Open AccessThe structural basis for the regulation of tissue transglutaminase by calcium ions
Author(s) -
Casadio Rita,
Polverini Eugenia,
Mariani Paolo,
Spinozzi Francesco,
Carsughi Flavio,
Fontana Angelo,
de Laureto Patrizia Polverino,
Matteucci Gabriella,
Bergamini Carlo M.
Publication year - 1999
Publication title -
european journal of biochemistry
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
eISSN - 1432-1033
pISSN - 0014-2956
DOI - 10.1046/j.1432-1327.1999.00437.x
Subject(s) - tissue transglutaminase , calcium , radius of gyration , chemistry , biophysics , ion , crystallography , calcium binding protein , protein structure , molecular dynamics , biochemistry , enzyme , biology , computational chemistry , organic chemistry , polymer
The role of calcium ions in the regulation of tissue transglutaminase is investigated by experimental approaches and computer modeling. A three‐dimensional model of the transglutaminase is computed by homology building on crystallized human factor XIII and is used to interpret structural and functional results. The molecule is a prolate ellipsoid (6.2 × 4.2 × 11 nm) and comprises four domains, assembled pairwise into N‐terminal and C‐terminal regions. The active site is hidden in a cleft between these regions and is inaccessible to macromolecular substrates in the calcium‐free form. Protein dynamics simulation indicates that these regions move apart upon addition of calcium ions, revealing the active site for catalysis. The protein dimensions are consistent with results obtained with small‐angle neutron and X‐ray scattering. The gyration radius of the protein (3 nm) increases in the presence of calcium ions (3.9 nm), but it is virtually unaffected in the presence of GTP, suggesting that only calcium ions can promote major structural changes in the native protein. Proteolysis of an exposed loop connecting the N‐terminal and C‐terminal regions is linearly correlated with enzyme inactivation and prevents the calcium‐induced conformational changes.