NMR characterization of a pH-dependent equilibrium between two folded solution conformations of the pheromone-binding protein from Bombyx mori

Protein Sci. 2000 May;9(5):1038-41. doi: 10.1110/ps.9.5.1038.

Abstract

NMR spectroscopic changes as a function of pH in solutions of the pheromone-binding protein of Bombyx mori (BmPBP) show that BmPBP undergoes a conformational transition between pH 4.9 and 6.0. At pH below 4.9 there is a single "acid form" (A), and a homogeneous "basic form" (B) exists at pH above 6.0. Between pH 5 and 6, BmPBP exists as a mixture of A and B in slow exchange on the NMR chemical shift time scale, with the transition midpoint at pH 5.4. The form B has a well-dispersed NMR spectrum, indicating that it represents a more structured, "closed" conformation than form A, which has a significantly narrower chemical shift dispersion. Conformational transitions of the kind observed here may explain heterogeneity reported for a variety of odorant-binding proteins, and it will be of interest to further investigate possible correlations with pH-dependent regulation of ligand binding and release in the biological function of this class of proteins.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Bombyx / chemistry*
  • Carrier Proteins / chemistry*
  • Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid
  • Circular Dichroism
  • Escherichia coli / metabolism
  • Hydrogen-Ion Concentration
  • Insect Proteins / chemistry*
  • Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy
  • Protein Conformation
  • Protein Isoforms
  • Recombinant Proteins / chemistry
  • Recombinant Proteins / metabolism
  • Software

Substances

  • Carrier Proteins
  • Insect Proteins
  • Protein Isoforms
  • Recombinant Proteins
  • pheromone binding protein, insect