Under phosphate starvation conditions, Escherichia coli can utilize sn‐glycerol‐3‐phosphate (G3P) and G3P diesters as phosphate source when transported by an ATP binding cassette importer composed of the periplasmic binding protein, UgpB, the transmembrane subunits, UgpA and UgpE, and a homodimer of the nucleotide binding subunit, UgpC. The current knowledge on the Ugp transporter is solely based on genetic evidence and transport assays using intact cells. Thus, we set out to characterize its properties at the level of purified protein components. UgpB was demonstrated to bind G3P and glycerophosphocholine with dissociation constants of 0.68 ± 0.02 μM and 5.1 ± 0.3 μM, respectively, while glycerol‐2‐phosphate (G2P) is not a substrate. The crystal structure of UgpB in complex with G3P was solved at 1.8 Å resolution and revealed the interaction with two tryptophan residues as key to the preferential binding of linear G3P in contrast to the branched G2P. Mutational analysis validated the crucial role of Trp‐169 for G3P binding. The purified UgpAEC2 complex displayed UgpB/G3P‐stimulated ATPase activity in proteoliposomes that was neither inhibited by phosphate nor by the signal transducing protein PhoU or the phosphodiesterase UgpQ. Furthermore, a hybrid transporter composed of MalFG–UgpC could be functionally reconstituted while a UgpAE–MalK complex was unstable.

Solute receptors (binding proteins) are indispensable components of canonical ATP-binding cassette importers in prokaryotes. Here, we report on the characterization and crystal structures in the closed and open conformations of AcbH, the solute receptor of the putative carbohydrate transporter AcbFG which is encoded in the acarbose (acarviosyl-1,4-maltose) biosynthetic gene cluster from Actinoplanes sp. SE50/110. Binding assays identified AcbH as a high-affinity monosaccharide-binding protein with a dissociation constant (K(d)) for β-d-galactopyranose of 9.8±1.0 nM. Neither galactose-containing di- and trisaccharides, such as lactose and raffinose, nor monosaccharides including d-galacturonic acid, l-arabinose, d-xylose and l-rhamnose competed with [(1)(4)C]galactose for binding to AcbH. Moreover, AcbH does not bind d-glucose, which is a common property of all but one d-galactose-binding proteins characterized to date. Strikingly, determination of the X-ray structure revealed that AcbH is structurally homologous to maltose-binding proteins rather than to glucose-binding proteins. Two helices are inserted in the substrate-binding pocket, which reduces the cavity size and allows the exclusive binding of monosaccharides, specifically β-d-galactopyranose, in the (4)C(1) conformation. Site-directed mutagenesis of three residues from the binding pocket (Arg82, Asp361 and Arg362) that interact with the axially oriented O4-H hydroxyl of the bound galactopyranose and subsequent functional analysis indicated that these residues are crucial for galactose binding. To our knowledge, this is the first report of the tertiary structure of a solute receptor with exclusive affinity for β-d-galactopyranose. The putative role of a galactose import system in the context of acarbose metabolism in Actinoplanes sp. is discussed.

ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporters are integral membrane proteins that carry a variety of substrates across biological membranes at the expense of ATP. The here considered prokaryotic canonical importers consist of three entities: an extracellular solute receptor, two membrane-intrinsic proteins forming a translocation pathway, and two cytoplasmic ATP-binding subunits. The ngo0372-74 and ngo2011-14 gene clusters from the human pathogen Neisseria gonorrhoeae were predicted by sequence homology as ABC transporters for the uptake of cystine and cysteine, respectively, and chosen for structural characterization. The structure of the receptor component Ngo0372 was obtained in a ligand-free "open" conformation and in a "closed" conformation when co-crystallized with L-cystine. Our data provide the first structural information of an L-cystine ABC transporter. Dissociation constants of 21 and 33 nM for L-cystine and L-selenocystine, respectively, were determined by isothermal titration calorimetry. In contrast, L-cystathionine and L-djenkolic acid are weak binders, while no binding was detectable for S-methyl-L-cysteine. Mutational analysis of two residues from the binding pocket, Trp97 and Tyr59, revealed that the latter is crucial for L-cystine binding. The structure of the Ngo2014 receptor was obtained in closed conformation in complex with co-purified L-cysteine. The protein binds L-cysteine with a K(d) of 26 nM. Comparison of the structures of both receptors and analysis of the ligand binding sites shed light on the mode of ligand recognition and provides insight into the tight binding of both substrates. Moreover, since L-cystine limitation leads to reduction in virulence of N. gonorrhoeae, Ngo0372 might be suited as target for an antimicrobial vaccine.

GacH is the solute binding protein (receptor) of the putative oligosaccharide ATP-binding cassette transporter GacFG, encoded in the acarbose biosynthetic gene cluster (gac) from Streptomyces glaucescens GLA.O. In the context of the proposed function of acarbose (acarviosyl-1,4-maltose) as a ‘carbophor,’ the transporter, in complex with a yet to be identified ATPase subunit, is supposed to mediate the uptake of longer acarbose homologs and acarbose for recycling purposes. Binding assays using isothermal titration calorimetry identified GacH as a maltose/maltodextrin-binding protein with a low affinity for acarbose but with considerable binding activity for its homolog, component 5C (acarviosyl-1,4-maltose-1,4-glucose-1,1-glucose). In contrast, the maltose-binding protein of Salmonella typhimurium (MalE) displays high-affinity acarbose binding. We determined the crystal structures of GacH in complex with acarbose, component 5C, and maltotetraose, as well as in unliganded form. As found for other solute receptors, the polypeptide chain of GacH is folded into two distinct domains (lobes) connected by a hinge, with the interface between the lobes forming the substrate-binding pocket. GacH does not specifically bind the acarviosyl group, but displays specificity for binding of the maltose moiety in the inner part of its binding pocket. The crystal structure of acarbose-loaded MalE showed that two glucose units of acarbose are bound at the same region and position as maltose. A comparative analysis revealed that in GacH, acarbose is buried deeper into the binding pocket than in MalE by exactly one glucose ring shift, resulting in a total of 18 hydrogen-bond interactions versus 21 hydrogen-bond interactions for MalEacarbose. Since the substrate specificity of ATP-binding cassette import systems is determined by the cognate binding protein, our results provide the first biochemical and structural evidence for the proposed role of GacHFG in acarbose metabolism.

ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transport systems facilitate the translocation of substances, like amino acids, across cell membranes energised by ATP hydrolysis. This work describes first structural studies on the ABC transporter ArtMP from Geobacillus stearothermophilus in native lipid environment by magic-angle spinning NMR spectroscopy. The 2D crystals of ArtMP and 3D crystals of isolated ArtP were prepared in different nucleotide-bound or -unbound states. From selectively (13)C,(15)N-labelled ArtP, several sequence-specific assignments were obtained, most of which could be transferred to spectra of ArtMP. Residues Tyr133 and Pro134 protrude directly into the ATP-binding pocket at the interface of the ArtP subunits, and hence, are sensitive monitors for structural changes during nucleotide binding and hydrolysis. Distinct sets of NMR shifts were obtained for ArtP with different phosphorylation states of the ligand. Indications were found for an asymmetric or inhomogeneous state of the ArtP dimer bound with triphosphorylated nucleotides. With this investigation, a model system was established for screening all functional states occurring in one ABC transporter in native lipid environment.

ArtJ is the substrate-binding component (receptor) of the ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transport system ArtJ-(MP)(2) from the thermophilic bacterium Geobacillus stearothermophilus that is specific for arginine, lysine, and histidine. The highest affinity is found for arginine (K-d = 0.039(+/-0.014) mu M), while the affinities for lysine and histidine are about tenfold lower. We have determined the X-ray structures of ArtJ liganded with each of these substrates at resolutions of 1.79 angstrom (arginine), 1.79 angstrom (lysine), and 2.35 angstrom (histidine), respectively. As found for other solute receptors, the polypeptide chain is folded into two distinct domains (lobes) connected by a hinge. The interface between the lobes forms the substrate-binding pocket whose geometry is well preserved in all three ArtJ/amino acid complexes. Structure-derived mutational analyses indicated the crucial role of a region in the carboxy-terminal lobe of ArtJ in contacting the transport pore Art(MP)(2) and revealed the functional importance of Gln132 and Trp68. While variant Gln132Leu exhibited lower binding affinity for arginine but no binding of lysine and histidine, the variant Trp68Leu had lost binding activity for all three substrates. The results are discussed in comparison with known structures of homologous proteins from mesophilic bacteria. (C) 2007 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

A single gene cluster encoding components of a putative ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporter for basic amino acids was identified in the incomplete genome sequence of the thermophilic Gram-positive bacterium Geobacillus stearothermophilus by blast searches. The cluster comprises three genes, and these were amplified from chromosomal DNA of G. stearothermophilus, ligated into plasmid vectors and expressed in Escherichia coli. The purified solute-binding protein (designated ArtJ) was demonstrated to bind L-arginine with high affinity (Kd=0.39+/-0.06 microM). Competition experiments revealed only partial inhibition by excess L-lysine (38 %) and L-ornithine (46 %), while no inhibition was observed with L-histidine or other amino acids tested. The membrane-associated transport complex, composed of a permease (designated ArtM) and an ATPase component (designated ArtP), was solubilized from E. coli membranes by decanoylsucrose and purified by metal-affinity chromatography. The ArtMP complex, when incorporated into liposomes formed from a crude extract of G. stearothermophilus lipids, displayed ATPase activity in the presence of ArtJ only. Addition of L-arginine further stimulated the activity twofold. ATP hydrolysis was optimal at 60 degrees C and sensitive to the specific inhibitor vanadate. Analysis of kinetic parameters revealed a maximal velocity of ATP hydrolysis of 0.71 micromol Pi min(-1) (mg protein)(-1) and a Km(ATP) of 1.59 mM. Together, these results identify the ArtJMP complex as a high-affinity arginine ABC transporter.

CysA, the ATPase subunit of a putative sulfate ATP‐binding cassette transport system of the gram‐positive thermoacidophilic bacterium Alicyclobacillus acidocaldarius, was structurally characterized at a resolution of 2.0 Å in the absence of nucleotides. In line with previous findings on ABC‐ATPases the structures of the two monomers (called CysA‐1 and CysA‐2) in the asymmetric unit differ substantially in the arrangement of their individual (sub)domains. CysA‐2 was found as a physiological dimer composed of two crystallographically related monomers that are arranged in an open state. Interestingly, while the regulatory domain of CysA‐2 packs against its opposing domain that of CysA‐1 undergoes a conformational change and, in the dimer, would interfere with the opposing monomer thereby preventing solute translocation. Whether this conformational state is used for regulatory purposes will be discussed.

Maltose-binding proteins act as primary receptors in bacterial transport and chemotaxis systems. We report here crystal structures of the thermoacidostable maltose-binding protein from Alicyclobacillus acidocaldarius, and explore its modes of binding to maltose and maltotriose. Further, comparison with the structures of related proteins from Escherichia coli (a mesophile), and two hyperthermophiles (Pyrococcus furiosus and Thermococcus litoralis) allows an investigation of the basis of thermo- and acidostability in this family of proteins.The thermoacidophilic protein has fewer charged residues than the other three structures, which is compensated by an increase in the number of polar residues. Although the content of acidic and basic residues is approximately equal, more basic residues are exposed on its surface whereas most acidic residues are buried in the interior. As a consequence, this protein has a highly positive surface charge. Fewer salt bridges are buried than in the other MBP structures, but the number exposed on its surface does not appear to be unusual. These features appear to be correlated with the acidostability of the A. acidocaldarius protein rather than its thermostability. An analysis of cavities within the proteins shows that the extremophile proteins are more closely packed than the mesophilic one. Proline content is slightly higher in the hyperthermophiles and thermoacidophiles than in mesophiles, and this amino acid is more common at the second position of beta-turns, properties that are also probably related to thermostability. Secondary structural content does not vary greatly in the different structures, and so is not a contributing factor.

The thermoacidophilic gram-positive bacterium Alicyclobacillus acidocaldarius grows at 60 °C and pH 2–3. The organism can utilize maltose and maltodextrins as energy source that are taken up by an ATP-binding cassette (ABC) import system. Genes encoding a maltose binding protein, MalE, and two membrane-integral subunits, MalF and MalG, are clustered on the chromosome but a malK gene translating into a cognate ATPase subunit is lacking. Here we report the cloning of malK from genomic DNA by using the msiK gene of Streptomyces lividans as a probe. Purified MalK exhibited a spontaneous ATPase activity with a Vmax of 0.13 μmol Pi/min/mg and a Km of 330 μM that was optimal at the growth temperature of the organism. Coexpression of malK, malF and malG in Escherichia coli resulted in the formation of a complex that could be coeluted from an affinity matrix after solubilization of membranes with dodecylmaltoside. Proteoliposomes prepared from the MalFGK complex and preformed phospholipid vesicles of A. acidocaldarius displayed a low intrinsic ATPase activity that was stimulated sevenfold by maltose-loaded MalE, thereby indicating coupling of ATP hydrolysis to substrate translocation. These results provide evidence for MalK being the physiological ATPase subunit of the A. acidocaldarius maltose transporter. Moreover, to our knowledge, this is the first report on the functional reconstitution of an ABC transport system from a thermophilic microorganism.

ABSTRACT We have studied the uptake of maltose in the thermoacidophilic gram-positive bacterium Alicyclobacillus acidocaldarius , which grows best at 57°C and pH 3.5. Under these conditions, accumulation of [ 14 C]maltose was observed in cells grown with maltose but not in those grown with glucose. At lower temperatures or higher pH values, the transport rates substantially decreased. Uptake of radiolabeled maltose was inhibited by maltotetraose, acarbose, and cyclodextrins but not by lactose, sucrose, or trehalose. The kinetic parameters ( K m of 0.91 ± 0.06 μM and V max ranging from 0.6 to 3.7 nmol/min/mg of protein) are consistent with a binding protein-dependent ATP binding cassette (ABC) transporter. A corresponding binding protein (MalE) that interacts with maltose with high affinity ( K d of 1.5 μM) was purified from the culture supernatant of maltose-grown cells. Immunoelectron microscopy revealed distribution of the protein throughout the cell wall. The malE gene was cloned and sequenced. Five additional open reading frames, encoding components of a maltose transport system (MalF and MalG), a putative transcriptional regulator (MalR), a cyclodextrinase (CdaA), and an α-glucosidase (GlcA), were identified downstream of malE . The malE gene lacking the DNA sequence that encodes the signal sequence was expressed in Escherichia coli . The purified wild-type and recombinant proteins bind maltose with high affinity over a wide pH range (2.5 to 7) and up to 80°C. Recombinant MalE cross-reacted with an antiserum raised against the wild-type protein, thereby indicating that the latter is the product of the malE gene. The MalE protein might be well suited as a model to study tolerance of proteins to low pH.