Molecular interactions between mitochondrial membrane proteins and the C-terminal domain of PB1-F2: an in silico approach

J Mol Model. 2010 Mar;16(3):535-41. doi: 10.1007/s00894-009-0555-5. Epub 2009 Aug 11.

Abstract

PB1-F2 is a recently described influenza A viral protein that induces apoptosis by binding with two mitochondrial membrane proteins, i.e. VDAC1 (outer membrane) and ANT3 (inner membrane). Knowledge of this binding mechanism could provide insights that would aid in the design of novel inhibitors against this protein. Therefore, to better understand these interactions, we have undertaken this study to model the PB1-F2 protein of the highly pathogenic influenza A virus subtype H5N1. Moreover, a model of human ANT3 was also established. The dynamics of the molecular interactions between the C-terminal region of PB1-F2 protein and VDAC1 and ANT3 were expounded by employing an in silico approach. Our results suggest the involvement of 12 amino acids of PB1-F2 protein, which form hydrophobic contacts with 22 amino acids of VDAC1. Of these, Leu64, Arg75 and Val76 were found to be crucial for mitochondrial targetting. In the case of the PB1-F2-ANT3 complex, 14 amino acids of ANT3 were found to make hydrophobic contacts with 9 amino acids of PB1-F2. Furthermore, two hydrogen bonds were predicted in both complexes PB1-F2/VDAC1 and PB1-F2/ANT3. This study reveals the molecular interactions required for PB1-F2-induced apoptosis and suggests a hypothetical model for future study.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adenine Nucleotide Translocator 3 / chemistry*
  • Adenine Nucleotide Translocator 3 / metabolism*
  • Amino Acid Sequence
  • Computational Biology*
  • Humans
  • Hydrogen Bonding
  • Hydrophobic and Hydrophilic Interactions
  • Influenza A virus / classification
  • Mitochondrial Membranes / chemistry*
  • Models, Molecular*
  • Molecular Sequence Data
  • Protein Binding
  • Sequence Alignment
  • Sequence Homology, Amino Acid
  • Structural Homology, Protein
  • Viral Proteins / chemistry*
  • Viral Proteins / metabolism*
  • Voltage-Dependent Anion Channel 1 / chemistry
  • Voltage-Dependent Anion Channel 1 / metabolism

Substances

  • Adenine Nucleotide Translocator 3
  • PB1-F2 protein, Influenza A virus
  • Viral Proteins
  • Voltage-Dependent Anion Channel 1