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Valdivia-Francia F, Sendoel A. No country for old methods: New tools for studying microproteins. iScience 2024; 27:108972. [PMID: 38333695 PMCID: PMC10850755 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2024.108972] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Microproteins encoded by small open reading frames (sORFs) have emerged as a fascinating frontier in genomics. Traditionally overlooked due to their small size, recent technological advancements such as ribosome profiling, mass spectrometry-based strategies and advanced computational approaches have led to the annotation of more than 7000 sORFs in the human genome. Despite the vast progress, only a tiny portion of these microproteins have been characterized and an important challenge in the field lies in identifying functionally relevant microproteins and understanding their role in different cellular contexts. In this review, we explore the recent advancements in sORF research, focusing on the new methodologies and computational approaches that have facilitated their identification and functional characterization. Leveraging these new tools hold great promise for dissecting the diverse cellular roles of microproteins and will ultimately pave the way for understanding their role in the pathogenesis of diseases and identifying new therapeutic targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabiola Valdivia-Francia
- University of Zurich, Institute for Regenerative Medicine (IREM), Wagistrasse 12, 8952 Schlieren-Zurich, Switzerland
- Life Science Zurich Graduate School, Molecular Life Science Program, University of Zurich/ ETH Zurich, Schlieren-Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Ataman Sendoel
- University of Zurich, Institute for Regenerative Medicine (IREM), Wagistrasse 12, 8952 Schlieren-Zurich, Switzerland
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Zhang D, Gao Y, Zhu L, Wang Y, Li P. Advances and opportunities in methods to study protein translation - A review. Int J Biol Macromol 2024; 259:129150. [PMID: 38171441 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2023.129150] [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: 08/02/2023] [Revised: 12/27/2023] [Accepted: 12/28/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024]
Abstract
It is generally believed that the regulation of gene expression involves protein translation occurring before RNA transcription. Therefore, it is crucial to investigate protein translation and its regulation. Recent advancements in biological sciences, particularly in the field of omics, have revolutionized protein translation research. These studies not only help characterize changes in protein translation during specific biological or pathological processes but also have significant implications in disease prevention and treatment. In this review, we summarize the latest methods in ribosome-based translation omics. We specifically focus on the application of fluorescence imaging technology and omics technology in studying overall protein translation. Additionally, we analyze the advantages, disadvantages, and application of these experimental methods, aiming to provide valuable insights and references to researchers studying translation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dejiu Zhang
- Institute for Translational Medicine, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, College of Medicine, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Yanyan Gao
- Institute for Translational Medicine, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, College of Medicine, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Lei Zhu
- College of Basic Medical, Qingdao Binhai University, Qingdao, China
| | - Yin Wang
- Institute for Translational Medicine, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, College of Medicine, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China.
| | - Peifeng Li
- Institute for Translational Medicine, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, College of Medicine, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China.
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Guo F, Qin S, Liu Z, Chen PR, Fan X. Decaging-to-labeling: Development and investigation of quinone methide warhead for protein labeling. Bioorg Chem 2024; 143:107088. [PMID: 38194902 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioorg.2023.107088] [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: 10/31/2023] [Revised: 12/28/2023] [Accepted: 12/30/2023] [Indexed: 01/11/2024]
Abstract
Biomolecule labeling in living systems is crucial for understanding biological processes and discovering therapeutic targets. A variety of labeling warheads have been developed for multiple biological applications, including proteomics, bioimaging, sequencing, and drug development. Quinone methides (QMs), a class of highly reactive Michael receptors, have recently emerged as prominent warheads for on-demand biomolecule labeling. Their highly flexible functionality and tunability allow for diverse biological applications, but remain poorly explored at present. In this regard, we designed, synthesized, and evaluated a series of new QM probes with a trifluoromethyl group at the benzyl position and substituents on the aromatic ring to manipulate their chemical properties for biomolecule labeling. The engineered QM warhead efficiently labeled proteins both in vitro and under living cell conditions, with significantly enhanced activity compared to previous QM warheads. We further analyzed the labeling efficacy with the assistance of density functional theory (DFT) calculations, which revealed that the QM generation process, rather than the reactivity of QM, contributes more predominantly to the labeling efficacy. Noteworthy, twelve nucleophilic residues on the BSA were labeled by the probe, including Cys, Asp, Glu, His, Lys, Asn, Gln, Arg, Ser, Thr, Trp and Tyr. Given their high efficiency and tunability, these new QM warheads may hold great promise for a broad range of applications, especially spatiotemporal proteomic profiling for in-depth biological studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fuhu Guo
- Synthetic and Functional Biomolecules Center, Key Laboratory of Bioorganic Chemistry and Molecular Engineering of Ministry of Education, Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences, College of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Shengnan Qin
- Synthetic and Functional Biomolecules Center, Key Laboratory of Bioorganic Chemistry and Molecular Engineering of Ministry of Education, Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences, College of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Ziqi Liu
- Peking-Tsinghua Center for Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Peng R Chen
- Synthetic and Functional Biomolecules Center, Key Laboratory of Bioorganic Chemistry and Molecular Engineering of Ministry of Education, Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences, College of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China; Peking-Tsinghua Center for Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China.
| | - Xinyuan Fan
- Synthetic and Functional Biomolecules Center, Key Laboratory of Bioorganic Chemistry and Molecular Engineering of Ministry of Education, Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences, College of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China; Peking-Tsinghua Center for Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China.
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Mohsen JJ, Martel AA, Slavoff SA. Microproteins-Discovery, structure, and function. Proteomics 2023; 23:e2100211. [PMID: 37603371 PMCID: PMC10841188 DOI: 10.1002/pmic.202100211] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2023] [Revised: 08/03/2023] [Accepted: 08/10/2023] [Indexed: 08/22/2023]
Abstract
Advances in proteogenomic technologies have revealed hundreds to thousands of translated small open reading frames (sORFs) that encode microproteins in genomes across evolutionary space. While many microproteins have now been shown to play critical roles in biology and human disease, a majority of recently identified microproteins have little or no experimental evidence regarding their functionality. Computational tools have some limitations for analysis of short, poorly conserved microprotein sequences, so additional approaches are needed to determine the role of each member of this recently discovered polypeptide class. A currently underexplored avenue in the study of microproteins is structure prediction and determination, which delivers a depth of functional information. In this review, we provide a brief overview of microprotein discovery methods, then examine examples of microprotein structures (and, conversely, intrinsic disorder) that have been experimentally determined using crystallography, cryo-electron microscopy, and NMR, which provide insight into their molecular functions and mechanisms. Additionally, we discuss examples of predicted microprotein structures that have provided insight or context regarding their function. Analysis of microprotein structure at the angstrom level, and confirmation of predicted structures, therefore, has potential to identify translated microproteins that are of biological importance and to provide molecular mechanism for their in vivo roles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica J. Mohsen
- Department of Chemistry, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
- Institute of Biomolecular Design and Discovery, Yale University, West Haven, CT, USA
| | - Alina A. Martel
- Institute of Biomolecular Design and Discovery, Yale University, West Haven, CT, USA
| | - Sarah A. Slavoff
- Department of Chemistry, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
- Institute of Biomolecular Design and Discovery, Yale University, West Haven, CT, USA
- Department of Molecular Biophysics and Biochemistry, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
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Desai H, Ofori S, Boatner L, Yu F, Villanueva M, Ung N, Nesvizhskii AI, Backus K. Multi-omic stratification of the missense variant cysteinome. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.08.12.553095. [PMID: 37645963 PMCID: PMC10461992 DOI: 10.1101/2023.08.12.553095] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/31/2023]
Abstract
Cancer genomes are rife with genetic variants; one key outcome of this variation is gain-ofcysteine, which is the most frequently acquired amino acid due to missense variants in COSMIC. Acquired cysteines are both driver mutations and sites targeted by precision therapies. However, despite their ubiquity, nearly all acquired cysteines remain uncharacterized. Here, we pair cysteine chemoproteomics-a technique that enables proteome-wide pinpointing of functional, redox sensitive, and potentially druggable residues-with genomics to reveal the hidden landscape of cysteine acquisition. For both cancer and healthy genomes, we find that cysteine acquisition is a ubiquitous consequence of genetic variation that is further elevated in the context of decreased DNA repair. Our chemoproteogenomics platform integrates chemoproteomic, whole exome, and RNA-seq data, with a customized 2-stage false discovery rate (FDR) error controlled proteomic search, further enhanced with a user-friendly FragPipe interface. Integration of CADD predictions of deleteriousness revealed marked enrichment for likely damaging variants that result in acquisition of cysteine. By deploying chemoproteogenomics across eleven cell lines, we identify 116 gain-of-cysteines, of which 10 were liganded by electrophilic druglike molecules. Reference cysteines proximal to missense variants were also found to be pervasive, 791 in total, supporting heretofore untapped opportunities for proteoform-specific chemical probe development campaigns. As chemoproteogenomics is further distinguished by sample-matched combinatorial variant databases and compatible with redox proteomics and small molecule screening, we expect widespread utility in guiding proteoform-specific biology and therapeutic discovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heta Desai
- Biological Chemistry Department, David Geffen School of Medicine, UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA
- Molecular Biology Institute, UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA
| | - Samuel Ofori
- Biological Chemistry Department, David Geffen School of Medicine, UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA
| | - Lisa Boatner
- Biological Chemistry Department, David Geffen School of Medicine, UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA
| | - Fengchao Yu
- Department of Pathology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
| | - Miranda Villanueva
- Biological Chemistry Department, David Geffen School of Medicine, UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA
- Molecular Biology Institute, UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA
| | - Nicholas Ung
- Biological Chemistry Department, David Geffen School of Medicine, UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA
- Department of Computational Medicine and Bioinformatics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
- Department of Pathology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
- Molecular Biology Institute, UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA
- DOE Institute for Genomics and Proteomics, UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA
- Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center, UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA
- Eli and Edythe Broad Center of Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cell Research, UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA
| | - Alexey I Nesvizhskii
- Department of Computational Medicine and Bioinformatics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
- Department of Pathology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
| | - Keriann Backus
- Biological Chemistry Department, David Geffen School of Medicine, UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA
- Molecular Biology Institute, UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA
- DOE Institute for Genomics and Proteomics, UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA
- Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center, UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA
- Eli and Edythe Broad Center of Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cell Research, UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA
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