antigens. To address this, we have determined the 2.0-A-resolution structure of the lipoprotein LipL32, the most abundant outer-membrane and surface protein present exclusively in pathogenic Leptospira species. The extracellular domain of LipL32 revealed a compact, globular, "jelly-roll" fold from which projected an unusual extended beta-hairpin that served as a principal mediator of the observed crystallographic dimer. Two acid-rich patches were also identified as potential binding sites for positively charged ligands, such as laminin, to which LipL32 has a propensity to bind. Although LipL32 shared no significant sequence identity to any known protein, it possessed structural homology to the adhesins that bind components of the extracellular matrix, suggesting that LipL32 functions in an analogous manner. Moreover, the structure provides a framework for understanding the immunological role of this major surface lipoprotein.

AB(5) toxins comprise an A subunit that corrupts essential eukaryotic cell functions, and pentameric B subunits that direct target-cell uptake after binding surface glycans. Subtilase cytotoxin (SubAB) is an AB(5) toxin secreted by Shiga toxigenic Escherichia coli (STEC), which causes serious gastrointestinal disease in humans. SubAB causes haemolytic uraemic syndrome-like pathology in mice through SubA-mediated cleavage of BiP/GRP78, an essential endoplasmic reticulum chaperone. Here we show that SubB has a strong preference for glycans terminating in the sialic acid N-glycolylneuraminic acid (Neu5Gc), a monosaccharide not synthesized in humans. Structures of SubB-Neu5Gc complexes revealed the basis for this specificity, and mutagenesis of key SubB residues abrogated in vitro glycan recognition, cell binding and cytotoxicity. SubAB specificity for Neu5Gc was confirmed using mouse tissues with a human-like deficiency of Neu5Gc and human cell lines fed with Neu5Gc. Despite lack of Neu5Gc biosynthesis in humans, assimilation of dietary Neu5Gc creates high-affinity receptors on human gut epithelia and kidney vasculature. This, and the lack of Neu5Gc-containing body fluid competitors in humans, confers susceptibility to the gastrointestinal and systemic toxicities of SubAB. Ironically, foods rich in Neu5Gc are the most common source of STEC contamination. Thus a bacterial toxin's receptor is generated by metabolic incorporation of an exogenous factor derived from food.

DsbA is an enzyme found in the periplasm of Gram-negative bacteria that catalyzes the formation of disulfide bonds in a diverse array of protein substrates, many of which are involved in bacterial pathogenesis. Although most bacteria possess only a single essential DsbA, Neisseria meningitidis is unusual in that it possesses three DsbAs, although the reason for this additional redundancy is unclear. Two of these N. meningitidis enzymes (NmDsbA1 and NmDsbA2) play an important role in meningococcal attachment to human epithelial cells, whereas NmDsbA3 is considered to have a narrow substrate repertoire. To begin to address the role of DsbAs in the pathogenesis of N. meningitidis, we have determined the structure of NmDsbA3 to 2.3-A resolution. Although the sequence identity between NmDsbA3 and other DsbAs is low, the NmDsbA3 structure adopted a DsbA-like fold. Consistent with this finding, we demonstrated that NmDsbA3 acts as a thiol-disulfide oxidoreductase in vitro and is reoxidized by Escherichia coli DsbB (EcDsbB). However, pronounced differences in the structures between DsbA3 and EcDsbA, which are clustered around the active site of the enzyme, suggested a structural basis for the unusual substrate specificity that is observed for NmDsbA3.

Biotin protein ligase (BPL) is an essential enzyme responsible for the activation of biotin-dependent enzymes through the covalent attachment of biotin. In yeast, disruption of BPL affects important metabolic pathways such as fatty acid biosynthesis and gluconeogenesis. This makes BPL an attractive drug target for new antifungal agents. Here we report the cloning, recombinant expression and purification of BPL from the fungal pathogen Candida albicans. The biotin domains of acetyl CoA carboxylase and pyruvate carboxylase were also cloned and characterised as substrates for BPL. A novel assay was established thereby allowing examination of the enzyme's properties. These findings will facilitate future structural studies as well as screening efforts to identify potential inhibitors. © 2008 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. Refereed/Peer-reviewed

Inhibins A and B negatively regulate the production and secretion of follicle-stimulating hormone from the anterior pituitary, control ovarian follicle development and steroidogenesis, and act as tumor suppressors in the gonads. Inhibins regulate these reproductive events by forming high affinity complexes with betaglycan and activin or bone morphogenetic protein type II receptors. In this study, the binding site of inhibin A for betaglycan was characterized using inhibin A mutant proteins. An epitope for high affinity betaglycan binding was detected spanning the outer convex surface of the inhibin alpha-subunit. Homology modeling indicates that key alpha-subunit residues (Tyr(50), Val(108), Thr(111), Ser(112), Phe(118), Lys(119), and Tyr(120)) form a contiguous epitope in this region of the molecule. Disruption of betaglycan binding by the simultaneous substitution of Thr(111), Ser(112), and Tyr(120) to alanine yielded an inhibin A variant that was unable to suppress activin-induced follicle-stimulating hormone release by rat pituitary cells in culture. Together these results indicate that a high affinity interaction between betaglycan and residues Val(108)-Tyr(120) of the inhibin alpha-subunit mediate inhibin A biological activity.

Biotin protein ligase from Staphylococcus aureus catalyses the biotinylation of acetyl-CoA carboxylase and pyruvate carboxylase. Recombinant biotin protein ligase from S. aureus has been cloned, expressed and purified. Crystals were grown using the hanging-drop vapour-diffusion method using PEG 8000 as the precipitant at 295 K. X-ray diffraction data were collected to 2.3 Å resolution from crystals using synchrotron X-ray radiation at 100 K. The diffraction was consistent with the tetragonal space group P422 12, with unit-cell parameters a = b = 93.665, c = 131.95. Refereed/Peer-reviewed

Haloacid dehalogenases catalyse the removal of halides from organic haloacids and are of interest for bioremediation and for their potential use in the synthesis of industrial chemicals. We present the crystal structure of the homodimer DehI from Pseudomonas putida strain PP3, the first structure of a group I alpha-haloacid dehalogenase that can process both L- and D-substrates. The structure shows that the DehI monomer consists of two domains of approximately 130 amino acids that have approximately 16% sequence identity yet adopt virtually identical and unique folds that form a pseudo-dimer. Analysis of the active site reveals the likely binding mode of both L- and D-substrates with respect to key catalytic residues. Asp189 is predicted to activate a water molecule for nucleophilic attack of the substrate chiral centre resulting in an inversion of configuration of either l- or d-substrates in contrast to D-only enzymes. These details will assist with future bioengineering of dehalogenases.

Mammalian gene expression is extensively regulated at the posttranscriptional level, via mechanisms such as pre-mRNA splicing, transport, stability, and translation. Prominent among the posttranscriptional trans-acting factors that influence these processes are RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) that influence transcript splicing, localization, stability, and association with the translation machinery (11, 17, 42). Many mRNAs encoding stress-response, proliferative, immune, and developmental proteins comprise specific regulatory sequences in the untranslated regions (UTRs), often encompassing uridine- or adenine/uridine-rich stretches (hence termed “AREs”). AREs are bound by a specific subset of RBPs that influence the stability and translation of the ribonucleoprotein (RNP) complex. Many ARE-RBPs decrease the stability of target mRNAs, including AU-binding factor 1 (AUF1), tristetraprolin (TTP), K homology splicing-regulatory protein (KSRP), and the butyrate response factor 1 (BRF1) (7, 27, 34, 39, 46). Other ARE-RBPs, like the Hu proteins (HuR, HuB, HuC, and HuD), can stabilize target mRNAs instead (4, 6); Hu proteins have also been shown to modulate the translation of several target mRNAs, both enhancing (5, 24, 31) and inhibiting (9, 23, 33) protein synthesis. However, the best-studied ARE-RBPs functioning as translational inhibitors are the T-cell-restricted intracellular antigen 1 (TIA-1) and the TIA-1-related protein TIAR (1, 2, 14, 28, 32). TIA-1 and TIAR contain three RNA-recognition motifs (RRMs) through which they bind mRNAs (10). In addition to participating in pre-mRNA splicing (12, 26, 38), TIA-1 and TIAR have been proposed to repress translation (1, 2, 32, 37). In unstressed cells, a preinitiation complex (comprising the eukaryotic translation initiation factor 1 [eIF-1], eIF-2, eIF-3, eIF-5, and the 40S ribosomal subunit) forms at the 5′ end of capped mRNAs. Following the recognition of an initiation codon, the 60S subunit assembles, displacing the eIFs and forming a functional ribosome to initiate translation. In cells exposed to damaging agents, phosphorylation of eIF-2α by a family of kinases (PKR, PERK, GCN2, and HRI) reduces the levels of functional preinitiation complex (recently reviewed in reference 16). Under these conditions, TIAR and TIA-1 have been postulated to function as translational repressors by associating with eIF-4F, eIF-3, and the 40S ribosomal subunit, to form nonfunctional preinitiation complexes (2). The self-aggregating properties of TIA-1 and TIAR were further proposed to facilitate the accumulation of the translationally inactive preinitiation complexes into discrete cytoplasmic foci called stress granules (SGs). Given the presence of RBPs implicated in the regulation of mRNA turnover (such as TTP and HuR) and translation (TIA proteins) at SGs, these foci are believed to function as dynamic sites of mRNA triage during stress, wherein the composition of mRNA RNP complexes and their subsequent engagement with the translation or degradation machineries are decided (20, 21). While these mechanisms of TIA-1/TIAR action can lead to a general suppression of translation in the cell, they are believed to have a preferential effect upon specific subsets of bound mRNAs, such as ARE-containing mRNAs encoding tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), matrix metalloproteinase 13 (MMP-13), cyclooxygenase 2 (COX-2), and β2-adrenergic receptor (AR) (8, 14, 19, 37, 44). Accordingly, global searches have been undertaken to identify TIA-1/TIAR target mRNAs systematically. An earlier study in which pools of random RNA sequences were selected/amplified in vitro revealed that both TIA proteins recognized RNAs containing U-rich stretches (10). More recently, a genome-wide search for TIA-1 target mRNAs was carried out by immunoprecipitation (IP) of TIA-1 RNPs followed by the identification of bound transcripts using DNA microarrays (28). A computational analysis of the target mRNAs found by this approach led to the elucidation of a shared signature motif present among mRNAs which was also U rich. TIA-1 was shown to associate with target mRNAs bearing this motif in cells subjected to heat shock and to suppress their translation (28). Using a similar en masse approach, TIAR target mRNAs were found to include many mRNAs encoding translation factors and other proteins involved in translation (32). Further analysis of TIAR RNPs indicated that the association of TIAR with several target mRNAs increased following irradiation with short-wavelength UV light (UVC), thereby helping to suppress their translation (32). Here, we sought to elucidate a shared motif among TIAR target mRNAs. The starting material was a collection of TIAR-bound transcripts that was isolated from untreated RKO cells (a human colon cancer line) using the RNP IP methodology and was identified by using a microarray (32). Computational analysis of this set of transcripts revealed a shared signature motif that was unexpectedly C rich. The ability of TIAR RRM domains to bind to a representative C-rich sequence was verified in vitro using surface plasmon resonance (SPR). Further validation of this interaction was obtained by studying the binding of mRNAs that were predicted to be TIAR targets because their 3′ untranslated regions (3′UTRs) contained at least one occurrence of the C-rich TIAR motif. Interestingly, the transcripts tested were found to dissociate from TIAR in response to UVC treatment, suggesting that this C-rich TIAR signature motif may occur within mRNAs whose binding to TIAR decreases following stress stimulation.

The CD1 family is a large cluster of non-polymorphic, major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class-I-like molecules that bind distinct lipid-based antigens that are recognized by T cells. The most studied group of T cells that interact with lipid antigens are natural killer T (NKT) cells, which characteristically express a semi-invariant T-cell receptor (NKT TCR) that specifically recognizes the CD1 family member, CD1d. NKT-cell-mediated recognition of the CD1d-antigen complex has been implicated in microbial immunity, tumour immunity, autoimmunity and allergy. Here we describe the structure of a human NKT TCR in complex with CD1d bound to the potent NKT-cell agonist alpha-galactosylceramide, the archetypal CD1d-restricted glycolipid. In contrast to T-cell receptor-peptide-antigen-MHC complexes, the NKT TCR docked parallel to, and at the extreme end of the CD1d-binding cleft, which enables a lock-and-key type interaction with the lipid antigen. The structure provides a basis for the interaction between the highly conserved NKT TCR alpha-chain and the CD1d-antigen complex that is typified in innate immunity, and also indicates how variability of the NKT TCR beta-chain can impact on recognition of other CD1d-antigen complexes. These findings provide direct insight into how a T-cell receptor recognizes a lipid-antigen-presenting molecule of the immune system.

DehIVa is a haloacid dehalogenase (EC 3.8.1.2) from the soil and water borne bacterium Burkholderia cepacia MBA4, which belongs to the functionally variable haloacid dehalogenase (HAD) superfamily of enzymes. The haloacid dehalogenases catalyse the removal of halides from haloacids resulting in a hydroxlated product. These enzymes are of interest for their potential to degrade recalcitrant halogenated environmental pollutants and their use in the synthesis of industrial chemicals. The haloacid dehalogenases utilise a nucleophilic attack on the substrate by an aspartic acid residue to form an enzyme-substrate ester bond and concomitantly cleaving of the carbon-halide bond and release of a hydroxylated product following ester hydrolysis. We present the crystal structures of both the substrate-free DehIVa refined to 1.93 A resolution and DehIVa covalently bound to l-2-monochloropropanoate trapped as a reaction intermediate, refined to 2.7 A resolution. Electron density consistent with a previously unidentified yet anticipated water molecule in the active site poised to donate its hydroxyl group to the product and its proton to the catalytic Asp11 is evident. It has been unclear how substrate enters the active site of this and related enzymes. The results of normal mode analysis (NMA) are presented and suggest a means whereby the predicted global dynamics of the enzyme allow for entry of the substrate into the active site. In the context of these results, the possible role of Arg42 and Asn178 in a "lock down" mechanism affecting active site access is discussed. In silico substrate docking of enantiomeric substrates has been examined in order to evaluate the enzymes enantioselectivity.

Lysins are peptidoglycan hydrolases that are produced by bacteriophage and act to lyse the bacterial host cell wall during progeny phage release. Here, we describe the structure and function of a novel bacteriophage-derived lysin, PlyB, which displays potent lytic activity against the Bacillus anthracis -like strain ATCC 4342. This molecule comprises an N-terminal catalytic domain (PlyB cat ) and a C-terminal bacterial SH3-like domain, SH3b. It is shown that both domains are required for effective catalytic activity against ATCC 4342. Further, PlyB has specific activity comparable to the phage lysin PlyG, an amidase being developed as a therapeutic against anthrax. In contrast to PlyG, however, the 1.6 A X-ray crystal structure of PlyB cat reveals that the catalytic domain adopts the glycosyl hydrolase (GH)-25, rather than phage T7 lysozyme-like fold. PlyB therefore represents a new class of anthrax lysin and a new defensive tool in the armament against anthrax-mediated bioterrorism.

The biogenesis of membranes from constituent proteins and lipids is a fundamental aspect of cell biology. In the case of proteins assembled into bacterial outer membranes, an overarching question concerns how the energy required for protein insertion and folding is accessed at this remote location of the cell. The translocation and assembly module (TAM) is a nanomachine that functions in outer membrane biogenesis and virulence in diverse bacterial pathogens. Here we demonstrate the interactions through which TamA and TamB subunits dock to bridge the periplasm and unite the outer membrane aspects to the inner membrane of the bacterial cell. We show that specific functional features in TamA have been conserved through evolution, including residues surrounding the lateral gate and an extensive surface of the POTRA domains. Analysis by nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy and small angle X-ray scattering document the characteristic structural features of these POTRA domains and demonstrate rigidity in solution. Quartz crystal microbalance measurements pinpoint which POTRA domain specifically docks the TamB subunit of the nanomachine. We speculate that the POTRA domain of TamA functions as a lever arm in order to drive the activity of the TAM, assembling proteins into bacterial outer membranes.

An improved synthesis of biotinol-5′-AMP, an acyl-AMP mimic of the natural reaction intermediate of biotin protein ligase (BPL), is reported. This compound was shown to be a pan inhibitor of BPLs from a series of clinically important bacteria, particularly Staphylococcus aureus and Mycobacterium tuberculosis, and kinetic analysis revealed it to be competitive against the substrate biotin. Biotinol-5′-AMP also exhibits antibacterial activity against a panel of clinical isolates of S. aureus and M. tuberculosis with MIC values of 1-8 and 0.5-2.5 μg/mL, respectively, while being devoid of cytotoxicity to human HepG2 cells. Refereed/Peer-reviewed

The replication terminator protein (RTP) of Bacillus subtilis binds to specific DNA sequences that halt the progression of the replisome in a polar manner. These terminator complexes flank a defined region of the chromosome into which they allow replication forks to enter but not exit. Forcing the fusion of replication forks in a specific zone is thought to allow the coordination of post-replicative processes. The functional terminator complex comprises two homodimers each of 29 kDa bound to overlapping binding sites. A preparation of RTP and a 37-base-pair TerI sequence (comprising two binding sites for RTP) has been purified and crystallized. A data set to 3.9 A resolution with 97.0% completeness and an R(sym) of 12% was collected from a single flash-cooled crystal using synchrotron radiation. The diffraction data are consistent with space group P622, with unit-cell parameters a = b = 118.8, c = 142.6 A.

AB5 toxins are produced by pathogenic bacteria and consist of enzymatic A subunits that corrupt essential eukaryotic cell functions, and pentameric B subunits that mediate uptake into the target cell. AB5 toxins include the Shiga, cholera and pertussis toxins and a recently discovered fourth family, subtilase cytotoxin, which is produced by certain Shiga toxigenic strains of Escherichia coli. Here we show that the extreme cytotoxicity of this toxin for eukaryotic cells is due to a specific single-site cleavage of the essential endoplasmic reticulum chaperone BiP/GRP78. The A subunit is a subtilase-like serine protease; structural studies revealed an unusually deep active-site cleft, which accounts for its exquisite substrate specificity. A single amino-acid substitution in the BiP target site prevented cleavage, and co-expression of this resistant protein protected transfected cells against the toxin. BiP is a master regulator of endoplasmic reticulum function, and its cleavage by subtilase cytotoxin represents a previously unknown trigger for cell death.

Phanta is a reversibly photoswitching chromoprotein (ΦF, 0.003), useful for pcFRET, that was isolated from a mutagenesis screen of the bright green fluorescent eCGP123 (ΦF, 0.8). We have investigated the contribution of substitutions at positions His193, Thr69 and Gln62, individually and in combination, to the optical properties of Phanta. Single amino acid substitutions at position 193 resulted in proteins with very low ΦF, indicating the importance of this position in controlling the fluorescence efficiency of the variant proteins. The substitution Thr69Val in Phanta was important for supressing the formation of a protonated chromophore species observed in some His193 substituted variants, whereas the substitution Gln62Met did not significantly contribute to the useful optical properties of Phanta. X-ray crystal structures for Phanta (2.3 Å), eCGP123T69V (2.0 Å) and eCGP123H193Q (2.2 Å) in their non-photoswitched state were determined, revealing the presence of a cis-coplanar chromophore. We conclude that changes in the hydrogen-bonding network supporting the cis-chromophore, and its contacts with the surrounding protein matrix, are responsible for the low fluorescence emission of eCGP123 variants containing a His193 substitution. peerReviewed

The insect GST (glutathione transferase) supergene family encodes a varied group of proteins belonging to at least six individual classes. Interest in insect GSTs has focused on their role in conferring insecticide resistance. Previously from the mosquito malaria vector Anopheles dirus, two genes encoding five Delta class GSTs have been characterized for structural as well as enzyme activities. We have obtained a new Delta class GST gene and isoenzyme from A. dirus, which we name adGSTD5-5. The adGSTD5-5 isoenzyme was identified and was only detectably expressed in A. dirus adult females. A putative promoter analysis suggests that this GST has an involvement in oogenesis. The enzyme displayed little activity for classical GST substrates, although it possessed the greatest activity for DDT [1,1,1-trichloro-2,2-bis-(p-chlorophenyl)ethane] observed for Delta GSTs. However, GST activity was inhibited or enhanced in the presence of various fatty acids, suggesting that the enzyme may be modulated by fatty acids. We obtained a crystal structure for adGSTD5-5 and compared it with other Delta GSTs, which showed that adGSTD5-5 possesses an elongated and more polar active-site topology.