Characterization of the influence of the ionic liquid 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride on the structure and thermal stability of green fluorescent protein

J Phys Chem B. 2010 Nov 4;114(43):13866-71. doi: 10.1021/jp105611b.

Abstract

Ionic liquids (ILs) are finding a vast array of applications as novel solvents for a wide variety of processes that include enzymatic chemistry, particularly as more biocompatible ILs are designed and discovered. While it is assumed that a native or near-native structure is required for enzymatic activity, there is some evidence that ILs alter protein structure and oligomerization states in a manner than can negatively impact function. The IL 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride, [bmim]Cl, is a well-studied, water-miscible member of the popular 1-alkyl-3-methylimidazolium IL family. To improve our understanding of the impact of water-miscible ILs on proteins, we have characterized the structure and oligomerization state of green fluorescent protein (GFP) in aqueous solutions containing 25 and 50 vol % [bmim]Cl using a combination of optical spectroscopy and small-angle neutron scattering (SANS). Measurements were also performed as a function of temperature to provide insight into the effect of the IL on the thermal stability of GFP. While GFP exists as a dimer in water, the presence of 25 vol % [bmim]Cl causes GFP to transition to a monomeric state. The SANS data indicate that GFP is a great deal less compact in 50 vol % [bmim]Cl than in neat water, indicative of unfolding from the native structure. The oligomerization state of the protein in IL-containing aqueous solution changes from a dimer to a monomer in response to the IL, but does not change as a function of temperature in the IL-containing solution. The SANS and spectroscopic results also demonstrate that the addition of [bmim]Cl to the solution decreases the thermal stability of GFP, allowing the protein to unfold at lower temperatures than in aqueous solution.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Green Fluorescent Proteins / chemistry*
  • Green Fluorescent Proteins / metabolism
  • Imidazoles / pharmacology*
  • Ionic Liquids / pharmacology*
  • Neutron Diffraction
  • Protein Multimerization / drug effects
  • Protein Stability / drug effects
  • Protein Structure, Quaternary / drug effects
  • Scattering, Small Angle
  • Spectrophotometry, Ultraviolet
  • Temperature*
  • Water / chemistry

Substances

  • Imidazoles
  • Ionic Liquids
  • green fluorescent protein, Aequorea victoria
  • Water
  • Green Fluorescent Proteins
  • 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride