1
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Guan IA, Liu JST, Sawyer RC, Li X, Jiao W, Jiramongkol Y, White MD, Hagimola L, Passam FH, Tran DP, Liu X, Schoenwaelder SM, Jackson SP, Payne RJ, Liu X. Integrating Phenotypic and Chemoproteomic Approaches to Identify Covalent Targets of Dietary Electrophiles in Platelets. ACS CENTRAL SCIENCE 2024; 10:344-357. [PMID: 38435523 PMCID: PMC10906253 DOI: 10.1021/acscentsci.3c00822] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2023] [Revised: 12/24/2023] [Accepted: 12/28/2023] [Indexed: 03/05/2024]
Abstract
A large variety of dietary phytochemicals has been shown to improve thrombosis and stroke outcomes in preclinical studies. Many of these compounds feature electrophilic functionalities that potentially undergo covalent addition to the sulfhydryl side chain of cysteine residues within proteins. However, the impact of such covalent modifications on the platelet activity and function remains unclear. This study explores the irreversible engagement of 23 electrophilic phytochemicals with platelets, unveiling the unique antiplatelet selectivity of sulforaphane (SFN). SFN impairs platelet responses to adenosine diphosphate (ADP) and a thromboxane A2 receptor agonist while not affecting thrombin and collagen-related peptide activation. It also substantially reduces platelet thrombus formation under arterial flow conditions. Using an alkyne-integrated probe, protein disulfide isomerase A6 (PDIA6) was identified as a rapid kinetic responder to SFN. Mechanistic profiling studies revealed SFN's nuanced modulation of PDIA6 activity and substrate specificity. In an electrolytic injury model of thrombosis, SFN enhanced the thrombolytic activity of recombinant tissue plasminogen activator (rtPA) without increasing blood loss. Our results serve as a catalyst for further investigations into the preventive and therapeutic mechanisms of dietary antiplatelets, aiming to enhance the clot-busting power of rtPA, currently the only approved therapeutic for stroke recanalization that has significant limitations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ivy A. Guan
- School
of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, The University
of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales 2006, Australia
- The
Heart Research Institute, The University
of Sydney, Newtown, New South Wales 2042, Australia
| | - Joanna S. T. Liu
- The
Heart Research Institute, The University
of Sydney, Newtown, New South Wales 2042, Australia
- School
of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales 2006, Australia
| | - Renata C. Sawyer
- School
of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, The University
of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales 2006, Australia
- The
Heart Research Institute, The University
of Sydney, Newtown, New South Wales 2042, Australia
| | - Xiang Li
- Department
of Medicine, Washington University in St.
Louis, St. Louis, Missouri 63110, United States
- McDonnell
Genome Institute, Washington University
in St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri 63108, United States
| | - Wanting Jiao
- Ferrier Research
Institute, Victoria University of Wellington, Wellington 6140, New Zealand
- Maurice Wilkins Centre for Molecular Biodiscovery, Auckland 1142, New Zealand
| | - Yannasittha Jiramongkol
- School
of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, The University
of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales 2006, Australia
- Charles
Perkins Centre, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales 2006, Australia
| | - Mark D. White
- School
of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, The University
of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales 2006, Australia
| | - Lejla Hagimola
- School
of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales 2006, Australia
| | - Freda H. Passam
- School
of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales 2006, Australia
| | - Denise P. Tran
- Sydney
Mass Spectrometry, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, New South Wales 2006, Australia
| | - Xiaoming Liu
- School
of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales 2006, Australia
| | - Simone M. Schoenwaelder
- The
Heart Research Institute, The University
of Sydney, Newtown, New South Wales 2042, Australia
- School
of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales 2006, Australia
| | - Shaun P. Jackson
- The
Heart Research Institute, The University
of Sydney, Newtown, New South Wales 2042, Australia
- Charles
Perkins Centre, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales 2006, Australia
| | - Richard J. Payne
- School
of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, The University
of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales 2006, Australia
- Australian
Research Council Centre of Excellence for Innovations in Peptide and
Protein Science, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales 2006, Australia
| | - Xuyu Liu
- School
of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, The University
of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales 2006, Australia
- The
Heart Research Institute, The University
of Sydney, Newtown, New South Wales 2042, Australia
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2
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Huang KT, Poganik JR, Parvez S, Raja S, Miller B, Long MJC, Fetcho JR, Aye Y. Z-REX: shepherding reactive electrophiles to specific proteins expressed tissue specifically or ubiquitously, and recording the resultant functional electrophile-induced redox responses in larval fish. Nat Protoc 2023; 18:1379-1415. [PMID: 37020146 PMCID: PMC11150335 DOI: 10.1038/s41596-023-00809-8] [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: 03/24/2017] [Accepted: 12/05/2022] [Indexed: 04/07/2023]
Abstract
This Protocol Extension describes the adaptation of an existing Protocol detailing the use of targetable reactive electrophiles and oxidants, an on-demand redox targeting toolset in cultured cells. The adaptation described here is for use of reactive electrophiles and oxidants technologies in live zebrafish embryos (Z-REX). Zebrafish embryos expressing a Halo-tagged protein of interest (POI)-either ubiquitously or tissue specifically-are treated with a HaloTag-specific small-molecule probe housing a photocaged reactive electrophile (either natural electrophiles or synthetic electrophilic drug-like fragments). The reactive electrophile is then photouncaged at a user-defined time, enabling proximity-assisted electrophile-modification of the POI. Functional and phenotypic ramifications of POI-specific modification can then be monitored, by coupling to standard downstream assays, such as click chemistry-based POI-labeling and target-occupancy quantification; immunofluorescence or live imaging; RNA-sequencing and real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction analyses of downstream-transcript modulations. Transient expression of requisite Halo-POI in zebrafish embryos is achieved by messenger RNA injection. Procedures associated with generation of transgenic zebrafish expressing a tissue-specific Halo-POI are also described. The Z-REX experiments can be completed in <1 week using standard techniques. To successfully execute Z-REX, researchers should have basic skills in fish husbandry, imaging and pathway analysis. Experience with protein or proteome manipulation is useful. This Protocol Extension is aimed at helping chemical biologists study precision redox events in a model organism and fish biologists perform redox chemical biology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kuan-Ting Huang
- Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Lausanne (EPFL), Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Jesse R Poganik
- Division of Genetics, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Saba Parvez
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Sruthi Raja
- Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Lausanne (EPFL), Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Brian Miller
- Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA
| | | | - Joseph R Fetcho
- Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA.
| | - Yimon Aye
- Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Lausanne (EPFL), Lausanne, Switzerland.
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3
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Heat Shock Protein B7 Inhibits the Progression of Endometrial Carcinoma by Inhibiting PI3K/AKT/mTOR Pathway. Reprod Sci 2023; 30:590-600. [PMID: 35859224 DOI: 10.1007/s43032-022-01041-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2022] [Accepted: 07/12/2022] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To investigate the role and mechanism of action of Heat shock protein B7 (HSPB7) in endometrial carcinoma (EC). METHODS GEPIA (Gene Expression Profiling Interactive Analysis) was used to analyze the expression and prognostic value of HSPB7 in TCGA data. HSPB7 mRNA and protein expression levels were detected by qRT-PCR and Western blot, respectively. EC cell proliferation, apoptosis, migration, and invasion were determined by colony formation, EdU, flow cytometry, and transwell assays. Mitochondrial membrane potential was determined using JC-1 probe. In addition, apoptosis-related and metastasis-related proteins were quantitatively evaluated. A gene set enrichment analysis of the signaling pathways by which HSPB7 influences EC was performed and the levels of enriched pathway-related proteins were evaluated. RESULTS We first proved that HSPB7 was downregulated in EC tissues and HSPB7 levels were positively related to survival rates. In functional assays, HSPB7 overexpression suppressed the proliferation, migration, and invasion of EC cells and conversely promoted apoptosis. Moreover, HSPB7 overexpression decreased the mitochondrial membrane potential of EC cells significantly. Bioinformatics analyses revealed that the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway was significantly enriched in EC. HSPB7 inhibited the phosphorylation of the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway to reduce proliferation, migration and invasion, and increased apoptosis in EC cells. CONCLUSION HSPB7 was downregulated in EC and influenced EC cell proliferation, invasion, migration, and apoptosis via the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway. These findings provide a novel perspective for the development of EC treatment strategies.
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Van Hall-Beauvais A, Poganik JR, Huang KT, Parvez S, Zhao Y, Lin HY, Liu X, Long MJC, Aye Y. Z-REX uncovers a bifurcation in function of Keap1 paralogs. eLife 2022; 11:e83373. [PMID: 36300632 PMCID: PMC9754640 DOI: 10.7554/elife.83373] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2022] [Accepted: 10/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Studying electrophile signaling is marred by difficulties in parsing changes in pathway flux attributable to on-target, vis-à-vis off-target, modifications. By combining bolus dosing, knockdown, and Z-REX-a tool investigating on-target/on-pathway electrophile signaling, we document that electrophile labeling of one zebrafish-Keap1-paralog (zKeap1b) stimulates Nrf2- driven antioxidant response (AR) signaling (like the human-ortholog). Conversely, zKeap1a is a dominant-negative regulator of electrophile-promoted Nrf2-signaling, and itself is nonpermissive for electrophile-induced Nrf2-upregulation. This behavior is recapitulated in human cells: (1) zKeap1b-expressing cells are permissive for augmented AR-signaling through reduced zKeap1b-Nrf2 binding following whole-cell electrophile treatment; (2) zKeap1a-expressing cells are non-permissive for AR-upregulation, as zKeap1a-Nrf2 binding capacity remains unaltered upon whole-cell electrophile exposure; (3) 1:1 ZKeap1a:zKeap1b-co-expressing cells show no Nrf2-release from the Keap1-complex following whole-cell electrophile administration, rendering these cells unable to upregulate AR. We identified a zKeap1a-specific point-mutation (C273I) responsible for zKeap1a's behavior during electrophilic stress. Human-Keap1(C273I), of known diminished Nrf2-regulatory capacity, dominantly muted electrophile-induced Nrf2-signaling. These studies highlight divergent and interdependent electrophile signaling behaviors, despite conserved electrophile sensing.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jesse R Poganik
- Swiss Federal Institute of Technology LausanneLausanneSwitzerland
- Division of Genetics, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical SchoolBostonUnited States
| | - Kuan-Ting Huang
- Swiss Federal Institute of Technology LausanneLausanneSwitzerland
| | - Saba Parvez
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, University of UtahSalt Lake CityUnited States
| | - Yi Zhao
- Swiss Federal Institute of Technology LausanneLausanneSwitzerland
- BayRay Innovation Center, Shenzhen Bay LaboratoryShenzhenChina
| | - Hong-Yu Lin
- Department of Chemical Biology, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Xiamen UniversityXiamenChina
| | - Xuyu Liu
- Swiss Federal Institute of Technology LausanneLausanneSwitzerland
- School of Chemistry, The University of SydneySydneyAustralia
- The Heart Research Institute, NewtownNewtownAustralia
| | - Marcus John Curtis Long
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Biology and Medicine, University of LausanneLausanneSwitzerland
| | - Yimon Aye
- Swiss Federal Institute of Technology LausanneLausanneSwitzerland
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5
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Long MJC, Assari M, Aye Y. Hiding in Plain Sight: The Issue of Hidden Variables. ACS Chem Biol 2022; 17:1285-1292. [PMID: 35603432 DOI: 10.1021/acschembio.2c00142] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Here we discuss "hidden variables", which are typically introduced during an experiment as a consequence of the application of two independent variables together to create a stimulus. With increased sophistication in modern chemical biology tools and related precision interrogation techniques, hidden variables have become integral to many chemical biologists' routine experiments. For instance, they can appear in the use of light-activatable chemical probes (e.g., μMap, T-REX), or stimulus-induced enzyme activation (e.g., APEX). Unfortunately, control experiments assess only how independent variables affect measured outcomes and not the multiple differences between the two independent variables and the twain. We outline ways to account for potential hidden variables in experimental design and data interpretation as a means to aid developers of new methods, particularly those involving light-driven techniques, chemical activation, or biorthogonal chemistries, to better incorporate well-controlled procedures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcus J. C. Long
- NCCR Chemical Biology and University of Geneva, 1211 Geneva, Switzerland
- University of Lausanne (UNIL), 1110 Epalinges, Switzerland
| | - Mahdi Assari
- Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Lausanne (EPFL), 1015 Lausanne, Switzerland
- NCCR Chemical Biology and University of Geneva, 1211 Geneva, Switzerland
- Department of Chemistry, The University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois 60637, United States
| | - Yimon Aye
- Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Lausanne (EPFL), 1015 Lausanne, Switzerland
- NCCR Chemical Biology and University of Geneva, 1211 Geneva, Switzerland
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6
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Veale CGL, Talukdar A, Vauzeilles B. ICBS 2021: Looking Toward the Next Decade of Chemical Biology. ACS Chem Biol 2022; 17:728-743. [PMID: 35293726 DOI: 10.1021/acschembio.2c00209] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Clinton G. L. Veale
- Department of Chemistry, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch, Cape Town, 7700, South Africa
| | - Arindam Talukdar
- Department of Organic and Medicinal Chemistry, CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Biology, 4 Raja S. C. Mullick Road, Kolkata 700032, West Bengal, India
| | - Boris Vauzeilles
- Université Paris-Saclay, CNRS, Institut de Chimie des Substances Naturelles, UPR 2301, 91198, Gif-sur-Yvette, France
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7
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Long MJC, Miranda Herrera PA, Aye Y. Hitting the Bullseye: Endogenous Electrophiles Show Remarkable Nuance in Signaling Regulation. Chem Res Toxicol 2022; 35:1636-1648. [PMID: 35394758 DOI: 10.1021/acs.chemrestox.2c00006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Our bodies produce a host of electrophilic species that can label specific endogenous proteins in cells. The signaling roles of these molecules are under active debate. However, in our opinion, it is becoming increasingly likely that electrophiles can rewire cellular signaling processes at endogenous levels. Attention is turning more to understanding how nuanced electrophile signaling in cells is. In this Perspective, we describe recent work from our laboratory that has started to inform on different levels of context-specific regulation of proteins by electrophiles. We discuss the relevance of these data to the field and to the broader application of electrophile signaling to precision medicine development, beyond the traditional views of their pleiotropic cytotoxic roles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcus J C Long
- National Centre of Competence in Research Chemical Biology, University of Geneva, 1211 Geneva, Switzerland.,Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Biology and Medicine, University of Lausanne, 1066 Epalinges, Switzerland
| | - Pierre A Miranda Herrera
- Institute of Chemical Sciences and Engineering, School of Basic Sciences, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Lausanne, 1015 Lausanne, Switzerland.,National Centre of Competence in Research Chemical Biology, University of Geneva, 1211 Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Yimon Aye
- Institute of Chemical Sciences and Engineering, School of Basic Sciences, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Lausanne, 1015 Lausanne, Switzerland.,National Centre of Competence in Research Chemical Biology, University of Geneva, 1211 Geneva, Switzerland
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8
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Long MJC, Ly P, Aye Y. A primer on harnessing non-enzymatic post-translational modifications for drug design. RSC Med Chem 2021; 12:1797-1807. [PMID: 34825181 PMCID: PMC8597429 DOI: 10.1039/d1md00157d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2021] [Accepted: 10/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Of the manifold concepts in drug discovery and design, covalent drugs have re-emerged as one of the most promising over the past 20-or so years. All such drugs harness the ability of a covalent bond to drive an interaction between a target biomolecule, typically a protein, and a small molecule. Formation of a covalent bond necessarily prolongs target engagement, opening avenues to targeting shallower binding sites, protein complexes, and other difficult to drug manifolds, amongst other virtues. This opinion piece discusses frameworks around which to develop covalent drugs. Our argument, based on results from our research program on natural electrophile signaling, is that targeting specific residues innately involved in native signaling programs are ideally poised to be targeted by covalent drugs. We outline ways to identify electrophile-sensing residues, and discuss how studying ramifications of innate signaling by endogenous molecules can provide a means to predict drug mechanism and function and assess on- versus off-target behaviors.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Phillippe Ly
- Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Lausanne (EPFL) 1015 Lausanne Switzerland
| | - Yimon Aye
- Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Lausanne (EPFL) 1015 Lausanne Switzerland
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9
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Muranova LK, Shatov VM, Slushchev AV, Gusev NB. Quaternary Structure and Hetero-Oligomerization of Recombinant Human Small Heat Shock Protein HspB7 (cvHsp). Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22157777. [PMID: 34360542 PMCID: PMC8345930 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22157777] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2021] [Revised: 07/13/2021] [Accepted: 07/16/2021] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
In this study, a reliable and simple method of untagged recombinant human HspB7 preparation was developed. Recombinant HspB7 is presented in two oligomeric forms with an apparent molecular weight of 36 kDa (probably dimers) and oligomers with an apparent molecular weight of more than 600 kDa. By using hydrophobic and size-exclusion chromatography, we succeeded in preparation of HspB7 dimers. Mild oxidation promoted the formation of large oligomers, whereas the modification of Cys 126 by iodoacetamide prevented it. The deletion of the first 13 residues or deletion of the polySer motif (residues 17–29) also prevented the formation of large oligomers of HspB7. Cys-mutants of HspB6 and HspB8 containing a single-Cys residue in the central part of the β7 strand in a position homologous to that of Cys137 in HspB1 can be crosslinked to the wild-type HspB7 through a disulfide bond. Immobilized on monoclonal antibodies, the wild-type HspB6 interacted with the wild-type HspB7. We suppose that formation of heterodimers of HspB7 with HspB6 and HspB8 may be important for the functional activity of these small heat shock proteins.
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10
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Muranova LK, Shatov VM, Bukach OV, Gusev NB. Cardio-Vascular Heat Shock Protein (cvHsp, HspB7), an Unusual Representative of Small Heat Shock Protein Family. BIOCHEMISTRY (MOSCOW) 2021; 86:S1-S11. [PMID: 33827396 DOI: 10.1134/s0006297921140017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
HspB7 is one of ten human small heat shock proteins. This protein is expressed only in insulin-dependent tissues (heart, skeletal muscle, and fat tissue), and expression of HspB7 is regulated by many different factors. Single nucleotide polymorphism is characteristic for the HspB7 gene and this polymorphism correlates with cardio-vascular diseases and obesity. HspB7 has an unusual N-terminal sequence, a conservative α-crystallin domain, and very short C-terminal domain lacking conservative IPV tripeptide involved in a small heat shock proteins oligomer formation. Nevertheless, in the isolated state HspB7 forms both small oligomers (probably dimers) and very large oligomers (aggregates). HspB7 is ineffective in suppression of amorphous aggregation of model proteins induced by heating or reduction of disulfide bonds, however it is very effective in prevention of aggregation of huntingtin fragments enriched with Gln residues. HspB7 can be an effective sensor of electrophilic agents. This protein interacts with the contractile and cytoskeleton proteins (filamin C, titin, and actin) and participates in protection of the contractile apparatus and cytoskeleton from different adverse conditions. HspB7 possesses tumor suppressive activity. Further investigations are required to understand molecular mechanisms of HspB7 participation in numerous biological processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lydia K Muranova
- Faculty of Biology, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow, 119991, Russia
| | - Vladislav M Shatov
- Faculty of Biology, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow, 119991, Russia
| | - Olesya V Bukach
- Faculty of Biology, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow, 119991, Russia
| | - Nikolai B Gusev
- Faculty of Biology, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow, 119991, Russia.
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11
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Long MJC, Kulkarni A, Aye Y. Can Precision Electrophile Signaling Make a Meaningful and Lasting Impression in Drug Design? Chembiochem 2021; 23:e202100051. [PMID: 33826211 DOI: 10.1002/cbic.202100051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2021] [Revised: 03/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
For several years, drugs with reactive electrophilic appendages have been developed. These units typically confer prolonged residence time of the drugs on their protein targets, and may assist targeting shallow binding sites and/or improving the drug-protein target spectrum. Studies on natural electrophilic molecules have indicated that, in many instances, natural electrophiles use similar mechanisms to alter signaling pathways. However, natural reactive species are also endowed with other important mechanisms to hone signaling properties that are uncommon in drug design. These include ability to be active at low occupancy and elevated inhibitor kinetics. Herein, we discuss how we have begun to harness these properties in inhibitor design.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcus J C Long
- University of Lausanne, Department of Biochemistry, Chemin des boveresses 155, Epalinges, 1066, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Amogh Kulkarni
- Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Lausanne (EPFL), 1015, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Yimon Aye
- Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Lausanne (EPFL), 1015, Lausanne, Switzerland
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12
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Long MJC, Rogg C, Aye Y. An Oculus to Profile and Probe Target Engagement In Vivo: How T-REX Was Born and Its Evolution into G-REX. Acc Chem Res 2021; 54:618-631. [PMID: 33228351 DOI: 10.1021/acs.accounts.0c00537] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Here we provide a personal account of innovation and design principles underpinning a method to interrogate precision electrophile signaling that has come to be known as "REX technologies". This Account is framed in the context of trying to improve methods of target mining and understanding of individual target-ligand engagement by a specific natural electrophile and the ramifications of this labeling event in cells and organisms. We start by explaining from a practical standpoint why gleaning such understanding is critical: we are constantly assailed by a battery of electrophilic molecules that exist as a consequence of diet, food preparation, ineluctable endogenous metabolic processes, and potentially disease. The resulting molecules, which are detectable in the body, appear to be able to modify function of specific proteins. Aside from potentially being biologically relevant in their own right, these labeling events are essentially identical to protein-covalent drug interactions. Thus, on what proteins and even in what ways a covalent drug will work can be understood through the eyes of natural electrophiles; extending this logic leads to the postulate that target identification of specific electrophiles can inform on drug design. However, when we entered this field, there was no way to interrogate how a specific labeling event impacted a specific protein in an unperturbed cell. Methods to evaluate stoichiometry of labeling, and even chemospecificity of a specific phenotype were limited. There were further no generally accepted ways to study electrophile signaling that did not hugely disturb physiology.We developed T-REX, a method to study single-protein-specific electrophile engagement, to interrogate how single-protein electrophile labeling shapes pathway flux. Using T-REX, we discovered that labeling of several proteins by a specific electrophile, even at low occupancy, leads to biologically relevant signaling outputs. Further experimentation using T-REX showed that in some instances, single-protein isoforms were electrophile responsive against other isoforms, such as Akt3. Selective electrophile-labeling of Akt3 elicited inhibition of Akt-pathway flux in cells and in zebrafish embryos. Using these data, we rationally designed a molecule to selectively target Akt3. This was a fusion of the naturally derived electrophile and an isoform-nonspecific, reversible Akt inhibitor in phase-II trials, MK-2206. The resulting molecule was a selective inhibitor of Akt3 and was shown to fare better than MK-2206 in breast cancer xenograft mouse models. Recently, we have also developed a means to screen electrophile sensors that is unbiased and uses a precise burst of electrophiles. Using this method, dubbed G-REX, in conjunction with T-REX, we discovered new DNA-damage response upregulation pathways orchestrated by simple natural electrophiles. We thus emphasize how deriving a quantitative understanding of electrophile signaling that is linked to thorough and precise mechanistic studies can open doors to numerous medicinally and biologically relevant insights, from gleaning better understanding of target engagement and target mining to rational design of targeted covalent medicines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcus J. C. Long
- Department of Molecular Biology, University of Geneva, 30 quai Ernest-Ansermet, 1211 Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Chloé Rogg
- Institute of Chemical Sciences and Engineering (ISIC), Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Lausanne (EPFL), Route Cantonale, 1015 Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Yimon Aye
- Institute of Chemical Sciences and Engineering (ISIC), Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Lausanne (EPFL), Route Cantonale, 1015 Lausanne, Switzerland
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13
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Prasch J, Bernhart E, Reicher H, Kollroser M, Rechberger GN, Koyani CN, Trummer C, Rech L, Rainer PP, Hammer A, Malle E, Sattler W. Myeloperoxidase-Derived 2-Chlorohexadecanal Is Generated in Mouse Heart during Endotoxemia and Induces Modification of Distinct Cardiomyocyte Protein Subsets In Vitro. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21239235. [PMID: 33287422 PMCID: PMC7730634 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21239235] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2020] [Revised: 11/27/2020] [Accepted: 12/01/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Sepsis is a major cause of mortality in critically ill patients and associated with cardiac dysfunction, a complication linked to immunological and metabolic aberrations. Cardiac neutrophil infiltration and subsequent release of myeloperoxidase (MPO) leads to the formation of the oxidant hypochlorous acid (HOCl) that is able to chemically modify plasmalogens (ether-phospholipids) abundantly present in the heart. This reaction gives rise to the formation of reactive lipid species including aldehydes and chlorinated fatty acids. During the present study, we tested whether endotoxemia increases MPO-dependent lipid oxidation/modification in the mouse heart. In hearts of lipopolysaccharide-injected mice, we observed significantly higher infiltration of MPO-positive cells, increased fatty acid content, and formation of 2-chlorohexadecanal (2-ClHDA), an MPO-derived plasmalogen modification product. Using murine HL-1 cardiomyocytes as in vitro model, we show that exogenously added HOCl attacks the cellular plasmalogen pool and gives rise to the formation of 2-ClHDA. Addition of 2-ClHDA to HL-1 cardiomyocytes resulted in conversion to 2-chlorohexadecanoic acid and 2-chlorohexadecanol, indicating fatty aldehyde dehydrogenase-mediated redox metabolism. However, a recovery of only 40% indicated the formation of non-extractable (protein) adducts. To identify protein targets, we used a clickable alkynyl analog, 2-chlorohexadec-15-yn-1-al (2-ClHDyA). After Huisgen 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition of 5-tetramethylrhodamine azide (N3-TAMRA) and two dimensional-gel electrophoresis (2D-GE), we were able to identify 51 proteins that form adducts with 2-ClHDyA. Gene ontology enrichment analyses revealed an overrepresentation of heat shock and chaperone, energy metabolism, and cytoskeletal proteins as major targets. Our observations in a murine endotoxemia model demonstrate formation of HOCl-modified lipids in the heart, while pathway analysis in vitro revealed that the chlorinated aldehyde targets specific protein subsets, which are central to cardiac function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jürgen Prasch
- Division of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, Gottfried Schatz Research Center, Medical University of Graz, 8010 Graz, Austria; (J.P.); (E.B.); (H.R.); (C.N.K.); (C.T.); (E.M.)
| | - Eva Bernhart
- Division of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, Gottfried Schatz Research Center, Medical University of Graz, 8010 Graz, Austria; (J.P.); (E.B.); (H.R.); (C.N.K.); (C.T.); (E.M.)
| | - Helga Reicher
- Division of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, Gottfried Schatz Research Center, Medical University of Graz, 8010 Graz, Austria; (J.P.); (E.B.); (H.R.); (C.N.K.); (C.T.); (E.M.)
| | | | - Gerald N. Rechberger
- Institute of Molecular Biosciences, University of Graz, 8010 Graz, Austria;
- Center for Explorative Lipidomics, BioTechMed Graz, 8010 Graz, Austria
| | - Chintan N. Koyani
- Division of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, Gottfried Schatz Research Center, Medical University of Graz, 8010 Graz, Austria; (J.P.); (E.B.); (H.R.); (C.N.K.); (C.T.); (E.M.)
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Cardiology, Medical University of Graz, 8010 Graz, Austria; (L.R.); (P.P.R.)
| | - Christopher Trummer
- Division of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, Gottfried Schatz Research Center, Medical University of Graz, 8010 Graz, Austria; (J.P.); (E.B.); (H.R.); (C.N.K.); (C.T.); (E.M.)
| | - Lavinia Rech
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Cardiology, Medical University of Graz, 8010 Graz, Austria; (L.R.); (P.P.R.)
| | - Peter P. Rainer
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Cardiology, Medical University of Graz, 8010 Graz, Austria; (L.R.); (P.P.R.)
| | - Astrid Hammer
- Division of Cell Biology, Histology and Embryology, Gottfried Schatz Research Center, Medical University of Graz, 8010 Graz, Austria;
| | - Ernst Malle
- Division of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, Gottfried Schatz Research Center, Medical University of Graz, 8010 Graz, Austria; (J.P.); (E.B.); (H.R.); (C.N.K.); (C.T.); (E.M.)
| | - Wolfgang Sattler
- Division of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, Gottfried Schatz Research Center, Medical University of Graz, 8010 Graz, Austria; (J.P.); (E.B.); (H.R.); (C.N.K.); (C.T.); (E.M.)
- Center for Explorative Lipidomics, BioTechMed Graz, 8010 Graz, Austria
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +43-316-385-71950
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14
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Long MJC, Wang L, Aye Y. Getting the Right Grip? How Understanding Electrophile Selectivity Profiles Could Illuminate Our Understanding of Redox Signaling. Antioxid Redox Signal 2020; 33:1077-1091. [PMID: 31578876 PMCID: PMC7583342 DOI: 10.1089/ars.2019.7894] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Significance: Electrophile signaling is coming into focus as a bona fide cell signaling mechanism. The electrophilic regulation occurs typically through a sensing event (i.e., labeling of a protein) and a signaling event (the labeling event having an effect of the proteins activity, association, etc.). Recent Advances: Herein, we focus on the first step of this process, electrophile sensing. Electrophile sensing is typically a deceptively simple reaction between the thiol of a protein cysteine, of which there are around 200,000 in the human proteome, and a Michael acceptor, of which there are numerous flavors, including enals and enones. Recent data overall paint a picture that despite being a simple chemical reaction, electrophile sensing is a discerning process, showing labeling preferences that are often not in line with reactivity of the electrophile. Critical Issues: With a view to trying to decide what brings about highly electrophile-reactive protein cysteines, and how reactive these sensors may be, we discuss aspects of the thermodynamics and kinetics of covalent/noncovalent binding. Data made available by several laboratories indicate that it is likely that specific proteins exhibit highly stereo- and chemoselective electrophile sensing, which we take as good evidence for recognition between the electrophile and the protein before forming a covalent bond. Future Directions: We propose experiments that could help us gain a better and more quantitative understanding of the mechanisms through which sensing comes about. We further extoll the importance of performing more detailed experiments on labeling and trying to standardize the way we assess protein-specific electrophile sensing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcus J C Long
- 47 Pudding Gate, Bishop Burton, Beverley East Riding of Yorkshire, United Kingdom
| | - Lingxi Wang
- Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Lausanne (EPFL), Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Yimon Aye
- Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Lausanne (EPFL), Lausanne, Switzerland
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15
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Long MJC, Zhao Y, Aye Y. Neighborhood watch: tools for defining locale-dependent subproteomes and their contextual signaling activities. RSC Chem Biol 2020; 1:42-55. [PMID: 34458747 PMCID: PMC8341840 DOI: 10.1039/d0cb00041h] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2020] [Accepted: 05/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Transient associations between numerous organelles-e.g., the endoplasmic reticulum and the mitochondria-forge highly-coordinated, particular environments essential for cross-compartment information flow. Our perspective summarizes chemical-biology tools that have enabled identifying proteins present within these itinerant communities against the bulk proteome, even when a particular protein's presence is fleeting/substoichiometric. However, proteins resident at these ephemeral junctions also experience transitory changes to their interactomes, small-molecule signalomes, and, importantly, functions. Thus, a thorough census of sub-organellar communities necessitates functionally probing context-dependent signaling properties of individual protein-players. Our perspective accordingly further discusses how repurposing of existing tools could allow us to glean a functional understanding of protein-specific signaling activities altered as a result of organelles pulling together. Collectively, our perspective strives to usher new chemical-biology techniques that could, in turn, open doors to modulate functions of specific subproteomes/organellar junctions underlying the nuanced regulatory subsystem broadly termed as contactology.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Yi Zhao
- Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Lausanne (EPFL), Institute of Chemical Sciences and Engineering 1015 Lausanne Switzerland
| | - Yimon Aye
- Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Lausanne (EPFL), Institute of Chemical Sciences and Engineering 1015 Lausanne Switzerland
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16
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Poganik JR, Van Hall-Beauvais AK, Long MJC, Disare MT, Zhao Y, Aye Y. The mRNA-Binding Protein HuR Is a Kinetically-Privileged Electrophile Sensor. Helv Chim Acta 2020; 103. [PMID: 34113045 DOI: 10.1002/hlca.202000041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
The key mRNA-binding proteins HuR and AUF1 are reported stress sensors in mammals. Intrigued by recent reports of sensitivity of these proteins to the electrophilic lipid prostaglandin A2 and other redox signals, we here examined their sensing abilities to a prototypical redox-linked lipid-derived electrophile, 4-hydroxynonenal (HNE). Leveraging our T-REX electrophile delivery platform, we found that only HuR, and not AUF1, is a kinetically-privileged sensor of HNE in HEK293T cells, and sensing functions through a specific cysteine, C13. Cells depleted of HuR, upon treatment with HNE, manifest unique alterations in cell viability and Nrf2-transcription-factor-driven antioxidant response (AR), which our recent work shows is regulated by HuR at the Nrf2-mRNA level. Mutagenesis studies showed that C13-specific sensing alone is not sufficient to explain HuR-dependent stress responsivities, further highlighting a complex context-dependent layer of Nrf2/AR regulation through HuR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jesse R Poganik
- Institute of Chemical Sciences & Engineering (ISIC), Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Lausanne (EPFL), CH-1015 Lausanne.,Department of Chemistry & Chemical Biology, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York, 14853 New York, United States
| | - Alexandra K Van Hall-Beauvais
- Institute of Chemical Sciences & Engineering (ISIC), Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Lausanne (EPFL), CH-1015 Lausanne
| | - Marcus J C Long
- Department of Chemistry & Chemical Biology, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York, 14853 New York, United States
| | - Michael T Disare
- Department of Chemistry & Chemical Biology, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York, 14853 New York, United States
| | - Yi Zhao
- Institute of Chemical Sciences & Engineering (ISIC), Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Lausanne (EPFL), CH-1015 Lausanne
| | - Yimon Aye
- Institute of Chemical Sciences & Engineering (ISIC), Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Lausanne (EPFL), CH-1015 Lausanne
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17
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Long MJC, Liu X, Aye Y. Chemical Biology Gateways to Mapping Location, Association, and Pathway Responsivity. Front Chem 2019; 7:125. [PMID: 30949469 PMCID: PMC6437114 DOI: 10.3389/fchem.2019.00125] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2018] [Accepted: 02/18/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Here we discuss, how by applying chemical concepts to biological problems, methods have been developed to map spatiotemporal regulation of proteins and small-molecule modulation of proteome signaling responses. We outline why chemical-biology platforms are ideal for such purposes. We further discuss strengths and weaknesses of chemical-biology protocols, contrasting them against classical genetic and biochemical approaches. We make these evaluations based on three parameters: occupancy; functional information; and spatial restriction. We demonstrate how the specific choice of chemical reagent and experimental set-up unite to resolve biological problems. Potential improvements/extensions as well as specific controls that in our opinion are often overlooked or employed incorrectly are also considered. Finally, we discuss some of the latest emerging methods to illuminate how chemical-biology innovations provide a gateway toward information hitherto inaccessible by conventional genetic/biochemical means. Finally, we also caution against solely relying on chemical-biology strategies and urge the field to undertake orthogonal validations to ensure robustness of results.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Xuyu Liu
- École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne, Institute of Chemical Sciences and Engineering, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Yimon Aye
- École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne, Institute of Chemical Sciences and Engineering, Lausanne, Switzerland
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18
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Proteomics and Beyond: Cell Decision-Making Shaped by Reactive Electrophiles. Trends Biochem Sci 2018; 44:75-89. [PMID: 30327250 DOI: 10.1016/j.tibs.2018.09.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2018] [Revised: 08/21/2018] [Accepted: 09/19/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Revolutionary proteomic strategies have enabled rapid profiling of the cellular targets of electrophilic small molecules. However, precise means to directly interrogate how these individual electrophilic modifications at low occupancy functionally reshape signaling networks have until recently been largely limited. We highlight here new methods that transcend proteomic platforms to forge a quantitative link between protein target-selective engagement and downstream signaling. We focus on recent progress in the study of non-enzyme-assisted signaling mechanisms and crosstalk choreographed by native reactive electrophilic species (RES). Using this as a model, we offer a long-term vision of how these toolsets together with fundamental biochemical knowledge of precision electrophile signaling may be harnessed to assist covalent ligand-target matching and ultimately amend disease-specific signaling dysfunction.
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19
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Abstract
The concept of cell signaling in the context of nonenzyme-assisted protein modifications by reactive electrophilic and oxidative species, broadly known as redox signaling, is a uniquely complex topic that has been approached from numerous different and multidisciplinary angles. Our Review reflects on five aspects critical for understanding how nature harnesses these noncanonical post-translational modifications to coordinate distinct cellular activities: (1) specific players and their generation, (2) physicochemical properties, (3) mechanisms of action, (4) methods of interrogation, and (5) functional roles in health and disease. Emphasis is primarily placed on the latest progress in the field, but several aspects of classical work likely forgotten/lost are also recollected. For researchers with interests in getting into the field, our Review is anticipated to function as a primer. For the expert, we aim to stimulate thought and discussion about fundamentals of redox signaling mechanisms and nuances of specificity/selectivity and timing in this sophisticated yet fascinating arena at the crossroads of chemistry and biology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saba Parvez
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of
Pharmacy, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, 84112, USA
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Cornell
University, Ithaca, New York, 14853, USA
| | - Marcus J. C. Long
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Cornell
University, Ithaca, New York, 14853, USA
| | - Jesse R. Poganik
- Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne,
Institute of Chemical Sciences and Engineering, 1015, Lausanne, Switzerland
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Cornell
University, Ithaca, New York, 14853, USA
| | - Yimon Aye
- Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne,
Institute of Chemical Sciences and Engineering, 1015, Lausanne, Switzerland
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Cornell
University, Ithaca, New York, 14853, USA
- Department of Biochemistry, Weill Cornell Medicine, New
York, New York, 10065, USA
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20
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Poganik JR, Long MJC, Aye Y. Getting the Message? Native Reactive Electrophiles Pass Two Out of Three Thresholds to be Bona Fide Signaling Mediators. Bioessays 2018; 40:e1700240. [PMID: 29603288 PMCID: PMC6488019 DOI: 10.1002/bies.201700240] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2017] [Revised: 02/24/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Precision cell signaling activities of reactive electrophilic species (RES) are arguably among the most poorly-understood means to transmit biological messages. Latest research implicates native RES to be a chemically-distinct subset of endogenous redox signals that influence cell decision making through non-enzyme-assisted modifications of specific proteins. Yet, fundamental questions remain regarding the role of RES as bona fide second messengers. Here, we lay out three sets of criteria we feel need to be met for RES to be considered as true cellular signals that directly mediate information transfer by modifying "first-responding" sensor proteins. We critically assess the available evidence and define the extent to which each criterion has been fulfilled. Finally, we offer some ideas on the future trajectories of the electrophile signaling field taking inspiration from work that has been done to understand canonical signaling mediators. Also see the video abstract here: https://youtu.be/rG7o0clVP0c.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jesse R. Poganik
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology Cornell University Ithaca, NY 14853, USA
| | - Marcus J. C. Long
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology Cornell University Ithaca, NY 14853, USA
| | - Yimon Aye
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology Cornell University Ithaca, NY 14853, USA
- Department of Biochemistry Weill Cornell Medicine New York, NY 10065, USA
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