Exploring GPCR-arrestin interfaces with genetically encoded crosslinkers.

β-arrestins (βarr1 and βarr2) are ubiquitous regulators of G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) signaling. Available data suggest that β-arrestins dock to different receptors in different ways. However, the structural characterization of GPCR-arrestin complexes is challenging and alternative approaches to study GPCR-arrestin complexes are needed.

Catalytic activation of pre-substrates via dynamic fragment assembly on protein templates.

Sensitive detection of small molecule fragments binding to defined sites of biomacromolecules is still a considerable challenge. Here we demonstrate that protein-binding fragments are able to induce enzymatic reactions on the protein surface via dynamic fragment ligation. Fragments binding to the S1 pocket of serine proteases containing a nitrogen, oxygen or sulphur nucleophile are found to activate electrophilic pre-substrates through a reversible, covalent ligation reaction.

Progesterone 5β-reductase of Erysimum crepidifolium: cDNA cloning, expression in Escherichia coli, and reduction of enones with the recombinant protein.

Erysimum is a genus of the Brassicaceae family closely related to the genus Arabidopsis. Several Erysimum species accumulate 5β-cardenolides. Progesterone 5β-reductases (P5βRs) first described in Digitalis species are thought to be involved in 5β-cardenolide biosynthesis.

Highly conserved progesterone 5 beta-reductase genes (P5 beta R) from 5 beta-cardenolide-free and 5 beta-cardenolide-producing angiosperms.

Most cardenolides used in the therapy of cardiac insufficiency are 5 beta-configured and thus the stereo-specific reduction of the Delta(4,5)-double bond of a steroid precursor is a crucial step in their biosynthesis. This step is thought to be catalysed by progesterone 5 beta-reductases. We report here on the isolation of 11 progesterone 5 beta-reductase (P5 beta R) orthologues from 5 beta-cardenolide-free and 5 beta-cardenolide-producing plant species belonging to five different angiosperm orders (Brassicales, Gentianales, Lamiales, Malvales and Solanales).