Myoglobin, a small globular haem protein that binds gaseous ligands such as O2, CO and NO reversibly at the haem iron, serves as a model for studying structural and dynamic aspects of protein reactions. Time-resolved spectroscopic measurements after photodissociation of the ligand revealed a complex ligand-binding reaction with multiple kinetic intermediates, resulting from protein relaxation and movements of the ligand within the protein. To observe the structural changes induced by ligand dissociation, we have carried out X-ray crystallographic investigations of carbon monoxy-myoglobin (MbCO mutant L29W) crystals illuminated below and above 180 K, complemented by time-resolved infrared spectroscopy of CO rebinding. Here we show that below 180 K photodissociated ligands migrate to specific sites within an internal cavity--the distal haem pocket--of an essentially immobilized, frozen protein, from where they subsequently rebind by thermally activated barrier crossing. Upon photodissociation above 180 K, ligands escape from the distal pocket, aided by protein fluctuations that transiently open exit channels. We recover most of the ligands in a cavity on the opposite side of the haem group.

No abstract

Hydrogen bonds are key interactions determining protein-ligand binding affinity and therefore fundamental to any biological process. Unfortunately, explicit structural information about hydrogen positions and thus H-bonds in protein-ligand complexes is extremely rare and similarly the important role of water during binding remains poorly understood. Here, we report on neutron structures of trypsin determined at very high resolutions ≤1.5 Å in uncomplexed and inhibited state complemented by X-ray and thermodynamic data and computer simulations. Our structures show the precise geometry of H-bonds between protein and the inhibitors N-amidinopiperidine and benzamidine along with the dynamics of the residual solvation pattern. Prior to binding, the ligand-free binding pocket is occupied by water molecules characterized by a paucity of H-bonds and high mobility resulting in an imperfect hydration of the critical residue Asp189. This phenomenon likely constitutes a key factor fueling ligand binding via water displacement and helps improving our current view on water influencing protein–ligand recognition.