小菜蛾气味结合蛋白OBP2基因的克隆、表达谱及其结合特性分析

【目的】气味结合蛋白(odorant binding proteins,OBPs)在昆虫寄主定位、产卵地选择等行为中发挥重要作用,克隆与鉴定小菜蛾Plutella xylostella OBP基因、明确其与配体化合物的结合特性有助于阐明小菜蛾嗅觉识别的分子机制。【方法】利用PCR技术克隆小菜蛾OBP2,对获得的编码序列全长进行信号肽及跨膜区域预测,用DNAMAN与其他昆虫的OBP2进行多序列比对,采用MEGA5.0邻接法(neighbor-joining method,NJ)构建进化树。通过实时定量PCR(qRT-PCR)分析Pxyl OBP2在小菜蛾不同发育阶段和不同组织中的表达模式。构建原核表达载体p ET28aPxyl OBP2,进行原核表达及蛋白纯化。利用荧光竞争结合实验对Pxyl OBP2蛋白与39种配基化合物的结合特性进行分析。【结果】成功获得小菜蛾OBP2基因Pxyl OBP2(Gen Bank登录号:KT070562)的编码序列全长,其完整开放阅读框大小为546 bp,编码182个氨基酸,具有气味结合蛋白典型的6个保守半胱氨酸结合位点。荧光定量PCR结果表明,发育表达模式显示,Pxyl OBP2在未交配雄性成虫中的表达量均明显高于雌性成虫和已交配雄虫;组织表达模式显示,Pxyl OBP2在足中的表达量高于其他组织。经预测成熟蛋白大小为22.24 k Da,等电点5.69。SDS-PAGE结果显示融合蛋白成功表达。荧光竞争结合实验对3种性信息素和36种植物挥发物结合发现,Pxyl OBP2与性信息素Z-11-16:Ald可以结合,解离常数48.951μmol/L;可以和11种寄主植物挥发物有效结合,其中,与芳樟醇、正壬醇结合能力最强,解离常数分别为4.733和6.861μmol/L。【结论】本研究明确了Pxyl OBP2的核苷酸、氨基酸序列,并根据qRT-PCR和荧光竞争结合实验结果,推断Pxyl OBP2与小菜蛾雄虫寻求配偶有关,且寄主挥发物芳樟醇、正壬醇起协同促进作用。     

柑橘大实蝇气味结合蛋白基因BminOBP25的克隆、原核表达及组织表达分析

【目的】昆虫的气味结合蛋白(odorant binding proteins,OBPs)与嗅觉识别密切相关,在触角感受器淋巴液内运输外界的脂溶性气味分子顺利到达嗅觉受体过程中起着关键的作用。本研究对柑橘大实蝇Bactrocera minax的气味结合蛋白基因进行了克隆和表达分析,旨在更好地了解气味结合蛋白在柑橘大实蝇嗅觉识别中的作用及为进一步研究柑橘大实蝇嗅觉传递的分子机制奠定基础。【方法】利用RT-PCR和RACE技术克隆柑橘大实蝇的气味结合蛋白基因,并进行生物信息学分析;构建重组表达载体p ET28a(+)-Bmin OBP25,转化到大肠杆菌Escherichia coli BL21(DE3)中,SDS-PAGE及Western blotting鉴定重组表达蛋白;采用荧光定量PCR检测该基因在柑橘大实蝇成虫不同组织中的表达。【结果】克隆获得柑橘大实蝇气味结合蛋白基因的c DNA全长序列,命名为Bmin OBP25(Gen Bank登录号:MH181875)。测序结果表明,Bmin OBP25开放阅读框全长447 bp,编码148个氨基酸,预测分子量为17.5 k D,编码序列具有OBPs典型的6个保守半胱氨酸和6个α螺旋区域特征。在IPTG诱导下目标蛋白以6×His标签融合蛋白的形式在宿主菌中得到稳定表达。荧光定量PCR分析表明,Bmin OBP25 mRNA在成虫触角、头(去除触角)、胸、腹、足、翅和产卵器中均有表达,其中在触角、头(去除触角)、足和产卵器中表达量较高。【结论】Bmin OBP25在柑橘大实蝇成虫触角、头、足和产卵器中具有高转录活性,提示该基因在非嗅觉组织中可能也具有生理功能,特别是可能在昆虫的取食与产卵地选择过程中起重要作用,其功能还需深入研究。本研究实现了Bmin OBP25基因的原核表达,为深入研究Bmin OBP25基因的功能奠定基础。     

本期重点推介

正气味结合蛋白(odorant binding proteins,OBPs)是昆虫嗅觉机制中的关键物质之一,参与昆虫专一性识别外界环境的第一步生化反应。而昆虫嗅觉对其生理和行为又起着重要作用。研究OBPs的分子构造和功能,对认识昆虫的嗅觉机制并在害虫防治中加以应用都有重要意义。福建农林大学应用生态研究所程小娟、蔡立君和尤民生等在克隆和分析小菜蛾OBP2基因Pxyl OBP2 c DNA序列的基础上,通过实时定量PCR(qRT-PCR)分析Pxyl OBP2在小菜蛾不同发育阶段和不同组织中的表达模式,对Pxyl OBP2进行了原核表达及蛋     

暗黑鳃金龟气味结合蛋白HparOBP15a基因的克隆及功能分析

【目的】暗黑鳃金龟Holotrichia parallela通过气味结合蛋白(odorant binding protein,OBP)识别性信息素和植物挥发物准确而迅速地定位配偶、寄主植物。本研究通过克隆暗黑鳃金龟气味结合蛋白15a(Hpar OBP15a)基因,解析该基因的编码蛋白特征、组织表达模式及与寄主植物气味等化合物的结合特性方面的研究,为阐明暗黑鳃金龟基于嗅觉识别的寄主植物选择机理奠定理论基础。【方法】根据暗黑鳃金龟成虫触角转录组测序的结果,利用RT-PCR克隆了Hpar OBP15a基因;Real-time PCR方法分析了该基因在成虫不同部位的表达量差异;荧光竞争结合测定了Hpar OBP15a蛋白和58种候选化合物的结合特征。【结果】暗黑鳃金龟Hpar OBP15a基因全长534 bp,编码147个氨基酸,Gen Bank登录号为AK1834747。Hpar OBP15a在触角中特异表达,且在雌虫触角中表达量显著高于雄虫。在被测的58种化合物中,Hpar OBP15a与46种气味化合物具有较好的亲和性,其中与十二烷、十二醇结合能力最强,其解离常数分别为8.5和11.3μmol/L;同时,对性信息素(L-异亮氨酸甲酯和R-芳樟醇)也有一定的结合能力(解离常数分别为21.0和18.5μmol/L)。【结论】Hpar OBP15a具有广泛的气味结合谱,其中对榆树挥发物十二烷的结合能力最强,因此该蛋白可能在暗黑鳃金龟对榆树的定位过程中具有重要作用。     

绿豆象气味结合蛋白基因的克隆及表达分析

【目的】对绿豆象Callosobruchus chinensis气味结合蛋白(odorant binding proteins, OBPs)基因进行克隆、鉴定和组织表达分析,为研究OBPs在绿豆象嗅觉感受过程中的功能奠定基础。【方法】基于绿豆象触角转录组数据,通过RT-PCR克隆绿豆象6个OBP基因并进行生物信息学分析;通过qRT-PCR分析OBP基因在绿豆象雌雄成虫头(不含触角)、触角、腹、足和翅各组织中的表达情况。【结果】获得了6个绿豆象OBP基因的开放阅读框,命名为CchiOBP1-CchiOBP6(GenBank登录号: MN832700-MN832703, MN901841-MN901842);CchiOBP5为一段C端不完整的Minus-C OBP,其余均属于完整的Classical OBPs,预测6个CchiOBPs均含有信号肽。系统发育分析表明CchiOBP1, CchiOBP2和CchiOBP5与叶甲科(Chrysomelidae)昆虫OBPs的亲缘关系较近,CchiOBP3, CchiOBP4和CchiOBP6与天牛科(Cerambycidae)昆虫OBPs的亲缘关系较近。qRT-PCR结果表明,6个CchiOBPs基因在绿豆象成虫的触角、头(不含触角)、腹、翅和足部均有不同的表达量,CchiOBP1-4和CchiOBP6在雌雄成虫触角中均呈现高表达,且极显著高于在其他组织中的。CchiOBP5在雌成虫触角和头部(不含触角)中呈现高表达,但在雄成虫中表现为在足部的表达量显著高于在其他组织中的,在触角中的表达量最低。【结论】确定了绿豆象6个CchiOBPs基因的核苷酸和氨基酸序列组成,其中有5个CchiOBPs基因在绿豆象雌雄成虫触角中高表达,推测其在绿豆象嗅觉识别寄主植物过程中发挥重要作用。     

梨小食心虫气味结合蛋白GmolOBP3的cDNA克隆、表达谱及结合特性分析

【目的】为了更好地了解昆虫气味结合蛋白（odorant binding proteins, OBPs）在梨小食心虫Grapholita molesta（Busck）嗅觉识别中的作用,并明确其与寄主挥发物的结合特性。【方法】利用RT-PCR和RACE技术克隆梨小食心虫OBP基因;采用RT-PCR和实时定量PCR对该基因在成虫不同组织和羽化后不同日龄成虫中的表达情况进行了测定;以N-phenyl-1-naphthylamine（1-NPN）为荧光探针,采用荧光竞争结合试验对GmolOBP3蛋白的结合特性进行了分析。【结果】得到梨小食心虫一个新的气味结合蛋白基因,命名为GmolOBP3（GenBank登录号：KF395363）。GmolOBP3开放阅读框全长492 bp,编码163个氨基酸残基,预测分子量和等电点分别为18.72 kDa和4.93,呈酸性,具有典型的6个半胱氨酸位点。GmolOBP3在雌、雄成虫触角和腹部均有表达,成虫在羽化后5 d内,雌蛾触角中GmolOBP3表达量随羽化后日龄而增加,但雄蛾在羽化后第5天触角中 GmolOBP3表达量显著降低。通过构建GmolOBP3原核表达载体,在大肠杆菌Escherichia coli中诱导表达并获得了GmolOBP3重组蛋白。荧光竞争结合实验对GmolOBP3蛋白与16种寄主挥发物及4种性信息素类似物的结合力发现,在供试的4种梨小食心虫性信息素类似物中,GmolOBP3蛋白与反-8-十二碳烯醋酸酯和十二烷-1-醇不结合,而与顺-8-十二碳烯醋酸酯和顺-8-十二碳烯醇结合,但结合力较弱,结合常数分别为83.00和103.70 μmol/L;与16种寄主挥发物结合能力也不强,其中结合最强的是β 紫罗酮,结合常数为49.36 μmol/L。【结论】由此推断,GmolOBP3具有选择性识别和结合各种配基的特性。     

二化螟Minus-C气味结合蛋白的分子克隆及功能鉴定

气味结合蛋白（odorant binding proteins, OBPs）在昆虫对寄主气味的感受中起重要作用, 但有关Minus-C OBP及其功能的报道很少。本研究通过基因组数据分析并利用RACE技术, 克隆和鉴定了二化螟Chilo suppressalis (Walker)的一个Minus-C OBP基因, 命名为CsupOBP1（GenBank登录号： KC492498）。CsupOBP1基因的开放阅读框长423 bp, 编码141个氨基酸, 其中N端的18个氨基酸为预测的信号肽序列, 成熟蛋白序列中具有4个保守的半胱氨酸位点。实时定量PCR分析显示, 该基因在幼虫头部及成虫雌雄足、 翅和雄性触角等化感组织中高表达, 其中在雄虫触角内的表达量显著高于雌虫触角。利用荧光竞争结合实验对CsupOBP1重组蛋白与38种化合物的结合特性的测定表明, 重组CsupOBP1与β 紫罗兰酮的结合能力最强（Ki=9.53 μmol/L）。触角电位测定表明, 二化螟成虫可对β-紫罗兰酮产生显著的触角电生理反应, 但雄虫反应明显强于雌虫, 与结合试验及雄虫触角中CsupOBP1的表达量显著高于雌虫触角的测定结果相一致。鉴于β-紫罗兰酮是水稻等植物中普遍存在的一种芳香气味组分, 推测CsupOBP1可能通过对该气味的结合和运输, 从而在二化螟对寄主植物的嗅觉定向中起作用。     

松墨天牛OBP基因MaltOBP2和MaltOBP6的克隆、序列分析及组织表达谱和原核表达研究

【目的】本研究旨在探索松墨天牛Monochamus alternatus Hope在嗅觉识别寄主植物过程中扮演重要角色的气味结合蛋白(odorant binding proteins,OBPs)的结构及功能。【方法】利用生物信息学方法对得到的Malt OBP2和Malt OBP6基因序列和蛋白结构进行分析,并通过实时荧光定量PCR分析Malt OBP2和Malt OBP6在松墨天牛雄虫不同组织和时空中的表达差异,利用p ET32a(+)原核表达载体对Malt OBP2和Malt OBP6进行了诱导蛋白表达。【结果】本研究得到两个松墨天牛气味结合蛋白基因——Malt OBP2(Gen Bank登录号:KP120891)和Malt OBP6(Gen Bank登录号:KP120892),ORF长度分别为402 bp和408 bp,翻译的氨基酸序列均含有4个保守的半胱氨酸位点,表明得到的两个OBP基因的编码蛋白均属于Minus-C OBP亚家族;推导的两个OBP蛋白均有6个α螺旋区域,且α螺旋区域在两个蛋白的位置非常相似,但是两个OBP蛋白推测的配体结合位点和位点极性却完全不同。组织表达模式表明,Malt OBP2和Malt OBP6在成虫头部、触角、下颚(唇)须、腹部末端和足中均有表达,表达程度不一,但都在头部显著表达,触角中的表达量相比其他组织中较低或只是持平。发育表达结果表明,Malt OBP2在蛹触角中的表达量最高,而Malt OBP6在幼虫头部的表达量最高。本研究成功构建了原核表达载体p ET32aMalt OBP2和p ET32a-Malt OBP6,并进行了OBP蛋白诱导表达,低温(16℃和20℃)条件利于蛋白表达在上清液中,延长诱导表达时间(12 h)可以增加蛋白的表达量。【结论】本研究从松墨天牛体内得到了Minus-C OBP蛋白亚家族的两个基因Malt OBP2和Malt OBP6,通过配体结合位点推测它们具有不同的生理功能;通过组织表达谱结果推测这两个OBP基因在松墨天牛中的功能不仅仅局限于嗅觉识别,或还有味觉感受、化学感受等其他生理功能。本研究结果为两个OBP蛋白的结构和功能研究奠定了基础,为探索松墨天牛的化学感受机制提供了条件。     

甜菜夜蛾触角结合蛋白Ⅱ的cDNA克隆、 组织分布及配体结合特性分析

触角结合蛋白（antennal binding proteins, ABPs）是气味结合蛋白（odorant binding proteins, OBPs）的一个亚类, 推测其在昆虫嗅觉中起作用。为了探讨这一问题, 本研究通过转录组数据分析并利用RACE技术, 克隆了甜菜夜蛾Spodoptera exigua触角结合蛋白Ⅱ基因（SexigABP2）的全长cDNA序列（GenBank登录号为HQ234486）。序列分析表明, 该基因开放阅读框长444 bp, 编码148个氨基酸, 具有OBPs典型的6个半胱氨酸位点; 其氨基酸序列和烟芽夜蛾Heliothis virescens的HvirABP2的一致性最高, 达72%。实时定量PCR分析显示, 该基因主要在触角中表达, 在喙、 足、 翅等组织中也有少量表达, 且在雌蛾触角及足中的表达量显著高于雄蛾。进一步对该基因进行原核表达和纯化, 利用荧光竞争结合实验测定了SexigABP2对35种气味物质的结合能力, 发现其对甜菜夜蛾性信息素组分(Z)-9-十四碳烯醇和植物挥发物法尼醇的结合能力较强, 结合常数分别为8.24 μmol/L和8.14 μmol/L。结合能力比较表明, SexigABP2对不饱和长碳链化合物较饱和短碳链化合物具有更强的结合能力; 在不饱和长碳链化合物中, 对醇类物质又较乙酸酯类物质具有更强的结合能力。结果提示SexigABP2可能参与了成虫对不饱和长碳链的植物挥发物的感受。     

Chromatographic investigation on the binding site characteristics of quail egg-white riboflavin binding protein as a chiral stationary phase

Recently we described the use of riboflavin binding protein extracted from quail egg-white, as a new HPLC chiral stationary phase. In this study we show the further results obtained with the use of high-performance affinity chromatography to provide a better understanding of the chiral recognition mechanism for the observed enantioselectivity and to gain a deeper knowledge into the binding site that has been recently characterised by X-ray crystallography for chicken egg-white. High-performance affinity chromatography provides information on the potential protein structural changes occurring upon its immobilisation and enables competitive binding studies as well as the assessment of binding constants through frontal analysis experiments.     

Carnitine palmitoyltransferase activities: Effects of serum albumin,acyl-CoA binding protein and fatty acid binding protein

The carnitine palmitoyltransferase activity of various subcellular preparations measured with octanoyl-CoA as substrate was markedly increased by bovine serum albumin at low M concentrations of octanoyl-CoA. However, even a large excess (500 M) of this acyl-CoA did not inhibit the activity of the mitochondrial outer carnitine palmitoyltransferase, a carnitine palmitoyltransferase isoform that is particularly sensitive to inhibition by low M concentrations of palmitoyl-CoA. This bovine serum albumin stimulation was independent of the salt activation of the carnitine palmitoyltransferase activity. The effects of acyl-CoA binding protein (ACBP) and the fatty acid binding protein were also examined with palmitoyl-CoA as substrate. The results were in line with the findings of stronger binding of acyl-CoA to ACBP but showed that fatty acid binding protein also binds acyl-CoA esters. Although the effects of these proteins on the outer mitochondrial carnitine palmitoyltransferase activity and its malonyl-CoA inhibition varied with the experimental conditions, they showed that the various carnitine palmitoyltransferase preparations are effectively able to use palmitoyl-CoA bound to ACBP in a near physiological molar ratio of 1:1 as well as that bound to the fatty acid binding protein. It is suggested that the three proteins mentioned above effect the carnitine palmitoyltransferase activities not only by binding of acyl-CoAs, preventing acyl-CoA inhibition, but also by facilitating the removal of the acylcarnitine product from carnitine palmitoyltransferase. These results support the possibility that the acyl-CoA binding ability of acyl-CoA binding protein and of fatty acid binding protein have a role in acyl-CoA metabolismin vivo.Abbreviations ACBP acyl-CoA binding protein - BSA bovine serum albumin - CPT carnitine palmitoyltransferase - CPT₀ malonyl-CoA sensitive CPT of the outer mitochondrial membrane - CPT malonyl-CoA insensitive CPT of the inner mitochondrial membrane - OG octylglucoside - OMV outer membrane vesicles - IMV inner membrane vesicles Affiliated to the Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Montreal     

Molecular dynamics simulations of apo and holo forms of fatty acid binding protein 5 and cellular retinoic acid binding protein II reveal highly mobile protein,retinoic acid ligand,and water molecules

Structural and dynamic properties from a series of 300 ns molecular dynamics, MD, simulations of two intracellular lipid binding proteins, iLBPs, (Fatty Acid Binding Protein 5, FABP5, and Cellular Retinoic Acid Binding Protein II, CRABP-II) in both the apo form and when bound with retinoic acid reveal a high degree of protein and ligand flexibility. The ratio of FABP5 to CRABP-II in a cell may determine whether it undergoes natural apoptosis or unrestricted cell growth in the presence of retinoic acid. As a result, FABP5 is a promising target for cancer therapy. The MD simulations presented here reveal distinct differences in the two proteins and provide insight into the binding mechanism. CRABP-II is a much larger, more flexible protein that closes upon ligand binding, where FABP5 transitions to an open state in the holo form. The traditional understanding obtained from crystal structures of the gap between two β-sheets of the β-barrel common to iLBPs and the α-helix cap that forms the portal to the binding pocket is insufficient for describing protein conformation (open vs. closed) or ligand entry and exit. When the high degree of mobility between multiple conformations of both the ligand and protein are examined via MD simulation, a new mode of ligand motion that improves understanding of binding dynamics is revealed.     

中华蜜蜂气味结合蛋白AcerOBP14的表达及配体结合特性分析

【目的】气味结合蛋白(odorant binding proteins, OBPs)在昆虫寄主定位、产卵地选择等行为中发挥着重要作用,明确中华蜜蜂Apis cerana cerana AcerOBP14与配体的结合特性有助于阐明中华蜜蜂嗅觉识别的分子机制。【方法】通过qRT-PCR测定OBP14在20日龄中华蜜蜂成年工蜂、20日龄中华蜜蜂成年雄蜂、中华蜜蜂采粉蜂和意大利蜜蜂Apis mellifera ligustica采粉蜂触角中的表达量。构建原核表达载体pET28a/AcerOBP14,表达并分离纯化重组蛋白AcerOBP14。利用荧光竞争结合实验检测AcerOBP14与37 种气味配体化合物的结合特性。【结果】qRT-PCR分析发现, OBP14在中华蜜蜂采粉蜂触角中的表达量极显著高于20日龄中华蜜蜂成年工蜂和雄蜂以及意大利蜜蜂采粉蜂中的。荧光竞争结合实验表明,AcerOBP14与蜂王信息素、告警信息素、那氏信息素及多种植物挥发物都具有结合能力,其中与β 罗勒烯的结合能力最强,解离常数 Ki=0.297 μmol/L。【结论】AcerOBP14的配体结合谱较宽,暗示其可能参与了中华蜜蜂的多种生理行为反应,且在中华蜜蜂的采粉行为中发挥着重要作用。     

The interplay between effector binding and allostery in an engineered protein switch

The protein design rules for engineering allosteric regulation are not well understood. A fundamental understanding of the determinants of ligand binding in an allosteric context could facilitate the design and construction of versatile protein switches and biosensors. Here, we conducted extensive in vitro and in vivo characterization of the effects of 285 unique point mutations at 15 residues in the maltose‐binding pocket of the maltose‐activated β‐lactamase MBP317‐347. MBP317‐347 is an allosteric enzyme formed by the insertion of TEM‐1 β‐lactamase into the E. coli maltose binding protein (MBP). We find that the maltose‐dependent resistance to ampicillin conferred to the cells by the MBP317‐347 switch gene (the switch phenotype) is very robust to mutations, with most mutations slightly improving the switch phenotype. We identified 15 mutations that improved switch performance from twofold to 22‐fold, primarily by decreasing the catalytic activity in the absence of maltose, perhaps by disrupting interactions that cause a small fraction of MBP in solution to exist in a partially closed state in the absence of maltose. Other notable mutations include K15D and K15H that increased maltose affinity 30‐fold and Y155K and Y155R that compromised switching by diminishing the ability of maltose to increase catalytic activity. The data also provided insights into normal MBP physiology, as select mutations at D14, W62, and F156 retained high maltose affinity but abolished the switch's ability to substitute for MBP in the transport of maltose into the cell. The results reveal the complex relationship between ligand binding and allostery in this engineered switch.     

端粒酶·端粒序列·端粒结合蛋白

该文介绍了端粒酶的性质、特点与功能,端粒序列的不同合成方式及其在生物体内的重要生理功能以及各种端粒结合蛋白的特点。     

Fatty acid interactions with native and mutant fatty acid binding proteins

The interactions of long chain fatty acids (FA) with wild type (WT) fatty acid binding proteins (FABP) and engineered FABP mutants have been monitored to determine the equilibrium binding constants as well as the rate constants for binding and dissociation. These measurements have been done using the fluorescent probes, ADIFAB and ADIFAB2, that allow the determination of the free fatty acid (FFA) concentration in the reaction of FA with proteins and membranes. The results of these studies indicate that for WT proteins from adipocyte, heart, intestine, and liver, Kd values are in the nM range and affinities decrease with increasing aqueous solubility of the FA. Binding affinities for heart and liver are generally greater than those for adipocyte and intestine. Moreover, measurements of the rate constants indicate that binding equilibrium at 37øC is achieved within seconds for all FA and FABPs. These results, together with the level of serum (unbound) FFA, suggests a buffering action of FABPs that helps to maintain the intracellular concentration of FFA so that the flux of FFA between serum and cells occurs down a concentration gradient. Measurements of the temperature dependence of binding reveal that the free energy is predominately enthalpic and that the enthalpy of the reaction results from FA-FABP interactions within the binding cavity. The nature of these interactions were investigated by determining the thermodynamics of binding to engineered point mutants of the intestinal FABP. These measurements showed that binding affinities did not report accurately the changes in protein-FA interactions because changes in the binding entropy and enthalpy tend to compensate. For example, an alanine substitution for arginine 106 yields a 30 fold increase in binding affinity, because the loss in enthalpy due to the elimination of the favorable interaction between the FA carboxylate and Arg106, is more than compensated for by an increase in entropy. Thus understanding the effects of amino acid replacements on FA-FABP interactions requires measurements of enthalpy and entropy, in addition to affinity.     

Crystal structure of the human odorant binding protein,OBPIIa

Human odorant‐binding protein, OBP_IIa, is expressed by nasal epithelia to facilitate transport of hydrophobic odorant molecules across the aqueous mucus. Here, we report its crystallographic analysis at 2.6 Å resolution. OBP_IIa is a monomeric protein that exhibits the classical lipocalin fold with a conserved eight‐stranded β‐barrel harboring a remarkably large hydrophobic pocket. Basic residues within the four loops that shape the entrance to this ligand‐binding site evoke a positive electrostatic potential. Human OBP_IIa shows distinct features compared with other mammalian OBPs, including a potentially reactive Cys side chain within its pocket similar to human tear lipocalin. Proteins 2015; 83:1180–1184. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.     

Surface display of a glucose binding protein

Glucose binding protein (GBP) from Escherichia coli has been widely used to develop minimally invasive glucose biosensors for diabetics. To develop a cell-based glucose biosensor, it is essential to functionally display GBP on the cell surface. In this study, we designed a molecular structure to display GBP on the outer membrane of E. coli. We fused GBP with the first nine N-terminal residues of Lpp (major E. coli lipoprotein) and the 46–150 residues of OmpA (an outer membrane protein of E. coli). With this molecular design, we have successfully displayed GBP on the surface of E. coli. Using FITC-conjugated Dextran, we demonstrated that glucose’s binding sites of surface-displayed GBP were accessible to glucose. Furthermore, we showed that glucose transport in a GBP-deficient E. coli NM303 could be restored by displaying GBP on the surface of NM303. 0.51 h⁻¹ of specific growth rate was attained for NM303/pESDG grown in M9 minimal medium supplemented with 2 g/l glucose, whereas no growth was observed for NM303 in the same medium. Both NM303 and NM303/pESDG grew in M9 medium supplemented with 1 mM of fucose. Because cell surface is an interface between intracellular and extracellular molecular events, this technique paves a way to develop cell-based glucose biosensors.     

Purification and partial peptide sequence analysis of the boar proacrosin binding protein

Boar proacrosin binding protein has been purified and the partial peptide sequence of the CNBr‐digested proacrosin binding protein has been determined. Proacrosin binding protein was purified as a proacrosin and proacrosin binding protein complex from the acid extracts of boar spermatozoa through gel filtration. After the proacrosin binding protein was dissociated from proacrosin by freeze‐thaw method, the proacrosin binding protein was purified through gel filtration. Fractions containing the proacrosin binding protein were pooled and were concentrated by lyophilization and then subjected to CNBr digestion. Four major CNBr‐digested peptides were subjected to N‐terminal peptide sequencing. All four showed the same N‐terminus sequence. Mol. Reprod. Dev. 54:76–80, 1999. © 1999 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.