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Atomic-level characterization of the activation mechanism of SERCA by calcium.

ABSTRACT: We have performed molecular dynamics (MD) simulations to elucidate, in atomic detail, the mechanism by which the sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca(2+)-ATPase (SERCA) is activated by Ca(2+). Crystal structures suggest that activation of SERCA occurs when the cytoplasmic head-piece, in an open (E1) conformation stabilized by Ca(2+), undergoes a large-scale open-to-closed (E1 to E2) transition that is induced by ATP binding. However, spectroscopic measurements in solution suggest that these structural states (E1 and E2) are not tightly coupled to biochemical states (defined by bound ligands); the closed E2 state predominates even in the absence of ATP, in both the presence and absence of Ca(2+). How is this loose coupling consistent with the high efficiency of energy transduction in the Ca(2+)-ATPase? To provide insight into this question, we performed long (500 ns) all-atom MD simulations starting from the open crystal structure, including a lipid bilayer and water. In both the presence and absence of Ca(2+), we observed a large-scale open-to-closed conformational transition within 400 ns, supporting the weak coupling between structural and biochemical states. However, upon closer inspection, it is clear that Ca(2+) is necessary and sufficient for SERCA to reach the precise geometrical arrangement necessary for activation of ATP hydrolysis. Contrary to suggestions from crystal structures, but in agreement with solution spectroscopy, the presence of ATP is not required for this activating transition. Principal component analysis showed that Ca(2+) reshapes the free energy landscape of SERCA to create a path between the open conformation and the activated closed conformation. Thus the malleability of the free energy landscape is essential for SERCA efficiency, ensuring that ATP hydrolysis is tightly coupled to Ca(2+) transport. These results demonstrate the importance of real-time dynamics in the formation of catalytically competent conformations of SERCA, with broad implications for understanding enzymatic catalysis in atomic detail.

SUBMITTER: Espinoza-Fonseca LM

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3203174 | biostudies-literature | 2011

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature

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Atomic-level characterization of the activation mechanism of SERCA by calcium.

Espinoza-Fonseca L Michel LM Thomas David D DD

PloS one 20111027 10

We have performed molecular dynamics (MD) simulations to elucidate, in atomic detail, the mechanism by which the sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca(2+)-ATPase (SERCA) is activated by Ca(2+). Crystal structures suggest that activation of SERCA occurs when the cytoplasmic head-piece, in an open (E1) conformation stabilized by Ca(2+), undergoes a large-scale open-to-closed (E1 to E2) transition that is induced by ATP binding. However, spectroscopic measurements in solution suggest that these structural stat ...[more]

PMID: 22046418

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Project description:Key pointsIncreasing sarcoplasmic/endoplasmic reticulum calcium ATPase (SERCA) pump activity enhances sarcoplasmic reticulum calcium (Ca) load, which increases both ryanodine receptor opening and driving force of Ca release flux. Both of these effects promote Ca spark formation and wave propagation. However, increasing SERCA activity also accelerates local cytosolic Ca decay as the wave front travels to the next cluster, which limits wave propagation. As a result, increasing SERCA pump activity has a biphasic effect on the propensity of arrhythmogenic Ca waves, but a monotonic effect to increase Ca spark frequency and amplitude.AbstractWaves of sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) calcium (Ca) release can cause arrhythmogenic afterdepolarizations in cardiac myocytes. Ca waves propagate when Ca sparks at one Ca release unit (CRU) recruit new Ca sparks in neighbouring CRUs. Under normal conditions, Ca sparks are too small to recruit neighbouring Ca sparks where Ca sensitivity is also low. However, under pathological conditions such as a Ca overload or ryanodine receptor (RyR) sensitization, Ca sparks can be larger and propagate more readily as macro-sparks or full Ca waves. Increasing SERCA pump activity promotes SR Ca load, which promotes RyR opening and increases driving force of the Ca release flux from SR to cytosol, promoting Ca waves. However, high sarcoplasmic/endoplasmic reticulum calcium ATPase (SERCA) activity can also decrease local cytosolic [Ca] as it approaches the next CRU, thereby reducing wave appearance and propagation. In this study, we use a physiologically detailed model of subcellular Ca cycling and experiments in phospholamban-knockout mice, to show how Ca waves are initiated and propagate and how different conditions contribute to the generation and propagation of Ca waves. We show that reducing diffusive coupling between Ca sparks by increasing SERCA activity prevents Ca waves by reducing [Ca] at the next CRU, as do Ca buffers, low intra-SR Ca diffusion and distance between CRUs. Increasing SR Ca uptake rate has a biphasic effect on Ca wave propagation; initially it enhances Ca spark probability and amplitude and CRU coupling, thereby promoting arrhythmogenic Ca wave propagation, but at higher levels SR Ca uptake can abort those arrhythmogenic Ca waves.

Dataset Information

Atomic-level characterization of the activation mechanism of SERCA by calcium.

Publications

Atomic-level characterization of the activation mechanism of SERCA by calcium.

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