Conformational changes in the active site loops of dihydrofolate reductase during the catalytic cycle

Escherichia coli dihydrofolate reductase (DHFR) has several flexible loops surrounding the active site that play a functional role in substrate and cofactor binding and in catalysis. We have used heteronuclear NMR methods to probe the loop conformations in solution in complexes of DHFR formed during the catalytic cycle. To facilitate the NMR analysis, the enzyme was labeled selectively with [(15)N]alanine. The 13 alanine resonances provide a fingerprint of the protein structure and report on the active site loop conformations and binding of substrate, product, and cofactor. Spectra were recorded for binary and ternary complexes of wild-type DHFR bound to the substrate dihydrofolate (DHF), the product tetrahydrofolate (THF), the pseudosubstrate folate, reduced and oxidized NADPH cofactor, and the inactive cofactor analogue 5,6-dihydroNADPH. The data show that DHFR exists in solution in two dominant conformational states, with the active site loops adopting conformations that closely approximate the occluded or closed conformations identified in earlier X-ray crystallographic analyses. A minor population of a third conformer of unknown structure was observed for the apoenzyme and for the disordered binary complex with 5,6-dihydroNADPH. The reactive Michaelis complex, with both DHF and NADPH bound to the enzyme, could not be studied directly but was modeled by the ternary folate:NADP(+) and dihydrofolate:NADP(+) complexes. From the NMR data, we are able to characterize the active site loop conformation and the occupancy of the substrate and cofactor binding sites in all intermediates formed in the extended catalytic cycle. In the dominant kinetic pathway under steady-state conditions, only the holoenzyme (the binary NADPH complex) and the Michaelis complex adopt the closed loop conformation, and all product complexes are occluded. The catalytic cycle thus involves obligatory conformational transitions between the closed and occluded states. Parallel studies on the catalytically impaired G121V mutant DHFR show that formation of the closed state, in which the nicotinamide ring of the cofactor is inserted into the active site, is energetically disfavored. The G121V mutation, at a position distant from the active site, interferes with coupled loop movements and appears to impair catalysis by destabilizing the closed Michaelis complex and introducing an extra step into the kinetic pathway.     

Molecular dynamics simulations reveal that apo‐HisJ can sample a closed conformation

The Escherichia coli histidine binding protein HisJ is a type II periplasmic binding protein (PBP) that preferentially binds histidine and interacts with its cytoplasmic membrane ABC transporter, HisQMP₂, to initiate histidine transport. HisJ is a bilobal protein where the larger Domain 1 is connected to the smaller Domain 2 via two linking strands. Type II PBPs are thought to undergo “Venus flytrap” movements where the protein is able to reversibly transition from an open to a closed conformation. To explore the accessibility of the closed conformation to the apo state of the protein, we performed a set of all‐atom molecular dynamics simulations of HisJ starting from four different conformations: apo‐open, apo‐closed, apo‐semiopen, and holo‐closed. The simulations reveal that the closed conformation is less dynamic than the open one. HisJ experienced closing motions and explored semiopen conformations that reverted to closed forms resembling those found in the holo‐closed state. Essential dynamics analysis of the simulations identified domain closing/opening and twisting as main motions. The formation of specific inter‐hinge strand and interdomain polar interactions contributed to the adoption of the closed apo‐conformations although they are up to 2.5‐fold less prevalent compared with the holo‐closed simulations. The overall sampling of the closed form by apo‐HisJ provides a rationale for the binding of unliganded PBPs with their cytoplasmic membrane ABC transporters. Proteins 2014; 82:386–398. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.     

Characterizing the energetic states of the GluR2 ligand binding domain core-dimer

Tetrameric ligand binding domains of the family of ionotropic glutamate receptors assemble as dimers-of-dimers. Crystallographic studies of several glutamate receptor subtype isolated core-dimers suggest a single stable dimeric conformation. A binding domain dimer has not been captured in other conformations without the aid of biochemical methods to disrupt a critical dimer interface. Molecular dynamics simulations and continuum electrostatics calculations reveal that the active glutamate bound form of the ligand-binding domain found in typical crystal structures is the preferred energetic state of the isolated core-dimer in the presence of agonist glutamate. A desensitized conformational state is a higher energy ligand-bound state of the core-dimer. The resting apo conformational state is comparatively the least energetically favored conformation and does not contain a single state but a set of energetically equivalent conformational core-dimer states. We hypothesize the energetic balance of an open versus closed transmembrane region must be included to characterize the absolute energetic states of the full receptor, which in the presence of the ligand is believed to be a desensitized state.     

Effect of Sec62 on the conformation of the Sec61 channel in yeast

Most eukaryotic secretory and membrane proteins are funneled by the Sec61 complex into the secretory pathway. Furthermore, some substrate peptides rely on two essential accessory proteins, Sec62 and Sec63, being present to assist with their translocation via the Sec61 channel in post-translational translocation. Cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM) recently succeeded in determining atomistic structures of unbound and signal sequence-engaged Sec complexes from Saccharomyces cerevisiae, involving the Sec61 channel and the proteins Sec62, Sec63, Sec71 and Sec72. In this study, we investigated the conformational effects of Sec62 on Sec61. Indeed, we observed in molecular dynamics simulations that the conformational dynamics of lateral gate, plug and pore region of Sec61 are altered by the presence/absence of Sec62. In molecular dynamics simulations that were started from the cryo-EM structures of Sec61 coordinated to Sec62 or of apo Sec61, we observed that the luminal side of the lateral gate gradually adopts a closed conformation similar to the apo state during unbound state simulations. In contrast, it adopts a wider conformation in the bound state. Furthermore, we demonstrate that the conformation of the active (substrate-bound) state of the Sec61 channel shifts toward an alternative conformation in the absence of the substrate. We suggest that the signal peptide holds/stabilizes the active state conformation of Sec61 during post-translational translocation. Thus, our study explains the effect of Sec62 on the conformation of the Sec61 channel and describes the conformational transitions of Sec61 channel.     

Molecular dynamic simulations of the N-terminal receiver domain of NtrC reveal intrinsic conformational flexibility in the inactive state

The N-terminal receiver domain of NtrC is the molecular switch in the two-component signal transduction. It is the first protein where structures of both the active (phosphyroylated) and inactive (unphosphyroylated) states are determined experimentally. Phosphorylation of the NtrC at the active site induces large structural change. NMR experiments suggested that the wild type unphosphorylated NtrC adopts both the active and the inactive conformations and the phosphorylation stabilizes the active conformations. We applied free (unconstrained) molecular dynamic (MD) simulation to examine the intrinsic flexibilities and stabilities of the NtrC receiver domain in both the active and inactive conformations. Molecular dynamic simulations showed that the inactive state of NtrC receiver domain is more flexible than the active state. There were large movements in helix 4 and loop beta3-alpha3 which coincide with major structural differences between the inactive and active states. We observed large root-mean-square deviations from the initial starting structure and the large root-mean-square fluctuations during MD simulation for the inactive state. We then investigated the activation pathway with Targeted MD simulation. We show that the intrinsic flexibility in the loop beta3-alpha3 plays an important role in triggering the conformational change. Phosphorylation at the active site may serve to stabilize the conformational change. These results together suggest that the unphosphorylated NtrC receiver domain could be involved in a conformational equilibrium between two different states.     

Molecular Dynamic Simulations of the N-Terminal Receiver Domain of NtrC Reveal Intrinsic Conformational Flexibility in the Inactive State

Abstract

The N-terminal receiver domain of NtrC is the molecular switch in the two-component signal transduction. It is the first protein where structures of both the active (phosphyroylated) and inactive (unphosphyroylated) states are determined experimentally. Phosphorylation of the NtrC at the active site induces large structural change. NMR experiments suggested that the wild type unphosphorylated NtrC adopts both the active and the inactive conformations and the phosphorylation stabilizes the active conformations. We applied free (unconstrained) molecular dynamic (MD) simulation to examine the intrinsic flexibilities and stabilities of the NtrC receiver domain in both the active and inactive conformations. Molecular dynamic simulations showed that the inactive state of NtrC receiver domain is more flexible than the active state. There were large movements in helix 4 and loop β3-α3 which coincide with major structural differences between the inactive and active states. We observed large root-mean-square deviations from the initial starting structure and the large root-mean-square fluctuations during MD simulation for the inactive state. We then investigated the activation pathway with Targeted MD simulation. We show that the intrinsic flexibility in the loop β3-α3 plays an important role in triggering the conformational change. Phosphorylation at the active site may serve to stabilize the conformational change. These results together suggest that the unphosphorylated NtrC receiver domain could be involved in a conformational equilibrium between two different states.     

The binding mechanism,multiple binding modes,and allosteric regulation of Staphylococcus aureus Sortase A probed by molecular dynamics simulations

Sortase enzymes are vitally important for the virulence of gram‐positive bacteria as they play a key role in the attachment of surface proteins to the cell wall. These enzymes recognize a specific sorting sequence in proteins destined to be displayed on the surface of the bacteria and catalyze the transpeptidation reaction that links it to a cell wall precursor molecule. Because of their role in establishing pathogenicity, and in light of the recent rise of antibiotic‐resistant bacterial strains, sortase enzymes are novel drug targets. Here, we present a study of the prototypical sortase protein Staphylococcus aureus Sortase A (SrtA). Both conventional and accelerated molecular dynamics simulations of S. aureus SrtA in its apo state and when bound to an LPATG sorting signal (SS) were performed. Results support a binding mechanism that may be characterized as conformational selection followed by induced fit. Additionally, the SS was found to adopt multiple metastable states, thus resolving discrepancies between binding conformations in previously reported experimental structures. Finally, correlation analysis reveals that the SS actively affects allosteric pathways throughout the protein that connect the first and the second substrate binding sites, which are proposed to be located on opposing faces of the protein. Overall, these calculations shed new light on the role of dynamics in the binding mechanism and function of sortase enzymes.     

X-ray structure of prephenate dehydratase from Streptococcus mutans

Prephenate dehydratase is a key enzyme of the biosynthesis of L-phenylalanine in the organisms that utilize shikimate pathway. Since this enzymatic pathway does not exist in mammals, prephenate dehydratase can provide a new drug targets for antibiotics or herbicide. Prephenate dehydratase is an allosteric enzyme regulated by its end product. The enzyme composed of two domains, catalytic PDT domain located near the N-terminal and regulatory ACT domain located near the C-terminal. The allosteric enzyme is suggested to have two different conformations. When the regulatory molecule, phenylalanine, is not bound to its ACT domain, the catalytic site of PDT domain maintain open (active) state conformation as Sa-PDT structure. And the open state of its catalytic site become closed (allosterically inhibited) state if the regulatory molecule is bound to its ACT domain as Ct-PDT structure. However, the X-ray structure of prephenate dehydratase from Streptococcus mutans (Sm-PDT) shows that the catalytic site of Sm-PDT has closed state conformation without phenylalanine molecule bound to its regulatory site. The structure suggests a possibility that the binding of phenylalanine in its regulatory site may not be the only prerequisite for the closed state conformation of Sm-PDT.     

The dynamics of camphor in the cytochrome P450 CYP101D2

The recent crystal structures of CYP101D2, a cytochrome P450 protein from the oligotrophic bacterium Novosphingobium aromaticivorans DSM12444 revealed that both the native (substrate‐free) and camphor‐soaked forms have open conformations. Furthermore, two other potential camphor‐binding sites were also identified from electron densities in the camphor‐soaked structure, one being located in the access channel and the other in a cavity on the surface near the F‐helix side of the F‐G loop termed the substrate recognition site. These latter sites may be key intermediate positions on the pathway for substrate access to or product egress from the active site. Here, we show via the use of unbiased atomistic molecular dynamics simulations that despite the open conformation of the native and camphor‐bound crystal structures, the underlying dynamics of CYP101D2 appear to be very similar to other CYP proteins. Simulations of the native structure demonstrated that the protein is capable of sampling many different conformational substates. At the same time, simulations with the camphor positioned at various locations within the access channel or recognition site show that movement towards the active site or towards bulk solvent can readily occur on a short timescale, thus confirming many previously reported in silico studies using steered molecular dynamics. The simulations also demonstrate how the fluctuations of an aromatic gate appear to control access to the active site. Finally, comparison of camphor‐bound simulations with the native simulations suggests that the fluctuations can be of similar level and thus are more representative of the conformational selection model rather than induced fit.     

The role of the N-terminal amphipathic helix in bacterial YidC: Insights from functional studies,the crystal structure and molecular dynamics simulations

The evolutionary conserved YidC is a unique dual-function membrane protein that adopts insertase and chaperone conformations. The N-terminal helix of Escherichia coli YidC functions as an uncleaved signal sequence and is important for membrane insertion and interaction with the Sec translocon. Here, we report the first crystal structure of Thermotoga maritima YidC (TmYidC) including the N-terminal amphipathic helix (N-AH) (PDB ID: 6Y86). Molecular dynamics simulations show that N-AH lies on the periplasmic side of the membrane bilayer forming an angle of about 15° with the membrane surface. Our functional studies suggest a role of N-AH for the species-specific interaction with the Sec translocon. The reconstitution data and the superimposition of TmYidC with known YidC structures suggest an active insertase conformation for YidC. Molecular dynamics (MD) simulations of TmYidC provide evidence that N-AH acts as a membrane recognition helix for the YidC insertase and highlight the flexibility of the C1 region underlining its ability to switch between insertase and chaperone conformations. A structure-based model is proposed to rationalize how YidC performs the insertase and chaperone functions by re-positioning of N-AH and the other structural elements.     

A molecular dynamics investigation of mono and dimeric states of the outer membrane enzyme OMPLA

OMPLA is a phospholipase found in the outer membranes of many Gram-negative bacteria. Enzyme activation requires calcium-induced dimerisation plus bilayer perturbation. As the conformation of OMPLA in the different crystal forms (monomer versus dimer; with/without bound Ca(2+)) is remarkably similar we have used multi-nanosecond molecular dynamics (MD) simulations to probe possible differences in conformational dynamics that may be related to enzyme activation. Simulations of calcium-free monomeric OMPLA, of the Ca(2+)-bound dimer, and of the Ca(2+)-bound dimer with a substrate analogue covalently linked to the active site serine have been performed, all with the protein embedded in a phospholipid (POPC) bilayer. All simulations were stable, but differences in the dynamic behaviour of the protein between the various states were observed. In particular, the stability of the active site and the hydrophobic substrate-binding cleft varied. Dimeric OMPLA is less flexible than monomeric OMPLA, especially around the active site. In the absence of bound substrate analogue, the hydrophobic substrate-binding cleft of dimeric OMPLA collapses. A model is proposed whereby the increased stability of the active site in dimeric OMPLA is a consequence of the local ordering of water around the nearby calcium ion. The observed collapse of the substrate-binding cleft may explain the experimentally observed occurrence of multiple dimer conformations of OMPLA, one of which is fully active while the other shows significantly reduced activity.     

Closed conformation of the active site loop of rabbit muscle triosephosphate isomerase in the absence of substrate: evidence of conformational heterogeneity

The active site loop of triosephosphate isomerase (TIM) exhibits a hinged-lid motion, alternating between the two well defined "open" and "closed" conformations. Until now the closed conformation had only been observed in protein complexes with substrate analogues. Here, we present the first rabbit muscle apo TIM structure, refined to 1.5A resolution, in which the active site loop is either in the open or in the closed conformation in different subunits of the enzyme. In the closed conformation described here, the lid loop residues participate in stabilizing hydrogen bonds characteristic of holo TIM structures, whereas chemical interactions observed in the open loop conformation are similar to those found in the apo structures of TIM. In the closed conformation, a number of water molecules are observed at the projected ligand atom positions that are hydrogen bonded to the active site residues. Additives used during crystallization (DMSO and Tris molecules and magnesium atoms) were modeled in the electron density maps. However, no specific binding of these molecules is observed at, or close to, the active site and the lid loop. To further investigate this unusual closed conformation of the apo enzyme, two more rabbit muscle TIM structures, one in the same and another in a different crystal form, were determined. These structures present the open lid conformation only, indicating that the closed conformation cannot be explained by crystal contact effects. To rationalize why the active site loop is closed in the absence of ligand in one of the subunits, extensive comparison with previously solved TIM structures was carried out, supported by the bulk of available experimental information about enzyme kinetics and reaction mechanism of TIM. The observation of both open and closed lid conformations in TIM crystals might be related to a persistent conformational heterogeneity of this protein in solution.     

Ligand-induced conformational change in the alpha7 nicotinic receptor ligand binding domain

Molecular dynamics simulations of a homology model of the ligand binding domain of the alpha7 nicotinic receptor are conducted with a range of bound ligands to induce different conformational states. Four simulations of 15 ns each are run with no ligand, antagonist d-tubocurarine (dTC), agonist acetylcholine (ACh), and agonist ACh with potentiator Ca(2+), to give insight into the conformations of the active and inactive states of the receptor and suggest the mechanism for conformational change. The main structural factor distinguishing the active and inactive states is that a more open, symmetric arrangement of the five subunits arises for the two agonist simulations, whereas a more closed and asymmetric arrangement results for the apo and dTC cases. Most of the difference arises in the lower portion of the ligand binding domain near its connection to the adjacent transmembrane domain. The transfer of the more open state to the transmembrane domain could then promote ion flow through the channel. Variation in how subunits pack together with no ligand bound appears to give rise to asymmetry in the apo case. The presence of dTC expands the receptor but induces rotations in alternate directions in adjacent subunits that lead to an asymmetric arrangement as in the apo case. Ca(2+) appears to promote a slightly greater expansion in the subunits than ACh alone by stabilizing the C-loop and ACh positions. Although the simulations are unlikely to be long enough to view the full conformational changes between open and closed states, a collection of different motions at a range of length scales are observed that are likely to participate in the conformational change.     

X-ray structures of the signal recognition particle receptor reveal targeting cycle intermediates

The signal recognition particle (SRP) and its conjugate receptor (SR) mediate cotranslational targeting of a subclass of proteins destined for secretion to the endoplasmic reticulum membrane in eukaryotes or to the plasma membrane in prokaryotes. Conserved active site residues in the GTPase domains of both SRP and SR mediate discrete conformational changes during formation and dissociation of the SRP.SR complex. Here, we describe structures of the prokaryotic SR, FtsY, as an apo protein and in two different complexes with a non-hydrolysable GTP analog (GMPPNP). These structures reveal intermediate conformations of FtsY containing GMPPNP and explain how the conserved active site residues position the nucleotide into a non-catalytic conformation. The basis for the lower specificity of binding of nucleotide in FtsY prior to heterodimerization with the SRP conjugate Ffh is also shown. We propose that these structural changes represent discrete conformational states assumed by FtsY during targeting complex formation and dissociation.     

Effects of protonation state of Asp181 and position of active site water molecules on the conformation of PTP1B

In protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B (PTP1B), the flexible WPD loop adopts a closed conformation (WPD_closed) in the active state of PTP1B, bringing the catalytic Asp181 close to the active site pocket, while WPD loop is in an open conformation (WPD_open) in the inactive state. Previous studies showed that Asp181 may be protonated at physiological pH, and ordered water molecules exist in the active site. In the current study, molecular dynamics simulations are employed at different Asp181 protonation states and initial positions of active site water molecules, and compared with the existing crystallographic data of PTP1B. In WPD_closed conformation, the active site is found to maintain its conformation only in the protonated state of Asp181 in both free and liganded states, while Asp181 is likely to be deprotonated in WPD_open conformation. When the active site water molecule network that is a part of the free WPD_closed crystal structure is disrupted, intermediate WPD loop conformations, similar to that in the PTPRR crystal structure, are sampled in the MD simulations. In liganded PTP1B, one active site water molecule is found to be important for facilitating the orientation of Cys215 and the phosphate ion, thus may play a role in the reaction. In conclusion, conformational stability of WPD loop, and possibly catalytic activity of PTP1B, is significantly affected by the protonation state of Asp181 and position of active site water molecules, showing that these aspects should be taken into consideration both in MD simulations and inhibitor design. © Proteins 2013. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.     

Structural studies of Saccharomyces cerevesiae mitochondrial NADP-dependent isocitrate dehydrogenase in different enzymatic states reveal substantial conformational changes during the catalytic reaction

Isocitrate dehydrogenases (IDHs) catalyze oxidative decarboxylation of isocitrate (ICT) into alpha-ketoglutarate (AKG). We report here the crystal structures of Saccharomyces cerevesiae mitochondrial NADP-IDH Idp1p in binary complexes with coenzyme NADP, or substrate ICT, or product AKG, and in a quaternary complex with NADPH, AKG, and Ca(2+), which represent different enzymatic states during the catalytic reaction. Analyses of these structures identify key residues involved in the binding of these ligands. Comparisons among these structures and with the previously reported structures of other NADP-IDHs reveal that eukaryotic NADP-IDHs undergo substantial conformational changes during the catalytic reaction. Binding or release of the ligands can cause significant conformational changes of the structural elements composing the active site, leading to rotation of the large domain relative to the small and clasp domains along two hinge regions (residues 118-124 and residues 284-287) while maintaining the integrity of its secondary structural elements, and thus, formation of at least three distinct overall conformations. Specifically, the enzyme adopts an open conformation when bound to NADP, a quasi-closed conformation when bound to ICT or AKG, and a fully closed conformation when bound to NADP, ICT, and Ca(2+) in the pseudo-Michaelis complex or with NADPH, AKG, and Ca(2+) in the product state. The conformational changes of eukaryotic NADP-IDHs are quite different from those of Escherichia coli NADP-IDH, for which significant conformational changes are observed only between two forms of the apo enzyme, suggesting that the catalytic mechanism of eukaryotic NADP-IDHs is more complex than that of EcIDH, and involves more fine-tuned conformational changes.     

Alpha-synuclein populates both elongated and broken helix states on small unilamellar vesicles

The misfolding of the protein α-synuclein (αS) has been implicated in the molecular chain of events leading to Parkinson disease. Physiologically, αS undergoes a transition from a random coil to helical conformation upon encountering synaptic vesicle membranes. On analogous small unilamellar vesicles (SUVs), the conformation of αS is dominated by a single elongated αS helix. However, alternative broken helix states have been postulated, mandating experimental clarification. Here, the upper limit for the free energy difference between elongated and broken helix conformations on SUVs resembling synaptic vesicles was determined to be 1.2 ± 0.4 kcal/mol, which amounts to a population ratio of 7.6:1 between both states (12% broken helices). In response to helix breaks at different positions, αS rearranged in an opportunistic manner, thereby minimizing helix abrogations to as little as one to two turns. Enthalpy and entropy measurements of gel state SUV-αS interactions indicated that broken helix states retain the ability to relieve membrane-packing stress. Thus, broken helix states are a distinct physiological feature of the vesicle-bound αS state, making it a "checkered" protein of multiple parallel conformations. A continuous interconversion between structural states may contribute to pathological αS misfolding.     

Ligand Induced Conformational Changes of the Human Serotonin Transporter Revealed by Molecular Dynamics Simulations

The competitive inhibitor cocaine and the non-competitive inhibitor ibogaine induce different conformational states of the human serotonin transporter. It has been shown from accessibility experiments that cocaine mainly induces an outward-facing conformation, while the non-competitive inhibitor ibogaine, and its active metabolite noribogaine, have been proposed to induce an inward-facing conformation of the human serotonin transporter similar to what has been observed for the endogenous substrate, serotonin. The ligand induced conformational changes within the human serotonin transporter caused by these three different types of ligands, substrate, non-competitive and competitive inhibitors, are studied from multiple atomistic molecular dynamics simulations initiated from a homology model of the human serotonin transporter. The results reveal that diverse conformations of the human serotonin transporter are captured from the molecular dynamics simulations depending on the type of the ligand bound. The inward-facing conformation of the human serotonin transporter is reached with noribogaine bound, and this state resembles a previously identified inward-facing conformation of the human serotonin transporter obtained from molecular dynamics simulation with bound substrate, but also a recently published inward-facing conformation of a bacterial homolog, the leucine transporter from Aquifex Aoelicus. The differences observed in ligand induced behavior are found to originate from different interaction patterns between the ligands and the protein. Such atomic-level understanding of how an inhibitor can dictate the conformational response of a transporter by ligand binding may be of great importance for future drug design.