NeissLock provides an inducible protein anhydride for covalent targeting of endogenous proteins.

Autor: Scheu, Arne H. A., Lim, Sheryl Y. T., Metzner, Felix J., Mohammed, Shabaz, Howarth, Mark
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Zdroj: Nature Communications; 1/29/2021, Vol. 12 Issue 1, p1-16, 16p
Abstrakt: The Neisseria meningitidis protein FrpC contains a self-processing module (SPM) undergoing autoproteolysis via an aspartic anhydride. Herein, we establish NeissLock, using a binding protein genetically fused to SPM. Upon calcium triggering of SPM, the anhydride at the C-terminus of the binding protein allows nucleophilic attack by its target protein, ligating the complex. We establish a computational tool to search the Protein Data Bank, assessing proximity of amines to C-termini. We optimize NeissLock using the Ornithine Decarboxylase/Antizyme complex. Various sites on the target (α-amine or ε-amines) react with the anhydride, but reaction is blocked if the partner does not dock. Ligation is efficient at pH 7.0, with half-time less than 2 min. We arm Transforming Growth Factor-α with SPM, enabling specific covalent coupling to Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor at the cell-surface. NeissLock harnesses distinctive protein chemistry for high-yield covalent targeting of endogenous proteins, advancing the possibilities for molecular engineering. Covalent conjugation of endogenous protein complexes offers many opportunities for fundamental and clinical research. Based on a bacterial protein domain that forms a reactive anhydride in the presence of Ca2+, the authors here develop a system that enables the covalent capture of endogenous binding partners. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
Databáze: Complementary Index