Topology of the SecA ATPase Bound to Large Unilamellar Vesicles.

The soluble cytoplasmic ATPase motor protein SecA powers protein transport across the Escherichia coli inner membrane via the SecYEG translocon. Although dimeric in solution, SecA associates monomerically with SecYEG during secretion according to several crystallographic and cryo-EM structural studies. The steps SecA follows from its dimeric cytoplasmic state to its active SecYEG monomeric state are largely unknown.

The SecA ATPase motor protein binds to Escherichia coli liposomes only as monomers.

The essential SecA motor ATPase acts in concert with the SecYEG translocon to secrete proteins into the periplasmic space of Escherichia coli. In aqueous solutions, SecA exists largely as dimers, but the oligomeric state on membranes is less certain. Crystallographic studies have suggested several possible solution dimeric states, but its oligomeric state when bound to membranes directly or indirectly via the translocon is controversial.

Binding of SecA ATPase monomers and dimers to lipid vesicles.

The Escherichia coli SecA ATPase motor protein is essential for secretion of proteins through the SecYEG translocon into the periplasmic space. Its function relies upon interactions with the surrounding lipid bilayer as well as SecYEG translocon. That negatively charged lipids are required for bilayer binding has been known for >25 years, but little systematic quantitative data is available.

Stabilization of SecA ATPase by the primary cytoplasmic salt of Escherichia coli.

Much is known about the structure, function, and stability of the SecA motor ATPase that powers the secretion of periplasmic proteins across the inner membrane of Escherichia coli. Most studies of SecA are carried out in buffered sodium or potassium chloride salt solutions. However, the principal intracellular salt of E.

Peptide-surfactant interactions: A combined spectroscopic and molecular dynamics simulation approach.

In the present contribution, we report a combined spectroscopic and computational approach aiming to unravel at atomic resolution the effect of the anionic SDS detergent on the structure of two model peptides, the α-helix TrpCage and the β-stranded TrpZip. A detailed characterization of the specific amino acids involved is performed. Monomeric (single molecules) and micellar SDS species differently interact with the α-helix and β-stranded peptides, emphasizing the different mechanisms occurring below and above the critical aggregation concentration (CAC).

Polypyrrole-supported membrane proteins for bio-inspired ion channels.

Biomedical platforms constructed by immobilizing membrane proteins in matrixes made of synthetic organic polymers is a challenge because the structure and function of these proteins are affected by environmental conditions. In this work, an operative composite that regulates the diffusion of alkali ions has been prepared by functionalizing a supporting matrix made of poly(N-methylpyrrole) (PNMPy) with a β-barrel membrane protein (Omp2a) that forms channels and pores. The protein has been unequivocally identified in the composite, and its structure has been shown to remain unaltered.

Multiscale molecular dynamics simulations of sodium dodecyl sulfate micelles: from coarse-grained to all-atom resolution.

Sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) is a well-known anionic detergent widely used in both experimental and theoretical investigations. Many molecular dynamics (MD) simulation have been performed on the SDS molecule at coarse-grained (CG), united-atom (UA), and all-atom (AA) resolutions. However, these simulations are usually based on general parameters determined from large sets of molecules, and as a result, peculiar molecular specificities are often poorly represented.

The role of 2-methyl-2, 4-pentanediol in sodium dodecyl sulfate micelle dissociation unveiled by dynamic light scattering and molecular dynamics simulations.

The development of efficient protein refolding techniques remains a challenge in biotechnology. In that context, it has recently been reported that the addition of 2-methyl-2, 4-pentanediol (MPD) to sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) allows the renaturation of both soluble and membrane proteins. The present work combines experimental (dynamic light scattering; DLS) and theoretical (molecular dynamics) approaches to study the molecular basis of the association between SDS and MPD, in order to understand its relevance in the refolding process.

Refolding of SDS-denatured proteins using amphipathic cosolvents and osmolytes.

Currently, the investigation of protein refolding processes involves several time-consuming stages that require large amounts of protein and costly chemicals. Consequently, there is great interest in developing new approaches to the study of protein renaturation that are more technically and economically feasible. It has recently been reported that certain cosolvents are able to modulate the denaturing properties of sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) and induce the refolding of proteins.

Towards a universal method for protein refolding: the trimeric beta barrel membrane Omp2a as a test case.

It has recently been reported that 2-methyl-2,4-pentanediol (MPD) can modulate the protein-binding properties of sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS), turning it into a non-denaturing detergent. Indeed both alpha (the lysozyme) and beta (the carbonic anhydrase II) soluble enzymes, as well as a beta membrane protein (PagP) have been successfully refolded into their native form by using this amphiphatic alcohol. In order to support the universal character of our MPD-based technique, we have extended its transferability to the Omp2a trimeric membrane porin.

First crystal structure of an endo-inulinase, INU2, from Aspergillus ficuum: discovery of an extra-pocket in the catalytic domain responsible for its endo-activity.

Endo-inulinase is a member of glycosidase hydrolase family 32 (GH32) degrading fructans of the inulin type with an endo-cleavage mode and is an important class of industrial enzyme. In the present study, we report the first crystal structure of an endo-inulinase, INU2, from Aspergillus ficuum at 1.5 Å.

Stochastic simulation of structural properties of natively unfolded and denatured proteins.

A new simulation strategy based on a stochastic process has been developed and tested to study the structural properties of the unfolded state of proteins at the atomistic level. The procedure combines a generation algorithm to produce representative uncorrelated atomistic microstructures and an original relaxation method to minimize repulsive non-bonded interactions. Using this methodology, a set of 14 unfolded proteins, including seven natively unfolded proteins as well as seven "classical" proteins experimentally described in denaturation conditions, has been investigated.