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Peña-Guerrero J, Fernández-Rubio C, García-Sosa AT, Nguewa PA. BRCT Domains: Structure, Functions, and Implications in Disease-New Therapeutic Targets for Innovative Drug Discovery against Infections. Pharmaceutics 2023; 15:1839. [PMID: 37514027 PMCID: PMC10386641 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics15071839] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2023] [Revised: 06/12/2023] [Accepted: 06/22/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
The search for new therapeutic targets and their implications in drug development remains an emerging scientific topic. BRCT-bearing proteins are found in Archaea, Bacteria, Eukarya, and viruses. They are traditionally involved in DNA repair, recombination, and cell cycle control. To carry out these functions, BRCT domains are able to interact with DNA and proteins. Moreover, such domains are also implicated in several pathogenic processes and malignancies including breast, ovarian, and lung cancer. Although these domains exhibit moderately conserved folding, their sequences show very low conservation. Interestingly, sequence variations among species are considered positive traits in the search for suitable therapeutic targets, since non-specific drug interactions might be reduced. These main characteristics of BRCT, as well as its critical implications in key biological processes in the cell, have prompted the study of these domains as therapeutic targets. This review explores the possible roles of BRCT domains as therapeutic targets for drug discovery. We describe their common structural features and relevant interactions and pathways, as well as their implications in pathologic processes. Drugs commonly used to target these domains are also presented. Finally, based on their structures, we describe new drug design possibilities using modern and innovative techniques.
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Affiliation(s)
- José Peña-Guerrero
- ISTUN Institute of Tropical Health, Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, University of Navarra, IdiSNA (Navarra Institute for Health Research), E-31008 Pamplona, Navarra, Spain
| | - Celia Fernández-Rubio
- ISTUN Institute of Tropical Health, Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, University of Navarra, IdiSNA (Navarra Institute for Health Research), E-31008 Pamplona, Navarra, Spain
| | - Alfonso T García-Sosa
- Chair of Molecular Technology, Institute of Chemistry, University of Tartu, Ravila 14a, 50411 Tartu, Estonia
| | - Paul A Nguewa
- ISTUN Institute of Tropical Health, Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, University of Navarra, IdiSNA (Navarra Institute for Health Research), E-31008 Pamplona, Navarra, Spain
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Wang WH, Lai TX, Wu YC, Chen ZT, Tseng KY, Lan CY. Associations of Rap1 with Cell Wall Integrity, Biofilm Formation, and Virulence in Candida albicans. Microbiol Spectr 2022; 10:e0328522. [PMID: 36416583 PMCID: PMC9769648 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.03285-22] [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: 08/19/2022] [Accepted: 11/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Rap1 (repressor activator protein 1) is a multifunctional protein, playing important roles in telomeric and nontelomeric functions in many eukaryotes. Candida albicans Rap1 has been previously shown to be involved in telomeric regulation, but its other functions are still mostly unknown. In this study, we found that the deletion of the RAP1 gene altered cell wall properties, composition, and gene expression. In addition, deletion of RAP1 affected C. albicans biofilm formation and modulated phagocytosis and cytokine release by host immune cells. Finally, the RAP1 gene deletion mutant showed attenuation of C. albicans virulence in a Galleria mellonella infection model. Therefore, these findings provide new insights into Rap1 functions that are particularly relevant to pathogenesis and virulence of C. albicans. IMPORTANCE C. albicans is an important fungal pathogen of humans. The cell wall is the outermost layer of C. albicans and is important for commensalism and infection by this pathogen. Moreover, the cell wall is also an important target for antifungals. Studies of how C. albicans maintains its cell wall integrity are critical for a better understanding of fungal pathogenesis and virulence. This work focuses on exploring unknown functions of C. albicans Rap1 and reveals its contribution to cell wall integrity, biofilm formation, and virulence. Notably, these findings will also improve our general understanding of complex machinery to control pathogenesis and virulence of fungal pathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wen-Han Wang
- Institute of Molecular and Cellular Biology, National Tsing Hua University, Hsinchu, Taiwan
| | - Ting-Xiu Lai
- Institute of Molecular and Cellular Biology, National Tsing Hua University, Hsinchu, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Chia Wu
- Institute of Molecular and Cellular Biology, National Tsing Hua University, Hsinchu, Taiwan
| | - Zzu-Ting Chen
- Department of Life Science, National Tsing Hua University, Hsinchu, Taiwan
| | - Kuo-Yun Tseng
- Institute of Molecular and Cellular Biology, National Tsing Hua University, Hsinchu, Taiwan
- Taiwan Mycology Reference Center, National Institute of Infectious Diseases and Vaccinology, National Health Research Institutes, Zhunan Township, Miaoli County, Taiwan
| | - Chung-Yu Lan
- Institute of Molecular and Cellular Biology, National Tsing Hua University, Hsinchu, Taiwan
- Department of Life Science, National Tsing Hua University, Hsinchu, Taiwan
- School of Medicine, National Tsing Hua University, Hsinchu, Taiwan
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Wirth S, Freihorst D, Krause K, Kothe E. What Role Might Non-Mating Receptors Play in Schizophyllum commune? J Fungi (Basel) 2021; 7:jof7050399. [PMID: 34065484 PMCID: PMC8161036 DOI: 10.3390/jof7050399] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2021] [Revised: 05/11/2021] [Accepted: 05/18/2021] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
The B mating-type locus of the tetrapolar basidiomycete Schizophyllum commune encodes pheromones and pheromone receptors in multiple allelic specificities. This work adds substantial new evidence into the organization of the B mating-type loci of distantly related S. commune strains showing a high level of synteny in gene order and neighboring genes. Four pheromone receptor-like genes were found in the genome of S. commune with brl1, brl2 and brl3 located at the B mating-type locus, whereas brl4 is located separately. Expression analysis of brl genes in different developmental stages indicates a function in filamentous growth and mating. Based on the extensive sequence analysis and functional characterization of brl-overexpression mutants, a function of Brl1 in mating is proposed, while Brl3, Brl4 and Brl2 (to a lower extent) have a role in vegetative growth, possible determination of growth direction. The brl3 and brl4 overexpression mutants had a dikaryon-like, irregular and feathery phenotype, and they avoided the formation of same-clone colonies on solid medium, which points towards enhanced detection of self-signals. These data are supported by localization of Brl fusion proteins in tips, at septa and in not-yet-fused clamps of a dikaryon, confirming their importance for growth and development in S. commune.
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Ogawa M, Wada H, Yoshimura T, Sato A, Fukuda R, Koyama Y, Horiuchi H. Deletion of Aspergillus nidulans cpsA/rseA induces increased extracellular hydrolase production in solid-state culture partly through the high osmolarity glycerol pathway. J Biosci Bioeng 2021; 131:589-598. [PMID: 33827772 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbiosc.2021.03.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2020] [Revised: 02/21/2021] [Accepted: 03/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Koji molds, such as Aspergillus oryzae and Aspergillus sojae, are used in the food industry in East Asia and have been explored for the large-scale production of extracellular hydrolases. We previously found that the deletion of a gene encoding a putative GT2 glycosyltransferase increased production of extracellular hydrolases in A. sojae. The gene was named rseA (regulator of the secretory enzyme A). We predicted that intracellular signaling pathways were involved in the increased production of hydrolases in the ΔrseA mutant of A. sojae. However, little has been reported on molecular biological knowledge about A. sojae. Hence, Aspergillus nidulans, a typical model organism used in molecular biology, was employed for the functional characterization of rseA in this study. Deletion of the rseA ortholog in A. nidulans induced increased extracellular production of hydrolases under the solid-state cultivation condition, similar to that in A. sojae. The involvement of the cell wall integrity pathway and the high osmolarity glycerol pathway in ΔrseA was further investigated. The results indicated that the HOG pathway played an important role in the increased extracellular production of hydrolases caused by the deletion of the rseA gene. rseA ortholog in A. nidulans was identical to cpsA, which was reported to function as a regulator of mycotoxin production, morphogenesis, and cell wall biosynthesis. However, this is the first study reporting that rseA/cpsA regulates extracellular hydrolase production in A. nidulans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masahiro Ogawa
- Department of Biotechnology, The University of Tokyo, 1-1-1 Yayoi, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8657, Japan; Noda Institute for Scientific Research, 338 Noda, Noda City, Chiba 278-0037, Japan.
| | - Hiroki Wada
- Research and Development Division, Kikkoman Corporation, 338 Noda, Noda City, Chiba 278-0037, Japan.
| | - Taro Yoshimura
- Research and Development Division, Kikkoman Corporation, 338 Noda, Noda City, Chiba 278-0037, Japan.
| | - Atsushi Sato
- Research and Development Division, Kikkoman Corporation, 338 Noda, Noda City, Chiba 278-0037, Japan.
| | - Ryouichi Fukuda
- Department of Biotechnology, The University of Tokyo, 1-1-1 Yayoi, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8657, Japan; Collaborative Research Institute for Innovative Microbiology, The University of Tokyo, 1-1-1 Yayoi, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8657, Japan.
| | - Yasuji Koyama
- Noda Institute for Scientific Research, 338 Noda, Noda City, Chiba 278-0037, Japan.
| | - Hiroyuki Horiuchi
- Department of Biotechnology, The University of Tokyo, 1-1-1 Yayoi, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8657, Japan; Collaborative Research Institute for Innovative Microbiology, The University of Tokyo, 1-1-1 Yayoi, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8657, Japan.
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Abstract
The telomere regulator and transcription factor Rap1 is the only telomere protein conserved in yeasts and mammals. Its functional repertoire in budding yeasts is a particularly interesting field for investigation, given the high evolutionary diversity of this group of unicellular organisms. In the methylotrophic thermotolerant species Hansenula polymorpha DL-1 the RAP1 gene is duplicated (HpRAP1A and HpRAP1B). Here, we report the functional characterization of the two paralogues from H. polymorpha DL-1. We uncover distinct (but overlapping) DNA binding preferences of HpRap1A and HpRap1B proteins. We show that only HpRap1B is able to recognize telomeric DNA directly and to protect it from excessive recombination, whereas HpRap1A is associated with subtelomere regions. Furthermore, we identify specific binding sites for both HpRap1A and HpRap1B within promoters of a large number of ribosomal protein genes (RPGs), implicating Rap1 in the control of the RP regulon in H. polymorpha. Our bioinformatic analysis suggests that RAP1 was duplicated early in the evolution of the “methylotrophs” clade, and the two genes evolved independently. Therefore, our characterization of Rap1 paralogues in H. polymorpha may be relevant to other “methylotrophs”, yielding valuable insights into the evolution of budding yeasts.
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Golla U, Swagatika S, Chauhan S, Tomar RS. A systematic assessment of chemical, genetic, and epigenetic factors influencing the activity of anticancer drug KP1019 (FFC14A). Oncotarget 2017; 8:98426-98454. [PMID: 29228701 PMCID: PMC5716741 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.21416] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2017] [Accepted: 08/28/2017] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
KP1019 ([trans-RuCl4(1H-indazole)2]; FFC14A) is one of the promising ruthenium-based anticancer drugs undergoing clinical trials. Despite the pre-clinical and clinical success of KP1019, the mode of action and various factors capable of modulating its effects are largely unknown. Here, we used transcriptomics and genetic screening approaches in budding yeast model and deciphered various genetic targets and plethora of cellular pathways including cellular signaling, metal homeostasis, vacuolar transport, and lipid homeostasis that are primarily targeted by KP1019. We also demonstrated that KP1019 modulates the effects of TOR (target of rapamycin) signaling pathway and induces accumulation of neutral lipids (lipid droplets) in both yeast and HeLa cells. Interestingly, KP1019-mediated effects were found augmented with metal ions (Al3+/Ca2+/Cd2+/Cu2+/Mn2+/Na+/Zn2+), and neutralized by Fe2+, antioxidants, osmotic stabilizer, and ethanolamine. Additionally, our comprehensive screening of yeast histone H3/H4 mutant library revealed several histone residues that could significantly modulate the KP1019-induced toxicity. Altogether, our findings in both the yeast and HeLa cells provide molecular insights into mechanisms of action of KP1019 and various factors (chemical/genetic/epigenetic) that can alter the therapeutic efficiency of this clinically important anticancer drug.
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Affiliation(s)
- Upendarrao Golla
- Laboratory of Chromatin Biology, Department of Biological Sciences, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER), Bhopal 462066, India
| | - Swati Swagatika
- Laboratory of Chromatin Biology, Department of Biological Sciences, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER), Bhopal 462066, India
| | - Sakshi Chauhan
- Laboratory of Chromatin Biology, Department of Biological Sciences, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER), Bhopal 462066, India
| | - Raghuvir Singh Tomar
- Laboratory of Chromatin Biology, Department of Biological Sciences, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER), Bhopal 462066, India
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Flocculation inSaccharomyces cerevisiaeis regulated by RNA/DNA helicase Sen1p. FEBS Lett 2015; 589:3165-74. [DOI: 10.1016/j.febslet.2015.09.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2015] [Revised: 09/03/2015] [Accepted: 09/04/2015] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
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