Defined and tunable peptide-lipid membrane interactions that trigger the release of liposome encapsulated drugs may offer a route to improving the efficiency and specificity of liposome-based drug delivery systems, but this require means to tailor the performance of the membrane active peptides. In this paper, the membrane activity of a de novo designed coiled coil peptide has been optimized with respect to sequence and size to improve release efficiency of liposome encapsulated cargo. The peptides were only membrane active when covalently conjugated to the liposomes. Two amino acid substitutions were made to enhance the amphipathic characteristics of the peptide, which increased the release by a factor of five at 1 μM. Moreover, the effect of peptide length was investigated by varying the number of heptad repeats from 2 to 5, yielding the peptides KVC2-KVC5. The shortest peptide (KVC2) showed the least interaction with the membrane and proved less efficient than the longer peptides in releasing the liposomal cargo. The peptide with three heptads (KVC3) caused liposome aggregation whereas KVC4 proved to effectively release the liposomal cargo without causing aggregation. The longest peptide (KVC5) demonstrated the most defined α-helical secondary structure and the highest liposome surface concentration but showed slower release kinetics than KVC4. The four heptad peptide KVC4 consequently displayed optimal properties for triggering the release and is an interesting candidate for further development of bioresponsive and tunable liposomal drug delivery systems.

Membrane-active peptides that enable the triggered release of liposomal cargo are of great interest for the development of liposome-based drug delivery systems but require peptide-lipid membrane interactions that are highly defined and tunable. To this end, we have explored the possibility to use the competing interactions between membrane partitioning and heterodimerization and the folding of a set of four different de novo designed coiled coil peptides. Covalent conjugation of the cationic peptides triggered rapid destabilization of membrane integrity and the release of encapsulated species. The release was inhibited when introducing complementary peptides as a result of heterodimerization and folding into coiled coils. The degree of inhibition was shown to be dictated by the coiled coil peptide heterodimer dissociation constants, and liposomal release could be reactivated by a heterodimer exchange to render the membrane bound peptide free and thus membrane-active. The possibility to tune the permeability of lipid membranes using highly specific peptide-folding-dependent interactions delineates a new possible approach for the further development of responsive liposome-based drug delivery systems.

Bone is a biological composite material comprised primarily of collagen type I and mineral crystals of calcium and phosphate in the form of hydroxyapatite (HA), which together provide its mechanical properties. Bone alkaline phosphatase (ALP), produced by osteoblasts, plays a pivotal role in the mineralization process. Affinity contacts between collagen, mainly type II, and the crown domain of various ALP isozymes were reported in a few in vitro studies in the 1980s and 1990s, but have not attracted much attention since, although such interactions may have important implications for the bone mineralization process. The objective of this study was to investigate the binding properties of human collagen type I to human bone ALP, including the two bone ALP isoforms B1 and B2. ALP from human liver, human placenta and E. coli were also studied. A surface plasmon resonance-based analysis, supported by electrophoresis and blotting, showed that bone ALP binds stronger to collagen type I in comparison with ALPs expressed in non-mineralizing tissues. Further, the B2 isoform binds significantly stronger to collagen type I in comparison with the B1 isoform. Human bone and liver ALP (with identical amino acid composition) displayed pronounced differences in binding, revealing that post-translational glycosylation properties govern these interactions to a large extent. In conclusion, this study presents the first evidence that glycosylation differences in human ALPs are of crucial importance for protein–protein interactions with collagen type I, although the presence of the ALP crown domain may also be necessary. Different binding affinities among the bone ALP isoforms may influence the mineral-collagen interface, mineralization kinetics, and degree of bone matrix mineralization, which are important factors determining the material properties of bone.

Gregarious settlement in barnacle larvae (cyprids) is induced by a contact pheromone, the settlement-inducing protein complex (SIPC). The SIPC has been identified both in the cuticle of adult barnacles and in the temporary adhesive secretion (footprint) of cyprids. Besides acting as a settlement inducer, the presence of the SIPC in footprints points to its additional involvement in the adhesion process. SIPC adsorption behaviour was therefore investigated on a series of self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) by surface plasmon resonance at the pH of seawater (8.3). Fibrinogen and α 2 -macroglobulin (A2M) (blood complement protease inhibitors with which the SIPC shares 29% sequence homology) were used in the adsorption experiments as positive and negative standards, respectively. The mass uptake of the SIPC was comparable to that of fibrinogen, with adsorption observed even on the protein-resistant oligo(ethylene glycol) surface. Notably, on the positively charged SAM the SIPC showed a kinetic overshoot, indicating a metastable configuration causing the amount of adsorbed protein to temporarily exceed its equilibrium value. A2M adsorption was low or negligible on all SAMs tested, except for the positively charged surface, indicating that A2M adsorption is mainly driven by electrostatics. Evaluation of SIPC non-specific adsorption kinetics revealed that it adsorbed irreversibly and non-cooperatively on all surfaces tested.

Coiled coils with defined assembly properties and dissociation constants are highly attractive components in synthetic biology and for fabrication of peptide-based hybrid nanomaterials and nanostructures. Complex assemblies based on multiple different peptides typically require orthogonal peptides obtained by negative design. Negative design does not necessarily exclude formation of undesired species and may eventually compromise the stability of the desired coiled coils. This work describe a set of four promiscuous 28-residue de novo designed peptides that heterodimerize and fold into parallel coiled coils. The peptides are non-orthogonal and can form four different heterodimers albeit with large differences in affinities. The peptides display dissociation constants for dimerization spanning from the micromolar to the picomolar range. The significant differences in affinities for dimerization make the peptides prone to thermodynamic social self-sorting as shown by thermal unfolding and fluorescence experiments, and confirmed by simulations. The peptides self-sort with high fidelity to form the two coiled coils with the highest and lowest affinities for heterodimerization. The possibility to exploit self-sorting of mutually complementary peptides could hence be a viable approach to guide the assembly of higher order architectures and a powerful strategy for fabrication of dynamic and tuneable nanostructured materials.

Gregarious settlement in barnacle larvae (cyprids) is induced by a contact pheromone, the settlement-inducing protein complex (SIPC). The SIPC has been identified both in the cuticle of adult barnacles and in the temporary adhesive secretion (footprint) of cyprids. Besides acting as a settlement inducer, the presence of the SIPC in footprints points to its additional involvement in the adhesion process. SIPC adsorption behaviour was therefore investigated on a series of self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) by surface plasmon resonance at the pH of seawater (8.3). Fibrinogen and a2-macroglobulin (A2M) (blood complement protease inhibitors with which the SIPC shares 29% sequence homology) were used in the adsorption experiments as positive and negative standards, respectively. The mass uptake of the SIPC was comparable to that of fibrinogen, with adsorption observed even on the protein-resistant oligo(ethylene glycol) surface. Notably, on the positively charged SAM the SIPC showed a kinetic overshoot, indicating a metastable configuration causing the amount of adsorbed protein to temporarily exceed its equilibrium value. A2M adsorption was low or negligible on all SAMs tested, except for the positively charged surface, indicating that A2M adsorption is mainly driven by electrostatics. Evaluation of SIPC non-specific adsorption kinetics revealed that it adsorbed irreversibly and non-cooperatively on all surfaces tested.

A challenge in the design of plasmonic nanoparticle-based colorimetric assays is that the change in colloidal stability, which generates the colorimetric response, is often directly linked to the biomolecular recognition event. New assay strategies are hence required for every type of substrate and enzyme of interest. Here, a generic strategy for monitoring of phosphatase activity is presented where substrate recognition is completely decoupled from the nanoparticle stability modulation mechanism, which enables detection of a wide range of enzymes using different natural substrates with a single simple detection scheme. Phosphatase activity generates inorganic phosphate that forms an insoluble complex with Zn(2+). In a sample containing a preset concentration of Zn(2+), phosphatase activity will markedly reduce the concentration of dissolved Zn(2+) from the original value, which in turn affects the aggregation of gold nanoparticles functionalized with a designed Zn(2+) responsive polypeptide. The change in nanoparticle stability thus provides a rapid and sensitive readout of the phosphatase activity. The assay is not limited to a particular enzyme or enzyme substrate, which is demonstrated using three completely different phosphatases and five different substrates, and thus constitutes a highly interesting system for drug screening and diagnostics.

Searchable abstracts of presentations at key conferences on calcified tissues ISSN 2052-1219 (online)

A novel strategy for site-specific and covalent attachment of proteins has been developed, intended for robust and controllable immobilization of histidine (His)-tagged ligands in protein microarrays. The method is termed chelation assisted photoimmobilization (CAP) and was demonstrated using human IgG-Fc modified with C-terminal hexahistidines (His-IgGFc) as the ligand and protein A as the analyte. Alkanethiols terminated with either nitrilotriacetic acid (NTA), benzophenone (BP), or oligo(ethylene glycol) were synthesized and mixed self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) were prepared on gold and thoroughly characterized by infrared reflection absorption spectroscopy (IRAS), ellipsometry, and contact angle goniometry. In the process of CAP, NTA chelates Ni(2+) and the complex coordinates the His-tagged ligand in an oriented assembly. The ligand is then photoimmobilized via BP, which forms covalent bonds upon UV light activation. In the development of affinity biosensors and protein microarrays, site-specific attachment of ligands in a fashion where analyte binding sites are available is often preferred to random coupling. Analyte binding performance of ligands immobilized either by CAP or by standard amine coupling was characterized by surface plasmon resonance in combination with IRAS. The relative analyte response with randomly coupled ligand was 2.5 times higher than when site-specific attachment was used. This is a reminder that also when immobilizing ligands via residues far from the binding site, there are many other factors influencing availability and activity. Still, CAP provides a valuable expansion of protein immobilization techniques since it offers attractive microarraying possibilities amenable to applications within proteomics.

Bulk and surface refractive index sensitivity for localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) sensing based on edge gold-coated silver nanoprisms (GSNPs) and gold nanospheres was investigated and compared with conventional surface plasmon resonance (SPR) sensing based on propagating surface plasmons. The hybrid GSNPs benefit from an improved stability since the gold frame protecting the unstable silver facets located at the silver nanoprisms (SNPs) edges and tips prevents truncation or rounding of their sharp tips or edges, maintaining a high refractive index sensitivity even under harsh conditions. By using layer-by-layer deposition of polyelectrolytes and protein adsorption, we found that GSNPs exhibit 4-fold higher local refractive index sensitivity in close proximity (<10 nm) to the surface compared to a flat gold film in the conventional SPR setup. Moreover, the sensitivity was 8-fold higher with GSNPs than with gold nanospheres. This shows that relatively simple plasmonic nanostructures for LSPR-based sensing can be engineered to outperform conventional SPR, which is particularly interesting in the context of detecting low molecular weight compounds where a small sensing volume, reducing bulk signals, is desired.

Rheumatoid factor (RF), i.e. a family of autoantibodies against the Fc part of IgG, is an important seromarker of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Traditional particle agglutination without disclosing the antibody isotype remains the predominating diagnostic method in clinical routine. Although IgG-RF attracts pathogenic interest, its detection remains technically challenging. The present study aimed at developing a set of tests identifying IgG-RFs directed against the four IgG subclasses. IgG-RF against either subclass of human IgG-Fc were analysed with four novel enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs) utilizing four recombinant human Fc-gamma fragments (hIgG1-4) as sources of antigen. Sera from 40 patients with recent onset RA (20 seropositive and 20 seronegative by IgM-RF and IgA-RF-isotype-specific ELISA) were analysed. Sera from 20 healthy blood donors served as reference. Among the IgM-/IgA-RF-positive RA-sera, IgG-RF was found directed against hIgG1 and hIgG2, but not against hIgG3 or hIgG4. Significant correlations were seen between IgG-RF against hIgG2-Fc and IgM-RF (r = 0.666) levels. Further prospective studies are warranted to elucidate any correlation to disease course and outcome.

This thesis involves structure and interaction studies of the Fc fragment of human IgG. For this purpose, hIgG-Fc of different subclasses were cloned and expressed in the eukaryotic host Pichia pastoris, where relevant protein modification at the post-translational level can be obtained. Sometimes, changes in pH, temperature and salt concentration or addition of moderate amounts of denaturants to a protein solution are associated with the protein forming non-natively folded states, such as the molten globule or the A state. IgG and some parts thereof are capable of forming another, so called alternatively folded state, usually induced by acidification in the presence of anions. This state is in many aspects related to the molten globule and the A state but with distinguishing properties related mainly to chemical stability and formation of oligomeric structures. The first part of this thesis describes two different alternatively folded states of hIgG-Fc of subclass 4. One of them was induced by decreasing the pH of the protein solution. Observed structural changes were highly dependent on the concentration of sodium chloride. The alternatively folded protein showed drastic changes in its secondary structure compared to the native protein and significant tertiary structure was lost. Moreover, it displayed an apparently increased chemical stability and had surface exposed hydrophobic patches resulting in the formation of higher order assemblies. In addition, it was shown for the first time that thermal induction of an alternatively folded state is also possible, with similar, but not identical, properties as the acid-induced state. Heat incubation for 20 hours at neutral pH and at a physiological salt concentration further resulted in the formation of protein aggregates. The dye Congo red had affinity for these aggregates, and when viewed under polarized light, it showed green birefringence. They also displayed binding of Thioflavin T and had a typical fibril appearance in the transmission electron microscope. Hence, the formed aggregates share key properties with structures constituting amyloid. The second part of this thesis is focused on interactions of the Fc-fragment with respect to both Fcγ-receptors on monocytes and the IgG autoantibody rheumatoid factor. Immune complexes and their binding to Fcγ-receptors are of pathogenic interest to rheumatoid arthritis. A surface mimic presenting full IgG molecules was designed as an in vitro immune complex model. Utilizing self-assembled monolayers composed of alkanethiolates with different chemical functionalities, the lateral IgG density could be tuned, enabling control of monocyte interaction with the surface. Importantly, the IgG molecules were homogeneously oriented to expose the Fc-fragment. The protein repellent properties of these surfaces ensured that only differences in IgG concentration determined variations in cellular adhesion. In a separate study the specificities of IgG rheumatoid factor with respect to the different subclasses of hIgG-Fc were investigated, using sera from patients with early rheumatoid arthritis. Strikingly high IgG-RF reactivity against hIgG2-Fc was observed, together with raised levels against hIgG1-Fc and hIgG4-Fc. No reactivity against hIgG3-Fc was found.

This thesis involves structure and interaction studies of the Fc fragment of human IgG. For this purpose, hIgG-Fc of different subclasses were cloned and expressed in the eukaryotic host Pichia pastoris, where relevant protein modification at the post-translational level can be obtained. Sometimes, changes in pH, temperature and salt concentration or addition of moderate amounts of denaturants to a protein solution are associated with the protein forming non-natively folded states, such as the molten globule or the A state. IgG and some parts thereof are capable of forming another, so called alternatively folded state, usually induced by acidification in the presence of anions. This state is in many aspects related to the molten globule and the A state but with distinguishing properties related mainly to chemical stability and formation of oligomeric structures. The first part of this thesis describes two different alternatively folded states of hIgG-Fc of subclass 4. One of them was induced by decreasing the pH of the protein solution. Observed structural changes were highly dependent on the concentration of sodium chloride. The alternatively folded protein showed drastic changes in its secondary structure compared to the native protein and significant tertiary structure was lost. Moreover, it displayed an apparently increased chemical stability and had surface exposed hydrophobic patches resulting in the formation of higher order assemblies. In addition, it was shown for the first time that thermal induction of an alternatively folded state is also possible, with similar, but not identical, properties as the acid-induced state. Heat incubation for 20 hours at neutral pH and at a physiological salt concentration further resulted in the formation of protein aggregates. The dye Congo red had affinity for these aggregates, and when viewed under polarized light, it showed green birefringence. They also displayed binding of Thioflavin T and had a typical fibril appearance in the transmission electron microscope. Hence, the formed aggregates share key properties with structures constituting amyloid. The second part of this thesis is focused on interactions of the Fc-fragment with respect to both Fcγ-receptors on monocytes and the IgG autoantibody rheumatoid factor. Immune complexes and their binding to Fcγ-receptors are of pathogenic interest to rheumatoid arthritis. A surface mimic presenting full IgG molecules was designed as an in vitro immune complex model. Utilizing self-assembled monolayers composed of alkanethiolates with different chemical functionalities, the lateral IgG density could be tuned, enabling control of monocyte interaction with the surface. Importantly, the IgG molecules were homogeneously oriented to expose the Fc-fragment. The protein repellent properties of these surfaces ensured that only differences in IgG concentration determined variations in cellular adhesion. In a separate study the specificities of IgG rheumatoid factor with respect to the different subclasses of hIgG-Fc were investigated, using sera from patients with early rheumatoid arthritis. Strikingly high IgG-RF reactivity against hIgG2-Fc was observed, together with raised levels against hIgG1-Fc and hIgG4-Fc. No reactivity against hIgG3-Fc was found.

We report the formation of a non-native, folded state of human IgG4-Fc induced by a high temperature at neutral pH and at a physiological salt concentration. This structure is similar to the molten globule state in that it displays a high degree of secondary structure content and surface-exposed hydrophobic residues. However, it is highly resistant to chemical denaturation. The thermally induced state of human IgG4-Fc is thus associated with typical properties of the so-called alternatively folded state previously described for murine IgG, IgG-Fab, and individual antibody domains (V(L), V(H), C(H)1, and C(H)3) under acidic conditions in the presence of anions. Like some of these molecules, human IgG4-Fc in its alternative fold exists as a mixture of different oligomeric structures, dominated by an equilibrium between monomeric and heptameric species. Heating further induces the formation of fibrous structures in the micrometer range.

Biosensors allow the direct detection of molecular analytes, by associating a biological receptor with a transducer able to convert the analyte-receptor recognition event into a measurable signal. We review recent work aimed at developing synthetic fluorescent molecular sensors for a variety of analytes, based on peptidic receptors labeled with environmentally sensitive fluorophores. Fluorescent indicators based on synthetic peptides are highly interesting alternatives to protein-based sensors, since they can be synthesized chemically, are stable, and can be easily modified in a site-specific manner for fluorophore coupling and for immobilization on solid supports.

We present the design of an in vitro model for immune-complex-mediated stimulation of leukocytes and its functional characteristics with respect to monocyte adhesion. The model was based on the orientation-controlled immobilization of a humanized IgG1 monoclonal antibody (rituximab) via its interaction with a biotinylated peptide epitope derived from the CD20 marker. The peptide was linked to neutravidin covalently attached to a mixed self-assembled monolayer of carboxyl- and methoxy-terminated oligo(ethylene glycol) alkane thiolates on gold. The surface adhesion propensity of human monocytes (cell line U937) was highly dependent on the lateral IgG density and indicated that there exists a distance between IgG-Fc on the surface where interactions with Fc gamma receptors are optimal. This well-defined platform allows for a careful control of the size and orientation of artificial IgG immune complexes, it is easily made compatible with, for example, cellular imaging, and it will become useful for in vitro studies on the importance of Fc gamma receptor interactions in chronic immune-mediated diseases.