Secondary literature sources for the EH domain

For each of the hand selected primary papers associated with the EH domain, 100 neighbouring papers are retrieved from PubMed. If one of these neighbouring papers is referenced by more than two primary papers, it is shown in the table below.

A protein-binding domain, EH, identified in the receptor tyrosine kinase substrate Eps15 and conserved in evolution.

Wong WT, Schumacher C, Salcini AE, Romano A, Castagnino P, Pelicci PG, Di Fiore P
Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 1995; 92: 9530-4

In this report we structurally and functionally define a binding domain that is involved in protein association and that we have designated EH (for Eps15 homology domain). This domain was identified in the tyrosine kinase substrate Eps15 on the basis of regional conservation with several heterogeneous proteins of yeast and nematode. The EH domain spans about 70 amino acids and shows approximately 60% overall amino acid conservation. We demonstrated the ability of the EH domain to specifically bind cytosolic proteins in normal and malignant cells of mesenchymal, epithelial, and hematopoietic origin. These observations prompted our search for additional EH-containing proteins in mammalian cells. Using an EH domain-specific probe derived from the eps15 cDNA, we cloned and characterized a cDNA encoding an EH-containing protein with overall similarity to Eps15; we designated this protein Eps15r (for Eps15-related). Structural comparison of Eps15 and Eps15r defines a family of signal transducers possessing extensive networking abilities including EH-mediated binding and association with Src homology 3-containing proteins.

The human eps15 gene, encoding a tyrosine kinase substrate, is conserved in evolution and maps to 1p31-p32.

Wong WT, Kraus MH, Carlomagno F, Zelano A, Druck T, Croce CM, Huebner K, Di Fiore PP
Oncogene. 1994; 9: 1591-7

Employing an expression cloning approach for tyrosine kinase substrates, we have previously isolated the coding sequence for a novel putative EGFR substrate, eps15, from NIH3T3 fibroblasts. Eps15 displayed a receptor-specific pattern of tyrosine phosphorylation in vivo and was able to transform NIH3T3 cells upon overexpression. To gain understanding of eps15 function as well as its role in normal and neoplastic proliferation, we cloned the human eps15 coding sequence and studied expression of the human RNA and protein, evolutionary conservation, and chromosomal location. The close structural similarity of human eps15 with the murine homologue is indicated by 89% and 90% identity of nucleotide and predicted amino acid sequences, respectively. Using the human eps15 coding sequence as probe, we demonstrate that eps15 is member of a gene family that is highly conserved during evolution. An essential function of eps15 in cell growth regulation is underscored by our observation of ubiquitous expression at the transcript and the protein level in normal and malignant human cells. The human EPS15 locus maps to chromosome 1p31-p32, a region involved in deletion in neuroblastoma, translocations in acute lymphoblastic leukemia, and exhibiting a fragile site.

Structural basis of the recognition of the dishevelled DEP domain in the Wnt signaling pathway.

Wong HC, Mao J, Nguyen JT, Srinivas S, Zhang W, Liu B, Li L, Wu D, Zheng J
Nat Struct Biol. 2000; 7: 1178-84

The DEP domain of Dishevelled (Dvl) proteins transduces signals to effector proteins downstream of Dvl in the Wnt pathway. Here we report that DEP-containing mutants inhibit Wnt-induced, but not Dvl-induced, activation of the transcription factor Lef-1. This inhibitory effect is weakened by a K434M mutation. Nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy revealed that the DEP domain of mouse Dvl1 comprises a three-helix bundle, a beta-hairpin 'arm' and two short beta-strands at the C-terminal region. Lys 434 is located at the tip of the beta-hairpin 'arm'. Based on our findings, we conclude that DEP interacts with regulators upstream of Dvl via a strong electric dipole on the molecule's surface created by Lys 434, Asp 445 and Asp 448; the electric dipole and the putative membrane binding site are at two different locations.

Molecular cloning of avian matrix Gla protein.

Wiedemann M, Trueb B, Belluoccio D
Biochim Biophys Acta. 1998; 1395: 47-9

Matrix Gla protein plays an essential role in preventing the calcification of blood vessel walls, cartilage and other tissues. We report here the primary structure of chicken matrix Gla protein as deduced from the cDNA sequence. The avian protein exhibited the characteristic motifs previously identified in the mammalian proteins, but its amino acid sequence shared only 51-56% identity with the latter proteins. Moreover, a region proposed to function as binding site for gamma-carboxylase in the mammalian proteins was poorly conserved in the chicken protein. Our sequence data should be helpful in the design of mutational analyses which are intended to characterize functional interactions of matrix Gla proteins with other proteins.

Sequence-specific 1H, 13C and 15N assignment of the EH1 domain of mouse Eps15.

Whitehead B, Tessari M, Versteeg HH, van Delft S, van Bergen en Henegouwen PM, Vuister GW
J Biomol NMR. 1998; 12: 465-6

The EH1 domain of Eps15 is structurally classified as a member of the S100 subclass of EF-hand-containing proteins.

Whitehead B, Tessari M, Carotenuto A, van Bergen en Henegouwen PM, Vuister GW
Biochemistry. 1999; 38: 11271-7

The Eps15 homology (EH) domain is a protein-protein interaction module that binds to proteins containing the asparagine-proline-phenylalanine (NPF) or tryptophan/phenylalanine-tryptophan (W/FW) motif. EH domain-containing proteins serve important roles in signaling and processes connected to transport, protein sorting, and organization of subcellular structure. Here, we report the solution structure of the apo form of the EH1 domain of mouse Eps15, as determined by high-resolution multidimensional heteronuclear NMR spectroscopy. The polypeptide folds into six alpha-helices and a short antiparallel beta-sheet. Additionally, it contains a long, structured, topologically unique C-terminal loop. Helices 2-5 form two EF-hand motifs. Structural similarity and Ca(2+) binding properties lead to classification of the EH1 domain as a member of the S100 subclass of EF-hand-containing proteins, albeit with a unique set of interhelical angles. Binding studies using an eight-residue NPF-containing peptide derived from RAB, the cellular cofactor of the HIV Rev protein, show a hydrophobic peptide-binding pocket formed by conserved tryptophan and leucine residues.

Pan1p, yeast eps15, functions as a multivalent adaptor that coordinates protein-protein interactions essential for endocytosis.

Wendland B, Emr SD
J Cell Biol. 1998; 141: 71-84

A genetic screen for factors required for endocytosis in the budding yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae previously identified PAN1. Pan1p is a homologue of the mammalian protein eps15, which has been implicated in endocytosis by virtue of its association with the plasma membrane clathrin adaptor complex AP-2. Pan1p contains two eps15 homology (EH) domains, a protein-protein interaction motif also present in other proteins that function in membrane trafficking. To address the role of Pan1p and EH domains in endocytosis, a yeast two-hybrid screen was performed using the EH domain-containing region of Pan1p. This screen identified yAP180A, one of two yeast homologues of a class of clathrin assembly proteins (AP180) that exhibit in vitro clathrin cage assembly activity. In vitro binding studies using GST fusion proteins and yeast extracts defined distinct binding sites on yAP180A for Pan1p and clathrin. yAP180 proteins and Pan1p, like actin, localize to peripheral patches along the plasma membrane. Mammalian synaptojanin, a phosphatidylinositol polyphosphate-5-phosphatase, also has been implicated in endocytosis recently, and three synaptojanin-like genes have been identified in yeast. We observed genetic interactions between the yeast SJL1 gene and PAN1, which suggest a role for phosphoinositide metabolites in Pan1p function. Together with other studies, these findings suggest that Pan1p coordinates regulatory interactions between proteins required for both endocytosis and actin-cytoskeleton organization; these proteins include the yAP180 proteins, clathrin, the ubiquitin-protein ligase Rsp5p, End3p, and synaptojanin. We suggest that Pan1p (and by extension eps15) serves as a multivalent adaptor around which dynamic interactions between structural and regulatory components of the endocytic pathway converge.

Expression and divalent cation binding properties of the novel chemotactic inflammatory protein psoriasin.

Vorum H, Madsen P, Rasmussen HH, Etzerodt M, Svendsen I, Celis JE, Honore B
Electrophoresis. 1996; 17: 1787-96

Psoriasin is a novel chemotactic inflammatory protein that possesses weak similarity to the S100 family members of Ca(2+)-binding proteins, and that is highly up-regulated in hyperproliferative psoriatic keratinocytes. Here we have used the psoriasin cDNA to express recombinant human (rh) psoriasin in Escherichia coli as a fusion protein containing a hexa His tag and a factor Xa cleavage site in the NH2-terminus. The protein was purified by affinity chromatography on Ni(2+)-nitrilotriacetic acid agarose, digested with factor Xa, further purified by ion-exchange chromatography and characterized by two-dimensional (2-D) gel electrophoresis and NH2-terminal sequencing. The ability of rh psoriasin to bind Ca2+, Zn2+, and Mg2+ was determined by dialysis experiments. We found that rh psoriasin may bind at least seven molecules of Ca2+ in KCl and several molecules in NaCl, with an affinity for the first bound molecule of 1.3-1.6 x 10(4) M-1. This indicates that psoriasin may cooperatively bind several molecules of Ca2+ when present in the extracellular space, or putatively, if localized in subcellular compartments where the concentration of Ca2+ is relatively high. At least eight molecules of Zn2+ were bound in KCl and four in NaCl, with an affinity just below 1 x 10(4) M-1 for the first molecule. Thus psoriasin does not bind significant amounts of Zn2+ at physiological concentrations. Mg2+ and Ca2+ are bound anti-cooperatively and binding of each of the ions (Ca2+, Zn2+, or Mg2+), is accompanied by conformational changes that move tyrosine residues to more hydrophobic areas.

The NB-ARC domain: a novel signalling motif shared by plant resistance gene products and regulators of cell death in animals.

van der Biezen EA, Jones JD
Curr Biol. 1998; 8: 2267-2267

Eps15 is constitutively oligomerized due to homophilic interaction of its coiled-coil region.

Tebar F, Confalonieri S, Carter RE, Di Fiore PP, Sorkin A
J Biol Chem. 1997; 272: 15413-8

Eps15 is a member of an emerging family of proteins containing a novel protein/protein interaction domain, the EH domain, of as yet unknown function. Recent findings of Eps15 association with clathrin adaptor complex AP-2 and its localization in clathrin-coated pits have implicated Eps15 in the regulation of vesicle trafficking. Here we show that Eps15 exists in several multimeric states in vivo. When purified recombinant Eps15 or lysates of NIH 3T3 cells were treated with cross-linking reagents, covalent dimers of Eps15 and larger covalent multimers were detected in high yield. Large Eps15 oligomers co-immunoprecipitated with AP-2 at an efficiency higher than that of Eps15 dimers. Furthermore, cross-linking of the membrane-bound fraction of Eps15 in mildly permeabilized cells was as efficient as that of the cytosolic fraction. Size-exclusion column chromatography of recombinantly produced Eps15 and of total cell lysates was performed to examine the equilibrium ratio of the monomers versus the aggregated forms of Eps15. These experiments showed that essentially all the Eps15 was aggregated, whereas monomers of Eps15 could be obtained only under strong denaturing conditions. To map the region of Eps15 responsible for dimerization, fusion proteins corresponding to the three structural domains of Eps15 were prepared. Cross-linking analysis revealed that the central portion of Eps15, which possesses a coiled-coil region (residues 321-520), serves as the interacting interface. The possibility that hetero-oligomeric complexes of Eps15 dimers and AP-2 function during the recruitment of proteins into coated pits is discussed.

An Arabidopsis gene encoding a Ca2+-binding protein is induced by abscisic acid during dehydration.

Takahashi S, Katagiri T, Yamaguchi-Shinozaki K, Shinozaki K
Plant Cell Physiol. 2000; 41: 898-903

An Arabidopsis thaliana RD20 cDNA, which was isolated as one of drought-inducible genes, encodes a putative protein with a conserved EF-hand Ca2+-binding domain. The recombinant RD20 protein was shown to bind Ca2+. The transcription of RD20 gene was induced not only by drought but also by ABA and high salinity.

NeW wrinkles for an old domain.

Sudol M, Hunter T
Cell. 2000; 103: 1001-4

Localisation of the C1q binding site within C1q receptor/calreticulin.

Stuart GR, Lynch NJ, Lu J, Geick A, Moffatt BE, Sim RB, Schwaeble WJ
FEBS Lett. 1996; 397: 245-9

C1q receptor (C1qR/collectin receptor) is located on many cell types. Binding of C1q to these cells elicits numerous responses. Protein sequencing has shown that C1qR is almost identical to calreticulin (CaR), an abundant multifunctional protein. Radioiodinated C1qR and CaR bind to C1q with identical characteristics. Three recombinant C1qR/CaR domains (N-, C-terminal domains and central P-domain) were expressed using the Thiofusion system, and used to study the interaction with C1q. Both the N- and P-domains were implicated in C1q binding. A region, termed the S-domain, spanning the N and P intersection was expressed, and showed concentration-dependent binding to C1q, demonstrating that the C1q binding site lies within this region.

CH domains revisited.

Stradal T, Kranewitter W, Winder SJ, Gimona M
FEBS Lett. 1998; 431: 134-7

A sequence motif of about 100 amino acids, termed the 'calponin homology domain' has been suggested to confer actin binding to a variety of cytoskeletal and signalling molecules. Here we analyse and compare the sequences of all calponin homology domain-containing proteins identified to date. We propose that single calponin homology domains do not confer actin-binding per se and that the actin-binding motifs of cross-linking proteins, which comprise two disparate calponin homology domains, represent a unique protein module.

WW domains of Nedd4 bind to the proline-rich PY motifs in the epithelial Na+ channel deleted in Liddle's syndrome.

Staub O, Dho S, Henry P, Correa J, Ishikawa T, McGlade J, Rotin D
EMBO J. 1996; 15: 2371-80

The amiloride-sensitive epithelial sodium channel (ENaC) plays a major role in sodium transport in kidney and other epithelia, and in regulating blood pressure. The channel is composed of three subunits (alphabetagamma) each containing two proline-rich sequences (P1 and P2) at its C-terminus. The P2 regions in human beta and gammaENaC, identical to the rat betagammarENaC, were recently shown to be deleted in patients with Liddle's syndrome (a hereditary form of hypertension), leading to hyperactivation of the channel. Using a yeast two-hybrid screen, we have now identified the rat homologue of Nedd4 (rNedd4) as the binding partner for the P2 regions of beta and gammarENaC. rNedd4 contains a Ca2+ lipid binding (CaLB or C2) domain, three WW domains and a ubiquitin ligase (Hect) domain. Our yeast two-hybrid and in vitro binding studies revealed that the rNedd4-WW domains mediate this association by binding to the P2 regions, which include the PY motifs (XPPXY) of either betarENaC (PPPNY) or gammarENaC (PPPRY). SH3 domains were unable to bind these sequences. Moreover, mutations to Ala of Pro616 or Tyr618 within the betarENaC P2 sequence (to PPANY or PPPNA, respectively), recently described in Liddle's patients, led to abrogation of rNedd4-WW binding. Nedd4-WW domains also bound to the proline-rich C-terminus (containing the sequence PPPAY) of alpharENaC, and endogenous Nedd4 co-immunoprecipitated with alpharENaC expressed in MDCK cells. These results demonstrate that the WW domains of rNedd4 bind to the PY motifs deleted from beta or gammaENaC in Liddle's syndrome patients, and suggest that Nedd4 may be a regulator (suppressor) of the epithelial Na+ channel.

The Mad1-Sin3B interaction involves a novel helical fold.

Spronk CA, Tessari M, Kaan AM, Jansen JF, Vermeulen M, Stunnenberg HG, Vuister GW
Nat Struct Biol. 2000; 7: 1100-4

Sin3A or Sin3B are components of a corepressor complex that mediates repression by transcription factors such as the helix-loop-helix proteins Mad and Mxi. Members of the Mad/Mxi family of repressors play important roles in the transition between proliferation and differentiation by down-regulating the expression of genes that are activated by the proto-oncogene product Myc. Here, we report the solution structure of the second paired amphipathic helix (PAH) domain (PAH2) of Sin3B in complex with a peptide comprising the N-terminal region of Mad1. This complex exhibits a novel interaction fold for which we propose the name 'wedged helical bundle'. Four alpha-helices of PAH2 form a hydrophobic cleft that accommodates an amphipathic Mad1 alpha-helix. Our data further show that, upon binding Mad1, secondary structure elements of PAH2 are stabilized. The PAH2-Mad1 structure provides the basis for determining the principles of protein interaction and selectivity involving PAH domains.

A novel Ca2+ binding beta hairpin loop better resembles integrin sequence motifs than the EF hand.

Springer TA, Jing H, Takagi J
Cell. 2000; 102: 275-7

[Calpain as a Ca(2+)-binding protein]

Sorimachi H, Suzuki K
Tanpakushitsu Kakusan Koso. 1998; 43: 1666-74

Modified helix-loop-helix motifs of calmodulin--The influence of the exchange of helical regions on calcium-binding affinity.

Sharma Y, Chandani S, Sukhaswami MB, Uma L, Balasubramanian D, Fairwell T
Eur J Biochem. 1997; 243: 42-8

The four calcium-binding sites, called the helix-loop-helix, or the EF-hand motifs, of calmodulin differ in their ion-binding affinities; this has been thought to arise due to the variations in the sequences of the loop regions where the ion binds. We focus attention here on the role of the flanking helical regions on the calcium-binding affinities. Peptides were synthesized in a manner that simulates the E and F helical flanks of site 4 (the strongest calcium-binding site of the calmodulin) to sandwich the loop sequences of sites 1, 2, 3 and 4 so as to produce peptides named 414, 424, 434 and 444, as well as using the helical flanks of site 1 (the weakest site) to produce peptides 111, 121, 131 and 141. Calcium binding was monitored using the calcium-mimic dye Stains-all (4,4,4',5'-dibenzo-3,3'-diethyl-9-methyl-thiacarbocyanine bromide). Binding abilities were seen to increase several-fold when the E and F helices of site 1 were replaced by those of site 4 (i.e., 111-414). In contrast, the intensity of circular dichroism induced in the absorption bands of the bound achiral dye decreased significantly when the helical flanks of site 4 were replaced with those of site 1 (i.e., 444-141). The helical flanks of site 4 impart greater binding ability to a given loop region, while the helical flanks of site 1 tend to weaken it.

Cab45, a novel (Ca2+)-binding protein localized to the Golgi lumen.

Scherer PE, Lederkremer GZ, Williams S, Fogliano M, Baldini G, Lodish HF
J Cell Biol. 1996; 133: 257-68

We have identified and characterized Cab45, a novel 45-kD protein from mouse 3T3-L1 adipocytes. Cab45 is ubiquitously expressed, contains an NH2-terminal signal sequence but no membrane-anchor sequences, and binds Ca2+ due to the presence of six EF-hand motifs. Within the superfamily of calcium-binding proteins, it belongs to a recently identified group of proteins consisting of Reticulocalbin (Ozawa, M., and T. Muramatsu. 1993. J. Biol. Chem. 268:699-705) and ERC 55 (Weis, K., G. Griffiths, and A.I. Lamond. 1994. J. Biol Chem. 269:19142-19150), both of which share significant sequence homology with Cab45 outside the EF-hand motifs. In contrast to reticulocalbin and ERC-55 which are soluble components of the endoplasmic reticulum, Cab45 is a soluble protein localized to the Golgi. Cab45 is the first calcium-binding protein localized to the lumenal portion of a post-ER compartment; Cab45 is also the first known soluble protein resident in the Golgi lumen. Cab45 can serve as a model protein to determine the mechanism of retention of soluble proteins in the Golgi compartment.

Ntau- and Npi-histidinoalanine: naturally occurring cross-linking amino acids in calcium-binding phosphoproteins.

Sass RL, Marsh ME
Biochem Biophys Res Commun. 1983; 114: 304-9

Two isomeric amino acid cross-links, Ntau-histidinoalanine and Npi-histidinoalanine have been isolated from calcium-binding phosphoprotein particles derived from the extrapallial fluid of the estuarine clam Rangia cuneata. The cross-links were identified and compared by 13C and 1H NMR spectroscopy and mass spectroscopy. In the phosphoprotein particles, 6% of the amino acid residues are involved in cross-linkages. This is the first demonstration of the occurrence of the isomer Npi-histidinoalanine.

Dimer model for the microfibrillar protein fibulin-2 and identification of the connecting disulfide bridge.

Sasaki T, Mann K, Wiedemann H, Gohring W, Lustig A, Engel J, Chu ML, Timpl R
EMBO J. 1997; 16: 3035-43

Fibulin-2 is a novel extracellular matrix protein frequently found in close association with microfibrils containing either fibronectin or fibrillin. The entire protein and its predicted domains were obtained as recombinant products and examined by ultracentrifugation and electron microscopy. This demonstrated a disulfide-linked homodimer of 175 kDa subunits. Partial reduction to monomers identified specifically an odd Cys574 residue responsible for dimer formation in one of three anaphylatoxin-like modules that constitute the central globular domain I (13 kDa) of fibulin-2. Furthermore, a Cys574-Ser mutation abolished disulfide connection but not non-covalent dimerization of fibulin-2. The C-terminal region (85 kDa) was shown to represent a 35-nm-long rod consisting of 11 calcium-binding EGF-like modules (domain II) and a small terminal globe (domain III). The unique N-terminal domain N (55 kDa) was also rod-shaped (approximately 38 nm) and rich in galactosamine indicating extensive O-glycosylation. A dimer model is proposed indicating mainly a rod-like shape of 80 nm length based on an anti-parallel association of two subunits through their domains I. This model also implies alignment of domains II and N between different subunits. This was demonstrated by surface plasmon resonance assay which showed a distinct interaction between domains N and II with a Kd of approximately 0.7 microM.

The EH network.

Santolini E, Salcini AE, Kay BK, Yamabhai M, Di Fiore PP
Exp Cell Res. 1999; 253: 186-209

The EH domain is an evolutionary conserved protein-protein interaction domain present in a growing number of proteins from yeast to mammals. Even though the domain was discovered just 5 years ago, a great deal has been learned regarding its three-dimensional structure and binding specificities. Moreover, a number of cellular ligands of the domain have been identified and demonstrated to define a complex network of protein-protein interactions in the eukaryotic cell. Interestingly, many of the EH-containing and EH-binding proteins display characteristics of endocytic "accessory" proteins, suggesting that the principal function of the EH network is to regulate various steps in endocytosis. In addition, recent evidence suggests that the EH network might work as an "integrator" of signals controlling cellular pathways as diverse as endocytosis, nucleocytosolic export, and ultimately cell proliferation.

Epidermal growth factor pathway substrate 15, Eps15.

Salcini AE, Chen H, Iannolo G, De Camilli P, Di Fiore PP
Int J Biochem Cell Biol. 1999; 31: 805-9

Eps15 was originally identified as a substrate for the kinase activity of the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR). Eps15 has a tripartite structure comprising a NH2-terminal portion, which contains three EH domains, a central putative coiled-coil region, and a COOH-terminal domain containing multiple copies of the amino acid triplet Aspartate-Proline-Phenylalanine. A pool of Eps15 is localized at clathrin coated pits where it interacts with the clathrin assembly complex AP-2 and a novel AP-2 binding protein, Epsin. Perturbation of Eps15 and Epsin function inhibits receptor-mediated endocytosis of EGF and transferrin, demonstrating that both proteins are components of the endocytic machinery. Since the family of EH-containing proteins is implicated in various aspects of intracellular sorting, biomolecular strategies aimed at interfering with these processes can now be envisioned. These strategies have potentially far reaching implications extending to the control of cell proliferation. In this regard, it is of note that Eps15 has the potential of transforming NIH-3T3 cells and that the eps15 gene is rearranged with the HRX/ALL/MLL gene in acute myelogeneous leukemias, thus implicating this protein in the subversion of cell proliferation in neoplasia.

The epsins define a family of proteins that interact with components of the clathrin coat and contain a new protein module.

Rosenthal JA, Chen H, Slepnev VI, Pellegrini L, Salcini AE, Di Fiore PP, De Camilli P
J Biol Chem. 1999; 274: 33959-65

Epsin (epsin 1) is an interacting partner for the EH domain-containing region of Eps15 and has been implicated in conjunction with Eps15 in clathrin-mediated endocytosis. We report here the characterization of a similar protein (epsin 2), which we have cloned from human and rat brain libraries. Epsin 1 and 2 are most similar in their NH(2)-terminal region, which represents a module (epsin NH(2) terminal homology domain, ENTH domain) found in a variety of other proteins of the data base. The multiple DPW motifs, typical of the central region of epsin 1, are only partially conserved in epsin 2. Both proteins, however, interact through this central region with the clathrin adaptor AP-2. In addition, we show here that both epsin 1 and 2 interact with clathrin. The three NPF motifs of the COOH-terminal region of epsin 1 are conserved in the corresponding region of epsin 2, consistent with the binding of both proteins to Eps15. Epsin 2, like epsin 1, is enriched in brain, is present in a brain-derived clathrin-coated vesicle fraction, is concentrated in the peri-Golgi region and at the cell periphery of transfected cells, and partially colocalizes with clathrin. High overexpression of green fluorescent protein-epsin 2 mislocalizes components of the clathrin coat and inhibits clathrin-mediated endocytosis. The epsins define a new protein family implicated in membrane dynamics at the cell surface.

Dap160, a neural-specific Eps15 homology and multiple SH3 domain-containing protein that interacts with Drosophila dynamin.

Roos J, Kelly RB
J Biol Chem. 1998; 273: 19108-19

The discovery of overlapping hot spots of dynamin (Estes, P. S., Roos, J., van der Bliek, A., Kelly, R. B., Krishnan, K. S., and Ramaswami, M. (1996) J. Neurosci. 16, 5443-5456) and the heterotetrameric adaptor 2 complex (Gonzalez-Gaitan, M., and Jackle, H. (1997) Cell 88, 767-776) in Drosophila nerve terminals led to the concept of zones of active endocytosis close to sites of active exocytosis. The proline-rich domain of Drosophila dynamin was used to identify and purify a third component of the endocytosis zones. Dap160 (dynamin-associated protein 160 kDa) is a membrane-associated, dynamin-binding protein of 160 kDa that has four putative src homology 3 domains and an Eps15 homology domain, motifs frequently found in proteins associated with endocytosis. The binding capacities of the four putative src homology 3 domains were examined individually and in combination and shown to bind known proteins that contained proline-rich domains. Each binding site, however, was different in its preference for binding partners. We suggest that Dap160 is a scaffolding protein that helps anchor proteins required for endocytosis at sites where they are needed in the Drosophila nerve terminal.

A protein with a novel calcium-binding domain associated with calcareous corpuscles in Echinococcus granulosus.

Rodrigues JJ, Ferreira HB, Farias SE, Zaha A
Biochem Biophys Res Commun. 1997; 237: 451-6

A novel intracellular calcium-binding protein from Echinococcus granulosus is described in this work. A cDNA was isolated from a lambdagt11 protoscolex expression library and the deduced amino acid sequence has at least fifteen sequentially repeated twelve-residue repeats that resemble the calcium-binding loop of EF-hands; however, the dodecamer motif has no flanking helices. The cDNA was expressed in Escherichia coli using the pGEX vector, and a recombinant fusion protein (EgCaBP1-GST) was obtained. The recombinant fusion protein binds calcium when assayed with 45Ca. It is possible that the calcium-binding motifs present a secondary structure similar to the parallel beta roll structure described for an alkaline protease from Pseudomonas aeruginosa. A native protein of more than 300 kDa was recognized by an anti-EgCaBP1 monoclonal antibody by Western-blot analysis. Immunohistochemistry using a pool of anti-EgCaBP1-GST mouse sera demonstrated a strong association of the protein with calcareous corpuscles. The possible role of this protein and that of the calcareous corpuscles in the protoscolex are discussed.

Engineering magnesium selectivity in the helix-loop-helix calcium-binding motif.

Reid RE, Procyshyn RM
Arch Biochem Biophys. 1995; 323: 115-9

Engineering magnesium selectivity into the helix-loop-helix (hlh) cation binding site is relatively unstudied in the calmodulin superfamily of calcium-regulated proteins, which include parvalbumin, oncomodulin, troponin C, calbindin, and calmodulin. Studies using a 33-residue synthetic peptide model of the hlh cation binding motif have indicated that magnesium will induce structural change in those peptide motifs containing three or four acid residues in chelating positions with a single-acid-pair on the Z-axis. Decreasing the cation binding cavity size in Z-axis acid-paired motifs through replacement of chelating residues in the +Z or -X metal ion coordinating positions in the loop region by glutamic acid has been successful in decreasing the calcium ion affinity. The same changes did not create or enhance magnesium binding in the 33-residue model hlh cation binding motif.

The carboxyl terminus of the human calcium receptor. Requirements for cell-surface expression and signal transduction.

Ray K, Fan GF, Goldsmith PK, Spiegel AM
J Biol Chem. 1997; 272: 31355-61

The G-protein-coupled calcium receptor plays a key role in extracellular calcium homeostasis. To examine the role of the membrane-spanning domains and the approximately 200-residue cytoplasmic carboxyl terminus of the calcium receptor in cell-surface expression and signal transduction, we transfected HEK-293 cells with a series of truncation and carboxyl-terminal missense mutants and analyzed expression by immunoblotting, glycosidase digestion, intact cell immunoassay, and extracellular calcium-stimulated phosphoinositide hydrolysis assay. Two truncation mutants terminating at residues 706 and 802 within the second and third intracellular loops, respectively, were not properly glycosylated, failed to reach the cell-surface, and showed no calcium response, indicating that mutant receptors with the full extracellular domain but only three or five transmembrane domains are improperly folded and/or processed. Truncation mutants terminating at residues 888 and 903 within the carboxyl terminus were equivalent to the wild type in all assays, whereas mutants truncated at residues 865 and 874 showed no response to calcium, despite only approximately 25% reduction in cell-surface expression. Mutants with a full-length carboxyl terminus but with residues between positions 874 and 888 replaced with alanines showed either no (Ala875, Ala876, and Ala879) or significantly reduced (Ala881-Ala883) calcium response at levels of cell-surface expression equivalent to those of the wild-type receptor. These results indicate that deletion of the majority of the carboxyl terminus is compatible with normal processing, cell-surface expression, and signal transduction of the receptor. The truncation and alanine substitution mutants identify a small region between residues 874 and 888 critical for normal signal transduction by the receptor.

Sequence motifs determine structure and Ca++-binding by EF-hand proteins.

Rashidi HH, Bauer M, Patterson J, Smith DW
J Mol Microbiol Biotechnol. 1999; 1: 175-82

Prediction of protein structural and functional characteristics based on specific motif interactions could serve as a powerful tool in many facets of the biological sciences. Such improvements in protein modeling will be instrumental in the enhancement of drug design. A new approach to a sequence description of EF-hand motifs with more than one EF-hand domain is presented here; this permits precise insight into the structural and functional properties of many members of the EF-hand superfamily of calcium-binding proteins. Three separate regular expressions, or signatures, are used to describe an EF-hand motif, and specific relationships must exist between the two sequence motifs for the two neighboring EF-hands in a given calcium-binding domain. Specifically, each of the sequence motifs has a conserved phenylalanine. These two phenylalanine residues are separated by 57+/-10 amino acid residues but interact closely with each other in the tertiary structure of the calcium-binding domain. Changes in conserved residues in the sequence motifs have been shown experimentally to decrease or eliminate the ability of the protein to bind calcium. This new approach of use of multiple sequence motifs, with motif interrelationships, yields a highly specific and robust tool for the prediction of structural and functional properties of new and novel proteins.

Regulatory interactions in the recognition of endocytic sorting signals by AP-2 complexes.

Rapoport I, Miyazaki M, Boll W, Duckworth B, Cantley LC, Shoelson S, Kirchhausen T
EMBO J. 1997; 16: 2240-50

Many plasma membrane proteins destined for endocytosis are concentrated into clathrin-coated pits through the recognition of a tyrosine-based motif in their cytosolic domains by an adaptor (AP-2) complex. The mu2 subunit of isolated AP-2 complexes binds specifically, but rather weakly, to proteins bearing the tyrosine-based signal. We now demonstrate, using peptides with a photoreactive probe, that this binding is strengthened significantly when the AP-2 complex is present in clathrin coats, indicating that there is cooperativity between receptor-AP-2 interactions and coat formation. Phosphoinositides with a phosphate at the D-3 position of the inositol ring, but not other isomers, also increase the affinity of the AP-2 complex for the tyrosine-based motif. AP-2 is the first protein known (in any context) to interact with phosphatidylinositol 3-phosphate. Our findings indicate that receptor recruitment can be coupled to clathrin coat assembly and suggest a mechanism for regulation of membrane traffic by lipid products of phosphoinositide 3-kinases.

Atomic protein structures reveal basic features of binding of sugars and ionic substrates, and calcium cation.

Quiocho FA, Vyas NK, Sack JS, Vyas MN
Cold Spring Harb Symp Quant Biol. 1987; 52: 453-63

Intersectin 2, a new multimodular protein involved in clathrin-mediated endocytosis.

Pucharcos C, Estivill X, de la Luna S
FEBS Lett. 2000; 478: 43-51

Intersectin 1 (ITSN1) is a binding partner of dynamin that has been shown to participate in clathrin-mediated endocytosis. Here we report the characterization of a new human gene, ITSN2, highly similar to ITSN1. Alternative splicing of ITSN2 generates a short isoform with two EH domains, a coiled-coil region and five SH3 domains, and a longer isoform containing extra carboxy domains (DH, PH and C2 domains), suggesting that it could act as a guanine nucleotide exchange factor for Rho-like GTPases. ITSN2 expression analysis indicates that it is widely expressed in human tissues. Intersectin 2 isoforms show a subcellular distribution similar to other components of the endocytic machinery and co-localize with Eps15. Moreover, their overexpression, as well as the corresponding ITSN1 protein forms, inhibits transferrin internalization.

Role of vitamin-K-dependent proteins in bone metabolism.

Price PA
Annu Rev Nutr. 1988; 8: 565-83

Characterization of two distinct calcium-binding sites in the amino-terminus of human profilaggrin.

Presland RB, Bassuk JA, Kimball JR, Dale BA
J Invest Dermatol. 1995; 104: 218-23

Profilaggrin is a large phosphorylated protein (approximately 400 kDa in humans) that is expressed in the granular cells of epidermis where it forms a major component of keratohyalin. It consists of multiple copies of similar filaggrin units plus amino- and carboxy-terminal domains that differ from filaggrin. Proteolytic processing of profilaggrin during terminal differentiation results in the removal of these domains and generation of monomeric filaggrin units, which associate with keratin intermediate filaments to form macrofibrils in the stratum corneum. The amino-terminal domain contains two calcium-binding motifs similar to the EF-hands found in the S-100 family of calcium-binding proteins. In this report, we expressed the 293-residue amino-terminal pro-domain of human profilaggrin as a polyhistidine fusion protein in Escherichia coli, and characterized calcium binding by a 45Ca++ binding assay and fluorescence emission spectroscopy. Fluorescence measurements indicated that the profilaggrin polypeptide undergoes conformational changes upon the removal of Ca++ with ethylenediamine tetraacetic acid, demonstrating the presence of two calcium-binding sites with affinities for calcium that differ ninefold (1.4 x 10(-4) M and 1.2 x 10(-3) M). We suggest that this functional calcium-binding domain at the amino-terminus of human profilaggrin plays a role in profilaggrin processing and in other calcium-dependent processes during terminal differentiation of the epidermis.

Molecular cloning of ictacalcin: a novel calcium-binding protein from the channel catfish, Ictalurus punctatus.

Porta AR, Bettini E, Buiakova OI, Baker H, Danho W, Margolis FL
Brain Res Mol Brain Res. 1996; 41: 81-9

Calcium is essential for a variety of functions in animals, including signal transduction, transmission of nerve impulses, and bone and scale growth. In freshwater adapted teleosts, blood calcium levels are maintained constant (2-4 mM) even at low external calcium concentration (< 0.01 mM). Epithelial cells in skin and gill have been implicated in calcium homeostasis. We have cloned a cDNA from Ictalurus punctatus, the channel catfish, that codes for ictacalcin, a novel member of the S100 family of calcium-binding protein. In-situ hybridization demonstrates ictacalcin mRNA is abundant in epithelial cells of olfactory rosette, barbel, skin and gill but not brain or muscle. The presence of ictacalcin protein in these tissues was confirmed by immuno-blot analysis. Tissue extracts and recombinant ictacalcin bind calcium with attendant changes in electrophoretic mobility indicative of changes in protein conformation. The calcium-binding activity and abundant localization of ictacalcin in epithelial cells of several tissues indicates that this protein plays an important role in catfish calcium homeostasis.

Disorders of calcium ion sensing.

Pearce SH, Brown EM
J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 1996; 81: 2030-5

Structural diversity in a family of homologous proteins.

Pawlowski K, Bierzynski A, Godzik A
J Mol Biol. 1996; 258: 349-66

An interesting example of a structurally diverse group of sequentially homologous proteins is analyzed at the level of molecular interactions. In this family, the EF-hand calcium-binding proteins, there are examples of at least three distinct mutual positions of the N and C-terminal domains, despite significant sequence homology between all members of this family. Why does a particular protein choose one arrangement over another? To answer this question, detailed models of all proteins in their native structures as well as all alternative sequence/structure combinations are built by comparative modeling. By studying and comparing interactions stabilizing native structures and destabilizing alternative conformations, it is possible to gain insight into how such conformational diversity is achieved. It is shown that some mechanisms used to achieve it are: correlated mutations on the surface of two units and the presence of additional domains/chain fragments stabilizing desired topologies. The implications of these findings, both for structure predictions for other members of this family as well as the general problem of quaternary structure formation, are discussed.

What function for human lithostathine?: structural investigations by three-dimensional structure modeling and high-resolution NMR spectroscopy.

Patard L, Stoven V, Gharib B, Bontems F, Lallemand JY, De Reggi M
Protein Eng. 1996; 9: 949-57

Human lithostathine is a 144-residue protein, expressed in various organs and pathologies. Several biological functions have been proposed for this protein. Among others, inhibition of nucleation and growth of CaCO3 crystals in the pancreas and bacterial aggregation has retained attention, because lithostathine presents high sequence similarities with calcium-dependent (or C-type) lectins. To study its structure-function relationship and compare it with that of C-type lectins, we have built a model for lithostathine. This model is derived from the only two C-type lectins of known structures: rat mannose binding protein and human E-selectin. An original strategy, inspired by that proposed by Havel and Snow, was designed for model building. We have undertaken NMR studies on the natural protein. Although complete structure determination has not yet been achieved, the NMR studies did confirm the main characteristics of the model. From analysis of the proposed model, we concluded that lithostathine is not expected to present sugar- or calcium-binding properties. Therefore, the mechanisms of bacterial aggregation and inhibition of CaCO3 nucleation and growth have not yet been elucidated.

Studies of ligand binding to arrestin.

Palczewski K, Hargrave PA
J Biol Chem. 1991; 266: 4201-6

A striking homology is observed between the regions 70-83 and 361-374 of the sequence of bovine arrestin and the calcium-binding loops of calmodulin and troponin C. However, the predicted alpha-helices flanking the calcium-binding site in calmodulin and troponin C are not present in arrestin. Direct measurements therefore were made in order to assess whether arrestin can bind calcium. We found that arrestin does not bind Ca2+ at physiological ionic strength, as determined by equilibrium dialysis, gel filtration, and fluorescence spectroscopy. Rapid and quantitative precipitation of arrestin occurs with Tb3+. The precipitation is reversed by EDTA and blocked by Mg2+ but not by Ca2+. Prompted by several reports, we also investigated whether nucleotides bind to arrestin. Neither ATP nor GTP binds under the conditions tested. Binding of arrestin to photolyzed, phosphorylated rhodopsin also does not influence the binding of calcium or nucleotides.

The structure and function of the beta 2-adaptin appendage domain.

Owen DJ, Vallis Y, Pearse BM, McMahon HT, Evans PR
EMBO J. 2000; 19: 4216-27

The heterotetrameric AP2 adaptor (alpha, beta 2, mu 2 and sigma 2 subunits) plays a central role in clathrin-mediated endocytosis. We present the protein recruitment function and 1.7 A resolution structure of its beta 2-appendage domain to complement those previously determined for the mu 2 subunit and alpha appendage. Using structure-directed mutagenesis, we demonstrate the ability of the beta 2 appendage alone to bind directly to clathrin and the accessory proteins AP180, epsin and eps15 at the same site. Clathrin polymerization is promoted by binding of clathrin simultaneously to the beta 2-appendage site and to a second site on the adjacent beta 2 hinge. This results in the displacement of the other ligands from the beta 2 appendage. Thus clathrin binding to an AP2-accessory protein complex would cause the controlled release of accessory proteins at sites of vesicle formation.

Structures of EF-hand Ca(2+)-binding proteins: diversity in the organization, packing and response to Ca2+ binding.

Nelson MR, Chazin WJ
Biometals. 1998; 11: 297-318

The growing database of three-dimensional structures of EF-hand calcium-binding proteins is revealing a previously unrecognized variability in the conformations and organizations of EF-hand binding motifs. The structures of twelve different EF-hand proteins for which coordinates are publicly available are discussed and related to their respective biological and biophysical properties. The classical picture of calcium sensors and calcium signal modulators is presented, along with variants on the basic theme and new structural paradigms.

The calcium-binding site of clathrin light chains.

Nathke I, Hill BL, Parham P, Brodsky FM
J Biol Chem. 1990; 265: 18621-7

Clathrin light chains are calcium-binding proteins (Mooibroek, M. J., Michiel, D. F., and Wang, J. H. (1987) J. Biol. Chem. 262, 25-28) and clathrin assembly can be modulated by calcium in vitro. Thus, intracellular calcium may play a regulatory role in the function of clathrin-coated vesicles. The structural basis for calcium's influence on clathrin-mediated processes has been defined using recombinant deletion mutants and isolated fragments of the light chains. A single calcium-binding site, formed by residues 85-96, is present in both mammalian light chains (LCa and LCb) and in the single yeast light chain. This sequence has structural similarity to the calcium-binding EF-hand loops of calmodulin and related proteins. In mammalian light chains, the calcium-binding sequence is flanked by domains that regulate clathrin assembly and disassembly.

[Evolution of EF-hand proteins]

Nakayama S
Seikagaku. 1995; 67: 131-7

Small G protein Ral and its downstream molecules regulate endocytosis of EGF and insulin receptors.

Nakashima S, Morinaka K, Koyama S, Ikeda M, Kishida M, Okawa K, Iwamatsu A, Kishida S, Kikuchi A
EMBO J. 1999; 18: 3629-42

The involvement of Ral and its downstream molecules in receptor-mediated endocytosis was examined. Expression of either RalG23V or RalS28N, which are known to be constitutively active and dominantnegative forms, respectively, in A431 cells blocked internalization of epidermal growth factor (EGF). Stable expression of RalG23V or RalS28N in CHO-IR cells also inhibited internalization of insulin. Internalization of EGF and insulin was not affected by full-length RalBP1 which is an effector protein of Ral, but was inhibited by its C-terminal region which binds directly to Ral and POB1. POB1 is a binding protein of RalBP1 and has the Eps15 homology (EH) domain. Deletion mutants of POB1 inhibited internalization of EGF and insulin. However, internalization of transferrin was unaffected by Ral, RalBP1, POB1 and their mutants. Epsin and Eps15 have been reported to be involved in the regulation of endocytosis of the receptors for EGF and transferrin. The EH domain of POB1 bound directly to Epsin and Eps15. Taken together with the observation that EGF and insulin activate Ral, these results suggest that Ral, RalBP1 and POB1 transmit the signal from the receptors to Epsin and Eps15, thereby regulating ligand-dependent receptor-mediated endocytosis.

Epsin binds to the EH domain of POB1 and regulates receptor-mediated endocytosis.

Morinaka K, Koyama S, Nakashima S, Hinoi T, Okawa K, Iwamatsu A, Kikuchi A
Oncogene. 1999; 18: 5915-22

POB1 has been identified as a RalBP1-binding protein and has the Eps15 homology (EH) domain. The EH domain-containing proteins have been suggested to be involved in clathrin-dependent endocytosis. To clarify the function of POB1, we purified a protein which binds to the EH domain of POB1 from bovine brain cytosol and identified it as Epsin, which is known to bind to the EH domain of Eps15. Epsin has three Asn-Pro-Phe (NPF) motifs in the C-terminal region, which are known to form the core sequence for the binding to the EH domain. The EH domain of POB1 interacted directly with the region containing the NPF motifs of Epsin. Expression of Epsin in CHO-IR cells inhibited internalization of insulin although it affected neither insulin-binding nor autophosphorylation activities of the insulin receptor. Taken together with the observations that Epsin is involved in internalization of the receptors for epidermal growth factor and transferrin, these results suggest that Epsin is a binding partner of POB1 and their binding regulates receptor-mediated endocytosis.

EH domain-dependent interactions between Eps15 and clathrin-coated vesicle protein p95.

McPherson PS, de Heuvel E, Phillie J, Wang W, Sengar A, Egan S
Biochem Biophys Res Commun. 1998; 244: 701-5

The endocytic protein Eps15 contains three copies of the EH domain, a protein module thought to function in protein-protein interactions. Using overlay assays with an Eps15 EH domain fusion protein, we have now identified a protein of 95 kDa (p95) as a major EH domain-binding partner in a wide variety of tissues. The amino acids asparagine-proline-phenylalanine (NPF) form the core of an EH domain-binding motif and three NPF repeats are found in the endocytic protein synaptojanin-170. We have confirmed previous studies indicating that synaptojanin-170 is an EH domain-binding protein, and have used peptide blocking experiments to demonstrate that the interaction is mediated through the NPF repeats. Interestingly, the same peptide also blocks EH domain-binding to p95. Finally, we have shown that p95 is enriched on clathrin-coated vesicles, suggesting an endocytic role for the protein. These data support an important role for EH domain-NPF motif interactions in endocytosis.

Endocytosis: EH domains lend a hand.

Mayer BJ
Curr Biol. 1999; 9: 703-703

A number of proteins that have been implicated in endocytosis feature a conserved protein-interaction module known as an EH domain. The three-dimensional structure of an EH domain has recently been solved, and is likely to presage significant advances in understanding molecular mechanisms of endocytosis.

Conformational and metal-binding properties of androcam, a testis-specific, calmodulin-related protein from Drosophila.

Martin SR, Lu AQ, Xiao J, Kleinjung J, Beckingham K, Bayley PM
Protein Sci. 1999; 8: 2444-54

Androcam is a testis-specific protein of Drosophila melanogaster, with 67% sequence identity to calmodulin and four potential EF-hand calcium-binding sites. Spectroscopic monitoring of the thermal unfolding of recombinant calcium-free androcam shows a biphasic process characteristic of a two-domain protein, with the apo-N-domain less stable than the apo-C-domain. The two EF hands of the C-domain of androcam bind calcium cooperatively with 40-fold higher average affinity than the corresponding calmodulin sites. Magnesium competes with calcium binding [Ka(Mg) approximately 3 x 10(3) M(-1)]. Weak calcium binding is also detected at one or more N-domain sites. Compared to apo-calmodulin, apo-androcam has a smaller conformational response to calcium and a lower alpha-helical content over a range of experimental conditions. Unlike calmodulin, a tryptic cleavage site in the N-domain of apo-androcam remains trypsin sensitive in the presence of calcium, suggesting an altered calcium-dependent conformational change in this domain. The affinity of model target peptides for androcam is 10(3)-10(5) times lower than for calmodulin, and interaction of the N-domain of androcam with these peptides is significantly reduced. Thus, androcam shows calcium-induced conformational responses typical of a calcium sensor, but its properties indicate calcium sensitivity and target interactions significantly different from those of calmodulin. From the sequence differences and the altered calcium-binding properties it is likely that androcam differs from calmodulin in the conformation of residues in the second calcium-binding loop. Molecular modeling supports the deduction that there are significant conformational differences in the N-domain of androcam compared to calmodulin, and that these could affect the surface, conferring a different specificity on androcam in target interactions related to testis-specific calcium signaling functions.

Interactions of drebrin and gephyrin with profilin.

Mammoto A, Sasaki T, Asakura T, Hotta I, Imamura H, Takahashi K, Matsuura Y, Shirao T, Takai Y
Biochem Biophys Res Commun. 1998; 243: 86-9

Profilin is an actin monomer-binding protein which stimulates actin polymerization. Recent studies have revealed that profilin interacts with VASP, Mena, Bnilp, Bnrlp, and mDia, all of which have the proline-rich domain. Here, we isolated three profilin-binding proteins from rat brain cytosol by glutathione S-transferase-profilin affinity column chromatography and identified them as Mena, drebrin, and gephyrin. These proteins had a proline-rich domain and directly interacted with profilin.

[A family of the intracellular calcium-binding proteins with five EF-hand motifs]

Maki M
Seikagaku. 1998; 70: 202-7

Structure of the Mad2 spindle assembly checkpoint protein and its interaction with Cdc20.

Luo X, Fang G, Coldiron M, Lin Y, Yu H, Kirschner MW, Wagner G
Nat Struct Biol. 2000; 7: 224-9

The checkpoint protein Mad2 inhibits the activity of the anaphase promoting complex by sequestering Cdc20 until all chromosomes are aligned at the metaphase plate. We report the solution structure of human Mad2 and its interaction with Cdc20. Mad2 possesses a novel three-layered alpha/beta fold with three alpha-helices packed between two beta-sheets. Using deletion mutants we identified the minimal Mad2-binding region of human Cdc20 as a 40-residue segment immediately N-terminal to the WD40 repeats. Mutagenesis and NMR titration experiments show that a C-terminal flexible region of Mad2 is required for binding to Cdc20. Mad2 and Cdc20 form a tight 1:1 heterodimeric complex in which the C-terminal segment of Mad2 becomes folded. These results provide the first structural insight into mechanisms of the spindle assembly checkpoint.

Rme-1 regulates the distribution and function of the endocytic recycling compartment in mammalian cells.

Lin SX, Grant B, Hirsh D, Maxfield FR
Nat Cell Biol. 2001; 3: 567-72

RME-1 is an Eps15-homology (EH)-domain protein that was identified in a genetic screen for endocytosis genes in Caenorhabditis elegans. When expressed in a CHO cell line, the worm RME-1 protein and a mouse homologue are both associated with the endocytic recycling compartment. Here we show that expression of a dominant-negative construct with a point mutation near the EH domain results in redistribution of the endocytic recycling compartment and slowing down of transferrin receptor recycling. The delivery of a TGN38 chimaeric protein to the trans-Golgi network is also slowed down. The function of Rme-1 in endocytic recycling is evolutionarily conserved in metazoans as shown by the protein's properties in C. elegans.

Determinants that govern high-affinity calcium binding.

Linse S, Forsen S
Adv Second Messenger Phosphoprotein Res. 1995; 30: 89-151

Three-dimensional structure of annexins.

Liemann S, Huber R
Cell Mol Life Sci. 1997; 53: 516-21

Annexins constitute a family of structurally related calcium- and phospholipid-binding proteins whose molecular structure has been investigated in detail in the crystalline and membrane-bound form. Their polypeptide chain is folded into four or eight alpha-helical domains of similar structure with a central hydrophilic pore. Bound to phospholipid membranes, the four-domain arrangement of the annexin molecule is conserved. A peripheral binding mode has been well documented by electron microscopy and a variety of other techniques.

EF-hand calcium-binding proteins.

Lewit-Bentley A, Rety S
Curr Opin Struct Biol. 2000; 10: 637-43

The EF-hand motif is the most common calcium-binding motif found in proteins. Several high-resolution structures containing different metal ions bound to EF-hand sites have given new insight into the modulation of their binding affinities. Recently determined structures of members of several newly identified protein families that contain the EF-hand motif in some of their domains, as well as of their complexes with target molecules, are throwing light on the surprising variety of functions that can be served by this simple and ingenious structural motif.

Dance of the dimers.

Krebs J, Quadroni M, Van Eldik LJ
Nat Struct Biol. 1995; 2: 711-4

The structure of the apo form of calcyclin, a member of the S100 family of calcium-binding proteins, reveals a novel dimer fold that may reflect the presence of a new interface for target protein recognition.

The ALG-2/AIP-complex, a modulator at the interface between cell proliferation and cell death? A hypothesis.

Krebs J, Klemenz R
Biochim Biophys Acta. 2000; 1498: 153-61

During the development of an organism cell proliferation, differentiation and cell death are tightly balanced, and are controlled by a number of different regulators. Alterations in this balance are often observed in a variety of human diseases. The role of Ca(2+) as one of the key regulators of the cell is discussed with respect to two recently discovered proteins, ALG-2 and AIP, of which the former is a Ca(2+)-binding protein, and the latter is substrate to various kinases. The two proteins interact with each other in a Ca(2+)-dependent manner, and the role of the complex ALG-2/AIP as a possible modulator at the interface between cell proliferation and cell death is discussed.

Solution structure of the Eps15 homology domain of a human POB1 (partner of RalBP1).

Koshiba S, Kigawa T, Iwahara J, Kikuchi A, Yokoyama S
FEBS Lett. 1999; 442: 138-42

The solution structure of the Eps15 homology (EH) domain of a human POB1 (partner of RaIBP1) has been determined by uniform 13C/15N labeling and heteronuclear multidimensional nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. The POB1 EH domain consists of two EF-hand structures, and the second one binds a calcium ion. In the calcium-bound state, the orientation of the fourth alpha-helix relative to the other helices of the POB1 EH domain is slightly different from that of calbindin, and much more different from those of calmodulin and troponin C, on the basis of their atomic coordinates.

[Neuron-specific Ca(2+)-binding proteins]

Kobayashi M, Takamatsu K
Tanpakushitsu Kakusan Koso. 1998; 43: 1681-7

Shuffling of structural elements in filamentous bacteriophages.

Kishchenko G, Makowski L
Proteins. 1997; 27: 405-9

All class II filamentous bacteriophage coat proteins contain a conserved, 12-amino acid sequence highly homologous to the loop portion of the EF-hand Ca(2+)-binding motif. The Pf3 coat protein contains two regions of homology to this sequence. The 12-amino acid sequence corresponds to a region of the Pf1 coat protein whose structure is controversial. In some models of the virus structure, this region is alpha-helical. In others, it forms a loop that folds back on itself. The similarity of this region to the loop in the helix-loop-helix Ca(2+)-binding motif suggests that it takes on a loop structure in the virion. Each filamentous phage lacks at least one residue normally involved in Ca(2+)-coordination, consistent with the relatively weak Ca(2+)-binding properties of the filamentous phages. Consideration of the structure of the coat protein in the membrane and in the virus particle indicates that the protein may be more effective in binding cations in its membrane-bound form than in the virus particle. This suggests that release of cations from this loop may be an obligate step during assembly of the proteins into the virus particle.

Identification of the calcium binding sites in translationally controlled tumor protein.

Kim M, Jung Y, Lee K, Kim C
Arch Pharm Res. 2000; 23: 633-6

Translationally controlled tumor protein (TCTP), also known as IgE-dependent histamine-releasing factor, is a growth-related tumor protein. Although the primary sequence of rat TCTP does not reveal any recognizable Ca2+ -binding motif, previous studies have demonstrated that rat TCTP consisting of 172 amino acids is a Ca2+ -binding protein. However, the region of TCTP required for Ca2+ interaction has not been mapped to the molecule. Here, we reported that the Ca2+ binding region of TCTP, which was mapped by using a combination of deletion constructs of rat TCTP and 45Ca2+ -overlay assay, was confined to amino acid residues 81-112. This binding domain did not show any peculiar loop of calcium-binding motif such as CaLB domain and EF hand motif and it seems to be constituted of random coil regions neighboring the a helix. Thus, our data confirm that TCTP is a novel family of Ca2+ -binding protein.

Interaction specificity of Arabidopsis calcineurin B-like calcium sensors and their target kinases.

Kim KN, Cheong YH, Gupta R, Luan S
Plant Physiol. 2000; 124: 1844-53

Calcium is a critical component in a number of plant signal transduction pathways. A new family of calcium sensors called calcineurin B-like proteins (AtCBLs) have been recently identified from Arabidopsis. These calcium sensors have been shown to interact with a family of protein kinases (CIPKs). Here we report that each individual member of AtCBL family specifically interacts with a subset of CIPKs and present structural basis for the interaction and for the specificity underlying these interactions. Although the C-terminal region of CIPKs is responsible for interaction with AtCBLs, the N-terminal region of CIPKs is also involved in determining the specificity of such interaction. We have also shown that all three EF-hand motifs in AtCBL members are required for the interaction with CIPKs. Several AtCBL members failed to interact with any of the CIPKs presented in this study, suggesting that these AtCBL members either have other CIPKs as targets or they target distinct proteins other than CIPKs. These results may provide structural basis for the functional specificity of CBL family of calcium sensors and their targets.

The solution structure of the bovine S100B protein dimer in the calcium-free state.

Kilby PM, Van Eldik LJ, Roberts GC
Structure. 1996; 4: 1041-52

BACKGROUND. S100B (S100beta) is a member of the S100 family of small calcium-binding proteins: members of this family contain two helix-loop-helix calcium-binding motifs and interact with a wide range of proteins involved mainly in the cytoskeleton and cell proliferation. S100B is a neurite-extension factor and levels of S100B are elevated in the brains of patients with Alzheimer's disease or Down's syndrome: the pattern of S100B overexpression in Alzheimer's disease correlates with the pattern of neuritic-plaque formation. Identification of a growing class of S100 proteins and the likely neurochemical importance of S100B make the determination of the structure of S100B of interest. RESULTS. We have used NMR to determine the structure of the reduced S100B homodimer in the absence of calcium. Each monomer consists of a four-helix bundle, arranged in the dimer in an antiparallel fashion. The fourth helix of each monomer runs close to the equivalent helix of the other monomer for almost its full length, extending the hydrophobic core through the interface. The N-terminal, but not the C-terminal, calcium-binding loop is similar to the equivalent loop in the monomeric S100 protein calbindin and is in a conformation ready to bind calcium. CONCLUSIONS. The novel dimer structure reported previously for calcyclin (S100A6) is the common fold for the dimeric S100B proteins. Calcium binding to the C-terminal calcium-binding loop would be expected to require a conformational change, which might provide a signal for activation. The structure suggests regions of the molecule likely to be involved in interactions with effector molecules.

Nuclear magnetic resonance assignments and secondary structure of bovine S100 beta protein.

Kilby PM, Van Eldik LJ, Roberts GC
FEBS Lett. 1995; 363: 90-6

S100 beta is a neurite extension factor and has been implicated in Alzheimer's disease and Down's syndrome. It belongs to a group of low molecular weight calcium-binding proteins containing the helix-loop-helix calcium binding motif. The structure of only one S100 protein, calbindin D9k, which has the lowest sequence similarity to the other members of the S100 group has been determined. We report the NMR assignments and secondary structure of calcium-free S100 beta. The secondary structure is similar to that of calbindin D9k, determined using NMR, except that there is clear evidence for an additional well ordered 5-residue alpha-helix in S100 beta.

Comparative modeling of the three-dimensional structure of the calmodulin-related TCH2 protein from Arabidopsis.

Khan AR, Johnson KA, Braam J, James MN
Proteins. 1997; 27: 144-53

Plants adapt to various stresses by developmental alterations that render them less easily damaged. Expression of the TCH2 gene of Arabidopsis is strongly induced by stimuli such as touch and wind. The gene product, TCH2, belongs to the calmodulin (CaM) family of proteins and contains four highly conserved Ca(2+)-binding EF-hands. We describe here the structure of TCH2 in the fully Ca(2+)-saturated form, constructed using comparative molecular modeling, based on the x-ray structure of paramecium CaM. Like known CaMs, the overall structure consists of two globular domains separated by a linker helix. However, the linker region has added flexibility due to the presence of 5 glycines within a span of 6 residues. In addition, TCH2 is enriched in Lys and Arg residues relative to other CaMs, suggesting a preference for targets which are more negatively charged. Finally, a pair of Cys residues in the C-terminal domain, Cys126 and Cys131, are sufficiently close in space to form a disulfide bridge. These predictions serve to direct future biochemical and structural studies with the overall aim of understanding the role of TCH2 in the cellular response of Arabidopsis to environmental stimuli.

Calcium-binding proteins. 1: EF-hands.

Kawasaki H, Kretsinger RH
Protein Profile. 1994; 1: 343-517

Interconversion of the CD and EF sites in oncomodulin. Influence on the Eu3+ 7F0-->5D0 excitation spectrum.

Kauffman JF, Hapak RC, Henzl MT
Biochemistry. 1995; 34: 991-1000

The appearance of the parvalbumin Eu3+ 7F0-->5D0 spectrum is markedly pH dependent, the result of a hitherto unidentified deprotonation event in the CD ion-binding domain [Trevino, C.L., et al. (1991) J. Biol. Chem. 265, 9694-9700]. We are studying this phenomenon in the mammalian placental parvalbumin called oncomodulin. As in other parvalbumins, the liganding residues in the CD and EF sites of oncomodulin differ at the +z and -x coordination positions: serine and aspartate, respectively, in the CD site; aspartate and glycine in the EF site. We have prepared a series of oncomodulin variants in which the +z and/or -x residue(s) from one site have been replaced by the corresponding residue(s) from the other. We herein characterize the resulting proteins by Eu3+ luminescence spectroscopy. Simultaneous replacement of serine-55 by aspartate and aspartate-59 by glycine affords the CD site with a coordination sphere superficially equivalent to that of the EF site. As observed previously for the S55D mutation [Henzl, M. T., et al. (1992) FEBS Lett. 314, 130-134], the Eu3+ 7F0-->5D0 spectrum of the 55/59 variant is pH independent. Interestingly, replacement of aspartate-94 by serine at the +z position of the EF site of 55/59 imparts pH dependent behavior to the EF site. The identical mutation in the wild-type background likewise imparts pH dependence to the EF site, affording a protein in which both sites display broad signals near 578.2 nm at pH 8. Significantly, a variant in which threonine replaces serine-55 retains the pH dependent spectroscopic signature. These results indicate that the presence of a hydroxyl group at the +z position is sufficient to confer pH dependence on the 7F0-->5D0 spectrum of a parvalbumin EF-hand domain. Importantly, the data also suggest that the component peaks of the low-pH doublet are not site-specific signals, as previously believed. Rather, they probably represent differences in coordination environment arising from differential hydration or conformational heterogeneity. In wild-type oncomodulin, the CD site signal dominates the low-pH spectrum. Since this dominance persists even when serine-55 and aspartate-59 are replaced by the corresponding EF site residues, it appears that the context of the CD binding site, as dictated by the global polypeptide fold, exerts a major influence on the metal ion-binding properties of the site.

Solution structure of a Nedd4 WW domain-ENaC peptide complex.

Kanelis V, Rotin D, Forman-Kay JD
Nat Struct Biol. 2001; 8: 407-12

Nedd4 is a ubiquitin protein ligase composed of a C2 domain, three (or four) WW domains and a ubiquitin ligase Hect domain. Nedd4 was demonstrated to bind the epithelial sodium channel (alphabetagammaENaC), by association of its WW domains with PY motifs (XPPXY) present in each ENaC subunit, and to regulate the cell surface stability of the channel. The PY motif of betaENaC is deleted or mutated in Liddle syndrome, a hereditary form of hypertension caused by elevated ENaC activity. Here we report the solution structure of the third WW domain of Nedd4 complexed to the PY motif-containing region of betaENaC (TLPIPGTPPPNYDSL, referred to as betaP2). A polyproline type II helical conformation is adopted by the PPPN sequence. Unexpectedly, the C-terminal sequence YDSL forms a helical turn and both the tyrosine and the C-terminal leucine contact the WW domain. This is unlike other proline-rich peptides complexed to WW domains, which bind in an extended conformation and lack molecular interactions with residues C-terminal to the tyrosine or the structurally equivalent residue in non-PY motif WW domain targets. The Nedd4 WW domain-ENaC betaP2 peptide structure expands our understanding of the mechanisms involved in WW domain-ligand recognition and the molecular basis of Liddle syndrome.

Characterization of the calcium-binding sites of calcineurin B.

Kakalis LT, Kennedy M, Sikkink R, Rusnak F, Armitage IM
FEBS Lett. 1995; 362: 55-8

Calcineurin (CaN) is a calcium- and calmodulin-dependent serine/threonine phosphatase whose inhibition by the immunosuppressant-immunophilin complexes (cyclosporin-cyclophilin and FK506-FKBP) is considered key to the mechanism of immunosuppression. CaN is a heterodimer, consisting of a 59 kDa catalytic subunit (A) and a 19 kDa calcium-binding regulatory subunit (B). The latter is postulated to harbor four calcium binding domains of the EF hand type. The titration of the CaN B apoprotein with the isomorphic Cd2+ was followed by 113Cd NMR and these data support one high-affinity metal binding site and three lower-affinity ones. Flow dialysis data with Ca2+ indicate one high affinity calcium binding site with Kd approximately 2.4 x 10(-8) M and three other sites with Kd approximately 1.5 x 10(-5) M. The chemical shifts of all four 113Cd resonances (-75, -93, -106 and -119 ppm) are in the same range as found in other 113Cd substituted calcium-binding proteins, and are indicative of all-oxygen coordination of pentagonal bipyramidal geometry.

Annexins: a subcellular localization and reconstitution approach to elucidate cellular function.

Kaetzel MA, Hazarika P, Diaz-Munoz M, Dubinsky W, Hamilton SL, Dedman JR
Biochem Soc Trans. 1990; 18: 1108-10

Sequence of the cDNA encoding the Ca(2+)-activated photoprotein obelin from the hydroid polyp Obelia longissima.

Illarionov BA, Bondar VS, Illarionova VA, Vysotski ES
Gene. 1995; 153: 273-4

A cDNA clone encoding the Ca(2+)-activated photoprotein, obelin (Obl), from Obelia longissima was sequenced. The nucleotide (nt) sequence contained two long overlapping open reading frames (ORFs), one of which encoded apoobelin (apoObl). The deduced amino acid (aa) sequence of apoObl revealed that this 195-aa protein has three EF-hand structures that are characteristic for Ca(2+)-binding domains. Strong aa homology was shown among apoObl, apoaequorin and apoclytin. The second ORF present in the obl cDNA consists of 139 codons and encodes a very basic protein with a calculated pI of 10.56 and a molecular mass of 16,153 Da.

Mapping of the molecular determinants involved in the interaction between eps15 and AP-2.

Iannolo G, Salcini AE, Gaidarov I, Goodman OB Jr, Baulida J, Carpenter G, Pelicci PG, Di Fiore PP, Keen JH
Cancer Res. 1997; 57: 240-5

eps15, a substrate for the epidermal growth factor receptor and other receptor tyrosine kinases, possesses a discrete domain structure with protein-binding properties. It interacts with a number of cellular proteins through an evolutionarily conserved protein-binding domain, the eps15 homology domain, located in its NH2-terminal region. In addition, a proline-rich region, located in the COOH-terminal portion of eps15, can bind to the Src homology 3 domain of the crk proto-oncogene product in vitro. Recently, coimmunoprecipitation between eps15 and AP-2, a major component of coated pits, was reported. Here, we characterize the molecular determinants of the eps15/AP-2 interaction. The AP-2 binding region of eps15 is localized in its COOH-terminal region and spans approximately 80 amino acids. At least three molecular determinants, located at residues 650-660, 680-690, and 720-730, are involved in the binding. AP-2 binds to eps15 through its alpha subunit (alpha-adaptin); in particular, the COOH-terminal region of alpha-adaptin, the so-called alpha-ear, contains the eps15 binding region.

Crocalbin: a new calcium-binding protein that is also a binding protein for crotoxin, a neurotoxic phospholipase A2.

Hseu MJ, Yen CH, Tzeng MC
FEBS Lett. 1999; 445: 440-4

Utilizing Marathon-ready cDNA library and a gene-specific primer corresponding to a partial amino acid sequence determined previously, the complete nucleotide sequence for the cDNA of crocalbin, which binds crotoxin (a phospholipase A2) and Ca2+, was obtained by polymerase chain reaction. The open reading frame of the cDNA encodes a novel polypeptide of 315 amino acid residues, including a signal sequence of 19 residues. This protein contains six potential Ca(2+)-binding domains, one N-glycosylation site, and a large amount of acidic amino acid residues. The ability to bind Ca2+ has been ascertained by calcium overlay experiment. Evidenced by sequence similarity in addition, it is concluded that crocalbin is a new member of the reticulocalbin family of calcium-binding proteins.

[Ca2+ binding proteins]

Hikichi K, Ohki S
Tanpakushitsu Kakusan Koso. 1994; 39: 1226-32

Key residues involved in calcium-binding motifs in EGF-like domains.

Handford PA, Mayhew M, Baron M, Winship PR, Campbell ID, Brownlee GG
Nature. 1991; 351: 164-7

Many extracellular proteins with diverse functions contain domains similar to epidermal growth factor (EGF), a number of which have a consensus Asp/Asn, Asp/Asn, Asp*/Asn*, Tyr/Phe (where the asterisk denotes a beta-hydroxylated residue). These include the coagulation factors IX and X, proteins with two EGF-like domains, the first of which contains the consensus residues. The first EGF-like domain of human factor IX contains a calcium-binding site, which is believed to be responsible for one of the high-affinity sites detected in this protein. Similar results have been obtained for bovine factor X. We have now used protein engineering and 1H-NMR techniques to investigate the importance of individual consensus residues for ligand binding. Measurement of a calcium-dependent Tyr 69 shift in the isolated first EGF-like domain from human factor IX demonstrates that Asp 47, Asp 49, and Asp 64 are directly involved in this binding. Gln 50, whose importance has previously been overlooked, is also involved in this binding. Two mutations in this domain, Asp 47----Glu, and Asp 64----Asn, present in patients with haemophilia B, reduce calcium binding to the domain greater than 4-fold and greater than 1,000-fold, respectively. Furthermore, the defective calcium binding of Asn 64 can be partially rescued by the compensatory mutation Gln 50----Glu. This latter mutation, when introduced singly more than doubles the affinity of the domain for calcium. This study thus defines residues involved in a new type of calcium-binding site and provides strong circumstantial evidence for calcium-binding motifs in many extracellular proteins, including the developmentally important proteins of Drosophila, notch, delta and crumbs.

Evidence that RME-1, a conserved C. elegans EH-domain protein, functions in endocytic recycling.

Grant B, Zhang Y, Paupard MC, Lin SX, Hall DH, Hirsh D
Nat Cell Biol. 2001; 3: 573-9

In genetic screens for new endocytosis genes in Caenorhabditis elegans we identified RME-1, a member of a conserved class of Eps15-homology (EH)-domain proteins. Here we show that RME-1 is associated with the periphery of endocytic organelles, which is consistent with a direct role in endocytic transport. Endocytic defects in rme-1 mutants indicate that the protein is likely to have a function in endocytic recycling. Evidence from studies of mammalian RME-1 also points to a function for RME-1 in recycling, specifically in the exit of membrane proteins from recycling endosomes. These studies show a conserved function in endocytic recycling for the RME-1 family of EH proteins.

Thermodynamics of metal ion binding and denaturation of a calcium binding protein from Entamoeba histolytica.

Gopal B, Swaminathan CP, Bhattacharya S, Bhattacharya A, Murthy MR, Surolia A
Biochemistry. 1997; 36: 10910-6

The thermodynamics of the binding of calcium and magnesium ions to a calcium binding protein from Entamoeba histolytica was investigated by isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC) in 20 mM MOPS buffer (pH 7.0) at 20 degrees C. Enthalpy titration curves of calcium show the presence of four Ca2+ binding sites. There exist two low-affinity sites for Ca2+, both of which are exothermic in nature and with positive cooperative interaction between them. Two other high affinity sites for Ca2+ exist of which one is endothermic and the other exothermic, again with positive cooperative interaction. The binding constants for Ca2+ at the four sites have been verified by a competitive binding assay, where CaBP competes with a chromophoric chelator 5,5'-Br2 BAPTA to bind Ca2+ and a Ca2+ titration employing intrinsic tyrosine fluorescence of the protein. The enthalpy of titration of magnesium in the absence of calcium is single site and endothermic in nature. In the case of the titrations performed using protein presaturated with magnesium, the amount of heat produced is altered. Further, the interaction between the high-affinity sites changes to negative cooperativity. No exchange of heat was observed throughout the addition of magnesium in the presence of 1 mM calcium. Titrations performed on a cleaved peptide comprising the N-terminus and the central linker show the existence of two Ca2+ specific sites. These results indicate that this CaBP has one high-affinity Ca-Mg site, one high-affinity Ca-specific site, and two low-affinity Ca-specific sites. The thermodynamic parameters of the binding of these metal ions were used to elucidate the energetics at the individual site(s) and the interactions involved therein at various concentrations of the denaturant, guanidine hydrochloride, ranging from 0.05 to 6.5 M. Unfolding of the protein was also monitored by titration calorimetry as a function of the concentration of the denaturant. These data show that at a GdnHCl concentration of 0.25 M the binding affinity for the Mg2+ ion is lost and there are only two sites which can bind to Ca2+, with substantial loss of cooperativity. At concentrations beyond 2.5 M GdnHCl, at which the unfolding of the tertiary structure of this protein is observed by near UV CD spectroscopy, the binding of Ca2+ ions is lost. We thus show that the domain containing the two low-affinity sites is the first to unfold in the presence of GdnHCl. Control experiments with change in ionic strength by addition of KCl in the range 0.25-1 M show the existence of four sites with altered ion binding parameters.

Interactions in vitro of p9Ka, the rat S-100-related, metastasis-inducing, calcium-binding protein.

Gibbs FE, Wilkinson MC, Rudland PS, Barraclough R
J Biol Chem. 1994; 269: 18992-9

The S-100 proteins are a structurally related family displaying diverse intracellular and extracellular interactions. One such protein p9Ka (also known as calvasculin), or its mRNA (also known as CAPL, 42A, 18A2, mts, pEL 98), becomes elevated upon changes in the growth and differentiation of cells. Overexpression of p9Ka in benign rat mammary cells induces the metastatic phenotype. In order to help understand the role of p9Ka in these processes, the molecular properties of recombinant rat p9Ka have been studied. Recombinant p9Ka forms multimers in vitro, which are not due to intermolecular disulfide bridges, it binds 2 mol of calcium ions/mol of protein, and the binding of calcium ions is strongly antagonized by monovalent and divalent cations tested. Immunofluorescence studies indicate that p9Ka is located on cytoskeletal elements in a pattern which is identical to actin filaments stained with phalloidin. In vitro, it is shown that recombinant p9Ka binds to sites on at least two intracellular polypeptides. These sites display the same binding capacity for p9Ka in extracts of cultured rat mammary cells which show widely differing levels of expression of natural p9Ka. The results suggest that the production of p9Ka, and not of its target molecules, may be associated with the changes seen in cultured cells.

Mechanism of direct coupling between binding and induced structural change in regulatory calcium binding proteins.

Gagne SM, Li MX, Sykes BD
Biochemistry. 1997; 36: 4386-92

The structural transition in troponin C induced by the binding of two calcium ions involves an "opening" of the structure, an event that triggers skeletal muscle contraction. We have solved the solution structure of a mutant (E41A) of the regulatory domain of skeletal troponin C wherein one bidentate ligand to the calcium in site I is missing. This structure remains "closed" upon calcium binding, indicating that the linkage between calcium binding and the induced conformational change has been broken. This provides a snapshot of skeletal troponin C between the off and on state and thereby valuable insight into the mechanism of regulation within skeletal TnC. Although several factors contribute to the triggering mechanism, the opening of the troponin C structure is ultimately dependent on one amino acid, Glu41. Insights into the structure of cardiac troponin C can also be derived from this skeletal mutant.

[Use of frequency analysis for localization of functionally important regions of thermolysin]

Gabrielian AE, Kostrov SA, Kirpichnikov MP
Mol Biol (Mosk). 1994; 28: 1044-51

A theoretical investigation of the functional topography of thermolysin molecule was carried out using frequency analysis of its primary and tertiary structures. The statistical validity of predictions was estimated for the enzyme active site, substrate-binding pocket, interdomain interface, and calcium-binding sites. It was shown that frequency analysis of primary structure could be employed to predict the localization of contiguous parts of the interdomain interface. Primary structure analysis cannot be used to search for the conformation-dependent enzyme active site and substrate-binding pocket. On the contrary, frequency analysis of interresidues contacts is not so effective for prediction of the interdomain interface as compared with active site, substrate-binding pocket, and calcium-binding sites. The set of original algorithms proposed could be used in searching for functional sites in various proteins.

Evidence for ezrin-radixin-moesin-binding phosphoprotein 50 (EBP50) self-association through PDZ-PDZ interactions.

Fouassier L, Yun CC, Fitz JG, Doctor RB
J Biol Chem. 2000; 275: 25039-45

Ezrin-radixin-moesin (ERM)-binding phosphoprotein 50 (EBP50) is a versatile membrane-cytoskeleton linking protein that binds to the COOH-tail of specific integral membrane proteins through its two PDZ domains. These EBP50 binding interactions have been implicated in sequestering interactive sets of proteins into common microdomains, regulating the activity of interacting proteins, and modulating membrane protein trafficking. With only two PDZ domains, it is unclear how EBP50 forms multiprotein complexes. Other PDZ proteins increase their breadth and diversity of protein interactions through oligomerization. Hypothesizing that EBP50 self-associates to amplify its functional capacity, far-Western blotting of cholangiocyte epithelial cell proteins with EBP50 fusion protein revealed that EBP50 binds to a 50-kDa protein. Far-Western blotting of EBP50 isolated by two-dimensional gel electrophoresis or immunoprecipitation demonstrates that the 50-kDa binding partner is itself EBP50. Further, co-transfection/co-precipitation studies show the self-association can occur in an intracellular environment. In vitro analysis of the EBP50-EBP50 binding interaction indicates it is both saturable and of relatively high affinity. Analysis of truncated EBP50 proteins indicates EBP50 self-association is mediated through its PDZ domains. The ability to self-associate provides a mechanism for EBP50 to expand its capacity to form multiprotein complexes and regulate membrane transport events.

Calcyclin--from basic research to clinical implications.

Filipek A, Kuznicki J
Acta Biochim Pol. 1993; 40: 321-7

Molecular tuning of ion binding to calcium signaling proteins.

Falke JJ, Drake SK, Hazard AL, Peersen OB
Q Rev Biophys. 1994; 27: 219-90

Solution structure of Eps15's third EH domain reveals coincident Phe-Trp and Asn-Pro-Phe binding sites.

Enmon JL, de Beer T, Overduin M
Biochemistry. 2000; 39: 4309-19

Eps15 homology (EH) domains interact with proteins involved in endocytosis and signal transduction. EH domains bind to Asn-Pro-Phe (NPF) consensus motifs of target proteins. A few EH domains, such as the third EH domain (EH(3)) of human Eps15, prefer to bind Phe-Trp (FW) sequences. The structure of EH(3) has been solved by nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy and is the first of an FW- and NPF-binding EH domain. Both FW and NPF sequences bind in the same hydrophobic pocket as shown by heteronuclear chemical shift mapping. EH(3) contains the dual EF-hand fold characteristic of the EH domain family, but it binds calcium with high affinity in the first EF-hand rather than the usual coordination in the second EF-hand. Point mutations were designed based on differences in the EH(3) and the second EH domain (EH(2)) of human Eps15 that alter the affinity of the domains for FW or NPF motif peptides. Peptides that mimic binding sites in the potential EH(3) targets Rab, synaptojanin, and the cation-dependent mannose 6-phosphate receptor were used to explore wild-type and mutant affinities. Characterization of the structure and binding properties of an FW- and NPF-binding EH domain and comparison to an NPF-specific EH domain provide important insights into the mechanisms of EH domain ligand recognition.

Identification of calreticulin-like protein as one of the phosphoproteins modulated in response to oligogalacturonides in tobacco cells.

Droillard MJ, Guclu J, Le Caer JP, Mathieu Y, Guern J, Lauriere C
Planta. 1997; 202: 341-8

Oligogalacturonide-induced modifications of protein phosphorylation in cells of Nicotiana tabacum L. were investigated by in-vitro phosphorylation of plasma-membrane-enriched fractions and electrophoretic analysis on two-dimensional gels. About 100 polypeptides were resolved; among these 40 phosphoproteins were detected and their 33P-labelling quantified. Most of the phosphorylations were inhibited by staurosporine and several proteins were hyperphosphorylated in the presence of okadaic acid, indicating the presence of protein phosphatase(s) in addition to staurosporine-susceptible protein kinase(s) in the plasma-membrane-enriched fraction. In the presence of oligogalacturonides, phosphorylation of seven acidic polypeptides ranging from 15 to 65 kDa was strongly enhanced. A twofold enhancement of the phosphorylation of 24-kDa protein and a two- to threefold decrease in the phosphorylation of acidic proteins of MrS 62, 65, 80 and 84 was also observed in response to oligogalacturonides. One of the oligogalacturonide-modulated phosphoproteins was identified as calreticulin by direct nucleotide sequencing after preparative two-dimensional electrophoresis and comparison with protein database sequences. Decreased phosphorylation of calreticulin was also observed in vivo, shortly after addition of oligogalacturonides to tobacco cells, confirming the biological relevance of the modification. Although the presence of calreticulin, an abundant reticuloplasmin with high calcium-binding capacity, has been reported in both mammalian and plant cells, its function is as yet largely unknown. Modulation of the phosphorylation of a plant calreticulin-like protein by oligogalacturonides is shown here, suggesting a role in the early transduction steps of this signal.

Oligomerization state of S100B at nanomolar concentration determined by large-zone analytical gel filtration chromatography.

Drohat AC, Nenortas E, Beckett D, Weber DJ
Protein Sci. 1997; 6: 1577-82

S100B is a Ca(2+)-binding protein known to be a non-covalently associated dimer, S100B(beta beta), at high concentrations (0.2-3.0 mM) under reducing conditions. The solution structure of apo-S100B (beta beta) shows that the subunits associate in an antiparallel manner to form a tightly packed hydrophobic core at the dimer interface involving six of eight helices and the C-terminal loop (Drohat AC, Amburgey JC, Abildgaard F, Starich MR, Baldisseri D, Weber DJ. 1996. Solution structure of rat apo-S100B (beta beta) as determined by NMR spectroscopy. Biochemistry 35:11577-11588). The C-terminal loop, however, is also known to participate in the binding of S100B to target proteins, so its participation in the dimer interface raises questions as to the physiological relevance of dimeric S100B (beta beta). Therefore, we investigated the oligomerization state of S100B at low concentrations (1-10,000 nM) using large-zone analytical gel filtration chromatography with 35S-labeled S100B. We found that S100B exists (> 99%) as a non-covalently associated dimer, S100B (beta beta), at 1 nM subunit concentration (500 pM dimer) in the presence or absence of saturating levels of Ca2+, which implies a dissociation constant in the picomolar range or lower. These results demonstrate for the first time that in reducing environments and at physiological concentrations, S100B exists as dimeric S100B (beta beta) in the presence or absence of Ca2+, and that the non-covalent dimer is most likely the form of S100B presented to target proteins.

Molecular tuning of an EF-hand-like calcium binding loop. Contributions of the coordinating side chain at loop position 3.

Drake SK, Zimmer MA, Kundrot C, Falke JJ
J Gen Physiol. 1997; 110: 173-84

Calcium binding and signaling orchestrate a wide variety of essential cellular functions, many of which employ the EF-hand Ca2+ binding motif. The ion binding parameters of this motif are controlled, in part, by the structure of its Ca2+ binding loop, termed the EF-loop. The EF-loops of different proteins are carefully specialized, or fine-tuned, to yield optimized Ca2+ binding parameters for their unique cellular roles. The present study uses a structurally homologous Ca2+ binding loop, that of the Escherichia coli galactose binding protein, as a model for the EF-loop in studies examining the contribution of the third loop position to intramolecular tuning. 10 different side chains are compared at the third position of the model EF-loop with respect to their effects on protein stability, sugar binding, and metal binding equilibria and kinetics. Substitution of an acidic Asp side chain for the native Asn is found to generate a 6,000-fold increase in the ion selectivity for trivalent over divalent cations, providing strong support for the electrostatic repulsion model of divalent cation charge selectivity. Replacement of Asn by neutral side chains differing in size and shape each alter the ionic size selectivity in a similar manner, supporting a model in which large-ion size selectivity is controlled by complex interactions between multiple side chains rather than by the dimensions of a single coordinating side chain. Finally, the pattern of perturbations generated by side chain substitutions helps to explain the prevalence of Asn and Asp at the third position of natural EF-loops and provides further evidence supporting the unique kinetic tuning role of the gateway side chain at the ninth EF-loop position.

The eps15 homology (EH) domain-based interaction between eps15 and hrb connects the molecular machinery of endocytosis to that of nucleocytosolic transport.

Doria M, Salcini AE, Colombo E, Parslow TG, Pelicci PG, Di Fiore PP
J Cell Biol. 1999; 147: 1379-84

The Eps15 homology (EH) module is a protein-protein interaction domain that establishes a network of connections involved in various aspects of endocytosis and sorting. The finding that EH-containing proteins bind to Hrb (a cellular cofactor of the Rev protein) and to the related protein Hrbl raised the possibility that the EH network might also influence the so-called Rev export pathway, which mediates nucleocytoplasmic transfer of proteins and RNAs. In this study, we demonstrate that Eps15 and Eps15R, two EH-containing proteins, synergize with Hrb and Hrbl to enhance the function of Rev in the export pathway. In addition, the EH-mediated association between Eps15 and Hrb is required for the synergistic effect. The interaction between Eps15 and Hrb occurs in the cytoplasm, thus pointing to an unexpected site of action of Hrb, and to a possible role of the Eps15-Hrb complex in regulating the stability of Rev.

Structural basis of SNT PTB domain interactions with distinct neurotrophic receptors.

Dhalluin C, Yan K, Plotnikova O, Lee KW, Zeng L, Kuti M, Mujtaba S, Goldfarb MP, Zhou MM
Mol Cell. 2000; 6: 921-9

SNT adaptor proteins transduce activation of fibroblast growth factor receptors (FGFRs) and neurotrophin receptors (TRKs) to common signaling targets. The SNT-1 phosphotyrosine binding (PTB) domain recognizes activated TRKs at a canonical NPXpY motif and, atypically, binds to nonphosphorylated FGFRs in a region lacking tyrosine or asparagine. Here, using NMR and mutational analyses, we show that the PTB domain utilizes distinct sets of amino acid residues to interact with FGFRs or TRKs in a mutually exclusive manner. The FGFR1 peptide wraps around the beta sandwich structure of the PTB domain, and its binding is possibly regulated by conformational change of a unique C-terminal beta strand in the protein. Our results suggest mechanisms by which SNTs serve as molecular switches to mediate the essential interplay between FGFR and TRK signaling during neuronal differentiation.

Molecular mechanism of NPF recognition by EH domains.

de Beer T, Hoofnagle AN, Enmon JL, Bowers RC, Yamabhai M, Kay BK, Overduin M
Nat Struct Biol. 2000; 7: 1018-22

Eps15 homology (EH) domains are protein interaction modules that recognize Asn-Pro-Phe (NPF) motifs in their biological ligands to mediate critical events during endocytosis and signal transduction. To elucidate the structural basis of the EH-NPF interaction, the solution structures of two EH-NPF complexes were solved using NMR spectroscopy. The first complex contains a peptide representing the Hrb C-terminal NPFL motif; the second contains a peptide in which an Arg residue substitutes the C-terminal Leu. The NPF residues are almost completely embedded in a hydrophobic pocket on the EH domain surface and the backbone of NPFX adopts a conformation reminiscent of the Asx-Pro type I beta-turn motif. The residue directly following NPF is crucial for recognition and is required to complete the beta-turn. Five amino acids on the EH surface mediate specific recognition of this residue through hydrophobic and electrostatic contacts. The complexes explain the selectivity of the second EH domain of Eps15 for NPF over DPF motifs and reveal a critical aromatic interaction that provides a conserved anchor for the recognition of FW, WW, SWG and HTF ligands by other EH domains.

[Calponin: biological, chemical and structural properties]

Czurylo EA
Tsitologiia. 2000; 42: 7-18

Calponin distribution in smooth muscle cells and its properties in experiments in vitro are described. A comparison of these properties with those of other regulatory proteins and of proteins presumed to play this role suggest that calponin has another, yet unknown function. On the basis of existing experimental and theoretical data, an attempt has been made to quantitatively estimate the content of structural elements of the polypeptide chain and their localization. With consideration of the structural calponin domains, a general model of the secondary structure of all known calponin sequences is suggested. Based on the known roentgenographic data of the CH-domain of other proteins a possible organization of the calponin molecule hydrophobic core has been proposed.

Methods for producing recombinant human cellular retinaldehyde-binding protein.

Crabb JW, Chen Y, Goldflam S, West K, Kapron J
Methods Mol Biol. 1998; 89: 91-104

Rat duodenal iron-binding protein mobilferrin is a homologue of calreticulin.

Conrad ME, Umbreit JN, Moore EG
Gastroenterology. 1993; 104: 1700-4

BACKGROUND: Mobilferrin is a water soluble 56-kilodalton protein isolated from human and rat duodenal mucosa. It binds iron and other transitional metals in vivo and in vitro and is postulated to play a role in their absorption and intracellular metabolism. The purpose of this study was to characterize mobilferrin. METHODS: Mobilferrin was characterized by identification of the N-terminal amino acid sequence, two-dimensional protein electrophoresis, and studies of mobilferrin and homologues using anti-mobilferrin antibody and competitive metal binding. RESULTS: The N-terminal amino acid sequence of mobilferrin was Asp-Pro-Ala-Ile-Tyr-Phe-Lys-Glu-Gln-Phe-Leu-Asp-Gly-Asp-Ala-Ser-Thr- and is a homologue of calreticulin (calregulin). The proteins had a similar molecular mass (56 kilodalton) and isoelectric point (4.7). Anti-mobilferrin antibodies react with calreticulin. Both proteins bind iron and calcium but have a greater affinity for iron. CONCLUSIONS: Mobilferrin and calreticulin are homologues that bind iron with greater affinity than calcium and other transitional metals. Competitive binding of metals by mobilferrin provides insight into the absorptive pathway shared by both essential and toxic transitional metals.

The interaction of epsin and Eps15 with the clathrin adaptor AP-2 is inhibited by mitotic phosphorylation and enhanced by stimulation-dependent dephosphorylation in nerve terminals.

Chen H, Slepnev VI, Di Fiore PP, De Camilli P
J Biol Chem. 1999; 274: 3257-60

Clathrin-mediated endocytosis was shown to be arrested in mitosis due to a block in the invagination of clathrin-coated pits. A Xenopus mitotic phosphoprotein, MP90, is very similar to an abundant mammalian nerve terminal protein, epsin, which binds the Eps15 homology (EH) domain of Eps15 and the alpha-adaptin subunit of the clathrin adaptor AP-2. We show here that both rat epsin and Eps15 are mitotic phosphoproteins and that their mitotic phosphorylation inhibits binding to the appendage domain of alpha-adaptin. Both epsin and Eps15, like other cytosolic components of the synaptic vesicle endocytic machinery, undergo constitutive phosphorylation and depolarization-dependent dephosphorylation in nerve terminals. Furthermore, their binding to AP-2 in brain extracts is enhanced by dephosphorylation. Epsin together with Eps15 was proposed to assist the clathrin coat in its dynamic rearrangements during the invagination/fission reactions. Their mitotic phosphorylation may be one of the mechanisms by which the invagination of clathrin-coated pits is blocked in mitosis and their stimulation-dependent dephosphorylation at synapses may contribute to the compensatory burst of endocytosis after a secretory stimulus.

Sequence-specific 1H, 13C and 15N assignment and secondary structure of the apo EH2 domain of mouse Eps15.

Carotenuto A, Tessari M, Whitehead B, Aelen JM, van Bergen en Henegouwen PM, Vuister GW
J Biomol NMR. 1999; 14: 97-8

Calcium-dependent binding of sorcin to the N-terminal domain of synexin (annexin VII).

Brownawell AM, Creutz CE
J Biol Chem. 1997; 272: 22182-90

The annexins are characterized by their ability to bind phospholipid membranes in a Ca2+-dependent manner. Sequence variability between the N-terminal domains of the family members may contribute to the specific cellular function of each annexin. To identify proteins that interact with the N-terminal domain of synexin (annexin VII), a fusion protein was constructed composed of glutathione S-transferase fused to amino acids 1-145 of human synexin. Affinity chromatography using this construct identified sorcin as a Ca2+-dependent synexin-binding protein. Overlay assays confirmed the interaction. The glutathione S-transferase construct associates with recombinant sorcin over the range of pCa2+ = 4.7-3.1 with no binding observed at pCa2+ = 5.4. Overlay assays using deletion constructs of the synexin N-terminal domain mapped the sorcin binding site to the N-terminal 31 amino acids of the synexin protein. Additionally, synexin forms a complex with sorcin and recruits this protein to chromaffin granule membranes in a Ca2+-dependent manner. Sorcin is able to inhibit synexin-mediated chromaffin granule aggregation in a manner saturable with increasing sorcin concentrations, but does not influence the Ca2+ sensitivity of synexin-mediated granule aggregation. Therefore, the interaction between sorcin and synexin may serve to regulate the functions of these proteins on membrane surfaces in a Ca2+-dependent manner.

Function of PTB domains.

Borg JP, Margolis B
Curr Top Microbiol Immunol. 1998; 228: 23-38

The location and nature of calcium-binding sites in salivary acidic proline-rich phosphoproteins.

Bennick A, McLaughlin AC, Grey AA, Madapallimattam G
J Biol Chem. 1981; 256: 4741-6

The location of the calcium-binding sites in the human acidic proline-rich proteins, salivary proteins A and C, were determined by equilibrium dialysis of the tryptic peptides with buffers containing 45Ca. All the calcium-binding sites are located in the NH2-terminal tryptic peptide (TX peptide). The nature of the calcium binding sites in the TX peptide and native salivary proteins A and C, as well as dephosphorylated proteins were compared. Two types of sites can be distinguished in peptide TX. Type I sites have an apparent dissociation constant (K) of 38 microM and are responsible for the binding of 2.6 mol of Ca/mol of peptide. The corresponding figures for Type II sites are 780 microM and 5.3 mol of Ca/mol of peptide. In the native proteins, the amount of calcium bound at the type II sites decreases to 3.9 mol of Ca/mol of proteins A and C and K increases to 1100 microM. The amount of calcium bound at type I sites decreases to 1.5 mol/mol of protein A and 0.6 mol/mol of protein C, but there is no change in K. Dephosphorylation affects the calcium binding at both types of sites. The experiments indicate that the COOH-terminal parts of the native proteins affect the number and the nature of the protein calcium-binding sites. Proton and phosphorous NMR data demonstrate that beta-COOH in aspartic acid, as well as phosphoserine, are part of the calcium-binding sites. The difference in calcium binding to salivary proteins A and C may be due at least partially to differences in the environment of one or more aspartic acids.

Mapping of Eps15 domains involved in its targeting to clathrin-coated pits.

Benmerah A, Poupon V, Cerf-Bensussan N, Dautry-Varsat A
J Biol Chem. 2000; 275: 3288-95

Clathrin-coated pit (CCP) formation occurs as a result of the targeting and assembly of cytosolic coat proteins, mainly the plasma membrane clathrin-associated protein complex (AP-2) and clathrin, to the intracellular face of the plasma membrane. In the present study, the mechanisms by which Eps15, an AP-2-binding protein, is targeted to CCPs was analyzed by following the intracellular localization of Eps15 mutants fused to the green fluorescent protein. Our previous results indicated that the N-terminal Eps15 homology (EH) domains are required for CCP targeting. We now show that EH domains are, however, not sufficient for targeting to CCPs. Similarly, neither the central coiled-coil nor the C-terminal AP-2 binding domains were able to address green fluorescent protein to CCPs. Thus, targeting of Eps15 to CCPs likely results from the collaboration between EH domains and another domain of the protein. An Eps15 mutant lacking the coiled-coil domain localized to CCPs showing that Eps15 dimerization is not strictly required. In contrast, Eps15 mutants lacking all AP-2 binding sites showed a dramatic decrease in plasma membrane staining, showing that AP-2 binding sites, together with EH domains, play an important role in targeting Eps15 into CCPs. Finally, the effect of the Eps15 mutants on clathrin-dependent endocytosis was tested by both immunofluorescence and flow cytometry. The results obtained showed that inhibition of transferrin uptake was observed only with mutants able to interfere with CCP assembly.

The ear of alpha-adaptin interacts with the COOH-terminal domain of the Eps 15 protein.

Benmerah A, Begue B, Dautry-Varsat A, Cerf-Bensussan N
J Biol Chem. 1996; 271: 12111-6

The role of Eps15 in clathrin-mediated endocytosis is supported by two observations. First, it interacts specifically and constitutively with the plasma membrane adaptor AP-2. Second, its NH2 terminus shows significant homology to the NH2 terminus of yeast End3p, necessary for endocytosis of alpha-factor. To gain further insight into the role of Eps15-AP-2 association, we have now delineated their sites of interactions. AP-2 binds to a domain of 72 amino acids (767-739) present in the COOH terminus of Eps15. This domain contains 4 of the 15 DPF repeats characteristic of the COOH-terminal domain of Eps15 and shares no homology with known proteins, including the related Epsl5r protein. Precipitation of proteolytic fragments of AP-2 with Eps15-derived fusion proteins containing the binding site for AP-2 showed that Eps15 binds specifically to a 40-kDa fragment corresponding to the ear of alpha-adaptin, a result confirmed by precipitation of Eps15 by alpha-adaptin-derived fusion proteins. Our data indicate that this specific part of AP-2 binds to a cellular component and provide the tools for investigating the functions of the association between AP-2 and Eps15.

A novel Ca2+-binding protein, p22, is required for constitutive membrane traffic.

Barroso MR, Bernd KK, DeWitt ND, Chang A, Mills K, Sztul ES
J Biol Chem. 1996; 271: 10183-7

We have identified a novel protein, p22, required for "constitutive" exocytic membrane traffic. p22 belongs to the EF-hand superfamily of Ca2+-binding proteins and shows extensive similarity to the regulatory subunit of protein phosphatase 2B, calcineurin B. p22 is a cytosolic N-myristoylated protein that undergoes conformational changes upon binding of Ca2+. Antibodies against a p22 peptide block the targeting/fusion of transcytotic vesicles with the apical plasma membrane, but recombinant wild-type p22 overcomes that inhibition. Nonmyristoylated p22, or p22 incapable of undergoing Ca2+-induced conformational changes, cannot reverse the antibody-mediated inhibition. The data suggest that p22 may act by transducing cellular Ca2+ signals to downstream effectors. p22 is ubiquitously expressed, and we propose that its function is required for membrane trafficking events common to many cells.

Structural basis for calcium binding by uteroglobins.

Barnes HJ, Nordlund-Moller L, Nord M, Gustafsson J, Lund J, Gillner M
J Mol Biol. 1996; 256: 392-404

Uteroglobins, i.e. proteins with similar three-dimensional structure and ligand binding specificity to uteroglobin from rabbit uterus, have been found in rat, mouse and human lung. We have recently demonstrated the binding of calcium by human uteroglobin, and we have therefore tried to find potential binding sites for metals in the three-dimensional structure of uteroglobin by the use of two different computational procedures. A putative binding site for calcium in uteroglobin was identified by means of a hydrophobic contrast function. The spatial disposition of atoms that could ligand calcium in the putative calcium-binding site appears similar to that of the primary calcium-binding site of secretory phospholipase A2 enzymes, consisting of the carboxyl group of an aspartic acid residue and a loop providing three backbone carbonyl oxygens. From inspection of their primary sequences and three-dimensional structures, it became clear that this putative calcium-binding motif is conserved among uteroglobins from different species. The potential significance of the predicted site was investigated by site-directed point mutagenesis of human uteroglobin in which Asp46 was replaced by Asn or Lys. In both mutants, the ruthenium red and 45Ca2+ binding was significantly reduced. Sodium dodecyl sulphate/polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis under non-reducing conditions indicated that the mutant proteins had the expected molecular masses and that their ability to dimerize was not disturbed by these mutations. Valence calculations also identified the putative calcium-binding site, but only after optimization of its conformation by the use of molecular dynamics with a restrained calcium ion. Our results support the notion that Asp46 of uteroglobins acts as a "cap" residue in a calcium-binding site structurally similar to the primary calcium binding sites of phospholipases A2.

Structural perspectives of phospholamban, a helical transmembrane pentamer.

Arkin IT, Adams PD, Brunger AT, Smith SO, Engelman DM
Annu Rev Biophys Biomol Struct. 1997; 26: 157-79

Phospholamban is a 52-amino-acid protein that assembles into a pentamer in sarcoplasmic reticulum membranes. The protein has a role in the regulation of the resident calcium ATPase through an inhibitory association that can be reversed by phosphorylation. The phosphorylation of phospholamban is initiated by beta-adrenergic stimulation, identifying phospholamban as an important component in the stimulation of cardiac activity by beta-agonists. In this role of phospholamban that has motivated studies in recent decades. There is evidence that phospholamban may also function as a Ca(2+)-selective ion channel. The structural properties of phospholamban have been studied by mutagenesis, modeling, and spectroscopy, resulting in a new view of the organization of this key molecule in membranes.

Portrait of a myristoyl switch protein.

Ames JB, Tanaka T, Stryer L, Ikura M
Curr Opin Struct Biol. 1996; 6: 432-8

Myristoylated proteins transduce a diverse range of cellular signals. Recoverin is a myristoylated, calcium-binding protein in the retina that serves as a calcium sensor in vision. The recent elucidation of the structures of several forms of myristoylated and unmyristoylated recoverin provides insight into how calcium induces the binding of recoverin to membranes.

Molecular structure of membrane-targeting calcium sensors in vision: recoverin and guanylate cyclase-activating protein 2.

Ames JB, Ikura M, Stryer L
Methods Enzymol. 2000; 316: 121-32

Computational searching and mutagenesis suggest a structure for the pentameric transmembrane domain of phospholamban.

Adams PD, Arkin IT, Engelman DM, Brunger AT
Nat Struct Biol. 1995; 2: 154-62

Structural and environmental constraints greatly simplify the folding problem for membrane proteins. Computational methods can be used in a global search to find a small number of chemically reasonable models within these constraints, such that a modest set of experimental data can distinguish among them. We show that, for phospholamban, the global search can be further simplified by reducing the problem to two-body, rather than many-body, interactions. This method of a constrained global search combined with experimental mutagenesis data yields a three-dimensional structure for this pentameric ion channel. The model is a left-handed symmetric homopentamer of alpha-helices with a well-defined channel, lined solely by hydrophobic residues.

Binding of fibulin-1 to nidogen depends on its C-terminal globular domain and a specific array of calcium-binding epidermal growth factor-like (EG) modules.

Adam S, Gohring W, Wiedemann H, Chu ML, Timpl R, Kostka G
J Mol Biol. 1997; 272: 226-36

The calcium-binding basement membrane protein fibulin-1C was shown to bind nidogen in a calcium-dependent fashion. Fibulin-1C consists of small N (domain 1) and C-terminal (domain III) globular structures connected by a central rod (domain II) composed of nine epidermal growth factor (EG) modules, eight of which possess a consensus sequence for calcium binding. Several point and deletion mutants and chimeric protein constructs were used to define the nidogen binding epitope of fibulin-1C by surface plasmon resonance and solid phase assays. All recombinant products were obtained from transfected kidney cells in a folded form as shown by CD spectroscopy, electron microscopy and proteolysis. They were used to demonstrate that calcium-binding is essentially due to the EG modules possessing the consensus binding sequence. Deletion of domain III caused a 30-fold reduction in nidogen binding, whereas deletion of domain I had no effect, yet domain III alone was also inactive. Successive deletions of two to seven EG modules of domain II also caused partial of complete inactivation of binding depending on how many were deleted or their position relative to domain III. Site-directed mutagenesis within the calcium binding consensus sequences demonstrated a similar dependence. Replacement of seven of the calcium-binding modules by a similar tandem array from a related protein showed a distinct (fibulin-2) to almost complete loss of binding (fibrillin-1). This indicates a complex epitope structure involving domains II and III, which each may provide binding epitopes or stabilize each other.