Importance of the character and configuration of residues B24, B25, and B26 in insulin-receptor interactions

By use of isolated canine hepatocytes and insulin analogs prepared by trypsin-catalyzed semisynthesis, we have investigated the importance of the aromatic triplet PheB24-PheB25-TyrB26 of the COOH-terminal B-chain domain of insulin in directing the affinity of insulin-receptor interactions. Analysis of the receptor binding potencies of analogs bearing transpositions or replacements (by Tyr, D-Tyr or their corresponding 3,5-diiodo derivatives) in this region demonstrates a wide divergence in the acceptance both of configurational change (with [D-TyrB24,PheB26]insulin and [D-TyrB25,PheB26]insulin exhibiting 160 and 0.1% of the receptor binding potency of insulin, respectively) and of detailed side chain structure (with [TyrB24,PheB26]insulin and [TyrB25,PheB26]insulin exhibiting 2 and 80% of the receptor binding potency of insulin, respectively). Additional experiments addressed the solvent accessibilities of the 4 tyrosine residues of insulin and the insulin analogs at selected peptide concentrations by use of analytical radioiodination. Whereas two analogs ([TyrB25,PheB26]insulin and [D-TyrB24,PheB26]insulin) were found to undergo self aggregation, no strict correlation was found between the ability of an analog to aggregate and its potency for interaction with the insulin receptor. Related findings are discussed in terms of the interplay between side chain and main chain structure in the COOH-terminal domain of the insulin B-chain and the structural attributes of insulin that determine the affinity of insulin-receptor interactions.     

Proximity and ligand-induced movement of interdomain residues in myosin subfragment 1 containing trapped MgADP and MgPPi probed by multifunctional cross-linking

The conformations of myosin subfragment 1 containing trapped MgADP or MgPPi have been studied by investigating the spatial disposition of the remainder of the subfragment 1 structure to the covalently bridged ATPase-related thiols SH1 and SH2. This has been done by synthesizing a trifunctional photoactivatable reagent 4,4'-bis(N-maleimido)benzophenone and reacting it with subfragment 1 in the presence of these ligands. Modification of subfragment 1 by this reagent mimics closely the changes in the ATPase properties as noted previously for modification with p-phenylenedimaleimide. In addition, noncovalent trapping of nucleotide also results, presumably by the bridging of the SH1 and SH2 thiols. On photolysis, cross-linking from the reagent bridging the thiols to other regions in subfragment 1 can be observed, but the extent and course of the photoinduced cross-linking depend on the nature of the trapped ligand. For subfragment 1 with trapped MgADP, a high efficiency cross-linking occurs between the 21-kDa segment and the 50-kDa segment. With MgPPi as the trapped ligand, low efficiency cross-linking occurs between the bridged thiols and either the 27-kDa N-terminal or the 50-kDa segments of the heavy chain. These results indicate that without the adenosine moiety, the binding of MgPPi to subfragment 1 leaves the protein in a flexible state so that residues in both the 27-kDa and the 50-kDa segment can move within the cross-linking span of the activated benzophenone triplet. The trapping of MgADP apparently results in a more rigid state for the subfragment 1 in which residues in the 50-kDa segment are spatially close to the bridged thiols, thus enabling photocross-linking to proceed with higher efficiency.     

Mutations at the dimer, hexamer, and receptor-binding surfaces of insulin independently affect insulin-insulin and insulin-receptor interactions.

Mutagenesis of the dimer- and hexamer-forming surfaces of insulin yields analogues with reduced tendencies to aggregate and dramatically altered pharmacokinetic properties. We recently showed that one such analogue, HisB10----Asp, ProB28----Lys, LysB29----Pro human insulin (DKP-insulin), has enhanced affinity for the insulin receptor and is useful for studying the structure of the insulin monomer under physiologic solvent conditions [Weiss, M. A., Hua, Q. X., Lynch, C. S., Frank, B. H., & Shoelson, S. E. (1991) Biochemistry 30, 7373-7389]. DKP-insulin retains native secondary and tertiary structure in solution and may therefore provide an appropriate baseline for further studies of related analogues containing additional substitutions within the receptor-binding surface of insulin. To test this, we prepared a family of DKP analogues having potency-altering substitutions at the B24 and B25 positions using a streamlined approach to enzymatic semisynthesis which negates the need for amino-group protection. For comparison, similar analogues of native human insulin were prepared by standard semisynthetic methods. The DKP analogues show a reduced tendency to self-associate, as indicated by 1H-NMR resonance line widths. In addition, CD spectra indicate that (with one exception) the native insulin fold is retained in each analogue; the exception, PheB24----Gly, induces similar perturbations in both native insulin and DKP-insulin backgrounds. Notably, analogous substitutions exhibit parallel trends in receptor-binding potency over a wide range of affinities: D-PheB24 greater than unsubstituted greater than GlyB24 greater than SerB24 greater than AlaB25 greater than LeuB25 greater than SerB25, whether the substitution was in a native human or DKP-insulin background. Such "template independence" reflects an absence of functional interactions between the B24 and B25 sites and additional substitutions in DKP-insulin and demonstrates that mutations in discrete surfaces of insulin have independent effects on protein structure and function. In particular, the respective receptor-recognition (PheB24, PheB25), hexamer-forming (HisB10), and dimer-forming (ProB28, LysB29) surfaces of insulin may be regarded as independent targets for protein design. DKP-insulin provides an appropriate biophysical model for defining structure-function relationships in a monomeric template.     

Biosynthetic relationship among aflatoxins B1, B2, G1, and G2.

Aspergillus parasiticus NIAH-26, a UV-irradiated mutant of A. parasiticus SYS-4 (NRRL 2999), produces neither aflatoxins nor precursors. When sterigmatocystin (ST) or O-methylsterigmatocystin was fed to this mutant in YES medium, aflatoxins B1 (AFB1) and G1 (AFG1) were produced. When dihydrosterigmatocystin (DHST) or dihydro-O-methylsterigmatocystin was fed to this mold, aflatoxins B2 (AFB2) and G2 (AFG2) were produced. The reactions from ST to AFB1 and DHST to AFB2 were also observed in the cell-free system and were catalyzed stepwise by the methyltransferase and oxidoreductase enzymes. In the feeding experiments of strain NIAH-26, the convertibility from ST to AFB1-AFG1 was found to be remarkably suppressed by the coexistence of DHST in the medium, and the convertibility from DHST to AFB2-AFG2 was also suppressed by the presence of ST. When some other mutants which endogenously produce a small amount of aflatoxins (mainly AFB1 and AFG1) were cultured with DHST, the amounts of AFB1 and AFG1 produced were significantly decreased, whereas AFB2 and AFG2 were newly produced. In similar feeding experiments in which 27 kinds of mutants including these mutants were used, most of the mutants which were able to convert exogenous ST to AFB1-AFG1 were also found to convert exogenous DHST to AFB2-AFG2. These results suggest that the same enzymes may be involved in the both biosynthetic pathways from ST to AFB1-AFG1 and DHST to AFB2-AFG2. The reactions described herein were not observed when the molds had been cultured in the YEP medium.     

Biosynthetic relationship among aflatoxins B1, B2, M1, and M2.

Aflatoxins are a family of toxic, acetate-derived decaketides that arise biosynthetically through polyhydroxyanthraquinone intermediates. Most studies have assumed that aflatoxin B1 is the biosynthetic precursor of the other aflatoxins. We used a strain of Aspergillus flavus which accumulates aflatoxin B2 to investigate the later stages of aflatoxin biosynthesis. This strain produced aflatoxins B2 and M2 but no detectable aflatoxin B1 when grown over 12 days in a low-salt, defined growth medium containing asparagine. Addition of dichlorvos to this growth medium inhibited aflatoxin production with concomitant accumulation of versiconal hemiacetal acetate. When mycelial pellets were grown for 24, 48, and 72 h in growth medium and then transferred to a replacement medium, only aflatoxin B2 and M2 were recovered after 96 h of incubation. Addition of sterigmatocystin to the replacement medium led to the recovery of higher levels of aflatoxins B2 and M2 than were detected in control cultures, as well as to the formation of aflatoxins B1 and M1 and O-methylsterigmatocystin. These results support the hypothesis that aflatoxins B1 and B2 can arise independently via a branched pathway.     

Three-dimensional interaction of Phi29 pRNA dimer probed by chemical modification interference, cryo-AFM, and cross-linking

Six pRNAs (p for packaging) of bacterial virus phi29 form a hexamer complex that is an essential component of the viral DNA translocating motor. Dimers, the building block of pRNA hexamer, assemble in the order of dimer --> tetramer --> hexamer. The two-dimensional structure of the pRNA monomer has been investigated extensively; however, the three-dimensional structure concerning the distance constraints of the three stems and loops are unknown. In this report, we probed the three-dimensional structure of pRNA monomer and dimer by photo affinity cross-linking with azidophenacyl. Bases 75-81 of the left stem were found to be oriented toward the head loop and proximate to bases 26-31 in a parallel orientation. Chemical modification interference indicates the involvement of bases 45-71 and 82-91 in dimer formation. Dimer was formed via hand-in-hand contact, a novel RNA dimerization that in some aspects is similar to the kissing loops of the human immunodeficiency virus. The covalently linked dimers were found to be biologically active. Both the native dimer and the covalently linked dimer were found by cryo-atomic force microscopy to be similar in global conformation and size.     

Identification and mapping of protein-protein interactions by a combination of cross-linking, cleavage, and proteomics

Protein-protein interactions are vital for almost all cellular functions, and many require the formation of multiprotein complexes. Identification of the macroscopic and microscopic protein interactions within these complexes is essential in understanding their mechanisms, both under physiologic as well as pathologic conditions. This review describes the current technology available to investigate interactions between proteins utilizing chemical cross-linking and site-directed cleavage reagents, outlining the necessary steps involved in identifying interacting proteins both in vitro and in vivo. Once interacting proteins are identified, more information about the architecture of the assemblies is necessary. Unique separation techniques coupled with cross-linking and mass spectrometry can now identify specific interaction sites and lead to the development of quaternary structural protein models. Furthermore, combination of these methods with proteomic approaches enables the identification and analysis of complex interactions in vivo. Finally, future directions in cross-linking methodologies are discussed.     

Fluorescence spectra of luteinizing hormone releasing hormone,a decapeptide containing histidyl,tryptophyl and tyrosyl residues: Analysis by derivative spectroscopy

Fluorescence spectra have been obtained for luteinizing hormone releasing hormone, a decapeptide containing His, Trp and Tyr, and analogs lacking one or more of these residues. The second derivatives of these spectra were used to examine the contributions of the three residues to the spectrum of the hormone. Tyr influences the excitation spectrum when fluorescence is monitored at an emission wavelength of 305 nm but makes little or no contribution to the emission spectrum when the compound is excited at 275 nm. His and Trp influence both excitation and emission spectra.     

Importance of aliphatic side-chain structure at positions 2 and 3 of the insulin A chain in insulin-receptor interactions.

In order to evaluate the cause of the greatly decreased receptor-binding potency of the naturally occurring mutant human insulin Insulin Wakayama ([LeuA3]insulin, 0.2% relative potency), we examined (by the semisynthesis of insulin analogues based on N alpha-PheB1,N epsilon-LysB29-bisacetyl-insulin) the importance of aliphatic side chain structure at positions A2 and A3 (Ile and Val, respectively) in directing the interaction of insulin with its receptor. Analogues bearing glycine, alanine, alpha-amino-n-butyric acid, norvaline, norleucine, valine, isoleucine, allo-isoleucine, threonine, tert-leucine, or leucine at positions A2 or A3 were assayed for their potencies in competing for the binding of 125I-labeled insulin to isolated canine hepatocytes, as were analogues bearing deletions from the A-chain amino terminus or the B-chain carboxyl terminus. Selected analogues were also analyzed by far-UV CD and absorption spectroscopy of Co2+ complexes. Our results identify that (a) Ile and Val serve well at position A2, whereas residues with other side chains (including those with straight chains, alternatively configured beta-branches, or a gamma-branch) exhibit relative receptor-binding potencies in the range 1-5%; (b) greater flexibility is allowed side-chain structure at position A3, with Ile, allo-Ile, alpha-amino-n-butyric acid, and tert-Leu exhibiting relative receptor-binding potencies in the range 11-36%; and (c) simultaneous replacements at positions A2 and A3, and deletions of the COOH-terminal domain of the insulin B chain in related analogues, yield cumulative effects. These findings are discussed with respect to a model for insulin-receptor interactions that involves a structure-orienting role for residue A2, the direct interaction of residue A3 with receptor, and multiple separately defined elements of structure and of conformational adjustment.     

Inhibition of the relative movement of actin and myosin by caldesmon and calponin.

Contractile activity of myosin II in smooth muscle and non-muscle cells requires phosphorylation of myosin by myosin light chain kinase. In addition, these cells have the potential for regulation at the thin filament level by caldesmon and calponin, both of which bind calmodulin. We have investigated this regulation using in vitro motility assays. Caldesmon completely inhibited the movement of actin filaments by either phosphorylated smooth muscle myosin or rabbit skeletal muscle heavy meromyosin. The amount of caldesmon required for inhibition was decreased when tropomyosin is present. Similarly, calponin binding to actin resulted in inhibition of actin filament movement by both smooth muscle myosin and skeletal muscle heavy meromyosin. Tropomyosin had no effect on the amount of calponin needed for inhibition. High concentrations of calmodulin (10 microM) in the presence of calcium completely reversed the inhibition. The nature of the inhibition by the two proteins was markedly different. Increasing caldesmon concentrations resulted in graded inhibition of the movement of actin filaments until complete inhibition of movement was obtained. Calponin inhibited actin sliding in a more "all or none" fashion. As the calponin concentration was increased the number of actin filaments moving was markedly decreased, but the velocity of movement remained near control values.     

Conformational similarity among amino acid residues: 1. Analysis of protein crystal structure data

The probability distribution in the (?,ψ)-plane obtained for each amino acid residue from cyrstal structure data of globular proteins is compared. This has shown amino acid residues. Pro and Gly to be conformationally unique. Conformational similarity in the (?,ψ)-plane of amino acid reced does not necessarily mean that they will have the same chemical or biochemical properties or similar secondary structures. A set of amino acid residues are given which can adopt the conformations of other amino acid residues without much difficulty either in the whole (?,ψ)-plane or in regions, where the observed conformations are maximum.     

Generation of intramolecular and intermolecular sulfenamides, sulfinamides, and sulfonamides by hypochlorous acid: a potential pathway for oxidative cross-linking of low-density lipoprotein by myeloperoxidase.

Oxidized low-density lipoprotein (LDL) is implicated in atherogenesis, and human atherosclerotic lesions contain LDL oxidized by myeloperoxidase, a heme protein secreted by activated phagocytes. Using hydrogen peroxide (H(2)O(2)), myeloperoxidase generates hypochlorous acid (HOCl), a powerful oxidant. We now demonstrate that HOCl produces sulfenamides, sulfinamides, and sulfonamides in model peptides, which suggests a potential mechanism for LDL oxidation and cross-linking. When we exposed the synthetic peptide PFKCG to HOCl, the peptide's thiol residue reacted rapidly, generating a near-quantitative yield of products. Tandem mass spectrometric analysis identified the products as the sulfenamide, sulfinamide, and sulfonamide, all formed by intramolecular cross-linking of the peptide's thiol and lysine residues. An intramolecular sulfinamide was also observed after the peptide PFRCG was exposed to HOCl, indicating that the guanidine group of arginine can also form a sulfur-nitrogen cross-link. The synthetic peptide PFVCG, which contains a free thiol residue but lacks nucleophilic amino acid side chains, formed an intermolecular sulfonamide when exposed to HOCl. Tandem mass spectrometric analysis of the dimer revealed that the free N-terminal amino group of one PFVCG molecule cross-linked with the thiol residue of another. This peptide also formed intermolecular sulfonamide cross-links with N(alpha)-acetyllysine after exposure to HOCl, demonstrating that the epsilon-amino group of a lysine residue can undergo a similar reaction. Moreover, human neutrophils used the myeloperoxidase-H(2)O(2) system to generate sulfinamides in model peptides containing lysine or arginine residues. Collectively, our observations raise the possibility that HOCl generated by myeloperoxidase contributes to intramolecular and intermolecular protein cross-linking in the artery wall. Myeloperoxidase might also use this mechanism to form sulfur-nitrogen cross-links in other inflammatory conditions.     

Reconstitution of catalytically competent human zeta-thrombin by combination of zeta-thrombin residues A1-36 and B1-148 and an Escherichia coli expressed polypeptide corresponding to zeta-thrombin residues B149-259.

Human zeta-thrombin, a catalytically competent serine proteinase, arises from a single chymotryptic cleavage at Trp-148 in alpha-thrombin to generate two nonconvalently associated polypeptide segments designated zeta 1-thrombin (the 36-residue A-chain disulfide linked to B-chain residues B1-148) and zeta 2-thrombin (B149-259). We report here the expression of recombinant zeta 2-thrombin in Escherichia coli and the reconstitution of catalytically competent zeta-thrombin by combination of zeta 1-thrombin with recombinant zeta 2-thrombin. A DNA fragment encoding zeta 2-thrombin was cloned into a pATH2 expression vector as a trpE-zeta 2 fusion gene, in which a factor Xa cleavage site was inserted between the trpE and the zeta 2-thrombin gene. High-level expression of this fusion protein was achieved under the control of the E. coli trp promoter. The expressed zeta 2-thrombin was liberated from the fusion protein by factor Xa cleavage, reduced with DTT, and purified to homogeneity by reverse-phase HPLC. Oxidation of the reduced zeta 2-thrombin in the presence of 80 microM CuSO4 and 6 M urea at pH 8.15 yielded material that was indistinguishable on HPLC from zeta 2-thrombin isolated by resolution of human zeta-thrombin. Catalytically active zeta-thrombin was generated by combination of recombinant zeta 2-thrombin with zeta 1-thrombin that was isolated by resolution of human zeta-thrombin. Recombinant zeta-thrombin displayed catalytic activities, toward a small chromogenic substrate and fibrinogen, that were similar to those of alpha-thrombin prepared from human blood plasma and zeta-thrombin obtained by treatment of alpha-thrombin with chymotrypsin.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

The A1 adenosine receptor. Identification of the binding subunit by photoaffinity cross-linking

Adenosine modifies the catalytic activity of adenylate cyclase through both inhibitory (A1 or Ri) as well as stimulatory (A2 or Ra) cell surface receptors. We developed 125I-labeled N6-2-(4-aminophenyl)ethyladenosine as a selective ligand to probe the structure of A1 receptors. The binding of this radioligand to rat cerebral cortex or adipocyte membranes is saturable, reversible, and of high affinity (KD approximately 2 nM). A1 receptor agonists antagonize binding stereoselectivity and with a potency order appropriate for A1 receptors. The heterobifunctional cross-linking reagent N-succinimidyl-6-(4-azido-2-nitrophenylamino)hexanoate covalently couples the radioligand to a protein of Mr = 38,000 in both tissues as demonstrated by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and autoradiography. Inhibition of covalent labeling by adenosine analogs exhibited the stereoselectivity and potency order typical of A1 receptor ligands. Guanine nucleotides reduced both specific binding and covalent incorporation of the radioligand, evidence that the radioligand is an A1 receptor agonist. These results suggest that the A1 receptor binding subunit of both brain and adipocytes resides on a protein of Mr = 38,000. The new radioligand should prove useful in studying the structure and regulation of A1 receptors.