1
|
Hao B, Beningo KA. Traction Force and Mechanosensing can be Functionally Distinguished Through the Use of Specific Domains of the Calpain Small Subunit. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.03.07.531592. [PMID: 36945410 PMCID: PMC10028930 DOI: 10.1101/2023.03.07.531592] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/11/2023]
Abstract
Cell migration is a fundamental process pertaining to many critical physiological events. The ability to form and release adhesion structures is necessary for cell migration. The Calpain family of cysteine proteases are known to target adhesion proteins as their substrates and modulate adhesion dynamics. The two best studied Calpains, Calpain 1 and Calpain 2 form catalytically active holoenzymes through heterodimerization with a common non-catalytic regulatory small subunit known as Calpain 4. In previous studies, we determined that calpains are important in the production of traction forces and in the sensing of localized mechanical stimulation from the external environment. We found that perturbation of either Calpain 1 or 2 had no effect on the generation of traction forces. However, traction forces were weak when Calpain 4 was silenced. On the other hand, silencing of Calpain 1, 2, or 4 resulted in deficient sensing of external mechanical stimuli. These results together suggest that Calpain 4 functions independent of the catalytic large subunits in the generation of traction forces but functions together with either catalytic subunit in sensing external mechanical stimuli. The small subunit Calpain 4 contains 268 a.a. and is composed of 2 domains, the N-terminal domain V and C-terminal domain VI. Domain VI is a calmodulinlike domain containing five consecutive EF-hand motifs, of which the fifth one heterodimerizes with a large subunit. Moreover, domain V contains the common sequence GTAMRILGGVI that suggests cell membrane interactions. Given these attributes of domain V and VI of Calpain 4, we speculated that an individual domain might provide the functional properties for either traction or sensing. Therefore, each domain was cloned and expressed individually in Capn4-/- cells and assayed for traction and sensing. Results revealed that over-expression of domain V was sufficient to rescue the traction forces defect in Capn4-/- cells while overexpression of domain VI did not rescue the traction force. Consistent with our hypothesis, overexpression of domain VI rescued the sensing defect in Capn4-/- cells while overexpression of domain V had no effect. These results suggest that individual domains of Calpain 4 do indeed function independently to regulate either traction force or the sensing of external stimuli. We speculate that membrane association of Calpain 4 is required for the regulation of traction force and its association with a catalytic subunit is necessary for mechanosensing.
Collapse
|
2
|
Lhor M, Bernier SC, Horchani H, Bussières S, Cantin L, Desbat B, Salesse C. Comparison between the behavior of different hydrophobic peptides allowing membrane anchoring of proteins. Adv Colloid Interface Sci 2014; 207:223-39. [PMID: 24560216 PMCID: PMC4028306 DOI: 10.1016/j.cis.2014.01.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2013] [Revised: 01/11/2014] [Accepted: 01/13/2014] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
Membrane binding of proteins such as short chain dehydrogenase reductases or tail-anchored proteins relies on their N- and/or C-terminal hydrophobic transmembrane segment. In this review, we propose guidelines to characterize such hydrophobic peptide segments using spectroscopic and biophysical measurements. The secondary structure content of the C-terminal peptides of retinol dehydrogenase 8, RGS9-1 anchor protein, lecithin retinol acyl transferase, and of the N-terminal peptide of retinol dehydrogenase 11 has been deduced by prediction tools from their primary sequence as well as by using infrared or circular dichroism analyses. Depending on the solvent and the solubilization method, significant structural differences were observed, often involving α-helices. The helical structure of these peptides was found to be consistent with their presumed membrane binding. Langmuir monolayers have been used as membrane models to study lipid-peptide interactions. The values of maximum insertion pressure obtained for all peptides using a monolayer of 1,2-dioleoyl-sn-glycero-3-phospho-ethanolamine (DOPE) are larger than the estimated lateral pressure of membranes, thus suggesting that they bind membranes. Polarization modulation infrared reflection absorption spectroscopy has been used to determine the structure and orientation of these peptides in the absence and in the presence of a DOPE monolayer. This lipid induced an increase or a decrease in the organization of the peptide secondary structure. Further measurements are necessary using other lipids to better understand the membrane interactions of these peptides.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mustapha Lhor
- CUO-Recherche, Centre de recherche du CHU de Québec, Hôpital du Saint-Sacrement, Département d'ophtalmologie, Faculté de médecine, Université Laval, Québec, Québec G1V 0A6, Canada; Regroupement stratégique PROTEO, Université Laval, Québec, Québec G1V 0A6, Canada
| | - Sarah C Bernier
- CUO-Recherche, Centre de recherche du CHU de Québec, Hôpital du Saint-Sacrement, Département d'ophtalmologie, Faculté de médecine, Université Laval, Québec, Québec G1V 0A6, Canada; Regroupement stratégique PROTEO, Université Laval, Québec, Québec G1V 0A6, Canada
| | - Habib Horchani
- CUO-Recherche, Centre de recherche du CHU de Québec, Hôpital du Saint-Sacrement, Département d'ophtalmologie, Faculté de médecine, Université Laval, Québec, Québec G1V 0A6, Canada; Regroupement stratégique PROTEO, Université Laval, Québec, Québec G1V 0A6, Canada
| | - Sylvain Bussières
- CUO-Recherche, Centre de recherche du CHU de Québec, Hôpital du Saint-Sacrement, Département d'ophtalmologie, Faculté de médecine, Université Laval, Québec, Québec G1V 0A6, Canada; Regroupement stratégique PROTEO, Université Laval, Québec, Québec G1V 0A6, Canada
| | - Line Cantin
- CUO-Recherche, Centre de recherche du CHU de Québec, Hôpital du Saint-Sacrement, Département d'ophtalmologie, Faculté de médecine, Université Laval, Québec, Québec G1V 0A6, Canada; Regroupement stratégique PROTEO, Université Laval, Québec, Québec G1V 0A6, Canada
| | - Bernard Desbat
- CBMN-UMR 5248 CNRS, Université de Bordeaux, IPB, Allée Geoffroy Saint Hilaire, 33600 Pessac, France
| | - Christian Salesse
- CUO-Recherche, Centre de recherche du CHU de Québec, Hôpital du Saint-Sacrement, Département d'ophtalmologie, Faculté de médecine, Université Laval, Québec, Québec G1V 0A6, Canada; Regroupement stratégique PROTEO, Université Laval, Québec, Québec G1V 0A6, Canada.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Randriamboavonjy V, Fleming I. All cut up! The consequences of calpain activation on platelet function. Vascul Pharmacol 2012; 56:210-5. [DOI: 10.1016/j.vph.2012.02.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2011] [Revised: 01/15/2012] [Accepted: 02/16/2012] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
|
4
|
Harris F, Dennison SR, Phoenix DA. Aberrant action of amyloidogenic host defense peptides: a new paradigm to investigate neurodegenerative disorders? FASEB J 2012; 26:1776-81. [PMID: 22308196 DOI: 10.1096/fj.11-199208] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Host defense peptides (HDPs) are components of the innate immune system with activity against a broad range of microbes. In some cases, it appears that this activity is mediated by the ability of these peptides to permeabilize microbial membranes via the formation of amyloid associated structures. Recent evidence suggests that the naturally occurring function of the Aβ40 and Aβ42 peptides, which are causative agents of Alzheimer's disease, may be to serve as amyloidogenic HDPs. Here, it is hypothesized that the neurotoxicity of these peptides is related to aberrant use of their amyloid-mediated antimicrobial mechanisms, which provides the as yet unexplored paradigm of a relationship among HDPs, neurodegenerative disorders, and other conditions that could contribute to their understanding and remediation.
Collapse
|
5
|
Keller RCA. New user-friendly approach to obtain an Eisenberg plot and its use as a practical tool in protein sequence analysis. Int J Mol Sci 2011; 12:5577-91. [PMID: 22016610 PMCID: PMC3189734 DOI: 10.3390/ijms12095577] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2011] [Revised: 08/22/2011] [Accepted: 08/22/2011] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
The Eisenberg plot or hydrophobic moment plot methodology is one of the most frequently used methods of bioinformatics. Bioinformatics is more and more recognized as a helpful tool in Life Sciences in general, and recent developments in approaches recognizing lipid binding regions in proteins are promising in this respect. In this study a bioinformatics approach specialized in identifying lipid binding helical regions in proteins was used to obtain an Eisenberg plot. The validity of the Heliquest generated hydrophobic moment plot was checked and exemplified. This study indicates that the Eisenberg plot methodology can be transferred to another hydrophobicity scale and renders a user-friendly approach which can be utilized in routine checks in protein–lipid interaction and in protein and peptide lipid binding characterization studies. A combined approach seems to be advantageous and results in a powerful tool in the search of helical lipid-binding regions in proteins and peptides. The strength and limitations of the Eisenberg plot approach itself are discussed as well. The presented approach not only leads to a better understanding of the nature of the protein–lipid interactions but also provides a user-friendly tool for the search of lipid-binding regions in proteins and peptides.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rob C A Keller
- Section Chemistry, Charlemagne College, Wilhelminastraat 13-15, 6524 AJ Nijmegen, The Netherlands; E-Mail: ; Tel.: +0031-243820460
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Shanmugam G, Phambu N, Polavarapu PL. Unusual structural transition of antimicrobial VP1 peptide. Biophys Chem 2011; 155:104-8. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bpc.2011.03.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2011] [Revised: 03/06/2011] [Accepted: 03/07/2011] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
|
7
|
Dennison SR, Morton LH, Harris F, Phoenix DA. The impact of membrane lipid composition on antimicrobial function of an α-helical peptide. Chem Phys Lipids 2008; 151:92-102. [DOI: 10.1016/j.chemphyslip.2007.10.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2007] [Revised: 10/16/2007] [Accepted: 10/26/2007] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
|
8
|
Dennison SR, Baker RD, Nicholl ID, Phoenix DA. Interactions of cell penetrating peptide Tat with model membranes: A biophysical study. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2007; 363:178-82. [PMID: 17854767 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2007.08.162] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2007] [Accepted: 08/23/2007] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
The protein transduction domain of the HIV-1 transactivator of transcription, Tat (Tat((48-60))), has been shown to transport P10, a cytotoxic peptide mimic of the cyclin dependent kinase inhibitor p21WAF1/CIP1, into the nucleus of cancerous cells and induce apoptosis. Here, monolayer studies were used to investigate the membrane interactions of Tat((48-60)), P10 and the construct Tat((48-60))P10. It was found that Tat((48-60)) showed no significant surface activity but that both P10 and Tat((48-60))P10, were highly surface active, inducing surface pressure changes of 9.7 and 8.9mNm(-1), respectively, with DMPS monolayers. The comparison of Tat((48-60))P10 and P10 surface interactions would be consistent with a hypothesis that the cargo attachment influences the capacity of the Tat-protein transduction domain to mediate transport across membranes either directly or via localisation of the construct at the membrane interface.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sarah R Dennison
- Faculty of Science and Technology, University of Central Lancashire, Preston PR1 2HE, UK
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
9
|
Dennison SR, Harris F, Brandenburg K, Phoenix DA. Characterization of the N-terminal segment used by the barley yellow dwarf virus movement protein to promote interaction with the nuclear membrane of host plant cells. Peptides 2007; 28:2091-7. [PMID: 17897753 DOI: 10.1016/j.peptides.2007.08.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2007] [Revised: 08/15/2007] [Accepted: 08/16/2007] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
The barley yellow dwarf virus movement protein (BYDV-MP) requires its N-terminal sequence to promote the transport of viral RNA into the nuclear compartment of host plant cells. Here, graphical analysis predicts that this sequence would form a membrane interactive amphiphilic alpha-helix. Confirming this prediction, NT1, a peptide homologue of the BYDV-MP N-terminal sequence, was found to be alpha-helical (65%) in the presence of vesicles mimics of the nuclear membrane. The peptide increased the fluidity of these nuclear membrane mimics (rise in wavenumber of circa 0.5-1.0 cm(-1)) and induced surface pressure changes of 2 mN m(-1) in lipid monolayers with corresponding compositions. Taken with isotherm analysis these results suggest that BYDV-MP forms an N-terminal amphiphilic alpha-helix, which partitions into the nuclear membrane primarily through thermodynamically stable associations with the membrane lipid headgroup region. We speculate that these associations may play a role in targeting of the nuclear membrane by BYDM-MP.
Collapse
|
10
|
Dennison SR, Morton LHG, Harris F, Phoenix DA. Antimicrobial properties of a lipid interactive alpha-helical peptide VP1 against Staphylococcus aureus bacteria. Biophys Chem 2007; 129:279-83. [PMID: 17640795 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpc.2007.06.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2007] [Revised: 06/18/2007] [Accepted: 06/18/2007] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Theoretical analysis indicates that peptide VP1 forms a membrane interactive amphiphilic alpha-helix with antibacterial properties. Fourier transform infra-red based analyses showed VP1 to be alpha-helical (45%) in the presence of vesicle mimics of membranes from Staphylococcus aureus and to induce increases in the fluidity of these vesicles, as indicated by a rise in wavenumber of circa 0.5 to 1.0 cm(-1). The peptide induced surface pressure increases of 5 mN m(-1) in monolayer mimics of S. aureus membranes confirm the formation of a membrane interactive alpha-helix. These interactions appeared to involve significant hydrophobic and electrostatic contributions as VP1 induced comparable surface pressure changes in anionic (5.5 mN m(-1)) and zwitterionic (4 mN m(-1)) lipid monolayers. It is suggested that whilst efficacy requires further sequence specific information, the peptides generic structure provides the basis for its broad antimicrobial activity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sarah R Dennison
- Faculty of Science and Technology, University of Central Lancashire, Preston PR1 2HE, UK
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
11
|
Dennison SR, Harris F, Phoenix DA. The interactions of aurein 1.2 with cancer cell membranes. Biophys Chem 2007; 127:78-83. [PMID: 17222498 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpc.2006.12.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2006] [Revised: 12/15/2006] [Accepted: 12/19/2006] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Here, the interactions of aurein 1.2, a defence peptide, with T98G glioblastoma cell membranes are studied. The peptide induced maximal surface pressure changes of circa 9 mN m(-1) in monolayers of endogenous T98G membrane lipid. Reducing monolayer anionic lipid showed a positive correlation (R(2)>0.91) with decreases in maximal surface pressure changes induced by aurein 1.2 (circa 3 mN m(-1) in the absence of this lipid). Cancer cell membrane invasion by the peptide therefore appears not to be mediated by lipid receptors or specific lipid requirements but rather a general requirement for anionic lipid and/or other negatively charged membrane components.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sarah R Dennison
- Faculty of Science and Technology, University of Central Lancashire, Preston PR1 2HE, UK
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
12
|
Salem M, Nath J, Killefer J. Cloning of the Calpain Regulatory Subunit cDNA from Fish Reveals a Divergent Domain-V. Anim Biotechnol 2007; 15:145-57. [PMID: 15595700 DOI: 10.1081/labt-200036706] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
Calpains are Ca2+-dependent intracellular cysteine proteases, including the ubiquitously expressed micro- and m-calpains. Both are heterodimers, consisting of a distinct catalytic subunit and a common regulatory subunit. We describe cloning and sequencing of the calpain small (regulatory) subunit (cpns) cDNA from rainbow trout. This represents the first fish and lower vertebrate full cDNA of cpns. The rainbow trout cpns cDNA was used to retrieve the zebra fish and Japanese flounder homologues. We present evidence that fish cpns, unlike the conventional mammalian predominant isoform, cpnsl, is lacking the glycine-rich region of domain V. Because the glycine-rich region is known to play a role in membrane targeting, this divergent cpns suggests potentially different functional and activation mechanisms of the fish calpain system. A phylogenetic tree for the cpns gene superfamily has been constructed and the evolution of cpns considered.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- M Salem
- Animal Sciences, West Virginia University, Morgantown, West Virginia, USA
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
13
|
Averna M, Stifanese R, De Tullio R, Passalacqua M, Defranchi E, Salamino F, Melloni E, Pontremoli S. Regulation of Calpain Activity in Rat Brain with Altered Ca2+ Homeostasis. J Biol Chem 2007; 282:2656-65. [PMID: 17135258 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m606919200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Activation of calpain occurs as an early event in correlation with an increase in [Ca2+]i induced in rat brain upon treatment with a high salt diet for a prolonged period of time. The resulting sequential events have been monitored in the brain of normal and hypertensive rats of the Milan strain, diverging for a constitutive alteration in the level of [Ca2+]i found to be present in nerve cells of hypertensive animals. After 2 weeks of treatment, the levels of the plasma membrane Ca2+-ATPase and of native calpastatin are profoundly decreased. These degradative processes, more pronounced in the brain of hypertensive rats, are progressively and efficiently compensated in the brain of both rat strains by different incoming mechanisms. Along with calpastatin degradation, 15-kDa still-active inhibitory fragments are accumulated, capable of efficiently replacing the loss of native inhibitor molecules. A partial return to a more efficient control of Ca2+ homeostasis occurs in parallel, assured by an early increase in the expression of Ca2+-ATPase and of calpastatin, both producing, after 12 weeks of a high salt (sodium) diet, the restoration of almost original levels of the Ca2+ pump and of significant amounts of native inhibitor molecules. Thus, conservative calpastatin fragmentation, associated with an increased expression of Ca2+-ATPase and of the calpain natural inhibitor, has been demonstrated to occur in vivo in rat brain. This represents a sequential adaptive response capable of overcoming the effects of calpain activation induced by a moderate long term elevation of [Ca2+]i.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Monica Averna
- Department of Experimental Medicine (DIMES), Biochemistry Section, and Centre of Excellence for Biomedical Research, University of Genoa, Viale Benedetto XV, 1-16132 Genoa, Italy
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
14
|
Stifanese R, Averna M, Salamino F, Cantoni C, Mingari MC, Prato C, Pontremoli S, Melloni E. Characterization of the calpain/calpastatin system in human hemopoietic cell lines. Arch Biochem Biophys 2006; 456:48-57. [PMID: 17084378 DOI: 10.1016/j.abb.2006.09.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2006] [Revised: 09/15/2006] [Accepted: 09/22/2006] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
As previously suggested by PCR analysis [R. DeTullio, R. Stifanese, F. Salamino, S. Pontremoli, E. Melloni, Characterization of a new p94-like calpain form in human lymphocytes, Biochem. J. 375 (2003) 689-696], a p94-like calpain was now established to be present in six different human cells resembling the various peripheral blood cell types. This protease resulted to be the predominant calpain isoforms whereas the conventional mu- and m-calpains are also expressed although at lower or almost undetectable amounts. The p94-like calpain has been identified by a specific mAb and displays unique features such as: Ca2+ requirement for half maximum activity around 30 microM; no autolytic conversion to a low Ca2+ requiring form and lower sensitivity to calpastatin inhibition. Following cell stimulation, the p94-like calpain undergoes inactivation, a process indicating that the protease is activated and participates in the cell responses to stimuli. The involvement of this protease isoform in immunocompetent cell activation is further supported by its partial recruitment on plasma membranes, the site of action of the conventional calpain forms. The amount of calpain translocated to the membranes correlates to the level of calpastatin which has been shown to control this process through the formation of a complex with calpain, which maintains the protease in the cytosol. These results provide new information on the calpain/calpastatin system expressed in immunocompetent cells and on the functional relationship between the p94-like calpain and the biological function of these cells.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Roberto Stifanese
- Department of Experimental Medicine (DIMES), Section of Biochemistry, University of Genova, Viale Benedetto XV, 1-16132 Genova, Italy
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
15
|
Dennison SR, Morton LHG, Brandenburg K, Harris F, Phoenix DA. Investigations into the ability of an oblique alpha-helical template to provide the basis for design of an antimicrobial anionic amphiphilic peptide. FEBS J 2006; 273:3792-803. [PMID: 16911526 DOI: 10.1111/j.1742-4658.2006.05387.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
AP1 (GEQGALAQFGEWL) was shown by theoretical analysis to be an anionic oblique-orientated alpha-helix former. The peptide exhibited a monolayer surface area of 1.42 nm(2), implying possession of alpha-helical structure at an air/water interface, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) showed the peptide to be alpha-helical (100%) in the presence of vesicle mimics of Escherichia coli membranes. FTIR lipid-phase transition analysis showed the peptide to induce large decreases in the fluidity of these E. coli membrane mimics, and Langmuir-Blodgett trough analysis found the peptide to induce large surface pressure changes in monolayer mimics of E. coli membranes (4.6 mN.m(-1)). Analysis of compression isotherms based on mixing enthalpy (DeltaH) and the Gibbs free energy of mixing (DeltaG(Mix)) predicted that these monolayers were thermodynamically stable (DeltaH and DeltaG(Mix) each negative) but were destabilized by the presence of the peptide (DeltaH and DeltaG(Mix) each positive). The peptide was found to have a minimum lethal concentration of 3 mm against E. coli and was seen to cause lysis of erythrocytes at 5 mm. In combination, these data clearly show that AP1 functions as an anionic alpha-helical antimicrobial peptide and suggest that both its tilted peptide characteristics and the composition of its target membrane are important determinants of its efficacy of action.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sarah R Dennison
- Faculty of Science, University of Central Lancashire, Preston, UK
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
16
|
Dennison SR, Howe J, Morton LHG, Brandenburg K, Harris F, Phoenix DA. Interactions of an anionic antimicrobial peptide with Staphylococcus aureus membranes. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2006; 347:1006-10. [PMID: 16857163 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2006.06.181] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2006] [Accepted: 06/30/2006] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
The antimicrobial activity of the anionic peptide, AP1 (GEQGALAQFGEWL), was investigated. AP1 was found to kill Staphylococcus aureus with an MLC of 3mM and to induce maximal surface pressure changes of 3.8 mN m(-1) over 1200s in monolayers formed from lipid extract of S. aureus membranes. FTIR spectroscopy showed the peptide to be alpha-helical (100%) in the presence of vesicles formed from this lipid extract and to induce increases in their fluidity (Deltanu circa 0.5 cm(-1)). These combined data show that AP1 is able to function as an alpha-helical antimicrobial peptide against Gram-positive bacteria and suggest that the killing mechanism used by the peptide involves interactions with the membrane lipid headgroup region. Moreover, this killing mechanism differs strongly from that previously reported for AP1 against Gram-negative bacteria, indicating the importance of considering the effects of membrane lipid composition when investigating the structure/function relationships of antimicrobial peptides.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sarah R Dennison
- Faculty of Science, University of Central Lancashire, Preston PR1 2HE, UK
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
17
|
Melloni E, Averna M, Stifanese R, De Tullio R, Defranchi E, Salamino F, Pontremoli S. Association of Calpastatin with Inactive Calpain. J Biol Chem 2006; 281:24945-54. [PMID: 16803906 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m601449200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
It is generally accepted that the Ca(2+)-dependent interaction of calpain with calpastatin is the most relevant mechanism involved in the regulation of Ca(2+)-induced proteolysis. We now report that a calpain-calpastatin association can occur also in the absence of Ca(2+) or at very low Ca(2+) concentrations, reflecting the physiological conditions under which calpain retains its inactive conformational state. The calpastatin binding region is localized in the non-inhibitory L-domain containing the amino acid sequences encoded by exons 4-7. This calpastatin region recognizes a calpain sequence located near the end of the DII-domain. Interaction of calpain with calpastatins lacking these sequences becomes strictly Ca(2+)-dependent because, under these conditions, the transition to an active state of the protease is an obligatory requirement. The occurrence of the molecular association between Ca(2+)-free calpain and various recombinant calpastatin forms has been demonstrated by the following experimental results. Addition of calpastatin protected calpain from trypsin digestion. Calpain was coprecipitated when calpastatin was immunoprecipitated. The calpastatin molecular size increased following exposure to calpain. The two proteins comigrated in zymogram analysis. Furthermore, calpain-calpastatin interaction was perturbed by protein kinase C phosphorylation occurring at sites located at the exons involved in the association. At a functional level, calpain-calpastatin interaction at a physiological concentration of Ca(2+) represents a novel mechanism for the control of the amount of the active form of the protease potentially generated in response to an intracellular Ca(2+) influx.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Edon Melloni
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Section of Biochemistry, University of Genova, Viale Benedetto XV, 1, 16132 Genova, Italy
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
18
|
Roversi M, La Mesa C. Rheological properties of protein-surfactant based gels. J Colloid Interface Sci 2006; 284:470-6. [PMID: 15780284 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcis.2004.10.057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2004] [Accepted: 10/20/2004] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
Water-based protein-surfactant gels, formed by mixing bovine serum albumin (BSA) and sodium dodecyl sulfate in water, were investigated by rheological methods. The measurements were performed for many different protein-to-surfactant ratios as a function of the applied frequency, stress, or strain, as well as by changing the temperature, in the range between 15 and 65 degrees C. The rheological behavior of the gels as a function of applied frequency is interpreted in terms of the overlapping of at least two viscoelastic relaxation processes. The rheological results indicate the presence of thermal transitions from essentially viscous to mainly elastic regimes, in analogy with the thermal gelation processes observed in polymer solutions. The thermal gelation threshold in the present system is modulated by the protein/surfactant ratio. Differential scanning calorimetry measurements were also performed to determine whether thermal gelation is somehow concomitant to protein denaturation. The results indicate that the thermal denaturation of BSA in protein-surfactant based gels occurs at slightly higher temperatures than in the bulk. Scanning electron microscopy indicates the occurrence in the gel structure of globules formed by the arrangement of fibrils.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mauro Roversi
- Dipartimento di Chimica, Università degli Studi "La Sapienza," Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Roma, Italy
| | | |
Collapse
|
19
|
Averna M, Stifanese R, De Tullio R, Defranchi E, Salamino F, Melloni E, Pontremoli S. Interaction between catalytically inactive calpain and calpastatin. Evidence for its occurrence in stimulated cells. FEBS J 2006; 273:1660-8. [PMID: 16623703 DOI: 10.1111/j.1742-4658.2006.05180.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Conformational changes in the calpain molecule following interaction with natural ligands can be monitored by the binding of a specific monoclonal antibody directed against the catalytic domain of the protease. None of these conformational states showed catalytic activity and probably represent intermediate forms preceding the active enzyme state. In its native inactive conformation, calpain shows very low affinity for this monoclonal antibody, whereas, on binding to the ligands Ca(2+), substrate or calpastatin, the affinity increases up to 10-fold, with calpastatin being the most effective. This methodology was also used to show that calpain undergoes similar conformational changes in intact cells exposed to stimuli that induce either a rise in intracellular [Ca(2+)] or extensive diffusion of calpastatin into the cytosol without affecting Ca(2+) homeostasis. The fact that the changes in the calpain state are also observed under the latter conditions indicates that calpastatin availability in the cytosol is the triggering event for calpain-calpastatin interaction, which is presumably involved in the control of the extent of calpain activation through translocation to specific sites of action.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Monica Averna
- Department of Experimental Medicine (DIMES), Section of Biochemistry and Centre of Excellence for Biomedical Research (CEBR), University of Genova, Italy
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
20
|
Khandelia H, Kaznessis YN. Molecular dynamics investigation of the influence of anionic and zwitterionic interfaces on antimicrobial peptides' structure: implications for peptide toxicity and activity. Peptides 2006; 27:1192-200. [PMID: 16325306 PMCID: PMC2413100 DOI: 10.1016/j.peptides.2005.10.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2005] [Revised: 10/24/2005] [Accepted: 10/24/2005] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
Molecular dynamics simulations of three related helical antimicrobial peptides have been carried out in zwitterionic diphosphocholine (DPC) micelles and anionic sodiumdodecylsulfate (SDS) micelles. These systems can be considered as model mammalian and bacterial membrane interfaces, respectively. The goal of this study is to dissect the differences in peptide composition which make the mutant peptides (novispirin-G10 and novispirin-T7) less toxic than the parent peptide ovispirin (OVIS), although all three peptides have highly antibacterial properties. Compared to G10 and T7, OVIS inserts deepest into the DPC micelle. This correlates well with the lesser toxicity of G10 and T7. There is strong evidence which suggests that synergistic binding of hydrophobic residues drives binding of OVIS to the micelle. The helical content of G10 and T7 is reduced in the presence of DPC, and this leads to less amphipathic peptide structures, which bind weakly to the micelle. Simulations in SDS were carried out to compare the influence of membrane electrostatics on peptide structure. All three peptides bound strongly to SDS, and retained helical form. This corresponds well with their equally potent antibacterial properties. Based on the simulations, we argue that secondary structure stability often leads to toxic properties. We also propose that G10 and T7 operate by the carpet mechanism of cell lysis. Toxicity of peptides operating by the carpet mechanism can be attenuated by reducing the peptide helical content. The simulations successfully capture experimental binding states, and the different depths of binding of the three peptides to the two micelles correlate with their antibacterial and toxic properties.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Himanshu Khandelia
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, University of Minnesota, 421, Washington Avenue SE, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA.
| | | |
Collapse
|
21
|
Fernández-Montalván A, Assfalg-Machleidt I, Pfeiler D, Fritz H, Jochum M, Machleidt W. μ-Calpain binds to lipid bilayers via the exposed hydrophobic surface of its Ca2+-activated conformation. Biol Chem 2006; 387:617-27. [PMID: 16740134 DOI: 10.1515/bc.2006.079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Mu- and m-calpain are cysteine proteases requiring micro- and millimolar Ca2+ concentrations for their activation in vitro. Among other mechanisms, interaction of calpains with membrane phospholipids has been proposed to facilitate their activation by nanomolar [Ca2+] in living cells. Here the interaction of non-autolysing, C115A active-site mutated heterodimeric human mu-calpain with phospholipid bilayers was studied in vitro using protein-to-lipid fluorescence resonance energy transfer and surface plasmon resonance. Binding to liposomes was Ca2+-dependent, but not selective for specific phospholipid head groups. [Ca2+]0.5 for association with lipid bilayers was not lower than that required for the exposure of hydrophobic surface (detected by TNS fluorescence) or for enzyme activity in the absence of lipids. Deletion of domain V reduced the lipid affinity of the isolated small subunit (600-fold) and of the heterodimer (10- to 15-fold), thus confirming the proposed role of domain V for membrane binding. Unexpectedly, mutations in the acidic loop of the 'C2-like' domain III, a putative Ca2+ and phospholipid-binding site, did not affect lipid affinity. Taken together, these results support the hypothesis that in vitro membrane binding of mu-calpain is due to the exposed hydrophobic surface of the active conformation and does not reduce the Ca2+ requirement for activation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Amaury Fernández-Montalván
- Abteilung für Klinische Chemie und Klinische Biochemie, Chirurgische Klinik, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Nussbaumstr. 20, D-80336 München, Germany
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
22
|
Liu K, Xia Z, Zhang Y, Wen Y, Wang D, Brandenburg K, Harris F, Phoenix DA. Interaction between the movement protein of barley yellow dwarf virus and the cell nuclear envelope: role of a putative amphiphilic alpha-helix at the N-terminus of the movement protein. Biopolymers 2005; 79:86-96. [PMID: 15971210 DOI: 10.1002/bip.20334] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
The open reading frame 4 (ORF 4) gene product of barley yellow dwarf virus (BYDV) may act as a movement protein (MP) by assisting the transport of viral genomic RNA across the nuclear envelope (NE) of host plant cells. To investigate interactions between BYDV MP and the NE, wild-type and mutant open reading frame (ORF 4)-green fluorescent protein (GFP) fusion cistrons were expressed in insect cells. A fusion protein expressed by the wild-type ORF 4-GFP cistron associated with the NE and caused protrusions from its surface. The fusion protein expressed by the mutant ORF 4-GFP cistron lacked a putative amphiphilic alpha-helix at its N-terminus and although associating with the NE, showed decreased levels of protrusions. A peptide homologue of this putative alpha-helix induced an increase of 7 degrees C in the phase transition temperature of dimyrystoyl phosphatidylserine (DMPS) membranes, accompanied by a decrease in membrane fluidity, but exhibited no significant interaction with either dimyristoyl phosphatidylcholine (DMPC) or dimyristoyl phosphatidylethanolamine (DMPE) membranes. These results strongly support the view that BYDV MP may interact with the NE to help transport viral genomic RNA into the nuclear compartment. This function of BYDV MP appears to involve protrusions on the surface of the NE and may require the presence of an N-terminal amphiphilic alpha-helix, which is speculated to destabilize membranes, thereby assisting the entry of BYDV-GAV into the nuclear compartment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kunfan Liu
- Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
23
|
Dennison SR, Hauss T, Dante S, Brandenburg K, Harris F, Phoenix DA. Deuteration can affect the conformational behaviour of amphiphilic alpha-helical structures. Biophys Chem 2005; 119:115-20. [PMID: 16242834 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpc.2005.09.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2005] [Revised: 09/05/2005] [Accepted: 09/06/2005] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
The replacement of hydrogen with deuterium is frequently used in conjunction with neutron diffraction to investigate peptide-membrane interaction. This isotopic substitution in an amino acid residue radically changes the neutron scatter pattern of the peptide, thereby allowing its localisation within the bilayer with the aid of derived Fourier maps. Nonetheless, this technique relies on the generally held assumption that normal and isotopically enriched protein species do not differ significantly in structure or biological activity. Recently, this assumption has been questioned and here, diffraction data from studies on a membrane interactive peptide clearly challenge the reliability of this assumption.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sarah R Dennison
- Faculty of Science, University of Central Lancashire, Preston, PR1 2HE, UK
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
24
|
Yampolskaya GP, Tarasevich BN, Elenskii AA. Secondary Structure of Globular Proteins in Adsorption Layers at the Solution-Air Interface by the Data of Fourier Transform IR Spectroscopy. COLLOID JOURNAL 2005. [DOI: 10.1007/s10595-005-0109-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
|
25
|
Dennison SR, Dante S, Hauss T, Brandenburg K, Harris F, Phoenix DA. Investigations into the membrane interactions of m-calpain domain V. Biophys J 2005; 88:3008-17. [PMID: 15653743 PMCID: PMC1305394 DOI: 10.1529/biophysj.104.049957] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
m-calpain is a calcium-dependent heterodimeric protease implicated in a number of pathological conditions. The activation of m-calpain appears to be modulated by membrane interaction, which has been predicted to involve oblique-orientated alpha-helix formation by a GTAMRILGGVI segment located in domain V of the protein's small subunit. Here, we have investigated this prediction. Fourier transform infrared conformational analysis showed that VP1, a peptide homolog of this segment, exhibited alpha-helicity of approximately 45% in the presence of dimyristoylphosphatidylcholine/dimyristoylphosphatidylserine (DMPS) vesicles. The level of helicity was unaffected over a 1- to 8-mM concentration range and did not alter when the anionic lipid composition of these vesicles was varied between 1% and 10% DMPS. Similar levels of alpha-helicity were observed in trifluoroethanol and the peptide appeared to adopt alpha-helical structure at an air/water interface with a molecular area of 164 A(2) at the monolayer collapse pressure. VP1 was found to penetrate dimyristoylphosphatidylcholine/DMPS monolayers, and at an initial surface pressure of 30 mN m(-1), the peptide induced surface pressure changes in these monolayers that correlated strongly with their anionic lipid content (maximal at 4 mN m(-1) in the presence of 10% DMPS). Neutron diffraction studies showed VP1 to be localized at the hydrophobic core of model palmitoyloleylphosphatidylcholine/palmitoyloleylphosphatidylserine (10:1 molar ratio) bilayer structures and, in combination, these results are consistent with the oblique membrane penetration predicted for the peptide. It would also appear that although not needed for structural stabilization anionic lipid was required for membrane penetration.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sarah R Dennison
- Department of Forensic and Investigative Science, University of Central Lancashire, Preston PR1 2HE, UK
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
26
|
Abstract
There is emerging evidence to suggest that the unregulated Ca(2+)-mediated proteolysis of essential lens proteins by calpains might be a major contributor to some forms of cataract in both animals and humans. Moreover, recently solved calpain structures have revealed molecular-level details of the activation mechanism used by these proteases, enabling the structure-based design of potent calpain inhibitors with the potential to act as anti-cataract agents. These agents offer the first real hope of an urgently needed alternative to the surgical treatment of at least some forms of cataract and relief from a life-depreciating condition on a global scale.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Suman Biswas
- Department of Ophthalmology, Royal Preston Hospital, Preston, PR2 9HT, UK
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|