Search

Immune checkpoint blockade has changed the treatment paradigm for advanced solid tumors, but the overall response rates are still limited. The combination of checkpoint blockade with anti-4-1BB antibodies to stimulate tumor-infiltrating T cells has shown anti-tumor activity in human trials. However, the further clinical development of these antibodies has been hampered by significant off-tumor toxicities. Here, we generated an anti-4-1BB/EGFR/PD-L1 trispecific antibody consisting of a triple-targeting tandem trimerbody (TT) fused to an engineered silent Fc region. This antibody (IgTT-4E1-S) was designed to combine the blockade of the PD-L1/PD-1 axis with conditional 4-1BB costimulation specifically confined to the tumor microenvironment (TME). The antibody demonstrated simultaneous binding to purified EGFR, PD-L1, and 4-1BB in solution, effective blockade of the PD-L1/PD1 interaction, and potent 4-1BB-mediated costimulation, but only in the presence of EGFR-expressing cells. These results demonstrate the feasibility of IgTT-4E1-S specifically blocking the PD-L1/PD-1 axis and inducing EGFR-conditional 4-1BB agonist activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background The prokaryotic FAD synthetase family – a group of bifunctional enzymes that catalyse riboflavin phosphorylation and FMN adenylylation within a single polypeptide chain- was analysed in terms of sequence and structure. Results Sequences of nearly 800 prokaryotic species were aligned. Those related with bifunctional FAD synthetase activities showed conservation of several consensus regions and highly conserved residues. A 3D model for the FAD synthetase from Corynebacterium ammoniagenes (CaFADS) was generated. This model confirms that the N-terminal and C-terminal domains are related to nucleotydyltransferases and riboflavin kinases, respectively. Models for the interaction of CaFADS with its substrates were also produced, allowing location of all the protein substrates in their putative binding pockets. These include two independent flavin binding sites for each CaFADS activity. Conclusion For the first time, the putative presence of a flavin binding site for the adenylylation activity, independent from that related with the phosphorylation activity, is shown. Additionally, these models suggest the functional relevance of some residues putatively involved in the catalytic processes. Their relevant roles were analysed by site-directed mutagenesis. A role was confirmed for H28, H31, S164 and T165 in the stabilisation of the P groups and the adenine moiety of ATP and, the P of FMN for the adenylylation. Similarly, T208, N210 and E268 appear critical for accommodation of the P groups of ATP and the ribityl end of RF in the active site for the phosphorylation process. Finally, the C-terminal domain was shown to catalyse the phosphorylation process on its own, but no reaction at all was observed with the individually expressed N-terminal domain.

The significant contribution of the side chain of Trp57, Ile59, and Ile92 and flavodoxin hydrophobic residues towards the productive orientation of the Fld complexes with ferredoxin-[NADP.sup.+] reductase (FNR) and photosystem I(PSI) in Anabaena is reported.

The study shows that photosynthetic bacterium Rhodobacter capsulatus contains a ferredoxin (flavodoxin)-NADP(H) oxidoreductase (FPR) that catalyzes electron transfer between NADP(H) and ferredoxin or flavodoxin. The result shows that one-electron reduction of oxidized flavodoxin limits the enzyme activity in vitro, supports the notion that flavodoxin oscillates between the semiquinone and fully reduced states when FPR operates in vivo.

A study was conducted to investigate the interactions and electron-transfer properties of ferrodoxin-NADP(super +) reductase (FNR) proteins mutated at their C-termini. The result indicates that interactions with Fd or Fld are hardly affected by replacement of this tyrosine by tryptophan, phenylalanine, or serine.

The cation independent mannose 6-phosphate/insulin-like growth factor 2 receptor (IGF2R) functions in the transportation and regulation of insulin-like growth factor 2 (IGF2) and mannose 6-phosphate modified proteins. The relative and specific titration of IGF2 by high affinity binding of IGF2R represents a mechanism that supports the parental conflict theory of genomic imprinting. Imprinting of Igf2 (paternal allele expressed) and Igf2r (maternal allele expressed) arose to regulate the relative supply of both proteins. Experiments in the mouse have established that loss of the maternal allele of Igf2r results in disproportionate growth and peri-natal lethality. In order to systematically investigate the consequences of loss of function and of hypomorphic alleles of Igf2r on growth functions, we introduced a conditional human IGF2R exon 3–48 cDNA into the intron 2 region of murine Igf2r. Here we show that the knock-in construct resulted in over-growth when the humanised Igf2r allele was maternally transmitted, a phenotype that was rescued by either paternal transmission of the humanised allele, expression of a wild-type paternal allele or loss of function of Igf2. We also show that expression of IGF2R protein was reduced to less than 50% overall in tissues previously known to be Igf2 growth dependent. This occurred despite the detection of mouse derived peptides, suggesting that trans-splicing of the knock-in human cDNA with the endogenous maternal mouse Igf2r allele. The phenotype following maternal transmission of the humanised allele resulted in overgrowth of the embryo, heart and placenta with partial peri-natal lethality, suggesting that further generation of hypomorphic Igf2r alleles are likely to be at the borderline of maintaining Igf2 dependent viability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The chemical versatility of flavin cofactors within the flavoprotein environment allows them to play main roles in the bioenergetics of all type of organisms, particularly in energy transformation processes such as photosynthesis or oxidative phosphorylation. Despite the large diversity of properties shown by flavoproteins and of the biological processes in which they are involved, only two flavin cofactors, FMN and FAD (both derived from the 7,8-dimethyl-10-(1′-D-ribityl)-isoalloxazine), are usually found in these proteins. Using theoretical and experimental approaches we have carried out an evaluation of the effects introduced upon substituting the 7- and/or 8-methyls of the isoalloxazine ring in the chemical and oxido-reduction properties of the different atoms of the ring on free flavins and on the photosynthetic Anabaena Flavodoxin (a flavoprotein that replaces Ferredoxin as electron carrier from Photosystem I to Ferredoxin-NADP+ reductase). In Anabaena Flavodoxin both the protein environment and the redox state contribute to modulate the chemical reactivity of the isoalloxazine ring. Anabaena apoflavodoxin is shown to be designed to stabilise/destabilise each one of the FMN redox states (but not of the analogues produced upon substitution of the 7- and/or 8-methyls groups) in the adequate proportions to provide Flavodoxin with the particular properties required for the functions in which it is involved in vivo. The 7- and/or 8-methyl groups of the ixoalloxazine can be discarded as the gate for electrons exchange in Anabaena Fld, but a key role in this process is envisaged for the C6 atom of the flavin and the backbone atoms of Asn58. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

In mammals and in yeast the conversion of Riboflavin (RF) into flavin mononucleotide (FMN) and flavin adenine dinucleotide (FAD) is catalysed by the sequential action of two enzymes: an ATP:riboflavin kinase (RFK) and an ATP:FMN adenylyltransferase (FMNAT). However, most prokaryotes depend on a single bifunctional enzyme, FAD synthetase (FADS), which folds into two modules: the C-terminal associated with RFK activity and the N-terminal associated with FMNAT activity. Sequence and structural analysis suggest that the 28-HxGH-31, 123-Gx(D/N)-125 and 161-xxSSTxxR-168 motifs from FADS must be involved in ATP stabilisation for the adenylylation of FMN, as well as in FAD stabilisation for FAD phyrophosphorolysis. Mutants were produced at these motifs in the Corynebacterium ammoniagenes FADS (CaFADS). Their effects on the kinetic parameters of CaFADS activities (RFK, FMNAT and FAD pyrophosphorilase), and on substrates and product binding properties indicate that H28, H31, N125 and S164 contribute to the geometry of the catalytically competent complexes at the FMNAT-module of CaFADS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Flavodoxin (Fld) replaces Ferredoxin (Fd) as electron carrier from Photosystem I (PSI) to Ferredoxin-NADP+ reductase (FNR). A number of Anabaena Fld (AnFld) variants with replacements at the interaction surface with FNR and PSI indicated that neither polar nor hydrophobic residues resulted critical for the interactions, particularly with FNR. This suggests that the solvent exposed benzenoid surface of the Fld FMN cofactor might contribute to it. FMN has been replaced with analogues in which its 7- and/or 8-methyl groups have been replaced by chlorine and/or hydrogen. The oxidised Fld variants accept electrons from reduced FNR more efficiently than Fld, as expected from their less negative midpoint potential. However, processes with PSI (including reduction of Fld semiquinone by PSI, described here for the first time) are impeded at the steps that involve complex re-arrangement and electron transfer (ET). The groups introduced, particularly chlorine, have an electron withdrawal effect on the pyrazine and pyrimidine rings of FMN. These changes are reflected in the magnitude and orientation of the molecular dipole moment of the variants, both factors appearing critical for the re-arrangement of the finely tuned PSI:Fld complex. Processes with FNR are also slightly modulated. Despite the displacements observed, the negative end of the dipole moment points towards the surface that contains the FMN, still allowing formation of complexes competent for efficient ET. This agrees with several alternative binding modes in the FNR:Fld interaction. In conclusion, the FMN in Fld not only contributes to the redox process, but also to attain the competent interaction of Fld with FNR and PSI. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

In bacteria, riboflavin phosphorylation and subsequent conversion of FMN into FAD are carried out by FAD synthetase, a single bifunctional enzyme. Both reactions require ATP and Mg2+. The N-terminal domain of FAD synthetase appears to be responsible for the adenylyltransferase activity, whereas the C-terminal domain would be in charge of the kinase activity. Binding to Corynebacterium ammoniagenes FAD synthetase of its products and substrates, as well as of several analogues, is analyzed. Binding parameters for adenine nucleotides to each one of the two adenine nucleotide sites are reported. In addition, it is demonstrated for the first time that the enzyme presents two independent flavin sites, each one related with one of the enzymatic activities. The binding parameters of flavins to these sites are also provided. The presence of Mg2+ and of both adenine nucleotides and flavins cooperatively modulates the interaction parameters for the other ligands. Our data also suggest that during its double catalytic cycle FAD synthetase must suffer conformational changes induced byadenine nucleotide-Mg2+ or flavin binding. They might include not only rearrangement of the different protein loops but also alternative conformations between domains. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Contribution of three regions (phosphate-binding, 50’s and 90’s loops) of Anabaena apoflavodoxin to FMN binding and reduction potential was studied. Thr12 and Glu16 did not influence FMN redox properties, but Thr12 played a role in FMN binding. Replacement of Trp57 with Glu, Lys or Arg moderately shifted E ox/sq and E sq/hq and altered the energetic of the FMN redox states binding profile. Our data indicate that the side chain of position 57 does not modulate E ox/sq by aromatic stacking or solvent exclusion, but rather by influencing the relative strength of the H-bond between the N(5) of the flavin and the Asn58-Ile59 bond. A correlation was observed between the isoalloxazine increase in solvent accessibility and less negative E sq/hq. Moreover, E sq/hq became less negative as positively charged residues were added near to the isoalloxazine. Ile59 and Ile92 were simultaneously mutated to Ala or Glu. These mutations impaired FMN binding, while shifting E sq/hq to less negative values and E ox/sq to more negative. These effects are discussed on the bases of the X-ray structures of some of the Fld mutants, suggesting that in Anabaena Fld the structural control of both electron transfer steps is much more subtle than in other Flds. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The role of the negative charge of the E139 side-chain of Anabaena Ferredoxin-NADP+ reductase (FNR) in steering appropriate docking with its substrates ferredoxin, flavodoxin and NADP+ /H, that leads to efficient electron transfer (ET) is analysed by characterization of several E139 FNR mutants. Replacement of E139 affects the interaction with the different FNR substrates in very different ways. Thus, while E139 does not appear to be involved in the processes of binding and ET between FNR and NADP+ /H, the nature and the conformation of the residue at position 139 of Anabaena FNR modulates the precise enzyme interaction with the protein carriers ferredoxin (Fd) and flavodoxin (Fld). Introduction of the shorter aspartic acid side-chain at position 139 produces an enzyme that interacts more weakly with both ET proteins. Moreover, the removal of the charge, as in the E139Q mutant, or the charge-reversal mutation, as in E139K FNR, apparently enhances additional interaction modes of the enzyme with Fd, and reduces the possible orientations with Fld to more productive and stronger ones. Hence, removal of the negative charge at position 139 of Anabaena FNR produces a deleterious effect in its ET reactions with Fd whereas it appears to enhance the ET processes with Fld. Significantly, a large structural variation is observed for the E139 side-chain conformer in different FNR structures, including the E139K mutant. In this case, a positive potential region replaces a negative one in the wild-type enzyme. Our observations further confirm the contribution of both attractive and repulsive interactions in achieving the optimal orientation for efficient ET between FNR and its protein carriers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The cation-independent mannose 6-phosphate/insulin-like growth factor-2 receptor (M6P/IGF2R or IGF2R) traffics IGF2 and M6P ligands between pre-lysosomal and extra-cellular compartments. Specific IGF2 and M6P high-affinity binding occurs via domain-11 and domains-3-5-9, respectively. Mammalian maternal Igf2r allele expression exceeds the paternal allele due to imprinting (silencing). Igf2r null-allele maternal transmission results in placenta and heart over-growth and perinatal lethality (>90%) due to raised extra-cellular IGF2 secondary to impaired ligand clearance. It remains unknown if the phenotype is due to either ligand alone, or to both ligands. Here, we evaluate Igf2r specific loss-of-function of the domain-11 IGF2 binding site by replacing isoleucine with alanine in the CD loop (exon 34, I1565A), a mutation also detected in cancers. Igf2rI1565A/+p maternal transmission (heterozygote), resulted in placental and embryonic over-growth with reduced neonatal lethality (<60%), and long-term survival. The perinatal mortality (>80%) observed in homozygotes (Igf2rI1565A/I1565A) suggested that wild-type paternal allele expression attenuates the heterozygote phenotype. To evaluate Igf2r tumour suppressor function, we utilised intestinal adenoma models known to be Igf2 dependent. Bi-allelic Igf2r expression suppressed intestinal adenoma (ApcMin). Igf2rI1565A/+p in a conditional model (Lgr5-Cre, Apcloxp/loxp) resulted in worse survival and increased adenoma proliferation. Growth, survival and intestinal adenoma appear dependent on IGF2R-domain-11 IGF2 binding. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The crystal structure of the modular flavin adenine dinucleotide (FAD) synthetase from Corynebacterium ammoniagenes has been solved at 1.95 Å resolution. The structure of C. ammoniagenes FAD synthetase presents two catalytic modules—a C-terminus with ATP–riboflavin kinase activity and an N-terminus with ATP–flavin mononucleotide (FMN) adenylyltransferase activity—that are responsible for the synthesis of FAD from riboflavin in two sequential steps. In the monomeric structure, the active sites from both modules are placed 40 Å away, preventing the direct transfer of the product from the first reaction (FMN) to the second catalytic site, where it acts as substrate. Crystallographic and biophysical studies revealed a hexameric assembly formed by the interaction of two trimers. Each trimer presents a head–tail configuration, with FMN adenylyltransferase and riboflavin kinase modules from different protomers approaching the active sites and allowing the direct transfer of FMN. Experimental results provide molecular-level evidences of the mechanism of the synthesis of FMN and FAD in prokaryotes in which the oligomeric state could be involved in the regulation of the catalytic efficiency of the modular enzyme. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Characterization by electron paramagnetic resonance techniques of several variants of Anabaena flavodoxin, where the naturally occurring FMN cofactor is substituted by different analogs, makes it possible to improve the details of the spin distribution map in the isoallosazine ring in its semiquinone state. The analyzed variants were selected to monitor the effects of intrinsic changes in the flavin ring electronic structure, as well as perturbations in the apoflavodoxin-flavin interaction, on the spin populations. When these effects were analyzed together with the functional properties of the different flavodoxin variants, a relationship between spin population and biochemical parameters, as the reduction potential, could be envisaged., (Copyright © 2016 Biophysical Society. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

The cation independent mannose 6-phosphate/insulin-like growth factor 2 receptor (IGF2R) functions in the transportation and regulation of insulin-like growth factor 2 (IGF2) and mannose 6-phosphate modified proteins. The relative and specific titration of IGF2 by high affinity binding of IGF2R represents a mechanism that supports the parental conflict theory of genomic imprinting. Imprinting of Igf2 (paternal allele expressed) and Igf2r (maternal allele expressed) arose to regulate the relative supply of both proteins. Experiments in the mouse have established that loss of the maternal allele of Igf2r results in disproportionate growth and peri-natal lethality. In order to systematically investigate the consequences of loss of function and of hypomorphic alleles of Igf2r on growth functions, we introduced a conditional human IGF2R exon 3-48 cDNA into the intron 2 region of murine Igf2r. Here we show that the knock-in construct resulted in over-growth when the humanised Igf2r allele was maternally transmitted, a phenotype that was rescued by either paternal transmission of the humanised allele, expression of a wild-type paternal allele or loss of function of Igf2. We also show that expression of IGF2R protein was reduced to less than 50% overall in tissues previously known to be Igf2 growth dependent. This occurred despite the detection of mouse derived peptides, suggesting that trans-splicing of the knock-in human cDNA with the endogenous maternal mouse Igf2r allele. The phenotype following maternal transmission of the humanised allele resulted in overgrowth of the embryo, heart and placenta with partial peri-natal lethality, suggesting that further generation of hypomorphic Igf2r alleles are likely to be at the borderline of maintaining Igf2 dependent viability.

The goal of the present work was to characterize the recombinant copper chaperone (CCS) from soybean. Very little is known about plant copper chaperones, which makes this study of current interest, and allows for a comparison with the better known homologues from yeast and humans. To obtain sizeable amounts of pure protein suitable for spectroscopic characterization, we cloned and overexpressed the G. max CCS chaperone in E. coli in the presence of 0.5 mM CuSO(4) and 0.5 mM ZnSO(4) in the broth. A pure protein preparation was obtained by using two IMAC steps and pH gradient chromatography. Most of the proteins were obtained as apo-form, devoid of copper atoms. The chaperone showed a high content (i.e., over 40%) of loops, turns and random coil as determined both by circular dichroism and homology modelling. The homology 3-D structural model suggests the protein might fold in three structural protein domains. The 3-D model along with the primary structure and spectroscopic data may suggest that copper atoms occupy the two metal binding sites, MKCEGC and CTC, within the N-terminal domain I and C-terminal domain III, respectively. But only one Zn-binding site was obtained spectroscopically.

FAD synthetase from Corynebacterium ammoniagenes (CaFADS), a prokaryotic bifunctional enzyme that catalyses the phosphorylation of riboflavin as well as the adenylylation of FMN, has been crystallized using the hanging-drop vapour-diffusion method at 277 K. Diffraction-quality cubic crystals of native and selenomethionine-labelled (SeMet-CaFADS) protein belonged to the cubic space group P2(1)3, with unit-cell parameters a = b = c = 133.47 A and a = b = c = 133.40 A, respectively. Data sets for native and SeMet-containing crystals were collected to 1.95 and 2.42 A resolution, respectively.

Background: The prokaryotic FAD synthetase family - a group of bifunctional enzymes that catalyse riboflavin phosphorylation and FMN adenylylation within a single polypeptide chain- was analysed in terms of sequence and structure., Results: Sequences of nearly 800 prokaryotic species were aligned. Those related with bifunctional FAD synthetase activities showed conservation of several consensus regions and highly conserved residues. A 3D model for the FAD synthetase from Corynebacterium ammoniagenes (CaFADS) was generated. This model confirms that the N-terminal and C-terminal domains are related to nucleotydyltransferases and riboflavin kinases, respectively. Models for the interaction of CaFADS with its substrates were also produced, allowing location of all the protein substrates in their putative binding pockets. These include two independent flavin binding sites for each CaFADS activity., Conclusion: For the first time, the putative presence of a flavin binding site for the adenylylation activity, independent from that related with the phosphorylation activity, is shown. Additionally, these models suggest the functional relevance of some residues putatively involved in the catalytic processes. Their relevant roles were analysed by site-directed mutagenesis. A role was confirmed for H28, H31, S164 and T165 in the stabilisation of the P groups and the adenine moiety of ATP and, the P of FMN for the adenylylation. Similarly, T208, N210 and E268 appear critical for accommodation of the P groups of ATP and the ribityl end of RF in the active site for the phosphorylation process. Finally, the C-terminal domain was shown to catalyse the phosphorylation process on its own, but no reaction at all was observed with the individually expressed N-terminal domain.