Identifying New Ligands for JNK3 by Fluorescence Thermal Shift Assays and Native Mass Spectrometry.

The c-Jun N-terminal kinases (JNKs) are evolutionary highly conserved serine/threonine kinases. Numerous findings suggest that JNK3 is involved in the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative diseases, so the inhibition of JNK3 may be a potential therapeutic intervention. The identification of novel compounds with promising pharmacological properties still represents a challenge. Fluorescence thermal shift screening of a chemically diversified lead-like scaffold library of 2024 pure compounds led to the initial identification of seven JNK3 binding hits, which were classified into four scaffold groups according to their chemical structures. Native mass spectrometry validated the interaction of 4 out of the 7 hits with JNK3. Binding geometries and interactions of the top 2 hits were evaluated by docking into a JNK3 crystal structure. Hit 5 had a K d of 21 µM with JNK3 suggested scaffold 5-(phenylamino)-1H-1,2,3-triazole-4-carboxamide as a novel and selective JNK3 binder.

Cryo-EM analysis of the HCoV-229E spike glycoprotein reveals dynamic prefusion conformational changes.

Coronaviruses spike (S) glycoproteins mediate viral entry into host cells by binding to host receptors. However, how the S1 subunit undergoes conformational changes for receptor recognition has not been elucidated in Alphacoronavirus. Here, we report the cryo-EM structures of the HCoV-229E S trimer in prefusion state with two conformations. The activated conformation may pose the potential exposure of the S1-RBDs by decreasing of the interaction area between the S1-RBDs and the surrounding S1-NTDs and S1-RBDs compared to the closed conformation. Furthermore, structural comparison of our structures with the previously reported HCoV-229E S structure showed that the S trimers trended to open the S2 subunit from the closed conformation to open conformation, which could promote the transition from pre- to postfusion. Our results provide insights into the mechanisms involved in S glycoprotein-mediated Alphacoronavirus entry and have implications for vaccine and therapeutic antibody design.

Crystal Structure of ATP-Bound Human ABCF1 Demonstrates a Unique Conformation of ABC Proteins.

Gene translation requires the correct selection of start codon AUG in mRNA. ATP-binding cassette subfamily F member 1 (ABCF1) plays a key role in the accuracy of start codon selection. However, the function of human ABCF1 is not clearly understood. Here, we solve the crystal structure of an ATP-bound wild-type human ABCF1 at 2.3-Å resolution. The comparative studies indicate that the structure is in a pre-activation intermediate conformation. This conformation is stabilized by the interaction between ATP and protein. Thus, we propose that this conformation is an important step in the activation of ABCF1. This study extends our understanding of ABC (ATP-binding cassette) protein activation at the molecular level.

Mitrocomin from the jellyfish Mitrocoma cellularia with deleted C-terminal tyrosine reveals a higher bioluminescence activity compared to wild type photoprotein.

The full-length cDNA genes encoding five new isoforms of Ca(2+)-regulated photoprotein mitrocomin from a small tissue sample of the outer bell margin containing photocytes of only one specimen of the luminous jellyfish Mitrocoma cellularia were cloned, sequenced, and characterized after their expression in Escherichia coli and subsequent purification. The analysis of cDNA nucleotide sequences encoding mitrocomin isoforms allowed suggestion that two isoforms might be the products of two allelic genes differing in one amino acid residue (64R/Q) whereas other isotypes appear as a result of transcriptional mutations. In addition, the crystal structure of mitrocomin was determined at 1.30Å resolution which expectedly revealed a high similarity with the structures of other hydromedusan photoproteins. Although mitrocomin isoforms reveal a high degree of identity of amino acid sequences, they vary in specific bioluminescence activities. At that, all isotypes displayed the identical bioluminescence spectra (473-474nm with no shoulder at 400nm). Fluorescence spectra of Ca(2+)-discharged mitrocomins were almost identical to their light emission spectra similar to the case of Ca(2+)-discharged aequorin, but different from Ca(2+)-discharged obelins and clytin which fluorescence is red-shifted by 25-30nm from bioluminescence spectra. The main distinction of mitrocomin from other hydromedusan photoproteins is an additional Tyr at the C-terminus. Using site-directed mutagenesis, we showed that this Tyr is not important for bioluminescence because its deletion even increases specific activity and efficiency of apo-mitrocomin conversion into active photoprotein, in contrast to C-terminal Pro of other photoproteins. Since genes in a population generally exist as different isoforms, it makes us anticipate the cloning of even more isoforms of mitrocomin and other hydromedusan photoproteins with different bioluminescence properties.

Crystallization, preliminary X-ray crystallographic and cryo-electron microscopy analysis of a bifunctional enzyme fucokinase/L-fucose-1-P-guanylyltransferase from Bacteroides fragilis.

Fucokinase/L-fucose-1-P-guanylyltransferase (FKP) is a bifunctional enzyme which converts L-fucose to Fuc-1-P and thence to GDP-L-fucose through a salvage pathway. The molecular weights of full-length FKP (F-FKP) and C-terminally truncated FKP (C-FKP, residues 300-949) are 105.7 and 71.7 kDa, respectively. In this study, both recombinant F-FKP and C-FKP were expressed and purified. Size-exclusion chromatography experiments and analytical ultracentrifugation results showed that both F-FKP and C-FKP are trimers. Native F-FKP protein was crystallized by the vapour-diffusion method and the crystals belonged to space group P212121 and diffracted synchrotron X-rays to 3.7 Šresolution. The crystal unit-cell parameters are a = 91.36, b = 172.03, c = 358.86 Å, α = ß = γ = 90.00°. The three-dimensional features of the F-FKP molecule were observed by cryo-EM (cryo-electron microscopy). The preliminary cryo-EM experiments showed the F-FKP molecules as two parallel disc-shaped objects stacking together. Combining all results together, it is assumed that there are six FKP molecules in one asymmetric unit, which corresponds to a calculated Matthews coefficient of 2.19 Å(3) Da(-1) with 43.83% solvent content. These preliminary crystallographic and cryo-EM microscopy analyses provide basic structural information on FKP.

Crystal structure of the N-terminal methyltransferase-like domain of anamorsin.

Anamorsin is a recently identified molecule that inhibits apoptosis during hematopoiesis. It contains an N-terminal methyltransferase-like domain and a C-terminal Fe-S cluster motif. Not much is known about the function of the protein. To better understand the function of anamorsin, we have solved the crystal structure of the N-terminal domain at 1.8 Å resolution. Although the overall structure resembles a typical S-adenosylmethionine (SAM) dependent methyltransferase fold, it lacks one α-helix and one ß-strand. As a result, the N-terminal domain as well as the full-length anamorsin did not show S-adenosyl-L-methionine (AdoMet) dependent methyltransferase activity. Structural comparisons with known AdoMet dependent methyltransferases reveals subtle differences in the SAM binding pocket that preclude the N-terminal domain from binding to AdoMet. The N-terminal methyltransferase-like domain of anamorsin probably functions as a structural scaffold to inhibit methyl transfers by out-competing other AdoMet dependant methyltransferases or acts as bait for protein-protein interactions.

Structural view of a non Pfam singleton and crystal packing analysis.

BACKGROUND: Comparative genomic analysis has revealed that in each genome a large number of open reading frames have no homologues in other species. Such singleton genes have attracted the attention of biochemists and structural biologists as a potential untapped source of new folds. Cthe_2751 is a 15.8 kDa singleton from an anaerobic, hyperthermophile Clostridium thermocellum. To gain insights into the architecture of the protein and obtain clues about its function, we decided to solve the structure of Cthe_2751. RESULTS: The protein crystallized in 4 different space groups that diffracted X-rays to 2.37 Å (P3(1)21), 2.17 Å (P2(1)2(1)2(1)), 3.01 Å (P4(1)22), and 2.03 Å (C222(1)) resolution, respectively. Crystal packing analysis revealed that the 3-D packing of Cthe_2751 dimers in P4(1)22 and C222(1) is similar with only a rotational difference of 2.69° around the C axes. A new method developed to quantify the differences in packing of dimers in crystals from different space groups corroborated the findings of crystal packing analysis. Cthe_2751 is an all α-helical protein with a central hydrophobic core providing thermal stability via π:cation and π: π interactions. A ProFunc analysis retrieved a very low match with a splicing endonuclease, suggesting a role for the protein in the processing of nucleic acids. CONCLUSIONS: Non-Pfam singleton Cthe_2751 folds into a known all α-helical fold. The structure has increased sequence coverage of non-Pfam proteins such that more protein sequences can be amenable to modelling. Our work on crystal packing analysis provides a new method to analyze dimers of the protein crystallized in different space groups. The utility of such an analysis can be expanded to oligomeric structures of other proteins, especially receptors and signaling molecules, many of which are known to function as oligomers.

Structural basis for the inhibition of human 5,10-methenyltetrahydrofolate synthetase by N10-substituted folate analogues.

5,10-Methenyltetrahydrofolate synthetase (MTHFS) regulates the flow of carbon through the one-carbon metabolic network, which supplies essential components for the growth and proliferation of cells. Inhibition of MTHFS in human MCF-7 breast cancer cells has been shown to arrest the growth of cells. Absence of the three-dimensional structure of human MTHFS (hMTHFS) has hampered the rational design and optimization of drug candidates. Here, we report the structures of native hMTHFS, a binary complex of hMTHFS with ADP, hMTHFS bound with the N5-iminium phosphate reaction intermediate, and an enzyme-product complex of hMTHFS. The N5-iminium phosphate captured for the first time in our crystal structure unravels a unique strategy used by hMTHFS for recognition of the substrate and provides structural basis for the regulation of enzyme activity. Binding of N10-substituted folate analogues places Y152 in the middle of the channel connecting ATP binding site with the substrate binding pocket, precluding the positioning of gamma-phosphate for a nucleophilic attack. Using the structures of hMTHFS as a guide, we have probed the role of residues surrounding the active site in catalysis by mutagenesis. The ensemble of hMTHFS structures and the mutagenesis data yield a coherent picture of the MTHFS active site, determinants of substrate specificity, and new insights into the mechanism of inhibition of hMTHFS.

Structural insight into acute intermittent porphyria.

Acute intermittent porphyria (AIP), an inherited disease of heme biosynthesis, is one of the most common types of porphyria. Reduced activity of the enzyme porphobilinogen deaminase (PBGD), which catalyzes the sequential condensation of 4 molecules of porphobilinogen to yield preuroporphyrinogen, has been linked to the symptoms of AIP. We have determined the 3-dimensional structure of human PBGD at 2.2 A resolution. Analysis of the structure revealed a dipyrromethane cofactor molecule covalently linked to C261, sitting in a positively charged cleft region. In addition to the critical catalytic D99, a number of other residues are seen hydrogen bonded to the cofactor and play a role in catalysis. Sequential entry of 4 pyrrole molecules into the active site is accomplished by movement of the domains around the hinges. H120P mutation resulted in an inactive enzyme, supporting the role of H120 as a hinge residue. Interestingly, some of the mutations of the human PBGD documented in patients suffering from AIP are located far away from the active site. The structure provides insights into the mechanism of action of PBGD at the molecular level and could aid the development of potential drugs for the up-regulation of PBGD activity in AIP.

Purification, crystallization and preliminary crystallographic analysis of the non-Pfam protein AF1514 from Archeoglobus fulgidus DSM 4304.

A 10.5 kDa non-Pfam hypothetical protein, AF1514, from the hyperthermophilic archaeon Archeoglobus fulgidus has been overexpressed in Escherichia coli, purified and crystallized using the hanging-drop vapour-diffusion method. The crystals diffracted X-rays to 2.09 A resolution and a data set was collected at 100 K using Cu K alpha radiation from a rotating-anode X-ray source. The crystals belong to space group P4(1)2(1)2 or P4(3)2(1)2, with unit-cell parameters a = b = 49.27, c = 106.61 A. The calculated Matthews coefficient was 3.16 A(3) Da(-1), suggesting the presence of one molecule in the asymmetric unit.

(NZ)CH...O contacts assist crystallization of a ParB-like nuclease.

BACKGROUND: The major bottleneck for determination of 3 D structures of proteins using X-rays is the production of diffraction quality crystals. Often proteins are subjected to chemical modification to improve the chances of crystallization RESULTS: Here, we report the successful crystallization of a nuclease employing a reductive methylation protocol. The key to crystallization was the successful introduction of 44 new cohesive (NZ) CH...O contacts (3.2-3.7 A) by the addition of 2 methyl groups to the side chain amine nitrogen (NZ) of 9 lysine residues of the nuclease. The new contacts dramatically altered the crystallization properties of the protein, resulting in crystals that diffracted to 1.2 A resolution. Analytical ultracentrifugation analysis and thermodynamics results revealed a more compact protein structure with better solvent exclusion of buried Trp residues in the folded state of the methylated protein, assisting crystallization. CONCLUSION: In this study, introduction of novel cohesive (NZ)CH...O contacts by reductive methylation resulted in the crystallization of a protein that had previously resisted crystallization in spite of extensive purification and crystallization space screening. Introduction of (NZ)CH...O contacts could provide a solution to crystallization problems for a broad range of protein targets.

The multifunctional human p100 protein 'hooks' methylated ligands.

The human p100 protein is a vital transcription regulator that increases gene transcription by forming a physical bridge between promoter-specific activators and the basal transcription machinery. Here we demonstrate that the tudor and SN (TSN) domain of p100 interacts with U small nuclear ribonucleoprotein (snRNP) complexes, suggesting a role for p100 in the processing of precursor messenger RNA. We determined the crystal structure of the p100 TSN domain to delineate the molecular basis of p100's proposed functions. The interdigitated structure resembles a hook, with a hinge controlling the movement and orientation of the hook. Our studies suggest that a conserved aromatic cage hooks methyl groups of snRNPs and anchors p100 to the spliceosome. These structural insights partly explain the distinct roles of p100 in transcription and splicing.

[The design and synthesis of 2-aminothiazole derivatives and their inhibitory activity on apoptosis].

AIM: To investigate the inhibitory effect of 2-aminothiazole derivatives on Neuro-cell apoptosis and QSAR. METHODS: The 2-aminothiazole derivatives were designed and synthesized based on the lead compound of PFT-alpha, the protective action of the compounds I and II against and their inhibitory action on PC12 cell apoptosis induced by H2O2 were determined by MTT method and FCM method. The QSAR equation was obtained from Cerius2-QSAR+ module. RESULTS: Eleven novel 2-aminothiazole Schiff base compounds (II) have been designed and synthesized. The structure of the compound II were characterized by IR, MS,1H NMR, 13C NMR. Their protective action against and the inhibitory action on PC12 cell apoptosis induced by H2O2 were found in this experiment. The optimal QSAR equation obtained from the Cerius2-QSAR+ module by using log (1/EC50) with corresponding descriptors is Activity = 6.947 68 - 0.088 72 x "LUMO" - 0.043 018 x "Alogp98" - 0.128 752 x "Rad0fGration" + 0.018 246 x "Dipole-mag". The correlation statistics parameters of the above equation are as follows: r2 = 0.970, F-test = 49. 149, r = 0. 985 and Lse = 0. 001. CONCLUSION: The 2-aminothiazole derivatives exhibited certain activity in inhibiting PC12 cell apoptosis induced by H2O2. Some compounds such as I-6, I-9 and II-6 have the dual activities, the protective action against and inhibitory action on PC12 cell apoptosis induced by H2O2. The QSAR equation indicated that it is favorable for enhance the activity of 2-aminothiazole derivatives by the reduction of "radius of gyration" and the energy of "LUMO" of the compounds.