Incorporating Metal-Ligand and Salt-Bridge Interactions in the Design of Protein Heterodimers.
Maniaci, B., Mealka, M., Bobkov, A.A., Stec, B., Huxford, T., Love, J.J.(2025) Biochemistry 64: 3237-3247
- PubMed: 40644321 Search on PubMed
- DOI: https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.biochem.5c00108
- Primary Citation Related Structures: 
8UG0, 8UG2 - PubMed Abstract: 
The design of chemically controlled asymmetric protein-protein interfaces will further enhance the building of precise protein-based biomaterials. Driving protein-protein interactions through engineered metal-ligand coordination and salt-bridge formation enables the reversible association of two unique binding partners. Creation of precise biomaterial is enhanced through the temporal and chemical control afforded by metal-controlled heterodimeric proteins. In addition, heterodimers enable the specific association of different passenger proteins expressed as fusions to the heterodimeric binding partners. To increase the versatility of protein-based tools, we converted a previously engineered metal-controlled homodimer into a metal-controlled heterodimer. To promote specificity of the heterodimer complex and prevent self-association, it was necessary to incorporate elements of positive and negative design, which was achieved through the incorporation of a cross-interface electrostatic interaction, as well as modifications to hydrophobic contacts at the protein-protein interface. The resulting metal-controlled heterodimer binds with low micromolar affinity, and the crystal structures indicate the presence of the designed dual-interaction motifs at the protein-protein interface.
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, San Diego State University, San Diego, California 92182-1030, United States.
Organizational Affiliation: 

















