Activity-Based Probe for Histidine Kinase Signaling
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Cite this: J. Am. Chem. Soc. 2012, 134, 22
Published May 18, 2012
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Copyright © 2012 American Chemical Society
Bacterial two-component systems (TCSs) are signaling pathways composed of two proteins: a histidine kinase (HK) and a response regulator (RR). Upon stimulation, the HK autophosphorylates at a conserved histidine. The phosphoryl group is subsequently transferred to an aspartate on an RR, eliciting an adaptive response, often up- or downregulation of gene expression. TCS signaling controls many functions in bacteria, including development, virulence, and antibiotic resistance, making the proteins involved in these systems potential therapeutic targets. Efficient methods for the profiling of HKs are currently lacking. For direct readout of HK activity, we sought to design a probe that enables detection of the phosphotransfer event; however, analysis of the phosphohistidine species is made difficult by the instability of the P–N bond. We anticipated that use of a γ-thiophosphorylated ATP analogue, which would yield a thiophosphorylated histidine intermediate, could overcome this challenge. We determined that the fluorophore-conjugated probe, BODIPY-FL-ATPγS, labels active HK proteins and is competitive for the ATP binding site. This activity-based probe provides a new strategy for analysis of TCSs and other HK-mediated processes and will facilitate both functional studies and inhibitor identification.
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Methods and results for the following: protein overexpression and purification, [γ-33 P]ATP assays, fluorescence polarization, ATP analogue information, B-ATPγS assay conditions, integration of gel bands, and liposome preparation. This material is available free of charge via the Internet.
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