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Biomedical subjects

M G Rossmann

Publications and source records attributed to M G Rossmann.

At least 109 records · Page 6Linked to original sources

Ab initio phase determination for viruses with high symmetry: a feasibility study.

Conditions that would permit the complete structure determination of spherical viruses that have high internal symmetry were examined starting only from an initial spherical shell model. Problems were considered that might arise due to the following. 1. Creation of centric phases due to the simple shell model and its position in the unit cell. The centric symmetry can generally be broken on averaging an initial electron density map based on observed structure amplitudes, provided that the internal molecular symmetry is sufficiently non-parallel to the crystallographic symmetry. 2. Choice of the average model shell radius. Some incorrect radii led to the Babinet opposite solution (electron density is negative instead of positive). Phases derived from other models with incorrect radii failed to converge to the correct solution. 3. Error in structure amplitude measurements. 4. Lack of a complete data set. 5. Error in positioning the initial spherical-shell model within the crystal unit cell. It was found that an error of 1.6 A caused noticeable phasing error at a resolution greater than 20 A.

Feasibility Studies↗

Ab initio phase determination for spherical viruses: parameter determination for spherical-shell models.

The structure determination of canine parvovirus depended on the extension of phases calculated initially from a spherical-shell model [Tsao, Chapman, Wu, Agbandje, Keller & Rossmann (1992). Acta Cryst. B48, 75-88]. Such ab initio phasing holds the promise of obviating initial experimental phasing by isomorphous or molecular replacement, thereby expediting the structure determinations of spherical virus capsids. In this paper, it is shown how parameters such as radii, DNA density and particle positions may be determined and refined from diffraction data with sufficient precision to start phase extension from 20 A resolution for a virus of approximately 122 A radius.

Capsid↗

Structure determination of monoclinic canine parvovirus.

The three-dimensional structure of the single-stranded DNA canine parvovirus has been determined to 3.25 A resolution. Monoclinic crystals belonging to space group P2(1) (a = 263.1, b = 348.9, c = 267.2 A, beta = 90.82 degrees) were selected for data collection using primarily the Cornell High Energy Synchrotron Source and oscillation photography. There was one icosahedral particle per crystallographic asymmetric unit, giving 60-fold redundancy. The particle orientations in the unit cell were determined with a rotation function. The rough positions of the particles in the unit cell were estimated by considering the packing of spheres into the P2(1) crystal cell. More accurate particle centers were determined from Harker peaks in a Patterson function. Hollow-shell models were used to compute phases to 20 A resolution. The radii of the models were based on packing considerations, the fit of spherical shells to the low-resolution X-ray data and low-angle solution scattering data. The phases were extended to 9 A resolution using molecular replacement real-space averaging. These were then used to determine the heavy-atom position of a K2PtBr6 derivative, for which only 5% of the theoretically observable reflections had been recorded. The center of gravity of the 60 independent heavy-atom sites gave an improved particle center position. Single isomorphous replacement phases to 8 A resolution were then calculated with the platinum derivative. These were used to initiate phase improvement and extension to 3.25 A resolution using density averaging and Fourier back-transformation in steps of one reciprocal lattice point at a time. The resulting electron density map was readily interpretable and an atomic model was built into the electron density map on a PS390 graphics system using the FRODO program. The R factor prior to structure refinement for data between 5.0 and 3.25 A was 36%.

Crystallization↗

Atomic structure of single-stranded DNA bacteriophage phi X174 and its functional implications.

The mechanism of DNA ejection, viral assembly and evolution are related to the structure of bacteriophage phi X174. The F protein forms a T = 1 capsid whose major folding motif is the eight-stranded antiparallel beta barrel found in many other icosahedral viruses. Groups of 5 G proteins form 12 dominating spikes that enclose a hydrophilic channel containing some diffuse electron density. Each G protein is a tight beta barrel with its strands running radially outwards and with a topology similar to that of the F protein. The 12 'pilot' H proteins per virion may be partially located in the putative ion channel. The small, basic J protein is associated with the DNA and is situated in an interior cleft of the F protein. Tentatively, there are three regions of partially ordered DNA structure,

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Treatment of the picornavirus common cold by inhibitors of viral uncoating and attachment.

The human rhinoviruses are the leading cause of the ubiquitous, mild, and self-limiting infections generally referred to as the common cold. Considerable research effort has been expended in the search for well tolerated antiviral agents capable of preventing and treating the common cold. Although no antirhinovirus drug is yet commercially available, considerable progress has been made in the discovery and development of novel, viral specific inhibitors of rhinovirus replication. This report reviews the history and current status of the research that has focused on inhibitors of the early steps in the virus life cycle: attachment to the cellular receptor and uncoating of the viral RNA. Molecules directed at these targets currently possess the greatest potential for generating a safe and efficacious treatment for the rhinovirus common cold.

Antiviral Agents↗

Application of crystallography to the design of antiviral agents.

A historical review of x-ray crystallography introduces basic concepts and describes the potential of this science to the rational design of antiviral agents. Following a brief introduction to the study of antiviral compounds that inhibit early stages of rhino- and enteroviral infections, the impact of structural studies on rational drug design is discussed in relation to known viral structures.

Antiviral Agents↗

Structure of Sindbis virus core protein reveals a chymotrypsin-like serine proteinase and the organization of the virion.

Sindbis virus consists of a nucleocapsid core surrounded by a lipid membrane through which penetrate 80 glycoprotein trimers. The structure of the core protein comprising the coat surrounding the genomic RNA has been determined. The polypeptide fold from residue 114 to residue 264 is homologous to that of chymotrypsin-like serine proteinases with catalytic residues His 141, Asp 163 and Ser 215 of the core protein positioned as in other serine proteinases. The C-terminal tryptophan remains in the P1 substrate site subsequent to the autocatalytic cis cleavage of the capsid protein, thus rendering the proteinase inactive. Model building of the Sindbis core protein dimer shows that the nucleocapsid is likely to have T = 4 quasisymmetry.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

The three-dimensional structure of canine parvovirus and its functional implications.

The three-dimensional atomic structure of a single-stranded DNA virus has been determined. Infectious virions of canine parvovirus contain 60 protein subunits that are predominantly VP-2. The central structural motif of VP-2 has the same topology (an eight-stranded antiparallel beta barrel) as has been found in many other icosahedral viruses but represents only about one-third of the capsid protein. There is a 22 angstrom (A) long protrusion on the threefold axes, a 15 A deep canyon circulating about each of the five cylindrical structures at the fivefold axes, and a 15 A deep depression at the twofold axes. By analogy with rhinoviruses, the canyon may be the site of receptor attachment. Residues related to the antigenic properties of the virus are found on the threefold protrusions. Some of the amino termini of VP-2 run to the exterior in full but not empty virions, which is consistent with the observation that some VP-2 polypeptides in full particles can be cleaved by trypsin. Eleven nucleotides are seen in each of 60 symmetry-related pockets on the interior surface of the capsid and together account for 13 percent of the genome.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Human rhinovirus 14 complexed with antiviral compound R 61837.

The binding of the antirhinoviral agent R 61837 to human rhinovirus 14 has been examined by X-ray crystallographic methods. The compound R 61837 binds in the same pocket (underneath the canyon floor) as the "WIN" antirhinoviral agents. It does not penetrate as far into the pocket but causes similar conformational changes in the virus capsid. The movement of residues 1217 to 1221 of viral protein 1 (in the "FMDV loop") is more pronounced for R 61837 than for WIN compounds. Although both R 61837 and WIN antiviral agents partially fill the same hydrophobic pocket, atomic binding interactions differ, showing that considerable diversity in the nature of antiviral agents is possible.

Antiviral Agents↗

X-ray powder pattern analysis of cytoplasmic polyhedrosis virus inclusion bodies.

Cytoplasmic polyhedrosis virus is an insect reovirus which is occluded in crystalline inclusion bodies that form in the mid-gut of certain insects. Inclusion bodies of cytoplasmic polyhedrosis virus from Bombyx mori were isolated and purified. These crystalline bodies, about 1-3 microns in linear size, were compacted in a capillary tube while immersed in buffer. X-ray diffraction photographs showed powder rings, extending to 8.2 A resolution, which could be indexed with a cell measuring a = b = 49.9 +/- 0.4 A, c = 41.5 +/- 0.4 A, alpha = beta = gamma = 90 degrees. The polyhedrin protein, which is the major component of the inclusion body, has a molecular weight of about 30,000 daltons and, hence, there are probably two molecules in the unit cell. Thus, the unit cell is monoclinic or possibly triclinic. A Patterson derived from the measured powder pattern intensities, assuming monoclinic symmetry, could be interpreted in terms of a molecule with two larger globes. Such a structure is roughly consistent with the breakdown of the polyhedrin into two larger fragments of molecular weight 17,000 and 14,000 when raising the pH to near 10. Under these conditions the inclusion bodies disintegrate, releasing virus and catalyzing the proteolysis of the polyhedrin.

Electron Probe Microanalysis↗

Preliminary X-ray crystallographic investigation of human parvovirus B19.

Crystals that diffract X rays to at least 8 A resolution have been grown from human B19 parvovirus empty capsids. These particles consist of VP-2 derived from a baculovirus expression system. This is possibly the first time that a self-assembled empty viral capsid, grown in other than normal host cells, has been crystallized. Partial X-ray diffraction data have been collected using synchrotron radiation. The space group is P2(1)3 with a = 362 A. The particle position in the crystal cell is given, at least roughly, from packing considerations.

Animals↗

The locked rotation function.

It frequently occurs that a biological assembly in a crystallographic asymmetric unit has more than one noncrystallographic symmetry operator. For instance, a tetramer might have the point group 222 or a spherical virus will have the point group 532. A self-rotation function searches for the direction and angle of rotation of the individual noncrystallographic symmetry operations, while a cross-rotation function searches for the relationship of a structure in one unit cell with similar structures in another cell. The power of the rotation function can be greatly enhanced by searching for all noncrystallographic symmetry operators simultaneously. The procedure described previously [Rossmann, Ford, Watson & Banaszak (1972). J. Mol. Biol. 64, 237-249] has been generalized. The increased power of this 'locked' rotation function permits a good determination of the orientation of an icosahedral virus in the presence of less than 1% of the possible diffraction data to 7 A resolution. In addition, the peak-to-noise ratio is substantially improved.

Bacteriophage phi X 174↗

Preliminary investigation of the phage phi X174 crystal structure.

Crystals of the single-stranded DNA bacteriophage phi X174 have been grown. They have a monoclinic unit cell with space group P2(1), unit cell dimensions of a = 306.0 (+/- 0.2) A, b = 361.1 (+/- 0.2) A, c = 299.7 (+/- 0.2 degrees) A, beta = 92.91 degrees (+/- 0.02 degrees) and diffract to at least 2.7 A resolution. There are two virus particles per unit cell. Packing considerations show that the mean diameter of the virus particles is 280 A. The virus separates into two bands in a sucrose gradient. The ratio between the absorbance at 260 nm and 280 nm is 1.45 to 1.65 for the faster and 1.15 to 1.35 for the slower bands, but both bands contain intact particles. Crystals derived from these bands are isomorphous and there is no detectable difference in their structure amplitudes.

Bacteriophage phi X 174↗

Analysis of the structure of a common cold virus, human rhinovirus 14, refined at a resolution of 3.0 A.

Human rhinovirus 14 has a pseudo T = 3 icosahedral structure in which 60 copies of the three larger capsid proteins VP1, VP2 and VP3 are arranged in an icosahedral surface lattice, reminiscent of T = 3 viruses such as tomato bushy stunt virus and southern bean mosaic virus. The overall secondary and tertiary structures of VP1, VP2 and VP3 are very similar. The structure of human rhinovirus 14, which was refined at a resolution of 3.0 A [R = 0.16 for reflections with F greater than 3 sigma(F)], is here analyzed in detail. Quantitative analysis of the surface areas of contact (proportional to hydrophobic free energy of association) supports the previously assigned arrangement within the promoter, in which interactions between VP1 and VP3 predominate. Major contacts among VP1, VP2 and VP3 are between the beta-barrel moieties. VP4 is associated with the capsid interior by a distributed network of contacts with VP1, VP2 and VP3 within a promoter. As the virion assembly proceeds, the solvent-accessible surface area becomes increasingly hydrophilic in character. A mixed parallel and antiparallel seven-stranded sheet is composed of the beta C, beta H, beta E and beta F strands of VP3 in one pentamer and beta A1 and beta A2 of VP2 and the VP1 amino terminus in another pentamer. This association plays an essential role in holding pentamers together in the mature virion as this contact region includes more than half of the total short non-bonded contacts between pentamers. Contacts between protomers within pentamers are more extensive than the contacts between pentamers, accounting in part for the stability of pentamers. The previously identified immunogenic regions are correlated with high solvent accessibility, accessibility to large probes and also high thermal parameters. Surface residues in the canyon, the putative cellular receptor recognition site, have lower thermal parameters than other portions of the human rhinovirus 14 surface. Many of the water molecules in the ordered solvent model are located at subunit interfaces. A number of unusual crevices exist in the protein shell of human rhinovirus 14, including the hydrophobic pocket in VP1 which is the locus of binding for the WIN antiviral agents. These may be required for conformational flexibility during assembly and disassembly. The structures of the beta-barrels of human rhinovirus 14 VP1, VP2 and VP3 are compared with each other and with the southern bean mosaic virus coat protein.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Structural refinement and analysis of Mengo virus.

The structure of Mengo encephalomyelitis virus was refined at 3 A resolution with a final R-factor of 0.221 and a root-mean-square deviation from idealized bond lengths of 0.019 A for 10 A to 3 A data with F greater than or equal to 3 sigma(F). The Hendrickson-Konnert refinement was restrained by the phases derived from the molecular replacement averaging procedure and constrained by the icosahedral symmetry of the virus. The virus consists of 60 protomers each having three major subunits, VP1, VP2 and VP3, along with one smaller internal protein, VP4. The three major subunits form similar eight-stranded beta-barrel structures. Alterations in the original sequence were found at position 45 in VP1 (Arg to Ala) and at position 58 in VP3 (Met to Val). The residues in loops I and II of VP1 (82 to 102), the "FMDV loop" in VP1 (205 to 213), the flexible loop of VP3 in the putative receptor attachment site (175 to 185) as well as the terminal regions 260 to 268 in VP1, 253 to 256 in VP2 and 13 to 15 in VP4 were built or modified in regions of weak density. The variation in temperature factors at the end of the refinement is over a wide range (from 2 to 80 A2), with the disordered outer and inner regions showing high mobility. Four cis proline residues, 105 in VP1, 85 and 152 in VP2 and 59 in VP3, have been identified. The disulfide bridge Cys86 to Cys88 in VP3 has been characterized. One phosphate ion and 233 water positions were included in the refinement. It is suggested that this phosphate is associated with the receptor attachment site. There are two major hydrogen-bonding networks involving solvent atoms; one involving only the subunits of a protomer, and the other connecting the protomers in a pentamer. The distribution of atom types around the icosahedral symmetry axes shows that the 5-fold channel is more hydrophobic than that along the 3-fold axis and that there are more charged residues around the 2-fold axis. The analysis of contacts between the different subunits supports the assignment of the protomeric unit. The five protomers that form the pentameric unit are held together by interactions involving the smaller VP4 protein and the amino termini of VP1 and VP3. The pentamers are associated by means of the amino-terminal region of the VP2 subunits, the beta F strand of the VP3 subunits, the C terminus of the VP4 subunits and the electrostatic helical (alpha A) interactions of VP2 subunits across the icosahedral 2-fold axes. The superposition of the corresponding subunits of Mengo virus, human rhinovirus 14 and southern bean mosaic virus has provided an improved sequence alignment. The largest structural similarity is between the VP3 subunits of Mengo virus and rhinovirus, while the least similarity is between the VP1 subunits. The various specialized insertions in the different subunits can be associated with specific functional requirements.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

The molecular replacement method.

Molecular replacement can be used for obtaining approximate phasing of an unknown structure from a known related molecule and for phase improvement as well as extension in the presence of noncrystallographic symmetry. Emphasis is placed on the latter procedure. It is shown that the real-space method of iterative electron density averaging and Fourier back transformation corresponds to iterative phase substitution in the right-hand side of expressions to give a set of improved phases. Analysis of these expressions (the 'molecular replacement equations') provides insight into the limits of possible phase extension, and the implications for the use of calculated structure factors when there are no observed amplitudes. It is shown that the percentage of observed data and inaccuracy of the observed amplitudes available for phase extension are compensated by the extent of noncrystallographic redundancy and the fraction of crystal cell volume that may be flattened because it is outside the control of noncrystallographic symmetry.

Crystallography↗

Structure determination and refinement of Bacillus stearothermophilus lactate dehydrogenase.

Structures have been determined of Bacillus stearothermophilus "apo" and holo lactate dehydrogenase. The holo-enzyme had been co-crystallized with the activator fructose 1,6-bisphosphate. The "apo" lactate dehydrogenase structure was solved by use of the known apo-M4 dogfish lactate dehydrogenase molecule as a starting model. Phases were refined and extended from 4 A to 3 A resolution by means of the noncrystallographic molecular 222 symmetry. The R-factor was reduced to 28.7%, using 2.8 A resolution data, in a restrained least-squares refinement in which the molecular symmetry was imposed as a constraint. A low occupancy of coenzyme was found in each of the four subunits of the "apo"-enzyme. Further refinement proceeded with the isomorphous holo-enzyme from Bacillus stearothermophilus. After removing the noncrystallographic constraints, the R-factor dropped from 30.3% to a final value of 26.0% with a 0.019 A and 1.7 degrees r.m.s. deviation from idealized bond lengths and angles, respectively. Two sulfate ions per subunit were included in the final model of the "apo"-form--one at the substrate binding site and one close to the molecular P-axis near the location of the fructose 1,6-bisphosphate activator. The final model of the holo-enzyme incorporated two sulfate ions per subunit, one at the substrate binding site and another close to the R-axis. One nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide coenzyme molecule per subunit and two fructose 1,6-bisphosphate molecules per tetramer were also included. The phosphate positions of fructose 1,6-bisphosphate are close to the sulfate ion near the P-axis in the "apo" model. This structure represents the first reported refined model of an allosteric activated lactate dehydrogenase. The structure of the activated holo-enzyme showed far greater similarity to the ternary complex of dogfish M4 lactate dehydrogenase with nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide and oxamate than to apo-M4 dogfish lactate dehydrogenase. The conformations of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide and fructose 1,6-bisphosphate were also analyzed.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Modeling of the human intercellular adhesion molecule-1, the human rhinovirus major group receptor.

A model has been built of the amino-terminal domain of the intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1), the receptor for most human rhinovirus serotypes. The model was based on sequence and presumed structural homology to immunoglobulin constant domains. It fits well into the putative receptor attachment site, the canyon, on the human rhinovirus-14 (HRV14) surface in a manner consistent with most of the mutational data for ICAM-1 (Staunton, D. E., Dustin, M. L., Erickson, H. P., Springer, T. A. Cell, in press, 1989) and HRV14 (Colonno, R. J., Condra, J. H., Mizutani, S., Callahan, P. L., Davies, M. E., Murcko, M. A. Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U.S.A. 85: 5449-5453, 1988).

Amino Acid Sequence↗