Na⁺ Selective Binding by Beauvericin and Its Mechanism Studied by Mass-Coupled Cold Ion Trap Infrared Spectroscopy

Beauvericin (Bv) is a cyclic hexadepsipeptide mycotoxin that selectively transports ions across cell membranes. Characterization of its intrinsic ion affinity has been complicated by different previous results in condensed phases and biological membranes. We report the marked specificity between alkali metal ions by Bv using experimental and computational methods. Mass spectrometry shows Bv readily binds all five alkali ions; however, the complex with Na⁺ is the most abundant species, indicating a strong binding preference. Gas phase infrared spectroscopy and theoretical calculations show that Li⁺, K⁺, Rb⁺, and Cs⁺ are coordinated by three amide carbonyl oxygens on the N-methylamino-l-phenylalanyl face. Selectivity for Na⁺ is achieved as Bv sequesters Na⁺ in the center of its cavity formed by three amide carbonyl and three ester carbonyl groups, a configuration unique among alkali metal ions. This finding provides insight into the correlation between selectivity and conformation of Bv, essential for development of this mycotoxin.