PubMed Health⌕ Search

Biomedical subjects

Torsten Schwede

Publications and source records attributed to Torsten Schwede.

12 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2006

Sulfonylureas and glinides exhibit peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma activity: a combined virtual screening and biological assay approach.

Most drugs currently employed in the treatment of type 2 diabetes either target the sulfonylurea receptor stimulating insulin release (sulfonylureas, glinides), or target the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPARgamma) improving insulin resistance (thiazolidinediones). Our work shows that sulfonylureas and glinides additionally bind to PPARgamma and exhibit PPARgamma agonistic activity. This activity was predicted in silico by virtual screening and confirmed in vitro in a binding assay, a transactivation assay, and by measuring the expression of PPARgamma target genes. Among the measured compounds, gliquidone and glipizide (two sulfonylureas), as well as nateglinide (a glinide), exhibit PPARgamma agonistic activity at concentrations comparable with those reached under pharmacological treatment. The most active of these compounds, gliquidone, is shown to be as potent as pioglitazone at inducing PPARgamma target gene expression. This dual mode of action of sulfonylureas and glinides may open new perspectives for the molecular pharmacology of antidiabetic drugs, because it provides evidence that drugs can be designed that target both the sulfonylurea receptor and PPARgamma. Targeting both receptors could increase pancreatic insulin secretion and improve insulin resistance. Glinides, sulfonylureas, and other acidified sulfonamides may be promising leads in the development of new PPARgamma agonists. In addition, we provide a unified concept of the PPARgamma binding ability of seemingly disparate compound classes.

ATP-Binding Cassette Transporters↗
PubMed2006

How inaccuracies in protein structure models affect estimates of protein-ligand interactions: computational analysis of HIV-I protease inhibitor binding.

The influence of possible inaccuracies that can arise during homology modeling of protein structures used for ligand binding studies were investigated with the molecular mechanics generalized Born surface area (MM-GBSA) method. For this, a family of well-characterized HIV-I protease-inhibitor complexes was used. Validation of MM-GBSA led to a correlation coefficient ranging from 0.72 to 0.93 between calculated and experimental binding free energies DeltaG. All calculated DeltaG values were based on molecular dynamics simulations with explicit solvent. Errors introduced into the protein structure through misplacement of side-chains during rotamer modeling led to a correlation coefficient between DeltaG(calc) and DeltaG(exp) of 0.75 compared with 0.90 for the correctly placed side chains. This is in contrast to homology models for members of the retroviral protease family with template structures ranging in sequence identity between 32% and 51%. For these protein models, the correlation coefficients vary between 0.84 and 0.87, which is considerably closer to the original protein (0.90). It is concluded that HIV-I low sequence identity with the template structure still allows creating sufficiently reliable homology models to be used for ligand-binding studies, although placement of the rotamers is a critical step during the modeling.

Amino Acid Sequence↗
PubMed2006

The plug domain of yeast Sec61p is important for efficient protein translocation, but is not essential for cell viability.

The Sec61/SecY translocon mediates translocation of proteins across the membrane and integration of membrane proteins into the lipid bilayer. The structure of the translocon revealed a plug domain blocking the pore on the lumenal side. It was proposed to be important for gating the protein conducting channel and for maintaining the permeability barrier in its unoccupied state. Here, we analyzed in yeast the effect of introducing destabilizing point mutations in the plug domain or of its partial or complete deletion. Unexpectedly, even when the entire plug domain was deleted, cells were viable without growth phenotype. They showed an effect on signal sequence orientation of diagnostic signal-anchor proteins, a minor defect in cotranslational and a significant deficiency in posttranslational translocation. Steady-state levels of the mutant protein were reduced, and when coexpressed with wild-type Sec61p, the mutant lacking the plug competed poorly for complex partners. The results suggest that the plug is unlikely to be important for sealing the translocation pore in yeast but that it plays a role in stabilizing Sec61p during translocon formation.

Cell Survival↗
PubMed2006

The SWISS-MODEL Repository: new features and functionalities.

The SWISS-MODEL Repository is a database of annotated 3D protein structure models generated by the SWISS-MODEL homology-modelling pipeline. As of September 2005, the repository contained 675,000 models for 604,000 different protein sequences of the UniProt database. Regular updates ensure that the content of the repository reflects the current state of sequence and structure databases, integrating new or modified target sequences, and making use of new template structures. Each Repository entry consists of one or more 3D models accompanied by detailed information about the target protein and the model building process: functional annotation, a detailed template selection log, target-template alignment, summary of the model building and model quality assessment. The SWISS-MODEL Repository is freely accessible at http://swissmodel.expasy.org/repository/.

Computer Graphics↗
PubMed2005

The SWISS-MODEL workspace: a web-based environment for protein structure homology modelling.

MOTIVATION: Homology models of proteins are of great interest for planning and analysing biological experiments when no experimental three-dimensional structures are available. Building homology models requires specialized programs and up-to-date sequence and structural databases. Integrating all required tools, programs and databases into a single web-based workspace facilitates access to homology modelling from a computer with web connection without the need of downloading and installing large program packages and databases. RESULTS: SWISS-MODEL workspace is a web-based integrated service dedicated to protein structure homology modelling. It assists and guides the user in building protein homology models at different levels of complexity. A personal working environment is provided for each user where several modelling projects can be carried out in parallel. Protein sequence and structure databases necessary for modelling are accessible from the workspace and are updated in regular intervals. Tools for template selection, model building and structure quality evaluation can be invoked from within the workspace. Workflow and usage of the workspace are illustrated by modelling human Cyclin A1 and human Transmembrane Protease 3. AVAILABILITY: The SWISS-MODEL workspace can be accessed freely at http://swissmodel.expasy.org/workspace/

Algorithms↗
PubMed2004

The SWISS-MODEL Repository of annotated three-dimensional protein structure homology models.

The SWISS-MODEL Repository is a database of annotated three-dimensional comparative protein structure models generated by the fully automated homology-modelling pipeline SWISS-MODEL. The Repository currently contains about 300,000 three-dimensional models for sequences from the Swiss-Prot and TrEMBL databases. The content of the Repository is updated on a regular basis incorporating new sequences, taking advantage of new template structures becoming available and reflecting improvements in the underlying modelling algorithms. Each entry consists of one or more three-dimensional protein models, the superposed template structures, the alignments on which the models are based, a summary of the modelling process and a force field based quality assessment. The SWISS-MODEL Repository can be queried via an interactive website at http://swissmodel.expasy. org/repository/. Annotation and cross-linking of the models with other databases, e.g. Swiss-Prot on the ExPASy server, allow for seamless navigation between protein sequence and structure information. The aim of the SWISS-MODEL Repository is to provide access to an up-to-date collection of annotated three-dimensional protein models generated by automated homology modelling, bridging the gap between sequence and structure databases.

Animals↗
PubMed2004

Automated protein structure homology modeling: a progress report.

Understanding the molecular function of proteins is greatly enhanced by insights gained from their three-dimensional structures. Since experimental structures are only available for a small fraction of proteins, computational methods for protein structure modeling play an increasingly important role. Comparative protein structure modeling is currently the most accurate method, yielding models suitable for a wide spectrum of applications, such as structure-guided drug development or virtual screening. Stable and reliable automated prediction pipelines have been developed to apply large-scale comparative modeling to whole genomes or entire sequence databases. Model repositories give access to these annotated and evaluated models. In this review, we will discuss recent developments in automated comparative modeling and provide selected examples illustrating the use of homology models.

Animals↗
PubMed2003

SWISS-MODEL: An automated protein homology-modeling server.

SWISS-MODEL (http://swissmodel.expasy.org) is a server for automated comparative modeling of three-dimensional (3D) protein structures. It pioneered the field of automated modeling starting in 1993 and is the most widely-used free web-based automated modeling facility today. In 2002 the server computed 120 000 user requests for 3D protein models. SWISS-MODEL provides several levels of user interaction through its World Wide Web interface: in the 'first approach mode' only an amino acid sequence of a protein is submitted to build a 3D model. Template selection, alignment and model building are done completely automated by the server. In the 'alignment mode', the modeling process is based on a user-defined target-template alignment. Complex modeling tasks can be handled with the 'project mode' using DeepView (Swiss-PdbViewer), an integrated sequence-to-structure workbench. All models are sent back via email with a detailed modeling report. WhatCheck analyses and ANOLEA evaluations are provided optionally. The reliability of SWISS-MODEL is continuously evaluated in the EVA-CM project. The SWISS-MODEL server is under constant development to improve the successful implementation of expert knowledge into an easy-to-use server.

Computer Graphics↗
PubMed2003

Asp1424Asn MYH9 mutation results in an unstable protein responsible for the phenotypes in May-Hegglin anomaly/Fechtner syndrome.

May-Hegglin anomaly (MHA), Fechtner syndrome (FTNS), Sebastian syndrome (SBS), and Epstein syndrome (EPS) are a group of rare, autosomal dominant disorders characterized by thrombocytopenia, giant platelets, and Döhle-like inclusion bodies, together with variable manifestations of Alport-like symptoms that include high-tone sensorineural deafness, cataracts, and nephritis. These disorders result from mutations in the MYH9 gene, which encodes for the nonmuscle myosin heavy chain A protein (also known as NMMHC-A). To date 20 different mutations have been characterized for this gene, but no clear phenotype-genotype correlation has been established, and very little is known regarding the molecular pathogenesis of this group of diseases. Here, we describe 2 new families with MHA/FTNS phenotypes that have been characterized in terms of their mutations, protein localization in megakaryocytes, protein expression, and mRNA stability. Our findings suggest that, at least for the Asp1424Asn mutation in the MYH9 gene, the phenotypes result from a highly unstable protein. No abnormalities in protein localization or mRNA stability were observed. We hypothesize that haploinsufficiency of the MYH9 results in a failure to properly reorganize the cytoskeleton in megakaryocytes as required for efficient platelet production.

Adult↗
PubMed2003

Covalent and three-dimensional structure of the cyclodextrinase from Flavobacterium sp. no. 92.

Starting with oligopeptide sequences and using PCR, the gene of the cyclodextrinase from Flavobacterium sp. no. 92 was derived from the genomic DNA. The gene was sequenced and expressed in Escherichia coli; the gene product was purified and crystallized. An X-ray diffraction analysis using seleno-methionines with multiwavelength anomalous diffraction techniques yielded the refined 3D structure at 2.1 A resolution. The enzyme hydrolyzes alpha(1,4)-glycosidic bonds of cyclodextrins and linear malto-oligosaccharides. It belongs to the glycosylhydrolase family no. 13 and has a chain fold similar to that of alpha-amylases, cyclodextrin glycosyltransferases, and other cyclodextrinases. In contrast with most family members but in agreement with other cyclodextrinases, the enzyme contains an additional characteristic N-terminal domain of about 100 residues. This domain participates in the formation of a putative D2-symmetric tetramer but not in cyclodextrin binding at the active center as observed with the other cyclodextrinases. Moreover, the domain is located at a position quite different from that of the other cyclodextrinases. Whether oligomerization facilitates the cyclodextrin deformation required for hydrolysis is discussed.

Amino Acid Sequence↗
PubMed2001

Mutations in the TMPRSS3 gene are a rare cause of childhood nonsyndromic deafness in Caucasian patients.

Two loci for nonsyndromic recessive deafness located on chromosome 21q22.3 have previously been reported, DFNB8 and DFNB10. Recently a gene which encodes a transmembrane serine protease, TMPRSS3 or ECHOS1, was found to be responsible for both the DFNB8 and DFNB10 phenotypes. To determine the contribution of TMPRSS3 mutations in the general congenital/childhood nonsyndromic deaf population we performed mutation analysis of the TMPRSS3 gene in 448 unrelated deaf patients from Spain, Italy, Greece, and Australia who did not have the common 35delG GJB2 mutation. From the 896 chromosomes studied we identified two novel pathogenic mutations accounting for four mutant alleles and at least 16 nonpathogenic sequence variants. The pathogenic mutations were a 1-bp deletion resulting in a frameshift and an amino acid substitution in the LDLRA domain of TMPRSS3. From this and another study we estimate the frequency of TMPRSS3 mutations in our sample as 0.45%, and approximately 0.38% in the general Caucasian childhood deaf population. However, TMPRSS3 is still an important contributor to genetic deafness in populations with large consanguineous families.

Amino Acid Sequence↗