Complex Formation between Cytochrome c and a Tetra-alanino-calix[4]arene.

Owing to their remarkable features, calix[n]arenes are being exploited to study different aspects of molecular recognition, including protein complexation. Different complexation modes have been described, depending on the moieties that complement the aromatic cavity, allowing for function regulation and/or controlled assembly of the protein target. Here, a rigid cone calix[4]arene, bearing four anionic alanine units at the upper rim, was tested as a ligand for cytochrome c. Cocrystallization attempts were unfruitful, preventing a solid-state study of the system. Next, the complex was studied using NMR spectroscopy, which revealed the presence of two binding sites at lysine residues with dissociation constants (Kd) in the millimolar range.

Noncovalent PEGylation via Sulfonatocalix[4]arene-A Crystallographic Proof.

Noncovalent or supramolecular PEGylation, in combination with the site of administration, has great potential to increase the half-life of therapeutic proteins. To date, a variety of noncovalent PEGylation strategies have been devised. However, questions remain concerning the nature of the protein-PEG interaction. Here, we report structural analyses of a model system that comprised the lysine-rich cytochrome c and two PEGylated variants of sulfonatocalix[4]arene. Complex formation was characterized in solution by NMR spectroscopy. It was found that mono- or di-PEGylated sulfonatocalix[4]arene bound the protein similar to the parent calixarene. X-ray crystal structures at <2.7 Å resolution of the PEGylated derivatives in complex with cytochrome c revealed that the PEG chains were mostly disordered or encapsulated within the calixarene cavity. These results suggest that there was minimal interaction between the PEG and the protein surface, providing further evidence in favor of PEG maintaining a random coil conformation.

Protein Recognition by Functionalized Sulfonatocalix[4]arenes.

The interactions of two mono-functionalized sulfonatocalix[4]arenes with cytochrome c were investigated by structural and thermodynamic methods. The replacement of a single sulfonate with either a bromo or a phenyl substituent resulted in altered recognition of cytochrome c as evidenced by X-ray crystallography. The bromo-substituted ligand yielded a new binding mode in which a self-encapsulated calixarene dimer contributed to crystal packing. This ligand also formed a weak halogen bond with the protein. The phenyl-substituted ligand was bound to Lys4 of cytochrome c, in a 1.7 Šresolution crystal structure. A dimeric packing arrangement mediated by ligand-ligand contacts in the crystal suggested a possible assembly mechanism. The different protein recognition properties of these calixarenes are discussed.

Protein Dimerization on a Phosphonated Calix[6]arene Disc.

Complex formation between cationic cytochrome c and the water-soluble, poly-anionic p-phosphonatocalix[6]arene (pclx6 ) was investigated. A crystal structure (at 1.8 Šresolution) revealed a remarkable dimeric disc of pclx6 that acts like glue to mediate a symmetric (C2 ) protein dimer. The calixarene disc has a diameter of about 1.5 nm and masks about 360 Å2 of protein surface. The key protein-calixarene contacts occur via two linchpin lysines, with additional contacts provided by a small hydrophobic patch. The protein-calixarene supramolecular assemblies were observed in solution by size-exclusion chromatography with multi-angle light scattering and NMR spectroscopy. Using isothermal titration calorimetry and NMR data, an apparent Kd in the low micromolar range was determined for the charge-rich protein-calixarene complex. In contrast to p-sulfonatocalix[4]arene, the larger pclx6 has a single, well-defined binding site that mediates the assembly of cytochrome c in solution.

Study of cytochrome c-DNA interaction--evaluation of binding sites on the redox protein.

Artificial assemblies consisting of the cationic cytochrome c (cyt c) and double-stranded DNA are interesting for the field of biohybrid systems because of the high electro-activity of the incorporated redox protein. However, little is known about the interactions between these two biomolecules. Here, the complex of reduced cyt c and a 41 base pair oligonucleotide was characterized in solution as a function of pH and ionic strength. Persistent cyt c-DNA agglomerates were observed by UV-vis and DLS (dynamic light scattering) at pH 5.0 and low ionic strength. The strength of the interaction was attenuated by raising the pH or the ionic strength. At pH 7.0 agglomerates were not formed, allowing interaction analysis by NMR spectroscopy. Using TROSY (transverse relaxation-optimized spectroscopy)-HSQC (heteronuclear single quantum coherence) experiments it was possible to identify the DNA binding site on the cyt c surface. Numerous residues surrounding the exposed heme edge of cyt c were involved in transient binding to DNA under these conditions. This result was supported by SEC (size exclusion chromatography) experiments at pH 7.0 showing that the interaction is sufficient for co-elution of cyt c and DNA.