天花粉蛋白小结构域N端同源片段的溶液构象,T18肽的圆二色性…

应用圆二色性,内源荧光和疏水荧光探针法进一步研究Ｔ１８肽的溶液构象及其相互转化,发现Ｔ１８肽在水溶液中为β折叠结构,且在高浓度（〉１ｍｇ／ｍｌ）时形成疏水聚合物,Ｌｙｓ１５和Ｉｌｅ３－Ｉｌｅ４是形成β折叠疏水簇的关键因素,并讨论了蛋白质链和溶剂环境对肽段二级结构的调制作用。     

天花粉蛋白T18肽片段的溶液构象及T14、TDK和T18肽构象比较

用１ＨＮＭＲ法测定Ｔ１８肽在ＤＭＳＯ（ＭＳ１８）和５０％六氟异丙醇（ＦＰ１８）中的溶液构象．ＭＳ１８含有Ｉｌｅ３～Ｇｌｎ７和Ａｌａ１２～Ｇｌｎ１６两段β－折叠链;而ＦＰ１８则转变为α－螺旋结构。综合分析Ｔ１４,Ｔ１８和ＴＤＫ三个模型肽的结构性质和稳定性,比较肽链序列和溶剂作用,提出肽链局部优势结构的概念,并据此讨论天花粉蛋白小结构域折叠起始过程．     

天花粉蛋白T18肽片段的溶液构象及T14,TDK和T18肽…

用＾１Ｈ ＮＭＲ法测定Ｔ１８肽在ＤＭＳＯ（ＭＳ１８）和５０％六氟异丙醇（ＦＰ１８）中的溶液构象。ＭＳ１８含有Ｉｌｅ３￣Ｇｌｕ７和Ａｌａ１２￣Ｇｌｎ１６两段β－折叠链;而ＦＰ１８则转变为α－螺旋结构。综合分析Ｔ１４,Ｔ１８和ＴＤＫ三个模型肽的结构性质和稳定性,比较肽链序列和溶剂作用,提出肽链局部优势结构的概念,并据此讨论天花粉蛋白小结构域折叠起始过程。     

苏云金芽胞杆菌杀虫晶体蛋白的结构与功能研究进展

苏云金芽胞杆菌（Bacillus thuringiensis）杀虫晶体蛋白的毒性肽由三个典型的结构域组成.结构域Ⅰ位于肽链的N端,为一组由6～7个两亲的α螺旋围绕着一个疏水的α螺旋形成的α螺旋束,参与了细胞膜的穿孔;结构域Ⅱ位于肽链的中间,为三组以“希腊钥匙”（Greek key）拓扑结构连接在一起的反平行的β折叠片层,其顶端的突环参与了毒素与受体蛋白的结合;位于C端的结构域Ⅲ是由两组反平行的β折叠片层组成的夹心结构,以β果酱卷(jelly roll)拓扑结构排列,可能能够防止蛋白酶对毒素分子的过度降解.     

NMR法研天花粉蛋白T14肽片段的溶液构象

本文报道用ＨＮＭＲ法测定Ｔ１４肽在ＤＭＳＯ（ＭＳ１４）,Ｈ２Ｏ（ＨＯ１４）,５０％甲醇（ＭＥ１４）和５０％六氟异丙醇（ＦＰ１４）中的溶液构象。通过ＮＯＥ效应,偶合常数,Ｈ／Ｄ交换速率表征和定位二级结构和疏水域,计算两面角φ和螺旋形成几率。结果表明序列Ｓｅｒ９－Ｉｌｅ１７在ＨＯ１４中较为有序,存在强疏水作用,推测是类似螺旋样的亚稳结构;而在ＤＭＳＯ中序列ＳＡＬＳＫＱ存在形成α－螺旋结构的可能性,且六     

鱼类抗菌肽的研究进展

鱼类抗菌肽是鱼体天然免疫的重要组成部分,其结构和组成复杂多样.根据生化和结构特点,可将它们分为4种基本类型：具有疏水或双亲性α螺旋结构的抗菌肽、含多对二硫键并可形成β折叠结构的抗菌肽、组蛋白样抗菌肽和具有糖基化修饰的抗菌肽.鱼类抗菌肽多以前肽原的形式合成,通过酶解切除信号肽和羧基端酸性片段后形成有活性的成熟肽.成熟肽具有很强的抑菌活性,其最小抑制浓度多在毫摩尔水平.目前,已克隆了多个鱼类抗菌肽基因,揭示了pleurocidin等基因家族的结构及其转录调控特点.鱼类抗菌肽的抗菌机制已建立了“桶-桶板”和“地毯”样两种模型,基本阐明了抗菌肽分子结构与抗菌功能间的关系.     

小分子蛋白骨架提高噬菌体展示肽亲和力

本综述小分子蛋白骨架在提高哓菌体展示肽亲和力方面的作用。目前已知的天然及人工合成的小分子蛋白骨架包括α-螺旋结构,β-折叠片复合结构,α-螺旋结构展示肽亲和力高达87pmol/L,比野生型高12500倍,β-折叠片结构展示肽亲和力也达到20pmol/L,比野生型高600倍,α-螺旋与β-折叠片复合结构主要是锌指结构域,具有结构复杂,亲和力高的特点,小分子蛋白骨架主要通过提高展示肽的空间构象和对蛋白酶的稳定性而提高亲和力,展现出良好的应用前景。     

α－苦瓜子蛋白晶体结构中的次级相互作用的研究Ⅱ疏水相互作用的分析

α－苦瓜子蛋白结构模型中共有疏水残基１４１个,占践基总数的５７％。其中１２８个疏水残基有相互作用,占疏水残基的９１％。疏水残基之间的相互作用与其是否在α－螺旋或β片层内没有多大关系。本文着重分析了α－螺旋间和α螺旋与β结构之间的疏水相互作用;讨论了α５和大β片层中疏水残基与亲本残基的分布特点,这一特点对该蛋白分子最后折叠成特定的空间结构有重要影响。类似的情况在同源蛋白天花粉蛋白中也是存在的。     

α－苦瓜子蛋白晶体结构中的次级相互作用的研究Ⅱ疏水相互作用的分析

α－苦瓜子蛋白结构模型中共有疏水残基１４１个,占践基总数的５７％。其中１２８个疏水残基有相互作用,占疏水残基的９１％。疏水残基之间的相互作用与其是否在α－螺旋或β片层内没有多大关系。本文着重分析了α－螺旋间和α螺旋与β结构之间的疏水相互作用;讨论了α５和大β片层中疏水残基与亲本残基的分布特点,这一特点对该蛋白分子最后折叠成特定的空间结构有重要影响。类似的情况在同源蛋白天花粉蛋白中也是存在的。     

HMR法研究天花粉蛋白TDK肽片段的溶液构象

用１ＨＮＭＲ法测定ＴＤＫ肽在Ｈ２Ｏ（ＨＯＤＫ）,５０％六氟丙醇（ＦＰＤＫ）和２ｍｏｌ／ＬＧｕ·ＨＣｌ（ＧＵＤＫ）中的溶液构象。在ＨＯＤＫ和ＦＰＤＫ中,ＴＤＫ肽的两段序列Ａｓｐ０～Ｉｌｅ４,Ｓｅｒ９～Ｉｌｅ１７分别具有较稳定的α－螺旋含量;而ＧＵＤＫ的ＳＡＬＳ序列仍能检测到有序残存结构。并假设ＳＡＬＳ序列是肽链形成二级结构的原始核心。     

Intermediate conformation between native β-sheet and non-native α-helix is a precursor of trifluoroethanol-induced aggregation of Human Carbonic Anhydrase-II

In the present work, we examined the correlation between 2,2,2-trifluoroethanol (TFE)-induced conformational transitions of human carbonic anhydrase II (HCAII) and its aggregation propensity. Circular dichroism data indicates that protein undergoes a transition from β-sheet to α-helix on addition of TFE. The protein was found to aggregate maximally at moderate concentration of TFE at which it exists somewhere between β-sheet and α-helix, probably in extended non-native β-sheet conformation. Thioflavin-T (ThT) and Congo-Red (CR) assays along with fluorescence microscopy and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) data suggest that the protein aggregates induced by TFE possess amyloid-like features. Anilino-8-naphthalene sulfonate (ANS) binding studies reveal that the exposure of hydrophobic surface(s) was maximum in intermediate conformation. Our study suggests that the exposed hydrophobic surface and/or the disruption of the structural features protecting a β-sheet protein might be the major reason(s) for the high aggregation propensity of non-native intermediate conformation of HCAII.     

Solid-State NMR characterization of autofluorescent fibrils formed by the elastin-derived peptide GVGVAGVG

The characterization of the molecular structure and physical properties of self-assembling peptides is an important aspect of optimizing their utility as scaffolds for biomaterials and other applications. Here we report the formation of autofluorescent fibrils by an octapeptide (GVGVAGVG) derived via a single amino acid substitution in one of the hydrophobic repeat elements of human elastin. This is the shortest and most well-defined peptide so far reported to exhibit intrinsic fluorescence in the absence of a discrete fluorophore. Structural characterization by FTIR and solid-state NMR reveals a predominantly β-sheet conformation for the peptide in the fibrils, which are likely assembled in an amyloid-like cross-β structure. Investigation of dynamics and the effects of hydration on the peptide are consistent with a rigid, water excluded structure, which has implications for the likely mechanism of intrinsic fibril fluorescence.     

Direct observations of shifts in the β-sheet register of a protein-peptide complex using explicit solvent simulations

Using explicit solvent molecular dynamics simulations, we were able to obtain direct observations of shifts in the hydrogen-bonding register of an intermolecular β-sheet protein-peptide complex. The β-sheet is formed between the FHA domain of cancer marker protein Ki67 (Ki67FHA) and a peptide fragment of the hNIFK signaling protein. Potential encounter complexes of the Ki67FHA receptor and hNIFK peptide are misregistered states of the β-sheet. Rearrangements of one of these misregistered states to the native state were captured in three independent simulations. All three rearrangements occurred by a common mechanism: an aromatic residue of the peptide (F263) anchors into a transient hydrophobic pocket of the receptor to facilitate the formation of native hydrogen bonds. To our knowledge, these simulations provide the first atomically detailed visualizations of a mechanism by which nature might correct for errors in the alignment of intermolecular β-sheets.     

Simulation Studies on the Stabilities of Aggregates Formed by Fibril-Forming Segments of α-Synuclein

Abstract

We performed molecular dynamics simulations for various oligomers with different β-sheet conformations consisting of α-Synuclein 71–82 residues using an all atom force field and explicit water model. Tetramers of antiparallel β-sheet are shown to be stable, whereas parallel sheets are highly unstable due to the repulsive interactions between bulky and polar side chains as well as the weaker backbone hydrogen bonds. We also investigated the stabilities of double antiparallel β-sheets stacked with asymmetric and symmetric geometries. Our results show that this 12 amino acid residue peptide can form stable β-sheet conformers at 320K and higher temperatures. The backbone hydrogen bonds in β-sheet and the steric packing between hydrophobic side chains between β-sheets are shown to give conformational stabilities.     

The iAβ5p β-breaker peptide regulates the Aβ(25-35) interaction with lipid bilayers through a cholesterol-mediated mechanism

Alzheimer's disease is characterized by the deposition of aggregates of the β-amyloid peptide (Aβ) in the brain. A potential therapeutic strategy for Alzheimer's disease is the use of synthetic β-sheet breaker peptides, which are capable of binding Aβ but unable to become part of a β-sheet structure, thus inhibiting the peptide aggregation. Many studies suggest that membranes play a key role in the Aβ aggregation; consequently, it is strategic to investigate the interplay between β-sheet breaker peptides and Aβ in the presence of lipid bilayers. In this work, we focused on the effect of the β-sheet breaker peptide acetyl-LPFFD-amide, iAβ5p, on the interaction of the Aβ(25-35) fragment with lipid membranes, studied by Electron Spin Resonance spectroscopy, using spin-labeled membrane components (either phospholipids or cholesterol). The ESR results show that iAβ5p influences the Aβ(25-35) interaction with the bilayer through a cholesterol-mediated mechanism: iAβ5p withholds cholesterol in the inner hydrophobic core of the bilayer, making the interfacial region more fluid and capable to accommodate Aβ(25-35). As a consequence, iAβ5p prevents the Aβ(25-35) release from the lipid membrane, which is the first step of the β-amyloid aggregation process.     

Local hydrophobicity stabilizes secondary structures in proteins

The probability of occurrence of helix and β-sheet residues in 47 globular proteins was determined as a function of local hydrophobicity, which was defined by the sum of the Nozaki-Tanford transfer free energies at two nearest-neighbors on both sides of the amino acid sequence. In general, hydrophilic amino acids favor neither helix nor β-sheet formations when neighbor residues are also hydrophilic but favor helix formation at higher local hydrophobicity. On the other hand, some hydrophobic amino acids such as Met, Leu, and Ile favor helix formation when neighbor residues are hydrophilic. None of the hydrophobic amino acids favor β-sheet formation with hydrophilic neighbors, but most of them strongly favor β-sheet formation at high local hydrophobicity. When the average of 20 amino acids is taken, both helix and β-sheet residue probabilities are higher at higher local hydrophobicity, although the increase is steeper for β-sheets. Therefore, β-sheet formation is more influenced by local hydrophobicity than helix formation. Generally, helices are nearer the surface and tend to have hydrophilic and hydrophobic faces at opposite sides. The tendency of alternating regions of hydrophilic and hydrophobic residues in a helical sequence was revealed by calculating the correlation of the Nozaki-Tanford values. Such amphipathic helices may be important in protein–protein and protein–lipid interactions and in forming hydrophilic channels in the membrane. The choice of 30 nonhomologous proteins as the data set did not alter the above results.     

Release of hydrophobic anticancer drug from a newly designed self-assembling peptide

A newly designed self-assembling peptide, P4 (Ac-NH-LDLKLELKLDLKLELK-CONH(2)), capable of stabilizing hydrophobic compounds in aqueous solution has been discovered. The ionic self-complementary peptide P4 has 16 amino acids, ～5 nm in size, with an alternating polar and non-polar pattern. Circular dichroism analysis demonstrated that P4 forms stable β-sheet structures, and self-assembles into nanofibers, which was demonstrated by atomic force microscopy. These nanofibers can form a scaffold hydrogel consisting of >99% water. It showed that the P4 hydrogel had stable hydrogel rheological properties. The ability of the peptide to stabilize the hydrophobic anticancer agent ellipticine was tested in this research. The results showed that the state of ellipticine in the complexes was dependent on the concentration of the peptide, which also affected the size and morphology of the complex. The anticancer activity of the complexes was studied by testing the viability with a MTT assay and a LIVE/DEAD Viability/Cytotoxicity kit in two cancer cell lines including SMMC7721 and EC9706. The viability results showed that complexes of protonated ellipticine could significantly reduce the viability of the two cell lines. The results described herein provide further incentives for basic studies on self-assembling peptide-based delivery of hydrophobic anticancer drugs.     

High-resolution structure of a self-assembly-competent form of a hydrophobic peptide captured in a soluble beta-sheet scaffold

β-Rich self-assembly is a major structural class of polypeptides, but still little is known about its atomic structures and biophysical properties. Major impediments for structural and biophysical studies of peptide self-assemblies include their insolubility and heterogeneous composition. We have developed a model system, termed peptide self-assembly mimic (PSAM), based on the single-layer β-sheet of Borrelia outer surface protein A. PSAM allows for the capture of a defined number of self-assembly-like peptide repeats within a water-soluble protein, making structural and energetic studies possible. In this work, we extend our PSAM approach to a highly hydrophobic peptide sequence. We show that a penta-Ile peptide (Ile₅), which is insoluble and forms β-rich self-assemblies in aqueous solution, can be captured within the PSAM scaffold in a form capable of self-assembly. The 1.1-Å crystal structure revealed that the Ile₅ stretch forms a highly regular β-strand within this flat β-sheet. Self-assembly models built with multiple copies of the crystal structure of the Ile₅ peptide segment showed no steric conflict, indicating that this conformation represents an assembly-competent form. The PSAM retained high conformational stability, suggesting that the flat β-strand of the Ile₅ stretch primed for self-assembly is a low-energy conformation of the Ile₅ stretch and rationalizing its high propensity for self-assembly. The ability of the PSAM to “solubilize” an otherwise insoluble peptide stretch suggests the potential of the PSAM approach to the characterization of self-assembling peptides.     

Development of β-sheet structure in Aβ aggregation intermediates diminishes exposed hydrophobic surface area and enhances proinflammatory activity

Three decades of research, both in vitro and in vivo, have demonstrated the conformational heterogeneity that is displayed by the amyloid β peptide (Aβ) in Alzheimer's disease (AD). Understanding the distinct properties between Aβ conformations and how conformation may impact cellular activity remain open questions, yet still continue to provide new insights into protein misfolding and aggregation. In particular, there is interest in the group of soluble oligomeric prefibrillar Aβ species comprising lower molecular weight oligomers up to larger protofibrils. In the current study, a number of strategies were utilized to separate Aβ protofibrils and oligomers and show that the smaller Aβ oligomers have a much different conformation than Aβ protofibrils. The differences were consistent for both Aβ40 and Aβ42. Protofibrils bound thioflavin T to a greater extent than oligomers, and were highly enriched in β-sheet secondary structure. Aβ oligomers possessed a more open structure with significant solvent exposure of hydrophobic domains as determined by tryptophan fluorescence and bis-ANS binding, respectively. The protofibril-selective antibody AbSL readily discerned conformational differences between protofibrils and oligomers. The more developed structure for Aβ protofibrils ultimately proved critical for provoking the release of tumor necrosis factor α from microglial cells. The findings demonstrated a dependency on β-sheet structure for soluble Aβ aggregates to cause a microglial inflammatory response. The Aβ aggregation process yields many conformationally-varied species with different levels of β-structure and exposed hydrophobicity. The conformation elements likely determine biological activity and pathogenicity.     

Secondary structure and orientation of the pore-forming toxin lysenin in a sphingomyelin-containing membrane

Lysenin is a sphingomyelin-recognizing toxin which forms stable oligomers upon membrane binding and causes cell lysis. To get insight into the mechanism of the transition of lysenin from a soluble to a membrane-bound form, surface activity of the protein and its binding to lipid membranes were studied using tensiometric measurements, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and FTIR-linear dichroism. The results showed cooperative adsorption of recombinant lysenin-His at the argon-water interface from the water subphase which suggested self-association of lysenin-His in solution. An assembly of premature oligomers by lysenin-His in solution was confirmed by blue native gel electrophoresis. When a monolayer composed of sphingomyelin and cholesterol was present at the interface, the rate of insertion of lysenin-His into the monolayer was considerably enhanced. Analysis of FTIR spectra of soluble lysenin-His demonstrated that the protein contained 27% β-sheet, 28% aggregated β-strands, 10% α-helix, 23% turns and loops and 12% different kinds of aggregated forms. In membrane-bound lysenin-His the total content of α-helices, turns and loops, and β-structures did not change, however, the 1636cm⁻¹ β-sheet band increased from 18% to 31% at the expense of the 1680cm⁻¹ β-sheet structure. Spectral analysis of the amide I band showed that the α-helical component was oriented with at 41° to the normal to the membrane, indicating that this protein segment could be anchored in the hydrophobic core of the membrane.