A novel polysaccharide/zein conjugate as an alternative green plastic.

The flax seed cake is a waste product from flax oil extraction. Adding value to this wasted material aligns with the concept of circularity. In this study, we explored zein protein conjugation with flax mucilage for packaging material development. Although both flax mucilage and zein have excellent film-forming properties, they lack the required mechanical properties for industrial processing and are sensitive to high humidity. We present a simple and non-toxic one-pot method for developing the novel flax mucilage/zein conjugate. Where the flax mucilage undergoes oxidation to form aldehyde groups, which then react with zein's amino groups in a glycation process. The conjugates were analyzed using different techniques. The flax mucilage conjugate had a water-holding capacity of 87-62%. Increasing the zein content improved the surface smoothness of the films. On the other hand, higher levels of zein led to a significant decrease in film solubility (p < 0.05). The flax mucilage conjugate exhibited thermoplastic and elastic properties; revealing Young's modulus of 1-3 GPa, glass transition temperature between 49 °C and 103 °C and excellent processability with various industrial techniques. Showing its potential as a sustainable alternative to traditional plastics.

19F-NMR Unveils the Ligand-Induced Conformation of a Catalytically Inactive Twisted Homodimer of tRNA-Guanine Transglycosylase.

Understanding the structural arrangements of protein oligomers can support the design of ligands that interfere with their function in order to develop new therapeutic concepts for disease treatment. Recent crystallographic studies have elucidated a novel twisted and functionally inactive form of the homodimeric enzyme tRNA-guanine transglycosylase (TGT), a putative target in the fight against shigellosis. Active-site ligands have been identified that stimulate the rearrangement of one monomeric subunit by 130° against the other one to form an inactive twisted homodimer state. To assess whether the crystallographic observations also reflect the conformation in solution and rule out effects from crystal packing, we performed 19F-NMR spectroscopy with the introduction of 5-fluorotryptophans at four sites in TGT. The inhibitor-induced conformation of TGT in solution was assessed based on 19F-NMR chemical shift perturbations. We investigated the effect of C(4) substituted lin-benzoguanine ligands and identified a correlation between dynamic protein rearrangements and ligand-binding features in the corresponding crystal structures. These involve the destabilization of a helix next to the active site and the integrity of a flexible loop-helix motif. Ligands that either completely lack an attached C(4) substituent or use it to stabilize the geometry of the functionally competent dimer state do not indicate the presence of the twisted dimer form in the NMR spectra. The perturbation of crucial structural motifs in the inhibitors correlates with an increasing formation of the inactive twisted dimer state, suggesting these ligands are able to shift a conformational equilibrium from active C2-symmetric to inactive twisted dimer conformations. These findings suggest a novel concept for the design of drug candidates for further development.

Molecular and Spectroscopic Characterization of Green and Red Cyanine Fluorophores from the Alexa Fluor and AF Series.

The front cover artwork was provided by Gabriel Moya, a PhD student in the Cordes lab (LMU Biocenter Munich, Germany). The cover image shows an artistic impression of the chemical structures of two fluorophores investigated in the paper. Read the full text of the Article at 10.1002/cphc.202000935.

Molecular and Spectroscopic Characterization of Green and Red Cyanine Fluorophores from the Alexa Fluor and AF Series*.

The use of fluorescence techniques has an enormous impact on various research fields including imaging, biochemical assays, DNA-sequencing and medical technologies. This has been facilitated by the development of numerous commercial dyes with optimized photophysical and chemical properties. Often, however, information about the chemical structures of dyes and the attached linkers used for bioconjugation remain a well-kept secret. This can lead to problems for research applications where knowledge of the dye structure is necessary to predict or understand (unwanted) dye-target interactions, or to establish structural models of the dye-target complex. Using a combination of optical spectroscopy, mass spectrometry, NMR spectroscopy and molecular dynamics simulations, we here investigate the molecular structures and spectroscopic properties of dyes from the Alexa Fluor (Alexa Fluor 555 and 647) and AF series (AF555, AF647, AFD647). Based on available data and published structures of the AF and Cy dyes, we propose a structure for Alexa Fluor 555 and refine that of AF555. We also resolve conflicting reports on the linker composition of Alexa Fluor 647 maleimide. We also conducted a comprehensive comparison between Alexa Fluor and AF dyes by continuous-wave absorption and emission spectroscopy, quantum yield determination, fluorescence lifetime and anisotropy spectroscopy of free and protein-attached dyes. All these data support the idea that Alexa Fluor and AF dyes have a cyanine core and are a derivative of Cy3 and Cy5. In addition, we compared Alexa Fluor 555 and Alexa Fluor 647 to their structural homologs AF555 and AF(D)647 in single-molecule FRET applications. Both pairs showed excellent performance in solution-based smFRET experiments using alternating laser excitation. Minor differences in apparent dye-protein interactions were investigated by molecular dynamics simulations. Our findings clearly demonstrate that the AF-fluorophores are an attractive alternative to Alexa- and Cy-dyes in smFRET studies or other fluorescence applications.

Molecular structure, DNA binding mode, photophysical properties and recommendations for use of SYBR Gold.

SYBR Gold is a commonly used and particularly bright fluorescent DNA stain, however, its chemical structure is unknown and its binding mode to DNA remains controversial. Here, we solve the structure of SYBR Gold by NMR and mass spectrometry to be [2-[N-(3-dimethylaminopropyl)-N-propylamino]-4-[2,3-dihydro-3-methyl-(benzo-1,3-thiazol-2-yl)-methylidene]-1-phenyl-quinolinium] and determine its extinction coefficient. We quantitate SYBR Gold binding to DNA using two complementary approaches. First, we use single-molecule magnetic tweezers (MT) to determine the effects of SYBR Gold binding on DNA length and twist. The MT assay reveals systematic lengthening and unwinding of DNA by 19.1° ± 0.7° per molecule upon binding, consistent with intercalation, similar to the related dye SYBR Green I. We complement the MT data with spectroscopic characterization of SYBR Gold. The data are well described by a global binding model for dye concentrations ≤2.5 µM, with parameters that quantitatively agree with the MT results. The fluorescence increases linearly with the number of intercalated SYBR Gold molecules up to dye concentrations of ∼2.5 µM, where quenching and inner filter effects become relevant. In summary, we provide a mechanistic understanding of DNA-SYBR Gold interactions and present practical guidelines for optimal DNA detection and quantitative DNA sensing applications using SYBR Gold.

Selective isotope labeling for NMR structure determination of proteins in complex with unlabeled ligands.

The physiological role of proteins is frequently linked to interactions with non-protein ligands or posttranslational modifications. Structural characterization of these complexes or modified proteins by NMR may be difficult as the ligands are usually not available in an isotope-labeled form and NMR spectra may suffer from signal overlap. Here, we present an optimized approach that uses specific NMR isotope-labeling schemes for overcoming both hurdles. This approach enabled the high-resolution structure determination of the farnesylated C-terminal domain of the peroxisomal protein PEX19. The approach combines specific 13C, 15N and 2H isotope labeling with tailored NMR experiments to (i) unambiguously identify the NMR frequencies and the stereochemistry of the unlabeled 15-carbon isoprenoid, (ii) resolve the NMR signals of protein methyl groups that contact the farnesyl moiety and (iii) enable the unambiguous assignment of a large number of protein-farnesyl NOEs. Protein deuteration was combined with selective isotope-labeling and protonation of amino acids and methyl groups to resolve ambiguities for key residues that contact the farnesyl group. Sidechain-labeling of leucines, isoleucines, methionines, and phenylalanines, reduced spectral overlap, facilitated assignments and yielded high quality NOE correlations to the unlabeled farnesyl. This approach was crucial to enable the first NMR structure of a farnesylated protein. The approach is readily applicable for NMR structural analysis of a wide range of protein-ligand complexes, where isotope-labeling of ligands is not well feasible.

hIAPP forms toxic oligomers in plasma.

In diabetes, hyperamylinemia contributes to cardiac dysfunction. The interplay between hIAPP, blood glucose and other plasma components is, however, not understood. We show that glucose and LDL interact with hIAPP, resulting in ß-sheet rich oligomers with increased ß-cell toxicity and hemolytic activity, providing mechanistic insights for a direct link between diabetes and cardiovascular diseases.

Conformational Selection of Dimethylarginine Recognition by the Survival Motor Neuron Tudor Domain.

Tudor domains bind to dimethylarginine (DMA) residues, which are post-translational modifications that play a central role in gene regulation in eukaryotic cells. NMR spectroscopy and quantum calculations are combined to demonstrate that DMA recognition by Tudor domains involves conformational selection. The binding mechanism is confirmed by a mutation in the aromatic cage that perturbs the native recognition mode of the ligand. General mechanistic principles are delineated from the combined results, indicating that Tudor domains utilize cation-π interactions to achieve ligand recognition.

Solution structure and binding specificity of the p63 DNA binding domain.

p63 is a close homologue of p53 and, together with p73, is grouped into the p53 family of transcription factors. p63 is known to be involved in the induction of controlled apoptosis important for differentiation processes, germ line integrity and development. Despite its high homology to p53, especially within the DNA binding domain (DBD), p63-DBD does not show cooperative DNA binding properties and is significantly more stable against thermal and chemical denaturation. Here, we determined the solution structure of p63-DBD and show that it is markedly less dynamic than p53-DBD. In addition, we also investigate the effect of a double salt bridge present in p53-DBD, but not in p63-DBD on the cooperative binding behavior and specificity to various DNA sites. Restoration of the salt bridges in p63-DBD by mutagenesis leads to enhanced binding affinity to p53-specific, but not p63-specific response elements. Furthermore, we show that p63-DBD is capable of binding to anti-apoptotic BclxL via its DNA binding interface, a feature that has only been shown for p53 so far. These data suggest that all p53 family members - despite alterations in the specificity and binding affinity - are capable of activating pro-apoptotic pathways in a tissue specific manner.

Selective activators of protein phosphatase 5 target the auto-inhibitory mechanism.

Protein phosphatase 5 (PP5) is an evolutionary conserved serine/threonine phosphatase. Its dephosphorylation activity modulates a diverse set of cellular factors including protein kinases and the microtubule-associated tau protein involved in neurodegenerative disorders. It is auto-regulated by its heat-shock protein (Hsp90)-interacting tetratricopeptide repeat (TPR) domain and its C-terminal α-helix. In the present study, we report the identification of five specific PP5 activators [PP5 small-molecule activators (P5SAs)] that enhance the phosphatase activity up to 8-fold. The compounds are allosteric modulators accelerating efficiently the turnover rate of PP5, but do barely affect substrate binding or the interaction between PP5 and the chaperone Hsp90. Enzymatic studies imply that the compounds bind to the phosphatase domain of PP5. For the most promising compound crystallographic comparisons of the apo PP5 and the PP5-P5SA-2 complex indicate a relaxation of the auto-inhibited state of PP5. Residual electron density and mutation analyses in PP5 suggest activator binding to a pocket in the phosphatase/TPR domain interface, which may exert regulatory functions. These compounds thus may expose regulatory mechanisms in the PP5 enzyme and serve to develop optimized activators based on these scaffolds.

Self-diffusion in molecular liquids: medium-chain n-alkanes and coenzyme Q10 studied by quasielastic neutron scattering.

A systematic time-of-flight quasielastic neutron scattering (TOF-QENS) study on diffusion of n-alkanes in a melt is presented for the first time. As another example of a medium-chain molecule, coenzyme Q(10) is investigated in the same way. The data were evaluated both in the frequency and in the time domain. TOF-QENS data can be satisfactorily described by different models, and it turned out that the determined diffusion coefficients are largely independent of the applied model. The derived diffusion coefficients are compared with values measured by pulsed-field gradient nuclear magnetic resonance (PFG-NMR). With increasing chain length, an increasing difference between the TOF-QENS diffusion coefficient and the PFG-NMR diffusion coefficient is observed. This discrepancy in the diffusion coefficients is most likely due to a change of the diffusion mechanism on a nanometer length scale for molecules of medium-chain length.

Quasielastic and inelastic neutron scattering study of methyl group rotation in solid and liquid pentafluoroanisole and pentafluorotoluene.

The rotational motion of the methyl group in pentafluoroanisole (PFA) and in pentafluorotoluene (PFT), respectively, was investigated by quasielastic neutron scattering (QENS). For solid PFA, the rotation can be described by a model for uniaxial rotational jumps between three equidistant sites on a circle. Similar to the molecular structure of alpha-toluene, two nonequivalent methyl groups in the unit cell with two different rotational barriers were found for solid PFT. From the analysis of the quasielastic scattering, the activation energies were determined. The barrier heights could be evaluated from bands in the inelastic part of the spectra. The methyl group dynamics in the liquid state is evaluated for both substances using different scattering functions, which are discussed. An empirical model for the description of the contribution of methyl groups in liquids of small organic molecules to the QENS spectra is presented. It is demonstrated that the process of methyl group rotation in the liquid phase is nearly free of a barrier.

NMR studies reveal structural differences between the gallium and yttrium complexes of DOTA-D-Phe1-Tyr3-octreotide.

The somatostatin analogue DOTATOC, DOTA-[Tyr(3)]octreotide, is used for in vivo diagnosis and targeted therapy of somatostatin-receptor-positive tumors. DOTATOC consists of a disulfide-bridged octapeptide, d-Phe(1)-Cys(2)-Tyr(3)-d-Trp(4)-Lys(5)-Thr(6)-Cys(7)-Thr(8)-ol, connected to the metal chelator DOTA (1,4,7,10-tetraazacyclododecane-1,4,7,10-tetraacetic acid). Two metal complexes, Ga(III)- and Y(III)-DOTATOC, were reported to differ significantly in somatostatin receptor affinity and tumor uptake. Our (1)H and (13)C solution NMR data and modeling studies of both compounds are in agreement with a fast conformational equilibrium of the peptide part, as previously reported for octreotide itself. However, the different coordination geometry of Ga(3+) and Y(3+) (6-fold and 8-fold, respectively, as known from model compounds) causes pronounced differences for the d-Phe(1) residue. For Y(III)-DOTATOC this leads to two conformers exchanging slowly on the NMR time scale. From various NMR measurements, they could be identified as cis-trans isomers at the amide bond between DOTA chelator and first residue (d-Phe(1)H(N)) of the peptide.

BI-32169, a bicyclic 19-peptide with strong glucagon receptor antagonist activity from Streptomyces sp.

A new bicyclic 19-peptide, BI-32169, has been isolated from the culture broth of Streptomyces sp. (DSM 14996). Its structure has been established by amino acid analysis, mass spectrometry, and 2D NMR analysis. BI-32169 consists exclusively of protein amino acids and is cyclized from the side chain of Asp(9) to the N-terminus of Gly(1). One disulfide bond between Cys(6) and Cys(19) forms a bicyclic structure. BI-32169 and its methyl ester derivative showed potent inhibitory activity against the human glucagon receptor (IC(50) 440 and 320 nM, respectively) in a functional cell-based assay.

Solution structure of Escherichia coli Par10: The prototypic member of the Parvulin family of peptidyl-prolyl cis/trans isomerases.

E. coli Par10 is a peptidyl-prolyl cis/trans isomerase (PPIase) from Escherichia coli catalyzing the isomerization of Xaa-Pro bonds in oligopeptides with a broad substrate specificity. The structure of E. coli Par10 has been determined by multidimensional solution-state NMR spectroscopy based on 1207 conformational constraints (1067 NOE-derived distances, 42 vicinal coupling-constant restraints, 30 hydrogen-bond restraints, and 68 phi/psi restraints derived from the Chemical Shift Index). Simulated-annealing calculations with the program ARIA and subsequent refinement with XPLOR yielded a set of 18 convergent structures with an average backbone RMSD from mean atomic coordinates of 0.50 A within the well-defined secondary structure elements. E. coli Par10 is the smallest known PPIase so far, with a high catalytic efficiency comparable to that of FKBPs and cyclophilins. The secondary structure of E. coli Par10 consists of four helical regions and a four-stranded antiparallel beta-sheet. The N terminus forms a beta-strand, followed by a large stretch comprising three alpha-helices. A loop region containing a short beta-strand separates these helices from a fourth alpha-helix. The C terminus consists of two more beta-strands completing the four-stranded anti-parallel beta-sheet with strand order 2143. Interestingly, the third beta-strand includes a Gly-Pro cis peptide bond. The curved beta-strand forms a hydrophobic binding pocket together with alpha-helix 4, which also contains a number of highly conserved residues. The three-dimensional structure of Par10 closely resembles that of the human proteins hPin1 and hPar14 and the plant protein Pin1At, belonging to the same family of highly homologous proteins.