Creation and biophysical characterization of a high-affinity, monomeric EGF receptor ectodomain using fluorescent proteins

Noga Kozer, Christine Henderson, Michael F Bailey, Julie Rothacker, Edouard Nice, Anthony W Burgess, Andrew HA Clayton

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4 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

X-ray structural studies revealed two conformations of the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) ectodomain (ECD): a compact, tethered conformation in the absence of EGF and an untethered or extended conformation in the presence of EGF. An EGFR-ECD derivative with a monomeric red fluorescent protein (mRFP) at the N-terminus and an enhanced green fluorescent protein (eGFP) at the C-terminus (dual-tag-EGFR-ECD) was created and characterized. The dual-tag-EGFR-ECD construct was shown to have high affinity (nanomolar range) for both EGF and EGFR monoclonal antibody (mAb528). The dual-tag-EGFR-ECD was further characterized by fluorescence-detected analytical ultracentrifugation, lifetime FRET, and fluorescence anisotropy. We found no evidence of a tethered unliganded conformation, nor did we observe a large shape change upon ligand binding as predicted by the crystal models. Increases in steady-state anisotropy upon binding of EGF to the dual-tag-EGFR-ECD were observed and interpreted as changes in the protein flexibility and dynamics. We conclude the fluorescent protein tags perturb the EGFR-ECD structure, making it extended with a 50-fold higher affinity for EGF relative to that of the nontagged EGFR-ECD.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)7459 - 7466
Number of pages8
JournalBiochemistry
Volume49
Issue number35
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2010
Externally publishedYes

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