Development of a four-body statistical pseudo-potential to discriminate native from non-native protein conformations

MOTIVATION: Most scoring functions used in protein fold recognition employ two-body (pseudo) potential energies. The use of higher-order terms may improve the performance of current algorithms. Methods: Proteins are represented by the side chain centroids of amino acids. Delaunay tessellation of this representation defines all sets of nearest neighbor quadruplets of amino acids. Four-body contact scoring function (log likelihoods of residue quadruplet compositions) is derived by the analysis of a diverse set of proteins with known structures. A test protein is characterized by the total score calculated as the sum of the individual log likelihoods of composing amino acid quadruplets. RESULTS: The scoring function distinguishes native from partially unfolded or deliberately misfolded structures. It also discriminates between pre- and post-transition state and native structures in the folding simulations trajectory of Chymotrypsin Inhibitor 2 (CI2).     

Visualizing a one-way protein encounter complex by ultrafast single-molecule mixing

We combined rapid microfluidic mixing with single-molecule fluorescence resonance energy transfer to study the folding kinetics of the intrinsically disordered human protein α-synuclein. The time-resolution of 0.2 ms revealed initial collapse of the unfolded protein induced by binding with lipid mimics and subsequent rapid formation of transient structures in the encounter complex. The method also enabled analysis of rapid dissociation and unfolding of weakly bound complexes triggered by massive dilution.     

The Origin of Nonmonotonic Complex Behavior and the Effects of Nonnative Interactions on the Diffusive Properties of Protein Folding

We present a method for calculating the configurational-dependent diffusion coefficient of a globular protein as a function of the global folding process. Using a coarse-grained structure-based model, we determined the diffusion coefficient, in reaction coordinate space, as a function of the fraction of native contacts formed Q for the cold shock protein (TmCSP). We find nonmonotonic behavior for the diffusion coefficient, with high values for the folded and unfolded ensembles and a lower range of values in the transition state ensemble. We also characterized the folding landscape associated with an energetically frustrated variant of the model. We find that a low-level of frustration can actually stabilize the native ensemble and increase the associated diffusion coefficient. These findings can be understood from a mechanistic standpoint, in that the transition state ensemble has a more homogeneous structural content when frustration is present. Additionally, these findings are consistent with earlier calculations based on lattice models of protein folding and more recent single-molecule fluorescence measurements.     

Measuring “Unmeasurable” Folding Kinetics of Proteins by Single-Molecule Force Spectroscopy

Folding and unfolding are fundamental biological processes in cell and are important for the biological functions of proteins. Characterizing the folding and unfolding kinetics of proteins is important for understanding the energetic landscape leading to the active native conformations of these molecules. However, the thermal or chemical-induced unfolding of many proteins is irreversible in vitro, precluding characterization of the folding kinetics of such proteins, just as it is impossible to “un-boil” an egg. Irreversible unfolding often manifests as irreversible aggregation of unfolded polypeptide chains, which typically occurs between denatured protein molecules in response to the exposure of hydrophobic residues to solvent. An example of such a protein where thermal denaturation results in irreversible aggregation is the β-1,4 endoxylanase from Bacillus circulans (BCX). Here, we report the use of single-molecule atomic force microscopy to directly measure the folding kinetics of BCX in vitro. By mechanically unfolding BCX, we essentially allowed only one unfolded molecule to exist in solution at a given time, effectively eliminating the possibility for aggregation. We found that BCX can readily refold back to the native state, allowing us to measure its folding kinetics for the first time. Our results demonstrate that single-molecule force-spectroscopy-based methods can adequately tackle the challenge of “un-boiling eggs”, providing a general methodology to characterize the folding kinetics of many proteins that suffer from irreversible denaturation and thus cannot be characterized using traditional equilibrium methodologies.     

Kinetic analysis of folding and unfolding the 56 amino acid IgG-binding domain of streptococcal protein G.

The 56 amino acid B domain of protein G (GB) is a stable globular folding unit with no disulfide cross-links. The physical properties of GB offer extraordinary flexibility for evaluating the energetics of the folding reaction. The protein is monomeric and very soluble in both folded and unfolded forms. The folding reaction has been previously examined by differential scanning calorimetry (Alexander et al., 1992) and found to exhibit two-state unfolding behavior over a wide pH range with an unfolding transition near 90 degrees C (GB1) at neutral pH. Here, the kinetics of folding and unfolding two naturally occurring versions of GB have been measured using stopped-flow mixing methods and analyzed according to transition-state theory. GB contains no prolines, and the kinetics of folding and unfolding can be fit to a single, first-order rate constant over the temperature range of 5-35 degrees C. The major thermodynamic changes going from the unfolded state to the transition state are (1) a large decrease in heat capacity (delta Cp), indicating that the transition state is compact and solvent inaccessible relative to the unfolded state; (2) a large loss of entropy; and (3) a small increase in enthalpy. The most surprising feature of the folding of GB compared to that of previously studied proteins is that its folding approximates a rapid diffusion controlled process with little increase in enthalpy going from the unfolded to the transition state.     

Thermodynamics and Kinetics of Single-Chain Monellin Folding with Structural Insights into Specific Collapse in the Denatured State Ensemble

Proteins, which behave as random coils in high denaturant concentrations undergo collapse transition similar to polymers on denaturant dilution. We study collapse in the denatured ensemble of single-chain monellin (MNEI) using a coarse-grained protein model and molecular dynamics simulations. The model is validated by quantitatively comparing the computed guanidinium chloride and pH-dependent thermodynamic properties of MNEI folding with the experiments. The computed properties such as the fraction of the protein in the folded state and radius of gyration (R_g) as function of [GuHCl] are in good agreement with the experiments. The folded state of MNEI is destabilized with an increase in pH due to the deprotonation of the residues Glu24 and Cys42. On decreasing [GuHCl], the protein in the unfolded ensemble showed specific compaction. The R_g of the protein decreased steadily with [GuHCl] dilution due to increase in the number of native contacts in all the secondary structural elements present in the protein. MNEI folding kinetics is complex with multiple folding pathways and transiently stable intermediates are populated in these pathways. In strong stabilizing conditions, the protein in the unfolded ensemble showed transition to a more compact unfolded state where R_g decreased by ≈ 17% due to the formation of specific native contacts in the protein. The intermediate populated in the dominant MNEI folding pathway satisfies the structural features of the dry molten globule inferred from experiments.     

Hydrogen-Bond Driven Loop-Closure Kinetics in Unfolded Polypeptide Chains

Characterization of the length dependence of end-to-end loop-closure kinetics in unfolded polypeptide chains provides an understanding of early steps in protein folding. Here, loop-closure in poly-glycine-serine peptides is investigated by combining single-molecule fluorescence spectroscopy with molecular dynamics simulation. For chains containing more than 10 peptide bonds loop-closing rate constants on the 20–100 nanosecond time range exhibit a power-law length dependence. However, this scaling breaks down for shorter peptides, which exhibit slower kinetics arising from a perturbation induced by the dye reporter system used in the experimental setup. The loop-closure kinetics in the longer peptides is found to be determined by the formation of intra-peptide hydrogen bonds and transient β-sheet structure, that accelerate the search for contacts among residues distant in sequence relative to the case of a polypeptide chain in which hydrogen bonds cannot form. Hydrogen-bond-driven polypeptide-chain collapse in unfolded peptides under physiological conditions found here is not only consistent with hierarchical models of protein folding, that highlights the importance of secondary structure formation early in the folding process, but is also shown to speed up the search for productive folding events.     

In vitro protein folding by E. coli ribosome: unfolded protein splitting 70S to interact with 50S subunit

Folding of unfolded protein on Escherichia coli 70S ribosome is accompanied by rapid dissociation of the ribosome into 50S and 30S subunits. The dissociation rate of 70S ribosome with unfolded protein is much faster than that caused by combined effect of translation and polypeptide release factors known to be involved in the dissociation of ribosome into subunits. The protein then reaches a “folding competent” state on 50S and is released to take up native conformation by itself. Release before attaining the folding competent state or prevention of release by cross-linking it with ribosome, would not allow the protein to get back to its native conformation.     

Kinetics of the Triplex-Duplex Transition in DNA

The kinetics of triplex folding/unfolding is investigated by the single-molecule fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) technique. In neutral pH conditions, the average dwell times in both high-FRET (folded) and low-FRET (unfolded) states are comparable, meaning that the triplex is marginally stable. The dwell-time distributions are qualitatively different: while the dwell-time distribution of the high-FRET state should be fit with at least a double-exponential function, the dwell-time distribution of the low-FRET state can be fit with a single-exponential function. We propose a model where the folding can be trapped in metastable states, which is consistent with the FRET data. Our model also accounts for the fact that the relevant timescales of triplex folding/unfolding are macroscopic.     

Single-Molecule Studies of the Im7 Folding Landscape

Under appropriate conditions, the four-helical Im7 (immunity protein 7) folds from an ensemble of unfolded conformers to a highly compact native state via an on-pathway intermediate. Here, we investigate the unfolded, intermediate, and native states populated during folding using diffusion single-pair fluorescence resonance energy transfer by measuring the efficiency of energy transfer (or proximity or P ratio) between pairs of fluorophores introduced into the side chains of cysteine residues placed in the center of helices 1 and 4, 1 and 3, or 2 and 4. We show that while the native states of each variant give rise to a single narrow distribution with high P values, the distributions of the intermediates trapped at equilibrium (denoted I^eqm) are fitted by two Gaussian distributions. Modulation of the folding conditions from those that stabilize the intermediate to those that destabilize the intermediate enabled the distribution of lower P value to be assigned to the population of the unfolded ensemble in equilibrium with the intermediate state. The reduced stability of the I^eqm variants allowed analysis of the effect of denaturant concentration on the compaction and breadth of the unfolded state ensemble to be quantified from 0 to 6 M urea. Significant compaction is observed as the concentration of urea is decreased in both the presence and absence of sodium sulfate, as previously reported for a variety of proteins. In the presence of Na₂SO₄ in 0 M urea, the P value of the unfolded state ensemble approaches that of the native state. Concurrent with compaction, the ensemble displays increased peak width of P values, possibly reflecting a reduction in the rate of conformational exchange among iso-energetic unfolded, but compact conformations. The results provide new insights into the initial stages of folding of Im7 and suggest that the unfolded state is highly conformationally constrained at the outset of folding.     

A Single Mutation at Residue 25 Populates the Folding Intermediate of E. coli RNase H and Reveals a Highly Dynamic Partially Folded Ensemble

Understanding the nature of partially folded intermediates transiently populated during protein folding is important for understanding both protein folding and misfolding. These ephemeral species, however, often elude direct experimental characterization. The well-characterized protein ribonuclease H (RNase H) from Escherichia coli populates an on-pathway intermediate identified in both bulk studies and single-molecule mechanical unfolding experiments. Here, we set out to trap the transient intermediate of RNase H at equilibrium by selectively destabilizing the region of the protein known to be unfolded in this species. Surprisingly, a single change at Ile25 (I25A) resulted in the equilibrium population of the intermediate under near-native conditions. The intermediate was undetectable in a series of heteronuclear single quantum coherences, revealing the dynamic nature of this partially unfolded form on the timescale of NMR detection. This result is in contrast to studies in which the structures of trapped intermediates are solved by NMR, indicating that they are well packed and native-like. The dynamic nature of the RNase H intermediate may be important for its role as an on-pathway, productive species that promotes efficient folding.     

Fast collapse but slow formation of secondary structure elements in the refolding transition of E. coli adenylate kinase

The various models proposed for protein folding transition differ in their order of appearance of the basic steps during this process. In this study, steady state and time-resolved dynamic non-radiative excitation energy transfer (FRET and trFRET) combined with site specific labeling experiments were applied in order to characterize the initial transient ensemble of Escherichia coli adenylate kinase (AK) molecules upon shifting conditions from those favoring denaturation to refolding and from folding to denaturing. Three sets of labeled AK mutants were prepared, which were designed to probe the equilibrium and transient distributions of intramolecular segmental end-to-end distances. A 176 residue section (residues 28-203), which spans most of the 214 residue molecule, and two short secondary structure chain segments including an alpha-helix (residues 169-188) and a predominantly beta-strand region (residues 188-203), were labeled. Upon fast change of conditions from denaturing to folding, the end-to-end distance of the 176 residue chain section showed an immediate collapse to a mean value of 26 A. Under the same conditions, the two short secondary structure elements did not respond to this shift within the first ten milliseconds, and retained the characteristics of a fully unfolded state. Within the first 10 ms after changes of the solvent from folding to denaturing, only minor changes were observed at the local environments of residues 203 and 169. The response of these same local environments to the shift of conditions from denaturing to folding occurred within the dead time of the mixing device. Thus, the response of the CORE domain of AK to fast transfer from folding to unfolding conditions is slow at all three conformational levels that were probed, and for at least a few milliseconds the ensemble of folded molecules is maintained under unfolding conditions. A different order of the changes was observed upon initiation of refolding. The AK molecules undergo fast collapse to an ensemble of compact structures where the local environment of surface probes seems to be native-like but the two labeled secondary structure elements remain unfolded.     

Deconvoluting Protein (Un)folding Structural Ensembles Using X-Ray Scattering,Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy and Molecular Dynamics Simulation

The folding and unfolding of protein domains is an apparently cooperative process, but transient intermediates have been detected in some cases. Such (un)folding intermediates are challenging to investigate structurally as they are typically not long-lived and their role in the (un)folding reaction has often been questioned. One of the most well studied (un)folding pathways is that of Drosophila melanogaster Engrailed homeodomain (EnHD): this 61-residue protein forms a three helix bundle in the native state and folds via a helical intermediate. Here we used molecular dynamics simulations to derive sample conformations of EnHD in the native, intermediate, and unfolded states and selected the relevant structural clusters by comparing to small/wide angle X-ray scattering data at four different temperatures. The results are corroborated using residual dipolar couplings determined by NMR spectroscopy. Our results agree well with the previously proposed (un)folding pathway. However, they also suggest that the fully unfolded state is present at a low fraction throughout the investigated temperature interval, and that the (un)folding intermediate is highly populated at the thermal midpoint in line with the view that this intermediate can be regarded to be the denatured state under physiological conditions. Further, the combination of ensemble structural techniques with MD allows for determination of structures and populations of multiple interconverting structures in solution.     

Conversion of two-state to multi-state folding kinetics on fusion of two protein foldons

Chymotrypsin inhibitor 2 (CI2) is the archetypal single-foldon protein that folds in simple two-state kinetics without the accumulation of a folding intermediate. To model the effects of fusion of single foldons to give a multi-foldon protein, we engineered a "double-CI2" protein, in which another CI2 polypeptide was inserted into the loop region of the parent CI2. CD and HSQC spectra demonstrated that while the double-CI2 protein adopted two kinds of native conformations, CI2-like structure was almost preserved in both the domains of double-CI2. In the folding kinetic studies, double-CI2 exhibited a remarkable rollover of the observed folding rates at low denaturant concentrations, indicating that double-CI2 accumulated a kinetic folding intermediate. The different folding mechanisms between WT-CI2 and double-CI2 support the present view that protein size or number of domains is an important determinant for formation of folding intermediates.     

Dynamics of protein folding and cofactor binding monitored by single-molecule force spectroscopy

Many proteins in living cells require cofactors to carry out their biological functions. To reach their functional states, these proteins need to fold into their unique three-dimensional structures in the presence of their cofactors. Two processes, folding of the protein and binding of cofactors, intermingle with each other, making the direct elucidation of the folding mechanism of proteins in the presence of cofactors challenging. Here we use single-molecule atomic force microscopy to directly monitor the folding and cofactor binding dynamics of an engineered metal-binding protein G6-53 at the single-molecule level. Using the mechanical stability of different conformers of G6-53 as sensitive probes, we directly identified different G6-53 conformers (unfolded, apo- and Ni²⁺-bound) populated along the folding pathway of G6-53 in the presence of its cofactor Ni²⁺. By carrying out single-molecule atomic force microscopy refolding experiments, we monitored kinetic evolution processes of these different conformers. Our results suggested that the majority of G6-53 folds through a binding-after-folding mechanism, whereas a small fraction follows a binding-before-folding pathway. Our study opens an avenue to utilizing force spectroscopy techniques to probe the folding dynamics of proteins in the presence of cofactors at the single-molecule level, and we anticipated that this method can be used to study a wide variety of proteins requiring cofactors for their function.     

Toward resolution of ambiguity for the unfolded state

The unfolded states in proteins and nucleic acids remain weakly understood despite their importance in folding processes; misfolding diseases (Parkinson's and Alzheimer's); natively unfolded proteins (as many as 30% of eukaryotic proteins, according to Fink); and the study of ribozymes. Research has been hindered by the inability to quantify the residual (native) structure present in an unfolded protein or nucleic acid. Here, a scaling model is proposed to quantify the molar degree of folding and the unfolded state. The model takes a global view of protein structure and can be applied to a number of analytic methods and to simulations. Three examples are given of application to small-angle scattering from pressure-induced unfolding of SNase, from acid-unfolded cytochrome c, and from folding of Azoarcus ribozyme. These examples quantitatively show three characteristic unfolded states for proteins, the statistical nature of a protein folding pathway, and the relationship between extent of folding and chain size during folding for charge-driven folding in RNA.     

How do chemical denaturants affect the mechanical folding and unfolding of proteins?

We present the first single-molecule atomic force microscopy study on the effect of chemical denaturants on the mechanical folding/unfolding kinetics of a small protein GB1 (the B1 immunoglobulin-binding domain of protein G from Streptococcus). Upon increasing the concentration of the chemical denaturant guanidinium chloride (GdmCl), we observed a systematic decrease in the mechanical stability of GB1, indicating the softening effect of the chemical denaturant on the mechanical stability of proteins. This mechanical softening effect originates from the reduced free-energy barrier between the folded state and the unfolding transition state, which decreases linearly as a function of the denaturant concentration. Chemical denaturants, however, do not alter the mechanical unfolding pathway or shift the position of the transition state for mechanical unfolding. We also found that the folding rate constant of GB1 is slowed down by GdmCl in mechanical folding experiments. By combining the mechanical folding/unfolding kinetics of GB1 in GdmCl solution, we developed the “mechanical chevron plot” as a general tool to understand how chemical denaturants influence the mechanical folding/unfolding kinetics and free-energy diagram in a quantitative fashion. This study demonstrates great potential in combining chemical denaturation with single-molecule atomic force microscopy techniques to reveal invaluable information on the energy landscape underlying protein folding/unfolding reactions.     

Protein folding at single-molecule resolution

The protein folding reaction carries great significance for cellular function and hence continues to be the research focus of a large interdisciplinary protein science community. Single-molecule methods are providing new and powerful tools for dissecting the mechanisms of this complex process by virtue of their ability to provide views of protein structure and dynamics without associated ensemble averaging. This review briefly introduces common FRET and force methods, and then explores several areas of protein folding where single-molecule experiments have yielded insights. These include exciting new information about folding landscapes, dynamics, intermediates, unfolded ensembles, intrinsically disordered proteins, assisted folding and biomechanical unfolding. Emerging and future work is expected to include advances in single-molecule techniques aimed at such investigations, and increasing work on more complex systems from both the physics and biology standpoints, including folding and dynamics of systems of interacting proteins and of proteins in cells and organisms. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled: Protein Dynamics: Experimental and Computational Approaches.