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Nucleotide-induced conformational changes in P-glycoprotein and in nucleotide binding site mutants monitored by trypsin sensitivity.

Limited trypsin digestion was used to monitor nucleotide-induced conformational changes in wild-type P-glycoprotein (Pgp) as well as in nucleotide binding domain (NBD) Pgp mutants. Purified and reconstituted wild-type or mutant mouse Mdr3 Pgps were preincubated with different hydrolyzable or nonhydrolyzable nucleotides, followed by limited proteolytic cleavage at different trypsin:protein ratios. The Pgp tryptic digestion products were separated by SDS-PAGE followed by immunodetection with the mouse monoclonal anti-Pgp antibody C219, which recognizes a conserved epitope (VVQE/AALD) in each half of the protein. Different trypsin digestion patterns were observed for wild-type Pgp incubated with MgCl(2) alone, MgADP, MgAMP.PNP, MgATP, and MgATP + vanadate. A unique trypsin digestion profile suggestive of enhanced resistance to trypsin was observed under conditions of vanadate-induced trapping of nucleotides (MgATP + vanadate). The trypsin sensitivity profiles of Pgp mutants bearing either single or double mutations in Walker A (K429R, K1072R) and Walker B (D551N, D1196N) sequence signatures of NBD1 and NBD2 were analyzed under conditions of vanadate-induced trapping of nucleotides. The proteolytic cleavage pattern observed for the double mutants K429R/K1072R and D551N/D1196N, and for the single mutants K429R, K1072R, and D1196N were similar and clearly distinct from wild-type Pgp under the same conditions. This is consistent with the absence of ATP hydrolysis and of vanadate-induced trapping of 8-azido-ADP previously reported for these mutants [Urbatsch et al. (1998) Biochemistry 37, 4592-4602]. Interestingly, the trypsin digestion profiles observed under vanadate-induced trapping for the D551N and D1196N mutants were quite different, with the D551N mutant showing a profile resembling that seen for wild-type Pgp. The different sensitivity profiles of Pgp mutants bearing mutations at the homologous residue in NBD1 (D551N) and NBD2 (D1196N) suggest possible structural and functional differences between the two sites.

ATP Binding Cassette Transporter, Subfamily B, Mem↗

Pyrimidine nucleotide metabolism in rat hepatocytes: evidence for compartmentation of nucleotide pools.

Pyrimidine nucleotide metabolism in rat hepatocytes was studied by measurement of the labelling kinetics of the various intermediates after double labelling with [14C]orotic acid and [3H]cytidine, the precursors for the de novo and the salvage pathways respectively. For the uridine nucleotides, differences were found for the 14C/3H ratios in the UDP-sugars, in UMP (of RNA) and in their precursor UTP, suggesting the existence of separated flows of the radioactive precursors through the de novo and the salvage pathways. Higher ratios in the UDP-sugars, which are synthesized in the cytoplasm, and a lower ratio in UMP (of RNA) relative to the 14C/3H ratio in UTP indicated that UTP derived from orotic acid is preferentially used for the cytoplasmic biosynthesis of the UDP-sugars. Uridine, derived from cytidine, is preferentially used for the nuclear-localized synthesis of RNA. In contrast to these findings, the 14C/3H ratios in the cytidine derivatives CMP-NeuAc and CMP (of RNA), and in the liponucleotides CDP-choline and CDP-ethanolamine, were all lower than that in the precursor CTP. This indicates a preferential utilization of the salvage-derived CTP for the synthesis of the liponucleotides as well as for RNA and CMP-NeuAc. Similar conclusions could be drawn from experiments in which the intracellular amounts of several uridine- and cytidine-nucleotide-containing derivatives were increased by preincubating the hepatocytes with unlabelled pyrimidine nucleotides or ethanolamine. Based on these data, we propose a refined model for the intracellular compartmentation of pyrimidine nucleotide biosynthesis in which three pools of UTP are distinguished: a pool of de novo-derived molecules and a pool of salvage-derived molecules, both of which are channelled to the site of utilization; in addition an 'overflow' pool exists, consisting of molecules having escaped from channelling. An overflow pool could also be distinguished for CTP, but no discrimination between de novo and salvage-derived molecules could be made.

Animals↗

Difference between active and inactive nucleotide cofactors in the effect on the DNA binding and the helical structure of RecA filament dissociation of RecA--DNA complex by inactive nucleotides.

The RecA protein requires ATP or dATP for its coprotease and strand exchange activities. Other natural nucleotides, such as ADP, CTP, GTP, UTP and TTP, have little or no activation effect on RecA for these activities. We have investigated the activation mechanism, and the selectivity for ATP, by studying the effect of various nucleotides on the DNA binding and the helical structure of the RecA filament. The interaction with DNA was investigated via fluorescence measurements with a fluorescent DNA analog and fluorescein-labeled oligonucleotides, assisted by linear dichroism. Filament structure was investigated via small-angle neutron scattering. There is no simple correlation between filament elongation, DNA binding affinity of RecA, and DNA structure in the RecA complex. There may be multiple conformations of RecA. Both coprotease and strand exchange activities require formation of a rigid and well organized complex. The triphosphate nucleotides which do not activate RecA, destabilize the RecA-DNA complex, indicating that the chemical nature of the nucleotide nucleobase is very important for the stability of RecA-DNA complex. Higher stability of the RecA-DNA complex in the presence of adenosine 5'-O-3-thiotriphosphate or guanosine 5'-O-3-thiotriphosphate than ATP or GTP indicates that contact between the protein and the chemical group at the gamma position of the nucleotide also affects the stability of the RecA-DNA complex. This contact appears also important for the rigid organization of DNA because ADP strongly decreases the rigidity of the complex.

Circular Dichroism↗

Mechanisms of glycosylation and sulfation in the Golgi apparatus: evidence for nucleotide sugar/nucleoside monophosphate and nucleotide sulfate/nucleoside monophosphate antiports in the Golgi apparatus membrane.

The mechanism of translocation in vitro of sugar nucleotides and adenosine 3'-phosphate 5'-phosphosulfate (PAPS) into the lumen of rat liver Golgi apparatus vesicles has been studied. It has been previously shown that the Golgi apparatus membrane has specific carrier proteins for PAPS and sugar nucleotides. We now report that translocation of the above nucleotide derivatives across Golgi membranes occurs via a coupled equimolar exchange with the corresponding nucleoside monophosphates. An initial incubation of Golgi vesicles with GDP-fucose radiolabeled in the guanidine ring resulted in accumulation within the lumen of radiolabeled GMP. Exit of GMP from these vesicles was specifically dependent on the entry of (additional) GDP-fucose into the vesicles (GDP-mannose and other sugar nucleotides had no effect). GDP-fucose-stimulated exit of GMP was temperature dependent, was blocked by inhibitors of GDP-fucose transport, such as 4,4'-diisothiocyanostilbene-2,2'-disulfonic acid, and appeared to be equimolar with GDP-fucose entry. Preliminary evidence for specific, equimolar exchange of CMP-N-acetylneuraminic acid with CMP, PAPS with 3'-AMP, and UDP-galactose and UDP-N-acetylglucosamine with UMP was also obtained. These results strongly suggest the existence of different antiport proteins within the Golgi membrane that mediate the 1:1 exchange of sugar nucleotides or PAPS with the corresponding nucleoside monophosphate. Such proteins may have a regulatory role in glycosylation and sulfation reactions within the Golgi apparatus.

Adenine Nucleotides↗

The First Nucleotide Binding Domain of Cystic Fibrosis Transmembrane Conductance Regulator Is a Site of Stable Nucleotide Interaction, whereas the Second Is a Site of Rapid Turnover.

As in other adenine nucleotide binding cassette (ABC) proteins the nucleotide binding domains of the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) bind and hydrolyze ATP and in some manner regulate CFTR ion channel gating. Unlike some other ABC proteins, however, there are preliminary indications that the two domains of CFTR are nonequivalent in their nucleotide interactions (Szabo, K., Szakacs, G., Hegeds, T., and Sarkadi, B. (1999) J. Biol. Chem. 274, 12209-12212; Aleksandrov, L., Mengos, A., Chang, X., Aleksandrov, A., and Riordan, J. R. (2001) J. Biol. Chem. 276, 12918-12923). We have now characterized the interactions of the 8-azido-photoactive analogues of ATP, ADP, and 5'-adenyl-beta,gamma-imidodiphosphate (AMP-PNP) with the two domains of functional membrane-bound CFTR. The results show that the two domains appear to act independently in the binding and hydrolysis of 8-azido-ATP. At NBD1 binding does not require a divalent cation. This binding is followed by minimal Mg(2+)-dependent hydrolysis and retention of the hydrolysis product, 8-azido-ADP, but not as a vanadate stabilized post-hydrolysis transition state complex. In contrast, at NBD2, MgN(3)ATP is hydrolyzed as rapidly as it is bound and the nucleoside diphosphate hydrolysis product dissociates immediately. Confirming this characterization of NBD1 as a site of more stable nucleotide interaction and NBD2 as a site of fast turnover, the non-hydrolyzable N(3)AMP-PNP bound preferentially to NBD1. This demonstration of NBD2 as the rapid nucleotide turnover site is consistent with the strong effect on channel gating kinetics of inactivation of this domain by mutagenesis.

Adenosine Diphosphate↗

NMR study of nucleotide-induced changes in the nucleotide binding domain of Thermus thermophilus Hsp70 chaperone DnaK: implications for the allosteric mechanism.

We present an NMR investigation of the nucleotide-dependent conformational properties of a 44-kDa nucleotide binding domain (NBD) of an Hsp70 protein. Conformational changes driven by ATP binding and hydrolysis in the N-terminal NBD are believed to allosterically regulate substrate affinity in the C-terminal substrate binding domain. Several crystal structures of Hsc70 NBDs in different nucleotide states have, however, not shown significant structural differences. We have previously reported the NMR assignments of the backbone resonances of the NBD of the bacterial Hsp70 homologue Thermus thermophilus DnaK in the ADP-bound state. In this study we show, by assigning the NBD with the ATP/transition state analogue, ADP.AlFx, bound, that it closely mimics the ATP-bound state. Chemical shift difference mapping of the two nucleotide states identified differences in a cluster of residues at the interface between subdomains 1A and 1B. Further analysis of the spectra revealed that the ATP state exhibited a single conformation, whereas the ADP state was in slow conformational exchange between a form similar to the ATP state and another state unique to the ADP-bound form. A model is proposed of the allosteric mechanism based on the nucleotide state altering the balance of a dynamic equilibrium between the open and closed states. The observed chemical shift perturbations were concentrated in an area close to a previously described J-domain binding channel, confirming the importance of that region in the allosteric mechanism.

Adenosine Diphosphate↗

(3H)-adenosine nucleotide and (3H)-noradrenaline uptake by cold stored guinea-pig taenia caecum; mechanical effects and release of (3H)-adenosine nucleotide by noradrenaline, papaverine, and nitroglycerine.

1. Cold storage (2 degrees C) treatment progressively reduced noradrenaline uptake by the taenia caecum of the guinea-pig. After 15 days of cold treatment, [(3)H]-noradrenaline uptake by tissue was reduced to about 10% of control. On the other hand, prolonged cold storage failed to decrease [(3)H]-adenosine uptake by the taenia caecum.2. Cocaine (10 muM) inhibited noradrenaline uptake by about 82% but nucleoside uptake was inhibited by 20%. Cocaine treatment failed to decrease the residual noradrenaline uptake in the cold stored strips (more than 10 days). Phenoxybenzamine (1 muM) or oligomycin (1 mug/ml) treatment decreased the tissue adenosine uptake to about 34% and 28% of the respective controls.3. Based on thin layer chromatography, it was estimated that approximately 68% of [(3)H]-adenosine was converted into and retained as [(3)H]-ATP in the fresh tissues, a small fraction was accountable as [(3)H]-adenosine (18%) but virtually no [(3)H]-AMP, [(3)H]-cyclic AMP or [(3)H]-ADP was detected. Similar distribution of radioactivity of nucleotides was observed in tissues cold stored for 8 days.4. The inhibition of the mechanical activity of taenia by noradrenaline (10 muM), papaverine (100 muM) and nitroglycerine (100 muM) was accompanied by [(3)H]-adenine nucleotide but not [(3)H]-noradrenaline release. Treatment with phentolamine and propranolol (both 1 muM) had no effect on the adenine nucleotide release elicited by nicotine and electrical field stimulation, whereas such treatment reduced the inhibitory action of both stimuli.5. These results suggest that the nucleotide release after application of electrical and chemical stimulation may be from an extraneurogenic source. Thus, we conclude that ATP or a related nucleotide is not the chemical transmitter of the non-adrenergic inhibition in the taenia caecum of the guinea-pig.

Adenine Nucleotides↗

Conformationally restricted adenine nucleotide analogs in mitochondrial adenine nucleotide transport.

The conformationally restricted adenine nucleotide analogs 8,3'anhydro-8-oxy-9-(beta-D-xylofuranosyl)adenine-5'-O-tri(di)-phosphate (I), and 8,2'-anhydro-8-oxy-9-(beta-D-arabinofuranosyl) adenine-5'-O-tri(di)-phosphate (II), were prepared chemically as their alpha-32P-labelled compounds and compared with syn-structured 8-bromo AT(D)P in mitochondrial adenine nucleotide translocation. The experimental findings demonstrate that the heterocycle-ribose orientation affects the carrier mediated adenine nucleotide transport very strongly, i.e. a non fixed adenine heterocycle in the anti region is prerequisite for the bound nucleotide to induce the transfer action of the adenine nucleotide carrier.

Adenine Nucleotides↗

Dynamics of the nucleotide pocket of myosin measured by spin-labeled nucleotides.

We have used electron paramagnetic probes attached to the ribose of ATP (SL-ATP) to monitor conformational changes in the nucleotide pocket of myosin. Spectra for analogs bound to myosin in the absence of actin showed a high degree of immobilization, indicating a closed nucleotide pocket. In the Actin.Myosin.SL-AMPPNP, Actin.Myosin.SL-ADP.BeF(3), and Actin.Myosin.SL-ADP.AlF(4) complexes, which mimic weakly binding states near the beginning of the power stroke, the nucleotide pocket remained closed. The spectra of the strongly bound Actin.Myosin.SL-ADP complex consisted of two components, one similar to the closed pocket and one with increased probe mobility, indicating a more open pocket, The temperature dependence of the spectra showed that the two conformations of the nucleotide pocket were in equilibrium, with the open conformation more favorable at higher temperatures. These results, which show that opening of the pocket occurs only in the strongly bound states, appear reasonable, as this would tend to keep ADP bound until the end of the power stroke. This conclusion also suggests that force is initially generated by a myosin with a closed nucleotide pocket.

Actins↗

Nucleotide binding sites on mitochondrial F1-ATPase. Electron spin resonance spectroscopy and photolabeling by azido-spin-labeled adenine nucleotides support an adenylate kinase-like orientation.

A spin-labeled photoaffinity ATP analog, 2-N3-2',3'-SL-ATP (2-N3-SL-ATP) was specifically loaded at catalytic (exchangeable) or noncatalytic (nonexchangeable) nucleotide-binding sites on nucleotide-depleted mitochondrial F1-ATPase. Photolysis of the enzyme complexes resulted in the specific modification of beta-Tyr-345 when the catalytic sites were occupied and beta-Tyr-368 when noncatalytic sites were filled. These are the same amino acid assignments that were made previously using 2-N3ATP. The results demonstrate that the attachment of a spin label moiety to the ribose ring does not prevent proper binding of the analog at both types of nucleotide sites on F1-ATPase and suggest that the probe can be used for investigations of the nucleotide-binding sites using ESR spectroscopy. Enzyme that is in complex with the 2-N3-SL-ATP exhibits an ESR spectrum that is typical for highly immobilized nitroxyl radicals both in the dark or after photolysis. Additional peaks in the high- and low-field regions arise due to dipolar spin interactions most likely involving a pair of catalytic and noncatalytic sites. The two sites are calculated to be approximately 15 A apart. This distance, obtained through ESR spectroscopy, combined with the finding that the 2 labeled amino acids are only 23 residues apart from each other, further supports an adenylate kinase-like arrangement of nucleotide binding sites on F1-ATPase where catalytic and noncatalytic sites are in close proximity (Vogel, P. D., and Cross, R. L. (1991) J. Biol. Chem. 266, 6101-6105).

Adenine Nucleotides↗

Recombinant synthesis, purification, and nucleotide binding characteristics of the first nucleotide binding domain of the cystic fibrosis gene product.

The majority of mutations which lead to clinical cystic fibrosis are located within the two predicted nucleotide binding domains of the cystic fibrosis gene product. We have used a prokaryotic expression system to synthesize and purify the first nucleotide binding domain (NBD-1, amino acids 426-588) with and without the most common mutation associated with the disease (the deletion of phenylalanine at position 508, delta F508). Both wild type and delta F508 NBD-1 bind ATP-agarose in a quantitatively comparable manner; this binding was inhibited by excess Na2ATP, trinitrophenol-ATP, or 8-azido-ATP. Irreversible NBD-1 labeling by an ATP analog was demonstrated using [32P]8-azido-ATP. This covalent labeling was inhibited by preincubation with Na2ATP, with half-maximal inhibition for Na2ATP occurring at approximately 5 mM for both the wild type and delta F508 nucleotide binding domain. These experiments are among the first to confirm the expectation that the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator NBD-1 binds nucleotide. Since, under the conditions used in our study, NBD-1 without phenylalanine 508 displays very similar nucleotide binding characteristics to the wild type protein, our results support previous structural models which predict that the delta F508 mutation should not cause an alteration in ATP binding.

Adenosine Triphosphate↗

Mechanism of the nucleotide exchange reaction in eukaryotic polypeptide chain initiation. Characterization of the guanine nucleotide exchange factor as a GTP-binding protein.

Polypeptide chain initiation in mammalian systems is regulated at the level of the guanine nucleotide exchange factor (GEF). This multisubunit protein catalyzes the exchange of GDP bound to eukaryotic initiation factor 2 (eIF-2) for GTP. Although various models have been proposed for its mode of action, the exact sequence of events involved in nucleotide exchange is still uncertain. We have studied this reaction by three different experimental techniques: (a) membrane filtration assays to measure the release of [3H]GDP from the eIF-2.[3H]GDP binary complex, (b) changes in the steady-state polarization of fluorescamine-GDP during the nucleotide exchange reaction, and (c) sucrose gradient analysis of the total reaction. The results obtained do not support the reaction as written: eIF-2.GDP + GEF in equilibrium eIF-2.GEF + GDP. The addition of GEF alone does not result in the displacement of eIF-2-bound GDP. The release of bound GDP is dependent on the presence of both GTP and GEF, and this argues against the possibility of a substituted enzyme (ping-pong) mechanism for the guanine nucleotide exchange reaction. An important finding of the present study is the observation that GTP binds to GEF. The Kd value of 4 microM for GTP was estimated (a) by the extent of quenching of tryptophan fluorescence of GEF in the presence of GTP and (b) by the binding of [3H]GTP to GEF as measured on nitrocellulose membranes. The GEF-dependent release of eIF-2-bound GDP was studied at several constant concentrations of one substrate (GTP or eIF-2.GDP) while varying the second substrate concentration, and the results were then plotted according to the Lineweaver-Burk method. Taken together, the results of GTP and eIF-2.GDP binding to GEF and the pattern of the double-reciprocal plots strongly suggest that the guanine nucleotide exchange reaction follows a sequential mechanism.

Animals↗

Beta gamma subunits of guanine nucleotide-binding proteins and regulation of spontaneous receptor activity: thermodynamic model for the interaction between receptors and guanine nucleotide-binding protein subunits.

We used a thermodynamic model to examine the interactions between receptor, guanine nucleotide-binding protein (G protein), and their ligands. The model describes the interactions as multiple equilibria occurring between three distinct protein species (receptor, G alpha subunit, and G beta gamma complex) and two small ligands, i.e., agonist (which interacts with receptor) and guanine nucleotide (which binds to G alpha). The equilibrium distribution of free and complexed species is determined by the total concentration of the components, the affinities that govern the biomolecular reactions, and the allosteric interactions that ligands exert on each other when they are simultaneously bound to the same species. These allosteric factors are given in terms of free energy coupling. The model explains a number of experimental observations, as follows. (i) Both GTP and GDP can reduce agonist affinity, whereas the agonist enhances the net binding of GTP and diminishes that of GDP. (ii) G beta gamma is more effective in reducing agonist-independent than agonist-dependent receptor activity. (iii) Removal of guanine nucleotides increases the ratio between agonist-independent and -dependent activation of G protein. The model leads to a number of interesting predictions. (i) Not only G alpha but also G beta gamma has effects on hormone binding. (ii) As long as the distribution of protein species is [G beta gamma] > [G alpha] > [receptor] (as often observed in the cell membrane), small changes in the concentration of G beta gamma do not alter the overall response induced by agonist. (iii) Agonist activity examined at low concentrations of guanine nucleotide is inevitably different from that observed at high concentrations, typical of intact systems. (iv) Differences in potencies and maximal effects for various guanine nucleotide analogues may reflect differences in their coupling constants that are experimentally measurable. The present model suggests several experimentally testable hypotheses that could be important in elucidating the activation mechanism and regulatory flexibility of G protein-dependent transduction systems.

Allosteric Regulation↗

Structural determinants of RhoA binding and nucleotide exchange in leukemia-associated Rho guanine-nucleotide exchange factor.

Rho guanine-nucleotide exchange factors (RhoGEFs) activate Rho GTPases, and thereby regulate cytoskeletal structure, gene transcription, and cell migration. Leukemia-associated RhoGEF (LARG) belongs to a small subfamily of RhoGEFs that are RhoA-selective and directly activated by the Galpha12/13 family of heterotrimeric G proteins. Herein we describe the atomic structures of the catalytic Dbl homology (DH) and pleckstrin homology (PH) domains of LARG alone and in complex with RhoA. These structures demonstrate that the DH/PH domains of LARG can undergo a dramatic conformational change upon binding RhoA, wherein both the DH and PH domains directly engage RhoA. Through mutational analysis we show that full nucleotide exchange activity requires a novel N-terminal extension on the DH domain that is predicted to exist in a broader family of RhoGEFs that includes p115-RhoGEF, Lbc, Lfc, Net1, and Xpln, and identify regions within the LARG PH domain that contribute to its ability to facilitate nucleotide exchange in vitro. In crystals of the DH/PH-RhoA complex, the active site of RhoA adopts two distinct GDP-excluding conformations among the four unique complexes in the asymmetric unit. Similar changes were previously observed in structures of nucleotide-free Ras and Ef-Tu. A potential protein-docking site on the LARG PH domain is also evident and appears to be conserved throughout the Lbc subfamily of RhoGEFs.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Cyclic nucleotides and platelet aggregation. Effect of aggregating agents on the activity of cyclic nucleotide-metabolizing enzymes.

The activities of adenylate and guanylate cyclase and cyclic nucleotide 3':5'-phosphodiesterase were determined during the aggregation of human blood platelets with thrombin, ADP, arachidonic acid and epinephrine. The activity of guanylate cyclase is altered to a much larger degree than adenylate cyclase, while cyclic nucleotide phosphodiesterease activity remains unchanged. During the early phases of thrombin-and ADP-induced platelet aggregation a marked activation of the guanylate cyclase occurs whereas aggregation induced by arachidonic acid or epinephrine results in a rapid diminution of this activity. In all four cases, the adenylate cyclase activity is only slightly decreased when examined under identical conditions. Platelet aggregation induced by a wide variety of aggregating agents including collagen and platelet isoantibodies results in the "release" of only small amounts (1-3%) of guanylate cyclase and cyclic nucleotide phosphodiesterase and no adenylate cyclase. The guanylate cyclase and cyclic nucleotide phosphodiesterase activities are associated almost entirely with the soluble cytoplasmic fraction of the platelet, while the adenylate cyclase if found exclusively in a membrane bound form. ADP and epinephrine moderately inhibit guanylate and adenylate cyclase in subcellular preparations, while arachidonic and other unsaturated fatty acids moderately stimulate (2-4-fold) the former. It is concluded that (1) the activity of platelet guanylate cyclase during aggregation depends on the nature and mode of action of the inducing agent, (2) the activity of the membrnae adenylate cyclase during aggregation is independent of the aggregating agent and is associated with a reduction of activity and (3) cyclic nucleotide phosphodiesterase remains unchanged during the process of platelet aggregation and release. Furthermore, these observations suggest a role for unsaturated fatty acids in the control of intracellular cyclic GMP levels.

3',5'-Cyclic-AMP Phosphodiesterases↗

Role of magnesium in nucleotide exchange on the small G protein rac investigated using novel fluorescent Guanine nucleotide analogues.

Novel guanine nucleotide analogues have been used to investigate the role of Mg(2+) in nucleotide release and binding with the small G protein rac. The fluorescent analogues have 7-(ethylamino)-8-bromocoumarin-3-carboxylic acid attached to the 3'-position of the ribose via an ethylenediamine linker. This modification has only small effects on the interaction with rac. There are large fluorescence changes on binding of the triphosphate to rac, on hydrolysis, and then on release of the diphosphate. Furthermore, the fluorescence is sensitive to the presence of Mg(2+) in the active site. Using this signal, it was shown that, for a variety of conditions, the nucleotides dissociate by a two-step mechanism. Mg(2+) is released first followed by the nucleotide. With the diphosphate, Mg(2+) is fast and nucleotide release slow. For the fluorescent GMPPNP analogue, the rate of dissociation is limited by Mg(2+) release. In the latter case, Mg(2+) binds tightly with a K(d) of 61 nM, whereas for the diphosphate the K(d) is 11 microM (30 degrees C, pH 7.6).

Fluorescence↗

A Nucleotide-dependent molecular switch controls ATP binding at the C-terminal domain of Hsp90. N-terminal nucleotide binding unmasks a C-terminal binding pocket.

In vivo function of the molecular chaperone Hsp90 is ATP-dependent and requires the full-length protein. Our earlier studies predicted a second C-terminal ATP-binding site in Hsp90. By applying direct biochemical approaches, we mapped two ATP-binding sites and unveiled the C-terminal ATP-binding site as the first example of a cryptic chaperone nucleotide-binding site, which is opened by occupancy of the N-terminal site. We identified an N-terminal gamma-phosphate-binding motif in the middle domain of Hsp90 similar to other GHKL family members. This motif is adjacent to the phosphate-binding region of the C-terminal ATP-binding site. Whereas novobiocin disrupts both C- and N-terminal nucleotide binding, we found a selective C-terminal nucleotide competitor, cisplatin, that strengthens the Hsp90-Hsp70 complex leaving the Hsp90-p23 complex intact. Cisplatin may provide a pharmacological tool to dissect C- and N-terminal nucleotide binding of Hsp90. A model is proposed on the interactions of the two nucleotide-binding domains and the charged region of Hsp90.

Adenosine Triphosphate↗

A new method for estimating synonymous and nonsynonymous rates of nucleotide substitution considering the relative likelihood of nucleotide and codon changes.

A new method is proposed for estimating the number of synonymous and nonsynonymous nucleotide substitutions between homologous genes. In this method, a nucleotide site is classified as nondegenerate, twofold degenerate, or fourfold degenerate, depending on how often nucleotide substitutions will result in amino acid replacement; nucleotide changes are classified as either transitional or transversional, and changes between codons are assumed to occur with different probabilities, which are determined by their relative frequencies among more than 3,000 changes in mammalian genes. The method is applied to a large number of mammalian genes. The rate of nonsynonymous substitution is extremely variable among genes; it ranges from 0.004 X 10(-9) (histone H4) to 2.80 X 10(-9) (interferon gamma), with a mean of 0.88 X 10(-9) substitutions per nonsynonymous site per year. The rate of synonymous substitution is also variable among genes; the highest rate is three to four times higher than the lowest one, with a mean of 4.7 X 10(-9) substitutions per synonymous site per year. The rate of nucleotide substitution is lowest at nondegenerate sites (the average being 0.94 X 10(-9), intermediate at twofold degenerate sites (2.26 X 10(-9)). and highest at fourfold degenerate sites (4.2 X 10(-9)). The implication of our results for the mechanisms of DNA evolution and that of the relative likelihood of codon interchanges in parsimonious phylogenetic reconstruction are discussed.

Amino Acid Sequence↗