Searching distant homologs of the regulatory ACT domain in phenylalanine hydroxylase

SNAT7 regulates mTORC1 via macropinocytosis

Mammalian target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1) senses amino acids to control cell growth, metabolism, and autophagy. Some amino acids signal to mTORC1 through the Rag GTPase, whereas glutamine and asparagine activate mTORC1 through a Rag GTPase-independent pathway. Here, we show that the lysosomal glutamine and asparagine transporter SNAT7 activates mTORC1 after extracellular protein, such as albumin, is macropinocytosed. The N terminus of SNAT7 forms nutrient-sensitive interaction with mTORC1 and regulates mTORC1 activation independently of the Rag GTPases. Depletion of SNAT7 inhibits albumin-induced mTORC1 lysosomal localization and subsequent activation. Moreover, SNAT7 is essential to sustain KRAS-driven pancreatic cancer cell growth through mTORC1. Thus, SNAT7 links glutamine and asparagine signaling from extracellular protein to mTORC1 independently of the Rag GTPases and is required for macropinocytosis-mediated mTORC1 activation and pancreatic cancer cell growth.

Comparative Genomic Analysis of the DUF34 Protein Family Suggests Role as a Metal Ion Chaperone or Insertase

Members of the DUF34 (domain of unknown function 34) family, also known as the NIF3 protein superfamily, are ubiquitous across superkingdoms. Proteins of this family have been widely annotated as "GTP cyclohydrolase I type 2" through electronic propagation based on one study. Here, the annotation status of this protein family was examined through a comprehensive literature review and integrative bioinformatic analyses that revealed varied pleiotropic associations and phenotypes. This analysis combined with functional complementation studies strongly challenges the current annotation and suggests that DUF34 family members may serve as metal ion insertases, chaperones, or metallocofactor maturases. This general molecular function could explain how DUF34 subgroups participate in highly diversified pathways such as cell differentiation, metal ion homeostasis, pathogen virulence, redox, and universal stress responses.

Cloning and cold-resistance analyses of CfICE1 gene in Cryptomeria fortunei

Cryptomeria fortunei is a conifer species that can attain a height of ~70 m and is cultivated for its timber as well as its ornamental value. It is a subtropical plant that prefers a warm and humid environment. Therefore, low temperature (LT) affects its growth, development, productivity and ecological distribution. Inducer of C-repeat binding factor (CBF) expression 1 (ICE1) plays an important role in the response to cold/freezing stress in plants through the CBF regulation pathway. To date, there is no research on homologue of ICE1 in C. fortunei. In this study, we first isolated the CfICE1 transcript from C. fortunei. The CfICE1 coding sequence was 1728 nucleotides encoding a 575-aa protein and contained a serine-rich motif, a basic helix-loop-helix-Zipper (bHLH-Zip), an ACT domain and a nuclear localization signal (NLS), which were conserved in ICE1 homologous genes. Phylogenetic analysis showed that CfICE1 and all dicots ICE1 proteins were clustered together. CfICE1 had transcriptional activity in yeast cells, was predominantly located in the nucleus and highly expressed in tender needles and roots. 35S::CfICE1 transgenic Arabidopsis thaliana could increase antioxidant enzyme activities and photosynthesis and reduce the malondialdehyde content compared to the wild-type to better cope with LT. Under LT, CfICE1 expression was higher; the C. fortunei clone with stronger cold resistance (CR) significantly upregulated the expression of CfICE1 compared to the weaker clone. In conclusion, these results suggest that CfICE1 plays an active role in CR, which provides a theoretical basis for breeding for CR in C. fortunei.

Structural and biochemical analysis of Bacillus anthracis prephenate dehydrogenase reveals an unusual mode of inhibition by tyrosine via the ACT domain

Tyrosine biosynthesis via the shikimate pathway is absent in humans and other animals, making it an attractive target for next-generation antibiotics, which is increasingly important due to the looming proliferation of multidrug-resistant pathogens. Tyrosine biosynthesis is also of commercial importance for the environmentally friendly production of numerous compounds, such as pharmaceuticals, opioids, aromatic polymers, and petrochemical aromatics. Prephenate dehydrogenase (PDH) catalyzes the penultimate step of tyrosine biosynthesis in bacteria: the oxidative decarboxylation of prephenate to 4-hydroxyphenylpyruvate. The majority of PDHs are competitively inhibited by tyrosine and consist of a nucleotide-binding domain and a dimerization domain. Certain PDHs, including several from pathogens on the World Health Organization priority list of antibiotic-resistant bacteria, possess an additional ACT domain. However, biochemical and structural knowledge was lacking for these enzymes. In this study, we successfully established a recombinant protein expression system for PDH from Bacillus anthracis (BaPDH), the causative agent of anthrax, and determined the structure of a BaPDH ternary complex with NAD⁺ and tyrosine, a binary complex with tyrosine, and a structure of an isolated ACT domain dimer. We also conducted detailed kinetic and biophysical analyses of the enzyme. We show that BaPDH is allosterically regulated by tyrosine binding to the ACT domains, resulting in an asymmetric conformation of the BaDPH dimer that sterically prevents prephenate binding to either active site. The presented mode of allosteric inhibition is unique compared to both the competitive inhibition established for other PDHs and to the allosteric mechanisms for other ACT-containing enzymes. This study provides new structural and mechanistic insights that advance our understanding of tyrosine biosynthesis in bacteria. ENZYMES: Prephenate dehydrogenase from Bacillus anthracis (PDH): EC database ID: 1.3.1.12. DATABASES: Coordinates and structure factors have been deposited in the Protein Data Bank (PDB) with accession numbers PDB ID: 6U60 (BaPDH complex with NAD⁺ and tyrosine), PDB ID: 5UYY (BaPDH complex with tyrosine), and PDB ID: 5V0S (BaPDH isolated ACT domain dimer). The diffraction images are available at http://proteindiffraction.org with DOIs: https://doi.org/10.18430/M35USC, https://doi.org/10.18430/M35UYY, and https://doi.org/10.18430/M35V0S.

Identification and characterization of two types of amino acid-regulated acetyltransferases in actinobacteria

One hundred and fifty GCN5-like acetyltransferases with amino acid-binding (ACT)-GCN5-related N-acetyltransferase (GNAT) domain organization have been identified in actinobacteria. The ACT domain is fused to the GNAT domain, conferring amino acid-induced allosteric regulation to these protein acetyltransferases (Pat) (amino acid sensing acetyltransferase, (AAPatA)). Members of the AAPatA family share similar secondary structure and are divided into two groups based on the allosteric ligands of the ACT domain: the asparagine (Asn)-activated PatA and the cysteine (Cys)-activated PatA. The former are mainly found in Streptomyces; the latter are distributed in other actinobacteria. We investigated the effect of Asn and Cys on the acetylation activity of Sven_0867 (SvePatA, from Streptomyces venezuelae DSM 40230) and Amir_5672 (AmiPatA, from Actinosynnema mirum strain DSM 43827), respectively, as well as the relationship between the structure and function of these enzymes. These findings indicate that the activity of PatA and acetylation level of proteins may be closely correlated with intracellular concentrations of Asn and Cys in actinobacteria. Amino acid-sensing signal transduction in acetyltransferases may be a mechanism that regulates protein acetylation in response to nutrient availability. Future work examining the relationship between protein acetylation and amino acid metabolism will broaden our understanding of post-translational modifications (PTMs) in feedback regulation.

Structural mechanism for the arginine sensing and regulation of CASTOR1 in the mTORC1 signaling pathway

The mTOR complex I (mTORC1) signaling pathway controls many metabolic processes and is regulated by amino acid signals, especially arginine. CASTOR1 has been identified as the cytosolic arginine sensor for the mTORC1 pathway, but the molecular mechanism of how it senses arginine is elusive. Here, by determining the crystal structure of human CASTOR1 in complex with arginine, we found that an exquisitely tailored pocket, carved between the NTD and the CTD domains of CASTOR1, is employed to recognize arginine. Mutation of critical residues in this pocket abolished or diminished arginine binding. By comparison with structurally similar aspartate kinases, a surface patch of CASTOR1-NTD on the opposite side of the arginine-binding site was identified to mediate direct physical interaction with its downstream effector GATOR2, via GATOR2 subunit Mios. Mutation of this surface patch disrupted CASTOR1’s recognition and inhibition of GATOR2, revealed by in vitro pull-down assay. Normal mode (NM) analysis revealed an ‘open’-to-‘closed’ conformational change for CASTOR1, which is correlated to the switching between the exposing and concealing of its GATOR2-binding residues, and is most likely related to arginine binding. Interestingly, the GATOR2-binding sites on the two protomers of CASTOR1 dimer face the same direction, which prompted us to propose a model for how dimerization of CASTOR1 relieves the inhibition of GATOR1 by GATOR2. Our study thus provides a thorough analysis on how CASTOR1 recognizes arginine, and describes a possible mechanism of how arginine binding induces the inter-domain movement of CASTOR1 to affect its association with GATOR2.

The CASTOR Proteins Are Arginine Sensors for the mTORC1 Pathway

Amino acids signal to the mTOR complex I (mTORC1) growth pathway through the Rag GTPases. Multiple distinct complexes regulate the Rags, including GATOR1, a GTPase activating protein (GAP), and GATOR2, a positive regulator of unknown molecular function. Arginine stimulation of cells activates mTORC1, but how it is sensed is not well understood. Recently, SLC38A9 was identified as a putative lysosomal arginine sensor required for arginine to activate mTORC1 but how arginine deprivation represses mTORC1 is unknown. Here, we show that CASTOR1, a previously uncharacterized protein, interacts with GATOR2 and is required for arginine deprivation to inhibit mTORC1. CASTOR1 homodimerizes and can also heterodimerize with the related protein, CASTOR2. Arginine disrupts the CASTOR1-GATOR2 complex by binding to CASTOR1 with a dissociation constant of ~30 μM, and its arginine-binding capacity is required for arginine to activate mTORC1 in cells. Collectively, these results establish CASTOR1 as an arginine sensor for the mTORC1 pathway.

Allosteric ACTion: the varied ACT domains regulating enzymes of amino-acid metabolism

Allosteric regulation of enzyme activity plays important metabolic roles. Here we review the allostery of enzymes of amino-acid metabolism conferred by a discrete domain known as the ACT domain. This domain of 60-70 residues has a βαββαβ topology leading to a four-stranded β4β1β3β2 antiparallel sheet with two antiparallel helices on one face. Extensive sequence variation requires a combined sequence/structure/function analysis for identification of the ACT domain. Common features include highly varied modes of self-association of ACT domains, ligand binding at domain interfaces, and transmittal of allosteric signals through conformational changes and/or the manipulation of quaternary equilibria. A recent example illustrates the relatively facile adoption of this versatile module of allostery by gene fusion.

Structural features of the regulatory ACT domain of phenylalanine hydroxylase

Phenylalanine hydroxylase (PAH) catalyzes the conversion of L-Phe to L-Tyr. Defects in PAH activity, caused by mutations in the human gene, result in the autosomal recessively inherited disease hyperphenylalaninemia. PAH activity is regulated by multiple factors, including phosphorylation and ligand binding. In particular, PAH displays positive cooperativity for L-Phe, which is proposed to bind the enzyme on an allosteric site in the N-terminal regulatory domain (RD), also classified as an ACT domain. This domain is found in several proteins and is able to bind amino acids. We used molecular dynamics simulations to obtain dynamical and structural insights into the isolated RD of PAH. Here we show that the principal motions involve conformational changes leading from an initial open to a final closed domain structure. The global intrinsic motions of the RD are correlated with exposure to solvent of a hydrophobic surface, which corresponds to the ligand binding-site of the ACT domain. Our results strongly suggest a relationship between the Phe-binding function and the overall dynamic behaviour of the enzyme. This relationship may be affected by structure-disturbing mutations. To elucidate the functional implications of the mutations, we investigated the structural effects on the dynamics of the human RD PAH induced by six missense hyperphenylalaninemia-causing mutations, namely p.G46S, p.F39C, p.F39L, p.I65S, p.I65T and p.I65V. These studies showed that the alterations in RD hydrophobic interactions induced by missense mutations could affect the functionality of the whole enzyme.

Engineering allosteric control to an unregulated enzyme by transfer of a regulatory domain

Allosteric regulation of protein function is a critical component of metabolic control. Its importance is underpinned by the diversity of mechanisms and its presence in all three domains of life. The first enzyme of the aromatic amino acid biosynthesis, 3-deoxy-D-arabino-heptulosonate 7-phosphate synthase, shows remarkable variation in allosteric response and machinery, and both contemporary regulated and unregulated orthologs have been described. To examine the molecular events by which allostery can evolve, we have generated a chimeric protein by joining the catalytic domain of an unregulated 3-deoxy-D-arabino-heptulosonate 7-phosphate synthase with the regulatory domain of a regulated enzyme. We demonstrate that this simple gene fusion event on its own is sufficient to confer functional allostery to the unregulated enzyme. The fusion protein shares structural similarities with its regulated parent protein and undergoes an analogous major conformational change in response to the binding of allosteric effector tyrosine to the regulatory domain. These findings help delineate a remarkably facile mechanism for the evolution of modular allostery by domain recruitment.

Scallop phenylalanine hydroxylase implicates in immune response and can be induced by human TNF-α

Phenylalanine hydroxylase (PAH) is an important metabolic enzyme of aromatic amino acids, which is responsible for the irreversible oxidation of phenylalanine to tyrosine. In the present study, the full-length cDNA encoding PAH from Chlamys farreri (designated CfPAH) was cloned by using rapid amplification of cDNA ends (RACE) approaches and expression sequence tag (EST) analysis. The open reading frame of CfPAH encoded a polypeptide of 460 amino acids, and its sequence shared 64.4-74.2% similarity with those of PAHs from other animals. There were an N-terminal regulatory ACT domain and a C-terminal catalytic Biopterin_H domain in the deduced CfPAH protein. The mRNA transcripts of CfPAH could be detected in all the tested tissues, including adductor muscle, mantle, gill, gonad, haemocytes and hepatopancreas. And its expression level in haemocytes was increased significantly during 3-48 h after bacteria Vibrio anguillarum challenge with the highest level (9.1-fold, P < 0.05) at 24 h. Furthermore, the mRNA expression of CfPAH in haemocytes also increased significantly to 2.6-fold (P < 0.05) at 4 h and 3.3-fold (P < 0.05) at 6 h after the stimulation of 50.0 ng mL(-1) human TNF-α. The cDNA fragment encoding the mature peptide of CfPAH was recombined and expressed in the prokaryotic expression system, and 1 mg recombinant CfPAH protein (rCfPAH) could catalyze the conversion of 192.23 ± 32.35 nmol phenylalanine to tyrosine within 1 min (nmol min(-1) mg(-1) protein) in vitro. These results indicated collectively that CfPAH, as a homologue of phenylalanine hydroxylase in scallop C. farreri, could be induced by cytokine and involved in the immunomodulation of scallops by supplying the starting material tyrosine for the synthesis of melanin and catecholamines.

The ACR11 encodes a novel type of chloroplastic ACT domain repeat protein that is coordinately expressed with GLN2 in Arabidopsis

BACKGROUND

The ACT domain, named after bacterial aspartate kinase, chorismate mutase and TyrA (prephenate dehydrogenase), is a regulatory domain that serves as an amino acid-binding site in feedback-regulated amino acid metabolic enzymes. We have previously identified a novel type of ACT domain-containing protein family, the ACT domain repeat (ACR) protein family, in Arabidopsis. Members of the ACR family, ACR1 to ACR8, contain four copies of the ACT domain that extend throughout the entire polypeptide. Here, we describe the identification of four novel ACT domain-containing proteins, namely ACR9 to ACR12, in Arabidopsis. The ACR9 and ACR10 proteins contain three copies of the ACT domain, whereas the ACR11 and ACR12 proteins have a putative transit peptide followed by two copies of the ACT domain. The functions of these plant ACR proteins are largely unknown.

RESULTS

The ACR11 and ACR12 proteins are predicted to target to chloroplasts. We used protoplast transient expression assay to demonstrate that the Arabidopsis ACR11- and ACR12-green fluorescent fusion proteins are localized to the chloroplast. Analysis of an ACR11 promoter-β-glucuronidase (GUS) fusion in transgenic Arabidopsis revealed that the GUS activity was mainly detected in mature leaves and sepals. Interestingly, coexpression analysis revealed that the GLN2, which encodes a chloroplastic glutamine synthetase, has the highest mutual rank in the coexpressed gene network connected to ACR11. We used RNA gel blot analysis to confirm that the expression pattern of ACR11 is similar to that of GLN2 in various organs from 6-week-old Arabidopsis. Moreover, the expression of ACR11 and GLN2 is highly co-regulated by sucrose and light/dark treatments in 2-week-old Arabidopsis seedlings.

CONCLUSIONS

This study reports the identification of four novel ACT domain repeat proteins, ACR9 to ACR12, in Arabidopsis. The ACR11 and ACR12 proteins are localized to the chloroplast, and the expression of ACR11 and GLN2 is highly coordinated. These results suggest that the ACR11 and GLN2 genes may belong to the same functional module. The Arabidopsis ACR11 protein may function as a regulatory protein that is related to glutamine metabolism or signaling in the chloroplast.

The G46S-hPAH mutant protein: a model to study the rescue of aggregation-prone PKU mutations by chaperones

Phenylketonuria (PKU), the most common inborn error of metabolism, is caused by dysfunction of the liver enzyme phenylalanine hydroxylase (PAH), with more than 550 PAH gene mutations identified to date. A large number of these mutations result in mutant forms of the enzyme displaying reduced stability, increased propensity to aggregate, and accelerated in cellulo degradation. Loss or reduction of human PAH activity results in hyperphenylalaninemia (HPA) which, if untreated, results in severe mental retardation and impaired cognitive development. Until now, strict low phenylalanine diet has been the most effective therapy, but as a protein misfolding disease PKU is a good candidate for treatment by natural/chemical/pharmacological chaperones. The natural cofactor of human PAH, (6R)-L-erythro-5,6,7,8-tetrahydrobiopterin (BH(4)), has already been approved for oral treatment of HPA, giving a positive response in mild forms of the disease showing considerable residual enzymatic activity. In the case of the most severe forms of PKU, ongoing studies with chemical and pharmacological chaperones to rescue misfolded mutant proteins from aggregation and degradation are providing promising results. The PKU mutation G46S is associated with a severe form of the disease, resulting in an aggregation-prone protein. The human PAH mutant G46S is rapidly degraded in the cellular environment and, in vitro (upon removal of its stabilizing fusion partner maltose binding protein (MBP)) self-associates to form higher-order oligomers/fibrils. Here, we present an in vitro experimental model system to study the modulation of G46S aggregation by chemical/pharmacological chaperones, which may represent a useful approach to study the rescue of other severe PKU mutations by chemical/pharmacological chaperones.

Phylogenetic analysis and evolution of aromatic amino acid hydroxylase

A study was performed to investigate the phylogenetic relationship among AAAH members and to statistically evaluate sequence conservation and functional divergence. In total, 161 genes were identified from 103 species. Phylogenetic analysis showed that well-conserved subfamilies exist. Exon-intron structure analysis showed that the gene structures of AAAH were highly conserved across some different lineage species, while some species-specific introns were also found. The dynamic distribution of ACT domain suggested one gene fusion event has occurred in eukaryota. Significant functional divergence was found between some subgroups. Analysis of the site-specific profiles revealed critical amino acid residues for functional divergence. This study highlights the molecular evolution of this family and may provide a starting point for further experimental verifications.