1
|
Nguyen D, Osterlund E, Kale J, Andrews DW. The C-terminal sequences of Bcl-2 family proteins mediate interactions that regulate cell death. Biochem J 2024; 481:903-922. [PMID: 38985308 DOI: 10.1042/bcj20210352] [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: 02/05/2024] [Revised: 06/18/2024] [Accepted: 06/19/2024] [Indexed: 07/11/2024]
Abstract
Programmed cell death via the both intrinsic and extrinsic pathways is regulated by interactions of the Bcl-2 family protein members that determine whether the cell commits to apoptosis via mitochondrial outer membrane permeabilization (MOMP). Recently the conserved C-terminal sequences (CTSs) that mediate localization of Bcl-2 family proteins to intracellular membranes, have been shown to have additional protein-protein binding functions that contribute to the functions of these proteins in regulating MOMP. Here we review the pivotal role of CTSs in Bcl-2 family interactions including: (1) homotypic interactions between the pro-apoptotic executioner proteins that cause MOMP, (2) heterotypic interactions between pro-apoptotic and anti-apoptotic proteins that prevent MOMP, and (3) heterotypic interactions between the pro-apoptotic executioner proteins and the pro-apoptotic direct activator proteins that promote MOMP.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dang Nguyen
- Department of Medical Biophysics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
- Biological Sciences Platform, Odette Cancer Program, Sunnybrook Research Institute, Toronto, Canada
| | - Elizabeth Osterlund
- Department of Biochemistry and Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health Science, McMaster University, Hamilton, Canada
| | - Justin Kale
- Biological Sciences Platform, Odette Cancer Program, Sunnybrook Research Institute, Toronto, Canada
| | - David W Andrews
- Department of Medical Biophysics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
- Biological Sciences Platform, Odette Cancer Program, Sunnybrook Research Institute, Toronto, Canada
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Lombard V, Grudinin S, Laine E. Explaining Conformational Diversity in Protein Families through Molecular Motions. Sci Data 2024; 11:752. [PMID: 38987561 PMCID: PMC11237097 DOI: 10.1038/s41597-024-03524-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2024] [Accepted: 06/14/2024] [Indexed: 07/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Proteins play a central role in biological processes, and understanding their conformational variability is crucial for unraveling their functional mechanisms. Recent advancements in high-throughput technologies have enhanced our knowledge of protein structures, yet predicting their multiple conformational states and motions remains challenging. This study introduces Dimensionality Analysis for protein Conformational Exploration (DANCE) for a systematic and comprehensive description of protein families conformational variability. DANCE accommodates both experimental and predicted structures. It is suitable for analysing anything from single proteins to superfamilies. Employing it, we clustered all experimentally resolved protein structures available in the Protein Data Bank into conformational collections and characterized them as sets of linear motions. The resource facilitates access and exploitation of the multiple states adopted by a protein and its homologs. Beyond descriptive analysis, we assessed classical dimensionality reduction techniques for sampling unseen states on a representative benchmark. This work improves our understanding of how proteins deform to perform their functions and opens ways to a standardised evaluation of methods designed to sample and generate protein conformations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Valentin Lombard
- Sorbonne Université, CNRS, IBPS, Laboratoire de Biologie Computationnelle et Quantitative (LCQB), 75005, Paris, France
| | - Sergei Grudinin
- Université Grenoble Alpes, CNRS, Grenoble INP, LJK, 38000, Grenoble, France.
| | - Elodie Laine
- Sorbonne Université, CNRS, IBPS, Laboratoire de Biologie Computationnelle et Quantitative (LCQB), 75005, Paris, France.
- Institut Universitaire de France (IUF), Paris, France.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Glover HL, Schreiner A, Dewson G, Tait SWG. Mitochondria and cell death. Nat Cell Biol 2024:10.1038/s41556-024-01429-4. [PMID: 38902422 DOI: 10.1038/s41556-024-01429-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2024] [Accepted: 04/26/2024] [Indexed: 06/22/2024]
Abstract
Mitochondria are cellular factories for energy production, calcium homeostasis and iron metabolism, but they also have an unequivocal and central role in intrinsic apoptosis through the release of cytochrome c. While the subsequent activation of proteolytic caspases ensures that cell death proceeds in the absence of collateral inflammation, other phlogistic cell death pathways have been implicated in using, or engaging, mitochondria. Here we discuss the emerging complexities of intrinsic apoptosis controlled by the BCL-2 family of proteins. We highlight the emerging theory that non-lethal mitochondrial apoptotic signalling has diverse biological roles that impact cancer, innate immunity and ageing. Finally, we delineate the role of mitochondria in other forms of cell death, such as pyroptosis, ferroptosis and necroptosis, and discuss mitochondria as central hubs for the intersection and coordination of cell death signalling pathways, underscoring their potential for therapeutic manipulation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hannah L Glover
- Cancer Research UK Scotland Institute, Glasgow, UK
- School of Cancer Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Annabell Schreiner
- Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Medical Biology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Grant Dewson
- Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.
- Department of Medical Biology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.
| | - Stephen W G Tait
- Cancer Research UK Scotland Institute, Glasgow, UK.
- School of Cancer Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Subas Satish HP, Iyer S, Shi MX, Wong AW, Fischer KC, Wardak AZ, Lio D, Brouwer JM, Uren RT, Czabotar PE, Miller MS, Kluck RM. A novel inhibitory BAK antibody enables assessment of non-activated BAK in cancer cells. Cell Death Differ 2024; 31:711-721. [PMID: 38582955 PMCID: PMC11164899 DOI: 10.1038/s41418-024-01289-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2023] [Revised: 03/21/2024] [Accepted: 03/22/2024] [Indexed: 04/08/2024] Open
Abstract
BAX and BAK are pro-apoptotic members of the BCL2 family that are required to permeabilize the mitochondrial outer membrane. The proteins can adopt a non-activated monomeric conformation, or an activated conformation in which the exposed BH3 domain facilitates binding either to a prosurvival protein or to another activated BAK or BAX protein to promote pore formation. Certain cancer cells are proposed to have high levels of activated BAK sequestered by MCL1 or BCLXL, thus priming these cells to undergo apoptosis in response to BH3 mimetic compounds that target MCL1 or BCLXL. Here we report the first antibody, 14G6, that is specific for the non-activated BAK conformer. A crystal structure of 14G6 Fab bound to BAK revealed a binding site encompassing both the α1 helix and α5-α6 hinge regions of BAK, two sites involved in the unfolding of BAK during its activation. In mitochondrial experiments, 14G6 inhibited BAK unfolding triggered by three diverse BAK activators, supporting crucial roles for both α1 dissociation and separation of the core (α2-α5) and latch (α6-α9) regions in BAK activation. 14G6 bound the majority of BAK in several leukaemia cell lines, and binding decreased following treatment with BH3 mimetics, indicating only minor levels of constitutively activated BAK in those cells. In summary, 14G6 provides a new means of assessing BAK status in response to anti-cancer treatments.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hema Preethi Subas Satish
- Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, 1G Royal Parade, Parkville, VIC, 3052, Australia
- Department of Medical Biology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, 3010, Australia
- Vanderbilt Vaccine Center, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, 37232, USA
| | - Sweta Iyer
- Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, 1G Royal Parade, Parkville, VIC, 3052, Australia
- Department of Medical Biology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, 3010, Australia
| | - Melissa X Shi
- Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, 1G Royal Parade, Parkville, VIC, 3052, Australia
- Department of Medical Biology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, 3010, Australia
| | - Agnes W Wong
- Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, 1G Royal Parade, Parkville, VIC, 3052, Australia
- Department of Medical Biology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, 3010, Australia
| | - Karla C Fischer
- Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, 1G Royal Parade, Parkville, VIC, 3052, Australia
- Department of Medical Biology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, 3010, Australia
| | - Ahmad Z Wardak
- Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, 1G Royal Parade, Parkville, VIC, 3052, Australia
- Department of Medical Biology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, 3010, Australia
| | - Daisy Lio
- Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, 1G Royal Parade, Parkville, VIC, 3052, Australia
- Department of Medical Biology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, 3010, Australia
| | - Jason M Brouwer
- Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, 1G Royal Parade, Parkville, VIC, 3052, Australia
- Department of Medical Biology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, 3010, Australia
| | - Rachel T Uren
- Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, 1G Royal Parade, Parkville, VIC, 3052, Australia
- Department of Medical Biology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, 3010, Australia
| | - Peter E Czabotar
- Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, 1G Royal Parade, Parkville, VIC, 3052, Australia
- Department of Medical Biology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, 3010, Australia
| | - Michelle S Miller
- Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, 1G Royal Parade, Parkville, VIC, 3052, Australia.
- Department of Medical Biology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, 3010, Australia.
| | - Ruth M Kluck
- Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, 1G Royal Parade, Parkville, VIC, 3052, Australia.
- Department of Medical Biology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, 3010, Australia.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Miller MS, Cowan AD, Brouwer JM, Smyth ST, Peng L, Wardak AZ, Uren RT, Luo C, Roy MJ, Shah S, Tan Z, Reid GE, Colman PM, Czabotar PE. Sequence differences between BAX and BAK core domains manifest as differences in their interactions with lipids. FEBS J 2024; 291:2335-2353. [PMID: 38088212 DOI: 10.1111/febs.17031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2023] [Revised: 11/07/2023] [Accepted: 12/11/2023] [Indexed: 01/21/2024]
Abstract
The B-cell lymphoma 2 (BCL2) family members, BCL2-associated protein X (BAX) and BCL2 homologous antagonist killer (BAK), are required for programmed cell death via the mitochondrial pathway. When cells are stressed, damaged or redundant, the balance of power between the BCL2 family of proteins shifts towards BAX and BAK, allowing their transition from an inactive, monomeric state to a membrane-active oligomeric form that releases cytochrome c from the mitochondrial intermembrane space. That oligomeric state has an essential intermediate, a symmetric homodimer of BAX or BAK. Here we describe crystal structures of dimers of the core domain of BAX, comprising its helices α2-α5. These structures provide an atomic resolution description of the interactions that drive BAX homo-dimerisation and insights into potential interaction between core domain dimers and membrane lipids. The previously identified BAK lipid-interacting sites are not conserved with BAX and are likely to determine the differences between them in their interactions with lipids. We also describe structures of heterodimers of BAK/BAX core domains, yielding further insight into the differences in lipid binding between BAX and BAK.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Michelle S Miller
- Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, Vic., Australia
- Department of Medical Biology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Vic., Australia
| | - Angus D Cowan
- Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, Vic., Australia
- Department of Medical Biology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Vic., Australia
| | - Jason M Brouwer
- Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, Vic., Australia
- Department of Medical Biology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Vic., Australia
| | - Sean T Smyth
- Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, Vic., Australia
| | - Liuyu Peng
- School of Chemistry, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Vic., Australia
| | - Ahmad Z Wardak
- Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, Vic., Australia
| | - Rachel T Uren
- Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, Vic., Australia
- Department of Medical Biology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Vic., Australia
| | - Cindy Luo
- Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, Vic., Australia
| | - Michael J Roy
- Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, Vic., Australia
- Department of Medical Biology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Vic., Australia
| | - Sayali Shah
- Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, Vic., Australia
- Department of Medical Biology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Vic., Australia
| | - Ziwen Tan
- Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, Vic., Australia
- Department of Medical Biology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Vic., Australia
| | - Gavin E Reid
- School of Chemistry, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Vic., Australia
- Department of Biochemistry and Pharmacology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Vic., Australia
- Bio21 Molecular Science and Biotechnology Institute, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Vic., Australia
| | - Peter M Colman
- Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, Vic., Australia
- Department of Medical Biology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Vic., Australia
| | - Peter E Czabotar
- Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, Vic., Australia
- Department of Medical Biology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Vic., Australia
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Zhang Z, Hou L, Liu D, Luan S, Huang M, Zhao L. Directly targeting BAX for drug discovery: Therapeutic opportunities and challenges. Acta Pharm Sin B 2024; 14:2378-2401. [PMID: 38828138 PMCID: PMC11143528 DOI: 10.1016/j.apsb.2024.02.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2023] [Revised: 01/25/2024] [Accepted: 02/04/2024] [Indexed: 06/05/2024] Open
Abstract
For over two decades, the development of B-cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2) family therapeutics has primarily focused on anti-apoptotic proteins, resulting in the first-in-class drugs called BH3 mimetics, especially for Bcl-2 inhibitor Venetoclax. The pro-apoptotic protein Bcl-2-associated X protein (BAX) plays a crucial role as the executioner protein of the mitochondrial regulated cell death, contributing to organismal development, tissue homeostasis, and immunity. The dysregulation of BAX is closely associated with the onset and progression of diseases characterized by pathologic cell survival or death, such as cancer, neurodegeneration, and heart failure. In addition to conducting thorough investigations into the physiological modulation of BAX, research on the regulatory mechanisms of small molecules identified through biochemical screening approaches has prompted the identification of functional and potentially druggable binding sites on BAX, as well as diverse all-molecule BAX modulators. This review presents recent advancements in elucidating the physiological and pharmacological modulation of BAX and in identifying potentially druggable binding sites on BAX. Furthermore, it highlights the structural and mechanistic insights into small-molecule modulators targeting diverse binding surfaces or conformations of BAX, offering a promising avenue for developing next-generation apoptosis modulators to treat a wide range of diseases associated with dysregulated cell death by directly targeting BAX.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zhenwei Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Structure-Based Drugs Design & Discovery of Ministry of Education, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang 110016, China
| | - Linghui Hou
- Key Laboratory of Structure-Based Drugs Design & Discovery of Ministry of Education, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang 110016, China
| | - Dan Liu
- Key Laboratory of Structure-Based Drugs Design & Discovery of Ministry of Education, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang 110016, China
| | - Shenglin Luan
- China Resources Sanjiu Medical & Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., Shenzhen 518000, China
| | - Min Huang
- Key Laboratory of Structure-Based Drugs Design & Discovery of Ministry of Education, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang 110016, China
| | - Linxiang Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Structure-Based Drugs Design & Discovery of Ministry of Education, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang 110016, China
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Jenner A, Garcia-Saez AJ. The regulation of the apoptotic pore-An immunological tightrope walk. Adv Immunol 2024; 162:59-108. [PMID: 38866439 DOI: 10.1016/bs.ai.2024.02.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2024]
Abstract
Apoptotic pore formation in mitochondria is the pivotal point for cell death during mitochondrial apoptosis. It is regulated by BCL-2 family proteins in response to various cellular stress triggers and mediates mitochondrial outer membrane permeabilization (MOMP). This allows the release of mitochondrial contents into the cytosol, which triggers rapid cell death and clearance through the activation of caspases. However, under conditions of low caspase activity, the mitochondrial contents released into the cytosol through apoptotic pores serve as inflammatory signals and activate various inflammatory responses. In this chapter, we discuss how the formation of the apoptotic pore is regulated by BCL-2 proteins as well as other cellular or mitochondrial proteins and membrane lipids. Moreover, we highlight the importance of sublethal MOMP in the regulation of mitochondrial-activated inflammation and discuss its physiological consequences in the context of pathogen infection and disease and how it can potentially be exploited therapeutically, for example to improve cancer treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Andreas Jenner
- Institute for Genetics and Cologne Excellence Cluster on Cellular Stress Responses in Aging-Associated Diseases (CECAD), University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Ana J Garcia-Saez
- Institute for Genetics and Cologne Excellence Cluster on Cellular Stress Responses in Aging-Associated Diseases (CECAD), University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Yuan Z, van Delft MF, Li MX, Sumardy F, Smith BJ, Huang DCS, Lessene G, Khakam Y, Jin R, He S, Smith NA, Birkinshaw RW, Czabotar PE, Dewson G. Key residues in the VDAC2-BAK complex can be targeted to modulate apoptosis. PLoS Biol 2024; 22:e3002617. [PMID: 38696533 PMCID: PMC11098506 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pbio.3002617] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2023] [Revised: 05/16/2024] [Accepted: 04/05/2024] [Indexed: 05/04/2024] Open
Abstract
BAK and BAX execute intrinsic apoptosis by permeabilising the mitochondrial outer membrane. Their activity is regulated through interactions with pro-survival BCL-2 family proteins and with non-BCL-2 proteins including the mitochondrial channel protein VDAC2. VDAC2 is important for bringing both BAK and BAX to mitochondria where they execute their apoptotic function. Despite this important function in apoptosis, while interactions with pro-survival family members are well characterised and have culminated in the development of drugs that target these interfaces to induce cancer cell apoptosis, the interaction between BAK and VDAC2 remains largely undefined. Deep scanning mutagenesis coupled with cysteine linkage identified key residues in the interaction between BAK and VDAC2. Obstructive labelling of specific residues in the BH3 domain or hydrophobic groove of BAK disrupted this interaction. Conversely, mutating specific residues in a cytosol-exposed region of VDAC2 stabilised the interaction with BAK and inhibited BAK apoptotic activity. Thus, this VDAC2-BAK interaction site can potentially be targeted to either inhibit BAK-mediated apoptosis in scenarios where excessive apoptosis contributes to disease or to promote BAK-mediated apoptosis for cancer therapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zheng Yuan
- Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, Melbourne, Australia
- Department of Medical Biology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Mark F. van Delft
- Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, Melbourne, Australia
- Department of Medical Biology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Mark Xiang Li
- Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Parkville, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Fransisca Sumardy
- Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Brian J. Smith
- La Trobe Institute for Molecular Science, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - David C. S. Huang
- Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, Melbourne, Australia
- Department of Medical Biology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Guillaume Lessene
- Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, Melbourne, Australia
- Department of Medical Biology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Melbourne, Australia
- Department of Biochemistry and Pharmacology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Yelena Khakam
- Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Ruitao Jin
- La Trobe Institute for Molecular Science, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Australia
- Research School of Biology, Australian National University, Canberra, Australia
| | - Sitong He
- La Trobe Institute for Molecular Science, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Nicholas A. Smith
- La Trobe Institute for Molecular Science, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Richard W. Birkinshaw
- Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, Melbourne, Australia
- Department of Medical Biology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Peter E. Czabotar
- Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, Melbourne, Australia
- Department of Medical Biology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Grant Dewson
- Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, Melbourne, Australia
- Department of Medical Biology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Melbourne, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Liu Y, Zhang Z, He Y, Li R, Zhang Y, Liu H, Wang Y, Ma W. Mitochondria protective and anti-apoptotic effects of peripheral benzodiazepine receptor and its ligands on the treatment of asthma in vitro and vivo. J Inflamm (Lond) 2024; 21:11. [PMID: 38641850 PMCID: PMC11031857 DOI: 10.1186/s12950-024-00383-0] [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: 09/11/2023] [Accepted: 04/03/2024] [Indexed: 04/21/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Asthma is a prevalent respiratory inflammatory disease. Abnormal apoptosis of bronchial epithelial cells is one of the major factors in the progression of asthma. Peripheral benzodiazepine receptors are highly expressed in bronchial epithelial cells, which act as a component of the mitochondrial permeability transition pore to regulate its opening and closing and apoptosis of bronchial epithelial cells. We aimed to investigate the mechanisms by which peripheral benzodiazepine receptor and its ligands, agonist 4'-Chlorodiazepam (Ro5-4864) and antagonist 1-(2-chlorophenyl)-N-methyl-N-(1-methylpropyl)-3-isoquinolinecarboxamide (PK 11,195), modulate the mitochondrial function and cell apoptosis in the treatment of asthma. METHODS In vitro study, Ro5-4864 and PK 11,195 were utilized to pretreat cells prior to the inflammatory injury induced by Lipopolysaccharide. The reactive oxygen species, the apoptosis of cell, the mitochondrial membrane potentials, the ultrastructures of the mitochondria and the expression levels of peripheral benzodiazepine receptors and apoptosis-related proteins and genes were detected. In vivo study, mice were administrated intraperitoneally with Ro5-4864 and PK 11,195 before sensitized and challenged by ovalbumin. Serum IgE and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid cytokines were detected, and lung tissues were underwent the histopathological examination. RESULTS The ligands of peripheral benzodiazepine receptor counteracted the effects of the increase of reactive oxygen species, the elevated extent of apoptosis, the decrease of mitochondrial membrane potentials and the disruption of mitochondrial ultrastructures induced by Lipopolysaccharide. The ligands also promoted the expression of anti-apoptosis-related proteins and genes and inhibited the expression of pro-apoptosis-related proteins and genes. Besides, the ligands reduced the levels of serum IgE and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid cytokines in asthmatic mice and attenuated the histopathological damage of lungs. CONCLUSION Peripheral benzodiazepine receptor serves as a potential therapeutic target for the treatment of asthma, with its ligands exerting mitochondrial protective and anti-apoptotic effects on bronchial epithelial cells.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yurui Liu
- Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, P.R. China
- Department of Anesthesiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, 12 Jichang Road, 510405, Guangzhou, P.R. China
| | - Zhengze Zhang
- Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, P.R. China
- Department of Anesthesiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, 12 Jichang Road, 510405, Guangzhou, P.R. China
| | - Yuewen He
- Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, P.R. China
- Department of Anesthesiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, 12 Jichang Road, 510405, Guangzhou, P.R. China
| | - Ruogen Li
- Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, P.R. China
- Department of Anesthesiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, 12 Jichang Road, 510405, Guangzhou, P.R. China
| | - Yuhao Zhang
- Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, P.R. China
- Department of Anesthesiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, 12 Jichang Road, 510405, Guangzhou, P.R. China
| | - Hao Liu
- Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, P.R. China
- Department of Anesthesiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, 12 Jichang Road, 510405, Guangzhou, P.R. China
| | - Yong Wang
- Department of Anesthesiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, 12 Jichang Road, 510405, Guangzhou, P.R. China
| | - Wuhua Ma
- Department of Anesthesiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, 12 Jichang Road, 510405, Guangzhou, P.R. China.
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Zhang W, Zhuang S, Guan H, Li F, Zou H, Li D. New insights into the anti-apoptotic mechanism of natural polyphenols in complex with Bax protein. J Biomol Struct Dyn 2024; 42:3081-3093. [PMID: 37184126 DOI: 10.1080/07391102.2023.2212066] [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: 10/28/2022] [Accepted: 05/01/2023] [Indexed: 05/16/2023]
Abstract
Excessive apoptosis can kill normal cells and lead to liver damage, heart failure and neurodegenerative diseases. Polyphenols are secondary metabolites of plants that can interact with proteins to inhibit toxins and disease-related apoptosis. Bax is the major pro-apoptotic protein that disrupts the outer mitochondrial membrane to induce apoptosis, but limited studies have focused on the interaction between polyphenols and Bax and the associated anti-apoptotic mechanisms, especially at the atomic level. In this article, we collected 69 common polyphenols for active ingredient screening targeting Bax. Polyphenols with better and worse molecular docking scores were selected, and their anti-apoptosis effects were compared using the H2O2-induced HepG2 cell model. The interactions between the selected polyphenols and Bax protein were analyzed using molecular dynamics simulation to explore the molecular mechanism underlying the anti-apoptosis effect. Secoisolariciresinol diglucoside (SDG) and Epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) with the best affinity for Bax (-6.76 and -6.52 kcal/mol) reduced the expression of cytochrome c and caspase 3, decreasing the apoptosis rate from 52 to 11% and 12%. Molecular dynamics simulation results showed that Bim unfolded the α1-α2 loop of Bax, and disrupted the non-bond interactions between the loop (Pro-43, Glu-44 and Leu-45) and surface (Ile-133, Arg-134 and Met-137) residues, with binding free energy changed from -15.0 to 0 kJ/mol. The hydrogen bonds and van der Waals interactions formed between polyphenols and Bax prevented the unfolding of the loop. Taken together, our results proved that polyphenols can inhibit apoptosis by maintaining the unactivated conformation of Bax to reduce outer mitochondrial membrane damage.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wenyuan Zhang
- College of Food Science and Engineering, Shandong Agricultural University, Key Laboratory of Food Nutrition and Human Health in Universities of Shandong, Taian, China
| | | | - Hui Guan
- College of Food Science and Engineering, Shandong Agricultural University, Key Laboratory of Food Nutrition and Human Health in Universities of Shandong, Taian, China
| | - Feng Li
- College of Food Science and Engineering, Shandong Agricultural University, Key Laboratory of Food Nutrition and Human Health in Universities of Shandong, Taian, China
| | - Hui Zou
- College of Food Science and Engineering, Shandong Agricultural University, Key Laboratory of Food Nutrition and Human Health in Universities of Shandong, Taian, China
| | - Dapeng Li
- Qingdao Institute for Food and Drug Control, Qingdao, China
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Zhou Z, Arroum T, Luo X, Kang R, Lee YJ, Tang D, Hüttemann M, Song X. Diverse functions of cytochrome c in cell death and disease. Cell Death Differ 2024; 31:387-404. [PMID: 38521844 PMCID: PMC11043370 DOI: 10.1038/s41418-024-01284-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2023] [Revised: 03/13/2024] [Accepted: 03/18/2024] [Indexed: 03/25/2024] Open
Abstract
The redox-active protein cytochrome c is a highly positively charged hemoglobin that regulates cell fate decisions of life and death. Under normal physiological conditions, cytochrome c is localized in the mitochondrial intermembrane space, and its distribution can extend to the cytosol, nucleus, and extracellular space under specific pathological or stress-induced conditions. In the mitochondria, cytochrome c acts as an electron carrier in the electron transport chain, facilitating adenosine triphosphate synthesis, regulating cardiolipin peroxidation, and influencing reactive oxygen species dynamics. Upon cellular stress, it can be released into the cytosol, where it interacts with apoptotic peptidase activator 1 (APAF1) to form the apoptosome, initiating caspase-dependent apoptotic cell death. Additionally, following exposure to pro-apoptotic compounds, cytochrome c contributes to the survival of drug-tolerant persister cells. When translocated to the nucleus, it can induce chromatin condensation and disrupt nucleosome assembly. Upon its release into the extracellular space, cytochrome c may act as an immune mediator during cell death processes, highlighting its multifaceted role in cellular biology. In this review, we explore the diverse structural and functional aspects of cytochrome c in physiological and pathological responses. We summarize how posttranslational modifications of cytochrome c (e.g., phosphorylation, acetylation, tyrosine nitration, and oxidation), binding proteins (e.g., HIGD1A, CHCHD2, ITPR1, and nucleophosmin), and mutations (e.g., G41S, Y48H, and A51V) affect its function. Furthermore, we provide an overview of the latest advanced technologies utilized for detecting cytochrome c, along with potential therapeutic approaches related to this protein. These strategies hold tremendous promise in personalized health care, presenting opportunities for targeted interventions in a wide range of conditions, including neurodegenerative disorders, cardiovascular diseases, and cancer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zhuan Zhou
- Department of Surgery, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, 75390, USA
| | - Tasnim Arroum
- Center for Molecular Medicine and Genetics, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, 48201, USA
| | - Xu Luo
- Eppley Institute for Research in Cancer and Allied Diseases, Fred and Pamela Buffett Cancer Center, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, 68198, USA
| | - Rui Kang
- Department of Surgery, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, 75390, USA
| | - Yong J Lee
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, 8700 Beverly Blvd, Los Angeles, CA, 90048, USA
| | - Daolin Tang
- Department of Surgery, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, 75390, USA.
| | - Maik Hüttemann
- Center for Molecular Medicine and Genetics, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, 48201, USA.
- Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology, and Immunology, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, 48201, USA.
| | - Xinxin Song
- Department of Surgery, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, 75390, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Chen W, Geng D, Chen J, Han X, Xie Q, Guo G, Chen X, Zhang W, Tang S, Zhong X. Roles and mechanisms of aberrant alternative splicing in melanoma - implications for targeted therapy and immunotherapy resistance. Cancer Cell Int 2024; 24:101. [PMID: 38462618 PMCID: PMC10926661 DOI: 10.1186/s12935-024-03280-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2023] [Accepted: 02/22/2024] [Indexed: 03/12/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Despite advances in therapeutic strategies, resistance to immunotherapy and the off-target effects of targeted therapy have significantly weakened the benefits for patients with melanoma. MAIN BODY Alternative splicing plays a crucial role in transcriptional reprogramming during melanoma development. In particular, aberrant alternative splicing is involved in the efficacy of immunotherapy, targeted therapy, and melanoma metastasis. Abnormal expression of splicing factors and variants may serve as biomarkers or therapeutic targets for the diagnosis and prognosis of melanoma. Therefore, comprehensively integrating their roles and related mechanisms is essential. This review provides the first detailed summary of the splicing process in melanoma and the changes occurring in this pathway. CONCLUSION The focus of this review is to provide strategies for developing novel diagnostic biomarkers and summarize their potential to alter resistance to targeted therapies and immunotherapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wanxian Chen
- Department of Plastic and Burns Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, 515000, P. R. China
- Plastic Surgery Research Institute, Ear Deformities Treatment Center and Cleft Lip and Palate Treatment Center, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, China
| | - Deyi Geng
- Department of Plastic and Burns Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, 515000, P. R. China
- Plastic Surgery Research Institute, Ear Deformities Treatment Center and Cleft Lip and Palate Treatment Center, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, China
| | - Jiasheng Chen
- Department of Plastic and Burns Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, 515000, P. R. China
- Plastic Surgery Research Institute, Ear Deformities Treatment Center and Cleft Lip and Palate Treatment Center, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, China
| | - Xiaosha Han
- Department of Plastic and Burns Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, 515000, P. R. China
- Plastic Surgery Research Institute, Ear Deformities Treatment Center and Cleft Lip and Palate Treatment Center, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, China
| | - Qihu Xie
- Department of Plastic and Burns Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, 515000, P. R. China
- Plastic Surgery Research Institute, Ear Deformities Treatment Center and Cleft Lip and Palate Treatment Center, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, China
| | - Genghong Guo
- Department of Plastic and Burns Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, 515000, P. R. China
- Plastic Surgery Research Institute, Ear Deformities Treatment Center and Cleft Lip and Palate Treatment Center, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, China
| | - Xuefen Chen
- Department of Plastic and Burns Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, 515000, P. R. China
- Plastic Surgery Research Institute, Ear Deformities Treatment Center and Cleft Lip and Palate Treatment Center, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, China
| | - Wancong Zhang
- Department of Plastic and Burns Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, 515000, P. R. China
- Plastic Surgery Research Institute, Ear Deformities Treatment Center and Cleft Lip and Palate Treatment Center, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, China
| | - Shijie Tang
- Department of Plastic and Burns Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, 515000, P. R. China
- Plastic Surgery Research Institute, Ear Deformities Treatment Center and Cleft Lip and Palate Treatment Center, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, China
| | - Xiaoping Zhong
- Department of Plastic and Burns Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, 515000, P. R. China.
- Plastic Surgery Research Institute, Ear Deformities Treatment Center and Cleft Lip and Palate Treatment Center, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, China.
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Tan EW, Simon SE, Numan A, Khalid M, Tan KO. Impact of UV radiation on Mxene-mediated tubulin dissociation and mitochondrial apoptosis in breast cancer cells. Colloids Surf B Biointerfaces 2024; 235:113793. [PMID: 38364521 DOI: 10.1016/j.colsurfb.2024.113793] [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: 09/21/2023] [Revised: 01/30/2024] [Accepted: 02/07/2024] [Indexed: 02/18/2024]
Abstract
Breast cancer is a global health concern that requires personalized therapies to prevent relapses, as conventional treatments may develop resistance over time. Photothermal therapy using spectral radiation or intense light emission is a broad-spectrum treatment that induces hyperthermia-mediated cancer cell death. MXene, a two-dimensional material, has been reported to have potential biological applications in photothermal therapy for cancer treatment. In this study, we investigated the apoptotic activity of MXene and UV-irradiated MXene in MCF-7 breast cancer cells by treating them with varying concentrations of MXene. The cytotoxicity of MXene and UV was evaluated by analyzing cellular morphology, nuclei condensation, caspase activation, and apoptotic cell death. We also assessed the effect of the combined treatment on the expression and cellular distribution of Tubulin, a key component of microtubules required for cell division. At low concentrations of MXene (up to 100 µg/ml), the level of cytotoxicity in MCF-7 cells was low. However, the combined treatment of MXene and UV resulted in a synergistic increase in cytotoxicity, causing rounded cellular morphology, condensed nuclei, caspase activation, and apoptotic cell death. Furthermore, the treatment reduced Tubulin protein expression and cellular distribution, indicating a potent inducer of cell death with potential application for cancer treatment. The study demonstrates that the combined treatment of MXene and UVB irradiation is a promising strategy for inducing apoptotic cell death in breast cancer cells, suggesting its potential as a therapeutic intervention for breast cancer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ee Wern Tan
- Department of Biological Sciences, Cancer Biology Laboratory, Sunway University, No. 5 Jalan Universiti, Bandar Sunway, Subang Jaya, Selangor 47500, Malaysia
| | - Samson Eugin Simon
- Department of Hemotology & Oncology, College of Medicine, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Arshid Numan
- Sunway Centre for Electrochemical Energy and Sustainable Technology (SCEEST), Sunway University, No. 5 Jalan Universiti, Bandar Sunway, Subang Jaya, Selangor 47500 , Malaysia
| | - Mohammad Khalid
- Sunway Centre for Electrochemical Energy and Sustainable Technology (SCEEST), Sunway University, No. 5 Jalan Universiti, Bandar Sunway, Subang Jaya, Selangor 47500 , Malaysia; Centre of Research Impact and Outcome, Chitkara University, Punjab 140401 India.
| | - Kuan Onn Tan
- Department of Biological Sciences, Cancer Biology Laboratory, Sunway University, No. 5 Jalan Universiti, Bandar Sunway, Subang Jaya, Selangor 47500, Malaysia.
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Gong Q, Wang H, Zhou M, Zhou L, Wang R, Li Y. B-cell lymphoma-2 family proteins in the crosshairs: Small molecule inhibitors and activators for cancer therapy. Med Res Rev 2024; 44:707-737. [PMID: 37983840 DOI: 10.1002/med.21999] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2023] [Revised: 10/31/2023] [Accepted: 11/02/2023] [Indexed: 11/22/2023]
Abstract
The B-cell lymphoma-2 (BCL-2) family of proteins plays a crucial role in the regulation of apoptosis, offering a dual mechanism for its control. Numerous studies have established a strong association between gene disorders of these proteins and the proliferation of diverse cancer cell types. Consequently, the identification and development of drugs targeting BCL-2 family proteins have emerged as a prominent area in antitumor therapy. Over the last two decades, several small-molecules have been designed to modulate the protein-protein interactions between anti- and proapoptotic BCL-2 proteins, effectively suppressing tumor growth and metastasis in vivo. The primary focus of research has been on developing BCL-2 homology 3 (BH3) mimetics to target antiapoptotic BCL-2 proteins, thereby competitively releasing proapoptotic BCL-2 proteins and restoring the blocked intrinsic apoptotic program. Additionally, for proapoptotic BCL-2 proteins, exogenous small molecules have been explored to activate cell apoptosis by directly interacting with executioner proteins such as BCL-2-associated X protein (BAX) or BCL-2 homologous antagonist/killer protein (BAK). In this comprehensive review, we summarize the inhibitors and activators (sensitizers) of BCL-2 family proteins developed over the past decades, highlighting their discovery, optimization, preclinical and clinical status, and providing an overall landscape of drug development targeting these proteins for therapeutic purposes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Qineng Gong
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Haojie Wang
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Mi Zhou
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Lu Zhou
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Renxiao Wang
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Yan Li
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Hanley SE, Willis SD, Doyle SJ, Strich R, Cooper KF. Ksp1 is an autophagic receptor protein for the Snx4-assisted autophagy of Ssn2/Med13. Autophagy 2024; 20:397-415. [PMID: 37733395 PMCID: PMC10813586 DOI: 10.1080/15548627.2023.2259708] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2023] [Accepted: 09/11/2023] [Indexed: 09/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Ksp1 is a casein II-like kinase whose activity prevents aberrant macroautophagy/autophagy induction in nutrient-rich conditions in yeast. Here, we describe a kinase-independent role of Ksp1 as a novel autophagic receptor protein for Ssn2/Med13, a known cargo of Snx4-assisted autophagy of transcription factors. In this pathway, a subset of conserved transcriptional regulators, Ssn2/Med13, Rim15, and Msn2, are selectively targeted for vacuolar proteolysis following nitrogen starvation, assisted by the sorting nexin heterodimer Snx4-Atg20. Here we show that phagophores also engulf Ksp1 alongside its cargo for vacuolar proteolysis. Ksp1 directly associates with Atg8 following nitrogen starvation at the interface of an Atg8-family interacting motif (AIM)/LC3-interacting region (LIR) in Ksp1 and the LIR/AIM docking site (LDS) in Atg8. Mutating the LDS site prevents the autophagic degradation of Ksp1. However, deletion of the C terminal canonical AIM still permitted Ssn2/Med13 proteolysis, suggesting that additional non-canonical AIMs may mediate the Ksp1-Atg8 interaction. Ksp1 is recruited to the perivacuolar phagophore assembly site by Atg29, a member of the trimeric scaffold complex. This interaction is independent of Atg8 and Snx4, suggesting that Ksp1 is recruited early to phagophores, with Snx4 delivering Ssn2/Med13 thereafter. Finally, normal cell survival following prolonged nitrogen starvation requires Ksp1. Together, these studies define a kinase-independent role for Ksp1 as an autophagic receptor protein mediating Ssn2/Med13 degradation. They also suggest that phagophores built by the trimeric scaffold complex are capable of receptor-mediated autophagy. These results demonstrate the dual functionality of Ksp1, whose kinase activity prevents autophagy while it plays a scaffolding role supporting autophagic degradation.Abbreviations: 3-AT: 3-aminotriazole; 17C: Atg17-Atg31-Atg29 trimeric scaffold complex; AIM: Atg8-family interacting motif; ATG: autophagy related; CKM: CDK8 kinase module; Cvt: cytoplasm-to-vacuole targeting; IDR: intrinsically disordered region; LIR: LC3-interacting region; LDS: LIR/AIM docking site; MoRF: molecular recognition feature; NPC: nuclear pore complex; PAS: phagophore assembly site; PKA: protein kinase A; RBP: RNA-binding protein; UPS: ubiquitin-proteasome system. SAA-TF: Snx4-assisted autophagy of transcription factors; Y2H: yeast two-hybrid.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sara E. Hanley
- Department of Molecular Biology, Rowan-Virtua School of Translational Biomedical Engineering & Sciences, Rowan University, Stratford, NJ, USA
| | - Stephen D. Willis
- Department of Molecular Biology, Rowan-Virtua School of Translational Biomedical Engineering & Sciences, Rowan University, Stratford, NJ, USA
| | - Steven J. Doyle
- Department of Molecular Biology, Rowan-Virtua School of Translational Biomedical Engineering & Sciences, Rowan University, Stratford, NJ, USA
- School of Osteopathic Medicine, Rowan University, Stratford, NJ, USA
| | - Randy Strich
- Department of Molecular Biology, Rowan-Virtua School of Translational Biomedical Engineering & Sciences, Rowan University, Stratford, NJ, USA
| | - Katrina F. Cooper
- Department of Molecular Biology, Rowan-Virtua School of Translational Biomedical Engineering & Sciences, Rowan University, Stratford, NJ, USA
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Wang W, Wang H, Long Y, Li Z, Li J. Controlling Hair Loss by Regulating Apoptosis in Hair Follicles: A Comprehensive Overview. Biomolecules 2023; 14:20. [PMID: 38254620 PMCID: PMC10813359 DOI: 10.3390/biom14010020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2023] [Revised: 12/16/2023] [Accepted: 12/18/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Apoptosis is a physiological process that occurs in all cell types of the human body, and it profoundly changes the fate of hair by affecting hair follicle cells. This review outlines the cellular changes, intrinsic biochemical characteristics, and mechanisms underlying apoptosis and summarizes the hair follicle life cycle, including development, cycle stages, and corresponding cellular changes. Finally, the relationship between apoptosis and the hair cycle is discussed and the significance of apoptosis in hair loss conditions and drug treatments is highlighted. Apoptosis induces cellular changes and exhibits distinctive properties through intricate signaling pathways. Hair follicles undergo cyclic periods of growth, regression, and dormancy. Apoptosis is closely correlated with the regression phase by triggering hair follicle cell death and shedding. Regulation of apoptosis in hair follicles plays an essential role in hair loss due to maladies and drug treatments. Mitigating apoptosis can enhance hair growth and minimize hair loss. A comprehensive understanding of the correlation between apoptosis and the hair cycle can facilitate the development of novel treatments to prevent hair loss and stimulate hair regeneration.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wuji Wang
- Key Laboratory of Basic Pharmacology of Ministry of Education and Joint International Research Laboratory of Ethnomedicine of Ministry of Education, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi 563006, China; (W.W.); (H.W.); (Y.L.); (Z.L.)
- Key Laboratory of Basic Pharmacology of Guizhou Province, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi 563006, China
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi 563006, China
| | - Honglan Wang
- Key Laboratory of Basic Pharmacology of Ministry of Education and Joint International Research Laboratory of Ethnomedicine of Ministry of Education, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi 563006, China; (W.W.); (H.W.); (Y.L.); (Z.L.)
- Key Laboratory of Basic Pharmacology of Guizhou Province, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi 563006, China
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi 563006, China
| | - Yunluan Long
- Key Laboratory of Basic Pharmacology of Ministry of Education and Joint International Research Laboratory of Ethnomedicine of Ministry of Education, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi 563006, China; (W.W.); (H.W.); (Y.L.); (Z.L.)
- Key Laboratory of Basic Pharmacology of Guizhou Province, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi 563006, China
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi 563006, China
| | - Zheng Li
- Key Laboratory of Basic Pharmacology of Ministry of Education and Joint International Research Laboratory of Ethnomedicine of Ministry of Education, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi 563006, China; (W.W.); (H.W.); (Y.L.); (Z.L.)
- Key Laboratory of Basic Pharmacology of Guizhou Province, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi 563006, China
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi 563006, China
| | - Jingjie Li
- Key Laboratory of Basic Pharmacology of Ministry of Education and Joint International Research Laboratory of Ethnomedicine of Ministry of Education, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi 563006, China; (W.W.); (H.W.); (Y.L.); (Z.L.)
- Key Laboratory of Basic Pharmacology of Guizhou Province, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi 563006, China
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi 563006, China
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Gitego N, Agianian B, Mak OW, Kumar Mv V, Cheng EH, Gavathiotis E. Chemical modulation of cytosolic BAX homodimer potentiates BAX activation and apoptosis. Nat Commun 2023; 14:8381. [PMID: 38104127 PMCID: PMC10725471 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-44084-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2023] [Accepted: 11/29/2023] [Indexed: 12/19/2023] Open
Abstract
The BCL-2 family protein BAX is a major regulator of physiological and pathological cell death. BAX predominantly resides in the cytosol in a quiescent state and upon stress, it undergoes conformational activation and mitochondrial translocation leading to mitochondrial outer membrane permeabilization, a critical event in apoptosis execution. Previous studies reported two inactive conformations of cytosolic BAX, a monomer and a dimer, however, it remains unclear how they regulate BAX. Here we show that, surprisingly, cancer cell lines express cytosolic inactive BAX dimers and/or monomers. Expression of inactive dimers, results in reduced BAX activation, translocation and apoptosis upon pro-apoptotic drug treatments. Using the inactive BAX dimer structure and a pharmacophore-based drug screen, we identify a small-molecule modulator, BDM19 that binds and activates cytosolic BAX dimers and prompts cells to apoptosis either alone or in combination with BCL-2/BCL-XL inhibitor Navitoclax. Our findings underscore the role of the cytosolic inactive BAX dimer in resistance to apoptosis and demonstrate a strategy to potentiate BAX-mediated apoptosis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nadege Gitego
- Department of Biochemistry, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA
- Department of Medicine, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA
- Montefiore Einstein Comprehensive Cancer Center, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA
| | - Bogos Agianian
- Department of Biochemistry, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA
- Department of Medicine, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA
- Montefiore Einstein Comprehensive Cancer Center, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA
| | - Oi Wei Mak
- Department of Biochemistry, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA
- Department of Medicine, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA
- Montefiore Einstein Comprehensive Cancer Center, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA
| | - Vasantha Kumar Mv
- Department of Biochemistry, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA
- Department of Medicine, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA
- Montefiore Einstein Comprehensive Cancer Center, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA
| | - Emily H Cheng
- Human Oncology and Pathogenesis Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
- Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Evripidis Gavathiotis
- Department of Biochemistry, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA.
- Department of Medicine, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA.
- Montefiore Einstein Comprehensive Cancer Center, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Dehghan S, Kheshtchin N, Hassannezhad S, Soleimani M. Cell death classification: A new insight based on molecular mechanisms. Exp Cell Res 2023; 433:113860. [PMID: 38013091 DOI: 10.1016/j.yexcr.2023.113860] [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: 09/13/2023] [Revised: 11/17/2023] [Accepted: 11/18/2023] [Indexed: 11/29/2023]
Abstract
Cells tend to disintegrate themselves or are forced to undergo such destructive processes in critical circumstances. This complex cellular function necessitates various mechanisms and molecular pathways in order to be executed. The very nature of cell death is essentially important and vital for maintaining homeostasis, thus any type of disturbing occurrence might lead to different sorts of diseases and dysfunctions. Cell death has various modalities and yet, every now and then, a new type of this elegant procedure gets to be discovered. The diversity of cell death compels the need for a universal organizing system in order to facilitate further studies, therapeutic strategies and the invention of new methods of research. Considering all that, we attempted to review most of the known cell death mechanisms and sort them all into one arranging system that operates under a simple but subtle decision-making (If \ Else) order as a sorting algorithm, in which it decides to place and sort an input data (a type of cell death) into its proper set, then a subset and finally a group of cell death. By proposing this algorithm, the authors hope it may solve the problems regarding newer and/or undiscovered types of cell death and facilitate research and therapeutic applications of cell death.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sepehr Dehghan
- Department of Medical Basic Sciences, University of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Nasim Kheshtchin
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | | | - Maryam Soleimani
- Department of Medical Basic Sciences, University of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Cheng P, Hou Y, Bian M, Fang X, Liu Y, Rao Y, Cao S, Liu Y, Zhang S, Chen Y, Dong X, Liu Z. Parkin-mediated ubiquitination inhibits BAK apoptotic activity by blocking its canonical hydrophobic groove. Commun Biol 2023; 6:1260. [PMID: 38087033 PMCID: PMC10716173 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-023-05650-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2023] [Accepted: 11/29/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
BAK permeabilizes the mitochondrial outer membrane, causing apoptosis. This apoptotic activity of BAK is stimulated by binding prodeath activators within its canonical hydrophobic groove. Parkin, an E3 ubiquitin (Ub) ligase, can ubiquitinate BAK, which inhibits BAK apoptotic activity. However, the molecular mechanism underlying the inhibition of ubiquitination remains structurally uncharacterized. Here, we utilize truncated and soluble BAK to construct a mimetic of K113-ubiquitinated BAK (disulfide-linked UbG76C ~ BAKK113C) and further present its NMR-derived structure model. The classical L8-I44-H68-V70 hydrophobic patch of the conjugated Ub subunit binds within the canonical hydrophobic groove of BAK. This Ub occludes the binding of prodeath BID activators in the groove and impairs BID-triggered BAK activation and membrane permeabilization. Reduced interaction between Ub and BAK subunits allows BID to activate K113-ubiquitinated BAK. These mechanistic insights suggest a nonsignaling function of Ub in that it directly antagonizes stimuli targeting Ub-modified proteins rather than by recruiting downstream partners for cellular messaging.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Peng Cheng
- National Key Laboratory of Crop Genetic Improvement, Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, China
| | - Yuzhu Hou
- National Key Laboratory of Crop Genetic Improvement, Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, China
| | - Mingxing Bian
- National Key Laboratory of Crop Genetic Improvement, Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, China
| | - Xueru Fang
- National Key Laboratory of Crop Genetic Improvement, Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, China
| | - Yan Liu
- National Key Laboratory of Crop Genetic Improvement, Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, China
| | - Yuanfang Rao
- National Key Laboratory of Crop Genetic Improvement, Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, China
| | - Shuo Cao
- National Key Laboratory of Crop Genetic Improvement, Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, China
| | - Yanjun Liu
- National Key Laboratory of Crop Genetic Improvement, Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, China
| | - Shuai Zhang
- College of Biomedicine and Health, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, China
| | - Yanke Chen
- College of Biomedicine and Health, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, China.
| | - Xu Dong
- Wuhan Institute of Physics and Mathematics, Innovation Academy for Precision Measurement Science and Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, 430071, China.
- State Key Laboratory of Biocatalysis and Enzyme Engineering, College of Life Sciences, Hubei University, Wuhan, 430074, China.
| | - Zhu Liu
- National Key Laboratory of Crop Genetic Improvement, Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, China.
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Chen Y, Gelles JD, Mohammed JN, Chipuk JE. An optimized protocol for expression and purification of monomeric full-length BAX protein for functional interrogations. Front Cell Dev Biol 2023; 11:1322816. [PMID: 38143925 PMCID: PMC10748421 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2023.1322816] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2023] [Accepted: 11/22/2023] [Indexed: 12/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Diverse developmental signals and pro-death stresses converge on the regulation of the mitochondrial pathway of apoptosis. BAX, a proapoptotic BCL-2 effector, directly forms proteolipid pores in the outer mitochondrial membrane to activate the mitochondrial pathway of apoptosis. BAX is a viable pharmacological target for various human diseases, and increasing efforts have been made to study the molecular regulation of BAX while identifying small molecules selectively targeting BAX. However, generating large quantities of monomeric and functionally competent BAX has been challenging due to its aggregation-prone nature. Additionally, there is a lack of detailed and instructional protocols available for investigators who are not already familiar with recombinant BAX production. Here, we present a comprehensive protocol for expressing, purifying, and storing functional monomeric recombinant BAX protein. We use an intein-chitin binding domain-tagged BAX-expressing construct and employ a two-step chromatography strategy to capture and purify BAX. We also provide examples of standard assays to observe BAX activation, and highlight the best practices for handling and storing BAX to effectively preserve its quality, shelf life, and function.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yiyang Chen
- Laboratory of Mitochondrial Biology in Human Health and Disease, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York,NY, United States
- Department of Oncological Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States
- The Tisch Cancer Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States
- The Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States
| | - Jesse D. Gelles
- Laboratory of Mitochondrial Biology in Human Health and Disease, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York,NY, United States
- Department of Oncological Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States
- The Tisch Cancer Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States
| | - Jarvier N. Mohammed
- Laboratory of Mitochondrial Biology in Human Health and Disease, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York,NY, United States
- Department of Oncological Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States
- The Tisch Cancer Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States
- The Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States
| | - Jerry Edward Chipuk
- Laboratory of Mitochondrial Biology in Human Health and Disease, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York,NY, United States
- Department of Oncological Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States
- The Tisch Cancer Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States
- The Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States
- Department of Dermatology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States
- The Diabetes, Obesity and Metabolism Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Yaguchi T, Kameno M, Taira H, Kawakami J. Mitochondrial Dynamics of Bcl-2 Family Proteins during 17-β-Estradiol-Induced Apoptosis Correlate with the Malignancy of Endometrial Cancer Cells. Biochemistry 2023; 62:3041-3049. [PMID: 37856786 DOI: 10.1021/acs.biochem.3c00064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2023]
Abstract
Excessive fat intake leads to an increase in cholesterol. Overexposure to estrogen derived from cholesterol is known to contribute to the malignancy of endometrial adenocarcinomas. However, it is not well understood the relationship between the exposure to estrogen and the malignancy of endometrial adenocarcinomas. We investigated how estrogen affected the malignancy of endometrial cancer cells, specifically HEC1 cells (a moderately differentiated adenocarcinoma) and HEC50B cells (a poorly differentiated adenocarcinoma). Cell viability was decreased by exogenous 17-β-estradiol (E2) in a concentration-dependent manner. E2 disturbed the mitochondrial membrane potentials by changing the localization of the B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2) family protein; however, there were significant differences in the localization of Bcl-2 family proteins between HEC1 and HEC50B cells. In HEC1 cells, E2 increased the expression of B-cell lymphoma-extra large (Bcl-XL) and the Bcl-2-associated X protein (Bax) and decreased Bcl-2 and Bcl-2-associated death promoter (Bad) expression on the outer mitochondrial membrane. Conversely, E2 increased the expression of Bad and Bax, and it decreased Bcl-2 and Bcl-XL expressions on the outer mitochondrial membrane in HEC50B cells. The disturbance of the mitochondrial membrane potential led to the release of cytochrome c from the mitochondria to the cytosolic space followed by activating caspase-9. After that, caspase-3 was activated and induced apoptosis. These results suggested that the localization of the Bcl-2 family protein observed under E2-induced apoptosis is related to the malignancy of endometrial cancer cells. We hope that the dynamics of Bcl-2 family proteins such as Bcl-XL and Bad will be used to diagnose malignant endometrial adenocarcinomas.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Takahiro Yaguchi
- Department of Medical Laboratory Science, Graduate School of Health and Welfare Sciences, International University of Health and Welfare, 137-1 Enokizu, Okawa, Fukuoka 831-8501, Japan
| | - Misaki Kameno
- Department of Nanobiochemistry, Frontiers of Innovative Research in Science and Technology (FIRST), Konan University, 7-1-20 minatojima-Minamimachi, Chuo-ku, Kobe 650-0047, Japan
| | - Hirofumi Taira
- Department of Medical Laboratory Science, Graduate School of Health and Welfare Sciences, International University of Health and Welfare, 137-1 Enokizu, Okawa, Fukuoka 831-8501, Japan
| | - Junji Kawakami
- Department of Nanobiochemistry, Frontiers of Innovative Research in Science and Technology (FIRST), Konan University, 7-1-20 minatojima-Minamimachi, Chuo-ku, Kobe 650-0047, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Chen Y, Gelles JD, Mohammed JN, Chipuk JE. An optimized high-yield protocol for expression and purification of monomeric full-length BAX protein. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.10.16.562589. [PMID: 37905126 PMCID: PMC10614868 DOI: 10.1101/2023.10.16.562589] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/02/2023]
Abstract
Diverse developmental signals and pro-death stresses converge on regulation of the mitochondrial pathway of apoptosis. BAX, a pro-apoptotic BCL-2 effector, directly forms proteolipid pores in the outer mitochondrial member to activate the mitochondrial pathway of apoptosis. BAX is a viable pharmacological target for various human diseases, and increasing efforts have been made to study the molecular regulation of BAX and identify small molecules selectively targeting BAX. However, generating large quantities of monomeric and functionally-competent BAX has been challenging due to its aggregation-prone nature. Additionally, there is a lack of detailed and instructional protocols available for investigators who are not already familiar with recombinant BAX production. Here, we present a comprehensive high-yield protocol for expressing, purifying, and storing functional recombinant BAX protein. We utilize an intein-tagged BAX construct and employ a two-step chromatography strategy to capture and purify BAX, and provide example standard assays to observe BAX activation. We also highlight best practices for handling and storing BAX to effectively preserve its quality, shelf-life, and function.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yiyang Chen
- Laboratory of Mitochondrial Biology in Human Health and Disease, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, One Gustave L. Levy Place, New York, NY 10029, USA
- Department of Oncological Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, One Gustave L. Levy Place, New York, NY 10029, USA
- The Tisch Cancer Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, One Gustave L. Levy Place, New York, NY 10029, USA
- The Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, One Gustave L. Levy Place, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Jesse D. Gelles
- Laboratory of Mitochondrial Biology in Human Health and Disease, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, One Gustave L. Levy Place, New York, NY 10029, USA
- Department of Oncological Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, One Gustave L. Levy Place, New York, NY 10029, USA
- The Tisch Cancer Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, One Gustave L. Levy Place, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Jarvier N. Mohammed
- Laboratory of Mitochondrial Biology in Human Health and Disease, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, One Gustave L. Levy Place, New York, NY 10029, USA
- Department of Oncological Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, One Gustave L. Levy Place, New York, NY 10029, USA
- The Tisch Cancer Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, One Gustave L. Levy Place, New York, NY 10029, USA
- The Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, One Gustave L. Levy Place, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Jerry Edward Chipuk
- Laboratory of Mitochondrial Biology in Human Health and Disease, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, One Gustave L. Levy Place, New York, NY 10029, USA
- Department of Oncological Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, One Gustave L. Levy Place, New York, NY 10029, USA
- Department of Dermatology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, One Gustave L. Levy Place, New York, NY 10029, USA
- The Tisch Cancer Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, One Gustave L. Levy Place, New York, NY 10029, USA
- The Diabetes, Obesity, and Metabolism Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, One Gustave L. Levy Place, New York, NY 10029, USA
- The Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, One Gustave L. Levy Place, New York, NY 10029, USA
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Czabotar PE, Garcia-Saez AJ. Mechanisms of BCL-2 family proteins in mitochondrial apoptosis. Nat Rev Mol Cell Biol 2023; 24:732-748. [PMID: 37438560 DOI: 10.1038/s41580-023-00629-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 29.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/13/2023] [Indexed: 07/14/2023]
Abstract
The proteins of the BCL-2 family are key regulators of mitochondrial apoptosis, acting as either promoters or inhibitors of cell death. The functional interplay and balance between the opposing BCL-2 family members control permeabilization of the outer mitochondrial membrane, leading to the release of activators of the caspase cascade into the cytosol and ultimately resulting in cell death. Despite considerable research, our knowledge about the mechanisms of the BCL-2 family of proteins remains insufficient, which complicates cell fate predictions and does not allow us to fully exploit these proteins as targets for drug discovery. Detailed understanding of the formation and molecular architecture of the apoptotic pore in the outer mitochondrial membrane remains a holy grail in the field, but new studies allow us to begin constructing a structural model of its arrangement. Recent literature has also revealed unexpected activities for several BCL-2 family members that challenge established concepts of how they regulate mitochondrial permeabilization. In this Review, we revisit the most important advances in the field and integrate them into a new structure-function-based classification of the BCL-2 family members that intends to provide a comprehensive model for BCL-2 action in apoptosis. We close this Review by discussing the potential of drugging the BCL-2 family in diseases characterized by aberrant apoptosis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Peter E Czabotar
- The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.
- Department of Medical Biology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.
| | - Ana J Garcia-Saez
- Membrane Biophysics, Institute of Genetics, CECAD, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Zhang X, Zhang M, Huang S, Ohtani K, Xu L, Guo Y. Engineered Polymeric Nanovector for Intracellular Peptide Delivery in Antitumor Therapy. Int J Nanomedicine 2023; 18:5343-5363. [PMID: 37746048 PMCID: PMC10517702 DOI: 10.2147/ijn.s427536] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2023] [Accepted: 09/13/2023] [Indexed: 09/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective This study aimed to deliver a polypeptide from the Bax-BH3 domain (BHP) through the synthesis of self-assembled amphiphile nanovectors (NVs) and to assess their potential for cancer therapeutic applications and biological safety in vitro and in vivo. These findings provide valuable options for cancer intervention and a novel approach for the rational design of therapeutics. Methods We studied the antitumor activity of BHP by preparing RGDfK-PHPMA-b-Poly (MMA-alt-(Rhob-MA)) (RPPMMRA) and encapsulating it in BHP-NV. We also performed a series of characterizations and property analyses of RPPMMRA, including its size, stability, and drug-carrying capacity. The biocompatibility of RPPMMRA was evaluated in terms of cytotoxicity and hemolytic effects. The pro-apoptotic capacity of BHP was evaluated in vitro using mitochondrial membrane potential, flow cytometry, and apoptosis visualization techniques. The potential therapeutic effects of BHP on tumors were explored using reverse molecular docking. We also investigated the in vivo proapoptotic effect of BHP-NV in a nude mouse tumor model. Results NVs were successfully prepared with hydrated particle sizes ranging from 189.6 nm to 256.6 nm, spherical overall, and were able to remain stable in different media for 72 h with drug loading up to 15.2%. The NVs were be successfully internalized within 6 h with good biocompatibility. Neither BHP nor NV showed significant toxicity when administered alone, however, BHP-NV demonstrated significant side effects in vitro and in vivo. The apoptosis rate increased significantly from 14.13% to 66.34%. Experiments in vivo showed that BHP-NV exhibited significant apoptotic and tumor-suppressive effects. Conclusion A targeted fluorescent NV with high drug delivery efficiency and sustained release protected the active center of BHP, constituting BHP-NV for targeted delivery. RPPMMRA demonstrated excellent biocompatibility, stability, and drug loading ability, whereas and BHP-NV demonstrated potent antitumor effects in vivo and in vitro.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xi Zhang
- Key Laboratory for Molecular Enzymology and Engineering, the Ministry of Education, National Engineering Laboratory for AIDS Vaccine, School of Life Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, 130012, People’s Republic of China
| | - Mingming Zhang
- Key Laboratory for Molecular Enzymology and Engineering, the Ministry of Education, National Engineering Laboratory for AIDS Vaccine, School of Life Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, 130012, People’s Republic of China
| | - Sijun Huang
- Key Laboratory for Molecular Enzymology and Engineering, the Ministry of Education, National Engineering Laboratory for AIDS Vaccine, School of Life Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, 130012, People’s Republic of China
| | - Kiyoshi Ohtani
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Biological and Environmental Sciences, Kwansei Gakuin University, Sanda, Hyogo, 669-1337, Japan
| | - Li Xu
- Key Laboratory for Molecular Enzymology and Engineering, the Ministry of Education, National Engineering Laboratory for AIDS Vaccine, School of Life Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, 130012, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yi Guo
- Key Laboratory for Molecular Enzymology and Engineering, the Ministry of Education, National Engineering Laboratory for AIDS Vaccine, School of Life Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, 130012, People’s Republic of China
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Nguyen TT, Wei S, Nguyen TH, Jo Y, Zhang Y, Park W, Gariani K, Oh CM, Kim HH, Ha KT, Park KS, Park R, Lee IK, Shong M, Houtkooper RH, Ryu D. Mitochondria-associated programmed cell death as a therapeutic target for age-related disease. Exp Mol Med 2023; 55:1595-1619. [PMID: 37612409 PMCID: PMC10474116 DOI: 10.1038/s12276-023-01046-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2023] [Revised: 04/24/2023] [Accepted: 04/27/2023] [Indexed: 08/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Mitochondria, ubiquitous double-membrane-bound organelles, regulate energy production, support cellular activities, harbor metabolic pathways, and, paradoxically, mediate cell fate. Evidence has shown mitochondria as points of convergence for diverse cell death-inducing pathways that trigger the various mechanisms underlying apoptotic and nonapoptotic programmed cell death. Thus, dysfunctional cellular pathways eventually lead or contribute to various age-related diseases, such as neurodegenerative, cardiovascular and metabolic diseases. Thus, mitochondrion-associated programmed cell death-based treatments show great therapeutic potential, providing novel insights in clinical trials. This review discusses mitochondrial quality control networks with activity triggered by stimuli and that maintain cellular homeostasis via mitohormesis, the mitochondrial unfolded protein response, and mitophagy. The review also presents details on various forms of mitochondria-associated programmed cell death, including apoptosis, necroptosis, ferroptosis, pyroptosis, parthanatos, and paraptosis, and highlights their involvement in age-related disease pathogenesis, collectively suggesting therapeutic directions for further research.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Thanh T Nguyen
- Department of Biomedical Science and Engineering, Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology (GIST), Gwangju, 61005, Republic of Korea
| | - Shibo Wei
- Department of Precision Medicine, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Suwon, 16419, Republic of Korea
| | - Thu Ha Nguyen
- Department of Physiology, Yonsei University Wonju College of Medicine, Wonju, 26426, Republic of Korea
| | - Yunju Jo
- Department of Biomedical Science and Engineering, Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology (GIST), Gwangju, 61005, Republic of Korea
| | - Yan Zhang
- Department of Molecular Cell Biology, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Suwon, 16419, Republic of Korea
| | - Wonyoung Park
- Department of Korean Medical Science, School of Korean Medicine, Pusan National University, Yangsan, 50612, Republic of Korea
| | - Karim Gariani
- Service of Endocrinology, Diabetes, Nutrition and Patient Therapeutic Education, Geneva University Hospitals, Geneva, 1205, Switzerland
| | - Chang-Myung Oh
- Department of Biomedical Science and Engineering, Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology (GIST), Gwangju, 61005, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyeon Ho Kim
- Department of Health Sciences and Technology, Samsung Advanced Institute for Health Sciences and Technology, Sungkyunkwan University, Seoul, 06351, Republic of Korea
| | - Ki-Tae Ha
- Department of Korean Medical Science, School of Korean Medicine, Pusan National University, Yangsan, 50612, Republic of Korea
| | - Kyu Sang Park
- Department of Physiology, Yonsei University Wonju College of Medicine, Wonju, 26426, Republic of Korea
| | - Raekil Park
- Department of Biomedical Science and Engineering, Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology (GIST), Gwangju, 61005, Republic of Korea
| | - In-Kyu Lee
- Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, Kyungpook National University, Kyungpook National University Hospital, Daegu, 41944, Republic of Korea
| | - Minho Shong
- Department of Internal Medicine, Chungnam National University School of Medicine, Daejeon, 35015, Republic of Korea
| | - Riekelt H Houtkooper
- Laboratory Genetic Metabolic Diseases, Amsterdam UMC Location University of Amsterdam, Meibergdreef 9, 1105 AZ, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
- Amsterdam Gastroenterology Endocrinology and Metabolism, Amsterdam UMC Location University of Amsterdam, Meibergdreef 9, 1105 AZ, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
- Amsterdam Cardiovascular Sciences, Amsterdam UMC Location University of Amsterdam, Meibergdreef 9, 1105 AZ, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
| | - Dongryeol Ryu
- Department of Biomedical Science and Engineering, Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology (GIST), Gwangju, 61005, Republic of Korea.
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Wang H, Guo M, Wei H, Chen Y. Structural basis of the specificity and interaction mechanism of Bmf binding to pro-survival Bcl-2 family proteins. Comput Struct Biotechnol J 2023; 21:3760-3767. [PMID: 37560128 PMCID: PMC10407628 DOI: 10.1016/j.csbj.2023.07.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2023] [Revised: 07/18/2023] [Accepted: 07/19/2023] [Indexed: 08/11/2023] Open
Abstract
The apoptotic pathway is regulated by protein-protein interactions between members of the Bcl-2 family. Pro-survival Bcl-2 family proteins act as cell guardians and protect cells against death. Selective binding and neutralization of BH3-only proteins with pro-survival Bcl-2 family proteins is critical for initiating apoptosis. In this study, the binding assay shows that the BH3 peptide derived from the BH3-only protein Bmf has a high affinity for the pro-survival proteins Bcl-2 and Bcl-xL, but a much lower affinity for Mcl-1. The complex structures of Bmf BH3 with Bcl-2, Bcl-xL and Mcl-1 reveal that the α-helical Bmf BH3 accommodates into the canonical groove of these pro-survival proteins, but the conformational changes and some interactions are different among the three complexes. Bmf BH3 forms conserved hydrophobic and salt bridge interactions with Bcl-2 and Bcl-xL, and also establishes several hydrogen bonds to support their binding. However, the highly conserved Asp-Arg salt bridge is not formed in the Mcl-1/Bmf BH3 complex, and few hydrogen bonds are observed. Furthermore, mutational analysis shows that substitutions of less-conserved residues in the α2-α3 region of these pro-survival Bcl-2 family proteins, as well as the highly conserved Arg, lead to significant changes in their binding affinity to Bmf BH3, while substitutions of less-conserved residues in Bmf BH3 have a more dramatic effect on its affinity to Mcl-1. This study provides structural insight into the specificity and interaction mechanism of Bmf BH3 binding to pro-survival Bcl-2 family proteins, and helps guide the design of BH3 mimics targeting pro-survival Bcl-2 family proteins.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Haolan Wang
- Department of Oncology, NHC Key Laboratory of Cancer Proteomics, Laboratory of Structural Biology, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410008, China
| | - Ming Guo
- Department of Oncology, NHC Key Laboratory of Cancer Proteomics, Laboratory of Structural Biology, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410008, China
| | - Hudie Wei
- Department of Oncology, NHC Key Laboratory of Cancer Proteomics, Laboratory of Structural Biology, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410008, China
| | - Yongheng Chen
- Department of Oncology, NHC Key Laboratory of Cancer Proteomics, Laboratory of Structural Biology, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410008, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410008, China
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Wei H, Wang H, Wang G, Qu L, Jiang L, Dai S, Chen X, Zhang Y, Chen Z, Li Y, Guo M, Chen Y. Structures of p53/BCL-2 complex suggest a mechanism for p53 to antagonize BCL-2 activity. Nat Commun 2023; 14:4300. [PMID: 37463921 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-40087-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2022] [Accepted: 07/11/2023] [Indexed: 07/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Mitochondrial apoptosis is strictly controlled by BCL-2 family proteins through a subtle network of protein interactions. The tumor suppressor protein p53 triggers transcription-independent apoptosis through direct interactions with BCL-2 family proteins, but the molecular mechanism is not well understood. In this study, we present three crystal structures of p53-DBD in complex with the anti-apoptotic protein BCL-2 at resolutions of 2.3-2.7 Å. The structures show that two loops of p53-DBD penetrate directly into the BH3-binding pocket of BCL-2. Structure-based mutations at the interface impair the p53/BCL-2 interaction. Specifically, the binding sites for p53 and the pro-apoptotic protein Bax in the BCL-2 pocket are mostly identical. In addition, formation of the p53/BCL-2 complex is negatively correlated with the formation of BCL-2 complexes with pro-apoptotic BCL-2 family members. Defects in the p53/BCL-2 interaction attenuate p53-mediated cell apoptosis. Overall, our study provides a structural basis for the interaction between p53 and BCL-2, and suggests a molecular mechanism by which p53 regulates transcription-independent apoptosis by antagonizing the interaction of BCL-2 with pro-apoptotic BCL-2 family members.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hudie Wei
- Department of Oncology, NHC Key Laboratory of Cancer Proteomics & State Local Joint Engineering Laboratroy for Anticancer Drugs, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410008, China
| | - Haolan Wang
- Department of Oncology, NHC Key Laboratory of Cancer Proteomics & State Local Joint Engineering Laboratroy for Anticancer Drugs, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410008, China
| | - Genxin Wang
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Cell Homeostasis, College of Life Sciences, TaiKang Center for Life and Medical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430072, China
- Frontier Science Center for Immunology and Metabolism, Medical Research Institute, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, China
| | - Lingzhi Qu
- Department of Oncology, NHC Key Laboratory of Cancer Proteomics & State Local Joint Engineering Laboratroy for Anticancer Drugs, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410008, China
| | - Longying Jiang
- Department of Oncology, NHC Key Laboratory of Cancer Proteomics & State Local Joint Engineering Laboratroy for Anticancer Drugs, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410008, China
- Department of Pathology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Shuyan Dai
- Department of Oncology, NHC Key Laboratory of Cancer Proteomics & State Local Joint Engineering Laboratroy for Anticancer Drugs, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410008, China
| | - Xiaojuan Chen
- Department of Oncology, NHC Key Laboratory of Cancer Proteomics & State Local Joint Engineering Laboratroy for Anticancer Drugs, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410008, China
| | - Ye Zhang
- Department of Oncology, NHC Key Laboratory of Cancer Proteomics & State Local Joint Engineering Laboratroy for Anticancer Drugs, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410008, China
| | - Zhuchu Chen
- Department of Oncology, NHC Key Laboratory of Cancer Proteomics & State Local Joint Engineering Laboratroy for Anticancer Drugs, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410008, China
| | - Youjun Li
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Cell Homeostasis, College of Life Sciences, TaiKang Center for Life and Medical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430072, China
- Frontier Science Center for Immunology and Metabolism, Medical Research Institute, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, China
| | - Ming Guo
- Department of Oncology, NHC Key Laboratory of Cancer Proteomics & State Local Joint Engineering Laboratroy for Anticancer Drugs, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410008, China.
| | - Yongheng Chen
- Department of Oncology, NHC Key Laboratory of Cancer Proteomics & State Local Joint Engineering Laboratroy for Anticancer Drugs, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410008, China.
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Lim D, Choe SH, Jin S, Lee S, Kim Y, Shin HC, Choi JS, Oh DB, Kim SJ, Seo J, Ku B. Structural basis for proapoptotic activation of Bak by the noncanonical BH3-only protein Pxt1. PLoS Biol 2023; 21:e3002156. [PMID: 37315086 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pbio.3002156] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2022] [Accepted: 05/10/2023] [Indexed: 06/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Bak is a critical executor of apoptosis belonging to the Bcl-2 protein family. Bak contains a hydrophobic groove where the BH3 domain of proapoptotic Bcl-2 family members can be accommodated, which initiates its activation. Once activated, Bak undergoes a conformational change to oligomerize, which leads to mitochondrial destabilization and the release of cytochrome c into the cytosol and eventual apoptotic cell death. In this study, we investigated the molecular aspects and functional consequences of the interaction between Bak and peroxisomal testis-specific 1 (Pxt1), a noncanonical BH3-only protein exclusively expressed in the testis. Together with various biochemical approaches, this interaction was verified and analyzed at the atomic level by determining the crystal structure of the Bak-Pxt1 BH3 complex. In-depth biochemical and cellular analyses demonstrated that Pxt1 functions as a Bak-activating proapoptotic factor, and its BH3 domain, which mediates direct intermolecular interaction with Bak, plays a critical role in triggering apoptosis. Therefore, this study provides a molecular basis for the Pxt1-mediated novel pathway for the activation of apoptosis and expands our understanding of the cell death signaling coordinated by diverse BH3 domain-containing proteins.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dahwan Lim
- Disease Target Structure Research Center, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Daejeon, Korea
- Critical Diseases Diagnostics Convergence Research Center, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Daejeon, Korea
- Department of Biochemistry, Chungnam National University, Daejeon, Korea
| | - So-Hui Choe
- Aging Convergence Research Center, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Daejeon, Korea
| | - Sein Jin
- Aging Convergence Research Center, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Daejeon, Korea
| | - Seulgi Lee
- Department of Biochemistry, Chungnam National University, Daejeon, Korea
| | - Younjin Kim
- Department of Biochemistry, Chungnam National University, Daejeon, Korea
| | - Ho-Chul Shin
- Critical Diseases Diagnostics Convergence Research Center, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Daejeon, Korea
| | - Joon Sig Choi
- Department of Biochemistry, Chungnam National University, Daejeon, Korea
| | - Doo-Byoung Oh
- Aging Convergence Research Center, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Daejeon, Korea
- Department of Biosystems and Bioengineering, KRIBB School of Biotechnology, University of Science and Technology, Daejeon, Korea
| | - Seung Jun Kim
- Disease Target Structure Research Center, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Daejeon, Korea
- Critical Diseases Diagnostics Convergence Research Center, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Daejeon, Korea
- Department of Proteome Structural Biology, KRIBB School of Bioscience, University of Science and Technology, Daejeon, Korea
| | - Jinho Seo
- Aging Convergence Research Center, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Daejeon, Korea
- Department of Biosystems and Bioengineering, KRIBB School of Biotechnology, University of Science and Technology, Daejeon, Korea
| | - Bonsu Ku
- Disease Target Structure Research Center, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Daejeon, Korea
- Department of Proteome Structural Biology, KRIBB School of Bioscience, University of Science and Technology, Daejeon, Korea
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Clifton LA, Wacklin-Knecht HP, Ådén J, Mushtaq AU, Sparrman T, Gröbner G. Creation of distinctive Bax-lipid complexes at mitochondrial membrane surfaces drives pore formation to initiate apoptosis. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2023; 9:eadg7940. [PMID: 37267355 PMCID: PMC10413641 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.adg7940] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2023] [Accepted: 04/28/2023] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
Apotosis is an essential process tightly regulated by the Bcl-2 protein family where proapoptotic Bax triggers cell death by perforating the mitochondrial outer membrane. Although intensively studied, the molecular mechanism by which these proteins create apoptotic pores remains elusive. Here, we show that Bax creates pores by extracting lipids from outer mitochondrial membrane mimics by formation of Bax/lipid clusters that are deposited on the membrane surface. Time-resolved neutron reflectometry and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy revealed two kinetically distinct phases in the pore formation process, both of which were critically dependent on cardiolipin levels. The initially fast adsorption of Bax on the mitochondrial membrane surface is followed by a slower formation of pores and Bax-lipid clusters on the membrane surface. Our findings provide a robust molecular understanding of mitochondrial membrane perforation by cell-killing Bax protein and illuminate the initial phases of programmed cellular death.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Luke A. Clifton
- ISIS Pulsed Neutron and Muon Source, Science and Technology Facilities Council, Rutherford Appleton Laboratory, Harwell Science and Innovation Campus, Didcot, Oxfordshire OX11 OQX, UK
| | - Hanna P. Wacklin-Knecht
- European Spallation Source ERIC, ESS, P.O. Box 176, SE-22100 Lund, Sweden
- Department of Chemistry, Division of Physical Chemistry, Lund University, P.O. Box 124, SE-22100 Lund, Sweden
| | - Jörgen Ådén
- Department of Chemistry, University of Umeå, SE-90187 Umeå, Sweden
| | - Ameeq Ul Mushtaq
- Department of Chemistry, University of Umeå, SE-90187 Umeå, Sweden
| | - Tobias Sparrman
- Department of Chemistry, University of Umeå, SE-90187 Umeå, Sweden
| | - Gerhard Gröbner
- Department of Chemistry, University of Umeå, SE-90187 Umeå, Sweden
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Yao M, Li G, Zhou LY, Zheng Z, Sun YL, Liu SF, Wang YJ, Cui XJ. Shikonin inhibits neuronal apoptosis via regulating endoplasmic reticulum stress in the rat model of double-level chronic cervical cord compression. Cell Biol Toxicol 2023; 39:907-928. [PMID: 35028790 DOI: 10.1007/s10565-021-09648-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2021] [Accepted: 08/17/2021] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
Cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM) is a clinically symptomatic entity arising from the spinal cord compression by degenerative diseases. Although endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress has been commonly observed in several neurodegenerative diseases, the relationship between ER stress and CSM remains unknown. Shikonin is known to protect PC12 by inhibiting apoptosis in vitro. This study hypothesised that ER stress was vital in neuronal apoptosis in CSM. Shikonin might inhibit such responses by regulating ER stress through the protein kinase-like ER kinase-eukaryotic translation initiation factor 2 α-subunit-C/EBP homologous protein (PERK-eIF2α-CHOP) signalling pathway. Thus, the aim of this study was evaluating the neuroprotective effect of shikonin in rats with double-level chronic cervical cord compression, as well as primary rat cortical neurons with glutamate-induced neurotoxicity. The result showed that ER stress-related upregulation of PERK-eIF2α-CHOP resulted in rat neuronal apoptosis after chronic cervical cord compression; then, shikonin promoted motor recovery and inhibited neuronal apoptosis by attenuating PERK-eIF2α-CHOP and prevented Bax translocation from cytoplasm to mitochondrion induced by CHOP of neurons in rats with chronic compression. Also, it was found that shikonin could protect rat primary cortical neuron against glutamate toxicity by regulating ER stress through the PERK-eIF2α-CHOP pathway in vitro. In conclusion, shikonin might inhibit neuronal apoptosis by regulating ER stress through attenuating the activation of PERK-eIF2α-CHOP.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Min Yao
- Spine Disease Institute, Longhua Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 725 South Wanping Road, Shanghai, 200032, China
- Key Laboratory of Theory and Therapy of Muscles and Bones, Ministry of Education, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Gan Li
- Spine Disease Institute, Longhua Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 725 South Wanping Road, Shanghai, 200032, China
- Key Laboratory of Theory and Therapy of Muscles and Bones, Ministry of Education, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Long-Yun Zhou
- Rehabilitation Medicine Center, Jiangsu Provincial People's Hospital, Jiangsu, 210029, China
| | - Zhong Zheng
- Spine Disease Institute, Longhua Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 725 South Wanping Road, Shanghai, 200032, China
- Key Laboratory of Theory and Therapy of Muscles and Bones, Ministry of Education, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Yue-Li Sun
- Spine Disease Institute, Longhua Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 725 South Wanping Road, Shanghai, 200032, China
- Key Laboratory of Theory and Therapy of Muscles and Bones, Ministry of Education, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Shu-Fen Liu
- Spine Disease Institute, Longhua Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 725 South Wanping Road, Shanghai, 200032, China
- Key Laboratory of Theory and Therapy of Muscles and Bones, Ministry of Education, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Yong-Jun Wang
- Spine Disease Institute, Longhua Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 725 South Wanping Road, Shanghai, 200032, China.
- Key Laboratory of Theory and Therapy of Muscles and Bones, Ministry of Education, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 200032, China.
| | - Xue-Jun Cui
- Spine Disease Institute, Longhua Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 725 South Wanping Road, Shanghai, 200032, China.
- Key Laboratory of Theory and Therapy of Muscles and Bones, Ministry of Education, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 200032, China.
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
Rouchidane Eyitayo A, Boudier-Lemosquet A, Chaignepain S, Priault M, Manon S. Bcl-xL Is Spontaneously Inserted into Preassembled Nanodiscs and Stimulates Bax Insertion in a Cell-Free Protein Synthesis System. Biomolecules 2023; 13:876. [PMID: 37371456 DOI: 10.3390/biom13060876] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2023] [Revised: 05/10/2023] [Accepted: 05/19/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The antiapoptotic protein Bcl-xL is a major regulator of cell death and survival, but many aspects of its functions remain elusive. It is mostly localized in the mitochondrial outer membrane (MOM) owing to its C-terminal hydrophobic α-helix. In order to gain further information about its membrane organization, we set up a model system combining cell-free protein synthesis and nanodisc insertion. We found that, contrary to its proapoptotic partner Bax, neosynthesized Bcl-xL was spontaneously inserted into nanodiscs. The deletion of the C-terminal α-helix of Bcl-xL prevented nanodisc insertion. We also found that nanodisc insertion protected Bcl-xL against the proteolysis of the 13 C-terminal residues that occurs during expression of Bcl-xL as a soluble protein in E. coli. Interestingly, we observed that Bcl-xL increased the insertion of Bax into nanodiscs, in a similar way to that which occurs in mitochondria. Cell-free synthesis in the presence of nanodiscs is, thus, a suitable model system to study the molecular aspects of the interaction between Bcl-xL and Bax during their membrane insertion.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Akandé Rouchidane Eyitayo
- Institut de Biochimie et de Génétique Cellulaires, Université de Bordeaux, CNRS, UMR 5095, 33077 Bordeaux, France
| | - Axel Boudier-Lemosquet
- Institut de Biochimie et de Génétique Cellulaires, Université de Bordeaux, CNRS, UMR 5095, 33077 Bordeaux, France
| | - Stéphane Chaignepain
- Institut de Biochimie et de Génétique Cellulaires, Université de Bordeaux, CNRS, UMR 5095, 33077 Bordeaux, France
- Centre de Génomique Fonctionnelle de Bordeaux, Université de Bordeaux, 33077 Bordeaux, France
| | - Muriel Priault
- Institut de Biochimie et de Génétique Cellulaires, Université de Bordeaux, CNRS, UMR 5095, 33077 Bordeaux, France
| | - Stéphen Manon
- Institut de Biochimie et de Génétique Cellulaires, Université de Bordeaux, CNRS, UMR 5095, 33077 Bordeaux, France
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
Galazzo L, Bordignon E. Electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy in structural-dynamic studies of large protein complexes. PROGRESS IN NUCLEAR MAGNETIC RESONANCE SPECTROSCOPY 2023; 134-135:1-19. [PMID: 37321755 DOI: 10.1016/j.pnmrs.2022.11.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2022] [Revised: 11/11/2022] [Accepted: 11/17/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Macromolecular protein assemblies are of fundamental importance for many processes inside the cell, as they perform complex functions and constitute central hubs where reactions occur. Generally, these assemblies undergo large conformational changes and cycle through different states that ultimately are connected to specific functions further regulated by additional small ligands or proteins. Unveiling the 3D structural details of these assemblies at atomic resolution, identifying the flexible parts of the complexes, and monitoring with high temporal resolution the dynamic interplay between different protein regions under physiological conditions is key to fully understanding their properties and to fostering biomedical applications. In the last decade, we have seen remarkable advances in cryo-electron microscopy (EM) techniques, which deeply transformed our vision of structural biology, especially in the field of macromolecular assemblies. With cryo-EM, detailed 3D models of large macromolecular complexes in different conformational states became readily available at atomic resolution. Concomitantly, nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy (EPR) have benefited from methodological innovations which also improved the quality of the information that can be achieved. Such enhanced sensitivity widened their applicability to macromolecular complexes in environments close to physiological conditions and opened a path towards in-cell applications. In this review we will focus on the advantages and challenges of EPR techniques with an integrative approach towards a complete understanding of macromolecular structures and functions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Laura Galazzo
- Department of Physical Chemistry, University of Geneva, Quai Ernest Ansermet 30, CH-1211 Genève 4, Switzerland.
| | - Enrica Bordignon
- Department of Physical Chemistry, University of Geneva, Quai Ernest Ansermet 30, CH-1211 Genève 4, Switzerland.
| |
Collapse
|
33
|
Flores-Romero H, Dadsena S, García-Sáez AJ. Mitochondrial pores at the crossroad between cell death and inflammatory signaling. Mol Cell 2023; 83:843-856. [PMID: 36931255 DOI: 10.1016/j.molcel.2023.02.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2022] [Revised: 02/13/2023] [Accepted: 02/16/2023] [Indexed: 03/18/2023]
Abstract
Mitochondria are cellular organelles with a major role in many cellular processes, including not only energy production, metabolism, and calcium homeostasis but also regulated cell death and innate immunity. Their proteobacterial origin makes them a rich source of potent immune agonists, normally hidden within the mitochondrial membrane barriers. Alteration of mitochondrial permeability through mitochondrial pores thus provides efficient mechanisms not only to communicate mitochondrial stress to the cell but also as a key event in the integration of cellular responses. In this regard, eukaryotic cells have developed diverse signaling networks that sense and respond to the release of mitochondrial components into the cytosol and play a key role in controlling cell death and inflammatory pathways. Modulating pore formation at mitochondria through direct or indirect mechanisms may thus open new opportunities for therapy. In this review, we discuss the current understanding of the structure and molecular mechanisms of mitochondrial pores and how they function at the interface between cell death and inflammatory signaling to regulate cellular outcomes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hector Flores-Romero
- Institute for Genetics, CECAD Research Center, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Shashank Dadsena
- Institute for Genetics, CECAD Research Center, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Ana J García-Sáez
- Institute for Genetics, CECAD Research Center, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
34
|
Gonzalo Ó, Benedi A, Vela L, Anel A, Naval J, Marzo I. Study of the Bcl-2 Interactome by BiFC Reveals Differences in the Activation Mechanism of Bax and Bak. Cells 2023; 12:cells12050800. [PMID: 36899936 PMCID: PMC10000386 DOI: 10.3390/cells12050800] [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: 12/02/2022] [Revised: 02/23/2023] [Accepted: 02/28/2023] [Indexed: 03/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Evasion of apoptosis is one of the hallmarks of cancer cells. Proteins of the Bcl-2 family are key regulators of the intrinsic pathway of apoptosis, and alterations in some of these proteins are frequently found in cancer cells. Permeabilization of the outer mitochondrial membrane, regulated by pro- and antiapoptotic members of the Bcl-2 family of proteins, is essential for the release of apoptogenic factors leading to caspase activation, cell dismantlement, and death. Mitochondrial permeabilization depends on the formation of oligomers of the effector proteins Bax and Bak after an activation event mediated by BH3-only proteins and regulated by antiapoptotic members of the Bcl-2 family. In the present work, we have studied interactions between different members of the Bcl-2 family in living cells via the BiFC technique. Despite the limitations of this technique, present data suggest that native proteins of the Bcl-2 family acting inside living cells establish a complex network of interactions, which would fit nicely into "mixed" models recently proposed by others. Furthermore, our results point to differences in the regulation of Bax and Bak activation by proteins of the antiapoptotic and BH3-only subfamilies. We have also applied the BiFC technique to explore the different molecular models proposed for Bax and Bak oligomerization. Bax and Bak's mutants lacking the BH3 domain were still able to associate and give BiFC signals, suggesting the existence of alternative surfaces of interaction between two Bax or Bak molecules. These results agree with the widely accepted symmetric model for the dimerization of these proteins and also suggest that other regions, different from the α6 helix, could be involved in the oligomerization of BH3-in groove dimers.
Collapse
|
35
|
Aguilar F, Yu S, Grant RA, Swanson S, Ghose D, Su BG, Sarosiek KA, Keating AE. Peptides from human BNIP5 and PXT1 and non-native binders of pro-apoptotic BAK can directly activate or inhibit BAK-mediated membrane permeabilization. Structure 2023; 31:265-281.e7. [PMID: 36706751 PMCID: PMC9992319 DOI: 10.1016/j.str.2023.01.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2022] [Revised: 11/24/2022] [Accepted: 01/02/2023] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
Apoptosis is important for development and tissue homeostasis, and its dysregulation can lead to diseases, including cancer. As an apoptotic effector, BAK undergoes conformational changes that promote mitochondrial outer membrane disruption, leading to cell death. This is termed "activation" and can be induced by peptides from the human proteins BID, BIM, and PUMA. To identify additional peptides that can regulate BAK, we used computational protein design, yeast surface display screening, and structure-based energy scoring to identify 10 diverse new binders. We discovered peptides from the human proteins BNIP5 and PXT1 and three non-native peptides that activate BAK in liposome assays and induce cytochrome c release from mitochondria. Crystal structures and binding studies reveal a high degree of similarity among peptide activators and inhibitors, ruling out a simple function-determining property. Our results shed light on the vast peptide sequence space that can regulate BAK function and will guide the design of BAK-modulating tools and therapeutics.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Fiona Aguilar
- Department of Biology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Stacey Yu
- Laboratory of Systems Pharmacology, Harvard Program in Therapeutic Science, Department of Systems Biology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA; Program in Molecular and Integrative Physiological Sciences Program, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA; John B. Little Center for Radiation Sciences, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Robert A Grant
- Department of Biology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Sebastian Swanson
- Department of Biology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Dia Ghose
- Department of Biology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Bonnie G Su
- Department of Biology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Kristopher A Sarosiek
- Laboratory of Systems Pharmacology, Harvard Program in Therapeutic Science, Department of Systems Biology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA; Program in Molecular and Integrative Physiological Sciences Program, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA; John B. Little Center for Radiation Sciences, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Amy E Keating
- Department of Biology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA; Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA; Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
36
|
Moldoveanu T. Apoptotic mitochondrial poration by a growing list of pore-forming BCL-2 family proteins. Bioessays 2023; 45:e2200221. [PMID: 36650950 PMCID: PMC9975053 DOI: 10.1002/bies.202200221] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2022] [Revised: 12/31/2022] [Accepted: 01/02/2023] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
The pore-forming BCL-2 family proteins are effectors of mitochondrial poration in apoptosis initiation. Two atypical effectors-BOK and truncated BID (tBID)-join the canonical effectors BAK and BAX. Gene knockout revealed developmental phenotypes in the absence the effectors, supporting their roles in vivo. During apoptosis effectors are activated and change shape from dormant monomers to dynamic oligomers that associate with and permeabilize mitochondria. BID is activated by proteolysis, BOK accumulates on inhibition of its degradation by the E3 ligase gp78, while BAK and BAX undergo direct activation by BH3-only initiators, autoactivation, and crossactivation. Except tBID, effector oligomers on the mitochondria appear as arcs and rings in super-resolution microscopy images. The BH3-in-groove dimers of BAK and BAX, the tBID monomers, and uncharacterized BOK species are the putative building blocks of apoptotic pores. Effectors interact with lipids and bilayers but the mechanism of membrane poration remains elusive. I discuss effector-mediated mitochondrial poration.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tudor Moldoveanu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences,Correspondence:
| |
Collapse
|
37
|
Mitochondrial DNA in cell death and inflammation. Biochem Soc Trans 2023; 51:457-472. [PMID: 36815695 PMCID: PMC9988000 DOI: 10.1042/bst20221525] [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: 12/12/2022] [Revised: 02/02/2023] [Accepted: 02/03/2023] [Indexed: 02/24/2023]
Abstract
Cytosolic DNA is recognized by the innate immune system as a potential threat. During apoptotic cell death, mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) release activates the DNA sensor cyclic GMP-AMP synthase (cGAS) to promote a pro-inflammatory type I interferon response. Inflammation following mtDNA release during apoptotic cell death can be exploited to engage anti-tumor immunity and represents a potential avenue for cancer therapy. Additionally, various studies have described leakage of mtDNA, independent of cell death, with different underlying cues such as pathogenic infections, changes in mtDNA packaging, mtDNA stress or reduced mitochondrial clearance. The interferon response in these scenarios can be beneficial but also potentially disadvantageous, as suggested by a variety of disease phenotypes. In this review, we discuss mechanisms underlying mtDNA release governed by cell death pathways and summarize release mechanisms independent of cell death. We further highlight the similarities and differences in mtDNA release pathways, outlining gaps in our knowledge and questions for further research. Together, a deeper understanding of how and when mtDNA is released may enable the development of drugs to specifically target or inhibit mtDNA release in different disease settings.
Collapse
|
38
|
Margheritis E, Kappelhoff S, Cosentino K. Pore-Forming Proteins: From Pore Assembly to Structure by Quantitative Single-Molecule Imaging. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24054528. [PMID: 36901959 PMCID: PMC10003378 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24054528] [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: 01/05/2023] [Revised: 02/11/2023] [Accepted: 02/21/2023] [Indexed: 03/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Pore-forming proteins (PFPs) play a central role in many biological processes related to infection, immunity, cancer, and neurodegeneration. A common feature of PFPs is their ability to form pores that disrupt the membrane permeability barrier and ion homeostasis and generally induce cell death. Some PFPs are part of the genetically encoded machinery of eukaryotic cells that are activated against infection by pathogens or in physiological programs to carry out regulated cell death. PFPs organize into supramolecular transmembrane complexes that perforate membranes through a multistep process involving membrane insertion, protein oligomerization, and finally pore formation. However, the exact mechanism of pore formation varies from PFP to PFP, resulting in different pore structures with different functionalities. Here, we review recent insights into the molecular mechanisms by which PFPs permeabilize membranes and recent methodological advances in their characterization in artificial and cellular membranes. In particular, we focus on single-molecule imaging techniques as powerful tools to unravel the molecular mechanistic details of pore assembly that are often obscured by ensemble measurements, and to determine pore structure and functionality. Uncovering the mechanistic elements of pore formation is critical for understanding the physiological role of PFPs and developing therapeutic approaches.
Collapse
|
39
|
Barisch C, Holthuis JCM, Cosentino K. Membrane damage and repair: a thin line between life and death. Biol Chem 2023; 404:467-490. [PMID: 36810295 DOI: 10.1515/hsz-2022-0321] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2022] [Accepted: 02/03/2023] [Indexed: 02/24/2023]
Abstract
Bilayered membranes separate cells from their surroundings and form boundaries between intracellular organelles and the cytosol. Gated transport of solutes across membranes enables cells to establish vital ion gradients and a sophisticated metabolic network. However, an advanced compartmentalization of biochemical reactions makes cells also particularly vulnerable to membrane damage inflicted by pathogens, chemicals, inflammatory responses or mechanical stress. To avoid potentially lethal consequences of membrane injuries, cells continuously monitor the structural integrity of their membranes and readily activate appropriate pathways to plug, patch, engulf or shed the damaged membrane area. Here, we review recent insights into the cellular mechanisms that underly an effective maintenance of membrane integrity. We discuss how cells respond to membrane lesions caused by bacterial toxins and endogenous pore-forming proteins, with a primary focus on the intimate crosstalk between membrane proteins and lipids during wound formation, detection and elimination. We also discuss how a delicate balance between membrane damage and repair determines cell fate upon bacterial infection or activation of pro-inflammatory cell death pathways.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Caroline Barisch
- Molecular Infection Biology Division, Department of Biology and Center of Cellular Nanoanalytics, Osnabrück University, D-49076 Osnabrück, Germany
| | - Joost C M Holthuis
- Molecular Cell Biology Division, Department of Biology and Center of Cellular Nanoanalytics, Osnabrück University, D-49076 Osnabrück, Germany
| | - Katia Cosentino
- Molecular Cell Biophysics Division, Department of Biology and Center of Cellular Nanoanalytics, Osnabrück University, D-49076 Osnabrück, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
40
|
He Y, Ju Y, Hu Y, Wang B, Che S, Jian Y, Zhuo W, Fu X, Cheng Y, Zheng S, Huang N, Qian Z, Liu J, Zhou P, Gao X. Brd4 proteolysis-targeting chimera nanoparticles sensitized colorectal cancer chemotherapy. J Control Release 2023; 354:155-166. [PMID: 36538950 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2022.12.035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2022] [Revised: 11/21/2022] [Accepted: 12/14/2022] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
Bromodomain-Containing Protein 4 (BRD4) is a member of the BET family of bromodomains, which participates in gene transcription process and is closely related to tumor progression. We observed the up-regulated expression of BRD4 in colorectal cancer (CRC) after doxorubicin (DOX) treatment, which might be a potential mechanism for DOX resistance. This study constructed the tumor-targeting (cyclo (Arg-Gly-Asp-D-Phe-Lys)-poly(ethylene glycol)-poly(ε-caprolactone)) (cRGD-PEG-PCL) copolymer for co-delivery of DOX and BRD4 PROTAC degrader ARV-825 (ARV-DOX/cRGD-P) for CRC treatment. The ARV-DOX/cRGD-P complexes elicited synergistic anti-tumor effect via cell cycle arrest and the increased cell apoptosis, and mechanism studies implicated the regulation of proliferation- and apoptosis-related pathways in vitro. Moreover, the administration of ARV-DOX/cRGD-P significantly improved anti-tumor activity in subcutaneous colorectal tumors and colorectal intraperitoneal disseminated tumor models in mice by promoting tumor apoptosis, suppressing tumor proliferation and angiogenesis. Taken together, these data reveal that ARV-825 can heighten DOX sensitivity in CRC treatment and BRD4 is a potential therapeutic target for DOX-resistant CRC. The ARV-DOX/cRGD-P preparations have outstanding anti-cancer effects and may be used for clinical treatment of colorectal cancer in the future.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yihong He
- Department of Pathophysiology, West China School of Basic Medical Sciences & Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China; Department of Neurosurgery and Institute of Neurosurgery, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, West China Medical School, Sichuan University and Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Yan Ju
- Department of Neurosurgery and Institute of Neurosurgery, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, West China Medical School, Sichuan University and Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Yuzhu Hu
- Department of Radiation Oncology, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, West China Medical School, Sichuan University and Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Bilan Wang
- Department of Pharmacy, West China Second University Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Siyao Che
- Department of Neurosurgery and Institute of Neurosurgery, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, West China Medical School, Sichuan University and Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Yue Jian
- Department of Neurosurgery and Institute of Neurosurgery, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, West China Medical School, Sichuan University and Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Weiling Zhuo
- Department of Neurosurgery and Institute of Neurosurgery, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, West China Medical School, Sichuan University and Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Xianghui Fu
- Department of Neurosurgery and Institute of Neurosurgery, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, West China Medical School, Sichuan University and Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Yongzhong Cheng
- Department of Neurosurgery and Institute of Neurosurgery, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, West China Medical School, Sichuan University and Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Songping Zheng
- Department of Neurosurgery and Institute of Neurosurgery, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, West China Medical School, Sichuan University and Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Ning Huang
- Department of Pathophysiology, West China School of Basic Medical Sciences & Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China.
| | - Zhiyong Qian
- Department of Neurosurgery and Institute of Neurosurgery, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, West China Medical School, Sichuan University and Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Jiagang Liu
- Department of Neurosurgery and Institute of Neurosurgery, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, West China Medical School, Sichuan University and Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, Chengdu 610041, China.
| | - Peizhi Zhou
- Department of Neurosurgery and Institute of Neurosurgery, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, West China Medical School, Sichuan University and Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, Chengdu 610041, China.
| | - Xiang Gao
- Department of Neurosurgery and Institute of Neurosurgery, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, West China Medical School, Sichuan University and Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, Chengdu 610041, China.
| |
Collapse
|
41
|
Li J, Chen CH, O’Neill KL, Fousek-Schuller VJ, Black AR, Black JD, Zhang J, Luo X. Combined inhibition of aurora kinases and Bcl-xL induces apoptosis through select BH3-only proteins. J Biol Chem 2023; 299:102875. [PMID: 36621626 PMCID: PMC9922828 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2023.102875] [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: 07/07/2022] [Revised: 12/28/2022] [Accepted: 12/29/2022] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Aurora kinases (AURKs) are mitotic kinases important for regulating cell cycle progression. Small-molecule inhibitors of AURK have shown promising antitumor effects in multiple cancers; however, the utility of these inhibitors as inducers of cancer cell death has thus far been limited. Here, we examined the role of the Bcl-2 family proteins in AURK inhibition-induced apoptosis in colon cancer cells. We found that alisertib and danusertib, two small-molecule inhibitors of AURK, are inefficient inducers of apoptosis in HCT116 and DLD-1 colon cancer cells, the survival of which requires at least one of the two antiapoptotic Bcl-2 family proteins, Bcl-xL and Mcl-1. We further identified Bcl-xL as a major suppressor of alisertib- or danusertib-induced apoptosis in HCT116 cells. We demonstrate that combination of a Bcl-2 homology (BH)3-mimetic inhibitor (ABT-737), a selective inhibitor of Bcl-xL, Bcl-2, and Bcl-w, with alisertib or danusertib potently induces apoptosis through the Bcl-2 family effector protein Bax. In addition, we identified Bid, Puma, and Noxa, three BH3-only proteins of the Bcl-2 family, as mediators of alisertib-ABT-737-induced apoptosis. We show while Noxa promotes apoptosis by constitutively sequestering Mcl-1, Puma becomes associated with Mcl-1 upon alisertib treatment. On the other hand, we found that alisertib treatment causes activation of caspase-2, which promotes apoptosis by cleaving Bid into truncated Bid, a suppressor of both Bcl-xL and Mcl-1. Together, these results define the Bcl-2 protein network critically involved in AURK inhibitor-induced apoptosis and suggest that BH3-mimetics targeting Bcl-xL may help overcome resistance to AURK inhibitors in cancer cells.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jian Li
- Eppley Institute for Research in Cancer and Allied Diseases, Fred & Pamela Buffett Cancer Center, Omaha, Nebraska, USA,Department of Pathology & Microbiology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska, USA
| | - Cheng-Hsun Chen
- Eppley Institute for Research in Cancer and Allied Diseases, Fred & Pamela Buffett Cancer Center, Omaha, Nebraska, USA
| | - Katelyn L. O’Neill
- Eppley Institute for Research in Cancer and Allied Diseases, Fred & Pamela Buffett Cancer Center, Omaha, Nebraska, USA
| | - Valerie J. Fousek-Schuller
- Eppley Institute for Research in Cancer and Allied Diseases, Fred & Pamela Buffett Cancer Center, Omaha, Nebraska, USA,Department of Pathology & Microbiology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska, USA
| | - Adrian R. Black
- Eppley Institute for Research in Cancer and Allied Diseases, Fred & Pamela Buffett Cancer Center, Omaha, Nebraska, USA
| | - Jennifer D. Black
- Eppley Institute for Research in Cancer and Allied Diseases, Fred & Pamela Buffett Cancer Center, Omaha, Nebraska, USA
| | - Jingjing Zhang
- Eppley Institute for Research in Cancer and Allied Diseases, Fred & Pamela Buffett Cancer Center, Omaha, Nebraska, USA
| | - Xu Luo
- Eppley Institute for Research in Cancer and Allied Diseases, Fred & Pamela Buffett Cancer Center, Omaha, Nebraska, USA; Department of Pathology & Microbiology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
42
|
Rouchidane Eyitayo A, Giraud MF, Daury L, Lambert O, Gonzalez C, Manon S. Cell-free synthesis and reconstitution of Bax in nanodiscs: Comparison between wild-type Bax and a constitutively active mutant. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA. BIOMEMBRANES 2023; 1865:184075. [PMID: 36273540 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbamem.2022.184075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2022] [Revised: 10/11/2022] [Accepted: 10/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Bax is a major player in the mitochondrial pathway of apoptosis, by making the Outer Mitochondrial Membrane (OMM) permeable to various apoptogenic factors, including cytochrome c. In order to get further insight into the structure and function of Bax when it is inserted in the OMM, we attempted to reconstitute Bax in nanodiscs. Cell-free protein synthesis in the presence of nanodiscs did not yield Bax-containing nanodiscs, but it provided a simple way to purify full-length Bax without any tag. Purified wild-type Bax (BaxWT) and a constitutively active mutant (BaxP168A) displayed biochemical properties that were in line with previous characterizations following their expression in yeast and human cells followed by their reconstitution into liposomes. Both Bax variants were then reconstituted in nanodiscs. Size exclusion chromatography, dynamic light scattering and transmission electron microscopy showed that nanodiscs formed with BaxP168A were larger than nanodiscs formed with BaxWT. This was consistent with the hypothesis that BaxP168A was reconstituted in nanodiscs as an active oligomer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Marie-France Giraud
- IBGC, UMR5095, CNRS, Université de Bordeaux, France; CBMN, UMR5248, CNRS, Université de Bordeaux, France
| | | | | | | | - Stéphen Manon
- IBGC, UMR5095, CNRS, Université de Bordeaux, France.
| |
Collapse
|
43
|
Membrane Interactions of Apoptotic Inhibitor Bcl-xL: What Can Be Learned using Fluorescence Spectroscopy. BBA ADVANCES 2023; 3:100076. [PMID: 37082264 PMCID: PMC10074936 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbadva.2023.100076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2022] [Revised: 01/12/2023] [Accepted: 01/12/2023] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Permeabilization of the mitochondrial outer membrane-a point of no return in apoptotic regulation-is tightly controlled by proteins of the Bcl-2 family. Apoptotic inhibitor Bcl-xL is an important member of this family, responsible for blocking the permeabilization, and is also a promising target for anti-cancer drugs. Bcl-xL exists in the following conformations, each believed to play a role in the inhibition of apoptosis: (i) a soluble folded conformation, (ii) a membrane-anchored (by its C-terminal α8 helix) form, which retains the same fold as in solution and (iii) refolded membrane-inserted conformations, for which no structural data are available. In this review, we present the summary of the application of various methods of fluorescence spectroscopy for studying membrane interaction of Bcl-xL, and specifically the formation of the refolded inserted conformation. We discuss the application of environment-sensitive probes, Förster resonance energy transfer, fluorescence correlation spectroscopy, and fluorescent quenching for structural, thermodynamic, and functional characterization of protein-lipid interactions, which can benefit studies of other members of Bcl-2 (e.g., Bax, BAK, Bid). The conformational switching between various conformations of Bcl-xL depends on the presence of divalent cations, pH and lipid composition. This insertion-refolding transition also results in the release of the BH4 regulatory domain from the folded structure of Bcl-xL, which is relevant to the lipid-regulated conversion between canonical and non-canonical modes of apoptotic inhibition.
Collapse
|
44
|
Pore-forming proteins as drivers of membrane permeabilization in cell death pathways. Nat Rev Mol Cell Biol 2022; 24:312-333. [PMID: 36543934 DOI: 10.1038/s41580-022-00564-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Regulated cell death (RCD) relies on activation and recruitment of pore-forming proteins (PFPs) that function as executioners of specific cell death pathways: apoptosis regulator BAX (BAX), BCL-2 homologous antagonist/killer (BAK) and BCL-2-related ovarian killer protein (BOK) for apoptosis, gasdermins (GSDMs) for pyroptosis and mixed lineage kinase domain-like protein (MLKL) for necroptosis. Inactive precursors of PFPs are converted into pore-forming entities through activation, membrane recruitment, membrane insertion and oligomerization. These mechanisms involve protein-protein and protein-lipid interactions, proteolytic processing and phosphorylation. In this Review, we discuss the structural rearrangements incurred by RCD-related PFPs and describe the mechanisms that manifest conversion from autoinhibited to membrane-embedded molecular states. We further discuss the formation and maturation of membrane pores formed by BAX/BAK/BOK, GSDMs and MLKL, leading to diverse pore architectures. Lastly, we highlight commonalities and differences of PFP mechanisms involving BAX/BAK/BOK, GSDMs and MLKL and conclude with a discussion on how, in a population of challenged cells, the coexistence of cell death modalities may have profound physiological and pathophysiological implications.
Collapse
|
45
|
Bao F, Zhou L, Xiao J, Liu X. Mitolysosome exocytosis: a novel mitochondrial quality control pathway linked with parkinsonism-like symptoms. Biochem Soc Trans 2022; 50:1773-1783. [PMID: 36484629 DOI: 10.1042/bst20220726] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2022] [Revised: 11/14/2022] [Accepted: 11/25/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Quality control of mitochondria is essential for their homeostasis and function. Light chain 3 (LC3) associated autophagosomes-mediated mitophagy represents a canonical mitochondrial quality control pathway. Alternative quality control processes, such as mitochondrial-derived vesicles (MDVs), have been discovered, but the intact mitochondrial quality control remains unknown. We recently discovered a novel mitolysosome exocytosis mechanism for mitochondrial quality control in flunarizine (FNZ)-induced mitochondria clearance, where autophagosomes are not required, but rather mitochondria are engulfed directly by lysosomes, mediating mitochondrial secretion. As FNZ results in parkinsonism, we propose that excessive mitolysosome exocytosis is the cause.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Feixiang Bao
- CAS Key Laboratory of Regenerative Biology, Joint School of Life Sciences, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences; Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, China-New Zealand Joint Laboratory on Biomedicine and Health, CUHK-GIBH Joint Research Laboratory on Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine, Institute for Stem Cell and Regeneration, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, China
| | - Lingyan Zhou
- CAS Key Laboratory of Regenerative Biology, Joint School of Life Sciences, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences; Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, China-New Zealand Joint Laboratory on Biomedicine and Health, CUHK-GIBH Joint Research Laboratory on Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine, Institute for Stem Cell and Regeneration, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Jiahui Xiao
- CAS Key Laboratory of Regenerative Biology, Joint School of Life Sciences, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences; Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, China-New Zealand Joint Laboratory on Biomedicine and Health, CUHK-GIBH Joint Research Laboratory on Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine, Institute for Stem Cell and Regeneration, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Xingguo Liu
- CAS Key Laboratory of Regenerative Biology, Joint School of Life Sciences, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences; Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, China-New Zealand Joint Laboratory on Biomedicine and Health, CUHK-GIBH Joint Research Laboratory on Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine, Institute for Stem Cell and Regeneration, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, China
- Centre for Regenerative Medicine and Health, Hong Kong Institute of Science & Innovation, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hong Kong SAR, China
| |
Collapse
|
46
|
Mushtaq AU, Ådén J, Ali K, Gröbner G. Domain-specific insight into the recognition of BH3-death motifs by the pro-survival Bcl-2 protein. Biophys J 2022; 121:4517-4525. [PMID: 36325615 PMCID: PMC9748362 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpj.2022.10.041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2022] [Revised: 10/09/2022] [Accepted: 10/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
Programmed mammalian cell death (apoptosis) is an essential mechanism in life that tightly regulates embryogenesis and removal of dysfunctional cells. In its intrinsic (mitochondrial) pathway, opposing members of the Bcl-2 (B cell lymphoma 2) protein family meet at the mitochondrial outer membrane (MOM) to control its integrity. Any imbalance can cause disorders, with upregulation of the cell-guarding antiapoptotic Bcl-2 protein itself being common in many, often incurable, cancers. Normally, the Bcl-2 protein itself is embedded in the MOM where it sequesters cell-killing apoptotic proteins such as Bax (Bcl-2-associated X protein) that would otherwise perforate the MOM and subsequently cause cell death. However, the molecular basis of Bcl-2's ability to recognize those apoptotic proteins via their common BH3 death motifs remains elusive due to the lack of structural insight. By employing nuclear magnetic resonance on fully functional human Bcl-2 protein in membrane-mimicking micelles, we identified glycine residues across all functional domains of the Bcl-2 protein and could monitor their residue-specific individual response upon the presence of a Bax-derived 36aa long BH3 domain. The observed chemical shift perturbations allowed us to determine the response and individual affinity of each glycine residue and provide an overall picture of the individual roles by which Bcl-2's functional domains engage in recognizing and inhibiting apoptotic proteins via their prominent BH3 motifs. This way, we provide a unique residue- and domain-specific insight into the molecular functioning of Bcl-2 at the membrane level, an insight also opening up for interfering with this cell-protecting mechanism in cancer therapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Jörgen Ådén
- Department of Chemistry, University of Umeå, Umeå, Sweden
| | - Katan Ali
- Department of Chemistry, University of Umeå, Umeå, Sweden
| | | |
Collapse
|
47
|
Zacharioudakis E, Gavathiotis E. Targeting protein conformations with small molecules to control protein complexes. Trends Biochem Sci 2022; 47:1023-1037. [PMID: 35985943 PMCID: PMC9669135 DOI: 10.1016/j.tibs.2022.07.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2022] [Revised: 06/23/2022] [Accepted: 07/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Dynamic protein complexes function in all cellular processes, from signaling to transcription, using distinct conformations that regulate their activity. Conformational switching of proteins can turn on or off their activity through protein-protein interactions, catalytic function, cellular localization, or membrane interaction. Recent advances in structural, computational, and chemical methodologies have enabled the discovery of small-molecule activators and inhibitors of conformationally dynamic proteins by using a more rational design than a serendipitous screening approach. Here, we discuss such recent examples, focusing on the mechanism of protein conformational switching and its regulation by small molecules. We emphasize the rational approaches to control protein oligomerization with small molecules that offer exciting opportunities for investigation of novel biological mechanisms and drug discovery.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Emmanouil Zacharioudakis
- Department of Biochemistry, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA; Department of Medicine, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA; Albert Einstein Cancer Center, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA; Wilf Family Cardiovascular Research Institute, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA; Institute for Aging Research, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA
| | - Evripidis Gavathiotis
- Department of Biochemistry, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA; Department of Medicine, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA; Albert Einstein Cancer Center, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA; Wilf Family Cardiovascular Research Institute, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA; Institute for Aging Research, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
48
|
Antimicrobial Peptides Mediate Apoptosis by Changing Mitochondrial Membrane Permeability. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232112732. [PMID: 36361521 PMCID: PMC9653759 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232112732] [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: 08/22/2022] [Revised: 10/19/2022] [Accepted: 10/19/2022] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Changes in mitochondrial membrane permeability are closely associated with mitochondria-mediated apoptosis. Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs), which have been found to enter cells to exert physiological effects, cause damage to the mitochondria. This paper reviews the molecular mechanisms of AMP-mediated apoptosis by changing the permeability of the mitochondrial membrane through three pathways: the outer mitochondrial membrane (OMM), inner mitochondrial membrane (IMM), and mitochondrial permeability transition pore (MPTP). The roles of AMPs in inducing changes in membrane permeability and apoptosis are also discussed. Combined with recent research results, the possible application prospects of AMPs are proposed to provide a theoretical reference for the development of AMPs as therapeutic agents for human diseases.
Collapse
|
49
|
Wolf P, Schoeniger A, Edlich F. Pro-apoptotic complexes of BAX and BAK on the outer mitochondrial membrane. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA. MOLECULAR CELL RESEARCH 2022; 1869:119317. [PMID: 35752202 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbamcr.2022.119317] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2022] [Revised: 06/02/2022] [Accepted: 06/15/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
In multicellular organisms the regulated cell death apoptosis is critically important for both ontogeny and homeostasis. Mitochondria are indispensable for stress-induced apoptosis. The BCL-2 protein family controls mitochondrial apoptosis and initiates cell death through the pro-apoptotic activities of BAX and BAK at the outer mitochondrial membrane (OMM). Cellular survival is ensured by the retrotranslocation of mitochondrial BAX and BAK into the cytosol by anti-apoptotic BCL-2 proteins. BAX/BAK-dependent OMM permeabilization releases the mitochondrial cytochrome c (cyt c), which initiates activation of caspase-9. The caspase cascade leads to cell shrinkage, plasma membrane blebbing, chromatin condensation, and apoptotic body formation. Although it is clear that ultimately complexes of active BAX and BAK commit the cell to apoptosis, the nature of these complexes is still enigmatic. Excessive research has described a range of complexes, varying from a few molecules to several 10,000, in different systems. BAX/BAK complexes potentially form ring-like structures that could expose the inner mitochondrial membrane. It has been suggested that these pores allow the efflux of small proteins and even mitochondrial DNA. Here we summarize the current state of knowledge for mitochondrial BAX/BAK complexes and the interactions between these proteins and the membrane.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Philipp Wolf
- Institute of Biochemistry, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Leipzig, 04103 Leipzig, Germany
| | - Axel Schoeniger
- Institute of Biochemistry, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Leipzig, 04103 Leipzig, Germany
| | - Frank Edlich
- Institute of Biochemistry, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Leipzig, 04103 Leipzig, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
50
|
Realgar (As 4S 4), a traditional Chinese medicine, induces acute promyelocytic leukemia cell death via the Bcl-2/Bax/Cyt-C/AIF signaling pathway in vitro. Aging (Albany NY) 2022; 14:7109-7125. [PMID: 36098742 PMCID: PMC9512515 DOI: 10.18632/aging.204281] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2022] [Accepted: 09/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL) is a specific subtype of acute myelogenous leukemia (AML) characterized by the proliferation of abnormal promyelocytes. Realgar, a Chinese medicine containing arsenic, can be taken orally. Traditional Chinese medicine physicians have employed realgar to treat APL for over a thousand years. Therefore, realgar may be a promising candidate for the treatment of APL. Nevertheless, the underlying mechanism behind realgar therapy is largely unclear. The present study aimed to investigate the effect of realgar on cell death in the APL cell line (NB4) in vitro and to elucidate the underlying mechanism. In this study, after APL cells were treated with different concentrations of realgar, the cell survival rate, apoptotic assay, morphological changes, ATP levels and cell cycle arrest were assessed. The expression of Bcl-2, Bax, Cytochrome C (Cyt-C) and apoptosis-inducing factor (AIF) at the mRNA and protein levels were also measured by immunofluorescence, quantitative PCR (qPCR) and Western blotting. We found that realgar could significantly inhibit APL cell proliferation and cell death in a time- and dose-dependent manner. Realgar effectively decreased the ATP levels in APL cells. Realgar also induced APL cell cycle arrest at the S and G2/M phases. Following realgar treatment, the mRNA and protein levels of Bcl-2 were significantly downregulated, whereas the levels of Bax, Cyt-C, and AIF were significantly upregulated. In summary, realgar can induce APL cell death via the Bcl-2/Bax/Cyt-C/AIF signaling pathway, suggesting that realgar may be an effective therapeutic for APL.
Collapse
|