NAD(H)-mediated tetramerization controls the activity of Legionella pneumophila phospholipase PlaB.

The virulence factor PlaB promotes lung colonization, tissue destruction, and intracellular replication of Legionella pneumophila, the causative agent of Legionnaires' disease. It is a highly active phospholipase exposed at the bacterial surface and shows an extraordinary activation mechanism by tetramer deoligomerization. To unravel the molecular basis for enzyme activation and localization, we determined the crystal structure of PlaB in its tetrameric form. We found that the tetramer is a dimer of identical dimers, and a monomer consists of an N-terminal α/ß-hydrolase domain expanded by two noncanonical two-stranded ß-sheets, ß-6/ß-7 and ß-9/ß-10. The C-terminal domain reveals a fold displaying a bilobed ß-sandwich with a hook structure required for dimer formation and structural complementation of the enzymatic domain in the neighboring monomer. This highlights the dimer as the active form. Δß-9/ß-10 mutants showed a decrease in the tetrameric fraction and altered activity profiles. The variant also revealed restricted binding to membranes resulting in mislocalization and bacterial lysis. Unexpectedly, we observed eight NAD(H) molecules at the dimer/dimer interface, suggesting that these molecules stabilize the tetramer and hence lead to enzyme inactivation. Indeed, addition of NAD(H) increased the fraction of the tetramer and concomitantly reduced activity. Together, these data reveal structural elements and an unprecedented NAD(H)-mediated tetramerization mechanism required for spatial and enzymatic control of a phospholipase virulence factor. The allosteric regulatory process identified here is suited to fine tune PlaB in a way that protects Legionella pneumophila from self-inflicted lysis while ensuring its activity at the pathogen-host interface.

Structural Studies on the Inhibitory Binding Mode of Aromatic Coumarinic Esters to Human Kallikrein-Related Peptidase 7.

The serine protease kallikrein-related peptidase 7 (KLK7) is a member of the human tissue kallikreins. Its dysregulation leads to pathophysiological inflammatory processes in the skin. Furthermore, it plays a role in several types of cancer. For the treatment of KLK7-associated diseases, coumarinic esters have been developed as small-molecule enzyme inhibitors. To characterize the inhibition mode of these inhibitors, we analyzed structures of the inhibited protease by X-ray crystallography. Electron density shows the inhibitors covalently attached to His57 of the catalytic triad. This confirms the irreversible character of the inhibition process. Upon inhibitor binding, His57 undergoes an outward rotation; thus, the catalytic triad of the protease is disrupted. Besides, the halophenyl moiety of the inhibitor was absent in the final enzyme-inhibitor complex due to the hydrolysis of the ester linkage. With these results, we analyze the structural basis of KLK7 inhibition by the covalent attachment of aromatic coumarinic esters.

2-Substituted α,ß-Methylene-ADP Derivatives: Potent Competitive Ecto-5'-nucleotidase (CD73) Inhibitors with Variable Binding Modes.

CD73 inhibitors are promising drugs for the (immuno)therapy of cancer. Here, we present the synthesis, structure-activity relationships, and cocrystal structures of novel derivatives of the competitive CD73 inhibitor α,ß-methylene-ADP (AOPCP) substituted in the 2-position. Small polar or lipophilic residues increased potency, 2-iodo- and 2-chloro-adenosine-5'-O-[(phosphonomethyl)phosphonic acid] (15, 16) being the most potent inhibitors with Ki values toward human CD73 of 3-6 nM. Subject to the size and nature of the 2-substituent, variable binding modes were observed by X-ray crystallography. Depending on the binding mode, large species differences were found, e.g., 2-piperazinyl-AOPCP (21) was >12-fold less potent against rat CD73 compared to human CD73. This study shows that high CD73 inhibitory potency can be achieved by simply introducing a small substituent into the 2-position of AOPCP without the necessity of additional bulky N6-substituents. Moreover, it provides valuable insights into the binding modes of competitive CD73 inhibitors, representing an excellent basis for drug development.

Crystal structures and protein engineering of three different penicillin G acylases from Gram-positive bacteria with different thermostability.

Penicillin G acylase (PGA) catalyzes the hydrolysis of penicillin G to 6-aminopenicillanic acid and phenylacetic acid, which provides the precursor for most semisynthetic penicillins. Most applications rely on PGAs from Gram-negative bacteria. Here we describe the first three crystal structures for PGAs from Gram-positive Bacilli and their utilization in protein engineering experiments for the manipulation of their thermostability. PGAs from Bacillus megaterium (BmPGA, Tm = 56.0 °C), Bacillus thermotolerans (BtPGA, Tm = 64.5 °C), and Bacillus sp. FJAT-27231 (FJAT-PGA, Tm = 74.3 °C) were recombinantly produced with B. megaterium, secreted, purified to apparent heterogeneity, and crystallized. Structures with resolutions of 2.20 Å (BmPGA), 2.27 Å (BtPGA), and 1.36 Å (FJAT-PGA) were obtained. They revealed high overall similarity, reflecting the high identity of up to approx. 75%. Notably, the active center displays a deletion of more than ten residues with respect to PGAs from Gram-negatives. This enlarges the substrate binding site and may indicate a different substrate spectrum. Based on the structures, ten single-chain FJAT-PGAs carrying artificial linkers were produced. However, in all cases, complete linker cleavage was observed. While thermostability remained in the wild-type range, the enzymatic activity dropped between 30 and 60%. Furthermore, four hybrid PGAs carrying subunits from two different enzymes were successfully produced. Their thermostabilities mostly lay between the values of the two mother enzymes. For one PGA increased, enzyme activity was observed. Overall, the three novel PGA structures combined with initial protein engineering experiments provide the basis for establishment of new PGA-based biotechnological processes.

Molecular Mechanisms of Vaspin Action - From Adipose Tissue to Skin and Bone, from Blood Vessels to the Brain.

Visceral adipose tissue-derived serine protease inhibitor (vaspin) or SERPINA12 according to the serpin nomenclature was identified together with other genes and gene products that were specifically expressed or overexpressed in the intra-abdominal or visceral adipose tissue (AT) of the Otsuka Long-Evans Tokushima fatty rat. These rats spontaneously develop visceral obesity, insulin resistance, hyperinsulinemia and -glycemia, as well as hypertension and thus represent a well suited animal model of obesity and related metabolic disorders such as type 2 diabetes.The follow-up study reporting the cloning, expression and functional characterization of vaspin suggested the great and promising potential of this molecule to counteract obesity induced insulin resistance and inflammation and has since initiated over 300 publications, clinical and experimental, that have contributed to uncover the multifaceted functions and molecular mechanisms of vaspin action not only in the adipose, but in many different cells, tissues and organs. This review will give an update on mechanistic and structural aspects of vaspin with a focus on its serpin function, the physiology and regulation of vaspin expression, and will summarize the latest on vaspin function in various tissues such as the different adipose tissue depots as well as the vasculature, skin, bone and the brain.

Crystal Structures of R-Type Bacteriocin Sheath and Tube Proteins CD1363 and CD1364 From Clostridium difficile in the Pre-assembled State.

Diffocins are high-molecular-weight phage tail-like bacteriocins (PTLBs) that some Clostridium difficile strains produce in response to SOS induction. Similar to the related R-type pyocins from Pseudomonas aeruginosa, R-type diffocins act as molecular puncture devices that specifically penetrate the cell envelope of other C. difficile strains to dissipate the membrane potential and kill the attacked bacterium. Thus, R-type diffocins constitute potential therapeutic agents to counter C. difficile-associated infections. PTLBs consist of rigid and contractile protein complexes. They are composed of a baseplate, receptor-binding tail fibers and an inner needle-like tube surrounded by a contractile sheath. In the mature particle, the sheath and tube structure form a complex network comprising up to 200 copies of a sheath and a tube protein each. Here, we report the crystal structures together with small angle X-ray scattering data of the sheath and tube proteins CD1363 (39 kDa) and CD1364 (16 kDa) from C. difficile strain CD630 in a monomeric pre-assembly form at 1.9 and 1.5 Å resolution, respectively. The tube protein CD1364 displays a compact fold and shares highest structural similarity with a tube protein from Bacillus subtilis but is remarkably different from that of the R-type pyocin from P. aeruginosa. The structure of the R-type diffocin sheath protein, on the other hand, is highly conserved. It contains two domains, whereas related members such as bacteriophage tail sheath proteins comprise up to four, indicating that R-type PTLBs may represent the minimal protein required for formation of a complete sheath structure. Comparison of CD1363 and CD1364 with structures of PTLBs and related assemblies suggests that several conformational changes are required to form complete assemblies. In the sheath, rearrangement of the flexible N- and C-terminus enables extensive interactions between the other subunits, whereas for the tube, such contacts are primarily established by mobile α-helices. Together, our results combined with information from structures of homologous assemblies allow constructing a preliminary model of the sheath and tube assembly from R-type diffocin.

Exchange of amino acids in the H1-haemagglutinin to H3 residues is required for efficient influenza A virus replication and pathology in Tmprss2 knock-out mice.

The haemagglutinin (HA) of H1N1 and H3N2 influenza A virus (IAV) subtypes has to be activated by host proteases. Previous studies showed that H1N1 virus cannot replicate efficiently in Tmprss2-/- knock-out mice whereas H3N2 viruses are able to replicate to the same levels in Tmprss2-/- as in wild type (WT) mice. Here, we investigated the sequence requirements for the HA molecule that allow IAV to replicate efficiently in the absence of TMPRSS2. We showed that replacement of the H3 for the H1-loop sequence (amino acids 320 to 329, at the C-terminus of HA1) was not sufficient for equal levels of virus replication or severe pathology in Tmprss2-/- knock-out mice compared to WT mice. However, exchange of a distant amino acid from H1 to H3 sequence (E31D) in addition to the HA-loop substitution resulted in virus replication in Tmprss2-/- knock-out mice that was comparable to WT mice. The higher virus replication and lung damage was associated with increased epithelial damage and higher mortality. Our results provide further evidence and insights into host proteases as a promising target for therapeutic intervention of IAV infections.

Total Biosynthesis of the Pyrrolo[4,2]benzodiazepine Scaffold Tomaymycin on an In Vitro Reconstituted NRPS System.

In vitro reconstitution and biochemical analysis of natural product biosynthetic pathways remains a challenging endeavor, especially if megaenzymes of the nonribosomal peptide synthetase (NRPS) type are involved. In theory, all biosynthetic steps may be deciphered using mass spectrometry (MS)-based analyses of both the carrier protein-coupled intermediates and the free intermediates. We here report the "total biosynthesis" of the pyrrolo[4,2]benzodiazepine scaffold tomaymycin using an in vitro reconstituted NRPS system. Proteoforms were analyzed by liquid chromatography (LC)-MS to decipher every step of the biosynthesis on its respective megasynthetase with up to 170 kDa in size. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of a comprehensive analysis of virtually all chemical steps involved in the biosynthesis of nonribosomally synthesized natural products. The study includes experiments to determine substrate specificities of the corresponding A-domains in competition assays by analyzing the adenylation step as well as the transfer to the respective carrier protein domain.

Glycosylation of human vaspin (SERPINA12) and its impact on serpin activity, heparin binding and thermal stability.

Vaspin is a glycoprotein with three predicted glycosylation sites at asparagine residues located in proximity to the reactive center loop and close to domains that play important roles in conformational changes underlying serpin function. In this study, we have investigated the glycosylation of human vaspin and its effects on biochemical properties relevant to vaspin function. We show that vaspin is modified at all three sites and biochemical data demonstrate that glycosylation does not hinder inhibition of the target protease kallikrein 7. Although binding affinity to heparin is slightly decreased, the protease inhibition reaction is still significantly accelerated in the presence of heparin. Glycosylation did not affect thermal stability.

Basic Residues of ß-Sheet A Contribute to Heparin Binding and Activation of Vaspin (Serpin A12).

Many members of the serine protease inhibitor (serpin) family are activated by glycosaminoglycans (GAGs). Visceral adipose tissue-derived serpin (vaspin), serpin A12 of the serpin family, and its target protease kallikrein 7 (KLK7) are heparin-binding proteins, and inhibition of KLK7 by vaspin is accelerated by heparin. However, the nature of GAG binding to vaspin is not known. Here, we measured vaspin binding of various glycosaminoglycans and low molecular weight heparins by microscale thermophoresis and analyzed acceleration of protease inhibition by these molecules. In addition, basic residues contributing to heparin binding and heparin activation were identified by a selective labeling approach. Together, these data show that vaspin binds heparin with high affinity (KD = 21 ± 2 nm) and that binding takes place at a basic patch on top of ß-sheet A and is different from other heparin-binding serpins. Mutation of basic residues decreased heparin binding and activation of vaspin. Similarly, reactive center loop insertion into sheet A decreased heparin binding because it disturbs the basic cluster. Finally, using vaspin-overexpressing keratinocyte cells, we show that a significant part of secreted vaspin is bound in the extracellular matrix on the cell surface. Together, basic residues of central ß-sheet A contribute to heparin binding and activation of vaspin. Thus, binding to GAGs in the extracellular matrix can direct and regulate vaspin interaction with target proteases or other proteins and may play an important role in the various beneficial functions of vaspin in different tissues.

Crystal structure of cleaved vaspin (serpinA12).

The adipokine vaspin (serpinA12) is mainly expressed in white adipose tissue and exhibits various beneficial effects on obesity-related processes. Kallikrein 7 is the only known target protease of vaspin and is inhibited by the classical serpin inhibitory mechanism involving a cleavage of the reactive center loop between P1 (M378) and P1' (E379). Here, we present the X-ray structure of vaspin, cleaved between M378 and E379. We provide a comprehensive analysis of differences between the uncleaved and cleaved forms in the shutter, breach, and hinge regions with relation to common molecular features underlying the serpin inhibitory mode. Furthermore, we point out differences towards other serpins and provide novel data underlining the remarkable stability of vaspin. We speculate that the previously reported FKGx1Wx2x3 motif in the breach region may play a decisive role in determining the reactive center loop configuration in the native vaspin state and might contribute to the high thermostability of vaspin. Thus, this structure may provide a basis for future mutational studies.

α,ß-Methylene-ADP (AOPCP) Derivatives and Analogues: Development of Potent and Selective ecto-5'-Nucleotidase (CD73) Inhibitors.

ecto-5'-Nucleotidase (eN, CD73) catalyzes the hydrolysis of extracellular AMP to adenosine. eN inhibitors have potential for use as cancer therapeutics. The eN inhibitor α,ß-methylene-ADP (AOPCP, adenosine-5'-O-[(phosphonomethyl)phosphonic acid]) was used as a lead structure, and derivatives modified in various positions were prepared. Products were tested at rat recombinant eN. 6-(Ar)alkylamino substitution led to the largest improvement in potency. N(6)-Monosubstitution was superior to symmetrical N(6),N(6)-disubstitution. The most potent inhibitors were N(6)-(4-chlorobenzyl)- (10l, PSB-12441, Ki 7.23 nM), N(6)-phenylethyl- (10h, PSB-12425, Ki 8.04 nM), and N(6)-benzyl-adenosine-5'-O-[(phosphonomethyl)phosphonic acid] (10g, PSB-12379, Ki 9.03 nM). Replacement of the 6-NH group in 10g by O (10q, PSB-12431) or S (10r, PSB-12553) yielded equally potent inhibitors (10q, 9.20 nM; 10r, 9.50 nM). Selected compounds investigated at the human enzyme did not show species differences; they displayed high selectivity versus other ecto-nucleotidases and ADP-activated P2Y receptors. Moreover, high metabolic stability was observed. These compounds represent the most potent eN inhibitors described to date.

A unique serpin P1' glutamate and a conserved ß-sheet C arginine are key residues for activity, protease recognition and stability of serpinA12 (vaspin).

SerpinA12 (vaspin) is thought to be mainly expressed in adipose tissue and has multiple beneficial effects on metabolic, inflammatory and atherogenic processes related to obesity. KLK7 (kallikrein 7) is the only known protease target of vaspin to date and is inhibited with a moderate inhibition rate. In the crystal structure, the cleavage site (P1-P1') of the vaspin reactive centre loop is fairly rigid compared with the flexible residues before P2, possibly supported by an ionic interaction of P1' glutamate (Glu(379)) with an arginine residue (Arg(302)) of the ß-sheet C. A P1' glutamate seems highly unusual and unfavourable for the protease KLK7. We characterized vaspin mutants to investigate the roles of these two residues in protease inhibition and recognition by vaspin. Reactive centre loop mutations changing the P1' residue or altering the reactive centre loop conformation significantly increased inhibition parameters, whereas removal of the positive charge within ß-sheet C impeded the serpin-protease interaction. Arg(302) is a crucial contact to enable vaspin recognition by KLK7 and it supports moderate inhibition of the serpin despite the presence of the detrimental P1' Glu(379), which clearly represents a major limiting factor for vaspin-inhibitory activity. We also show that the vaspin-inhibition rate for KLK7 can be modestly increased by heparin and demonstrate that vaspin is a heparin-binding serpin. Noteworthily, we observed vaspin as a remarkably thermostable serpin and found that Glu(379) and Arg(302) influence heat-induced polymerization. These structural and functional results reveal the mechanistic basis of how reactive centre loop sequence and exosite interaction in vaspin enable KLK7 recognition and regulate protease inhibition as well as stability of this adipose tissue-derived serpin.

Crystal structure of the human ecto-5'-nucleotidase (CD73): insights into the regulation of purinergic signaling.

In vertebrates ecto-5'-nucleotidase (e5NT) catalyzes the hydrolysis of extracellular AMP to adenosine and represents the major control point for extracellular adenosine levels. Due to its pivotal role for activation of P1 adenosine receptors, e5NT has emerged as an appealing drug target for treatment of inflammation, chronic pain, hypoxia, and cancer. Crystal structures of the dimeric human e5NT reveal an extensive 114° conformational switch between the open and closed forms of the enzyme. The dimerization interface is formed by the C-terminal domains and exhibits interchain motions of up to 13°. Complex structures with adenosine and AMPCP indicate that structural control of the domain movement determines the selectivity for monophosphate nucleotides. Binding modes of nucleotide-derived and flavonoid-based compounds complexed to the C-terminal domain in the open form reveal an additional binding pocket of ∼210 Å(3) that might be explored to design more potent inhibitors.