1
|
Liu LZ, Liu L, Shi ZH, Bian XL, Si ZR, Wang QQ, Xiang Y, Zhang Y. Amphibian pore-forming protein βγ-CAT drives extracellular nutrient scavenging under cell nutrient deficiency. iScience 2023; 26:106598. [PMID: 37128610 PMCID: PMC10148134 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2023.106598] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2022] [Revised: 02/22/2023] [Accepted: 03/30/2023] [Indexed: 05/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Nutrient acquisition is essential for animal cells. βγ-CAT is a pore-forming protein (PFP) and trefoil factor complex assembled under tight regulation identified in toad Bombina maxima. Here, we reported that B. maxima cells secreted βγ-CAT under glucose, glutamine, and pyruvate deficiency to scavenge extracellular proteins for their nutrient supply and survival. AMPK signaling positively regulated the expression and secretion of βγ-CAT. The PFP complex selectively bound extracellular proteins and promoted proteins uptake through endolysosomal pathways. Elevated intracellular amino acids, enhanced ATP production, and eventually prolonged cell survival were observed in the presence of βγ-CAT and extracellular proteins. Liposome assays indicated that high concentration of ATP negatively regulated the opening of βγ-CAT channels. Collectively, these results uncovered that βγ-CAT is an essential element in cell nutrient scavenging under cell nutrient deficiency by driving vesicular uptake of extracellular proteins, providing a new paradigm for PFPs in cell nutrient acquisition and metabolic flexibility.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ling-Zhen Liu
- Key Laboratory of Animal Models and Human Disease Mechanisms of the Chinese Academy of Sciences/Engineering Laboratory of Peptides of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming Institute of Zoology, the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, Yunnan 650201, China
- Kunming College of Life Science, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, Yunnan 650204, China
| | - Long Liu
- Key Laboratory of Animal Models and Human Disease Mechanisms of the Chinese Academy of Sciences/Engineering Laboratory of Peptides of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming Institute of Zoology, the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, Yunnan 650201, China
- Human Aging Research Institute (HARI) and School of Life Sciences, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330031, China
| | - Zhi-Hong Shi
- Key Laboratory of Animal Models and Human Disease Mechanisms of the Chinese Academy of Sciences/Engineering Laboratory of Peptides of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming Institute of Zoology, the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, Yunnan 650201, China
- Kunming College of Life Science, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, Yunnan 650204, China
| | - Xian-Ling Bian
- Key Laboratory of Animal Models and Human Disease Mechanisms of the Chinese Academy of Sciences/Engineering Laboratory of Peptides of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming Institute of Zoology, the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, Yunnan 650201, China
- School of Life Science, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui 230026, China
| | - Zi-Ru Si
- Key Laboratory of Animal Models and Human Disease Mechanisms of the Chinese Academy of Sciences/Engineering Laboratory of Peptides of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming Institute of Zoology, the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, Yunnan 650201, China
- School of Life Science, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui 230026, China
| | - Qi-Quan Wang
- Human Aging Research Institute (HARI) and School of Life Sciences, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330031, China
| | - Yang Xiang
- Human Aging Research Institute (HARI) and School of Life Sciences, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330031, China
- Corresponding author
| | - Yun Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Animal Models and Human Disease Mechanisms of the Chinese Academy of Sciences/Engineering Laboratory of Peptides of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming Institute of Zoology, the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, Yunnan 650201, China
- Kunming College of Life Science, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, Yunnan 650204, China
- Center for Excellence in Animal Evolution and Genetics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, Yunnan 650201, China
- Corresponding author
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Bian X, Si Z, Wang Q, Liu L, Shi Z, Tian C, Lee W, Zhang Y. IgG Fc-binding protein positively regulates the assembly of pore-forming protein complex βγ-CAT evolved to drive cell vesicular delivery and transport. J Biol Chem 2023; 299:104717. [PMID: 37068610 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2023.104717] [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: 09/15/2022] [Revised: 04/10/2023] [Accepted: 04/11/2023] [Indexed: 04/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Cell membranes form barriers for molecule exchange between the cytosol and the extracellular environments. βγ-CAT, a complex of pore-forming protein (PFP) BmALP1 (two βγ-crystallin domains with an aerolysin pore-forming domain) and the trefoil factor BmTFF3, has been identified in toad Bombina maxima. It plays pivotal roles, via inducing channel formation in various intra- or extra- cellular vesicles, as well as in nutrient acquisition, maintaining water balance, and antigen presentation. Thus, such a protein machine should be tightly regulated. Indeed, BmALP3 (a paralog of BmALP1) oxidizes BmALP1 to form a water-soluble polymer, leading to dissociation of the βγ-CAT complex and loss of biological activity. Here, we found that the B. maxima IgG Fc-binding protein (FCGBP), a well-conserved vertebrate mucin-like protein with unknown functions, acted as a positive regulator for βγ-CAT complex assembly. The interactions among FCGBP, BmALP1, and BmTFF3 were revealed by co-immunoprecipitation assays. Interestingly, FCGBP reversed the inhibitory effect of BmALP3 on the βγ-CAT complex. Furthermore, FCGBP reduced BmALP1 polymers and facilitated the assembly of βγ-CAT with the biological pore-forming activity in the presence of BmTFF3. Our findings define the role of FCGBP in mediating the assembly of a PFP machine evolved to drive cell vesicular delivery and transport.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xianling Bian
- Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at Microscale, School of Life Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui 230027, China; Key Laboratory of Animal Models and Human Disease Mechanisms of The Chinese Academy of Sciences/Engineering Laboratory of Peptides of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Institute of Zoology, the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, Yunnan 650201, China
| | - Ziru Si
- Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at Microscale, School of Life Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui 230027, China; Key Laboratory of Animal Models and Human Disease Mechanisms of The Chinese Academy of Sciences/Engineering Laboratory of Peptides of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Institute of Zoology, the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, Yunnan 650201, China
| | - Qiquan Wang
- Key Laboratory of Animal Models and Human Disease Mechanisms of The Chinese Academy of Sciences/Engineering Laboratory of Peptides of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Institute of Zoology, the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, Yunnan 650201, China; Human Aging Research Institute (HARI) and School of Life Sciences, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330031, China
| | - Lingzhen Liu
- Key Laboratory of Animal Models and Human Disease Mechanisms of The Chinese Academy of Sciences/Engineering Laboratory of Peptides of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Institute of Zoology, the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, Yunnan 650201, China
| | - Zhihong Shi
- Key Laboratory of Animal Models and Human Disease Mechanisms of The Chinese Academy of Sciences/Engineering Laboratory of Peptides of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Institute of Zoology, the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, Yunnan 650201, China
| | - Changlin Tian
- Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at Microscale, School of Life Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui 230027, China.
| | - Wenhui Lee
- Key Laboratory of Animal Models and Human Disease Mechanisms of The Chinese Academy of Sciences/Engineering Laboratory of Peptides of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Institute of Zoology, the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, Yunnan 650201, China.
| | - Yun Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Animal Models and Human Disease Mechanisms of The Chinese Academy of Sciences/Engineering Laboratory of Peptides of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Institute of Zoology, the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, Yunnan 650201, China; Center for Excellence in Animal Evolution and Genetics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, Yunnan 650201, China.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
A Pore Forming Toxin-like Protein Derived from Chinese Red Belly Toad Bombina maxima Triggers the Pyroptosis of Hippomal Neural Cells and Impairs the Cognitive Ability of Mice. Toxins (Basel) 2023; 15:toxins15030191. [PMID: 36977082 PMCID: PMC10054870 DOI: 10.3390/toxins15030191] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2023] [Revised: 02/22/2023] [Accepted: 02/28/2023] [Indexed: 03/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Toxin-like proteins and peptides of skin secretions from amphibians play important physiological and pathological roles in amphibians. βγ-CAT is a Chinese red-belly toad-derived pore-forming toxin-like protein complex that consists of aerolysin domain, crystalline domain, and trefoil factor domain and induces various toxic effects via its membrane perforation process, including membrane binding, oligomerization, and endocytosis. Here, we observed the death of mouse hippocampal neuronal cells induced by βγ-CAT at a concentration of 5 nM. Subsequent studies showed that the death of hippocampal neuronal cells was accompanied by the activation of Gasdermin E and caspase-1, suggesting that βγ-CAT induces the pyroptosis of hippocampal neuronal cells. Further molecular mechanism studies revealed that the pyroptosis induced by βγ-CAT is dependent on the oligomerization and endocytosis of βγ-CAT. It is well known that the damage of hippocampal neuronal cells leads to the cognitive attenuation of animals. The impaired cognitive ability of mice was observed after intraperitoneal injection with 10 μg/kg βγ-CAT in a water maze assay. Taken together, these findings reveal a previously unknown toxicological function of a vertebrate-derived pore-forming toxin-like protein in the nerve system, which triggers the pyroptosis of hippocampal neuronal cells, ultimately leading to hippocampal cognitive attenuation.
Collapse
|
4
|
A pore-forming protein drives macropinocytosis to facilitate toad water maintaining. Commun Biol 2022; 5:730. [PMID: 35869260 PMCID: PMC9307623 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-022-03686-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2021] [Accepted: 07/07/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Maintaining water balance is a real challenge for amphibians in terrestrial environments. Our previous studies with toad Bombina maxima discovered a pore-forming protein and trefoil factor complex βγ-CAT, which is assembled under tight regulation depending on environmental cues. Here we report an unexpected role for βγ-CAT in toad water maintaining. Deletion of toad skin secretions, in which βγ-CAT is a major component, increased animal mortality under hypertonic stress. βγ-CAT was constitutively expressed in toad osmoregulatory organs, which was inducible under the variation of osmotic conditions. The protein induced and participated in macropinocytosis in vivo and in vitro. During extracellular hyperosmosis, βγ-CAT stimulated macropinocytosis to facilitate water import and enhanced exosomes release, which simultaneously regulated aquaporins distribution. Collectively, these findings uncovered that besides membrane integrated aquaporin, a secretory pore-forming protein can facilitate toad water maintaining via macropinocytosis induction and exocytosis modulation, especially in responses to osmotic stress. In addition to membrane-integrated aquaporins, a novel secretory pore-forming protein, βγ-CAT, can facilitate toad water maintaining via macropinocytosis induction and exocytosis modulation, especially in responses to osmotic stress.
Collapse
|
5
|
Abstract
Secretory pore-forming proteins (PFPs) have been identified in organisms from all kingdoms of life. Our studies with the toad species Bombina maxima found an interaction network among aerolysin family PFPs (af-PFPs) and trefoil factors (TFFs). As a toad af-PFP, BmALP1 can be reversibly regulated between active and inactive forms, with its paralog BmALP3 acting as a negative regulator. BmALP1 interacts with BmTFF3 to form a cellular active complex called βγ-CAT. This PFP complex is characterized by acting on endocytic pathways and forming pores on endolysosomes, including stimulating cell macropinocytosis. In addition, cell exocytosis can be induced and/or modulated in the presence of βγ-CAT. Depending on cell contexts and surroundings, these effects can facilitate the toad in material uptake and vesicular transport, while maintaining mucosal barrier function as well as immune defense. Based on experimental evidence, we hereby propose a secretory endolysosome channel (SELC) pathway conducted by a secreted PFP in cell endocytic and exocytic systems, with βγ-CAT being the first example of a SELC protein. With essential roles in cell interactions and environmental adaptations, the proposed SELC protein pathway should be conserved in other living organisms.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yun Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Animal Models and Human Disease Mechanisms of the Chinese Academy of Sciences & Yunnan Province, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, Yunnan 650223, China.,Center for Excellence in Animal Evolution and Genetics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, Yunnan 650223, China. E-mail:
| | - Qi-Quan Wang
- Key Laboratory of Animal Models and Human Disease Mechanisms of the Chinese Academy of Sciences & Yunnan Province, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, Yunnan 650223, China
| | - Zhong Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Animal Models and Human Disease Mechanisms of the Chinese Academy of Sciences & Yunnan Province, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, Yunnan 650223, China
| | - Cheng-Jie Deng
- Key Laboratory of Animal Models and Human Disease Mechanisms of the Chinese Academy of Sciences & Yunnan Province, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, Yunnan 650223, China
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Wang Q, Bian X, Zeng L, Pan F, Liu L, Liang J, Wang L, Zhou K, Lee W, Xiang Y, Li S, Teng M, Li X, Guo X, Zhang Y. A cellular endolysosome-modulating pore-forming protein from a toad is negatively regulated by its paralog under oxidizing conditions. J Biol Chem 2020; 295:10293-10306. [PMID: 32499370 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.ra120.013556] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2020] [Revised: 05/22/2020] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Endolysosomes are key players in cell physiology, including molecular exchange, immunity, and environmental adaptation. They are the molecular targets of some pore-forming aerolysin-like proteins (ALPs) that are widely distributed in animals and plants and are functionally related to bacterial toxin aerolysins. βγ-CAT is a complex of an ALP (BmALP1) and a trefoil factor (BmTFF3) in the firebelly toad (Bombina maxima). It is the first example of a secreted endogenous pore-forming protein that modulates the biochemical properties of endolysosomes by inducing pore formation in these intracellular vesicles. Here, using a large array of biochemical and cell biology methods, we report the identification of BmALP3, a paralog of BmALP1 that lacks membrane pore-forming capacity. We noted that both BmALP3 and BmALP1 contain a conserved cysteine in their C-terminal regions. BmALP3 was readily oxidized to a disulfide bond-linked homodimer, and this homodimer then oxidized BmALP1 via disulfide bond exchange, resulting in the dissociation of βγ-CAT subunits and the elimination of biological activity. Consistent with its behavior in vitro, BmALP3 sensed environmental oxygen tension in vivo, leading to modulation of βγ-CAT activity. Interestingly, we found that this C-terminal cysteine site is well conserved in numerous vertebrate ALPs. These findings uncover the existence of a regulatory ALP (BmALP3) that modulates the activity of an active ALP (BmALP1) in a redox-dependent manner, a property that differs from those of bacterial toxin aerolysins.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Qiquan Wang
- Key Laboratory of Animal Models and Human Disease Mechanisms of the Chinese Academy of Sciences/Key Laboratory of Bioactive Peptides of Yunnan Province, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, Yunnan, China.,Kunming College of Life Science, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, Yunnan, China
| | - Xianling Bian
- Key Laboratory of Animal Models and Human Disease Mechanisms of the Chinese Academy of Sciences/Key Laboratory of Bioactive Peptides of Yunnan Province, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, Yunnan, China.,Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at Microscale, Innovation Center for Cell Signaling Network, School of Life Science, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Lin Zeng
- Key Laboratory of Animal Models and Human Disease Mechanisms of the Chinese Academy of Sciences/Key Laboratory of Bioactive Peptides of Yunnan Province, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, Yunnan, China
| | - Fei Pan
- Key Laboratory of Animal Models and Human Disease Mechanisms of the Chinese Academy of Sciences/Key Laboratory of Bioactive Peptides of Yunnan Province, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, Yunnan, China.,Kunming College of Life Science, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, Yunnan, China
| | - Lingzhen Liu
- Key Laboratory of Animal Models and Human Disease Mechanisms of the Chinese Academy of Sciences/Key Laboratory of Bioactive Peptides of Yunnan Province, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, Yunnan, China.,Kunming College of Life Science, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, Yunnan, China
| | - Jinyang Liang
- Key Laboratory of Animal Models and Human Disease Mechanisms of the Chinese Academy of Sciences/Key Laboratory of Bioactive Peptides of Yunnan Province, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, Yunnan, China.,Kunming College of Life Science, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, Yunnan, China
| | - Lingyan Wang
- Key Laboratory of Animal Models and Human Disease Mechanisms of the Chinese Academy of Sciences/Key Laboratory of Bioactive Peptides of Yunnan Province, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, Yunnan, China
| | - Kaifeng Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Animal Models and Human Disease Mechanisms of the Chinese Academy of Sciences/Key Laboratory of Bioactive Peptides of Yunnan Province, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, Yunnan, China
| | - Wenhui Lee
- Key Laboratory of Animal Models and Human Disease Mechanisms of the Chinese Academy of Sciences/Key Laboratory of Bioactive Peptides of Yunnan Province, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, Yunnan, China
| | - Yang Xiang
- Key Laboratory of Animal Models and Human Disease Mechanisms of the Chinese Academy of Sciences/Key Laboratory of Bioactive Peptides of Yunnan Province, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, Yunnan, China
| | - Sheng'an Li
- Key Laboratory of Animal Models and Human Disease Mechanisms of the Chinese Academy of Sciences/Key Laboratory of Bioactive Peptides of Yunnan Province, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, Yunnan, China
| | - Maikun Teng
- Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at Microscale, Innovation Center for Cell Signaling Network, School of Life Science, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Xu Li
- Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at Microscale, Innovation Center for Cell Signaling Network, School of Life Science, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Xiaolong Guo
- Key Laboratory of Animal Models and Human Disease Mechanisms of the Chinese Academy of Sciences/Key Laboratory of Bioactive Peptides of Yunnan Province, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, Yunnan, China
| | - Yun Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Animal Models and Human Disease Mechanisms of the Chinese Academy of Sciences/Key Laboratory of Bioactive Peptides of Yunnan Province, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, Yunnan, China .,Center for Excellence in Animal Evolution and Genetics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, Yunnan, China
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Guo XL, Liu LZ, Wang QQ, Liang JY, Lee WH, Xiang Y, Li SA, Zhang Y. Endogenous pore-forming protein complex targets acidic glycosphingolipids in lipid rafts to initiate endolysosome regulation. Commun Biol 2019; 2:59. [PMID: 30775460 PMCID: PMC6370762 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-019-0304-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2018] [Accepted: 01/08/2019] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Bacterial pore-forming toxin aerolysin-like proteins (ALPs) are widely distributed in animals and plants. However, functional studies on these ALPs remain in their infancy. βγ-CAT is the first example of a secreted pore-forming protein that functions to modulate the endolysosome pathway via endocytosis and pore formation on endolysosomes. However, the specific cell surface molecules mediating the action of βγ-CAT remain elusive. Here, the actions of βγ-CAT were largely attenuated by either addition or elimination of acidic glycosphingolipids (AGSLs). Further study revealed that the ALP and trefoil factor (TFF) subunits of βγ-CAT bind to gangliosides and sulfatides, respectively. Additionally, disruption of lipid rafts largely impaired the actions of βγ-CAT. Finally, the ability of βγ-CAT to clear pathogens was attenuated in AGSL-eliminated frogs. These findings revealed a previously unknown double binding pattern of an animal-secreted ALP in complex with TFF that initiates ALP-induced endolysosomal pathway regulation, ultimately leading to effective antimicrobial responses.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiao-Long Guo
- Key Laboratory of Animal Models and Human Disease Mechanisms of The Chinese Academy of Sciences/Key Laboratory of Bioactive Peptides of Yunnan Province, Kunming Institute of Zoology, the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, Yunnan, 650223, China
| | - Ling-Zhen Liu
- Key Laboratory of Animal Models and Human Disease Mechanisms of The Chinese Academy of Sciences/Key Laboratory of Bioactive Peptides of Yunnan Province, Kunming Institute of Zoology, the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, Yunnan, 650223, China.,Kunming College of Life Science, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, Yunnan, 650204, China
| | - Qi-Quan Wang
- Key Laboratory of Animal Models and Human Disease Mechanisms of The Chinese Academy of Sciences/Key Laboratory of Bioactive Peptides of Yunnan Province, Kunming Institute of Zoology, the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, Yunnan, 650223, China.,Kunming College of Life Science, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, Yunnan, 650204, China
| | - Jin-Yang Liang
- Key Laboratory of Animal Models and Human Disease Mechanisms of The Chinese Academy of Sciences/Key Laboratory of Bioactive Peptides of Yunnan Province, Kunming Institute of Zoology, the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, Yunnan, 650223, China.,Kunming College of Life Science, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, Yunnan, 650204, China
| | - Wen-Hui Lee
- Key Laboratory of Animal Models and Human Disease Mechanisms of The Chinese Academy of Sciences/Key Laboratory of Bioactive Peptides of Yunnan Province, Kunming Institute of Zoology, the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, Yunnan, 650223, China
| | - Yang Xiang
- Key Laboratory of Animal Models and Human Disease Mechanisms of The Chinese Academy of Sciences/Key Laboratory of Bioactive Peptides of Yunnan Province, Kunming Institute of Zoology, the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, Yunnan, 650223, China
| | - Sheng-An Li
- Key Laboratory of Animal Models and Human Disease Mechanisms of The Chinese Academy of Sciences/Key Laboratory of Bioactive Peptides of Yunnan Province, Kunming Institute of Zoology, the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, Yunnan, 650223, China.
| | - Yun Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Animal Models and Human Disease Mechanisms of The Chinese Academy of Sciences/Key Laboratory of Bioactive Peptides of Yunnan Province, Kunming Institute of Zoology, the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, Yunnan, 650223, China. .,Center for Excellence in Animal Evolution and Genetics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, Yunnan, 650223, China.
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Gao M, Yang F, Zhang L, Su Z, Huang Y. Exploring the sequence-structure-function relationship for the intrinsically disordered βγ-crystallin Hahellin. J Biomol Struct Dyn 2017; 36:1171-1181. [PMID: 28393629 DOI: 10.1080/07391102.2017.1316519] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
βγ-Crystallins are a superfamily of proteins containing crystallin-type Greek key motifs. Some βγ-crystallin domains have been shown to bind Ca2+. Hahellin is a newly identified intrinsically disordered βγ-crystallin domain from Hahella chejuensis. It folds into a typical βγ-crystallin structure upon Ca2+ binding and acts as a Ca2+-regulated conformational switch. Besides Hahellin, another two putative βγ-crystallins from Caulobacter crescentus and Yersinia pestis are shown to be partially disordered in their apo-form and undergo large conformational changes upon Ca2+ binding, although whether they acquire a βγ-crystallin fold is not known. The extent of conformational disorder/order of a protein is determined by its amino acid sequence. To date how this sequence-structure relationship is reflected in the βγ-crystallin superfamily has not been investigated. In this work, we comparatively studied the sequence and structure of Hahellin with those of Protein S, an ordered βγ-crystallin, via various computational biophysical techniques. We found that several factors, including presence of a C-terminal disorder prone region, high content of energetic frustrations, and low contact density, may promote the formation of the disordered state of apo-Hahellin. We also analyzed the disorder propensities for other putative disordered βγ-crystallin domains. This study provides new clues for further understanding the sequence-structure-function relationship of βγ-crystallins.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Meng Gao
- a Department of Biological Engineering and Institute of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences , Hubei University of Technology , Wuhan , Hubei 430068 , China
| | - Fei Yang
- a Department of Biological Engineering and Institute of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences , Hubei University of Technology , Wuhan , Hubei 430068 , China
| | - Lei Zhang
- a Department of Biological Engineering and Institute of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences , Hubei University of Technology , Wuhan , Hubei 430068 , China
| | - Zhengding Su
- a Department of Biological Engineering and Institute of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences , Hubei University of Technology , Wuhan , Hubei 430068 , China
| | - Yongqi Huang
- a Department of Biological Engineering and Institute of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences , Hubei University of Technology , Wuhan , Hubei 430068 , China
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Zhang Y. Why do we study animal toxins? DONG WU XUE YAN JIU = ZOOLOGICAL RESEARCH 2015; 36:183-222. [PMID: 26228472 PMCID: PMC4790257 DOI: 10.13918/j.issn.2095-8137.2015.4.183] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2015] [Accepted: 04/25/2015] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Venom (toxins) is an important trait evolved along the evolutionary tree of animals. Our knowledges on venoms, such as their origins and loss, the biological relevance and the coevolutionary patterns with other organisms are greatly helpful in understanding many fundamental biological questions, i.e., the environmental adaptation and survival competition, the evolution shaped development and balance of venoms, and the sophisticated correlations among venom, immunity, body power, intelligence, their genetic basis, inherent association, as well as the cost-benefit and trade-offs of biological economy. Lethal animal envenomation can be found worldwide. However, from foe to friend, toxin studies have led lots of important discoveries and exciting avenues in deciphering and fighting human diseases, including the works awarded the Nobel Prize and lots of key clinic therapeutics. According to our survey, so far, only less than 0.1% of the toxins of the venomous animals in China have been explored. We emphasize on the similarities shared by venom and immune systems, as well as the studies of toxin knowledge-based physiological toxin-like proteins/peptides (TLPs). We propose the natural pairing hypothesis. Evolution links toxins with humans. Our mission is to find out the right natural pairings and interactions of our body elements with toxins, and with endogenous toxin-like molecules. Although, in nature, toxins may endanger human lives, but from a philosophical point of view, knowing them well is an effective way to better understand ourselves. So, this is why we study toxins.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yun Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Animal Models and Human Disease Mechanisms of The Chinese Academy of Sciences & Yunnan Province, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming Yunnan 650223,
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Host-derived, pore-forming toxin-like protein and trefoil factor complex protects the host against microbial infection. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2014; 111:6702-7. [PMID: 24733922 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1321317111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Aerolysins are virulence factors belonging to the bacterial β-pore-forming toxin superfamily. Surprisingly, numerous aerolysin-like proteins exist in vertebrates, but their biological functions are unknown. βγ-CAT, a complex of an aerolysin-like protein subunit (two βγ-crystallin domains followed by an aerolysin pore-forming domain) and two trefoil factor subunits, has been identified in frogs (Bombina maxima) skin secretions. Here, we report the rich expression of this protein, in the frog blood and immune-related tissues, and the induction of its presence in peritoneal lavage by bacterial challenge. This phenomena raises the possibility of its involvement in antimicrobial infection. When βγ-CAT was administrated in a peritoneal infection model, it greatly accelerated bacterial clearance and increased the survival rate of both frogs and mice. Meanwhile, accelerated Interleukin-1β release and enhanced local leukocyte recruitments were determined, which may partially explain the robust and effective antimicrobial responses observed. The release of interleukin-1β was potently triggered by βγ-CAT from the frog peritoneal cells and murine macrophages in vitro. βγ-CAT was rapidly endocytosed and translocated to lysosomes, where it formed high molecular mass SDS-stable oligomers (>170 kDa). Lysosomal destabilization and cathepsin B release were detected, which may explain the activation of caspase-1 inflammasome and subsequent interleukin-1β maturation and release. To our knowledge, these results provide the first functional evidence of the ability of a host-derived aerolysin-like protein to counter microbial infection by eliciting rapid and effective host innate immune responses. The findings will also largely help to elucidate the possible involvement and action mechanisms of aerolysin-like proteins and/or trefoil factors widely existing in vertebrates in the host defense against pathogens.
Collapse
|
11
|
Mishra A, Krishnan B, Srivastava SS, Sharma Y. Microbial βγ-crystallins. PROGRESS IN BIOPHYSICS AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2014; 115:42-51. [PMID: 24594023 DOI: 10.1016/j.pbiomolbio.2014.02.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2013] [Revised: 02/18/2014] [Accepted: 02/20/2014] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
βγ-Crystallins have emerged as a superfamily of structurally homologous proteins with representatives across the domains of life. A major portion of this superfamily is constituted by members from microorganisms. This superfamily has also been recognized as a novel group of Ca(2+)-binding proteins with huge diversity. The βγ domain shows variable properties in Ca(2+) binding, stability and association with other domains. The various members present a series of evolutionary adaptations culminating in great diversity in properties and functions. Most of the predicted βγ-crystallins are yet to be characterized experimentally. In this review, we outline the distinctive features of microbial βγ-crystallins and their position in the βγ-crystallin superfamily.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Amita Mishra
- CSIR - Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology (CCMB), Uppal Road, Hyderabad 500 007, India
| | - Bal Krishnan
- CSIR - Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology (CCMB), Uppal Road, Hyderabad 500 007, India
| | | | - Yogendra Sharma
- CSIR - Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology (CCMB), Uppal Road, Hyderabad 500 007, India.
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Srivastava SS, Mishra A, Krishnan B, Sharma Y. Ca2+-binding motif of βγ-crystallins. J Biol Chem 2014; 289:10958-10966. [PMID: 24567326 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.o113.539569] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
βγ-Crystallin-type double clamp (N/D)(N/D)XX(S/T)S motif is an established but sparsely investigated motif for Ca(2+) binding. A βγ-crystallin domain is formed of two Greek key motifs, accommodating two Ca(2+)-binding sites. βγ-Crystallins make a separate class of Ca(2+)-binding proteins (CaBP), apparently a major group of CaBP in bacteria. Paralleling the diversity in βγ-crystallin domains, these motifs also show great diversity, both in structure and in function. Although the expression of some of them has been associated with stress, virulence, and adhesion, the functional implications of Ca(2+) binding to βγ-crystallins in mediating biological processes are yet to be elucidated.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shanti Swaroop Srivastava
- Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology (CCMB), Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), Uppal Road, Hyderabad-500 007, India
| | - Amita Mishra
- Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology (CCMB), Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), Uppal Road, Hyderabad-500 007, India
| | - Bal Krishnan
- Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology (CCMB), Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), Uppal Road, Hyderabad-500 007, India
| | - Yogendra Sharma
- Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology (CCMB), Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), Uppal Road, Hyderabad-500 007, India.
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Patel S, Ramanujam V, Srivastava AK, Chary KVR. Conformational propensities and dynamics of a βγ-crystallin, an intrinsically disordered protein. Phys Chem Chem Phys 2014; 16:12703-18. [DOI: 10.1039/c3cp53558d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
|
14
|
Abstract
Membranes are essential in defining the border and ensuring function of all living cells. As such they are vulnerable and have been a preferred target of attack throughout evolution. The most powerful way of damaging a membrane is through the insertion of pore-forming proteins. Research over the last decades shows that such proteins are produced by bacteria to attack bacterial or eukaryotic cells, vertebrates to kill invading organisms or infected cells, and by eukaryotic cells to "kill" mitochondria and trigger apoptosis. The breadth of effect of these proteins is bringing together, in a very exciting way, research communities that used to be unaware of each other.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gisou F van der Goot
- Global Health Institute, Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), Station 19, 1015, Lausanne, Switzerland,
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Ramanujam V, Patel S, Srivastava AK, Sharma Y, Chary KVR. Backbone ¹H, ¹³C and ¹⁵N resonance assignments of an intrinsically unstructured βγ-crystallin from Hahella chejuensis. BIOMOLECULAR NMR ASSIGNMENTS 2013; 7:221-224. [PMID: 22836948 DOI: 10.1007/s12104-012-9414-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2012] [Accepted: 07/16/2012] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
The sequence specific backbone (1)H, (13)C and (15)N resonance assignments of an intrinsically unstructured βγ-crystallin from Hahella chejuensis are reported. The secondary structure chracterization of the unstructured protein reveals that large fraction of residues exhibits β-strand propensity, as in the case of the Ca(2+)-bound structured protein.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Venkatraman Ramanujam
- Department of Chemical Sciences, Tata Institute of Fundamental Research, Homi Bhabha Road, Colaba, Mumbai 400005, India
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
16
|
Establishment, characterization and immortalization of a fibroblast cell line from the Chinese red belly toad Bombina maxima skin. Cytotechnology 2011; 64:95-105. [PMID: 21948116 DOI: 10.1007/s10616-011-9399-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2011] [Accepted: 09/15/2011] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The skin of the amphibian Bombina maxima is rich in biologically active proteins and peptides, most of which have mammalian analogues. The physiological functions of most of the mammalian analogues are still unknown. Thus, Bombina maxima skin may be a promising model to reveal the physiological role of these proteins and peptides because of their large capacity for secretion. To investigate the physiological role of these proteins and peptides in vitro, a fibroblast cell line was successfully established from Bombina maxima tadpole skin. The cell line grew to form a monolayer with cells of a uniform shape and abundant rough endoplasmic reticulum, which are typical characteristics of fibroblasts. Further identification at a molecular level revealed that they strongly expressed the fibroblast marker protein vimentin. The chromosome number of these cells is 2n = 28, and most of them were diploid. Growth property analysis showed that they grew well for 14 passages. However, cells showed decreased proliferative ability after passage 15. Thus, we tried to immortalize the cells through the overexpression of SV40 T antigen. After selecting by G418, cells stably expressed SV40 large T antigen and showed enhanced proliferative ability and increased telomerase activity. Signal transduction analysis revealed functional p42 mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinase in immortalized Bombina maxima dermal fibroblasts. Primary fibroblast cells and the immortalized fibroblast cells from Bombina maxima cultured in the present study can be used to investigate the physiological role of Bombina maxima skin-secreted proteins and peptides. In addition, the methods for primary cell culturing and cell immortalization will be useful for culturing and immortalizing cells from other types of amphibians.
Collapse
|