Insights into the fate of the N-terminal amyloidogenic polypeptide of ApoA-I in cultured target cells

Apolipoprotein A-I (ApoA-I) is an extracellular lipid acceptor, whose role in cholesterol efflux and high-density lipoprotein formation is mediated by ATP-binding cassette transporter A1 (ABCA1). Nevertheless, some ApoA-I variants are associated to systemic forms of amyloidosis, characterized by extracellular fibril deposition in peripheral organs. Heart amyloid fibrils were found to be mainly constituted by the 93-residue N-terminal fragment of ApoA-I, named [1-93]ApoA-I. In this paper, rat cardiomyoblasts were used as target cells to analyse binding, internalization and intracellular fate of the fibrillogenic polypeptide in comparison to full-length ApoA-I. We provide evidence that the polypeptide: (i) binds to specific sites on cell membrane (K(d) = 5.90 ± 0.70 × 10(-7) M), where it partially co-localizes with ABCA1, as also described for ApoA-I; (ii) is internalized mostly by chlatrin-mediated endocytosis and lipid rafts, whereas ApoA-I is internalized preferentially by chlatrin-coated pits and macropinocytosis and (iii) is rapidly degraded by proteasome and lysosomes, whereas ApoA-I partially co-localizes with recycling endosomes. Vice versa, amyloid fibrils, obtained by in vitro aggregation of [1-93]ApoA-I, were found to be unable to enter the cells. We propose that internalization and intracellular degradation of [1-93]ApoA-I may divert the polypeptide from amyloid fibril formation and contribute to the slow progression and late onset that characterize this pathology.     

Immunoglobulin kappa light chain and its amyloidogenic mutants: a molecular dynamics study

AL amyloidosis and LCDD are pathological conditions caused by extracellural deposition of monoclonal Ig light chain variable domains. In the former case, deposits have a form of amyloid fibrils, in the latter, amorphous aggregates. 1REI kappa light chain variable domain and its two point mutants, R61N and D82I, were chosen for the analysis in this work. Wild 1REI does not create deposits in vitro, while R61N aggregates as amyloid fibrils and D82I creates amorphous aggregates. Both mutated residues create a conserved salt bridge; thus, substitution of any of them should decrease V(L) domain stability. For these three proteins, 5 ns MD simulations were conducted in temperatures of 300 K and 400 K, with protonated and unprotonated acidic residues, mimicking acidic and neutral experimental pH conditions (3 sets: N300, N400, and A400). The analysis of trajectories focused on characterization of changes in conformational behavior and stability of Ig kappa light chain variable domain caused by single aminoacid substitutions that were experimentally proved to enhance aggregation propensity, both in the form of amyloid and amorphous aggregates. Residue D82 turns out to be involved not only in R61-D82 but also in K45-D82 interaction, which was not observed in the X-ray structure, but frequently populated simulations of 1REI. The substitution D82I excludes both interactions, resulting in substantial destabilization (i.e., easier aggregation). Examination of behavior of edge regions of V(L) beta-sandwich reveals significant alterations in D82I mutant compared to wild 1REI, while relatively small changes occur in R61N. This suggests that mild and slow destabilization is the reason of the conversion of V(L) to partially folded amyloidogenic intermediate structure.     

Dimorphic aggregation behavior of a fusion polypeptide incorporating a stable protein domain (EGFP) with an amyloidogenic sequence (retroCspA)

We describe the behavior of a polypeptide consisting of the genetic fusion of a structurally stable single-domain protein, EGFP (an analog of the green fluorescent protein) with an amyloidogenic sequence, retroCspA (known to readily form amyloid fibrils). Refolding of the fusion protein through single-step removal of denaturant and salt results in precipitation into amyloid aggregates displaying fibrillar morphology, thioflavin T binding as well as green fluorescence. Refolding through step-wise reduction of denaturant concentration in the presence of salt yields a soluble aggregate containing a folded, thermally-stable, non-fluorescent EGFP domain. Together, these results indicate that retroCspA forces the fusion protein to aggregate; however, the EGFP domain remains folded in a native-like structural format in both soluble aggregates and precipitates.     

NMR characterizations of an amyloidogenic conformational ensemble of the PI3K SH3 domain

Amyloid formation is associated with structural changes of native polypeptides to monomeric intermediate states and their self-assembly into insoluble aggregates. Characterizations of the amyloidogenic intermediate state are, therefore, of great importance in understanding the early stage of amyloidogenesis. Here, we present NMR investigations of the structural and dynamic properties of the acid-unfolded amyloidogenic intermediate state of the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K) SH3 domain--a model peptide. The monomeric amyloidogenic state of the SH3 domain studied at pH 2.0 (35 degrees C) was shown to be substantially disordered with no secondary structural preferences. (15)N NMR relaxation experiments indicated that the unfolded polypeptide is highly flexible on a subnanosecond timescale when observed under the amyloidogenic condition (pH 2.0, 35 degrees C). However, more restricted motions were detected in residues located primarily in the beta-strands as well as in a loop in the native fold. In addition, nonnative long-range interactions were observed between the residues with the reduced flexibility by paramagnetic relaxation enhancement (PRE) experiments. These indicate that the acid-unfolded state of the SH3 domain adopts a partly folded conformation through nonnative long-range contacts between the dynamically restricted residues at the amyloid-forming condition.     

Changing times: Fluorescence-lifetime analysis of amyloidogenic SF-IAPP fusion protein

In a number of conformational diseases, intracellular accumulation of proteins bearing non-native conformations occurs. The search for compounds that are capable of hindering the formation and accumulation of toxic protein aggregates and fibrils is an urgent task. Present fluorescent methods of fibrils’ detection prevent simple real-time observations. We suppose to use green fluorescent protein fused with target protein and fluorescence lifetime measurement technique for this purpose.The recombinant proteins analyzed were produced in E. coli. Mass spectrometry was used for the primary structure of the recombinant proteins and post-translational modifications identification. The fluorescence lifetime of the superfolder green fluorescent protein (SF) and the SF protein fused with islet amyloid polypeptide (SF-IAPP) were studied in polyacrylamide gel using Fluorescent-Lifetime Imaging Microscopy (FLIM).It was shown that the SF average fluorescence lifetime in gel slightly differs from that of the SF-IAPP monomer under these conditions. SF-IAPP does not lose the ability to form amyloid-like fibrils. Under the same conditions (in polyacrylamide gel), SF and SF-IAPP monomers have similar fluorescence time characteristics and the average fluorescence lifetime of SF-IAPP in fibrils significantly decreases.We propose the application of FLIM to the measurement of average fluorescence lifetimes of fusion proteins (amyloidogenic protein-SF) in the context of studies using cellular models of conformational diseases.     

Recombinant therapeutic proteins: production platforms and challenges

Since the approval of insulin in 1982, more than 120 recombinant drug substances have been approved and become available as extremely valuable therapeutic options. Exact copying of the most common human form is no longer a value per se, as challenges, primarily related to the pharmacokinetics of artificial recombinant drugs, can be overcome by diverging from the original. However, relatively minor changes in manufacturing or packaging may impact safety of therapeutic proteins. A major achievement is the development of recombinant proteins capable of entering a cell. Such drugs open up completely new opportunities by targeting intracellular mechanisms or by substituting intracellularly operating enzymes. Concerns that protein variants would cause an intolerable immune response turned out to be exaggerated. Although most recombinant drugs provoke some immune response, they are still well tolerated. This knowledge might result in a change in attitude towards antibody formation, i.e., neutralizing antibody activity (in vitro) may be overcome by dosing consistently on the basis of antibody titers and not only on body weight. As with other drugs, efficacy and safety of therapeutic proteins have to be demonstrated in clinical studies, and superiority over available products has to be proven instead of just claimed.     

重组贻贝足蛋白的研究进展与应用*

贻贝足蛋白是一类通过贻贝足腺分泌的蛋白质复合物,与基质表面发生反应而产生极强的黏附作用。其在海洋环境中具有强黏附能力、可降解性和优秀的生物相容性等优点,因此常被用做生物医药黏合剂。但提取天然蛋白质受原料来源限制,且工艺烦琐导致价格高昂,阻碍了贻贝足蛋白的进一步应用发展。微生物合成的最新进展为贻贝足蛋白的产出提供了一种新思路,并且具有扩大规模生产的意义。主要综述了贻贝足蛋白的基因工程生产方法,总结了重组蛋白在黏附抗污涂层、组织工程材料等领域的应用现状。同时对其研究方向进行了展望,指出重组贻贝足蛋白的进一步发展的关键技术是解析蛋白质的构效和层级结构,在此基础上提高其异源表达水平,以获得更多生物功效性的衍生产品。     

1H, 13C and 15N resonance assignment of 6aJL2(R25G), a highly fibrillogenic λVI light chain variable domain

An allotypic variation at position 25 influences the fibrillogenicity of λVI light chains, which are related to humoral immune response and have been associated with AL amyloidosis. The full resonance assignment and a preliminary structural characterization of 6aJL2(R25G) are reported. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.     

重组贻贝足蛋白的研究进展与应用*

贻贝足蛋白是一类通过贻贝足腺分泌的蛋白质复合物,与基质表面发生反应而产生极强的黏附作用。其在海洋环境中具有强黏附能力、可降解性和优秀的生物相容性等优点,因此常被用做生物医药黏合剂。但提取天然蛋白质受原料来源限制,且工艺烦琐导致价格高昂,阻碍了贻贝足蛋白的进一步应用发展。微生物合成的最新进展为贻贝足蛋白的产出提供了一种新思路,并且具有扩大规模生产的意义。主要综述了贻贝足蛋白的基因工程生产方法,总结了重组蛋白在黏附抗污涂层、组织工程材料等领域的应用现状。同时对其研究方向进行了展望,指出重组贻贝足蛋白的进一步发展的关键技术是解析蛋白质的构效和层级结构,在此基础上提高其异源表达水平,以获得更多生物功效性的衍生产品。     

Myosin light chain kinase (210 kDa) is a potential cytoskeleton integrator through its unique N-terminal domain

Recently discovered 210-kDa myosin light chain kinase (MLCK-210) is identical to 108-130 kDa MLCK, the principal regulator of the myosin II molecular motor, except for the presence of a unique amino terminal extension. Our in vitro experiments and transfected cell studies demonstrate that the N-terminal half of MLCK-210 unique tail domain has novel microfilament and microtubule binding activity. Consistent with this activity, the MLCK-210 domain codistributes with microfilaments and microtubules in cultured cells and with soluble tubulin in nocodazole-treated cells. This domain is capable of aggregating tubulin dimers in vitro, causing bundling and branching of microtubules induced by taxol. The N-terminal actin-binding region of MLCK-210 has lower affinity to actin (K(d) = 7.4 microM) than its central D(F/V)RXXL repeat-based actin-binding site and does not protect stress fibers from disassembly triggered by MLCK inhibition in transfected cells. Obtained results suggest that while being resident on microfilaments, MLCK-210 may interact with other cytoskeletal components through its N-terminal domain. Based on available evidence, we propose a model in which MLCK-210 could organize cell motility by simultaneous control of cytoskeleton architecture and actomyosin activation through the novel protein scaffold function of the unique tail domain and the classical MLCK catalytic function of the kinase domain.     

利用植物系统表达重组蛋白的的研究进展

植物是可以生产不同生物药剂品的成本低廉的生物反应器,综述了稳定转化系统、瞬时表达系统以及叶绿体基因组转化方法,这三种不同的植物表达系统的特点和研究现状,并对其存在的问题及未来的前景进行了分析。     

Conformational analysis of methyl 5-O-methyl septanosides: effect of glycosylation on conformer populations

Methyl 5-O-methyl-alpha-d-glycero-d-idoseptanoside (3) and methyl 5-O-methyl-beta-d-glycero-d-guloseptanoside (4) were investigated as (1-->5)-linked di-/oligoseptanoside mimetics. Here we report the synthesis of 3 and 4 and describe their preferred solution conformations through a combination of ab initio/DFT calculations and (1)H (3)J(H,H) NMR coupling constant analysis. The conformations of 3 and 4 observed in this study are discussed in comparison to those of the parent (C5 hydroxy) compounds 1 and 2. The results indicate that methyl 5-O-methyl-alpha-septanoside 3 is relatively rigid and adopts the same (3,4)TC(5,6) conformation as 1. Methyl 5-O-methyl-beta-septanoside 4 is somewhat less rigid than its parent septanoside (2). In addition to the (6,O)TC(4,5) conformation adopted by 2, beta-septanoside 4 also populates the adjacent (3,4)TC(5,6) conformation. Glycosylation at C5 on beta-septanoside 4 therefore increases its overall flexibility and allows access to alternative ring conformations.     

衣藻叶绿体表达重组蛋白及表达优化策略

近年来,转基因技术已日趋成熟,医学、工业上的应用也越来越广泛。以重组蛋白为基础的药物治疗是目前医药生产领域发展最快的一项技术。它们的高特异性和低副作用使得治疗效率十分突出。但是重组蛋白表达的复杂性也给生产带来了一定限制。为了促进重组蛋白的应用,人们对适宜其表达的系统和能促进其表达的策略进行了探索。研究发现,衣藻叶绿体作为重组蛋白的生物反应器,能实现重组蛋白快速、高效、低成本生产。同时,衣藻能在人工培养基和人为控制的条件下生长,降低了受污染的风险,与传统的生产系统比较具有不可比拟的优越性。因此,衣藻叶绿体作为医药重组蛋白生物反应器在未来的生物技术领域将发挥巨大作用。     

Potentially amyloidogenic conformational intermediates populate the unfolding landscape of transthyretin: Insights from molecular dynamics simulations

Protein aggregation into insoluble fibrillar structures known as amyloid characterizes several neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer's, Huntington's and Creutzfeldt‐Jakob. Transthyretin (TTR), a homotetrameric plasma protein, is known to be the causative agent of amyloid pathologies such as FAP (familial amyloid polyneuropathy), FAC (familial amyloid cardiomiopathy) and SSA (senile systemic amyloidosis). It is generally accepted that TTR tetramer dissociation and monomer partial unfolding precedes amyloid fibril formation. To explore the TTR unfolding landscape and to identify potential intermediate conformations with high tendency for amyloid formation, we have performed molecular dynamics unfolding simulations of WT‐TTR and L55P‐TTR, a highly amyloidogenic TTR variant. Our simulations in explicit water allow the identification of events that clearly discriminate the unfolding behavior of WT and L55P‐TTR. Analysis of the simulation trajectories show that (i) the L55P monomers unfold earlier and to a larger extent than the WT; (ii) the single α‐helix in the TTR monomer completely unfolds in most of the L55P simulations while remain folded in WT simulations; (iii) L55P forms, early in the simulations, aggregation‐prone conformations characterized by full displacement of strands C and D from the main β‐sandwich core of the monomer; (iv) L55P shows, late in the simulations, severe loss of the H‐bond network and consequent destabilization of the CBEF β‐sheet of the β‐sandwich; (v) WT forms aggregation‐compatible conformations only late in the simulations and upon extensive unfolding of the monomer. These results clearly show that, in comparison with WT, L55P‐TTR does present a much higher probability of forming transient conformations compatible with aggregation and amyloid formation.     

亲和标签在重组蛋白表达与纯化中的应用

亲和标签融合技术为重组蛋白的纯化提供了一种简单方便的纯化工具,具有结合特异性高、洗脱条件温和、通用性强、纯化倍数高等显著优点。概述了亲和标签对融合蛋白表达的影响,可以提高重组蛋白的产量,增强重组蛋白的可溶性,促进重组蛋白的正确折叠;回顾了在重组蛋白表达与纯化中广泛使用的几种亲和标签,以及近年来相继出现的几种比较新颖的纯化标签;介绍了亲和标签的组合使用策略,His6-MBP组合标签集合了两个标签的优点,串联亲和纯化可以纯化获得生理条件下的蛋白质复合体;展望了亲和标签未来的发展趋势,认为仍需继续开发性能更加优越、纯化效果更加显著的纯化标签系统。     

Recombinant expression of a chitosanase and its application in chitosan oligosaccharide production

Recently, considerable attention has been focused on chitosan oligosaccharides (COSs) due to their various biological activities. COSs can be prepared by enzymatic degradation of chitosan, which is the deacetylation product of chitin, one of the most abundant biopolymers in nature. In the current study, we recombinantly expressed a chitosanase and used it for COS preparation. A bacillus-derived GH8 family chitosanase with a 6×His tag fused at its N-terminal was expressed in the Escherichia coli strain BL21(DE3) as a soluble and active form. Its expression level could be as high as 500 mg/L. Enzymatic activity could reach approximately 140,000 U/L under our assay conditions. The recombinant chitosanase could be purified essentially to homogeneity by immobilized metal-ion affinity chromatography. The enzyme could efficiently convert chitosan into monomer-free COS: 1 g of enzyme could hydrolyze about 100 kg of chitosan. Our present work has provided a cheap chitosanase for large-scale COS production in industry.     

重组人血白蛋白临床研究进展

人血白蛋白是人血浆中最丰富的蛋白质,具有许多重要的生理特性,用途广泛。目前主要以毕赤酵母作为宿主表达的重组人血白蛋白,开发了重组人血白蛋白的纯化技术,同时对重组人血白蛋白结构进行了分析,结果表明与人血浆白蛋白基本一致。临床研究结果表明重组人血白蛋白与人血浆白蛋白有着几乎相同的疗效和安全性。综述了重组人血白蛋白的性质结构分析及酵母表达系统;重点介绍了重组人血白蛋白在临床方面研究进展。     

Production and Characterization of Recombinant Mouse Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor and Rat Neurotrophin-3 Expressed in Insect Cells

Abstract: Bioactive brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and neurotrophin-3 were produced using the baculovirus expression system and purified to homogeneity using ion-exchange and reversed-phase chromatography. Yields of purified neurotrophin-3 (300–500 μg/L) were similar to levels reported for baculovirus-expressed nerve growth factor (NGF), whereas initial yields of BDNF were significantly lower (20–50 μg/L). Improved production of BDNF (150–200 μg/L) was achieved by expressing BDNF from a chimeric prepro-NGF/mature BDNF construct using the Trichoplusia ni insect cell line, Tn-5B1-4. Examination of the distribution of BDNF protein from both the nonchimeric prepro-BDNF and the chimeric prepro-NGF/mature BDNF viruses in Sf-21-and Tn-5B1-4-infected cells suggests a specific deficiency in the Tn-5B1-4 cells in processing the nonchimeric precursor. In addition, the vast majority of the BDNF protein at 2 days after infection was intracellular and insoluble. N-terminal amino acid sequencing of purified recombinant BDNF and neurotrophin-3 demonstrated that the insect cells processed their precursors to the correct N-terminus expected for the mature protein. Bioactivity was characterized in vitro on primary neuronal cultures from the CNS and PNS.     

重组蓖麻毒素A链与几种天然单链核糖体失活蛋白的活性研究

采用ｐＥｘＳｅｃⅠ载体系统进行了蓖麻毒素Ａ链的原核表达,经ＣＭ－Ｓｅｐｈａｒｏｓｅ一步纯化后,获得了纯度约８０％的重组蓖麻毒素Ａ链．将其与几种天然单链核糖体失活蛋白进行了超螺旋ＤＮＡ裂解研究和无细胞体系中蛋白合成抑制试验,结果表明,重组蓖麻毒素Ａ链具有类似于天然单链核糖体失活蛋白的活性,但两种测活方法之间没有明显的相关性