bioRxiv (Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory),
Journal Year:
2024,
Volume and Issue:
unknown
Published: Dec. 12, 2024
Abstract
Proteins
are
investigated
in
increasingly
more
complex
biological
systems,
where
19
F
NMR
is
proving
highly
advantageous
due
to
its
high
gyromagnetic
ratio
and
background-free
spectra.
Its
application
has,
however,
been
hindered
by
limited
chemical
shift
dispersions
an
incomprehensive
relationship
between
shifts
protein
structure.
We
exploit
the
sensitivity
of
ring
currents
designing
labels
with
direct
contact
a
native
or
engineered
aromatic
ring.
Fifty
variants
predicted
AlphaFold
molecular
dynamics
simulations
show
80-90%
success
rates
correlations
their
experimental
magnitude
current.
Our
method
consequently
improves
dispersion
through
simple
1D
experiments
enables
structural
analyses
alternative
conformational
states,
including
ribosome-bound
folding
intermediates,
in-cell
measurements
thermodynamics
protein-protein
interactions.
strategy
thus
provides
sensitive
tool
extract
residue
restraints
from
for
previously
intractable
systems.
Nature Communications,
Journal Year:
2025,
Volume and Issue:
16(1)
Published: Jan. 30, 2025
Abstract
Microtubule
plus-end
tracking
proteins
(+TIPs)
participate
in
nearly
all
microtubule-based
cellular
processes
and
have
recently
been
proposed
to
function
as
liquid
condensates.
However,
their
formation
internal
organization
remain
poorly
understood.
Here,
we
study
the
phase
separation
of
Bik1,
a
CLIP-170
family
member
key
+TIP
involved
budding
yeast
cell
division.
Bik1
is
dimer
with
rod-shaped
conformation
primarily
defined
by
its
central
coiled-coil
domain.
Its
condensation
likely
involves
higher-order
oligomers
that
separate
manner
dependent
on
protein’s
N-terminal
CAP-Gly
domain
C-terminal
EEY/F-like
motif.
This
process
accompanied
conformational
rearrangements
leading
at
least
two-fold
increase
multivalent
interactions
between
folded
disordered
domains.
Unlike
classical
liquids,
condensates
exhibit
heterogeneous,
fractal
supramolecular
structure
protein-
solvent-rich
regions.
structural
evidence
supports
recent
percolation-based
models
biomolecular
Together,
our
findings
offer
insights
into
structure,
dynamic
rearrangement,
complex,
oligomeric,
multidomain
protein
both
dilute
condensed
states.
Our
experimental
framework
can
be
applied
other
condensates,
including
more
complex
networks.
Analytical Chemistry,
Journal Year:
2025,
Volume and Issue:
unknown
Published: Jan. 9, 2025
Chemical
cross-linking/mass
spectrometry
(XL-MS)
has
emerged
as
a
complementary
tool
for
mapping
interaction
sites
within
protein
networks
well
gaining
moderate-resolution
native
structural
insight
with
minimal
interference.
XL-MS
technology
mostly
relies
on
chemoselective
reactions
(cross-linking)
between
residues
and
linker.
DSSO
represents
versatile
cross-linker
structure
investigation
in-cell
XL-MS.
However,
our
assessment
of
its
shelf
life
batch
purity
revealed
decomposition
in
anhydrous
solution
via
retro-Michael
reaction,
which
may
reduce
the
active
ingredient
down
to
below
90%.
To
mitigate
occurrence
this
degradative
mechanism,
we
report
rational
design
synthesis
DSSO-carbamate,
contains
an
inserted
nitrogen
atom
backbone
structure.
This
modification
yielded
remarkably
favorable
stability
against
such
decomposition,
translated
higher
cross-link
monolink
recovery
when
performing
monomeric
flexible
proteins.
Recently,
been
leveraged
AlphaFold2
other
prediction
algorithms
improved
multiconformational
end,
demonstrate
that
novel
cross-linker,
termed
generated
more
accurate
predictions
combined
AlphaFold2,
account
increased
cross-links
monolinks,
compared
DSSO.
As
such,
DSSO-carbamate
useful
addition
community,
particularly
prediction.
Mass Spectrometry Reviews,
Journal Year:
2025,
Volume and Issue:
unknown
Published: Feb. 9, 2025
An
intricate
network
of
protein
assemblies
and
protein-protein
interactions
(PPIs)
underlies
nearly
every
biological
process
in
living
systems.
The
organization
these
cellular
networks
is
highly
dynamic
intimately
tied
to
the
genomic
proteomic
landscapes
a
cell.
Disruptions
normal
PPIs
can
impair
functions
contribute
development
human
diseases.
In
recent
years,
targeting
has
emerged
as
an
attractive
strategy
for
drug
discovery.
Consequently,
identification
characterization
endogenous
PPIs-those
occurring
naturally
under
physiological
conditions-has
become
crucial
unraveling
molecular
mechanisms
driving
pathology
laying
groundwork
novel
diagnostics
therapeutics.
Owing
numerous
technological
advancements,
mass
spectrometry
(MS)-based
proteomics
transformed
study
at
systems-level.
This
review
focuses
on
approaches
that
enable
physiologically
relevant
interactions,
spanning
complex-centric
structure-centric
analyses.
Additionally,
their
applications
define
native
contexts
cancer
viral
infectious
diseases
highlighted.
Rapid Communications in Mass Spectrometry,
Journal Year:
2025,
Volume and Issue:
unknown
Published: April 27, 2025
ABSTRACT
Rationale
In
this
study,
we
applied
cross‐linking
mass
spectrometry
(XL‐MS)
to
characterize
the
oligomeric
states
of
a
PGLa/magainin
2
mixture
and
gain
insight
into
heterodimerization
previously
suggested
in
literature.
Both
peptides
have
shown
synergistic
enhancement
activity
when
tested
antimicrobial
assays;
however,
mechanism
action
is
still
not
well
understood.
Methods
Peptides
solutions
were
prepared
HEPES
buffer
presence
membrane‐mimicking
DDM
detergent
micelles
or
POPE:POPG
3:1
vesicles.
Cross‐linking
experiments
performed
using
disuccinimidyl
suberate
(DSS)
glutarate
(DSG),
MALDI‐MS
was
used
follow
performance.
Nano
liquid
chromatography
coupled
conducted
on
Q
Exactive
Plus
orbitrap
achieve
linkage
sites
determination
pLink2
for
data
interpretation.
Trypsin
pepsin
digestion
characterization
intermolecular
links.
Results
XL‐MS
micelle
environment
provided
direct
evidence
specific
heterodimer,
but
no
other
detected.
Monitoring
reaction
allowed
unambiguous
cross‐linked
stabilized
oligomers
facilitated
rapid
optimization
conditions
best
balance
between
stabilizing
complex
formation
avoiding
unspecific
aggregation.
Comparison
species
lipidic
bilayers
revealed
different
behaviors
suggesting
that
interaction
might
occur
differently
both
media.
Conclusions
This
study
relevant
at
peptidomic
level.
However,
workflow
had
be
adjusted
compared
its
use
large‐scale
protein–protein
mapping
order
avoid
technical
bias
arising
from
nature
reaction.
Mass Spectrometry Reviews,
Journal Year:
2024,
Volume and Issue:
unknown
Published: Sept. 19, 2024
ABSTRACT
The
exploration
of
protein
structure
and
function
stands
at
the
forefront
life
science
represents
an
ever‐expanding
focus
in
development
proteomics.
As
mass
spectrometry
(MS)
offers
readout
conformational
changes
both
peptide
levels,
MS‐based
structural
proteomics
is
making
significant
strides
realms
molecular
biology,
complementing
traditional
biology
techniques.
This
review
focuses
on
two
powerful
techniques
for
peptide‐level
readout,
namely
limited
proteolysis‐mass
(LiP‐MS)
cross‐linking
(XL‐MS).
First,
we
discuss
principles,
features,
different
workflows
these
methods.
Subsequently,
delve
into
bioinformatics
strategies
software
tools
used
interpreting
data
associated
with
conformation
readouts
how
can
be
integrated
other
computational
tools.
Furthermore,
provide
a
comprehensive
summary
noteworthy
applications
LiP‐MS
XL‐MS
diverse
areas
including
neurodegenerative
diseases,
interactome
studies,
membrane
proteins,
artificial
intelligence‐based
analysis.
Finally,
factors
that
modulate
changes.
We
also
highlight
remaining
challenges
understanding
intricacies
by
technologies.
Cell Stress and Chaperones,
Journal Year:
2024,
Volume and Issue:
29(2), P. 338 - 348
Published: March 21, 2024
The
Hsp70
chaperones
control
protein
homeostasis
in
all
ATP-containing
cellular
compartments.
J-domain
proteins
(JDPs)
co-evolved
with
Hsp70s
to
trigger
ATP-hydrolysis
and
catalytically
upload
various
substrate
polypeptides
need
be
structurally
modified
by
the
chaperone.
Here,
we
measured
disaggregation
refolding
activities
of
main
yeast
cytosolic
Hsp70,
Ssa1,
presence
its
most
abundant
JDPs,
Sis1
Ydj1,
two
swap
mutants,
which
J-domains
have
been
interchanged.
observed
differences
four
constructs
differently
cooperate
Ssa1
each
other,
as
well
their
intrinsic
ability
bind
misfolded
substrates
Ssa1's
ATPase,
indicate
yet
uncharacterized
intra-molecular
dynamic
interactions
between
remaining
C-terminal
segments
these
proteins.
Taken
together,
data
suggest
an
auto-regulatory
role
within
both
type
A
B
might
evolved
reduce
energy-costly
ATPase
cycles
Ssa1-4
that
are
cytosol.
Advanced Science,
Journal Year:
2024,
Volume and Issue:
unknown
Published: July 21, 2024
The
δ-conotoxins,
a
class
of
peptides
produced
in
the
venom
cone
snails,
are
interest
due
to
their
ability
inhibit
inactivation
voltage-gated
sodium
channels
causing
paralysis
and
other
neurological
responses,
but
difficulties
isolation
synthesis
have
made
structural
characterization
challenging.
Taking
advantage
recent
breakthroughs
computational
algorithms
for
structure
prediction
that
modeling
especially
useful
when
experimental
data
is
sparse,
this
work
uses
both
deep-learning-based
algorithm
AlphaFold
comparative
method
RosettaCM
model
analyze
18
previously
uncharacterized
δ-conotoxins
derived
from
piscivorous,
vermivorous,
molluscivorous
snails.
models
provide
insights
into
aspects
these
suggest
features
likely
be
significant
influencing
binding
different
pharmacological
activities
against
targets,
with
implications
drug
development.
Additionally,
described
protocol
provides
roadmap
similar
disulfide-rich
by
complementary
methods.
bioRxiv (Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory),
Journal Year:
2024,
Volume and Issue:
unknown
Published: April 19, 2024
Abstract
Microtubule
plus-end
tracking
proteins
(+TIPs)
are
involved
in
virtually
all
microtubule-based
cellular
processes,
and
it
has
been
recently
proposed
that
they
function
as
liquid
condensates.
However,
the
formation
process
internal
organization
of
+TIP
condensates
poorly
understood.
Here,
we
have
investigated
phase
separation
CLIP-170
family
member
Bik1,
a
key
implicated
budding
yeast
cell
division.
We
found
Bik1
is
rod-shaped
dimer
whose
conformation
dominated
by
its
central
coiled-coil
domain.
Liquid
condensation
accompanied
conformational
rearrangements,
leading
to
2-3-fold
rise
interactions
between
protein’s
folded
disordered
domains.
In
contrast
classical
liquids,
supramolecular
structure
condensate
heterogeneous,
with
fractal
protein-rich
protein-free
This
observation
provides
structural
evidence
support
recent
models
biomolecular
based
on
percolation.
More
broadly,
our
results
provide
insights
into
structure,
dynamic
rearrangement,
complex,
multidomain
protein
dilute
condensed
phases.
Our
experimental
framework
can
be
extended
other
condensates,
including
more
intricate
networks.