Cysteines Introduced into Extracellular Loops 1 and 4 of Human P-Glycoprotein That Are Close Only in the Open Conformation Spontaneously Form a Disulfide Bond That Inhibits Drug Efflux and ATPase Activity

P-glycoprotein (P-gp) is an ATP-binding cassette drug pump that protects us from toxic compounds and confers multidrug resistance. The protein is organized into two halves. The halves contain a transmembrane domain (TMD) with six transmembrane segments and a nucleotide-binding domain (NBD). The drug- and ATP-binding sites reside at the TMD1/TMD2 and NBD1/NBD2 interfaces, respectively. ATP-dependent drug efflux involves changes between the open inward-facing (NBDs apart, extracellular loops (ECLs) close together) and the closed outward-facing (NBDs close together, ECLs apart) conformations. It is controversial, however, whether the open conformation only exists transiently in intact cells because of the presence of high levels of ATP. To test for the presence of an open conformation in intact cells, reporter cysteines were placed in extracellular loops 1 (A80C, N half) and 4 (R741C, C half). The rationale was that cysteines A80C/R741C would only come close enough to form a disulfide bond in an open conformation (6.9 Å apart) because they are separated widely (30.4 Å apart) in the closed conformation. It was observed that the mutant A80C/R741C cross-linked spontaneously (>90%) when expressed in cells. In contrast to previous reports showing that trapping P-gp in a closed conformation highly activated ATPase activity, here we show that A80C/R741C cross-linking inhibited ATPase activity and drug efflux. Both activities were restored when the cross-linked mutant was treated with a thiol-reducing agent. The results show that an open conformation can be readily detected in cells and that cross-linking of cysteines placed in ECLs 1 and 4 inhibits activity.     

Human P-glycoprotein is active when the two halves are clamped together in the closed conformation

The P-glycoprotein (P-gp, ABCB1) drug pump protects us from toxic compounds and confers multidrug resistance. Each of the two homologous halves of P-gp is composed of a transmembrane domain (TMD) with six TM segments followed by a nucleotide-binding domain (NBD). The drug- and ATP-binding sites reside at the interface between the TMDs and NBDs, respectively. Crystal structures show drug pumps in the open and closed conformations, where the drug-binding pocket and NBDs are open or closed at the cytoplasmic side, respectively. Although it has been postulated that drug substrates enter the drug-binding pocket in the open conformation, it is unknown if they can enter in the closed conformation. To determine this, we introduced cysteines into regions of TM3 (residues 175-178) and TM9 (residues 820-822) that extend into the cytoplasm and are 4 Å and 20 Å apart in the closed and open conformations, respectively. The 12 double cysteine mutants were then cross-linked with a short cross-linker, M1M (4 Å) at 0 °C to reduce thermal motion in the protein. Only mutant L175C/N820C was cross-linked. Cross-linking was not increased in the presence of ATP or drug substrates. Cross-linking increased its basal ATPase activity about 3-fold. Activity could be increased further by drug substrates such as verapamil and rhodamine B. These results suggest that P-gp in the membrane is in the closed conformation that has a high affinity for drug substrates.     

Identification of the Distance between the Homologous Halves of P-glycoprotein That Triggers the High/Low ATPase Activity Switch

P-glycoprotein (P-gp, ABCB1) is an ATP-binding cassette drug pump that protects us from toxic compounds and confers multidrug resistance. Each homologous half contains a transmembrane domain with six transmembrane segments followed by a nucleotide-binding domain (NBD). The drug- and ATP-binding sites reside at the interface between the transmembrane domain and NBDs, respectively. Drug binding activates ATPase activity by an unknown mechanism. There is no high resolution structure of human P-gp, but homology models based on the crystal structures of bacterial, mouse, and Caenorhabditis elegans ATP-binding cassette drug pumps yield both open (NBDs apart) and closed (NBDs together) conformations. Molecular dynamics simulations predict that the NBDs can be separated over a range of distances (over 20 Å). To determine the distance that show high or low ATPase activity, we cross-linked reporter cysteines L175C (N-half) and N820C (C-half) with cross-linkers of various lengths that separated the halves between 6 and 30 Å (α-carbons). We observed that ATPase activity increased over 10-fold when the cysteines were cross-linked at distances between 6 and 19 Å, although cross-linking at distances greater than 20 Å yielded basal levels of activity. The results suggest that the ATPase activation switch appears to be turned on or off when L175C/N820 are clamped at distances less than or greater than 20 Å, respectively. We predict that the high/low ATPase activity switch may occur at a distance where the NBDs are predicted in molecular dynamic simulations to undergo pronounced twisting as they approach each other (Wise, J. G. (2012) Biochemistry 51, 5125–5141).     

Drug-stimulated ATPase activity of human P-glycoprotein is blocked by disulfide cross-linking between the nucleotide-binding sites

P-glycoprotein (P-gp) is an ATP-dependent drug pump that contains two nucleotide-binding domains (NBDs). Disulfide cross-linking analysis was done to determine if the two NBDs are close to each other. Residues within or close to the Walker A (GNSGCGKS in NDB1 and GSSGCGKS in NBD2) sequences for nucleotide binding were replaced with cysteine, and the mutant P-gps were subjected to oxidative cross-linking. Cross-linking was detected in two mutants, G427C(NBD1)/Cys-1074(NBD2) and L439C(NBD1)/Cys-1074(NBD2), because the cross-linked proteins migrated slower in SDS gels. Mutants G427C(NBD1)/Cys-1074(NBD2) and L439C(NBD1)/Cys-1074(NBD2) retained 10% and 82%, respectively, of the drug-stimulated ATPase activity relative to that of Cys-less P-gp. The cross-linking properties of the more active mutant L439C(NBD1)/Cys-1074(NBD2) were then studied. Cross-linking was reversed by addition of dithiothreitol and could be prevented by pretreatment of the mutant with N-ethylmaleimide. Cross-linking was also inhibited by MgATP, but not by the verapamil. Oxidative cross-linking of mutant L439C(NBD1)/Cys-1074(NBD2) resulted in almost complete inhibition of drug-stimulated ATPase activity. More than 60% of the drug-stimulated ATPase activity, however, was recovered after treatment with dithiothreitol. The results indicate that the two predicted nucleotide-binding sites are close to each other and that cross-linking inhibits ATP hydrolysis.     

Nucleotide binding, ATP hydrolysis, and mutation of the catalytic carboxylates of human P-glycoprotein cause distinct conformational changes in the transmembrane segments

P-Glycoprotein (P-gp, ABCB1) transports a variety of structurally unrelated cytotoxic compounds out of the cell. Each homologous half of P-gp has a transmembrane (TM) domain containing six TM segments and a nucleotide-binding domain (NBD) and is joined by a linker region. It has been postulated that binding of two ATP molecules at the NBD interface to form a "nucleotide sandwich" induces drug efflux by altering packing of the TM segments that make up the drug-binding pocket. To test if ATP binding alone could alter packing of the TM segments, we introduced catalytic carboxylate mutations (E556Q in NBD1 and E1201Q in NBD2) into double-cysteine mutants that exhibited ATP-dependent cross-linking so that the mutants could bind but not hydrolyze ATP. It was found that ATP binding alone could alter disulfide cross-linking between the TM segments. For example, ATP inhibited cross-linking of mutant L339C(TM6)/V982C(TM12)/E556Q(NBD1)/E1201Q(NBD2) but promoted cross-linking of mutant F343C(TM6)/V982C(TM12)/E556Q(NBD1)/E1201Q(NBD2). Cross-linking of some mutants, however, appeared to require ATP hydrolysis as introduction of the catalytic carboxylate mutations into mutant L332C(TM6)/L975C(TM12) inhibited ATP-dependent cross-linking. Cross-linking between cysteines in the TM segments also could be altered via introduction of a single catalytic carboxylate mutation into mutant L332C(TM6)/L975C(TM12) or by using the nonhydrolyzable ATP analogue, AMP.PNP. The results show that the TM segments are quite sensitive to changes within the ATP-binding sites because different conformations could be detected in the presence of ATP, AMP.PNP, during ATP hydrolysis or through mutation of the catalytic carboxylates.     

Locking Intracellular Helices 2 and 3 Together Inactivates Human P-glycoprotein

The P-glycoprotein (P-gp) drug pump (ABCB1) has two transmembrane domains and two nucleotide-binding domains (NBDs). Coupling of the drug-binding sites in the transmembrane domains to the NBDs occurs through interaction of the intracellular helices (IHs) with residues in the NBDs (IH1/IH4/NBD1 and IH2/IH3/NBD2). We showed previously that cross-linking of cysteines in IH3 and IH1 with a short cross-linker mimicked drug binding as it activated P-gp ATPase activity. Here we show that residue A259C(IH2) could be directly cross-linked to W803C(IH3). Cross-linking was inhibited by the presence of ATP and adenosine 5′-(β,γ-imino)triphosphate but not by ADP. Cross-linking of mutant A259C/W803C inhibited its verapamil-stimulated ATPase activity mutant, but activity was restored after addition of dithiothreitol. Because these residues are close to the ball-and-socket joint A266C(IH2)/Phe¹⁰⁸⁶(NBD2), we mutated the adjacent Tyr¹⁰⁸⁷(NBD2) close to IH3. Mutants Y1087A and Y1087L, but not Y1087F, were misprocessed, and all inhibited ATPase activity. Mutation of hydrophobic residues (F793A, L797A, L814A, and L818A) flanking IH3 also inhibited maturation. The results suggest that these residues, together with Trp⁸⁰³ and Phe⁸⁰⁴, form a large hydrophobic pocket. The results show that there is an important hydrophobic network at the IH2/IH3/NBD2 transmission interface that is critical for folding and activity of P-gp.     

Drug binding in human P-glycoprotein causes conformational changes in both nucleotide-binding domains

The human multidrug resistance P-glycoprotein (P-gp, ABCB1) uses ATP to transport many structurally diverse compounds out of the cell. It is an ABC transporter with two nucleotide-binding domains (NBDs) and two transmembrane domains (TMDs). Recently, we showed that the "LSGGQ" motif in one NBD ((531)LSGGQ(535) in NBD1; (1176)LSGGQ(1180) in NBD2) is adjacent to the "Walker A" sequence ((1070)GSSGCGKS(1077) in NBD2; (427)GNSGCGKS(434) in NBD1) in the other NBD (Loo, T. W., Bartlett, M. C., and Clarke, D. M. (2002) J. Biol. Chem. 277, 41303-41306). Drug substrates can stimulate or inhibit the ATPase activity of P-gp. Here, we report the effect of drug binding on cross-linking between the LSGGQ signature and Walker A sites (Cys(431)(NBD1)/C1176C(NBD2) and Cys(1074)(NBD2)/L531C(NBD1), respectively). Seven drug substrates (calcein-AM, demecolcine, cis(Z)-flupentixol, verapamil, cyclosporin A, Hoechst 33342, and trans(E)-flupentixol) were tested for their effect on oxidative cross-linking. Substrates that stimulated the ATPase activity of P-gp (calcein-AM, demecolcine, cis(Z)-flupentixol, and verapamil) increased the rate of cross-linking between Cys(431)(NBD1-Walker A)/C1176C(NBD2-LSGGQ) and between Cys(1074)(NBD2-Walker A)/L531C(NBD1-LSGGQ) when compared with cross-linking in the absence of drug substrate. By contrast, substrates that inhibited ATPase activity (cyclosporin A, Hoechst 33342, and trans(E)-flupentixol) decreased the rate of cross-linking. These results indicate that interaction between the LSGGQ motifs and Walker A sites must be essential for coupling drug binding to ATP hydrolysis. Drug binding in the transmembrane domains can induce long range conformational changes in the NBDs, such that compounds that stimulate or inhibit ATPase activity must decrease and increase, respectively, the distance between the Walker A and LSGGQ sequences.     

Val133 and Cys137 in transmembrane segment 2 are close to Arg935 and Gly939 in transmembrane segment 11 of human P-glycoprotein

P-glycoprotein (P-gp; ABCB1) transports a wide variety of structurally diverse compounds out of the cell. The protein has two homologous halves joined by a linker region. Each half consists of a transmembrane (TM) domain with six TM segments and a nucleotide-binding domain. The drug substrate-binding pocket is at the interface between the TM segments in each half of the protein. Preliminary studies suggested that the arrangement of the two halves of P-gp shows rotational symmetry (i.e. "head-to-tail" arrangement). Here, we tested this model by determining whether the cytoplasmic ends of TM2 and TM3 in the N-terminal half are in close contact with TM11 in the C-terminal half. Mutants containing a pair of cysteines in TM2/TM11 or TM3/TM11 were subjected to oxidative cross-linking with copper phenanthroline. Two of the 110 TM2/TM11 mutants, V133C(TM2)/G939C(TM11) and C137C(TM2)/A935C (TM11), were cross-linked at 4 degrees C, when thermal motion is reduced. Cross-linking was specific since no cross-linked product was detected in the 100 double Cys TM3/TM11 mutants. Vanadate trapping of nucleotide or the presence of some drug substrates inhibited cross-linking of mutants V133C(TM2)/G939C(TM11) and C137C(TM2)/A935C(TM11). Cross-linking of TM2 and TM11 also blocked drug-stimulated ATPase activity. The close proximity of TM2/TM11 and TM5/TM8 (Loo, T. W., Bartlett, M. C., and Clarke, D. M. (2004) J. Biol. Chem. 279, 7692-7697) indicates that these regions between the two halves must enclose the drug-binding pocket at the cytoplasmic side of P-gp. They may form the "hinges" required for conformational changes during the transport cycle.     

ATP hydrolysis promotes interactions between the extracellular ends of transmembrane segments 1 and 11 of human multidrug resistance P-glycoprotein

P-glycoprotein (P-gp, ABCB1) actively pumps a broad range of structurally unrelated cytotoxic compounds out of the cell. It has two homologous halves that are joined by a linker region. Each half has a transmembrane (TM) domain containing six TM segments and a nucleotide-binding domain (NBD). Cross-linking studies have shown that the drug-binding pocket is at the interface between the TM domains. The two NBDs interact to form the ATP-binding sites. Coupling of ATP hydrolysis to drug efflux has been postulated to occur by conversion of the binding pocket from a high-affinity to a low-affinity state through alterations in the packing of the TM segments. TM 11 has also been reported to be important for drug binding. Here, we used cysteine-scanning mutagenesis and oxidative cross-linking to test for changes in the packing of TM 11 during ATP hydrolysis. We generated 350 double cysteine mutants that contained one cysteine at the extracellular end of TM11 and another cysteine at the extracellular ends of TMs 1, 3, 4, 5, or 6. The mutants were expressed in HEK293 cells and treated with oxidant in the absence or presence of ATP. Cross-linked product was not detected in SDS-PAGE gels in the absence of ATP. By contrast, cross-linked product was detected in mutants M68C(TM1)/Y950C(TM11), M68C(TM1)/Y953C(TM11), M68C(TM1)/A954C(TM11), M69C(TM1)/A954C(TM11), and M69C(TM1)/ F957C(TM11) in the presence of ATP but not with ADP or AMP.PNP. These results indicate that rearrangement of TM11 may contribute to the release of drug substrate during ATP hydrolysis.     

Processing mutations located throughout the human multidrug resistance P-glycoprotein disrupt interactions between the nucleotide binding domains

The most common cause of cystic fibrosis is misfolding of the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) protein because of deletion of residue Phe-508 (DeltaF508). P-glycoprotein (P-gp) is an ideal model protein for studying how mutations disrupt folding of ATP-binding cassette proteins such as CFTR because specific chemical chaperones can be used to correct folding defects. Interactions between the nucleotide binding domains (NBDs) are critical because ATP binds at the interface between the NBDs. Here, we used disulfide cross-linking between cysteines in the Walker A sites and the LSGGQ signature sequences to test whether processing mutations located throughout P-gp disrupted interactions between the NBDs. We found that mutations present in the cytoplasmic loops, transmembrane segments, and linker regions or deletion of Tyr-490 (equivalent to Phe-508 in CFTR) inhibited cross-linking between the NBDs. Deletion of Phe-508 in the P-gp/CFTR chimera also inhibited cross-linking between the NBDs. Cross-linking was restored, however, when the mutants were expressed in the presence of the chemical chaperone cyclosporin A. The "rescued" mutants exhibited drug-stimulated ATPase activity, and cross-linking between the NBDs was inhibited by vanadate trapping of nucleotide. These results together with our previous findings (Loo, T. W., Bartlett, M. C., and Clarke, D. M. (2002) J. Biol. Chem. 277, 27585-27588) indicate that processing mutations disrupt interactions among all four domains. It appears that cross-talk between the cytoplasmic and the transmembrane domains is required for establishment of proper domain-domain interactions that occur during folding of ATP-binding cassette protein transporters.     

The "LSGGQ" motif in each nucleotide-binding domain of human P-glycoprotein is adjacent to the opposing walker A sequence

The human multidrug resistance P-glycoprotein (P-gp, ABCB1), a member of the ATP-binding cassette (ABC) family of transport proteins, actively transports many cytotoxic compounds out of the cell. ABC transporters have two nucleotide-binding domains (NBD) and two transmembrane domains. The presence of the conserved "signature" sequence (LSGGQ) in each NBD is a unique feature in these transporters. The function of the signature sequences is unknown. In this study, we tested whether the signature sequences ((531)LSGGQ(535) in NBD1; (1176)LSGGQ(1180) in NBD2) in P-gp are in close proximity to the opposing Walker A consensus nucleotide-binding sequences ((1070)GSSGCGKS(1077) in NBD2; (427)GNSGCGKS(434) in NBD1). Pairs of cysteines were introduced into a Cys-less P-gp at the signature and "Walker A" sites and the mutant P-gps were subjected to oxidative cross-linking. At 4 degrees C, when thermal motion is low, P-gp mutants (L531C(Signature)/C1074(Walker A) and C431(Walker A)/L1176C(Signature) were cross-linked. Cross-linking inhibited the drug-stimulated ATPase activities of these two mutants. Their activities were restored, however, after addition of the reducing agent, dithiothreitol. Vanadate trapping of nucleotide at the ATP-binding sites prevented cross-linking of the mutants. These results indicate that the signature sequences are adjacent to the opposing Walker A site. They likely participate in forming the ATP-binding sites and are displaced upon ATP hydrolysis. The resulting conformational change may be the signal responsible for coupling ATP hydrolysis to drug transport by inducing conformational changes in the transmembrane segments.     

Mapping the Binding Site of the Inhibitor Tariquidar That Stabilizes the First Transmembrane Domain of P-glycoprotein

ABC (ATP-binding cassette) transporters are clinically important because drug pumps like P-glycoprotein (P-gp, ABCB1) confer multidrug resistance and mutant ABC proteins are responsible for many protein-folding diseases such as cystic fibrosis. Identification of the tariquidar-binding site has been the subject of intensive molecular modeling studies because it is the most potent inhibitor and corrector of P-gp. Tariquidar is a unique P-gp inhibitor because it locks the pump in a conformation that blocks drug efflux but activates ATPase activity. In silico docking studies have identified several potential tariquidar-binding sites. Here, we show through cross-linking studies that tariquidar most likely binds to sites within the transmembrane (TM) segments located in one wing or at the interface between the two wings (12 TM segments form 2 divergent wings). We then introduced arginine residues at all positions in the 12 TM segments (223 mutants) of P-gp. The rationale was that a charged residue in the drug-binding pocket would disrupt hydrophobic interaction with tariquidar and inhibit its ability to rescue processing mutants or stimulate ATPase activity. Arginines introduced at 30 positions significantly inhibited tariquidar rescue of a processing mutant and activation of ATPase activity. The results suggest that tariquidar binds to a site within the drug-binding pocket at the interface between the TM segments of both structural wings. Tariquidar differed from other drug substrates, however, as it stabilized the first TM domain. Stabilization of the first TM domain appears to be a key mechanism for high efficiency rescue of ABC processing mutants that cause disease.     

The Transmission Interfaces Contribute Asymmetrically to the Assembly and Activity of Human P-glycoprotein

P-glycoprotein (P-gp; ABCB1) is an ABC drug pump that protects us from toxic compounds. It is clinically important because it confers multidrug resistance. The homologous halves of P-gp each contain a transmembrane (TM) domain (TMD) with 6 TM segments followed by a nucleotide-binding domain (NBD). The drug- and ATP-binding sites reside at the interface between the TMDs and NBDs, respectively. Each NBD is connected to the TMDs by a transmission interface involving a pair of intracellular loops (ICLs) that form ball-and-socket joints. P-gp is different from CFTR (ABCC7) in that deleting NBD2 causes misprocessing of only P-gp. Therefore, NBD2 might be critical for stabilizing ICLs 2 and 3 that form a tetrahelix bundle at the NBD2 interface. Here we report that the NBD1 and NBD2 transmission interfaces in P-gp are asymmetric. Point mutations to 25 of 60 ICL2/ICL3 residues at the NBD2 transmission interface severely reduced P-gp assembly while changes to the equivalent residues in ICL1/ICL4 at the NBD1 interface had little effect. The hydrophobic nature at the transmission interfaces was also different. Mutation of Phe-1086 or Tyr-1087 to arginine at the NBD2 socket blocked activity or assembly while the equivalent mutations at the NBD1 socket had only modest effects. The results suggest that the NBD transmission interfaces are asymmetric. In contrast to the ICL2/3-NBD2 interface, the ICL1/4-NBD1 transmission interface is more hydrophilic and insensitive to mutations. Therefore the ICL2/3-NBD2 transmission interface forms a precise hydrophobic connection that acts as a linchpin for assembly and trafficking of P-gp.     

Processing mutations disrupt interactions between the nucleotide binding and transmembrane domains of P-glycoprotein and the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR)

P-glycoprotein (P-gp, ABCB1) is an ATP-dependent drug pump. Each of its two homologous halves contains a transmembrane domain (TMD) that has six transmembrane (TM) segments and a nucleotide-binding domain (NBD). Determining how the two halves interact may provide insight into the folding of P-gp as the drug-binding pocket and nucleotide-binding sites are predicted to be at the interface between the two halves. Here, we present evidence for NBD1-TMD2 and NBD2-TMD1 interactions. We also show that TMD-NBD interactions in immature and mature P-gp can be affected by the presence of a processing mutation. We found that the NBD-TMD mutants L443C(NBD1)/S909C(TMD2) and A266C(TMD1)/F1086C(NBD2) could be cross-linked at 0 degrees C with oxidant (copper phenanthroline). Cross-linking was inhibited by vanadate-trapping of nucleotide. The presence of a processing mutation (G268V/L443C(NBD1)/S909C(TMD2); L1260A/A266C(TMD1)/F1086C(NBD2)) resulted in the synthesis of the immature (150 kDa) protein as the major product and the mutants could not be cross-linked with copper phenanthroline. Expression of the processing mutants in the presence of a pharmacological chaperone (cyclosporin A), however, resulted in the expression of mature (170 kDa) protein at the cell surface that could be cross-linked. Similarly, CFTR mutants A274C(TMD1)/L1260C(NBD2) and V510C(NBD1)/A1067C(TMD2) could be cross-linked at 0 degrees C with copper phenanthroline. Introduction of DeltaF508 mutation in these mutants, however, resulted in the synthesis of immature CFTR that could not be cross-linked. These results suggest that establishment of NBD interactions with the opposite TMD is a key step in folding of ABC transporters.     

Cross-linking of human multidrug resistance P-glycoprotein by the substrate, tris-(2-maleimidoethyl)amine, is altered by ATP hydrolysis. Evidence for rotation of a transmembrane helix.

We identified a thiol-reactive substrate, Tris-(2-maleimidoethyl)amine (TMEA), to explore the contribution of the TM segments 6 and 12 of the human multidrug resistance P-glycoprotein (P-gp) during transport. TMEA is a trifunctional maleimide and stimulated the ATPase activity of Cys-less P-gp about 7-fold. Cysteine-scanning mutagenesis of TM12 showed that the activity of mutant V982C was inhibited by TMEA. P-gp mutants containing V982C (TM12) and another cysteine in TM6 were constructed and tested for cross-linking with TMEA. A cross-linked product was observed in SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis for mutant L339C(TM6)/V982C(TM12). Cross-linking by TMEA also inhibited the ATPase activity of the mutant protein. Substrates such as cyclosporin A, vinblastine, colchicine, or verapamil inhibited cross-linking by TMEA. In the presence of ATP at 37 degrees C, cross-linking of mutant L339C/V982C was decreased. In contrast, there was enhanced cross-linking of mutant F343C(TM6)/V982C(TM12) in the presence of ATP. These results show that cross-linking must be within the drug-binding domain, that residues L339C(TM6)/V982C(TM12) must be at least 10 A apart, and that ATP hydrolysis promotes rotation of one or both TM helices.     

Transmembrane segment 7 of human P-glycoprotein forms part of the drug-binding pocket

P-gp (P-glycoprotein; ABCB1) protects us by transporting a broad range of structurally unrelated compounds out of the cell. Identifying the regions of P-gp that make up the drug-binding pocket is important for understanding the mechanism of transport. The common drug-binding pocket is at the interface between the transmembrane domains of the two homologous halves of P-gp. It has been shown in a previous study [Loo, Bartlett and Clarke (2006) Biochem. J. 396, 537-545] that the first transmembrane segment (TM1) contributed to the drug-binding pocket. In the present study, we used cysteine-scanning mutagenesis, reaction with an MTS (methanethiosulfonate) thiol-reactive analogue of verapamil (termed MTS-verapamil) and cross-linking analysis to test whether the equivalent transmembrane segment (TM7) in the C-terminal-half of P-gp also contributed to drug binding. Mutation of Phe728 to cysteine caused a 4-fold decrease in apparent affinity for the drug substrate verapamil. Mutant F728C also showed elevated ATPase activity (11.5-fold higher than untreated controls) after covalent modification with MTS-verapamil. The activity returned to basal levels after treatment with dithiothreitol. The substrates, verapamil and cyclosporin A, protected the mutant from labelling with MTS-verapamil. Mutant F728C could be cross-linked with a homobifunctional thiol-reactive cross-linker to cysteines I306C(TM5) and F343C(TM6) that are predicted to line the drug-binding pocket. Disulfide cross-linking was inhibited by some drug substrates such as Rhodamine B, calcein acetoxymethyl ester, cyclosporin, verapamil and vinblastine or by vanadate trapping of nucleotides. These results indicate that TM7 forms part of the drug-binding pocket of P-gp.     

Substrate-induced conformational changes in the transmembrane segments of human P-glycoprotein. Direct evidence for the substrate-induced fit mechanism for drug binding

The human multidrug resistance P-glycoprotein (P-gp, ABCB1) is quite promiscuous in that it can transport a broad range of structurally diverse compounds out of the cell. We hypothesized that the transmembrane (TM) segments that constitute the drug-binding site are quite mobile such that drug binding occurs through a "substrate-induced fit" mechanism. Here, we used cysteine-scanning mutagenesis and oxidative cross-linking to test for substrate-induced changes in the TM segments. Pairs of cysteines were introduced into a Cys-less P-gp and the mutants treated with oxidant (copper phenanthroline) in the presence or absence of various drug substrates. We show that cyclosporin A promoted cross-linking between residues P350C(TM6)/G939C(TM11), while colchicine and demecolcine promoted cross-linking between residues P350C(TM6)/V991C(TM12). Progesterone promoted cross-linking between residues P350C(TM6)/A935C(TM11), P350C(TM6)/G939C(TM11), as well as between residues P350C(TM6)/V991C(TM12). Other substrates such as vinblastine, verapamil, cis-(Z)-flupenthixol or trans-(E)-flupenthixol did not induce cross-linking at these sites. These results provide direct evidence that the packing of the TM segments in the drug-binding site is changed when P-gp binds to a particular substrate. The induced-fit mechanism explains how P-gp can accommodate a broad range of compounds.     

Human P-glycoprotein Contains a Greasy Ball-and-Socket Joint at the Second Transmission Interface

The P-glycoprotein drug pump protects us from toxins. Drug-binding sites in the transmembrane (TM) domains (TMDs) are connected to the nucleotide-binding domains (NBDs) by intracellular helices (IHs). TMD-NBD cross-talk is a key step in the transport mechanism because drug binding stimulates ATP hydrolysis followed by drug efflux. Here, we tested whether the IHs are critical for maturation and TMD-NBD coupling by characterizing the effects of mutations to the IH1 and IH2 interfaces. Although IH1 mutations had little effect, most mutations at the IH2-NBD2 interface inhibited maturation or activity. For example, the F1086A mutation at the IH2-NBD2 interface abolished drug-stimulated ATPase activity. The mutant F1086A, however, retained the ability to bind ATP and drug substrates. The mutant was defective in mediating ATP-dependent conformational changes in the TMDs because binding of ATP no longer promoted cross-linking between cysteines located at the extracellular ends of TM segments 6 and 12. Replacement of Phe-1086 (in NBD2) with hydrophobic but not charged residues yielded active mutants. The activity of the F1086A mutant could be restored when the nearby residue Ala-266 (in IH2) was replaced with aromatic residues. These results suggest that Ala-266/Phe-1086 lies in a hydrophobic IH2-NBD2 “ball-and-socket” joint.     

The packing of the transmembrane segments of human multidrug resistance P-glycoprotein is revealed by disulfide cross-linking analysis

Residues from several transmembrane (TM) segments of P-glycoprotein (P-gp) likely form the drug-binding site(s). To determine the organization of the TM segments, pairs of cysteine residues were introduced into the predicted TM segments of a Cys-less P-gp, and the mutant protein was subjected to oxidative cross-linking. In SDS gels, the cross-linked product migrated with a slower mobility than the native protein. The cross-linked products were not detected in the presence of dithiothreitol. Cross-linking was observed in 12 of 125 mutants. The pattern of cross-linking suggested that TM6 is close to TMs 10, 11, and 12, while TM12 is close to TMs 4, 5, and 6. In some mutants the presence of drug substrate colchicine, verapamil, cyclosporin A, or vinblastine either enhanced or inhibited cross-linking. Cross-linking was inhibited in the presence of ATP plus vanadate. These results suggest that the TM segments critical for drug binding must be close to each other and exhibit different conformational changes in response to binding of drug substrate or vanadate trapping of nucleotide. Based on these results, we propose a model for the arrangement of the TM segments.     

P-glycoprotein retains drug-stimulated ATPase activity upon covalent linkage of the two nucleotide binding domains at their C-terminal ends

P-glycoprotein (Pgp), a member of the ABC transporter family, functions as an ATP hydrolysis-driven efflux pump to rid the cell of toxic organic compounds, including a variety of drugs used in anti-cancer chemotherapy. We have recently obtained EM projection images of lipid-bound Pgp without nucleotide and transport substrate that showed the two halves of the transporter separated by a central cavity (Lee, J. Y., Urbatsch, I. L., Senior, A. E., and Wilkens, S. (2002) J. Biol. Chem. 277, 40125-40131). Addition of nucleotide and/or substrate lead to a close association of the two halves of the transporter, thereby closing the central cavity (Lee, J. Y., Urbatsch, I. L., Senior, A. E., and Wilkens, S. (2008) J. Biol. Chem. 283, 5769-5779). Here, we used cysteine-mediated disulfide cross-linking to further delineate the structural rearrangements of the two nucleotide binding domains (NBD1 and NBD2) that take place during catalysis. Cysteines introduced at or near the C-terminal ends of NBD1 and NBD2 allowed for spontaneous disulfide cross-linking under nonreducing conditions. For mutant A627C/S1276C, disulfide formation was with high efficiency and cross-linked Pgp retained 30-68% drug-stimulated ATPase activity compared with reduced or cysteine-less Pgp. Two other cysteine pairs (K615C/S1276C and A627C/K1260C) also formed a disulfide but to a lesser extent, and the cross-linked form of these two mutants had lower drug-stimulated ATPase activity. The data suggest that the C-terminal ends of the two NBDs of Pgp are not required to undergo significant motion with respect to one another during the catalytic cycle.