A three-dimensional homology model of lipid-free apolipoprotein A-IV using cross-linking and mass spectrometry

J Biol Chem. 2008 Jun 20;283(25):17314-23. doi: 10.1074/jbc.M800036200. Epub 2008 Apr 22.

Abstract

Human apolipoprotein A-IV (apoA-IV) is a 46-kDa exchangeable plasma protein with many proposed functions. It is involved in chylomicron assembly and secretion, protection from atherosclerosis through a variety of mechanisms, and inhibition of food intake. There is little structural basis for these proposed functions due to the lack of a solved three-dimensional structure of the protein by x-ray crystallography or NMR. Based on previous studies, we hypothesized that lipid-free apoA-IV exists in a helical bundle, like other apolipoprotein family members and that regions near the N and C termini may interact. Utilizing a homobifunctional lysine cross-linking agent, we identified 21 intramolecular cross-links by mass spectrometry. These cross-links were used to constrain the building of a sequence threaded homology model using the I-TASSER server. Our results indicate that lipid-free apoA-IV does indeed exist as a complex helical bundle with the N and C termini in close proximity. This first structural model of lipid-free apoA-IV should prove useful for designing studies aimed at understanding how apoA-IV interacts with lipids and possibly with unknown protein partners.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Amino Acid Sequence
  • Circular Dichroism
  • Cross-Linking Reagents / chemistry
  • Cross-Linking Reagents / pharmacology
  • Crystallography, X-Ray
  • Humans
  • Lipids / chemistry
  • Lysine / chemistry
  • Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy
  • Mass Spectrometry / methods*
  • Molecular Sequence Data
  • Peptides / chemistry
  • Protein Structure, Tertiary
  • Receptors, G-Protein-Coupled / metabolism*
  • Receptors, Peptide / metabolism*
  • Spectrometry, Fluorescence / methods
  • Trypsin / chemistry

Substances

  • Cross-Linking Reagents
  • Lipids
  • Peptides
  • RXFP1 protein, human
  • Receptors, G-Protein-Coupled
  • Receptors, Peptide
  • Trypsin
  • Lysine