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Auger SA, Venkatachalapathy S, Suazo KFG, Wang Y, Sarkis AW, Bernhagen K, Justyna K, Schaefer JV, Wollack JW, Plückthun A, Li L, Distefano MD. Broadening the Utility of Farnesyltransferase-Catalyzed Protein Labeling Using Norbornene-Tetrazine Click Chemistry. Bioconjug Chem 2024; 35:922-933. [PMID: 38654427 DOI: 10.1021/acs.bioconjchem.4c00072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/26/2024]
Abstract
Bioorthogonal chemistry has gained widespread use in the study of many biological systems of interest, including protein prenylation. Prenylation is a post-translational modification, in which one or two 15- or 20-carbon isoprenoid chains are transferred onto cysteine residues near the C-terminus of a target protein. The three main enzymes─protein farnesyltransferase (FTase), geranylgeranyl transferase I (GGTase I), and geranylgeranyl transferase II (GGTase II)─that catalyze this process have been shown to tolerate numerous structural modifications in the isoprenoid substrate. This feature has previously been exploited to transfer an array of farnesyl diphosphate analogues with a range of functionalities, including an alkyne-containing analogue for copper-catalyzed bioconjugation reactions. Reported here is the synthesis of an analogue of the isoprenoid substrate embedded with norbornene functionality (C10NorOPP) that can be used for an array of applications, ranging from metabolic labeling to selective protein modification. The probe was synthesized in seven steps with an overall yield of 7% and underwent an inverse electron demand Diels-Alder (IEDDA) reaction with tetrazine-containing tags, allowing for copper-free labeling of proteins. The use of C10NorOPP for the study of prenylation was explored in the metabolic labeling of prenylated proteins in HeLa, COS-7, and astrocyte cells. Furthermore, in HeLa cells, these modified prenylated proteins were identified and quantified using label-free quantification (LFQ) proteomics with 25 enriched prenylated proteins. Additionally, the unique chemistry of C10NorOPP was utilized for the construction of a multiprotein-polymer conjugate for the targeted labeling of cancer cells. That construct was prepared using a combination of norbornene-tetrazine conjugation and azide-alkyne cycloaddition, highlighting the utility of the additional degree of orthogonality for the facile assembly of new protein conjugates with novel structures and functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shelby A Auger
- Department of Chemistry, University of Minnesota─Twin Cities, 207 Pleasant Street, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455, United States
| | - Sneha Venkatachalapathy
- Department of Chemistry, University of Minnesota─Twin Cities, 207 Pleasant Street, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455, United States
| | - Kiall Francis G Suazo
- Department of Chemistry, University of Minnesota─Twin Cities, 207 Pleasant Street, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455, United States
| | - Yiao Wang
- Department of Chemistry, University of Minnesota─Twin Cities, 207 Pleasant Street, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455, United States
| | - Alexander W Sarkis
- Department of Chemistry, University of Minnesota─Twin Cities, 207 Pleasant Street, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455, United States
| | - Kaitlyn Bernhagen
- Department of Chemistry, University of Minnesota─Twin Cities, 207 Pleasant Street, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455, United States
| | - Katarzyna Justyna
- Department of Chemistry, University of Minnesota─Twin Cities, 207 Pleasant Street, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455, United States
| | - Jonas V Schaefer
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Zurich, Zurich CH-8057, Switzerland
| | - James W Wollack
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, St. Catherine University, 2004 Randolph Avenue, St. Paul, Minnesota 55105, United States
| | - Andreas Plückthun
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Zurich, Zurich CH-8057, Switzerland
| | - Ling Li
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology, University of Minnesota─Twin Cities, 2001 6th Street SE, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455, United States
| | - Mark D Distefano
- Department of Chemistry, University of Minnesota─Twin Cities, 207 Pleasant Street, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455, United States
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Notghi P, Mehranjani MS, Shariatzadeh SMA. Atorvastatin improves ovarian function and follicular reserve in rats with premature ovarian insufficiency. Reprod Biomed Online 2024; 49:104324. [PMID: 39197401 DOI: 10.1016/j.rbmo.2024.104324] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2024] [Revised: 06/01/2024] [Accepted: 06/10/2024] [Indexed: 09/01/2024]
Abstract
RESEARCH QUESTION Can atorvastatin, with its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-apoptotic properties, improve ovarian function and follicular reserve in rats with cyclophosphamide-induced premature ovarian insufficiency (POI)? DESIGN In this experimental study, 24 adult female Wistar rats were divided into four groups: control; POI; POI + atorvastatin; and atorvastatin. After treatment with atorvastatin, serum concentrations of total antioxidant capacity, glutathione, malondialdehyde, FSH, oestradiol, anti-Müllerian hormone, tumour necrosis factor-alpha and interleukin-6 were evaluated. Additionally, mRNA and protein expression of Bax, Bcl-2 and VEGF-A; number of follicles; and total volume of the ovary, and volumes of the cortex and medulla were examined. RESULTS The results showed that serum concentrations of total antioxidant capacity (P < 0.001), glutathione, oestradiol and anti-Müllerian hormone (P < 0.05); mRNA and protein expression of Bcl-2 and VEGF-A (P < 0.05); number of primordial and primary follicles (P < 0.001), and preantral and antral follicles (P < 0.01); and total volume of the ovary, and volume of the cortex (P < 0.05) increased significantly in the POI + atorvastatin group compared with the POI group. Serum concentrations of malondialdehyde, FSH, tumour necrosis factor-alpha and interleukin-6; and mRNA and protein expression of Bax decreased significantly in the POI + atorvastatin group compared with the POI group (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS Atorvastatin reduces the detrimental effects of cyclophosphamide in the POI model significantly by reducing oxidative stress and pro-inflammatory cytokines; regulating the expression of Bax, Bcl-2 and VEGF-A; and improving ovarian function and follicular reserve.
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Affiliation(s)
- Parmis Notghi
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Arak University, Arak, Iran
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3
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Schey GL, Hildebrandt ER, Wang Y, Diwan S, Passetti HA, Potts GW, Sprague-Getsy AM, Leoni ER, Kuebler TS, Sham YY, Hougland JL, Beese LS, Schmidt WK, Distefano MD. Library Screening, In Vivo Confirmation, and Structural and Bioinformatic Analysis of Pentapeptide Sequences as Substrates for Protein Farnesyltransferase. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:5324. [PMID: 38791363 PMCID: PMC11121372 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25105324] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2024] [Revised: 05/07/2024] [Accepted: 05/08/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Protein farnesylation is a post-translational modification where a 15-carbon farnesyl isoprenoid is appended to the C-terminal end of a protein by farnesyltransferase (FTase). This process often causes proteins to associate with the membrane and participate in signal transduction pathways. The most common substrates of FTase are proteins that have C-terminal tetrapeptide CaaX box sequences where the cysteine is the site of modification. However, recent work has shown that five amino acid sequences can also be recognized, including the pentapeptides CMIIM and CSLMQ. In this work, peptide libraries were initially used to systematically vary the residues in those two parental sequences using an assay based on Matrix Assisted Laser Desorption Ionization-Mass Spectrometry (MALDI-MS). In addition, 192 pentapeptide sequences from the human proteome were screened using that assay to discover additional extended CaaaX-box motifs. Selected hits from that screening effort were rescreened using an in vivo yeast reporter protein assay. The X-ray crystal structure of CMIIM bound to FTase was also solved, showing that the C-terminal tripeptide of that sequence interacted with the enzyme in a similar manner as the C-terminal tripeptide of CVVM, suggesting that the tripeptide comprises a common structural element for substrate recognition in both tetrapeptide and pentapeptide sequences. Molecular dynamics simulation of CMIIM bound to FTase further shed light on the molecular interactions involved, showing that a putative catalytically competent Zn(II)-thiolate species was able to form. Bioinformatic predictions of tetrapeptide (CaaX-box) reactivity correlated well with the reactivity of pentapeptides obtained from in vivo analysis, reinforcing the importance of the C-terminal tripeptide motif. This analysis provides a structural framework for understanding the reactivity of extended CaaaX-box motifs and a method that may be useful for predicting the reactivity of additional FTase substrates bearing CaaaX-box sequences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Garrett L. Schey
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA;
| | - Emily R. Hildebrandt
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA; (E.R.H.); (E.R.L.); (W.K.S.)
| | - You Wang
- Department of Biochemistry, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC 27710, USA; (Y.W.); (L.S.B.)
| | - Safwan Diwan
- Department of Chemistry, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA; (S.D.); (H.A.P.); (G.W.P.)
| | - Holly A. Passetti
- Department of Chemistry, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA; (S.D.); (H.A.P.); (G.W.P.)
| | - Gavin W. Potts
- Department of Chemistry, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA; (S.D.); (H.A.P.); (G.W.P.)
| | - Andrea M. Sprague-Getsy
- Department of Chemistry, Syracuse University, Syracuse, NY 13244, USA; (A.M.S.-G.); (J.L.H.)
| | - Ethan R. Leoni
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA; (E.R.H.); (E.R.L.); (W.K.S.)
| | - Taylor S. Kuebler
- Bioinformatics and Computational Biology Graduate Program, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA; (T.S.K.); (Y.Y.S.)
| | - Yuk Y. Sham
- Bioinformatics and Computational Biology Graduate Program, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA; (T.S.K.); (Y.Y.S.)
- Department of Integrative Biology and Physiology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
| | - James L. Hougland
- Department of Chemistry, Syracuse University, Syracuse, NY 13244, USA; (A.M.S.-G.); (J.L.H.)
- Department of Biology, Syracuse University, Syracuse, NY 13244, USA
- BioInspired Syracuse, Syracuse University, Syracuse, NY 13244, USA
| | - Lorena S. Beese
- Department of Biochemistry, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC 27710, USA; (Y.W.); (L.S.B.)
| | - Walter K. Schmidt
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA; (E.R.H.); (E.R.L.); (W.K.S.)
| | - Mark D. Distefano
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA;
- Department of Chemistry, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA; (S.D.); (H.A.P.); (G.W.P.)
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Yancey KL, Patro A, Smetak M, Perkins EL, Isaacson B, Bennett ML, O'Malley M, Haynes DS, Hunter JB. Evaluating calcium channel blockers and bisphosphonates as otoprotective agents in cochlear implantation hearing preservation candidates. Cochlear Implants Int 2024; 25:131-139. [PMID: 38738388 DOI: 10.1080/14670100.2024.2338003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/14/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Evaluate potential effects of calcium channel blockers (CCB) and bisphosphonates (BP) on residual hearing following cochlear implantation. METHODS Medications of 303 adult hearing preservation (HP) candidates (low frequency pure tone average [LFPTA] of 125, 250, and 500 Hz ≤80 dB HL) were reviewed. Postimplantation LFPTA of patients taking CCBs and BPs were compared to controls matched by age and preimplantation LFPTA. RESULTS Twenty-six HP candidates were taking a CCB (N = 14) or bisphosphonate (N = 12) at implantation. Median follow-up was 1.37 years (range 0.22-4.64y). Among subjects with initial HP, 29% (N = 2 of 7) CCB users compared to 50% (N = 2 of 4) controls subsequently lost residual hearing 3-6 months later (OR = 0.40, 95% CI = 0.04-4.32, p = 0.58). None of the four BP patients with initial HP experienced delayed loss compared to 50% (N = 2 of 4) controls with initial HP (OR = 0.00, 95% CI = 0.00-1.95, P = 0.43). Two CCB and one BP patients improved to a LFPTA <80 dB HL following initial unaided thresholds that suggested loss of residual hearing. DISCUSSION There were no significant differences in the odds of delayed loss of residual hearing with CCBs or BPs. CONCLUSION Further investigation into potential otoprotective adjuvants for maintaining residual hearing following initial successful hearing preservation is warranted, with larger cohorts and additional CCB/BP agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristen L Yancey
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Weill Cornell Medical Center/New York Presbyterian Hospital, New York, NY, USA
| | - Ankita Patro
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Miriam Smetak
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Elizabeth L Perkins
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Brandon Isaacson
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Marc L Bennett
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Matthew O'Malley
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - David S Haynes
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Jacob B Hunter
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, Philadelphia, PA, USA
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Rita L, Neumann NR, Laponogov I, Gonzalez G, Veselkov D, Pratico D, Aalizadeh R, Thomaidis NS, Thompson DC, Vasiliou V, Veselkov K. Alzheimer's disease: using gene/protein network machine learning for molecule discovery in olive oil. Hum Genomics 2023; 17:57. [PMID: 37420280 DOI: 10.1186/s40246-023-00503-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2023] [Accepted: 06/20/2023] [Indexed: 07/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) poses a profound human, social, and economic burden. Previous studies suggest that extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) may be helpful in preventing cognitive decline. Here, we present a network machine learning method for identifying bioactive phytochemicals in EVOO with the highest potential to impact the protein network linked to the development and progression of the AD. A balanced classification accuracy of 70.3 ± 2.6% was achieved in fivefold cross-validation settings for predicting late-stage experimental drugs targeting AD from other clinically approved drugs. The calibrated machine learning algorithm was then used to predict the likelihood of existing drugs and known EVOO phytochemicals to be similar in action to the drugs impacting AD protein networks. These analyses identified the following ten EVOO phytochemicals with the highest likelihood of being active against AD: quercetin, genistein, luteolin, palmitoleate, stearic acid, apigenin, epicatechin, kaempferol, squalene, and daidzein (in the order from the highest to the lowest likelihood). This in silico study presents a framework that brings together artificial intelligence, analytical chemistry, and omics studies to identify unique therapeutic agents. It provides new insights into how EVOO constituents may help treat or prevent AD and potentially provide a basis for consideration in future clinical studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luís Rita
- Division of Cancer, Department of Surgery and Cancer, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Natalie R Neumann
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Ivan Laponogov
- Division of Cancer, Department of Surgery and Cancer, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Guadalupe Gonzalez
- Department of Computing, Faculty of Engineering, Imperial College London, London, UK
- Prescient Design, Genentech | Roche, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Dennis Veselkov
- Division of Cancer, Department of Surgery and Cancer, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Domenico Pratico
- Alzheimer's Center at Temple, Lewis Katz School of Medicine, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Reza Aalizadeh
- Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry, Department of Chemistry, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Panepistimiopolis Zografou, 15771, Athens, Greece
| | - Nikolaos S Thomaidis
- Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry, Department of Chemistry, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Panepistimiopolis Zografou, 15771, Athens, Greece
| | - David C Thompson
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Vasilis Vasiliou
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA.
| | - Kirill Veselkov
- Division of Cancer, Department of Surgery and Cancer, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, London, UK.
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA.
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6
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Jung D, Bachmann HS. Regulation of protein prenylation. Biomed Pharmacother 2023; 164:114915. [PMID: 37236024 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2023.114915] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2023] [Revised: 05/17/2023] [Accepted: 05/18/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Prenyltransferases (PTases) are known to play a role in embryonic development, normal tissue homeostasis and cancer by posttranslationally modifying proteins involved in these processes. They are being discussed as potential drug targets in an increasing number of diseases, ranging from Alzheimer's disease to malaria. Protein prenylation and the development of specific PTase inhibitors (PTIs) have been subject to intense research in recent decades. Recently, the FDA approved lonafarnib, a specific farnesyltransferase inhibitor that acts directly on protein prenylation; and bempedoic acid, an ATP citrate lyase inhibitor that might alter intracellular isoprenoid composition, the relative concentrations of which can exert a decisive influence on protein prenylation. Both drugs represent the first approved agent in their respective substance class. Furthermore, an overwhelming number of processes and proteins that regulate protein prenylation have been identified over the years, many of which have been proposed as molecular targets for pharmacotherapy in their own right. However, certain aspects of protein prenylation, such as the regulation of PTase gene expression or the modulation of PTase activity by phosphorylation, have attracted less attention, despite their reported influence on tumor cell proliferation. Here, we want to summarize the advances regarding our understanding of the regulation of protein prenylation and the potential implications for drug development. Additionally, we want to suggest new lines of investigation that encompass the search for regulatory elements for PTases, especially at the genetic and epigenetic levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dominik Jung
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Center for Biomedical Education and Research (ZBAF), School of Medicine, Faculty of Health, Witten/Herdecke University, Witten, Germany
| | - Hagen S Bachmann
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Center for Biomedical Education and Research (ZBAF), School of Medicine, Faculty of Health, Witten/Herdecke University, Witten, Germany.
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Ribeiro FM, Castelo-Branco M, Gonçalves J, Martins J. Visual Cortical Plasticity: Molecular Mechanisms as Revealed by Induction Paradigms in Rodents. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24054701. [PMID: 36902131 PMCID: PMC10003432 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24054701] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2023] [Revised: 02/24/2023] [Accepted: 02/26/2023] [Indexed: 03/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Assessing the molecular mechanism of synaptic plasticity in the cortex is vital for identifying potential targets in conditions marked by defective plasticity. In plasticity research, the visual cortex represents a target model for intense investigation, partly due to the availability of different in vivo plasticity-induction protocols. Here, we review two major protocols: ocular-dominance (OD) and cross-modal (CM) plasticity in rodents, highlighting the molecular signaling pathways involved. Each plasticity paradigm has also revealed the contribution of different populations of inhibitory and excitatory neurons at different time points. Since defective synaptic plasticity is common to various neurodevelopmental disorders, the potentially disrupted molecular and circuit alterations are discussed. Finally, new plasticity paradigms are presented, based on recent evidence. Stimulus-selective response potentiation (SRP) is one of the paradigms addressed. These options may provide answers to unsolved neurodevelopmental questions and offer tools to repair plasticity defects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francisco M. Ribeiro
- Coimbra Institute for Biomedical Imaging and Translational Research (CIBIT), University of Coimbra, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
- Institute for Nuclear Sciences Applied to Health (ICNAS), University of Coimbra, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Miguel Castelo-Branco
- Coimbra Institute for Biomedical Imaging and Translational Research (CIBIT), University of Coimbra, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
- Institute for Nuclear Sciences Applied to Health (ICNAS), University of Coimbra, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Joana Gonçalves
- Coimbra Institute for Biomedical Imaging and Translational Research (CIBIT), University of Coimbra, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
- Institute for Nuclear Sciences Applied to Health (ICNAS), University of Coimbra, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
- Correspondence:
| | - João Martins
- Coimbra Institute for Biomedical Imaging and Translational Research (CIBIT), University of Coimbra, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
- Institute for Nuclear Sciences Applied to Health (ICNAS), University of Coimbra, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
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Qu W, Jeong A, Zhong R, Thieschafer JS, Gram A, Li L. Deletion of Small GTPase H-Ras Rescues Memory Deficits and Reduces Amyloid Plaque-Associated Dendritic Spine Loss in Transgenic Alzheimer's Mice. Mol Neurobiol 2023; 60:495-511. [PMID: 36287323 PMCID: PMC10771223 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-022-03082-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2022] [Accepted: 09/27/2022] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a fatal neurodegenerative disorder, affecting millions of lives without a cure. While the molecular mechanism of AD remains obscure, emerging evidence suggests that small GTPases, a group of GTP-binding proteins that regulate a plethora of essential cellular events, modulate the pathogenic process of AD. Among those, the small GTPase H-Ras, extensively studied in cancer, regulates synaptic function, and both upstream and downstream signaling pathways of H-Ras have been implicated in AD. However, the role of H-Ras per se in AD pathogenesis had not been explored previously. In the present study, the impact of Hras deletion on cognitive function and amyloid pathology was investigated in transgenic APP/PS1 mice of AD. Behavioral assessments showed that the absence of Hras rescued spatial memory deficit in APP/PS1 mice at 9 months of age. The pathological evaluation demonstrated that Hras deletion reduced cortical amyloid deposition and astrogliosis. Furthermore, Hras deficiency protected against amyloid plaque-associated loss of dendritic spines in APP/PS1 mice. Intriguingly, canonical signaling pathways downstream of H-Ras were not affected by the absence of Hras in the brain. Unbiased transcriptomic analysis revealed that lack of H-Ras affected the expression of select genes in the brain of AD mice and identified a novel connection between H-Ras and Annexin A4, a calcium-dependent phospholipid-binding protein that has been shown to regulate membrane repair, neuroinflammation, and calcium homeostasis. Taken together, these data indicate that H-Ras modifies the pathogenic process of AD and may serve as a potential therapeutic target for AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenhui Qu
- Graduate Program in Neuroscience, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, 55455, USA
- Department of Pathology & Cell Biology, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, 10032, USA
| | - Angela Jeong
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, 55455, USA
- Division of Pharmacotherapy and Experimental Therapeutics, Eshelman School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, USA
| | - Rui Zhong
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, 55455, USA
| | - Josslen S Thieschafer
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, 55455, USA
| | - Andrea Gram
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, 55455, USA
| | - Ling Li
- Graduate Program in Neuroscience, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, 55455, USA.
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, 55455, USA.
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9
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Nik Akhtar S, Bunner WP, Brennan E, Lu Q, Szatmari EM. Crosstalk between the Rho and Rab family of small GTPases in neurodegenerative disorders. Front Cell Neurosci 2023; 17:1084769. [PMID: 36779014 PMCID: PMC9911442 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2023.1084769] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2022] [Accepted: 01/06/2023] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Neurodegeneration is associated with defects in cytoskeletal dynamics and dysfunctions of the vesicular trafficking and sorting systems. In the last few decades, studies have demonstrated that the key regulators of cytoskeletal dynamics are proteins from the Rho family GTPases, meanwhile, the central hub for vesicle sorting and transport between target membranes is the Rab family of GTPases. In this regard, the role of Rho and Rab GTPases in the induction and maintenance of distinct functional and morphological neuronal domains (such as dendrites and axons) has been extensively studied. Several members belonging to these two families of proteins have been associated with many neurodegenerative disorders ranging from dementia to motor neuron degeneration. In this analysis, we attempt to present a brief review of the potential crosstalk between the Rab and Rho family members in neurodegenerative pathologies such as Alzheimer's disease (AD), Parkinson's disease (PD), Huntington disease, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).
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Affiliation(s)
- Shayan Nik Akhtar
- The Harriet and John Wooten Laboratory for Alzheimer’s and Neurodegenerative Diseases Research, Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC, United States
| | - Wyatt P. Bunner
- Laboratory of Neuroscience, Department of Physical Therapy, College of Allied Health Sciences, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC, United States
| | - Elizabeth Brennan
- Laboratory of Neuroscience, Department of Physical Therapy, College of Allied Health Sciences, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC, United States
| | - Qun Lu
- The Harriet and John Wooten Laboratory for Alzheimer’s and Neurodegenerative Diseases Research, Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC, United States,*Correspondence: Erzsebet M. Szatmari Qun Lu
| | - Erzsebet M. Szatmari
- Laboratory of Neuroscience, Department of Physical Therapy, College of Allied Health Sciences, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC, United States,*Correspondence: Erzsebet M. Szatmari Qun Lu
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Jeong A, Auger SA, Maity S, Fredriksen K, Zhong R, Li L, Distefano MD. In Vivo Prenylomic Profiling in the Brain of a Transgenic Mouse Model of Alzheimer's Disease Reveals Increased Prenylation of a Key Set of Proteins. ACS Chem Biol 2022; 17:2863-2876. [PMID: 36109170 PMCID: PMC9799064 DOI: 10.1021/acschembio.2c00486] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
Dysregulation of protein prenylation has been implicated in many diseases, including Alzheimer's disease (AD). Prenylomic analysis, the combination of metabolic incorporation of an isoprenoid analogue (C15AlkOPP) into prenylated proteins with a bottom-up proteomic analysis, has allowed the identification of prenylated proteins in various cellular models. Here, transgenic AD mice were administered with C15AlkOPP through intracerebroventricular (ICV) infusion over 13 days. Using prenylomic analysis, 36 prenylated proteins were enriched in the brains of AD mice. Importantly, the prenylated forms of 15 proteins were consistently upregulated in AD mice compared to nontransgenic wild-type controls. These results highlight the power of this in vivo metabolic labeling approach to identify multiple post-translationally modified proteins that may serve as potential therapeutic targets for a disease that has proved refractory to treatment thus far. Moreover, this method should be applicable to many other types of protein modifications, significantly broadening its scope.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angela Jeong
- University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, 55455 USA
| | | | - Sanjay Maity
- University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, 55455 USA
| | | | - Rui Zhong
- University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, 55455 USA
| | - Ling Li
- University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, 55455 USA
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11
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Pisanti S, Rimondi E, Pozza E, Melloni E, Zauli E, Bifulco M, Martinelli R, Marcuzzi A. Prenylation Defects and Oxidative Stress Trigger the Main Consequences of Neuroinflammation Linked to Mevalonate Pathway Deregulation. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19159061. [PMID: 35897423 PMCID: PMC9332440 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19159061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2022] [Revised: 07/20/2022] [Accepted: 07/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/10/2022]
Abstract
The cholesterol biosynthesis represents a crucial metabolic pathway for cellular homeostasis. The end products of this pathway are sterols, such as cholesterol, which are essential components of cell membranes, precursors of steroid hormones, bile acids, and other molecules such as ubiquinone. Furthermore, some intermediates of this metabolic system perform biological activity in specific cellular compartments, such as isoprenoid molecules that can modulate different signal proteins through the prenylation process. The defects of prenylation represent one of the main causes that promote the activation of inflammation. In particular, this mechanism, in association with oxidative stress, induces a dysfunction of the mitochondrial activity. The purpose of this review is to describe the pleiotropic role of prenylation in neuroinflammation and to highlight the consequence of the defects of prenylation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simona Pisanti
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry ′Scuola Medica Salernitana′, University of Salerno, 84081 Baronissi, Italy; (S.P.); (R.M.)
| | - Erika Rimondi
- Department of Translational Medicine, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (E.P.); (E.Z.); (A.M.)
- LTTA Centre, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
- Correspondence: (E.R.); (E.M.)
| | - Elena Pozza
- Department of Translational Medicine, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (E.P.); (E.Z.); (A.M.)
| | - Elisabetta Melloni
- Department of Translational Medicine, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (E.P.); (E.Z.); (A.M.)
- LTTA Centre, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
- Correspondence: (E.R.); (E.M.)
| | - Enrico Zauli
- Department of Translational Medicine, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (E.P.); (E.Z.); (A.M.)
| | - Maurizio Bifulco
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnologies, University of Naples “Federico II”, 80131 Naples, Italy;
| | - Rosanna Martinelli
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry ′Scuola Medica Salernitana′, University of Salerno, 84081 Baronissi, Italy; (S.P.); (R.M.)
| | - Annalisa Marcuzzi
- Department of Translational Medicine, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (E.P.); (E.Z.); (A.M.)
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12
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Schey GL, Buttery PH, Hildebrandt ER, Novak SX, Schmidt WK, Hougland JL, Distefano MD. MALDI-MS Analysis of Peptide Libraries Expands the Scope of Substrates for Farnesyltransferase. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms222112042. [PMID: 34769472 PMCID: PMC8584866 DOI: 10.3390/ijms222112042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2021] [Revised: 11/02/2021] [Accepted: 11/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Protein farnesylation is a post-translational modification where a 15-carbon farnesyl isoprenoid is appended to the C-terminal end of a protein by farnesyltransferase (FTase). This modification typically causes proteins to associate with the membrane and allows them to participate in signaling pathways. In the canonical understanding of FTase, the isoprenoids are attached to the cysteine residue of a four-amino-acid CaaX box sequence. However, recent work has shown that five-amino-acid sequences can be recognized, including the pentapeptide CMIIM. This paper describes a new systematic approach to discover novel peptide substrates for FTase by combining the combinatorial power of solid-phase peptide synthesis (SPPS) with the ease of matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization-mass spectrometry (MALDI-MS). The workflow consists of synthesizing focused libraries containing 10-20 sequences obtained by randomizing a synthetic peptide at a single position. Incubation of the library with FTase and farnesyl pyrophosphate (FPP) followed by mass spectrometric analysis allows the enzymatic products to be clearly resolved from starting peptides due to the increase in mass that occurs upon farnesylation. Using this method, 30 hits were obtained from a series of libraries containing a total of 80 members. Eight of the above peptides were selected for further evaluation, reflecting a mixture that represented a sampling of diverse substrate space. Six of these sequences were found to be bona fide substrates for FTase, with several meeting or surpassing the in vitro efficiency of the benchmark sequence CMIIM. Experiments in yeast demonstrated that proteins bearing these sequences can be efficiently farnesylated within live cells. Additionally, a bioinformatics search showed that a variety of pentapeptide CaaaX sequences can be found in the mammalian genome, and several of these sequences display excellent farnesylation in vitro and in yeast cells, suggesting that the number of farnesylated proteins within mammalian cells may be larger than previously thought.
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Affiliation(s)
- Garrett L. Schey
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA;
| | - Peter H. Buttery
- Department of Chemistry, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA;
| | - Emily R. Hildebrandt
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA; (E.R.H.); (W.K.S.)
| | - Sadie X. Novak
- Department of Chemistry, Syracuse University, Syracuse, NY 13244, USA; (S.X.N.); (J.L.H.)
| | - Walter K. Schmidt
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA; (E.R.H.); (W.K.S.)
| | - James L. Hougland
- Department of Chemistry, Syracuse University, Syracuse, NY 13244, USA; (S.X.N.); (J.L.H.)
- BioInspired Syracuse, Syracuse University, Syracuse, NY 13244, USA
| | - Mark D. Distefano
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA;
- Department of Chemistry, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA;
- Correspondence:
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Jeong A, Cheng S, Zhong R, Bennett DA, Bergö MO, Li L. Protein farnesylation is upregulated in Alzheimer's human brains and neuron-specific suppression of farnesyltransferase mitigates pathogenic processes in Alzheimer's model mice. Acta Neuropathol Commun 2021; 9:129. [PMID: 34315531 PMCID: PMC8314463 DOI: 10.1186/s40478-021-01231-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2021] [Accepted: 07/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
The pathogenic mechanisms underlying the development of Alzheimer's disease (AD) remain elusive and to date there are no effective prevention or treatment for AD. Farnesyltransferase (FT) catalyzes a key posttranslational modification process called farnesylation, in which the isoprenoid farnesyl pyrophosphate is attached to target proteins, facilitating their membrane localization and their interactions with downstream effectors. Farnesylated proteins, including the Ras superfamily of small GTPases, are involved in regulating diverse physiological and pathological processes. Emerging evidence suggests that isoprenoids and farnesylated proteins may play an important role in the pathogenesis of AD. However, the dynamics of FT and protein farnesylation in human brains and the specific role of neuronal FT in the pathogenic progression of AD are not known. Here, using postmortem brain tissue from individuals with no cognitive impairment (NCI), mild cognitive impairment (MCI), or Alzheimer's dementia, we found that the levels of FT and membrane-associated H-Ras, an exclusively farnesylated protein, and its downstream effector ERK were markedly increased in AD and MCI compared with NCI. To elucidate the specific role of neuronal FT in AD pathogenesis, we generated the transgenic AD model APP/PS1 mice with forebrain neuron-specific FT knockout, followed by a battery of behavioral assessments, biochemical assays, and unbiased transcriptomic analysis. Our results showed that the neuronal FT deletion mitigates memory impairment and amyloid neuropathology in APP/PS1 mice through suppressing amyloid generation and reversing the pathogenic hyperactivation of mTORC1 signaling. These findings suggest that aberrant upregulation of protein farnesylation is an early driving force in the pathogenic cascade of AD and that targeting FT or its downstream signaling pathways presents a viable therapeutic strategy against AD.
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14
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Ramazi S, Zahiri J. Posttranslational modifications in proteins: resources, tools and prediction methods. DATABASE-THE JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL DATABASES AND CURATION 2021; 2021:6214407. [PMID: 33826699 DOI: 10.1093/database/baab012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 318] [Impact Index Per Article: 106.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2020] [Revised: 02/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Posttranslational modifications (PTMs) refer to amino acid side chain modification in some proteins after their biosynthesis. There are more than 400 different types of PTMs affecting many aspects of protein functions. Such modifications happen as crucial molecular regulatory mechanisms to regulate diverse cellular processes. These processes have a significant impact on the structure and function of proteins. Disruption in PTMs can lead to the dysfunction of vital biological processes and hence to various diseases. High-throughput experimental methods for discovery of PTMs are very laborious and time-consuming. Therefore, there is an urgent need for computational methods and powerful tools to predict PTMs. There are vast amounts of PTMs data, which are publicly accessible through many online databases. In this survey, we comprehensively reviewed the major online databases and related tools. The current challenges of computational methods were reviewed in detail as well.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shahin Ramazi
- Bioinformatics and Computational Omics Lab (BioCOOL), Department of Biophysics, Faculty of Biological Sciences Tarbiat Modares University, Jalal Ale Ahmad Highway, P.O. Box: 14115-111, Tehran, Iran
| | - Javad Zahiri
- Bioinformatics and Computational Omics Lab (BioCOOL), Department of Biophysics, Faculty of Biological Sciences Tarbiat Modares University, Jalal Ale Ahmad Highway, P.O. Box: 14115-111, Tehran, Iran
- Department of Neuroscience, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
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15
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Suazo KF, Jeong A, Ahmadi M, Brown C, Qu W, Li L, Distefano MD. Metabolic labeling with an alkyne probe reveals similarities and differences in the prenylomes of several brain-derived cell lines and primary cells. Sci Rep 2021; 11:4367. [PMID: 33623102 PMCID: PMC7902609 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-83666-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2020] [Accepted: 02/03/2021] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Protein prenylation involves the attachment of one or two isoprenoid group(s) onto cysteine residues positioned near the C-terminus. This modification is essential for many signal transduction processes. In this work, the use of the probe C15AlkOPP for metabolic labeling and identification of prenylated proteins in a variety of cell lines and primary cells is explored. Using a single isoprenoid analogue, 78 prenylated protein groups from the three classes of prenylation substrates were identified including three novel prenylation substrates in a single experiment. Applying this method to three brain-related cell lines including neurons, microglia, and astrocytes showed substantial overlap (25%) in the prenylated proteins identified. In addition, some unique prenylated proteins were identified in each type. Eight proteins were observed exclusively in neurons, five were observed exclusively in astrocytes and three were observed exclusively in microglia, suggesting their unique roles in these cells. Furthermore, inhibition of farnesylation in primary astrocytes revealed the differential responses of farnesylated proteins to an FTI. Importantly, these results provide a list of 19 prenylated proteins common to all the cell lines studied here that can be monitored using the C15AlkOPP probe as well as a number of proteins that were observed in only certain cell lines. Taken together, these results suggest that this chemical proteomic approach should be useful in monitoring the levels and exploring the underlying role(s) of prenylated proteins in various diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kiall F Suazo
- Department of Chemistry, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, 55455, USA
| | - Angela Jeong
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, 55455, USA
| | - Mina Ahmadi
- Department of Chemistry, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, 55455, USA
| | - Caroline Brown
- Department of Chemistry, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, 55455, USA
| | - Wenhui Qu
- Graduate Program in Neuroscience, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, 55455, USA
| | - Ling Li
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, 55455, USA
- Graduate Program in Neuroscience, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, 55455, USA
| | - Mark D Distefano
- Department of Chemistry, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, 55455, USA.
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16
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Dhakal S. ‘The awesome power of yeast’ in Alzheimer’s disease research. MICROBIOLOGY AUSTRALIA 2021. [DOI: 10.1071/ma21034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
The difficulties in performing experimental studies related to diseases of the human brain have fostered a range of disease models from highly expensive and complex animal models to simple, robust, unicellular yeast models. Yeast models have been used in numerous studies to understand Alzheimer’s disease (AD) pathogenesis and to search for drugs targeting AD. Thanks to the conservation of fundamental eukaryotic processes including ageing and the availability of appropriate technological platforms, budding yeast are a simple model eukaryote to assist with understanding human cell biology, offering a platform to study human diseases. This article aims to provide insights from yeast models on the contributions of amyloid beta, a causative agent in AD, and recent research findings on AD chemoprevention.
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17
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Tang XM, Guo JL, Chen L, Ho PCL. Application for proteomics analysis technology in studying animal-derived traditional Chinese medicine: A review. J Pharm Biomed Anal 2020; 191:113609. [PMID: 32966940 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpba.2020.113609] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2020] [Revised: 08/28/2020] [Accepted: 08/29/2020] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
Different therapeutically active ingredients, from plants, animals, and mineral sources, are prescribed as traditional Chinese medicines (TCM). TCMs, from animal sources, are rich in proteins and peptides. Different advanced proteomics technologies, such as two-dimensional gel electrophoresis (2-DE), multi-dimensional liquid chromatography (MDLC), matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization-time of flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF-MS), and isobaric tags for relative and absolute quantitation (iTRAQ), have been applied to analyze TCMs, from animal sources. This paper reviews the common proteomic techniques for analyzing animal - derived TCMs. Various scientific studies have reported the application of proteomics for locating drug targets, identifying active components, and elucidating the mechanisms of action of animal - derived TCMs. However, these researches are still at the preliminary stage. This review has also discussed the existing challenges and future directions in this field of research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xue-Mei Tang
- College of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 611137, China
| | - Jin-Lin Guo
- College of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 611137, China
| | - Lu Chen
- College of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 611137, China.
| | - Paul Chi-Lui Ho
- Department of Pharmacy, National University of Singapore, 18 Science Drive 4, Singapore 117543, Singapore.
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18
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Qu W, Suazo KF, Liu W, Cheng S, Jeong A, Hottman D, Yuan LL, Distefano MD, Li L. Neuronal Protein Farnesylation Regulates Hippocampal Synaptic Plasticity and Cognitive Function. Mol Neurobiol 2020; 58:1128-1144. [PMID: 33098528 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-020-02169-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2020] [Accepted: 10/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Protein prenylation is a post-translational lipid modification that governs a variety of important cellular signaling pathways, including those regulating synaptic functions and cognition in the nervous system. Two enzymes, farnesyltransferase (FT) and geranylgeranyltransferase type I (GGT), are essential for the prenylation process. Genetic reduction of FT or GGT ameliorates neuropathology but only FT haplodeficiency rescues cognitive function in transgenic mice of Alzheimer's disease. A follow-up study showed that systemic or forebrain neuron-specific deficiency of GGT leads to synaptic and cognitive deficits under physiological conditions. Whether FT plays different roles in shaping neuronal functions and cognition remains elusive. This study shows that in contrast to the detrimental effects of GGT reduction, systemic haplodeficiency of FT has little to no impact on hippocampal synaptic plasticity and cognition. However, forebrain neuron-specific FT deletion also leads to reduced synaptic plasticity, memory retention, and hippocampal dendritic spine density. Furthermore, a novel prenylomic analysis identifies distinct pools of prenylated proteins that are affected in the brain of forebrain neuron-specific FT and GGT knockout mice, respectively. Taken together, this study uncovers that physiological levels of FT and GGT in neurons are essential for normal synaptic/cognitive functions and that the prenylation status of specific signaling molecules regulates neuronal functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenhui Qu
- Graduate Program in Neuroscience, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, 55455, USA
| | - Kiall F Suazo
- Department of Chemistry, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, 55455, USA
| | - Wenfeng Liu
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology, University of Minnesota, McGuire Translational Research Facility (MTRF) 4-208, 2001 6th Street SE, Minneapolis, MN, 55455, USA
| | - Shaowu Cheng
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology, University of Minnesota, McGuire Translational Research Facility (MTRF) 4-208, 2001 6th Street SE, Minneapolis, MN, 55455, USA
| | - Angela Jeong
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology, University of Minnesota, McGuire Translational Research Facility (MTRF) 4-208, 2001 6th Street SE, Minneapolis, MN, 55455, USA
| | - David Hottman
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology, University of Minnesota, McGuire Translational Research Facility (MTRF) 4-208, 2001 6th Street SE, Minneapolis, MN, 55455, USA
| | - Li-Lian Yuan
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Des Moines University, Des Moines, IA, 50312, USA
| | - Mark D Distefano
- Department of Chemistry, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, 55455, USA
| | - Ling Li
- Graduate Program in Neuroscience, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, 55455, USA. .,Department of Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology, University of Minnesota, McGuire Translational Research Facility (MTRF) 4-208, 2001 6th Street SE, Minneapolis, MN, 55455, USA. .,Graduate Program in Pharmacology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, 55455, USA.
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19
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Seist R, Tong M, Landegger LD, Vasilijic S, Hyakusoku H, Katsumi S, McKenna CE, Edge ASB, Stankovic KM. Regeneration of Cochlear Synapses by Systemic Administration of a Bisphosphonate. Front Mol Neurosci 2020; 13:87. [PMID: 32765216 PMCID: PMC7381223 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2020.00087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2020] [Accepted: 04/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) caused by noise exposure and attendant loss of glutamatergic synapses between cochlear spiral ganglion neurons (SGNs) and hair cells is the most common sensory deficit worldwide. We show here that systemic administration of a bisphosphonate to mice 24 h after synaptopathic noise exposure regenerated synapses between inner hair cells and SGNs and restored cochlear function. We further demonstrate that this effect is mediated by inhibition of the mevalonate pathway. These results are highly significant because they suggest that bisphosphonates could reverse cochlear synaptopathy for the treatment of SNHL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard Seist
- Eaton-Peabody Laboratories, Department of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery, Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Boston, MA, United States
- Department of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Paracelsus Medical University, Salzburg, Austria
| | - Mingjie Tong
- Eaton-Peabody Laboratories, Department of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery, Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Boston, MA, United States
- Department of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Lukas D. Landegger
- Eaton-Peabody Laboratories, Department of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery, Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Boston, MA, United States
- Department of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Sasa Vasilijic
- Eaton-Peabody Laboratories, Department of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery, Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Boston, MA, United States
- Department of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Hiroshi Hyakusoku
- Eaton-Peabody Laboratories, Department of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery, Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Boston, MA, United States
- Department of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Yokosuka Kyosai Hospital, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Sachiyo Katsumi
- Eaton-Peabody Laboratories, Department of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery, Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Boston, MA, United States
- Department of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Charles E. McKenna
- Department of Chemistry, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Albert S. B. Edge
- Eaton-Peabody Laboratories, Department of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery, Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Boston, MA, United States
- Department of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
- Speech and Hearing Bioscience and Technology Program, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
- Harvard Stem Cell Institute, Cambridge, MA, United States
| | - Konstantina M. Stankovic
- Eaton-Peabody Laboratories, Department of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery, Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Boston, MA, United States
- Department of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
- Speech and Hearing Bioscience and Technology Program, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
- Harvard Stem Cell Institute, Cambridge, MA, United States
- Program in Therapeutic Science, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
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20
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Scott-Solomon E, Kuruvilla R. Prenylation of Axonally Translated Rac1 Controls NGF-Dependent Axon Growth. Dev Cell 2020; 53:691-705.e7. [PMID: 32533921 DOI: 10.1016/j.devcel.2020.05.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2019] [Revised: 04/13/2020] [Accepted: 05/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Compartmentalized signaling is critical for cellular organization and specificity of functional outcomes in neurons. Here, we report that post-translational lipidation of newly synthesized proteins in axonal compartments allows for short-term and autonomous responses to extrinsic cues. Using conditional mutant mice, we found that protein prenylation is essential for sympathetic axon innervation of target organs. We identify a localized requirement for prenylation in sympathetic axons to promote axonal growth in response to the neurotrophin, nerve growth factor (NGF). NGF triggers prenylation of proteins including the Rac1 GTPase in axons, counter to the canonical view of prenylation as constitutive, and strikingly, in a manner dependent on axonal protein synthesis. Newly prenylated proteins localize to TrkA-harboring endosomes in axons and promote receptor trafficking necessary for axonal growth. Thus, coupling of prenylation to local protein synthesis presents a mechanism for spatially segregated cellular functions during neuronal development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily Scott-Solomon
- Department of Biology, Johns Hopkins University, 3400 N. Charles St, 227 Mudd Hall, Baltimore, MD 21218, USA
| | - Rejji Kuruvilla
- Department of Biology, Johns Hopkins University, 3400 N. Charles St, 227 Mudd Hall, Baltimore, MD 21218, USA.
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21
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Ramesh M, Gopinath P, Govindaraju T. Role of Post-translational Modifications in Alzheimer's Disease. Chembiochem 2020; 21:1052-1079. [PMID: 31863723 DOI: 10.1002/cbic.201900573] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2019] [Revised: 12/19/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
The global burden of Alzheimer's disease (AD) is growing. Valiant efforts to develop clinical candidates for treatment have continuously met with failure. Currently available palliative treatments are temporary and there is a constant need to search for reliable disease pathways, biomarkers and drug targets for developing diagnostic and therapeutic tools to address the unmet medical needs of AD. Challenges in drug-discovery efforts raise further questions about the strategies of current conventional diagnosis; drug design; and understanding of disease pathways, biomarkers and targets. In this context, post-translational modifications (PTMs) regulate protein trafficking, function and degradation, and their in-depth study plays a significant role in the identification of novel biomarkers and drug targets. Aberrant PTMs of disease-relevant proteins could trigger pathological pathways, leading to disease progression. Advancements in proteomics enable the generation of patterns or signatures of such modifications, and thus, provide a versatile platform to develop biomarkers based on PTMs. In addition, understanding and targeting the aberrant PTMs of various proteins provide viable avenues for addressing AD drug-discovery challenges. This review highlights numerous PTMs of proteins relevant to AD and provides an overview of their adverse effects on the protein structure, function and aggregation propensity that contribute to the disease pathology. A critical discussion offers suggestions of methods to develop PTM signatures and interfere with aberrant PTMs to develop viable diagnostic and therapeutic interventions in AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Madhu Ramesh
- Bioorganic Chemistry Laboratory, New Chemistry Unit, Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research (JNCASR), Jakkur P.O., Bengaluru, 560064, Karnataka, India
| | - Pushparathinam Gopinath
- Department of Chemistry, SRM-Institute of Science and Technology, Kattankulathur, 603203, Chennai, Tamilnadu, India
| | - Thimmaiah Govindaraju
- Bioorganic Chemistry Laboratory, New Chemistry Unit, Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research (JNCASR), Jakkur P.O., Bengaluru, 560064, Karnataka, India
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Reddy JM, Raut NGR, Seifert JL, Hynds DL. Regulation of Small GTPase Prenylation in the Nervous System. Mol Neurobiol 2020; 57:2220-2231. [PMID: 31989383 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-020-01870-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2019] [Accepted: 01/06/2020] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Mevalonate pathway inhibitors have been extensively studied for their roles in cholesterol depletion and for inhibiting the prenylation and activation of various proteins. Inhibition of protein prenylation has potential therapeutic uses against neurological disorders, like neural cancers, neurodegeneration, and neurotramatic lesions. Protection against neurodegeneration and promotion of neuronal regeneration is regulated in large part by Ras superfamily small guanosine triphosphatases (GTPases), particularly the Ras, Rho, and Rab subfamilies. These proteins are prenylated to target them to cellular membranes. Prenylation can be specifically inhibited through altering the function of enzymes of the mevalonate pathway necessary for isoprenoid production and attachment to target proteins to elicit a variety of effects on neural cells. However, this approach does not address how prenylation affects a specific protein. This review focuses on the regulation of small GTPase prenylation, the different techniques to inhibit prenylation, and how this inhibition has affected neural cell processes.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - DiAnna L Hynds
- Texas Woman's University, Denton, TX, USA.
- Woodcock Institute for the Advancement of Neurocognitive Research and Applied Practice, Texas Woman's University, PO Box 4525799, Denton, TX, 76204-5799, USA.
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Pinner AL, Mueller TM, Alganem K, McCullumsmith R, Meador-Woodruff JH. Protein expression of prenyltransferase subunits in postmortem schizophrenia dorsolateral prefrontal cortex. Transl Psychiatry 2020; 10:3. [PMID: 32066669 PMCID: PMC7026430 DOI: 10.1038/s41398-019-0610-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2018] [Revised: 09/09/2019] [Accepted: 10/03/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The pathophysiology of schizophrenia includes altered neurotransmission, dysregulated intracellular signaling pathway activity, and abnormal dendritic morphology that contribute to deficits of synaptic plasticity in the disorder. These processes all require dynamic protein-protein interactions at cell membranes. Lipid modifications target proteins to membranes by increasing substrate hydrophobicity by the addition of a fatty acid or isoprenyl moiety, and recent evidence suggests that dysregulated posttranslational lipid modifications may play a role in multiple neuropsychiatric disorders, including schizophrenia. Consistent with these emerging findings, we have recently reported decreased protein S-palmitoylation in schizophrenia. Protein prenylation is a lipid modification that occurs upstream of S-palmitoylation on many protein substrates, facilitating membrane localization and activity of key intracellular signaling proteins. Accordingly, we hypothesized that, in addition to palmitoylation, protein prenylation may be abnormal in schizophrenia. To test this, we assayed protein expression of the five prenyltransferase subunits (FNTA, FNTB, PGGT1B, RABGGTA, and RABGGTB) in postmortem dorsolateral prefrontal cortex from patients with schizophrenia and paired comparison subjects (n = 13 pairs). We found decreased levels of FNTA (14%), PGGT1B (13%), and RABGGTB (8%) in schizophrenia. To determine whether upstream or downstream factors may be driving these changes, we also assayed protein expression of the isoprenoid synthases FDPS and GGPS1 and prenylation-dependent processing enzymes RCE and ICMT. We found these upstream and downstream enzymes to have normal protein expression. To rule out effects from chronic antipsychotic treatment, we assayed FNTA, PGGT1B, and RABGGTB in the cortex from rats treated long-term with haloperidol decanoate and found no change in the expression of these proteins. Given the role prenylation plays in localization of key signaling proteins found at the synapse, these data offer a potential mechanism underlying abnormal protein-protein interactions and protein localization in schizophrenia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anita L Pinner
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurobiology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, 35294-0021, USA.
| | - Toni M Mueller
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurobiology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, 35294-0021, USA
| | - Khaled Alganem
- Department of Neurosciences, University of Toledo, Toledo, OH, 43614-2598, USA
| | | | - James H Meador-Woodruff
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurobiology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, 35294-0021, USA
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Beard HA, Barniol-Xicota M, Yang J, Verhelst SHL. Discovery of Cellular Roles of Intramembrane Proteases. ACS Chem Biol 2019; 14:2372-2388. [PMID: 31287658 DOI: 10.1021/acschembio.9b00404] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Intramembrane proteases (IMPs) are localized within lipid bilayers of membranes-either the cell membrane or membranes of various organelles. Cleavage of substrates often results in release from the membrane, leading to a downstream biological effect. This mechanism allows different signaling events to happen through intramembrane proteolysis. Over the years, various mechanistically distinct families of IMPs have been discovered, but the research progress has generally been slower than for soluble proteases due to the challenges associated with membrane proteins. In this review we summarize how each mechanistic family of IMPs was discovered, which chemical tools are available for the study of IMPs, and which techniques have been developed for the discovery of IMP substrates. Finally, we discuss the various roles in cellular physiology of some of these IMPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hester A. Beard
- KU Leuven, Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Laboratory of Chemical Biology, Herestr. 49, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Marta Barniol-Xicota
- KU Leuven, Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Laboratory of Chemical Biology, Herestr. 49, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Jian Yang
- KU Leuven, Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Laboratory of Chemical Biology, Herestr. 49, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Steven H. L. Verhelst
- KU Leuven, Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Laboratory of Chemical Biology, Herestr. 49, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
- Leibniz Institute for Analytical Sciences ISAS, Otto-Hahn-Str. 6b, 44227 Dortmund, Germany
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A Perspective: Active Role of Lipids in Neurotransmitter Dynamics. Mol Neurobiol 2019; 57:910-925. [PMID: 31595461 PMCID: PMC7031182 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-019-01775-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2019] [Accepted: 09/01/2019] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Synaptic neurotransmission is generally considered as a function of membrane-embedded receptors and ion channels in response to the neurotransmitter (NT) release and binding. This perspective aims to widen the protein-centric view by including another vital component—the synaptic membrane—in the discussion. A vast set of atomistic molecular dynamics simulations and biophysical experiments indicate that NTs are divided into membrane-binding and membrane-nonbinding categories. The binary choice takes place at the water-membrane interface and follows closely the positioning of the receptors’ binding sites in relation to the membrane. Accordingly, when a lipophilic NT is on route to a membrane-buried binding site, it adheres on the membrane and, then, travels along its plane towards the receptor. In contrast, lipophobic NTs, which are destined to bind into receptors with extracellular binding sites, prefer the water phase. This membrane-based sorting splits the neurotransmission into membrane-independent and membrane-dependent mechanisms and should make the NT binding into the receptors more efficient than random diffusion would allow. The potential implications and notable exceptions to the mechanisms are discussed here. Importantly, maintaining specific membrane lipid compositions (MLCs) at the synapses, especially regarding anionic lipids, affect the level of NT-membrane association. These effects provide a plausible link between the MLC imbalances and neurological diseases such as depression or Parkinson’s disease. Moreover, the membrane plays a vital role in other phases of the NT life cycle, including storage and release from the synaptic vesicles, transport from the synaptic cleft, as well as their synthesis and degradation.
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Biocatalyzed Synthesis of Statins: A Sustainable Strategy for the Preparation of Valuable Drugs. Catalysts 2019. [DOI: 10.3390/catal9030260] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Statins, inhibitors of 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A (HMG-CoA) reductase, are the largest selling class of drugs prescribed for the pharmacological treatment of hypercholesterolemia and dyslipidaemia. Statins also possess other therapeutic effects, called pleiotropic, because the blockade of the conversion of HMG-CoA to (R)-mevalonate produces a concomitant inhibition of the biosynthesis of numerous isoprenoid metabolites (e.g., geranylgeranyl pyrophosphate (GGPP) or farnesyl pyrophosphate (FPP)). Thus, the prenylation of several cell signalling proteins (small GTPase family members: Ras, Rac, and Rho) is hampered, so that these molecular switches, controlling multiple pathways and cell functions (maintenance of cell shape, motility, factor secretion, differentiation, and proliferation) are regulated, leading to beneficial effects in cardiovascular health, regulation of the immune system, anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive properties, prevention and treatment of sepsis, treatment of autoimmune diseases, osteoporosis, kidney and neurological disorders, or even in cancer therapy. Thus, there is a growing interest in developing more sustainable protocols for preparation of statins, and the introduction of biocatalyzed steps into the synthetic pathways is highly advantageous—synthetic routes are conducted under mild reaction conditions, at ambient temperature, and can use water as a reaction medium in many cases. Furthermore, their high selectivity avoids the need for functional group activation and protection/deprotection steps usually required in traditional organic synthesis. Therefore, biocatalysis provides shorter processes, produces less waste, and reduces manufacturing costs and environmental impact. In this review, we will comment on the pleiotropic effects of statins and will illustrate some biotransformations nowadays implemented for statin synthesis.
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Waller DD, Park J, Tsantrizos YS. Inhibition of farnesyl pyrophosphate (FPP) and/or geranylgeranyl pyrophosphate (GGPP) biosynthesis and its implication in the treatment of cancers. Crit Rev Biochem Mol Biol 2019; 54:41-60. [DOI: 10.1080/10409238.2019.1568964] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Jaeok Park
- Department of Chemistry, McGill University, Montreal, Canada
- Department of Biochemistry, McGill University, Montreal, Canada
| | - Youla S. Tsantrizos
- Department of Chemistry, McGill University, Montreal, Canada
- Department of Biochemistry, McGill University, Montreal, Canada
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Pilose Antler Extracts (PAEs) Protect against Neurodegeneration in 6-OHDA-Induced Parkinson's Disease Rat Models. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2019; 2019:7276407. [PMID: 30728849 PMCID: PMC6341246 DOI: 10.1155/2019/7276407] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2018] [Accepted: 12/12/2018] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Parkinson's disease (PD) is one of the most common neurodegenerative diseases worldwide. Although dopamine replacement therapy mitigates motor dysfunction in PD patients, there are no therapeutics that are currently available to reverse neuronal cell death in the substantia nigra pars compacta (SNc), which is the main region for dopamine loss in PD patients. The protein concentration of the Pilose antler extracts (PAEs) was estimated using the Bradford Protein Assay Kit. Hematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining was used to evaluate the protective effect of PAEs on 6-OHDA induced cell death in PD model rats. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) was used to detect the tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) positive neuronal cell in SNc. HPLC-MS was used to detect dopamine (DA), 3,4-Dihydroxyphenylacetic acid (DOPAC), homovanillic acid (HVA), 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT), 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid (5-HIAA), and glutamate (Glu) levels in the striatum and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). The amino acid level in the striatum and CSF was measured by HPLC-FLD. Protein expression of growth associated protein-43 (GAP-43) and neurofilament heavy polypeptide (NF-H) was measured using western blotting. The components of PAEs through blood vessels were detected by HPLC/MS/MS. In this study, PAEs with proteins ranging from 10 kDa to 250 kDa molecular weight was administered to 6-OHDA-induced PD rats. We found that PAEs inhibited 6-OHDA-induced neuronal cell death and TH-positive neuronal loss in SNc. PAEs administration also increased the levels of DA, DOPAC, and 5-HT, in addition to DOPAC/DA and HVA/DA indexes in the CSF and Striatum of 6-OHDA induced rats. Conversely, PAEs decreased the levels of Glu and GABA. Treatment with PAEs and Madopar increased GAP-43 and NF-H expression in the SNc and striatum. Proteomic analysis using LC/MS/MS indicated that 11 components of PAEs may have neuropharmacological effects. These results demonstrate that PAEs protects against 6-OHDA induced toxic effects in the PD rat models. Intragastric administration of PAEs may be a novel therapeutic strategy for neurodegenerative disorders like PD.
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Fracassi A, Marangoni M, Rosso P, Pallottini V, Fioramonti M, Siteni S, Segatto M. Statins and the Brain: More than Lipid Lowering Agents? Curr Neuropharmacol 2019; 17:59-83. [PMID: 28676012 PMCID: PMC6341496 DOI: 10.2174/1570159x15666170703101816] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2017] [Revised: 05/24/2017] [Accepted: 06/26/2017] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Statins represent a class of medications widely prescribed to efficiently treat dyslipidemia. These drugs inhibit 3-βhydroxy 3β-methylglutaryl Coenzyme A reductase (HMGR), the rate-limiting enzyme of mevalonate (MVA) pathway. Besides cholesterol, MVA pathway leads to the production of several other compounds, which are essential in the regulation of a plethora of biological activities, including in the central nervous system. For these reasons, statins are able to induce pleiotropic actions, and acquire increased interest as potential and novel modulators in brain processes, especially during pathological conditions. OBJECTIVE The purpose of this review is to summarize and examine the current knowledge about pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties of statins in the brain. In addition, effects of statin on brain diseases are discussed providing the most up-to-date information. METHODS Relevant scientific information was identified from PubMed database using the following keywords: statins and brain, central nervous system, neurological diseases, neurodegeneration, brain tumors, mood, stroke. RESULTS 315 scientific articles were selected and analyzed for the writing of this review article. Several papers highlighted that statin treatment is effective in preventing or ameliorating the symptomatology of a number of brain pathologies. However, other studies failed to demonstrate a neuroprotective effect. CONCLUSION Even though considerable research studies suggest pivotal functional outcomes induced by statin therapy, additional investigation is required to better determine the pharmacological effectiveness of statins in the brain, and support their clinical use in the management of different neuropathologies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Marco Segatto
- Address correspondence to this author at the Department of Sense Organs, Sapienza University, viale del Policlinico 155, 00186 Rome, Italy; E-mail:
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Sharma S, Young RJ, Chen J, Chen X, Oh EC, Schiller MR. Minimotifs dysfunction is pervasive in neurodegenerative disorders. ALZHEIMER'S & DEMENTIA (NEW YORK, N. Y.) 2018; 4:414-432. [PMID: 30225339 PMCID: PMC6139474 DOI: 10.1016/j.trci.2018.06.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Minimotifs are modular contiguous peptide sequences in proteins that are important for posttranslational modifications, binding to other molecules, and trafficking to specific subcellular compartments. Some molecular functions of proteins in cellular pathways can be predicted from minimotif consensus sequences identified through experimentation. While a role for minimotifs in regulating signal transduction and gene regulation during disease pathogenesis (such as infectious diseases and cancer) is established, the therapeutic use of minimotif mimetic drugs is limited. In this review, we discuss a general theme identifying a pervasive role of minimotifs in the pathomechanism of neurodegenerative diseases. Beyond their longstanding history in the genetics of familial neurodegeneration, minimotifs are also major players in neurotoxic protein aggregation, aberrant protein trafficking, and epigenetic regulation. Generalizing the importance of minimotifs in neurodegenerative diseases offers a new perspective for the future study of neurodegenerative mechanisms and the investigation of new therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Surbhi Sharma
- Nevada Institute of Personalized Medicine, Las Vegas, NV, USA
- School of Life Sciences, Las Vegas, NV, USA
| | - Richard J. Young
- Nevada Institute of Personalized Medicine, Las Vegas, NV, USA
- School of Life Sciences, Las Vegas, NV, USA
| | - Jingchun Chen
- Nevada Institute of Personalized Medicine, Las Vegas, NV, USA
| | - Xiangning Chen
- Nevada Institute of Personalized Medicine, Las Vegas, NV, USA
- Department of Psychology, Las Vegas, NV, USA
| | - Edwin C. Oh
- Nevada Institute of Personalized Medicine, Las Vegas, NV, USA
- School of Medicine, Las Vegas, NV, USA
| | - Martin R. Schiller
- Nevada Institute of Personalized Medicine, Las Vegas, NV, USA
- School of Life Sciences, Las Vegas, NV, USA
- School of Medicine, Las Vegas, NV, USA
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31
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Coman D, Vissers LE, Riley LG, Kwint MP, Hauck R, Koster J, Geuer S, Hopkins S, Hallinan B, Sweetman L, Engelke UF, Burrow TA, Cardinal J, McGill J, Inwood A, Gurnsey C, Waterham HR, Christodoulou J, Wevers RA, Pitt J. Squalene Synthase Deficiency: Clinical, Biochemical, and Molecular Characterization of a Defect in Cholesterol Biosynthesis. Am J Hum Genet 2018; 103:125-130. [PMID: 29909962 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajhg.2018.05.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2018] [Accepted: 05/11/2018] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Mendelian disorders of cholesterol biosynthesis typically result in multi-system clinical phenotypes, underlining the importance of cholesterol in embryogenesis and development. FDFT1 encodes for an evolutionarily conserved enzyme, squalene synthase (SS, farnesyl-pyrophosphate farnesyl-transferase 1), which catalyzes the first committed step in cholesterol biosynthesis. We report three individuals with profound developmental delay, brain abnormalities, 2-3 syndactyly of the toes, and facial dysmorphisms, resembling Smith-Lemli-Opitz syndrome, the most common cholesterol biogenesis defect. The metabolite profile in plasma and urine suggested that their defect was at the level of squalene synthase. Whole-exome sequencing was used to identify recessive disease-causing variants in FDFT1. Functional characterization of one variant demonstrated a partial splicing defect and altered promoter and/or enhancer activity, reflecting essential mechanisms for regulating cholesterol biosynthesis/uptake in steady state.
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Jeong A, Suazo KF, Wood WG, Distefano MD, Li L. Isoprenoids and protein prenylation: implications in the pathogenesis and therapeutic intervention of Alzheimer's disease. Crit Rev Biochem Mol Biol 2018; 53:279-310. [PMID: 29718780 PMCID: PMC6101676 DOI: 10.1080/10409238.2018.1458070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 90] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
The mevalonate-isoprenoid-cholesterol biosynthesis pathway plays a key role in human health and disease. The importance of this pathway is underscored by the discovery that two major isoprenoids, farnesyl and geranylgeranyl pyrophosphate, are required to modify an array of proteins through a process known as protein prenylation, catalyzed by prenyltransferases. The lipophilic prenyl group facilitates the anchoring of proteins in cell membranes, mediating protein-protein interactions and signal transduction. Numerous essential intracellular proteins undergo prenylation, including most members of the small GTPase superfamily as well as heterotrimeric G proteins and nuclear lamins, and are involved in regulating a plethora of cellular processes and functions. Dysregulation of isoprenoids and protein prenylation is implicated in various disorders, including cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases, cancers, bone diseases, infectious diseases, progeria, and neurodegenerative diseases including Alzheimer's disease (AD). Therefore, isoprenoids and/or prenyltransferases have emerged as attractive targets for developing therapeutic agents. Here, we provide a general overview of isoprenoid synthesis, the process of protein prenylation and the complexity of prenylated proteins, and pharmacological agents that regulate isoprenoids and protein prenylation. Recent findings that connect isoprenoids/protein prenylation with AD are summarized and potential applications of new prenylomic technologies for uncovering the role of prenylated proteins in the pathogenesis of AD are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angela Jeong
- Departments of Experimental and Clinical Pharmacolog,University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455
| | | | - W. Gibson Wood
- Departments of Pharmacology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455
| | - Mark D. Distefano
- Departments of Chemistry,University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455
| | - Ling Li
- Departments of Experimental and Clinical Pharmacolog,University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455
- Departments of Pharmacology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455
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Pelleieux S, Picard C, Lamarre-Théroux L, Dea D, Leduc V, Tsantrizos YS, Poirier J. Isoprenoids and tau pathology in sporadic Alzheimer's disease. Neurobiol Aging 2018; 65:132-139. [PMID: 29476987 DOI: 10.1016/j.neurobiolaging.2018.01.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2017] [Revised: 12/07/2017] [Accepted: 01/21/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The mevalonate pathway has been described to play a key role in Alzheimer's disease (AD) physiopathology. Farnesyl pyrophosphate (FPP) and geranylgeranyl pyrophosphate (GGPP) are nonsterol isoprenoids derived from mevalonate, which serve as precursors to numerous human metabolites. They facilitate protein prenylation; hFPP and hGGPP synthases act as gateway enzymes to the prenylation of the small guanosine triphosphate (GTP)ase proteins such as RhoA and cdc42 that have been shown to facilitate phospho-tau (p-Tau, i.e., protein tau phosphorylated) production in the brain. In this study, a significant positive correlation was observed between the synthases mRNA prevalence and disease status (FPPS, p < 0.001, n = 123; GGPPS, p < 0.001, n = 122). The levels of mRNA for hFPPS and hGGPPS were found to significantly correlate with the amount of p-Tau protein levels (p < 0.05, n = 34) and neurofibrillary tangle density (p < 0.05, n = 39) in the frontal cortex. Interestingly, high levels of hFPPS and hGGPPS mRNA prevalence are associated with earlier age of onset in AD (p < 0.05, n = 58). Together, these results suggest that accumulation of p-Tau in the AD brain is related, at least in part, to increased levels of neuronal isoprenoids.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandra Pelleieux
- Douglas Mental Health University Institute, McGill University, Montreal, Canada
| | - Cynthia Picard
- Douglas Mental Health University Institute, McGill University, Montreal, Canada; Center for Studies on the Prevention of Alzheimer's Disease, McGill University, Montreal, Canada
| | | | - Doris Dea
- Douglas Mental Health University Institute, McGill University, Montreal, Canada
| | - Valérie Leduc
- Douglas Mental Health University Institute, McGill University, Montreal, Canada
| | - Youla S Tsantrizos
- Department of Chemistry, McGill University, Montreal, Canada; Department of Biochemistry, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Judes Poirier
- Douglas Mental Health University Institute, McGill University, Montreal, Canada; Center for Studies on the Prevention of Alzheimer's Disease, McGill University, Montreal, Canada.
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Hottman D, Cheng S, Gram A, LeBlanc K, Yuan LL, Li L. Systemic or Forebrain Neuron-Specific Deficiency of Geranylgeranyltransferase-1 Impairs Synaptic Plasticity and Reduces Dendritic Spine Density. Neuroscience 2018; 373:207-217. [PMID: 29406266 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2018.01.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2017] [Revised: 01/03/2018] [Accepted: 01/13/2018] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
Isoprenoids and prenylated proteins regulate a variety of cellular functions, including neurite growth and synaptic plasticity. Importantly, they are implicated in the pathogenesis of several diseases, including Alzheimer's disease (AD). Recently, we have shown that two protein prenyltransferases, farnesyltransferase (FT) and geranylgeranyltransferase-1 (GGT), have differential effects in a mouse model of AD. Haplodeficiency of either FT or GGT attenuates amyloid-β deposition and neuroinflammation but only reduction in FT rescues cognitive function. The current study aimed to elucidate the potential mechanisms that may account for the lack of cognitive benefit in GGT-haplodeficient mice, despite attenuated neuropathology. The results showed that the magnitude of long-term potentiation (LTP) was markedly suppressed in hippocampal slices from GGT-haplodeficient mice. Consistent with the synaptic dysfunction, there was a significant decrease in cortical spine density and cognitive function in GGT-haplodeficient mice. To further study the neuron-specific effects of GGT deficiency, we generated conditional forebrain neuron-specific GGT-knockout (GGTf/fCre+) mice using a Cre/LoxP system under the CAMKIIα promoter. We found that both the magnitude of hippocampal LTP and the dendritic spine density of cortical neurons were decreased in GGTf/fCre+ mice compared with GGTf/fCre- mice. Immunoblot analyses of cerebral lysate showed a significant reduction in cell membrane-associated (geranylgeranylated) Rac1 and RhoA but not (farnesylated) H-Ras, in GGTf/fCre+ mice, suggesting that insufficient geranylgeranylation of the Rho family of small GTPases may underlie the detrimental effects of GGT deficiency. These findings reinforce the critical role of GGT in maintaining spine structure and synaptic/cognitive function in development and in the mature brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Hottman
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, United States
| | - Shaowu Cheng
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, United States; College of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Yuelu District, Changsha, Hunan 410208, China
| | - Andrea Gram
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, United States
| | - Kyle LeBlanc
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, United States
| | - Li-Lian Yuan
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, United States; Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Des Moines University, Des Moines, IA 50312, United States
| | - Ling Li
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, United States; Department of Pharmacology and Graduate Programs in Neuroscience, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, United States.
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Altered Brain Cholesterol/Isoprenoid Metabolism in a Rat Model of Autism Spectrum Disorders. Neuroscience 2018; 372:27-37. [PMID: 29309878 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2017.12.053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2017] [Revised: 11/28/2017] [Accepted: 12/28/2017] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) present a wide range of symptoms characterized by altered sociability, compromised communication and stereotypic/repetitive behaviors. These symptoms are caused by developmental changes, but the mechanisms remain largely unknown. Some lines of evidence suggest an impairment of the cholesterol/isoprenoid metabolism in the brain as a possible cause, but systematic analyses in rodent models of ASDs are lacking. Prenatal exposure to the antiepileptic drug valproate (VPA) is a risk factor for ASDs in humans and generates a well-established model for the disease in rodents. Here, we studied cholesterol/isoprenoid metabolism in different brain areas of infant, adolescent and adult rats prenatally exposed to VPA. VPA-treated rats present autistic-like symptoms, they show changes in cholesterol/isoprenoid homeostasis in some brain areas, a decreased number of oligodendrocytes and impaired myelination in the hippocampus. Together, our data suggest a relation between brain cholesterol/isoprenoid homeostasis and ASDs.
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Tu X, Qiu H, Lin S, He W, Huang G, Zhang X, Wu Y, He J. Low levels of serum magnesium are associated with poststroke cognitive impairment in ischemic stroke patients. Neuropsychiatr Dis Treat 2018; 14:2947-2954. [PMID: 30464479 PMCID: PMC6220430 DOI: 10.2147/ndt.s181948] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Population-based studies have revealed a high prevalence of cognitive impairment after stroke. We aimed to determine the impact of serum magnesium (Mg2+) levels on the occurrence of poststroke cognitive impairment (PSCI). PATIENTS AND METHODS Acute ischemic stroke patients (n = 327) were enrolled in our study and serum Mg2+ levels were assessed on admission. The cognitive performance of each patient was evaluated using the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) at a 1-month follow-up visit. RESULTS One hundred five (32.1%) patients were diagnosed with PSCI at 1-month poststroke. The serum Mg2+ levels in both the PSCI group and the non-PSCI group were significantly lower than those in normal control group (P<0.001). In addition, the PSCI group had lower levels of serum Mg2+ compared to the non-PSCI group (P=0.003). In the binary logistic regression analysis, a serum Mg2+ level of ≤0.82 mmol/L was significantly associated with an increased risk of developing PSCI by the 1-month follow-up (OR 2.236, 95% CI 1.232-4.058, P=0.008), as was age (OR 1.043, 95% CI 1.014-1.073, P=0.003). CONCLUSION Our results demonstrate the existence of a significant association between low levels of serum Mg2+ and the occurrence of PSCI 1-month poststroke, and these results suggest that low levels of serum Mg2+ on admission may serve as a risk factor for developing PSCI by 1-month poststroke.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinjie Tu
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325000, China,
| | - Huihua Qiu
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325000, China,
| | - Shasha Lin
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325000, China,
| | - Weilei He
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325000, China,
| | - Guiqian Huang
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325000, China,
| | - Xingru Zhang
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325000, China,
| | - Yuemin Wu
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325000, China,
| | - Jincai He
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325000, China,
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Diaz-Rodriguez V, Hsu ET, Ganusova E, Werst ER, Becker JM, Hrycyna CA, Distefano MD. a-Factor Analogues Containing Alkyne- and Azide-Functionalized Isoprenoids Are Efficiently Enzymatically Processed and Retain Wild-Type Bioactivity. Bioconjug Chem 2017; 29:316-323. [PMID: 29188996 PMCID: PMC5824361 DOI: 10.1021/acs.bioconjchem.7b00648] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
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Protein
prenylation is a post-translational modification that involves
the addition of one or two isoprenoid groups to the C-terminus of
selected proteins using either farnesyl diphosphate or geranylgeranyl
diphosphate. Three crucial enzymatic steps are involved in the processing
of prenylated proteins to yield the final mature product. The farnesylated
dodecapeptide, a-factor, is particularly useful for studies
of protein prenylation because it requires the identical three-step
process to generate the same C-terminal farnesylated cysteine methyl
ester substructure present in larger farnesylated proteins. Recently,
several groups have developed isoprenoid analogs bearing azide and
alkyne groups that can be used in metabolic labeling experiments.
Those compounds have proven useful for profiling prenylated proteins
and also show great promise as tools to study how the levels of prenylated
proteins vary in different disease models. Herein, we describe the
preparation and use of prenylated a-factor analogs, and
precursor peptides, to investigate two key questions. First, a-factor analogues containing modified isoprenoids were prepared
to evaluate whether the non-natural lipid group interferes with the
biological activity of the a-factor. Second, a-factor-derived precursor peptides were synthesized to evaluate whether
they can be efficiently processed by the yeast proteases Rce1 and
Ste24 as well as the yeast methyltransferase Ste14 to yield mature a-factor analogues. Taken together, the results reported here
indicate that metabolic labeling experiments with azide- and alkyne-functionalized
isoprenoids can yield prenylated products that are fully processed
and biologically functional. Overall, these observations suggest that
the isoprenoids studied here that incorporate bio-orthogonal functionality
can be used in metabolic labeling experiments without concern that
they will induce undesired physiological changes that may complicate
data interpretation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Veronica Diaz-Rodriguez
- Department of Chemistry, University of Minnesota , 207 Pleasant Street SE, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455, United States
| | - Erh-Ting Hsu
- Department of Chemistry, Purdue University , 560 Oval Drive, West Lafayette, Indiana 47907, United States
| | - Elena Ganusova
- Department of Microbiology, University of Tennessee , Circle Park Drive, Knoxville, Tennessee 37996, United States
| | - Elena R Werst
- Department of Chemistry, University of Minnesota , 207 Pleasant Street SE, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455, United States
| | - Jeffrey M Becker
- Department of Microbiology, University of Tennessee , Circle Park Drive, Knoxville, Tennessee 37996, United States
| | - Christine A Hrycyna
- Department of Chemistry, Purdue University , 560 Oval Drive, West Lafayette, Indiana 47907, United States
| | - Mark D Distefano
- Department of Chemistry, University of Minnesota , 207 Pleasant Street SE, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455, United States
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De Loof A. Calcitox-aging counterbalanced by endogenous farnesol-like sesquiterpenoids: An undervalued evolutionarily ancient key signaling pathway. Commun Integr Biol 2017; 10:e1341024. [PMID: 28919940 PMCID: PMC5595427 DOI: 10.1080/19420889.2017.1341024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2017] [Accepted: 06/07/2017] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Cells are powerful miniature electrophoresis chambers, at least during part of their life cycle. They die at the moment the voltage gradient over their plasma membrane, and their ability to drive a self-generated electric current carried by inorganic ions through themselves irreversibly collapses. Senescence is likely due to the progressive, multifactorial damage to the cell's electrical system. This is the essence of the "Fading electricity theory of aging" (De Loof et al., Aging Res. Rev. 2013;12:58-66). "Biologic electric current" is not carried by electrons, but by inorganic ions. The major ones are H+, Na+, K+, Ca2+, Mg2+, Cl- and HCO3-. Ca2+ and H+ in particular are toxic to cells. At rising concentrations, they can alter the 3D-conformation of chromatin and some (e.g. cytoskeletal) proteins: Calcitox and Protontox. This paper only focuses on Calcitox and endogenous sesquiterpenoids. pH-control and Ca2+-homeostasis have been shaped to near perfection during billions of years of evolution. The role of Ca2+ in some aspects of aging, e.g., as causal to neurodegenerative diseases is still debated. The main anti-Calcitox mechanism is to keep free cytoplasmic Ca2+ as low as possible. This can be achieved by restricting the passive influx of Ca2+ through channels in the plasma membrane, and by maximizing the active extrusion of excess Ca2+ e.g., by means of different types of Ca2+-ATPases. Like there are mechanisms that antagonize the toxic effects of Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS), there must also exist endogenous tools to counteract Calcitox. During a re-evaluation of which mechanism(s) exactly initiates the fast aging that accompanies induction of metamorphosis in insects, a causal relationship between absence of an endogenous sesquiterpenoid, namely the farnesol ester named "juvenile hormone," and disturbed Ca2+-homeostasis was suggested. In this paper, this line of thinking is further explored and extended to vertebrate physiology. A novel concept emerges: horseshoe-shaped sesquiterpenoids seem to act as "inbrome" agonists with the function of a "chemical valve" or "spring" in some types of multi-helix transmembrane proteins (intramolecular prenylation), from bacterial rhodopsins to some types of GPCRs and ion pumps, in particular the SERCA-Ca2+-pump. This further underpins the Fading Electricity Theory of Aging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arnold De Loof
- Functional Genomics and Proteomics Group, Department of Biology, KU Leuven-University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
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39
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Brioschi M, Martinez Fernandez A, Banfi C. Exploring the biochemistry of the prenylome and its role in disease through proteomics: progress and potential. Expert Rev Proteomics 2017; 14:515-528. [PMID: 28521569 DOI: 10.1080/14789450.2017.1332998] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Protein prenylation is a ubiquitous covalent post-translational modification characterized by the addition of farnesyl or geranylgeranyl isoprenoid groups to a cysteine residue located near the carboxyl terminal of a protein. It is essential for the proper localization and cellular activity of numerous proteins, including Ras family GTPases and G-proteins. In addition to its roles in cellular physiology, the prenylation process has important implications in human diseases and in the recent years, it has become attractive target of inhibitors with therapeutic potential. Areas covered: This review attempts to summarize the basic aspects of prenylation integrating them with biological functions in diseases and giving an account of the current status of prenylation inhibitors as potential therapeutics. We also summarize the methodologies for the characterization of this modification. Expert commentary: The growing body of evidence suggesting an important role of prenylation in diseases and the subsequent development of inhibitors of the enzymes responsible for this modification lead to the urgent need to identify the full spectrum of prenylated proteins that are altered in the disease or affected by drugs. Proteomic tools to analyze prenylated proteins are recently emerging, thanks to the advancement in the field of mass spectrometry coupled to enrichment strategies.
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40
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Park J, Leung CY, Matralis AN, Lacbay CM, Tsakos M, Fernandez De Troconiz G, Berghuis AM, Tsantrizos YS. Pharmacophore Mapping of Thienopyrimidine-Based Monophosphonate (ThP-MP) Inhibitors of the Human Farnesyl Pyrophosphate Synthase. J Med Chem 2017; 60:2119-2134. [PMID: 28208018 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.6b01888] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
The human farnesyl pyrophosphate synthase (hFPPS), a key regulatory enzyme in the mevalonate pathway, catalyzes the biosynthesis of the C-15 isoprenoid farnesyl pyrophosphate (FPP). FPP plays a crucial role in the post-translational prenylation of small GTPases that perform a plethora of cellular functions. Although hFPPS is a well-established therapeutic target for lytic bone diseases, the currently available bisphosphonate drugs exhibit poor cellular uptake and distribution into nonskeletal tissues. Recent drug discovery efforts have focused primarily on allosteric inhibition of hFPPS and the discovery of non-bisphosphonate drugs for potentially treating nonskeletal diseases. Hit-to-lead optimization of a new series of thienopyrimidine-based monosphosphonates (ThP-MPs) led to the identification of analogs with nanomolar potency in inhibiting hFPPS. Their interactions with the allosteric pocket of the enzyme were characterized by crystallography, and the results provide further insight into the pharmacophore requirements for allosteric inhibition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jaeok Park
- Department of Biochemistry, McGill University , 3649 Promenade Sir William Osler, Montreal, QC H3G 0B1, Canada
| | - Chun Yuen Leung
- Department of Chemistry, McGill University , 801 Sherbrooke Street West, Montreal, QC H3A 0B8, Canada
| | - Alexios N Matralis
- Department of Chemistry, McGill University , 801 Sherbrooke Street West, Montreal, QC H3A 0B8, Canada
| | - Cyrus M Lacbay
- Department of Chemistry, McGill University , 801 Sherbrooke Street West, Montreal, QC H3A 0B8, Canada
| | - Michail Tsakos
- Department of Chemistry, McGill University , 801 Sherbrooke Street West, Montreal, QC H3A 0B8, Canada
| | | | - Albert M Berghuis
- Department of Biochemistry, McGill University , 3649 Promenade Sir William Osler, Montreal, QC H3G 0B1, Canada.,Groupe de Recherche Axé sur la Structure des Protéines, McGill University , 3649 Promenade Sir William Osler, Montreal, QC H3G 0B1, Canada
| | - Youla S Tsantrizos
- Department of Chemistry, McGill University , 801 Sherbrooke Street West, Montreal, QC H3A 0B8, Canada.,Department of Biochemistry, McGill University , 3649 Promenade Sir William Osler, Montreal, QC H3G 0B1, Canada.,Groupe de Recherche Axé sur la Structure des Protéines, McGill University , 3649 Promenade Sir William Osler, Montreal, QC H3G 0B1, Canada
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Chiou CT, Shen CC, Tsai TH, Chen YJ, Lin LC. Meroterpenoids and Chalcone-Lignoids from the Roots of Mimosa diplotricha. JOURNAL OF NATURAL PRODUCTS 2016; 79:2439-2445. [PMID: 27715048 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jnatprod.6b00170] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Six new meroterpenoids, diplomeroterpenoids A-F (1-6), two new chalcone-lignoids, diplochalcolins A and B (7, 8), and 13 known compounds were isolated from the root extract of Mimosa diplotricha. Diplomeroterpenoids A-F consist of a 4H-chromen-4-one and a diterpenoid unit, and their absolute configurations were determined by X-ray crystallographic analysis. Compounds 1-3 and 5 showed potent inhibitory activity on protein farnesyl transferase, with IC50 values from 5.0 to 8.5 μM. Compound 1 showed antiproliferative activity against human hepatoblastoma HepG2 cells with a GI50 value of approximately 8.6 μM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chun-Tang Chiou
- National Research Institute of Chinese Medicine , Ministry of Health and Welfare, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chien-Chang Shen
- National Research Institute of Chinese Medicine , Ministry of Health and Welfare, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Tung-Hu Tsai
- Institute of Traditional Medicine, National Yang-Ming University , Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Jen Chen
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Center of Biomedical Development, and Laboratory of Cancer Therapeutics, MacKay Memorial Hospital , Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Lie-Chwen Lin
- National Research Institute of Chinese Medicine , Ministry of Health and Welfare, Taipei, Taiwan
- Graduate Institute of Integrated Medicine, China Medical University , Taichung, Taiwan
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42
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Agabiti SS, Liang Y, Wiemer AJ. Molecular mechanisms linking geranylgeranyl diphosphate synthase to cell survival and proliferation. Mol Membr Biol 2016; 33:1-11. [PMID: 27537059 DOI: 10.1080/09687688.2016.1213432] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Geranylgeranyl diphosphate is a 20-carbon isoprenoid phospholipid whose lipid moiety can be post-translationally incorporated into proteins to promote membrane association. The process of geranylgeranylation has been implicated in anti-proliferative effects of clinical agents that inhibit enzymes of the mevalonate pathway (i.e. statins and nitrogenous bisphosphonates) as well as experimental agents that deplete geranylgeranyl diphosphate. Inhibitors of geranylgeranyl diphosphate synthase are an attractive way to block geranylgeranylation because they possess a calcium-chelating substructure to allow localization to bone and take advantage of a unique position of the enzyme within the biosynthetic pathway. Here, we describe recent advances in geranylgeranyl diphosphate synthase expression and inhibitor development with a particular focus on the molecular mechanisms that link geranylgeranyl diphosphate to cell proliferation via geranylgeranylated small GTPases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sherry S Agabiti
- a Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences , University of Connecticut , Storrs , CT , USA
| | - Yilan Liang
- a Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences , University of Connecticut , Storrs , CT , USA
| | - Andrew J Wiemer
- a Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences , University of Connecticut , Storrs , CT , USA.,b Institute for Systems Genomics, University of Connecticut , Storrs , CT , USA
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44
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Xia W, Mo H. Potential of tocotrienols in the prevention and therapy of Alzheimer's disease. J Nutr Biochem 2015; 31:1-9. [PMID: 27133418 DOI: 10.1016/j.jnutbio.2015.10.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2015] [Revised: 10/19/2015] [Accepted: 10/23/2015] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Currently there is no cure for Alzheimer's disease (AD); clinical trials are underway to reduce amyloid generation and deposition, a neuropathological hallmark in brains of AD patients. While genetic factors and neuroinflammation contribute significantly to AD pathogenesis, whether increased cholesterol level is a causative factor or a result of AD is equivocal. Prenylation of proteins regulating neuronal functions requires mevalonate-derived farnesyl pyrophosphate (FPP) and geranylgeranyl pyrophosphate (GGPP). The observation that the levels of FPP and GGPP, but not that of cholesterol, are elevated in AD patients is consistent with the finding that statins, competitive inhibitors of 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A (HMG CoA) reductase, reduce FPP and GGPP levels and amyloid β protein production in preclinical studies. Retrospective studies show inverse correlations between incidence of AD and the intake and serum levels of the HMG CoA reductase-suppressive tocotrienols; tocopherols show mixed results. Tocotrienols, but not tocopherols, block the processing and nuclear localization of sterol regulatory element binding protein-2, the transcriptional factor for HMG CoA reductase and FPP synthase, and enhance the degradation of HMG CoA reductase. Consequently, tocotrienols deplete the pool of FPP and GGPP and potentially blunt prenylation-dependent AD pathogenesis. The antiinflammatory activity of tocotrienols further contributes to their protection against AD. The mevalonate- and inflammation-suppressive activities of tocotrienols may represent those of an estimated 23,000 mevalonate-derived plant secondary metabolites called isoprenoids, many of which are neuroprotective. Tocotrienol-containing plant foods and tocotrienol derivatives and formulations with enhanced bioavailability may offer a novel approach in AD prevention and treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weiming Xia
- Geriatric Research Education and Clinical Center, ENR Memorial Veterans Hospital, Bedford, MA.
| | - Huanbiao Mo
- Department of Nutrition, Byrdine F. Lewis School of Nursing and Health Professions, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA; Center for Obesity Reversal, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA.
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Gillette WK, Esposito D, Abreu Blanco M, Alexander P, Bindu L, Bittner C, Chertov O, Frank PH, Grose C, Jones JE, Meng Z, Perkins S, Van Q, Ghirlando R, Fivash M, Nissley DV, McCormick F, Holderfield M, Stephen AG. Farnesylated and methylated KRAS4b: high yield production of protein suitable for biophysical studies of prenylated protein-lipid interactions. Sci Rep 2015; 5:15916. [PMID: 26522388 PMCID: PMC4629113 DOI: 10.1038/srep15916] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2015] [Accepted: 09/30/2015] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Prenylated proteins play key roles in several human diseases including cancer, atherosclerosis and Alzheimer's disease. KRAS4b, which is frequently mutated in pancreatic, colon and lung cancers, is processed by farnesylation, proteolytic cleavage and carboxymethylation at the C-terminus. Plasma membrane localization of KRAS4b requires this processing as does KRAS4b-dependent RAF kinase activation. Previous attempts to produce modified KRAS have relied on protein engineering approaches or in vitro farnesylation of bacterially expressed KRAS protein. The proteins produced by these methods do not accurately replicate the mature KRAS protein found in mammalian cells and the protein yield is typically low. We describe a protocol that yields 5-10 mg/L highly purified, farnesylated, and methylated KRAS4b from insect cells. Farnesylated and methylated KRAS4b is fully active in hydrolyzing GTP, binds RAF-RBD on lipid Nanodiscs and interacts with the known farnesyl-binding protein PDEδ.
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Affiliation(s)
- William K. Gillette
- Cancer Research Technology Program, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Leidos Biomedical Research, Inc. PO Box B, Frederick, MD 21702
| | - Dominic Esposito
- Cancer Research Technology Program, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Leidos Biomedical Research, Inc. PO Box B, Frederick, MD 21702
| | - Maria Abreu Blanco
- Cancer Research Technology Program, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Leidos Biomedical Research, Inc. PO Box B, Frederick, MD 21702
| | - Patrick Alexander
- Cancer Research Technology Program, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Leidos Biomedical Research, Inc. PO Box B, Frederick, MD 21702
| | - Lakshman Bindu
- Cancer Research Technology Program, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Leidos Biomedical Research, Inc. PO Box B, Frederick, MD 21702
| | - Cammi Bittner
- Cancer Research Technology Program, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Leidos Biomedical Research, Inc. PO Box B, Frederick, MD 21702
| | - Oleg Chertov
- Cancer Research Technology Program, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Leidos Biomedical Research, Inc. PO Box B, Frederick, MD 21702
| | - Peter H. Frank
- Cancer Research Technology Program, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Leidos Biomedical Research, Inc. PO Box B, Frederick, MD 21702
| | - Carissa Grose
- Cancer Research Technology Program, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Leidos Biomedical Research, Inc. PO Box B, Frederick, MD 21702
| | - Jane E. Jones
- Cancer Research Technology Program, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Leidos Biomedical Research, Inc. PO Box B, Frederick, MD 21702
| | - Zhaojing Meng
- Cancer Research Technology Program, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Leidos Biomedical Research, Inc. PO Box B, Frederick, MD 21702
| | - Shelley Perkins
- Cancer Research Technology Program, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Leidos Biomedical Research, Inc. PO Box B, Frederick, MD 21702
| | - Que Van
- Cancer Research Technology Program, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Leidos Biomedical Research, Inc. PO Box B, Frederick, MD 21702
| | - Rodolfo Ghirlando
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, 5 Memorial Drive, Bethesda MD 20892
| | - Matthew Fivash
- Data Management Systems, NCI at Frederick, PO Box B, Frederick, MD 21702
| | - Dwight V. Nissley
- Cancer Research Technology Program, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Leidos Biomedical Research, Inc. PO Box B, Frederick, MD 21702
| | - Frank McCormick
- Cancer Research Technology Program, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Leidos Biomedical Research, Inc. PO Box B, Frederick, MD 21702
| | - Matthew Holderfield
- Cancer Research Technology Program, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Leidos Biomedical Research, Inc. PO Box B, Frederick, MD 21702
| | - Andrew G. Stephen
- Cancer Research Technology Program, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Leidos Biomedical Research, Inc. PO Box B, Frederick, MD 21702
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De Schutter JW, Park J, Leung CY, Gormley P, Lin YS, Hu Z, Berghuis AM, Poirier J, Tsantrizos YS. Multistage Screening Reveals Chameleon Ligands of the Human Farnesyl Pyrophosphate Synthase: Implications to Drug Discovery for Neurodegenerative Diseases. J Med Chem 2014; 57:5764-76. [DOI: 10.1021/jm500629e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Joris W. De Schutter
- Department
of Chemistry, McGill University, 801 Sherbrooke Street West, Montreal, Quebec H3A 0B8, Canada
| | - Jaeok Park
- Department
of Biochemistry, McGill University, 3655 Promenade Sir William Osler, Montreal, Quebec H3G 1Y6, Canada
| | - Chun Yuen Leung
- Department
of Chemistry, McGill University, 801 Sherbrooke Street West, Montreal, Quebec H3A 0B8, Canada
| | - Patrick Gormley
- Douglas Mental Health University Institute, 6825 Lasalle, Verdun, Quebec, H4H 1R3, Canada
| | - Yih-Shyan Lin
- Department
of Chemistry, McGill University, 801 Sherbrooke Street West, Montreal, Quebec H3A 0B8, Canada
| | - Zheping Hu
- Department
of Chemistry, McGill University, 801 Sherbrooke Street West, Montreal, Quebec H3A 0B8, Canada
| | - Albert M. Berghuis
- Department
of Biochemistry, McGill University, 3655 Promenade Sir William Osler, Montreal, Quebec H3G 1Y6, Canada
- Department
of Microbiology and Immunology, McGill University, 3775 Rue University, Montreal, Quebec H3A 2B4, Canada
- Groupe
de Recherche Axé sur la Structure des Protéines, McGill University, 3649 Promenade Sir William Osler, Montreal, Quebec H3G 0B1, Canada
| | - Judes Poirier
- Douglas Mental Health University Institute, 6825 Lasalle, Verdun, Quebec, H4H 1R3, Canada
| | - Youla S. Tsantrizos
- Department
of Chemistry, McGill University, 801 Sherbrooke Street West, Montreal, Quebec H3A 0B8, Canada
- Department
of Biochemistry, McGill University, 3655 Promenade Sir William Osler, Montreal, Quebec H3G 1Y6, Canada
- Groupe
de Recherche Axé sur la Structure des Protéines, McGill University, 3649 Promenade Sir William Osler, Montreal, Quebec H3G 0B1, Canada
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