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Secondary structure of the human T-cell leukemia virus type 1 rex-responsive element is essential for rex regulation of RNA processing and transport of unspliced RNAs.

Rex protein of human T-cell leukemia virus type 1 (HTLV-1) induces cytoplasmic expression of unspliced gag/pol mRNA and singly spliced env mRNA and thus is essential for replication of the virus. This regulation requires a cis-acting rex-responsive element (RXE), located in the 3' region of the viral RNA. By external deletion, we have identified RXE composed of 205 nucleotides. The secondary structure of RXE was confirmed by studies on its susceptibility to nuclease digestions to consist of four stem-loops and a long stretch of stem structure. Substitution and deletion mutations revealed that two regions of the stem-loops and their secondary structures are essential for rex regulation. Similar secondary structures were found in the corresponding regions of HTLV-2, bovine leukemia virus and human immunodeficiency virus. Furthermore, a sequence of 11 nucleotides in the RXE was found to be conserved in the secondary structures of HTLV-1, HTLV-2, and bovine leukemia virus. These observations suggest that the secondary structure as well as the conserved sequence may be important in expression of unspliced RNA even with diverged sequences as observed in these viruses.

Base Sequence↗

FTIR studies of recombinant human granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor in aqueous solutions: secondary structure, disulfide reduction and thermal behavior.

Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) has been used to investigate the secondary structure, disulfide reduction and thermal behavior of recombinant human granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (rhGM-CSF) in aqueous solutions. The contributions of amino-acid side-chain groups to the amide I bands of rhGM-CSF in H2O and in D2O solutions were carefully scrutinized, as 40% of the total 127 amino-acid residues of rhGM-CSF is side-chain absorptive (asparagine, glutamine, etc.). The FTIR results indicated that rhGM-CSF is composed of 46% alpha-helix, 7% beta-sheet, 23% turn and 24% loop/irregular structures which are in good agreement with the X-ray diffractional data. Reduction of rhGM-CSF with dithiothreitol caused apparent unfolding of the native conformation followed by the time-dependent increase of beta-aggregation bands which arose at 1622 and 1693 cm(-1) in H2O, 1613 and 1684 cm(-1) in D2O solutions. The result also showed that tertiary structure can change independently of the secondary structure. Thermal denaturation of rhGM-CSF took place at 55 to 70 degrees C and the denatured protein adopted an irregular structure as revealed by the FTIR spectra. The thermal denaturation did not show the formation of intermolecular beta-aggregates which is typical of most thermal denatured proteins. Moreover, it is partly reversible, indicating a special thermal stability of rhGM-CSF.

Deuterium Oxide↗

Intrinsically stable secondary structure elements of proteins: a comprehensive study of folding units of proteins by computation and by analysis of data determined by X-ray crystallography.

Different protein architectures show strong similarities regardless of their amino acid composition: the backbone folds of the different secondary structural elements exhibit nearly identical geometries. To investigate the principles of folding and stability properties, oligopeptide models (that is, HCO-(NH-L-CHR-CO)(n)-NH(2)) have been studied. Previously, ab initio structure determinations have provided a small amount of information on the conformational building units of di- and tripeptides. A maximum of nine differently folded backbone types is available for any natural alpha-amino acid residue, with the exception of proline. All of these conformers have different relative energies. The present study compiles an ab inito database of optimized HCO-(L-Xxx)(n)-NH(2) structures, where 1<or=n<or=8 and Xxx=Ala or Gly. All homoconformers (alpha helix, beta sheet, collagen helix, etc.) of the different backbone folds were optimized, along with additional beta-turn-type heteroconformers. The comprehensive analysis of more than 150 fully optimized polyalanine and polyglycine structures reveals the same energy-preference profile of major secondary structures as is found in globular proteins. The analysis of relative energies at three different levels of theory (RHF/3-21G, RHF/6-311++G(d,p)//RHF/3-21G, and RHF/6-311++G(d,p)) for the above-mentioned achiral (Xxx=Gly) and chiral (Xxx=Ala) molecular structures shows how these common secondary structure elements gradually become more and more stable folds in the oligopeptides as the length of the peptide chain increases. This indicates that stability (local energy preference) of conformational building units seems to be a major driving force in peptide and protein folding. Furthermore, the preferred conformers of the gas phase are rather similar to those observed in proteins crystallized from aqueous media. Indeed, the relative energies for the different computed conformers show remarkable agreement with the frequency of occurrence of the same structural motifs retrieved from a nonhomologous X-ray crystallography database.

Computers, Molecular↗

The secondary structure of the 7SL RNA in the signal recognition particle: functional implications.

The secondary structure of the 7SL RNA in the signal recognition particle was determined by applying both a theoretical and an experimental approach. The compensatory base change approach was taken comparing the published sequences of human, Drosophila and Xenopus 7SL RNA's. The deduced secondary structure was confirmed by post-labeling of an RNase V1-nicked dog SRP with P32-pCp and RNA-ligase and analysis of the labeled RNA-fragments by non-denaturing/denaturing 2D polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. Two interesting features in the secondary structure were revealed: Firstly, bases at positions 122 to 127 of the human 7SL RNA are not only able to pair with bases at positions 167 to 170, but also with a single-stranded region of the bases at positions 223 to 228, suggesting an alternative base pairing scheme for the 7SL RNA in all three organisms. In agreement with this finding, four different conformations were identified after transcription of the 7SL RNA from the genomic human clone. The involvement of the particular basepairing interaction postulated was confirmed by the analysis of a 7SL RNA deletion mutant (Sma1-409). Secondly, a significant sequence homology of the paired bases at positions 236 to 255 and 104 to 109 in 7SL RNA with bases in 5S ribosomal RNA at the positions 84 to 110 was noticed, suggesting that 5S ribosomal and 7SL RNA interact with the same target during protein biosynthesis. These findings are summarized by proposing a mechanism for the translational arrest of protein synthesis by the signal recognition particle using specific sequences and an alternative configuration in the 7SL RNA.

Animals↗

The structure of the lentil (Lens culinaris) lectin. Amino acid sequence determination and prediction of the secondary structure.

The subunit structure and complete amino acid sequence of the lectin extracted from Lens culinaris (LcL) seeds was determined. In previous studies, the primary structure of the alpha-chain (Mr = 5,710) was shown to be homologous to the alpha-chain of the lectin from Pisum sativum, the Vicia cracca glucose-specific lectin, and a region in the middle of the concanavalin A sequence (residues 70-121). The complete amino acid sequence of the beta-chain (Mr = 17,572) has been determined from 11 tryptic peptides, 4 peptides derived by chemical cleavage of the beta-chain at its three tryptophan residues, 11 peptides obtained after digestion with Staphylococcus aureus protease, and 5 tryptic peptides from the succinylated polypeptide chain. The extensive homologies by alignment of the alpha- and beta-chains of the L. culinaris lectin with portions of concanavalin A situated between 1 to 45 and 70 to 237, suggest that the L. culinaris and Canavalia ensiformis lectins have evolved from each other. A comparison was made between the secondary structure of the C. ensiformis lectin and the probable secondary structure of the L. culinaris lectin as predicted by two different methods. The results indicate that the folding of these two polypeptides has been particularly well conserved during evolution. It is suggested that the L. culinaris lectin is synthesized as a single polypeptide chain and cleaved subsequently into two or possibly three fragments, two of which would be alpha and beta and the third a fragment homologous to portion 46 to 69 in concanavalin A. As in favin, the amino acids postulated to be involved in the formation of the hydrophobic cavity and the sugar and metal binding sites are highly conserved in L. culinaris lectin.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Visualization of RNA secondary structures using highly parallel computers.

Results of RNA secondary structure prediction algorithm are usually given as a set of hydrogen bonds between bases. However, we cannot know the precise structure of an RNA molecule by only knowing which bases form hydrogen bonds. One way to understand the structure of an RNA molecule is to visualize it using a planar graph so that we can easily know the geometric relations among the substructures such as stacking regions and loops. To do this, we consider bases to be particles on a plane and introduce a repulsive force and an attractive force among these particles and determine their positions according to these forces. A naive algorithm requires O(N2) time but we can reduce it to O(NlogN) with an approximation algorithm which is often used in the area of N-body simulation. Our program is written in parallel object-oriented language 'Schematic' which is recently developed. Efficiency of our implementation on a parallel computer and results of visualization of secondary structures are presented using cadang-cadang coconut viroid as an example.

Algorithms↗

Fold recognition using sequence and secondary structure information.

We applied a succession of sequence search and structure prediction methods to the targets in the fold recognition part of the CASP3 experiment. For each target, we expanded an initial sequence space, obtained through PSI-BLAST, by searching for statistically significant relationships to low-scoring sequences and then by searching for conserved sequence patterns. We then divided the proteins in the sequence space into families and built an alignment hierarchically, using the multiple alignment program MACAW. If no significant similarity to a protein of known structure was apparent at this point, we submitted the alignment to the Jpred server for consensus secondary structure prediction and searched the structure space using the secondary structure mapping program MAP. Failing this, we compared the structural properties that we believed we recognized in the aligned proteins to the folds in the SCOP database, using visual inspection. If all these methods failed to uncover a plausible match, we predicted that the target would adopt a novel fold. This procedure yielded correct answers for seven of twenty-one targets and a partly correct answer for one. A retrospective analysis shows that automating the sequence search procedures would have represented a significant improvement, with at least three additional correct predictions.

Algorithms↗

Topology prediction of Brucella abortus Omp2b and Omp2a porins after critical assessment of transmembrane beta strands prediction by several secondary structure prediction methods.

In order to propose a reliable model for Brucella porin topology, several structure prediction methods were evaluated in their ability to predict porin topology. Four porins of known structure were selected as test-cases and their secondary structure delineated. The specificity and sensitivity of 11 methods were separately evaluated. Our critical assessment shows that some secondary structure prediction methods (PHD, Dsc, Sopma) originally designed to predict globular protein structure are useful on porin topology prediction. The overall best prediction is obtained by combining these three "generalist" methods with a transmembrane beta strand prediction technique. This "consensus" method was applied to Brucella porins Omp2b and Omp2a, sharing no sequence homology with any other porin. The predicted topology is a 16-stranded antiparallel beta barrel with Omp2a showing a higher number of negatively charged residue in the exposed loops than Omp2b. Experiments are in progress to validate the proposed topology and the functional hypotheses. The ability of the proposed consensus method to predict topology of complex outer membrane protein is briefly discussed.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Correlation among secondary structure, amyloid precursor protein accumulation, and neurotoxicity of amyloid beta(25-35) peptide as analyzed by single alanine substitution.

Structure-neurotoxicity relationships of amyloid beta (25-35) peptide were studied by replacing each amino acid with Ala. In contrast to the general tendency in hydrophobicity-toxicity relationships, replacement of Asn27 yielded a more hydrophobic but less toxic analog and that of Met35 gave a less hydrophobic but more toxic one. Sedimentation profiles and CD spectra indicated that peptide aggregation via intermolecular beta-sheet formation is essential for the neurotoxicity of amyloid beta (25-35) peptide. The correlation between neurotoxicity and amyloid precursor protein accumulation suggested that the latter is one of the pathways of the neuronal death caused by amyloid beta protein.

Alanine↗

Human placental 17 beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase: secondary structure and circular dichroism demonstration of conformational changes upon NADP binding.

The secondary structure of human placental 17 beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase in the absence and presence of NADP has been studied by circular dichroism spectroscopy. The conformational analysis of the NADP-containing enzyme shows that is an alpha/beta protein with 60% of regular secondary structure (38% of alpha helix, 22% of beta-strand structures), 20% of beta-turn and 20% of non-repetitive structure. These results were in good agreement with the information obtained using statistical and homology methods based on amino-acid sequence. On the other hand, 25% alpha-helix, 55% beta-strand, and 20% non-repetitive structure were estimated by circular dichroism for the cofactor-free enzyme. Addition of varying concentrations of NADP to the cofactor free enzyme is accompanied by circular dichroism spectral changes. From the variation in the magnitude of the positive band at 193 nm with increasing NADP concentration, a dissociation constant of 34 nM was obtained.

17-Hydroxysteroid Dehydrogenases↗

SHBG region of the anticoagulant cofactor protein S: secondary structure prediction, circular dichroism spectroscopy, and analysis of naturally occurring mutations.

Protein S (PS) and growth arrest specific factor 6 (GAS6) are vitamin K-dependent proteins with similar structures. They are mosaic proteins possessing a carboxyl-terminal region presenting sequence similarity with plasma sex hormone binding globulin (plasma SHBG), although apparently not involved in steroid binding. The SHBG-like modules have sequence similarity with the G repeats of the chain A of laminin. Laminin G repeats have been reported to contain mainly beta-strands (about 40-50%) but no or little alpha structure by circular dichroism (CD) spectroscopy. Secondary structure predictions carried out in the present work unexpectedly showed a 20 to 27% helices content in the SHBG region of PS/GAS6 (about 100 residues), while plasma SHBG and laminin G repeats had around 10% helices. CD measurements for human PS indicated also that its SHBG region had about 100 residues in alpha-helical structure. These data suggest that the SHBG region of PS/GAS6 on the one hand, and the laminin G repeats and possibly plasma SHBG on the other hand, could present important structural differences. Previously reported polymorphisms and point mutations leading to PS deficiency and thrombophilia have been analyzed with our structural predictions. We found a good agreement between these structural predictions, CD measurements, experimental and clinical data. This information allows us to gain insights into the three-dimensional structure of PS that will be helpful for the design of new experiments and future clinical investigations.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Sequential 1H NMR assignments and secondary structure of aponeocarzinostatin in solution.

Sequential assignments and secondary structural analysis have been accomplished for the 113-residue apoprotein of the antitumor drug neocarzinostatin (NCS) from Streptomyces carzinostaticus. A total of 98% of the main-chain and 77% of the side-chain resonances have been sequence specifically assigned by use of information from coherence transfer experiments and by sequential and interstrand NOEs. Because of the complexity of the NCS spectrum, several sequential assignment strategies were employed to complete the analysis. Apo-NCS consists of three antiparallel beta-sheeted domains by NMR analysis. There is an extensive four-strand antiparallel beta-sheet, and two two-stranded domains. One of the two-strand domains is contiguous, S72-N87, with chain reversal occurring through the region L77-R82. The other two-stranded domain has the section G16-A24 antiparallel with respect to the region S62-R70. This secondary structure is consistent with the crystal structure of holo-NCS at 2.8-A resolution.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Rhodopsin's secondary structure revisited: assignment of structural elements.

FT-IR spectroscopy has been applied to study the secondary structure of rhodopsin in dehydrated films of bovine rod photoreceptor membranes. Curve fitting analysis of the amide I band around 1658 cm-1 compares well with data obtained from samples in the hydrated state. Repeating this analysis on samples, treated with proteinase K or thermolysin, secondary structural elements at the cytoplasmic side of the photoreceptor membrane can be located. We present evidence for the location of a beta-sheet and a beta-turn near the lipid anchor in the C-terminal region of the protein, and for an alpha-helical structure in the third cytoplasmic loop.

Endopeptidase K↗

1H, 13C and 15N NMR assignments and solution secondary structure of rat Apo-S100 beta.

The 1H, 13C and 15N NMR assignments of the backbone and side-chain resonances of rat S100 beta were made at pH 6.5 and 37 degrees C using heteronuclear multidimensional NMR spectroscopy. Analysis of the NOE correlations, together with amide exchange rate and 1H alpha, 13C alpha and 13C beta chemical shift data, provided extensive secondary structural information. Thus, the secondary structure of S100 beta was determined to comprise four helices (Leu3-Ser18, helix I; Lys29-Leu40, helix II; Gln50-Glu62, helix III; and Phe70-Ala83, helix IV), four loops (Gly19-His25, loop I; Ser41-Glu49, loop II; Asp63-Gly66, loop III; and Cys84-Glu91, loop IV) and two beta-strands (Lys26-Lys28, beta-strand I and Glu67-Asp69, beta-strand II). The beta-strands were found to align in an antiparallel manner to form a very small beta-sheet. This secondary structure is consistent with predictions that S100 beta contains two 'helix-loop-helix' Ca(2+)-binding motifs known as EF-hands. The alignment of the beta-sheet, which brings the two EF-hand domains of S100 beta into close proximity, is similar to that of several other Ca(2+)-ion-binding proteins.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Proposed secondary structure of eukaryote specific expansion segment 15 in 28S rRNA from mice, rats, and rabbits.

The expansion segments in eukaryotic ribosomal RNAs are additional RNA sequences not found in the RNA core common to both prokaryotes and eukaryotes. These regions show large species-dependent variations in sequence and size. This makes it difficult to create secondary structure models for the expansion segments exclusively based on phylogenetic sequence comparison. Here we have used a combination of experimental data and computational methods to generate secondary structure models for expansion segment 15 in 28S rRNA in mice, rats, and rabbits. The experimental data were collected using the structure sensitive reagents DMS, CMCT, kethoxal, micrococcal nuclease, RNase T(1), RNase CL3, RNase V(1), and lead(II) acetate. ES15 was folded with the computer program RNAStructure 3.5 using modification data and phylogenetic similarities between different ES15 sequences. This program uses energy minimization to find the most stable secondary structure of an RNA sequence. The presented secondary structure models include several common structural motifs, but they also have characteristics unique to each organism. Overall, the secondary structure models showed indications of an energetically stable but dynamic structure, easily accessible from the solution by the modification reagents, suggesting that the expansion segment is located on the ribosomal surface.

Aldehydes↗

A secondary structural model of the 28S rRNA expansion segments D2 and D3 from rootworms and related leaf beetles (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae; Galerucinae).

We analysed the secondary structure of two expansion segments (D2, D3) of the 28S rRNA gene from 229 leaf beetles (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae), the majority of which are in the subfamily Galerucinae. The sequences were compared in a multiple sequence alignment, with secondary structure inferred primarily from the compensatory base changes in the conserved helices of the rRNA molecules. This comparative approach yielded thirty helices comprised of base pairs with positional covariation. Based on these leaf beetle sequences, we report an annotated secondary structural model for the D2 and D3 expansion segments that will prove useful in assigning positional nucleotide homology for phylogeny reconstruction in these and closely related beetle taxa. This predicted structure, consisting of seven major compound helices, is mostly consistent with previously proposed models for the D2 and D3 expansion segments in insects. Despite a lack of conservation in the primary structure of these regions of insect 28S rRNA, the evolution of the secondary structure of these seven major motifs may be informative above the nucleotide level for higher-order phylogeny reconstruction of major insect lineages.

Animals↗

Amphiphilic secondary structure: design of peptide hormones.

Peptide synthesis can be used for elucidating the roles of secondary structures in the specificity of hormones, antigens, and toxins. Intermediate sized peptides with these activities assume amphiphilic secondary structures in the presence of membranes. When models are designed to optimize the amphiphilicity of the secondary structure, stronger interactions can be observed with the synthetic peptides than with the naturally occurring analogs.

Amino Acid Sequence↗