Crystal structure of the soluble form of the human fcgamma-receptor IIb: a new member of the immunoglobulin superfamily at 1.7 A resolution

Fcgamma-receptors (FcgammaRs) represent the link between the humoral and cellular immune responses. Via the binding to FcgammaR-positive cells, immunocomplexes trigger several functions such as endocytosis, antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxity (ADCC) and the release of mediators, making them a valuable target for the modulation of the immune system. We solved the crystal structure of the soluble human Fcgamma-receptor IIb (sFcgammaRIIb) to 1.7 A resolution. The structure reveals two typical immunoglobulin (Ig)-like domains enclosing an angle of approximately 70 degrees, leading to a heart-shaped overall structure. In contrast to the observed flexible arrangement of the domains in other members of the Ig superfamily, the two domains are anchored by several hydrogen bonds. The structure reveals that the residues relevant for IgG binding, which were already partially characterized by mutagenesis studies, are located within the BC, C'E and FG loops between the beta-strands of the second domain. Moreover, we discuss a model for the sFcgammaRIIb:IgG complex. In this model, two FcgammaR molecules bind one IgG molecule with their second domains, while the first domain points away from the complex and is therefore available for binding other cell surface molecules, by which potential immunosuppressing functions could be mediated.     

Structural analysis of human IgG-Fc glycoforms reveals a correlation between glycosylation and structural integrity

Antibodies may be viewed as adaptor molecules that provide a link between humoral and cellular defence mechanisms. Thus, when antigen-specific IgG antibodies form antigen/antibody immune complexes the effectively aggregated IgG can activate a wide range of effector systems. Multiple effector mechanisms result from cellular activation mediated through a family of IgG-Fc receptors differentially expressed on leucocytes. It is established that glycosylation of IgG-Fc is essential for recognition and activation of these ligands. IgG antibodies predominate in human serum and most therapeutic antibodies are of the IgG class.The IgG-Fc is a homodimer of N-linked glycopeptide chains comprised of two immunoglobulin domains (Cgamma2, Cgamma3) that dimerise via inter-heavy chain disulphide bridges at the N-terminal region and non-covalent interactions between the C-terminal Cgamma3 domains. The overall shape of the IgG-Fc is similar to that of a "horseshoe" with a majority of the internal space filled by the oligosaccharide chains, only attached through asparagine residues 297.To investigate the influence of individual sugar (monosaccharide) residues of the oligosaccharide on the structure and function of IgG-Fc we have compared the structure of "wild-type" glycosylated IgG1-Fc with that of four glycoforms bearing consecutively truncated oligosaccharides. Removal of terminal N-acetylglucosamine as well as mannose sugar residues resulted in the largest conformational changes in both the oligosaccharide and in the polypeptide loop containing the N-glycosylation site. The observed conformational changes in the Cgamma2 domain affect the interface between IgG-Fc fragments and FcgammaRs. Furthermore, we observed that the removal of sugar residues permits the mutual approach of Cgamma2 domains resulting in the generation of a "closed" conformation; in contrast to the "open" conformation which was observed for the fully galactosylated IgG-Fc, which may be optimal for FcgammaR binding. These data provide a structural rationale for the previously observed modulation of effector activities reported for this series of proteins.     

Structural basis for SH3 domain-mediated high-affinity binding between Mona/Gads and SLP-76

SH3 domains are protein recognition modules within many adaptors and enzymes. With more than 500 SH3 domains in the human genome, binding selectivity is a key issue in understanding the molecular basis of SH3 domain interactions. The Grb2-like adaptor protein Mona/Gads associates stably with the T-cell receptor signal transducer SLP-76. The crystal structure of a complex between the C-terminal SH3 domain (SH3C) of Mona/Gads and a SLP-76 peptide has now been solved to 1.7 A. The peptide lacks the canonical SH3 domain binding motif P-x-x-P and does not form a frequently observed poly-proline type II helix. Instead, it adopts a clamp-like shape around the circumfence of the SH3C beta-barrel. The central R-x-x-K motif of the peptide forms a 3(10) helix and inserts into a negatively charged double pocket on the SH3C while several other residues complement binding through hydrophobic interactions, creating a short linear SH3C binding epitope of uniquely high affinity. Interestingly, the SH3C displays ion-dependent dimerization in the crystal and in solution, suggesting a novel mechanism for the regulation of SH3 domain functions.     

Enzymatic degradation and electrospray tandem mass spectrometry as tools for determining the structure of cationic starches prepared by wet and dry methods

Cationic starches from various semi-technical processes, two 'wet' (slurry and paste modification) and two 'dry' procedures (dry modification and extrusion), each type in a DS range from 0.03 to 0.1, were investigated by electrospray ionisation mass spectrometry (ESIMS) and tandem mass spectrometry (ESIMS2) after enzymatic degradation with alpha-amylase and subsequent glucoamylase digestion. For comparison, chemically derived cationic oligosaccharides were also analysed by ESIMS. The cationisation pattern in the glucosyl units was analysed by GLC after methanolysis, permethylation and Hofmann elimination. Results from ESIMS are discussed and interpreted with respect to enzyme susceptibility, monomer composition and physical properties of the different types of cationic starches.     

Impairment of LTD and cerebellar learning by Purkinje cell-specific ablation of cGMP-dependent protein kinase I

The molecular basis for cerebellar plasticity and motor learning remains controversial. Cerebellar Purkinje cells (PCs) contain a high concentration of cGMP-dependent protein kinase type I (cGKI). To investigate the function of cGKI in long-term depression (LTD) and cerebellar learning, we have generated conditional knockout mice lacking cGKI selectively in PCs. These cGKI mutants had a normal cerebellar morphology and intact synaptic calcium signaling, but strongly reduced LTD. Interestingly, no defects in general behavior and motor performance could be detected in the LTD-deficient mice, but the mutants exhibited an impaired adaptation of the vestibulo-ocular reflex (VOR). These results indicate that cGKI in PCs is dispensable for general motor coordination, but that it is required for cerebellar LTD and specific forms of motor learning, namely the adaptation of the VOR.     

Regulation of KCNQ2/KCNQ3 current by G protein cycling: the kinetics of receptor-mediated signaling by Gq

Receptor-mediated modulation of KCNQ channels regulates neuronal excitability. This study concerns the kinetics and mechanism of M1 muscarinic receptor-mediated regulation of the cloned neuronal M channel, KCNQ2/KCNQ3 (Kv7.2/Kv7.3). Receptors, channels, various mutated G-protein subunits, and an optical probe for phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate (PIP2) were coexpressed by transfection in tsA-201 cells, and the cells were studied by whole-cell patch clamp and by confocal microscopy. Constitutively active forms of Galphaq and Galpha11, but not Galpha13, caused a loss of the plasma membrane PIP2 and a total tonic inhibition of the KCNQ current. There were no further changes upon addition of the muscarinic agonist oxotremorine-M (oxo-M). Expression of the regulator of G-protein signaling, RGS2, blocked PIP2 hydrolysis and current suppression by muscarinic stimulation, confirming that the Gq family of G-proteins is necessary. Dialysis with the competitive inhibitor GDPbetaS (1 mM) lengthened the time constant of inhibition sixfold, decreased the suppression of current, and decreased agonist sensitivity. Removal of intracellular Mg2+ slowed both the development and the recovery from muscarinic suppression. When combined with GDPbetaS, low intracellular Mg2+ nearly eliminated muscarinic inhibition. With nonhydrolyzable GTP analogs, current suppression developed spontaneously and muscarinic inhibition was enhanced. Such spontaneous suppression was antagonized by GDPbetaS or GTP or by expression of RGS2. These observations were successfully described by a kinetic model representing biochemical steps of the signaling cascade using published rate constants where available. The model supports the following sequence of events for this Gq-coupled signaling: A classical G-protein cycle, including competition for nucleotide-free G-protein by all nucleotide forms and an activation step requiring Mg2+, followed by G-protein-stimulated phospholipase C and hydrolysis of PIP2, and finally PIP2 dissociation from binding sites for inositol lipid on the channels so that KCNQ current was suppressed. Further experiments will be needed to refine some untested assumptions.     

New magnetic nanoparticles for biotechnology

Paramagnetic carriers, which are linked to antibodies enable highly specific biological cell separations. With the colloidal synthesis of superparamagnetic Co and FeCo nanocrystals with superior magnetic moments the question about their potential to replace magnetite as the magnetically responsive component of magnetic beads is addressed. Starting from a magnetic analysis of the corresponding magnetophoretic mobility of Co and FeCo based alloys their synthesis and resulting microstructural and magnetic properties as function of the underlying particle size distribution are discussed in detail. The stability of the oleic acid ligand of Co nanocrystals has been investigated. The oxidation kinetics were quantified using magnetic measurements. As a result, this ligand system provides sufficient protection against oxidation. Furthermore, the kinetics of the synthesis of Fe(50)Co(50) nanoparticles has been monitored employing Fourier transform infra red (FT-IR) spectroscopy and is modeled using a consecutive decomposition and growth model. This model predicts the experimentally realized FeCo nanoparticle composition as a function of the particle size fairly well. High-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) was performed to uncover the resulting microstructure and composition on a nanometer scale.