Histone Interaction Landscapes Visualized by Crosslinking Mass Spectrometry in Intact Cell Nuclei

The nucleolar phase of signal recognition particle assembly

The signal recognition particle is essential for targeting transmembrane and secreted proteins to the endoplasmic reticulum. Remarkably, because they work together in the cytoplasm, the SRP and ribosomes are assembled in the same biomolecular condensate: the nucleolus. How important is the nucleolus for SRP assembly is not known. Using quantitative proteomics, we have investigated the interactomes of SRP components. We reveal that SRP proteins are associated with scores of nucleolar proteins important for ribosome biogenesis and nucleolar structure. Having monitored the subcellular distribution of SRP proteins upon controlled nucleolar disruption, we conclude that an intact organelle is required for their proper localization. Lastly, we have detected two SRP proteins in Cajal bodies, which indicates that previously undocumented steps of SRP assembly may occur in these bodies. This work highlights the importance of a structurally and functionally intact nucleolus for efficient SRP production and suggests that the biogenesis of SRP and ribosomes may be coordinated in the nucleolus by common assembly factors.

Cross-link assisted spatial proteomics to map sub-organelle proteomes and membrane protein topologies

The functions of cellular organelles and sub-compartments depend on their protein content, which can be characterized by spatial proteomics approaches. However, many spatial proteomics methods are limited in their ability to resolve organellar sub-compartments, profile multiple sub-compartments in parallel, and/or characterize membrane-associated proteomes. Here, we develop a cross-link assisted spatial proteomics (CLASP) strategy that addresses these shortcomings. Using human mitochondria as a model system, we show that CLASP can elucidate spatial proteomes of all mitochondrial sub-compartments and provide topological insight into the mitochondrial membrane proteome. Biochemical and imaging-based follow-up studies confirm that CLASP allows discovering mitochondria-associated proteins and revising previous protein sub-compartment localization and membrane topology data. We also validate the CLASP concept in synaptic vesicles, demonstrating its applicability to different sub-cellular compartments. This study extends the scope of cross-linking mass spectrometry beyond protein structure and interaction analysis towards spatial proteomics, and establishes a method for concomitant profiling of sub-organelle and membrane proteomes.

Cryo-EM of the Nucleosome Core Particle Bound to Ran-RCC1 Reveals a Dynamic Complex

Ras-related nuclear protein (Ran) is a member of the Ras superfamily of small guanosine triphosphatases (GTPases) and a regulator of multiple cellular processes. In healthy cells, the GTP-bound form of Ran is concentrated at chromatin, creating a Ran•GTP gradient that provides the driving force for nucleocytoplasmic transport, mitotic spindle assembly, and nuclear envelope formation. The Ran•GTP gradient is maintained by the regulator of chromatin condensation 1 (RCC1), a guanine nucleotide exchange factor that accelerates GDP/GTP exchange in Ran. RCC1 interacts with nucleosomes, which are the fundamental repeating units of eukaryotic chromatin. Here, we present a cryo-EM analysis of a trimeric complex composed of the nucleosome core particle (NCP), RCC1, and Ran. While the contacts between RCC1 and Ran in the complex are preserved compared with a previously determined structure of RCC1-Ran, our study reveals that RCC1 and Ran interact dynamically with the NCP and undergo rocking motions on the nucleosome surface. Furthermore, the switch 1 region of Ran, which plays an important role in mediating conformational changes associated with the substitution of GDP and GTP nucleotides in Ras family members, appears to undergo disorder-order transitions and forms transient contacts with the C-terminal helix of histone H2B. Nucleotide exchange assays performed in the presence and absence of NCPs are not consistent with an active role for nucleosomes in nucleotide exchange, at least in vitro. Instead, the nucleosome stabilizes RCC1 and serves as a hub that concentrates RCC1 and Ran to promote efficient Ran•GDP to Ran•GTP conversion.

Btbd8 deficiency reduces susceptibility to colitis by enhancing intestinal barrier function and suppressing inflammation

Introduction

BTBD8 has been identified as a susceptible gene for inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD). However, the function of BTBD8 in normal development and IBD pathogenesis remains unknown.

Methods

We administered drinking water with 3% dextran sodium sulfate (DSS) to wild-type (WT) and Btbd8 knockout (KO) mice for seven consecutive days to induce IBD. Subsequently, we further examined whether Btbd8 KO affects intestinal barrier and inflammation.

Results

We demonstrated that Btbd8 deficiency partially protects mice from DSS-induced IBD, even though no obvious phenotypes were observed in Btbd8 KO mice. Btbd8 deletion leads to strengthened tight junctions between intestinal epithelial cells, elevated intestinal stem cell activity, and enhanced mucus layer. All these three mechanisms work together to improve the intestinal barrier integrity in Btbd8 KO mice. In addition, Btbd8 deficiency mitigates inflammation by reducing the expression of IL-1β and IL-6 by macrophages.

Discussion

Our studies validate the crucial role of Btbd8 in IBD pathogenesis, and reveal that Btbd8 deficiency may ameliorate DSS-induced IBD through improving the intestinal barrier integrity, as well as suppressing inflammatory response mediated by macrophages. These findings suggest that Btbd8 could be a promising therapeutic target for the treatment of IBD.

Proteomic analysis of the developing mammalian brain links PCDH19 to the Wnt/β-catenin signalling pathway

Clustering Epilepsy (CE) is a neurological disorder caused by pathogenic variants of the Protocadherin 19 (PCDH19) gene. PCDH19 encodes a protein involved in cell adhesion and Estrogen Receptor α mediated-gene regulation. To gain further insights into the molecular role of PCDH19 in the brain, we investigated the PCDH19 interactome in the developing mouse hippocampus and cortex. Combined with a meta-analysis of all reported PCDH19 interacting proteins, our results show that PCDH19 interacts with proteins involved in actin, microtubule, and gene regulation. We report CAPZA1, αN-catenin and, importantly, β-catenin as novel PCDH19 interacting proteins. Furthermore, we show that PCDH19 is a regulator of β-catenin transcriptional activity, and that this pathway is disrupted in CE individuals. Overall, our results support the involvement of PCDH19 in the cytoskeletal network and point to signalling pathways where PCDH19 plays critical roles.

Progress, Challenges and Opportunities of NMR and XL-MS for Cellular Structural Biology

The validity of protein structures and interactions, whether determined under ideal laboratory conditions or predicted by AI tools such as Alphafold2, to precisely reflect those found in living cells remains to be examined. Moreover, understanding the changes in protein structures and interactions in response to stimuli within living cells, under both normal and disease conditions, is key to grasping proteins' functionality and cellular processes. Nevertheless, achieving high-resolution identification of these protein structures and interactions within living cells presents a technical challenge. In this Perspective, we summarize the recent advancements in in-cell nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and in vivo cross-linking mass spectrometry (XL-MS) for studying protein structures and interactions within a cellular context. Additionally, we discuss the challenges, opportunities, and potential benefits of integrating in-cell NMR and in vivo XL-MS in future research to offer an exhaustive approach to studying proteins in their natural habitat.

Deciphering principles of nucleosome interactions and impact of cancer-associated mutations from comprehensive interaction network analysis

Nucleosomes represent hubs in chromatin organization and gene regulation and interact with a plethora of chromatin factors through different modes. In addition, alterations in histone proteins such as cancer mutations and post-translational modifications have profound effects on histone/nucleosome interactions. To elucidate the principles of histone interactions and the effects of those alterations, we developed histone interactomes for comprehensive mapping of histone-histone interactions (HHIs), histone-DNA interactions (HDIs), histone-partner interactions (HPIs) and DNA-partner interactions (DPIs) of 37 organisms, which contains a total of 3808 HPIs from 2544 binding proteins and 339 HHIs, 100 HDIs and 142 DPIs across 110 histone variants. With the developed networks, we explored histone interactions at different levels of granularities (protein-, domain- and residue-level) and performed systematic analysis on histone interactions at a large scale. Our analyses have characterized the preferred binding hotspots on both nucleosomal/linker DNA and histone octamer and unraveled diverse binding modes between nucleosome and different classes of binding partners. Last, to understand the impact of histone cancer-associated mutations on histone/nucleosome interactions, we complied one comprehensive cancer mutation dataset including 7940 cancer-associated histone mutations and further mapped those mutations onto 419,125 histone interactions at the residue level. Our quantitative analyses point to histone cancer-associated mutations' strongly disruptive effects on HHIs, HDIs and HPIs. We have further predicted 57 recurrent histone cancer mutations that have large effects on histone/nucleosome interactions and may have driver status in oncogenesis.

Comprehensive characterization of coding and non-coding single nucleotide polymorphisms of the Myoneurin (MYNN) gene using molecular dynamics simulation and docking approaches

Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) identified a coding single nucleotide polymorphism, MYNN rs10936599, at chromosome 3q. MYNN gene encodes myoneurin protein, which has been associated with several cancer pathogenesis and disease development processes. However, there needed to be a more detailed characterization of this polymorphism's (and other coding and non-coding polymorphisms) structural, functional, and molecular impact. The current study addressed this gap and analyzed different properties of rs10936599 and non-coding SNPs of MYNN via a thorough computational method. The variant, rs10936599, was predicted functionally deleterious by nine functionality prediction approaches, like SIFT, PolyPhen-2, and REVEL, etc. Following that, structural modifications were estimated through the HOPE server and Mutation3D. Moreover, the mutation was found in a conserved and active residue, according to ConSurf and CPORT. Further, the secondary structures were predicted, followed by tertiary structures, and there was a significant deviation between the native and variant models. Similarly, molecular simulation also showed considerable differences in the dynamic pattern of the wildtype and mutant structures. Molecular docking revealed that the variant binds with better docking scores with ligand NOTCH2. In addition to that, non-coding SNPs located at the MYNN locus were retrieved from the ENSEMBL database. These were found to disrupt the transcription factor binding regulatory regions; nonetheless, only two affect miRNA target sites. Again, eight non-coding variants were detected in the testes with normalized expression, whereas HaploReg v4.1 unveiled annotations for non-coding variants. In summary, in silico comprehensive characterization of coding and non-coding single nucleotide polymorphisms of MYNN gene will assist researchers to work on MYNN gene and establish their association with certain types of cancers.

Neuron navigators: A novel frontier with physiological and pathological implications

Neuron navigators are microtubule plus-end tracking proteins containing basic and serine rich regions which are encoded by neuron navigator genes (NAVs). Neuron navigator proteins are essential for neurite outgrowth, neuronal migration, and overall neurodevelopment along with some other functions as well. The navigator proteins are substantially expressed in the developing brain and have been reported to be differentially expressed in various tissues at different ages. Over the years, the research has found neuron navigators to be implicated in a spectrum of pathological conditions such as developmental anomalies, neurodegenerative disorders, neuropathic pain, anxiety, cancers, and certain inflammatory conditions. The existing knowledge about neuron navigators remains sparse owing to their differential functions, undiscovered modulators, and unknown molecular mechanisms. Investigating the possible role of neuron navigators in various physiological processes and pathological conditions pose as a novel field that requires extensive research and might provide novel mechanistic insights and understanding of these aspects.

Systematic analysis reveals distinct roles of USF family proteins in various cancer types

BACKGROUND

Upstream stimulatory factors (USFs) are members of the basic helix-loop-helix leucine zipper transcription factor family, including USF1, USF2, and USF3. The first two members have been well studied compared to the third member, USF3, which has received scarce attention in cancer research to date. Despite a recently reported association of its alteration with thyroid carcinoma, its expression has not been previously analyzed.

METHODS

We comprehensively analyzed differential levels of USFs expression, genomic alteration, DNA methylation, and their prognostic value across different cancer types and the possible correlation with tumor-infiltrating immune cells and drug response by using different bioinformatics tools.

RESULTS

Our findings established that USFs play an important role in cancers related to the urinary system and justify the necessity for further investigation. We implemented and offer a useful ShinyApp to facilitate researchers' efforts to inquire about any other gene of interest and to perform the analysis of drug response in a user-friendly fashion at http://zzdlab.com:3838/Drugdiscovery/.

Recent Advances in Molecular and Cellular Functions of S100A10

S100A10 (p11, annexin II light chain, calpactin light chain) is a multifunctional protein with a wide range of physiological activity. S100A10 is unique among the S100 family members of proteins since it does not bind to Ca2+, despite its sequence and structural similarity. This review focuses on studies highlighting the structure, regulation, and binding partners of S100A10. The binding partners of S100A10 were collated and summarized.

Spatially resolved protein map of intact human cytomegalovirus virions

Herpesviruses assemble large enveloped particles that are difficult to characterize structurally due to their size, fragility and complex multilayered proteome with partially amorphous nature. Here we used crosslinking mass spectrometry and quantitative proteomics to derive a spatially resolved interactome map of intact human cytomegalovirus virions. This enabled the de novo allocation of 32 viral proteins into four spatially resolved virion layers, each organized by a dominant viral scaffold protein. The viral protein UL32 engages with all layers in an N-to-C-terminal radial orientation, bridging nucleocapsid to viral envelope. We observed the layer-specific incorporation of 82 host proteins, of which 39 are selectively recruited. We uncovered how UL32, by recruitment of PP-1 phosphatase, antagonizes binding to 14-3-3 proteins. This mechanism assures effective viral biogenesis, suggesting a perturbing role of UL32-14-3-3 interaction. Finally, we integrated these data into a coarse-grained model to provide global insights into the native configuration of virus and host protein interactions inside herpesvirions.

The neurological and non-neurological roles of the primary microcephaly-associated protein ASPM

Primary microcephaly (MCPH), is a neurological disorder characterized by small brain size that results in numerous developmental problems, including intellectual disability, motor and speech delays, and seizures. Hitherto, over 30 MCPH causing genes (MCPHs) have been identified. Among these MCPHs, MCPH5, which encodes abnormal spindle-like microcephaly-associated protein (ASPM), is the most frequently mutated gene. ASPM regulates mitotic events, cell proliferation, replication stress response, DNA repair, and tumorigenesis. Moreover, using a data mining approach, we have confirmed that high levels of expression of ASPM correlate with poor prognosis in several types of tumors. Here, we summarize the neurological and non-neurological functions of ASPM and provide insight into its implications for the diagnosis and treatment of MCPH and cancer.

Targeted cross-linker delivery for the in situ mapping of protein conformations and interactions in mitochondria

Current methods for intracellular protein analysis mostly require the separation of specific organelles or changes to the intracellular environment. However, the functions of proteins are determined by their native microenvironment as they usually form complexes with ions, nucleic acids, and other proteins. Here, we show a method for in situ cross-linking and analysis of mitochondrial proteins in living cells. By using the poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) nanoparticles functionalized with dimethyldioctadecylammonium bromide (DDAB) to deliver protein cross-linkers into mitochondria, we subsequently analyze the cross-linked proteins using mass spectrometry. With this method, we identify a total of 74 pairs of protein-protein interactions that do not exist in the STRING database. Interestingly, our data on mitochondrial respiratory chain proteins ( ~ 94%) are also consistent with the experimental or predicted structural analysis of these proteins. Thus, we provide a promising technology platform for in situ defining protein analysis in cellular organelles under their native microenvironment.

Conformational Dynamics of the Activated GLP-1 Receptor-Gs Complex Revealed by Cross-Linking Mass Spectrometry and Integrative Structure Modeling

Despite advances in characterizing the structures and functions of G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs), our understanding of GPCR activation and signaling is still limited by the lack of information on conformational dynamics. It is particularly challenging to study the dynamics of GPCR complexes with their signaling partners because of their transient nature and low stability. Here, by combining cross-linking mass spectrometry (CLMS) with integrative structure modeling, we map the conformational ensemble of an activated GPCR-G protein complex at near-atomic resolution. The integrative structures describe heterogeneous conformations for a high number of potential alternative active states of the GLP-1 receptor-G_s complex. These structures show marked differences from the previously determined cryo-EM structure, especially at the receptor-G_s interface and in the interior of the G_s heterotrimer. Alanine-scanning mutagenesis coupled with pharmacological assays validates the functional significance of 24 interface residue contacts only observed in the integrative structures, yet absent in the cryo-EM structure. Through the integration of spatial connectivity data from CLMS with structure modeling, our study provides a new approach that is generalizable to characterizing the conformational dynamics of GPCR signaling complexes.

Novel Susceptibility Genes Drive Familial Non-Medullary Thyroid Cancer in a Large Consanguineous Kindred

Familial non-medullary thyroid cancer (FNMTC) is a well-differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC) of follicular cell origin in two or more first-degree relatives. Patients typically demonstrate an autosomal dominant inheritance pattern with incomplete penetrance. While known genes and chromosomal loci account for some FNMTC, the molecular basis for most FNMTC remains elusive. To identify the variation(s) causing FNMTC in an extended consanguineous family consisting of 16 papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) cases, we performed whole exome sequence (WES) analysis of six family patients. We demonstrated an association of ARHGEF28, FBXW10, and SLC47A1 genes with FNMTC. The variations in these genes may affect the structures of their encoded proteins and, thus, their function. The most promising causative gene is ARHGEF28, which has high expression in the thyroid, and its protein-protein interactions (PPIs) suggest predisposition of PTC through ARHGEF28-SQSTM1-TP53 or ARHGEF28-PTCSC2-FOXE1-TP53 associations. Using DNA from a patient's thyroid malignant tissue, we analyzed the possible cooperation of somatic variations with these genes. We revealed two somatic heterozygote variations in XRCC1 and HRAS genes known to implicate thyroid cancer. Thus, the predisposition by the germline variations and a second hit by somatic variations could lead to the progression to PTC.

Capturing the hierarchically assorted modules of protein-protein interactions in the organized nucleome

Nuclear proteins are major constituents and key regulators of nucleome topological organization and manipulators of nuclear events. To decipher the global connectivity of nuclear proteins and the hierarchically organized modules of their interactions, we conducted two rounds of cross-linking mass spectrometry (XL-MS) analysis, one of which followed a quantitative double chemical cross-linking mass spectrometry (in vivoqXL-MS) workflow, and identified 24,140 unique crosslinks in total from the nuclei of soybean seedlings. This in vivo quantitative interactomics enabled the identification of 5340 crosslinks that can be converted into 1297 nuclear protein-protein interactions (PPIs), 1220 (94%) of which were non-confirmative (or novel) nuclear PPIs compared with those in repositories. There were 250 and 26 novel interactors of histones and the nucleolar box C/D small nucleolar ribonucleoprotein complex, respectively. Modulomic analysis of orthologous Arabidopsis PPIs produced 27 and 24 master nuclear PPI modules (NPIMs) that contain the condensate-forming protein(s) and the intrinsically disordered region-containing proteins, respectively. These NPIMs successfully captured previously reported nuclear protein complexes and nuclear bodies in the nucleus. Surprisingly, these NPIMs were hierarchically assorted into four higher-order communities in a nucleomic graph, including genome and nucleolus communities. This combinatorial pipeline of 4C quantitative interactomics and PPI network modularization revealed 17 ethylene-specific module variants that participate in a broad range of nuclear events. The pipeline was able to capture both nuclear protein complexes and nuclear bodies, construct the topological architectures of PPI modules and module variants in the nucleome, and probably map the protein compositions of biomolecular condensates.

Protein structure dynamics by crosslinking mass spectrometry

Crosslinking mass spectrometry captures protein structures in solution. The crosslinks reveal spatial proximities as distance restraints, but do not easily reveal which of these restraints derive from the same protein conformation. This superposition can be reduced by photo-crosslinking, and adding information from protein structure models, or quantitative crosslinking reveals conformation-specific crosslinks. As a consequence, crosslinking MS has proven useful already in the context of multiple dynamic protein systems. We foresee a breakthrough in the resolution and scale of studying protein dynamics when crosslinks are used to guide deep-learning-based protein modelling. Advances in crosslinking MS, such as photoactivatable crosslinking and in-situ crosslinking, will then reveal protein conformation dynamics in the cellular context, at a pseudo-atomic resolution, and plausibly in a time-resolved manner.

Chemical Biology Approaches to Identify and Profile Interactors of Chromatin Modifications

In eukaryotes, DNA is packaged with histone proteins in a complex known as chromatin. Both the DNA and histone components of chromatin can be chemically modified in a wide variety of ways, resulting in a complex landscape often referred to as the "epigenetic code". These modifications are recognized by effector proteins that remodel chromatin and modulate transcription, translation, and repair of the underlying DNA. In this Review, we examine the development of methods for characterizing proteins that interact with these histone and DNA modifications. "Mark first" approaches utilize chemical, peptide, nucleosome, or oligonucleotide probes to discover interactors of a specific modification. "Reader first" approaches employ arrays of peptides, nucleosomes, or oligonucleotides to profile the binding preferences of interactors. These complementary strategies have greatly enhanced our understanding of how chromatin modifications effect changes in genomic regulation, bringing us ever closer to deciphering this complex language.

Basic helix-loop-helix pioneer factors interact with the histone octamer to invade nucleosomes and generate nucleosome-depleted regions

Nucleosomes drastically limit transcription factor (TF) occupancy, while pioneer transcription factors (PFs) somehow circumvent this nucleosome barrier. In this study, we compare nucleosome binding of two conserved S. cerevisiae basic helix-loop-helix (bHLH) TFs, Cbf1 and Pho4. A cryo-EM structure of Cbf1 in complex with the nucleosome reveals that the Cbf1 HLH region can electrostatically interact with exposed histone residues within a partially unwrapped nucleosome. Single-molecule fluorescence studies show that the Cbf1 HLH region facilitates efficient nucleosome invasion by slowing its dissociation rate relative to DNA through interactions with histones, whereas the Pho4 HLH region does not. In vivo studies show that this enhanced binding provided by the Cbf1 HLH region enables nucleosome invasion and ensuing repositioning. These structural, single-molecule, and in vivo studies reveal the mechanistic basis of dissociation rate compensation by PFs and how this translates to facilitating chromatin opening inside cells.

Cross-linking mass spectrometry for mapping protein complex topologies in situ

Cross-linking mass spectrometry has become an established technology to provide structural information on the topology and dynamics of protein complexes. Readily accessible workflows can provide detailed data on simplified systems, such as purified complexes. However, using this technology to study the structure of protein complexes in situ, such as in organelles, cells, and even tissues, is still a technological frontier. The complexity of these systems remains a considerable challenge, but there have been dramatic improvements in sample handling, data acquisition, and data processing. Here, we summarise these developments and describe the paths towards comprehensive and comparative structural interactomes by cross-linking mass spectrometry.

Towards a structurally resolved human protein interaction network

Cellular functions are governed by molecular machines that assemble through protein-protein interactions. Their atomic details are critical to studying their molecular mechanisms. However, fewer than 5% of hundreds of thousands of human protein interactions have been structurally characterized. Here we test the potential and limitations of recent progress in deep-learning methods using AlphaFold2 to predict structures for 65,484 human protein interactions. We show that experiments can orthogonally confirm higher-confidence models. We identify 3,137 high-confidence models, of which 1,371 have no homology to a known structure. We identify interface residues harboring disease mutations, suggesting potential mechanisms for pathogenic variants. Groups of interface phosphorylation sites show patterns of co-regulation across conditions, suggestive of coordinated tuning of multiple protein interactions as signaling responses. Finally, we provide examples of how the predicted binary complexes can be used to build larger assemblies helping to expand our understanding of human cell biology.

Identifying and characterising Thrap3, Bclaf1 and Erh interactions using cross-linking mass spectrometry

Background: Cross-linking mass spectrometry (XL-MS) is a powerful technology capable of yielding structural insights across the complex cellular protein interaction network. However, up to date most of the studies utilising XL-MS to characterise individual protein complexes' topology have been carried out on over-expressed or recombinant proteins, which might not accurately represent native cellular conditions. Methods: We performed XL-MS using MS-cleavable crosslinker disuccinimidyl sulfoxide (DSSO) after immunoprecipitation of endogenous BRG/Brahma-associated factors (BAF) complex and co-purifying proteins. Data are available via ProteomeXchange with identifier PXD027611. Results: Although we did not detect the expected enrichment of crosslinks within the BAF complex, we identified numerous crosslinks between three co-purifying proteins, namely Thrap3, Bclaf1 and Erh. Thrap3 and Bclaf1 are mostly disordered proteins for which no 3D structure is available. The XL data allowed us to map interaction surfaces on these proteins, which overlap with the non-disordered portions of both proteins. The identified XLs are in agreement with homology-modelled structures suggesting that the interaction surfaces are globular. Conclusions: Our data shows that MS-cleavable crosslinker DSSO can be used to characterise in detail the topology and interaction surfaces of endogenous protein complexes without the need for overexpression. We demonstrate that Bclaf1, Erh and Thrap3 interact closely with each other, suggesting they might form a novel complex, hereby referred to as BET complex. This data can be exploited for modelling protein-protein docking to characterise the three-dimensional structure of the complex. Endogenous XL-MS might be challenging due to crosslinker accessibility, protein complex abundance or isolation efficiency, and require further optimisation for some complexes like the BAF complex to detect a substantial number of crosslinks.

Identifying and characterising Thrap3, Bclaf1 and Erh interactions using cross-linking mass spectrometry

Background: Cross-linking mass spectrometry (XL-MS) is a powerful technology capable of yielding structural insights across the complex cellular protein interaction network. However, up to date most of the studies utilising XL-MS to characterise individual protein complexes' topology have been carried out on over-expressed or recombinant proteins, which might not accurately represent native cellular conditions. Methods: We performed XL-MS using MS-cleavable crosslinker disuccinimidyl sulfoxide (DSSO) after immunoprecipitation of endogenous BRG/Brahma-associated factors (BAF) complex and co-purifying proteins. Data are available via ProteomeXchange with identifier PXD027611. Results: Although we did not detect the expected enrichment of crosslinks within the BAF complex, we identified numerous crosslinks between three co-purifying proteins, namely Thrap3, Bclaf1 and Erh. Thrap3 and Bclaf1 are mostly disordered proteins for which no 3D structure is available. The XL data allowed us to map interaction surfaces on these proteins, which overlap with the non-disordered portions of both proteins. The identified XLs are in agreement with homology-modelled structures suggesting that the interaction surfaces are globular. Conclusions: Our data shows that MS-cleavable crosslinker DSSO can be used to characterise in detail the topology and interaction surfaces of endogenous protein complexes without the need for overexpression. We demonstrate that Bclaf1, Erh and Thrap3 interact closely with each other, suggesting they might form a novel complex, hereby referred to as TEB complex. This data can be exploited for modelling protein-protein docking to characterise the three-dimensional structure of the complex. Endogenous XL-MS might be challenging due to crosslinker accessibility, protein complex abundance or isolation efficiency, and require further optimisation for some complexes like the BAF complex to detect a substantial number of crosslinks.

Employing non-targeted interactomics approach and subcellular fractionation to increase our understanding of the ghost proteome

Eukaryotic mRNA has long been considered monocistronic, but nowadays, alternative proteins (AltProts) challenge this tenet. The alternative or ghost proteome has largely been neglected and the involvement of AltProts in biological processes. Here, we used subcellular fractionation to increase the information about AltProts and facilitate the detection of protein-protein interactions by the identification of crosslinked peptides. In total, 112 unique AltProts were identified, and we were able to identify 220 crosslinks without peptide enrichment. Among these, 16 crosslinks between AltProts and Referenced Proteins (RefProts) were identified. We further focused on specific examples such as the interaction between IP_2292176 (AltFAM227B) and HLA-B, in which this protein could be a potential new immunopeptide, and the interactions between HIST1H4F and several AltProts which can play a role in mRNA transcription. Thanks to the study of the interactome and the localization of AltProts, we can reveal more of the importance of the ghost proteome.

Loss of SORCS2 is Associated with Neuronal DNA Double-Strand Breaks

SORCS2 is one of five proteins that constitute the Vps10p-domain receptor family. Members of this family play important roles in cellular processes linked to neuronal survival, differentiation and function. Genetic and functional studies implicate SORCS2 in cognitive function, as well as in neurodegenerative and psychiatric disorders. DNA damage and DNA repair deficits are linked to ageing and neurodegeneration, and transient neuronal DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs) also occur as a result of neuronal activity. Here, we report a novel role for SORCS2 in DSB formation. We show that SorCS2 loss is associated with elevated DSB levels in the mouse dentate gyrus and that knocking out SORCS2 in a human neuronal cell line increased Topoisomerase IIβ-dependent DSB formation and reduced neuronal viability. Neuronal stimulation had no impact on levels of DNA breaks in vitro, suggesting that the observed differences may not be the result of aberrant neuronal activity in these cells. Our findings are consistent with studies linking the VPS10 receptors and DNA damage to neurodegenerative conditions.

Mono- and Intralink Filter (Mi-Filter) To Reduce False Identifications in Cross-Linking Mass Spectrometry Data

Cross-linking mass spectrometry (XL-MS) has become an indispensable tool for the emerging field of systems structural biology over the recent years. However, the confidence in individual protein-protein interactions (PPIs) depends on the correct assessment of individual inter-protein cross-links. In this article, we describe a mono- and intralink filter (mi-filter) that is applicable to any kind of cross-linking data and workflow. It stipulates that only proteins for which at least one monolink or intra-protein cross-link has been identified within a given data set are considered for an inter-protein cross-link and therefore participate in a PPI. We show that this simple and intuitive filter has a dramatic effect on different types of cross-linking data ranging from individual protein complexes over medium-complexity affinity enrichments to proteome-wide cell lysates and significantly reduces the number of false-positive identifications for inter-protein links in all these types of XL-MS data.

In silico strategies to identify protein-protein interaction modulator in cell-to-cell transmission of SARS CoV2

RNA sequence data from SARS CoV2 patients helps to construct a gene network related to this disease. A detailed analysis of the human host response to SARS CoV2 with expression profiling by high-throughput sequencing has been accomplished with primary human lung epithelial cell lines. Using this data, the clustered gene annotation and gene network construction are performed with the help of the String database. Among the four clusters identified, only 1 with 44 genes could be annotated. Interestingly, this corresponded to basal cells with p = 1.37e - 05, which is relevant for respiratory tract infection. Functional enrichment analysis of genes present in the gene network has been completed using the String database and the Network Analyst tool. Among three types of cell-cell communication, only the anchoring junction between the basal cell membrane and the basal lamina in the host cell is involved in the virus transmission. In this junction point, a hemidesmosome structure plays a vital role in virus spread from one cell to basal lamina in the respiratory tract. In this protein complex structure, different integrin protein molecules of the host cell are used to promote the spread of virus infection into the extracellular matrix. So, small molecular blockers of different anchoring junction proteins, such as integrin alpha 3, integrin beta 1, can provide efficient protection against this deadly viral disease. ORF8 from SARS CoV2 virus can interact with both integrin proteins of human host. By using molecular docking technique, a ternary complex of these three proteins is modelled. Several oligopeptides are predicted as modulators for this ternary complex. In silico analysis of these modulators is very important to develop novel therapeutics for the treatment of SARS CoV2.

Is IIIG9 a New Protein with Exclusive Ciliary Function? Analysis of Its Potential Role in Cancer and Other Pathologies

The identification of new proteins that regulate the function of one of the main cellular phosphatases, protein phosphatase 1 (PP1), is essential to find possible pharmacological targets to alter phosphatase function in various cellular processes, including the initiation and development of multiple diseases. IIIG9 is a regulatory subunit of PP1 initially identified in highly polarized ciliated cells. In addition to its ciliary location in ependymal cells, we recently showed that IIIG9 has extraciliary functions that regulate the integrity of adherens junctions. In this review, we perform a detailed analysis of the expression, localization, and function of IIIG9 in adult and developing normal brains. In addition, we provide a 3D model of IIIG9 protein structure for the first time, verifying that the classic structural and conformational characteristics of the PP1 regulatory subunits are maintained. Our review is especially focused on finding evidence linking IIIG9 dysfunction with the course of some pathologies, such as ciliopathies, drug dependence, diseases based on neurological development, and the development of specific high-malignancy and -frequency brain tumors in the pediatric population. Finally, we propose that IIIG9 is a relevant regulator of PP1 function in physiological and pathological processes in the CNS.

Cross-linking of the endolysosomal system reveals potential flotillin structures and cargo

Lysosomes are well-established as the main cellular organelles for the degradation of macromolecules and emerging as regulatory centers of metabolism. They are of crucial importance for cellular homeostasis, which is exemplified by a plethora of disorders related to alterations in lysosomal function. In this context, protein complexes play a decisive role, regulating not only metabolic lysosomal processes but also lysosome biogenesis, transport, and interaction with other organelles. Using cross-linking mass spectrometry, we analyze lysosomes and early endosomes. Based on the identification of 5376 cross-links, we investigate protein-protein interactions and structures of lysosome- and endosome-related proteins. In particular, we present evidence for a tetrameric assembly of the lysosomal hydrolase PPT1 and a heterodimeric structure of FLOT1/FLOT2 at lysosomes and early endosomes. For FLOT1-/FLOT2-positive early endosomes, we identify >300 putative cargo proteins and confirm eleven substrates for flotillin-dependent endocytosis, including the latrophilin family of adhesion G protein-coupled receptors.

Distinct biochemical properties of the class I histone deacetylase complexes

Classical histone deacetylases (HDACs) are enzymes that can hydrolytically cleave acetyl-Lys in histones and other proteins and serve as established drug targets in some forms of cancer. Class I HDACs 1-3 typically exist in a range of multiprotein complexes inside cells and show distinct biological functions in modulating gene expression. In recent years, it has become possible to purify and analyze the structure and enzymatic properties of several of these HDAC complexes, including CoREST, MiDAC, NuRD, Sin3, SMRT, MIER, and RERE. Here, we summarize what is experimentally established and/or computationally predicted about the structure of these complexes to describe their particular catalytic activities and site-specificities with modified nucleosome substrates.

Identifying Protein Complexes From Protein-Protein Interaction Networks Based on Fuzzy Clustering and GO Semantic Information

Protein complexes are of great significance to provide valuable insights into the mechanisms of biological processes of proteins. A variety of computational algorithms have thus been proposed to identify protein complexes in a protein-protein interaction network. However, few of them can perform their tasks by taking into account both network topology and protein attribute information in a unified fuzzy-based clustering framework. Since proteins in the same complex are similar in terms of their attribute information and the consideration of fuzzy clustering can also make it possible for us to identify overlapping complexes, we target to propose such a novel fuzzy-based clustering framework, namely FCAN-PCI, for an improved identification accuracy. To do so, the semantic similarity between the attribute information of proteins is calculated and we then integrate it into a well-established fuzzy clustering model together with the network topology. After that, a momentum method is adopted to accelerate the clustering procedure. FCAN-PCI finally applies a heuristical search strategy to identify overlapping protein complexes. A series of extensive experiments have been conducted to evaluate the performance of FCAN-PCI by comparing it with state-of-the-art identification algorithms and the results demonstrate the promising performance of FCAN-PCI.

Overview of protein posttranslational modifications in Arthropoda venoms

Accidents with venomous animals are a public health issue worldwide. Among the species involved in these accidents are scorpions, spiders, bees, wasps, and other members of the phylum Arthropoda. The knowledge of the function of proteins present in these venoms is important to guide diagnosis, therapeutics, besides being a source of a large variety of biotechnological active molecules. Although our understanding about the characteristics and function of arthropod venoms has been evolving in the last decades, a major aspect crucial for the function of these proteins remains poorly studied, the posttranslational modifications (PTMs). Comprehension of such modifications can contribute to better understanding the basis of envenomation, leading to improvements in the specificities of potential therapeutic toxins. Therefore, in this review, we bring to light protein/toxin PTMs in arthropod venoms by accessing the information present in the UniProtKB/Swiss-Prot database, including experimental and putative inferences. Then, we concentrate our discussion on the current knowledge on protein phosphorylation and glycosylation, highlighting the potential functionality of these modifications in arthropod venom. We also briefly describe general approaches to study "PTM-functional-venomics", herein referred to the integration of PTM-venomics with a functional investigation of PTM impact on venom biology. Furthermore, we discuss the bottlenecks in toxinology studies covering PTM investigation. In conclusion, through the mining of PTMs in arthropod venoms, we observed a large gap in this field that limits our understanding on the biology of these venoms, affecting the diagnosis and therapeutics development. Hence, we encourage community efforts to draw attention to a better understanding of PTM in arthropod venom toxins.

Two-Dimensional Fractionation Method for Proteome-Wide Cross-Linking Mass Spectrometry Analysis

Cross-linking mass spectrometry (XL-MS) is an emergent technology for studying protein-protein interactions (PPIs) and elucidating architectures of protein complexes. The development of various MS-cleavable cross-linkers has facilitated the identification of cross-linked peptides, enabling XL-MS studies at the systems level. However, the scope and depth of cellular networks revealed by current XL-MS technologies remain limited. Due to the inherently broad dynamic range and complexity of proteomes, interference from highly abundant proteins impedes the identification of low-abundance cross-linked peptides in complex samples. Thus, peptide enrichment prior to MS analysis is necessary to enhance cross-link identification for proteome-wide studies. Although chromatographic techniques including size exclusion (SEC) and strong cation exchange (SCX) have been successful in isolating cross-linked peptides, new fractionation methods are still needed to further improve the depth of PPI mapping. Here, we present a two-dimensional (2D) separation strategy by integrating peptide SEC with tip-based high pH reverse-phase (HpHt) fractionation to expand the coverage of proteome-wide XL-MS analyses. Combined with the MS-cleavable cross-linker DSSO, we have successfully mapped in vitro PPIs from HEK293 cell lysates with improved identification of cross-linked peptides compared to existing approaches. The method developed here is effective and can be generalized for cross-linking studies of complex samples.

Selective Removal of Unhydrolyzed Monolinked Peptides from Enriched Crosslinked Peptides To Improve the Coverage of Protein Complex Analysis

Chemical crosslinking combined with mass spectrometry (CXMS) has allowed the global characterization of protein complexes with high throughput and accuracy. Although enrichable crosslinkers have been introduced to exclude the interference of regular peptides, the crosslinked peptide identification is still severely inhibited by a large amount of monolinked peptides. In this work, we proposed a strategy called MoTE (unhydrolyzed Monolinked peptide Targeting Elimination) to remove the unhydrolyzed monolinked peptides, while enriching crosslinked peptides for regular peptide removal. In this strategy, followed by the crosslinking reaction, an amine biotin reagent was used to block the unreacted reactive groups on the crosslinker, and subsequently, the crosslinked proteins were tagged by a cleavable biotin-azide ligand based on click chemistry for enrichment. The following crosslinked protein digestion, purification by streptavidin beads, and release by chemical cleavage of the biotin-azide ligand were sequentially performed. In this case, the amine biotin-blocked unhydrolyzed monolinked peptides with the unbreakable arm remained on the streptavidin beads, which realized selective removal without any additional steps. By combining in vivo crosslinking with our proposed MoTE strategy for protein complex analysis of the HeLa cell, the number of high reliability (score <E-04) interlinked peptides increased 43% in a single LC-MS run, and the structural and interaction mapping capacity for low-abundance and flexible proteins were greatly enhanced. These results demonstrated that the MoTE strategy has great potential to improve the coverage of CXMS-based protein complex analysis. Notably, it was also the first report focused on removing the highly abundant monolinked peptides.

Label-free visual proteomics: Coupling MS- and EM-based approaches in structural biology

Combining diverse experimental structural and interactomic methods allows for the construction of comprehensible molecular encyclopedias of biological systems. Typically, this involves merging several independent approaches that provide complementary structural and functional information from multiple perspectives and at different resolution ranges. A particularly potent combination lies in coupling structural information from cryoelectron microscopy or tomography (cryo-EM or cryo-ET) with interactomic and structural information from mass spectrometry (MS)-based structural proteomics. Cryo-EM/ET allows for sub-nanometer visualization of biological specimens in purified and near-native states, while MS provides bioanalytical information for proteins and protein complexes without introducing additional labels. Here we highlight recent achievements in protein structure and interactome determination using cryo-EM/ET that benefit from additional MS analysis. We also give our perspective on how combining cryo-EM/ET and MS will continue bridging gaps between molecular and cellular studies by capturing and describing 3D snapshots of proteomes and interactomes.

Targeted Cross-Linking Mass Spectrometry on Single-Step Affinity Purified Molecular Complexes in the Yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae

Protein cross-linking mass spectrometry (XL-MS) has been developed into a powerful and robust tool that is now well implemented and routinely used by an increasing number of laboratories. While bulk cross-linking of complexes provides useful information on whole complexes, it is limiting for the probing of specific protein "neighbourhoods," or vicinity interactomes. For example, it is not unusual to find cross-linked peptide pairs that are disproportionately overrepresented compared to the surface areas of complexes, while very few or no cross-links are identified in other regions. When studying dynamic complexes along their pathways, some vicinity cross-links may be of too low abundance in the pool of heterogenous complexes of interest to be efficiently identified by standard XL-MS. In this chapter, we describe a targeted XL-MS approach from single-step affinity purified (ssAP) complexes that enables the investigation of specific protein "neighbourhoods" within molecular complexes in yeast, using a small cross-linker anchoring tag, the CH-tag. One advantage of this method over a general cross-linking strategy is the possibility to significantly enrich for localized anchored-cross-links within complexes, thus yielding a higher sensitivity to detect highly dynamic or low abundance protein interactions within a specific protein "neighbourhood" occurring along the pathway of a selected bait protein. Moreover, many variations of the method can be employed; the ssAP-tag and the CH-tag can either be fused to the same or different proteins in the complex, or the CH-tag can be fused to multiple protein components in the same cell line to explore dynamic vicinity interactions along a pathway.

Cross-Linking Mass Spectrometry for Investigating Protein Conformations and Protein-Protein Interactions─A Method for All Seasons

Mass spectrometry (MS) has become one of the key technologies of structural biology. In this review, the contributions of chemical cross-linking combined with mass spectrometry (XL-MS) for studying three-dimensional structures of proteins and for investigating protein-protein interactions are outlined. We summarize the most important cross-linking reagents, software tools, and XL-MS workflows and highlight prominent examples for characterizing proteins, their assemblies, and interaction networks in vitro and in vivo. Computational modeling plays a crucial role in deriving 3D-structural information from XL-MS data. Integrating XL-MS with other techniques of structural biology, such as cryo-electron microscopy, has been successful in addressing biological questions that to date could not be answered. XL-MS is therefore expected to play an increasingly important role in structural biology in the future.

In-cell structures of conserved supramolecular protein arrays at the mitochondria-cytoskeleton interface in mammalian sperm

Spatial organization of mitochondria is vital for cellular function. In many specialized cell types, mitochondria are immobilized at specific subcellular loci through interactions with the cytoskeleton. One of the most striking mitochondrial configurations occurs in mammalian sperm, where mitochondria wrap around the flagellum. Malformation of the mitochondrial sheath causes infertility, but the molecular structures underlying this intricate arrangement are unknown. Here, we analyzed the mitochondrial sheath in sperm from three mammalian species. We find that although mitochondrial dimensions and cristae architecture vary across species, molecular assemblies mediating intermitochondria and mitochondria–cytoskeleton interactions are conserved. These findings yield important insight into sperm physiology and evolution and are relevant for other polarized cell types, such as muscles, neurons, photoreceptors, and hair cells.

Mitochondria–cytoskeleton interactions modulate cellular physiology by regulating mitochondrial transport, positioning, and immobilization. However, there is very little structural information defining mitochondria–cytoskeleton interfaces in any cell type. Here, we use cryofocused ion beam milling-enabled cryoelectron tomography to image mammalian sperm, where mitochondria wrap around the flagellar cytoskeleton. We find that mitochondria are tethered to their neighbors through intermitochondrial linkers and are anchored to the cytoskeleton through ordered arrays on the outer mitochondrial membrane. We use subtomogram averaging to resolve in-cell structures of these arrays from three mammalian species, revealing they are conserved across species despite variations in mitochondrial dimensions and cristae organization. We find that the arrays consist of boat-shaped particles anchored on a network of membrane pores whose arrangement and dimensions are consistent with voltage-dependent anion channels. Proteomics and in-cell cross-linking mass spectrometry suggest that the conserved arrays are composed of glycerol kinase-like proteins. Ordered supramolecular assemblies may serve to stabilize similar contact sites in other cell types in which mitochondria need to be immobilized in specific subcellular environments, such as in muscles and neurons.

Progress in methodologies and quality-control strategies in protein cross-linking mass spectrometry

Deciphering the interaction networks and structural dynamics of proteins is pivotal to better understanding their biological functions. Cross-linking mass spectrometry (XL-MS) is a powerful and increasingly popular technology that provides information about protein-protein interactions and their structural constraints for individual proteins and multiprotein complexes on a proteome-scale. In this review, we first assess the coverage and depth of the XL-MS technique by utilizing publicly available datasets. We then delve into the progress in XL-MS experimental and computational methodologies and examine different quality-control strategies reported in the literature. Finally, we discuss the progress in XL-MS applications along with the scope for future improvements.

Basic pH reversed-phase liquid chromatography (bRPLC) in combination with tip-based strong cation exchange (SCX-Tip), ReST, an efficient approach for large-scale cross-linked peptide analysis

Chemical cross-linking in combination with mass spectrometry (XL-MS) has emerged as a useful method for structural elucidation of proteins and protein complexes. Due to the low stoichiometry of cross-linked peptides, a specific enrichment method is always necessary prior to LC-MS/MS analysis, especially for complex samples. Currently, strong cation exchange chromatography (SCX), size exclusion chromatography (SEC), and affinity tag-based enrichment are among the widely used enrichment strategies. Herein, we present a two-dimensional strategy combining basic pH reversed-phase liquid chromatography (bRPLC) fractionation and tip-based SCX (SCX-Tip) enrichment, termed ReST, for the characterization of cross-linked peptides. We revealed the unbiased separation effects of the bRPLC in the cross-linked peptide fractionation. We optimized the enrichment conditions of SCX-Tip using well-designed cross-linked peptides. Taking advantage of the high resolution of bRPLC separation and the high enrichment efficiency of SCX-Tip, we were able to identify 43.6% more cross-linked peptides than the conventional SCX approach. The presented ReST is a simple and efficient approach for proteome-scale protein-protein interaction studies.

Integration of Mass Spectrometry Data for Structural Biology

Mass spectrometry (MS) is increasingly being used to probe the structure and dynamics of proteins and the complexes they form with other macromolecules. There are now several specialized MS methods, each with unique sample preparation, data acquisition, and data processing protocols. Collectively, these methods are referred to as structural MS and include cross-linking, hydrogen-deuterium exchange, hydroxyl radical footprinting, native, ion mobility, and top-down MS. Each of these provides a unique type of structural information, ranging from composition and stoichiometry through to residue level proximity and solvent accessibility. Structural MS has proved particularly beneficial in studying protein classes for which analysis by classic structural biology techniques proves challenging such as glycosylated or intrinsically disordered proteins. To capture the structural details for a particular system, especially larger multiprotein complexes, more than one structural MS method with other structural and biophysical techniques is often required. Key to integrating these diverse data are computational strategies and software solutions to facilitate this process. We provide a background to the structural MS methods and briefly summarize other structural methods and how these are combined with MS. We then describe current state of the art approaches for the integration of structural MS data for structural biology. We quantify how often these methods are used together and provide examples where such combinations have been fruitful. To illustrate the power of integrative approaches, we discuss progress in solving the structures of the proteasome and the nuclear pore complex. We also discuss how information from structural MS, particularly pertaining to protein dynamics, is not currently utilized in integrative workflows and how such information can provide a more accurate picture of the systems studied. We conclude by discussing new developments in the MS and computational fields that will further enable in-cell structural studies.

Targeted in situ cross-linking mass spectrometry and integrative modeling reveal the architectures of three proteins from SARS-CoV-2

Atomic structures of several proteins from the coronavirus family are still partial or unavailable. A possible reason for this gap is the instability of these proteins outside of the cellular context, thereby prompting the use of in-cell approaches. In situ cross-linking and mass spectrometry (in situ CLMS) can provide information on the structures of such proteins as they occur in the intact cell. Here, we applied targeted in situ CLMS to structurally probe Nsp1, Nsp2, and nucleocapsid (N) proteins from severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) and obtained cross-link sets with an average density of one cross-link per 20 residues. We then employed integrative modeling that computationally combined the cross-linking data with domain structures to determine full-length atomic models. For the Nsp2, the cross-links report on a complex topology with long-range interactions. Integrative modeling with structural prediction of individual domains by the AlphaFold2 system allowed us to generate a single consistent all-atom model of the full-length Nsp2. The model reveals three putative metal binding sites and suggests a role for Nsp2 in zinc regulation within the replication-transcription complex. For the N protein, we identified multiple intra- and interdomain cross-links. Our integrative model of the N dimer demonstrates that it can accommodate three single RNA strands simultaneously, both stereochemically and electrostatically. For the Nsp1, cross-links with the 40S ribosome were highly consistent with recent cryogenic electron microscopy structures. These results highlight the importance of cellular context for the structural probing of recalcitrant proteins and demonstrate the effectiveness of targeted in situ CLMS and integrative modeling.

Protein interaction landscapes revealed by advanced in vivo cross-linking-mass spectrometry

Defining protein-protein interactions (PPIs) in their native environment is crucial to understanding protein structure and function. Cross-linking-mass spectrometry (XL-MS) has proven effective in capturing PPIs in living cells; however, the proteome coverage remains limited. Here, we have developed a robust in vivo XL-MS platform to facilitate in-depth PPI mapping by integrating a multifunctional MS-cleavable cross-linker with sample preparation strategies and high-resolution MS. The advancement of click chemistry-based enrichment significantly enhanced the detection of cross-linked peptides for proteome-wide analyses. This platform enabled the identification of 13,904 unique lysine-lysine linkages from in vivo cross-linked HEK 293 cells, permitting construction of the largest in vivo PPI network to date, comprising 6,439 interactions among 2,484 proteins. These results allowed us to generate a highly detailed yet panoramic portrait of human interactomes associated with diverse cellular pathways. The strategy presented here signifies a technological advancement for in vivo PPI mapping at the systems level and can be generalized for charting protein interaction landscapes in any organisms.

In-Cell Labeling and Mass Spectrometry for Systems-Level Structural Biology

Biological systems have evolved to utilize proteins to accomplish nearly all functional roles needed to sustain life. A majority of biological functions occur within the crowded environment inside cells and subcellular compartments where proteins exist in a densely packed complex network of protein-protein interactions. The structural biology field has experienced a renaissance with recent advances in crystallography, NMR, and CryoEM that now produce stunning models of large and complex structures previously unimaginable. Nevertheless, measurements of such structural detail within cellular environments remain elusive. This review will highlight how advances in mass spectrometry, chemical labeling, and informatics capabilities are merging to provide structural insights on proteins, complexes, and networks that exist inside cells. Because of the molecular detection specificity provided by mass spectrometry and proteomics, these approaches provide systems-level information that not only benefits from conventional structural analysis, but also is highly complementary. Although far from comprehensive in their current form, these approaches are currently providing systems structural biology information that can uniquely reveal how conformations and interactions involving many proteins change inside cells with perturbations such as disease, drug treatment, or phenotypic differences. With continued advancements and more widespread adaptation, systems structural biology based on in-cell labeling and mass spectrometry will provide an even greater wealth of structural knowledge.

Facilitating In Situ Cross-Linking and Mass Spectrometry by Antibody-Based Protein Enrichment

Cross-linking of living cells followed by mass spectrometry identification of cross-linked peptides (in situ CLMS) is an emerging technology to study protein structures in their native environment. One of the inherent difficulties of this technology is the high complexity of the samples following cell lysis. Currently, this difficulty largely limits the identification of cross-links to the more abundant proteins in the cell. Here, we describe a targeted approach in which an antibody is used to purify a specific protein-of-interest out of the cell lysate. Mass spectrometry analysis of the protein material that binds to the antibody can then identify considerably more cross-links on the target protein. By using an antibody against the CCT chaperonin, we identified over 200 cross-links that provide in situ evidence for the subunit arrangement of the CCT particle and its interactions with prefoldin. Similar targeting with an antibody against tubulin provided in situ evidence for the structure of the microtubule. Finally, the approach was also successful in identifying cross-links within a protein that expresses at a low level. These results demonstrate the general utility of antibody-based sample simplification for in situ CLMS and greatly expand the scope of protein systems that are amenable to in situ structural studies.

O-GlcNAcylation Prediction: An Unattained Objective

BACKGROUND

O-GlcNAcylation is an essential post-translational modification (PTM) in mammalian cells. It consists in the addition of a N-acetylglucosamine (GlcNAc) residue onto serines or threonines by an O-GlcNAc transferase (OGT). Inhibition of OGT is lethal, and misregulation of this PTM can lead to diverse pathologies including diabetes, Alzheimer's disease and cancers. Knowing the location of O-GlcNAcylation sites and the ability to accurately predict them is therefore of prime importance to a better understanding of this process and its related pathologies.

PURPOSE

Here, we present an evaluation of the current predictors of O-GlcNAcylation sites based on a newly built dataset and an investigation to improve predictions.

METHODS

Several datasets of experimentally proven O-GlcNAcylated sites were combined, and the resulting meta-dataset was used to evaluate three prediction tools. We further defined a set of new features following the analysis of the primary to tertiary structures of experimentally proven O-GlcNAcylated sites in order to improve predictions by the use of different types of machine learning techniques.

RESULTS

Our results show the failure of currently available algorithms to predict O-GlcNAcylated sites with a precision exceeding 9%. Our efforts to improve the precision with new features using machine learning techniques do succeed for equal proportions of O-GlcNAcylated and non-O-GlcNAcylated sites but fail like the other tools for real-life proportions where ~1.4% of S/T are O-GlcNAcylated.

CONCLUSION

Present-day algorithms for O-GlcNAcylation prediction narrowly outperform random prediction. The inclusion of additional features, in combination with machine learning algorithms, does not enhance these predictions, emphasizing a pressing need for further development. We hypothesize that the improvement of prediction algorithms requires characterization of OGT's partners.

Proteomic Dissection of the Impact of Environmental Exposures on Mouse Seminal Vesicle Function

Seminal vesicles are an integral part of the male reproductive accessory gland system. They produce a complex array of secretions containing bioactive constituents that support gamete function and promote reproductive success, with emerging evidence suggesting these secretions are influenced by our environment. Despite their significance, the biology of seminal vesicles remains poorly defined. Here, we complete the first proteomic assessment of mouse seminal vesicles and assess the impact of the reproductive toxicant acrylamide. Mice were administered acrylamide (25 mg/kg bw/day) or control daily for five consecutive days prior to collecting seminal vesicle tissue. A total of 5013 proteins were identified in the seminal vesicle proteome with bioinformatic analyses identifying cell proliferation, protein synthesis, cellular death, and survival pathways as prominent biological processes. Secreted proteins were among the most abundant, and several proteins are linked with seminal vesicle phenotypes. Analysis of the effect of acrylamide on the seminal vesicle proteome revealed 311 differentially regulated (FC ± 1.5, p ≤ 0.05, 205 up-regulated, 106 downregulated) proteins, orthogonally validated via immunoblotting and immunohistochemistry. Pathways that initiate protein synthesis to promote cellular survival were prominent among the dysregulated pathways, and rapamycin-insensitive companion of mTOR (RICTOR, p = 6.69E-07) was a top-ranked upstream driver. Oxidative stress was implicated as contributing to protein changes, with acrylamide causing an increase in 8-OHdG in seminal vesicle epithelial cells (fivefold increase, p = 0.016) and the surrounding smooth muscle layer (twofold increase, p = 0.043). Additionally, acrylamide treatment caused a reduction in seminal vesicle secretion weight (36% reduction, p = 0.009) and total protein content (25% reduction, p = 0.017). Together these findings support the interpretation that toxicant exposure influences male accessory gland physiology and highlights the need to consider the response of all male reproductive tract tissues when interpreting the impact of environmental stressors on male reproductive function.

DNASE1L3 arrests tumor angiogenesis by impairing the senescence-associated secretory phenotype in response to stress

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most challenging and aggressive cancers with limited treatment options because of tumor heterogeneity. Tumor angiogenesis is a hallmark of HCC and is necessary for tumor growth and progression. DNA damage stress and its associated deoxyribonuclease1-like 3 (DNASE1L3) are involved in HCC progression. Here, we explored the influence mechanism of DNASE1L3 on tumor angiogenesis under DNA damage stress in vitro and in vivo. DNASE1L3 was found downregulated and negatively correlated with poor prognosis of resectable and unresectable HCC patients. The tissue microarray of HCC revealed the negative association between DNASE1L3 and cancer vasculature invasion. Mechanistically, DNASE1L3 was found to relieve cytoplasmic DNA accumulation under DNA damage stress in HCC cell lines, in turn cell senescence and senescence-associated secretory phenotype were arrested via the p53 and NF-κB signal pathway, and hence, tumor angiogenesis was impaired. Furthermore, we found that DNASE1L3 excised these functions by translocating to the nucleus and interacting with H2BE under DNA damage stress using co-immunoprecipitation and fluorescence resonance energy transfer assay. In conclusion, DNASE1L3 inhibits tumor angiogenesis via impairing the senescence-associated secretory phenotype in response to DNA damage stress.