Topors functions as an E3 ubiquitin ligase with specific E2 enzymes and ubiquitinates p53

Integrative RNA-seq and ChIP-seq analysis unveils metabolic regulation as a conserved antiviral mechanism of chicken p53

The tumor suppressor p53, primarily functioning as a transcription factor, has exhibited antiviral capabilities against various viruses in chickens, including infectious bursal disease virus (IBDV), avian leukosis virus subgroup J (ALV-J), and avian infectious laryngotracheitis virus (ILTV). Nevertheless, the existence of a universal antiviral mechanism employed by chicken p53 (chp53) against these viruses remains uncertain. This study conducted a comprehensive comparison of molecular networks involved in chp53's antiviral function against IBDV, ALV-J, and ILTV. This was achieved through an integrated analysis of ChIP-seq data, examining chp53's genome-wide chromatin occupancy, and RNA-seq data from chicken cells infected with these viruses. The consistent observation of chp53 target gene enrichment in metabolic pathways, confirmed via ChIP-qPCR, suggests a ubiquitous regulation of host cellular metabolism by chp53 across different viruses. Further genome binding motif conservation analysis and transcriptional co-factor prediction suggest conserved transcriptional regulation mechanism by which chp53 regulates host cellular metabolism during viral infection. These findings offer novel insights into the antiviral role of chp53 and propose that targeting the virus-host metabolic interaction through regulating p53 could serve as a universal strategy for antiviral therapies in chickens.IMPORTANCEThe current study conducted a comprehensive analysis, comparing molecular networks underlying chp53's antiviral role against infectious bursal disease virus (IBDV), avian leukosis virus subgroup J (ALV-J), and avian infectious laryngotracheitis virus (ILTV). This was achieved through a combined assessment of ChIP-seq and RNA-seq data obtained from infected chicken cells. Notably, enrichment of chp53 target genes in metabolic pathways was consistently observed across viral infections, indicating a universal role of chp53 in regulating cellular metabolism during diverse viral infections. These findings offer novel insights into the antiviral capabilities of chicken p53, laying a foundation for the potential development of broad-spectrum antiviral therapies in chickens.

The Role of Ubiquitination in Osteosarcoma Development and Therapies

The ubiquitin-proteasome system (UPS) maintains intracellular protein homeostasis and cellular function by regulating various biological processes. Ubiquitination, a common post-translational modification, plays a crucial role in the regulation of protein degradation, signal transduction, and other physiological and pathological processes, and is involved in the pathogenesis of various cancers, including osteosarcoma. Osteosarcoma, the most common primary malignant bone tumor, is characterized by high metastatic potential and poor prognosis. It is a refractory bone disease, and the main treatment modalities are surgery combined with chemotherapy. Increasing evidence suggests a close association between UPS abnormalities and the progression of osteosarcoma. Due to the complexity and pleiotropy of the ubiquitination system, each step in the ubiquitination process can be targeted by drugs. In recent years, research and development of inhibitors targeting the ubiquitin system have increased gradually, showing great potential for clinical application. This article reviews the role of the ubiquitination system in the development and treatment of osteosarcoma, as well as research progress, with the hope of improving the therapeutic effects and prognosis of osteosarcoma patients by targeting effective molecules in the ubiquitination system.

Decitabine cytotoxicity is promoted by dCMP deaminase DCTD and mitigated by SUMO-dependent E3 ligase TOPORS

The nucleoside analogue decitabine (or 5-aza-dC) is used to treat several haematological cancers. Upon its triphosphorylation and incorporation into DNA, 5-aza-dC induces covalent DNA methyltransferase 1 DNA-protein crosslinks (DNMT1-DPCs), leading to DNA hypomethylation. However, 5-aza-dC's clinical outcomes vary, and relapse is common. Using genome-scale CRISPR/Cas9 screens, we map factors determining 5-aza-dC sensitivity. Unexpectedly, we find that loss of the dCMP deaminase DCTD causes 5-aza-dC resistance, suggesting that 5-aza-dUMP generation is cytotoxic. Combining results from a subsequent genetic screen in DCTD-deficient cells with the identification of the DNMT1-DPC-proximal proteome, we uncover the ubiquitin and SUMO1 E3 ligase, TOPORS, as a new DPC repair factor. TOPORS is recruited to SUMOylated DNMT1-DPCs and promotes their degradation. Our study suggests that 5-aza-dC-induced DPCs cause cytotoxicity when DPC repair is compromised, while cytotoxicity in wild-type cells arises from perturbed nucleotide metabolism, potentially laying the foundations for future identification of predictive biomarkers for decitabine treatment.

Concerted SUMO-targeted ubiquitin ligase activities of TOPORS and RNF4 are essential for stress management and cell proliferation

Protein SUMOylation provides a principal driving force for cellular stress responses, including DNA-protein crosslink (DPC) repair and arsenic-induced PML body degradation. In this study, using genome-scale screens, we identified the human E3 ligase TOPORS as a key effector of SUMO-dependent DPC resolution. We demonstrate that TOPORS promotes DPC repair by functioning as a SUMO-targeted ubiquitin ligase (STUbL), combining ubiquitin ligase activity through its RING domain with poly-SUMO binding via SUMO-interacting motifs, analogous to the STUbL RNF4. Mechanistically, TOPORS is a SUMO1-selective STUbL that complements RNF4 in generating complex ubiquitin landscapes on SUMOylated targets, including DPCs and PML, stimulating efficient p97/VCP unfoldase recruitment and proteasomal degradation. Combined loss of TOPORS and RNF4 is synthetic lethal even in unstressed cells, involving defective clearance of SUMOylated proteins from chromatin accompanied by cell cycle arrest and apoptosis. Our findings establish TOPORS as a STUbL whose parallel action with RNF4 defines a general mechanistic principle in crucial cellular processes governed by direct SUMO-ubiquitin crosstalk.

The nucleocapsid protein facilitates p53 ubiquitination-dependent proteasomal degradation via recruiting host ubiquitin ligase COP1 in PEDV infection

Porcine epidemic diarrhea virus (PEDV) is a highly contagious enteric pathogen of the coronavirus family and caused severe economic losses to the global swine industry. Previous studies have established that p53 is a host restriction factor for PEDV infection, and p53 degradation occurs in PEDV-infected cells. However, the underlying molecular mechanisms through which PEDV viral proteins regulate p53 degradation remain unclear. In this study, we found that PEDV infection or expression of the nucleocapsid protein downregulates p53 through a post-translational mechanism: increasing the ubiquitination of p53 and preventing its nuclear translocation. We also show that the PEDV N protein functions by recruiting the E3 ubiquitin ligase COP1 and suppressing COP1 self-ubiquitination and protein degradation, thereby augmenting COP1-mediated degradation of p53. Additionally, COP1 knockdown compromises N-mediated p53 degradation. Functional mapping using truncation analysis showed that the N-terminal domains of N protein were responsible for interacting with COP1 and critical for COP1 stability and p53 degradation. The results presented here suggest the COP1-dependent mechanism for PEDV N protein to abolish p53 activity. This study significantly increases our understanding of PEDV in antagonizing the host antiviral factor p53 and will help initiate novel antiviral strategies against PEDV.

Autosomal Dominant Retinitis Pigmentosa Secondary to TOPORS Mutations: A Report of a Novel Mutation and Clinical Findings

Purpose: Mutations in Topoisomerase I-binding RS protein (TOPORS) have been previously documented and have been described to result in pathological autosomal dominant retinitis pigmentosa (adRP). In our study, we describe the various genotypes and clinical/phenotypic manifestations of TOPORS-related mutations of our unique patient population in Rural Appalachia. Methods: The medical records of 416 patients with inherited retinal disease at the West Virginia University Eye Institute who had undergone genetic testing between the years of 2015-2022 were reviewed. Patients found to have pathologic RP and mutations related to TOPORS were then analyzed. Results: In total, 7 patients (ages 12-70) were identified amongst three unique families. All patients were female in our study. The average follow-up period was 7.7 years. A mother (70 yr) and daughter (51 yr) had a novel heterozygous nonsense point mutation in TOPORS c.2431C > T, p.Gln811X (Exon 3) that led to premature termination of the desired protein resulting in early onset vision loss, cataract formation, and visual field restriction. The mother developed a full-thickness macular hole which was successfully repaired. Five other patients were found to have previously described TOPORS mutations. Visual field loss was progressive with age in both cohorts. Conclusions: Seven patients at our institution were identified to have mutations in TOPORS resulting in autosomal dominant retinitis pigmentosa. Two patients were found to have novel truncating mutations in the TOPORS gene resulting in profound night blindness and visual field loss, recurrent macular edema, and in one individual, epiretinal membrane formation leading to a macular hole which was able to be successfully repaired.

ISG15: A link between innate immune signaling, DNA replication, and genome stability

Interferon stimulated gene 15 (ISG15) encodes a ubiquitin-like protein that is highly induced upon activation of interferon signaling and cytoplasmic DNA sensing pathways. As part of the innate immune system ISG15 acts to inhibit viral replication and particle release via the covalent conjugation to both viral and host proteins. Unlike ubiquitin, unconjugated ISG15 also functions as an intracellular and extra-cellular signaling molecule to modulate the immune response. Several recent studies have shown ISG15 to also function in a diverse array of cellular processes and pathways outside of the innate immune response. This review explores the role of ISG15 in maintaining genome stability, particularly during DNA replication, and how this relates to cancer biology. It puts forth the hypothesis that ISG15, along with DNA sensors, function within a DNA replication fork surveillance pathway to help maintain genome stability.

A heterozygous mutation in UBE2H in a patient with developmental delay leads to an aberrant brain development in zebrafish

BACKGROUND

Ubiquitin-related rare diseases are generally characterized by developmental delays and mental retardation, but the exact incidence or prevalence is not yet fully understood. The clinical application of next-generation sequencing for pediatric seizures and developmental delay of unknown causes has become common in studies aimed at identification of a causal gene in patients with ubiquitin-related rare diseases that cannot be diagnosed using conventional fluorescence in situ hybridization or chromosome microarray tests. Our study aimed to investigate the effects of ubiquitin-proteasome system on ultra-rare neurodevelopmental diseases, through functional identification of candidate genes and variants.

METHODS

In our present work, we carried out genome analysis of a patient with clinical phenotypes of developmental delay and intractable convulsion, to identify causal mutations. Further characterization of the candidate gene was performed using zebrafish, through gene knockdown approaches. Transcriptomic analysis using whole embryos of zebrafish knockdown morphants and additional functional studies identified downstream pathways of the candidate gene affecting neurogenesis.

RESULTS

Through trio-based whole-genome sequencing analysis, we identified a de novo missense variant of the ubiquitin system-related gene UBE2H (c.449C>T; p.Thr150Met) in the proband. Using zebrafish, we found that Ube2h is required for normal brain development. Differential gene expression analysis revealed activation of the ATM-p53 signaling pathway in the absence of Ube2h. Moreover, depletion of ube2h led to induction of apoptosis, specifically in the differentiated neural cells. Finally, we found that a missense mutation in zebrafish, ube2h (c.449C>T; p.Thr150Met), which mimics a variant identified in a patient with neurodevelopmental defects, causes aberrant Ube2h function in zebrafish embryos.

CONCLUSION

A de novo heterozygous variant in the UBE2H c.449C>T (p.Thr150Met) has been identified in a pediatric patient with global developmental delay and UBE2H is essential for normal neurogenesis in the brain.

Proteome balance in ciliopathies: the OFD1 protein example

The balance of protein synthesis and degradation is finely regulated and influences cellular homeostasis and biological processes (e.g., embryonic development and neuronal plasticity). Recent data demonstrated that centrosomal/ciliary proteins enable proteome control in response to spatial or microenvironmental stimuli. Here, we discuss recent discoveries regarding the role in the balance of the proteome of centrosomal/ciliary proteins associated with genetic disorders known as ciliopathies. In particular, OFD1 was the first example of a ciliopathy protein controlling both protein expression and autophagic/proteasomal degradation. Understanding the role of proteome balance in the pathogenesis of the clinical manifestations of ciliopathies may pave the way to the identification of a wide range of putative novel therapeutic targets for these conditions.

Overview of the regulation of the class IA PI3K/AKT pathway by SUMO

The phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase (PI3K)/AKT pathway is a major regulator of metabolism, migration, survival, proliferation, and antiviral immunity. Both an overactivation and an inhibition of the PI3K/AKT pathway are related to different pathologies. Activation of this signaling pathway is tightly controlled through a multistep process and its deregulation can be associated with aberrant post-translational modifications including SUMOylation. Here, we review the complex modulation of the PI3K/AKT pathway by SUMOylation and we discuss its putative incvolvement in human disease.

The Protective Potency of Medemia argun (An Egyptian Palm) Against Oxidative Stress, and Tissue Injury Induced by γ-Radiation in Rats.. [DOI: 10.21203/rs.3.rs-1973451/v1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0]

Radiation damages living cells and affect all biological process in human body. Thereby, there is a magnificent interest for protecting patients from the aspect consequences radiotherapy and specialized professional workers by developing a natural antioxidant bio-drugs for amelioration of radiation hazards. Medemia argun (an Egyptian Palm) is a mysterious from northern Sudan and southern Egypt (Nubian desert oases). In ancient Egypt, Medemia argun (MA) dried dates have found in the famed tomb of Tutankhamun. Globally, this is first study related to the metabolomics and biological efficiency of MA in alleviating the harmful effect of γ-irradiation. This work highlights the ameliorative role of MA ethanolic seed’s extract, as a natural promising functional food ingredient in alleviating radiation hazard via its antioxidative properties, anti-inflammatory, antiapoptoic and cell regeneration abilities. In this search, we have estimated the LD50 of MA ethanolic seed’s extract in vivo using male Wistar albino rats. The obtained results showed that 200 mg/kg b.wt. is the recommended dose. Rats were randomly splited into four groups. Group I: Represent as control (normal rats), that were received normal food and water daily for six weeks. Group II. Rats subjected to gamma radiation (6 Gy), a single dose of whole body after one week of the experiment. Group III. Rats were injected intraperitoneally with 200 mg/kg b.wt. of MA ethanolic seed’s extract twice/week for six weeks. Group IV. Rats subjected to gamma radiation (6 Gy), a single dose of whole body after one week of the experiment, then injected intraperitoneally with MA ethanolic seed’s extract (200 mg/kg b.wt.) twice/week for six weeks. Each group contains 15 rats. γ-radiation treatment caused a significant increase in DNA fragmentation, NO, MDA, inflammatory biomarkers (TNF-α, HsP70, IL-6, IL-10, 8-OH-dG, CASP-3, MPC-1, and MMP-9), and liver function (ALT, AST, GGT, ALP, and AFP). Also, there is a significant decrease in GSH, SOD, CAT, POD, T. protein, and albumin. Conversely, MA (200 mg/Kg b.wt.) treatment for 6 weeks effectively reflects most of the altered measurements induced by γ-radiation. The potent therapeutic efficacy of MA was manifested in repairing the DNA fragmentation induced by γ-irradiation and this improvement confirmed by decrease in the concentration of 8-OH-dG. To assess the biological activities and beneficial effect of the ethanolic extract of MA seed’s in ameliorating the radiation hazards in rats, phytochemical analysis, were estimated which revealed presence of many beneficial natural health compounds such as, polyphenols (phenolics and flavonoids), proanthocyanidin (condensed tannins), saponins, protein and carbohydrate. Furthermore, histopathological examinations showed significant adverse deleterious changes in the structure of liver tissue due to exposure to γ-radiation, while treatment with MA maintains the cellular structure of the liver without the appearance of any changes. Biochemical data came to agree with the histopathological observations. There are no published reports of the radioprotective role of Medemia argun in rats. Our results showed that MA can be used during radiotherapy as a natural therapeutic drug due to its valuable nutritional benefits, safe, nature and low cost.

OUP accepted manuscript

Homologous recombination (HR) is critical for error-free repair of DNA double-strand breaks. Chromatin loading of RAD51, a key protein that mediates the recombination, is a crucial step in the execution of the HR repair. Here, we present evidence that SUMOylation of RAD51 is crucial for the RAD51 recruitment to chromatin and HR repair. We found that topoisomerase 1-binding arginine/serine-rich protein (TOPORS) induces the SUMOylation of RAD51 at lysine residues 57 and 70 in response to DNA damaging agents. The SUMOylation was facilitated by an ATM-induced phosphorylation of TOPORS at threonine 515 upon DNA damage. Knockdown of TOPORS or expression of SUMOylation-deficient RAD51 mutants caused reduction in supporting normal RAD51 functions during the HR repair, suggesting the physiological importance of the modification. We found that the SUMOylation-deficient RAD51 reduces the association with its crucial binding partner BRCA2, explaining its deficiency in supporting the HR repair. These findings altogether demonstrate a crucial role for TOPORS-mediated RAD51 SUMOylation in promoting HR repair and genomic maintenance.

Killing by Degradation: Regulation of Apoptosis by the Ubiquitin-Proteasome-System

Apoptosis is a cell suicide process that is essential for development, tissue homeostasis and human health. Impaired apoptosis is associated with a variety of human diseases, including neurodegenerative disorders, autoimmunity and cancer. As the levels of pro- and anti-apoptotic proteins can determine the life or death of cells, tight regulation of these proteins is critical. The ubiquitin proteasome system (UPS) is essential for maintaining protein turnover, which can either trigger or inhibit apoptosis. In this review, we will describe the E3 ligases that regulate the levels of pro- and anti-apoptotic proteins and assisting proteins that regulate the levels of these E3 ligases. We will provide examples of apoptotic cell death modulations using the UPS, determined by positive and negative feedback loop reactions. Specifically, we will review how the stability of p53, Bcl-2 family members and IAPs (Inhibitor of Apoptosis proteins) are regulated upon initiation of apoptosis. As increased levels of oncogenes and decreased levels of tumor suppressor proteins can promote tumorigenesis, targeting these pathways offers opportunities to develop novel anti-cancer therapies, which act by recruiting the UPS for the effective and selective killing of cancer cells.

Association of miR-499 Polymorphism and Its Regulatory Networks with Hashimoto Thyroiditis Susceptibility: A Population-Based Case-Control Study

Hashimoto thyroiditis (HT) is a common autoimmune disorder with a strong genetic background. Several genetic factors have been suggested, yet numerous genetic contributors remain to be fully understood in HT pathogenesis. MicroRNAs (miRs) are gene expression regulators critically involved in biological processes, of which polymorphisms can alter their function, leading to pathologic conditions, including autoimmune diseases. We examined whether miR-499 rs3746444 polymorphism is associated with susceptibility to HT in an Iranian subpopulation. Furthermore, we investigated the potential interacting regulatory network of the miR-499. This case-control study included 150 HT patients and 152 healthy subjects. Genotyping of rs3746444 was performed by the PCR-RFLP method. Also, target genomic sites of the polymorphism were predicted using bioinformatics. Our results showed that miR-499 rs3746444 was positively associated with HT risk in heterozygous (OR = 3.32, 95%CI = 2.00–5.53, p < 0.001, CT vs. TT), homozygous (OR = 2.81, 95%CI = 1.30–6.10, p = 0.014, CC vs. TT), dominant (OR = 3.22, 95%CI = 1.97–5.25, p < 0.001, CT + CC vs. TT), overdominant (OR = 2.57, 95%CI = 1.62–4.09, p < 0.001, CC + TT vs. CT), and allelic (OR = 1.92, 95%CI = 1.37–2.69, p < 0.001, C vs. T) models. Mapping predicted target genes of miR-499 on tissue-specific-, co-expression-, and miR-TF networks indicated that main hub-driver nodes are implicated in regulating immune system functions, including immunorecognition and complement activity. We demonstrated that miR-499 rs3746444 is linked to HT susceptibility in our population. However, predicted regulatory networks revealed that this polymorphism is contributing to the regulation of immune system pathways.

Expanding the genetic landscape of oral-facial-digital syndrome with two novel genes

Oral‐facial‐digital syndromes (OFDS) are a heterogeneous and rare group of Mendelian disorders characterized by developmental abnormalities of the oral cavity, face, and digits caused by dysfunction of the primary cilium, a mechanosensory organelle that exists atop most cell types that facilitates organ patterning and growth. OFDS is inherited both in an X‐linked dominant, X‐linked recessive, and autosomal recessive manner. Importantly, though many of the causal genes for OFDS have been identified, up to 40% of OFD syndromes are of unknown genetic basis. Here we describe three children with classical presentations of OFDS including lingual hamartomas, polydactyly, and characteristic facial features found by exome sequencing to harbor variants in causal genes not previously associated with OFDS. We describe a female with hypothalamic hamartoma, urogenital sinus, polysyndactyly, and multiple lingual hamartomas consistent with OFDVI with biallelic pathogenic variants in CEP164, a gene associated with ciliopathy‐spectrum disease, but never before with OFDS. We additionally describe two unrelated probands with postaxial polydactyly, multiple lingual hamartomas, and dysmorphic features both found to be homozygous for an identical TOPORS missense variant, c.29 C>A; (p.Pro10Gln). Heterozygous TOPORS pathogenic gene variants are associated with autosomal dominant retinitis pigmentosa, but never before with syndromic ciliopathy. Of note, both probands are of Dominican ancestry, suggesting a possible founder allele.

The Involvement of Ubiquitination Machinery in Cell Cycle Regulation and Cancer Progression

The cell cycle is a collection of events by which cellular components such as genetic materials and cytoplasmic components are accurately divided into two daughter cells. The cell cycle transition is primarily driven by the activation of cyclin-dependent kinases (CDKs), which activities are regulated by the ubiquitin-mediated proteolysis of key regulators such as cyclins, CDK inhibitors (CKIs), other kinases and phosphatases. Thus, the ubiquitin-proteasome system (UPS) plays a pivotal role in the regulation of the cell cycle progression via recognition, interaction, and ubiquitination or deubiquitination of key proteins. The illegitimate degradation of tumor suppressor or abnormally high accumulation of oncoproteins often results in deregulation of cell proliferation, genomic instability, and cancer occurrence. In this review, we demonstrate the diversity and complexity of the regulation of UPS machinery of the cell cycle. A profound understanding of the ubiquitination machinery will provide new insights into the regulation of the cell cycle transition, cancer treatment, and the development of anti-cancer drugs.

Regulation of p53 by E3s

More than 40 years of research on p53 have given us tremendous knowledge about this protein. Today we know that p53 plays a role in different biological processes such as proliferation, invasion, pluripotency, metabolism, cell cycle control, ROS (reactive oxygen species) production, apoptosis, inflammation and autophagy. In the nucleus, p53 functions as a bona-fide transcription factor which activates and represses transcription of a number of target genes. In the cytoplasm, p53 can interact with proteins of the apoptotic machinery and by this also induces cell death. Despite being so important for the fate of the cell, expression levels of p53 are kept low in unstressed cells and the protein is largely inactive. The reason for the low expression level is that p53 is efficiently degraded by the ubiquitin-proteasome system and the vast inactivity of the tumor suppressor protein under normal growth conditions is due to the absence of activating and the presence of inactivating posttranslational modifications. E3s are important enzymes for these processes as they decorate p53 with ubiquitin and small ubiquitin-like proteins and by this control p53 degradation, stability and its subcellular localization. In this review, we provide an overview about E3s that target p53 and discuss the connection between p53, E3s and tumorigenesis.

Ubiquitin Modification of the Epstein-Barr Virus Immediate Early Transactivator Zta

The Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) immediate early transactivator Zta plays a key role in regulating the transition from latency to the lytic replication stages of EBV infection. Regulation of Zta is known to be controlled through a number of transcriptional and posttranscriptional events. Here, we show that Zta is targeted for ubiquitin modification and that this can occur in EBV-negative and in EBV-infected cells. Genetic studies show critical roles for both an amino-terminal region of Zta and the basic DNA binding domain of Zta in regulating Zta ubiquitination. Pulse-chase experiments demonstrate that the bulk population of Zta is relatively stable but that at least a subset of ubiquitinated Zta molecules are targeted for degradation in the cell. Mutation of four out of a total of nine lysine residues in Zta largely abrogates its ubiquitination, indicating that these are primary ubiquitination target sites. A Zta mutant carrying mutations at these four lysine residues (lysine 12, lysine 188, lysine 207, and lysine 219) cannot induce latently infected cells to produce and/or release infectious virions. Nevertheless, this mutant can induce early gene expression, suggesting a possible defect at the level of viral replication or later in the lytic cascade. As far as we know, this is the first study that has investigated the targeting of Zta by ubiquitination or its role in Zta function.IMPORTANCE Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is a ubiquitous human pathogen and associated with various human diseases. EBV undergoes latency and lytic replication stages in its life cycle. The transition into the lytic replication stage, at which virus is produced, is mainly regulated by the viral gene product, Zta. Therefore, the regulation of Zta function becomes a central issue regarding viral biology and pathogenesis. Known modifications of Zta include phosphorylation and sumoylation. Here, we report the role of ubiquitination in regulating Zta function. We found that Zta is subjected to ubiquitination in both EBV-infected and EBV-negative cells. The ubiquitin modification targets 4 lysine residues on Zta, leading to both mono- and polyubiquitination of Zta. Ubiquitination of Zta affects the protein's stability and likely contributes to the progression of viral lytic replication. The function and fate of Zta may be determined by the specific lysine residue being modified.

SUMO: From Bench to Bedside

Sentrin/small ubiquitin-like modifier (SUMO) is protein modification pathway that regulates multiple biological processes, including cell division, DNA replication/repair, signal transduction, and cellular metabolism. In this review, we will focus on recent advances in the mechanisms of disease pathogenesis, such as cancer, diabetes, seizure, and heart failure, which have been linked to the SUMO pathway. SUMO is conjugated to lysine residues in target proteins through an isopeptide linkage catalyzed by SUMO-specific activating (E1), conjugating (E2), and ligating (E3) enzymes. In steady state, the quantity of SUMO-modified substrates is usually a small fraction of unmodified substrates due to the deconjugation activity of the family Sentrin/SUMO-specific proteases (SENPs). In contrast to the complexity of the ubiquitination/deubiquitination machinery, the biochemistry of SUMOylation and de-SUMOylation is relatively modest. Specificity of the SUMO pathway is achieved through redox regulation, acetylation, phosphorylation, or other posttranslational protein modification of the SUMOylation and de-SUMOylation enzymes. There are three major SUMOs. SUMO-1 usually modifies a substrate as a monomer; however, SUMO-2/3 can form poly-SUMO chains. The monomeric SUMO-1 or poly-SUMO chains can interact with other proteins through SUMO-interactive motif (SIM). Thus SUMO modification provides a platform to enhance protein-protein interaction. The consequence of SUMOylation includes changes in cellular localization, protein activity, or protein stability. Furthermore, SUMO may join force with ubiquitin to degrade proteins through SUMO-targeted ubiquitin ligases (STUbL). After 20 yr of research, SUMO has been shown to play critical roles in most, if not all, biological pathways. Thus the SUMO enzymes could be targets for drug development to treat human diseases.

Regulating tumor suppressor genes: post-translational modifications

Tumor suppressor genes cooperate with each other in tumors. Three important tumor suppressor proteins, retinoblastoma (Rb), p53, phosphatase, and tensin homolog deleted on chromosome ten (PTEN) are functionally associated and they regulated by post-translational modification (PTMs) as well. PTMs include phosphorylation, SUMOylation, acetylation, and other novel modifications becoming growing appreciated. Because most of PTMs are reversible, normal cells use them as a switch to control the state of cells being the resting or proliferating, and PTMs also involve in cell survival and cell cycle, which may lead to abnormal proliferation and tumorigenesis. Although a lot of studies focus on the importance of each kind of PTM, further discoveries shows that tumor suppressor genes (TSGs) form a complex "network" by the interaction of modification. Recently, there are several promising strategies for TSGs for they change more frequently than carcinogenic genes in cancers. We here review the necessity, characteristics, and mechanisms of each kind of post-translational modification on Rb, p53, PTEN, and its influence on the precise and selective function. We also discuss the current antitumoral therapies of Rb, p53 and PTEN as predictive, prognostic, and therapeutic target in cancer.

Mutant p53 as an Antigen in Cancer Immunotherapy

The p53 tumor suppressor plays a pivotal role in cancer and infectious disease. Many oncology treatments are now calling on immunotherapy approaches, and scores of studies have investigated the role of p53 antibodies in cancer diagnosis and therapy. This review summarizes the current knowledge from the preliminary evidence that suggests a potential role of p53 as an antigen in the adaptive immune response and as a key monitor of the innate immune system, thereby speculating on the idea that mutant p53 antigens serve as a druggable targets in immunotherapy. Except in a few cases, the vast majority of published work on p53 antibodies in cancer patients use wild-type p53 as the antigen to detect these antibodies and it is unclear whether they can recognize p53 mutants carried by cancer patients at all. We envision that an antibody targeting a specific mutant p53 will be effective therapeutically against a cancer carrying the exact same mutant p53. To corroborate such a possibility, a recent study showed that a T cell receptor-like (TCLR) antibody, initially made for a wild-type antigen, was capable of discriminating between mutant p53 and wild-type p53, specifically killing more cancer cells expressing mutant p53 than wild-type p53 in vitro and inhibiting the tumour growth of mice injected with mutant p53 cancer cells than mice with wild-type p53 cancer cells. Thus, novel antibodies targeting mutant p53, but not the wild-type isoform, should be pursued in preclinical and clinical studies.

Polo-like kinase 1 as a promising diagnostic biomarker and potential therapeutic target for hepatocellular carcinoma

Hepatocellular carcinoma is a major cause of cancer mortality worldwide. The outcome of hepatocellular carcinoma depends mainly on its early diagnosis. To date, the performance of traditional biomarkers is unsatisfactory. Polo-like kinase 1 is a serine/threonine kinase that plays essential roles in cell cycle progression and deoxyribonucleic acid damage. Moreover, polo-like kinase 1 knockdown decreases the survival of hepatocellular carcinoma cells; therefore, polo-like kinase 1 is an attractive target for anticancer treatments. Nobiletin, a natural polymethoxy flavonoid, exhibits a potential antiproliferative effect against a wide variety of cancers. This study targets to identify a reliable diagnostic biomarker for hepatocellular carcinoma and provide a potential therapeutic target for its treatment. Polo-like kinase 1 levels were analyzed in 44 hepatocellular carcinoma patients, 33 non-hepatocellular carcinoma liver cirrhosis patients and 15 healthy controls using the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay method. Receiver operating characteristics curve analysis was used to establish a predictive model for polo-like kinase 1 relative to α-fetoprotein in hepatocellular carcinoma diagnosis. Furthermore, in the in vitro study, gene expressions were assessed by quantitative polymerase chain reaction in two human hepatocellular carcinoma cell lines after treatment with doxorubicin and polo-like kinase 1 inhibitor volasertib (Vola) either alone or in combination with nobiletin. Cell viability was also determined using the crystal violet assay.: Serum polo-like kinase 1 levels in hepatocellular carcinoma patients were significantly higher than liver cirrhosis and control groups (p < 0.0001). Polo-like kinase 1 showed a reasonable sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value in hepatocellular carcinoma diagnosis. Moreover, nobiletin improved inhibition of cell growth induced by Vola and doxorubicin. Regarding reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction results, nobiletin suppressed expressions of polo-like kinase 1 and proliferating cell nuclear antigen and elevated expressions of P53, poly (ADPribose) polymerase 1, and caspase-3. Nobiletin/doxorubicin and nobiletin/Vola showed a significant increase in caspase-3 activity indicating cell apoptosis. Polo-like kinase 1 may be a potential biomarker for hepatocellular carcinoma diagnosis and follow-up during treatment with chemotherapies. In addition, nobiletin synergistically potentiates the doxorubicin and Vola-mediated anticancer effect that may be attributed partly to suppression of polo-like kinase 1 and proliferating cell nuclear antigen expression and enhancement of chemotherapy-induced apoptosis.

Regulation of the p53 Family Proteins by the Ubiquitin Proteasomal Pathway

The tumor suppressor p53 and its homologues, p63 and p73, play a pivotal role in the regulation of the DNA damage response, cellular homeostasis, development, aging, and metabolism. A number of mouse studies have shown that a genetic defect in the p53 family could lead to spontaneous tumor development, embryonic lethality, or severe tissue abnormality, indicating that the activity of the p53 family must be tightly regulated to maintain normal cellular functions. While the p53 family members are regulated at the level of gene expression as well as post-translational modification, they are also controlled at the level of protein stability through the ubiquitin proteasomal pathway. Over the last 20 years, many ubiquitin E3 ligases have been discovered that directly promote protein degradation of p53, p63, and p73 in vitro and in vivo. Here, we provide an overview of such E3 ligases and discuss their roles and functions.

Role of DJ-1 in the mechanism of pathogenesis of Parkinson's disease

DJ-1 protein has multiple specific mechanisms to protect dopaminergic neurons against neurodegeneration in Parkinson's disease. Wild type DJ-1 can acts as oxidative stress sensor and as an antioxidant. DJ-1 exhibits the properties of molecular chaperone, protease, glyoxalase, transcriptional regulator that protects mitochondria from oxidative stress. DJ-1 increases the expression of two mitochondrial uncoupling proteins (UCP 4 and UCP5), that decrease mitochondrial membrane potential and leads to the suppression of ROS production, optimizes of a number of mitochondrial functions, and is regarded as protection for the neuronal cell survival. We discuss also the stabilizing interaction of DJ-1 with the mitochondrial Bcl-xL protein, which regulates the activity of (Inositol trisphosphate receptor) IP₃R, prevents the cytochrome c release from mitochondria and inhibits the apoptosis activation. Upon oxidative stress DJ-1 is able to regulate various transcription factors including nuclear factor Nrf2, PI3K/PKB, and p53 signal pathways. Stress-activated transcription factor Nrf2 regulates the pathways to protect cells against oxidative stress and metabolic pathways initiating the NADPH and ATP production. DJ-1 induces the Nrf2 dissociation from its inhibitor Keap1 (Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1), promoting Nrf2 nuclear translocation and binding to antioxidant response elements. DJ-1 is shown to be a co-activator of the transcription factor NF-kB. Under nitrosative stress, DJ-1 may regulate PI3K/PKB signaling through PTEN transnitrosylation, which leads to inhibition of phosphatase activity. DJ-1 has a complex modulating effect on the p53 pathway: one side DJ-1 directly binds to p53 to restore its transcriptional activity and on the other hand DJ-1 can stimulate deacylation and suppress p53 transcriptional activity. The ability of the DJ-1 to induce activation of different transcriptional factors and change redox balance protect neurons against aggregation of α-synuclein and oligomer-induced neurodegeneration.

Integration of transcriptome and proteome profiles in glioblastoma: looking for the missing link

Background

Glioblastoma (GB) is the most common and aggressive tumor of the brain. Genotype-based approaches and independent analyses of the transcriptome or the proteome have led to progress in understanding the underlying biology of GB. Joint transcriptome and proteome profiling may reveal new biological insights, and identify pathogenic mechanisms or therapeutic targets for GB therapy. We present a comparison of transcriptome and proteome data from five GB biopsies (TZ) vs their corresponding peritumoral brain zone (PBZ). Omic analyses were performed using RNA microarray chips and the isotope-coded protein label method (ICPL).

Results

As described in other cancers, we found a poor correlation between transcriptome and proteome data in GB. We observed only two commonly deregulated mRNAs/proteins (neurofilament light polypeptide and synapsin 1) and 12 altered biological processes; they are related to cell communication, synaptic transmission and nervous system processes. This poor correlation may be a consequence of the techniques used to produce the omic profiles, the intrinsic properties of mRNA and proteins and/or of cancer- or GB-specific phenomena. Of interest, the analysis of the transcription factor binding sites present upstream from the open reading frames of all altered proteins identified by ICPL method shows a common binding site for the topoisomerase I and p53-binding protein TOPORS. Its expression was observed in 7/11 TZ samples and not in PBZ. Some findings suggest that TOPORS may function as a tumor suppressor; its implication in gliomagenesis should be examined in future studies.

Conclusions

In this study, we showed a low correlation between transcriptome and proteome data for GB samples as described in other cancer tissues. We observed that NEFL, SYN1 and 12 biological processes were deregulated in both the transcriptome and proteome data. It will be important to analyze more specifically these processes and these two proteins to allow the identification of new theranostic markers or potential therapeutic targets for GB.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (10.1186/s12867-018-0115-6) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Same agent, different messages: insight into transcriptional regulation by SIN3 isoforms

SIN3 is a global transcriptional coregulator that governs expression of a large repertoire of gene targets. It is an important player in gene regulation, which can repress or activate diverse gene targets in a context-dependent manner. SIN3 is required for several vital biological processes such as cell proliferation, energy metabolism, organ development, and cellular senescence. The functional flexibility of SIN3 arises from its ability to interact with a large variety of partners through protein interaction domains that are conserved across species, ranging from yeast to mammals. Several isoforms of SIN3 are present in these different species that can perform common and specialized functions through interactions with distinct enzymes and DNA-binding partners. Although SIN3 has been well studied due to its wide-ranging functions and highly conserved interaction domains, precise roles of individual SIN3 isoforms have received less attention. In this review, we discuss the differences in structure and function of distinct SIN3 isoforms and provide possible avenues to understand the complete picture of regulation by SIN3.

Cicer arietinum extract ameliorate γ-irradiation disorders via modulation of oxidative/antioxidative pathway

Ionized radiations trigger thoughtful adverse hazards through multiple organ dysfunctions. Recently, antioxidant-based biodrugs are used to prevent and treat ionizing radiation hazards. The present study aimed to investigate the prospective ameliorative effect of Cicer arietinum extract (CAE) against γ-irradiation and the pathway of this amelioration in male albino rats. Twenty four rats were allocated into four groups; (i) control group, (ii) CAE group in which rats treated with a dosage of 500 mg CAE/kg b.wt, (iii) γ-irradiated group in which rats exposed to 6Gy γ-irradiation, (iv) γ-irradiated+CAE group; rats of this group treated with CAE 1 h post exposure. All rats treated for 21 days. Liver, kidney and femoral bone were rapidly excised and homogenized for the biochemical analysis. Energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) and inductively coupled plasma emission spectrometer (ICP) analyses exhibit that γ-irradiation elicits significant change in the essential trace elements content in liver, kidney, and bone. Further, significant increases in TBARS and H₂O₂ contents accompanied by significant decreases in GSH, SOD, CAT, and GPx activities in liver, kidney and bone tissues were recorded in the γ-irradiated rats compared to control group. Additionally, marked reduction in the thickness of cortical bone was recorded in rats exposed to γ-irradiation. Conversely, CAE (500 mg/kg b.wt, p.o) administration for 21 days to γ-irradiated rats effectively reverses most of the altered parameters of the γ-irradiated rats. In conclusion, the present findings suggested that CAE is a potential agent that can be used against radiation hazards. This effect may be owing to its antioxidant mechanism, as CAE has an inhibitory effect against hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) and superoxide radical (O₂^·-) beside its ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP). This finding recommended that CAE can be utilized clinically to mitigate ionized radiation-induced hazard effects.

Delineating Crosstalk Mechanisms of the Ubiquitin Proteasome System That Regulate Apoptosis

Regulatory functions of the ubiquitin-proteasome system (UPS) are exercised mainly by the ubiquitin ligases and deubiquitinating enzymes. Degradation of apoptotic proteins by UPS is central to the maintenance of cell health, and deregulation of this process is associated with several diseases including tumors, neurodegenerative disorders, diabetes, and inflammation. Therefore, it is the view that interrogating protein turnover in cells can offer a strategy for delineating disease-causing mechanistic perturbations and facilitate identification of drug targets. In this review, we are summarizing an overview to elucidate the updated knowledge on the molecular interplay between the apoptosis and UPS pathways. We have condensed around 100 enzymes of UPS machinery from the literature that ubiquitinates or deubiquitinates the apoptotic proteins and regulates the cell fate. We have also provided a detailed insight into how the UPS proteins are able to fine-tune the intrinsic, extrinsic, and p53-mediated apoptotic pathways to regulate cell survival or cell death. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the potential of UPS players as a drug target for cancer and other human disorders.

Inhibition of UVSSA ubiquitination suppresses transcription-coupled nucleotide excision repair deficiency caused by dissociation from USP7

Transcription-coupled nucleotide excision repair (TC-NER) is a subpathway of nucleotide excision repair that efficiently removes transcription-blocking DNA damage from the transcribed strands of active genes. UVSSA is a causative gene for UV-sensitive syndrome (UV^S S), which is an autosomal recessive disorder characterized by hypersensitivity to UV light and deficiency in TC-NER. UV-stimulated scaffold protein A (UVSSA), the product of UVSSA, forms a complex with ubiquitin-specific peptidase 7 (USP7) and is stabilized by interaction with USP7. The central region of UVSSA, which contains the tumor necrosis factor receptor-associated factor (TRAF)-binding motif, is required for the interaction with the N-terminal TRAF domain of USP7. Here, we showed that UVSSA is mono-ubiquitinated in vitro and identified a lysine residue (Lys⁴¹⁴ ) in UVSSA as the target of ubiquitination. The deubiquitination activity of USP7 was inhibited by the ubiquitin-conjugating enzyme UbcH6. Lys⁴¹⁴ was also modified by poly-ubiquitin chains in vivo. UVSSA deficient in the interaction with USP7 is ubiquitinated and degraded by the proteasome, and the degradation leads to deficiency in TC-NER. The substitution of Lys⁴¹⁴ by Arg of UVSSA inhibited its degradation and thereby suppressed the deficiency in TC-NER.

Migration-Selection Balance Drives Genetic Differentiation in Genes Associated with High-Altitude Function in the Speckled Teal (Anas flavirostris) in the Andes

Local adaptation frequently occurs across populations as a result of migration-selection balance between divergent selective pressures and gene flow associated with life in heterogeneous landscapes. Studying the effects of selection and gene flow on the adaptation process can be achieved in systems that have recently colonized extreme environments. This study utilizes an endemic South American duck species, the speckled teal (Anas flavirostris), which has both high- and low-altitude populations. High-altitude speckled teal (A. f. oxyptera) are locally adapted to the Andean environment and mostly allopatric from low-altitude birds (A. f. flavirostris); however, there is occasional gene flow across altitudinal gradients. In this study, we used next-generation sequencing to explore genetic patterns associated with high-altitude adaptation in speckled teal populations, as well as the extent to which the balance between selection and migration have affected genetic architecture. We identified a set of loci with allele frequencies strongly correlated with altitude, including those involved in the insulin-like signaling pathway, bone morphogenesis, oxidative phosphorylation, responders to hypoxia-induced DNA damage, and feedback loops to the hypoxia-inducible factor pathway. These same outlier loci were found to have depressed gene flow estimates, as well as being highly concentrated on the Z-chromosome. Our results suggest a multifactorial response to life at high altitudes through an array of interconnected pathways that are likely under positive selection and whose genetic components seem to be providing an effective genomic barrier to interbreeding, potentially functioning as an avenue for population divergence and speciation.

KLHL7 promotes TUT1 ubiquitination associated with nucleolar integrity: Implications for retinitis pigmentosa

Kelch-like protein 7 (KLHL7) is a component of Cul3-based Cullin-RING ubiquitin ligase. Recent studies have revealed that mutations in klhl7 gene cause several disorders, such as retinitis pigmentosa (RP). Although KLHL7 is considered to be crucial for regulating the protein homeostasis, little is known about its biological functions. In this study, we report that KLHL7 increases terminal uridylyl transferase 1 (TUT1) ubiquitination involved in nucleolar integrity. TUT1 is normally localized in nucleolus; however, expression of KLHL7 facilitates a vulnerability of nucleolar integrity, followed by a decrease of TUT1 localization in nucleolus. On the other hand, pathogenic KLHL7 mutants, which causes an onset of RP, have little effect on both nucleolar integrity and TUT1 localization. Finally, KLHL7 increases TUT1 ubiquitination levels. Taken together, these results imply that KLHL7 is a novel regulator of nucleolus associated with TUT1 ubiquitination. Our study may provide a valuable information to elucidate a pathogenic mechanism of RP.

A Residue Specific Insight into the Arkadia E3 Ubiquitin Ligase Activity and Conformational Plasticity

Arkadia (Rnf111) is an E3 ubiquitin ligase that plays a central role in the amplification of transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β) signaling responses by targeting for degradation the negative regulators of the pathway, Smad6 and Smad7, and the nuclear co-repressors Ski and Skil (SnoN). Arkadia's function in vivo depends on the really interesting new gene (RING)-H2 interaction with the E2 enzyme UbcH5b in order to ligate ubiquitin chains on its substrates. A conserved tryptophan (W972) in the C-terminal α-helix is widely accepted as essential for E2 recruitment and interaction and thus also for E3 enzymatic activity. The present NMR-driven study provides an atomic-level investigation of the structural and dynamical properties of two W972 Arkadia RING mutants, attempting to illuminate for the first time the differences between a functional and a nonfunctional mutant W972A and W972R, respectively. A TGF-β-responsive promoter driving luciferase was used to assay for Arkadia function in vivo. These experiments showed that the Arkadia W972A mutant has the same activity as wild-type (WT) Arkadia in enhancing TGF-β signaling responses, while W972R does not. Only minor structural differences exist between the W972A RING domain and WT-RING. In contrast, the W972R mutant hardly interacts with E2. The loss of function correlates with structural changes in the C-terminal α-helix and an increase in the distance between the Zn(II) ions. Our data show that the position occupied by W972 within WT Arkadia is critical for the function of RING and that it depends on the nature of the residue at this position.

Regulatory functional territory of PLK-1 and their substrates beyond mitosis

Polo-like kinase 1 (PLK-1) is a well-known (Ser/Thr) mitotic protein kinase and is considered as a proto-oncogene. As hyper-activation of PLK-1 is broadly associated with poor prognosis and cancer progression, it is one of the most extensively studied mitotic kinases. During mitosis, PLK-1 regulates various cell cycle events, such as spindle pole maturation, chromosome segregation and cytokinesis. However, studies have demonstrated that the role of PLK-1 is not only restricted to mitosis, but PLK-1 can also regulate other vital events beyond mitosis, including transcription, translation, ciliogenesis, checkpoint adaptation and recovery, apoptosis, chromosomes dynamics etc. Recent reviews have tried to define the regulatory role of PLK-1 during mitosis progression and tumorigenesis, but its' functional role beyond mitosis is still largely unexplored. PLK-1 can regulate the activity of many proteins that work outside of its conventional territory. The dysregulation of these proteins can cause diseases such as Alzheimer's disease, tumorigenesis etc. and may also lead to drug resistance. Thus, in this review, we discussed the versatile role of PLK-1 and tried to collect data to validate its' functional role in cell cycle regulation apart from mitosis.

Isolated and Syndromic Retinal Dystrophy Caused by Biallelic Mutations in RCBTB1, a Gene Implicated in Ubiquitination

Inherited retinal dystrophies (iRDs) are a group of genetically and clinically heterogeneous conditions resulting from mutations in over 250 genes. Here, homozygosity mapping and whole-exome sequencing (WES) in a consanguineous family revealed a homozygous missense mutation, c.973C>T (p.His325Tyr), in RCBTB1. In affected individuals, it was found to segregate with retinitis pigmentosa (RP), goiter, primary ovarian insufficiency, and mild intellectual disability. Subsequent analysis of WES data in different cohorts uncovered four additional homozygous missense mutations in five unrelated families in whom iRD segregates with or without syndromic features. Ocular phenotypes ranged from typical RP starting in the second decade to chorioretinal dystrophy with a later age of onset. The five missense mutations affect highly conserved residues either in the sixth repeat of the RCC1 domain or in the BTB1 domain. A founder haplotype was identified for mutation c.919G>A (p.Val307Met), occurring in two families of Mediterranean origin. We showed ubiquitous mRNA expression of RCBTB1 and demonstrated predominant RCBTB1 localization in human inner retina. RCBTB1 was very recently shown to be involved in ubiquitination, more specifically as a CUL3 substrate adaptor. Therefore, the effect on different components of the CUL3 and NFE2L2 (NRF2) pathway was assessed in affected individuals’ lymphocytes, revealing decreased mRNA expression of NFE2L2 and several NFE2L2 target genes. In conclusion, our study puts forward mutations in RCBTB1 as a cause of autosomal-recessive non-syndromic and syndromic iRD. Finally, our data support a role for impaired ubiquitination in the pathogenetic mechanism of RCBTB1 mutations.

Plk1 Inhibitors in Cancer Therapy: From Laboratory to Clinics

Polo-like kinase 1 (Plk1) overexpression has been shown to occur in a wide range of tumors, prompting research and development of Plk1 inhibitors as a means of cancer treatment. This review discusses recent advances in the development of Plk1 inhibitors for cancer management. Plk1 inhibition has been shown to cause mitotic block and apoptosis of cells with higher mitotic index and therefore higher Plk1 expression. The potential of Plk1 inhibitors as cancer therapeutics has been widely investigated. However, a complete understanding of Plk1 biology/mechanism is yet to be fully achieved. Resistance to certain chemotherapeutic drugs has been linked to Plk1 overexpression, and Plk1-mediated mitotic events such as microtubule rearrangement have been found to reduce the efficacy of chemotherapeutic agents. The Plk1 inhibitor volasertib has shown considerable promise in clinical studies, having reached phase III trials. However, preclinical success with Plk1 inhibitors has not translated well into clinical success. In our view, combined therapies targeting other relevant pathways together with Plk1 may be vital to combat issues observed with monotherapy, especially resistance. In addition, research should also be directed toward understanding the mechanisms of Plk1 and designing additional next generations of specific, potent Plk1 inhibitors to target cancer. Mol Cancer Ther; 15(7); 1427-35. ©2016 AACR.

TOPORS, a Dual E3 Ubiquitin and Sumo1 Ligase, Interacts with 26 S Protease Regulatory Subunit 4, Encoded by the PSMC1 Gene

The significance of the ubiquitin-proteasome system (UPS) for protein degradation has been highlighted in the context of neurodegenerative diseases, including retinal dystrophies. TOPORS, a dual E3 ubiquitin and SUMO1 ligase, forms a component of the UPS and selected substrates for its enzymatic activities, such as DJ-1/PARK7 and APOBEC2, are important for neuronal as well as retinal homeostasis, respectively. TOPORS is ubiquitously expressed, yet its mutations are only known to result in autosomal dominant retinitis pigmentosa. We performed a yeast two-hybrid (Y2H) screen of a human retinal cDNA library in order to identify interacting protein partners of TOPORS from the retina, and thus begin delineating the putative disease mechanism(s) associated with the retina-specific phenotype resulting from mutations in TOPORS. The screen led to isolation of the 26 S protease regulatory subunit 4 (P26s4/ PSMC1), an ATPase indispensable for correct functioning of UPS-mediated proteostasis. The interaction between endogenous TOPORS and P26s4 proteins was validated by co-immuno-precipitation from mammalian cell extracts and further characterised by immunofluorescent co-localisation studies in cell lines and retinal sections. Findings from hTERT-RPE1 and 661W cells demonstrated that TOPORS and P26s4 co-localise at the centrosome in cultured cells. Immunofluorescent staining of mouse retinae revealed a strong P26s4 reactivity at the interface between retinal pigmented epithelium (RPE) layer and the photoreceptors outer segments (OS). This finding leads us to speculate that P26s4, along with TOPORS, may have a role(s) in RPE phagocytosis, in addition to contributing to the overall photoreceptor and retinal homeostasis via the UPS.

Polo-like kinase and its inhibitors: Ready for the match to start?

Polo-like kinases (Plks) plays a central role in the normal cell cycle and their upregulation has been shown to play a role in the pathogenesis of multiple human cancers. Preclinical work demonstrates that targeting Plk has a significant impact on the treatment of both solid and hematologic malignancies in vitro and in vivo. We review here the basic science and clinical work to date with the Plks as well as future directions with this novel class of mitotic inhibitors.

Meiosis in male Drosophila

Meiosis entails sorting and separating both homologous and sister chromatids. The mechanisms for connecting sister chromatids and homologs during meiosis are highly conserved and include specialized forms of the cohesin complex and a tightly regulated homolog synapsis/recombination pathway designed to yield regular crossovers between homologous chromatids. Drosophila male meiosis is of special interest because it dispenses with large segments of the standard meiotic script, particularly recombination, synapsis and the associated structures. Instead, Drosophila relies on a unique protein complex composed of at least two novel proteins, SNM and MNM, to provide stable connections between homologs during meiosis I. Sister chromatid cohesion in Drosophila is mediated by cohesins, ring-shaped complexes that entrap sister chromatids. However, unlike other eukaryotes Drosophila does not rely on the highly conserved Rec8 cohesin in meiosis, but instead utilizes two novel cohesion proteins, ORD and SOLO, which interact with the SMC1/3 cohesin components in providing meiotic cohesion.

Limiting the power of p53 through the ubiquitin proteasome pathway

The ubiquitin proteasome pathway is critical in restraining the activities of the p53 tumor suppressor. This review by Pant and Lozano focuses on ubiquitination as a mechanism for regulating p53 stability and function and reviews current findings from in vivo models that evaluate the importance of the ubiquitin proteasome system in regulating p53.

The ubiquitin proteasome pathway is critical in restraining the activities of the p53 tumor suppressor. Numerous E3 and E4 ligases regulate p53 levels. Additionally, deubquitinating enzymes that modify p53 directly or indirectly also impact p53 function. When alterations of these proteins result in increased p53 activity, cells arrest in the cell cycle, senesce, or apoptose. On the other hand, alterations that result in decreased p53 levels yield tumor-prone phenotypes. This review focuses on the physiological relevance of these important regulators of p53 and their therapeutic implications.

Neuronal SUMOylation: mechanisms, physiology, and roles in neuronal dysfunction

Protein SUMOylation is a critically important posttranslational protein modification that participates in nearly all aspects of cellular physiology. In the nearly 20 years since its discovery, SUMOylation has emerged as a major regulator of nuclear function, and more recently, it has become clear that SUMOylation has key roles in the regulation of protein trafficking and function outside of the nucleus. In neurons, SUMOylation participates in cellular processes ranging from neuronal differentiation and control of synapse formation to regulation of synaptic transmission and cell survival. It is a highly dynamic and usually transient modification that enhances or hinders interactions between proteins, and its consequences are extremely diverse. Hundreds of different proteins are SUMO substrates, and dysfunction of protein SUMOylation is implicated in a many different diseases. Here we briefly outline core aspects of the SUMO system and provide a detailed overview of the current understanding of the roles of SUMOylation in healthy and diseased neurons.

Adipocyte morphology and implications for metabolic derangements in acquired obesity

BACKGROUND

Adipocyte size and number have been suggested to predict the development of metabolic complications in obesity. However, the genetic and environmental determinants behind this phenomenon remain unclear.

METHODS

We studied this question in rare-weight discordant (intra-pair difference (Δ) body mass index (BMI) 3-10 kg m(-2), n=15) and concordant (ΔBMI 0-2 kg m(-)(2), n=5) young adult (22-35 years) monozygotic twin pairs identified from 10 birth cohorts of Finnish twins (n=5 500 pairs). Subcutaneous abdominal adipocyte size from surgical biopsies was measured under a light microscope. Adipocyte number was calculated from cell size and total body fat (D × A).

RESULTS

The concordant pairs were remarkably similar for adipocyte size and number (intra-class correlations 0.91-0.92, P<0.01), suggesting a strong genetic control of these measures. In the discordant pairs, the obese co-twins (BMI 30.6 ± 0.9 kg m(-2)) had significantly larger adipocytes (volume 547 ± 59 pl), than the lean co-twins (24.9 ± 0.9 kg m(-)(2); 356 ± 34 pl, P<0.001). In 8/15 pairs, the obese co-twins had less adipocytes than their co-twins. These hypoplastic obese twins had significantly higher liver fat (spectroscopy), homeostatic model assessment-index, C-reactive protein and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol than their lean co-twins. Hyperplastic obesity was observed in the rest (7/15) of the pairs, obese and lean co-twins having similar metabolic measures. In all pairs, Δadipocyte volume correlated positively and Δcell number correlated negatively with Δhomeostatic model assessment-index and Δlow-density lipoprotein, independent of Δbody fat. Transcripts most significantly correlating with Δadipocyte volume were related to a reduced mitochondrial function, membrane modifications, to DNA damage and cell death.

CONCLUSIONS

Together, hypertrophy and hypoplasia in acquired obesity are related to metabolic dysfunction, possibly through disturbances in mitochondrial function and increased cell death within the adipose tissue.

Regulation of the localisation and function of the oncogene LYRIC/AEG-1 by ubiquitination at K486 and K491

The pivotal role of LYRIC/AEG‐1 in malignant transformation, tumourigenesis and chemo‐resistance has previously been demonstrated in different cell types and sub‐cellular compartments. The localisation of LYRIC/AEG‐1 appears crucial to its function and is regulated by three lysine‐rich nuclear localisation signal regions, one of which was previously demonstrated to be modified by ubiquitin. Here we show that mutation of LYRIC/AEG‐1 at K486 and K491 results in a loss of ubiquitination. A K486/491R double mutant that is incapable of ubiquitination shows reduced binding to the NFκB subunit p65 or importin‐β resulting in a distinctive peri‐nuclear localisation of LYRIC/AEG‐1. We also provide evidence to suggest that TOPORS, an E3 ligase that also regulates p53 modification may be responsible for LYRIC/AEG‐1 ubiquitin modification. Overall we demonstrate that specific sites of LYRIC/AEG‐1 ubiquitination are essential for regulating LYRIC/AEG‐1 localisation and functionally interacting proteins.

LYRIC/AEG‐1 is an important oncogene.

2 specific lysine residues in exNLS‐2 are ubiquitinated.

Deletion of both lysine residues changes localisation and interaction with p65.

LYRIC/AEG‐1 interacts with TOPORS, a known E3 ligase.

Mechanisms of mutant p53 stabilization in cancer

p53 transactivates cell cycle inhibitory, apoptosis or senescence-related genes in response to DNA damage to protect the genetic integrity of the cell. Highlighting its critical tumor suppressor functions, p53 is mutated, lost, or functionally inactivated in nearly all cancers. When mutated within its core DNA binding domain, p53's normal instability is abrogated, and oncogenic gain-of-function properties are observed accompanied by massive accumulation of steady state mutant p53 protein levels relative to the low or undetectable steady state level of wild-type (WT) p53 in normal cells. Mutation of p53 may affect its stability through a combination of mutant p53's inherent biochemical and biophysical properties as well as pathways aberrantly activated in genetically damaged cells. The increased stability of mutant p53 proteins is key to its ability to accumulate to high levels and phenotypically exhibit "gain-of-function" properties. In this chapter we will address the multifaceted ways in which intrinsic mutant p53 properties intersect with emergent properties of cancer cells to yield the stable mutant p53 phenotype.

The p53-Mdm2 loop: a critical juncture of stress response

The presence of a functional p53 protein is a key factor for the proper suppression of cancer development. A loss of p53 activity, by mutations or inhibition, is often associated with human malignancies. The p53 protein integrates various stress signals into a growth restrictive cellular response. In this way, p53 eliminates cells with a potential to become cancerous. Being a powerful decision maker, it is imperative that p53 will be activated properly, efficiently and temporarily in response to stress. Equally important is that p53 activation will be extinguished upon recovery from stress, and that improper activation of p53 will be avoided. Failure to achieve these aims is likely to have catastrophic consequences for the organism. The machinery that governs this tight regulation is largely based on the major inhibitor of p53, Mdm2, which both blocks p53 activities and promotes its destabilization. The interplay between p53 and Mdm2 involves a complex network of positive and negative feedback loops. Relief from Mdm2 suppression is required for p53 to be stabilized and activated in response to stress. Protection from Mdm2 entails a concerted action of modifying enzymes and partner proteins. The association of p53 with the PML-nuclear bodies may provide an infrastructure in which this complex regulatory network can be orchestrated. In this chapter we use examples to illustrate the regulatory machinery that drives this network.

Sumoylation: a regulatory protein modification in health and disease

Posttranslational modification with small ubiquitin-related modifier (SUMO) proteins is now established as one of the key regulatory protein modifications in eukaryotic cells. Hundreds of proteins involved in processes such as chromatin organization, transcription, DNA repair, macromolecular assembly, protein homeostasis, trafficking, and signal transduction are subject to reversible sumoylation. Hence, it is not surprising that disease links are beginning to emerge and that interference with sumoylation is being considered for intervention. Here, we summarize basic mechanisms and highlight recent developments in the physiology of sumoylation.

The UbL protein UBTD1 stably interacts with the UBE2D family of E2 ubiquitin conjugating enzymes

UBTD1 is a previously uncharacterized ubiquitin-like (UbL) domain containing protein with high homology to the mitochondrial Dc-UbP/UBTD2 protein. Here we show that UBTD1 and UBTD2 belong to a family of proteins that is conserved through evolution and found in metazoa, funghi, and plants. To gain further insight into the function of UBTD1, we screened for interacting proteins. In a yeast-2-hybrid (Y2H) screen, we identified several proteins involved in the ubiquitylation pathway, including the UBE2D family of E2 ubiquitin conjugating enzymes. An affinity capture screen for UBTD1 interacting proteins in whole cell extracts also identified members of the UBE2D family. Biochemical characterization of recombinant UBTD1 and UBE2D demonstrated that the two proteins form a stable, stoichiometric complex that can be purified to near homogeneity. We discuss the implications of these findings in light of the ubiquitin proteasome system (UPS).

Downregulation of Polo-like kinase 1 induces cellular senescence in human primary cells through a p53-dependent pathway

Polo-like kinase 1 (PLK1) plays a key role in various stages of mitosis from entry into M phase to exit from mitosis. However, its role in cellular senescence remains to be determined. Therefore, the effects of PLK1 on cellular senescence in human primary cells were investigated. We found that expression of PLK1 decreased in human dermal fibroblasts and human umbilical vein endothelial cells under replicative senescence and premature senescence induced by adriamycin. PLK1 knockdown with PLK1 small interfering RNAs in young cells induced premature senescence. In contrast, upregulation of PLK1 in old cells partially reversed senescence phenotypes. Cellular senescence by PLK1 inhibition was observed in p16 knockdown cells but not in p53 knockdown cells. Our data suggest that PLK1 repression might result in cellular senescence in human primary cells via a p53-dependent pathway.

SUMO rules: regulatory concepts and their implication in neurologic functions

Posttranslational modification of proteins by the small ubiquitin-like modifier (SUMO) is a potent regulator of various cellular events. Hundreds of substrates have been identified, many of them involved in vital processes like transcriptional regulation, signal transduction, protein degradation, cell cycle regulation, DNA repair, chromatin organization, and nuclear transport. In recent years, protein sumoylation increasingly attracted attention, as it could be linked to heart failure, cancer, and neurodegeneration. However, underlying mechanisms involving how modification by SUMO contributes to disease development are still scarce thus necessitating further research. This review aims to critically discuss currently available concepts of the SUMO pathway, thereby highlighting regulation in the healthy versus diseased organism, focusing on neurologic aspects. Better understanding of differential regulation in health and disease may finally allow to uncover pathogenic mechanisms and contribute to the development of disease-specific therapies.