Metal ion stimulators of PDE5 cause similar conformational changes in the enzyme as does cGMP or sildenafil.

Purified PDE5 preparations exhibited variable proportions of two mobility forms (Bands 2 and 3) by native PAGE. Treatment of recombinant or native PDE5 with either cGMP or a substrate analog such as sildenafil, each of which is known to produce stimulatory effects on enzyme functions, caused a similar native PAGE band-shift to the lower mobility form (shift of Band 2 to Band 3). Incubation of PDE5 with Mg(++) or Mn(++), which is known to stimulate activity, caused a similar shift of the enzyme from Band 2 to Band 3 as did cGMP or sildenafil, but incubation with EDTA caused a time- and concentration-dependent shift to higher mobility (shift of Bands 2 and 3 to Band 1). A slow time course of the EDTA-induced band-shift suggested removal of a pre-bound metal ion (Me(++)) with affinity of ~0.1 nM, which was similar to the previously determined affinity of PDE5 for Zn(++). The EDTA-treated enzyme (Band 1) could be shifted to Bands 2 and 3 by addition of cGMP, sildenafil, or Me(++); however, the cGMP- or sildenafil-induced shift was inhibited and the Me(++)-induced shift was facilitated by treatment with EDTA. Results suggested that Me(++) removal from PDE5 produces a unique apoenzyme form (Band 1, more globular, negatively charged, or both) of PDE5 that can be partially converted to forms (Band 2, less globular or negatively charged, or both; and Band 3, more elongated/positively charged, or both) by addition of Me(++), substrate, or substrate analog. It is concluded that Me(++) causes conversion of PDE5 to similar conformational forms as caused by substrate or inhibitor binding to the catalytic site.