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Rodrigues P, Bangali H, Ali E, Sharma MK, Abdullaev B, Alkhafaji AT, Deorari MM, Zabibah RS, Haslany A. Microproteins/micropeptides dysregulation contributes to cancer progression and development: A mechanistic review. Cell Biol Int 2024. [PMID: 39010637 DOI: 10.1002/cbin.12219] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2023] [Revised: 05/06/2024] [Accepted: 07/02/2024] [Indexed: 07/17/2024]
Abstract
Microproteins, known as micropeptides, are small protein molecules encoded by short open reading frames. These recently identified molecules have been proven to be an essential part of the human proteome that participates in multiple processes, such as DNA repair, mitochondrial respiration, and regulating different signaling pathways. A growing body of studies has evidenced that microproteins exhibit dysregulated expression levels in various malignancies and contribute to tumor progression. It has been reported that microproteins interact with many proteins, such as enzymes (e.g., adenosine triphosphate synthase) and signal transducers (e.g., c-Jun), and regulate malignant cell metabolism, proliferation, and metastasis. Moreover, microproteins have been found to play a significant role in multidrug resistance in vitro and in vivo by their activity in DNA repair pathways. Considering that, this review intended to summarize the roles of microproteins in different aspects of tumorigenesis with diagnostic and therapeutic perspectives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul Rodrigues
- Department of Computer Engineering, College of Computer Science, King Khalid University, Al-Faraa, Asir-Abha, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
| | - Harun Bangali
- Department of Computer Engineering, College of Computer Science, King Khalid University, Al-Faraa, Saudi Arabia
| | - Eyhab Ali
- College of Chemistry, Al-Zahraa University for Women, Karbala, Iraq
| | - M K Sharma
- Chaudhary Charan Singh University, Meerut, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Bekhzod Abdullaev
- Department of Biotechnology, New Uzbekistan University, Tashkent, Uzbekistan
| | | | - Maha Medha Deorari
- Uttaranchal Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Uttaranchal University, Dehradun, India
| | - Rahman S Zabibah
- College of Technical Engineering, The Islamic University, Najaf, Iraq
- College of Technical Engineering, The Islamic University of Al Diwaniyah, Al Diwaniyah, Iraq
- College of Technical Engineering, The Islamic University of Babylon, Babylon, Iraq
| | - Ali Haslany
- College of Technical Engineering, Imam Ja'afar Al-Sadiq University, Al-Muthanna, Iraq
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2
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Sahgal A, Uversky V, Davé V. Microproteins transitioning into a new Phase: Defining the undefined. Methods 2023; 220:38-54. [PMID: 37890707 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymeth.2023.10.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2023] [Revised: 10/19/2023] [Accepted: 10/21/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Recent advancements in omics technologies have unveiled a hitherto unknown group of short polypeptides called microproteins (miPs). Despite their size, accumulating evidence has demonstrated that miPs exert varied and potent biological functions. They act in paracrine, juxtracrine, and endocrine fashion, maintaining cellular physiology and driving diseases. The present study focuses on biochemical and biophysical analysis and characterization of twenty-four human miPs using distinct computational methods, including RIDAO, AlphaFold2, D2P2, FuzDrop, STRING, and Emboss Pep wheel. miPs often lack well-defined tertiary structures and may harbor intrinsically disordered regions (IDRs) that play pivotal roles in cellular functions. Our analyses define the physicochemical properties of an essential subset of miPs, elucidating their structural characteristics and demonstrating their propensity for driving or participating in liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS) and intracellular condensate formation. Notably, miPs such as NoBody and pTUNAR revealed a high propensity for LLPS, implicating their potential involvement in forming membrane-less organelles (MLOs) during intracellular LLPS and condensate formation. The results of our study indicate that miPs have functionally profound implications in cellular compartmentalization and signaling processes essential for regulating normal cellular functions. Taken together, our methodological approach explains and highlights the biological importance of these miPs, providing a deeper understanding of the unusual structural landscape and functionality of these newly defined small proteins. Understanding their functions and biological behavior will aid in developing targeted therapies for diseases that involve miPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aayushi Sahgal
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL 33612, United States; Biotechnology Graduate Program, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL 33612, United States
| | - Vladimir Uversky
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL 33612, United States; USF Health Byrd Alzheimer's Research Institute, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL 33612, United States
| | - Vrushank Davé
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL 33612, United States; Biotechnology Graduate Program, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL 33612, United States; Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL 33612, United States; Department of Oncologic Sciences, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL 33612, United States.
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3
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Deng J, Xu W, Jie Y, Chong Y. Subcellular localization and relevant mechanisms of human cancer-related micropeptides. FASEB J 2023; 37:e23270. [PMID: 37994683 DOI: 10.1096/fj.202301019rr] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2023] [Revised: 09/17/2023] [Accepted: 10/10/2023] [Indexed: 11/24/2023]
Abstract
Rapid advances in high-quality sequencing and bioinformatics have invalidated the argument that noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs) are junk transcripts that do not encode proteins. Increasing evidence suggests that small open reading frames (sORFs) in ncRNAs can encode micropeptides and polypeptides within 100 amino acids in length. Several micropeptides have been characterized and proven to have various functions in human physiology and pathology, particularly in cancer. The present review mainly highlights the latest studies on ncRNA-encoded micropeptides in different cancers and categorizes them based on their subcellular localization, thereby providing a theoretical basis for micropeptide applications in the early diagnosis and prognosis of cancer and as therapeutic targets. However, considering the inherent characteristics of micropeptides and the limitations of the assay technology methods, more detailed information is warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Deng
- Department of Infectious Diseases, the Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Wenli Xu
- Department of Infectious Diseases, the Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Yusheng Jie
- Department of Infectious Diseases, the Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Yutian Chong
- Department of Infectious Diseases, the Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
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4
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Mohsen JJ, Martel AA, Slavoff SA. Microproteins-Discovery, structure, and function. Proteomics 2023; 23:e2100211. [PMID: 37603371 PMCID: PMC10841188 DOI: 10.1002/pmic.202100211] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2023] [Revised: 08/03/2023] [Accepted: 08/10/2023] [Indexed: 08/22/2023]
Abstract
Advances in proteogenomic technologies have revealed hundreds to thousands of translated small open reading frames (sORFs) that encode microproteins in genomes across evolutionary space. While many microproteins have now been shown to play critical roles in biology and human disease, a majority of recently identified microproteins have little or no experimental evidence regarding their functionality. Computational tools have some limitations for analysis of short, poorly conserved microprotein sequences, so additional approaches are needed to determine the role of each member of this recently discovered polypeptide class. A currently underexplored avenue in the study of microproteins is structure prediction and determination, which delivers a depth of functional information. In this review, we provide a brief overview of microprotein discovery methods, then examine examples of microprotein structures (and, conversely, intrinsic disorder) that have been experimentally determined using crystallography, cryo-electron microscopy, and NMR, which provide insight into their molecular functions and mechanisms. Additionally, we discuss examples of predicted microprotein structures that have provided insight or context regarding their function. Analysis of microprotein structure at the angstrom level, and confirmation of predicted structures, therefore, has potential to identify translated microproteins that are of biological importance and to provide molecular mechanism for their in vivo roles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica J. Mohsen
- Department of Chemistry, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
- Institute of Biomolecular Design and Discovery, Yale University, West Haven, CT, USA
| | - Alina A. Martel
- Institute of Biomolecular Design and Discovery, Yale University, West Haven, CT, USA
| | - Sarah A. Slavoff
- Department of Chemistry, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
- Institute of Biomolecular Design and Discovery, Yale University, West Haven, CT, USA
- Department of Molecular Biophysics and Biochemistry, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
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5
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Fan SM, Li ZQ, Zhang SZ, Chen LY, Wei XY, Liang J, Zhao XQ, Su C. Multi-integrated approach for unraveling small open reading frames potentially associated with secondary metabolism in Streptomyces. mSystems 2023; 8:e0024523. [PMID: 37712700 PMCID: PMC10654065 DOI: 10.1128/msystems.00245-23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2023] [Accepted: 07/20/2023] [Indexed: 09/16/2023] Open
Abstract
IMPORTANCE Due to their small size and special chemical features, small open reading frame (smORF)-encoding peptides (SEPs) are often neglected. However, they may play critical roles in regulating gene expression, enzyme activity, and metabolite production. Studies on bacterial microproteins have mainly focused on pathogenic bacteria, which are importance to systematically investigate SEPs in streptomycetes and are rich sources of bioactive secondary metabolites. Our study is the first to perform a global identification of smORFs in streptomycetes. We established a peptidogenomic workflow for non-model microbial strains and identified multiple novel smORFs that are potentially linked to secondary metabolism in streptomycetes. Our multi-integrated approach in this study is meaningful to improve the quality and quantity of the detected smORFs. Ultimately, the workflow we established could be extended to other organisms and would benefit the genome mining of microproteins with critical functions for regulation and engineering useful microorganisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Si-Min Fan
- National Engineering Laboratory for Resource Developing of Endangered Chinese Crude Drugs in Northwest China, College of Life Sciences, Shaanxi Normal University, Shaanxi, China
| | - Ze-Qi Li
- National Engineering Laboratory for Resource Developing of Endangered Chinese Crude Drugs in Northwest China, College of Life Sciences, Shaanxi Normal University, Shaanxi, China
| | - Shi-Zhe Zhang
- National Engineering Laboratory for Resource Developing of Endangered Chinese Crude Drugs in Northwest China, College of Life Sciences, Shaanxi Normal University, Shaanxi, China
| | - Liang-Yu Chen
- ProteinT (Tianjin) biotechnology Co. Ltd., Tianjin, China
| | - Xi-Ying Wei
- National Engineering Laboratory for Resource Developing of Endangered Chinese Crude Drugs in Northwest China, College of Life Sciences, Shaanxi Normal University, Shaanxi, China
| | - Jian Liang
- National Engineering Laboratory for Resource Developing of Endangered Chinese Crude Drugs in Northwest China, College of Life Sciences, Shaanxi Normal University, Shaanxi, China
- College of Biology and Geography, Yili Normal University, Yining, China
| | - Xin-Qing Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Metabolism, School of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai Jiao, China
| | - Chun Su
- National Engineering Laboratory for Resource Developing of Endangered Chinese Crude Drugs in Northwest China, College of Life Sciences, Shaanxi Normal University, Shaanxi, China
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6
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Schultz BJ, Snow ED, Walker S. Mechanism of D-alanine transfer to teichoic acids shows how bacteria acylate cell envelope polymers. Nat Microbiol 2023; 8:1318-1329. [PMID: 37308592 PMCID: PMC10664464 DOI: 10.1038/s41564-023-01411-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2022] [Accepted: 05/17/2023] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Bacterial cell envelope polymers are often modified with acyl esters that modulate physiology, enhance pathogenesis and provide antibiotic resistance. Here, using the D-alanylation of lipoteichoic acid (Dlt) pathway as a paradigm, we have identified a widespread strategy for how acylation of cell envelope polymers occurs. In this strategy, a membrane-bound O-acyltransferase (MBOAT) protein transfers an acyl group from an intracellular thioester onto the tyrosine of an extracytoplasmic C-terminal hexapeptide motif. This motif shuttles the acyl group to a serine on a separate transferase that moves the cargo to its destination. In the Dlt pathway, here studied in Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus thermophilus, the C-terminal 'acyl shuttle' motif that forms the crucial pathway intermediate is found on a transmembrane microprotein that holds the MBOAT protein and the other transferase together in a complex. In other systems, found in both Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria as well as some archaea, the motif is fused to the MBOAT protein, which interacts directly with the other transferase. The conserved chemistry uncovered here is widely used for acylation throughout the prokaryotic world.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bailey J Schultz
- Department of Microbiology, Blavatnik Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Eric D Snow
- Department of Microbiology, Blavatnik Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Suzanne Walker
- Department of Microbiology, Blavatnik Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
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7
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Zádor E. The Meeting of Micropeptides with Major Ca 2+ Pumps in Inner Membranes-Consideration of a New Player, SERCA1b. MEMBRANES 2023; 13:274. [PMID: 36984661 PMCID: PMC10058886 DOI: 10.3390/membranes13030274] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2022] [Revised: 02/20/2023] [Accepted: 02/23/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Calcium is a major signalling bivalent cation within the cell. Compartmentalization is essential for regulation of calcium mediated processes. A number of players contribute to intracellular handling of calcium, among them are the sarco/endoplasmic reticulum calcium ATP-ases (SERCAs). These molecules function in the membrane of ER/SR pumping Ca2+ from cytoplasm into the lumen of the internal store. Removal of calcium from the cytoplasm is essential for signalling and for relaxation of skeletal muscle and heart. There are three genes and over a dozen isoforms of SERCA in mammals. These can be potentially influenced by small membrane peptides, also called regulins. The discovery of micropeptides has increased in recent years, mostly because of the small ORFs found in long RNAs, annotated formerly as noncoding (lncRNAs). Several excellent works have analysed the mechanism of interaction of micropeptides with each other and with the best known SERCA1a (fast muscle) and SERCA2a (heart, slow muscle) isoforms. However, the array of tissue and developmental expressions of these potential regulators raises the question of interaction with other SERCAs. For example, the most abundant calcium pump in neonatal and regenerating skeletal muscle, SERCA1b has never been looked at with scrutiny to determine whether it is influenced by micropeptides. Further details might be interesting on the interaction of these peptides with the less studied SERCA1b isoform.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ernő Zádor
- Institute of Biochemistry, Albert Szent-Györgyi Faculty of Medicine, University of Szeged, Dóm tér 9, H-6720 Szeged, Hungary
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8
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Phillips TA, Hauck GT, Pribadi MP, Cho EE, Cleary SR, Robia SL. Micropeptide hetero-oligomerization adds complexity to the calcium pump regulatory network. Biophys J 2023; 122:301-309. [PMID: 36523160 PMCID: PMC9892615 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpj.2022.12.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2022] [Revised: 10/24/2022] [Accepted: 12/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The sarco(endo)plasmic reticulum calcium ATPase (SERCA) is an ion transporter that creates and maintains intracellular calcium stores. SERCA is inhibited or stimulated by several membrane micropeptides including another-regulin, dwarf open reading frame, endoregulin, phospholamban (PLB), and sarcolipin. We previously showed that these micropeptides assemble into homo-oligomeric complexes with varying affinity. Here, we tested whether different micropeptides can interact with each other, hypothesizing that coassembly into hetero-oligomers may affect micropeptide bioavailability to regulate SERCA. We quantified the relative binding affinity of each combination of candidates using automated fluorescence resonance energy transfer microscopy. All pairs were capable of interacting with good affinity, similar to the affinity of micropeptide self-binding (homo-oligomerization). Testing each pair at a 1:5 ratio and a reciprocal 5:1 ratio, we noted that the affinity of hetero-oligomerization of some micropeptides depended on whether they were the minority or majority species. In particular, sarcolipin was able to join oligomers when it was the minority species but did not readily accommodate other micropeptides in the reciprocal experiment when it was expressed in fivefold excess. The opposite was observed for endoregulin. PLB was a universal partner for all other micropeptides tested, forming avid hetero-oligomers whether it was the minority or majority species. Increasing expression of SERCA decreased PLB-dwarf open reading frame hetero-oligomerization, suggesting that SERCA-micropeptide interactions compete with micropeptide-micropeptide interactions. Thus, micropeptides populate a regulatory network of diverse protein assemblies. The data suggest that the complexity of this interactome increases exponentially with the number of micropeptides that are coexpressed in a particular tissue.
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Affiliation(s)
- Taylor A Phillips
- Department of Cell and Molecular Physiology, Loyola University Chicago, Maywood, Illinois
| | - Garrett T Hauck
- Department of Cell and Molecular Physiology, Loyola University Chicago, Maywood, Illinois
| | - Marsha P Pribadi
- Department of Cell and Molecular Physiology, Loyola University Chicago, Maywood, Illinois
| | - Ellen E Cho
- Department of Cell and Molecular Physiology, Loyola University Chicago, Maywood, Illinois
| | - Sean R Cleary
- Department of Cell and Molecular Physiology, Loyola University Chicago, Maywood, Illinois
| | - Seth L Robia
- Department of Cell and Molecular Physiology, Loyola University Chicago, Maywood, Illinois.
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9
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Vakirlis N, Vance Z, Duggan KM, McLysaght A. De novo birth of functional microproteins in the human lineage. Cell Rep 2022; 41:111808. [PMID: 36543139 PMCID: PMC10073203 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2022.111808] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2021] [Revised: 06/21/2022] [Accepted: 11/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Small open reading frames (sORFs) can encode functional "microproteins" that perform crucial biological tasks. However, their size makes them less amenable to genomic analysis, and their origins and conservation are poorly understood. Given their short length, it is plausible that some of these functional microproteins have recently originated entirely de novo from noncoding sequences. Here we sought to identify such cases in the human lineage by reconstructing the evolutionary origins of human microproteins previously found to have measurable, statistically significant fitness effects. By tracing the formation of each ORF and its transcriptional activation, we show that novel microproteins with significant phenotypic effects have emerged de novo throughout animal evolution, including two after the human-chimpanzee split. Notably, traditional methods for assessing coding potential would miss most of these cases. This evidence demonstrates that the functional potential intrinsic to sORFs can be relatively rapidly and frequently realized through de novo gene emergence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nikolaos Vakirlis
- Institute for Fundamental Biomedical Research, Biomedical Sciences Research Center "Alexander Fleming", Vari, Greece.
| | - Zoe Vance
- Smurfit Institute of Genetics, Trinity College Dublin, University of Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Kate M Duggan
- Smurfit Institute of Genetics, Trinity College Dublin, University of Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Aoife McLysaght
- Smurfit Institute of Genetics, Trinity College Dublin, University of Dublin, Dublin, Ireland.
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10
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Zheng X, Xiang M. Mitochondrion-located peptides and their pleiotropic physiological functions. FEBS J 2022; 289:6919-6935. [PMID: 35599630 DOI: 10.1111/febs.16532] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2021] [Revised: 05/12/2022] [Accepted: 05/20/2022] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
With the development of advanced technologies, many small open reading frames (sORFs) have been found to be translated into micropeptides. Interestingly, a considerable proportion of micropeptides are located in mitochondria, which are designated here as mitochondrion-located peptides (MLPs). These MLPs often contain a transmembrane domain and show a high degree of conservation across species. They usually act as co-factors of large proteins and play regulatory roles in mitochondria such as electron transport in the respiratory chain, reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, metabolic homeostasis, and so on. Deficiency of MLPs disturbs diverse physiological processes including immunity, differentiation, and metabolism both in vivo and in vitro. These findings reveal crucial functions for MLPs and provide fresh insights into diverse mitochondrion-associated biological processes and diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xintong Zheng
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Mengqing Xiang
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China.,Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Brain Function and Disease, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
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11
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Lin R, Wichadakul D. Interpretable Deep Learning Model Reveals Subsequences of Various Functions for Long Non-Coding RNA Identification. Front Genet 2022; 13:876721. [PMID: 35685437 PMCID: PMC9173695 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2022.876721] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2022] [Accepted: 04/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) play crucial roles in many biological processes and are implicated in several diseases. With the next-generation sequencing technologies, substantial unannotated transcripts have been discovered. Classifying unannotated transcripts using biological experiments are more time-consuming and expensive than computational approaches. Several tools are available for identifying long non-coding RNAs. These tools, however, did not explain the features in their tools that contributed to the prediction results. Here, we present Xlnc1DCNN, a tool for distinguishing long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) from protein-coding transcripts (PCTs) using a one-dimensional convolutional neural network with prediction explanations. The evaluation results of the human test set showed that Xlnc1DCNN outperformed other state-of-the-art tools in terms of accuracy and F1-score. The explanation results revealed that lncRNA transcripts were mainly identified as sequences with no conserved regions, short patterns with unknown functions, or only regions of transmembrane helices while protein-coding transcripts were mostly classified by conserved protein domains or families. The explanation results also conveyed the probably inconsistent annotations among the public databases, lncRNA transcripts which contain protein domains, protein families, or intrinsically disordered regions (IDRs). Xlnc1DCNN is freely available at https://github.com/cucpbioinfo/Xlnc1DCNN.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rattaphon Lin
- Department of Computer Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Chulalongkorn University, Pathumwan, Thailand
| | - Duangdao Wichadakul
- Department of Computer Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Chulalongkorn University, Pathumwan, Thailand.,Center of Excellence in Systems Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Pathumwan, Thailand
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12
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Guarnieri AR, Benson TW, Tranter M. Calcium cycling as a mediator of thermogenic metabolism in adipose tissue. Mol Pharmacol 2022; 102:MOLPHARM-MR-2021-000465. [PMID: 35504660 PMCID: PMC9341262 DOI: 10.1124/molpharm.121.000465] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2021] [Revised: 04/20/2022] [Accepted: 04/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Canonical non-shivering thermogenesis (NST) in brown and beige fat relies on uncoupling protein 1 (UCP1)-mediated heat generation, although alternative mechanisms of NST have been identified, including sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR)-calcium cycling. Intracellular calcium is a crucial cell signaling molecule for which compartmentalization is tightly regulated, and the sarco-endoplasmic calcium ATPase (SERCA) actively pumps calcium from the cytosol into the SR. In this review, we discuss the capacity of SERCA-mediated calcium cycling as a significant mediator of thermogenesis in both brown and beige adipocytes. Here, we suggest two primary mechanisms of SR calcium mediated thermogenesis. The first mechanism is through direct uncoupling of the ATPase and calcium pump activity of SERCA, resulting in the energy of ATP catalysis being expended as heat in the absence of calcium transport. Regulins, a class of SR membrane proteins, act to decrease the calcium affinity of SERCA and uncouple the calcium transport function from ATPase activity, but remain largely unexplored in adipose tissue thermogenesis. A second mechanism is through futile cycling of SR calcium whereby SERCA-mediated SR calcium influx is equally offset by SR calcium efflux, resulting in ATP consumption without a net change in calcium compartmentalization. A fuller understanding of the functional and mechanistic role of calcium cycling as a mediator of adipose tissue thermogenesis and how manipulation of these pathways can be harnessed for therapeutic gain remains unexplored. Significance Statement Enhancing thermogenic metabolism in brown or beige adipose tissue may be of broad therapeutic utility to reduce obesity and metabolic syndrome. Canonical BAT-mediated thermogenesis occurs via uncoupling protein 1 (UCP1). However, UCP1-independent pathways of thermogenesis, such as sarcoplasmic (SR) calcium cycling, have also been identified, but the regulatory mechanisms and functional significance of these pathways remain largely unexplored. Thus, this mini-review discusses the state of the field with regard to calcium cycling as a thermogenic mediator in adipose tissue.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Tyler W Benson
- University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, United States
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13
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Leong AZX, Lee PY, Mohtar MA, Syafruddin SE, Pung YF, Low TY. Short open reading frames (sORFs) and microproteins: an update on their identification and validation measures. J Biomed Sci 2022; 29:19. [PMID: 35300685 PMCID: PMC8928697 DOI: 10.1186/s12929-022-00802-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2021] [Accepted: 03/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
A short open reading frame (sORFs) constitutes ≤ 300 bases, encoding a microprotein or sORF-encoded protein (SEP) which comprises ≤ 100 amino acids. Traditionally dismissed by genome annotation pipelines as meaningless noise, sORFs were found to possess coding potential with ribosome profiling (RIBO-Seq), which unveiled sORF-based transcripts at various genome locations. Nonetheless, the existence of corresponding microproteins that are stable and functional was little substantiated by experimental evidence initially. With recent advancements in multi-omics, the identification, validation, and functional characterisation of sORFs and microproteins have become feasible. In this review, we discuss the history and development of an emerging research field of sORFs and microproteins. In particular, we focus on an array of bioinformatics and OMICS approaches used for predicting, sequencing, validating, and characterizing these recently discovered entities. These strategies include RIBO-Seq which detects sORF transcripts via ribosome footprints, and mass spectrometry (MS)-based proteomics for sequencing the resultant microproteins. Subsequently, our discussion extends to the functional characterisation of microproteins by incorporating CRISPR/Cas9 screen and protein–protein interaction (PPI) studies. Our review discusses not only detection methodologies, but we also highlight on the challenges and potential solutions in identifying and validating sORFs and their microproteins. The novelty of this review lies within its validation for the functional role of microproteins, which could contribute towards the future landscape of microproteomics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alyssa Zi-Xin Leong
- UKM Medical Molecular Biology Institute (UMBI), Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, 56000, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Pey Yee Lee
- UKM Medical Molecular Biology Institute (UMBI), Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, 56000, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - M Aiman Mohtar
- UKM Medical Molecular Biology Institute (UMBI), Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, 56000, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Saiful Effendi Syafruddin
- UKM Medical Molecular Biology Institute (UMBI), Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, 56000, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Yuh-Fen Pung
- Division of Biomedical Science, School of Pharmacy, University of Nottingham Malaysia, Semenyih, 43500, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Teck Yew Low
- UKM Medical Molecular Biology Institute (UMBI), Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, 56000, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
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14
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Reddy UV, Weber DK, Wang S, Larsen EK, Gopinath T, De Simone A, Robia S, Veglia G. A kink in DWORF helical structure controls the activation of the sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca 2+-ATPase. Structure 2022; 30:360-370.e6. [PMID: 34875216 PMCID: PMC8897251 DOI: 10.1016/j.str.2021.11.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2021] [Revised: 09/14/2021] [Accepted: 11/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
SERCA is a P-type ATPase embedded in the sarcoplasmic reticulum and plays a central role in muscle relaxation. SERCA's function is regulated by single-pass membrane proteins called regulins. Unlike other regulins, dwarf open reading frame (DWORF) expressed in cardiac muscle has a unique activating effect. Here, we determine the structure and topology of DWORF in lipid bilayers using a combination of oriented sample solid-state NMR spectroscopy and replica-averaged orientationally restrained molecular dynamics. We found that DWORF's structural topology consists of a dynamic N-terminal domain, an amphipathic juxtamembrane helix that crosses the lipid groups at an angle of 64°, and a transmembrane C-terminal helix with an angle of 32°. A kink induced by Pro15, unique to DWORF, separates the two helical domains. A single Pro15Ala mutant significantly decreases the kink and eliminates DWORF's activating effect on SERCA. Overall, our findings directly link DWORF's structural topology to its activating effect on SERCA.
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Affiliation(s)
- U. Venkateswara Reddy
- Department of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, and Biophysics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
| | - Daniel K. Weber
- Department of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, and Biophysics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
| | - Songlin Wang
- Department of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, and Biophysics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
| | - Erik K. Larsen
- Department of Chemistry, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
| | - Tata Gopinath
- Department of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, and Biophysics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
| | - Alfonso De Simone
- Department of Life Sciences, Imperial College London, South Kensington, London, SW7 2AZ, UK,Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples “Federico II”, Naples, 80131, Italy
| | - Seth Robia
- Department of Cell and Molecular Physiology, Loyola University Chicago, Maywood, IL 60153, USA
| | - Gianluigi Veglia
- Department of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, and Biophysics, University of Minnesota, 6-155 Jackson Hall, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA; Department of Chemistry, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA.
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15
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The cardiac-enriched microprotein mitolamban regulates mitochondrial respiratory complex assembly and function in mice. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2022; 119:2120476119. [PMID: 35101990 PMCID: PMC8833175 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2120476119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Microproteins are a growing class of versatile small proteins previously overlooked by standard gene annotation methods due to their small size. Here we characterize mitolamban as a cardiac-enriched inner mitochondrial membrane–localized microprotein, which interacts with complex III of the electron transport chain and contributes to complex III assembly and function. Mitolamban gene deletion in mice leads to a reduction in complex III activity and metabolic perturbations in the heart that are consistent with complex III deficiency, as well as altered complex III assembly into respiratory supercomplexes. These findings define a functional role for mitolamban in the heart and highlight the importance of microproteins in regulating mitochondrial function and cardiomyocyte biology. Emerging evidence indicates that a subset of RNA molecules annotated as noncoding contain short open reading frames that code for small functional proteins called microproteins, which have largely been overlooked due to their small size. To search for cardiac-expressed microproteins, we used a comparative genomics approach and identified mitolamban (Mtlbn) as a highly conserved 47-amino acid transmembrane protein that is abundantly expressed in the heart. Mtlbn localizes specifically to the inner mitochondrial membrane where it interacts with subunits of complex III of the electron transport chain and with mitochondrial respiratory supercomplexes. Genetic deletion of Mtlbn in mice altered complex III assembly dynamics and reduced complex III activity. Unbiased metabolomic analysis of heart tissue from Mtlbn knockout mice further revealed an altered metabolite profile consistent with deficiencies in complex III activity. Cardiac-specific Mtlbn overexpression in transgenic (TG) mice induced cardiomyopathy with histological, biochemical, and ultrastructural pathologic features that contributed to premature death. Metabolomic analysis and biochemical studies indicated that hearts from Mtlbn TG mice exhibited increased oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction. These findings reveal Mtlbn as a cardiac-expressed inner mitochondrial membrane microprotein that contributes to mitochondrial electron transport chain activity through direct association with complex III and the regulation of its assembly and function.
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16
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A putative long noncoding RNA-encoded micropeptide maintains cellular homeostasis in pancreatic β cells. MOLECULAR THERAPY. NUCLEIC ACIDS 2021; 26:307-320. [PMID: 34513312 PMCID: PMC8416971 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtn.2021.06.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2020] [Accepted: 06/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Micropeptides (microproteins) encoded by transcripts previously annotated as long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) are emerging as important mediators of fundamental biological processes in health and disease. Here, we applied two computational tools to identify putative micropeptides encoded by lncRNAs that are expressed in the human pancreas. We experimentally verified one such micropeptide encoded by a β cell- and neural cell-enriched lncRNA TCL1 Upstream Neural Differentiation-Associated RNA (TUNAR, also known as TUNA, HI-LNC78, or LINC00617). We named this highly conserved 48-amino-acid micropeptide beta cell- and neural cell-regulin (BNLN). BNLN contains a single-pass transmembrane domain and localizes at the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) in pancreatic β cells. Overexpression of BNLN lowered ER calcium levels, maintained ER homeostasis, and elevated glucose-stimulated insulin secretion in pancreatic β cells. We further assessed the BNLN expression in islets from mice fed a high-fat diet and a regular diet and found that BNLN is suppressed by diet-induced obesity (DIO). Conversely, overexpression of BNLN enhanced insulin secretion in islets from lean and obese mice as well as from humans. Taken together, our study provides the first evidence that lncRNA-encoded micropeptides play a critical role in pancreatic β cell functions and provides a foundation for future comprehensive analyses of micropeptide function and pathophysiological impact on diabetes.
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17
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Wang S, Gopinath T, Larsen EK, Weber DK, Walker C, Uddigiri VR, Mote KR, Sahoo SK, Periasamy M, Veglia G. Structural basis for sarcolipin's regulation of muscle thermogenesis by the sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca 2+-ATPase. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2021; 7:eabi7154. [PMID: 34826239 PMCID: PMC8626070 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.abi7154] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2021] [Accepted: 10/06/2021] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
The sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) Ca2+-ATPase (SERCA) plays a central role in muscle contractility and nonshivering thermogenesis. SERCA is regulated by sarcolipin (SLN), a single-pass membrane protein that uncouples Ca2+ transport from ATP hydrolysis, promoting futile enzymatic cycles and heat generation. The molecular determinants for regulating heat release by the SERCA/SLN complex are unclear. Using thermocalorimetry, chemical cross-linking, and solid-state NMR spectroscopy in oriented phospholipid bicelles, we show that SERCA’s functional uncoupling and heat release rate are dictated by specific SERCA/SLN intramembrane interactions, with the carboxyl-terminal residues anchoring SLN to the SR membrane in an inhibitory topology. Systematic deletion of the carboxyl terminus does not prevent the SERCA/SLN complex formation but reduces uncoupling in a graded manner. These studies emphasize the critical role of lipids in defining the active topology of SLN and modulating the heat release rate by the SERCA/SLN complex, with implications in fat metabolism and basal metabolic rate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Songlin Wang
- Department of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, and Biophysics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
| | - Tata Gopinath
- Department of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, and Biophysics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
| | - Erik K. Larsen
- Department of Chemistry, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
| | - Daniel K. Weber
- Department of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, and Biophysics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
| | - Caitlin Walker
- Department of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, and Biophysics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
| | - Venkateswara Reddy Uddigiri
- Department of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, and Biophysics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
| | - Kaustubh R. Mote
- Tata Institute of Fundamental Research Hyderabad, Survey No. 36/P Gopanpally, Serilingampally, Ranga Reddy District, Hyderabad, Telangana 500046, India
| | - Sanjaya K. Sahoo
- Department of Physiology, College of Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Muthu Periasamy
- Department of Physiology, College of Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
- Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL 32827, USA
| | - Gianluigi Veglia
- Department of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, and Biophysics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
- Department of Chemistry, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
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18
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Lee J, Wacholder A, Carvunis AR. Evolutionary Characterization of the Short Protein SPAAR. Genes (Basel) 2021; 12:genes12121864. [PMID: 34946813 PMCID: PMC8702040 DOI: 10.3390/genes12121864] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2021] [Revised: 11/22/2021] [Accepted: 11/22/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Microproteins (<100 amino acids) are receiving increasing recognition as important participants in numerous biological processes, but their evolutionary dynamics are poorly understood. SPAAR is a recently discovered microprotein that regulates muscle regeneration and angiogenesis through interactions with conserved signaling pathways. Interestingly, SPAAR does not belong to any known protein family and has known homologs exclusively among placental mammals. This lack of distant homology could be caused by challenges in homology detection of short sequences, or it could indicate a recent de novo emergence from a noncoding sequence. By integrating syntenic alignments and homology searches, we identify SPAAR orthologs in marsupials and monotremes, establishing that SPAAR has existed at least since the emergence of mammals. SPAAR shows substantial primary sequence divergence but retains a conserved protein structure. In primates, we infer two independent evolutionary events leading to the de novo origination of 5' elongated isoforms of SPAAR from a noncoding sequence and find evidence of adaptive evolution in this extended region. Thus, SPAAR may be of ancient origin, but it appears to be experiencing continual evolutionary innovation in mammals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiwon Lee
- Department of Computational and Systems Biology, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA; (J.L.); (A.W.)
- Pittsburgh Center for Evolutionary Biology and Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
- Joint CMU-Pitt Ph.D. Program in Computational Biology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
| | - Aaron Wacholder
- Department of Computational and Systems Biology, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA; (J.L.); (A.W.)
- Pittsburgh Center for Evolutionary Biology and Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
| | - Anne-Ruxandra Carvunis
- Department of Computational and Systems Biology, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA; (J.L.); (A.W.)
- Pittsburgh Center for Evolutionary Biology and Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-412-648-3335
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19
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Peeters MKR, Baggerman G, Gabriels R, Pepermans E, Menschaert G, Boonen K. Ion Mobility Coupled to a Time-of-Flight Mass Analyzer Combined With Fragment Intensity Predictions Improves Identification of Classical Bioactive Peptides and Small Open Reading Frame-Encoded Peptides. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:720570. [PMID: 34604223 PMCID: PMC8484717 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.720570] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2021] [Accepted: 08/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Bioactive peptides exhibit key roles in a wide variety of complex processes, such as regulation of body weight, learning, aging, and innate immune response. Next to the classical bioactive peptides, emerging from larger precursor proteins by specific proteolytic processing, a new class of peptides originating from small open reading frames (sORFs) have been recognized as important biological regulators. But their intrinsic properties, specific expression pattern and location on presumed non-coding regions have hindered the full characterization of the repertoire of bioactive peptides, despite their predominant role in various pathways. Although the development of peptidomics has offered the opportunity to study these peptides in vivo, it remains challenging to identify the full peptidome as the lack of cleavage enzyme specification and large search space complicates conventional database search approaches. In this study, we introduce a proteogenomics methodology using a new type of mass spectrometry instrument and the implementation of machine learning tools toward improved identification of potential bioactive peptides in the mouse brain. The application of trapped ion mobility spectrometry (tims) coupled to a time-of-flight mass analyzer (TOF) offers improved sensitivity, an enhanced peptide coverage, reduction in chemical noise and the reduced occurrence of chimeric spectra. Subsequent machine learning tools MS2PIP, predicting fragment ion intensities and DeepLC, predicting retention times, improve the database searching based on a large and comprehensive custom database containing both sORFs and alternative ORFs. Finally, the identification of peptides is further enhanced by applying the post-processing semi-supervised learning tool Percolator. Applying this workflow, the first peptidomics workflow combined with spectral intensity and retention time predictions, we identified a total of 167 predicted sORF-encoded peptides, of which 48 originating from presumed non-coding locations, next to 401 peptides from known neuropeptide precursors, linked to 66 annotated bioactive neuropeptides from within 22 different families. Additional PEAKS analysis expanded the pool of SEPs on presumed non-coding locations to 84, while an additional 204 peptides completed the list of peptides from neuropeptide precursors. Altogether, this study provides insights into a new robust pipeline that fuses technological advancements from different fields ensuring an improved coverage of the neuropeptidome in the mouse brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marlies K. R. Peeters
- BioBix, Department of Data Analysis and Mathematical Modelling, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Geert Baggerman
- Centre for Proteomics, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
- Unit Environmental Risk and Health, Flemish Institute for Technological Research, Mol, Belgium
| | - Ralf Gabriels
- Department of Biomolecular Medicine, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
- VIB-UGent Center for Medical Biotechnology, Flanders Institute for Biotechnology, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Elise Pepermans
- Centre for Proteomics, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
- Unit Environmental Risk and Health, Flemish Institute for Technological Research, Mol, Belgium
| | - Gerben Menschaert
- BioBix, Department of Data Analysis and Mathematical Modelling, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
- OHMX.bio, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Kurt Boonen
- Centre for Proteomics, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
- Unit Environmental Risk and Health, Flemish Institute for Technological Research, Mol, Belgium
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20
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Nothing Regular about the Regulins: Distinct Functional Properties of SERCA Transmembrane Peptide Regulatory Subunits. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22168891. [PMID: 34445594 PMCID: PMC8396278 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22168891] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2021] [Revised: 08/10/2021] [Accepted: 08/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The sarco-endoplasmic reticulum calcium ATPase (SERCA) is responsible for maintaining calcium homeostasis in all eukaryotic cells by actively transporting calcium from the cytosol into the sarco-endoplasmic reticulum (SR/ER) lumen. Calcium is an important signaling ion, and the activity of SERCA is critical for a variety of cellular processes such as muscle contraction, neuronal activity, and energy metabolism. SERCA is regulated by several small transmembrane peptide subunits that are collectively known as the “regulins”. Phospholamban (PLN) and sarcolipin (SLN) are the original and most extensively studied members of the regulin family. PLN and SLN inhibit the calcium transport properties of SERCA and they are required for the proper functioning of cardiac and skeletal muscles, respectively. Myoregulin (MLN), dwarf open reading frame (DWORF), endoregulin (ELN), and another-regulin (ALN) are newly discovered tissue-specific regulators of SERCA. Herein, we compare the functional properties of the regulin family of SERCA transmembrane peptide subunits and consider their regulatory mechanisms in the context of the physiological and pathophysiological roles of these peptides. We present new functional data for human MLN, ELN, and ALN, demonstrating that they are inhibitors of SERCA with distinct functional consequences. Molecular modeling and molecular dynamics simulations of SERCA in complex with the transmembrane domains of MLN and ALN provide insights into how differential binding to the so-called inhibitory groove of SERCA—formed by transmembrane helices M2, M6, and M9—can result in distinct functional outcomes.
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21
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Weber DK, Reddy UV, Wang S, Larsen EK, Gopinath T, Gustavsson MB, Cornea RL, Thomas DD, De Simone A, Veglia G. Structural basis for allosteric control of the SERCA-Phospholamban membrane complex by Ca 2+ and phosphorylation. eLife 2021; 10:66226. [PMID: 33978571 PMCID: PMC8184213 DOI: 10.7554/elife.66226] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2021] [Accepted: 05/10/2021] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Phospholamban (PLN) is a mini-membrane protein that directly controls the cardiac Ca2+-transport response to β-adrenergic stimulation, thus modulating cardiac output during the fight-or-flight response. In the sarcoplasmic reticulum membrane, PLN binds to the sarco(endo)plasmic reticulum Ca2+-ATPase (SERCA), keeping this enzyme's function within a narrow physiological window. PLN phosphorylation by cAMP-dependent protein kinase A or increase in Ca2+ concentration reverses the inhibitory effects through an unknown mechanism. Using oriented-sample solid-state NMR spectroscopy and replica-averaged NMR-restrained structural refinement, we reveal that phosphorylation of PLN's cytoplasmic regulatory domain signals the disruption of several inhibitory contacts at the transmembrane binding interface of the SERCA-PLN complex that are propagated to the enzyme's active site, augmenting Ca2+ transport. Our findings address long-standing questions about SERCA regulation, epitomizing a signal transduction mechanism operated by posttranslationally modified bitopic membrane proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel K Weber
- Department of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology and Biophysics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, United States
| | - U Venkateswara Reddy
- Department of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology and Biophysics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, United States
| | - Songlin Wang
- Department of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology and Biophysics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, United States
| | - Erik K Larsen
- Department of Chemistry, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, United States
| | - Tata Gopinath
- Department of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology and Biophysics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, United States
| | - Martin B Gustavsson
- Department of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology and Biophysics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, United States
| | - Razvan L Cornea
- Department of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology and Biophysics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, United States
| | - David D Thomas
- Department of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology and Biophysics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, United States
| | - Alfonso De Simone
- Department of Life Sciences, Imperial College London, South Kensington, London, United Kingdom.,Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples 'Federico II', Naples, Italy
| | - Gianluigi Veglia
- Department of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology and Biophysics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, United States.,Department of Chemistry, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, United States
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22
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Steinberg R, Koch HG. The largely unexplored biology of small proteins in pro- and eukaryotes. FEBS J 2021; 288:7002-7024. [PMID: 33780127 DOI: 10.1111/febs.15845] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2021] [Revised: 03/11/2021] [Accepted: 03/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
The large abundance of small open reading frames (smORFs) in prokaryotic and eukaryotic genomes and the plethora of smORF-encoded small proteins became only apparent with the constant advancements in bioinformatic, genomic, proteomic, and biochemical tools. Small proteins are typically defined as proteins of < 50 amino acids in prokaryotes and of less than 100 amino acids in eukaryotes, and their importance for cell physiology and cellular adaptation is only beginning to emerge. In contrast to antimicrobial peptides, which are secreted by prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells for combatting pathogens and competitors, small proteins act within the producing cell mainly by stabilizing protein assemblies and by modifying the activity of larger proteins. Production of small proteins is frequently linked to stress conditions or environmental changes, and therefore, cells seem to use small proteins as intracellular modifiers for adjusting cell metabolism to different intra- and extracellular cues. However, the size of small proteins imposes a major challenge for the cellular machinery required for protein folding and intracellular trafficking and recent data indicate that small proteins can engage distinct trafficking pathways. In the current review, we describe the diversity of small proteins in prokaryotes and eukaryotes, highlight distinct and common features, and illustrate how they are handled by the protein trafficking machineries in prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells. Finally, we also discuss future topics of research on this fascinating but largely unexplored group of proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruth Steinberg
- Institute for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Zentrum für Biochemie und Molekulare Medizin (ZMBZ), Faculty of Medicine, Albert-Ludwigs-Universität Freiburg, Germany
| | - Hans-Georg Koch
- Institute for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Zentrum für Biochemie und Molekulare Medizin (ZMBZ), Faculty of Medicine, Albert-Ludwigs-Universität Freiburg, Germany
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23
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Fabre B, Combier JP, Plaza S. Recent advances in mass spectrometry-based peptidomics workflows to identify short-open-reading-frame-encoded peptides and explore their functions. Curr Opin Chem Biol 2021; 60:122-130. [PMID: 33401134 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpa.2020.12.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2020] [Revised: 11/26/2020] [Accepted: 12/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Short open reading frame (sORF)-encoded polypeptides (SEPs) have recently emerged as key regulators of major cellular processes. Computational methods for the annotation of sORFs combined with transcriptomics and ribosome profiling approaches predicted the existence of tens of thousands of SEPs across the kingdom of life. Although, we still lack unambiguous evidence for most of them. The method of choice to validate the expression of SEPs is mass spectrometry (MS)-based peptidomics. Peptides are less abundant than proteins, which tends to hinder their detection. Therefore, optimization and enrichment methods are necessary to validate the existence of SEPs. In this article, we discuss the challenges for the detection of SEPs by MS and recent developments of biochemical approaches applied to the study of these peptides. We detail the advances made in the different key steps of a typical peptidomics workflow and highlight possible alternatives that have not been explored yet.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bertrand Fabre
- Laboratoire de Recherche en Sciences Végétales, UMR5546, Université de Toulouse, UPS, CNRS, 31320, Auzeville-Tolosane, France.
| | - Jean-Philippe Combier
- Laboratoire de Recherche en Sciences Végétales, UMR5546, Université de Toulouse, UPS, CNRS, 31320, Auzeville-Tolosane, France
| | - Serge Plaza
- Laboratoire de Recherche en Sciences Végétales, UMR5546, Université de Toulouse, UPS, CNRS, 31320, Auzeville-Tolosane, France
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24
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The hidden world of non-canonical ORFs. Exp Cell Res 2020; 396:112267. [PMID: 32926940 DOI: 10.1016/j.yexcr.2020.112267] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
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25
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Unfried JP, Fortes P. SMIM30, a tiny protein with a big role in liver cancer. J Hepatol 2020; 73:1010-1012. [PMID: 32843211 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2020.07.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2020] [Revised: 07/03/2020] [Accepted: 07/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/04/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Juan Pablo Unfried
- University of Navarra (UNAV), Center for Applied Medical Research (CIMA), Program of Gene Therapy and Hepatology, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Puri Fortes
- University of Navarra (UNAV), Center for Applied Medical Research (CIMA), Program of Gene Therapy and Hepatology, Pamplona, Spain; Navarra Institute for Health Research (IdiSNA), Pamplona, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBEREHD), Spain.
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