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Philip N Bryan

Publications and source records attributed to Philip N Bryan.

12 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2007

Mechanism of the kinetically-controlled folding reaction of subtilisin.

Like many secreted proteases, subtilisin is kinetically stable in the mature form but unable to fold without assistance from its prodomain. The existence of high kinetic barriers to folding challenges many widely accepted ideas, namely, the thermodynamic determination of native structure and the sufficiency of thermodynamic stability to determine a pathway. The purpose of this article is to elucidate the physical nature of the kinetic barriers to subtilisin folding and to show how the prodomain overcomes these barriers. To address these questions, we have studied the bimolecular folding reaction of the subtilisin prodomain and a series of subtilisin mutants, which were designed to explore the steps in the folding reaction. Our analysis shows that inordinately slow folding of the mature form of subtilisin results from the accrued effects of two slow and sequential processes: (1) the formation of an unstable and topologically challenged intermediate and (2) the proline-limited isomerization of the intermediate to the native state. The low stability of nascent folding intermediates results in part from subtilisin's high dependence on metal binding for stability. Native subtilisin is thermodynamically unstable in the absence of bound metals. Because the two metal binding sites are formed late in folding, however, they contribute little to the stability of folding intermediates. The formation of productive folding intermediates is further hindered by the topological challenge of forming a left-handed crossover connection between beta-strands S2 and S3. This connection is critical to propagate the folding reaction. In the presence of the prodomain, folding proceeds through one major intermediate, which is stabilized by prodomain binding, independent of metal concentration and proline isomerization state. The prodomain also catalyzes the late proline isomerizations needed to form metal site B. Rate-limiting proline isomerization is common in protein folding, but its effect in slowing subtilisin folding is amplified because of the instability of the intermediate and an apparent need for simultaneous isomerization of multiple prolines in order to create metal site B. Thus, the kinetically controlled folding reaction of subtilisin, although unusual, is explained by the accrued effects of events found in other proteins.

Binding Sites↗
PubMed2007

Hydrogen-deuterium exchange in free and prodomain-complexed subtilisin.

Residue-specific exchange rates of 223 amide protons in free and prodomain-complexed subtilisin were determined in order to understand how the prodomain binding affects the energetics of subtilisin folding. In free subtilisin, amide protons can be categorized according to exchange rate: 74 fast exchangers (rates > or = 1 h(-1)); 52 medium exchangers (rates between 1 h(-1) and 1 day(-1)); 31 slow exchangers (rates between 1 day(-1) and 0.001 day(-1)). The remaining 66 amide proteins did not exchange detectibly over 9 months (k(obs) < year(-1)) and were denoted as core protons. Core residues occur throughout the main structural elements of subtilisin. Prodomain binding results in high protection factors (100-1000) in the central beta-sheet, particularly in the vicinity of beta-strands S5, S6, and S7 and the connecting loops between them. These connecting loops provide the ligands to the cation at metal site B. Overall, prodomain binding seems to facilitate the organization of the entire central beta-sheet and alpha-helix C in the left-handed crossover connection between beta-strands two and three. It also appears to facilitate the isomerization of multiple prolines late in folding, allowing the formation of metal site B. The gain of stability region around site B comes at the cost of stability in regions more distal to prodomain binding: the C-terminal alpha-helix H and the N-terminal alpha-helices A and B. The acceleration of exchange in these regions by prodomain binding reveals an antagonism between the folding intermediate and the full native structure. This antagonism helps to explain why the prodomain is needed to stabilize the folding intermediate as well as why the unfolding of free subtilisin seldom occurs via this intermediate.

Amides↗
PubMed2006

Using offset recombinant polymerase chain reaction to identify functional determinants in a common family of bacterial albumin binding domains.

The 46 amino acid GA albumin binding module is a putative virulence factor that has been identified in 16 domains from four bacterial species. Aside from their possible effects on pathogenicity and host specificity, the natural genotypic and phenotypic variations that exist among members of this module offer unique opportunities for researchers to identify and explore functional determinants within the well-defined sequence space. We used a recently developed in vitro recombination technique, known as offset recombinant PCR, to shuffle seven homologues that encode a broad range of natural GA polymorphisms. Phage display and selection were applied to probe the recombinant library for members that showed simultaneous improvements to human and guinea pig serum albumin binding. Thermodynamic data for the most common phage-selected mutant suggest that domain-stabilizing mutations substantially improved GA binding for both species of albumin.

Albumins↗
PubMed2005

Directed evolution of highly homologous proteins with different folds by phage display: implications for the protein folding code.

To better understand how amino acid sequences specify unique tertiary folds, we have used random mutagenesis and phage display selection to evolve proteins with a high degree of sequence identity but different tertiary structures (homologous heteromorphs). The starting proteins in this evolutionary process were the IgG binding domains of streptococcal protein G (G(B)) and staphylococcal protein A (A(B)). These nonhomologous domains are similar in size and function but have different folds. G(B) has an alpha/beta fold, and A(B) is a three-helix bundle (3-alpha). IgG binding function is used to select for mutant proteins which retain the correct tertiary structure as the level of sequence identity is increased. A detailed thermodynamic analysis of the folding reactions and binding reactions for a pair of homologous heteromorphs (59% identical) is presented. High-resolution NMR structures of the pair are presented by He et al. [(2005) Biochemistry 44, 14055-14061]. Because the homologous but heteromorphic proteins are identical at most positions in their sequence, their essential folding signals must reside in the positions of nonidentity. Further, the thermodynamic linkage between folding and binding is used to assess the propensity of one sequence to adopt two unique folds.

Bacterial Proteins↗
PubMed2005

Solution NMR structures of IgG binding domains with artificially evolved high levels of sequence identity but different folds.

We describe here the solution NMR structures of two IgG binding domains with highly homologous sequences but different three-dimensional structures. The proteins, G311 and A219, are derived from the IgG binding domains of their wild-type counterparts, protein G and protein A, respectively. Through a series of site-directed mutations and phage display selections, the sequences of G311 and A219 were designed to converge to a point of high-level sequence identity while keeping their respective wild-type tertiary folds. Structures of both artificially evolved sequences were determined by NMR spectroscopy. The main chain fold of G311 can be superimposed on the wild-type alpha/beta protein G structure with a backbone rmsd of 1.4 A, and the A219 structure can be overlaid on the wild-type three-alpha-helix protein A fold also with a backbone rmsd of 1.4 A. The structure of G311, in particular, accommodates a large number of mutational changes without undergoing a change in the overall fold of the main chain. The structural differences are maintained despite a high level (59%) of sequence identity. These proteins serve as starting points for further experiments that will probe basic concepts of protein folding and conformational switching.

Amino Acid Sequence↗
PubMed2005

G148-GA3: a streptococcal virulence module with atypical thermodynamics of folding optimally binds human serum albumin at physiological temperatures.

The third albumin binding domain of streptococcal protein G strain 148 (G148-GA3) belongs to a novel class of prokaryotic albumin binding modules that is thought to support virulence in several bacterial species. Here, we characterize G148-GA3 folding and albumin binding by using differential scanning calorimetry and isothermal titration calorimetry to obtain the most complete set of thermodynamic state functions for any member of this medically significant module. When buffered at pH 7.0 the 46-amino acid alpha-helical domain melts at 72 degrees C and exhibits marginal stability (15 kJ/mol) at 37 degrees C. G148-GA3 unfolding is characterized by small contributions to entropy from non-hydrophobic forces and a low DeltaCp (1.1 kJ/(deg mol)). Isothermal titration calorimetry reveals that the domain has evolved to optimally bind human serum albumin near 37 degrees C with a binding constant of 1.4 x 10 7 M(-1). Analysis of G148-GA3 thermodynamics suggests that the domain experiences atypically small per residue changes in structural dynamics and heat capacity while transiting between folded and unfolded states.

Bacterial Proteins↗
PubMed2005

Offset recombinant PCR: a simple but effective method for shuffling compact heterologous domains.

DNA shuffling and other in vitro recombination strategies have proven highly effective at generating complex libraries for mutagenesis studies. While most recombination techniques employ DNA polymerases in part of a multi-step process, few seek to exploit the natural recombinogenic tendencies and exponential amplification rates of PCR. Here, we characterize a simple but effective method for using standard PCR to promote high recombination frequencies among compact heterologous domains by locating the domains near one end of the template. In a typical amplification reaction, Pfu polymerase generated chimeric crossover events in 13% of the population when markers were separated by only 70 nt. The fraction of recombinant sequences reached 42% after six consecutive rounds of PCR, a value close to the 50% expected from a fully shuffled population. When homology within the recombinant region was reduced to 82%, the recombination frequency dropped by nearly half for a single amplification reaction and crossover events were clustered toward one end of the domain. Surprisingly, recombination frequencies for template populations with high and low sequence homologies converged after just four rounds of PCR, suggesting that the exponential accumulation of chimeric molecules in the PCR mixture serves to promote recombination within heterologous domains.

DNA Shuffling↗
PubMed2005

Directed coevolution of stability and catalytic activity in calcium-free subtilisin.

We have coevolved high activity and hyperstability in subtilisin by sequentially randomizing 12 amino acid positions in calcium-free subtilisin. The optimal amino acid for each randomized site was chosen based on stability and catalytic properties and became the parent clone for the next round of mutagenesis. Together, the 12 selected mutations increased the half-life of calcium-free subtilisin at elevated temperature by 15,000-fold. The catalytic properties of the mutants were examined against a range of substrates. In general, only mutations occurring at or near the substrate-binding surface have measurable effects on catalytic constants. No direct influence of stability on catalytic properties was observed. A high-stability mutant, Sbt140, was a more efficient enzyme in terms of k(cat)/K(m) than a commercial version of subtilisin across a range of substrates but had a lower k(cat) against tight-binding substrates. The reason for this behavior was discerned by examining microscopic rate constants for the hydrolysis of a tight-binding peptide substrate. Burst kinetics were observed for this substrate, indicating that acylation is not rate-limiting. Although acylation occurs at the rate of substrate binding, k(cat) is attenuated by the slow release of the N-terminal product. Natural evolution appears to have optimized catalytic activity against a range of sequences by achieving a balance between substrate binding and the rate of release of the N-terminal product.

Acylation↗
PubMed2005

Bacterial expression and one-step purification of an isotope-labeled heterotrimeric G-protein alpha-subunit.

Heterologous expression systems are often employed to generate sufficient quantities of isotope-labeled proteins for high-resolution NMR studies. Recently, the interaction between the prodomain region of subtilisin and an active, mutant form of the mature enzyme has been exploited to develop a cleavable affinity tag fusion system for one-step generation and purification of full-length soluble proteins obtained by inducible prokaryotic expression. As a first step towards applying high-resolution NMR methods to study heterotrimeric G-protein alpha-subunit (G(alpha)) conformation and dynamics, the utility of this subtilisin prodomain fusion system for expressing and purifying an isotope-labeled G(alpha) chimera (approximately 40 kDa polypeptide) has been tested. The results show that a prodomain fused G(alpha) chimera can be expressed to levels approaching 6-8 mg/l in minimal media and that the processed, mature protein exhibits properties similar to those of G(alpha) isolated from natural sources. To assay for the functional integrity of the purified G(alpha) chimera at NMR concentrations and probe for changes in the structure and dynamics of G(alpha) that result from activation, 15N-HSQC spectra of the GDP/Mg2+ bound form of G(alpha) obtained in the absence and presence of aluminum fluoride, a well known activator of the GDP bound state, have been acquired. Comparisons of the 15N-HSQC spectra reveals a number of changes in chemical shifts of the 1HN, 15N crosspeaks that are discussed with respect to expected changes in the protein conformation associated with G(alpha) activation.

GTP-Binding Protein alpha Subunits, Gi-Go↗
PubMed2004

Engineering subtilisin into a fluoride-triggered processing protease useful for one-step protein purification.

Subtilisin was engineered into a highly specific, processing protease, and the subtilisin prodomain was coengineered into an optimized recognition sequence. This involved five steps. First, a robust subtilisin mutant was created, which could tolerate the subsequent mutations needed for high specificity. Second, the substrate binding pocket was mutated to increase its sequence selectivity. Third, the subtilisin prodomain was engineered to direct cleavage to the junction of any protein fused to it. Fourth, the active site of subtilisin was engineered to kinetically isolate binding and cleavage reactions. Finally, specific anions were identified to trigger the processing reaction, with fluoride ions being particularly useful. The ability to isolate the binding and processing steps with a triggering mechanism created a protease with a virtual on-off switch. This allowed column-immobilized processing subtilisin to be used as both the affinity ligand and processing protease for one-step purification of proteins. Fusion proteins tagged with the engineered prodomain can be bound to the column and washed free of contaminants. Cleavage can be triggered by the addition of fluoride to release the pure target protein. The column is then regenerated by stripping off the tightly bound prodomain at pH 2.1. Ten proteins have been purified to date by this method.

Amino Acid Substitution↗
PubMed2002

Solution structure of the pro-hormone convertase 1 pro-domain from Mus musculus.

The solution structure of the mouse pro-hormone convertase (PC) 1 pro-domain was determined using heteronuclear NMR spectroscopy and is the first structure to be obtained for any of the domains in the convertase family. The ensemble of NMR-derived structures shows a well-ordered core consisting of a four-stranded antiparallel beta-sheet with two alpha-helices packed against one side of this sheet. Sequence homology suggests that the other eukaryotic PC pro-domains will have the same overall fold and most of the residues forming the hydrophobic core of PC1 are highly conserved within the PC family. However, some of the core residues are predicted by homology to be replaced by polar amino acid residues in other PC pro-domains and this may help to explain their marginal stability. Interestingly, the folding topology observed here is also seen for the pro-domain of bacterial subtilisin despite little or no sequence homology. Both the prokaryotic and eukaryotic structures have hydrophobic residues clustered on the solvent-accessible surface of their beta-sheets although the individual residue types differ. In the bacterial case this region is buried at the binding interface with the catalytic domain and, in the eukaryotic PC family, these surface residues are conserved. We therefore propose that the hydrophobic patch in the PC1 pro-domain is involved in the binding interface with its cognate catalytic domain in a similar manner to that seen for the bacterial system. The PC1 pro-domain structure also reveals potential mechanisms for the acid-induced dissociation of the complex between pro- and catalytic domains.

Amino Acid Sequence↗