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Zhang H, Zeng W, Zhao MM, Wang J, Wang Q, Chen T, Zhang Y, Lee W, Chen S, Zhang Y, Lan X, Xiang Y. Caenorhabditis elegans LIN-24, a homolog of bacterial pore-forming toxin, protects the host from microbial infection. FASEB J 2023; 37:e23162. [PMID: 37682220 DOI: 10.1096/fj.202300063r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2023] [Revised: 07/18/2023] [Accepted: 08/11/2023] [Indexed: 09/09/2023]
Abstract
Aerolysin-like pore-forming protein (af-PFP) superfamily members are double-edge swords that assist the bacterial infection but shied bacteria from the host by various mechanisms in some species including the toad Bombina maxima and zebrafish. While members of this family are widely expressed in all kingdoms, especially non-bacteria species, it remains unclear whether their anti-bacterial function is conserved. LIN-24 is an af-PFP that is constitutively expressed throughout the Caenorhabditis elegans lifespan. Here, we observed that LIN-24 knockdown reduced the maximum lifespan of worms. RNA-seq analysis identified 323 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) post-LIN-24 knockdown that were enriched in "immune response" and "lysosome pathway," suggesting a possible role for LIN-24 in resisting microbial infection. In line with this, we found that Pseudomonas aeruginosa 14 (PA14) infection induced LIN-24 expression, and that survival after PA14 infection was significantly reduced by LIN-24 knockdown. In contrast, LIN-24 overexpression (LIN-24-OE) conferred protection against PA14 infection, with worms showing longer survival time and reduced bacterial load. Weighted gene co-expression network analysis of LIN-24-OE worms showed that the highest correlation module was enriched in factors related to immunity and the defense response. Finally, by predicting transcription factors from RNA-seq data and knocking down candidate transcription factors in LIN-24-OE worms, we revealed that LIN-24 may protect worms against bacterial infection by stimulating DAF-16-mediated immune responses. These findings agree with our previous studies showing an anti-microbial role for the amphibian-derived af-PFP complex βγ-CAT, suggesting that af-PFPs may play a conserved role in combatting microbial infections. Further research is needed to determine the roles this protein family plays in other physio-pathological processes, such as metabolism, longevity, and aging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huijie Zhang
- Metabolic Control and Aging, Human Aging Research Institute (HARI) and School of Life Science, Nanchang University, and Jiangxi Key Laboratory of Human Aging, Nanchang, China
| | - Weirong Zeng
- Metabolic Control and Aging, Human Aging Research Institute (HARI) and School of Life Science, Nanchang University, and Jiangxi Key Laboratory of Human Aging, Nanchang, China
| | - Ming-Ming Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Animal Models and Human Disease Mechanisms of the Chinese Academy of Sciences/Key Laboratory of Bioactive Peptides of Yunnan Province, Kunming Institute of Zoology, The Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, China
| | - Jiali Wang
- Metabolic Control and Aging, Human Aging Research Institute (HARI) and School of Life Science, Nanchang University, and Jiangxi Key Laboratory of Human Aging, Nanchang, China
| | - Qiquan Wang
- Metabolic Control and Aging, Human Aging Research Institute (HARI) and School of Life Science, Nanchang University, and Jiangxi Key Laboratory of Human Aging, Nanchang, China
- Key Laboratory of Animal Models and Human Disease Mechanisms of the Chinese Academy of Sciences/Key Laboratory of Bioactive Peptides of Yunnan Province, Kunming Institute of Zoology, The Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, China
| | - Ting Chen
- Metabolic Control and Aging, Human Aging Research Institute (HARI) and School of Life Science, Nanchang University, and Jiangxi Key Laboratory of Human Aging, Nanchang, China
| | - Yuyan Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Animal Models and Human Disease Mechanisms of the Chinese Academy of Sciences/Key Laboratory of Bioactive Peptides of Yunnan Province, Kunming Institute of Zoology, The Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, China
| | - Wenhui Lee
- Metabolic Control and Aging, Human Aging Research Institute (HARI) and School of Life Science, Nanchang University, and Jiangxi Key Laboratory of Human Aging, Nanchang, China
| | - Shenghan Chen
- Metabolic Control and Aging, Human Aging Research Institute (HARI) and School of Life Science, Nanchang University, and Jiangxi Key Laboratory of Human Aging, Nanchang, China
| | - Yun Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Animal Models and Human Disease Mechanisms of the Chinese Academy of Sciences/Key Laboratory of Bioactive Peptides of Yunnan Province, Kunming Institute of Zoology, The Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, China
| | - Xinqiang Lan
- Metabolic Control and Aging, Human Aging Research Institute (HARI) and School of Life Science, Nanchang University, and Jiangxi Key Laboratory of Human Aging, Nanchang, China
| | - Yang Xiang
- Metabolic Control and Aging, Human Aging Research Institute (HARI) and School of Life Science, Nanchang University, and Jiangxi Key Laboratory of Human Aging, Nanchang, China
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Liu LZ, Liu L, Shi ZH, Bian XL, Si ZR, Wang QQ, Xiang Y, Zhang Y. Amphibian pore-forming protein βγ-CAT drives extracellular nutrient scavenging under cell nutrient deficiency. iScience 2023; 26:106598. [PMID: 37128610 PMCID: PMC10148134 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2023.106598] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2022] [Revised: 02/22/2023] [Accepted: 03/30/2023] [Indexed: 05/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Nutrient acquisition is essential for animal cells. βγ-CAT is a pore-forming protein (PFP) and trefoil factor complex assembled under tight regulation identified in toad Bombina maxima. Here, we reported that B. maxima cells secreted βγ-CAT under glucose, glutamine, and pyruvate deficiency to scavenge extracellular proteins for their nutrient supply and survival. AMPK signaling positively regulated the expression and secretion of βγ-CAT. The PFP complex selectively bound extracellular proteins and promoted proteins uptake through endolysosomal pathways. Elevated intracellular amino acids, enhanced ATP production, and eventually prolonged cell survival were observed in the presence of βγ-CAT and extracellular proteins. Liposome assays indicated that high concentration of ATP negatively regulated the opening of βγ-CAT channels. Collectively, these results uncovered that βγ-CAT is an essential element in cell nutrient scavenging under cell nutrient deficiency by driving vesicular uptake of extracellular proteins, providing a new paradigm for PFPs in cell nutrient acquisition and metabolic flexibility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ling-Zhen Liu
- Key Laboratory of Animal Models and Human Disease Mechanisms of the Chinese Academy of Sciences/Engineering Laboratory of Peptides of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming Institute of Zoology, the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, Yunnan 650201, China
- Kunming College of Life Science, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, Yunnan 650204, China
| | - Long Liu
- Key Laboratory of Animal Models and Human Disease Mechanisms of the Chinese Academy of Sciences/Engineering Laboratory of Peptides of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming Institute of Zoology, the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, Yunnan 650201, China
- Human Aging Research Institute (HARI) and School of Life Sciences, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330031, China
| | - Zhi-Hong Shi
- Key Laboratory of Animal Models and Human Disease Mechanisms of the Chinese Academy of Sciences/Engineering Laboratory of Peptides of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming Institute of Zoology, the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, Yunnan 650201, China
- Kunming College of Life Science, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, Yunnan 650204, China
| | - Xian-Ling Bian
- Key Laboratory of Animal Models and Human Disease Mechanisms of the Chinese Academy of Sciences/Engineering Laboratory of Peptides of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming Institute of Zoology, the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, Yunnan 650201, China
- School of Life Science, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui 230026, China
| | - Zi-Ru Si
- Key Laboratory of Animal Models and Human Disease Mechanisms of the Chinese Academy of Sciences/Engineering Laboratory of Peptides of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming Institute of Zoology, the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, Yunnan 650201, China
- School of Life Science, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui 230026, China
| | - Qi-Quan Wang
- Human Aging Research Institute (HARI) and School of Life Sciences, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330031, China
| | - Yang Xiang
- Human Aging Research Institute (HARI) and School of Life Sciences, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330031, China
- Corresponding author
| | - Yun Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Animal Models and Human Disease Mechanisms of the Chinese Academy of Sciences/Engineering Laboratory of Peptides of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming Institute of Zoology, the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, Yunnan 650201, China
- Kunming College of Life Science, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, Yunnan 650204, China
- Center for Excellence in Animal Evolution and Genetics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, Yunnan 650201, China
- Corresponding author
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Bian X, Si Z, Wang Q, Liu L, Shi Z, Tian C, Lee W, Zhang Y. IgG Fc-binding protein positively regulates the assembly of pore-forming protein complex βγ-CAT evolved to drive cell vesicular delivery and transport. J Biol Chem 2023; 299:104717. [PMID: 37068610 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2023.104717] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2022] [Revised: 04/10/2023] [Accepted: 04/11/2023] [Indexed: 04/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Cell membranes form barriers for molecule exchange between the cytosol and the extracellular environments. βγ-CAT, a complex of pore-forming protein (PFP) BmALP1 (two βγ-crystallin domains with an aerolysin pore-forming domain) and the trefoil factor BmTFF3, has been identified in toad Bombina maxima. It plays pivotal roles, via inducing channel formation in various intra- or extra- cellular vesicles, as well as in nutrient acquisition, maintaining water balance, and antigen presentation. Thus, such a protein machine should be tightly regulated. Indeed, BmALP3 (a paralog of BmALP1) oxidizes BmALP1 to form a water-soluble polymer, leading to dissociation of the βγ-CAT complex and loss of biological activity. Here, we found that the B. maxima IgG Fc-binding protein (FCGBP), a well-conserved vertebrate mucin-like protein with unknown functions, acted as a positive regulator for βγ-CAT complex assembly. The interactions among FCGBP, BmALP1, and BmTFF3 were revealed by co-immunoprecipitation assays. Interestingly, FCGBP reversed the inhibitory effect of BmALP3 on the βγ-CAT complex. Furthermore, FCGBP reduced BmALP1 polymers and facilitated the assembly of βγ-CAT with the biological pore-forming activity in the presence of BmTFF3. Our findings define the role of FCGBP in mediating the assembly of a PFP machine evolved to drive cell vesicular delivery and transport.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xianling Bian
- Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at Microscale, School of Life Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui 230027, China; Key Laboratory of Animal Models and Human Disease Mechanisms of The Chinese Academy of Sciences/Engineering Laboratory of Peptides of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Institute of Zoology, the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, Yunnan 650201, China
| | - Ziru Si
- Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at Microscale, School of Life Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui 230027, China; Key Laboratory of Animal Models and Human Disease Mechanisms of The Chinese Academy of Sciences/Engineering Laboratory of Peptides of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Institute of Zoology, the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, Yunnan 650201, China
| | - Qiquan Wang
- Key Laboratory of Animal Models and Human Disease Mechanisms of The Chinese Academy of Sciences/Engineering Laboratory of Peptides of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Institute of Zoology, the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, Yunnan 650201, China; Human Aging Research Institute (HARI) and School of Life Sciences, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330031, China
| | - Lingzhen Liu
- Key Laboratory of Animal Models and Human Disease Mechanisms of The Chinese Academy of Sciences/Engineering Laboratory of Peptides of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Institute of Zoology, the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, Yunnan 650201, China
| | - Zhihong Shi
- Key Laboratory of Animal Models and Human Disease Mechanisms of The Chinese Academy of Sciences/Engineering Laboratory of Peptides of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Institute of Zoology, the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, Yunnan 650201, China
| | - Changlin Tian
- Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at Microscale, School of Life Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui 230027, China.
| | - Wenhui Lee
- Key Laboratory of Animal Models and Human Disease Mechanisms of The Chinese Academy of Sciences/Engineering Laboratory of Peptides of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Institute of Zoology, the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, Yunnan 650201, China.
| | - Yun Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Animal Models and Human Disease Mechanisms of The Chinese Academy of Sciences/Engineering Laboratory of Peptides of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Institute of Zoology, the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, Yunnan 650201, China; Center for Excellence in Animal Evolution and Genetics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, Yunnan 650201, China.
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Yin C, Zeng F, Huang P, Shi Z, Yang Q, Pei Z, Wang X, Chai L, Zhang S, Yang S, Dong W, Lu X, Wang Y. The Bi-Functional Paxilline Enriched in Skin Secretion of Tree Frogs ( Hyla japonica) Targets the KCNK18 and BK Ca Channels. Toxins (Basel) 2023; 15:70. [PMID: 36668889 PMCID: PMC9862588 DOI: 10.3390/toxins15010070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2022] [Revised: 01/10/2023] [Accepted: 01/11/2023] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
The skin secretion of tree frogs contains a vast array of bioactive chemicals for repelling predators, but their structural and functional diversity is not fully understood. Paxilline (PAX), a compound synthesized by Penicillium paxilli, has been known as a specific antagonist of large conductance Ca2+-activated K+ Channels (BKCa). Here, we report the presence of PAX in the secretions of tree frogs (Hyla japonica) and that this compound has a novel function of inhibiting the potassium channel subfamily K member 18 (KCNK18) channels of their predators. The PAX-induced KCNK18 inhibition is sufficient to evoke Ca2+ influx in charybdotoxin-insensitive DRG neurons of rats. By forming π-π stacking interactions, four phenylalanines located in the central pore of KCNK18 stabilize PAX to block the ion permeation. For PAX-mediated toxicity, our results from animal assays suggest that the inhibition of KCNK18 likely acts synergistically with that of BKCa to elicit tingling and buzzing sensations in predators or competitors. These results not only show the molecular mechanism of PAX-KCNK18 interaction, but also provide insights into the defensive effects of the enriched PAX.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Yunfei Wang
- College of Wildlife and Protected Area, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin 150040, China
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Shi ZH, Zhao Z, Liu LZ, Bian XL, Zhang Y. Pore-forming protein βγ-CAT promptly responses to fasting with capacity to deliver macromolecular nutrients. FASEB J 2022; 36:e22533. [PMID: 36065711 DOI: 10.1096/fj.202200528r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2022] [Revised: 08/18/2022] [Accepted: 08/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
During animal fasting, the nutrient supply and metabolism switch from carbohydrates to a new reliance on the catabolism of energy-dense lipid stores. Assembled under tight regulation, βγ-CAT (a complex of non-lens βγ-crystallin and trefoil factor) is a pore-forming protein and trefoil factor complex identified in toad Bombina maxima. Here, we determined that this protein complex is a constitutive component in toad blood, that actively responds to the animal fasting. The protein complex was able to promote cellular albumin and albumin-bound fatty acid (FA) uptake in a variety of epithelial and endothelial cells, and the effects were attenuated by a macropinocytosis inhibitor. Endothelial cell-derived exosomes containing largely enriched albumin and FAs, called nutrisomes, were released in the presence of βγ-CAT. These specific nutrient vesicles were readily taken up by starved myoblast cells to support their survival. The results uncovered that pore-forming protein βγ-CAT is a fasting responsive element able to drive cell vesicular import and export of macromolecular nutrients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhi-Hong Shi
- Key Laboratory of Animal Models and Human Disease Mechanisms of Chinese Academy of Sciences/Engineering Laboratory of Peptides of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, China.,Kunming College of Life Science, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, China
| | - Zhong Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Animal Models and Human Disease Mechanisms of Chinese Academy of Sciences/Engineering Laboratory of Peptides of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, China.,Institute of Basic Medical Sciences Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, School of Basic Medicine Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Ling-Zhen Liu
- Key Laboratory of Animal Models and Human Disease Mechanisms of Chinese Academy of Sciences/Engineering Laboratory of Peptides of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, China.,Kunming College of Life Science, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, China
| | - Xian-Ling Bian
- Key Laboratory of Animal Models and Human Disease Mechanisms of Chinese Academy of Sciences/Engineering Laboratory of Peptides of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, China.,School of Life Science, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Yun Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Animal Models and Human Disease Mechanisms of Chinese Academy of Sciences/Engineering Laboratory of Peptides of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, China.,Center for Excellence in Animal Evolution and Genetics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, China
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