Inositol-tetrakisphosphate 1-kinase (ITPK1) is a pivotal enzyme in the inositol phosphate signaling pathway that functions to maintain the balance of inositol phosphate (IP) species. Dysregulation of this pathway has been linked to human disease, making ITPK1 an attractive therapeutic target. While high-throughput screening (HTS) is a traditional strategy for identifying small molecule inhibitors, integrating computational approaches can significantly speed up and enhance hit rates. Here, we developed a hybrid experimental and virtual approach towards the identification of ITPK1 chemical probe candidates. We first miniaturized an ITPK1 enzymatic assay to 1536-well format and screened ∼19,000 annotated and chemically diverse compounds. We then utilized the resulting dataset to develop Machine Learning (ML) and Pharmacophore (PH4) models to virtually screen a larger library of 120,000 compounds to expand the chemical diversity of the screening set. Importantly, our screening platform included a selectivity assay against PPIP5K2, the closest structural relative of ITPK1. The identified hits were evaluated for ITPK1 binding, including via a novel high-throughput Structure Dynamic Response (SDR) target engagement assay. Hits underwent further confirmation through orthogonal assays and mechanistic investigation, including obtaining a co-crystal structure for one of the hits. This integrated workflow-combining physical HTS with computational modeling-led to the identification of two novel candidate inhibitors. This study demonstrates an efficient, scalable strategy for targeting ITPK1 and offers a promising platform for drug discovery efforts in diseases linked to perturbed inositol phosphate pathways.

Inositol pyrophosphates (PP-InsPs), which possess functionally significant diphosphate groups, regulate a wide range of biological processes across eukaryotic organisms. The presence and isomeric diversity of PP-InsPs suggest potential biological relevance and enable these molecules to serve as versatile regulators. Identification and characterization of the PP-InsP isomers require specialized approaches. We have successfully utilized X-ray crystallography to directly visualize and identify PP-InsP isomers, thereby informing biological studies and advancing our understanding of their functional roles. Here, we describe detailed methods for identifying PP-InsP isomers in Crystallo.

The inositol pyrophosphates (PP-IPs) are specialized members of the wider inositol phosphate signaling family that possess functionally significant diphosphate groups. The PP-IPs exhibit remarkable functionally versatility throughout the eukaryotic kingdoms. However, a quantitatively minor PP-IP - 1,5 bisdiphosphoinositol tetrakisphosphate (1,5-IP8) - has received considerably less attention from the cell signalling community. The main purpose of this review is to summarize recently-published data which have now brought 1,5-IP8 into the spotlight, by expanding insight into the molecular mechanisms by which this polyphosphate regulates many fundamental biological processes.

In peanut allergy, Arachis hypogaea 2 (Ara h 2) and Arachis hypogaea 6 (Ara h 6) are two clinically relevant peanut allergens with known structural and sequence homology and demonstrated cross-reactivity. We have previously utilized X-ray crystallography and epitope binning to define the epitopes on Ara h 2. We aimed to quantitatively characterize the cross-reactivity between Ara h 2 and Ara h 6 on a molecular level using human monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) and structural characterization of allergenic epitopes. We utilized mAbs cloned from Ara h 2 positive single B cells isolated from peanut-allergic, oral immunotherapy-treated patients to quantitatively analyze cross-reactivity between recombinant Ara h 2 (rAra h 2) and Ara h 6 (rAra h 6) proteins using biolayer interferometry and indirect inhibitory ELISA. Molecular dynamics simulations assessed time-dependent motions and interactions in the antibody-antigen complexes. Three epitopes-conformational epitopes 1.1 and 3, and the sequential epitope KRELRNL/KRELMNL-are conserved between Ara h 2 and Ara h 6, while two more conformational and three sequential epitopes are not. Overall, mAb affinity was significantly lower to rAra h 6 than it was to rAra h 2. This difference in affinity was primarily due to increased dissociation of the antibodies from rAra h 6, a phenomenon explained by the higher conformational flexibility of the Ara h 6-antibody complexes in comparison to Ara h 2-antibody complexes. Our results further elucidate the cross-reactivity of peanut 2S albumins on a molecular level and support the clinical immunodominance of Ara h 2.

Kinases that synthesize inositol phosphates (IPs) and pyrophosphates (PP-IPs) control numerous biological processes in eukaryotic cells. Herein, we extend this cellular signaling repertoire to viruses. We have biochemically and structurally characterized a minimalist inositol phosphate kinase (i.e., Tv IPK) encoded by Terrestrivirus , a nucleocytoplasmic large (“giant”) DNA virus (NCLDV). We show that Tv IPK can synthesize inositol pyrophosphates from a range of scyllo - and myo -IPs, both in vitro and when expressed in yeast cells. We present multiple crystal structures of enzyme/substrate/nucleotide complexes with individual resolutions from 1.95 to 2.6 Å. We find a heart-shaped ligand binding pocket comprising an array of positively charged and flexible side chains, underlying the observed substrate diversity. A crucial arginine residue in a conserved “G-loop” orients the γ-phosphate of ATP to allow substrate pyrophosphorylation. We highlight additional conserved catalytic and architectural features in Tv IPK, and support their importance through site-directed mutagenesis. We propose that NCLDV inositol phosphate kinases may have assisted evolution of inositol pyrophosphate signaling, and we discuss the potential biogeochemical significance of Tv IPK in soil niches.

Inositol pyrophosphates (PP-IPs) are densely phosphorylated messenger molecules involved in numerous biological processes. PP-IPs contain one or two pyrophosphate group(s) attached to a phosphorylated myo-inositol ring. 5PP-IP5 is the most abundant PP-IP in human cells. To investigate the function and regulation by PP-IPs in biological contexts, metabolically stable analogs have been developed. Here, we report the synthesis of a new fluorinated phosphoramidite reagent and its application for the synthesis of a difluoromethylene bisphosphonate analog of 5PP-IP5. Subsequently, the properties of all currently reported analogs were benchmarked using a number of biophysical and biochemical methods, including co-crystallization, ITC, kinase activity assays and chromatography. Together, the results showcase how small structural alterations of the analogs can have notable effects on their properties in a biochemical setting and will guide in the choice of the most suitable analog(s) for future investigations.

Inositol phosphate signaling in plants is of substantial agricultural interest, with a considerable focus on the inositol tris/tetrakisphosphate kinase (ITPK) family of inositol phosphate kinases. Historically, the 4–6 isoforms of ITPKs that higher plants each express have been studied for their multiplexing a metabolic pathway to synthesize inositol hexakisphosphate (ie InsP 6 or phytate), through the phosphorylation and dephosphorylation of multiple inositol phosphates, including Ins(1,3,4,5,6)P 5 (inositol‐1,3,4,5,6‐pentakisphosphate). A more recent discovery is ITPK‐catalyzed phosphorylation of InsP 6 to inositol pyrophosphates, which regulate plant immunity and phosphate homeostasis. However, a molecular‐based explanation for these alternate catalytic activities has been missing, because no plant ITPK structure has previously been solved. Herein, we provide biochemical and structural analyses of ITPKs from Zea mays and Glycine max . For this work we introduce a simple, enzyme‐coupled microplate‐based assay of InsP 6 kinase activity that should promote more general access to this important field. Furthermore, a Zm ITPK1/InsP 6 crystal complex is described at a resolution of 2.6 Å, which identifies a number of catalytically important residues; their functionality is confirmed by mutagenesis. We further demonstrate that Zm ITPK1 adds a β‐phosphate to the 3‐position of Ins(1,2,3,4,5)P 5 , yielding a candidate signal for regulating phosphate homeostasis. An impactful discovery is our description of a 29‐residue catalytic specificity element; by interchanging this element between Gm ITPK1 and Gm ITPK2, we demonstrate how its isoform‐specific sequence specifically determines whether the host protein phosphorylates InsP 6 , without substantially affecting Ins(1,3,4,5,6)P 5 metabolism. Our structural rationalization of key catalytic differences between alternate ITPK isoforms will complement future research into their functional diversity.

Structural snapshots of protein/ligand complexes are a prerequisite for gaining atomic level insight into enzymatic reaction mechanisms. An important group of enzymes has been deprived of this analytical privilege: members of the protein tyrosine phosphatase (PTP) superfamily with catalytic WPD-loops lacking the indispensable general-acid/base within a tryptophan-proline-aspartate/glutamate context. Here, we provide the ligand/enzyme crystal complexes for one such PTP outlier: Arabidopsis thaliana Plant and Fungi Atypical Dual Specificity Phosphatase 1 (AtPFA-DSP1), herein unveiled as a regioselective and efficient phosphatase towards inositol pyrophosphate (PP-InsP) signaling molecules. Although the WPD loop is missing its canonical tripeptide motif, this structural element contributes to catalysis by assisting PP-InsP delivery into the catalytic pocket, for a choreographed exchange with phosphate reaction product. Subsequently, an intramolecular proton donation by PP-InsP substrate is posited to substitute functionally for the absent aspartate/glutamate general-acid. Overall, we expand mechanistic insight into adaptability of the conserved PTP structural elements.

Obesity and obesity-induced metabolic dysfunctions are significant risk factors for nonalcoholic fatty liver disease and cardiovascular diseases. Thus, obesity is an economic and social burden in developed countries. Blocking the synthesis of inositol pyrophosphates by inositol hexakisphosphate kinase (IP6K) has been identified as a potential therapeutic strategy for obesity and related diseases. We have developed a novel and potent IP6K inhibitor 20 (UNC7467) (IC50 values: IP6K1 8.9 nM; IP6K2 4.9 nM; IP6K3 1320 nM). Inositol phosphate profiling of the HCT116 colon cancer cell line demonstrates that 20 reduced levels of inositol pyrophosphates by 66-81%, without significantly perturbing levels of other inositol phosphates. Furthermore, intraperitoneal injection of 20 in diet-induced obese mice improved glycemic profiles, ameliorated hepatic steatosis, and reduced weight gain without altering food intake. Thus, inhibitor 20 can be used as an in vivo probe for IP6K-related research. Moreover, it may have therapeutic relevance in treating obesity and related diseases.

Nudix hydrolases attract considerable attention for their wide range of specialized activities in all domains of life. One particular group of Nudix phosphohydrolases (DIPPs), through their metabolism of diphosphoinositol polyphosphates (PP-InsPs), regulates the actions of these polyphosphates upon bioenergetic homeostasis. In the current study, we describe, at an atomic level, hitherto unknown properties of human DIPP1.We provide X-ray analysis of the catalytic core of DIPP1 in crystals complexed with either natural PP-InsPs, alternative PP-InsP stereoisomers, or non-hydrolysable methylene bisphosphonate analogs ("PCP-InsPs"). The conclusions that we draw from these data are interrogated by studying the impact upon catalytic activity upon mutagenesis of certain key residues. We present a picture of a V-shaped catalytic furrow with overhanging ridges constructed from flexible positively charged side chains; within this cavity, the labile phosphoanhydride bond is appropriately positioned at the catalytic site by an extensive series of interlocking polar contacts which we analogize as "suspension cables." We demonstrate functionality for a triglycine peptide within a β-strand which represents a non-canonical addition to the standard Nudix catalytic core structure. We describe pre-reaction enzyme/substrate states which we posit to reflect a role for electrostatic steering in substrate capture. Finally, through time-resolved analysis, we uncover a chronological sequence of DIPP1/product post-reaction states, one of which may rationalize a role for InsP6 as an inhibitor of catalytic activity.

Structural and functional studies of theC-glycosyltransferase UGT708C1 provide a basis for understanding the C-glycosylation mechanism and facilitate enzyme engineering to produce bioactive C-glycosides. C-Glycosyltransferases (CGTs) catalyze the formation ofC-glycosidic bonds for the biosynthesis ofC-glycosides, but the underlying mechanism is unclear. This process improves the solubility and bioavailability of specialized metabolites, which play important roles in plant growth and development and represent rich resources for drug discovery. Here, we performed functional and structural studies of the CGT UGT708C1 from buckwheat (Fagopyrum esculentum). Enzymatic analysis showed that UGT708C1 is capable of utilizing both UDP-galactose and UDP-glucose as sugar donors. Our structural studies of UGT708C1 complexed with UDP-glucose and UDP identified the key roles of Asp382, Gln383, Thr151, and Thr150 in recognizing the sugar moiety of the donor substrate and Phe130, Tyr102, and Phe198 in binding and stabilizing the acceptor. A systematic site-directed mutagenesis study confirmed the important roles of these residues. Further structural analysis combined with molecular dynamics simulations revealed that phloretin binds to the acceptor binding pocket in a bent state with a precise spatial disposition and complementarity. These findings provide insights into a catalytic mechanism for CGTs.

Cyclocarya paliurus (Batalin) Iljinsk is a medicinal plant belonging to the Juglandaceae family, and its leaves are used for a traditional sweet herbal tea with bioactivity against obesity and hyperglycaemia in China. It contains various bioactive specialised metabolites, such as flavonoids, triterpenes and their glucosides, while no glycosyltransferases (GTs) have been reported in C. paliurus to date. Herein, we identified and cloned the first glucosyltransferase C. paliurus GT1. The expression profiles of C. paliurus GT1 showed very high expression in young leaves, callus and branches, but relatively low expression in old leaves and bark and no expression in root. The recombinant C. paliurus GT1 protein was heterologously expressed in Escherichia coli and exhibited catalytic activity towards multiple flavonoids favouring substrate- and regio-specific biosynthesis. Further enzyme assays indicated a preference for certain hydroxyl group glucosylation by C. paliurus GT1. C. paliurus GT1 actively catalysed the glucosylation of flavones and flavonols, but it was less active towards isoflavones, flavanones or triterpenes. C. paliurus GT1 was also able to catalyse the attachment of sugars to the thiol (S-) or amine (N-) sites on aromatic compounds but not on aliphatic compounds. Molecular docking and site-directed mutagenesis analyses indicated that A43F, V84P, and M201Y dramatically altered the regio-selectivity and activity, and the W283M mutation and deletion of the V309-D320 region enhanced the activity and the formation of disaccharides. Herein, we present the identification and characterization of the first multi-functional glucosyltransferase in C. paliurus and provide a basis for understanding the biosynthesis of flavonoid glucosides. C. paliurus GT1 could be utilized as a synthetic biology tool for the synthesis of O-, N-, or S-glucosylated natural/unnatural products.

The uridine diphosphate glycosyltransferase (UGT) plays the central role in glycosylation of small molecules by transferring sugars to various acceptors including bioactive natural products in plants. UGT89C1 from Arabidopsis thaliana is a novel UGT, a rhamnosyltransferase, specifically recognizes UDP-l-rhamnose as donor. To provide an insight into the sugar specificity for UDP-l-rhamnose and interactions between UGT89C1 and its substrates, the UGT89C1 was expressed in Escherichia coli and purified toward biochemical and structural studies. Enzyme activity assay was performed, and the recombinant UGT89C1 recognized UDP-l-rhamnose and rhamnosylated kaempferol. Crystals of AtUGT89C1 were obtained, they diffracted to 2.7 Å resolution and belonged to space group I41. AtUGT89C1 was also co-crystallized with UDP. Interestingly, two crystal forms were obtained in the same crystallization condition, including the previous I41 crystal form, and the new crystal form that diffracted to 3.0 Å resolution and belonged to space group P21.

Glycosylation is a key modification for most molecules including plant natural products, for example, flavonoids and isoflavonoids, and can enhance the bioactivity and bioavailability of the natural products. The crystal structure of plant rhamnosyltransferase UGT89C1 from Arabidopsis thaliana was determined, and the structures of UGT89C1 in complexes with UDP-β-l-rhamnose and acceptor quercetin revealed the detailed interactions between the enzyme and its substrates. Structural and mutational analysis indicated that Asp356, His357, Pro147 and Ile148 are key residues for sugar donor recognition and specificity for UDP-β-l-rhamnose. The mutant H357Q exhibited activity with both UDP-β-l-rhamnose and UDP-glucose. Structural comparison and mutagenesis confirmed that His21 is a key residue as the catalytic base and the only catalytic residue involved in catalysis independently as UGT89C1 lacks the other catalytic Asp that is highly conserved in other reported UGTs and forms a hydrogen bond with the catalytic base His. Ser124 is located in the corresponding position of the catalytic Asp in other UGTs and is not able to form a hydrogen bond with His21. Mutagenesis further showed that Ser124 may not be important in its catalysis, suggesting that His21 and acceptor may form an acceptor-His dyad and UGT89C1 utilizes a catalytic dyad in catalysis instead of catalytic triad. The information of structure and mutagenesis provides structural insights into rhamnosyltransferase substrate specificity and rhamnosylation mechanism.

A series of amide derivatives containing aromatic sulfide and sulfone groups synthesized in our previous work displayed excellent nematocidal activity at 200 mu g/mL. In order to explore the effect of structural modification of the amide bridge on biological activity in a more delicate way, two series of novel target compounds were designed and synthesized by adopting amide group flipping and introducing N-sulfonyl substituted amide bonds. The bioassays indicated that the structural modification of the amide bridge had important effects on their nematocidal and fungicidal activities, which the introduction of the N-sulfonyl substituent on the amide group was favorable to improving the nematocidal activity in comparison with compounds I. The molecular docking revealed that directly attaching the carbonyl or sulfonyl groups in the amide bridge to the aromatic rings was advantageous to the nematocidal activity.

Mitochondrial calcium uniporter (MCU) is the pore-forming subunit of the entire uniporter complex and plays an important role in mitochondrial calcium uptake. However, the single channel recording of MCU remains controversial. Here, we expressed and purified different MCU proteins and then reconstituted them into planar lipid bilayers for single channel recording. We showed that MCU alone from Pyronema omphalodes (pMCU) is active with prominent single channel Ca2+ currents. In sharp contrast, MCU alone from Homo sapiens (hMCU) is inactive. The essential MCU regulator (EMRE) activates hMCU, and therefore, the complex (hMCU-hEMRE) shows prominent single channel Ca2+ currents. These single channel currents are sensitive to the specific MCU inhibitor Ruthenium Red. Our results clearly demonstrate that active MCU can conduct large amounts of calcium into the mitochondria.

An entry from the Cambridge Structural Database, the world’s repository for small molecule crystal structures. The entry contains experimental data from a crystal diffraction study. The deposited dataset for this entry is freely available from the CCDC and typically includes 3D coordinates, cell parameters, space group, experimental conditions and quality measures.

A series of novel 2-amino-1,3-thiazole-4-carboxylic acid derivatives were designed and synthesized. Their structures were confirmed by melting points, IR, H-1 NMR, C-13 NMR, and HRMS or elemental analysis. Biological activities of all title compounds including fungicidal activity and antivirus activity were evaluated systematically. Preliminary bioassays indicated that these compounds exhibited good fungicidal activity at 50 mu g/mL, compounds 4b and 4i exhibited over 50% activity against six fungi tested. Most compounds showed good activity against TMV with different models in vivo at 100 mu g/mL. Compounds 4c and 4e stood out with high effects against TMV in vivo in all models tested, including protective, inactivative, curative, and inductive activities. These data demonstrate a new strategy for fungi and virus control. (C) 2015 Chinese Chemical Society and Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

The title compound N-cyanosulfoximine derivative containing 1,2,3-thiadiazole (C6H8N4OS2, M-r= 216.28) has been synthesized using 4-(chloromethyl)-5-methyl-1,2,3-thiadiazole as the starting material, and its structure was characterized by IR, H-1 NMR, FIRMS, elemental analysis and single-crystal X-ray diffraction. The crystal of the title compound belongs to orthorhombic, space group Pna2(1) with a = 14.730(6), b = 5.478(2), c = 22.619(9) angstrom, Z = 8, V = 1825.0(13) angstrom(3), Dc = 1.574 g/cm(3), mu = 0.547 mm(-1), F(000) = 896, R = 0.0767 and wR (I> 2 sigma(I)) = 0.2064. X-ray analysis indicates that in this crystal double enantiomers are found as the basically asymmetrical unit and interactions between S(1)--N(3), S(3)...N(4) and S(3)...N(7) are observed. This kind of interactions extends the molecules into a One-dimensional double chain. The preliminary biological test showed that the title compound had insecticidal activity against Myzus persicae in a certain degree and also presented moderate potential bioactivity against tobacco mosaic virus (TMV).