[The Structural Features of Skeletal Muscle Titin Aggregates].

Titin is a multidomain protein of striated and smooth muscles of vertebrates. The protein consists of repeating immunoglobulin-like (Ig) and fibronectin-like (FnIII) domains, which are ß-sandwiches with a predominant ß-structure, and also contains disordered regions. In this work, the methods of atomic force microscopy (AFM), X-ray diffraction, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy were used to study the morphology and structure of aggregates of rabbit skeletal muscle titin obtained in two different solutions: 0.15 M glycine-KOH, pH 7.0 and 200 mM KCl, 10 mM imidazole, pH 7.0. According to AFM data, skeletal muscle titin formed amorphous aggregates of different morphologies in the above two solutions. Amorphous aggregates of titin formed in a solution containing glycine consisted of much larger particles than aggregates of this protein formed in a solution containing KCl. The "KCl-aggregates" according to AFM data had the form of a "sponge"-like structure, while amorphous "glycine-aggregates" of titin formed "branching" structures. Spectrofluorometry revealed the ability of "glycine-aggregates" of titin to bind to the dye thioflavin T (TT), and X-ray diffraction revealed the presence of one of the elements of the amyloid cross ß-structure, a reflection of ~4.6 Å, in these aggregates. These data indicate that "glycine-aggregates" of titin are amyloid or amyloid-like. No similar structural features were found in "KCl-aggregates" of titin; they also did not show the ability to bind to thioflavin T, indicating the non-amyloid nature of these titin aggregates. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy revealed differences in the secondary structure of the two types of titin aggregates. The data we obtained demonstrate the features of structural changes during the formation of intermolecular bonds between molecules of the giant titin protein during its aggregation. The data expand the understanding of the process of amyloid protein aggregation.

Interleukin-17: Functional and Structural Features, Application as a Therapeutic Target.

Cytokines of the IL-17 family play a key role in the host organism defense against bacterial and fungal infections. At the same time, upregulated synthesis of IL-17 cytokines is associated with immunoinflammatory and autoimmune diseases such as psoriasis, rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, and others. The members of this family are important therapeutic targets in the treatment of various human chronic inflammatory disorders. Elucidation of signaling pathways involving IL-17 family proteins and analysis of the structure of cytokine complexes with specific antibodies, inhibitors, and receptors are essential for the development of new drugs for the therapy of immunoinflammatory rheumatic diseases.

Structural and functional properties of antimicrobial protein L5 of Lysоbacter sp. XL1.

The Gram-negative bacterium Lysobacter sp. XL1 secretes into the extracellular space five bacteriolytic enzymes that lyse the cell walls of competing microorganisms. Of special interest are homologous lytic proteases L1 and L5. This work found protein L5 to possess Gly-Gly endopeptidase and N-acetylmuramoyl-L-Ala amidase activities with respect to staphylococcal peptidoglycan. Protein L5 was found to be capable of aggregating into amyloid-like fibril structures. The crystal structure of protein L5 was determined at a 1.60-Å resolution. Protein L5 was shown to have a rather high structural identity with bacteriolytic protease L1 of Lysobacter sp. XL1 and α-lytic protease of Lysobacter enzymogenes at a rather low identity of their amino acid sequences. Still, the structure of protein L5 was revealed to have regions that differed from their equivalents in the homologs. The revealed structural distinctions in L5 are suggested to be of importance in exhibiting its unique properties.

Investigations of Photosensitive Proteins by Serial Crystallography.

This review contains recent data on serial femtosecond X-ray crystallography (SFX), based on a femtosecond X-ray free electron laser, as well as, on the possibilities of its application for studying photosensitive proteins. Development of this method began rather recently, and it has already shown its effectiveness and some unique advantages over conventional X-ray structural analysis. This technology is especially promising for structural studies of membrane proteins and for kinetic studies. The main principle of the method, the possibility of its application in structural biology, its advantages and disadvantages, as well as its prospects for further development are analyzed in this review. Special attention is given to publications in which the SFX method has been used to study photosensitive proteins.

[Incorporation of Copper Ions into T2/T3 Centers of Two-Domain Laccases].

Laccase belongs to the family of copper-containing oxidases. A study was made of the mechanism that sustains the incorporation of copper ions into the T2/T3 centers of recombinant two-domain laccase Streptomyces griseoflavus Ac-993. The occupancy of the T3 center by copper ions was found to increase with an increasing copper content in the culture medium and after dialysis of the protein preparation against a copper sulfate-containing buffer. The T2 center was filled only when overproducer strain cells were grown at a higher copper concentration in the medium. Two-domain laccases were assumed to possess a channel that serves to deliver copper ions to the T3 center during the formation of the three-dimensional laccase conformation and dialysis of the protein preparation. A narrower channel leads to the T2 center in two-domain laccases compared with three-domain ones, rendering the center less accessible for copper atoms. The incorporation of copper ions into the T2 center of two-domain laccases is likely to occur in the course of their biosynthesis or the formation of a functional trimer.

[Influence of Nonconserved Regions of L1 Protuberance of Thermus thermophilus Ribosome on the Affinity of L1 Protein to 23s rRNA].

The L1 protuberance of the ribosome includes two domain ribosomal protein L1 and three helices of 23S rRNA (H76, H77, and H78) with interconnecting loops A and B. Helix 78 consists of two parts, i.e., H78a and H78b. A comparison of the available structural data of L1-RNA complexes with the obtained kinetic data made it possible to determine the influence of the nonconserved regions of Thermus thermophilus L1-protuberance on the mutual affinity of the L1 protein and 23S rRNA. It has been shown that the N-terminal helix of the protein and 78b helix of 23S rRNA are essential for the formation of an additional intermolecular contact, which is separated in the protein from the main site of L1-rRNA interaction by a flexible connection. This results in a rise in the TthL1-rRNA affinity. At the same time, the elongation of the 76 helix has no effect on rRNA-protein binding.

Investigation of Structure of the Ribosomal L12/P Stalk.

This review contains recent data on the structure of the functionally important ribosomal domain, L12/P stalk, of the large ribosomal subunit. It is the most mobile site of the ribosome; it has been found in ribosomes of all living cells, and it is involved in the interaction between ribosomes and translation factors. The difference between the structures of the ribosomal proteins forming this protuberance (despite their general resemblance) determines the specificity of interaction between eukaryotic and prokaryotic ribosomes and the respective protein factors of translation. In this review, works on the structures of ribosomal proteins forming the L12/P-stalk in bacteria, archaea, and eukaryotes and data on structural aspects of interactions between these proteins and rRNA are described in detail.

Different effects of identical symmetry-related mutations near the bacteriochlorophyll dimer in the photosynthetic reaction center of Rhodobacter sphaeroides.

In the bacterial photosynthetic reaction center (RC), asymmetric protein environment of the bacteriochlorophyll (BChl) dimer largely determines the photophysical and photochemical properties of the primary electron donor. Previously, we noticed significant differences in properties of Rhodobacter sphaeroides RCs with identical mutations in symmetry-related positions - I(M206)H and I(L177)H. The substitution I(L177)H resulted in covalent binding of BChl PA with the L-subunit, as well as in 6-coordination of BChl BB, whereas in RC I(M206)H no such changes of pigment-protein interactions were found. In addition, the yield of RC I(M206)H after its isolation from membranes was significantly lower than the yield of RC I(L177)H. This study shows that replacement of amino acid residues in the M203-M206 positions near BChls PB and BA by symmetry-related residues from the L-subunit near BChls PA and BB leads to further decrease in RC amount in the membranes associated obviously with poor assembly of the complex. Introduction of a new hydrogen bond between BChl PB and its protein environment by means of the F(M197)H mutation stabilized the mutant RC but did not affect its low yield. We suggest that the mutation I(M206)H and substitution of amino acid residues in M203-M205 positions could disturb glycolipid binding on the RC surface near BChl BA that is important for stable assembly of the complex in the membrane.

The site-directed mutation I(L177)H in Rhodobacter sphaeroides reaction center affects coordination of P(A) and B(B) bacteriochlorophylls.

To explore the influence of the I(L177)H single mutation on the properties of the nearest bacteriochlorophylls (BChls), three reaction centers (RCs) bearing double mutations were constructed in the photosynthetic purple bacterium Rhodobacter sphaeroides, and their properties and pigment content were compared with those of the correspondent single mutant RCs. Each pair of the mutations comprised the amino acid substitution I(L177)H and another mutation altering histidine ligand of BChl P(A) or BChl B(B). Contrary to expectations, the double mutation I(L177)H+H(L173)L does not bring about a heterodimer RC but causes a 46nm blue shift of the long-wavelength P absorbance band. The histidine L177 or a water molecule were suggested as putative ligands for P(A) in the RC I(L177)H+H(L173)L although this would imply a reorientation of the His backbone and additional rearrangements in the primary donor environment or even a repositioning of the BChl dimer. The crystal structure of the mutant I(L177)H reaction center determined to a resolution of 2.9Å shows changes at the interface region between the BChl P(A) and the monomeric BChl B(B). Spectral and pigment analysis provided evidence for ß-coordination of the BChl B(B) in the double mutant RC I(L177)H+H(M182)L and for its hexacoordination in the mutant reaction center I(L177)H. Computer modeling suggests involvement of two water molecules in the ß-coordination of the BChl B(B). Possible structural consequences of the L177 mutation affecting the coordination of the two BChls P(A) and B(B) are discussed. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled: Photosynthesis Research for Sustainability: from Natural to Artificial.

Expression, purification, crystallization and preliminary X-ray structure analysis of wild-type and L(M196)H-mutant Rhodobacter sphaeroides reaction centres.

The electron and proton transport mediated by protein-bound cofactors in photosynthesis have been investigated by various methods in order to determine the energetics, the dynamics and the pathway of this process. In purple bacteria, primary photosynthetic charge separation and the build-up of a proton gradient across the periplasmic membrane are catalyzed by the photosynthetic reaction centre (RC). Here, the purification, crystallization and preliminary X-ray analysis of wild-type and L(M196)H-mutant RCs of Rhodobacter sphaeroides are presented, enabling study of the influence of the protein environment of the primary electron donor on the spectral properties and photochemical activity of the RC.

Structural studies on photosystem II of cyanobacteria.

Photosynthesis is one of the most important chemical processes in the biosphere responsible for the maintenance of life on Earth. Light energy is converted into energy of chemical bonds in photoreaction centers, which, in particular, include photosystem II (PS II). PS II is a multisubunit pigment-protein complex located in the thylakoid membrane of cyanobacteria, algae and plants. PS II realizes the first stage of solar energy conversion that results in decomposition of water to molecular oxygen, protons, and bound electrons via a series of consecutive reactions. During recent years, considerable progress has been achieved in determination of the spatial structures of PS II from various cyanobacteria. In the present review, we outline the current state of crystallographic studies on PS II.

[Design and structural and thermodynamic studies of a chimeric protein derived from spectrin SH3-domain].

A number of chimerical constructions based on the spectrin SH3 domain were designed for structural and thermodynamic studies of protein folding and protein-ligand interactions. SH3 domains were found in many regulatory proteins and operate through weak interactions with proline-rich fragments of the partners. The recombinant protein studied in this work (WT-CIIA) was constructed by linking the peptide PPPVPPYSAG to the domain C-terminal trough a long 12-residue linker with the aim to achieve stable ligand binding in orientation II, which until now has not been considered as typical for spectrin domain. A comparison of fluorescence spectra of the chimerical protein and the parent domain suggests that the ligand sticks to the conservative binding site. The analysis of the urea-induced unfolding curves revealed, however, that the protein-ligand contact is not stable enough and as a result the chimerical protein structure unfolds in two steps. In order to clarify the structural aspects of the protein-ligand interaction, WT-CIIA was crystallized and a set of the X-ray diffraction data at 1.75 angstroms resolution was acquired. Preliminary analysis of the diffraction data indicated that the crystals belong to the space group P32, with unit-cell parameters a = b = 3639, c = = 112.17 angstroms, alpha = beta = 90.0, gamma = 120.0.

[Crystal structures of mutant ribosomal proteins L1].

Nine mutant forms of ribosomal proteins L1 from the bacterium Thermus thermophilus and the archaeon Methanococcus jannaschii were obtained. Their crystal structures were determined and analyzed. Earlier determined structure of S179C TthL1 was also thoroughly analyzed. Five from ten mutant proteins reveal essential changes of spatial structure caused by surface point mutation. It proves that for correct studies of biological processes by site-directed mutagenesis it is necessary to determine or at least to model spatial structures of mutant proteins. Detailed comparison of mutant L1 structures with that of corresponding wild type proteins reveals that side chain of a mutated amino acid residue tries to locate like the side chain of the original residue in the wild type protein. This observation helps to model the mutant structures.

Structural and functional characterization of two-domain laccase from Streptomyces viridochromogenes.

Laccase (EC 1.10.3.2) is one of the most common copper-containing oxidases found in many organisms and catalyses oxidation of primarily phenolic compounds by oxygen. A recently found bacterial laccase whose molecule is formed by two domains - the so called two-domain laccase (2DLac) or small laccase - has unusual resistance to inhibitors and an alkaline optimum of activity. The causes of these properties, as well as the biological function of two-domain laccases, are poorly understood. We performed an enzymatic and structural characterization of 2DLac from Streptomyces viridochromogenes (SvSL). It was cloned and overproduced in Escherichia coli. Phenolic compounds were oxidized in the presence of the enzyme under alkaline but not acidic conditions. Conversely, nonphenolic compounds were oxidized at acidic but not alkaline pH. SvSL catalysed oxidation of nonphenolic compounds more efficiently than that of phenols. Moreover, this two-domain laccase displayed a cytochrome c oxidase activity and exhibited no ferroxidase activity. The enzyme was resistant to specific inhibitors of copper-containing oxidases, such as NaN3 and NaF. We succeeded in generating X-ray quality crystals and solved their structure to a resolution of 2.4 Å. SvSL is a homotrimer in its native state. Comparison of its structure with that of a three-domain laccase revealed differences in the second coordination sphere of the T2/T3 centre and solvent channels. The role of these differences in the resistance of the enzyme to inhibitors and the activity at alkaline pH is under discussion.