Bicaudal-D uses a parallel, homodimeric coiled coil with heterotypic registry to coordinate recruitment of cargos to dynein.

Cytoplasmic dynein is the major minus end-directed microtubule motor in eukaryotes. However, there is little structural insight into how different cargos are recognized and linked to the motor complex. Here we describe the 2.2 Å resolution crystal structure of a cargo-binding region of the dynein adaptor Bicaudal-D (BicD), which reveals a parallel coiled-coil homodimer. We identify a shared binding site for two cargo-associated proteins-Rab6 and the RNA-binding protein Egalitarian (Egl)-within a region of the BicD structure with classical, homotypic core packing. Structure-based mutagenesis in Drosophila provides evidence that occupancy of this site drives association of BicD with dynein, thereby coupling motor recruitment to cargo availability. The structure also contains a region in which, remarkably, the same residues in the polypeptide sequence have different heptad registry in each chain. In vitro and in vivo analysis of a classical Drosophila dominant mutation reveals that this heterotypic region regulates the recruitment of dynein to BicD. Our results support a model in which the heterotypic segment is part of a molecular switch that promotes release of BicD autoinhibition following cargo binding to the neighboring, homotypic coiled-coil region. Overall, our data reveal a pivotal role of a highly asymmetric coiled-coil domain in coordinating the assembly of cargo-motor complexes.

Utility of High Resolution NMR Methods to Probe the Impact of Chemical Modifications on Higher Order Structure of Monoclonal Antibodies in Relation to Antigen Binding.

PURPOSE: An understanding of higher order structure (HOS) of monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) could be critical to predicting its function. Amongst the various factors that can potentially affect HOS of mAbs, chemical modifications that are routinely encountered during production and long-term storage are of significant interest. METHODS: To this end, two Pfizer mAbs were subjected to forced deamidation stress for a period of eight weeks. Samples were aliquoted at various time points and high resolution accurate mass liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) was performed using low-artifact trypsin digestion (LATD) peptide mapping to identify and quantify chemical modifications. 2D backbone amide and sidechain methyl NMR spectra were acquired to gauge the effect of HOS changes upon chemical modification. Differential scanning calorimetry was also performed to assess the effect of thermal stability of mAbs upon modification. Finally, functional studies via target-binding based ELISA were performed to connect HOS changes to any loss of potency. RESULTS: The extent of deamidation in the mAb domains were quantified by LC-MS/MS. The HOS changes as obtained from 2D NMR were mostly localized around the affected sites leaving the overall structure relatively unchanged. The antigen-antibody binding of the mAbs, in spite of deamidation in the Fab region, remains unchanged. CONCLUSION: This case study provides an integrated approach of relating chemical modifications in mAb domains with possible changes in HOS. This can be potentially used to assess a possible loss of potency within the structure-function paradigm of proteins in an orthogonal manner.

Abnormal glycosphingolipid mannosylation triggers salicylic acid-mediated responses in Arabidopsis.

The Arabidopsis thaliana protein GOLGI-LOCALIZED NUCLEOTIDE SUGAR TRANSPORTER (GONST1) has been previously identified as a GDP-d-mannose transporter. It has been hypothesized that GONST1 provides precursors for the synthesis of cell wall polysaccharides, such as glucomannan. Here, we show that in vitro GONST1 can transport all four plant GDP-sugars. However, gonst1 mutants have no reduction in glucomannan quantity and show no detectable alterations in other cell wall polysaccharides. By contrast, we show that a class of glycosylated sphingolipids (glycosylinositol phosphoceramides [GIPCs]) contains Man and that this mannosylation is affected in gonst1. GONST1 therefore is a Golgi GDP-sugar transporter that specifically supplies GDP-Man to the Golgi lumen for GIPC synthesis. gonst1 plants have a dwarfed phenotype and a constitutive hypersensitive response with elevated salicylic acid levels. This suggests an unexpected role for GIPC sugar decorations in sphingolipid function and plant defense signaling. Additionally, we discuss these data in the context of substrate channeling within the Golgi.

Hekate: software suite for the mass spectrometric analysis and three-dimensional visualization of cross-linked protein samples.

Chemical cross-linking of proteins combined with mass spectrometry provides an attractive and novel method for the analysis of native protein structures and protein complexes. Analysis of the data however is complex. Only a small number of cross-linked peptides are produced during sample preparation and must be identified against a background of more abundant native peptides. To facilitate the search and identification of cross-linked peptides, we have developed a novel software suite, named Hekate. Hekate is a suite of tools that address the challenges involved in analyzing protein cross-linking experiments when combined with mass spectrometry. The software is an integrated pipeline for the automation of the data analysis workflow and provides a novel scoring system based on principles of linear peptide analysis. In addition, it provides a tool for the visualization of identified cross-links using three-dimensional models, which is particularly useful when combining chemical cross-linking with other structural techniques. Hekate was validated by the comparative analysis of cytochrome c (bovine heart) against previously reported data. Further validation was carried out on known structural elements of DNA polymerase III, the catalytic α-subunit of the Escherichia coli DNA replisome along with new insight into the previously uncharacterized C-terminal domain of the protein.

Structural characterization of Arabidopsis leaf arabinogalactan polysaccharides.

Proteins decorated with arabinogalactan (AG) have important roles in cell wall structure and plant development, yet the structure and biosynthesis of this polysaccharide are poorly understood. To facilitate the analysis of biosynthetic mutants, water-extractable arabinogalactan proteins (AGPs) were isolated from the leaves of Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) plants and the structure of the AG carbohydrate component was studied. Enzymes able to hydrolyze specifically AG were utilized to release AG oligosaccharides. The released oligosaccharides were characterized by high-energy matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization-collision-induced dissociation mass spectrometry and polysaccharide analysis by carbohydrate gel electrophoresis. The Arabidopsis AG is composed of a ß-(1→3)-galactan backbone with ß-(1→6)-d-galactan side chains. The ß-(1→6)-galactan side chains vary in length from one to over 20 galactosyl residues, and they are partly substituted with single α-(1→3)-l-arabinofuranosyl residues. Additionally, a substantial proportion of the ß-(1→6)-galactan side chain oligosaccharides are substituted at the nonreducing termini with single 4-O-methyl-glucuronosyl residues via ß-(1→6)-linkages. The ß-(1→6)-galactan side chains are occasionally substituted with α-l-fucosyl. In the fucose-deficient murus1 mutant, AGPs lack these fucose modifications. This work demonstrates that Arabidopsis mutants in AGP structure can be identified and characterized. The detailed structural elucidation of the AG polysaccharides from the leaves of Arabidopsis is essential for insights into the structure-function relationships of these molecules and will assist studies on their biosynthesis.

Absence of branches from xylan in Arabidopsis gux mutants reveals potential for simplification of lignocellulosic biomass.

As one of the most abundant polysaccharides on Earth, xylan will provide more than a third of the sugars for lignocellulosic biofuel production when using grass or hardwood feedstocks. Xylan is characterized by a linear ß(1,4)-linked backbone of xylosyl residues substituted by glucuronic acid, 4-O-methylglucuronic acid or arabinose, depending on plant species and cell types. The biological role of these decorations is unclear, but they have a major influence on the properties of the polysaccharide. Despite the recent isolation of several mutants with reduced backbone, the mechanisms of xylan synthesis and substitution are unclear. We identified two Golgi-localized putative glycosyltransferases, GlucUronic acid substitution of Xylan (GUX)-1 and GUX2 that are required for the addition of both glucuronic acid and 4-O-methylglucuronic acid branches to xylan in Arabidopsis stem cell walls. The gux1 gux2 double mutants show loss of xylan glucuronyltransferase activity and lack almost all detectable xylan substitution. Unexpectedly, they show no change in xylan backbone quantity, indicating that backbone synthesis and substitution can be uncoupled. Although the stems are weakened, the xylem vessels are not collapsed, and the plants grow to normal size. The xylan in these plants shows improved extractability from the cell wall, is composed of a single monosaccharide, and requires fewer enzymes for complete hydrolysis. These findings have implications for our understanding of the synthesis and function of xylan in plants. The results also demonstrate the potential for manipulating and simplifying the structure of xylan to improve the properties of lignocellulose for bioenergy and other uses.

Characterization of BNT162b2 mRNA to Evaluate Risk of Off-Target Antigen Translation.

mRNA vaccines have been established as a safe and effective modality, thanks in large part to the expedited development and approval of COVID-19 vaccines. In addition to the active, full-length mRNA transcript, mRNA fragment species can be present as a byproduct of the cell-free transcription manufacturing process or due to mRNA hydrolysis. In the current study, mRNA fragment species from BNT162b2 mRNA were isolated and characterized. The translational viability of intact and fragmented mRNA species was further explored using orthogonal expression systems to understand the risk of truncated spike protein or off-target antigen translation. The study demonstrates that mRNA fragments are primarily derived from premature transcriptional termination during manufacturing, and only full-length mRNA transcripts are viable for expression of the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein antigen.

Hormone replacement therapy subcutaneous implants for refractory menopause symptoms; the patient's perspective.

OBJECTIVE: For women with menopause symptoms refractory to standard hormone replacement therapy (HRT) preparations, HRT implants offer an alternative. The primary objective of this study was to evaluate women's perceptions regarding efficacy, tolerability, satisfaction and safety of implant therapy. STUDY DESIGN: A single centre service evaluation study performed at Birmingham Women's & Children's Foundation Hospital Trust. An anonymised semi-structured survey link was posted to all women (n = 397) recorded to have received HRT implant(s) at a tertiary Menopause clinic (May 1982 and Dec 2018). Women attending clinic (June 2020 to Sept 2020) were opportunistically invited to complete a written version of the survey. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Data collected included demographics, medical and surgical history, therapy duration, type, indication and complications. Climacteric symptoms were assessed using the Greene Climacteric Scale. RESULTS: Data was obtained for 119 women. The written survey yielded higher response rates (n = 73, 61.3%). Most respondents were 51-60 years old (n = 51 42.9%) and 87.4% (n = 104) were 'White British'. 70 women used estradiol only implants. 30.1%% (n = 34) of patients reported a low Greene Climacteric Scale score (0-5). Subgroup analysis showed prevalence of sexual dysfunction and vasomotor symptoms across ages. There was a lower prevalence of psychological symptoms amongst ≥51 year olds. High satisfaction rates were reported. CONCLUSIONS: Data from a large cohort is presented. Good symptom control, satisfaction and long-term efficacy was demonstrated. This study supports the value of HRT implants for refractory menopause symptoms. A national database of implant users would be a useful tool to record satisfaction scores and adverse events.

Mass spectrometry reveals modularity and a complete subunit interaction map of the eukaryotic translation factor eIF3.

The eukaryotic initiation factor 3 (eIF3) plays an important role in translation initiation, acting as a docking site for several eIFs that assemble on the 40S ribosomal subunit. Here, we use mass spectrometry to probe the subunit interactions within the human eIF3 complex. Our results show that the 13-subunit complex can be maintained intact in the gas phase, enabling us to establish unambiguously its stoichiometry and its overall subunit architecture via tandem mass spectrometry and solution disruption experiments. Dissociation takes place as a function of ionic strength to form three stable modules eIF3(c:d:e:l:k), eIF3(f:h:m), and eIF3(a:b:i:g). These modules are linked by interactions between subunits eIF3b:c and eIF3c:h. We confirmed our interaction map with the homologous yeast eIF3 complex that contains the five core subunits found in the human eIF3 and supplemented our data with results from immunoprecipitation. These results, together with the 27 subcomplexes identified with increasing ionic strength, enable us to define a comprehensive interaction map for this 800-kDa species. Our interaction map allows comparison of free eIF3 with that bound to the hepatitis C virus internal ribosome entry site (HCV-IRES) RNA. We also compare our eIF3 interaction map with related complexes, containing evolutionarily conserved protein domains, and reveal the location of subunits containing RNA recognition motifs proximal to the decoding center of the 40S subunit of the ribosome.

Symmetrical modularity of the COP9 signalosome complex suggests its multifunctionality.

The COP9 signalosome (CSN) is an eight-subunit protein complex that is found in all eukaryotes. Accumulating evidence indicates its diverse biological functions that are often linked to ubiquitin-mediated proteolysis. Here we applied an emerging mass spectrometry approach to gain insight into the structure of the CSN complex. Our results indicate that the catalytically active human complex, reconstituted in vitro, is composed of a single copy of each of the eight subunits. By forming a total of 35 subcomplexes, we are able to build a comprehensive interaction map that shows two symmetrical modules, Csn1/2/3/8 and Csn4/5/6/7, connected by interactions between Csn1-Csn6. Overall the stable modules and multiple subcomplexes observed here are in agreement with the "mini-CSN" complexes reported previously. This suggests that the propensity of the CSN complex to change and adapt its subunit composition might underlie its ability to perform multiple functions in vivo.

Characterization of IRX10 and IRX10-like reveals an essential role in glucuronoxylan biosynthesis in Arabidopsis.

Xylan, the major hemicellulosic polysaccharide in Arabidopsis secondary cell walls, requires a number of glycosyltransferases (GT) to catalyse formation of the various glycosidic linkages found in the polymer. In this study, we characterized IRX10 and IRX10-like (IRX10-L), two highly homologous genes encoding members of the glycosyltransferase family 47 (GT47). T-DNA insertions in IRX10 gave a mild irregular xylem (irx) phenotype consistent with a minor defect in secondary cell-wall synthesis, whereas plants containing mutations in IRX10-L showed no change. However, irx10 irx10-L double mutant plants showed a much more severe irx and whole-plant phenotype, suggesting considerable functional redundancy between these two genes. Detailed biochemical analysis of the irx10 irx10-L double mutant showed a large reduction of xylan in the secondary cell walls, consistent with a specific defect in xylan biosynthesis. Furthermore, the irx10 irx10-L mutant retains the unique oligosaccharide found at the reducing end of Arabidopsis xylan, but shows a severe reduction in beta(1,4) xylosyltransferase activity. These characteristics are similar to those of irx9 and irx14, mutants that are believed to be defective in xylan chain elongation, and suggests that IRX10 and IRX10-L also play a role in elongation of the xylan backbone.

Aberrant attachment of heme to cytochrome by the Ccm system results in a cysteine persulfide linkage.

The system I cytochrome c maturation (Ccm) apparatus has been shown to handle a wide variety of apocytochrome substrates containing the CX(n)CH heme attachment sequence, where n = 2, 3, or 4 in natural sequences. When n = 5 or 6, the apparatus also appears to handle these substrates correctly, but close inspection reveals that the resulting mature cytochromes are mixtures of species containing extra mass. We have used accurate mass spectrometry to analyze peptide digests of matured Escherichia coli cytochrome cb(562) with n = 1, 5, or 6 and shown that an extra sulfur is sometimes incorporated into the heme-protein linkage. These unprecedented, aberrant persulfide linkages may shed new light upon the mechanism of the attachment of heme to substrate apocytochrome within the Ccm complex of E. coli.

Synthetic chain terminators off-load intermediates from a type I polyketide synthase.

Modular biocatalysis is responsible for the generation of countless bioactive products and its mining remains a major focus for drug discovery purposes. One of the enduring hurdles is the isolation of biosynthetic intermediates in a readily-analysed form. We prepared a series of nonhydrolysable pantetheine and N-acetyl cysteamine mimics of the natural (methyl)malonyl extender units recruited for polyketide formation. Using these analogues as competitive substrates, we were able to trap and off-load diketide and triketide species directly from an in vitro reconstituted type I polyketide synthase, the 6-deoxyerythronolide B synthase 3 (DEBS3). The putative intermediates, which were extracted in organic solvent and characterised by LC-HR-ESI-MS, are the first of their kind and prove that small-molecule chain terminators can be used as convenient probes of the biosynthetic process.

The Atypical MAP Kinase ErkB Transmits Distinct Chemotactic Signals through a Core Signaling Module.

Signaling from chemoattractant receptors activates the cytoskeleton of crawling cells for chemotaxis. We show using phosphoproteomics that different chemoattractants cause phosphorylation of the same core set of around 80 proteins in Dictyostelium cells. Strikingly, the majority of these are phosphorylated at an [S/T]PR motif by the atypical MAP kinase ErkB. Unlike most chemotactic responses, ErkB phosphorylations are persistent and do not adapt to sustained stimulation with chemoattractant. ErkB integrates dynamic autophosphorylation with chemotactic signaling through G-protein-coupled receptors. Downstream, our phosphoproteomics data define a broad panel of regulators of chemotaxis. Surprisingly, targets are almost exclusively other signaling proteins, rather than cytoskeletal components, revealing ErkB as a regulator of regulators rather than acting directly on the motility machinery. ErkB null cells migrate slowly and orientate poorly over broad dynamic ranges of chemoattractant. Our data indicate a central role for ErkB and its substrates in directing chemotaxis.

Flotillin proteins recruit sphingosine to membranes and maintain cellular sphingosine-1-phosphate levels.

Sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P) is an important lipid signalling molecule. S1P is produced via intracellular phosphorylation of sphingosine (Sph). As a lipid with a single fatty alkyl chain, Sph may diffuse rapidly between cellular membranes and through the aqueous phase. Here, we show that the absence of microdomains generated by multimeric assemblies of flotillin proteins results in reduced S1P levels. Cellular phenotypes of flotillin knockout mice, including changes in histone acetylation and expression of Isg15, are recapitulated when S1P synthesis is perturbed. Flotillins bind to Sph in vitro and increase recruitment of Sph to membranes in cells. Ectopic re-localisation of flotillins within the cell causes concomitant redistribution of Sph. The data suggest that flotillins may directly or indirectly regulate cellular sphingolipid distribution and signalling.

Ligand binding energy and enzyme efficiency from reductions in protein dynamics.

Tetrameric rabbit muscle glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH; EC 1.2.1.12) binds successively four molecules of its cofactor (NAD+) with affinities of ca 10(11) M(-1), 10(9) M(-1), 10(7) M(-1), and 10(5) M(-1). The reduction in the dynamics of the protein is greatest upon binding the first NAD+ molecule. Smaller reductions then occur upon binding the second and third NAD+ molecules, and the fourth NAD+ molecule binds without dynamic change. Reduction of the GAPDH dynamics, with consequent improvements in its internal bonding, can account for the increase in NAD+ binding affinity from 10(5) M(-1) to 10(11) M(-1). Evidence is provided that comparable fractions of the binding energy of other ligands, and of the catalytic efficiency of enzymes, may be derived in the same way.

Structure elucidation of arabinoxylan isomers by normal phase HPLC-MALDI-TOF/TOF-MS/MS.

Normal phase-high performance liquid chromatography (NP-HPLC) coupled to matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization-time-of-flight/time-of-flight (MALDI-TOF/TOF) tandem mass spectrometry is evaluated for the detailed structural characterization of various isomers of arabinoxylan (AX) oligosaccharides produced from endo-beta-(1-->4)-xylanase (endoxylanase) digestion of wheat AX. The fragmentation characteristics of these oligosaccharides upon MALDI-TOF/TOF high-energy collision induced dissociation (CID) were investigated using purified AX oligosaccharide standards labeled at the reducing end with 2-aminobenzoic acid (2-AA). A variety of cross-ring cleavages and 'elimination' ions in the fragment ion spectra provided extensive structural information, including Araf substitution patterns along the xylan backbone and comprehensive linkage assignment. The off-line coupling of this MALDI-CID technique to capillary normal phase HPLC enabled the separation and identification of isomeric oligosaccharides (DP 4-8) produced by endoxylanase digestion of AX. Furthermore, this technique was used to characterize structurally different isomeric AX oligosaccharides produced by endoxylanase enzymes with different substrate specificities.

Quantitative proteomics screen identifies a substrate repertoire of rhomboid protease RHBDL2 in human cells and implicates it in epithelial homeostasis.

Rhomboids are intramembrane serine proteases conserved in all kingdoms of life. They regulate epidermal growth factor receptor signalling in Drosophila by releasing signalling ligands from their transmembrane tethers. Their functions in mammals are poorly understood, in part because of the lack of endogenous substrates identified thus far. We used a quantitative proteomics approach to investigate the substrate repertoire of rhomboid protease RHBDL2 in human cells. We reveal a range of novel substrates that are specifically cleaved by RHBDL2, including the interleukin-6 receptor (IL6R), cell surface protease inhibitor Spint-1, the collagen receptor tyrosine kinase DDR1, N-Cadherin, CLCP1/DCBLD2, KIRREL, BCAM and others. We further demonstrate that these substrates can be shed by endogenously expressed RHBDL2 and that a subset of them is resistant to shedding by cell surface metalloproteases. The expression profiles and identity of the substrates implicate RHBDL2 in physiological or pathological processes affecting epithelial homeostasis.