From chaos to order
Proteins can re-structure themselves to create important substances.
The protein ‘MIPS’ changes its internal structure when it becomes active. Its disordered active centre becomes a defined structure with special functions. The protein plays a key role in the production of inositol, which is also known as vitamin B8, and fulfils important tasks in the body. Researchers at Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg (MLU) and the National Hellenic Research Centre in Greece have succeeded for the first time in observing the protein as it re-structures. As the team reports in the scientific journal ‘Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences’ (PNAS) this process appears to occur in many similar proteins.
Proteins control all vital processes in every organism, for example growth and metabolism. A basic principle of protein research is that the structure of each protein determines its function. If the structure is impaired at just one specific point, the protein can no longer fulfil its function. In the human body, this can lead, for example, to serious diseases.
However, there are numerous proteins that do not have a fixed structure, either in whole or in part. Not only are they notoriously difficult to analyse, their structure also changes depending on their environment. “Proteins are often isolated from samples before they are analysed. However, this does not allow us to see how they behave in their natural environment. We have developed a method that allow us to study proteins under almost native conditions,” explains Professor Panagiotis Kastritis, a biochemist at MLU.
His team analysed samples of the fungus Thermochaetoides thermophila, which is used as a model organism in research. The work centred on the protein myo-inositol-1-phosphate synthase (MIPS), which is vital for the production of inositol. The substance is also known as vitamin B8 and is required for many important processes. However, since the body produces it, it is not considered a true vitamin. “MIPS is part of a longer metabolic pathway that leads to the production of inositol,” explains Toni Träger from MLU. He had already investigated the protein as part of his master’s thesis and is now a member of Kastritis’s research group. The scientists used cryo-electron microscopy to observe the protein at work. They discovered that it exists in at least three states: a disordered state, an ordered state and a type of third intermediate state. “So far, we have not figured out definitely why this third state is needed. Perhaps it helps with the absorption of water, which facilitates subsequent reactions. Or perhaps something completely different is happening,” says Kastritis.
In a further step, the researchers investigated whether proteins related to MIPS exhibit similar behaviour. MIPS is part of a special class of proteins known as isomerases. The team analysed data on the structure of more than 340 other isomerases. And indeed, the researchers found clear indications of similar behaviour.
The findings are not only of interest to basic research. “Greater knowledge of metabolic pathways and the proteins involved may open up new therapeutic approaches. Our work provides an important first step,” concludes Kastritis.
The work was funded by the European Union, the Federal Ministry of Education and Research, the German Research Foundation as part of the Research Training Group GRK 2467 and the European Regional Development Fund.
Originalpublikation:
Study: Träger TK. et al. Disorder-to-order active site capping regulates the rate-limiting step of the inositol pathway. PNAS (2024). doi: 10.1073/pnas.2400912121
https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.2400912121
Media Contact
All latest news from the category: Life Sciences and Chemistry
Articles and reports from the Life Sciences and chemistry area deal with applied and basic research into modern biology, chemistry and human medicine.
Valuable information can be found on a range of life sciences fields including bacteriology, biochemistry, bionics, bioinformatics, biophysics, biotechnology, genetics, geobotany, human biology, marine biology, microbiology, molecular biology, cellular biology, zoology, bioinorganic chemistry, microchemistry and environmental chemistry.
Newest articles
Breakthrough in magnetism that could transform quantum computing and superconductors
Researchers discover new magnetic and electronic properties in kagome magnet thin films. A discovery by Rice University physicists and collaborators is unlocking a new understanding of magnetism and electronic interactions…
NASA to launch innovative solar coronagraph to Space Station
NASA’s Coronal Diagnostic Experiment (CODEX) is ready to launch to the International Space Station to reveal new details about the solar wind including its origin and its evolution. Launching in…
Boosting efficiency in mining with AI and automation
“Doing instead of procrastinating”. This is the AI strategy presented by Prof. Constantin Haefner, Director of the Fraunhofer Institute for Laser Technology ILT, at the “AKL’24 – International Laser Technology…