Delta98delta, a functional all-beta-sheet abridged form of intestinal fatty acid binding protein

Intestinal fatty acid binding protein (IFABP) is a 15 kDa intracellular lipid-binding protein exhibiting a beta-barrel fold that resembles a clamshell. The beta-barrel, which encloses the ligand binding cavity, consists of two perpendicular five-stranded beta-sheets with an intervening helix-turn-helix motif between strands A and B. Delta98delta (fragment 29-126 of IFABP) was obtained either in its recombinant form or by limited proteolysis with clostripain. Despite lacking extensive stretches involved in the closure of the beta-barrel, delta98delta remains soluble and stable in solution. Spectroscopic analyses by circular dichroism, ultraviolet absorption, and intrinsic fluorescence indicate that the fragment retains substantial beta-sheet content and tertiary interactions. In particular, the environment around W82 is identical in both delta98delta and IFABP, a fact consistent with the conservation in the former of all the critical amino acid residues belonging to the hydrophobic core. In addition, the Stokes radius of delta98delta is similar to that of IFABP and 16% larger than that calculated from its molecular weight (11 kDa). The monomeric status of delta98delta was further confirmed by chemical cross-linking experiments. Although lacking 25% of the amino acids of the parent protein, in the presence of GdnHCl, delta98delta unfolds through a cooperative transition showing a midpoint at 0.90 M. Remarkably, it also preserves binding activity for fatty acids (Kd = 5.1 microM for oleic acid and Kd = 0.72 microM for trans-parinaric acid), a fact that exerts a stabilizing effect on its structure. These cumulative evidences show that delta98delta adopts a monomeric state with a compact core and a loose periphery, being so far the smallest structure of its kind preserving binding function.     

Δ98Δ, a minimalist model of antiparallel β‐sheet proteins based on intestinal fatty acid binding protein

The design of β‐barrels has always been a formidable challenge for de novo protein design. For instance, a persistent problem is posed by the intrinsic tendency to associate given by free edges. From the opposite standpoint provided by the redesign of natural motifs, we believe that the intestinal fatty acid binding protein (IFABP) framework allows room for intervention, giving rise to abridged forms from which lessons on β‐barrel architecture and stability could be learned. In this context, Δ98Δ (encompassing residues 29–126 of IFABP) emerges as a monomeric variant that folds properly, retaining functional activity, despite lacking extensive stretches involved in the closure of the β‐barrel. Spectroscopic probes (fluorescence and circular dichroism) support the existence of a form preserving the essential determinants of the parent structure, albeit endowed with enhanced flexibility. Chemical and physical perturbants reveal cooperative unfolding transitions, with evidence of significant population of intermediate species in equilibrium, structurally akin to those transiently observed in IFABP. The recognition by the natural ligand oleic acid exerts a mild stabilizing effect, being of a greater magnitude than that found for IFABP. In summary, Δ98Δ adopts a monomeric state with a compact core and a loose periphery, thus pointing to the nonintuitive notion that the integrity of the β‐barrel can indeed be compromised with no consequence on the ability to attain a native‐like and functional fold.     

Fluorescent dyes as probes to study lipid-binding proteins

We studied the equilibrium binding of two hydrophobic fluorescent dyes, ANS and bisANS, to four members of a family of intracellular lipid-binding proteins: IFABP, CRABP I, CRABP II, and ILBP. The spectral and binding parameters for the probes bound to the proteins were determined. Typically, there was a single binding site on each protein for the ligands. However, IFABP cooperatively bound a second bisANS molecule in the binding pocket. Comparative analysis of affinities and spectral characteristics for the two probes allowed us to examine the contributions of electrostatic and hydrophobic interactions to the binding process, and to address some aspects of the internal structure of the studied proteins.     

Human serum albumin. Spectroscopic studies of binding and proximity relationships for fatty acids and bilirubin.

Binding and proximity relationships of hydrophobic ligands on human serum albumin have been studied using absorption, fluorescence, circular dichroism, and electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy. The ligands studied were bilirubin, two conjugated linear polyene fatty acids, cis-parinaric acid and cis-eleostearic acid, and three nitroxide derivatives of stearic acid with doxyl groups at positions 5, 10, and 12, respectively. Binding of polyene fatty acids was monitored by absorption peak shifts, induced circular dichroism, enhancement of fluorescence, and energy transfer between albumin's single tryptophanyl residue and the polyene chromophore. Induced circular dichroism studies indicate excitonic ligand-ligand interaction between bound fatty acids. Fluorescence enhancement of cis-parinaric acid was analyzed using a stepwise multiple equilibrium model, and six binding constants in the range 10(8) to 10(6) M-1 were obtained, in agreement with previous measurements for other fatty acids. The temperature dependence of the equilibrium constants indicates that the binding enthalpy is nearly zero. Fluorescence energy transfer was similarly used to quantitate bilirubin binding to albumin. Energy transfer, nitroxide quenching of fluorescence, and electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy were used to elucidate binding geometries which support and extend proposed structural models for albumin. It is suggested that the first two fatty acids bind side-by-side in an antiparallel fashion in domain III of human serum albumin.     

The use of 8-anilino-1-naphthalenesulfonic acid as a reporter group molecule for circular dichroism and fluorescence measurements. The effect of stearic acid and sodium dodecylsulfate on the conformation of bovine and human serum albumin.

The fluorescence probe ANS(8-anilino-1-naphthalenesulfonic acid) was employed as a reporter group molecule for circular dichroism and fluorescence measurements in order to investigate the effects of stearic acid and sodium dodecylsulfate on the conformation of bovine and human serum albumin. Stearate as well as dodecylsulfate displaces ANS from the binding to both albumins. Besides this displacement, stearate and dodecylsulfate influence the fluorescence properties and the extrinsic Cotton effects on ANS bound to both albumins. It is suggested that the origin of these effects is a microdisorganization of the albumin structure, provoked by the binding of stearate and sodium dodecylsulfate. Each of the four extrinsic CD bands of bound ANS was influenced in a different manner by the addition of stearate and dodecylsulfate. Using the data of the fluorescence measurements and of the circular dichroism measurements it was possible to differentiate the effects of one ligand on both albumins and of both ligands on one albumin more efficiently than would have been possible using one of the two methods alone. It is suggested that the use of ANS as a reporter group molecule for fluorescence and circular dichroism measurements is a very good tool to detect small changes in the environment of ligand binding sites on protein molecules.     

Fatty acid transfer from intestinal fatty acid binding protein to membranes: electrostatic and hydrophobic interactions

Intestinal fatty acid binding protein (IFABP) is thought to participate in the intracellular transport of fatty acids (FAs). Fatty acid transfer from IFABP to phospholipid membranes is proposed to occur during protein-membrane collisional interactions. In this study, we analyzed the participation of electrostatic and hydrophobic interactions in the collisional mechanism of FA transfer from IFABP to membranes. Using a fluorescence resonance energy transfer assay, we examined the rate and mechanism of transfer of anthroyloxy-fatty acid analogs a) from IFABP to phospholipid membranes of different composition; b) from chemically modified IFABPs, in which the acetylation of surface lysine residues eliminated positive surface charges; and c) as a function of ionic strength. The results show clearly that negative charges on the membrane surface and positive charges on the protein surface are important for establishing the "collisional complex", during which fatty acid transfer occurs. In addition, changes in the hydrophobicity of the protein surface, as well as the hydrophobic volume of the acceptor vesicles, also influenced the rate of fatty acid transfer. Thus, ionic interactions between IFABP and membranes appear to play a primary role in the process of fatty acid transfer to membranes, and hydrophobic interactions can also modulate the rates of ligand transfer.     

Comparative studies of unfolding and binding of ligands to human serum albumin in the presence of fatty acid: spectroscopic approach

This study was undertaken to investigate the influence of fatty acid binding on the unfolding of HSA and how the fatty acid molecules can influence and/or compete with other ligand molecules bound to the protein. The equilibrium unfolding of fatted and fatty acid free HSA was measured by overlapping of unfolding transition curves monitored by different probes for secondary and tertiary structure and determining changes in free energy of unfolding. Proteins stability was studied by fluorescence spectroscopy, whereas conformational changes were detected by circular dichroism techniques. We have suggested a "molten globule" like intermediate state of HSA at a fairly high concentration of GnHCl (3.2 for fatty acid free and 3.6 for fatted). The free energy of stabilization (DeltaG(D)(H2O)) in the presence of fatty acid was found to be 900 cal mol(-1). We also analyze the effects of fatty acid on binding of ligands using spectroscopic technique and reported the equilibrium constants and free energies obtained from the binding and unfolding experiments.     

ANS fluorescence: potential to augment the identification of the external binding sites of proteins

8-anilino-1-naphthalenesulfonic acid (ANS) is believed to strongly bind cationic groups of proteins and polyamino acids through ion pair formation. A paucity of data exists on the fluorescent properties of ANS in these interactions. ANS binding to arginine and lysine derivatives was studied by fluorescence and circular dichroism spectroscopies to augment published information attained by isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC). Fluorescence enhancement with a hypsochromic shift results from the interaction of the charged group of lysine and arginine with the sulfonate group of ANS. Ion pairing between Arg (or Lys) and the sulfonate group of ANS reduce the intermolecular charge transfer (CT) rate constant that leads to enhancement of fluorescence. A positive charge near the -NH group of ANS changes the intramolecular CT process producing a blue shift of fluorescence. The Arg side chain compared to that of Lys more effectively interacts with both the -NH and sulfonate groups of ANS. ANS binding also induces a random coil-alpha helix transition in poly-Arg. Our data, in contrast to ITC results, indicate that electrostatic interactions between ANS derivatives and positively charged side chains do not account for binding affinity in the micromolar range. In addition to ion pairing complementary interactions, such as van der Waals, should be considered for high affinity (K(d)<1 mM) external binding sites of proteins.     

Two fatty acid‐binding proteins expressed in the intestine interact differently with endocannabinoids

Two different members of the fatty acid‐binding protein (FABP) family are found in enterocyte cells of the gastrointestinal system, namely liver‐type and intestinal fatty acid‐binding proteins (LFABP and IFABP, also called FABP1 and FABP2, respectively). Striking phenotypic differences have been observed in knockout mice for either protein, for example, high fat‐fed IFABP‐null mice remained lean, whereas LFABP‐null mice were obese, correlating with differences in food intake. This finding prompted us to investigate the role each protein plays in directing the specificity of binding to ligands involved in appetite regulation, such as fatty acid ethanolamides and related endocannabinoids. We determined the binding affinities for nine structurally related ligands using a fluorescence competition assay, revealing tighter binding to IFABP than LFABP for all ligands tested. We found that the head group of the ligand had more impact on binding affinity than the alkyl chain, with the strongest binding observed for the carboxyl group, followed by the amide, and then the glycerol ester. These trends were confirmed using two‐dimensional ¹H–¹⁵N nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) to monitor chemical shift perturbation of the protein backbone resonances upon titration with ligand. Interestingly, the NMR data revealed that different residues of IFABP were involved in the coordination of endocannabinoids than those implicated for fatty acids, whereas the same residues of LFABP were involved for both classes of ligand. In addition, we identified residues that are uniquely affected by binding of all types of ligand to IFABP, suggesting a rationale for its tighter binding affinity compared with LFABP.     

Characterization of fatty acid binding and transfer from ∆98∆, a functional all-β abridged form of IFABP

Intestinal fatty acid binding protein (IFABP) is an intracellular lipid binding protein whose specific functions within the cell are still uncertain. An abbreviated version of IFABP encompassing residues 29–126, dubbed Δ98Δ is a stable product of limited proteolysis with clostripain of holo-IFABP. Cumulative evidence shows that Δ98Δ adopts a stable, monomeric and functional fold, with compact core and loose periphery. In agreement with previous results, this abridged variant indicates that the helical domain is not necessary to preserve the general topology of IFABP's β-barrel and that the helix-turn-helix motif is a fundamental element of the portal region involved in ligand binding and protein–membrane interactions. Results presented here suggest that Δ98Δ binds fatty acids with affinities lower than IFABP but higher than those shown by previous helix-less variants, shows a ‘diffusional’ fatty acid transfer mechanism and it interacts with artificial membranes. This work highlights the importance of the β-barrel of IFABP for its specific functions.     

The alpha-helical domain of liver fatty acid binding protein is responsible for the diffusion-mediated transfer of fatty acids to phospholipid membranes

Intestinal fatty acid binding protein (IFABP) and liver FABP (LFABP), homologous proteins expressed at high levels in intestinal absorptive cells, employ markedly different mechanisms for the transfer of fatty acids (FAs) to acceptor membranes. Transfer from IFABP occurs during protein-membrane collisional interactions, while for LFABP, transfer occurs by diffusion through the aqueous phase. Earlier, we had shown that the helical domain of IFABP is critical in determining its collisional FA transfer mechanism. In the study presented here, we have engineered a pair of chimeric proteins, one with the "body" (ligand binding domain) of IFABP and the alpha-helical region of LFABP (alphaLbetaIFABP) and the other with the ligand binding pocket of LFABP and the helical domain of IFABP (alphaIbetaLFABP). The objective of this work was to determine whether the change in the alpha-helical domain of each FABP would alter the rate and mechanism of transfer of FA from the chimeric proteins in comparison with those of the wild-type proteins. The fatty acid transfer properties of the FABP chimeras were examined using a fluorescence resonance transfer assay. The results showed a significant modification of the absolute rate of FA transfer from the chimeric proteins compared to that of the wild type, indicating that the slower rate of FA transfer observed for wild-type LFABP relative to that of wild-type IFABP is, in part, determined by the helical domain of the proteins. In addition to these quantitative changes, it was of great interest to observe that the apparent mechanism of FA transfer also changed when the alpha-helical domain was exchanged, with transfer from alphaLbetaIFABP occurring by aqueous diffusion and transfer from alphaIbetaLFABP occurring via protein-membrane collisional interactions. These results demonstrate that the alpha-helical region of LFABP is responsible for its diffusional mechanism of fatty acid transfer to membranes.     

Mapping fatty acid binding to beta-lactoglobulin: Ligand binding is restricted by modification of Cys 121.

Native beta-lactoglobulin (Blg) binds 1 mole of palmitic acid per mole of protein with a dissociation constant of 0.6 microM for the primary fatty acid binding site. Chemical modification of Cys 121, which lies at the external putative hydrophobic binding site of Blg, does not affect retinol or 4,4'-bis 1-(phenylamino)-8-naphthalenesulfonate (bis-ANS) binding to the protein, indicating that the incorporated appendages do not perturb the internal hydrophobic site within the beta-barrel of Blg (i.e., the retinoid site is unaffected). On the other hand, methylation of Cys 121, reduces the affinity of Blg for palmitic acid by 10-fold as monitored by intrinsic fluorescence. Modification of the Cys 121 with methylmethanethiosulfonate or a thiol-specific spin label appears to either further weaken or totally eliminate fatty acid binding, respectively, due to steric hindrance. Furthermore, this binding pattern has been independently verified using a spin labeled fatty acid analog and monitoring ESR as well as by bis-ANS fluorescence when bound to the protein. These results suggest that fatty acids bind at the "external site" of beta-lactoglobulin, between the sole alpha-helix and the beta-barrel. In addition, structural stability studies of native and chemically modified Blg appear to confirm this observation as well.     

Beta-sheet proteins with nearly identical structures have different folding intermediates

The folding mechanisms of two proteins in the family of intracellular lipid binding proteins, ileal lipid binding protein (ILBP) and intestinal fatty acid binding protein (IFABP), were examined. The structures of these all-beta-proteins are very similar, with 123 of the 127 amino acids of ILBP having backbone and C(beta) conformations nearly identical to those of 123 of the 131 residues of IFABP. Despite this structural similarity, the sequences of these proteins have diverged, with 23% sequence identity and an additional 16% sequence similarity. The folding process was completely reversible, and no significant concentrations of intermediates were observed by circular dichroism or fluorescence at equilibrium for either protein. ILBP was less stable than IFABP with a midpoint of 2. 9 M urea compared to 4.0 M urea for IFABP. Stopped-flow kinetic studies showed that both the folding and unfolding of these proteins were not monophasic, suggesting that either multiple paths or intermediate states were present during these processes. Proline isomerization is unlikely to be the cause of the multiphasic kinetics. ILBP had an intermediate state with molten globule-like spectral properties, whereas IFABP had an intermediate state with little if any secondary structure during folding and unfolding. Double-jump experiments showed that these intermediates appear to be on the folding path for each protein. The folding mechanisms of these proteins were markedly different, suggesting that the different sequences of these two proteins dictate different paths through the folding landscape to the same final structure.     

Thyroglobulin structure-function: the effect of iodination on the structure of human thyroglobulin

Thyroglobulin of very low iodine content has been prepared from a single non-toxic human goitre. The initial iodine content of the protein (0.038%) has been increased to levels of 0.16% and 0.85% by in vitro treatment with thyroid peroxidase and the resulting proteins studied with respect to their intrinsic fluorescence, circular dichroism spectra and binding of the hydrophobic probe 1,8-anilinonaphthalene sulfonic acid (ANS). While significant differences were observed between levels of iodination in both the ANS binding and intrinsic fluorescence of the thyroglobulin, no significant differences in the near and far UV circular dichroism spectra of the protein as a function of iodine content were observed. These data suggest that, the iodination of thyroglobulin effects specific areas of the protein without significant disruption of its overall secondary structure.     

BisANS binding to tubulin: isothermal titration calorimetry and the site-specific proteolysis reveal the GTP-induced structural stability of tubulin

Interactions of bisANS and ANS to tubulin in the presence and absence of GTP were investigated, and the binding and thermodynamic parameters were determined using isothermal titration calorimetry. Like bisANS binding to tubulin, we observed a large number of lower affinity ANS binding sites (N1 = 1.3, K1 = 3.7 x 10(5) M(-1), N2 = 10.5, K2 = 7 x 10(4)/M(-1)) in addition to 1-2 higher affinity sites. Although the presence of GTP lowers the bisANS binding to both higher and lower affinity sites (N1 = 4.3, N2 = 11.7 in absence and N1 = 1.8, N2 = 3.6 in presence of GTP), the stoichiometries of both higher and lower affinity sites of ANS remain unaffected in the presence of GTP. BisANS-induced structural changes on tubulin were studied using site-specific proteolysis with trypsin and chymotrypsin. Digestion of both alpha and beta tubulin with trypsin and chymotrypsin, respectively, has been found to be very specific in presence of GTP. GTP has dramatic effects on lowering the extent of nonspecific digestion of beta tubulin with trypsin and stabilizing the intermediate bands produced from both alpha and beta. BisANS-treated tubulin is more susceptible to both trypsin and chymotrypsin digestion. At higher bisANS concentration (>20 microM) both alpha and beta tubulins are almost totally digested with enzymes, indicating bisANS-induced unfolding or destabilization of tubulin structure. Again, the addition of GTP has remarkable effect on lowering the bisANS-induced enhanced digestion of tubulin as well as stabilizing effect on intermediate bands. These results of isothermal titration calorimetry, proteolysis and the DTNB-kinetics data clearly established that the addition of GTP makes tubulin compact and rigid and hence the GTP-induced stabilization of tubulin structure. No such destabilization of tubulin structure has been noticed with ANS, although, like bisANS, ANS possesses a large number of lower affinity binding sites. On the basis of these results, we propose that the unique structure of bisANS, which in absence of GTP can bind tubulin as a bifunctional ligand (through its two ANS moieties), is responsible for the structural changes of tubulin.     

Competitive binding of fatty acids and the fluorescent probe 1-8-anilinonaphthalene sulfonate to bovine beta-lactoglobulin

The use of spectroscopy in the study of fatty acids binding to bovine beta-lactoglobulin (BLG) appears to be a difficult task, as these acid compounds, assumed as the protein natural ligands, do not exhibit favorable optical response such as, for example, absorption or fluorescence. Therefore, the BLG fatty-acid equilibrium has been tackled by exploiting the competition between fatty acids and ANS, a widely used fluorescent hydrophobic probe, whose binding sites on the protein have been characterized recently. Two lifetime decays of the ANS-BLG complex have been found; the longer one has been attributed to the internal binding site and the shorter one to the external site. At increasing fatty acids concentration, the fractional weight associated with ANS bound to the internal site drops, in agreement with a model describing the competition of the dye with fatty acids, whereas the external site occupancy appears to be unaffected by the fatty acids binding to BLG. This model is supported by docking studies. An estimate of the acid-binding affinities for BLG has been obtained by implementing the fitting of the bound ANS intensities with a competitive binding model. A relevant dependence has been found upon the solution pH, in the range from 6 to 8, which correlates with the calyx accessibility modulated by the conformation of the EF loop. Fatty acids with longer aliphatic chains (palmitate and laurate) are found to display larger affinities for the protein and the interaction free energy nicely correlates with the number of contacts inside the protein calyx, in agreement with docking simulations.     

Schistosoma mansoni fatty acid binding protein: specificity and functional control as revealed by crystallographic structure

Schistosoma mansoni fatty acid binding protein (Sm14) was crystallized with bound oleic acid (OLA) and arachidonic acid (ACD), and their structures were solved at 1.85 and 2.4 A resolution, respectively. Sm14 is a vaccine target for schistosomiasis, the second most prevalent parasitic disease in humans. The parasite is unable to synthesize fatty acids depending on the host for these nutrients. Moreover, arachidonic acid (ACD) is required to synthesize prostaglandins employed by schistosomes to evade the host's immune defenses. In the complex, the hydrocarbon tail of bound OLA assumes two conformations, whereas ACD adopts a unique hairpin-looped structure. ACD establishes more specific interactions with the protein, among which the most important is a pi-cation bond between Arg78 and the double bond at C8. Comparison with homologous fatty acid binding proteins suggests that the binding site of Sm14 is optimized to fit ACD. To test the functional implications of our structural data, the affinity of Sm14 for 1,8-anilinonaphthalenesulfonic acid (ANS) has been measured; moreover the binding constants of six different fatty acids were determined from their ability to displace ANS. OLA and ACD exhibited the highest affinities. To determine the rates of fatty acid binding and dissociation we carried out stopped flow kinetic experiments monitoring displacement by (and of) ANS. The binding rate constant of ligands is controlled by a slow pH dependent conformational change, which we propose to have physiological relevance.     

The integrity of the alpha-helical domain of intestinal fatty acid binding protein is essential for the collision-mediated transfer of fatty acids to phospholipid membranes

Intestinal FABP (IFABP) and liver FABP (LFABP), homologous proteins expressed at high levels in intestinal absorptive cells, employ markedly different mechanisms of fatty acid transfer to acceptor model membranes. Transfer from IFABP occurs during protein-membrane collisional interactions, while for LFABP transfer occurs by diffusion through the aqueous phase. In addition, transfer from IFABP is markedly faster than from LFABP. The overall goal of this study was to further explore the structural differences between IFABP and LFABP which underlie their large functional differences in ligand transport. In particular, we addressed the role of the alphaI-helix domain in the unique transport properties of intestinal FABP. A chimeric protein was engineered with the 'body' (ligand binding domain) of IFABP and the alphaI-helix of LFABP (alpha(I)LbetaIFABP), and the fatty acid transfer properties of the chimeric FABP were examined using a fluorescence resonance energy transfer assay. The results showed a significant decrease in the absolute rate of FA transfer from alpha(I)LbetaIFABP compared to IFABP. The results indicate that the alphaI-helix is crucial for IFABP collisional FA transfer, and further indicate the participation of the alphaII-helix in the formation of a protein-membrane "collisional complex". Photo-crosslinking experiments with a photoactivable reagent demonstrated the direct interaction of IFABP with membranes and further support the importance of the alphaI helix of IFABP in its physical interaction with membranes.     

Fluorine-19 NMR studies on the acid state of the intestinal fatty acid binding protein

The intestinal fatty acid binding protein (IFABP) is composed of two beta-sheets with a large hydrophobic cavity into which ligands bind. After eight 4-(19)F-phenylalanines were incorporated into the protein, the acid state of both apo- and holo-IFABP (at pH 2.8 and 2.3) was characterized by means of (1)H NMR diffusion measurements, circular dichroism, and (19)F NMR. Diffusion measurements show a moderately increased hydrodynamic radius while near- and far-UV CD measurements suggest that the acid state has substantial secondary structure as well as persistent tertiary interactions. At pH 2.8, these tertiary interactions have been further characterized by (19)F NMR and show an NOE cross-peak between residues that are located on different beta-strands. Side chain conformational heterogeneity on the millisecond time scale was captured by phase-sensitive (19)F-(19)F NOESY. At pH 2.3, native NMR peaks are mostly gone, but the protein can still bind fatty acid to form the holoprotein. An exchange cross-peak of one phenylalanine in the holoprotein is attributed to increased motional freedom of the fatty acid backbone caused by the slight opening of the binding pocket at pH 2.8. In the acid environment Phe128 and Phe17 show dramatic line broadening and chemical shift changes, reflecting greater degrees of motion around these residues. We propose that there is a separation of specific regions of the protein that gives rise to the larger radius of hydration. Temperature and urea unfolding studies indicate that persistent hydrophobic clusters are nativelike and may account for the ability of ligand to bind and induce nativelike structure, even at pH 2.3.