The crystal structure of an odorant binding protein from Anopheles gambiae: evidence for a common ligand release mechanism

Biochem Biophys Res Commun. 2006 Jan 6;339(1):157-64. doi: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2005.10.191. Epub 2005 Nov 9.

Abstract

The Anopheles gambiae mosquito is the main vector of malaria transmission in sub-Saharan Africa. We present here a 1.5A crystal structure of AgamOBP1, an odorant binding protein (OBP) from the A. gambiae mosquito. The protein crystallized as a dimer with a unique binding pocket consisting of a continuous tunnel running through both subunits of the dimer and occupied by a PEG molecule. We demonstrate that AgamOBP1 undergoes a pH dependent conformational change that is associated with reduced ligand binding. A predominance of acid-labile hydrogen bonds involving the C-terminal loop suggests a mechanism in which a drop in pH causes C-terminal loop to open, leaving the binding tunnel solvent exposed, thereby lowering binding affinity for ligand. Because proteins from two distantly related insects also undergo a pH dependent conformational change involving the C-terminus that is associated with reduced ligand affinity, our results suggest a common mechanism for OBP activity.

Publication types

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

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Anopheles / chemistry*
  • Binding Sites
  • Crystallization
  • Crystallography, X-Ray
  • Dimerization
  • Hydrogen Bonding
  • Hydrogen-Ion Concentration
  • Ligands
  • Models, Molecular*
  • Protein Conformation
  • Receptors, Odorant / chemistry*

Substances

  • Ligands
  • Receptors, Odorant

Associated data

  • PDB/2ERB