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bioRxiv2017

Mechanochemical Coupling and Bi-Phasic Force-Velocity Dependence in the Ultra-Fast Ring ATPase SpoIIIE

Multi-subunit ring-shaped ATPases are molecular motors that harness chemical free energy to perform vital mechanical tasks such as polypeptide translocation, DNA unwinding, and chromosome segregation. Previously we reported the intersubunit coordination and stepping behavior of the hexameric ring-shaped ATPase SpoIIIE (Liu et al., 2015). Here we use optical tweezers to characterize the motors mechanochemistry. Analysis of the motor response to external force at various nucleotide concentrations identifies phosphate release as the likely force-generating step. Analysis of SpoIIIE pausing indicates that pauses are off-pathway events. Characterization of SpoIIIE slipping behavior reveals that individual motor subunits engage DNA upon ATP binding. Furthermore, we find that SpolIIEs velocity exhibits an intriguing bi-phasic dependence on force. We hypothesize that this behavior is an adaptation of ultra-fast motors tasked with translocating DNA from which they must also remove DNA-bound protein roadblocks. Based on these results, we formulate a comprehensive mechanochemical model for SpoIIIE.

biochemistry↗

bioRxiv2017

REASSESSING THE REVOLUTIONS RESOLUTIONS

We are currently facing an avalanche of cryo-EM (cryogenic Electron Microscopy) publications presenting beautiful structures at resolution levels of ~3[A]: a true \"resolution revolution\" [Kuhlbrandt, Science 343(2014)1443-1444]. Impressive as these results may be, a fundamental statistical error has persisted in the literature that affects the numerical resolution values for practically all published structures. The error goes back to a misinterpretation of basic statistics and pervades virtually all popular cryo-EM quality metrics. The resolution in cryo-EM is typically assessed by the Fourier Shell Correlation \"FSC\" [Harauz & van Heel: Optik 73(1986)146-156] using a fixed threshold value of 0.143 (\"FSC0.143\") [Rosenthal, Henderson, J. Mol. Biol. 333(2003)721-745]. Using a simple model experiment we illustrate why this fixed threshold is flawed and we pinpoint the source of the resolution confusion. When two vectors are uncorrelated the expectation value of their inner-product is zero. That, however, does not imply that each individual inner-product of the vectors is zero (the vectors are not orthogonal). This error was introduced to electron microscopy in [Frank & Al-Ali, Nature 256(1975)376-379] and has since proliferated into virtually all quality and resolution-related metrics in EM. One criterion not affected by this error is the information-based [1/2]-bit FSC threshold [van Heel & Schatz: J. Struct. Biol. 151(2005)250-262].

biochemistry↗

bioRxiv2017

C-terminal truncation of Pik3r1 in mice models human lipodystrophic insulin resistance uncoupled from dyslipidemia

Heterodimeric class IA phosphatidylinositol-3-kinases (PI3K) transduce signals from many receptor tyrosine kinases including the insulin receptor. PI3K recruitment to phosphotyrosines is mediated by Pik3r1 gene products including the most intensely studied PI3K regulatory subunit, p85, which also binds and regulates the PIP3 phosphatase Pten, and the lipogenic transcription factor Xbp1. Mutations in human PIK3R1 cause SHORT syndrome, featuring lipodystrophy and severe insulin resistance which, uniquely, are uncoupled from fatty liver and dyslipidemia. We describe a novel mouse model of SHORT syndrome made by knock in of the Pik3r1 Y657X mutation. Homozygous embryos die at E11.5, while heterozygous mice exhibit pre-and postnatal growth impairment with diminished placental vascularity. Adipose tissue accretion on high fat feeding was reduced, however adipocyte size was unchanged and preadipocyte differentiation ex vivo unimpaired. Despite severe insulin resistance, heterozygous mice were hypolipidemic, and plasma adiponectin, liver weight, cholesterol, glycogen and triglyceride content were unchanged. Mild downregulation of lipogenic Srebp1, Srebp2 and Chrebp transcriptional activity but no suppression of Xbp1 target genes was seen after fasting. These findings give new insights into the developmental role of Pik3r1, and establish a model of lipodystrophic insulin resistance dissociated from dyslipidemia as seen in SHORT syndrome.

biochemistry↗

bioRxiv2017

The MALDI TOF E2/E3 ligase assay as an universal tool for drug discovery in the ubiquitin pathway

In many diseases, components of the ubiquitin system - such as E2/E3 ligases and deubiquitylases - are dysregulated. The ubiquitin system has therefore become an emergent target for the treatment of a number of diseases, including cancer, neurodegeneration and autoimmunity. Despite of the efforts in this field, primary screenings of compound libraries to individuate new potential therapeutic molecules targeting the ubiquitin pathway have been strongly limited by the lack of robust and fast high-throughput assays. Here we report the first label-free high-throughput screening (HTS) assay for ubiquitin E2 conjugating enzymes and E3 ligases based on Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption/Ionization Time-Of-Flight (MALDI TOF) mass spectrometry. The MALDI TOF E2/E3 assay allows us to test E2 conjugating enzymes and E3 ligases for their ubiquitin transfer activity, to identify E2/E3 active pairs, inhibitor potency and specificity and to screen compound libraries in vitro without synthesis of chemical or fluorescent probes. We demonstrate that the MALDI TOF E2/E3 assay is a universal tool for drug discovery screening in the ubiquitin pathway as it is suitable for working with all E3 ligase families and requires a reduced amount of reagents, compared to standard biochemical assays.

biochemistry↗

bioRxiv2017

EASI-tag enables accurate multiplexed and interference-free MS2-based proteome quantification

We developed EASI-tag (Easily Abstractable Sulfoxide-based Isobaric tag), a new generation of amine-derivatizing and sulfoxide-containing isobaric labelling reagents, which dissociate at low collision energy and generate peptide-coupled, interference-free reporter ions with high yield. Efficient isolation of 12C precursors and quantification at the MS2 level enable accurate determination of quantitative differences between multiplexed samples. EASI-tag makes isobaric labeling applicable to any bottom up proteomics workflow and to benchtop mass spectrometers.

biochemistry↗

bioRxiv2017

The structure of SALM5 suggests a dimeric assembly for the presynaptic RPTP ligand recognition

Synaptic adhesion molecules play a crucial role in the regulation of synapse development and maintenance. Recently several families of leucine rich repeat domain containing neuronal adhesion molecules have been characterized, including netrin G-ligands, LRRTMs, and the SALM family proteins. Most of these are expressed at the excitatory glutamatergic synapses, and dysfunctions of these genes are genetically linked with cognitive disorders, such as autism spectrum disorders and schizophrenia. The SALM family proteins SALM3 and SALM5, similar to SLITRKs, have been shown to bind to the presynaptic receptor protein tyrosine phosphatase (RPTP) family ligands. Here we present the 3 [A] crystal structure of the SALM5 LRR-Ig domain construct, and biophysical studies that verify the crystallographic results. We show that both SALM3 and SALM5 extracellular domains form similar dimeric structures, in which the LRR domains form the dimer interface. Both proteins bind to the RPTP lg-domains with micromolar affinity. SALM3 shows a clear preference for RPTP-ligands with the meB splice insert. This is in accordance with previous results showing that the LRR domain is also required for the ligand binding. Our structural studies and sequence conservation analysis suggests a ligand binding site and mechanism for RPTP binding via the dimeric LRR domain region.

biochemistry↗

bioRxiv2017

Presence of WH2 like domain in VgrG-1 toxin of Vibrio cholerae reveals the molecular mechanism of actin cross-linking

Type VI secretion systems (T6SS) plays a crucial role in Vibrio cholerae mediated pathogenicity and predation. Tip of T6SS is homologous to gp27/gp5 complex or tail spike of T4 bacteriophage. VgrG-1 of V. cholerae T6SS is unusual among other VgrG because its effector domain is trans-located into the cytosol of eukaryotic cells with an additional actin cross-linking domain (ACD) at its C terminal end. ACD of VgrG-1 (VgrG-1-ACD) causes T6SS dependent host cell cytotoxicity through actin cytoskeleton disruption to prevent bacterial engulfment by macrophages. ACD mediated actin cross-linking promotes survival of the bacteria in the small intestine of humans, along with other virulence factors; establishes successful infection with the onset of diarrhoea in humans. Our studies demonstrated VgrG-1-ACD can bind to actin besides actin cross-linking activity. Computational analysis of ACD revealed the presence of WH2 domain through which it binds actin. Mutations in WH2 domain lead to loss of actin binding in vitro. VgrG-1-ACD having the mutated WH2 domain cannot cross-link actin efficiently in vitro and manifests less actin cytoskeleton disruption when transfected in HeLa cells.\n\nSummary statementActin cross-linking (ACD) domain of VgrG-1 toxin of Type VI secretion in Vibrio cholera has WASP Homology domain 2 (WH2) domain. ACD interact with actin through WH2 domain, WH2 is essential for ACD mediated cross-linking and disruption of actin cytoskeleton in the host cell.

biochemistry↗

bioRxiv2017

Conformational control of translation termination on the 70S ribosome

Translation termination ensures proper lengths of cellular proteins. During termination, release factor (RF) recognizes a stop codon and catalyzes peptide release. Conformational changes in RF are thought to underlie accurate translation termination. If true, the release factor should bind the A-site codon in inactive (compact) conformation(s), but structural studies of ribosome termination complexes have only captured RFs in an extended, active conformation. Here, we identify a hyper-accurate RF1 variant, and present crystal structures of 70S termination complexes that suggest a structural pathway for RF1 activation. In the presence of blasticidin S, the catalytic domain of RF1 is removed from the peptidyl-transferase center, whereas the codon-recognition domain is fully engaged in stop-codon recognition in the decoding center. RF1 codon recognition induces decoding-center rearrangements that precede accommodation of the catalytic domain. Our findings suggest how structural dynamics of RF1 and the ribosome coordinate stop-codon recognition with peptide release, ensuring accurate translation termination.

biochemistry↗

bioRxiv2017

CRISPR-Cas12a target binding unleashes single-stranded DNase activity

CRISPR-Cas12a (Cpf1) proteins are RNA-guided DNA targeting enzymes that bind and cut DNA as components of bacterial adaptive immune systems. Like CRISPR-Cas9, Cas12a can be used as a powerful genome editing tool based on its ability to induce genetic changes in cells at sites of double-stranded DNA (dsDNA) cuts. Here we show that RNA-guided DNA binding unleashes robust, non-specific single-stranded DNA (ssDNA) cleavage activity in Cas12a sufficient to completely degrade both linear and circular ssDNA molecules within minutes. This activity, catalyzed by the same active site responsible for site-specific dsDNA cutting, indiscriminately shreds ssDNA with rapid multiple-turnover cleavage kinetics. Activation of ssDNA cutting requires faithful recognition of a DNA target sequence matching the 20-nucleotide guide RNA sequence with specificity sufficient to distinguish between closely related viral serotypes. We find that target-dependent ssDNA degradation, not observed for CRISPR-Cas9 enzymes, is a fundamental property of type V CRISPR-Cas12 proteins, revealing a fascinating parallel with the RNA-triggered general RNase activity of the type VI CRISPR-Cas13 enzymes.\n\nOne Sentence SummaryCas12a (Cpf1) and related type V CRISPR interference proteins possess non-specific, single-stranded DNase activity upon activation by guide RNA-dependent DNA binding.

biochemistry↗

bioRxiv2017

A myopic perspective on the future of protein diagnostics

Plasma proteome analyses of the future promise invaluable insights into states of health, not only by measuring proteins whose role it is to ensure blood homeostasis, but increasingly also as a window into the health of practically any tissue in the body via so-called leakage protein biomarkers. Realizing more of this vast potential will require progress along many lines. Here we discuss the main ones, such as optimal selection of target proteins, affinity reagents, immunoassay formats, samples, and applications, with a view from ongoing work in our laboratory.

biochemistry↗

bioRxiv2017

Natively Oxidized Amino Acid Residues in the Spinach Cytochrome b6f Complex

The cytochrome b6f complex of oxygenic photosynthesis produces substantial levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS). It has been observed that the ROS production rate by b6f is 10-20 fold higher than that observed for the analogous respiratory cytochrome bc1 complex. The types of ROS produced (O2*-,1O2, and, possibly, H2O2) and the site(s) of ROS production within the b6f complex has been the subject of some debate. Proposed sources of ROS have include the heme bp, PQp*- (possible sources for O2*-), the Rieske iron-sulfur cluster (possible source of O2*- and/or H2O2), Chl a (possible source of 1O2) and heme Cn (possible source of O2*- and/or H2O2). Our working hypothesis is that amino acid residues proximal to the ROS production sites will be more susceptible to oxidative modification than distant residues. In the current study, we have identified natively oxidized amino acid residues in the subunits of the spinach cytochrome b6f complex. The oxidized residues were identified by tandem mass spectrometry using the MassMatrix Program. Our results indicate that numerous residues, principally localized near p-side cofactors and Chl a, were oxidatively modified. We hypothesize that these sites are sources for ROS generation in the spinach cytochrome b6f complex.

biochemistry↗

bioRxiv2017

A novel method for estimating LDC levels: total cholesterol and non-HDLC can be used to predict the normal LDLC level in apparently healthy population

BackgroundTriglycerides (TG), total cholesterol (TC), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDLC), and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDLC) are usually ordered together to test lipid metabolism in physical examination and clinical application. LDLC is a component of TC and its change is closely correlated to TC.\n\nObjectiveWe aim to predict the normal LDLC level by using TG, TC, HDLC and non-HDLC (nonHDLC) in this study.\n\nMethodsTG, TC, HDLC, and LDLC data were obtained from Laboratory Information System (LIS) based on 4 years (Octo, 1, 2013-Sept, 30, 2017) period health check-up TG, TC, HDLC, and LDLC(direct clearance method) were measured using TBA2000FR biochemical analyzer. The nonHDLC was calculated with TC minus HDLC. Correlation between TG, TC, nonHDLC, and LDLC were analyzed using Spearmans rank approach. Receiver operating characteristics curve analysis was used to evaluate the predictive of TG, TC and nonHDLC for the normal LDLC level(less than 130mg/dL).\n\nResultsBoth TC(r = 0.870) and nonHDLC (r = 0.893) were significantly positively correlated with LDLC. Area under curve of TC and nonHDLC can be used to predict normal LDLC level. Optimal thresholds were 182.5 mg/dL(4.72 mmol/L) for TC and 135.3 mg/dL(3.50 mmol/L) for nonHDLC. Based on these optimal thresholds, less than 0.5% and 0.4% of tests with elevated LDLC might be missed, but the missing elevated LDLC is not too high(less than 147.3 mg/dL).\n\nConclusionIf the nonHDLC is less than 135.3mg/dL(3.50 mmol/L) and/or TC is less than 182.5mg/dL(4.72 mmol/L) for the apparently healthy populations the LDLC level will be less than 130mg/dL(3.36 mmol/L). Total cholesterol and non-HDLC can be used to predict the normal LDLC level in apparently healthy population is a novel method for estimating LDC level.

biochemistry↗

bioRxiv2017

The emerging role of physical modeling in the future of structure determination

Biomolecular structure determination has long relied on heuristics based on physical insight; however, recent efforts to model conformational ensembles and to make sense of sparse, ambiguous, and noisy data have revealed the value of detailed, quantitative physical models in structure determination. We review these two key challenges, describe different approaches to physical modeling in structure determination, and illustrate several successes and emerging technologies enabled by physical modeling.\n\nHighlightsO_LIQuantitative physical modeling is emerging as a key tool in structure determination\nC_LIO_LIThere are different approaches to incorporate physical modeling into structure determination\nC_LIO_LIModeling conformational ensembles and making sense of sparse, noisy, and ambiguous data are two challenges where physical modeling can play a prominent role\nC_LI

biochemistry↗

bioRxiv2017

Choice of PP1 catalytic subunit affects neither the requirement for G-actin nor the insensitivity to Sephin1 of PPP1R15A-regulated eIF2αP dephosphorylation

The integrated stress response (ISR) is regulated by kinases that phosphorylate the subunit of translation initiation factor 2 and phosphatases that dephosphorylate it. Genetic and biochemical observations indicate that the eIF2P-directed holophosphatase - a therapeutic target in diseases of protein misfolding - is comprised of a regulatory, PPP1R15, and a catalytic, Protein Phosphatase 1 (PP1) subunit. In mammals, there are two isoforms of the regulatory subunit, PPP1R15A and PPP1R15B, with overlapping roles in promoting the essential function of eIF2P dephosphorylation. However, conflicting reports have appeared regarding the requirement for an additional co-factor, G-actin, in enabling substrate-specific de-phosphorylation by PPP1R15-containing PP1 holoenzymes. An additional concern relates to the sensitivity of the PPP1R15A-containing PP1 holoenzyme to the [(ochlorobenzylidene)amino]guanidines (Sephin1 or Guanabenz), small molecule proteostasis modulators. It has been suggested that the source and method of purification of the PP1 catalytic subunit and the presence or absence of an N-terminal repeat-containing region in the PPP1R15A regulatory subunit might influence both the requirement for G-actin by the eIF2P-directed holophosphatase and its sensitivity to inhibitors. Here we report that in the absence of G-actin, PPP1R15A regulatory subunits were unable to accelerate eIF2P dephosphorylation beyond that affected by a catalytic subunit alone, whether PPP1R15A regulatory subunit had or lacked the N-terminal repeat-containing region and whether paired with native PP1 purified from rabbit muscle, or recombinant PP1 expressed in and purified from bacteria. Furthermore, none of the PPP1R15A-containing PP1c holophosphatases were inhibited by Sephin1 or Guanabenz.

biochemistry↗

bioRxiv2017

Engineering a promiscuous pyrrolysyl-tRNA synthetase by a high throughput FACS screen

The Pyrrolysyl-tRNA synthetase (PylRS) and its cognate tRNAPyl are used to facilitate the incorporation of non-canonical amino acids (ncAAs) into the genetic code of bacterial and eukaryotic cells by orthogonally reassigning the amber codon. Currently, the incorporation of new ncAAs requires a cumbersome engineering process composed of several positive and negative selection rounds to select the appropriate PylRS/tRNAPyl pair. Our fast and sensitive engineering approach required only a single FACS selection round to identify 110 orthogonal PylRS variants for the aminoacylation of 20 ncAAs. Pocket-substrate relationship from these variants led to the design of a highly promiscuous PylRS (HpRS), which catalyzed the aminoacylation of 31 structurally diverse lysine derivatives bearing clickable, fluorinated, fluorescent, and biotinylated entities. The high speed and sensitivity of our approach provides a competitive alternative to existing screening methodologies, and delivers insights into the complex PylRS-substrate interactions to facilitate the generation of additional promiscuous variants.

biochemistry↗

bioRxiv2017

Dual tRNA mimicry in the Cricket Paralysis Virus IRES uncovers an unexpected similarity with the Hepatitis C Virus IRES

Co-opting the cellular machinery for protein production is a compulsory requirement for viruses. The Cricket Paralysis virus employs an Internal Ribosomal Entry Site (IRES) to express its structural genes in the late stage of infection. Ribosome hijacking is achieved by a sophisticated use of molecular mimicry to tRNA and mRNA, employed to manipulate intrinsically dynamic components of the ribosome. Binding and translocation through the ribosome is required for this IRES to initiate translation. We report two structures, solved by single particle electron cryomicroscopy (cryoEM), of a double translocated CrPV IRES with aminoacyl-tRNA in the peptidyl site (P site) of the ribosome. CrPV IRES adopts a previously unseen conformation, mimicking the acceptor stem of a canonical E site tRNA. The structures suggest a mechanism for the positioning of the first aminoacyl-tRNA shared with the distantly related Hepatitis C Virus IRES.

biochemistry↗

bioRxiv2017

Nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN) affords cardioprotection by stimulating glycolysis

Stimulation of the cytosolic NAD+ dependent deacetylase SIRT1 is cardioprotective against ischemia-reperfusion (IR) injury. NAD+ precursors including nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN) are thought to induce cardioprotection via SIRT1. Herein, while NMN protected perfused hearts against IR (functional recovery: NMN 42{+/-}7% vs. vehicle 11{+/-}3%), this protection was insensitive to the SIRT1 inhibitor splitomicin (recovery 47{+/-}8%). Although NMN-induced cardioprotection was absent in Sirt3-/- hearts (recovery 9{+/-}5%), this was likely due to enhanced baseline injury in Sirt3-/- (recovery 6{+/-}2%), since similar injury levels in WT hearts also blunted the protective efficacy of NMN. Considering alternative cardiac effects of NMN, and the requirement of glycolysis for NAD+, we hypothesized NMN may confer protection via direct stimulation of cardiac glycolysis. In primary cardiomyocytes, NMN induced cytosolic and extracellular acidification and elevated lactate. In addition, [U-13C]glucose tracing in intact hearts revealed that NMN stimulated glycolytic flux. Consistent with a role for glycolysis in NMN-induced protection, hearts perfused without glucose (palmitate as fuel source), or hearts perfused with galactose (no ATP from glycolysis) exhibited no benefit from NMN (recovery 11{+/-}4% and 15{+/-}2% respectively). Acidosis during early reperfusion is known to be cardioprotective (i.e., acid post-conditioning), and we also found that NMN was cardioprotective when delivered acutely at reperfusion (recovery 39{+/-}8%). This effect of NMN was not additive with acidosis, suggesting overlapping mechanisms. We conclude that the acute cardioprotective benefits of NMN are mediated via glycolytic stimulation, with the downstream protective mechanism involving enhanced ATP synthesis during ischemia and/or enhanced acidosis during reperfusion.

biochemistry↗

bioRxiv2017

Mechanisms of KCNQ1 Channel Dysfunction in Long QT Syndrome Involving Voltage Sensor Domain Mutations

Loss-of-function (LOF) mutations in human KCNQ1 are responsible for susceptibility to a life-threatening heart rhythm disorder, the congenital long-QT syndrome (LQTS). Hundreds of KCNQ1 mutations have been identified, but the molecular mechanisms responsible for impaired function are poorly understood. Here, we investigated the impact of 51 KCNQ1 variants located within the voltage sensor domain (VSD), with an emphasis on elucidating effects on cell surface expression, protein folding and structure. For each variant, the efficiency of trafficking to the plasma membrane, the impact of proteasome inhibition, and protein stability were assayed. The results of these experiments, combined with channel functional data, provided the basis for classifying each mutation into one of 6 mechanistic categories. More than half of the KCNQ1 LOF mutations destabilize the structure of the VSD, resulting in mistrafficking and degradation by the proteasome, an observation that underscores the growing appreciation that mutation-induced destabilization of membrane proteins may be a common human disease mechanism. Finally, we observed that 5 of the folding-defective LQTS mutants are located in the VSD S0 helix, where they interact with a number of other LOF mutation sites in other segments of the VSD. These observations reveal a critical role for the S0 helix as a central scaffold to help organize and stabilize the KCNQ1 VSD and, most likely, the corresponding domain of many other ion channels.\n\nOne Sentence SummaryLong QT syndrome-associated mutations in KCNQ1 most often destabilize the protein, leading to mistrafficking and degradation.

biochemistry↗