scholarly journals Self-assembly of SNARE fusion proteins into star-shaped oligomers

2005 ◽  
Vol 388 (1) ◽  
pp. 75-79 ◽  
Author(s):  
Colin RICKMAN ◽  
Kuang HU ◽  
Joe CARROLL ◽  
Bazbek DAVLETOV
Keyword(s):  
Self Assembly ◽  
Quaternary Structure ◽  
Intrinsic Property ◽  
Full Length ◽  
Fusion Process ◽  
Size Exclusion ◽  
Negative Stain ◽  
Protein Receptors ◽  
Exclusion Chromatography

Three evolutionarily conserved proteins known as SNAREs (soluble N-ethylmaleimide-sensitive fusion protein attachment protein receptors) mediate exocytosis from single cell eukaryotes to neurons. Among neuronal SNAREs, syntaxin and SNAP-25 (synaptosome-associated protein of 25 kDa) reside on the plasma membrane, whereas synaptobrevin resides on synaptic vesicles prior to fusion. The SNARE motifs of the three proteins form a helical bundle which probably drives membrane fusion. Since studies in vivo suggested an importance for multiple SNARE complexes in the fusion process, and models appeared in the literature with large numbers of SNARE bundles executing the fusion process, we analysed the quaternary structure of the full-length native SNARE complexes in detail. By employing a preparative immunoaffinity procedure we isolated all of the SNARE complexes from brain, and have shown by size-exclusion chromatography and negative stain electron microscopy that they exist as approx. 30 nm particles containing, most frequently, 3 or 4 bundles emanating from their centre. Using highly purified, individual, full-length SNAREs we demonstrated that the oligomerization of SNAREs into star-shaped particles with 3 to 4 bundles is an intrinsic property of these proteins and is not dependent on other proteins, as previously hypothesized. The average number of the SNARE bundles in the isolated fusion particles corresponds well with the co-operativity observed in calcium-triggered neuronal exocytosis.

CHARACTERIZATION OF A NEW LCAT MUTATION CAUSING FAMILIAL LCAT DEFICIENCY (FLD) AND THE ROLE OF APOE AS A MODIFIER GENE OF THE FLD PHENOTYPE

2009 ◽  
Vol 32 (6S) ◽  
pp. 3
Author(s):  
A Baass ◽  
H Wassef ◽  
M Tremblay ◽  
L Bernier ◽  
R Dufour ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Modifier Gene ◽  
Size Exclusion ◽  
Plasma Lipoproteins ◽  
Lipoprotein Profile ◽  
Exclusion Chromatography ◽  
Low Hdl ◽  
Lcat Deficiency ◽  
Apoe Genotypes

Introduction: LCAT (lecithin:cholesterol acyltransferase ) is an enzyme which plays an essential role in cholesterol esterification and reverse cholesterol transport. Familial LCAT deficiency (FLD) is a disease characterized by a defect in LCAT resulting in extremely low HDL-C, premature corneal opacities, anemia as well as proteinuria and renal failure. Method: We have identified two brothers presenting characteristics of familial LCAT deficiency. We sequenced the LCAT gene, measured the lipid profile as well as the LCAT activity in 15 members of this kindred. We also characterized the plasma lipoproteins by agarose gel electrophoresis and size exclusion chromatography and sequenced several candidate genes related to dysbetalipoproteinemia in this family. Results: We have identified the first French Canadian kindred with familial LCAT deficiency. Two brothers affected by FLD, were homozygous for a novel LCAT mutation. This c.102delG mutation occurs at the codon for His35 causing a frameshift that stops transcription at codon 61 abolishing LCAT enzymatic activity both in vivo and in vitro. It has a dramatic effect on the lipoprotein profile, with an important reduction of HDL-C in both heterozygotes (22%) and homozygotes (88%) and a significant decrease in LDL-C in heterozygotes (35%) as well as homozygotes (58%). Furthermore, the lipoprotein profile differed markedly between the two affected brothers who had different APOE genotypes. We propose that APOE could be an important modifier gene explaining heterogeneity in lipoprotein profiles observed among FLD patients. Our results suggest that a LCAT-/- genotype associated with an APOE ?2 allele could be a novel mechanism leading to dysbetalipoproteinemia.

scholarly journals Effect of Posttranslational Modifications on the Structure and Activity of FTO Demethylase

2021 ◽  
Vol 22 (9) ◽  
pp. 4512
Author(s):  
Michał Marcinkowski ◽  
Tomaš Pilžys ◽  
Damian Garbicz ◽  
Jan Piwowarski ◽  
Damian Mielecki ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Catalytic Activity ◽  
Size Exclusion Chromatography ◽  
Posttranslational Modifications ◽  
Size Exclusion ◽  
Saxs Data ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Exclusion Chromatography ◽  
Demethylase Activity ◽  
Structure And Activity

The FTO protein is involved in a wide range of physiological processes, including adipogenesis and osteogenesis. This two-domain protein belongs to the AlkB family of 2-oxoglutarate (2-OG)- and Fe(II)-dependent dioxygenases, displaying N6-methyladenosine (N6-meA) demethylase activity. The aim of the study was to characterize the relationships between the structure and activity of FTO. The effect of cofactors (Fe2+/Mn2+ and 2-OG), Ca2+ that do not bind at the catalytic site, and protein concentration on FTO properties expressed in either E. coli (ECFTO) or baculovirus (BESFTO) system were determined using biophysical methods (DSF, MST, SAXS) and biochemical techniques (size-exclusion chromatography, enzymatic assay). We found that BESFTO carries three phosphoserines (S184, S256, S260), while there were no such modifications in ECFTO. The S256D mutation mimicking the S256 phosphorylation moderately decreased FTO catalytic activity. In the presence of Ca2+, a slight stabilization of the FTO structure was observed, accompanied by a decrease in catalytic activity. Size exclusion chromatography and MST data confirmed the ability of FTO from both expression systems to form homodimers. The MST-determined dissociation constant of the FTO homodimer was consistent with their in vivo formation in human cells. Finally, a low-resolution structure of the FTO homodimer was built based on SAXS data.

scholarly journals Fibrillar pharmacology of functionalized nanocellulose

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Sam Wong ◽  
Simone Alidori ◽  
Barbara P. Mello ◽  
Bryan Aristega Almeida ◽  
David Ulmert ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Aspect Ratio ◽  
Fluorescent Dyes ◽  
Pharmacokinetic Profile ◽  
Water Soluble ◽  
Size Exclusion ◽  
Hydroxyl Groups ◽  
Target Tissue ◽  
Exclusion Chromatography ◽  
Specific Accumulation

AbstractCellulose nanocrystals (CNC) are linear organic nanomaterials derived from an abundant naturally occurring biopolymer resource. Strategic modification of the primary and secondary hydroxyl groups on the CNC introduces amine and iodine group substitution, respectively. The amine groups (0.285 mmol of amine per gram of functionalized CNC (fCNC)) are further reacted with radiometal loaded-chelates or fluorescent dyes as tracers to evaluate the pharmacokinetic profile of the fCNC in vivo. In this way, these nanoscale macromolecules can be covalently functionalized and yield water-soluble and biocompatible fibrillar nanoplatforms for gene, drug and radionuclide delivery in vivo. Transmission electron microscopy of fCNC reveals a length of 162.4 ± 16.3 nm, diameter of 11.2 ± 1.52 nm and aspect ratio of 16.4 ± 1.94 per particle (mean ± SEM) and is confirmed using atomic force microscopy. Size exclusion chromatography of macromolecular fCNC describes a fibrillar molecular behavior as evidenced by retention times typical of late eluting small molecules and functionalized carbon nanotubes. In vivo, greater than 50% of intravenously injected radiolabeled fCNC is excreted in the urine within 1 h post administration and is consistent with the pharmacological profile observed for other rigid, high aspect ratio macromolecules. Tissue distribution of fCNC shows accumulation in kidneys, liver, and spleen (14.6 ± 6.0; 6.1 ± 2.6; and 7.7 ± 1.4% of the injected activity per gram of tissue, respectively) at 72 h post-administration. Confocal fluorescence microscopy reveals cell-specific accumulation in these target tissue sinks. In summary, our findings suggest that functionalized nanocellulose can be used as a potential drug delivery platform for the kidneys.

scholarly journals Comprehensive characterization and quantification of adeno associated vectors by size exclusion chromatography and multi angle light scattering

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Nicole L. McIntosh ◽  
Geoffrey Y. Berguig ◽  
Omair A. Karim ◽  
Christa L. Cortesio ◽  
Rolando De Angelis ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Light Scattering ◽  
Size Exclusion Chromatography ◽  
Molar Mass ◽  
Size Exclusion ◽  
Minimal Sample ◽  
Accuracy And Precision ◽  
Vector Genome ◽  
Exclusion Chromatography ◽  
Novel Applications

AbstractAdeno associated virus (AAV) capsids are a leading modality for in vivo gene delivery. Complete and precise characterization of capsid particles, including capsid and vector genome concentration, is necessary to safely and efficaciously dose patients. Size exclusion chromatography (SEC) coupled to multiangle light scattering (MALS) offers a straightforward approach to comprehensively characterize AAV capsids. The current study demonstrates that this method provides detailed AAV characterization information, including but not limited to aggregation profile, size-distribution, capsid content, capsid molar mass, encapsidated DNA molar mass, and total capsid and vector genome titer. Currently, multiple techniques are required to generate this information, with varying accuracy and precision. In the current study, a new series of equations for SEC-MALS are used in tandem with intrinsic properties of the capsids and encapsidated DNA to quantify multiple physical AAV attributes in one 20-min run with minimal sample manipulation, high accuracy, and high precision. These novel applications designate this well-established method as a powerful tool for product development and process analytics in future gene therapy programs.

Kinetic and structural analysis of the ultrasensitive behaviour of cyanobacterial ADP-glucose pyrophosphorylase

2000 ◽  
Vol 350 (1) ◽  
pp. 139-147 ◽  
Author(s):  
Diego F. GÓMEZ CASATI ◽  
Miguel A. AON ◽  
Alberto A. IGLESIAS
Keyword(s):  
Conformational Changes ◽  
Tertiary Structure ◽  
Fluorescence Emission ◽  
Maximal Activity ◽  
Size Exclusion ◽  
Exclusion Chromatography ◽  
Adp Glucose Pyrophosphorylase ◽  
Kinetics Of ◽  
Allosteric Regulators

The kinetic and (supra)molecular properties of the ultrasensitive behaviour of ADP-glucose pyrophosphorylase (AGPase) from Anabaena PCC 7120 (a cyanobacterium) were exhaustively studied. The response of the enzyme toward the allosteric activator 3-phosphoglycerate (3PGA) occurs with ultrasensitivity as a consequence of the cross-talk with the inhibitor Pi. Molecular ‘crowding’renders AGPase more sensitive to the interplay between the allosteric regulators and, consequently, enhances the ultrasensitive response. In crowded media, and when orthophosphate is present, the activation kinetics of the enzyme with 3PGA proceed with increased co-operativity and reduced affinity toward the activator. Under conditions of ultrasensitivity, the enzyme's maximal activation takes place in a narrow range of 3PGA concentrations. Moreover, saturation kinetics of the enzyme with respect to its substrates, glucose 1-phosphate and ATP, were different at low or high 3PGA levels in crowded media. Only under the latter conditions did AGPase exhibit discrimination between low or high levels of the activator, which increased the affinity toward the substrates and the maximal activity reached by the enzyme. Studies of fluorescence emission of tryptophan residues, fourth-derivative spectroscopy and size-exclusion chromatography indicated that the ultrasensitive behaviour is correlated with intramolecular conformational changes induced in the tertiary structure of the homotetrameric enzyme. The results suggest a physiological relevance of the ultrasensitive response of AGPase in vivo, since the enzyme could be subtly sensing changes in the levels of allosteric regulators and substrates, and thus determining the flux of metabolites toward synthesis of storage polysaccharides.

scholarly journals Enhancement of the Structural Stability of Full-Length Clostridial Collagenase by Calcium Ions

2012 ◽  
Vol 78 (16) ◽  
pp. 5839-5844 ◽  
Author(s):  
Naomi Ohbayashi ◽  
Noriko Yamagata ◽  
Masafumi Goto ◽  
Kimiko Watanabe ◽  
Youhei Yamagata ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Melting Point ◽  
Structural Stability ◽  
Conformational Changes ◽  
Full Length ◽  
Size Exclusion ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Protein Size ◽  
Exclusion Chromatography ◽  
Domain Arrangement ◽  
Thermal Melting

ABSTRACTThe clostridial collagenases G and H are multidomain proteins. For collagen digestion, the domain arrangement is likely to play an important role in collagen binding and hydrolysis. In this study, the full-length collagenase H protein fromClostridium histolyticumwas expressed inEscherichia coliand purified. The N-terminal amino acid of the purified protein was Ala31. The expressed protein showed enzymatic activity against azocoll as a substrate. To investigate the role of Ca2+in providing structural stability to the full-length collagenase H, biophysical measurements were conducted using the recombinant protein. Size exclusion chromatography revealed that the Ca2+chelation by EGTA induced interdomain conformational changes. Dynamic light scattering measurements showed an increase in the percent polydispersity as the Ca2+was chelated, suggesting an increase in protein flexibility. In addition to these conformational changes, differential scanning fluorimetry measurements revealed that the thermostability was decreased by Ca2+chelation, in comparison with the thermal melting point (Tm). The melting point changed from 54 to 49°C by the Ca2+chelation, and it was restored to 54°C by the addition of excess Ca2+. These results indicated that the interdomain flexibility and the domain arrangement of full-length collagenase H are reversibly regulated by Ca2+.

Coiled-coil deformations in crystal structures: themeasles virusphosphoprotein multimerization domain as an illustrative example

2014 ◽  
Vol 70 (6) ◽  
pp. 1589-1603 ◽  
Author(s):  
David Blocquel ◽  
Johnny Habchi ◽  
Eric Durand ◽  
Marion Sevajol ◽  
François Ferron ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Measles Virus ◽  
Quaternary Structure ◽  
Dynamic Equilibrium ◽  
Crystal Packing ◽  
Coiled Coil ◽  
Terminal Region ◽  
Size Exclusion ◽  
Structural Deformation ◽  
Structural Comparison ◽  
Exclusion Chromatography

The structures of two constructs of themeasles virus(MeV) phosphoprotein (P) multimerization domain (PMD) are reported and are compared with a third structure published recently by another group [Communieet al.(2013),J. Virol.87, 7166–7169]. Although the three structures all have a tetrameric and parallel coiled-coil arrangement, structural comparison unveiled considerable differences in the quaternary structure and unveiled that the three structures suffer from significant structural deformation induced by intermolecular interactions within the crystal. These results show that crystal packing can bias conclusions about function and mechanism based on analysis of a single crystal structure, and they challenge to some extent the assumption according to which coiled-coil structures can be reliably predicted from the amino-acid sequence. Structural comparison also highlighted significant differences in the extent of disorder in the C-terminal region of each monomer. The differential flexibility of the C-terminal region is also supported by size-exclusion chromatography and small-angle X-ray scattering studies, which showed that MeV PMD exists in solution as a dynamic equilibrium between two tetramers of different compaction. Finally, the possible functional implications of the flexibility of the C-terminal region of PMD are discussed.

scholarly journals VirB8 homolog TraE from plasmid pKM101 forms a hexameric ring structure and interacts with the VirB6 homolog TraD

2018 ◽  
Vol 115 (23) ◽  
pp. 5950-5955 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bastien Casu ◽  
Charline Mary ◽  
Aleksandr Sverzhinsky ◽  
Aurélien Fouillen ◽  
Antonio Nanci ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Molecular Mass ◽  
Secretion System ◽  
High Molecular Mass ◽  
Full Length ◽  
Size Exclusion ◽  
Cross Linking ◽  
X Ray ◽  
Exclusion Chromatography ◽  
Plasmid Pkm101 ◽  
Membrane Bound

Type IV secretion systems (T4SSs) are multiprotein assemblies that translocate macromolecules across the cell envelope of bacteria. X-ray crystallographic and electron microscopy (EM) analyses have increasingly provided structural information on individual T4SS components and on the entire complex. As of now, relatively little information has been available on the exact localization of the inner membrane-bound T4SS components, notably the mostly periplasmic VirB8 protein and the very hydrophobic VirB6 protein. We show here that the membrane-bound, full-length version of the VirB8 homolog TraE from the plasmid pKM101 secretion system forms a high-molecular-mass complex that is distinct from the previously characterized periplasmic portion of the protein that forms dimers. Full-length TraE was extracted from the membranes with detergents, and analysis by size-exclusion chromatography, cross-linking, and size exclusion chromatography (SEC) multiangle light scattering (MALS) shows that it forms a high-molecular-mass complex. EM and small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) analysis demonstrate that full-length TraE forms a hexameric complex with a central pore. We also overproduced and purified the VirB6 homolog TraD and show by cross-linking, SEC, and EM that it binds to TraE. Our results suggest that TraE and TraD interact at the substrate translocation pore of the secretion system.

scholarly journals Aβ(M1–40) and Wild-Type Aβ40 Self-Assemble into Oligomers with Distinct Quaternary Structures

Molecules ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 24 (12) ◽  
pp. 2242 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jacob L. Bouchard ◽  
Taylor C. Davey ◽  
Todd M. Doran
Keyword(s):  
Self Assembly ◽  
Quaternary Structure ◽  
Biological Activities ◽  
Amyloid Β ◽  
Long Term Potentiation ◽  
Wild Type ◽  
Molecular Weights ◽  
Term Potentiation ◽  
Quaternary Structures

Amyloid-β oligomers (AβOs) self-assemble into polymorphic species with diverse biological activities that are implicated causally to Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Synaptotoxicity of AβO species is dependent on their quaternary structure, however, low-abundance and environmental sensitivity of AβOs in vivo have impeded a thorough assessment of structure–function relationships. We developed a simple biochemical assay to quantify the relative abundance and morphology of cross-linked AβOs. We compared oligomers derived from synthetic Aβ40 (wild-type (WT) Aβ40) and a recombinant source, called Aβ(M1–40). Both peptides assemble into oligomers with common sizes and morphology, however, the predominant quaternary structures of Aβ(M1–40) oligomeric states were more diverse in terms of dispersity and morphology. We identified self-assembly conditions that stabilize high-molecular weight oligomers of Aβ(M1–40) with apparent molecular weights greater than 36 kDa. Given that mixtures of AβOs derived from both peptides have been shown to be potent neurotoxins that disrupt long-term potentiation, we anticipate that the diverse quaternary structures reported for Aβ(M1–40) oligomers using the assays reported here will facilitate research efforts aimed at isolating and identifying common toxic species that contribute to synaptic dysfunction.

scholarly journals Lipid composition dictates serum stability of reconstituted high-density lipoproteins: implications for in vivo applications

Nanoscale ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 10 (16) ◽  
pp. 7420-7430 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sean F. Gilmore ◽  
Timothy S. Carpenter ◽  
Helgi I. Ingólfsson ◽  
Sandra K. G. Peters ◽  
Paul T. Henderson ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Size Exclusion Chromatography ◽  
Lipid Composition ◽  
High Density ◽  
Size Exclusion ◽  
High Density Lipoproteins ◽  
Serum Stability ◽  
Exclusion Chromatography

Nanolipoprotein assembly, and dissociation through contact with serum, as assessed through size-exclusion chromatography.

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