Copper-catalyzed azide-alkyne cycloaddition (click chemistry)-based detection of global pathogen-host AMPylation on self-assembled human protein microarrays

Monitoring host-pathogen interactions using chemical proteomics

With the rapid emergence and the dissemination of microbial resistance to conventional chemotherapy, the shortage of novel antimicrobial drugs has raised a global health threat. As molecular interactions between microbial pathogens and their mammalian hosts are crucial to establish virulence, pathogenicity, and infectivity, a detailed understanding of these interactions has the potential to reveal novel therapeutic targets and treatment strategies. Bidirectional molecular communication between microbes and eukaryotes is essential for both pathogenic and commensal organisms to colonise their host. In particular, several devastating pathogens exploit host signalling to adjust the expression of energetically costly virulent behaviours. Chemical proteomics has emerged as a powerful tool to interrogate the protein interaction partners of small molecules and has been successfully applied to advance host-pathogen communication studies. Here, we present recent significant progress made by this approach and provide a perspective for future studies.

AMPylation of small GTPases by Fic enzymes

Small GTPases orchestrate numerous cellular pathways, acting as molecular switches and regulatory hubs to transmit molecular signals and because of this, they are often the target of pathogens. During infection, pathogens manipulate host cellular networks using post-translational modifications (PTMs). AMPylation, the modification of proteins with AMP, has been identified as a common PTM utilized by pathogens to hijack GTPase signalling during infection. AMPylation is primarily carried out by enzymes with a filamentation induced by cyclic-AMP (Fic) domain. Modification of small GTPases by AMP renders GTPases impervious to upstream regulatory inputs, resulting in unregulated downstream effector outputs for host cellular processes. Here, we overview Fic-mediated AMPylation of small GTPases by pathogens and other related PTMs catalysed by Fic enzymes on GTPases.

Functionalised Cofactor Mimics for Interactome Discovery and Beyond

Cofactors are required for almost half of all enzyme reactions, but their functions and binding partners are not fully understood even after decades of research. Functionalised cofactor mimics that bind in place of the unmodified cofactor can provide answers, as well as expand the scope of cofactor activity. Through chemical proteomics approaches such as activity-based protein profiling, the interactome and localisation of the native cofactor in its physiological environment can be deciphered and previously uncharacterised proteins annotated. Furthermore, cofactors that supply functional groups to substrate biomolecules can be hijacked by mimics to site-specifically label targets and unravel the complex biology of post-translational protein modification. The diverse activity of cofactors has inspired the design of mimics for use as inhibitors, antibiotic therapeutics, and chemo- and biosensors, and cofactor conjugates have enabled the generation of novel enzymes and artificial DNAzymes.

Clickable report tags for identification of modified peptides by mass spectrometry

The identification and quantification of modified peptides are critical for the functional characterization of post-translational protein modifications (PTMs) to elucidate their biological function. Nowadays, quantitative mass spectrometry coupled with various bioinformatic pipelines has been successfully used for the determination of a wide range of PTMs. However, direct characterization of low abundant protein PTMs in bottom-up proteomic workflow remains challenging. Here, we present the synthesis and evaluation of tandem mass spectrometry tags (TMT) which are introduced via click-chemistry into peptides bearing alkyne handles. The fragmentation properties of the two mass tags were validated and used for screening in a model system and analysis of AMPylated proteins. The presented tags provide a valuable tool for diagnostic peak generation to increase confidence in the identification of modified peptides and potentially for direct peptide-PTM quantification from various experimental conditions.

Revisiting AMPylation through the lens of Fic enzymes

AMPylation, a post-translational modification (PTM) first discovered in the late 1960s, is catalyzed by adenosine monophosphate (AMP)-transferring enzymes. The observation that filamentation-induced-by-cyclic-AMP (fic) enzymes are associated with this unique PTM revealed that AMPylation plays a major role in hijacking of host signaling by pathogenic bacteria during infection. Studies over the past decade showed that AMPylation is conserved across all kingdoms of life and, outside their role in infection, also modulates cellular functions. Many aspects of AMPylation are yet to be uncovered. In this review we present the advancement in research on AMPylation and Fic enzymes as well as other distinct classes of enzymes that catalyze AMPylation.

Deletion of mFICD AMPylase alters cytokine secretion and affects visual short-term learning in vivo

Fic domain-containing AMP transferases (fic AMPylases) are conserved enzymes that catalyze the covalent transfer of AMP to proteins. This posttranslational modification regulates the function of several proteins, including the ER-resident chaperone Grp78/BiP. Here we introduce a mouse FICD (mFICD) AMPylase knockout mouse model to study fic AMPylase function in vertebrates. We find that mFICD deficiency is well tolerated in unstressed mice. We also show that mFICD-deficient mouse embryonic fibroblasts are depleted of AMPylated proteins. mFICD deletion alters protein synthesis and secretion in splenocytes, including that of IgM, an antibody secreted early during infections, and the proinflammatory cytokine IL-1β, without affecting the unfolded protein response. Finally, we demonstrate that visual nonspatial short-term learning is stronger in old mFICD^−/− mice than in wild-type controls while other measures of cognition, memory, and learning are unaffected. Together, our results suggest a role for mFICD in adaptive immunity and neuronal plasticity in vivo.

MS-Based in Situ Proteomics Reveals AMPylation of Host Proteins during Bacterial Infection

Bacteria utilize versatile strategies to propagate infections within human cells, e.g., by the injection of effector proteins, which alter crucial signaling pathways. One class of such virulence-associated proteins is involved in the AMPylation of eukaryotic Rho GTPases with devastating effects on viability. In order to get an inventory of AMPylated proteins, several technologies have been developed. However, as they were designed for the analysis of cell lysates, knowledge about AMPylation targets in living cells is largely lacking. Here, we implement a chemical-proteomic method for deciphering AMPylated host proteins in situ during bacterial infection. HeLa cells treated with a previously established cell permeable pronucleotide probe (pro-N6pA) were infected with Vibrio parahaemolyticus, and modified host proteins were identified upon probe enrichment and LC-MS/MS analysis. Three already known targets of the AMPylator VopS—Rac1, RhoA, and Cdc42—could be confirmed, and several other Rho GTPases were additionally identified. These hits were validated in comparative studies with V. parahaemolyticus wild type and a mutant producing an inactive VopS (H348A). The method further allowed to decipher the sites of modification and facilitated a time-dependent analysis of AMPylation during infection. Overall, the methodology provides a reliable detection of host AMPylation in situ and thus a versatile tool in monitoring infection processes.

Monoclonal Anti-AMP Antibodies Are Sensitive and Valuable Tools for Detecting Patterns of AMPylation

AMPylation is a post-translational modification that modifies amino acid side chains with adenosine monophosphate (AMP). Recently, a role of AMPylation as a universal regulatory mechanism in infection and cellular homeostasis has emerged, driving the demand for universal tools to study this modification. Here, we describe three monoclonal anti-AMP antibodies (mAbs) from mouse that are capable of protein backbone-independent recognition of AMPylation, in denatured (western blot) as well as native (ELISA, IP) applications, thereby outperforming previously reported tools. These antibodies are highly sensitive and specific for AMP modifications, highlighting their potential as tools for new target identification, as well as for validation of known targets. Interestingly, applying the anti-AMP mAbs to various cancer cell lines reveals a previously undescribed broad and diverse AMPylation pattern. In conclusion, these anti-AMP mABs will further advance the current understanding of AMPylation and the spectrum of modified targets.

•

Generation of murine monoclonal anti-AMP antibodies via synthetic AMPylated peptide

•

Characterization in the applications western blot, ELISA, and immunoprecipitation

•

Sensitive and specific recognition of AMPylation independent of protein backbone

•

Expansion of toolbox for the detection and enrichment of AMPylation

Identification of targets of AMPylating Fic enzymes by co-substrate-mediated covalent capture

Various pathogenic bacteria use post-translational modifications to manipulate the central components of host cell functions. Many of the enzymes released by these bacteria belong to the large Fic family, which modify targets with nucleotide monophosphates. The lack of a generic method for identifying the cellular targets of Fic family enzymes hinders investigation of their role and the effect of the post-translational modification. Here, we establish an approach that uses reactive co-substrate-linked enzymes for proteome profiling. We combine synthetic thiol-reactive nucleotide derivatives with recombinantly produced Fic enzymes containing strategically placed cysteines in their active sites to yield reactive binary probes for covalent substrate capture. The binary complexes capture their targets from cell lysates and permit subsequent identification. Furthermore, we determined the structures of low-affinity ternary enzyme-nucleotide-substrate complexes by applying a covalent-linking strategy. This approach thus allows target identification of the Fic enzymes from both bacteria and eukarya.

From Young to Old: AMPylation Hits the Brain

Protein post-translational modifications (PTMs) are implicated in numerous physiological processes and significantly contribute to complex regulatory networks of protein functions. Recently, a protein PTM called AMPylation was found to play a role in modulation of neurodevelopment and neurodegeneration. Combination of biochemical and chemical proteomic studies has uncovered the prevalence of this PTM in regulation of diverse metabolic pathways. In metazoans, thus far two protein AMP transferases have been identified to introduce AMPylation: FICD and SELO. These two proteins were found to be involved in unfolded protein response and redox homeostasis on the cellular level and in the case of FICD to adjust the development of glial cells and neurons in Drosophila and cerebral organoids, respectively. Together with findings on AMPylation and its association with toxic protein aggregation, we summarize in this Perspective the knowledge and putative future directions of protein AMPylation research.

Developments and Applications of Functional Protein Microarrays

Protein microarrays are crucial tools in the study of proteins in an unbiased, high-throughput manner, as they allow for characterization of up to thousands of individually purified proteins in parallel. The adaptability of this technology has enabled its use in a wide variety of applications, including the study of proteome-wide molecular interactions, analysis of post-translational modifications, identification of novel drug targets, and examination of pathogen-host interactions. In addition, the technology has also been shown to be useful in profiling antibody specificity, as well as in the discovery of novel biomarkers, especially for autoimmune diseases and cancers. In this review, we will summarize the developments that have been made in protein microarray technology in both in basic and translational research over the past decade. We will also introduce a novel membrane protein array, the GPCR-VirD array, and discuss the future directions of functional protein microarrays.

FIC proteins: from bacteria to humans and back again

During the last decade, FIC proteins have emerged as a large family comprised of a variety of bacterial enzymes and a single member in animals. The air de famille of FIC proteins stems from a domain of conserved structure, which catalyzes the post-translational modification of proteins (PTM) by a phosphate-containing compound. In bacteria, examples of FIC proteins include the toxin component of toxin/antitoxin modules, such as Doc-Phd and VbhT-VbhA, toxins secreted by pathogenic bacteria to divert host cell processes, such as VopS, IbpA and AnkX, and a vast majority of proteins of unknown functions. FIC proteins catalyze primarily the transfer of AMP (AMPylation), but they are not restricted to this PTM and also carry out other modifications, for example by phosphocholine or phosphate. In a recent twist, animal FICD/HYPE was shown to catalyze both AMPylation and de-AMPylation of the endoplasmic reticulum BIP chaperone to regulate the unfolded protein response. FICD shares structural features with some bacterial FIC proteins, raising the possibility that bacteria also encode such dual activities. In this review, we discuss how structural, biochemical and cellular approaches have fertilized each other to understand the mechanism, regulation and function of FIC proteins from bacterial pathogens to humans.

Enzymes Involved in AMPylation and deAMPylation

Posttranslational modifications are covalent changes made to proteins that typically alter the function or location of the protein. AMPylation is an emerging posttranslational modification that involves the addition of adenosine monophosphate (AMP) to a protein. Like other, more well-studied posttranslational modifications, AMPylation is predicted to regulate the activity of the modified target proteins. However, the scope of this modification both in bacteria and in eukaryotes remains to be fully determined. In this review, we provide an up to date overview of the known AMPylating enzymes, the regulation of these enzymes, and the effect of this modification on target proteins.

Legionella effector AnkX interacts with host nuclear protein PLEKHN1

Background

The intracellular bacterial pathogen Legionella pneumophila proliferates in human alveolar macrophages, resulting in a severe pneumonia termed Legionnaires’ disease. Throughout the course of infection, L. pneumophila remains enclosed in a specialized membrane compartment that evades fusion with lysosomes. The pathogen delivers over 300 effector proteins into the host cell, altering host pathways in a manner that sets the stage for efficient pathogen replication. The L. pneumophila effector protein AnkX targets host Rab GTPases and functions in preventing fusion of the Legionella-containing vacuole with lysosomes. However, the current understanding of AnkX’s interaction with host proteins and the means through which it exerts its cellular function is limited.

Results

Here, we investigated the protein interaction network of AnkX by using the nucleic acid programmable protein array (NAPPA), a high-density platform comprising 10,000 unique human ORFs. This approach facilitated the discovery of PLEKHN1 as a novel interaction partner of AnkX. We confirmed this interaction through multiple independent in vitro pull-down, co-immunoprecipitation, and cell-based assays. Structured illumination microscopy revealed that endogenous PLEKHN1 is found in the nucleus and on vesicular compartments, whereas ectopically produced AnkX co-localized with lipid rafts at the plasma membrane. In mammalian cells, HaloTag-AnkX co-localized with endogenous PLEKHN1 on vesicular compartments. A central fragment of AnkX (amino acids 491–809), containing eight ankyrin repeats, extensively co-localized with endogenous PLEKHN1, indicating that this region may harbor a new function. Further, we found that PLEKHN1 associated with multiple proteins involved in the inflammatory response.

Conclusions

Altogether, our study provides evidence that in addition to Rab GTPases, the L. pneumophila effector AnkX targets nuclear host proteins and suggests that AnkX may have novel functions related to manipulating the inflammatory response.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (10.1186/s12866-017-1147-7) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Advances in cell-free protein array methods

INTRODUCTION

Cell-free protein microarrays represent a special form of protein microarray which display proteins made fresh at the time of the experiment, avoiding storage and denaturation. They have been used increasingly in basic and translational research over the past decade to study protein-protein interactions, the pathogen-host relationship, post-translational modifications, and antibody biomarkers of different human diseases. Their role in the first blood-based diagnostic test for early stage breast cancer highlights their value in managing human health. Cell-free protein microarrays will continue to evolve to become widespread tools for research and clinical management. Areas covered: We review the advantages and disadvantages of different cell-free protein arrays, with an emphasis on the methods that have been studied in the last five years. We also discuss the applications of each microarray method. Expert commentary: Given the growing roles and impact of cell-free protein microarrays in research and medicine, we discuss: 1) the current technical and practical limitations of cell-free protein microarrays; 2) the biomarker discovery and verification pipeline using protein microarrays; and 3) how cell-free protein microarrays will advance over the next five years, both in their technology and applications.

Multiplexed Nucleic Acid Programmable Protein Arrays

Rationale: Cell-free protein microarrays display naturally-folded proteins based on just-in-time in situ synthesis, and have made important contributions to basic and translational research. However, the risk of spot-to-spot cross-talk from protein diffusion during expression has limited the feature density of these arrays. Methods: In this work, we developed the Multiplexed Nucleic Acid Programmable Protein Array (M-NAPPA), which significantly increases the number of displayed proteins by multiplexing as many as five different gene plasmids within a printed spot. Results: Even when proteins of different sizes were displayed within the same feature, they were readily detected using protein-specific antibodies. Protein-protein interactions and serological antibody assays using human viral proteome microarrays demonstrated that comparable hits were detected by M-NAPPA and non-multiplexed NAPPA arrays. An ultra-high density proteome microarray displaying > 16k proteins on a single microscope slide was produced by combining M-NAPPA with a photolithography-based silicon nano-well platform. Finally, four new tuberculosis-related antigens in guinea pigs vaccinated with Bacillus Calmette-Guerin (BCG) were identified with M-NAPPA and validated with ELISA. Conclusion: All data demonstrate that multiplexing features on a protein microarray offer a cost-effective fabrication approach and have the potential to facilitate high throughput translational research.

Systematic identification of the protein substrates of UDP-GalNAc:polypeptide N-acetylgalactosaminyltransferase-T1/T2/T3 using a human proteome microarray

O-GalNAc glycosylation is the initial step of the mucin-type O-glycosylation. In humans, it is catalyzed by a family of 20 homologous UDP-GalNAc:polypeptide N-acetylgalactosaminyltransferases (ppGalNAc-Ts). So far, there is very limited information on their protein substrate specificities. In this study, we developed an on-chip ppGalNAc-Ts assay that could rapidly and systematically identify the protein substrates of each ppGalNAc-T. In detail, we utilized a human proteome microarray as the protein substrates and UDP-GalNAz as the nucleotide sugar donor for click chemistry detection. From a total of 16 368 human proteins, we identified 570 potential substrates of ppGalNAc-T1, T2, and T3. Among them, 128 substrates were overlapped, while the rest were isoform specific. Further cluster analysis of these substrates showed that the substrates of ppGalNAc-T1 had a closer phylogenetic relationship with that of ppGalNAc-T3 compared with ppGalNAc-T2, which was consistent with the topology of the phylogenetic tree of these ppGalNAc-Ts. Taken together, our microarray-based enzymatic assay comprehensively reveals the substrate profile of the ppGalNAc-T1, T2, and T3, which not only provides a plausible explanation for their partial functional redundancy as reported, but clearly implies some specialized roles of each enzyme in different biological processes.

The cytotoxic type 3 secretion system 1 of Vibrio rewires host gene expression to subvert cell death and activate cell survival pathways

Bacterial effectors potently manipulate host signaling pathways. The marine bacterium Vibrio parahaemolyticus (V. para) delivers effectors into host cells through two type 3 secretion systems (T3SSs). T3SS1 is vital for V. para survival in the environment, whereas T3SS2 causes acute gastroenteritis in human hosts. Although the natural host is undefined, T3SS1 effectors attack highly conserved cellular processes and pathways to orchestrate nonapoptotic cell death. To understand how the concerted action of T3SS1 effectors globally affects host cell signaling, we compared gene expression changes over time in primary fibroblasts infected with V. para that have a functional T3SS1 (T3SS1⁺) to those in cells infected with V. para lacking T3SS1 (T3SS1^-). Overall, the host transcriptional response to both T3SS1⁺ and T3SS1^-V. para was rapid, robust, and temporally dynamic. T3SS1 rewired host gene expression by specifically altering the expression of 398 genes. Although T3SS1 effectors targeted host cells at the posttranslational level to cause cytotoxicity, V. para T3SS1 also precipitated a host transcriptional response that initially activated cell survival and repressed cell death networks. The increased expression of several key prosurvival transcripts mediated by T3SS1 depended on a host signaling pathway that is silenced posttranslationally later in infection. Together, our analysis reveals a complex interplay between the roles of T3SS1 as both a transcriptional and posttranslational manipulator of host cell signaling.

Biological Diversity and Molecular Plasticity of FIC Domain Proteins

The ubiquitous proteins with FIC (filamentation induced by cyclic AMP) domains use a conserved enzymatic machinery to modulate the activity of various target proteins by posttranslational modification, typically AMPylation. Following intensive study of the general properties of FIC domain catalysis, diverse molecular activities and biological functions of these remarkably versatile proteins are now being revealed. Here, we review the biological diversity of FIC domain proteins and summarize the underlying structure-function relationships. The original and most abundant genuine bacterial FIC domain proteins are toxins that use diverse molecular activities to interfere with bacterial physiology in various, yet ill-defined, biological contexts. Host-targeted virulence factors have evolved repeatedly out of this pool by exaptation of the enzymatic FIC domain machinery for the manipulation of host cell signaling in favor of bacterial pathogens. The single human FIC domain protein HypE (FICD) has a specific function in the regulation of protein stress responses.

Mapping transcription factor interactome networks using HaloTag protein arrays

Protein microarrays enable investigation of diverse biochemical properties for thousands of proteins in a single experiment, an unparalleled capacity. Using a high-density system called HaloTag nucleic acid programmable protein array (HaloTag-NAPPA), we created high-density protein arrays comprising 12,000 Arabidopsis ORFs. We used these arrays to query protein-protein interactions for a set of 38 transcription factors and transcriptional regulators (TFs) that function in diverse plant hormone regulatory pathways. The resulting transcription factor interactome network, TF-NAPPA, contains thousands of novel interactions. Validation in a benchmarked in vitro pull-down assay revealed that a random subset of TF-NAPPA validated at the same rate of 64% as a positive reference set of literature-curated interactions. Moreover, using a bimolecular fluorescence complementation (BiFC) assay, we confirmed in planta several interactions of biological interest and determined the interaction localizations for seven pairs. The application of HaloTag-NAPPA technology to plant hormone signaling pathways allowed the identification of many novel transcription factor-protein interactions and led to the development of a proteome-wide plant hormone TF interactome network.

Advancing translational research with next-generation protein microarrays

Protein microarrays are a high-throughput technology used increasingly in translational research, seeking to apply basic science findings to enhance human health. In addition to assessing protein levels, posttranslational modifications, and signaling pathways in patient samples, protein microarrays have aided in the identification of potential protein biomarkers of disease and infection. In this perspective, the different types of full-length protein microarrays that are used in translational research are reviewed. Specific studies employing these microarrays are presented to highlight their potential in finding solutions to real clinical problems. Finally, the criteria that should be considered when developing next-generation protein microarrays are provided.

Comparative Study of Autoantibody Responses between Lung Adenocarcinoma and Benign Pulmonary Nodules

INTRODUCTION

The reduction in lung cancer mortality associated with computed tomography (CT) screening has led to its increased use and a concomitant increase in the detection of benign pulmonary nodules. Many individuals found to have benign nodules undergo unnecessary, costly, and invasive procedures. Therefore, there is a need for companion diagnostics that stratify individuals with pulmonary nodules into high-risk or low-risk groups. Lung cancers can trigger host immune responses and elicit antibodies against tumor antigens. The identification of these autoantibodies (AAbs) and their corresponding antigens may expand our knowledge of cancer immunity, leading to early diagnosis or even benefiting immunotherapy. Previous studies were performed mostly in the context of comparing cancers and healthy (smoker) controls. We have performed one of the first studies to understand humoral immune response in patients with cancer, patients with benign nodules, and healthy smokers.

METHODS

We first profiled seroreactivity to 10,000 full-length human proteins in 40 patients with early-stage lung cancer and 40 smoker controls by using nucleic acid programmable protein arrays to identify candidate cancer-specific AAbs. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays of promising candidates were performed on 137 patients with lung cancer and 127 smoker controls, as well as on 170 subjects with benign pulmonary nodules.

RESULTS

From protein microarray screening experiments using a discovery set of 40 patients and 40 smoker controls, 17 antigens showing higher reactivity in lung cancer cases relative to the controls were subsequently selected for evaluation in a large sample set (n = 264) by using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. A five-AAb classifier (tetratricopeptide repeat domain 14 [TTC14], B-Raf proto-oncogene, serine/threonine kinase [BRAF], actin like 6B [ACTL6B], MORC family CW-type zinc finger 2 [MORC2], and cancer/testis antigen 1B [CTAG1B]) that can differentiate lung cancers from smoker controls with a sensitivity of 30% at 89% specificity was developed. We further tested AAb responses in subjects with CT-positive benign nodules (n = 170), and developed a five-AAb panel (keratin 8, type II, TTC14, Kruppel-like factor 8, BRAF, and tousled like kinase 1) with a sensitivity of 30% at 88% specificity. Interestingly, messenger RNA levels of six AAb targets (TTC14, BRAF, MORC family CW-type zinc finger 2, cancer/testis antigen 1B, keratin 8, type II, and tousled like kinase 1) were also found to increase in lung adenocarcinoma tissues based on The Cancer Genome Atlas data set.

CONCLUSION

We discovered AAbs associated with lung adenocaricnoma that have the potential to differentiate cancer from CT-positive benign diseases. We believe that these antibodies warrant future validation using a larger sample set and/or longitudinal samples individually or as a panel. They could potentially be part of companion molecular diagnostic modalities that will benefit subjects undergoing CT screening for lung cancer.

Immunoproteomic Profiling of Antiviral Antibodies in New-Onset Type 1 Diabetes Using Protein Arrays

The rapid rise in the incidence of type 1 diabetes (T1D) suggests the involvement of environmental factors including viral infections. We evaluated the association between viral infections and T1D by profiling antiviral antibodies using a high-throughput immunoproteomics approach in patients with new-onset T1D. We constructed a viral protein array comprising the complete proteomes of seven viruses associated with T1D and open reading frames from other common viruses. Antibody responses to 646 viral antigens were assessed in 42 patients with T1D and 42 age- and sex-matched healthy control subjects (mean age 12.7 years, 50% males). Prevalence of antiviral antibodies agreed with known infection rates for the corresponding virus based on epidemiological studies. Antibody responses to Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) were significantly higher in case than control subjects (odds ratio 6.6; 95% CI 2.0-25.7), whereas the other viruses showed no differences. The EBV and T1D association was significant in both sex and age subgroups (≤12 and >12 years), and there was a trend toward early EBV infections among the case subjects. These results suggest a potential role for EBV in T1D development. We believe our innovative immunoproteomics platform is useful for understanding the role of viral infections in T1D and other disorders where associations between viral infection and disease are unclear.

Global Profiling of Huntingtin-associated protein E (HYPE)-Mediated AMPylation through a Chemical Proteomic Approach

AMPylation of mammalian small GTPases by bacterial virulence factors can be a key step in bacterial infection of host cells, and constitutes a potential drug target. This posttranslational modification also exists in eukaryotes, and AMP transferase activity was recently assigned to HYPE Filamentation induced by cyclic AMP domain containing protein (FICD) protein, which is conserved from Caenorhabditis elegans to humans. In contrast to bacterial AMP transferases, only a small number of HYPE substrates have been identified by immunoprecipitation and mass spectrometry approaches, and the full range of targets is yet to be determined in mammalian cells. We describe here the first example of global chemoproteomic screening and substrate validation for HYPE-mediated AMPylation in mammalian cell lysate. Through quantitative mass-spectrometry-based proteomics coupled with novel chemoproteomic tools providing MS/MS evidence of AMP modification, we identified a total of 25 AMPylated proteins, including the previously validated substrate endoplasmic reticulum (ER) chaperone BiP (HSPA5), and also novel substrates involved in pathways of gene expression, ATP biosynthesis, and maintenance of the cytoskeleton. This dataset represents the largest library of AMPylated human proteins reported to date and a foundation for substrate-specific investigations that can ultimately decipher the complex biological networks involved in eukaryotic AMPylation.

Structure and function of Fic proteins

Fic proteins are a family of proteins characterized by the presence of a conserved FIC domain that is involved in the modification of protein substrates by the addition of phosphate-containing compounds, including AMP and other nucleoside monophosphates, phosphocholine and phosphate. Fic proteins are widespread in bacteria, and various pathogenic species secrete Fic proteins as toxins that mediate post-translational modifications of host cell proteins, to interfere with cytoskeletal, trafficking, signalling or translation pathways in the host cell. In this Review, we discuss the current knowledge of the structure, function and regulation of Fic proteins and consider important areas for future research.

Chemical reporters for exploring ADP-ribosylation and AMPylation at the host-pathogen interface

Bacterial pathogens secrete protein toxins and effectors that hijack metabolites to covalently modify host proteins and interfere with their function during infection. Adenosine metabolites, such as nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD) and adenosine triphosphate (ATP), have in particular been coopted by these secreted virulence factors to reprogram host pathways. While some host targets for secreted virulence factors have been identified, other toxin and effector substrates have been elusive, which require new methods for their characterization. In this review, we focus on chemical reporters based on NAD and ATP that should facilitate the discovery and characterization of adenosine diphosphate (ADP)-ribosylation and adenylylation/AMPylation in bacterial pathogenesis and cell biology.

Crystal structure of the human, FIC-domain containing protein HYPE and implications for its functions

Protein AMPylation, the transfer of AMP from ATP to protein targets, has been recognized as a new mechanism of host-cell disruption by some bacterial effectors that typically contain a FIC-domain. Eukaryotic genomes also encode one FIC-domain protein, HYPE, which has remained poorly characterized. Here we describe the structure of human HYPE, solved by X-ray crystallography, representing the first structure of a eukaryotic FIC-domain protein. We demonstrate that HYPE forms stable dimers with structurally and functionally integrated FIC-domains and with TPR-motifs exposed for protein-protein interactions. As HYPE also uniquely possesses a transmembrane helix, dimerization is likely to affect its positioning and function in the membrane vicinity. The low rate of autoAMPylation of the wild-type HYPE could be due to autoinhibition, consistent with the mechanism proposed for a number of putative FIC AMPylators. Our findings also provide a basis to further consider possible alternative cofactors of HYPE and distinct modes of target-recognition.

•

The first crystal structure of a eukaryotic FIC-domain protein is solved

•

Interdomain interactions and dimerization of HYPE result in a rigid structure

•

TPR-motifs and the active site of the autoinhibited FIC domain are exposed

•

In contrast to bacterial FICs, HYPE does not preferentially AMPylate small GTPases

Plasma Autoantibodies Associated with Basal-like Breast Cancers

BACKGROUND

Basal-like breast cancer (BLBC) is a rare aggressive subtype that is less likely to be detected through mammographic screening. Identification of circulating markers associated with BLBC could have promise in detecting and managing this deadly disease.

METHODS

Using samples from the Polish Breast Cancer study, a high-quality population-based case-control study of breast cancer, we screened 10,000 antigens on protein arrays using 45 BLBC patients and 45 controls, and identified 748 promising plasma autoantibodies (AAbs) associated with BLBC. ELISA assays of promising markers were performed on a total of 145 BLBC cases and 145 age-matched controls. Sensitivities at 98% specificity were calculated and a BLBC classifier was constructed.

RESULTS

We identified 13 AAbs (CTAG1B, CTAG2, TP53, RNF216, PPHLN1, PIP4K2C, ZBTB16, TAS2R8, WBP2NL, DOK2, PSRC1, MN1, TRIM21) that distinguished BLBC from controls with 33% sensitivity and 98% specificity. We also discovered a strong association of TP53 AAb with its protein expression (P = 0.009) in BLBC patients. In addition, MN1 and TP53 AAbs were associated with worse survival [MN1 AAb marker HR = 2.25, 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.03-4.91; P = 0.04; TP53, HR = 2.02, 95% CI, 1.06-3.85; P = 0.03]. We found limited evidence that AAb levels differed by demographic characteristics.

CONCLUSIONS

These AAbs warrant further investigation in clinical studies to determine their value for further understanding the biology of BLBC and possible detection.

IMPACT

Our study identifies 13 AAb markers associated specifically with BLBC and may improve detection or management of this deadly disease.

In silico identification of AMPylating enzymes and study of their divergent evolution

AMPylation is a novel post-translational modification (PTM) involving covalent attachment of an AMP moiety to threonine/tyrosine side chains of a protein. AMPylating enzymes belonging to three different families, namely Fic/Doc, GS-ATase and DrrA have been experimentally characterized. Involvement of these novel enzymes in a myriad of biological processes makes them interesting candidates for genome-wide search. We have used SVM and HMM to develop a computational protocol for identification of AMPylation domains and their classification into various functional subfamilies catalyzing AMPylation, deAMPylation, phosphorylation and phosphocholine transfer. Our analysis has not only identified novel PTM catalyzing enzymes among unannotated proteins, but has also revealed how this novel enzyme family has evolved to generate functional diversity by subtle changes in sequence/structures of the proteins. Phylogenetic analysis of Fic/Doc has revealed three new isofunctional subfamilies, thus adding to their functional divergence. Also, frequent occurrence of Fic/Doc proteins on highly mobile and unstable genomic islands indicated their evolution via extensive horizontal gene transfers. On the other hand phylogenetic analyses indicate lateral evolution of GS-ATase family and an early duplication event responsible for AMPylation and deAMPylation activity of GS-ATase. Our analysis also reveals molecular basis of substrate specificity of DrrA proteins.

Antiviral antibody profiling by high-density protein arrays

Viral infections elicit antiviral antibodies and have been associated with various chronic diseases. Detection of these antibodies can facilitate diagnosis, treatment of infection, and understanding of the mechanisms of virus-associated diseases. In this work, we assayed antiviral antibodies using a novel high-density nucleic acid programmable protein array (HD-NAPPA) platform. Individual viral proteins were expressed in situ directly from plasmids encoding proteins in an array of microscopic reaction chambers. Quality of protein display and serum response was assured by comparing intra- and inter-array correlation within or between printing batches with average correlation coefficients of 0.91 and 0.96, respectively. HD-NAPPA showed higher signal-to-background ratio compared with standard NAPPA on planar glass slides and ELISA. Antibody responses to 761 antigens from 25 different viruses were profiled among patients with juvenile idiopathic arthritis and type 1 diabetes. Common and unique antibody reactivity patterns were detected between patients and healthy controls. We believe HD-viral-NAPPA will enable the study of host-pathogen interactions at unprecedented dimensions and elucidate the role of pathogen infections in disease development.

NAPPA as a Real New Method for Protein Microarray Generation

Nucleic Acid Programmable Protein Arrays (NAPPA) have emerged as a powerful and innovative technology for the screening of biomarkers and the study of protein-protein interactions, among others possible applications. The principal advantages are the high specificity and sensitivity that this platform offers. Moreover, compared to conventional protein microarrays, NAPPA technology avoids the necessity of protein purification, which is expensive and time-consuming, by substituting expression in situ with an in vitro transcription/translation kit. In summary, NAPPA arrays have been broadly employed in different studies improving knowledge about diseases and responses to treatments. Here, we review the principal advances and applications performed using this platform during the last years.

High-throughput identification of proteins with AMPylation using self-assembled human protein (NAPPA) microarrays

AMPylation (adenylylation) has been recognized as an important post-translational modification that is used by pathogens to regulate host cellular proteins and their associated signaling pathways. AMPylation has potential functions in various cellular processes, and it is widely conserved across both prokaryotes and eukaryotes. However, despite the identification of many AMPylators, relatively few candidate substrates of AMPylation are known. This is changing with the recent development of a robust and reliable method for identifying new substrates using protein microarrays, which can markedly expand the list of potential substrates. Here we describe procedures for detecting AMPylated and auto-AMPylated proteins in a sensitive, high-throughput and nonradioactive manner. The approach uses high-density protein microarrays fabricated using nucleic acid programmable protein array (NAPPA) technology, which enables the highly successful display of fresh recombinant human proteins in situ. The modification of target proteins is determined via copper-catalyzed azide-alkyne cycloaddition (CuAAC). The assay can be accomplished within 11 h.

Host-pathogen interaction profiling using self-assembling human protein arrays

Host-pathogen protein interactions are fundamental to every microbial infection, yet their identification has remained challenging due to the lack of simple detection tools that avoid abundance biases while providing an open format for experimental modifications. Here, we applied the Nucleic Acid-Programmable Protein Array and a HaloTag-Halo ligand detection system to determine the interaction network of Legionella pneumophila effectors (SidM and LidA) with 10 000 unique human proteins. We identified known targets of these L. pneumophila proteins and potentially novel interaction candidates. In addition, we applied our Click chemistry-based NAPPA platform to identify the substrates for SidM, an effector with an adenylyl transferase domain that catalyzes AMPylation (adenylylation), the covalent addition of adenosine monophosphate (AMP). We confirmed a subset of the novel SidM and LidA targets in independent in vitro pull-down and in vivo cell-based assays, and provided further insight into how these effectors may discriminate between different host Rab GTPases. Our method circumvents the purification of thousands of human and pathogen proteins, and does not require antibodies against or prelabeling of query proteins. This system is amenable to high-throughput analysis of effectors from a wide variety of human pathogens that may bind to and/or post-translationally modify targets within the human proteome.

Molecular perspectives on protein adenylylation

In the cell, proteins are frequently modified covalently at specific amino acids with post-translational modifications, leading to a diversification of protein functions and activities. Since the introduction of high-resolution mass spectrometry, new post-translational modifications are constantly being discovered. One particular modification is the adenylylation of mammalian proteins. In adenylylation, adenosine triphosphate (ATP) is utilized to attach an adenosine monophosphate at protein threonine or tyrosine residues via a phosphodiester linkage. Adenylylation is particularly interesting in the context of infections by bacterial pathogens during which mammalian proteins are manipulated through AMP attachment via secreted bacterial factors. In this review, we summarize the role and regulation of enzymatic adenylylation and the mechanisms of catalysis. We also refer to recent methods for the detection of adenylylated proteins by modification-specific antibodies, ATP analogues equipped with chemical handles, and mass spectrometry approaches. Additionally, we review screening approaches for inhibiting adenylylation and briefly discuss related modifications such as phosphocholination and phosphorylation.

AMPylation of Rho GTPases subverts multiple host signaling processes

Rho GTPases are frequent targets of virulence factors as they are keystone signaling molecules. Herein, we demonstrate that AMPylation of Rho GTPases by VopS is a multifaceted virulence mechanism that counters several host immunity strategies. Activation of NFκB, Erk, and JNK kinase signaling pathways were inhibited in a VopS-dependent manner during infection with Vibrio parahaemolyticus. Phosphorylation and degradation of IKBα were inhibited in the presence of VopS as was nuclear translocation of the NFκB subunit p65. AMPylation also prevented the generation of superoxide by the phagocytic NADPH oxidase complex, potentially by inhibiting the interaction of Rac and p67. Furthermore, the interaction of GTPases with the E3 ubiquitin ligases cIAP1 and XIAP was hindered, leading to decreased degradation of Rac and RhoA during infection. Finally, we screened for novel Rac1 interactions using a nucleic acid programmable protein array and discovered that Rac1 binds to the protein C1QA, a protein known to promote immune signaling in the cytosol. Interestingly, this interaction was disrupted by AMPylation. We conclude that AMPylation of Rho Family GTPases by VopS results in diverse inhibitory consequences during infection beyond the most obvious phenotype, the collapse of the actin cytoskeleton.