scholarly journals Allosteric Modulation of Conformational Dynamics in Human Hsp90α: A Computational Study

2017 ◽  
Author(s):  
David L. Penkler ◽  
Canan Atilgan ◽  
Özlem Tastan Bishop
Keyword(s):  
Binding Sites ◽  
Drug Targeting ◽  
Therapeutic Strategy ◽  
Computational Study ◽  
Conformational Dynamics ◽  
Atomistic Simulations ◽  
Functional Sites ◽  
Naturally Occurring ◽  
Open Conformation ◽  
Modeling Techniques

AbstractCentral to Hsp90’s biological function is its ability to interconvert between various conformational states. Drug targeting of Hsp90’s regulatory mechanisms, including its modulation by co-chaperone association, presents as an attractive therapeutic strategy for Hsp90 associated pathologies. Here, we utilize homology modeling techniques to calculate full-length structures of human Hsp90α in closed and partially-open conformations. Atomistic simulations of these structures demonstrated that bound ATP stabilizes the dimer by ‘tensing’ each protomer, while ADP and apo configurations ‘relax’ the complex by increasing global flexibility. Dynamic residue network analysis revealed regions of the protein involved in intra-protein communication, and identified several overlapping key communication hubs that correlate with known functional sites. Perturbation response scanning analysis identified several potential residue sites capable of modulating conformational change in favour of interstate conversion. For the ATP-bound open conformation, these sites were found to overlap with known Aha1 and client binding sites, demonstrating how naturally occurring forces associated with co-factor binding could allosterically modulate conformational dynamics.

scholarly journals Design of an allosterically modulated doxycycline and doxorubicin drug-binding protein

2018 ◽  
Vol 115 (22) ◽  
pp. 5744-5749 ◽  
Author(s):  
Karin Schmidt ◽  
Bernd R. Gardill ◽  
Alina Kern ◽  
Peter Kirchweger ◽  
Michael Börsch ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Targeted Delivery ◽  
Binding Sites ◽  
Serine Proteinase ◽  
Computational Design ◽  
Drug Binding ◽  
Functional Sites ◽  
Ligand Affinity ◽  
Naturally Occurring ◽  
Ligand Binding Sites ◽  
Anticancer Compound

The allosteric interplay between distant functional sites present in a single protein provides for one of the most important regulatory mechanisms in biological systems. While the design of ligand-binding sites into proteins remains challenging, this holds even truer for the coupling of a newly engineered binding site to an allosteric mechanism that regulates the ligand affinity. Here it is shown how computational design algorithms enabled the introduction of doxycycline- and doxorubicin-binding sites into the serine proteinase inhibitor (serpin) family member α1-antichymotrypsin. Further engineering allowed exploitation of the proteinase-triggered serpin-typical S-to-R transition to modulate the ligand affinities. These design variants follow strategies observed in naturally occurring plasma globulins that allow for the targeted delivery of hormones in the blood. By analogy, we propose that the variants described in the present study could be further developed to allow for the delivery of the antibiotic doxycycline and the anticancer compound doxorubicin to tissues/locations that express specific proteinases, such as bacterial infection sites or tumor cells secreting matrix metalloproteinases.

Effect of Ionic Strength on the Aggregation Propensity of Aβ1-42 Peptide: An In-silico Study

2020 ◽  
Vol 14 (3) ◽  
pp. 216-226
Author(s):  
Priyanka Borah ◽  
Venkata S.K. Mattaparthi
Keyword(s):  
Diffusion Coefficient ◽  
Ionic Strength ◽  
Marked Effect ◽  
Computational Study ◽  
Conformational Dynamics ◽  
Rapid Change ◽  
Md Simulations ◽  
Radius Of Gyration ◽  
Aggregation Propensity ◽  
In Silico Study

Background: Aggregation of misfolded proteins under stress conditions in the cell might lead to several neurodegenerative disorders. Amyloid-beta (Aβ1-42) peptide, the causative agent of Alzheimer’s disease, has the propensity to fold into β-sheets under stress, forming aggregated amyloid plaques. This is influenced by factors such as pH, temperature, metal ions, mutation of residues, and ionic strength of the solution. There are several studies that have highlighted the importance of ionic strength in affecting the folding and aggregation propensity of Aβ1-42 peptide. Objective: To understand the effect of ionic strength of the solution on the aggregation propensity of Aβ1-42 peptide, using computational approaches. Materials and Methods: In this study, Molecular Dynamics (MD) simulations were performed on Aβ1-42 peptide monomer placed in (i) 0 M, (ii) 0.15 M, and (iii) 0.30 M concentration of NaCl solution. To prepare the input files for the MD simulations, we have used the Amberff99SB force field. The conformational dynamics of Aβ1-42 peptide monomer in different ionic strengths of the solutions were illustrated from the analysis of the corresponding MD trajectory using the CPPtraj tool. Results: From the MD trajectory analysis, we observe that with an increase in the ionic strength of the solution, Aβ1-42 peptide monomer shows a lesser tendency to undergo aggregation. From RMSD and SASA analysis, we noticed that Aβ1-42 peptide monomer undergoes a rapid change in conformation with an increase in the ionic strength of the solution. In addition, from the radius of gyration (Rg) analysis, we observed Aβ1-42 peptide monomer to be more compact at moderate ionic strength of the solution. Aβ1-42 peptide was also found to hold its helical secondary structure at moderate and higher ionic strengths of the solution. The diffusion coefficient of Aβ1-42 peptide monomer was also found to vary with the ionic strength of the solution. We observed a relatively higher diffusion coefficient value for Aβ1-42 peptide at moderate ionic strength of the solution. Conclusion: Our findings from this computational study highlight the marked effect of ionic strength of the solution on the conformational dynamics and aggregation propensity of Aβ1-42 peptide monomer.

scholarly journals Structural analysis of the SRP Alu domain from Plasmodium falciparum reveals a non-canonical open conformation

2021 ◽  
Vol 4 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Komal Soni ◽  
Georg Kempf ◽  
Karen Manalastas-Cantos ◽  
Astrid Hendricks ◽  
Dirk Flemming ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Plasmodium Falciparum ◽  
Binding Sites ◽  
Signal Recognition Particle ◽  
Signal Recognition ◽  
Closed Conformation ◽  
Open Conformation ◽  
Structural Database ◽  
Alu Rna ◽  
Species Specific ◽  
Protozoan Species

AbstractThe eukaryotic signal recognition particle (SRP) contains an Alu domain, which docks into the factor binding site of translating ribosomes and confers translation retardation. The canonical Alu domain consists of the SRP9/14 protein heterodimer and a tRNA-like folded Alu RNA that adopts a strictly ‘closed’ conformation involving a loop-loop pseudoknot. Here, we study the structure of the Alu domain from Plasmodium falciparum (PfAlu), a divergent apicomplexan protozoan that causes human malaria. Using NMR, SAXS and cryo-EM analyses, we show that, in contrast to its prokaryotic and eukaryotic counterparts, the PfAlu domain adopts an ‘open’ Y-shaped conformation. We show that cytoplasmic P. falciparum ribosomes are non-discriminative and recognize both the open PfAlu and closed human Alu domains with nanomolar affinity. In contrast, human ribosomes do not provide high affinity binding sites for either of the Alu domains. Our analyses extend the structural database of Alu domains to the protozoan species and reveal species-specific differences in the recognition of SRP Alu domains by ribosomes.

scholarly journals A biomimetic platelet based on assembling peptides initiates artificial coagulation

2020 ◽  
Vol 6 (22) ◽  
pp. eaaz4107
Author(s):  
Pei-Pei Yang ◽  
Kuo Zhang ◽  
Ping-Ping He ◽  
Yu Fan ◽  
Xuejiao J. Gao ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Endothelial Cells ◽  
Binding Sites ◽  
Therapeutic Strategy ◽  
Critical Role ◽  
The Self ◽  
Membrane Glycoprotein ◽  
Tumor Site ◽  
Self Assembling ◽  
Receptor Interactions

Platelets play a critical role in the regulation of coagulation, one of the essential processes in life, attracting great attention. However, mimicking platelets for in vivo artificial coagulation is still a great challenge due to the complexity of the process. Here, we design platelet-like nanoparticles (pNPs) based on self-assembled peptides that initiate coagulation and form clots in blood vessels. The pNPs first bind specifically to a membrane glycoprotein (i.e., CD105) overexpressed on angiogenetic endothelial cells in the tumor site and simultaneously transform into activated platelet-like nanofibers (apNFs) through ligand-receptor interactions. Next, the apNFs expose more binding sites and recruit and activate additional pNPs, forming artificial clots in both phantom and animal models. The pNPs are proven to be safe in mice without systemic coagulation. The self-assembling peptides mimic platelets and achieve artificial coagulation in vivo, thus providing a promising therapeutic strategy for tumors.

A naturally occurring Tyr143HisαIIb mutation abolishes αIIbβ3 function for soluble ligands but retains its ability for mediating cell adhesion and clot retraction: comparison with other mutations causing ligand-binding defects

Blood ◽  
2003 ◽  
Vol 101 (9) ◽  
pp. 3485-3491 ◽  
Author(s):  
Teruo Kiyoi ◽  
Yoshiaki Tomiyama ◽  
Shigenori Honda ◽  
Seiji Tadokoro ◽  
Morio Arai ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cell Adhesion ◽  
Ligand Binding ◽  
Binding Sites ◽  
Clot Retraction ◽  
Naturally Occurring ◽  
Binding Function ◽  
293 Cells ◽  
Ligand Binding Sites ◽  
Functional Defect ◽  
And Function

The molecular basis for the interaction between a prototypic non–I-domain integrin, αIIbβ3, and its ligands remains to be determined. In this study, we have characterized a novel missense mutation (Tyr143His) in αIIb associated with a variant of Glanzmann thrombasthenia. Osaka-12 platelets expressed a substantial amount of αIIbβ3(36%-41% of control) but failed to bind soluble ligands, including a high-affinity αIIbβ3-specific peptidomimetic antagonist. Sequence analysis revealed that Osaka-12 is a compound heterozygote for a single 521T>C substitution leading to a Tyr143His substitution in αIIb and for the null expression of αIIb mRNA from the maternal allele. Given that Tyr143 is located in the W3 4-1 loop of the β-propeller domain of αIIb, we examined the effects of Tyr143His or Tyr143Ala substitution on the expression and function of αIIbβ3 and compared them with KO (Arg-Thr insertion between 160 and 161 residues of αIIb) and with the Asp163Ala mutation located in the same loop by using 293 cells. Each of them abolished the binding function of αIIbβ3 for soluble ligands without disturbing αIIbβ3 expression. Because immobilized fibrinogen and fibrin are higher affinity/avidity ligands for αIIbβ3, we performed cell adhesion and clot retraction assays. In sharp contrast to KO mutation and Asp163AlaαIIbβ3, Tyr143HisαIIbβ3-expressing cells still had some ability for cell adhesion and clot retraction. Thus, the functional defect induced by Tyr143HisαIIb is likely caused by its allosteric effect rather than by a defect in the ligand-binding site itself. These detailed structure–function analyses provide better understanding of the ligand-binding sites in integrins.

Design of Protein–Protein Binding Sites Suggests a Rationale for Naturally Occurring Contact Areas

2018 ◽  
Vol 15 (2) ◽  
pp. 1383-1392 ◽  
Author(s):  
Francesca Nerattini ◽  
Luca Tubiana ◽  
Chiara Cardelli ◽  
Valentino Bianco ◽  
Christoph Dellago ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Protein Binding ◽  
Binding Sites ◽  
Protein Binding Sites ◽  
Contact Areas ◽  
Naturally Occurring

scholarly journals Kororamides, Convolutamines, and Indole Derivatives as Possible Tau and Dual-Specificity Kinase Inhibitors for Alzheimer’s Disease: A Computational Study

Marine Drugs ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 16 (10) ◽  
pp. 386 ◽  
Author(s):  
Laura Llorach-Pares ◽  
Alfons Nonell-Canals ◽  
Conxita Avila ◽  
Melchor Sanchez-Martinez
Keyword(s):  
Alzheimer’S Disease ◽  
Alzheimer's Disease ◽  
Therapeutic Strategy ◽  
Kinase Inhibitors ◽  
Computational Study ◽  
Therapeutic Application ◽  
Ongoing Research ◽  
Casein Kinase 1 ◽  
Dual Specificity ◽  
Potential Therapeutic Application

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is becoming one of the most disturbing health and socioeconomic problems nowadays, as it is a neurodegenerative pathology with no treatment, which is expected to grow further due to population ageing. Actual treatments for AD produce only a modest amelioration of symptoms, although there is a constant ongoing research of new therapeutic strategies oriented to improve the amelioration of the symptoms, and even to completely cure the disease. A principal feature of AD is the presence of neurofibrillary tangles (NFT) induced by the aberrant phosphorylation of the microtubule-associated protein tau in the brains of affected individuals. Glycogen synthetase kinase-3 beta (GSK3β), casein kinase 1 delta (CK1δ), dual-specificity tyrosine phosphorylation regulated kinase 1A (DYRK1A) and dual-specificity kinase cdc2-like kinase 1 (CLK1) have been identified as the principal proteins involved in this process. Due to this, the inhibition of these kinases has been proposed as a plausible therapeutic strategy to fight AD. In this study, we tested in silico the inhibitory activity of different marine natural compounds, as well as newly-designed molecules from some of them, over the mentioned protein kinases, finding some new possible inhibitors with potential therapeutic application.

scholarly journals Common binding by redundant group B Sox proteins is evolutionarily conserved in Drosophila

2014 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sarah H Carl ◽  
Steven Russell
Keyword(s):  
Binding Site ◽  
Binding Sites ◽  
Regulatory Networks ◽  
System Development ◽  
Nervous System Development ◽  
Phylogenetic Distance ◽  
Functional Sites ◽  
Sox Proteins ◽  
Alternative Sources ◽  
Group B

Background: Group B Sox proteins are a highly conserved group of transcription factors that act extensively to coordinate nervous system development in higher metazoans while showing both co-expression and functional redundancy across a broad group of taxa. In Drosophila melanogaster, the two group B Sox proteins Dichaete and SoxNeuro show widespread common binding across the genome. While some instances of functional compensation have been observed in Drosophila, the function of common binding and the extent of its evolutionary conservation is not known. Results: We used DamID-seq to examine the genome-wide binding patterns of Dichaete and SoxNeuro in four species of Drosophila. Through a quantitative comparison of Dichaete binding, we evaluated the rate of binding site turnover across the genome as well as at specific functional sites. We also examined the presence of Sox motifs within binding intervals and the correlation between sequence conservation and binding conservation. To determine whether common binding between Dichaete and SoxNeuro is conserved, we performed a detailed analysis of the binding patterns of both factors in two species. Conclusion: We find that, while the regulatory networks driven by Dichaete and SoxNeuro are largely conserved across the drosophilids studied, binding site turnover is widespread and correlated with phylogenetic distance. Nonetheless, binding is preferentially conserved at known cis-regulatory modules and core, independently verified binding sites. We observed the strongest binding conservation at sites that are commonly bound by Dichaete and SoxNeuro, suggesting that these sites are functionally important. Our analysis provides insights into the evolution of group B Sox function, highlighting the specific conservation of shared binding sites and suggesting alternative sources of neofunctionalisation between paralogous family members.

scholarly journals Dissecting Molecular Determinants of Mutational Escape Mechanisms in the SARS-CoV-2 Spike Protein Complexes with Nanobodies: Atomistic Simulations and Ensemble-Based Deep Mutational Scanning of Protein Stability and Binding Interactions

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gennady Verkhivker ◽  
Steve Agajanian ◽  
Deniz Yasar Oztas ◽  
Grace Gupta
Keyword(s):  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
Protein Complexes ◽  
Conformational Dynamics ◽  
Spike Protein ◽  
Atomistic Simulations ◽  
Binding Interactions ◽  
Mutational Profiling ◽  
Neutralizing Capacity ◽  
The Stability ◽  
Protein Response

Structural and biochemical studies have recently revealed a range of rationally engineered nanobodies with efficient neutralizing capacity against SARS-CoV-2 virus and resilience against mutational escape. In this work, we combined atomistic simulations and conformational dynamics analysis with the ensemble-based mutational profiling of binding interactions for a diverse panel of SARS-CoV-2 spike complexes with nanobodies. Using this computational toolkit, we identified dynamic signatures and binding affinity fingerprints for the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein complexes with nanobodies Nb6 and Nb20, VHH E, a pair combination VHH E+U, a biparatopic nanobody VHH VE, and a combination of CC12.3 antibody and VHH V/W nanobodies. Through ensemble-based deep mutational profiling of stability and binding affinities, we identify critical hotspots and characterize molecular mechanisms of SARS-CoV-2 spike protein binding with single ultra-potent nanobodies, nanobody cocktails and biparatopic nanobodies. By quantifying dynamic and energetic determinants of the SARS-CoV-2 S binding with nanobodies, we also examine the effects of circulating variants and escaping mutations. We found that mutational escape mechanisms may be controlled through structurally and energetically adaptable binding hotspots located in the host receptor-accessible binding epitope that are dynamically coupled to the stability centers in the distant epitope targeted by VHH U/V/W nanobodies. The results of this study suggested a mechanism in which through cooperative dynamic changes, nanobody combinations and biparatopic nanobody can modulate the global protein response and induce the increased resilience to common escape mutants.

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