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Zhou B, Zhang Y, Ni M, Bai Y, Shi Q, Zheng J, Cui Z. The involvement of VEGF and VEGFR in bacterial recognition and regulation of antimicrobial peptides in Eriocheir sinensis. Int J Biol Macromol 2024; 270:132242. [PMID: 38729487 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2024.132242] [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: 01/31/2024] [Revised: 04/08/2024] [Accepted: 05/07/2024] [Indexed: 05/12/2024]
Abstract
Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and VEGF reporter (VEGFR) are essential molecules in VEGF signalling pathway. Although the functions of VEGF and VEGFR have been well reported in vertebrates, their functions are still poorly understood in invertebrates. In this study, the open reading frame sequences of EsVEGF1 and EsVEGFR4 were cloned from Eriocheir sinensis, and their corresponding proteins shared typical structure characteristics with their counterparts in other species. EsVEGF1 were predominantly expressed in hepatopancreas and muscle while EsVEGFR4 mainly expressed in hemocytes and intestine. The expression levels of EsVEGF1 in hemocytes were rapidly induced by Staphylococcus aureus and Vibrio parahaemolyticus, and it also increased rapidly in hepatopancreas after being challenged with V. parahaemolyticus. The expression levels of EsVEGFR4 only increased in hepatopancreas of crabs injected with S. aureus. The extracellular immunoglobulin domain of EsVEGFR4 could bind with Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria as well as lipopolysaccharide and peptidoglycan. EsVEGF1 could act as the ligand for EsVEGFR4 and Toll-like receptor and regulate the expression of crustins and lysozyme with a tissue-specific manner, while have no regulatory function on that of anti-lipopolysaccharide factors. This study will provide new insights into the immune defense mechanisms mediated by VEGF and VEGFR in crustaceans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bin Zhou
- School of Marine Sciences, Ningbo University, Ningbo 315020, China
| | - Yi Zhang
- School of Marine Sciences, Ningbo University, Ningbo 315020, China
| | - Mengqi Ni
- School of Marine Sciences, Ningbo University, Ningbo 315020, China
| | - Yunhui Bai
- School of Marine Sciences, Ningbo University, Ningbo 315020, China
| | - Qiao Shi
- School of Marine Sciences, Ningbo University, Ningbo 315020, China
| | - Jinbin Zheng
- School of Marine Sciences, Ningbo University, Ningbo 315020, China
| | - Zhaoxia Cui
- School of Marine Sciences, Ningbo University, Ningbo 315020, China; Laboratory for Marine Biology and Biotechnology, Pilot Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology (Qingdao), Qingdao 266071, China.
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2
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El Dessouki D, Amr K, Kholoussi N, Rady HM, Temtamy SA, Abdou MMS, Aglan M. Clinical and molecular characterization in a cohort of patients with progressive pseudorheumatoid dysplasia. Am J Med Genet A 2023; 191:2329-2336. [PMID: 37377052 DOI: 10.1002/ajmg.a.63339] [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: 03/21/2023] [Revised: 06/05/2023] [Accepted: 06/17/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023]
Abstract
Progressive pseudorheumatoid dysplasia (PPRD), a rare autosomal recessive syndrome, is a type of skeletal dysplasia associated with pain, stiffness, swelling of multiple joints, and the absence of destructive changes. PPRD occurs due to loss of function pathogenic variants in WISP3 (CCN6) gene, located on chromosome 6q22. In this study, 23 unrelated Egyptian PPRD patients were clinically diagnosed based on medical history, physical and radiological examinations, and laboratory investigations. Sequencing of the whole WISP3 (CCN6) exons and introns boundaries was carried out for all patients. A total of 11 different sequence variations were identified in the WISP3 (CCN6) gene, five of them were new pathogenic variants: the NM_003880.3: c.80T>A (p.L27*), c.161delG (p.C54fs*12), c.737T>C (p.Leu246Pro), c.347-1G>A (IVS3-1G>A), and c.376C>T (p.Q126*). The results of this study expand the spectrum of WISP3 (CCN6) pathogenic variants associated with PPRD. Clinical and genetic analysis is important for proper genetic counseling to curb this rare disorder in the families.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dina El Dessouki
- Clinical Genetics Department, Human Genetics and Genome Research Institute, National Research Centre, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Khalda Amr
- Medical Molecular Genetics Department, Human Genetics and Genome Research Institute, National Research Centre, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Naglaa Kholoussi
- Immunogenetics Department, Human Genetics and Genome Research Institute, National Research Centre, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Hanaa M Rady
- Rheumatology and Rehabilitation Department, Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Samia Ali Temtamy
- Clinical Genetics Department, Human Genetics and Genome Research Institute, National Research Centre, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Manal M S Abdou
- Rheumatology and Rehabilitation Department, Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Mona Aglan
- Clinical Genetics Department, Human Genetics and Genome Research Institute, National Research Centre, Cairo, Egypt
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3
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A Deeper Insight into the Tick Salivary Protein Families under the Light of Alphafold2 and Dali: Introducing the TickSialoFam 2.0 Database. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232415613. [PMID: 36555254 PMCID: PMC9779611 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232415613] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2022] [Revised: 12/05/2022] [Accepted: 12/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Hard ticks feed for several days or weeks on their hosts and their saliva contains thousands of polypeptides belonging to dozens of families, as identified by salivary transcriptomes. Comparison of the coding sequences to protein databases helps to identify putative secreted proteins and their potential functions, directing and focusing future studies, usually done with recombinant proteins that are tested in different bioassays. However, many families of putative secreted peptides have a unique character, not providing significant matches to known sequences. The availability of the Alphafold2 program, which provides in silico predictions of the 3D polypeptide structure, coupled with the Dali program which uses the atomic coordinates of a structural model to search the Protein Data Bank (PDB) allows another layer of investigation to annotate and ascribe a functional role to proteins having so far being characterized as "unique". In this study, we analyzed the classification of tick salivary proteins under the light of the Alphafold2/Dali programs, detecting novel protein families and gaining new insights relating the structure and function of tick salivary proteins.
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Sokolov AS, Nekrasov PV, Shaposhnikov MV, Moskalev AA. Hydrogen sulfide in longevity and pathologies: Inconsistency is malodorous. Ageing Res Rev 2021; 67:101262. [PMID: 33516916 DOI: 10.1016/j.arr.2021.101262] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2020] [Revised: 01/18/2021] [Accepted: 01/24/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) is one of the biologically active gases (gasotransmitters), which plays an important role in various physiological processes and aging. Its production in the course of methionine and cysteine catabolism and its degradation are finely balanced, and impairment of H2S homeostasis is associated with various pathologies. Despite the strong geroprotective action of exogenous H2S in C. elegans, there are controversial effects of hydrogen sulfide and its donors on longevity in other models, as well as on stress resistance, age-related pathologies and aging processes, including regulation of senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP) and senescent cell anti-apoptotic pathways (SCAPs). Here we discuss that the translation potential of H2S as a geroprotective compound is influenced by a multiplicity of its molecular targets, pleiotropic biological effects, and the overlapping ranges of toxic and beneficial doses. We also consider the challenges of the targeted delivery of H2S at the required dose. Along with this, the complexity of determining the natural levels of H2S in animal and human organs and their ambiguous correlations with longevity are reviewed.
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Ossipova O, Itoh K, Radu A, Ezan J, Sokol SY. Pinhead signaling regulates mesoderm heterogeneity via the FGF receptor-dependent pathway. Development 2020; 147:dev.188094. [PMID: 32859582 DOI: 10.1242/dev.188094] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2020] [Accepted: 08/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Among the three embryonic germ layers, the mesoderm plays a central role in the establishment of the vertebrate body plan. The mesoderm is specified by secreted signaling proteins from the FGF, Nodal, BMP and Wnt families. No new classes of extracellular mesoderm-inducing factors have been identified in more than two decades. Here, we show that the pinhead (pnhd) gene encodes a secreted protein that is essential for the activation of a subset of mesodermal markers in the Xenopus embryo. RNA sequencing revealed that many transcriptional targets of Pnhd are shared with those of the FGF pathway. Pnhd activity was accompanied by Erk phosphorylation and required FGF and Nodal but not Wnt signaling. We propose that during gastrulation Pnhd acts in the marginal zone to contribute to mesoderm heterogeneity via an FGF receptor-dependent positive feedback mechanism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olga Ossipova
- Department of Cell, Developmental and Regenerative Biology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Keiji Itoh
- Department of Cell, Developmental and Regenerative Biology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Aurelian Radu
- Department of Cell, Developmental and Regenerative Biology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Jerome Ezan
- Department of Cell, Developmental and Regenerative Biology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Sergei Y Sokol
- Department of Cell, Developmental and Regenerative Biology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
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Aluganti Narasimhulu C, Singla DK. The Role of Bone Morphogenetic Protein 7 (BMP-7) in Inflammation in Heart Diseases. Cells 2020; 9:cells9020280. [PMID: 31979268 PMCID: PMC7073173 DOI: 10.3390/cells9020280] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2020] [Revised: 01/17/2020] [Accepted: 01/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Bone morphogenetic protein-7 is (BMP-7) is a potent anti-inflammatory growth factor belonging to the Transforming Growth Factor Beta (TGF-β) superfamily. It plays an important role in various biological processes, including embryogenesis, hematopoiesis, neurogenesis and skeletal morphogenesis. BMP-7 stimulates the target cells by binding to specific membrane-bound receptor BMPR 2 and transduces signals through mothers against decapentaplegic (Smads) and mitogen activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathways. To date, rhBMP-7 has been used clinically to induce the differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells bordering the bone fracture site into chondrocytes, osteoclasts, the formation of new bone via calcium deposition and to stimulate the repair of bone fracture. However, its use in cardiovascular diseases, such as atherosclerosis, myocardial infarction, and diabetic cardiomyopathy is currently being explored. More importantly, these cardiovascular diseases are associated with inflammation and infiltrated monocytes where BMP-7 has been demonstrated to be a key player in the differentiation of pro-inflammatory monocytes, or M1 macrophages, into anti-inflammatory M2 macrophages, which reduces developed cardiac dysfunction. Therefore, this review focuses on the molecular mechanisms of BMP-7 treatment in cardiovascular disease and its role as an anti-fibrotic, anti-apoptotic and anti-inflammatory growth factor, which emphasizes its potential therapeutic significance in heart diseases.
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Quaas B, Burmeister L, Li Z, Nimtz M, Hoffmann A, Rinas U. Properties of dimeric, disulfide-linked rhBMP-2 recovered from E. coli derived inclusion bodies by mild extraction or chaotropic solubilization and subsequent refolding. Process Biochem 2018. [DOI: 10.1016/j.procbio.2018.02.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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Sailani MR, Chappell J, Jingga I, Narasimha A, Zia A, Lynch JL, Mazrouei S, Bernstein JA, Aryani O, Snyder MP. WISP3 mutation associated with pseudorheumatoid dysplasia. Cold Spring Harb Mol Case Stud 2018; 4:mcs.a001990. [PMID: 29092958 PMCID: PMC5793776 DOI: 10.1101/mcs.a001990] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2017] [Accepted: 09/28/2017] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Progressive pseudorheumatoid dysplasia (PPD) is a skeletal dysplasia characterized by predominant involvement of articular cartilage with progressive joint stiffness. Here we report genetic characterization of a consanguineous family segregating an uncharacterized from of skeletal dysplasia. Whole-exome sequencing of four affected siblings and their parents identified a loss-of-function homozygous mutation in the WISP3 gene, leading to diagnosis of PPD in the affected individuals. The identified variant (Chr6: 112382301; WISP3:c.156C>A p.Cys52*) is rare and predicted to cause premature termination of the WISP3 protein.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Reza Sailani
- Department of Genetics, Stanford University, Stanford, California 94304, USA
| | - James Chappell
- Department of Genetics, Stanford University, Stanford, California 94304, USA
| | - Inlora Jingga
- Department of Genetics, Stanford University, Stanford, California 94304, USA
| | - Anil Narasimha
- Department of Genetics, Stanford University, Stanford, California 94304, USA
| | - Amin Zia
- Department of Genetics, Stanford University, Stanford, California 94304, USA
| | - Janet Linnea Lynch
- Department of Genetics, Stanford University, Stanford, California 94304, USA
| | - Safoura Mazrouei
- Clinic of Internal Medicine, Department of Cardiology, University Heart Center, Jena University Hospital, 07747 Jena, Germany
| | | | - Omid Aryani
- Department of Neuroscience, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran 1449614535, Iran.,Endocrinology and Metabolic Research Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran 1599666615, Iran
| | - Michael P Snyder
- Department of Genetics, Stanford University, Stanford, California 94304, USA
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9
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Schwarz E. Cystine knot growth factors and their functionally versatile proregions. Biol Chem 2017; 398:1295-1308. [PMID: 28771427 DOI: 10.1515/hsz-2017-0163] [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] [Received: 05/16/2017] [Accepted: 07/16/2017] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
The cystine knot disulfide pattern has been found to be widespread in nature, since it has been detected in proteins from plants, marine snails, spiders and mammals. Cystine knot proteins are secreted proteins. Their functions range from defense mechanisms as toxins, e.g. ion channel or enzyme inhibitors, to hormones, blood factors and growth factors. Cystine knot proteins can be divided into two superordinate groups. (i) The cystine knot peptides, also referred to - with other non-cystine knot proteins - as knottins, with linear and cyclic polypeptide chains. (ii) The cystine knot growth factor family, which is in the focus of this article. The disulfide ring structure of the cystine knot peptides is made up by the half-cystines 1-4 and 2-5, and the threading disulfide bond is formed by the half-cystines, 3-6. In the growth factor group, the disulfides of half-cystines 1 and 4 pass the ring structure formed by the half-cystines 2-5 and 3-6. In this review, special emphasis will be devoted to the growth factor cystine knot proteins and their proregions. The latter have shifted into the focus of scientific interest as their important biological roles are just to be unravelled.
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Loo S, Kam A, Xiao T, Nguyen GKT, Liu CF, Tam JP. Identification and Characterization of Roseltide, a Knottin-type Neutrophil Elastase Inhibitor Derived from Hibiscus sabdariffa. Sci Rep 2016; 6:39401. [PMID: 27991569 PMCID: PMC5171801 DOI: 10.1038/srep39401] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2016] [Accepted: 11/22/2016] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Plant knottins are of therapeutic interest due to their high metabolic stability and inhibitory activity against proteinases involved in human diseases. The only knottin-type proteinase inhibitor against porcine pancreatic elastase was first identified from the squash family in 1989. Here, we report the identification and characterization of a knottin-type human neutrophil elastase inhibitor from Hibiscus sabdariffa of the Malvaceae family. Combining proteomic and transcriptomic methods, we identified a panel of novel cysteine-rich peptides, roseltides (rT1-rT8), which range from 27 to 39 residues with six conserved cysteine residues. The 27-residue roseltide rT1 contains a cysteine spacing and amino acid sequence that is different from the squash knottin-type elastase inhibitor. NMR analysis demonstrated that roseltide rT1 adopts a cystine-knot fold. Transcriptome analyses suggested that roseltides are bioprocessed by asparagine endopeptidases from a three-domain precursor. The cystine-knot structure of roseltide rT1 confers its high resistance against degradation by endopeptidases, 0.2 N HCl, and human serum. Roseltide rT1 was shown to inhibit human neutrophil elastase using enzymatic and pull-down assays. Additionally, roseltide rT1 ameliorates neutrophil elastase-stimulated cAMP accumulation in vitro. Taken together, our findings demonstrate that roseltide rT1 is a novel knottin-type neutrophil elastase inhibitor with therapeutic potential for neutrophil elastase associated diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shining Loo
- School of Biological Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, 60 Nanyang Drive, 637551, Singapore
| | - Antony Kam
- School of Biological Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, 60 Nanyang Drive, 637551, Singapore
| | - Tianshu Xiao
- School of Biological Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, 60 Nanyang Drive, 637551, Singapore
| | - Giang K T Nguyen
- School of Biological Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, 60 Nanyang Drive, 637551, Singapore
| | - Chuan Fa Liu
- School of Biological Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, 60 Nanyang Drive, 637551, Singapore
| | - James P Tam
- School of Biological Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, 60 Nanyang Drive, 637551, Singapore
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11
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Wang Z, Li S, Li F, Xie S, Xiang J. Identification and function analysis of a novel vascular endothelial growth factor, LvVEGF3, in the Pacific whiteleg shrimp Litopenaeus vannamei. DEVELOPMENTAL AND COMPARATIVE IMMUNOLOGY 2016; 63:111-120. [PMID: 27241034 DOI: 10.1016/j.dci.2016.05.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2016] [Revised: 05/25/2016] [Accepted: 05/26/2016] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
VEGF signaling pathway is first discovered in mammals and proved to play important roles in the biological processes of angiogenesis, tumor migration, cell differentiation, apoptosis, host-virus interaction etc. Three members in the VEGF signaling pathway, including LvVEGFR, LvVEGF1 and LvVEGF2 in shrimp have been proved to be related with WSSV infection in our previous studies. Currently, another member of VEGF family, LvVEGF3, was isolated and its function during the WSSV infection of shrimp was studied. The deduced amino acid sequence of LvVEGF3 contained a signal peptide, a typical PDGF/VEGF domain and a cysteine-knot motif (CXCXC). Tissue distribution analysis showed that LvVEGF3 was predominantly expressed in hemocytes. The transcriptional level of LvVEGF3 in hemocytes was apparently up-regulated during WSSV infection. Silencing of LvVEGF3 with double-stranded RNA caused a reduction of the cumulative mortality rate of shrimp during WSSV infection. The expression of LvVEGFR was apparently down-regulated after LvVEGF3 silencing and up-regulated after injection of recombinant LvVEGF3 protein, suggesting an interaction between LvVEGF3 and LvVEGFR. Furthermore, the interaction between LvVEGFR and LvVEGF3 was confirmed using the yeast two-hybrid system. The results provided new insights into understanding the role of VEGF signaling pathway during virus infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhiwei Wang
- Key Laboratory of Experimental Marine Biology, Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao, 266071, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Shihao Li
- Key Laboratory of Experimental Marine Biology, Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao, 266071, China; National & Local Joint Engineering Laboratory of Ecological Mariculture, 7 Nanhai Road, Qingdao, 266071, China
| | - Fuhua Li
- Key Laboratory of Experimental Marine Biology, Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao, 266071, China; National & Local Joint Engineering Laboratory of Ecological Mariculture, 7 Nanhai Road, Qingdao, 266071, China.
| | - Shijun Xie
- Key Laboratory of Experimental Marine Biology, Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao, 266071, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Jianhai Xiang
- Key Laboratory of Experimental Marine Biology, Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao, 266071, China; National & Local Joint Engineering Laboratory of Ecological Mariculture, 7 Nanhai Road, Qingdao, 266071, China
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Song J, Xue C, Preisser JS, Cramer DW, Houck KL, Liu G, Folsom AR, Couper D, Yu F, Dong JF. Association of Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms in the ST3GAL4 Gene with VWF Antigen and Factor VIII Activity. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0160757. [PMID: 27584569 PMCID: PMC5008807 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0160757] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2016] [Accepted: 07/25/2016] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
VWF is extensively glycosylated with biantennary core fucosylated glycans. Most N-linked and O-linked glycans on VWF are sialylated. FVIII is also glycosylated, with a glycan structure similar to that of VWF. ST3GAL sialyltransferases catalyze the transfer of sialic acids in the α2,3 linkage to termini of N- and O-glycans. This sialic acid modification is critical for VWF synthesis and activity. We analyzed genetic and phenotypic data from the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) study for the association of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the ST3GAL4 gene with plasma VWF levels and FVIII activity in 12,117 subjects. We also analyzed ST3GAL4 SNPs found in 2,535 subjects of 26 ethnicities from the 1000 Genomes (1000G) project for ethnic diversity, SNP imputation, and ST3GAL4 haplotypes. We identified 14 and 1,714 ST3GAL4 variants in the ARIC GWAS and 1000G databases respectively, with 46% being ethnically diverse in their allele frequencies. Among the 14 ST3GAL4 SNPs found in ARIC GWAS, the intronic rs2186717, rs7928391, and rs11220465 were associated with VWF levels and with FVIII activity after adjustment for age, BMI, hypertension, diabetes, ever-smoking status, and ABO. This study illustrates the power of next-generation sequencing in the discovery of new genetic variants and a significant ethnic diversity in the ST3GAL4 gene. We discuss potential mechanisms through which these intronic SNPs regulate ST3GAL4 biosynthesis and the activity that affects VWF and FVIII.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jaewoo Song
- BloodWorks Northwest Research Institute, Seattle, WA, United States of America
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Cheng Xue
- Human Genome Sequencing Center, Molecular and Human Genetics Department, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030, United States of America
| | - John S. Preisser
- Department of Biostatistics, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, United States of America
| | - Drake W. Cramer
- BloodWorks Northwest Research Institute, Seattle, WA, United States of America
| | - Katie L. Houck
- BloodWorks Northwest Research Institute, Seattle, WA, United States of America
| | - Guo Liu
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Aaron R. Folsom
- Division of Epidemiology & Community Health, School of Public Health, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, United States of America
| | - David Couper
- Department of Biostatistics, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, United States of America
| | - Fuli Yu
- Human Genome Sequencing Center, Molecular and Human Genetics Department, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030, United States of America
- Institute of Neurology, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, 300052, China
- * E-mail: (JFD); (FY)
| | - Jing-fei Dong
- BloodWorks Northwest Research Institute, Seattle, WA, United States of America
- Division of Hematology, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA, United States of America
- * E-mail: (JFD); (FY)
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Li FF, Deng X, Zhou J, Yan P, Zhao EY, Liu SL. Characterization of human bone morphogenetic protein gene variants for possible roles in congenital heart disease. Mol Med Rep 2016; 14:1459-64. [PMID: 27357418 PMCID: PMC4940093 DOI: 10.3892/mmr.2016.5428] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2015] [Accepted: 04/25/2016] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Congenital heart disease (CHD) is a complex illness with high rates of morbidity and mortality. In embryonic development, the heart is the first formed organ, which is strictly controlled by gene regulatory networks, including transcription factors, signaling pathways, epigenetic factors and microRNAs. Bone morphogenetic protein (BMP)-2 and -4 are essential in cardiogenesis as they can induce the expression of transcription factors, NKX2-5 and GATA binding protein 4, which are important in the development of the heart. The inhibition of BMP-2 and 4- inhibits the late expression of NKX2-5 and affects cardiac differentiation. The aim of the present study was to investigate whether BMP-2 and -4 variations may be associated with CHD in Chinese Han populations. The rs1049007, rs235768 and rs17563 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), which are genetic variations located within the translated region of the BMP-2 and -4, were evaluated in 230 patients with CHD from the Chinese Han population and 160 non CHD control individuals. Statistical analyses were performed using the χ2 test, implemented using SPSS software (version 13.0). The Hardy Weinberg equilibrium test was performed on the population using online Online Encyclopedia for Genetic Epidemiology studies software, and multiple-sequence alignments of the BMP proteins were performed using Vector NTI software. No statistically significant associations were identified between these genetic variations and the risk of CHD (rs1049007, P value=0.560; rs235768, P value=0.972; rs17563, P value=0.787). In addition, no correlation was found between the patients with CHD and the non-CHD control individuals. Therefore, the rs1049007, rs235768 and rs17563 genetic variations of BMP-2 were not associated with CHD in the Chinese Han population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fei-Feng Li
- Genomics Research Center (one of the State‑Key Laboratory of Biopharmaceutical Engineering), Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang 150081, P.R. China
| | - Xia Deng
- Genomics Research Center (one of the State‑Key Laboratory of Biopharmaceutical Engineering), Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang 150081, P.R. China
| | - Jing Zhou
- Intensive Care Unit, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang 150086, P.R. China
| | - Peng Yan
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang 150086, P.R. China
| | - Er-Ying Zhao
- Genomics Research Center (one of the State‑Key Laboratory of Biopharmaceutical Engineering), Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang 150081, P.R. China
| | - Shu-Lin Liu
- Genomics Research Center (one of the State‑Key Laboratory of Biopharmaceutical Engineering), Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang 150081, P.R. China
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Poth AG, Chan LY, Craik DJ. Cyclotides as grafting frameworks for protein engineering and drug design applications. Biopolymers 2016; 100:480-91. [PMID: 23893608 DOI: 10.1002/bip.22284] [Citation(s) in RCA: 90] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2013] [Revised: 04/30/2013] [Accepted: 05/07/2013] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Cyclotides are a family of naturally occurring backbone-cyclized macrocyclic mini-proteins from plants that have a knotted trio of intramolecular disulfide bonds. Their structural features imbue cyclotides with extraordinary stability against degradation at elevated temperatures or in the presence of proteolytic enzymes. The plasticity of their intracysteine loop sequences is exemplified by the more than 250 natural cyclotides sequenced to date, and this tolerance to sequence variation, along with their diverse bioactivities, underpins the suitability of the cyclic cystine knot motif as a valuable drug design scaffold and research tool for protein engineering studies. Here, we review the recent literature on applications of cyclotides for the stabilization of peptide epitopes and related protein engineering studies. Possible future directions in this field are also described.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aaron G Poth
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, 4072, Australia
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15
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Yoon S, Lee Y, Pi J, Jeong Y, Baek K, Yoon J. Overproduction of recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein-7 in Chinese hamster ovary cells. Protein Expr Purif 2015; 120:87-91. [PMID: 26711959 DOI: 10.1016/j.pep.2015.12.013] [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: 10/06/2015] [Revised: 12/14/2015] [Accepted: 12/17/2015] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Bone morphogenetic protein-7 is a multifunctional growth factor involved in various cellular processes such as osteogenesis, kidney and eye development, brown adipogenesis, and bone metastasis, and thus has been considered to have therapeutic potential for treating various diseases. In this study, we established a Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cell line stably overexpressing recombinant human BMP-7 (rhBMP-7). Over the course of a 14-day fed-batch culture process in a 7.5-l bioreactor (5-l working volume) using chemically defined medium, the established cells could produce over 188 mg/l of rhBMP-7 protein. The rhBMP-7 was purified to homogeneity from the culture supernatant using a two-step chromatographic procedure that resulted in a recovery rate of approximately 55%, with protein purity greater than 95%. The purified rhBMP-7 was further demonstrated to be functionally active by measuring the proliferation of MC3T3-E1 cells, revealing a half-maximal effective concentration of 28.31 ng/ml.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sena Yoon
- Graduate School of Biotechnology, Kyung Hee University, 1732 Deogyeong-daero, Yongin-si, Gyeonggi-do 446-701, Republic of Korea
| | - Yujin Lee
- Graduate School of Biotechnology, Kyung Hee University, 1732 Deogyeong-daero, Yongin-si, Gyeonggi-do 446-701, Republic of Korea
| | - Jia Pi
- Graduate School of Biotechnology, Kyung Hee University, 1732 Deogyeong-daero, Yongin-si, Gyeonggi-do 446-701, Republic of Korea
| | - Yongsu Jeong
- Graduate School of Biotechnology, Kyung Hee University, 1732 Deogyeong-daero, Yongin-si, Gyeonggi-do 446-701, Republic of Korea
| | - Kwangehee Baek
- Graduate School of Biotechnology, Kyung Hee University, 1732 Deogyeong-daero, Yongin-si, Gyeonggi-do 446-701, Republic of Korea
| | - Jaeseung Yoon
- Graduate School of Biotechnology, Kyung Hee University, 1732 Deogyeong-daero, Yongin-si, Gyeonggi-do 446-701, Republic of Korea.
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16
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Canalis E, Zanotti S, Smerdel-Ramoya A. Connective tissue growth factor is a target of notch signaling in cells of the osteoblastic lineage. Bone 2014; 64:273-80. [PMID: 24792956 PMCID: PMC4069863 DOI: 10.1016/j.bone.2014.04.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2013] [Revised: 04/03/2014] [Accepted: 04/23/2014] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Connective tissue growth factor (Ctgf) or CCN2 is a protein synthesized by osteoblasts necessary for skeletal homeostasis, although its overexpression inhibits osteogenic signals and bone formation. Ctgf is induced by bone morphogenetic proteins, transforming growth factor β and Wnt; and in the present studies, we explored whether Notch regulated Ctgf expression in osteoblasts. We employed Rosa(Notch) mice, where the Notch intracellular domain (NICD) is expressed following the excision of a STOP cassette, placed between the Rosa26 promoter and NICD. Notch was activated by transduction of adenoviral vectors expressing Cre recombinase (Ad-CMV-Cre). Notch induced Ctgf mRNA levels in a time dependent manner and increased Ctgf heterogeneous nuclear RNA. Notch also destabilized Ctgf mRNA shortening its half-life from 13h to 3h. The effect of Notch on Ctgf expression was lost following Rbpjκ downregulation, demonstrating that it was mediated by Notch canonical signaling. However, downregulation of the classic Notch target genes Hes1, Hey1 and Hey2 did not modify the effect of Notch on Ctgf expression. Wild type osteoblasts exposed to immobilized Delta-like 1 displayed enhanced Notch signaling and increased Ctgf expression. In addition to the effects of Notch in vitro, Notch induced Ctgf in vivo, and calvariae and femurs from Rosa(Notch) mice mated with transgenics expressing the Cre recombinase in cells of the osteoblastic lineage exhibited increased expression of Ctgf. In conclusion, Ctgf is a target of Notch canonical signaling in osteoblasts, and may act in concert with Notch to regulate skeletal homeostasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ernesto Canalis
- Department of Research, Saint Francis Hospital and Medical Center, Hartford, CT, 06105; The University of Connecticut School of Medicine, Farmington, CT, 06030.
| | - Stefano Zanotti
- Department of Research, Saint Francis Hospital and Medical Center, Hartford, CT, 06105; The University of Connecticut School of Medicine, Farmington, CT, 06030.
| | - Anna Smerdel-Ramoya
- Department of Research, Saint Francis Hospital and Medical Center, Hartford, CT, 06105.
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17
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Hernandez P, Whitty C, John Wardale R, Henson FMD. New insights into the location and form of sclerostin. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2014; 446:1108-13. [PMID: 24667598 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2014.03.079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2014] [Accepted: 03/17/2014] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Sclerostin is widely reported to be a monomeric osteocyte specific protein. In this study we have investigated whether sclerostin is produced in different forms and in which cell and tissue types they are produced. We have demonstrated that recombinant sclerostin is composed of monomers and dimers, and that these, and other forms, notably 46 and 70 kDa forms, are found widely throughout the musculo-skeletal system. We have shown that 'dimeric' sclerostin is highly resistant to reduction, implying the presence of highly stable, non-reducible covalent bonds. We have also demonstrated that the form of sclerostin is not associated with the mineralisation state of the tissue or cell. Sclerostin was secreted by bone explants as high molecular weight forms that were reducible to the dimeric form. This dimeric form was detected in sera and in non-skeletal soft tissues specifically kidney, live, heart and lung. We therefore hypothesise: (a) sclerostin exists in multiple forms not associated with the mineralised state of the cell/tissue and (b) circulating sclerostin is dimeric, as is the sclerostin found in non-musculoskeletal soft tissues. These observations may have significant implications for the therapeutic modulation of sclerostin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paula Hernandez
- Orthopaedic Research Unit, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK.
| | - Ciara Whitty
- Orthopaedic Research Unit, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK.
| | - R John Wardale
- Orthopaedic Research Unit, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK.
| | - Frances M D Henson
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK.
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18
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Abstract
In the present article, we highlight the diversity of mechanical clamps, some of them topological in nature, that have been found by making surveys of mechanostability of approximately 18000 proteins within structure-based models. The existence of superstable proteins (with the characteristic unfolding force in the region of 1000 pN) is predicted.
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Sikora M, Cieplak M. Formation of cystine slipknots in dimeric proteins. PLoS One 2013; 8:e57443. [PMID: 23520470 PMCID: PMC3592873 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0057443] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2013] [Accepted: 01/21/2013] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
We consider mechanical stability of dimeric and monomeric proteins with the cystine knot motif. A structure based dynamical model is used to demonstrate that all dimeric and some monomeric proteins of this kind should have considerable resistance to stretching that is significantly larger than that of titin. The mechanisms of the large mechanostability are elucidated. In most cases, it originates from the induced formation of one or two cystine slipknots. Since there are four termini in a dimer, there are several ways of selecting two of them to pull by. We show that in the cystine knot systems, there is strong anisotropy in mechanostability and force patterns related to the selection. We show that the thermodynamic stability of the dimers is enhanced compared to the constituting monomers whereas machanostability is either lower or higher.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mateusz Sikora
- Institute of Physics, Polish Academy of Sciences, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Marek Cieplak
- Institute of Physics, Polish Academy of Sciences, Warsaw, Poland
- * E-mail:
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20
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Phani S, Jablonski M, Pelta-Heller J, Cai J, Iacovitti L. Gremlin is a novel VTA derived neuroprotective factor for dopamine neurons. Brain Res 2013; 1500:88-98. [PMID: 23348379 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2013.01.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2012] [Revised: 01/08/2013] [Accepted: 01/09/2013] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Parkinson's disease and its characteristic symptoms are thought to arise from the progressive degeneration of specific midbrain dopamine (DA) neurons. In humans, DA neurons of the substantia nigra (SN) and their projections to the striatum show selective vulnerability, while neighboring DA neurons of the ventral tegmental area (VTA) are relatively spared from degeneration. Recent studies from our laboratory have shown that the VTA exhibits a unique transcriptional response when exposed to MPTP (Phani et al., 2010), a neurotoxin able to mimic the selective cell loss observed in PD (Schneider et al., 1987). In this study, we focus on gremlin, a peptide that is transcriptionally increased in the VTA in response to MPTP. We describe a novel role for gremlin as a neuroprotective agent both in vitro and in vivo and show that gremlin is capable of protecting SN DA neurons and several DA cell lines against MPP+/MPTP. We propose that this protection is mediated by VEGFR2, and by the MAP kinase signaling pathway downstream of the receptor. Our data indicate that gremlin may be a key factor in protecting the VTA against MPTP-induced cell death, and that exogenous application of gremlin is capable of protecting SN DA neurons, and therefore may provide an opportunity for the development of novel PD therapeutic compounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sudarshan Phani
- Department of Neuroscience, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
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21
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Vallejo LF, Rinas U. Folding and dimerization kinetics of bone morphogenetic protein-2, a member of the transforming growth factor-β family. FEBS J 2012; 280:83-92. [DOI: 10.1111/febs.12051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2012] [Revised: 10/04/2012] [Accepted: 10/29/2012] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Luis F. Vallejo
- Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research; Braunschweig; Germany
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22
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Grondona JM, Hoyo-Becerra C, Visser R, Fernández-Llebrez P, López-Ávalos MD. The subcommissural organ and the development of the posterior commissure. INTERNATIONAL REVIEW OF CELL AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2012; 296:63-137. [PMID: 22559938 DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-12-394307-1.00002-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Growing axons navigate through the developing brain by means of axon guidance molecules. Intermediate targets producing such signal molecules are used as guideposts to find distal targets. Glial, and sometimes neuronal, midline structures represent intermediate targets when axons cross the midline to reach the contralateral hemisphere. The subcommissural organ (SCO), a specialized neuroepithelium located at the dorsal midline underneath the posterior commissure, releases SCO-spondin, a large glycoprotein belonging to the thrombospondin superfamily that shares molecular domains with axonal pathfinding molecules. Several evidences suggest that the SCO could be involved in the development of the PC. First, both structures display a close spatiotemporal relationship. Second, certain mutants lacking an SCO present an abnormal PC. Third, some axonal guidance molecules are expressed by SCO cells. Finally, SCO cells, the Reissner's fiber (the aggregated form of SCO-spondin), or synthetic peptides from SCO-spondin affect the neurite outgrowth or neuronal aggregation in vitro.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jesús M Grondona
- Departamento de Biología Celular, Genética y Fisiología, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Málaga, Spain.
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23
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24
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Galat A. Common structural traits for cystine knot domain of the TGFβ superfamily of proteins and three-fingered ectodomain of their cellular receptors. Cell Mol Life Sci 2011; 68:3437-51. [PMID: 21369710 PMCID: PMC11114550 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-011-0643-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2010] [Revised: 01/08/2011] [Accepted: 02/15/2011] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
The transforming growth factor-β (TGFβ) superfamily of proteins and their receptors are crucial developmental factors for all metazoan organisms. Cystine-knot (CK) motif is a spatial feature of the TGFβ superfamily of proteins whereas the extra-cellular domains (ectodomains) of their respective receptors form three-fingered protein domain (TFPD), both stabilized by tight cystine networks. Analyses of multiple sequence alignments of these two domains encoded in various genomes revealed that the cystines forming the CK and TFPD folds are conserved, whereas the remaining polypeptide patches are diversified. Orthologues of the human TGFβs and their respective receptors expressed in diverse vertebrates retain high sequence conservation. Examination of 3D structures of various TGFβ factors bound to their receptors have revealed that the CK and TFPD domains display several similar spatial traits suggesting that these two different protein folds might have been acquired from a common ancestor.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Galat
- Commissariat à l'Energie Atomique, Direction des Sciences du Vivant, Institut de Biologie et de Technologies de Saclay, Service d'Ingénierie Moléculaire des Protéines, Bat. 152, 91191 Gif-sur-Yvette, France.
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25
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Bruinzeel W, Masure S. Recombinant expression, purification and dimerization of the neurotrophic growth factor Artemin for in vitro and in vivo use. Protein Expr Purif 2011; 81:25-32. [PMID: 21907286 DOI: 10.1016/j.pep.2011.08.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2011] [Revised: 08/18/2011] [Accepted: 08/24/2011] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Artemin (ARTN) is a neurotrophic growth factor of the GDNF ligand family that signals through the specific GFRα-3 coreceptor/cRet tyrosine kinase-mediated signaling cascade. Its expression and signaling action in adults are restricted to nociceptive sensory neurons in the dorsal root ganglia. Consequently, Artemin supports survival and growth of sensory neurons and has been studied as a possible treatment for neuropathic pain paradigms. In this paper, we describe the development of an efficient method for the recombinant bacterial production of large quantities of highly pure, biologically active ARTN for in vitro and in vivo studies. Using Escherichia coli expression of an NH(2)-terminal SUMO-Artemin fusion protein and subsequent refolding from inclusion bodies followed by cleavage of the SUMO fusion part, mature Artemin with a native NH(2)-terminal amino acid sequence was obtained at high purity (>99%). Experiments using the reducing agent dithiothreitol (DTT) demonstrated that the intermolecular disulphide bridge in the cysteine knot is dispensable for dimerization of stable ARTN monomers. Our production method could facilitate in vitro and in vivo experimentation for the possible development of Artemin as a therapeutic agent for neuropathic pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wouter Bruinzeel
- Department of Assay Development & Target Validation, C.R.E.A. Te, Janssen Research & Development, B-2340 Beerse, Belgium
| | - Stefan Masure
- Department of Assay Development & Target Validation, C.R.E.A. Te, Janssen Research & Development, B-2340 Beerse, Belgium.
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Jeong KW, Lee JY, Lee SA, Yang SP, Ko H, Kang DI, Chae CB, Kim Y. Dynamics of a Heparin-Binding Domain of VEGF165 Complexed with Its Inhibitor Triamterene. Biochemistry 2011; 50:4843-54. [DOI: 10.1021/bi2000752] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Ki-Woong Jeong
- Department of Bioscience and Biotechnology and Bio/Molecular Informatics Center, Konkuk University, Seoul 143-701, Korea
| | - Jee-Young Lee
- Department of Bioscience and Biotechnology and Bio/Molecular Informatics Center, Konkuk University, Seoul 143-701, Korea
| | - Sung-Ah Lee
- Department of Bioscience and Biotechnology and Bio/Molecular Informatics Center, Konkuk University, Seoul 143-701, Korea
| | - Seung-Pil Yang
- Institute of Biomedical Science and Technology, Konkuk University, Seoul 143-701, Korea
| | - Hyunsook Ko
- Department of Bioscience and Biotechnology and Bio/Molecular Informatics Center, Konkuk University, Seoul 143-701, Korea
| | - Dong-Il Kang
- Department of Chemistry, Konkuk University, Seoul 143-701, Korea
| | - Chi-Bom Chae
- Institute of Biomedical Science and Technology, Konkuk University, Seoul 143-701, Korea
| | - Yangmee Kim
- Department of Bioscience and Biotechnology and Bio/Molecular Informatics Center, Konkuk University, Seoul 143-701, Korea
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27
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Kuhfahl S, Hauburger A, Thieme T, Groppe J, Ihling C, Tomic S, Schutkowski M, Sinz A, Schwarz E. Identification of a core domain within the proregion of bone morphogenetic proteins that interacts with the dimeric, mature domain. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2011; 408:300-5. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2011.04.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2011] [Accepted: 04/04/2011] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
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Purinergic Membrane Receptors as Targets for the Effect of Purotoxin 1, a Component of Venom of Spiders from the Geolycosa Genus. NEUROPHYSIOLOGY+ 2011. [DOI: 10.1007/s11062-011-9173-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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Abstract
The cystine knot is a structural motif that confers exceptional stability on proteins. Here we provide an update on the topology of the cystine knot and the combinatorial diversity of proteins that contain it. We describe recent chemical biology studies that have utilised this structural motif for the development of potential therapeutic or diagnostic agents. The cystine knot appears to have evolved in fungi, plants and animals as a stable and adaptable framework for the display of a wide variety of bioactive peptide sequences, but is amenable to chemical or recombinant synthesis and thus has a wide range of applications in chemistry, biology and medicine.
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Genetic determinants of plasma von Willebrand factor antigen levels: a target gene SNP and haplotype analysis of ARIC cohort. Blood 2011; 117:5224-30. [PMID: 21343614 DOI: 10.1182/blood-2010-08-300152] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
von Willebrand factor (VWF) is an essential component of hemostasis and has been implicated in thrombosis. Multimer size and the amount of circulating VWF are known to impact hemostatic function. We associated 78 VWF single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and haplotypes constructed from those SNPs with VWF antigen level in 7856 subjects of European descent. Among the nongenomic factors, age and body mass index contributed 4.8% and 1.6% of VWF variation, respectively. The SNP rs514659 (tags O blood type) contributed 15.4% of the variance. Among the VWF SNPs, we identified 18 SNPs that are associated with levels of VWF. The correlative SNPs are either intronic (89%) or silent exonic (11%). Although SNPs examined are distributed throughout the entire VWF gene without apparent cluster, all the positive SNPs are located in a 50-kb region. Exons in this region encode for VWF D2, D', and D3 domains that are known to regulate VWF multimerization and storage. Mutations in the D3 domain are also associated with von Willebrand disease. Fifteen of these 18 correlative SNPs are in 2 distinct haplotype blocks. In summary, we identified a cluster of intronic VWF SNPs that associate with plasma levels of VWF, individually or additively, in a large cohort of healthy subjects.
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31
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Sadasivan VD, Narpala SR, Budil DE, Sacco A, Carrier RL. Modeling the human intestinal Mucin (MUC2) C-terminal cystine knot dimer. J Mol Model 2011; 17:2953-63. [DOI: 10.1007/s00894-010-0932-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2010] [Accepted: 12/07/2010] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
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Abstract
Normal development and function of the testis are controlled by endocrine and paracrine signaling pathways. Platelet-derived growth factors (PDGFs) are growth factors that mediate epithelial-mesenchymal interactions in various tissues during normal and abnormal processes such as embryo development, wound healing, tissue fibrosis, vascular disorders, and cancer. PDGFs and their receptors (PDGFRs) have emerged as key players in the regulation of embryonic and postnatal development of the male gonad. Cells that express PDGFs and PDGFRs are found in the testis of mammals, birds, and reptiles, and their distribution, regulation, and function vary across species. Testicular PDGFs and PDGFRs appear after the process of sex determination in animals that use either genetic sex determination or environmental sex determination. Sertoli cells are the main PDGF-producing cells during the entire period of prenatal and postnatal testis development. Fetal Leydig cells and their precursors, adult Leydig cells and their stem cell precursors, peritubular myoid cells, cells of the blood vessels, and gonocytes are the testicular cell types expressing PDGFRs. Genetically targeted deletions of PDGFs, PDGFRs, PDGFR target genes or pharmacological silencing of PDGF signaling produce profound damage on the target cells that, depending on the developmental period, are under direct or indirect control of PDGF. PDGF signaling may also serve diverse functions outside of the realm of testis development, including testicular tumors. In this review, we provide a framework of the current knowledge to clarify the useful information regarding how PDGFs function in individual cells of the testis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sabrina Basciani
- Department of Medical Physiopathology, I Faculty of Medicine, University of Rome La Sapienza, Policlinico Umberto I, 00161 Rome, Italy
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Yeh HC, Zhou Z, Choi H, Tekeoglu S, May W, Wang C, Turner N, Scheiflinger F, Moake JL, Dong JF. Disulfide bond reduction of von Willebrand factor by ADAMTS-13. J Thromb Haemost 2010; 8:2778-88. [PMID: 20946172 PMCID: PMC2999661 DOI: 10.1111/j.1538-7836.2010.04094.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND von Willebrand factor (VWF) released from endothelial cells is rich in ultra-large (UL) multimers that are intrinsically active in binding platelets, whereas plasma-type VWF multimers require shear stress to be activated. This functional difference may be attributed to thiols exposed on the surface of plasma-type VWF multimers, but not on ULVWF multimers. Shear stress induces the exposed thiols to form disulfide bonds between laterally apposed plasma-type VWF multimers, leading to enhanced VWF binding to platelets. OBJECTIVES We tested a hypothesis that ADAMTS-13 has a disulfide bond reducing activity that regulates shear-induced thiol-disulfide exchange of VWF. METHODS Thiol blocking agents and active thiol bead capturing were used to identify and locate this activity, along with truncated ADAMTS-13 mutants. RESULTS ADAMTS-13 contains a disulfide bond reducing activity that primarily targets disulfide bonds in plasma-type VWF multimers induced by high shear stress or formed with thiol beads, but not disulfide bonds in native multimeric structures. Cysteine thiols targeted by this activity are in the VWF C-domain and are known to participate in shear-induced thiol-disulfide exchange. ADAMTS-13 contains cysteine thiols that remain exposed after being subjected to hydrodynamic forces. Blocking these active thiols eliminates this reducing activity and moderately decreases ADAMTS-13 activity in cleaving ULVWF strings anchored to endothelial cells under flow conditions, but not under static conditions. This activity is located in this C-terminal region of ADAMTS-13. CONCLUSIONS This novel disulfide-bond-reducing activity of ADAMTS-13 may prevent covalent lateral association and increased platelet adherence of plasma-type VWF multimers induced by high fluid shear stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui-Chun Yeh
- Section of Thrombosis Research, Department of Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Zhou Zhou
- Section of Thrombosis Research, Department of Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Hiuwan Choi
- Section of Thrombosis Research, Department of Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Senem Tekeoglu
- Section of Thrombosis Research, Department of Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - William May
- Section of Thrombosis Research, Department of Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Christina Wang
- Department of Bioengineering, Rice University, Houston, Texas
| | - Nancy Turner
- Department of Bioengineering, Rice University, Houston, Texas
| | - Friedrich Scheiflinger
- Department of Discovery Research &Technical Assessment, Baxter Innovations GmbH, Vienna, Austria
| | - Joel L. Moake
- Section of Thrombosis Research, Department of Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
- Department of Bioengineering, Rice University, Houston, Texas
| | - Jing-fei Dong
- Section of Thrombosis Research, Department of Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
- University General Hospital, Tianjin Institute of Neurology, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
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34
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Ireland DC, Clark RJ, Daly NL, Craik DJ. Isolation, sequencing, and structure-activity relationships of cyclotides. JOURNAL OF NATURAL PRODUCTS 2010; 73:1610-1622. [PMID: 20718473 DOI: 10.1021/np1000413] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/29/2023]
Abstract
Cyclotides are a topologically fascinating family of miniproteins discovered over the past decade that have expanded the diversity of plant-derived natural products. They are approximately 30 amino acids in size and occur in plants of the Violaceae, Rubiaceae, and Cucurbitaceae families. Despite their proteinaceous composition, cyclotides behave in much the same way as many nonpeptidic natural products in that they are resistant to degradation by enzymes or heat and can be extracted from plants using methanol. Their stability arises, in large part, due to their characteristic cyclic cystine knot (CCK) structural motif. Cystine knots are present in a variety of proteins of insect, plant, and animal origin, comprising a ring formed by two disulfide bonds and their connecting backbone segments that is threaded by a third disulfide bond. In cyclotides, the cystine knot is uniquely embedded within a head-to-tail cyclized peptide backbone, leading to the ultrastable CCK structural motif. Apart from the six absolutely conserved cysteine residues, the majority of amino acids in the six backbone loops of cyclotides are tolerant to variation. It has been predicted that the family might include up to 50,000 members; although, so far, sequences for only 140 have been reported. Cyclotides exhibit a variety of biological activities, including insecticidal, nematocidal, molluscicidal, antimicrobial, antibarnacle, anti-HIV, and antitumor activities. Due to their diverse activities and common structural core from which variable loops protrude, cyclotides can be thought of as combinatorial peptide templates capable of displaying a variety of amino acid sequences. They have thus attracted interest in drug design as well as in crop protection applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- David C Ireland
- Division of Chemistry and Structural Biology, Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia
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Paszty C, Turner CH, Robinson MK. Sclerostin: a gem from the genome leads to bone-building antibodies. J Bone Miner Res 2010; 25:1897-904. [PMID: 20564241 DOI: 10.1002/jbmr.161] [Citation(s) in RCA: 89] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Chris Paszty
- Metabolic Disorders, Amgen Inc, Thousand Oaks, CA 91320-1799, USA.
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36
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Kubokawa K, Tando Y, Roy S. Evolution of the Reproductive Endocrine System in Chordates. Integr Comp Biol 2010; 50:53-62. [DOI: 10.1093/icb/icq047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
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Gao Y, Cui T, Lam Y. Synthesis and disulfide bond connectivity-activity studies of a kalata B1-inspired cyclopeptide against dengue NS2B-NS3 protease. Bioorg Med Chem 2009; 18:1331-6. [PMID: 20042339 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmc.2009.12.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2009] [Revised: 12/07/2009] [Accepted: 12/08/2009] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Kalata B1 is a plant protein with remarkable thermal, chemical and enzymatic stability. Its potential applications could be centered on the possibility of using its cyclic structure and cystine knot motif as a scaffold for the design of stable pharmaceuticals. To discover potent dengue NS2B-NS3 protease inhibitors, we have prepared various kalata B1 analogues by varying the amino acid sequence. Mass spectrometric and biochemical investigations of these analogues revealed a cyclopeptide whose two fully oxidized forms are substrate-competitive inhibitors of the dengue viral NS2B-NS3 protease. Both oxidized forms showed potent inhibition with K(i) of 1.39+/-0.35 and 3.03+/-0.75 microM, respectively.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yaojun Gao
- Department of Chemistry, National University of Singapore, 3 Science Drive 3, Singapore 117543, Singapore
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Abstract
Cyclotides are plant-derived peptides with a cyclic backbone and knotted topology of disulfide bonds. Their extreme stability and natural sequence variation has led to the suggestion that they might be useful as scaffolds to stabilize bioactive sequences. Recent studies have shown that anti-angiogenic activity and protease inhibitory activity against a foot and mouth disease protease can be grafted onto the cyclotide framework. There has also been significant progress made in determining the mechanism of cyclization of cyclotides and in producing cyclotides using bacterial expression and plant cell culture. There is a wide range of disease states that can be targeted using the cyclotide framework and the advances that have been made in the production of cyclotides will facilitate their development as pharmaceutical templates.
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Tando Y, Kubokawa K. A homolog of the vertebrate thyrostimulin glycoprotein hormone alpha subunit (GPA2) is expressed in Amphioxus neurons. Zoolog Sci 2009; 26:409-14. [PMID: 19583500 DOI: 10.2108/zsj.26.409] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
The cystine-knot glycoprotein hormone alpha (GPA) family regulates gonadal and thyroid functions in vertebrates. Little is known concerning GPA family members in primitive chordates. A previous genomic analysis revealed the presence of two genes homologous to the thyrostimulin alpha subunit (GPA2) in an amphioxus (Branchiostoma florideae); however only one GPA2 homolog contained both the cystine-knot structure and N-glycosylation site characteristic of family members. Gene-specific PCR was used to obtain the cDNA and genomic sequences of the GPA2 homolog of the amphioxus Branchiostoma belcheri. Whole-mount in situ hybridization revealed GPA2 mRNA expression in the anterior part of the nerve cord and on the left side of the central canal. Because amphioxus possesses only one true GPA2 homolog, while vertebrates possess two glycoprotein hormone alpha subunits (thyrostimulin alpha, or GPA2, and the common alpha subunit of gonadal and thyroid glycoprotein hormones, GPA1), our results suggest that GPA1 was acquired later in the vertebrate lineage through gene duplication.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yukiko Tando
- Center for Advanced Marine Research, Ocean Research Institute, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo 164-8639, Japan
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Roessler E, Pei W, Ouspenskaia MV, Karkera JD, Veléz JI, Banerjee-Basu S, Gibney G, Lupo PJ, Mitchell LE, Towbin JA, Bowers P, Belmont JW, Goldmuntz E, Baxevanis AD, Feldman B, Muenke M. Cumulative ligand activity of NODAL mutations and modifiers are linked to human heart defects and holoprosencephaly. Mol Genet Metab 2009; 98:225-34. [PMID: 19553149 PMCID: PMC2774839 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymgme.2009.05.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2009] [Accepted: 05/19/2009] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
The cyclopic and laterality phenotypes in model organisms linked to disturbances in the generation or propagation of Nodal-like signals are potential examples of similar impairments resulting in birth defects in humans. However, the types of gene mutation(s) and their pathogenetic combinations in humans are poorly understood. Here we describe a mutational analysis of the human NODAL gene in a large panel of patients with phenotypes compatible with diminished NODAL ligand function. Significant reductions in the biological activity of NODAL alleles are detected among patients with congenital heart defects (CHD), laterality anomalies (e.g. left-right mis-specification phenotypes), and only rarely holoprosencephaly (HPE). While many of these NODAL variants are typical for family-specific mutations, we also report the presence of alleles with significantly reduced activity among common population variants. We propose that some of these common variants act as modifiers and contribute to the ultimate phenotypic outcome in these patients; furthermore, we draw parallels with strain-specific modifiers in model organisms to bolster this interpretation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erich Roessler
- Medical Genetics Branch, National Human Genome Research Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Wuhong Pei
- Medical Genetics Branch, National Human Genome Research Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Maia V. Ouspenskaia
- Medical Genetics Branch, National Human Genome Research Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Jayaprakash D. Karkera
- Medical Genetics Branch, National Human Genome Research Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Jorge Ivan Veléz
- Medical Genetics Branch, National Human Genome Research Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Sharmilla Banerjee-Basu
- Genome Technology Branch, National Human Genome Research Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Gretchen Gibney
- Genome Technology Branch, National Human Genome Research Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Philip J. Lupo
- Institute of Biosciences and Technology, Texas A&M University System Health Science Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Laura E. Mitchell
- Institute of Biosciences and Technology, Texas A&M University System Health Science Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Jeffrey A. Towbin
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Peter Bowers
- Department of Pediatrics, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - John W. Belmont
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Elizabeth Goldmuntz
- Division of Cardiology, The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, USA
| | - Andreas D. Baxevanis
- Genome Technology Branch, National Human Genome Research Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Benjamin Feldman
- Medical Genetics Branch, National Human Genome Research Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Maximilian Muenke
- Medical Genetics Branch, National Human Genome Research Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
- Corresponding author: Maximilian Muenke, Medical Genetics Branch, National Human Genome Research Institute, National Institutes of Health, 35 Convent Drive, MSC 3717, Building 35, Room 1B-203, Bethesda, MD 20892-3717, Tel.: (301) 402-8167, Fax.: (301) 480-7876,
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Lintern KB, Guidato S, Rowe A, Saldanha JW, Itasaki N. Characterization of wise protein and its molecular mechanism to interact with both Wnt and BMP signals. J Biol Chem 2009; 284:23159-68. [PMID: 19553665 PMCID: PMC2755721 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m109.025478] [Citation(s) in RCA: 101] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2009] [Revised: 06/22/2009] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Cross-talk of BMP and Wnt signaling pathways has been implicated in many aspects of biological events during embryogenesis and in adulthood. A secreted protein Wise and its orthologs (Sostdc1, USAG-1, and Ectodin) have been shown to modulate Wnt signaling and also inhibit BMP signals. Modulation of Wnt signaling activity by Wise is brought about by an interaction with the Wnt co-receptor LRP6, whereas BMP inhibition is by binding to BMP ligands. Here we have investigated the mode of action of Wise on Wnt and BMP signals. It was found that Wise binds LRP6 through one of three loops formed by the cystine knot. The Wise deletion construct lacking the LRP6-interacting loop domain nevertheless binds BMP4 and inhibits BMP signals. Moreover, BMP4 does not interfere with Wise-LRP6 binding, suggesting separate domains for the physical interaction. Functional assays also show that the ability of Wise to block Wnt1 activity through LRP6 is not impeded by BMP4. In contrast, the ability of Wise to inhibit BMP4 is prevented by additional LRP6, implying a preference of Wise in binding LRP6 over BMP4. In addition to the interaction of Wise with BMP4 and LRP6, the molecular characteristics of Wise, such as glycosylation and association with heparan sulfate proteoglycans on the cell surface, are suggested. This study helps to understand the multiple functions of Wise at the molecular level and suggests a possible role for Wise in balancing Wnt and BMP signals.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Sonia Guidato
- From the Divisions of Developmental Neurobiology and
| | - Alison Rowe
- From the Divisions of Developmental Neurobiology and
| | - José W. Saldanha
- Mathematical Biology, Medical Research Council National Institute for Medical Research, London NW7 1AA, United Kingdom
| | - Nobue Itasaki
- From the Divisions of Developmental Neurobiology and
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Reiss S, Sieber M, Oberle V, Wentzel A, Spangenberg P, Claus R, Kolmar H, Lösche W. Inhibition of platelet aggregation by grafting RGD and KGD sequences on the structural scaffold of small disulfide-rich proteins. Platelets 2009; 17:153-7. [PMID: 16702041 DOI: 10.1080/09537100500436663] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
Disintegrins represent a group of disulfide-rich peptides ranging in size from 41 to over 80 residues and are antagonists of several integrin receptors. Disintegrins containing an RGD or KGD sequence are potent inhibitors of platelet aggregation as they block the binding of fibrinogen to alpha(IIb)beta(3) integrin. The high affinity binding to alpha(IIb)beta(3) in comparison to short linear peptides has been attributed to the localisation of the RGD or KGD sequence within a defined three-dimensional structure. Cystine knot microproteins are members of another family of small disulfide-rich peptides that consist of only 28-40 amino acid residues. They display numerous biological activities depending on the peptide sequence of loop regions that are fixed on a structural scaffold that is stabilised by three knot-forming disulfide bonds. In the present study we grafted RGD and KGD containing peptide sequences with seven and 11 amino acids, respectively, into two cystine knot microproteins, the trypsin inhibitor EETI-II and the melanocortin receptor binding domain of the human agouti-related protein AGRP, as well as into the small disintegrin obtustatin. The engineered proteins were much more potent to inhibit the fibrinogen binding, alpha(IIb)beta(3) activation and platelet aggregation when compared to the grafted peptides. Differences that were observed between the engineered proteins indicate the importance of the structural scaffold and the amino acids neighbouring the grafted peptide sequences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandy Reiss
- Clinic for Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care Medicine, University Hospital, Jena, Germany
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43
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Norton RS. Structure and Function of Peptide and Protein Toxins from Marine Organisms. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2009. [DOI: 10.3109/15569549809009246] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
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Proteins on the catwalk: modelling the structural domains of the CCN family of proteins. J Cell Commun Signal 2009; 3:25-41. [PMID: 19424823 PMCID: PMC2686754 DOI: 10.1007/s12079-009-0048-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2009] [Accepted: 03/24/2009] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
The CCN family of proteins (CCN1, CCN2, CCN3, CCN4, CCN5 and CCN6) are multifunctional mosaic proteins that play keys roles in crucial areas of physiology such as angiogenesis, skeletal development tumourigenesis, cell proliferation, adhesion and survival. This expansive repertoire of functions comes through a modular structure of 4 discrete domains that act both independently and in concert. How these interactions with ligands and with neighbouring domains lead to the biological effects is still to be explored but the molecular structure of the domains is likely to play an important role in this. In this review we have highlighted some of the key features of the individual domains of CCN family of proteins based on their biological effects using a homology modelling approach.
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Bursicon, the tanning hormone of insects: recent advances following the discovery of its molecular identity. J Comp Physiol A Neuroethol Sens Neural Behav Physiol 2008; 194:989-1005. [PMID: 19005656 DOI: 10.1007/s00359-008-0386-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2008] [Revised: 10/20/2008] [Accepted: 10/23/2008] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Bursicon was identified in 1965 as a peptide neurohormone that initiates the tanning of the insect cuticle immediately after the shedding of the old one during the final stages of the molting process. Its molecular identity as an approximately 30 kDa bioactive heterodimer consisting of two cystine knot proteins resisted elucidation for 43 years. The sequence of the two bursicon subunits is highly conserved among arthropods, and this conservation extends even to echinoderms. We review the efforts leading to bursicon's characterization, the identification of its leucine-rich repeat-containing, G protein-coupled receptor (LGR2), and the progress towards revealing its various functions. It is now clear that bursicon regulates different aspects of wing inflation in Drosophila melanogaster besides being involved at various points in the cuticle tanning process in different insects. We also describe the current knowledge of the expression of bursicon in the central nervous system of different insects in large homologous neurosecretory cells, and the changes in its expression during the development of Manduca sexta and D. melanogaster. Although much remains to be learned, the elucidation of its molecular identity and that of its receptor has provided the breakthrough needed for investigating the diverse actions of this critical insect neurohormone.
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Holbourn KP, Acharya KR, Perbal B. The CCN family of proteins: structure-function relationships. Trends Biochem Sci 2008; 33:461-73. [PMID: 18789696 PMCID: PMC2683937 DOI: 10.1016/j.tibs.2008.07.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 321] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2008] [Revised: 07/03/2008] [Accepted: 07/07/2008] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The CCN proteins are key signalling and regulatory molecules involved in many vital biological functions, including cell proliferation, angiogenesis, tumourigenesis and wound healing. How these proteins influence such a range of functions remains incompletely understood but is probably related to their discrete modular nature and a complex array of intra- and inter-molecular interactions with a variety of regulatory proteins and ligands. Although certain aspects of their biology can be attributed to the four individual modules that constitute the CCN proteins, recent results suggest that some of their biological functions require cooperation between modules. Indeed, the modular structure of CCN proteins provides important insight into their structure-function relationships.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kenneth P Holbourn
- Department of Biology and Biochemistry, University of Bath, Claverton Down, Bath BA2 7AY, UK
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Li Y, Choi H, Zhou Z, Nolasco L, Pownall HJ, Voorberg J, Moake JL, Dong JF. Covalent regulation of ULVWF string formation and elongation on endothelial cells under flow conditions. J Thromb Haemost 2008; 6:1135-43. [PMID: 18433456 PMCID: PMC2532495 DOI: 10.1111/j.1538-7836.2008.02991.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES The adhesion ligand von Willebrand factor (VWF) is a multimeric glycoprotein that mediates platelet adhesion to exposed subendothelium. On endothelial cells, freshly released ultra-large (UL) VWF multimers form long string-like structures to which platelets adhere. METHODS The formation and elongation of ULVWF strings were studied in the presence of the thiol-blocking N-ethylmaleimide (NEM). The presence of thiols in ULVWF and plasma VWF multimers was determined by maleimide-PEO(2)-Biotin labeling and thiol-chromatography. Finally, covalent re-multimerization of ULVWF was examined in a cell- and enzyme-free system. RESULTS We found that purified plasma VWF multimers adhere to and elongate ULVWF strings under flow conditions. The formation and propagation of ULVWF strings were dose-dependently reduced by blocking thiols on VWF with NEM, indicating that ULVWF strings are formed by the covalent association of perfused VWF to ULVWF anchored to endothelial cells. The association is made possible by the presence of free thiols in VWF multimers and by the ability of (UL) VWF to covalently re-multimerize. CONCLUSION The data provide a mechanism by which the thrombogenic ULVWF strings are formed and elongated on endothelial cells. This mechanism suggests that the thiol-disulfide state of ULVWF regulates the adhesion properties of strings on endothelial cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Y Li
- Section of Thrombosis Research, Department of Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
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Timmerman P, Puijk WC, Meloen RH. Functional reconstruction and synthetic mimicry of a conformational epitope using CLIPS technology. J Mol Recognit 2008; 20:283-99. [PMID: 18074397 DOI: 10.1002/jmr.846] [Citation(s) in RCA: 88] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
This paper describes immunization studies with CLIPS-constrained peptides covering only the major part (beta3-loop) of a structurally complex antigenic site on human Follicle Stimulating Hormone beta-subunit (FSH-beta). In cases where linear and SS-constrained peptides fail, the CLIPS-constrained peptides generate polyclonal antibodies with high neutralizing activity for hFSH. The sera were shown to be specific for hFSH over human Luteinizing Hormone (hLH) and human Chorionic Gonadotropin (hCG). ELISA-competition studies and circular dichroism (CD)-measurements illustrate clearly that activity of the peptides in antibody binding and generation relates directly to precise and appropriate fixation of the peptide conformation. Design of the CLIPS-peptides was entirely based on epitope mapping studies with two neutralizing anti-hFSH mAbs. Both mAbs were shown to bind to a conformational epitope located at the top of the beta1-beta3-loop covering the amino acid sequences Y58-P77 (beta3-loop). The results described in this paper show that CLIPS-constrained peptides covering the Y58-P77 sequence provide the minimally required structural entity necessary to generate reproducibly sera with high hFSH-neutralizing activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter Timmerman
- Pepscan Therapeutics B.V., PO Box 2098, 8203 AB Lelystad, The Netherlands.
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Banerjee A, Khan IA. Molecular cloning of FSH and LH beta subunits and their regulation by estrogen in Atlantic croaker. Gen Comp Endocrinol 2008; 155:827-37. [PMID: 17996237 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2007.09.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2007] [Revised: 09/25/2007] [Accepted: 09/26/2007] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
The cDNAs of FSH and LH beta subunits were isolated from Atlantic croaker pituitary. The isolated genes in croaker showed 35-75% and 60-75% identities with FSH and LH beta of other teleosts, and 41% and 45% with human FSH and LH beta, respectively. The homology models of croaker FSH and LH beta were constructed using the currently known X-ray crystallography structures of human FSH beta and chorionic gonadotropin as templates. Real-time quantitative RT-PCR protocols were developed and validated to measure FSH and LH mRNAs. The FSH mRNA was higher in the pituitaries of early-pubertal croaker than that in late-maturing/mature individuals, whereas LH mRNA showed an opposite trend with substantially higher expression in late-maturing/mature fish. Administration of 17beta-estradiol (E(2); 1 and 5mug/g body weight) in early-pubertal fish significantly decreased FSH but increased LH mRNA expression in the pituitary. In late-maturing/mature females, gonadectomy significantly increased FSH mRNA while E(2) replacement suppressed the elevated expression. On the other hand, E(2) or gonadectomy with E(2) replacement did not significantly alter LH mRNA in the same experiment consistent with similar lack of effect on circulating LH levels in croaker described previously. This finding together with the existing evidence for estrogen negative feedback on GnRH-induced LH secretion in late-maturing/mature croaker suggests that the negative feedback mechanism does not involve inhibition of LH mRNA or protein and may be limited to the blockage of GnRH-induced LH release.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ananyo Banerjee
- The University of Texas at Austin, Marine Science Institute, 750 Channel View Drive, Port Aransas, TX 78373, USA
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Abstract
Cyclic cystine knot proteins are small but topologically complex molecules that occur naturally in plants and have a wide range of bioactivities that make them interesting from a pharmaceutical perspective. Their remarkable stability is dependent on the correct formation of a knotted arrangement of disulfide bonds. This review reports on studies that have deciphered the pathways to the "tying of the knot." These studies have involved a range of biophysical techniques and suggest that the major intermediate species presented on these pathways are two disulfide native species, which are not necessarily the precursors of the native protein. Structural elucidations of one analogue and one such intermediate have been reported, and they both show highly native-like conformation and native disulfide bond connectivity. Cyclic cystine knot formation has also been shown to be assisted by protein disulfide isomerase. The points summarized in this review will be important to consider in the design of novel pharmaceutically interesting biomolecules based on the cyclic cystine knot motif, which has shown potential as a molecular scaffold because of its exceptional stability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masa Cemazar
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience and Australian Research Council Special Research Centre for Functional and Applied Genomics, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
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