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Goliusova DV, Sharikova MY, Lavrenteva KA, Lebedeva OS, Muranova LK, Gusev NB, Bogomazova AN, Lagarkova MA. Role of Filamin C in Muscle Cells. BIOCHEMISTRY. BIOKHIMIIA 2024; 89:1546-1557. [PMID: 39418514 DOI: 10.1134/s0006297924090025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2024] [Revised: 07/02/2024] [Accepted: 08/14/2024] [Indexed: 10/19/2024]
Abstract
Filamin C (FLNC) is a member of a high-molecular weight protein family, which bind actin filaments in the cytoskeleton of various cells. In human genome FLNC is encoded by the FLNC gene located on chromosome 7 and is expressed predominantly in striated skeletal and cardiac muscle cells. Filamin C is involved in organization and stabilization of thin actin filaments three-dimensional network in sarcomeres, and is supposed to play a role of mechanosensor transferring mechanical signals to different protein targets. Under mechanical stress FLNC can undergo unfolding that increases the risk of its aggregation. FLNC molecules with an impaired native structure could be eliminated by the BAG3-mediated chaperone-assisted selective autophagy. Mutations in the FLNC gene could be accompanied by the changes in FLNC interaction with its protein partners and could lead to formation of aggregates, which overload the autophagy and proteasome protein degradation systems, thus facilitating development of various pathological processes. Molecular mechanisms of the FLNC-associated congenital disorders, called filaminopathies, remain poorly understood. This review is devoted to analysis of the structure and mechanisms of filamin C function in muscle and heart cells in normal state and in the FLNC-associated pathologies. The presented data summarize the results of research at the molecular, cellular, and tissue levels and allow us to outline promising ways for further investigation of pathogenetic mechanisms in filaminopathies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daria V Goliusova
- Lopukhin Federal Research and Clinical Center of Physical-Chemical Medicine, Federal Medical Biological Agency, Moscow, 119435, Russia.
- Koltzov Institute of Developmental Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, 119334, Russia
| | - Margarita Y Sharikova
- Lopukhin Federal Research and Clinical Center of Physical-Chemical Medicine, Federal Medical Biological Agency, Moscow, 119435, Russia
| | - Kristina A Lavrenteva
- Lopukhin Federal Research and Clinical Center of Physical-Chemical Medicine, Federal Medical Biological Agency, Moscow, 119435, Russia
| | - Olga S Lebedeva
- Lopukhin Federal Research and Clinical Center of Physical-Chemical Medicine, Federal Medical Biological Agency, Moscow, 119435, Russia
| | - Lidia K Muranova
- Faculty of Biology, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow, 119991, Russia
| | - Nikolai B Gusev
- Faculty of Biology, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow, 119991, Russia
| | - Alexandra N Bogomazova
- Lopukhin Federal Research and Clinical Center of Physical-Chemical Medicine, Federal Medical Biological Agency, Moscow, 119435, Russia
| | - Maria A Lagarkova
- Lopukhin Federal Research and Clinical Center of Physical-Chemical Medicine, Federal Medical Biological Agency, Moscow, 119435, Russia
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2
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Chirasani VR, Khan MAI, Malavade JN, Dokholyan NV, Hoffman BD, Campbell SL. Molecular basis and cellular functions of vinculin-actin directional catch bonding. Nat Commun 2023; 14:8300. [PMID: 38097542 PMCID: PMC10721916 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-43779-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2023] [Accepted: 11/20/2023] [Indexed: 12/17/2023] Open
Abstract
The ability of cells and tissues to respond differentially to mechanical forces applied in distinct directions is mediated by the ability of load-bearing proteins to preferentially maintain physical linkages in certain directions. However, the molecular basis and biological consequences of directional force-sensitive binding remain unclear. Vinculin (Vcn) is a load-bearing linker protein that exhibits directional catch bonding due to interactions between the Vcn tail domain (Vt) and filamentous (F)-actin. We developed a computational approach to predict Vcn residues involved in directional catch bonding and produced a set of associated Vcn variants with unaltered Vt structure, actin binding, or phospholipid interactions. Incorporation of the variants did not affect Vcn activation but reduced Vcn loading and altered exchange dynamics, consistent with the loss of directional catch bonding. Expression of Vcn variants perturbed the coordination of subcellular structures and cell migration, establishing key cellular functions for Vcn directional catch bonding.
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Affiliation(s)
- Venkat R Chirasani
- Department of Biochemistry & Biophysics, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Mohammad Ashhar I Khan
- Department of Biochemistry & Biophysics, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Juilee N Malavade
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Nikolay V Dokholyan
- Department of Pharmacology, Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey, PA, USA.
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey, PA, USA.
- Department of Chemistry, Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey, PA, USA.
| | - Brenton D Hoffman
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA.
- Department of Cell Biology, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA.
| | - Sharon L Campbell
- Department of Biochemistry & Biophysics, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA.
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA.
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3
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Wang HY, Cecon E, Dam J, Pei Z, Jockers R, Burns LH. Simufilam Reverses Aberrant Receptor Interactions of Filamin A in Alzheimer's Disease. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:13927. [PMID: 37762230 PMCID: PMC10531384 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241813927] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2023] [Revised: 08/29/2023] [Accepted: 09/04/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Simufilam is a novel oral drug candidate in Phase 3 clinical trials for Alzheimer's disease (AD) dementia. This small molecule binds an altered form of filamin A (FLNA) that occurs in AD. This drug action disrupts FLNA's aberrant linkage to the α7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (α7nAChR), thereby blocking soluble amyloid beta1-42 (Aβ42)'s signaling via α7nAChR that hyperphosphorylates tau. Here, we aimed to clarify simufilam's mechanism. We now show that simufilam reduced Aβ42 binding to α7nAChR with a 10-picomolar IC50 using time-resolved fluorescence resonance energy transfer (TR-FRET), a robust technology to detect highly sensitive molecular interactions. We also show that FLNA links to multiple inflammatory receptors in addition to Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) in postmortem human AD brains and in AD transgenic mice: TLR2, C-X-C chemokine receptor type 4 (CXCR4), C-C chemokine receptor type 5 (CCR5), and T-cell co-receptor cluster of differentiation 4 (CD4). These aberrant FLNA linkages, which can be induced in a healthy control brain by Aβ42 incubation, were disrupted by simufilam. Simufilam reduced inflammatory cytokine release from Aβ42-stimulated human astrocytes. In the AD transgenic mice, CCR5-G protein coupling was elevated, indicating persistent activation. Oral simufilam reduced both the FLNA-CCR5 linkage and the CCR5-G protein coupling in these mice, while restoring CCR5's responsivity to C-C chemokine ligand 3 (CCL3). By disrupting aberrant FLNA-receptor interactions critical to AD pathogenic pathways, simufilam may promote brain health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hoau-Yan Wang
- Department of Molecular, Cellular and Biomedical Sciences, City University of New York School of Medicine, New York, NY 10031, USA; (H.-Y.W.); (Z.P.)
- Department of Biology and Neuroscience, Graduate School, City University of New York, New York, NY 10016, USA
| | - Erika Cecon
- Institut Cochin, INSERM, CNRS, Université Paris Cité, 75014 Paris, France; (E.C.); (J.D.); (R.J.)
| | - Julie Dam
- Institut Cochin, INSERM, CNRS, Université Paris Cité, 75014 Paris, France; (E.C.); (J.D.); (R.J.)
| | - Zhe Pei
- Department of Molecular, Cellular and Biomedical Sciences, City University of New York School of Medicine, New York, NY 10031, USA; (H.-Y.W.); (Z.P.)
| | - Ralf Jockers
- Institut Cochin, INSERM, CNRS, Université Paris Cité, 75014 Paris, France; (E.C.); (J.D.); (R.J.)
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4
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Wei W, Li Y, Lee M, Andrikopoulos N, Lin S, Chen C, Leong DT, Ding F, Song Y, Ke PC. Anionic nanoplastic exposure induces endothelial leakiness. Nat Commun 2022; 13:4757. [PMID: 35963861 PMCID: PMC9376074 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-32532-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2021] [Accepted: 08/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
The global-scale production of plastics has been instrumental in advancing modern society, while the rising accumulation of plastics in landfills, oceans, and anything in between has become a major stressor on environmental sustainability, climate, and, potentially, human health. While mechanical and chemical forces of man and nature can eventually break down or recycle plastics, our understanding of the biological fingerprints of plastics, especially of nanoplastics, remains poor. Here we report on a phenomenon associated with the nanoplastic forms of anionic polystyrene and poly(methyl methacrylate), where their introduction disrupted the vascular endothelial cadherin junctions in a dose-dependent manner, as revealed by confocal fluorescence microscopy, signaling pathways, molecular dynamics simulations, as well as ex vivo and in vivo assays with animal model systems. Collectively, our results implicated nanoplastics-induced vasculature permeability as primarily biophysical-biochemical in nature, uncorrelated with cytotoxic events such as reactive oxygen species production, autophagy, and apoptosis. This uncovered route of paracellular transport has opened up vast avenues for investigating the behaviour and biological effects of nanoplastics, which may offer crucial insights for guiding innovations towards a sustainable plastics industry and environmental remediation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Wei
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100085, China.,Key Laboratory of Luminescence Analysis and Molecular Sensing, Ministry of Education, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southwest University, 2 Tiansheng Rd, Beibei District, Chongqing, 400715, China
| | - Yuhuan Li
- Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China.,Drug Delivery, Disposition and Dynamics, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, 381 Royal Parade, Parkville, VIC, 3052, Australia
| | - Myeongsang Lee
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, Clemson University, Clemson, SC, 29634, USA
| | - Nicholas Andrikopoulos
- Drug Delivery, Disposition and Dynamics, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, 381 Royal Parade, Parkville, VIC, 3052, Australia
| | - Sijie Lin
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tongji University, 1239 Siping Road, Shanghai, 200092, China
| | - Chunying Chen
- CAS Key Laboratory for Biomedical Effects of Nanomaterials and Nanosafety, National Center for Nanoscience and Technology of China, Beijing, 100190, China
| | - David Tai Leong
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, National University of Singapore, 4 Engineering Drive 4, Singapore, 117585, Singapore
| | - Feng Ding
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, Clemson University, Clemson, SC, 29634, USA
| | - Yang Song
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100085, China.
| | - Pu Chun Ke
- Drug Delivery, Disposition and Dynamics, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, 381 Royal Parade, Parkville, VIC, 3052, Australia. .,Nanomedicine Center, The Great Bay Area National Institute for Nanotechnology Innovation, 136 Kaiyuan Avenue, Guangzhou, 510700, China.
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5
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Höhfeld J, Benzing T, Bloch W, Fürst DO, Gehlert S, Hesse M, Hoffmann B, Hoppe T, Huesgen PF, Köhn M, Kolanus W, Merkel R, Niessen CM, Pokrzywa W, Rinschen MM, Wachten D, Warscheid B. Maintaining proteostasis under mechanical stress. EMBO Rep 2021; 22:e52507. [PMID: 34309183 PMCID: PMC8339670 DOI: 10.15252/embr.202152507] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2021] [Revised: 06/28/2021] [Accepted: 07/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Cell survival, tissue integrity and organismal health depend on the ability to maintain functional protein networks even under conditions that threaten protein integrity. Protection against such stress conditions involves the adaptation of folding and degradation machineries, which help to preserve the protein network by facilitating the refolding or disposal of damaged proteins. In multicellular organisms, cells are permanently exposed to stress resulting from mechanical forces. Yet, for long time mechanical stress was not recognized as a primary stressor that perturbs protein structure and threatens proteome integrity. The identification and characterization of protein folding and degradation systems, which handle force-unfolded proteins, marks a turning point in this regard. It has become apparent that mechanical stress protection operates during cell differentiation, adhesion and migration and is essential for maintaining tissues such as skeletal muscle, heart and kidney as well as the immune system. Here, we provide an overview of recent advances in our understanding of mechanical stress protection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jörg Höhfeld
- Institute for Cell BiologyRheinische Friedrich‐Wilhelms University BonnBonnGermany
| | - Thomas Benzing
- Department II of Internal Medicine and Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne (CMMC)University of CologneCologneGermany
| | - Wilhelm Bloch
- Institute of Cardiovascular Research and Sports MedicineGerman Sport UniversityCologneGermany
| | - Dieter O Fürst
- Institute for Cell BiologyRheinische Friedrich‐Wilhelms University BonnBonnGermany
| | - Sebastian Gehlert
- Institute of Cardiovascular Research and Sports MedicineGerman Sport UniversityCologneGermany
- Department for the Biosciences of SportsInstitute of Sports ScienceUniversity of HildesheimHildesheimGermany
| | - Michael Hesse
- Institute of Physiology I, Life & Brain CenterMedical FacultyRheinische Friedrich‐Wilhelms UniversityBonnGermany
| | - Bernd Hoffmann
- Institute of Biological Information Processing, IBI‐2: MechanobiologyForschungszentrum JülichJülichGermany
| | - Thorsten Hoppe
- Institute for GeneticsCologne Excellence Cluster on Cellular Stress Responses in Aging‐Associated Diseases (CECAD) and CMMCUniversity of CologneCologneGermany
| | - Pitter F Huesgen
- Central Institute for Engineering, Electronics and Analytics, ZEA3Forschungszentrum JülichJülichGermany
- CECADUniversity of CologneCologneGermany
| | - Maja Köhn
- Institute of Biology IIIFaculty of Biology, and Signalling Research Centres BIOSS and CIBSSAlbert‐Ludwigs‐University FreiburgFreiburgGermany
| | - Waldemar Kolanus
- LIMES‐InstituteRheinische Friedrich‐Wilhelms University BonnBonnGermany
| | - Rudolf Merkel
- Institute of Biological Information Processing, IBI‐2: MechanobiologyForschungszentrum JülichJülichGermany
| | - Carien M Niessen
- Department of Dermatology and CECADUniversity of CologneCologneGermany
| | | | - Markus M Rinschen
- Department of Biomedicine and Aarhus Institute of Advanced StudiesAarhus UniversityAarhusDenmark
- Department of MedicineUniversity Medical Center Hamburg‐EppendorfHamburgGermany
| | - Dagmar Wachten
- Institute of Innate ImmunityUniversity Hospital BonnBonnGermany
| | - Bettina Warscheid
- Institute of Biology IIFaculty of Biology, and Signalling Research Centres BIOSS and CIBSSAlbert‐Ludwigs‐University FreiburgFreiburgGermany
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6
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Wang B, Sun Y, Davis TP, Ke PC, Wu Y, Ding F. Understanding Effects of PAMAM Dendrimer Size and Surface Chemistry on Serum Protein Binding with Discrete Molecular Dynamics Simulations. ACS SUSTAINABLE CHEMISTRY & ENGINEERING 2018; 6:11704-11715. [PMID: 30881771 PMCID: PMC6413314 DOI: 10.1021/acssuschemeng.8b01959] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
Polyamidoamine (PAMAM) dendrimers, a class of polymeric nanoparticles (NPs) with highly-controllable sizes and surface chemistry, are promising candidates for many biomedical applications, including drug and gene delivery, imaging, and inhibition of amyloid aggregation. In circulation, binding of serum proteins with dendritic NPs renders the formation of protein corona and alters the biological identity of the NP core, which may subsequently elicit immunoresponse and cytotoxicity. Understanding the effects of PAMAM size and surface chemistry on serum protein binding is, therefore, crucial to enable their broad biomedical applications. Here, by applying atomistic discrete molecular dynamics (DMD) simulations, we first uncovered the binding of PAMAM with HSA and Ig and detailed the dependences of such binding on PAMAM size and surface modification. Compared to either anionic or cationic surfaces, modifications with neutral phosphorylcholine (PC), polyethylene glycol (PEG), and hydroxyls (OH) significantly reduced binding with proteins. The relatively strong binding between proteins and PAMAM dendrimers with charged surface groups was mainly driven by electrostatic interactions as well as hydrophobic interactions. Using steered DMD (SDMD) simulations, we conducted a force-pulling experiment in silico estimating the critical forces separating PAMAM-protein complexes and deriving the corresponding free energy barriers for dissociation. The SDMD-derived HSA-binding affinities were consistent with existing experimental measurements. Our results highlighted the association dynamics of protein-dendrimer interactions and binding affinities, whose implications range from fundamental nanobio interfacial phenomena to the development of "stealth NPs".
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Affiliation(s)
- Bo Wang
- department of Physics and Astronomy, Clemson University,
Clemson, SC 29634, USA
- Department of Systems and Computational Biology, Albert
Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461, USA
| | - Yunxiang Sun
- department of Physics and Astronomy, Clemson University,
Clemson, SC 29634, USA
| | - Thomas P. Davis
- ARC Centre of Excellence in Convergent Bio-Nano Science and
Technology, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, 381
Royal Parade, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia
| | - Pu Chun Ke
- ARC Centre of Excellence in Convergent Bio-Nano Science and
Technology, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, 381
Royal Parade, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia
| | - Yinghao Wu
- Department of Systems and Computational Biology, Albert
Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461, USA
| | - Feng Ding
- department of Physics and Astronomy, Clemson University,
Clemson, SC 29634, USA
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7
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Neethling A, Mouton J, Loos B, Corfield V, de Villiers C, Kinnear C. Filamin C: a novel component of the KCNE2 interactome during hypoxia. Cardiovasc J Afr 2016; 27:4-11. [PMID: 26956495 PMCID: PMC4816932 DOI: 10.5830/cvja-2015-049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2014] [Accepted: 05/17/2015] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Aim KCNE2 encodes for the potassium voltage-gated channel, KCNE2. Mutations in KCNE2 have been associated with long-QT syndrome (LQTS). While KCNE2 has been extensively studied, the functions of its C-terminal domain remain inadequately described. Here, we aimed to elucidate the functions of this domain by identifying its protein interactors using yeast two-hybrid analysis. Methods The C-terminal domain of KCNE2 was used as bait to screen a human cardiac cDNA library for putative interacting proteins. Co-localisation and co-immunoprecipitation analyses were used for verification. Results Filamin C (FLNC) was identified as a putative interactor with KCNE2. FLNC and KCNE2 co-localised within the cell, however, a physical interaction was only observed under hypoxic conditions. Conclusion The identification of FLNC as a novel KCNE2 ligand not only enhances current understanding of ion channel function and regulation, but also provides valuable information about possible pathways likely to be involved in LQTS pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annika Neethling
- DST/NRF Centre of Excellence in Biomedical Tuberculosis Research, SA MRC Centre for Tuberculosis Research, Division of Molecular Biology and Human Genetics, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, South Africa
| | - Jomien Mouton
- DST/NRF Centre of Excellence in Biomedical Tuberculosis Research, SA MRC Centre for Tuberculosis Research, Division of Molecular Biology and Human Genetics, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, South Africa
| | - Ben Loos
- Department of Physiological Sciences, Faculty of Science, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, South Africa
| | - Valerie Corfield
- DST/NRF Centre of Excellence in Biomedical Tuberculosis Research, SA MRC Centre for Tuberculosis Research, Division of Molecular Biology and Human Genetics, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, South Africa
| | - Carin de Villiers
- DST/NRF Centre of Excellence in Biomedical Tuberculosis Research, SA MRC Centre for Tuberculosis Research, Division of Molecular Biology and Human Genetics, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, South Africa
| | - Craig Kinnear
- DST/NRF Centre of Excellence in Biomedical Tuberculosis Research, SA MRC Centre for Tuberculosis Research, Division of Molecular Biology and Human Genetics, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, South Africa
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8
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Gómez-Sicilia À, Sikora M, Cieplak M, Carrión-Vázquez M. An Exploration of the Universe of Polyglutamine Structures. PLoS Comput Biol 2015; 11:e1004541. [PMID: 26495838 PMCID: PMC4619799 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pcbi.1004541] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2015] [Accepted: 09/08/2015] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Deposits of misfolded proteins in the human brain are associated with the development of many neurodegenerative diseases. Recent studies show that these proteins have common traits even at the monomer level. Among them, a polyglutamine region that is present in huntingtin is known to exhibit a correlation between the length of the chain and the severity as well as the earliness of the onset of Huntington disease. Here, we apply bias exchange molecular dynamics to generate structures of polyglutamine expansions of several lengths and characterize the resulting independent conformations. We compare the properties of these conformations to those of the standard proteins, as well as to other homopolymeric tracts. We find that, similar to the previously studied polyvaline chains, the set of possible transient folds is much broader than the set of known-to-date folds, although the conformations have different structures. We show that the mechanical stability is not related to any simple geometrical characteristics of the structures. We demonstrate that long polyglutamine expansions result in higher mechanical stability than the shorter ones. They also have a longer life span and are substantially more prone to form knotted structures. The knotted region has an average length of 35 residues, similar to the typical threshold for most polyglutamine-related diseases. Similarly, changes in shape and mechanical stability appear once the total length of the peptide exceeds this threshold of 35 glutamine residues. We suggest that knotted conformers may also harm the cellular machinery and thus lead to disease. Misfolding and aggregation of several proteins are known to be related to neurodegenerative diseases. Among them, polyglutamine expansions are known to be responsible for at least 9 diseases, including Huntington. Nonetheless, the structural properties of these intrinsically disordered proteins are difficult to study using classical techniques because of their rapid fluctuations that result in high conformational polymorphism. Here, we use molecular dynamics simulations to study polyglutamines of different chain lengths, starting with short non-pathogenic ones, and study the independent structures they are able to form. We characterize all structures by their geometrical properties, connectivity, putative mechanical stability and residence time (life span). Similar to the findings of a previous study with polyvalines, only some of the conformers are similar to those found in natural globular proteins. Moreover, we find structures that contain knots in both polyglutamine and polyvaline 60-mers, although the former contains many more knotted conformers than the latter. We suggest that these knotted conformers may impair the cell machinery for degradation and eventually lead to toxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Àngel Gómez-Sicilia
- Intituto Cajal/CSIC, Madrid, Spain
- Instituto Madrileño de Estudios Avanzados en Nanociencia (IMDEA-Nanociencia),Madrid, Spain
| | - Mateusz Sikora
- Institute of Science and Technology Austria, Klosterneuburg, Austria
| | | | - Mariano Carrión-Vázquez
- Intituto Cajal/CSIC, Madrid, Spain
- Instituto Madrileño de Estudios Avanzados en Nanociencia (IMDEA-Nanociencia),Madrid, Spain
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9
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van Kogelenberg M, Clark AR, Jenkins Z, Morgan T, Anandan A, Sawyer GM, Edwards M, Dudding T, Homfray T, Castle B, Tolmie J, Stewart F, Kivuva E, Pilz DT, Gabbett M, Sutherland-Smith AJ, Robertson SP. Diverse phenotypic consequences of mutations affecting the C-terminus of FLNA. J Mol Med (Berl) 2015; 93:773-82. [PMID: 25686753 DOI: 10.1007/s00109-015-1261-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2014] [Revised: 01/20/2015] [Accepted: 01/30/2015] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
UNLABELLED Filamin A, the filamentous protein encoded by the X-linked gene FLNA, cross-links cytoskeletal actin into three-dimensional networks, facilitating its role as a signalling scaffold and a mechanosensor of extrinsic shear forces. Central to these functions is the ability of FLNA to form V-shaped homodimers through its C-terminal located filamin repeat 24. Additionally, many proteins that interact with FLNA have a binding site that includes the C-terminus of the protein. Here, a cohort of patients with mutations affecting this region of the protein is studied, with particular emphasis on the phenotype of male hemizygotes. Seven unrelated families are reported, with five exhibiting a typical female presentation of periventricular heterotopia (PH), a neuronal migration disorder typically caused by loss-of-function mutations in FLNA. One male presents with widespread PH consistent with previous male phenotypes attributable to hypomorphic mutations in FLNA. In stark contrast, two brothers are described with a mild PH presentation, due to a missense mutation (p.Gly2593Glu) inserting a large negatively charged amino acid into the hydrophobic dimerisation interface of FLNA. Co-immunoprecipitation, in vitro cross-linking studies and gel filtration chromatography all demonstrated that homodimerisation of isolated FLNA repeat 24 is abolished by this p.Gly2593Glu substitution but that extended FLNA(Gly2593Glu) repeat 16-24 constructs exhibit dimerisation. These observations imply that other interactions apart from those mediated by the canonical repeat 24 dimerisation interface contribute to FLNA homodimerisation and that mutations affecting this region of the protein can have broad phenotypic effects. KEY MESSAGES • Mutations in the X-linked gene FLNA cause a spectrum of syndromes. • Genotype-phenotype correlations are emerging but still remain unclear. • C-term mutations can confer male lethality, survival or connective tissue defects. • Mutations leading to the latter affect filamin dimerisation. • This deficit is compensated for by remotely acting domains elsewhere in FLNA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Margriet van Kogelenberg
- Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, Dunedin School of Medicine, Otago University, Dunedin, New Zealand
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10
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Hudson NE, Ding F, Bucay I, O'Brien ET, Gorkun OV, Superfine R, Lord ST, Dokholyan NV, Falvo MR. Submillisecond elastic recoil reveals molecular origins of fibrin fiber mechanics. Biophys J 2014; 104:2671-80. [PMID: 23790375 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpj.2013.04.052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2012] [Revised: 04/19/2013] [Accepted: 04/22/2013] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Fibrin fibers form the structural scaffold of blood clots. Thus, their mechanical properties are of central importance to understanding hemostasis and thrombotic disease. Recent studies have revealed that fibrin fibers are elastomeric despite their high degree of molecular ordering. These results have inspired a variety of molecular models for fibrin's elasticity, ranging from reversible protein unfolding to rubber-like elasticity. An important property that has not been explored is the timescale of elastic recoil, a parameter that is critical for fibrin's mechanical function and places a temporal constraint on molecular models of fiber elasticity. Using high-frame-rate imaging and atomic force microscopy-based nanomanipulation, we measured the recoil dynamics of individual fibrin fibers and found that the recoil was orders of magnitude faster than anticipated from models involving protein refolding. We also performed steered discrete molecular-dynamics simulations to investigate the molecular origins of the observed recoil. Our results point to the unstructured αC regions of the otherwise structured fibrin molecule as being responsible for the elastic recoil of the fibers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nathan E Hudson
- Immune Disease Institute, Children's Hospital Boston, Massachusetts, USA
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11
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Abstract
Protein conformational switches alter their shape upon receiving an input signal, such as ligand binding, chemical modification, or change in environment. The apparent simplicity of this transformation--which can be carried out by a molecule as small as a thousand atoms or so--belies its critical importance to the life of the cell as well as its capacity for engineering by humans. In the realm of molecular switches, proteins are unique because they are capable of performing a variety of biological functions. Switchable proteins are therefore of high interest to the fields of biology, biotechnology, and medicine. These molecules are beginning to be exploited as the core machinery behind a new generation of biosensors, functionally regulated enzymes, and "smart" biomaterials that react to their surroundings. As inspirations for these designs, researchers continue to analyze existing examples of allosteric proteins. Recent years have also witnessed the development of new methodologies for introducing conformational change into proteins that previously had none. Herein we review examples of both natural and engineered protein switches in the context of four basic modes of conformational change: rigid-body domain movement, limited structural rearrangement, global fold switching, and folding-unfolding. Our purpose is to highlight examples that can potentially serve as platforms for the design of custom switches. Accordingly, we focus on inducible conformational changes that are substantial enough to produce a functional response (e.g., in a second protein to which it is fused), yet are relatively simple, structurally well-characterized, and amenable to protein engineering efforts.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Stewart N. Loh
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, State University of New York Upstate Medical University, 750 East Adams Street, Syracuse, NY 13210 (USA), Tel: (315)464-8731, Fax: (315)464-8750
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12
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Dokholyan NV. Physical microscopic model of proteins under force. J Phys Chem B 2012; 116:6806-9. [PMID: 22375559 DOI: 10.1021/jp212543m] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Nature has evolved proteins to counteract forces applied on living cells, and has designed proteins that can sense forces. One can appreciate Nature's ingenuity in evolving these proteins to be highly sensitive to force and to have a high dynamic force range at which they operate. To achieve this level of sensitivity, many of these proteins are composed of multiple domains and linking peptides connecting these domains, each of them having their own force response regimes. Here, using a simple model of a protein, we address the question of how each individual domain responds to force. We also ask how multidomain proteins respond to forces. We find that the end-to-end distance of individual domains under force scales linearly with force. In multidomain proteins, we find that the force response has a rich range: at low force, extension is predominantly governed by "weaker" linking peptides or domain intermediates, while at higher force, the extension is governed by unfolding of individual domains. Overall, the force extension curve comprises multiple sigmoidal transitions governed by unfolding of linking peptides and domains. Our study provides a basic framework for the understanding of protein response to force, and allows for interpretation experiments in which force is used to study the mechanical properties of multidomain proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nikolay V Dokholyan
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of North Carolina, School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599, USA.
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13
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Sutherland-Smith AJ. Filamin structure, function and mechanics: are altered filamin-mediated force responses associated with human disease? Biophys Rev 2011; 3:15-23. [PMID: 28510233 DOI: 10.1007/s12551-011-0042-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2010] [Accepted: 01/03/2011] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The cytoskeleton framework is essential not only for cell structure and stability but also for dynamic processes such as cell migration, division and differentiation. The F-actin cytoskeleton is mechanically stabilised and regulated by various actin-binding proteins, one family of which are the filamins that cross-link F-actin into networks that greatly alter the elastic properties of the cytoskeleton. Filamins also interact with cell membrane-associated extracellular matrix receptors and intracellular signalling proteins providing a potential mechanism for cells to sense their external environment by linking these signalling systems. The stiffness of the external matrix to which cells are attached is an important environmental variable for cellular behaviour. In order for a cell to probe matrix stiffness, a mechanosensing mechanism functioning via alteration of protein structure and/or binding events in response to external tension is required. Current structural, mechanical, biochemical and human disease-associated evidence suggests filamins are good candidates for a role in mechanosensing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew J Sutherland-Smith
- Institute of Molecular BioSciences, Massey University, Private Bag 11222, Palmerston North, 4442, New Zealand.
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14
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Yun S, Yun S, Guy HR. Analysis of the stabilities of hexameric amyloid-β(1-42) models using discrete molecular dynamics simulations. J Mol Graph Model 2010; 29:657-62. [PMID: 21186130 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmgm.2010.11.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2010] [Revised: 11/11/2010] [Accepted: 11/15/2010] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Amyloid-β (Aβ) oligomers appear to play a pivotal role in Alzheimer's disease. A 42 residue long alloform, Aβ42, is closely related to etiology of the disease. In vitro results show evidences of hexamers; however structures of these hexamers have not been resolved experimentally. Here, we use discrete molecular dynamics (DMD) to analyze long duration stabilities of Aβ42 hexamer models developed previously in our lab. The hydrophobic core of these models is a six-stranded β-barrel with 3-fold radial symmetry formed by residues 30-40. This core is shielded from water by residues 1-28. The nine models we analyzed differ by the relative positions of the core β-strands, and whether the other segments surrounding the core contain α helices or β-strands. A model of an annular protofibril composed of 36 Aβ peptides was also simulated. Results of these model simulations were compared with results of aggregation simulations that started from six well separated random coils of Aβ42 and with simulations of two known β-barrel structures. These results can be categorized into three groups: stable models with properties similar or superior to those of experimentally determined β-barrel proteins, aggregation-prone models, and an amorphous aggregate from random coils. Conformations at the end of the simulation for aggregation-prone models have exposed hydrophobic core with dangling β-strands on the surface. Hydrogen bond patterns within the β-barrel were a critical factor for stability of the β-barrel models. Aggregation-prone conformations imply that the association of these hexamers may be possible, which could lead to the formation of larger assemblies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sijung Yun
- Laboratory of Cell Biology, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, 37 Convent Drive, Bethesda, MD 20892-5567, USA
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15
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Dahl KN, Kalinowski A, Pekkan K. Mechanobiology and the microcirculation: cellular, nuclear and fluid mechanics. Microcirculation 2010; 17:179-91. [PMID: 20374482 DOI: 10.1111/j.1549-8719.2009.00016.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Endothelial cells are stimulated by shear stress throughout the vasculature and respond with changes in gene expression and by morphological reorganization. Mechanical sensors of the cell are varied and include cell surface sensors that activate intracellular chemical signaling pathways. Here, possible mechanical sensors of the cell including reorganization of the cytoskeleton and the nucleus are discussed in relation to shear flow. A mutation in the nuclear structural protein lamin A, related to Hutchinson-Gilford progeria syndrome, is reviewed specifically as the mutation results in altered nuclear structure and stiffer nuclei; animal models also suggest significantly altered vascular structure. Nuclear and cellular deformation of endothelial cells in response to shear stress provides partial understanding of possible mechanical regulation in the microcirculation. Increasing sophistication of fluid flow simulations inside the vessel is also an emerging area relevant to the microcirculation as visualization in situ is difficult. This integrated approach to study--including medicine, molecular and cell biology, biophysics and engineering--provides a unique understanding of multi-scale interactions in the microcirculation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kris Noel Dahl
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA.
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Kettern N, Dreiseidler M, Tawo R, Höhfeld J. Chaperone-assisted degradation: multiple paths to destruction. Biol Chem 2010; 391:481-9. [DOI: 10.1515/bc.2010.058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 132] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
Abstract
Molecular chaperones are well known as facilitators of protein folding and assembly. However, in recent years multiple chaperone-assisted degradation pathways have also emerged, including CAP (chaperone-assisted proteasomal degradation), CASA (chaperone-assisted selective autophagy), and CMA (chaperone-mediated autophagy). Within these pathways chaperones facilitate the sorting of non-native proteins to the proteasome and the lysosomal compartment for disposal. Impairment of these pathways contributes to the development of cancer, myopathies, and neurodegenerative diseases. Chaperone-assisted degradation thus represents an essential aspect of cellular proteostasis, and its pharmacological modulation holds the promise to ameliorate some of the most devastating diseases of our time. Here, we discuss recent insights into molecular mechanisms underlying chaperone-assisted degradation in mammalian cells and highlight its biomedical relevance.
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Kesner BA, Milgram SL, Temple BR, Dokholyan NV. Isoform divergence of the filamin family of proteins. Mol Biol Evol 2010; 27:283-95. [PMID: 19805437 PMCID: PMC6392560 DOI: 10.1093/molbev/msp236] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The vertebrate filamin family (A, B, and C) is part of the spectrin family of actin cross-linking proteins. Family members share high sequence similarity (>64%) and have both common and isoform-distinct functionalities. To identify the basis for isoform-specific functionality, we perform an evolutionary trace of chordate filamin at the granularity of single residues. Our trace methodology is constrained to focus on neofunctionality by requiring that one isoform remain the ancestral type, whereas at least one isoform has an accepted mutation. We call divergence meeting these characteristics "class-distinctive." To obtain a temporal and spatial context for class-distinctive residues, we derive an all-atom model of full-length filamin A by homology modeling and joining individual domains. We map onto our model both conserved and class-distinctive residues along with the period (Teleostei, Amphibian, and Mammalian) in which they diverged. Our phylogenetic analysis suggests that filamins diverged from a common ancestral gene between urochordate and vertebrate lineages. Filamins also diverged the most just after gene duplication, in the Teleostei period, with filamin C remaining closest to ancestral filamin. At the residue level, domains with well-characterized interfaces, IgFLN 17 and IgFLN 21 (immunoglobulin, Ig), have diverged in potentially critical residues in their adhesion protein-binding interfaces, signifying that isoforms may bind or regulate ligand binding differentially. Similarly, isoform divergence in a region associated with F actin-binding regulation suggests that isoforms differentially regulate F-actin binding. In addition, we observe some class-distinctive residues in the vicinity of missense mutations that cause filamin A and B-associated skeletal disorders. Our analysis, utilizing both spatial and temporal granularity, has identified potentially important residues responsible for vertebrate filamin isoform-specific divergence-significantly in regions where few binding partners have been discovered to date- and suggests yet to be discovered filamin-binding partners and isoform-specific differential regulation with these binding partners.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barry A. Kesner
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
| | - Sharon L. Milgram
- Office of Intramural Training and Education, National Institute of Health, Bethesda, MD
| | - Brenda R.S. Temple
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
- R. L. Juliano Structural Bioinformatics Core Facility, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
| | - Nikolay V. Dokholyan
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
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