New approach for local structure analysis of the tyrosine domain in proteins by using a site-specific and polarity-sensitive fluorescent probe

Designer label: A newly developed polarity-sensitive fluorescent probe (DBHA) was combined with a tyrosine-specific labelling method that uses transition metal catalysis, and was successfully used in local structural analysis of the Tyr108 domain in Cu/Zn superoxide dismutase (SOD; see scheme). The strategy presented here provides a new approach for studying the local polarity and conformation changes of this tyrosine domain in SOD under acid or heat denaturation conditions. The design and synthesis of a novel long-wavelength polarity-sensitive fluorescence probe, 6-[9-(diethylamino)-5-oxo-5 H-benzo[Alpha]phenoxazin-2-yloxy]hex-2-enyl acetate, for the selective modification of tyrosine residues with the goal of providing local information on tyrosine domains in proteins, is reported. This probe comprises a polarity-sensitive Nile red fluorophore and an active pi-allyl group that can form pi-allylpalladium complexes and react selectively with tyrosine residues. The probe has the following features: 1) it has a long-wavelength emission of >550 nm, thanks to which interference from short-wavelength fluorescence from common biological matrixes can be avoided; 2) the maximum emission wavelength is sensitive only to polarity and not to pH or temperature; this allows the accurate determination of local polarity; and 3) it is a neutral, uncharged molecule, and does not disturb the overall charge of the labelled protein. With this probe the polarity and conformation changes of the Tyr108 domain in native and in acid- and heat-denatured bovine Cu/Zn superoxide dismutase were detected for the first time. It was found that the polarity of the Tyr108 domain hardly alters on acid denaturation between pH 4 and 9. However, heat denaturation caused the Tyr108 domain to be more hydrophobic, and was accompanied by an irreversible aggregation of the protein. In addition, the probe-binding experiments revealed that the surface of the protein becomes more hydrophobic after thermal denaturation; this can be ascribed to the formation of the more hydrophobic aggregates. This strategy might provide a general approach for studying the local environment changes of tyrosine domains in proteins under acid or heat denaturation conditions.