1
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Barai P, Chen J. Beyond protein synthesis: non-translational functions of threonyl-tRNA synthetases. Biochem Soc Trans 2024; 52:661-670. [PMID: 38477373 PMCID: PMC11088916 DOI: 10.1042/bst20230506] [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: 01/21/2024] [Revised: 02/28/2024] [Accepted: 03/04/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024]
Abstract
Aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases (AARSs) play an indispensable role in the translation of mRNAs into proteins. It has become amply clear that AARSs also have non-canonical or non-translational, yet essential, functions in a myriad of cellular and developmental processes. In this mini-review we discuss the current understanding of the roles of threonyl-tRNA synthetase (TARS) beyond protein synthesis and the underlying mechanisms. The two proteins in eukaryotes - cytoplasmic TARS1 and mitochondrial TARS2 - exert their non-canonical functions in the regulation of gene expression, cell signaling, angiogenesis, inflammatory responses, and tumorigenesis. The TARS proteins utilize a range of biochemical mechanisms, including assembly of a translation initiation complex, unexpected protein-protein interactions that lead to activation or inhibition of intracellular signaling pathways, and cytokine-like signaling through cell surface receptors in inflammation and angiogenesis. It is likely that new functions and novel mechanisms will continue to emerge for these multi-talented proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pallob Barai
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Champaign, IL, USA
| | - Jie Chen
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Champaign, IL, USA
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2
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Del Greco C, Antonellis A. The Role of Nuclear-Encoded Mitochondrial tRNA Charging Enzymes in Human Inherited Disease. Genes (Basel) 2022; 13:genes13122319. [PMID: 36553587 PMCID: PMC9777667 DOI: 10.3390/genes13122319] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2022] [Revised: 11/30/2022] [Accepted: 12/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases (ARSs) are highly conserved essential enzymes that charge tRNA with cognate amino acids-the first step of protein synthesis. Of the 37 nuclear-encoded human ARS genes, 17 encode enzymes are exclusively targeted to the mitochondria (mt-ARSs). Mutations in nuclear mt-ARS genes are associated with rare, recessive human diseases with a broad range of clinical phenotypes. While the hypothesized disease mechanism is a loss-of-function effect, there is significant clinical heterogeneity among patients that have mutations in different mt-ARS genes and also among patients that have mutations in the same mt-ARS gene. This observation suggests that additional factors are involved in disease etiology. In this review, we present our current understanding of diseases caused by mutations in the genes encoding mt-ARSs and propose explanations for the observed clinical heterogeneity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christina Del Greco
- Department of Human Genetics, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Anthony Antonellis
- Department of Human Genetics, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
- Department of Neurology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
- Correspondence:
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3
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Zhang F, Zeng QY, Xu H, Xu AN, Liu DJ, Li NZ, Chen Y, Jin Y, Xu CH, Feng CZ, Zhang YL, Liu D, Liu N, Xie YY, Yu SH, Yuan H, Xue K, Shi JY, Liu TX, Xu PF, Zhao WL, Zhou Y, Wang L, Huang QH, Chen Z, Chen SJ, Zhou XL, Sun XJ. Selective and competitive functions of the AAR and UPR pathways in stress-induced angiogenesis. Cell Discov 2021; 7:98. [PMID: 34697290 PMCID: PMC8547220 DOI: 10.1038/s41421-021-00332-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2021] [Accepted: 08/31/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
The amino acid response (AAR) and unfolded protein response (UPR) pathways converge on eIF2α phosphorylation, which is catalyzed by Gcn2 and Perk, respectively, under different stresses. This close interconnection makes it difficult to specify different functions of AAR and UPR. Here, we generated a zebrafish model in which loss of threonyl-tRNA synthetase (Tars) induces angiogenesis dependent on Tars aminoacylation activity. Comparative transcriptome analysis of the tars-mutant and wild-type embryos with/without Gcn2- or Perk-inhibition reveals that only Gcn2-mediated AAR is activated in the tars-mutants, whereas Perk functions predominantly in normal development. Mechanistic analysis shows that, while a considerable amount of eIF2α is normally phosphorylated by Perk, the loss of Tars causes an accumulation of uncharged tRNAThr, which in turn activates Gcn2, leading to phosphorylation of an extra amount of eIF2α. The partial switchover of kinases for eIF2α largely overwhelms the functions of Perk in normal development. Interestingly, although inhibition of Gcn2 and Perk in this stress condition both can reduce the eIF2α phosphorylation levels, their functional consequences in the regulation of target genes and in the rescue of the angiogenic phenotypes are dramatically different. Indeed, genetic and pharmacological manipulations of these pathways validate that the Gcn2-mediated AAR, but not the Perk-mediated UPR, is required for tars-deficiency induced angiogenesis. Thus, the interconnected AAR and UPR pathways differentially regulate angiogenesis through selective functions and mutual competitions, reflecting the specificity and efficiency of multiple stress response pathways that evolve integrally to enable an organism to sense/respond precisely to various types of stresses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fan Zhang
- Shanghai Institute of Hematology, State Key Laboratory of Medical Genomics, National Research Center for Translational Medicine (Shanghai), Ruijin Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Qi-Yu Zeng
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Hao Xu
- Department of Cardiology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Ai-Ning Xu
- Shanghai Institute of Hematology, State Key Laboratory of Medical Genomics, National Research Center for Translational Medicine (Shanghai), Ruijin Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Dian-Jia Liu
- Shanghai Institute of Hematology, State Key Laboratory of Medical Genomics, National Research Center for Translational Medicine (Shanghai), Ruijin Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.,School of Life Sciences & Biotechnology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Ning-Zhe Li
- Shanghai Institute of Hematology, State Key Laboratory of Medical Genomics, National Research Center for Translational Medicine (Shanghai), Ruijin Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.,School of Life Sciences & Biotechnology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yi Chen
- Shanghai Institute of Hematology, State Key Laboratory of Medical Genomics, National Research Center for Translational Medicine (Shanghai), Ruijin Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yi Jin
- Shanghai Institute of Hematology, State Key Laboratory of Medical Genomics, National Research Center for Translational Medicine (Shanghai), Ruijin Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Chun-Hui Xu
- CAS Key Laboratory of Tissue Microenvironment and Tumor, Shanghai Institute of Nutrition and Health, Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Chang-Zhou Feng
- Shanghai Institute of Hematology, State Key Laboratory of Medical Genomics, National Research Center for Translational Medicine (Shanghai), Ruijin Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yuan-Liang Zhang
- Shanghai Institute of Hematology, State Key Laboratory of Medical Genomics, National Research Center for Translational Medicine (Shanghai), Ruijin Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Dan Liu
- Shanghai Institute of Hematology, State Key Laboratory of Medical Genomics, National Research Center for Translational Medicine (Shanghai), Ruijin Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.,Key Laboratory of Systems Biomedicine, Ministry of Education, Shanghai Center for Systems Biomedicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Na Liu
- Shanghai Institute of Hematology, State Key Laboratory of Medical Genomics, National Research Center for Translational Medicine (Shanghai), Ruijin Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.,CAS Key Laboratory of Tissue Microenvironment and Tumor, Shanghai Institute of Nutrition and Health, Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Yin-Yin Xie
- Shanghai Institute of Hematology, State Key Laboratory of Medical Genomics, National Research Center for Translational Medicine (Shanghai), Ruijin Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Shan-He Yu
- Shanghai Institute of Hematology, State Key Laboratory of Medical Genomics, National Research Center for Translational Medicine (Shanghai), Ruijin Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Hao Yuan
- Shanghai Institute of Hematology, State Key Laboratory of Medical Genomics, National Research Center for Translational Medicine (Shanghai), Ruijin Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Kai Xue
- Shanghai Institute of Hematology, State Key Laboratory of Medical Genomics, National Research Center for Translational Medicine (Shanghai), Ruijin Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Jing-Yi Shi
- Shanghai Institute of Hematology, State Key Laboratory of Medical Genomics, National Research Center for Translational Medicine (Shanghai), Ruijin Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Ting Xi Liu
- Shanghai Institute of Hematology, State Key Laboratory of Medical Genomics, National Research Center for Translational Medicine (Shanghai), Ruijin Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.,CAS Key Laboratory of Tissue Microenvironment and Tumor, Shanghai Institute of Nutrition and Health, Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Peng-Fei Xu
- Division of Human Reproduction and Developmental Genetics, Women's Hospital, and Institute of Genetics and Department of Genetics, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Wei-Li Zhao
- Shanghai Institute of Hematology, State Key Laboratory of Medical Genomics, National Research Center for Translational Medicine (Shanghai), Ruijin Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yi Zhou
- Stem Cell Program, Hematology/Oncology Program at Children's Hospital Boston and Dana Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Lan Wang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Tissue Microenvironment and Tumor, Shanghai Institute of Nutrition and Health, Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Qiu-Hua Huang
- Shanghai Institute of Hematology, State Key Laboratory of Medical Genomics, National Research Center for Translational Medicine (Shanghai), Ruijin Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhu Chen
- Shanghai Institute of Hematology, State Key Laboratory of Medical Genomics, National Research Center for Translational Medicine (Shanghai), Ruijin Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Sai-Juan Chen
- Shanghai Institute of Hematology, State Key Laboratory of Medical Genomics, National Research Center for Translational Medicine (Shanghai), Ruijin Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.
| | - Xiao-Long Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China.
| | - Xiao-Jian Sun
- Shanghai Institute of Hematology, State Key Laboratory of Medical Genomics, National Research Center for Translational Medicine (Shanghai), Ruijin Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.
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4
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Zou Y, Yang Y, Fu X, He X, Liu M, Zong T, Li X, Htet Aung L, Wang Z, Yu T. The regulatory roles of aminoacyl-tRNA synthetase in cardiovascular disease. MOLECULAR THERAPY. NUCLEIC ACIDS 2021; 25:372-387. [PMID: 34484863 PMCID: PMC8399643 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtn.2021.06.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases (ARSs) are widely found in organisms, which can activate amino acids and make them bind to tRNA through ester bond to form the corresponding aminoyl-tRNA. The classic function of ARS is to provide raw materials for protein biosynthesis. Recently, emerging evidence demonstrates that ARSs play critical roles in controlling inflammation, immune responses, and tumorigenesis as well as other important physiological and pathological processes. With the recent development of genome and exon sequencing technology, as well as the discovery of new clinical cases, ARSs have been reported to be closely associated with a variety of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), particularly angiogenesis and cardiomyopathy. Intriguingly, aminoacylation was newly identified and reported to modify substrate proteins, thereby regulating protein activity and functions. Sensing the availability of intracellular amino acids is closely related to the regulation of a variety of cell physiology. In this review, we summarize the research progress on the mechanism of CVDs caused by abnormal ARS function and introduce the clinical phenotypes and characteristics of CVDs related to ARS dysfunction. We also highlight the potential roles of aminoacylation in CVDs. Finally, we discuss some of the limitations and challenges of present research. The current findings suggest the significant roles of ARSs involved in the progress of CVDs, which present the potential clinical values as novel diagnostic and therapeutic targets in CVD treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yulin Zou
- Department of Cardiac Ultrasound, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, No. 16 Jiangsu Road, Qingdao 266000, People's Republic of China
| | - Yanyan Yang
- Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medicine, Qingdao University, No. 308 Ningxia Road, Qingdao 266021, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiuxiu Fu
- Department of Cardiac Ultrasound, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, No. 16 Jiangsu Road, Qingdao 266000, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiangqin He
- Department of Cardiac Ultrasound, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, No. 16 Jiangsu Road, Qingdao 266000, People's Republic of China
| | - Meixin Liu
- Department of Cardiac Ultrasound, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, No. 16 Jiangsu Road, Qingdao 266000, People's Republic of China
| | - Tingyu Zong
- Department of Cardiac Ultrasound, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, No. 16 Jiangsu Road, Qingdao 266000, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaolu Li
- Department of Cardiac Ultrasound, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, No. 16 Jiangsu Road, Qingdao 266000, People's Republic of China
| | - Lynn Htet Aung
- Institute for Translational Medicine, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, No. 38 Dengzhou Road, Qingdao 266021, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhibin Wang
- Department of Cardiac Ultrasound, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, No. 16 Jiangsu Road, Qingdao 266000, People's Republic of China
| | - Tao Yu
- Department of Cardiac Ultrasound, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, No. 16 Jiangsu Road, Qingdao 266000, People's Republic of China.,Institute for Translational Medicine, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, No. 38 Dengzhou Road, Qingdao 266021, People's Republic of China
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5
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Abstract
Aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases (AARSs) have been considered very attractive drug-targets for decades. This interest probably emerged with the identification of differences in AARSs between prokaryotic and eukaryotic species, which provided a rationale for the development of antimicrobials targeting bacterial AARSs with minimal effect on the homologous human AARSs. Today we know that AARSs are not only attractive, but also valid drug targets as they are housekeeping proteins that: (i) play a fundamental role in protein translation by charging the corresponding amino acid to its cognate tRNA and preventing mistranslation mistakes [1], a critical process during fast growing conditions of microbes; and (ii) present significant differences between microbes and humans that can be used for drug development [2]. Together with the vast amount of available data on both pathogenic and mammalian AARSs, it is expected that, in the future, the numerous reported inhibitors of AARSs will provide the basis to develop new therapeutics for the treatment of human diseases. In this chapter, a detailed summary on the state-of-the-art in drug discovery and drug development for each aminoacyl-tRNA synthetase will be presented.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Lukarska
- Institute for Advanced Biosciences (IAB), Structural Biology of Novel Drug Targets in Human Diseases, INSERM U1209, CNRS UMR 5309, University Grenoble Alpes, Grenoble, France
| | - Andrés Palencia
- Institute for Advanced Biosciences (IAB), Structural Biology of Novel Drug Targets in Human Diseases, INSERM U1209, CNRS UMR 5309, University Grenoble Alpes, Grenoble, France.
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6
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Wang J, Yang XL. Novel functions of cytoplasmic aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases shaping the hallmarks of cancer. Enzymes 2020; 48:397-423. [PMID: 33837711 DOI: 10.1016/bs.enz.2020.06.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
With the intense protein synthesis demands of cancer, the classical enzymatic role of aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases (aaRSs) is required to sustain tumor growth. However, many if not all aaRSs also possess regulatory functions outside of the domain of catalytic tRNA aminoacylation, which can further contribute to or even antagonize cancers in non-translational ways. These regulatory functions of aaRS are likely to be manipulated in cancer to ensure uncontrolled growth and survival. This review will largely focus on the unique capacities of individual and sometimes collaborating synthetases to influence the hallmarks of cancer, which represent the principles and characteristics of tumorigenesis. An interesting feature of cytoplasmic aaRSs in higher eukaryotes is the formation of a large multi-synthetase complex (MSC) with nine aaRSs held together by three non-enzymatic scaffolding proteins (AIMPs). The MSC-associated aaRSs, when released from the complex in response to certain stimulations, often participate in pathways that promote tumorigenesis. In contrast, the freestanding aaRSs are associated with activities in both directions-some promoting while others inhibiting cancer. The AIMPs have emerged as potent tumor suppressors through their own distinct mechanisms. We propose that the tumor-suppressive roles of AIMPs may also be a consequence of keeping the cancer-promoting aaRSs within the MSC. The rich connections between cancer and the synthetases have inspired the development of innovative cancer treatments that target or take advantage of these novel functions of aaRSs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Justin Wang
- Department of Molecular Medicine, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA, United States
| | - Xiang-Lei Yang
- Department of Molecular Medicine, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA, United States.
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7
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Wakasugi K, Yokosawa T. Non-canonical functions of human cytoplasmic tyrosyl-, tryptophanyl- and other aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases. Enzymes 2020; 48:207-242. [PMID: 33837705 DOI: 10.1016/bs.enz.2020.04.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases catalyze the aminoacylation of their cognate tRNAs. Here we review the accumulated knowledge of non-canonical functions of human cytoplasmic aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases, especially tyrosyl- (TyrRS) and tryptophanyl-tRNA synthetase (TrpRS). Human TyrRS and TrpRS have an extra domain. Two distinct cytokines, i.e., the core catalytic "mini TyrRS" and the extra C-domain, are generated from human TyrRS by proteolytic cleavage. Moreover, the core catalytic domains of human TyrRS and TrpRS function as angiogenic and angiostatic factors, respectively, whereas the full-length forms are inactive for this function. It is also known that many synthetases change their localization in response to a specific signal and subsequently exhibit alternative functions. Furthermore, some synthetases function as sensors for amino acids by changing their protein interactions in an amino acid-dependent manner. Further studies will be necessary to elucidate regulatory mechanisms of non-canonical functions of aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases in particular, by analyzing the effect of their post-translational modifications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keisuke Wakasugi
- Department of Life Sciences, Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan; Department of Biological Sciences, Graduate School of Science, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan.
| | - Takumi Yokosawa
- Department of Biological Sciences, Graduate School of Science, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
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8
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The versatile functions of OsALDH2B1 provide a genic basis for growth-defense trade-offs in rice. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2020; 117:3867-3873. [PMID: 32024752 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1918994117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
In plants, enhanced defense often compromises growth and development, which is regarded as trade-offs between growth and defense. Here we identified a gene, OsALDH2B1, that functions as a master regulator of the growth-defense trade-off in rice. OsALDH2B1 has its primary function as an aldehyde dehydrogenase and a moonlight function as a transcriptional regulator. Loss of function of OsALDH2B1 greatly enhanced resistance to broad-spectrum pathogens, including fungal blast, bacterial leaf blight, and leaf streak, but caused severe phenotypic changes such as male sterility and reduced plant size, grain size, and number. We showed that its primary function as a mitochondrial aldehyde dehydrogenase conditions male fertility. Its moonlight function of transcriptional regulation, featuring both repressing and activating activities, regulates a diverse range of biological processes involving brassinolide, G protein, jasmonic acid, and salicylic acid signaling pathways. Such regulations cause large impacts on the morphology and immunity of rice plants. The versatile functions of OsALDH2B1 provide an example of the genic basis of growth-defense trade-offs in plants.
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9
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Abstract
Aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases (ARSs) are essential enzymes for protein synthesis with evolutionarily conserved enzymatic mechanisms. Despite their similarity across organisms, scientists have been able to generate effective anti-infective agents based on the structural differences in the catalytic clefts of ARSs from pathogens and humans. However, recent genomic, proteomic and functionomic advances have unveiled unexpected disease-associated mutations and altered expression, secretion and interactions in human ARSs, revealing hidden biological functions beyond their catalytic roles in protein synthesis. These studies have also brought to light their potential as a rich and unexplored source for new therapeutic targets and agents through multiple avenues, including direct targeting of the catalytic sites, controlling disease-associated protein-protein interactions and developing novel biologics from the secreted ARS proteins or their parts. This Review addresses the emerging biology and therapeutic applications of human ARSs in diseases including autoimmune and rare diseases, and cancer.
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10
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Chen Y, Ruan ZR, Wang Y, Huang Q, Xue MQ, Zhou XL, Wang ED. A threonyl-tRNA synthetase-like protein has tRNA aminoacylation and editing activities. Nucleic Acids Res 2019; 46:3643-3656. [PMID: 29579307 PMCID: PMC5909460 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gky211] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2017] [Accepted: 03/13/2018] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
TARS and TARS2 encode cytoplasmic and mitochondrial threonyl-tRNA synthetases (ThrRSs) in mammals, respectively. Interestingly, in higher eukaryotes, a third gene, TARSL2, encodes a ThrRS-like protein (ThrRS-L), which is highly homologous to cytoplasmic ThrRS but with a different N-terminal extension (N-extension). Whether ThrRS-L has canonical functions is unknown. In this work, we studied the organ expression pattern, cellular localization, canonical aminoacylation and editing activities of mouse ThrRS-L (mThrRS-L). Tarsl2 is ubiquitously but unevenly expressed in mouse tissues. Different from mouse cytoplasmic ThrRS (mThrRS), mThrRS-L is located in both the cytoplasm and nucleus; the nuclear distribution is mediated via a nuclear localization sequence at its C-terminus. Native mThrRS-L enriched from HEK293T cells was active in aminoacylation and editing. To investigate the in vitro catalytic properties of mThrRS-L accurately, we replaced the N-extension of mThrRS-L with that of mThrRS. The chimeric protein (mThrRS-L-NT) has amino acid activation, aminoacylation and editing activities. We compared the activities and cross-species tRNA recognition between mThrRS-L-NT and mThrRS. Despite having a similar aminoacylation activity, mThrRS-L-NT and mThrRS exhibit differences in tRNA recognition and editing capacity. Our results provided the first analysis of the aminoacylation and editing activities of ThrRS-L, and improved our understanding of Tarsl2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yun Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, 320 Yue Yang Road, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhi-Rong Ruan
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, 320 Yue Yang Road, Shanghai, China
| | - Yong Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, 320 Yue Yang Road, Shanghai, China.,School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, 100 Haike Road, Shanghai, China
| | - Qian Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, 320 Yue Yang Road, Shanghai, China
| | - Mei-Qin Xue
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, 320 Yue Yang Road, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiao-Long Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, 320 Yue Yang Road, Shanghai, China
| | - En-Duo Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, 320 Yue Yang Road, Shanghai, China.,School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, 100 Haike Road, Shanghai, China
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11
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Yu M, Li Y, Banakar SP, Liu L, Shao C, Li Z, Wang C. New Metabolites From the Co-culture of Marine-Derived Actinomycete Streptomyces rochei MB037 and Fungus Rhinocladiella similis 35. Front Microbiol 2019; 10:915. [PMID: 31134000 PMCID: PMC6514141 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2019.00915] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2018] [Accepted: 04/10/2019] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Co-culture of different microbes simulating the natural state of microbial community may produce potentially new compounds because of nutrition or space competition. To mine its metabolic potential in depth, co-culture of Streptomyces rochei MB037 with a gorgonian-derived fungus Rhinocladiella similis 35 was carried out to stimulate the production of new metabolites in this study, using pure cultivation as control. Five metabolites were isolated successfully from co-culture broth, including two new fatty acids with rare nitrile group, borrelidins J and K (1 and 2), one chromone derivative as a new natural product, 7-methoxy-2,3-dimethylchromone-4-one (3), together with two known 18-membered macrolides, borrelidin (4) and borrelidin F (5). The structures of 1–3 were elucidated by using a combination of NMR and MS spectroscopy, ester hydrolysis, and optical rotation methods. Interestingly, 1 and 2 were obtained only in co-culture. Though 3 was gained from either co-culture or single culture, its production was increased significantly by co-culture. Compound 1 exhibited significant antibacterial activity against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus with a MIC value of 0.195 μg/mL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meilin Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Metabolism, School of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China.,Key Laboratory of Marine Drugs, The Ministry of Education of China, School of Medicine and Pharmacy, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, China.,Laboratory for Marine Drugs and Bioproducts, Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao, China
| | - Yingxin Li
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Metabolism, School of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Shivakumar P Banakar
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Metabolism, School of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Lu Liu
- Key Laboratory of Marine Drugs, The Ministry of Education of China, School of Medicine and Pharmacy, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, China.,Laboratory for Marine Drugs and Bioproducts, Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao, China
| | - Changlun Shao
- Key Laboratory of Marine Drugs, The Ministry of Education of China, School of Medicine and Pharmacy, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, China.,Laboratory for Marine Drugs and Bioproducts, Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao, China
| | - Zhiyong Li
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Metabolism, School of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Changyun Wang
- Key Laboratory of Marine Drugs, The Ministry of Education of China, School of Medicine and Pharmacy, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, China.,Laboratory for Marine Drugs and Bioproducts, Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao, China.,Institute of Evolution and Marine Biodiversity, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, China
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12
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Gembus V, Karmazin L, Uguen D, Zoller T. Formal Synthesis of Borrelidin: A Highly Enantio- and Diastereoselective Access to the Morken’s C2–C12 Intermediate. BULLETIN OF THE CHEMICAL SOCIETY OF JAPAN 2019. [DOI: 10.1246/bcsj.20180292] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Vincent Gembus
- Laboratoire de Synthèse Organique (associé au CNRS; UMR 7509), Ecole Européenne de Chimie, Polymères et Matériaux, Université de Strasbourg, 25 rue Becquerel, 67087 Strasbourg, France
| | - Lydia Karmazin
- Service de Radiocristallographie, Université de Strasbourg, BP296/R8, 67008 Strasbourg, France
| | - Daniel Uguen
- Laboratoire de Synthèse Organique (associé au CNRS; UMR 7509), Ecole Européenne de Chimie, Polymères et Matériaux, Université de Strasbourg, 25 rue Becquerel, 67087 Strasbourg, France
| | - Thomas Zoller
- Laboratoire de Synthèse Organique (associé au CNRS; UMR 7509), Ecole Européenne de Chimie, Polymères et Matériaux, Université de Strasbourg, 25 rue Becquerel, 67087 Strasbourg, France
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13
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Francklyn CS, Mullen P. Progress and challenges in aminoacyl-tRNA synthetase-based therapeutics. J Biol Chem 2019; 294:5365-5385. [PMID: 30670594 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.rev118.002956] [Citation(s) in RCA: 89] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases (ARSs) are universal enzymes that catalyze the attachment of amino acids to the 3' ends of their cognate tRNAs. The resulting aminoacylated tRNAs are escorted to the ribosome where they enter protein synthesis. By specifically matching amino acids to defined anticodon sequences in tRNAs, ARSs are essential to the physical interpretation of the genetic code. In addition to their canonical role in protein synthesis, ARSs are also involved in RNA splicing, transcriptional regulation, translation, and other aspects of cellular homeostasis. Likewise, aminoacylated tRNAs serve as amino acid donors for biosynthetic processes distinct from protein synthesis, including lipid modification and antibiotic biosynthesis. Thanks to the wealth of details on ARS structures and functions and the growing appreciation of their additional roles regulating cellular homeostasis, opportunities for the development of clinically useful ARS inhibitors are emerging to manage microbial and parasite infections. Exploitation of these opportunities has been stimulated by the discovery of new inhibitor frameworks, the use of semi-synthetic approaches combining chemistry and genome engineering, and more powerful techniques for identifying leads from the screening of large chemical libraries. Here, we review the inhibition of ARSs by small molecules, including the various families of natural products, as well as inhibitors developed by either rational design or high-throughput screening as antibiotics and anti-parasitic therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher S Francklyn
- From the Department of Biochemistry, College of Medicine, University of Vermont, Burlington, Vermont 05405
| | - Patrick Mullen
- From the Department of Biochemistry, College of Medicine, University of Vermont, Burlington, Vermont 05405
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14
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Zielonka M, Probst J, Carl M, Hoffmann GF, Kölker S, Okun JG. Bioenergetic dysfunction in a zebrafish model of acute hyperammonemic decompensation. Exp Neurol 2019; 314:91-99. [PMID: 30653968 DOI: 10.1016/j.expneurol.2019.01.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2018] [Revised: 12/18/2018] [Accepted: 01/12/2019] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Acute hyperammonemic encephalopathy is a life-threatening manifestation of individuals with urea cycle disorders, which is associated with high mortality rates and severe neurological sequelae in survivors. Cerebral bioenergetic failure has been proposed as one of the key mechanisms underlying hyperammonemia-induced brain damage, but data supporting this hypothesis remain inconclusive and partially contradictory. Using a previously established zebrafish model of acute hyperammonemic decompensation, we unraveled that acute hyperammonemia leads to a transamination-dependent withdrawal of 2-oxoglutarate (alpha-ketoglutarate) from the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle with consecutive TCA cycle dysfunction, ultimately causing impaired oxidative phosphorylation with ATP shortage, decreased ATP/ADP-ratio and elevated lactate concentrations. Thus, our study supports and extends the hypothesis that cerebral bioenergetic dysfunction is an important pathophysiological hallmark of hyperammonemia-induced neurotoxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthias Zielonka
- Center for Child and Adolescent Medicine, Division for Pediatric Neurology and Metabolic Medicine, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany; Heidelberg Research Center for Molecular Medicine (HRCMM), Heidelberg, Germany.
| | - Joris Probst
- Center for Child and Adolescent Medicine, Division for Pediatric Neurology and Metabolic Medicine, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Matthias Carl
- Center for Integrative Biology (CIBIO), Laboratory of Translational Neurogenetics, University of Trento, Trento, Italy
| | - Georg Friedrich Hoffmann
- Center for Child and Adolescent Medicine, Division for Pediatric Neurology and Metabolic Medicine, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Stefan Kölker
- Center for Child and Adolescent Medicine, Division for Pediatric Neurology and Metabolic Medicine, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Jürgen Günther Okun
- Center for Child and Adolescent Medicine, Division for Pediatric Neurology and Metabolic Medicine, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
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15
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Zielonka M, Breuer M, Okun JG, Carl M, Hoffmann GF, Kölker S. Pharmacologic rescue of hyperammonemia-induced toxicity in zebrafish by inhibition of ornithine aminotransferase. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0203707. [PMID: 30199544 PMCID: PMC6130883 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0203707] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2018] [Accepted: 08/24/2018] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Hyperammonemia is the common biochemical hallmark of urea cycle disorders, activating neurotoxic pathways. If untreated, affected individuals have a high risk of irreversible brain damage and mortality. Here we show that acute hyperammonemia strongly enhances transamination-dependent formation of osmolytic glutamine and excitatory glutamate, thereby inducing neurotoxicity and death in ammoniotelic zebrafish larvae via synergistically acting overactivation of NMDA receptors and bioenergetic impairment induced by depletion of 2-oxoglutarate. Intriguingly, specific and irreversible inhibition of ornithine aminotransferase (OAT) by 5-fluoromethylornithine rescues zebrafish from lethal concentrations of ammonium acetate and corrects hyperammonemia-induced biochemical alterations. Thus, OAT inhibition is a promising and effective therapeutic approach for preventing neurotoxicity and mortality in acute hyperammonemia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthias Zielonka
- University Hospital Heidelberg, Center for Child and Adolescent Medicine, Division for Pediatric Neurology and Metabolic Medicine, Heidelberg, Germany
- Heidelberg Research Center for Molecular Medicine (HRCMM), Heidelberg, Germany
- * E-mail:
| | - Maximilian Breuer
- University Hospital Heidelberg, Center for Child and Adolescent Medicine, Division for Pediatric Neurology and Metabolic Medicine, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Jürgen Günther Okun
- University Hospital Heidelberg, Center for Child and Adolescent Medicine, Division for Pediatric Neurology and Metabolic Medicine, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Matthias Carl
- Heidelberg University, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Mannheim, Germany
- University of Trento, Center for Integrative Biology (CIBIO), Laboratory of Translational Neurogenetics, Trento, Italy
| | - Georg Friedrich Hoffmann
- University Hospital Heidelberg, Center for Child and Adolescent Medicine, Division for Pediatric Neurology and Metabolic Medicine, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Stefan Kölker
- University Hospital Heidelberg, Center for Child and Adolescent Medicine, Division for Pediatric Neurology and Metabolic Medicine, Heidelberg, Germany
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16
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Li Y, Zhang F, Banakar S, Li Z. Comprehensive optimization of precursor-directed production of BC194 by Streptomyces rochei MB037 derived from the marine sponge Dysidea arenaria. Appl Microbiol Biotechnol 2018; 102:7865-7875. [PMID: 30039331 DOI: 10.1007/s00253-018-9237-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2018] [Revised: 06/29/2018] [Accepted: 07/10/2018] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
BC194, a derivative of borrelidin (BN) that features a lower cytotoxicity than that of BN due to an altered starter unit, trans-1,2-cyclobutanedicarboxylic acid (trans-1,2-CBDA), is a potent inhibitor of angiogenesis. However, BC194 production has only been reported to occur via mutasynthesis, which requires tedious, multistep genetic manipulation. In this study, we surveyed several factors contributing to the precursor-directed biosynthesis of BC194 and provided an alternative method for the production of BC194 that is directly applicable to other BN-producing strains. First, the precursor-directed biosynthesis of BC194 by a BN-producing strain, Streptomyces rochei MB037 derived from sponge Dysidea arenaria, was carried out in modified Radix astragali (RA) medium with 5 mM trans-1,2-CBDA. Next, possible inhibitors of BN starter unit trans-1,2-cyclopentanedicarboxylic acid (trans-1,2-CPDA) biosynthesis were investigated. It was found that potassium ferricyanide was a possible inhibitor of 3,4-dihydroxyphenylacetate 2,3-dioxygenase (DHPAO) and capable of suppressing the yield of BN and increasing the BC194 yield by 112.5% (from 5.2 ± 0.76 to 11.9 ± 0.59 mg/L). BC194 yield was further enhanced in the presence of 50 mM trans-1,2-CBDA, reaching 20.2 ± 0.62 mg/L. Furthermore, 3% macroporous adsorbent DA-201 resin was added to the fermentation broth, enabling a further 36.6% increase in BC194 production and reaching 27.59 ± 1.15 mg/L. Moreover, an efficient separation of BC194 with approximately 95% purity was developed by employing high-speed counter-current chromatography (HSCCC), achieving an improved recovery (approximately 93%).
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Affiliation(s)
- Yingxin Li
- Marine Biotechnology Laboratory, State Key Laboratory of Microbial Metabolism and School of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Fengli Zhang
- Marine Biotechnology Laboratory, State Key Laboratory of Microbial Metabolism and School of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Shivakumar Banakar
- Marine Biotechnology Laboratory, State Key Laboratory of Microbial Metabolism and School of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhiyong Li
- Marine Biotechnology Laboratory, State Key Laboratory of Microbial Metabolism and School of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China.
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17
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Jeffery CJ. Protein moonlighting: what is it, and why is it important? Philos Trans R Soc Lond B Biol Sci 2018; 373:rstb.2016.0523. [PMID: 29203708 DOI: 10.1098/rstb.2016.0523] [Citation(s) in RCA: 176] [Impact Index Per Article: 29.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/24/2017] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Members of the GroEL/HSP60 protein family have been studied for many years because of their critical roles as ATP-dependent molecular chaperones, so it might come as a surprise that some have important functions in ATP-poor conditions, for example, when secreted outside the cell. At least some members of each of the HSP10, HSP70, HSP90, HSP100 and HSP110 heat shock protein families are also 'moonlighting proteins'. Moonlighting proteins exhibit more than one physiologically relevant biochemical or biophysical function within one polypeptide chain. In this class of multifunctional proteins, the multiple functions are not due to gene fusions or multiple proteolytic fragments. Several hundred moonlighting proteins have been identified, and they include a diverse set of proteins with a large variety of functions. Some participate in multiple biochemical processes by using an active site pocket for catalysis and a different part of the protein's surface to interact with other proteins. Moonlighting proteins play a central role in many diseases, and the development of novel treatments would be aided by more information addressing current questions, for example, how some are targeted to multiple cellular locations and how a single function can be targeted by therapeutics without targeting a function not involved in disease.This article is part of the theme issue 'Heat shock proteins as modulators and therapeutic targets of chronic disease: an integrated perspective'.
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Affiliation(s)
- Constance J Jeffery
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60607, USA
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18
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19
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A single Danio rerio hars gene encodes both cytoplasmic and mitochondrial histidyl-tRNA synthetases. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0185317. [PMID: 28934368 PMCID: PMC5608375 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0185317] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2017] [Accepted: 09/11/2017] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Histidyl tRNA Synthetase (HARS) is a member of the aminoacyl tRNA synthetase (ARS) family of enzymes. This family of 20 enzymes is responsible for attaching specific amino acids to their cognate tRNA molecules, a critical step in protein synthesis. However, recent work highlighting a growing number of associations between ARS genes and diverse human diseases raises the possibility of new and unexpected functions in this ancient enzyme family. For example, mutations in HARS have been linked to two different neurological disorders, Usher Syndrome Type IIIB and Charcot Marie Tooth peripheral neuropathy. These connections raise the possibility of previously undiscovered roles for HARS in metazoan development, with alterations in these functions leading to complex diseases. In an attempt to establish Danio rerio as a model for studying HARS functions in human disease, we characterized the Danio rerio hars gene and compared it to that of human HARS. Using a combination of bioinformatics, molecular biology, and cellular approaches, we found that while the human genome encodes separate genes for cytoplasmic and mitochondrial HARS protein, the Danio rerio genome encodes a single hars gene which undergoes alternative splicing to produce the respective cytoplasmic and mitochondrial versions of Hars. Nevertheless, while the HARS genes of humans and Danio differ significantly at the genomic level, we found that they are still highly conserved at the amino acid level, underscoring the potential utility of Danio rerio as a model organism for investigating HARS function and its link to human diseases in vivo.
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Mirando AC, Abdi K, Wo P, Lounsbury KM. Assessing the effects of threonyl-tRNA synthetase on angiogenesis-related responses. Methods 2016; 113:132-138. [PMID: 27847344 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymeth.2016.11.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2016] [Revised: 11/08/2016] [Accepted: 11/11/2016] [Indexed: 10/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Several recent reports have found a connection between specific aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases and the regulation of angiogenesis. As this new area of research is explored, it is important to have reliable assays to assess the specific angiogenesis functions of these enzymes. This review provides information about specific in vitro and in vivo methods that were used to assess the angiogenic functions of threonyl-tRNA synthetase including endothelial cell migration and tube assays as well as chorioallantoic membrane and tumor vascularization assays. The theory and discussion include best methods of analysis and quantification along with the advantages and limitations of each type of assay.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adam C Mirando
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, University of Vermont, Burlington, VT 05405, United States
| | - Khadar Abdi
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, University of Vermont, Burlington, VT 05405, United States
| | - Peibin Wo
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, University of Vermont, Burlington, VT 05405, United States
| | - Karen M Lounsbury
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, University of Vermont, Burlington, VT 05405, United States.
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21
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Abbott JA, Livingston NM, Egri SB, Guth E, Francklyn CS. Characterization of aminoacyl-tRNA synthetase stability and substrate interaction by differential scanning fluorimetry. Methods 2016; 113:64-71. [PMID: 27794454 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymeth.2016.10.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2016] [Revised: 10/22/2016] [Accepted: 10/25/2016] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Differential scanning fluorimetry (DSF) is a fluorescence-based assay to evaluate protein stability by determining protein melting temperatures. Here, we describe the application of DSF to investigate aminoacyl-tRNA synthetase (AARS) stability and interaction with ligands. Employing three bacterial AARS enzymes as model systems, methods are presented here for the use of DSF to measure the apparent temperatures at which AARSs undergo melting transitions, and the effect of AARS substrates and inhibitors. One important observation is that the extent of temperature stability realized by an AARS in response to a particular bound ligand cannot be predicted a priori. The DSF method thus serves as a rapid and highly quantitative approach to measure AARS stability, and the ability of ligands to influence the temperature at which unfolding transitions occur.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jamie A Abbott
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Vermont, Burlington, VT 05405, USA.
| | - Nathan M Livingston
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Vermont, Burlington, VT 05405, USA
| | - Shawn B Egri
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Vermont, Burlington, VT 05405, USA
| | - Ethan Guth
- Chemistry & Biochemistry Department, Norwich University, Northfield, VT 05663, USA
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22
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Abstract
Coronary flow (CF) measured ex vivo is largely determined by capillary density that reflects angiogenic vessel formation in the heart in vivo. Here we exploit this relationship and show that CF in the rat is influenced by a locus on rat chromosome 2 that is also associated with cardiac capillary density. Mitochondrial tryptophanyl-tRNA synthetase (Wars2), encoding an L53F protein variant within the ATP-binding motif, is prioritized as the candidate at the locus by integrating genomic data sets. WARS2(L53F) has low enzyme activity and inhibition of WARS2 in endothelial cells reduces angiogenesis. In the zebrafish, inhibition of wars2 results in trunk vessel deficiencies, disordered endocardial-myocardial contact and impaired heart function. Inhibition of Wars2 in the rat causes cardiac angiogenesis defects and diminished cardiac capillary density. Our data demonstrate a pro-angiogenic function for Wars2 both within and outside the heart that may have translational relevance given the association of WARS2 with common human diseases. Blood supply to the heart is crucial for cardiac function. Here, the authors show that the mitochondrial tryptophanyl-tRNA synthetase, WARS2, drives blood vessel generation in zebrafish and rats and that inhibition of Wars2 diminishes blood vessel growth both within and outside in the heart, suggesting a new target for manipulating angiogenesis.
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23
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Cao Z, Wang H, Mao X, Luo L. Noncanonical function of threonyl-tRNA synthetase regulates vascular development in zebrafish. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2016; 473:67-72. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2016.03.051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2016] [Accepted: 03/13/2016] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
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24
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Lounsbury KM, Francklyn CS. Aminoacyl-Transfer RNA Synthetases: Connecting Nutrient Status to Angiogenesis Through the Unfolded Protein Response. Arterioscler Thromb Vasc Biol 2016; 36:582-3. [PMID: 27010025 DOI: 10.1161/atvbaha.116.307193] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Karen M Lounsbury
- From the Departments of Pharmacology (K.M.L.) and Biochemistry (C.S.F.), University of Vermont, College of Medicine, Burlington.
| | - Christopher S Francklyn
- From the Departments of Pharmacology (K.M.L.) and Biochemistry (C.S.F.), University of Vermont, College of Medicine, Burlington
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25
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Castranova D, Davis AE, Lo BD, Miller MF, Paukstelis PJ, Swift MR, Pham VN, Torres-Vázquez J, Bell K, Shaw KM, Kamei M, Weinstein BM. Aminoacyl-Transfer RNA Synthetase Deficiency Promotes Angiogenesis via the Unfolded Protein Response Pathway. Arterioscler Thromb Vasc Biol 2016; 36:655-62. [PMID: 26821951 DOI: 10.1161/atvbaha.115.307087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2015] [Accepted: 01/07/2016] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Understanding the mechanisms regulating normal and pathological angiogenesis is of great scientific and clinical interest. In this report, we show that mutations in 2 different aminoacyl-transfer RNA synthetases, threonyl tRNA synthetase (tars(y58)) or isoleucyl tRNA synthetase (iars(y68)), lead to similar increased branching angiogenesis in developing zebrafish. APPROACH AND RESULTS The unfolded protein response pathway is activated by aminoacyl-transfer RNA synthetase deficiencies, and we show that unfolded protein response genes atf4, atf6, and xbp1, as well as the key proangiogenic ligand vascular endothelial growth factor (vegfaa), are all upregulated in tars(y58) and iars(y68) mutants. Finally, we show that the protein kinase RNA-like endoplasmic reticulum kinase-activating transcription factor 4 arm of the unfolded protein response pathway is necessary for both the elevated vegfaa levels and increased angiogenesis observed in tars(y58) mutants. CONCLUSIONS Our results suggest that endoplasmic reticulum stress acts as a proangiogenic signal via unfolded protein response pathway-dependent upregulation of vegfaa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Castranova
- From the Program in Genomics of Differentiation, National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD (D.C., A.E.D., B.D.L., M.F.M., M.R.S., V.N.P., J.T.-V., K.B., K.M.S., M.K., B.M.W.); and Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, College of Computer, Mathematical, and Natural Sciences, University of Maryland, College Park (P.J.P.)
| | - Andrew E Davis
- From the Program in Genomics of Differentiation, National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD (D.C., A.E.D., B.D.L., M.F.M., M.R.S., V.N.P., J.T.-V., K.B., K.M.S., M.K., B.M.W.); and Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, College of Computer, Mathematical, and Natural Sciences, University of Maryland, College Park (P.J.P.)
| | - Brigid D Lo
- From the Program in Genomics of Differentiation, National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD (D.C., A.E.D., B.D.L., M.F.M., M.R.S., V.N.P., J.T.-V., K.B., K.M.S., M.K., B.M.W.); and Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, College of Computer, Mathematical, and Natural Sciences, University of Maryland, College Park (P.J.P.)
| | - Mayumi F Miller
- From the Program in Genomics of Differentiation, National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD (D.C., A.E.D., B.D.L., M.F.M., M.R.S., V.N.P., J.T.-V., K.B., K.M.S., M.K., B.M.W.); and Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, College of Computer, Mathematical, and Natural Sciences, University of Maryland, College Park (P.J.P.)
| | - Paul J Paukstelis
- From the Program in Genomics of Differentiation, National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD (D.C., A.E.D., B.D.L., M.F.M., M.R.S., V.N.P., J.T.-V., K.B., K.M.S., M.K., B.M.W.); and Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, College of Computer, Mathematical, and Natural Sciences, University of Maryland, College Park (P.J.P.)
| | - Matthew R Swift
- From the Program in Genomics of Differentiation, National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD (D.C., A.E.D., B.D.L., M.F.M., M.R.S., V.N.P., J.T.-V., K.B., K.M.S., M.K., B.M.W.); and Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, College of Computer, Mathematical, and Natural Sciences, University of Maryland, College Park (P.J.P.)
| | - Van N Pham
- From the Program in Genomics of Differentiation, National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD (D.C., A.E.D., B.D.L., M.F.M., M.R.S., V.N.P., J.T.-V., K.B., K.M.S., M.K., B.M.W.); and Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, College of Computer, Mathematical, and Natural Sciences, University of Maryland, College Park (P.J.P.)
| | - Jesús Torres-Vázquez
- From the Program in Genomics of Differentiation, National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD (D.C., A.E.D., B.D.L., M.F.M., M.R.S., V.N.P., J.T.-V., K.B., K.M.S., M.K., B.M.W.); and Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, College of Computer, Mathematical, and Natural Sciences, University of Maryland, College Park (P.J.P.)
| | - Kameha Bell
- From the Program in Genomics of Differentiation, National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD (D.C., A.E.D., B.D.L., M.F.M., M.R.S., V.N.P., J.T.-V., K.B., K.M.S., M.K., B.M.W.); and Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, College of Computer, Mathematical, and Natural Sciences, University of Maryland, College Park (P.J.P.)
| | - Kenna M Shaw
- From the Program in Genomics of Differentiation, National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD (D.C., A.E.D., B.D.L., M.F.M., M.R.S., V.N.P., J.T.-V., K.B., K.M.S., M.K., B.M.W.); and Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, College of Computer, Mathematical, and Natural Sciences, University of Maryland, College Park (P.J.P.)
| | - Makoto Kamei
- From the Program in Genomics of Differentiation, National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD (D.C., A.E.D., B.D.L., M.F.M., M.R.S., V.N.P., J.T.-V., K.B., K.M.S., M.K., B.M.W.); and Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, College of Computer, Mathematical, and Natural Sciences, University of Maryland, College Park (P.J.P.)
| | - Brant M Weinstein
- From the Program in Genomics of Differentiation, National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD (D.C., A.E.D., B.D.L., M.F.M., M.R.S., V.N.P., J.T.-V., K.B., K.M.S., M.K., B.M.W.); and Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, College of Computer, Mathematical, and Natural Sciences, University of Maryland, College Park (P.J.P.).
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