Impact of cofactor on stability of bacterial (CopZ) and human (Atox1) copper chaperones

Here, we present the first characterization of in vitro unfolding and thermodynamic stability of two copper chaperone proteins: Bacillus subtilis CopZ and Homo sapiens Atox1. We find that the unfolding reactions for apo- and Cu(I)-forms of CopZ and Atox1, induced by the chemical denaturant, guanidine hydrochloride (GuHCl), and by thermal perturbation are reversible two-state reactions. For both proteins, the unfolding midpoints shift to higher GuHCl concentrations and the thermodynamic stability is increased in the presence of Cu(I). Despite the same overall fold, apo-CopZ exhibits much lower thermal stability than apo-Atox1. Although the thermal stability of both proteins is increased in the presence of copper, the stabilizing effect is largest for the less stable variant. Divergent energetic properties of the apo- and holo-forms may be linked to conformational changes that facilitate copper transfer to the target.     

The copper chaperone Atox1 in canine copper toxicosis in Bedlington terriers

Copper toxicosis, resulting in liver disease, commonly occurs in Bedlington terriers. This recessively inherited disorder, similar in many respects to Wilson disease, is of particular interest because the canine Atp7b gene, homologous to ATP7B defective in Wilson disease, is not responsible for canine copper toxicosis as has been expected. Atox1, a copper chaperone delivering copper to Atp7b, therefore became a potential candidate. We cloned canine Atox1, which shows conserved motifs of the copper-binding domain (MTCXXC) and of the lysine-rich region (KTGK), and showed 88, 80, and 41% amino acid sequence identity with the orthologous mouse, human, and yeast proteins. No gross deletions of Atox1 could be identified in the affected Bedlington terriers by Southern blot analysis of genomic DNA. The canine Atox1 gene spans about 4 kb, with a 204-bp open reading frame cDNA contained within two exons. Sequence analysis of the coding regions, including intron/exon boundaries, showed no mutations in Atox1 from genomic DNA of an affected dog. We have also identified an apparently nontranscribed canine Atox1 pseudogene, with 12 sequence changes and no intron. Mapping of Atox1 and a marker closely linked to the canine copper toxicosis locus indicated lack of synteny. Atox1 is therefore excluded as a candidate gene for canine copper toxicosis, indicating that some other unidentified gene must be responsible for this copper storage disease in dogs and also suggesting the possibility of a similar gene responsible for a copper storage disease in humans.     

The copper transport protein Atox1 promotes neuronal survival

Atox1, a copper transport protein, was recently identified as a copper-dependent suppressor of oxidative damage in yeast lacking superoxide dismutase. We have previously reported that Atox1 in the rat brain is primarily expressed in neurons, with the highest levels in distinct neuronal subtypes that are characterized by their high levels of metal, like copper, iron, and zinc. In this report, we have transfected the Atox1 gene into several neuronal cell lines to increase the endogenous level of Atox1 expression and have demonstrated that, under conditions of serum starvation and oxidative injury, the transfected neurons are significantly protected against this stress. This level of protection is comparable with the level of protection seen with copper/zinc superoxide dismutase and the anti-apoptotic gene bcl-2 that had been similarly transfected. Furthermore, neuronal cell lines transfected with a mutant Atox1 gene, where the copper binding domain has been modified to prevent metal binding, do not afford protection against serum starvation resulting in apoptosis. Therefore, Atox1 is a component of the cellular pathways used for protection against oxidative stress.     

Roles of molecular chaperones in cytoplasmic protein folding

Newly synthesized polypeptide chains must fold and assemble into unique three-dimensional structures in order to become functionally active. In many cases productive folding depends on assistance from molecular chaperones, which act in preventing off-pathway reactions during folding that lead to aggregation. The inherent tendency of incompletely folded polypeptide chains to aggregate is thought to be strongly enhanced$L in vivo *I$Lby the high macromolecular concentration of the cellular solution, resulting in crowding effects, and by the close proximity of nascent polypeptide chains during synthesis on polyribosomes. The major classes of chaperones acting in cytoplasmic protein folding are the Hsp70s and the chaperonins. Hsp70 chaperones shield the hydrophobic regions of nascent and incompletely folded chains, whereas the chaperonins provide a sequestered environment in which folding can proceed unimpaired by intermolecular interactions between non-native polypeptides. These two principles of chaperone action can function in a coordinated manner to ensure the efficient folding of a subset of cytoplasmic proteins.     

转铜伴侣的功能与结构特性

铜是生物体不可缺少的一种元素,在细胞内把铜转运到含铜的蛋白质是细胞正常代谢的基本要求,转铜伴铝在体内执行重要的生理功能,它们不但保护细胞免受游离铜离子的有害作用。而且也确保铜被运输到其特异的靶蛋白。作者综述了转铜伴铝的功能、结构特性,以及可能的金属转移机制。     

The copper chaperone CCS facilitates copper binding to MEK1/2 to promote kinase activation

Normal physiology relies on the precise coordination of intracellular signaling pathways that respond to nutrient availability to balance cell growth and cell death. The canonical mitogen-activated protein kinase pathway consists of the RAF-MEK-ERK signaling cascade and represents one of the most well-defined axes within eukaryotic cells to promote cell proliferation, which underscores its frequent mutational activation in human cancers. Our recent studies illuminated a function for the redox-active micronutrient copper (Cu) as an intracellular mediator of signaling by connecting Cu to the amplitude of mitogen-activated protein kinase signaling via a direct interaction between Cu and the kinases MEK1 and MEK2. Given the large quantities of molecules such as glutathione and metallothionein that limit cellular toxicity from free Cu ions, evolutionarily conserved Cu chaperones facilitate efficient delivery of Cu to cuproenzymes. Thus, a dedicated cellular delivery mechanism of Cu to MEK1/2 likely exists. Using surface plasmon resonance and proximity-dependent biotin ligase studies, we report here that the Cu chaperone for superoxide dismutase (CCS) selectively bound to and facilitated Cu transfer to MEK1. Mutants of CCS that disrupt Cu(I) acquisition and exchange or a CCS small-molecule inhibitor were used and resulted in reduced Cu-stimulated MEK1 kinase activity. Our findings indicate that the Cu chaperone CCS provides fidelity within a complex biological system to achieve appropriate installation of Cu within the MEK1 kinase active site that in turn modulates kinase activity and supports the development of novel MEK1/2 inhibitors that target the Cu structural interface or blunt dedicated Cu delivery mechanisms via CCS.     

BACE1 cytoplasmic domain interacts with the copper chaperone for superoxide dismutase-1 and binds copper

The amyloidogenic pathway leading to the production and deposition of Abeta peptides, major constituents of Alzheimer disease senile plaques, is linked to neuronal metal homeostasis. The amyloid precursor protein binds copper and zinc in its extracellular domain, and the Abeta peptides also bind copper, zinc, and iron. The first step in the generation of Abeta is cleavage of amyloid precursor protein by the aspartic protease BACE1. Here we show that BACE1 interacts with CCS (the copper chaperone for superoxide dismutase-1 (SOD1)) through domain I and the proteins co-immunoprecipitate from rat brain extracts. We have also been able to visualize the co-transport of membranous BACE1 and soluble CCS through axons. BACE1 expression reduces the activity of SOD1 in cells consistent with direct competition for available CCS as overexpression of CCS restores SOD1 activity. Finally, we demonstrate that the twenty-four residue C-terminal domain of BACE1 binds a single Cu(I) atom with high affinity through cysteine residues.     

Higher plants possess two different types of ATX1-like copper chaperones

Copper (Cu) chaperones constitute a family of small Cu+-binding proteins required for Cu homeostasis in eukaryotes. The ATX1 family of Cu chaperones specifically delivers Cu to heavy metal P-type ATPases. The plant Arabidopsis thaliana expresses the ATX1-like Cu chaperone CCH, which exhibits a plant-specific carboxy-terminal domain (CTD) with unique structural properties. We show that CCH homologues from other higher plants contain CTDs with structural properties similar to Arabidopsis CCH. Furthermore, we identify a new ATX1-like Cu chaperone in Arabidopsis, AtATX1, which functionally complements yeast atx1Delta and sod1Delta associated phenotypes, and localizes to the cytosol of Arabidopsis cells. Interestingly, AtATX1, but not full-length CCH, interacts in vivo with the Arabidopsis RAN1 Cu-transporting P-type ATPase by yeast two-hybrid. We propose that higher plants express two types of ATX1-like Cu chaperones: the ATX1-type with a predominant function in Cu delivery to P-type ATPases, and the CCH-type with additional CTD-mediated plant-specific functions.     

Chemical chaperones regulate molecular chaperones in vitro and in cells under combined salt and heat stresses

Salt and heat stresses, which are often combined in nature, induce complementing defense mechanisms. Organisms adapt to high external salinity by accumulating small organic compounds known as osmolytes, which equilibrate cellular osmotic pressure. Osmolytes can also act as "chemical chaperones" by increasing the stability of native proteins and assisting refolding of unfolded polypeptides. Adaptation to heat stress depends on the expression of heat-shock proteins, many of which are molecular chaperones, that prevent protein aggregation, disassemble protein aggregates, and assist protein refolding. We show here that Escherichia coli cells preadapted to high salinity contain increased levels of glycine betaine that prevent protein aggregation under thermal stress. After heat shock, the aggregated proteins, which escaped protection, were disaggregated in salt-adapted cells as efficiently as in low salt. Here we address the effects of four common osmolytes on chaperone activity in vitro. Systematic dose responses of glycine betaine, glycerol, proline, and trehalose revealed a regulatory effect on the folding activities of individual and combinations of chaperones GroEL, DnaK, and ClpB. With the exception of trehalose, low physiological concentrations of proline, glycerol, and especially glycine betaine activated the molecular chaperones, likely by assisting local folding in chaperone-bound polypeptides and stabilizing the native end product of the reaction. High osmolyte concentrations, especially trehalose, strongly inhibited DnaK-dependent chaperone networks, such as DnaK+GroEL and DnaK+ClpB, likely because high viscosity affects dynamic interactions between chaperones and folding substrates and stabilizes protein aggregates. Thus, during combined salt and heat stresses, cells can specifically control protein stability and chaperone-mediated disaggregation and refolding by modulating the intracellular levels of different osmolytes.     

The structural flexibility of the human copper chaperone Atox1: Insights from combined pulsed EPR studies and computations

Metallochaperones are responsible for shuttling metal ions to target proteins. Thus, a metallochaperone's structure must be sufficiently flexible both to hold onto its ion while traversing the cytoplasm and to transfer the ion to or from a partner protein. Here, we sought to shed light on the structure of Atox1, a metallochaperone involved in the human copper regulation system. Atox1 shuttles copper ions from the main copper transporter, Ctr1, to the ATP7b transporter in the Golgi apparatus. Conventional biophysical tools such as X‐ray or NMR cannot always target the various conformational states of metallochaperones, owing to a requirement for crystallography or low sensitivity and resolution. Electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy has recently emerged as a powerful tool for resolving biological reactions and mechanisms in solution. When coupled with computational methods, EPR with site‐directed spin labeling and nanoscale distance measurements can provide structural information on a protein or protein complex in solution. We use these methods to show that Atox1 can accommodate at least four different conformations in the apo state (unbound to copper), and two different conformations in the holo state (bound to copper). We also demonstrate that the structure of Atox1 in the holo form is more compact than in the apo form. Our data provide insight regarding the structural mechanisms through which Atox1 can fulfill its dual role of copper binding and transfer.     

Copper redistribution in Atox1-deficient mouse fibroblast cells

Quantitative synchrotron X-ray fluorescence (SXRF) imaging of adherent mouse fibroblast cells deficient in antioxidant-1 (Atox1), a metallochaperone protein responsible for delivering Cu to cuproenzymes in the trans-Golgi network, revealed striking differences in the subcellular Cu distribution compared with wild-type cells. Whereas the latter showed a pronounced perinuclear localization of Cu, the Atox1-deficient cells displayed a mostly unstructured and diffuse distribution throughout the entire cell body. Comparison of the SXRF elemental maps for Zn and Fe of the same samples showed no marked differences between the two cell lines. The data underscore the importance of Atox1, not only as a metallochaperone for delivering Cu to cuproenzymes, but also as a key player in maintaining the proper distribution and organization of Cu at the cellular level.     

In vitro interaction between homocysteine and copper ions: Potential redox implications

Homocysteine (Hcys) has been implicated in various oxidative stress-related disorders. The presence of a thiol on its structure allows Hcys to exert a double-edge redox action. Depending on whether Cu2+ ions occur concomitantly, Hcys can either promote or prevent free radical generation and its consequences. We have addressed in vitro the interaction between Hcys and Cu2+ ions, in terms of the consequences that such interaction may have on the free radical scavenging properties of Hcys and on the redox state and redox activity of the metal. To this end, we investigated the free radical-scavenging, O2(*-)-generating, and ascorbate-oxidizing properties of the interacting species by assessing the bleaching of ABTS*+ radicals, the reduction of O2(*-)-dependent cytochrome c, and the copper-dependent oxidation of ascorbate, respectively. In addition, electron paramagnetic resonance and Cu(I)-bathocuproine formation were applied to assess the formation of paramagnetic complexes and the metal redox state. Upon a brief incubation, the Hcys/Cu2+ interaction led to a decrease in the free radical-scavenging properties of Hcys, and to a comparable loss of the thiol density. Both effects were partial and were not modified by increasing the incubation time, despite the presence of Cu2+ excess. Depending on the molar Hcys:Cu2+ ratio, the interaction resulted in the formation of mixtures that appear to contain time-stable and ascorbate-reducible Cu(II) complexes (for ratios up to 2:1), and ascorbate- and oxygen-redox-inactive Cu(I) complexes (for ratios up to 4:1). Increasing the interaction ratio beyond 4:1 was associated with the sudden appearance of an O2(*-)-generating activity. The data indicate that depending on the molar ratio of interaction, Hcys and Cu2+ react to form copper complexes that can promote either antioxidant or pro-oxidant actions. We speculate that the redox activity arising from a large molar Hcys excess may partially underlie the association between hyper-homocysteinemia and a greater risk of developing oxidative-related cardiovascular diseases.     

Effects of copper ions released from metallic copper on CHO-K1 cells

The aim of this study was to investigate the cytotoxic and genotoxic effect of copper extracts obtained from metallic copper in Chinese hamster ovary (CHO-K1) cell line using neutral red (NR), sister chromatid exchange (SCE), chromosomal aberrations (CA) and cell-cycle kinetics tests. Cells were cultured in Ham-F10 with different copper-containing extracts obtained after the immersion of copper disks for 1, 2, 3, 9, 12, 24, 48 and 72 h in culture medium. Results from cytotoxicity assay showed an inverted U-shape response evidenced in changes in lysosomal activity and mitotic index. The analysis of CA revealed an increase of abnormal metaphases for copper concentration (cCu) in the 5.67-7.42 mg/L dose-range (p<0.001). In addition, SCE frequencies were higher for treated cells when compared with controls in the 1.56-7.42 mg/L concentration range (p<0.001). The absence of metaphases indicated cytotoxicity for cCu≥10.85 mg/L. Results show that cells close to copper-containing materials releasing copper ions are susceptible to cytotoxic and genotoxic effects.     

Kinetic analysis of the interaction of the copper chaperone Atox1 with the metal binding sites of the Menkes protein

Excess copper is effluxed from mammalian cells by the Menkes or Wilson P-type ATPases (MNK and WND, respectively). MNK and WND have six metal binding sites (MBSs) containing a CXXC motif within their N-terminal cytoplasmic region. Evidence suggests that copper is delivered to the ATPases by Atox1, one of three cytoplasmic copper chaperones. Attempts to monitor a direct Atox1-MNK interaction and to determine kinetic parameters have not been successful. Here we investigated interactions of Atox1 with wild-type and mutated pairs of the MBSs of MNK using two different methods: yeast two-hybrid analysis and real-time surface plasmon resonance (SPR). A copper-dependent interaction of Atox1 with the MBSs of MNK was observed by both approaches. Cys to Ser mutations of conserved CXXC motifs affected the binding of Atox1 underlining the essentiality of Cys residues for the copper-induced interaction. Although the yeast two-hybrid assay failed to show an interaction of Atox1 with MBS5/6, SPR analysis clearly demonstrated a copper-dependent binding with all six MBSs highlighting the power and sensitivity of SPR as compared with other, more indirect methods like the yeast two-hybrid system. Binding constants for copper-dependent chaperone-MBS interactions were determined to be 10-5-10-6 m for all the MBSs representing relatively low affinity binding events. The interaction of Atox1 with pairs of the MBSs was non-cooperative. Therefore, a functional difference of the MBSs in the MNK N terminus cannot be attributed to cooperativity effects or varying affinities of the copper chaperone Atox1 with the MBSs.     

Determinants for Simultaneous Binding of Copper and Platinum to Human Chaperone Atox1: Hitchhiking not Hijacking

Cisplatin (CisPt) is an anticancer agent that has been used for decades to treat a variety of cancers. CisPt treatment causes many side effects due to interactions with proteins that detoxify the drug before reaching the DNA. One key player in CisPt resistance is the cellular copper-transport system involving the uptake protein Ctr1, the cytoplasmic chaperone Atox1 and the secretory path ATP7A/B proteins. CisPt has been shown to bind to ATP7B, resulting in vesicle sequestering of the drug. In addition, we and others showed that the apo-form of Atox1 could interact with CisPt in vitro and in vivo. Since the function of Atox1 is to transport copper (Cu) ions, it is important to assess how CisPt binding depends on Cu-loading of Atox1. Surprisingly, we recently found that CisPt interacted with Cu-loaded Atox1 in vitro at a position near the Cu site such that unique spectroscopic features appeared. Here, we identify the binding site for CisPt in the Cu-loaded form of Atox1 using strategic variants and a combination of spectroscopic and chromatographic methods. We directly prove that both metals can bind simultaneously and that the unique spectroscopic signals originate from an Atox1 monomer species. Both Cys in the Cu-site (Cys12, Cys15) are needed to form the di-metal complex, but not Cys41. Removing Met10 in the conserved metal-binding motif makes the loop more floppy and, despite metal binding, there are no metal-metal electronic transitions. In silico geometry minimizations provide an energetically favorable model of a tentative ternary Cu-Pt-Atox1 complex. Finally, we demonstrate that Atox1 can deliver CisPt to the fourth metal binding domain 4 of ATP7B (WD4), indicative of a possible drug detoxification mechanism.     

The fictile coordination chemistry of cuprous-thiolate sites in copper chaperones

Copper plays vital roles in the active sites of cytochrome oxidase and in several other enzymes essential for human health. Copper is also highly toxic when dysregulated; because of this an elaborate array of accessory proteins have evolved which act as intracellular carriers or chaperones for the copper ions. In most cases chaperones transport cuprous copper. This review discusses some of the chemistry of these copper sites, with a view to some of the structural factors in copper coordination which are important in the biological function of these chaperones. The coordination chemistry and accessible geometries of the cuprous oxidation state are remarkably plastic and we discuss how this may relate to biological function. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled: Biogenesis/Assembly of Respiratory Enzyme Complexes.     

Metallochaperone Atox1 transfers copper to the NH2-terminal domain of the Wilson's disease protein and regulates its catalytic activity

Copper is essential for the growth and development of mammalian cells. The key role in the intracellular distribution of copper belongs to the recently discovered family of metallochaperones and to copper-transporting P-type ATPases. The mutations in the ATPase ATP7B, the Wilson's disease protein (WNDP), lead to intracellular accumulation of copper and severe hepatic and neurological abnormalities. Several of these mutations were shown to disrupt the protein-protein interactions between WNDP and the metallochaperone Atox1, suggesting that these interactions are important for normal copper homeostasis. To understand the functional consequences of the Atox1-WNDP interaction at the molecular level, we produced recombinant Atox1 and characterized its effects on WNDP. We demonstrate that Atox1 transfers copper to the purified amino-terminal domain of WNDP (N-WNDP) in a dose-dependent and saturable manner. A maximum of six copper atoms can be transferred to N-WNDP by the chaperone. Furthermore, the incubation of copper Atox1 with the full-length WNDP leads to the stimulation of the WNDP catalytic activity, providing strong evidence for the direct effect of Atox1 on the function of this transporter. Our data also suggest that Atox1 can regulate the copper occupancy of WNDP. The incubation with apo-Atox1 results in the removal of copper from the metalated N-WNDP and apparent down-regulation of WNDP activity. Interestingly, at least one copper atom remains tightly bound to N-WNDP even in the presence of excess apo-Atox1. We suggest that this incomplete reversibility reflects the functional non-equivalency of the metal-binding sites in WNDP and speculate about the intracellular consequences of the reversible Atox1-mediated copper transfer.