Structural Basis of the Allosteric Inhibition of Human ABCG2 by Nanobodies


Date

2023-10-01

Publication Type

Journal Article

ETH Bibliography

yes

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Abstract

ABCG2 is an ATP-binding cassette transporter that exports a wide range of xenobiotic compounds and has been recognized as a contributing factor for multidrug resistance in cancer cells. Substrate and inhibitor interactions with ABCG2 have been extensively studied and small molecule inhibitors have been developed that prevent the export of anticancer drugs from tumor cells. Here, we explore the potential for inhibitors that target sites other than the substrate binding pocket of ABCG2. We developed novel nanobodies against ABCG2 and used functional analyses to select three inhibitory nanobodies (Nb8, Nb17 and Nb96) for structural studies by single particle cryo-electron microscopy. Our results showed that these nanobodies allosterically bind to different regions of the nucleotide binding domains. Two copies of Nb8 bind to the apex of the NBDs preventing them from fully closing. Nb17 binds near the two-fold axis of the transporter and interacts with both NBDs. Nb96 binds to the side of the NBD and immobilizes a region connected to key motifs involved in ATP binding and hydrolysis. All three nanobodies prevent the transporter from undergoing conformational changes required for substrate transport. These findings advance our understanding of the molecular basis of modulation of ABCG2 by external binders, which may contribute to the development of a new generation of inhibitors. Furthermore, this is the first example of modulation of human multidrug resistance transporters by nanobodies.

Publication status

published

Editor

Book title

Volume

435 (19)

Pages / Article No.

168234

Publisher

Elsevier

Event

Edition / version

Methods

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Date collected

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Subject

Cryo-EM; Inhibitor; Structural biology; Allosteric modulators; BCRP

Organisational unit

03652 - Locher, Kaspar / Locher, Kaspar check_circle

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