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Janciauskiene S, Lechowicz U, Pelc M, Olejnicka B, Chorostowska-Wynimko J. Diagnostic and therapeutic value of human serpin family proteins. Biomed Pharmacother 2024; 175:116618. [PMID: 38678961 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2024.116618] [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: 01/11/2024] [Revised: 04/15/2024] [Accepted: 04/17/2024] [Indexed: 05/01/2024] Open
Abstract
SERPIN (serine proteinase inhibitors) is an acronym for the superfamily of structurally similar proteins found in animals, plants, bacteria, viruses, and archaea. Over 1500 SERPINs are known in nature, while only 37 SERPINs are found in humans, which participate in inflammation, coagulation, angiogenesis, cell viability, and other pathophysiological processes. Both qualitative or quantitative deficiencies or overexpression and/or abnormal accumulation of SERPIN can lead to diseases commonly referred to as "serpinopathies". Hence, strategies involving SERPIN supplementation, elimination, or correction are utilized and/or under consideration. In this review, we discuss relationships between certain SERPINs and diseases as well as putative strategies for the clinical explorations of SERPINs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sabina Janciauskiene
- Department of Pulmonary and Infectious Diseases and BREATH German Center for Lung Research (DZL), Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany; Department of Genetics and Clinical Immunology, National Institute of Tuberculosis and Lung Diseases, 26 Plocka St, Warsaw 01-138, Poland
| | - Urszula Lechowicz
- Department of Genetics and Clinical Immunology, National Institute of Tuberculosis and Lung Diseases, 26 Plocka St, Warsaw 01-138, Poland
| | - Magdalena Pelc
- Department of Genetics and Clinical Immunology, National Institute of Tuberculosis and Lung Diseases, 26 Plocka St, Warsaw 01-138, Poland
| | - Beata Olejnicka
- Department of Pulmonary and Infectious Diseases and BREATH German Center for Lung Research (DZL), Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Joanna Chorostowska-Wynimko
- Department of Genetics and Clinical Immunology, National Institute of Tuberculosis and Lung Diseases, 26 Plocka St, Warsaw 01-138, Poland.
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2
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Strand 1A variant in neuroserpin shows increased aggregation and no loss of inhibition: implication in ameliorating polymerization to retain activity. Biosci Rep 2022; 42:232125. [PMID: 36408789 PMCID: PMC9760604 DOI: 10.1042/bsr20221825] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2022] [Revised: 10/31/2022] [Accepted: 11/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Neuroserpin (NS) is predominantly expressed in the brain and is the primary inhibitor of tissue plasminogen activator (tPA). NS variants are associated with the neurogenerative disease termed familial encephalopathy with neuroserpin inclusion bodies (FENIB). The disease is characterized by variable age of onset and severity. The reactive center loop (RCL) insertion-based inhibitory mechanism of NS requires a coordinated conformational change leading to a shift in the strands of the β-sheet A and movement of helix F. Strand 1A is connected to the helix F at its C terminal end and with the strand 2A at its N terminal, both these domain move for accommodating the inserting loop; therefore, a variant that influences their movement may alter the inhibition rates. A molecular dynamic simulation analysis of a H138C NS variant from strand 1A showed a large decrease in conformational fluctuations as compared with wild-type NS. H138 was mutated, expressed, purified and a native-PAGE and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) analysis showed that this variant forms large molecular weight aggregates on a slight increase in temperature. However, a circular dichroism analysis showed its secondary structure to be largely conserved. Surprisingly, its tPA inhibition activity and complex formation remain unhindered even after the site-specific labeling of H138C with Alexa fluor C5 maleimide. Further, a helix F-strand 1A (W154C-H138C) double variant still shows appreciable inhibitory activity. Increasingly, it appears that aggregation and not loss of inhibition is the more likely cause of shutter region-based variants phenotypes, indicating that hindering polymer formation using small molecules may retain inhibitory activity in pathological variants of NS.
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Godinez A, Rajput R, Chitranshi N, Gupta V, Basavarajappa D, Sharma S, You Y, Pushpitha K, Dhiman K, Mirzaei M, Graham S, Gupta V. Neuroserpin, a crucial regulator for axogenesis, synaptic modelling and cell-cell interactions in the pathophysiology of neurological disease. Cell Mol Life Sci 2022; 79:172. [PMID: 35244780 PMCID: PMC8897380 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-022-04185-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2021] [Revised: 02/01/2022] [Accepted: 02/02/2022] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
Neuroserpin is an axonally secreted serpin that is involved in regulating plasminogen and its enzyme activators, such as tissue plasminogen activator (tPA). The protein has been increasingly shown to play key roles in neuronal development, plasticity, maturation and synaptic refinement. The proteinase inhibitor may function both independently and through tPA-dependent mechanisms. Herein, we discuss the recent evidence regarding the role of neuroserpin in healthy and diseased conditions and highlight the participation of the serpin in various cellular signalling pathways. Several polymorphisms and mutations have also been identified in the protein that may affect the serpin conformation, leading to polymer formation and its intracellular accumulation. The current understanding of the involvement of neuroserpin in Alzheimer's disease, cancer, glaucoma, stroke, neuropsychiatric disorders and familial encephalopathy with neuroserpin inclusion bodies (FENIB) is presented. To truly understand the detrimental consequences of neuroserpin dysfunction and the effective therapeutic targeting of this molecule in pathological conditions, a cross-disciplinary understanding of neuroserpin alterations and its cellular signaling networks is essential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angela Godinez
- Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences, Macquarie University, F10A, 2 Technology Place, North Ryde, NSW, 2109, Australia
| | - Rashi Rajput
- Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences, Macquarie University, F10A, 2 Technology Place, North Ryde, NSW, 2109, Australia
| | - Nitin Chitranshi
- Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences, Macquarie University, F10A, 2 Technology Place, North Ryde, NSW, 2109, Australia.
| | - Veer Gupta
- School of Medicine, Deakin University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Devaraj Basavarajappa
- Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences, Macquarie University, F10A, 2 Technology Place, North Ryde, NSW, 2109, Australia
| | - Samridhi Sharma
- Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences, Macquarie University, F10A, 2 Technology Place, North Ryde, NSW, 2109, Australia
| | - Yuyi You
- Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences, Macquarie University, F10A, 2 Technology Place, North Ryde, NSW, 2109, Australia
| | - Kanishka Pushpitha
- Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences, Macquarie University, F10A, 2 Technology Place, North Ryde, NSW, 2109, Australia
| | - Kunal Dhiman
- School of Medicine, Deakin University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Mehdi Mirzaei
- Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences, Macquarie University, F10A, 2 Technology Place, North Ryde, NSW, 2109, Australia
| | - Stuart Graham
- Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences, Macquarie University, F10A, 2 Technology Place, North Ryde, NSW, 2109, Australia
- Save Sight Institute, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Vivek Gupta
- Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences, Macquarie University, F10A, 2 Technology Place, North Ryde, NSW, 2109, Australia.
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Tang MY, Gorin FA, Lein PJ. Review of evidence implicating the plasminogen activator system in blood-brain barrier dysfunction associated with Alzheimer's disease. AGEING AND NEURODEGENERATIVE DISEASES 2022; 2. [PMID: 35156107 PMCID: PMC8830591 DOI: 10.20517/and.2022.05] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Elucidating the pathogenic mechanisms of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) to identify therapeutic targets has been the focus of many decades of research. While deposition of extracellular amyloid-beta plaques and intraneuronal neurofibrillary tangles of hyperphosphorylated tau have historically been the two characteristic hallmarks of AD pathology, therapeutic strategies targeting these proteinopathies have not been successful in the clinics. Neuroinflammation has been gaining more attention as a therapeutic target because increasing evidence implicates neuroinflammation as a key factor in the early onset of AD disease progression. The peripheral immune response has emerged as an important contributor to the chronic neuroinflammation associated with AD pathophysiology. In this context, the plasminogen activator system (PAS), also referred to as the vasculature’s fibrinolytic system, is emerging as a potential factor in AD pathogenesis. Evolving evidence suggests that the PAS plays a role in linking chronic peripheral inflammatory conditions to neuroinflammation in the brain. While the PAS is better known for its peripheral functions, components of the PAS are expressed in the brain and have been demonstrated to alter neuroinflammation and blood-brain barrier (BBB) permeation. Here, we review plasmin-dependent and -independent mechanisms by which the PAS modulates the BBB in AD pathogenesis and discuss therapeutic implications of these observations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mei-Yun Tang
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, CA 95616, USA
| | - Fredric A Gorin
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, CA 95616, USA.,Department of Neurology, School of Medicine, University of California, Davis, CA 95616, USA
| | - Pamela J Lein
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, CA 95616, USA
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West J, Satapathy S, Whiten DR, Kelly M, Geraghty NJ, Proctor EJ, Sormanni P, Vendruscolo M, Buxbaum JN, Ranson M, Wilson MR. Neuroserpin and transthyretin are extracellular chaperones that preferentially inhibit amyloid formation. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2021; 7:eabf7606. [PMID: 34890220 PMCID: PMC8664251 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.abf7606] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2020] [Accepted: 10/21/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Neuroserpin is a secreted protease inhibitor known to inhibit amyloid formation by the Alzheimer’s beta peptide (Aβ). To test whether this effect was constrained to Aβ, we used a range of in vitro assays to demonstrate that neuroserpin inhibits amyloid formation by several different proteins and protects against the associated cytotoxicity but, unlike other known chaperones, has a poor ability to inhibit amorphous protein aggregation. Collectively, these results suggest that neuroserpin has an unusual chaperone selectivity for intermediates on the amyloid-forming pathway. Bioinformatics analyses identified a highly conserved 14-residue region containing an α helix shared between neuroserpin and the thyroxine-transport protein transthyretin, and we subsequently demonstrated that transthyretin also preferentially inhibits amyloid formation. Last, we used rationally designed neuroserpin mutants to demonstrate a direct involvement of the conserved 14-mer region in its chaperone activity. Identification of this conserved region may prove useful in the future design of anti-amyloid reagents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer West
- Molecular Horizons and School of Chemistry and Molecular Bioscience, University of Wollongong, Northfields Avenue, Wollongong, NSW 2522, Australia
- Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute, Northfields Avenue, Wollongong, NSW 2522, Australia
| | - Sandeep Satapathy
- Molecular Horizons and School of Chemistry and Molecular Bioscience, University of Wollongong, Northfields Avenue, Wollongong, NSW 2522, Australia
- Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute, Northfields Avenue, Wollongong, NSW 2522, Australia
| | - Daniel R. Whiten
- Kolling Institute of Medical Research, University of Sydney, NSW 2065, Australia
| | - Megan Kelly
- School of Medicine, University of Wollongong, Northfields Avenue, Wollongong, NSW 2522, Australia
| | - Nicholas J. Geraghty
- Molecular Horizons and School of Chemistry and Molecular Bioscience, University of Wollongong, Northfields Avenue, Wollongong, NSW 2522, Australia
- Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute, Northfields Avenue, Wollongong, NSW 2522, Australia
| | - Emma-Jayne Proctor
- Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute, Northfields Avenue, Wollongong, NSW 2522, Australia
| | - Pietro Sormanni
- Centre for Misfolding Diseases, Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 1EW, UK
| | - Michele Vendruscolo
- Centre for Misfolding Diseases, Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 1EW, UK
| | - Joel N. Buxbaum
- The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA, USA
- Protego Biopharma, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Marie Ranson
- Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute, Northfields Avenue, Wollongong, NSW 2522, Australia
| | - Mark R. Wilson
- Molecular Horizons and School of Chemistry and Molecular Bioscience, University of Wollongong, Northfields Avenue, Wollongong, NSW 2522, Australia
- Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute, Northfields Avenue, Wollongong, NSW 2522, Australia
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D'Acunto E, Fra A, Visentin C, Manno M, Ricagno S, Galliciotti G, Miranda E. Neuroserpin: structure, function, physiology and pathology. Cell Mol Life Sci 2021; 78:6409-6430. [PMID: 34405255 PMCID: PMC8558161 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-021-03907-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2021] [Revised: 07/23/2021] [Accepted: 07/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Neuroserpin is a serine protease inhibitor identified in a search for proteins implicated in neuronal axon growth and synapse formation. Since its discovery over 30 years ago, it has been the focus of active research. Many efforts have concentrated in elucidating its neuroprotective role in brain ischemic lesions, the structural bases of neuroserpin conformational change and the effects of neuroserpin polymers that underlie the neurodegenerative disease FENIB (familial encephalopathy with neuroserpin inclusion bodies), but the investigation of the physiological roles of neuroserpin has increased over the last years. In this review, we present an updated and critical revision of the current literature dealing with neuroserpin, covering all aspects of research including the expression and physiological roles of neuroserpin, both inside and outside the nervous system; its inhibitory and non-inhibitory mechanisms of action; the molecular structure of the monomeric and polymeric conformations of neuroserpin, including a detailed description of the polymerisation mechanism; and the involvement of neuroserpin in human disease, with particular emphasis on FENIB. Finally, we briefly discuss the identification by genome-wide screening of novel neuroserpin variants and their possible pathogenicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emanuela D'Acunto
- Department of Biology and Biotechnologies 'Charles Darwin', Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Annamaria Fra
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Cristina Visentin
- Department of Biosciences, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
- Institute of Molecular and Translational Cardiology, I.R.C.C.S. Policlinico San Donato, Milan, Italy
| | - Mauro Manno
- Institute of Biophysics, National Research Council of Italy, Palermo, Italy
| | - Stefano Ricagno
- Department of Biosciences, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Giovanna Galliciotti
- Institute of Neuropathology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Elena Miranda
- Department of Biology and Biotechnologies 'Charles Darwin', Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy.
- Pasteur Institute-Cenci Bolognetti Foundation, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy.
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Pongprayoon P, Kaewhom P, Kaewmongkol S, Suwan E, Stich RW, Wiriya B, Jittapalapong S. Structural dynamics of Rhipicephalus microplus serpin-3. MOLECULAR SIMULATION 2021. [DOI: 10.1080/08927022.2021.1962011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Prapasiri Pongprayoon
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Kasetsart University, Bangkok, Thailand
- Center for Advanced Studies in Nanotechnology for Chemical, Food and Agricultural Industries, KU Institute for Advanced Studies, Kasetsart University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Paitoon Kaewhom
- Faculty of Agricultural Technology, Burapha University, Sakaeo Campus, Sakaeo, Thailand
| | - Sarawan Kaewmongkol
- Faculty of Veterinary Technology, Kasetsart University, Bangkok, Thailand
- Center for Advanced Studies for Agriculture and Food (CASAF), Food and Agricultural Industries, Kasetsart University Institute for Advanced Studies (NRU-KU), Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Eukote Suwan
- Faculty of Veterinary Technology, Kasetsart University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Roger W. Stich
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA
| | - Benjamaporn Wiriya
- Center for Advanced Studies for Agriculture and Food (CASAF), Food and Agricultural Industries, Kasetsart University Institute for Advanced Studies (NRU-KU), Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Sathaporn Jittapalapong
- Faculty of Veterinary Technology, Kasetsart University, Bangkok, Thailand
- Center for Advanced Studies for Agriculture and Food (CASAF), Food and Agricultural Industries, Kasetsart University Institute for Advanced Studies (NRU-KU), Bangkok, Thailand
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8
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Fatima S, Ansari S, Bano S, Ahamad S, Ishqi HM, Tabish M, Gupta D, Rehman SU, Jairajpuri MA. Detection of truncated isoforms of human neuroserpin lacking the reactive center loop: Implications in noninhibitory role. IUBMB Life 2021; 73:941-952. [PMID: 33893722 DOI: 10.1002/iub.2475] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2021] [Revised: 03/23/2021] [Accepted: 04/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Neuroserpin is a serine protease inhibitor expressed mainly in the brain and at low levels in other tissues like the kidney, testis, heart, and spinal cord. It is involved in the inhibition of tissue plasminogen activator (tPA), plasmin, and to a lesser extent, urokinase-type plasminogen (uPA). Neuroserpin has also been shown to plays noninhibitory roles in the regulation of N-cadherin-mediated cell adhesion. It is involved in neuroprotection from seizure and stroke through tPA-mediated inhibition and also through its other protease targets. Mutations in critical domains of neuroserpin lead to its polymerization and neuronal death. In this study, a novel truncated isoform of human neuroserpin was identified in the brain and liver, which was confirmed by reverse transcriptase-PCR and DNA sequencing using exon-specific primers. Structural characterization of novel isoform using MD simulations studies indicated that it lacks the reactive center loop (RCL) but largely maintains its secondary structure fold. The novel truncated variant was cloned, expressed, and purified. A comparative intrinsic fluorescence and 4,4'-bis-1-anilino naphthalene 8-sulfonate studies revealed a decrease in fluorescence emission intensity and a more exposed hydrophobic surface as compared to the reported isoform. However, the novel isoform has lost its ability for tPA inhibition and complex formation. The absence of RCL indicates a noninhibitory role for the truncated isoform, prompting a detailed search and identification of two smaller isoforms in the human brain. With indications of the noninhibitory role of neuroserpin, identifying novel isoforms that appear to be without the tPA recognition domain is significant.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sana Fatima
- Department of Biosciences, Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi, India
| | - Shoyab Ansari
- Department of Biosciences, Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi, India
| | - Shadabi Bano
- Department of Biosciences, Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi, India
| | - Shahzaib Ahamad
- Translational Bioinformatics Group, International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, New Delhi, India
| | - Hassan Mubarak Ishqi
- Molecular Genetics Laboratory, National Institute of Immunology, New Delhi, India
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Life Sciences, Aligarh M. University, Aligarh, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Mohammad Tabish
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Life Sciences, Aligarh M. University, Aligarh, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Dinesh Gupta
- Translational Bioinformatics Group, International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, New Delhi, India
| | - Sayeed Ur Rehman
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Chemical and Life Sciences, Jamia Hamdard, New Delhi, India
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Visentin C, Musso L, Broggini L, Bonato F, Russo R, Moriconi C, Bolognesi M, Miranda E, Dallavalle S, Passarella D, Ricagno S. Embelin as Lead Compound for New Neuroserpin Polymerization Inhibitors. Life (Basel) 2020; 10:life10070111. [PMID: 32664592 PMCID: PMC7400170 DOI: 10.3390/life10070111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2020] [Revised: 06/25/2020] [Accepted: 07/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Familial encephalopathy with neuroserpin inclusion bodies (FENIB) is a severe and lethal neurodegenerative disease. Upon specific point mutations in the SERPINI1gene-coding for the human protein neuroserpin (NS) the resulting pathologic NS variants polymerize and accumulate within the endoplasmic reticulum of neurons in the central nervous system. To date, embelin (EMB) is the only known inhibitor of NS polymerization in vitro. This molecule is capable of preventing NS polymerization and dissolving preformed polymers. Here, we show that lowering EMB concentration results in increasing size of NS oligomers in vitro. Moreover, we observe that in cells expressing NS, the polymerization of G392E NS is reduced, but this effect is mediated by an increased proteasomal degradation rather than polymerization impairment. For these reasons we designed a systematic chemical evolution of the EMB scaffold aimed to improve its anti-polymerization properties. The effect of EMB analogs against NS polymerization was assessed in vitro. None of the EMB analogs displayed an anti-polymerization activity better than the one reported for EMB, indicating that the EMB–NS interaction surface is very specific and highly optimized. Thus, our results indicate that EMB is, to date, still the best candidate for developing a treatment against NS polymerization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristina Visentin
- Dipartimento di Bioscienze, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Celoria, 26, 20133 Milan, Italy; (C.V.); (L.B.); (M.B.)
| | - Loana Musso
- Dipartimento di Scienze per gli Alimenti, la Nutrizione e l’Ambiente, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Celoria, 2, 20133 Milan, Italy; (L.M.); (S.D.)
| | - Luca Broggini
- Dipartimento di Bioscienze, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Celoria, 26, 20133 Milan, Italy; (C.V.); (L.B.); (M.B.)
| | - Francesca Bonato
- Dipartimento di Chimica, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Golgi, 19, 20133 Milan, Italy; (F.B.); (D.P.)
| | - Rosaria Russo
- Dipartimento di Fisiopatologia Medico-Chirurgica e dei Trapianti, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Fratelli Cervi, 93, 20090 Segrate, Italy;
| | - Claudia Moriconi
- Dipartimento di Biologia e Biotecnologie ‘Charles Darwin’, Sapienza Università di Roma, Piazzale Aldo Moro, 5, 00185 Rome, Italy; (C.M.); (E.M.)
| | - Martino Bolognesi
- Dipartimento di Bioscienze, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Celoria, 26, 20133 Milan, Italy; (C.V.); (L.B.); (M.B.)
| | - Elena Miranda
- Dipartimento di Biologia e Biotecnologie ‘Charles Darwin’, Sapienza Università di Roma, Piazzale Aldo Moro, 5, 00185 Rome, Italy; (C.M.); (E.M.)
- Istituto Pasteur—Cenci Bolognetti Foundation, Sapienza Università di Roma, Piazzale Aldo Moro, 5, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Sabrina Dallavalle
- Dipartimento di Scienze per gli Alimenti, la Nutrizione e l’Ambiente, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Celoria, 2, 20133 Milan, Italy; (L.M.); (S.D.)
| | - Daniele Passarella
- Dipartimento di Chimica, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Golgi, 19, 20133 Milan, Italy; (F.B.); (D.P.)
| | - Stefano Ricagno
- Dipartimento di Bioscienze, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Celoria, 26, 20133 Milan, Italy; (C.V.); (L.B.); (M.B.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-02-5031-4914
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10
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Visentin C, Broggini L, Sala BM, Russo R, Barbiroli A, Santambrogio C, Nonnis S, Dubnovitsky A, Bolognesi M, Miranda E, Achour A, Ricagno S. Glycosylation Tunes Neuroserpin Physiological and Pathological Properties. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:E3235. [PMID: 32375228 PMCID: PMC7247563 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21093235] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2020] [Revised: 04/30/2020] [Accepted: 05/01/2020] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Neuroserpin (NS) is a member of the serine protease inhibitors superfamily. Specific point mutations are responsible for its accumulation in the endoplasmic reticulum of neurons that leads to a pathological condition named familial encephalopathy with neuroserpin inclusion bodies (FENIB). Wild-type NS presents two N-glycosylation chains and does not form polymers in vivo, while non-glycosylated NS causes aberrant polymer accumulation in cell models. To date, all in vitro studies have been conducted on bacterially expressed NS, de facto neglecting the role of glycosylation in the biochemical properties of NS. Here, we report the expression and purification of human glycosylated NS (gNS) using a novel eukaryotic expression system, LEXSY. Our results confirm the correct N-glycosylation of wild-type gNS. The fold and stability of gNS are not altered compared to bacterially expressed NS, as demonstrated by the circular dichroism and intrinsic tryptophan fluorescence assays. Intriguingly, gNS displays a remarkably reduced polymerisation propensity compared to non-glycosylated NS, in keeping with what was previously observed for wild-type NS in vivo and in cell models. Thus, our results support the relevance of gNS as a new in vitro tool to study the molecular bases of FENIB.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristina Visentin
- Dipartimento di Bioscienze, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Celoria, 26, 20133 Milan, Italy; (C.V.); (L.B.); (B.M.S.); (M.B.)
| | - Luca Broggini
- Dipartimento di Bioscienze, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Celoria, 26, 20133 Milan, Italy; (C.V.); (L.B.); (B.M.S.); (M.B.)
| | - Benedetta Maria Sala
- Dipartimento di Bioscienze, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Celoria, 26, 20133 Milan, Italy; (C.V.); (L.B.); (B.M.S.); (M.B.)
- Science for Life Laboratory, Department of Medicine Solna, Karolinska Institute, and Division of Infectious Diseases, Karolinska University Hospital, Solna, SE-17176 Stockholm, Sweden;
- Department of Protein Science, School of Engineering Sciences in Chemistry, Biotechnology and Health, AlbaNova University Center, Royal Institute of Technology, SE-10691 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Rosaria Russo
- Dipartimento di Fisiopatologia Medico-Chirurgica e dei Trapianti, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Fratelli Cervi, 93, 20090 Segrate, Italy;
| | - Alberto Barbiroli
- Dipartimento di Scienze per gli Alimenti, la Nutrizione e l′Ambiente, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Celoria, 2, 20133 Milan, Italy;
| | - Carlo Santambrogio
- Dipartimento di Biotecnologie e Bioscienze, Università degli Studi di Milano-Bicocca, Piazza dell’Ateneo Nuovo, 1, 20126 Milan, Italy;
| | - Simona Nonnis
- Departimento di Medicina Veterinaria, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via dell’Università, 6, 26900 Lodi, Italy;
| | - Anatoly Dubnovitsky
- Science for Life Laboratory, Department of Medicine Solna, Karolinska Institutet, and Division of Rheumatology, Karolinska University Hospital, Solna, SE-17176 Stockholm, Sweden;
| | - Martino Bolognesi
- Dipartimento di Bioscienze, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Celoria, 26, 20133 Milan, Italy; (C.V.); (L.B.); (B.M.S.); (M.B.)
| | - Elena Miranda
- Dipartimento di Biologia e Biotecnologie ‘Charles Darwin’, and Istituto Pasteur - Fondazione Cenci-Bolognetti, Sapienza Università di Roma, Piazzale Aldo Moro, 5, 00185 Rome, Italy;
| | - Adnane Achour
- Science for Life Laboratory, Department of Medicine Solna, Karolinska Institute, and Division of Infectious Diseases, Karolinska University Hospital, Solna, SE-17176 Stockholm, Sweden;
| | - Stefano Ricagno
- Dipartimento di Bioscienze, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Celoria, 26, 20133 Milan, Italy; (C.V.); (L.B.); (B.M.S.); (M.B.)
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11
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Ali MF, Kaushik A, Gupta D, Ansari S, Jairajpuri MA. Changes in strand 6B and helix B during neuroserpin inhibition: Implication in severity of clinical phenotype. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA. PROTEINS AND PROTEOMICS 2020; 1868:140363. [PMID: 31954927 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbapap.2020.140363] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2019] [Revised: 12/19/2019] [Accepted: 01/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Neuroserpin (NS) is predominantly expressed in brain and inhibits tissue-type plasminogen activator (tPA) with implications in brain development and memory. Nature of conformational change in pathological variants in strand 6B and helix B of NS that cause a relatively mild to severe epilepsy (and/or dementia) remains largely elusive. MD simulation with wild type (WT) NS, strand 6B and helix B variants indicated that substitution in this region affects the conformation of the strands 5B, 5A and reactive centre loop. Therefore, we designed variants of NS in strand 6B (I46D and F48S) and helix B (A54F, L55A and L55P) to investigate their role in tPA inhibition mechanism and propensity to aggregate. An interaction analysis showed disturbance of a hydrophobic patch centered at strands 5B, 6B and helix B in I46D and F48S but not in A54F, L55A, L55P and WT NS. Purified I46D, F48S and L55P variants showed decrease in fluorescence emission intensity but have similar α-helical content, however results of A54F and L55A were comparable to WT NS. Analysis of tPA inhibition showed marginal effect on A54F and L55A variant with tPA-NS complex formation. In contrast, I46D, F48S and L55P variants showed massive decrease in tPA inhibition, with no tPA-NS complex formation. Analysis of native PAGE under under polymerization condition showed prompt conversion of I46D, F48S and L55P to latent conformation but not A54F and L55A variants. Identification of these novel conformational changes will aid in the understanding of variable clinical phenotype of shutter region NS variants and other serpins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Farhan Ali
- Protein Conformation and Enzymology Lab, Department of Biosciences, Jamia Millia Islamia (A Central University), New Delhi 110025, India
| | - Abhinav Kaushik
- Translational Bioinformatics Group, International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB), Aruna Asaf Ali Marg, New Delhi 110067, India
| | - Dinesh Gupta
- Translational Bioinformatics Group, International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB), Aruna Asaf Ali Marg, New Delhi 110067, India
| | - Shoyab Ansari
- Protein Conformation and Enzymology Lab, Department of Biosciences, Jamia Millia Islamia (A Central University), New Delhi 110025, India
| | - Mohamad Aman Jairajpuri
- Protein Conformation and Enzymology Lab, Department of Biosciences, Jamia Millia Islamia (A Central University), New Delhi 110025, India.
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12
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Rehman SU, Ashraf S, Ahamad S, Sarwar T, Husain MA, Ahmad P, Tabish M, Jairajpuri MA. Identification of a novel alternatively spliced isoform of antithrombin containing an additional RCL-like loop. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2019; 517:421-426. [PMID: 31378371 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2019.07.113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2019] [Accepted: 07/28/2019] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Antithrombin (AT3) is one of the most important inhibitors of blood coagulation proteases that belong to the serpin family of protease inhibitors. In this study, a novel alternatively spliced isoform of AT3 was identified, both at transcript and protein level. This novel transcript contains an additional region in the continuation of exon 3b that was included in the transcript due to use of an alternate 5' splice site. The existence of the novel transcript was confirmed in human brain and liver through RT-PCR. An analysis of the complete transcript indicated that the native reactive centre loop (RCL) of AT3 is maintained; however the novel amino acid sequence projects out as an additional loop as evident from MD simulation studies. A unique amino acid sequence present in the novel isoform was used for the development of polyclonal antibody. The expression of novel isoform was confirmed in human brain and liver tissue using Western blot analysis. Interestingly an alignment of RCL like domain with other inhibitory serpins showed significant similarity with the neuroserpin RCL. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first evidence of alternatively spliced AT3 sequence containing an additional loop and could have physiological relevance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sayeed Ur Rehman
- Department of Biosciences, Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi, India; Department of Biochemistry, SCLS, Jamia Hamdard, New Delhi, India
| | - Shazia Ashraf
- Department of Biosciences, Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi, India; Department of Medicine, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Shahzaib Ahamad
- Department of Biotechnology, School of Engineering & Technology, IFTM University, Lodhipur-Rajput, Delhi Road, Moradabad, India
| | - Tarique Sarwar
- Department of Biosciences, Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi, India
| | | | - Parvez Ahmad
- Department of Biosciences, Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi, India
| | - Mohammad Tabish
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Life Sciences, A.M.U, Aligarh, U.P, India
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13
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Amblyomma americanum serpin 27 (AAS27) is a tick salivary anti-inflammatory protein secreted into the host during feeding. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2019; 13:e0007660. [PMID: 31449524 PMCID: PMC6730956 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0007660] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2019] [Revised: 09/06/2019] [Accepted: 07/24/2019] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Ticks successfully feed and transmit pathogens by injecting pharmacological compounds in saliva to thwart host defenses. We have previously used LC-MS/MS to identify proteins that are present in saliva of unfed Amblyomma americanum ticks that were exposed to different hosts. Here we show that A. americanum serine protease inhibitor (serpin) 27 (AAS27) is an immunogenic saliva protein that is injected into the host within the first day of tick feeding and is an anti-inflammatory protein that might act by blocking plasmin and trypsin functions. Although AAS27 is injected into the host throughout tick feeding, qRT-PCR and western blotting analyses indicate that the respective transcript and protein are present in high amounts within the first 24 h of tick feeding. Biochemical screening of Pichia pastoris-expressed recombinant (r) AAS27 against mammalian proteases related to host defense shows it is an inhibitor of trypsin and plasmin, with stoichiometry of inhibition indices of 3.5 and 3.8, respectively. Consistent with typical inhibitory serpins, rAAS27 formed heat- and SDS-stable irreversible complexes with both proteases. We further demonstrate that rAAS27 inhibits trypsin with ka of 6.46 ± 1.24 x 104 M-1 s-1, comparable to serpins of other tick species. We show that native AAS27 is part of the repertoire of proteins responsible for the inhibitory activity against trypsin in crude tick saliva. AAS27 is likely utilized by the tick to evade the hosts inflammation defense since rAAS27 blocks both formalin and compound 48/80-induced inflammation in rats. Tick immune sera of rabbits that had acquired resistance against tick feeding following repeated infestations with A. americanum or Ixodes scapularis ticks reacts with rAAS27. Of significant interest, antibody to rAAS27 blocks this serpin inhibitory functions. Taken together, we conclude that AAS27 is an anti-inflammatory protein secreted into the host during feeding and may represent a potential candidate for development of an anti-tick vaccine.
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14
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Inhibitory serpins. New insights into their folding, polymerization, regulation and clearance. Biochem J 2017; 473:2273-93. [PMID: 27470592 DOI: 10.1042/bcj20160014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2016] [Accepted: 03/31/2016] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Serpins are a widely distributed family of high molecular mass protein proteinase inhibitors that can inhibit both serine and cysteine proteinases by a remarkable mechanism-based kinetic trapping of an acyl or thioacyl enzyme intermediate that involves massive conformational transformation. The trapping is based on distortion of the proteinase in the complex, with energy derived from the unique metastability of the active serpin. Serpins are the favoured inhibitors for regulation of proteinases in complex proteolytic cascades, such as are involved in blood coagulation, fibrinolysis and complement activation, by virtue of the ability to modulate their specificity and reactivity. Given their prominence as inhibitors, much work has been carried out to understand not only the mechanism of inhibition, but how it is fine-tuned, both spatially and temporally. The metastability of the active state raises the question of how serpins fold, whereas the misfolding of some serpin variants that leads to polymerization and pathologies of liver disease, emphysema and dementia makes it clinically important to understand how such polymerization might occur. Finally, since binding of serpins and their proteinase complexes, particularly plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1), to the clearance and signalling receptor LRP1 (low density lipoprotein receptor-related protein 1), may affect pathways linked to cell migration, angiogenesis, and tumour progression, it is important to understand the nature and specificity of binding. The current state of understanding of these areas is addressed here.
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15
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Millar LJ, Shi L, Hoerder-Suabedissen A, Molnár Z. Neonatal Hypoxia Ischaemia: Mechanisms, Models, and Therapeutic Challenges. Front Cell Neurosci 2017; 11:78. [PMID: 28533743 PMCID: PMC5420571 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2017.00078] [Citation(s) in RCA: 207] [Impact Index Per Article: 29.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2016] [Accepted: 03/07/2017] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Neonatal hypoxia-ischaemia (HI) is the most common cause of death and disability in human neonates, and is often associated with persistent motor, sensory, and cognitive impairment. Improved intensive care technology has increased survival without preventing neurological disorder, increasing morbidity throughout the adult population. Early preventative or neuroprotective interventions have the potential to rescue brain development in neonates, yet only one therapeutic intervention is currently licensed for use in developed countries. Recent investigations of the transient cortical layer known as subplate, especially regarding subplate's secretory role, opens up a novel set of potential molecular modulators of neonatal HI injury. This review examines the biological mechanisms of human neonatal HI, discusses evidence for the relevance of subplate-secreted molecules to this condition, and evaluates available animal models. Neuroserpin, a neuronally released neuroprotective factor, is discussed as a case study for developing new potential pharmacological interventions for use post-ischaemic injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lancelot J. Millar
- Molnár Group, Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics, University of OxfordOxford, UK
| | - Lei Shi
- Molnár Group, Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics, University of OxfordOxford, UK
- JNU-HKUST Joint Laboratory for Neuroscience and Innovative Drug Research, College of Pharmacy, Jinan UniversityGuangzhou, China
| | | | - Zoltán Molnár
- Molnár Group, Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics, University of OxfordOxford, UK
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16
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Ali MF, Kaushik A, Kapil C, Gupta D, Jairajpuri MA. A hydrophobic patch surrounding Trp154 in human neuroserpin controls the helix F dynamics with implications in inhibition and aggregation. Sci Rep 2017; 7:42987. [PMID: 28230174 PMCID: PMC5322333 DOI: 10.1038/srep42987] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2016] [Accepted: 01/17/2017] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Neuroserpin (NS) mediated inhibition of tissue-type plasminogen activator (tPA) is important for brain development, synapse formation and memory. Aberrations in helix F and β-sheet A movement during inhibition can directly lead to epilepsy or dementia. Conserved W154 residue in a hydrophobic patch between helix F and β-sheet A is ideally placed to control their movement during inhibition. Molecular Dynamics (MD) simulation on wild type (WT) NS and its two variants (W154A and W154P) demonstrated partial deformation in helix F and conformational differences in strands 1A and 2A only in W154P. A fluorescence and Circular Dichroism (CD) analysis with purified W154 variants revealed a significant red-shift and an increase in α-helical content in W154P as compared to W154A and WT NS. Kinetics of tPA inhibition showed a decline in association rates (ka) for W154A as compared to WT NS with indication of complex formation. Appearance of cleaved without complex formation in W154P indicates that the variant acts as substrate due to conformational misfolding around helix F. Both the variants however showed increased rate of aggregation as compared to WT NS. The hydrophobic patch identified in this study may have importance in helix F dynamics of NS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Farhan Ali
- Protein Conformation and Enzymology Lab, Department of Biosciences, Jamia Millia Islamia (A Central University), New Delhi-110025, India
| | - Abhinav Kaushik
- Translational Bioinformatics Group, International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB), Aruna Asaf Ali Marg, New Delhi-110067, India
| | - Charu Kapil
- Protein Conformation and Enzymology Lab, Department of Biosciences, Jamia Millia Islamia (A Central University), New Delhi-110025, India
| | - Dinesh Gupta
- Translational Bioinformatics Group, International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB), Aruna Asaf Ali Marg, New Delhi-110067, India
| | - Mohamad Aman Jairajpuri
- Protein Conformation and Enzymology Lab, Department of Biosciences, Jamia Millia Islamia (A Central University), New Delhi-110025, India
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17
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Lee TW, Tsang VWK, Loef EJ, Birch NP. Physiological and pathological functions of neuroserpin: Regulation of cellular responses through multiple mechanisms. Semin Cell Dev Biol 2017; 62:152-159. [PMID: 27639894 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcdb.2016.09.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2016] [Revised: 09/09/2016] [Accepted: 09/12/2016] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
It is 27 years since neuroserpin was first discovered in the nervous system and identified as a member of the serpin superfamily. Since that time potential roles for this serine protease inhibitor have been identified in neuronal and non-neuronal systems. Many are linked to inhibition of neuroserpin's principal enzyme target, tissue plasminogen activator (tPA), although some have been suggested to involve alternate non-inhibitory mechanisms. This review focuses mainly on the inhibitory roles of neuroserpin and discusses the evidence supporting tPA as the physiological target. While the major sites of neuroserpin expression are neural, endocrine and immune tissues, most progress on characterizing functional roles for neuroserpin have been in the brain. Roles in emotional behaviour, synaptic plasticity and neuroprotection in stroke and excitotoxicity models are discussed. Current knowledge on three neurological diseases associated with neuroserpin mutation or activity, Familial Encephalopathy with Neuroserpin Inclusion Bodies (FENIB), Alzheimer's disease and brain metastasis is presented. Finally, we consider mechanistic studies that have revealed a distinct inhibitory mechanism for neuroserpin and its possible implications for neuroserpin function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tet Woo Lee
- School of Biological Sciences and Centre for Brain Research, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand.
| | - Vicky W K Tsang
- School of Biological Sciences and Centre for Brain Research, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Evert Jan Loef
- School of Biological Sciences and Centre for Brain Research, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand; Maurice Wilkins Centre for Molecular Biodiscovery, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Nigel P Birch
- School of Biological Sciences and Centre for Brain Research, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand; Brain Research New Zealand, Rangahau Roro Aotearoa, Auckland, New Zealand.
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18
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Porebski BT, Keleher S, Hollins JJ, Nickson AA, Marijanovic EM, Borg NA, Costa MGS, Pearce MA, Dai W, Zhu L, Irving JA, Hoke DE, Kass I, Whisstock JC, Bottomley SP, Webb GI, McGowan S, Buckle AM. Smoothing a rugged protein folding landscape by sequence-based redesign. Sci Rep 2016; 6:33958. [PMID: 27667094 PMCID: PMC5036219 DOI: 10.1038/srep33958] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2016] [Accepted: 09/01/2016] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
The rugged folding landscapes of functional proteins puts them at risk of misfolding and aggregation. Serine protease inhibitors, or serpins, are paradigms for this delicate balance between function and misfolding. Serpins exist in a metastable state that undergoes a major conformational change in order to inhibit proteases. However, conformational labiality of the native serpin fold renders them susceptible to misfolding, which underlies misfolding diseases such as α1-antitrypsin deficiency. To investigate how serpins balance function and folding, we used consensus design to create conserpin, a synthetic serpin that folds reversibly, is functional, thermostable, and polymerization resistant. Characterization of its structure, folding and dynamics suggest that consensus design has remodeled the folding landscape to reconcile competing requirements for stability and function. This approach may offer general benefits for engineering functional proteins that have risky folding landscapes, including the removal of aggregation-prone intermediates, and modifying scaffolds for use as protein therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin T Porebski
- Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria 3800, Australia.,Medical Research Council Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Francis Crick Avenue, Cambridge, CB2 0QH, United Kingdom
| | - Shani Keleher
- Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria 3800, Australia
| | - Jeffrey J Hollins
- Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Lensfield Road, Cambridge, CB2 1EW, United Kingdom
| | - Adrian A Nickson
- Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Lensfield Road, Cambridge, CB2 1EW, United Kingdom
| | - Emilia M Marijanovic
- Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria 3800, Australia
| | - Natalie A Borg
- Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria 3800, Australia
| | - Mauricio G S Costa
- Programa de Computação Científica, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, 21949900 Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Mary A Pearce
- Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria 3800, Australia
| | - Weiwen Dai
- Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria 3800, Australia
| | - Liguang Zhu
- Faculty of Information Technology, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria 3800, Australia
| | - James A Irving
- Wolfson Institute for Biomedical Research, University College London, Gower Street, London, WC1E 6BT, United Kingdom
| | - David E Hoke
- Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria 3800, Australia
| | - Itamar Kass
- Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria 3800, Australia
| | - James C Whisstock
- Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria 3800, Australia.,ARC Centre of Excellence in Advanced Molecular Imaging, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria 3800, Australia
| | - Stephen P Bottomley
- Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria 3800, Australia
| | - Geoffrey I Webb
- Faculty of Information Technology, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria 3800, Australia
| | - Sheena McGowan
- Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria 3800, Australia.,Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Department of Microbiology, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria 3800, Australia
| | - Ashley M Buckle
- Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria 3800, Australia
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19
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Saga G, Sessa F, Barbiroli A, Santambrogio C, Russo R, Sala M, Raccosta S, Martorana V, Caccia S, Noto R, Moriconi C, Miranda E, Grandori R, Manno M, Bolognesi M, Ricagno S. Embelin binds to human neuroserpin and impairs its polymerisation. Sci Rep 2016; 6:18769. [PMID: 26732982 PMCID: PMC4702122 DOI: 10.1038/srep18769] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2015] [Accepted: 11/26/2015] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Neuroserpin (NS) is a serpin inhibitor of tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) in the brain. The polymerisation of NS pathologic mutants is responsible for a genetic dementia known as familial encephalopathy with neuroserpin inclusion bodies (FENIB). So far, a pharmacological treatment of FENIB, i.e. an inhibitor of NS polymerisation, remains an unmet challenge. Here, we present a biophysical characterisation of the effects caused by embelin (EMB a small natural compound) on NS conformers and NS polymerisation. EMB destabilises all known NS conformers, specifically binding to NS molecules with a 1:1 NS:EMB molar ratio without unfolding the NS fold. In particular, NS polymers disaggregate in the presence of EMB, and their formation is prevented. The NS/EMB complex does not inhibit tPA proteolytic activity. Both effects are pharmacologically relevant: firstly by inhibiting the NS polymerisation associated to FENIB, and secondly by potentially antagonizing metastatic processes facilitated by NS activity in the brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giorgia Saga
- Dipartimento di Bioscienze and CIMAINA, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Fabio Sessa
- Dipartimento di Bioscienze and CIMAINA, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Alberto Barbiroli
- Dipartimento di Scienze per gli Alimenti, la Nutrizione e l′Ambiente, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Carlo Santambrogio
- Dipartimento di Biotecnologie e Bioscienze, Università Milano-Bicocca, Milan, Italy
| | - Rosaria Russo
- Dipartimento di Fisiopatologia Medico-Chirurgica e dei Trapianti, Università degli Studi di MilanoItaly
| | - Michela Sala
- Dipartimento di Biotecnologie e Bioscienze, Università Milano-Bicocca, Milan, Italy
| | - Samuele Raccosta
- Istituto di Biofisica, National Research Council of Italy, Palermo, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Martorana
- Istituto di Biofisica, National Research Council of Italy, Palermo, Italy
| | - Sonia Caccia
- Dipartimento di Biotecnologie Mediche e Medicina traslazionale, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Rosina Noto
- Istituto di Biofisica, National Research Council of Italy, Palermo, Italy
| | - Claudia Moriconi
- Dipartimento di Biologia e Biotecnologie Charles Darwin, and Istituto Pasteur – Fondazione Cenci-Bolognetti, Sapienza Università di Roma, Rome, Italy
| | - Elena Miranda
- Dipartimento di Biologia e Biotecnologie Charles Darwin, and Istituto Pasteur – Fondazione Cenci-Bolognetti, Sapienza Università di Roma, Rome, Italy
| | - Rita Grandori
- Dipartimento di Biotecnologie e Bioscienze, Università Milano-Bicocca, Milan, Italy
| | - Mauro Manno
- Istituto di Biofisica, National Research Council of Italy, Palermo, Italy
| | - Martino Bolognesi
- Dipartimento di Bioscienze and CIMAINA, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
- Istituto di Biofisica, National Research Council of Italy, c/o Dipartimento di Bioscienze, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Stefano Ricagno
- Dipartimento di Bioscienze and CIMAINA, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
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20
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Lee TW, Tsang VWK, Birch NP. Physiological and pathological roles of tissue plasminogen activator and its inhibitor neuroserpin in the nervous system. Front Cell Neurosci 2015; 9:396. [PMID: 26528129 PMCID: PMC4602146 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2015.00396] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2015] [Accepted: 09/22/2015] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Although its roles in the vascular space are most well-known, tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) is widely expressed in the developing and adult nervous system, where its activity is believed to be regulated by neuroserpin, a predominantly brain-specific member of the serpin family of protease inhibitors. In the normal physiological state, tPA has been shown to play roles in the development and plasticity of the nervous system. Ischemic damage, however, may lead to excess tPA activity in the brain and this is believed to contribute to neurodegeneration. In this article, we briefly review the physiological and pathological roles of tPA in the nervous system, which includes neuronal migration, axonal growth, synaptic plasticity, neuroprotection and neurodegeneration, as well as a contribution to neurological disease. We summarize tPA's multiple mechanisms of action and also highlight the contributions of the inhibitor neuroserpin to these processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tet Woo Lee
- School of Biological Sciences and Centre for Brain Research, University of Auckland Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Vicky W K Tsang
- School of Biological Sciences and Centre for Brain Research, University of Auckland Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Nigel P Birch
- School of Biological Sciences and Centre for Brain Research, University of Auckland Auckland, New Zealand ; Brain Research New Zealand, Rangahau Roro Aotearoa Auckland, New Zealand
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21
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Noto R, Randazzo L, Raccosta S, Caccia S, Moriconi C, Miranda E, Martorana V, Manno M. The stability and activity of human neuroserpin are modulated by a salt bridge that stabilises the reactive centre loop. Sci Rep 2015; 5:13666. [PMID: 26329378 PMCID: PMC4556959 DOI: 10.1038/srep13666] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2015] [Accepted: 08/03/2015] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Neuroserpin (NS) is an inhibitory protein belonging to the serpin family and involved in several pathologies, including the dementia Familial Encephalopathy with Neuroserpin Inclusion Bodies (FENIB), a genetic neurodegenerative disease caused by accumulation of NS polymers. Our Molecular Dynamics simulations revealed the formation of a persistent salt bridge between Glu289 on strand s2C and Arg362 on the Reactive Centre Loop (RCL), a region important for the inhibitory activity of NS. Here, we validated this structural feature by simulating the Glu289Ala mutant, where the salt bridge is not present. Further, MD predictions were tested in vitro by purifying recombinant Glu289Ala NS from E. coli. The thermal and chemical stability along with the polymerisation propensity of both Wild Type and Glu289Ala NS were characterised by circular dichroism, emission spectroscopy and non-denaturant gel electrophoresis, respectively. The activity of both variants against the main target protease, tissue-type plasminogen activator (tPA), was assessed by SDS-PAGE and chromogenic kinetic assay. Our results showed that deletion of the salt bridge leads to a moderate but clear reduction of the overall protein stability and activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosina Noto
- National Research Council of Italy, Institute of Biophysics, Palermo, Italy
| | - Loredana Randazzo
- National Research Council of Italy, Institute of Biophysics, Palermo, Italy
| | - Samuele Raccosta
- National Research Council of Italy, Institute of Biophysics, Palermo, Italy
| | - Sonia Caccia
- Department of Medical Biotechnologies and Translational Medicine, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Claudia Moriconi
- Department of Biology and Biotechnologies “Charles Darwin” and Pasteur Institute - Cenci Bolognetti Foundation, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Elena Miranda
- Department of Biology and Biotechnologies “Charles Darwin” and Pasteur Institute - Cenci Bolognetti Foundation, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Martorana
- National Research Council of Italy, Institute of Biophysics, Palermo, Italy
| | - Mauro Manno
- National Research Council of Italy, Institute of Biophysics, Palermo, Italy
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22
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Caccia S, Ricagno S, Bolognesi M. Molecular bases of neuroserpin function and pathology. Biomol Concepts 2015; 1:117-30. [PMID: 25961991 DOI: 10.1515/bmc.2010.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Serpins build a large and evolutionary widespread protein superfamily, hosting members that are mainly Ser-protease inhibitors. Typically, serpins display a conserved core domain composed of three main β-sheets and 9-10 α-helices, for a total of approximately 350 amino acids. Neuroserpin (NS) is mostly expressed in neurons and in the central and peripheral nervous systems, where it targets tissue-type plasminogen activator. NS activity is relevant for axogenesis, synaptogenesis and synaptic plasticity. Five (single amino acid) NS mutations are associated with severe neurodegenerative disease in man, leading to early onset dementia, epilepsy and neuronal death. The functional aspects of NS protease inhibition are linked to the presence of a long exposed loop (reactive center loop, RCL) that acts as bait for the incoming partner protease. Large NS conformational changes, associated with the cleavage of the RCL, trap the protease in an acyl-enzyme complex. Contrary to other serpins, this complex has a half-life of approximately 10 min. Conformational flexibility is held to be at the bases of NS polymerization leading to Collins bodies intracellular deposition and neuronal damage in the pathological NS variants. Two main general mechanisms of serpin polymerization are currently discussed. Both models require the swapping of the RCL among neighboring serpin molecules. Specific differences in the size of swapped regions, as well as differences in the folding stage at which polymerization can occur, distinguish the two models. The results provided by recent crystallographic and biophysical studies allow rationalization of the functional and pathological roles played by NS based on the analysis of four three-dimensional structures.
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23
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Ma J, Tong Y, Yu D, Mao M. Tissue plasminogen activator-independent roles of neuroserpin in the central nervous system. Neural Regen Res 2015; 7:146-51. [PMID: 25767491 PMCID: PMC4354132 DOI: 10.3969/j.issn.1673-5374.2012.02.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2011] [Accepted: 11/19/2011] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
A number of studies have confirmed the existence of tissue-type plasminogen activator-independent roles of neuroserpin, a member of the serine protease inhibitor superfamily. In this review article, we aim to clarify this role. These unique roles of neuroserpin are involved in its neuroprotective effect during ischemic brain injury, its regulation of tumorigenesis, and the mediation of emotion and cognition through the inhibition of urokinase-type plasminogen activator and fibrinolysin, modification of Th cells, reducing plaque formation, promoting process growth and intracellular adhesion, and altering the expression of cadherin and nuclear factor kappa B.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiao Ma
- Department of Pediatrics, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, Sichuan Province, China ; Key Laboratory of Obstetric & Gynecologic and Pediatric Diseases and Birth Defects of Ministry of Education, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, Sichuan Province, China ; Laboratory of Early Developmental and Injuries, West China Institutes for Woman and Children's Health, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, Sichuan Province, China
| | - Yu Tong
- Department of Pediatrics, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, Sichuan Province, China ; Key Laboratory of Obstetric & Gynecologic and Pediatric Diseases and Birth Defects of Ministry of Education, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, Sichuan Province, China ; Laboratory of Early Developmental and Injuries, West China Institutes for Woman and Children's Health, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, Sichuan Province, China
| | - Dan Yu
- Department of Pediatrics, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, Sichuan Province, China ; Key Laboratory of Obstetric & Gynecologic and Pediatric Diseases and Birth Defects of Ministry of Education, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, Sichuan Province, China ; Laboratory of Early Developmental and Injuries, West China Institutes for Woman and Children's Health, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, Sichuan Province, China
| | - Meng Mao
- Department of Pediatrics, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, Sichuan Province, China ; Key Laboratory of Obstetric & Gynecologic and Pediatric Diseases and Birth Defects of Ministry of Education, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, Sichuan Province, China ; Laboratory of Early Developmental and Injuries, West China Institutes for Woman and Children's Health, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, Sichuan Province, China
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24
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Noto R, Santangelo MG, Levantino M, Cupane A, Mangione MR, Parisi D, Ricagno S, Bolognesi M, Manno M, Martorana V. Functional and dysfunctional conformers of human neuroserpin characterized by optical spectroscopies and Molecular Dynamics. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA 2015; 1854:110-7. [PMID: 25450507 PMCID: PMC4332418 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbapap.2014.10.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2014] [Revised: 09/04/2014] [Accepted: 10/03/2014] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Neuroserpin (NS) is a serine protease inhibitor (SERPIN) involved in different neurological pathologies, including the Familial Encephalopathy with Neuroserpin Inclusion Bodies (FENIB), related to the aberrant polymerization of NS mutants. Here we present an in vitro and in silico characterization of native neuroserpin and its dysfunctional conformation isoforms: the proteolytically cleaved conformer, the inactive latent conformer, and the polymeric species. Based on circular dichroism and fluorescence spectroscopy, we present an experimental validation of the latent model and highlight the main structural features of the different conformers. In particular, emission spectra of aromatic residues yield distinct conformational fingerprints, that provide a novel and simple spectroscopic tool for selecting serpin conformers in vitro. Based on the structural relationship between cleaved and latent serpins, we propose a structural model for latent NS, for which an experimental crystallographic structure is lacking. Molecular Dynamics simulations suggest that NS conformational stability and flexibility arise from a spatial distribution of intramolecular salt-bridges and hydrogen bonds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosina Noto
- Institute of Biophysics, National Research Council of Italy, Palermo, Italy
| | | | - Matteo Levantino
- Department of Physics and Chemistry, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Antonio Cupane
- Department of Physics and Chemistry, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | | | - Daniele Parisi
- Institute of Biophysics, National Research Council of Italy, Palermo, Italy; Department of Biosciences, Institute of Biophysics CNR, Italy and CIMAINA, University of Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Stefano Ricagno
- Department of Biosciences, Institute of Biophysics CNR, Italy and CIMAINA, University of Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Martino Bolognesi
- Department of Biosciences, Institute of Biophysics CNR, Italy and CIMAINA, University of Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Mauro Manno
- Institute of Biophysics, National Research Council of Italy, Palermo, Italy.
| | - Vincenzo Martorana
- Institute of Biophysics, National Research Council of Italy, Palermo, Italy
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25
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Lee TW, Yang ASP, Brittain T, Birch NP. An analysis approach to identify specific functional sites in orthologous proteins using sequence and structural information: application to neuroserpin reveals regions that differentially regulate inhibitory activity. Proteins 2015; 83:135-52. [PMID: 25363759 DOI: 10.1002/prot.24711] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2014] [Revised: 10/22/2014] [Accepted: 10/27/2014] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
The analysis of sequence conservation is commonly used to predict functionally important sites in proteins. We have developed an approach that first identifies highly conserved sites in a set of orthologous sequences using a weighted substitution-matrix-based conservation score and then filters these conserved sites based on the pattern of conservation present in a wider alignment of sequences from the same family and structural information to identify surface-exposed sites. This allows us to detect specific functional sites in the target protein and exclude regions that are likely to be generally important for the structure or function of the wider protein family. We applied our method to two members of the serpin family of serine protease inhibitors. We first confirmed that our method successfully detected the known heparin binding site in antithrombin while excluding residues known to be generally important in the serpin family. We next applied our sequence analysis approach to neuroserpin and used our results to guide site-directed polyalanine mutagenesis experiments. The majority of the mutant neuroserpin proteins were found to fold correctly and could still form inhibitory complexes with tissue plasminogen activator (tPA). Kinetic analysis of tPA inhibition, however, revealed altered inhibitory kinetics in several of the mutant proteins, with some mutants showing decreased association with tPA and others showing more rapid dissociation of the covalent complex. Altogether, these results confirm that our sequence analysis approach is a useful tool that can be used to guide mutagenesis experiments for the detection of specific functional sites in proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tet Woo Lee
- School of Biological Sciences and Centre for Brain Research, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
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26
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Liu C, Han Y, Chen X, Zhang W. Structure-function relationship of SW-AT-1, a serpin-type protease inhibitor in silkworm. PLoS One 2014; 9:e99013. [PMID: 24901510 PMCID: PMC4047069 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0099013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2014] [Accepted: 05/07/2014] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Although SW-AT-1, a serpin-type trypsin inhibitor from silkworm (Bombyx mori), was identified in previous study, its structure-function relationship has not been studied. In this study, SW-AT-1 was cloned from the body wall of silkworm and expressed in E. coli. rSW-AT-1 inhibited both trypsin and chymotrypsin in a concentration-dependent manner. The association rate constant for rSW-AT-1 and trypsin is 1.31×10-5 M-1s-1, for rSW-AT-1 and chymotrpsin is 2.85×10-6 M-1s-1. Circular dichroism (CD) assay showed 33% α-helices, 16% β-sheets, 17% turns, and 31% random coils in the secondary structure of the protein. Enzymatic and CD analysis indicated that rSW-AT-1 was stable at wide pH range between 4-10, and exhibited the highest activity at weakly acidic or alkaline condition. The predicted three-dimensional structure of SW-AT-1 by PyMOL (v1.4) revealed a deductive reactive centre loop (RCL) near the C-terminus, which was extended from the body of the molecule. In addition to trypsin cleavage site in RCL, matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization time of flight mass spectrometry indicated that the chymotrypsin cleavage site of SW-AT-1 was between F336 and T337 in RCL. Directed mutagenesis indicated that both the N- and C-terminal sides of RCL have effects on the activity, and G327 and E329 played an important role in the proper folding of RCL. The physiological role of SW-AT-1 in the defense responses of silkworm were also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cheng Liu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Life Science, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yue Han
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Life Science, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Xi Chen
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Life Science, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Wei Zhang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Life Science, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
- * E-mail:
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27
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High resolution structure of cleaved Serpin 42 Da from Drosophila melanogaster. BMC STRUCTURAL BIOLOGY 2014; 14:14. [PMID: 24758516 PMCID: PMC4006314 DOI: 10.1186/1472-6807-14-14] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2014] [Accepted: 04/17/2014] [Indexed: 12/02/2022]
Abstract
Background The Drosophila melanogaster Serpin 42 Da gene (previously Serpin 4) encodes a serine protease inhibitor that is capable of remarkable functional diversity through the alternative splicing of four different reactive centre loop exons. Eight protein isoforms of Serpin 42 Da have been identified to date, targeting the protease inhibitor to both different proteases and cellular locations. Biochemical and genetic studies suggest that Serpin 42 Da inhibits target proteases through the classical serpin ‘suicide’ inhibition mechanism, however the crystal structure of a representative Serpin 42 Da isoform remains to be determined. Results We report two high-resolution crystal structures of Serpin 42 Da representing the A/B isoforms in the cleaved conformation, belonging to two different space-groups and diffracting to 1.7 Å and 1.8 Å. Structural analysis reveals the archetypal serpin fold, with the major elements of secondary structure displaying significant homology to the vertebrate serpin, neuroserpin. Key residues known to have central roles in the serpin inhibitory mechanism are conserved in both the hinge and shutter regions of Serpin 42 Da. Furthermore, these structures identify important conserved interactions that appear to be of crucial importance in allowing the Serpin 42 Da fold to act as a versatile template for multiple reactive centre loops that have different sequences and protease specificities. Conclusions In combination with previous biochemical and genetic studies, these structures confirm for the first time that the Serpin 42 Da isoforms are typical inhibitory serpin family members with the conserved serpin fold and inhibitory mechanism. Additionally, these data reveal the remarkable structural plasticity of serpins, whereby the basic fold is harnessed as a template for inhibition of a large spectrum of proteases by reactive centre loop exon ‘switching’. This is the first structure of a Drosophila serpin reported to date, and will provide a platform for future mutational studies in Drosophila to ascertain the functional role of each of the Serpin 42 Da isoforms.
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28
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Tsang VWK, Young D, During MJ, Birch NP. AAV-mediated overexpression of neuroserpin in the hippocampus decreases PSD-95 expression but does not affect hippocampal-dependent learning and memory. PLoS One 2014; 9:e91050. [PMID: 24608243 PMCID: PMC3946662 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0091050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2013] [Accepted: 02/07/2014] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Neuroserpin is a serine protease inhibitor, or serpin, that is expressed in the nervous system and inhibits the protease tissue plasminogen activator (tPA). Neuroserpin has been suggested to play a role in learning and memory but direct evidence for such a role is lacking. Here we have used an adeno-associated virus (AAV) vector expression system to investigate the effect of neuroserpin on hippocampal-dependent learning and memory in the young adult rat. A FLAG-tagged neuroserpin construct was initially characterized by in vitro transcription/translation and transfection into HEK293 cells and shown to interact with tPA and be targeted to the secretory pathway. Targeted injection of a chimeric AAV1/2 vector expressing FLAG-neuroserpin resulted in localized overexpression in the dorsal hippocampus. Neuroserpin overexpression led to the appearance of an unstable neuroserpin:tPA complex in zymographic assays consistent with interaction with endogenous tPA in vivo. Rats overexpressing neuroserpin also showed a significant decrease in the levels of postsynaptic density protein 95, a major postsynaptic scaffolding protein. Three weeks after injection, a range of behavioural tests was performed to measure spatial and associative learning and memory, as well as innate and acquired fear. These tests provided no evidence of a role for neuroserpin in hippocampal-dependent learning and memory. In summary this study does not support a role for neuroserpin in hippocampal-dependent learning and memory in young adult rats but does suggest an involvement of neuroserpin in hippocampal synaptic plasticity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vicky W. K. Tsang
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
- Centre for Brain Research, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Deborah Young
- Department of Molecular Medicine & Pathology, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
- Department of Pharmacology and Clinical Pharmacology, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
- Centre for Brain Research, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Matthew J. During
- Department of Molecular Medicine & Pathology, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
- Centre for Brain Research, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
- Department of Molecular Virology, Immunology and Medical Genetics, Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, United States of America
| | - Nigel P. Birch
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
- Centre for Brain Research, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
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29
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Talens S, Malfliet JJMC, van Hal PTW, Leebeek FWG, Rijken DC. Identification and characterization of α1 -antitrypsin in fibrin clots. J Thromb Haemost 2013; 11:1319-28. [PMID: 23648095 DOI: 10.1111/jth.12288] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2012] [Accepted: 04/26/2013] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES Preliminary studies indicated that α1 -antitrypsin (A1AT) is the most abundant protein that is non-covalently bound to fibrin clots prepared from plasma. The aim of this study was to identify and characterize fibrin(ogen)-bound A1AT. METHODS AND RESULTS Plasma clots were prepared and extensively washed with saline. Clot-bound A1AT could only be extracted using denaturing agents such as urea, thiourea or SDS, pointing to an apparently strong association. Purified fibrinogen, but still containing A1AT as a contaminant, was gel filtered, which showed that the A1AT was bound to fibrinogen. A specific ELISA detected the presence of A1AT-fibrinogen complexes in both purified fibrinogen and pooled normal plasma. Finally, fibrin(ogen)-Sepharose chromatography indicated that A1AT purified from plasma contained a small fraction of fibrin(ogen)-binding A1AT. To study the inhibitory activity of fibrin(ogen)-bound A1AT, both fibrinogen containing A1AT and washed plasma clots were incubated with increasing amounts of elastase. SDS-PAGE and Western blotting showed under both conditions the generation of the A1AT-elastase complex as well as cleaved A1AT. The inhibitory activity of fibrin(ogen)-bound A1AT was also demonstrated by measuring elastase-induced lysis of fibrin clots. CONCLUSION Fibrin clots contain strongly bound A1AT, which is functionally active as a serine protease inhibitor (serpin). This A1AT might play a role in the local regulation of proteases involved in coagulation or fibrinolysis and represent a novel link between the inflammatory and hemostatic systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Talens
- Department of Hematology, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
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30
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Lee TW, Montgomery JM, Birch NP. The serine protease inhibitor neuroserpin regulates the growth and maturation of hippocampal neurons through a non-inhibitory mechanism. J Neurochem 2012; 121:561-74. [PMID: 22191421 DOI: 10.1111/j.1471-4159.2011.07639.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Neuroserpin is a brain-specific serine protease inhibitor that is expressed in the developing and adult nervous system. Its expression profile led to suggestions that it played roles in neuronal growth and connectivity. In this study, we provide direct evidence to support a role for neuroserpin in axon and dendritic growth. We report that axon growth is enhanced while axon and dendrite diameter are reduced following neuroserpin treatment of hippocampal neurons. More complex effects are seen on dendritic growth and branching with neuroserpin-stimulating dendritic growth and branching in young neurons but switching to an inhibitory response in older neurons. The protease inhibitory activity of neuroserpin is not required to activate changes in neuronal morphology and a proportion of responses are modulated by an antagonist to the LRP1 receptor. Collectively, these findings support a key role for neuroserpin as a regulator of neuronal development through a non-inhibitory mechanism and suggest a basis for neuroserpin's effects on complex emotional behaviours and recent link to schizophrenia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tet Woo Lee
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
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31
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Noto R, Santangelo MG, Ricagno S, Mangione MR, Levantino M, Pezzullo M, Martorana V, Cupane A, Bolognesi M, Manno M. The tempered polymerization of human neuroserpin. PLoS One 2012; 7:e32444. [PMID: 22412873 PMCID: PMC3295756 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0032444] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2011] [Accepted: 01/31/2012] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Neuroserpin, a member of the serpin protein superfamily, is an inhibitor of proteolytic activity that is involved in pathologies such as ischemia, Alzheimer's disease, and Familial Encephalopathy with Neuroserpin Inclusion Bodies (FENIB). The latter belongs to a class of conformational diseases, known as serpinopathies, which are related to the aberrant polymerization of serpin mutants. Neuroserpin is known to polymerize, even in its wild type form, under thermal stress. Here, we study the mechanism of neuroserpin polymerization over a wide range of temperatures by different techniques. Our experiments show how the onset of polymerization is dependent on the formation of an intermediate monomeric conformer, which then associates with a native monomer to yield a dimeric species. After the formation of small polymers, the aggregation proceeds via monomer addition as well as polymer-polymer association. No further secondary mechanism takes place up to very high temperatures, thus resulting in the formation of neuroserpin linear polymeric chains. Most interesting, the overall aggregation is tuned by the co-occurrence of monomer inactivation (i.e. the formation of latent neuroserpin) and by a mechanism of fragmentation. The polymerization kinetics exhibit a unique modulation of the average mass and size of polymers, which might suggest synchronization among the different processes involved. Thus, fragmentation would control and temper the aggregation process, instead of enhancing it, as typically observed (e.g.) for amyloid fibrillation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosina Noto
- Institute of Biophysics, National Research Council of Italy, Palermo, Italy
| | | | - Stefano Ricagno
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences and Biotechnology, Institute of Biophysics CNR and CIMAINA, University of Milano, Milan, Italy
| | | | | | - Margherita Pezzullo
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences and Biotechnology, Institute of Biophysics CNR and CIMAINA, University of Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Martorana
- Institute of Biophysics, National Research Council of Italy, Palermo, Italy
| | - Antonio Cupane
- Department of Physics, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Martino Bolognesi
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences and Biotechnology, Institute of Biophysics CNR and CIMAINA, University of Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Mauro Manno
- Institute of Biophysics, National Research Council of Italy, Palermo, Italy
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32
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Santangelo MG, Noto R, Levantino M, Cupane A, Ricagno S, Pezzullo M, Bolognesi M, Mangione MR, Martorana V, Manno M. On the molecular structure of human neuroserpin polymers. Proteins 2012; 80:8-13. [PMID: 22072549 DOI: 10.1002/prot.23197] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2011] [Revised: 09/04/2011] [Accepted: 09/14/2011] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
The polymerization of serpins is at the root of a large class of diseases; the molecular structure of serpin polymers has been recently debated. In this work, we study the polymerization kinetics of human neuroserpin by Fourier Transform Infra Red spectroscopy and by time-lapse Size Exclusion Chromatography. First, we show that two distinct neuroserpin polymers, formed at 45 and 85°C, display the same isosbestic points in the Amide I' band, and therefore share common secondary structure features. We also find a concentration independent polymerization rate at 45°C suggesting that the polymerization rate-limiting step is the formation of an activated monomeric species. The polymer structures are consistent with a model that predicts the bare insertion of portions of the reactive center loop into the A β-sheet of neighboring serpin molecule, although with different extents at 45 and 85°C.
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33
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Hagen MC, Murrell JR, Delisle MB, Andermann E, Andermann F, Guiot MC, Ghetti B. Encephalopathy with neuroserpin inclusion bodies presenting as progressive myoclonus epilepsy and associated with a novel mutation in the Proteinase Inhibitor 12 gene. Brain Pathol 2011; 21:575-82. [PMID: 21435071 PMCID: PMC3709456 DOI: 10.1111/j.1750-3639.2011.00481.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2010] [Accepted: 01/20/2011] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Neuroserpin encephalopathy is an autosomal-dominant degenerative disease associated with mutations in the Proteinase Inhibitor 12 (PI12) gene. A 26-year-old male presented with progressive myoclonus epilepsy and declining mental status. He had failed in university studies because of impaired attention, memory and concentration. Generalized seizures started to occur approximately once a month, and he developed myoclonus and progressive gait disturbances. Neuroimaging revealed mild atrophy and multiple periventricular white matter lesions, consistent with demyelination. He progressively declined and died at age 34. Neuropathologic examination revealed widespread involvement of the cerebral cortex by numerous round eosinophilic inclusions in neuronal perikarya and neuropil, predominantly within the deep cortical layers. Numerous inclusions were also found in the basal ganglia, thalamus, hippocampus, brain stem, spinal gray matter, and dorsal root ganglia. They were essentially absent from the cerebellum. The inclusions were immunopositive for antibodies raised against neuroserpin. The white matter lesions showed histologic features compatible with multiple sclerosis. Genetic analysis revealed a nucleotide substitution in codon 47 in one allele of the PI12 gene, resulting in a proline for leucine amino acid substitution (L47P). In summary, we report a case of neuroserpin encephalopathy associated with a novel PI12 mutation and complicated by coexistent multiple sclerosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew C Hagen
- Department ofPathology and Laboratory Medicine, IndianaUniversity School of Medicine, Van Nuys Medical Science Building, Room A128, 635 Barnhill Drive, Indianapolis, IN 46202-5120, USA.
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34
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Almonte AG, Sweatt JD. Serine proteases, serine protease inhibitors, and protease-activated receptors: roles in synaptic function and behavior. Brain Res 2011; 1407:107-22. [PMID: 21782155 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2011.06.042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2011] [Revised: 06/03/2011] [Accepted: 06/16/2011] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Serine proteases, serine protease inhibitors, and protease-activated receptors have been intensively investigated in the periphery and their roles in a wide range of processes-coagulation, inflammation, and digestion, for example-have been well characterized (see Coughlin, 2000; Macfarlane et al., 2001; Molinari et al., 2003; Wang et al., 2008; Di Cera, 2009 for reviews). A growing number of studies demonstrate that these protein systems are widely expressed in many cell types and regions in mammalian brains. Accumulating lines of evidence suggest that the brain has co-opted the activities of these interesting proteins to regulate various processes underlying synaptic activity and behavior. In this review, we discuss emerging roles for serine proteases in the regulation of mechanisms underlying synaptic plasticity and memory formation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antoine G Almonte
- Department of Neurobiology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA
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35
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Schaller J, Gerber SS. The plasmin-antiplasmin system: structural and functional aspects. Cell Mol Life Sci 2011; 68:785-801. [PMID: 21136135 PMCID: PMC11115092 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-010-0566-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 87] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2010] [Revised: 09/03/2010] [Accepted: 10/12/2010] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
The plasmin-antiplasmin system plays a key role in blood coagulation and fibrinolysis. Plasmin and α(2)-antiplasmin are primarily responsible for a controlled and regulated dissolution of the fibrin polymers into soluble fragments. However, besides plasmin(ogen) and α(2)-antiplasmin the system contains a series of specific activators and inhibitors. The main physiological activators of plasminogen are tissue-type plasminogen activator, which is mainly involved in the dissolution of the fibrin polymers by plasmin, and urokinase-type plasminogen activator, which is primarily responsible for the generation of plasmin activity in the intercellular space. Both activators are multidomain serine proteases. Besides the main physiological inhibitor α(2)-antiplasmin, the plasmin-antiplasmin system is also regulated by the general protease inhibitor α(2)-macroglobulin, a member of the protease inhibitor I39 family. The activity of the plasminogen activators is primarily regulated by the plasminogen activator inhibitors 1 and 2, members of the serine protease inhibitor superfamily.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johann Schaller
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Bern, Freiestrasse 3, Bern, Switzerland.
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Belorgey D, Irving JA, Ekeowa UI, Freeke J, Roussel BD, Miranda E, Pérez J, Robinson CV, Marciniak SJ, Crowther DC, Michel CH, Lomas DA. Characterisation of serpin polymers in vitro and in vivo. Methods 2010; 53:255-66. [PMID: 21115126 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymeth.2010.11.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2010] [Accepted: 11/21/2010] [Indexed: 10/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Neuroserpin is a member of the serine protease inhibitor or serpin superfamily of proteins. It is secreted by neurones and plays an important role in the regulation of tissue plasminogen activator at the synapse. Point mutations in the neuroserpin gene cause the autosomal dominant dementia familial encephalopathy with neuroserpin inclusion bodies or FENIB. This is one of a group of disorders caused by mutations in the serpins that are collectively known as the serpinopathies. Others include α(1)-antitrypsin deficiency and deficiency of C1 inhibitor, antithrombin and α(1)-antichymotrypsin. The serpinopathies are characterised by delays in protein folding and the retention of ordered polymers of the mutant serpin within the cell of synthesis. The clinical phenotype results from either a toxic gain of function from the inclusions or a loss of function, as there is insufficient protease inhibitor to regulate important proteolytic cascades. We describe here the methods required to characterise the polymerisation of neuroserpin and draw parallels with the polymerisation of α(1)-antitrypsin. It is important to recognise that the conditions in which experiments are performed will have a major effect on the findings. For example, incubation of monomeric serpins with guanidine or urea will produce polymers that are not found in vivo. The characterisation of the pathological polymers requires heating of the folded protein or alternatively the assessment of ordered polymers from cell and animal models of disease or from the tissues of humans who carry the mutation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Didier Belorgey
- Dept. of Medicine, University of Cambridge, Cambridge Institute for Medical Research, Wellcome Trust/MRC Building, Hills Road, Cambridge CB2 0XY, UK
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Ricagno S, Pezzullo M, Barbiroli A, Manno M, Levantino M, Santangelo MG, Bonomi F, Bolognesi M. Two latent and two hyperstable polymeric forms of human neuroserpin. Biophys J 2010; 99:3402-11. [PMID: 21081089 PMCID: PMC2980742 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpj.2010.09.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2010] [Revised: 09/08/2010] [Accepted: 09/09/2010] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Human neuroserpin (hNS) is a serine protease inhibitor that belongs to the serpin superfamily and is expressed in nervous tissues. The serpin fold is generally characterized by a long exposed loop, termed the reactive center loop, that acts as bait for the target protease. Intramolecular insertion of the reactive center loop into the main serpin β-sheet leads to the serpin latent form. As with other known serpins, hNS pathological mutants have been shown to accumulate as polymers composed of quasi-native protein molecules. Although hNS polymerization has been intensely studied, a general agreement about serpin polymer organization is still lacking. Here we report a biophysical characterization of native hNS that is shown to undergo two distinct conformational transitions, at 55°C and 85°C, both leading to distinct latent and polymeric species. The latent and polymer hNS forms obtained at 45°C and 85°C differ in their chemical and thermal stabilities; furthermore, the hNS polymers also differ in size and morphology. Finally, the 85°C polymer shows a higher content of intermolecular β-sheet interactions than the 45°C polymer. Together, these results suggest a more complex conformational scenario than was previously envisioned, and, in a general context, may help reconcile the current contrasting views on serpin polymerization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefano Ricagno
- Dipartimento di Scienze Biomolecolari e Biotecnologie, Centro Interdisciplinare Materiali e Interfacce Nanostrutturati, Università di Milano, Milan, Italy
- Dipartimento di Biochimica, Università di Pavia, Pavia, Italy
- Laboratori di Biotecnologie, Istituto Di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico Fondazione Policlinico San Matteo, Pavia, Italy
| | - Margherita Pezzullo
- Dipartimento di Scienze Biomolecolari e Biotecnologie, Centro Interdisciplinare Materiali e Interfacce Nanostrutturati, Università di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Alberto Barbiroli
- Sezione di Biochimica, Dipartimento di Scienze Molecolari Agroalimentari, Università di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Mauro Manno
- Istituto di Biofisica, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, CNR, Palermo, Italy
| | - Matteo Levantino
- Dipartimento di Scienze Fisiche ed Astronomiche, Università of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | | | - Francesco Bonomi
- Sezione di Biochimica, Dipartimento di Scienze Molecolari Agroalimentari, Università di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Martino Bolognesi
- Dipartimento di Scienze Biomolecolari e Biotecnologie, Centro Interdisciplinare Materiali e Interfacce Nanostrutturati, Università di Milano, Milan, Italy
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Belorgey D, Hägglöf P, Onda M, Lomas DA. pH-dependent stability of neuroserpin is mediated by histidines 119 and 138; implications for the control of beta-sheet A and polymerization. Protein Sci 2010; 19:220-8. [PMID: 19953505 PMCID: PMC2865726 DOI: 10.1002/pro.299] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2009] [Revised: 09/24/2009] [Accepted: 11/16/2009] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Neuroserpin is a member of the serpin superfamily. Point mutations in the neuroserpin gene underlie the autosomal dominant dementia, familial encephalopathy with neuroserpin inclusion bodies. This is characterized by the retention of ordered polymers of neuroserpin within the endoplasmic reticulum of neurons. pH has been shown to affect the propensity of several serpins to form polymers. In particular, low pH favors the formation of polymers of both alpha(1)-antitrypsin and antithrombin. We report here opposite effects in neuroserpin, with a striking resistance to polymer formation at acidic pH. Mutation of specific histidine residues showed that this effect is not attributable to the shutter domain histidine as would be predicted by analogy with other serpins. Indeed, mutation of the shutter domain His338 decreased neuroserpin stability but had no effect on the pH dependence of polymerization when compared with the wild-type protein. In contrast, mutation of His119 or His138 reduced the polymerization of neuroserpin at both acidic and neutral pH. These residues are at the lower pole of neuroserpin and provide a novel mechanism to control the opening of beta-sheet A and hence polymerization. This mechanism is likely to have evolved to protect neuroserpin from the acidic environment of the secretory granules.
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Affiliation(s)
- Didier Belorgey
- Department of Medicine, University of Cambridge, Cambridge Institute for Medical Research, Cambridge CB2 0XY, United Kingdom.
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