Hydration-coupled allosteric locking of a phenol- and zinc-free bioactive insulin analog

Abstract

Modern insulin still depends on phenol and zinc to keep the hormone stable in vials and pumps, yet both additives slow absorption and raise safety concerns. We therefore asked a simple, clinically driven question: Can we stabilize the fast-acting T-state of insulin without phenol/zinc by exploiting pH-dependent water and anion binding? Using high-resolution synchrotron crystallography (1.4-1.76 angstrom), we solved novel designer and acid-stable cubic insulin structures from pH 2 to 6 in citrate-sulfate buffers and mapped solvent/anion contacts onto computational analyses. Across the acidic range, we uncovered a conserved 'water-anion clamp' centered on the Phe1B-Asn3B pocket that locks insulin in its bioactive T-conformation while neutralizing the protein's positive charge. This clamp: (i) removes the need for phenolic ligands, and (ii) keeps monomers soluble at high concentration. The structural blueprint we provide can guide formulation of phenol- and zinc-free, ultra-rapid insulin for subcutaneous pumps and high-strength cartridges, addressing unmet needs in intensive diabetes management. By clarifying how simple buffer anions and structured water can replace traditional preservatives, our work may link atomic-level detail to a practical therapeutic goal: faster, safer insulin delivery.