Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Duan Ni, Jiacheng Wei, Xinheng He, Ashfaq Ur Rehman, Xinyi Li, Yuran Qiu, Jun Pu, Shaoyong Lu, Jian Zhang
Summary: Allostery is a direct and efficient method for fine-tuning protein functions, gaining recognition in drug discovery. Identifying allosteric sites is a challenge for drug design, with recent studies revealing bidirectional allosteric coupling and reversed communication between orthosteric and allosteric sites. A new framework combining computational and experimental strategies has been proposed for predicting allosteric sites, demonstrating desirable performance in identifying potential cryptic sites for allosteric drug design.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Michelle Redhair, William M. Atkins
Summary: The article discusses the importance of ligand-dependent changes in protein conformation in biology, introducing the induced fit and conformational selection mechanisms, and explaining their impact on protein substrate specificity, promiscuity, and regulatory properties. It also presents a new perspective based on interactions between protein ensembles and ligand ensembles, and describes how probing protein ensembles with multiple ligands can optimize mechanistic information.
ARCHIVES OF BIOCHEMISTRY AND BIOPHYSICS
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Ahmed A. A. I. Ali, Adnan Gulzar, Steffen Wolf, Gerhard Stock
Summary: While the underlying dynamical process of allosteric communication is not well understood, this study provides insights into the mechanism of protein conformational change using PDZ3 as an example. The results show a detailed picture of the allosteric communication and identify a network of contacts involved in the propagation of conformational change.
JOURNAL OF PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY LETTERS
(2022)
Article
Biology
Lukasz Nierzwicki, Kyle W. East, Uriel N. Morzan, Pablo R. Arantes, Victor S. Batista, George P. Lisi, Giulia Palermo
Summary: This study combines multiple techniques to reveal the impact of key mutations for enhancing Cas9 specificity on its allosteric structure at the molecular level, demonstrating that mutations can disrupt the allosteric connectivity in different degrees regarding signal transmission.
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Heidi Klem, Martin McCullagh, Robert S. Paton
Summary: Understanding enzymatic mechanisms is crucial for biologics development and enzyme design; Quantum mechanical potentials aid in studying complex enzymatic mechanisms; Dynamic interconversion of enzyme conformations poses challenges for computational models; Structural clustering bridges molecular dynamics and catalysis models effectively.
TOPICS IN CATALYSIS
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
F. Peter Guengerich, Stella A. Child, Ian R. Barckhausen, Margo H. Goldfarb
Summary: The bacterial cytochrome P450(cam) binds its substrate camphor through an induced-fit mechanism, where the enzyme changes conformation after binding the substrate. This behavior is different from other P450 enzymes that utilize a conformational selection process for substrate recognition. The accessory protein putidaredoxin has no effect on substrate binding, indicating a unique mechanism for substrate recognition by P450(cam).
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Mariarosaria Ferraro, Elisabetta Moroni, Emiliano Ippoliti, Silvia Rinaldi, Carlos Sanchez-Martin, Andrea Rasola, Luca F. Pavarino, Giorgio Colombo
Summary: The study utilized machine learning to uncover the relationship between different levels of allosteric inhibition and local dynamic patterns in the protein TRAP1, providing a new approach to infer the functionality of allosteric ligands. The combination of molecular dynamics and machine learning offers a promising strategy to support in silico mechanistic studies and drug design.
JOURNAL OF PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY B
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Farindra Kumar Mahto, Akash Bhattacharya, Swati Bhattacharya
Summary: The Hsp70 chaperone protein system is crucial for protein folding and homeostasis. Molecular dynamics simulations reveal that the Lid domain has greater conformational flexibility than previously expected.
JOURNAL OF BIOMOLECULAR STRUCTURE & DYNAMICS
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Federica Maschietto, Erik Zavala, Brandon Allen, J. Patrick Loria, Victor Batista
Summary: In this study, computational modeling and solution NMR spectroscopy were combined to identify an allosteric site in MptpA. The findings suggest that this site plays a crucial role in substrate binding and reaction kinetics.
JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR BIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Deniz Dogan, Merve Arslan, Tugce Ulucay, Sibel Kalyoncu, Stefan Dimitrov, Seyit Kale
Summary: The study investigates the structural rearrangements of CENP-A nucleosomes resulting from antibody binding, showing that the antibodies can alter the dynamics of the nucleosomal core and indirectly affect the surrounding DNA. The binding of antibodies to the histone octamer surface is associated with conformational changes in CENP-A nucleosomes, indicating a more drastic impact compared to canonical nucleosomes. In addition, evidence suggests that the antibodies bind different octamer facades at varying affinities, revealing another level of complexity in DNA sequence regulation.
JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR BIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Rebecca N. D'Amico, Yuliana K. Bosken, Kathleen F. O'Rourke, Alec M. Murray, Woudasie Admasu, Chia-en A. Chang, David D. Boehr
Summary: This study reveals that substitution of a distant, surface-exposed network residue in alpha TS enhances tryptophan production by dynamically controlling the opening of the indole channel and stimulating beta TS activity. The biological importance of the network is emphasized, providing new opportunities in allosteric drug design and protein engineering.
FRONTIERS IN MOLECULAR BIOSCIENCES
(2021)
Article
Biology
Dario Segura-Pena, Oda Hovet, Hemanga Gogoi, Jennine Dawicki-McKenna, Stine Malene Hansen Woien, Manuel Carrer, Ben E. Black, Michele Cascella, Nikolina Sekulic
Summary: This study investigates the effects of phosphorylation on the molecular dynamics and structure of the Aurora B/IN-box enzymatic complex. The dynamics of Aurora and IN-box are found to be interconnected, and IN-box plays both positive and negative regulatory roles depending on the phosphorylation status. Phosphorylation in the activation loop of Aurora B and synergistic phosphorylation at two sites are crucial for full enzyme activity.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Ming-Tai Hu, Wen-Cong Ma, Jing-Han Wang, Xiao-Qing Jiang, Da-Qing Yang, Jian-Yang Ao
Summary: ZAP-70 is a non-receptor tyrosine kinase that interacts with the activated T-cell receptor to transmit downstream signals. This study investigates the molecular mechanisms of allosteric inactivation of ZAP-70 induced by the W165C mutation, which reveals changes in protein dynamics and binding affinity. The findings provide insights into the pathological mechanism of ZAP-70.
JOURNAL OF BIOMOLECULAR STRUCTURE & DYNAMICS
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
I. Can Kazan, Jeremy H. Mills, S. Banu Ozkan
Summary: We investigated the relationship between mutations and dynamics in Escherichia coli dihydrofolate reductase (DHFR) using computational methods. Our study used molecular dynamics simulations and developed position-specific metrics to analyze the dynamics of wild-type DHFR. We found a significant association between dynamic flexibility and mutational tolerance of DHFR positions, and identified residues that control the dynamics of specific loops. These findings can help predict functionally beneficial or detrimental substitutions and guide rational enzyme engineering.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Radoslav Z. Pavlovic, Remy F. Lalisse, Alexandar L. Hansen, Christopher A. Waudby, Zhiquan Lei, Murat Guney, Xiuze Wang, Christopher M. Hadad, Jovica D. Badjic
Summary: The molecular recognition processes of induced fit (IF) and conformational selection (CS) have been shown to play a central role in allosteric regulation in natural systems, where the substrate can either instruct the host to change its shape or the guest can select the optimal fit. A study demonstrated the potential interplay between the two mechanisms, providing insights for designing novel allosteric sequestering agents and chemosensors.
ANGEWANDTE CHEMIE-INTERNATIONAL EDITION
(2021)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Ruth Nussinov, Chung-Jung Tsai, Hyunbum Jang
Summary: This article discusses the concept of productive signaling, including its definition, measurement, and determining factors. It highlights the importance of understanding signal propagation in diseases like cancer and neurodevelopmental disorders. The authors propose a framework for investigating signal transduction by defining cellular processes, conducting experimental measurements, and utilizing computational AI algorithms.
BIOPHYSICAL CHEMISTRY
(2022)
Article
Biophysics
Yonglan Liu, Hyunbum Jang, Mingzhen Zhang, Chung-Jung Tsai, Ryan Maloney, Ruth Nussinov
Summary: This study provides insights into the molecular mechanism of BCR-ABL recruitment of GRB2, revealing the determinants of specificity in the recognition between SH2(GRB2) and phosphorylated BCR. The findings contribute to the prediction of BCR-binding scaffolds and the design of therapeutic peptides.
BIOPHYSICAL JOURNAL
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Ryan C. Maloney, Mingzhen Zhang, Yonglan Liu, Hyunbum Jang, Ruth Nussinov
Summary: Interactions between MEK1, B-Raf, and KSR1 are crucial for Ras/Raf/MEK/ERK signaling. Molecular dynamics simulations reveal that the proline-rich loop of MEK1 is essential for the phosphorylation of MEK1 activation loop. In the inactive B-Raf/MEK1 complex, the collapsed A-loop of B-Raf interacts with the P-rich loop and A-loop of MEK1, preventing phosphorylation. In the active B-Raf/MEK1 complex, the P-rich loop moves with the extended A-loop of B-Raf, leading to increased A-loop fluctuation and phosphorylation. KSR1/MEK1 complex has fewer interactions between KSR1 alpha G-helix and MEK1 A-loop, resulting in a more flexible A-loop.
CELLULAR AND MOLECULAR LIFE SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Hansaim Lim, Fatma Cankara, Chung -Jung Tsai, Ozlem Keskin, Ruth Nussinov, Attila Gursoy
Summary: This review discusses recent advancements in computational methods for predicting microbial effects on human cells, with a focus on protein-protein interactions. Traditional methods, as well as more recent deep learning methods, are categorized and potential solutions to challenges in structure-based approaches are discussed. The review provides a brief guide to the current status and future directions in the field.
CURRENT OPINION IN STRUCTURAL BIOLOGY
(2022)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Ruth Nussinov, Mingzhen Zhang, Ryan Maloney, Yonglan Liu, Chung -Jung Tsai, Hyunbum Jang
Summary: This article discusses the principles and applications of allosteric activating mutations and drugs, using examples from the Ras signaling network. Specifically, it focuses on Abl kinase mutations that shift the conformation towards an active state, leading to competition between high affinity ATP and drug binding. Recent pharmacological innovation includes allosteric inhibitors and allosteric heterobifunctional degraders that can destroy targets. The design of chemical linkers in bifunctional degraders allows precise coordination between the target protein and the E3 ubiquitin ligase, enabling innovative drug discovery.
JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR BIOLOGY
(2022)
Review
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Ruth Nussinov, Chung-Jung Tsai, Hyunbum Jang
Summary: Immunity plays a crucial role in both neurodevelopmental disorders and cancer, as the immune and nervous systems coevolve during embryonic development. Dysregulated signaling caused by germline or embryonic mutations can lead to changes in chromatin organization and gene accessibility, affecting the expression of essential genes in neurodevelopment. Similarly, dysregulated signaling resulting from somatic mutations contributes to cancer development. Both conditions involve small GTPases and their pathways, as well as dysregulation of TLRs, IL-1, GIT1, and FGFR signaling pathways. However, key differentiating factors are the timing and level of perturbation in specific cell types, indicating chromatin reorganization.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Yonglan Liu, Mingzhen Zhang, Hyunbum Jang, Ruth Nussinov
Summary: Bcr-Abl, a nonreceptor tyrosine kinase, plays a crucial role in leukemias, particularly chronic myeloid leukemia (CML). The fusion of Bcr and Abl leads to constitutive activation of Bcr-Abl. Oligomerization of Bcr-Abl is critical for its membrane clustering, MAPK signaling, and cell proliferation. Understanding the structural basis of Bcr-Abl oligomerization can guide the development of novel drugs targeting this process.
Letter
Oncology
Mingzhen Zhang, Ryan Maloney, Yonglan Liu, Hyunbum Jang, Ruth Nussinov
CANCER COMMUNICATIONS
(2023)
Review
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Ruth Nussinov, Mingzhen Zhang, Yonglan Liu, Hyunbum Jang
Summary: Drug discovery is a highly challenging and significant interdisciplinary aim. The success of AlphaFold, an AI-powered technology, has raised hopes for drug discovery, but its limitations need to be considered. Improving AlphaFold's performance in active state models can enhance the success rate of rational drug design.
DRUG DISCOVERY TODAY
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Mingzhen Zhang, Yonglan Liu, Hyunbum Jang, Ruth Nussinov
Summary: Kinase drug selectivity is a challenge in cancer research. Researchers propose a protocol to identify unique geometric features in the drug pocket that can distinguish one kinase from others. They analyze the structural principles of kinase drug selectivity using experimental structures and artificial intelligence. The results show that there are binary units in the kinome that can distinguish kinases from each other.
JOURNAL OF CHEMICAL THEORY AND COMPUTATION
(2023)
Review
Biophysics
Ruth Nussinov, Bengi Ruken Yavuz, M. Kaan Arici, Habibe Cansu Demirel, Mingzhen Zhang, Yonglan Liu, Chung-Jung Tsai, Hyunbum Jang, Nurcan Tuncbag
Summary: Neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs) and cancer have similarities in terms of proteins, pathways, and mutations, but have different clinical symptoms. However, individuals with NDDs have a higher likelihood of developing cancer later on. This review explores how shared features can result in different medical conditions and why having an NDD first can increase the chances of malignancy.
BIOPHYSICAL REVIEWS
(2023)
Article
Genetics & Heredity
Bengi Ruken Yavuz, M. Kaan Arici, Habibe Cansu Demirel, Chung-Jung Tsai, Hyunbum Jang, Ruth Nussinov, Nurcan Tuncbag
Summary: Epidemiological studies show that individuals with neurodevelopmental disorders are more likely to develop certain types of cancer. While these disorders and cancer share proteins, pathways, and mutations, they differ in clinical outcomes. The key factor determining clinical outcome is signaling strength, with strong signaling promoting cell proliferation in cancer and moderate signaling affecting differentiation in neurodevelopmental disorders.
NPJ GENOMIC MEDICINE
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Ruth Nussinov, Yonglan Liu, Wengang Zhang, Hyunbum Jang
Summary: The propensities of protein conformations can predict cell function and suggest drug efficiency.
CURRENT OPINION IN STRUCTURAL BIOLOGY
(2023)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Ruth Nussinov, Yonglan Liu, Wengang Zhang, Hyunbum Jang
Summary: The sequence-structure-function paradigm in molecular biology has been updated to include the concept of conformational ensembles, recognizing that proteins are dynamic and constantly transitioning between different conformational states. The number and stability of these states are crucial for protein function. Understanding conformational propensities is essential for studying diverse systems and can provide insights into the dynamics of protein ensembles in cells.
RSC CHEMICAL BIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Genetics & Heredity
Dana Mary Varghese, Ruth Nussinov, Shandar Ahmad
Summary: Moonlighting proteins are capable of performing multiple autonomous functions. In this study, human moonlighting DNA-binding proteins (mDBPs) were investigated and found to be distinguishable from other proteins with the same DNA-binding function. A machine learning model was developed to predict mDBPs from other DBPs with high accuracy.
NAR GENOMICS AND BIOINFORMATICS
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Hsiao-Chieh Tsai, Ching-Hong Huang, Ling-Hsien Tu
Summary: Islet amyloid polypeptide (IAPP) is a polypeptide hormone co-secreted with insulin by pancreatic beta-cells. It tends to aggregate into soluble oligomers, which are considered one of the hallmarks of type II diabetes. This study successfully grafted the aggregation-induced emission molecule TPE onto IAPP, allowing real-time monitoring of IAPP oligomer formation and potential application in the diagnosis of T2D.
BIOPHYSICAL CHEMISTRY
(2024)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Aristeidis Papagiannopoulos, Aggeliki Sklapani, Nikolaos Spiliopoulos
Summary: This study presents a method for preparing Hb-based nanoparticles (NPs) using a fully biocompatible approach. These NPs have a spherical structure with a diameter ranging from 50 to 100 nm, and can form electrostatic complexes with CS at pH 4. The NPs can be pH-tunable and stable in solutions with high salt content, making them suitable for nanodelivery of nutrients and drugs.
BIOPHYSICAL CHEMISTRY
(2024)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Andrey V. Struts, Alexander V. Barmasov, Steven D. E. Fried, Kushani S. K. Hewage, Suchithranga M. D. C. Perera, Michael F. Brown
Summary: This article summarizes and reviews the osmotic stress studies of G-protein-coupled receptor rhodopsin. It is found that water plays an important role in the activation of the receptor, with at least 80 water molecules entering the receptor in the transition to the active state. If water influx is prevented, the functional transition of the receptor is reversed. These findings reveal the phenomenon of solvent swelling in the activation mechanism of rhodopsin, with water acting as an allosteric modulator of function for rhodopsin-like receptors in lipid membranes.
BIOPHYSICAL CHEMISTRY
(2024)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Maria Chiara Saija, Adela Melcrova, Wojciech Pajerski, Itay Schachter, Matti Javanainen, Marek Cebecauer, Lukasz Cwiklik
Summary: We used molecular dynamics simulations to investigate the effects of palmitoylation on a transmembrane peptide in different lipid environments. The study found that palmitoylation reduces the peptide's impact on membrane thickness, particularly in lipid-ordered and boundary environments. The hydrophobic palmitoyl chains on the peptide did not significantly affect membrane hydration. Interestingly, the boundary membrane environment was found to be highly compatible with the palmitoylated peptide. These findings have important implications for understanding cell signaling, membrane organization, and optimizing lipid membrane-based drug delivery systems.
BIOPHYSICAL CHEMISTRY
(2024)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Achanta Rishisree, Brayer Mallory, Karnaukhova Elena, Jankovic Teodora, Zdunic Gordana, Savikin Katarina, Jeremic Aleksandar
Summary: Pomegranate peel, ironwort, and chokeberry leaf extracts exhibit anti-aggregative and antitoxic properties against human amylin. They can prevent amyloidosis and cell loss in patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus.
BIOPHYSICAL CHEMISTRY
(2024)