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Ramprasad S, Nyarko A. Ensembles of interconverting protein complexes with multiple interaction domains. Curr Opin Struct Biol 2024; 88:102874. [PMID: 38981144 DOI: 10.1016/j.sbi.2024.102874] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2024] [Revised: 05/22/2024] [Accepted: 06/11/2024] [Indexed: 07/11/2024]
Abstract
Many critical biological processes depend on protein complexes that exist as ensembles of subcomplexes rather than a discrete complex. The subcomplexes dynamically interconvert with one another, and the ability to accurately resolve the composition of the diverse molecular species in the ensemble is crucial for understanding the contribution of each subcomplex to the overall function of the protein complex. Advances in computational programs have made it possible to predict the various molecular species in these ensembles, but experimental approaches to identify the pool of subcomplexes and associated stoichiometries are often challenging. This review highlights some experimental approaches that can be used to resolve the diverse molecular species in protein complexes that exist as ensembles of sub complexes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sanjay Ramprasad
- Department of Biochemistry & Biophysics, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR 97331, USA
| | - Afua Nyarko
- Department of Biochemistry & Biophysics, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR 97331, USA.
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Zhao Y, Zhang W, Hong J, Yang L, Wang Y, Qu F, Xu W. Mobility capillary electrophoresis-native mass spectrometry reveals the dynamic conformational equilibrium of calmodulin and its complexes. Analyst 2024; 149:3793-3802. [PMID: 38847183 DOI: 10.1039/d4an00378k] [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: 07/09/2024]
Abstract
Benefitting from the rapid evolution of artificial intelligence and structural biology, an expanding collection of high-resolution protein structures has greatly improved our understanding of protein functions. Yet, proteins are inherently flexible, and these static structures can only offer limited snapshots of their true dynamic nature. The conformational and functional changes of calmodulin (CaM) induced by Ca2+ binding have always been a focus of research. In this study, the conformational dynamics of CaM and its complexes were investigated using a mobility capillary electrophoresis (MCE) and native mass spectrometry (native MS) based method. By analyzing the ellipsoidal geometries of CaM in the solution phase at different Ca2+ concentrations, it is interesting to discover that CaM molecules, whether bound to Ca2+ or not, possess both closed and open conformations. Moreover, each individual CaM molecule actively "jumps" (equilibrium exchange) between these two distinct conformations on a timescale ranging from milli- to micro-seconds. The binding of Ca2+ ions did not affect the structural dynamics of CaM, while the binding of a peptide ligand would stabilize CaM, leading to the observation of a single, compact conformation of the resulting protein complex. A target recognition mechanism was also proposed based on these new findings, suggesting that CaM's interaction with targets may favor a conformational selection model. This enriches our understanding of the binding principles between CaM and its numerous targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi Zhao
- School of Medical Technology, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing 100081, China.
| | - Wenjing Zhang
- School of Medical Technology, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing 100081, China.
| | - Jie Hong
- Kunshan Nier Precision Instrumentation Inc. Kunshan, Suzhou, 215316, China
| | - Lei Yang
- School of Medical Technology, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing 100081, China.
| | - Yuanyuan Wang
- College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, 250355, China
| | - Feng Qu
- School of Life Science, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing 100081, China.
| | - Wei Xu
- School of Medical Technology, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing 100081, China.
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Benítez-King G, Argueta J, Miranda-Riestra A, Muñoz-Delgado J, Estrada-Reyes R. Interaction of the Melatonin/Ca 2+-CaM Complex with Calmodulin Kinase II: Physiological Importance. Mol Pharmacol 2024; 106:3-12. [PMID: 38811168 DOI: 10.1124/molpharm.123.000812] [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: 10/12/2023] [Revised: 04/04/2024] [Accepted: 04/15/2024] [Indexed: 05/31/2024] Open
Abstract
Melatonin N-acetyl-5-methoxytriptamine is an ancient molecule which synchronizes the internal biologic activity with the environmental photoperiod. It is synthesized by the pineal gland during the night and released to the general circulation, where it reaches nanomolar concentrations. The indolamine acts through melatonin receptors and binds to different proteins such as calmodulin: a phylogenetically conserved protein which is the main transductor of the calcium signaling. In this review, we will describe evidence supporting that melatonin binds to calmodulin in presence of calcium, and we discuss the effects of this indolamine on the activity of calmodulin kinase II as an inhibitor and as stimulator of calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II activity. We also provide a literature review supporting the relevance of melatonin binding to calmodulin in the regulation of circadian rhythms in unicellular organisms, as well as in neuronal development in mammals as an ancient, conserved mechanism. Finally, we highlight the importance of antioxidant effects of melatonin on calmodulin preservation. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: This review compiled evidence supporting that melatonin binds to calmodulin. We discuss the dual effect of melatonin on the activity of calmodulin kinase II, the possible mechanisms involved, and the relevance on regulation of circadian rhythms and neurodevelopment. Finally, we describe evidence supporting that the binding of melatonin to calmodulin hydrophobic pockets may prevent the oxidation of methionine species with a shielding effect that preserves the functionality of calmodulin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gloria Benítez-King
- Laboratorio de Neurofarmacología, Subdirección de Investigaciones Clínicas, Instituto Nacional de Psiquiatría Ramón de la Fuente Muñiz, México City, México (G.B.-K., J.A., A.M.-R.); Laboratorio de Cronoecología y Etología Humana, Departamento de Etología, Dirección de Investigaciones en Neurociencias, Instituto Nacional de Psiquiatría Ramón de la Fuente Muñiz, México City, México (J.M.-D.); and Laboratorio de Fitofarmacología, Dirección de Investigaciones en Neurociencias, Instituto Nacional de Psiquiatría Ramón de la Fuente Muñiz, México City, México (R.E-R.)
| | - Jesús Argueta
- Laboratorio de Neurofarmacología, Subdirección de Investigaciones Clínicas, Instituto Nacional de Psiquiatría Ramón de la Fuente Muñiz, México City, México (G.B.-K., J.A., A.M.-R.); Laboratorio de Cronoecología y Etología Humana, Departamento de Etología, Dirección de Investigaciones en Neurociencias, Instituto Nacional de Psiquiatría Ramón de la Fuente Muñiz, México City, México (J.M.-D.); and Laboratorio de Fitofarmacología, Dirección de Investigaciones en Neurociencias, Instituto Nacional de Psiquiatría Ramón de la Fuente Muñiz, México City, México (R.E-R.)
| | - Armida Miranda-Riestra
- Laboratorio de Neurofarmacología, Subdirección de Investigaciones Clínicas, Instituto Nacional de Psiquiatría Ramón de la Fuente Muñiz, México City, México (G.B.-K., J.A., A.M.-R.); Laboratorio de Cronoecología y Etología Humana, Departamento de Etología, Dirección de Investigaciones en Neurociencias, Instituto Nacional de Psiquiatría Ramón de la Fuente Muñiz, México City, México (J.M.-D.); and Laboratorio de Fitofarmacología, Dirección de Investigaciones en Neurociencias, Instituto Nacional de Psiquiatría Ramón de la Fuente Muñiz, México City, México (R.E-R.)
| | - Jairo Muñoz-Delgado
- Laboratorio de Neurofarmacología, Subdirección de Investigaciones Clínicas, Instituto Nacional de Psiquiatría Ramón de la Fuente Muñiz, México City, México (G.B.-K., J.A., A.M.-R.); Laboratorio de Cronoecología y Etología Humana, Departamento de Etología, Dirección de Investigaciones en Neurociencias, Instituto Nacional de Psiquiatría Ramón de la Fuente Muñiz, México City, México (J.M.-D.); and Laboratorio de Fitofarmacología, Dirección de Investigaciones en Neurociencias, Instituto Nacional de Psiquiatría Ramón de la Fuente Muñiz, México City, México (R.E-R.)
| | - Rosa Estrada-Reyes
- Laboratorio de Neurofarmacología, Subdirección de Investigaciones Clínicas, Instituto Nacional de Psiquiatría Ramón de la Fuente Muñiz, México City, México (G.B.-K., J.A., A.M.-R.); Laboratorio de Cronoecología y Etología Humana, Departamento de Etología, Dirección de Investigaciones en Neurociencias, Instituto Nacional de Psiquiatría Ramón de la Fuente Muñiz, México City, México (J.M.-D.); and Laboratorio de Fitofarmacología, Dirección de Investigaciones en Neurociencias, Instituto Nacional de Psiquiatría Ramón de la Fuente Muñiz, México City, México (R.E-R.)
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Honari P, Shahbazzadeh D, Behdani M, Pooshang Bagheri K. Highly in vitro anti-cancer activity of melittin-loaded niosomes on non-small cell lung cancer cells. Toxicon 2024; 241:107673. [PMID: 38432612 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2024.107673] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2023] [Revised: 01/13/2024] [Accepted: 02/29/2024] [Indexed: 03/05/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Development of promising medicines from natural sources, specially venom, is of highly necessitated to combat against life-threatening cancers. Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) has a significant percentage of mortalities. Melittin, from bee venom, is a potent anticancer peptide but its toxicity has limited its therapeutic applications. Accordingly, this study aims to synthesize niosomes with suitable stability and capacity for carrying melittin as a drug. Additionally, it seeks to evaluate the anti-cancer activity of melittin-loaded niosomes on non-small cell lung cancer. METHODS The niosome was prepared by thin film hydration method. Cytotoxicity and apoptosis were assessed on A549, Calu-3, and MRC5 cells. Real-time PCR was used to determine expression of apoptotic and pro-apoptotic Bax, Bcl2, and Casp3 genes. Immunocytochemistry (ICC) was also used to confirm expression of the abovementioned genes. Furthermore, wound healing assay was performed to compare inhibition effects of melittin-loaded niosomes with free melittin on migration of cancer cells. RESULTS IC50 values of melittin-loaded niosomes for A549, Calu-3, and MRC5 cells were respectively 0.69 μg/mL, 1.02 μg/mL, and 2.56 μg/mL after 72 h. Expression level of Bax and Casp3 increased '10 and 8' and '9 and 10.5' fold in A549 and Calu-3, whereas Bcl2 gene expression decreased 0.19 and 0.18 fold in the mentioned cell lines. The cell migration inhibited by melittin-loaded niosomes. CONCLUSIONS Melittin-loaded niosomes had more anti-cancer effects and less toxicity on normal cells than free melittin. Furthermore, it induced apoptosis and inhibited cancer cells migration. Our results showed that melittin-loaded niosomes may be a drug lead and it has the potential to be future developed for lung cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pooyan Honari
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Basic Sciences, Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Delavar Shahbazzadeh
- Venom and Biotherapeutics Molecules Lab, Medical Biotechnology Dept., Biotechnology Research Center, Pasteur Institute of Iran, P.O BOX. 1316943551, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mahdi Behdani
- Venom and Biotherapeutics Molecules Lab, Medical Biotechnology Dept., Biotechnology Research Center, Pasteur Institute of Iran, P.O BOX. 1316943551, Tehran, Iran
| | - Kamran Pooshang Bagheri
- Venom and Biotherapeutics Molecules Lab, Medical Biotechnology Dept., Biotechnology Research Center, Pasteur Institute of Iran, P.O BOX. 1316943551, Tehran, Iran.
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Zhang HQ, Sun C, Xu N, Liu W. The current landscape of the antimicrobial peptide melittin and its therapeutic potential. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1326033. [PMID: 38318188 PMCID: PMC10838977 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1326033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2023] [Accepted: 01/03/2024] [Indexed: 02/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Melittin, a main component of bee venom, is a cationic amphiphilic peptide with a linear α-helix structure. It has been reported that melittin can exert pharmacological effects, such as antitumor, antiviral and anti-inflammatory effects in vitro and in vivo. In particular, melittin may be beneficial for the treatment of diseases for which no specific clinical therapeutic agents exist. Melittin can effectively enhance the therapeutic properties of some first-line drugs. Elucidating the mechanism underlying melittin-mediated biological function can provide valuable insights for the application of melittin in disease intervention. However, in melittin, the positively charged amino acids enables it to directly punching holes in cell membranes. The hemolysis in red cells and the cytotoxicity triggered by melittin limit its applications. Melittin-based nanomodification, immuno-conjugation, structural regulation and gene technology strategies have been demonstrated to enhance the specificity, reduce the cytotoxicity and limit the off-target cytolysis of melittin, which suggests the potential of melittin to be used clinically. This article summarizes research progress on antiviral, antitumor and anti-inflammatory properties of melittin, and discusses the strategies of melittin-modification for its future potential clinical applications in preventing drug resistance, enhancing the selectivity to target cells and alleviating cytotoxic effects to normal cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hai-Qian Zhang
- Changchun Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Science, Changchun, Jilin, China
| | - Chengbiao Sun
- Changchun Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Science, Changchun, Jilin, China
| | - Na Xu
- Academic Affairs Office, Jilin Medical University, Jilin, Jilin, China
| | - Wensen Liu
- Changchun Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Science, Changchun, Jilin, China
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