Solution structure of a calmodulin-binding domain in the carboxy-terminal region of HIV type 1 gp160

The cytosolic domain of human immunodeficiency virus gp160 glycoprotein contains two calmodulin-binding regions. The role of these domains in modulating intracellular calmodulin signaling is of considerable interest in unraveling the mechanism whereby calmodulin regulates Fas-mediated apoptosis in HIV-infected cells. In this investigation we have employed 2D-NMR spectroscopy to determine the solution structure of the 30-residue calmodulin-binding domain corresponding to residues 826-855 of gp160. In solution, the gp160 (826-855) peptide exhibits a high degree of segmental flexibility. Within its conformational manifold, we have detected two separate flexible amphipathic helices involving residues 826-841 and 846-855 connected by a highly flexible type-II beta-turn at Pro-843 and Arg-844. The observed NOE pattern as well as the observation of long-range NOE contacts between the side chains of His-841 and Ile-846 are compatible with the presence of this turn in the conformational manifold of this peptide. This investigation focusing on the properties of the free peptide in solution paves the way for extending the investigations on the interaction of calmodulin with HIV-1 gp160.